Hello, and welcome back! It's been absolutely lovely here, and, while I did work most of one of my days off this week (that's what happens when you take the boss's job, even temporarily!), I've still gotten quite a bit of reading done already this month. My September stack is shrinking by the day, though there are October books beginning to accumulate, which is promising for next month.

This time out, I have the latest from Jayne Castle, aka Jayne Ann Krentz, in her 'Harmony' series, Obsidian Prey. Tuner and prospector Lyra Dore had her heart broken several months ago when Cruz Sweetwater didn't quite give her his true identity (and their families have been rivals for years). Cruz neglected to mention his position with Amber Inc. when she discovered an amethyst ruin in the underground jungles, and Amber Inc. has since taken over the site. She and her artistically inclined dust bunny Vincent have gone on with their lives, but Cruz's reappearance throws Lyra for a real loop. He never meant to hurt her; in fact, he knows she's the only woman for him. He also knows he's got a long way to go to earn her forgiveness, let alone hope she might love him someday. But he needs her help now, as the ruins have trapped five of his people inside, and no one else can work the energy required to open the door again. Lyra has been harboring a hope that the lovely orchids that have been coming to her twice a week were from Cruz, especially when the message on the unsigned cards was so romantic. His arrival at her apartment, however, reveals that is not the case, leaving her slightly disappointed, and Cruz aggravated that someone else is trying to get his woman. But Lyra is also in danger, and Cruz isn't about to let anything happen to her, even if she won't admit to deeper feelings for him than lust. And wow, serious lust! As they try to figure out who's behind a theft of an artifact from the amethyst ruin from Amber Inc. and then several murders, Lyra and Cruz get to spend a lot of quality time together. Hurrah for the readers! This is filled with trademark Castle/Krentz humor and steam, and it's just plain a terrific story. Then there's the dust bunny. Who among us doesn't want one? I absolutely adore this series, and this is a fine, fine addition with a romantic, sexy hero and a heroine who knows what she wants, if not exactly how to get it. I'm borrowing four and a half of Cupid's five arrows for this one. It's a definite keeper!

Until next time, happy reading!