Hello, and welcome back! I´ve been reading up a storm the past few days since the weather´s gotten chillier again, and have lots of new books to share with you in the upcoming weeks--three each for the next two weeks and two more the following week, before I bring home news from the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. (By the way, there´s still time to register for the convention; check out their website.)

First up this week is Cassie Edwards´s latest Indian romance "Fire Cloud" (Signet Historical). They meet as a boy and girl, and when they see each other again as adults, friendly interest turns to something deeper. Fire Cloud has taken on adult responsibilities at a very young age, caring for his orphaned brother alone. Janelle Coolidge has done all she can to earn her father´s love, including studying in his field of archaeology and becoming engaged to a man she doesn´t love. This isn´t one I´d read ordinarily, but it was pleasant enough reading for a couple hours. Obviously, Ms. Edwards has done her homework on Native American tribes and history, but it seems to me that the conflict here really drags and could have been wrapped up much sooner. This one earns two and a half of Cupid´s five arrows.

The third installment in the life of Valerie Ryan is now available: "The Diary of V: Happily Ever After?" (Warner). Still not a romance, or even romantic, but a still a decent read. Valerie seems to be heading in the direction she wants now, but for how long? She supposed to be Everywoman, but if I were as messed up as she is, I´d be looking for professional help.

Finally, we have the debut romance from contemporary author Lauren Bach, Lone Rider (Warner). I got this book some time ago, but the release date wasn´t unitl November, so I´ve been waiting to share it with you. Wow! I can´t wait to read more from this author, despite a tendency to switch back and forth from one point of view to another with no warning. Tess Marsh´s cross-country trip is rerouted when an empty gas tank forces her to take up with Dallas Haynes, motorcyclist extraordinaire. And the gang he rides with, who happen to be a lot less pleasant than Dallas. She´s forced to trust him, and at the same time, Dallas finds himself wishing he could tell her his secrets. Ms. Bach has a way with a story, and I´m sure some of the rough edges will be smoothed out when her next book hits the stores. This one gets four arrows.

Until next week, happy reading!