All the Queen's Men 
asked by ladyrunner on November 24, 2006 12:02 AM
Setting: contemporary Virginia, France, Iran
Sensuality: 7
Sensuality: 7
CIA agent John Medina and electronics expert Niemi Burdock share a violent past: the two were part of a covert operation that went tragically wrong, resulting in the death of several people. Now, five years later, their paths cross again and John, whose love for Niemi has only grown over time, is determined to keep her in his life for good. Having spent the intervening five years living a solitary, staid existence--due to feelings of guilt over the ill-fated operation--Niemi is somewhat reluctant to reenter the shadowy world she once inhabited. Still, she can't resist the lure and excitement of danger when John asks her to join him on his latest mission to discover the origins of a deadly new explosive already in use by terrorists.
Concocting a plan to reveal the source of the explosive, the two enter into a dangerous masquerade, walking a tightrope between safety and death, while passion boils beneath the surface. Unaware of John's feelings, Niemi fights her physical response to the legendary agent as her emotions, in frozen limbo for the last five years, thaw with astonishing speed.
First introduced in Kill and Tell, agent John Medina is as intriguing as the perilous world he operates in. Watching him in action, à la James Bond, is exhilarating--as is the single-minded intensity of his feelings for Niemi, whose ability to hold her own with John--on both a personal and professional level--and with the host of terrorists, spies, and double-dealers the pair encounter is impressive to say the least. Throw in a couple of chilling chase scenes, some romantic interludes hot enough to peel paint from the walls, and one or two bigger-than-life internationally connected characters, and you've got the latest from Linda Howard--a romantic thriller that's sure to be coming soon to a bestseller list near you. --Lois Faye Dyer
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I've read most of her books and this one is by far my favorite. Someone complained about it being too "open-ended". Personally, I liked that. So many "romance" books have the guy knowing the woman for a few weeks and then proposing and their having 7 children. This was a bit more realistic. Another 2 great Linda Howard books are "Cry No More" and "Mr. Perfect". And, because I like it when people recommend other books in their reviews, I loved "Out of Sight" by Cherry Adair and thought "Lord Of Scoundrels" by Loretta Chase was also fantastic (albeit NOTHING like "All The Queen's Men", which is more of a thriller).
reviewed by macfan on November 24, 2006 10:48 AM
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Tonight might be the last time she ever saw John. Some guys lead normal, open lives. John's past was so closed and convoluted no one would ever know all the bits and peices of what made him who he was.
John Medina, a CIA specialist, keeps his distance and secrets by being a social loner. Most operatives would never have the opportunity to know how dangerous his missions are. Now, he has to find a way to nab a French arms dealer who is supplying weapons of destruction to an international terrorist group. Like most illegal suppliers, he sells for big bucks and leads a glamorous lifestyle. A communications expert has been assigned to assist John in cracking this deadly ring of enemies set on destroying life as we know it. They must be stopped before the shipments reach their destinations.
In '94, John had worked with Dallas and Niema in Iran where Dallas was tragically killed in action. In '99, the flight from Atlanta to London filled with tourists bound for England along with the chairman of the HOuse Committee on Foreign Relations, a United Nations delegate from Germany, a career diplomat, a computer software CEO and others exploded in a fiery ball over the mountains of western North Carolina (the Smokies, they're called). Neima has moved up by developing a new surveillance device which is almost impossible to detect. She is chosen to plant the undetectable 'bugs' and must infiltrate the dealer's haven by going undercover, a very risky business.
John does not prove to be 'Mr. Perfect,' but who cares? They've been thrown together in dangerous situations, but its Act II and not a brand new scenario. Because of the possible consequences, they become involved and realize that more than being 'professional' agents and friendship, this is a much more personal involvement. Such is life. She just couldn't stop thinking about him. I relate to that humongously (is that a word) -- in a big way. When a woman loves a man, any man, that's all that matters. Watch my grammar. People can fall in love at any age past seventeen. Before that, it is only puppy love. Facing death, she felt vibrantly alive, more than she ever had. If she could just get through this mission, she could put Dallas' death aside and move on to love John, or whomever. An unmarried woman can do her own choosing, and not leave it to kismet.
