Hello, and welcome back! It's a holiday here, and I'm off, very surprisingly. I almost always work the holidays, but instead, I got to spend the day with my three guys, and now I'm here with you to finish out the day. I still have quite a stack of July releases here on my desk and honestly don't know how I'm going to be able to share them all with you. This time out, I have two by Cherry Adair, including her latest paperback release and the new hardcover.

Hot Ice (Ballantine) is finally out, two years after its hardcover release. This one features jewel thief Taylor Kincaid and T-FLAC agent Huntington St. John, both on the trail of the same man, for very different reasons. Hunt doesn't know why she does what she does, but he does know he definitely shouldn't be attracted to such a woman. Taylor just doesn't do long-term relationships, but something about this man makes her want longer than temporary, anyway. If you're a fan of this series and have been waiting patiently for this paperback, it was worth the wait. If you haven't read any of these yet, now is a good time to start. Taylor's unusual skills make her fascinating to watch, and the chemistry between Hunt and Taylor is electrifying. While the suspense is nicely done, the focus of the story is always where it should be, right on Hunt and Taylor's relationship. This one's earned four of Cupid's five arrows.

White Heat (Ballantine) is the next offering in her T-FLAC series, this time with the hard-hearted Max Aries coming to warn his late father's assistant Emily Greene that her life is in danger. Oh, and perhaps to indulge in a little more of the steamy sex they shared last time he was in town. Or not, if Emily can keep her hormones under control. Max's previous departure hurt her badly, and it's clear he's not here now to stick around, just to do a job--save her life. Oh, and to stop an international terrorist group or two along the way. Emily's wariness wars with her (purposely) buried feelings for Max, and there's no way she can fight such strong emotions. Fortunately for readers, that is. But she sure does try, which makes for some interesting encounters with Max, who is one sexy hero. You'll get to revisit some fave characters from previous stories along the way here, but Emily and Max are the real reason you'll keep reading until you get to the very end of this one. They generate more than their fair share of steam, and their dilemmas will tug at your heart. Another very good addition to the series, this one has also earned four arrows.

Until next time, happy reading!