I really got into this as a social history! It was first published in 1982 - 41 years ago - a time I lived through. At first I thought it must be earlier than that - I don't remember mention of any date - so I think it was meant to be a contemporary novel in 1982 - but wow, when I was reading it I thought this must be the 50s, but of course, the relations between the sexes and in the workplace, were actually that bad even in the 1980s.

It shows how terribly recent men's liberation is. Yes, I mean men - this guy, Rhy, is a real caveman, wanting to keep his woman at home, not mixing with other men, etc. The funny thing is, he's not really like that, he's acting like that, because right at the end, he tells Sallie how he really feels, and it's 100% diametrical to how he's behaved up to that point - exaggerating a bit - but really, his transformation at the end stretched belief, although it brought me a sense a relief that he was a good guy after all, and a happy ending - nice!

Nevertheless, the theme of being afraid to say "I love you"/protecting yourself - there's nothing dated about that in terms of the many novels I've read that are contemporary to the 2020s. It is one of those persistent themes of romance novels - it freaks me out how such highly competent people can't take risks and speak from their heart - so it's not my favourite theme.

But as I've said before, Linda Howard is a great storyteller, and always gives me my money's worth, hence 4 stars.

By the way, I think it is marvellous that books from this era, Linda Howard's early books, are now available on e-audiobook. And that my library, Salt Lake County Library, was prepared to order a bunch of her older books now on e-audio for the library ... and I notice that they've all had a waiting list from the moment they "hit the shelves"! ( )

This started off well enough, as Sallie was feisty and had backbone and could fight her corner, but as the story progressed, she fell to love, for her caveman of a husband. I'd like to have seen more of an equalness between them, but, hey, this was a love story, right? ( )

Not one of her paranormal romance thrillers, but still pretty good. A thrill-seeking reporter leaves his quiet homebody wife only to realize years later that she is exactly what he wants. The wife is now the thrill-seeking reporter -- everything she thinks he wants -- not interested in being tied down. Can’t you just see the sparks flying?? ( )

Sallie Jerome is a good reporter, but she's just been grounded. She's met her match in the form of her new publisher Rhy Baines -- he's also her estranged husband, and now that he's located her, he doesn't want her leaving his sight.

If I had to pick one word for Sallie, it would be "annoying." I mean, come on, she managed to grow a spine and find a career that she enjoys. Now she's just going to roll over like a dog and let a man who admits he's cheating walk all over her? Sheesh. Not my favorite Howard book, but I've kept it because I'd hate to buy it again and discover how much is irks me all over again. ( )