Hello, and welcome back! I hope those of you in the southeastern U.S. are safely dry and battened down for the hurricane heading inland at the moment. We're expecting to see a fair amount of rain from it, but overnight, and then things will dry out--and cool down from the heat and humidity of the last week or so again. All in all, it hasn't been a terrible summer for sitting outside with a book.

And speaking of books, I have three historicals to share with you this time out, so let's get to it! First up is Sabrina Jeffries's
In the Prince's Bed (The Royal Brotherhood) (Pocket Star), with Katherine Merivale set on wedding her old friend, but Alec, Earl of Iversley and illegitimate sone of the Prince of Wales, has other plans for her. Katherine's never been pursued so actively, and never by a man so bent on seduction. But she wants marriage, needs marriage, to secure her inheritance. And a man like Alec is only interested in the chase, right? He couldn't possibly be serious about his pursuit. But if he is, why? Alec finds that though he begins his quest for one reason, he continues for quite another. If you're looking for a hero to seduce you right along with the heroine, Alec is your man. Of Cupid's five arrows, this one's earned four. I can hardly wait to see how Alec's half-brothers proceed on their own quests.

Sitting on the top of one of my many overflowing bookcases, I have my Victoria Holt collection. I remember devouring her books when I was in school, the dangerous heroes, the naive heroines. For me, she was the queen of gothic romance. If you're a fan, check out Jennifer St. Giles's
The Mistress of Trevelyan (Pocket). Ann Lovell's new post as governess to Benedict Trevelyan's young sons puts her in the midst of old secrets and in close proximity to a man determined not to share any of those secrets. A man she finds herself falling for. If you're a regular reader, you know I'm not a big fan of stories told in first person--there are perhaps a handful of authors whose first-person-narrated stories I like, but I'm adding Ms. St. Giles to that short list. Reading this one was like finding an unknown novel by Ms. Holt, with the myriad suspects, and the danger to Ann. Even better, this one has a hero to die for. I'm giving this one four arrows as well.

Finally, we have Jacqueline Navin's
The Heiress of Hyde Park (Berkley). Single mother Trista Nash has no idea anyone's searching for her, let alone that she's now an heiress. Learning this changes everything, including bringing back into her life Lord Roman Aylesgarth, the father of her young son Andrew. Roman had no idea when he was forced to marry another that Trista was carrying their child, but he won't let her go again. Trista, though, isn't willing to risk her heart. This one's a pleasant way to while away an afternoon or evening. There are times I feel the secondary characters are a little too prominent, but in all, it's a good read. It gets three and a half arrows.

If you haven't stopped by the forum lately, you've missed out on some great book giveaways. But never fear, there are plenty more books in my giveaway pile, and for next month, a much bigger event is in the works, so I hope you'll stop by.

Until next time, happy reading!