Hello, and welcome back! It's not as hot here, but it hasn't gotten any less sticky out, so the a/c is still running. We had a little shower earlier, but the thunderstorms are heading our way later, after I'm at work, so maybe the mall will be busy again since no one can work outside in that weather. That would make me happy.

This time out, I have the latest from Lisa Hendrix, Immortal Outlaw (Berkley), the second book in her 'Immortal Brotherhood' series. This time, Steinarr wanders England as a sort of bounty hunter, four hundred years after Cwen cursed him and the rest of the Viking crew he was with. By day, he is a man, by night a lion. He crosses paths with the lovely Marian and her 'cousin' Robin after he fights off a band of robbers who are attacking an old man. Stubborn Marian insists that they travel with Steinarr, and, while he's reluctant, he agrees to a temporary arrangement. After all, they won't be safe with him at night. Besides, he prefers to travel alone. Well, alone with another of his mates who's animal by day and human by night. Marian isn't who she claims to be, though, and she's on a desperate mission on a tight deadline. When Steinarr takes on a new job, he's not very happy to find out his quarry this time is Marian and her 'cousin', and he finds out his suspicion that they lied to him is correct. Only his new employer isn't being truthful either, a fact Steinarr won't learn right away. Then he has to protect Marian while they find the clues she and Robin seek that will free them from a family member with nefarious plans for the pair. I liked this story much better than the first one in the series (and I'm not an enormous fan of Robin Hood legends as a rule), and with two more of the Viking band in supporting roles here, fans of the series have much to look forward to as the series continues. Steinarr and Marian's trek back and forth in Nottinghamshire is filled with adventure and tender moments, as well as a breathtaking sensuality. Then there's still the evil Cwen to deal with along the way. If you haven't picked this one up yet, make sure you grab it. It's a real treat and has earned four of Cupid's five arrows.

Until next time, happy reading!