John Medina, a CIA specialist, keeps his distance and secrets by being a social loner. Most operatives would never have the opportunity to know how dangerous his missions are. Now, he has to find a way to nab a French arms dealer who is supplying weapons of destruction to an international terrorist group. Like most illegal suppliers, he sells for big bucks and leads a glamorous lifestyle. A communications expert has been assigned to assist John in cracking this deadly ring of enemies set on destroying life as we know it. They must be stopped before the shipments reach their destinations.
In '94, John had worked with Dallas and Niema in Iran where Dallas was tragically killed in action. In '99, the flight from Atlanta to London filled with tourists bound for England along with the chairman of the HOuse Committee on Foreign Relations, a United Nations delegate from Germany, a career diplomat, a computer software CEO and others exploded in a fiery ball over the mountains of western North Carolina (the Smokies, they're called). Neima has moved up by developing a new surveillance device which is almost impossible to detect. She is chosen to plant the undetectable 'bugs' and must infiltrate the dealer's haven by going undercover, a very risky business.
John does not prove to be 'Mr. Perfect,' but who cares? They've been thrown together in dangerous situations, but its Act II and not a brand new scenario. Because of the possible consequences, they become involved and realize that more than being 'professional' agents and friendship, this is a much more personal involvement. Such is life. She just couldn't stop thinking about him. I relate to that humongously (is that a word) -- in a big way. When a woman loves a man, any man, that's all that matters. Watch my grammar. People can fall in love at any age past seventeen. Before that, it is only puppy love. Facing death, she felt vibrantly alive, more than she ever had. If she could just get through this mission, she could put Dallas' death aside and move on to love John, or whomever. An unmarried woman can do her own choosing, and not leave it to kismet.
reviewed by dignified1 on November 29, 2006 8:20 AM
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One of Linda's earlier suspense novels - it is still a standout with one very hot hero! Niema is reluctantly drawn back into covert ops after losing her husband Dalls in a mission years before. Along the way, she falls for sexy John Medina, the mysterious team leader that brought her out of the desert on the last mission, and who wants to bring her to new heights on this one!
reviewed by maxmill on November 29, 2006 4:27 PM
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Five years ago, Niema Burdock was part of a team sent to Iran to blow up a weapon's manufacturing site. But that mission ended up in tragedy, costing them the lives of two CIA agents, including Niema's husband, Dallas. As soon as she returned to America, she turned her back on field work and taken up a nine-to-five job in the Intelligence. For five years, she's been living a predictable yet safe life. But just when the emotional scars are finally healed, she crosses paths once more with the man she never expected to see again.
John Medina is a legendary CIA-operative and the ultimate killer: he had trained with the Navy Seals, can fly a plane and sail a ship. While most people saw only the surface, John saw multiple layers and knows how to manipulate them to get the result he wants. He will do anything to get the job done and will do so with unrivaled calm and efficiency.
With the recent tragedy of Delta flight 183, the CIA must infiltrate the home of French arms dealer, Louis Ronsard. Now John needs Niema to plant the bugs. But can he lure her back into the world that has caused her so much grief? And how can he stop himself from unleashing the feelings he has secretly harbored for her for five years?
After reading KILL AND TELL, I couldn't wait to read this book, as John Medina seemed such a compelling character. I thought that he was such an enigma and wanted to know more about his world and his character. The book started out really well. The part where Niema's husband dies was like watching a movie. It was described so well that I had this vivid picture of him lying on the ground, waiting to detonate the bomb. My heart went out for Niema and the shock that she's been dealt with and I thought it was adorable the way John took care of her. Seeing that tender side of him was rather poignant. I was waiting to get to the part when they would meet again. And sparks fly when they finally do! The underlying sexual tension sizzles, and I enjoyed the banter between them.
ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN is a wonderful mix of espionage, drama and sensuality. John Medina is oh so cool and sexy. This man can give James Bond a run for his money...truly! I would have rated this higher if it had a better ending. I guess my main gripe is that I expected so much more. I wanted to know what the future holds for John and Niema. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book.
