Hello, and welcome back! I'm still hoping for one good snow for the season, but I'm not holding my breath at this point in the winter. So instead, I'll figure on spring's arrival--the bulbs poking up in my flower beds certainly think it's on the way.

First up this time I have Hannah Howell's
Highland Conqueror (Zebra). Lady Jolene Gerard's only hope to escape her cousin is to free the man in their castle dungeon. Sigimor Cameron promised her brother his aid, and he will help Jolene as well, spiriting her and her nephew out of England and into Scotland to his home, with the villains in hot pursuit. There's lots of witty dialogue here, and a spirited heroine. But I had a really hard time wrapping my head around a hero named Sigimor. One of those times when a little historical accuracy is too much, maybe. But the story is fun, and this couple engaging. I'm giving it three and a half of Cupid's five arrows.

Next is
Heart of the Flame: A Novel (Ballantine) by Tina St. John. Kenrick of Clairmont's anger over the loss of his friends is tempered by the injured woman he discovers nearby. Haven doesn't remember what happened to her, or why she was there, but she definitely knows she's attracted to her rescuer. But was Haven there to help or hurt his friends? And will she aid Kenrick in his quest for the Dragon Chalice, or help the villain? This one is engrossing, and with a hint of the paranormal to the tale, a good choice for a reader looking for something a little different. This one's earned four arrows.

Finally, we have Sabrina Jeffries's
To Pleasure a Prince (Pocket Star). The second of the illegitimate sons of the Prince of Wales gets his turn in this one. Marcus North, Viscount Draker, has a very bad reputation, but it's not enough to frighten off Lady Regina when she comes to him for help. This one is fun and steamy, and will have you sighing happily when you reach the end. I liked it better than the first in the series, and it's earned four arrows as well.

Until next time, happy reading!