Hello, and welcome back! I spoke too soon last time about our lovely fall weather. Apparently that Indian Summer is here after all. But at least it'll be short. After today, things will cool down again, and we can get back to more seasonal weather. Last week was a rough one around here. The company I work for announced it is closing the majority of the stores on the side of the company where I work once January is here, and mine is one of them. That made last week a perfect week to escape into some of the new books here on my desk.

This time out, I have Shelly Laurenston's latest, The Mane Squeeze (Brava), and the next installment in her shapeshifter series. This one starts with Gwen O'Neill encountering Lock MacRyrie at a wedding. Gwen just wants to keep the peace, but there are folks who don't like hybrid shifters, and Lock winds up breaking up the fight himself to keep Gwen out of harm's way. And then he's hooked. After all, most other shifters run when the grizzlies are around, but not Gwen. She doesn't run either, when they meet up again during her vacation some time later. Of course, she's in the middle of a fight for her life with some shifters (again) who don't appreciate the hybrids among them. Her encounter this time with Lock is a little more prolonged, and the pair finds themselves friends. Sort of. Okay, maybe friends with a serious case of lust. Lock is determined to keep her safe, but Gwen doesn't really realize the danger she's in, as someone especially wants to be rid of her. If ever you need a guaranteed pick-me-up, you should pick up a book by Shelly Laurenston (or her alter ego G. A. Aiken). Her stories will make you laugh out loud. Then there are the super-sexy heroes who'll go to any lengths to protect their mates. And those mates who really can take care of themselves, but won't say no if that sexy man wants to help. Steamy, funny, and you get a great story. How does it get any better than that for a romance fan? This one's earned four and a half of Cupid's five arrows and a spot on the keeper shelf. Lock is one yummy bear.

Until next time, happy reading!