John Medina is a legendary CIA-operative and the ultimate killer: he had trained with the Navy Seals, can fly a plane and sail a ship. While most people saw only the surface, John saw multiple layers and knows how to manipulate them to get the result he wants. He will do anything to get the job done and will do so with unrivaled calm and efficiency.
With the recent tragedy of Delta flight 183, the CIA must infiltrate the home of French arms dealer, Louis Ronsard. Now John needs Niema to plant the bugs. But can he lure her back into the world that has caused her so much grief? And how can he stop himself from unleashing the feelings he has secretly harbored for her for five years?
After reading KILL AND TELL, I couldn't wait to read this book, as John Medina seemed such a compelling character. I thought that he was such an enigma and wanted to know more about his world and his character. The book started out really well. The part where Niema's husband dies was like watching a movie. It was described so well that I had this vivid picture of him lying on the ground, waiting to detonate the bomb. My heart went out for Niema and the shock that she's been dealt with and I thought it was adorable the way John took care of her. Seeing that tender side of him was rather poignant. I was waiting to get to the part when they would meet again. And sparks fly when they finally do! The underlying sexual tension sizzles, and I enjoyed the banter between them.
ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN is a wonderful mix of espionage, drama and sensuality. John Medina is oh so cool and sexy. This man can give James Bond a run for his money...truly! I would have rated this higher if it had a better ending. I guess my main gripe is that I expected so much more. I wanted to know what the future holds for John and Niema. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book.
reviewed by samoan on November 29, 2006 7:32 PM
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Anyone who steps into reading this book will be consumed by the fact its a adventure story but later realize a love story develops along the way as well. That was an interesting aspect of the book, as a operation unfolds so does the main charcter Neima's love for John Medina (who also goes by Tucker). The book just did not appeal to me as much in the beginning; little did I know it would turn out to be an adventurous ride. The book is really good with developing the story/tricking the reader but has its flaws as well with the charcters.
I enjoyed reading how the story develops. Take for instance, the book is separated into three sections, each concentrating on a diffrent part of their lives. The first one is the failure of Neima and Tucker operation in Iran in which Neima lost Dulles. The second section is about life afterwards and the third circles around Neima and John working on an operation. The book was also good at developing their plan, for example, Neima pretends to turn against John because Ronsard has a gun to his head. The reader knows she is pretends to turn against John only to save him.
Like many other books, this one has its flaws as well. It fails to captivate the reader towards the beginnig of the book. Such as describing Neima's life after Dulles, sounds so dull and boring. I could not stand it. In the beginning I was unsure of what was really going on, this because the book flip flops and its hard to understand the charcter well with out digging deeper into them.
Overall this book was amazing, I recommend it to any one who enjoys adventure with some romance. That's what was to good about this book; you never know what will happen next. The author tries to show Medina as a woman who is unsure of her feelings, who wants John but at the same time does not trust him. Its interesting to see the diffrent sides of John. After a while it becomes hard to put down, I just kept reading and reading! Of course their is no Queen in the book!
I enjoyed reading how the story develops. Take for instance, the book is separated into three sections, each concentrating on a diffrent part of their lives. The first one is the failure of Neima and Tucker operation in Iran in which Neima lost Dulles. The second section is about life afterwards and the third circles around Neima and John working on an operation. The book was also good at developing their plan, for example, Neima pretends to turn against John because Ronsard has a gun to his head. The reader knows she is pretends to turn against John only to save him.
Like many other books, this one has its flaws as well. It fails to captivate the reader towards the beginnig of the book. Such as describing Neima's life after Dulles, sounds so dull and boring. I could not stand it. In the beginning I was unsure of what was really going on, this because the book flip flops and its hard to understand the charcter well with out digging deeper into them.
Overall this book was amazing, I recommend it to any one who enjoys adventure with some romance. That's what was to good about this book; you never know what will happen next. The author tries to show Medina as a woman who is unsure of her feelings, who wants John but at the same time does not trust him. Its interesting to see the diffrent sides of John. After a while it becomes hard to put down, I just kept reading and reading! Of course their is no Queen in the book!
reviewed by dataworld on November 29, 2006 7:33 PM