Hello, and welcome back! Summer is winding down slowly--only another week until school starts! Likewise, I've got the last three August books from my review stack to share with you this time out.

One Forbidden Evening (Zebra) by Jo Goodman is first, with Cybelline Caldwell taking the shocking step of propositioning a gentleman for one evening. Ferrin, aka Christopher Hollins, Earl of Ferrin, has no idea how to track her down afterward however--at the masquerade, they didn't exhange names. Still, he has a plan, and is surprised when it leads him more easily to his costumed lover. This one is pleasant enough, but there are no big surprises here, either between Cybelline or Ferrin, or in the identity of the villain. Not a keeper for me, but not a bad read. It's earned three of Cupid's five arrows.

Seducing the Spy (St. Martin's) by Celeste Bradley is next, with Stanton Horne, Lord Wyndham, discovering that the one woman he needs to know her truthfulness, he can't use his unique ability on. Lady Alicia Lawrence has a very poor reputation, undeserved if she is asked, but she's reached a point where she cares little about that anymore. Overhearing a plot to kidnap the Prince Regent, she has to tell someone, and Wyndham is the only man she can think of who might believe her. This one is quite sensual, with Wyndham determined to resist her, and Alicia equally determined that he doesn't. The vast cast of secondary characters might better be understood if you've read the previous books in the series. Another pleasant way to spend a hot summer afternoon, this one also earns three arrows.

Ask for It (Brava) by Sylvia Day is next, with Marcus Ashford, Earl of Westfield taking on the task of protecting his former fiancee. Elizabeth, Lady Hawthorne, is widowed now, but the attraction between the pair still runs hot. I found myself questioning Marcus's attitude changes throughout this one. If you can ignore that, this one's got plenty of steam for you. It wasn't a keeper for me.

Until next time, happy reading!