Hello, and welcome back! Things were a tad hectic around here last week, with all the normal things like Little League, work and the like, and then with travel prep on top of it, it was just impossible to sit down long enough to get to all the new books here on my desk. This week, things should be calmer, though, which means I can do a little catching up (and avoiding the weeding!). This time out, I have three new books for you.

Raintree: Haunted (Sil. Nocturne) by Linda Winstead Jones is first, with the second installment in the Raintree series. Brother Gideon's story takes place simultaneously with his sibling Dante's, with detective Gideon getting an unwelcome new partner, Hope Malory. He figures to ditch her ASAP, but Hope is more persistent than he'd figured on, and a lot smarter, too. And while they're hunting for whoever tried to kill his cousin, they get closer than he's comfortable with. A lot closer. I liked this one well enough, but not nearly as well as Linda Howard's start to the trilogy. I'm anxious to find out how the series turns out, however, so I'm waiting impatiently for the third installment. And, again, the ending of this one leaves the reader hanging, which is a little aggravating.

Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? (Cheek) by Kate Pearce is next. Lauren Redstone gives in to impulse (and a little champagne) and opts for a one-nighter with a sexy cowboy in Vegas. They end the night married, but Lauren can't be married, and certainly not to a cowboy. Grayson Turner knows from the start that this isn't just a fling, no matter what Lauren says. But he doesn't know quite how to persuade her of that. It takes him months to convince her to spend a weekend with him. This one is lacking on the plot-side of things, but be honest, how many readers really pick up erotica for the story? But for erotica, this one is kind of tame. A little disappointing, really.

Last Seen Alive (St. Martin's) by Carlene Thompson is next, with Chyna Greer returning to the small town where she grew up. Years ago, she lost her best friend there, and now it's as if Zoey is calling her, but that can't be. A little romantic storyline goes along in here, but this one is mostly suspense, so if you're in the mood for mystery instead of love, pick this one up.

Until next time, happy reading!