Hello, and welcome back! While other parts of the U.S. will have a white Christmas, it appears our portion of the country will not, which has disappointed our little household tremendously. On the other hand, with the crazy hours the mall insists we keep at work, having more fair weather isn't a terrible thing for me this week. While we're starting to see the January books arrive at work, I've still got a few December books to share with you here.

This time out, I have Lord of Scoundrels (Avon) by Loretta Chase, a reissue from 1995, and for those readers who've only discovered her recently, a good thing to pick up now that it's available again. Jessica Trent's arrival in Paris might appear to be casual, but she's a determined young woman on a mission: to save her eager brother from the bad influence of Sebastian Ballister, Marquess of Dain, the most dissolute man alive. And he has no idea the danger he's in. When they meet in an antiques shop, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to her, despite knowing better. And Jessica finds herself attracted to him as well, again, despite knowing better. When she offers him a priceless icon in exchange for discouraging her brother to remain in his circle of acquaintances, she doesn't realize just how dangerous he is. Dain had an absolutely appalling childhood, which has shaped his adulthood, and which now makes his courtship of Jessica much more difficult than either of them might have anticipated. Of course, he doesn't realize at first that he's courting her, only knows that he wants her. This one is classic Chase, complicated and endearing characters, filled with humor and heat, and absolutely delightful. Even if you read this one when it was originally released twelve years ago, I'd recommend a reread. It's fantastic! With the sparkling dialogue and wicked sexual tension between this pair, Lord of Scoundrels is a definite keeper for historical romance fans. It's earned four and a half of Cupid's five arrows.

Until next time, happy reading!