Linda S. Howington, known by her pen name Linda Howard, is a celebrated American author of romance and suspense novels. Born on August 3, 1950, in Alabama, United States, Howard has established herself as a best-selling author with more than 50 novels to her credit.

Howard began her writing career by crafting stories for her own enjoyment for 21 years before submitting her first novel for publication in 1982. This initial success was published by Silhouette. She is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America, and in 2005, she was honored with their Career Achievement Award.

Linda Howard resides in Gadsden, Alabama, with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and their two golden retrievers. She is surrounded by a loving family, which includes three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.