Hello, and welcome back! The crocuses are blooming all around the house now, and even a few daffodils have braved the inconsistent weather to open up. Spring is definitely here. I suppose it has to be: Little League practice begins next week already! At least I know I'll have reading time on a regular basis when the practices start. This time out, I have two new books to share with you, including a great debut.

All Jacked Up (Berkley) by Penny McCall features librarian Aubrey Sullivan and federal agent-in-trouble Jack Mitchell. Jack gets to Aubrey shortly before would-be kidnappers, though she doesn't quite believe he's one of the good guys. Especially when his idea of escaping the other guys later is to blow up her house. But Aubrey is smarter than he thinks, and all along their escape route, she surprises him, though not always in ways he can appreciate. At first. This pair is absolutely delightful, funny and sexy, with some incredible chemistry. Aubrey could easily turn into one of those TSTL heroines, but manages nicely when she feels the need to go off on her own. And Jack is the perfect hero: tough and steely when necessary, with just the right amount of vulnerability when it counts. I would have been happy for their road trip to continue indefinitely. This one has earned four of Cupid's five arrows, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing her upcoming July release, Tag, You're It.

Skin (Pocket) by Karin Tabke has undercover agent Reece 'Barrett' posing as a model to get the dirt on Francesca, aka Frankie, Donatello, daughter of a notorious mobster. And he's willing to go as far as he needs to to get the information he wants, which means getting up close and personal with Frankie. More erotica than romance, and more erotica than suspense, this one will appeal to straight erotica fans. It didn't do much for me, however.

Until next time, happy reading!