Hello, and welcome back! It doesn't appear from the weather maps I've seen of the U.S. lately that there's a cool spot anywhere, so I hope you're all staying as cool as you can. I'm off the next two days, so plan to stay indoors as much as possible, which will let me get ahead in my August romance reading. Today, I have two new books for you.

When Someone Loves You (Brava) by Susan Johnson is up first. Actress Annabelle Foster doesn't mind the tabloid headlines linking her with many men. She has no illusions where men are concerned. Duff D'Abernon, Marquis of Darley, has stayed away from the marriage mart purposely, but he finds Annabelle irresistable and agrees to her decree that they can't form any sort of relationship beyond being friends. You know that can't last, right? I liked this one far better than Ms. Johnson's last one. Both these protagonists are unwed, so free to fall in love, and along the way, you'll find plenty of steam heat...so keep a cool drink handy, especially in this weather. I'm giving this one three and a half of Cupid's five arrows.

Wicked Under the Covers (St. Martin's) by Barbara Pierce is a July release that arrived here late last week. Lady Fayre Carlisle's ruin at the hands of her father's mistress and her other lover make her the perfect candidate for aiding Maccus Brawley with settling himself in Society. This one is mostly sweet, with a few flashes of real heat. The mistress is a truly odious woman, as is her partner in crime. This one's earned three and a half arrows as well.

Until next time, happy reading!