Hello, and welcome back! There have been tons of new books arriving at work lately, and still more to look forward to...like Nora's new one this week, and the last in her In the Garden trilogy next month. I can hardly wait to get to work each weekend to see what's coming out of the shipment.

In the meantime, though, I'm working my way through the stack of October releases perched here on the corner of my desk. I have a few paranormals to share with you later this week, but today, it's historicals. Three of them, to be exact.

Fatal Attraction: Aphrodite's Tale (The Goddesses #2) (Signet Eclipse) by Alicia Fields. This is the second book in Ms. Fields's Goddess series, featuring her take on the Goddess Aphrodite. I'm not even sure where to start with this one. Frankly, I'm pretty appalled by the story here, from beginning to end, with the author's take on this Goddess and all of the ancient tales twisted around in these pages. Perhaps it has to do with my own study of Greek mythology, and, in particular, Aphrodite. Perhaps it's because this isn't a romance novel--no romance novel heroine, Goddess or not, sleeps with men besides her husband or behaves like a spoiled brat. Perhaps I'm offended on Aphrodite's behalf. I don't know exactly, I just know I hated this book. I can't even rate it. And I'm cringing just to think what might happen in Athena's story early next year. I'll just say, if you have any love for Greek mythology, it might be best if you skip this book altogether. I certainly won't be keeping this one myself.

One Knight Stands (Signet Eclipse) by Jocelyn Kelley is next, with her second female knight story. This time Queen Eleanor needs Elspeth to find a rock that could kill the king if he steps on it. If you're able to put aside any disbelief you might have that women could serve as knights to Eleanor of Aquitaine, you may like this one. Elspeth holds her own, despite Tarran ap Llyr's interference in her quest. For me, I find I am still unable to buy into that plot, which leaves me feeling a little let-down by the end of the tale. This one is all right, but also not a keeper for me. It's earned two and a half arrows.

Falcon's Mistress (Berkley) by Donna Birdsell is the final book of the trio this week. Jack Pearce, aka John Markley, Duke of Canby interrupts his latest spy mission to save Selena Hewitt, his only love, from being executed for his murder. And, in doing so, puts her in much more danger. Of all three books this week, I liked this one best, until I reached the end, which, sadly, is a lead-in for a sequel. I wouldn't have minded the lead-in nearly as much had it been before Selena and Canby's happy ending. But the way the book ends ruined my pleasure in the rest of the story, so I find I cannot keep this one either. It's earned three arrows, but would have earned more with a better ending.

Until next time, happy reading!