Hello, and welcome back! I spent my evening at work yesterday putting out tons of new December romances, just in time for holiday gift-giving. Of course, the ones I have put aside to buy aren't for gifts for anyone else, just for me. And I have two newly-released books to share with you this time out as well.

Hot Pursuit (Signet Eclipse) includes stories by Karen Rose, Annie Solomon, and Carla Cassidy. 'Dirty Secrets' is first, with Emma Townsend deciding to hunt up an old high school friend, Christopher Walker, just as those around him are in grave danger from an unknown source. This one didn't draw me in from the beginning--things are too abrupt and disconnected. I liked it all right later in the story, but this hasn't made me want to run out and pick up Ms. Rose's other books. 'Necessary Betrayals' is next, with Francesca Bern meeting up with the man who broke her heart, just as she needs his help most. Detective Quinn Lewis hasn't got over what happened between them either, but he was just doing his job, as he intends to do again now in helping to find her sister. And in keeping Francesca alive. I love Ms. Solomon's work, and this tale is no exception. I just wished it were longer. Now my appetite has been whetted for her next book; I hope it's not long in coming. 'Endless Night' is last, with Amanda Kincaid forced to go on the run with her blind-date-from-hell, Clay Murdock, when they're shot at after their dinner date. I didn't like either of these characters, and I found them falling into bed after their miserable evening completely unbelievable. If not for Ms. Solomon's story, this anthology wouldn't be a keeper for me. I'm giving it three of Cupid's five arrows, and would like to give it more, except for my feelings about the first and last stories.

Hot Whispers of an Irishman (Pocket) by Dorien Kelly is next, with artist Vi Kilbride back in Ireland to sell her grandmother's house while trying to recapture her 'sight' so she can paint again. Unfortunately, her first love, Liam Rafferty is also back in Duncarraig as well, and their paths are bound to cross. There seem an awful lot of characters in this one that a reader ought to know before starting, or at least, it seemed that way to me. Trying to ignore them didn't help me get deep enough to really enjoy the story, however, but having them all around didn't make for much enjoyment either. Perhaps I simply wasn't in the mood for a busy story. I don't know for sure, but this one isn't a keeper for me, wonderful setting or no. It's earned three arrows.

Until next time, happy reading!