Montana, Lynn

PERSONAL:

Born in TX; married; husband a screenwriter.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Western United States.

CAREER:

Writer and lawyer.

WRITINGS:

Running on Empty (novel), Avon Books (New York, NY), 2005.

Running for Cover (novel), HarperCollins (New York, NY), 2006.

SIDELIGHTS:

A Texas native, Lynn Montana has had an adventurous life flying planes, riding horses, and traveling the world. Montana, who has been a trial lawyer, is also the author of adventurous romance novels. In her first novel, Running on Empty, Montana tells a story of passion and danger as Josie Mayne finally accepts the proposal of her rich boyfriend only to find herself once again involved with her ex-husband, Pardee. Not only was Josie married to Pardee, they were also partners in a bounty hunting business. When one of Pardee's family members is trapped in a dangerous situation, Pardee asks Josie to help in a rescue effort. However, Josie has another problem, namely that she is still attracted to Pardee. Marilyn Weigel, writing on the Romantic Times Online, noted the author's "humor, disciplined writing and … compelling voice" and called the novel "a fabulous read."

Montana's next novel, Running for Cover, continues in the same vein as her first novel and was called a "rip-roaring adventure and spicy romance in spades" by Romantic Times Online contributor Jill M. Smith. Southern belle Lexie Chandler is also a gemologist who tracks special stones and is more than able to protect herself via her martial arts skills and her ability with a gun. When an Asian underworld member offers to sell the Heart of Burma diamond, Lexie is soon off to Thailand to make the purchase for her grandfather's collection. However, she must deal with the mysterious American expatriate Cole Bannon, who knew Lexie's brother when they were in the army together and is, for some reason, in on the deal to purchase the diamond. Lexie becomes suspicious of Cole when he begins lying to her and the Thai police ask her to keep tabs on him for them. In Thailand, someone tries to kill Lexie as she and Cole, who are falling for each other, try to reach a Thai drug lord to consummate the deal for the diamond. "With its kick-ass heroine who weighs all risks but still chooses danger, Running for Cover is the perfect antidote for romantic suspense readers who have grown tired of mild-mannered heroines unwittingly thrown into the path of tortured FBI agents," wrote Mary Benn on the Romance Reader Web site. "Its exotic setting, engaging characters and excellent pacing make it perfect airplane reading." Writing in Booklist, Mary K. Chelton noted the novel's "nonstop action, exotic locale, precious stones, and good sex."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Booklist, February 15, 2006, Mary K. Chelton, review of Running for Cover, p. 53.

ONLINE

Chapters.indigo.ca,http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/ (February 7, 2008), brief profile of author.

Romance Reader,http://www.theromancereader.com/ (February 8, 2008), Mary Benn, review of Running for Cover.

Romantic Times Online,http://romantictimes.com/ (February 7, 2008), Jill M. Smith, review of Running for Cover; Marilyn Weigler, review of Running on Empty.