Hello, and welcome back! We're into the hot and miserable weather here again, so staying indoors with the a.c. running is my best option. That, and making sure I have plenty of reading material, which doesn't appear to be a problem, since I still have four June books to go before I dive into the growing July stack. This time out, I have two new books to share with you, both paranormals.

Witch Fire (Berkley) by Anya Bast is up first with the beginning of a new series. Mira Hoskins has no idea that she's anything but a normal woman. Until Jack McAllister comes into her life, telling her the ridiculous tale that she's a witch with great untapped fire talents. Of course, Jack is also a witch, only his area of expertise is air. And Mira's off-limits. Jack's just supposed to bring Mira back to her previously-unknown family and make sure she's safe. Maybe teach her how to work with her magical skills. But nothing more. Too bad we all know that'll never be the end of it. This one was okay for me, story-wise. I'm forever on the look-out for some great new paranormal romances, but this one didn't fall into the 'great' category for me. The chemistry between Mira and Jack is explosive, though, which will make up for a lot with some readers. I'll keep an eye out for the second in the series, but I'm not going to hold my breath for a keeper there either. This one gets only three of Cupid's five arrows.

Goddess of Love (Berkley) by P. C. Cast is next with her latest Goddess tale. Venus is bored, and maybe a visit with her pal Persephone in the world of mortals is just what she needs to inspire her. Her husband Vulcan is also unhappy, and he decides to make his own trip into Oklahoma to see what he can find. Pea Chamberlain calls upon Venus to help her get the hunky firefighter who lives down the street, never expecting that Venus in the flesh would arrive to actually help her out. Of course, Venus isn't really expecting to fall for Griffin the hunk herself. Nor Pea for Vulcan. What a tangled web. Pea and Griffin don't have nearly the chemistry one would hope, and Venus is portrayed as a rather spoiled brat. I have enjoyed this series from the start, but I will say this one isn't my favorite. There's nothing in particular that I can put my finger on to say why this one was only average for me, but it is. Perhaps it is the added complications with multiple deities in this one. I'm adding it to my collection, but I doubt I'll be picking it up for a re-read anytime soon. It also earns only three arrows.

Until next time, happy reading!