Hello, and welcome back! It's been hot and sticky here already this week, then back to cooler, and in the next day or so, we'll be back to hot and sticky again. It makes me want to stay inside, out of the sun and keep working my way through this stack of June romances on the corner of my desk. So I have been.

This time out, I have the latest from Shelly Laurenston, Beast Behaving Badly (Brava, received from publisher), with her latest shapeshifter, half-polar bear, half-lion Bo Novikov romancing Blayne Thorpe, half-wolf, half-wild dog, even though he's frightened her nearly to death for ten years. The broody Bo didn't know what he did to scare Blayne ten years ago, but once they get past that now, he finds himself on the lookout for her, and suddenly in the role of protector when he drags her along to Maine to keep her safe. Of course, being in an isolated little place there only heightens the attraction they share and makes it harder to resist. So why resist? Blayne isn't really his type, too high-energy for the more careful bear half of him. But that doesn't stop the chemistry, and readers would be highly disappointed if it did. Along with the page-singeing encounters, there is also Laurenston's trademark humor, and visits with some of her previous characters along the way, only adding to the enjoyment factor of this one. The romance in this one moves along a little slowly, at a bear's pace, I think. Bo is one of my favorite of Laurenston's heroes, I believe, with his quirks and brooding and just overall sexiness. If you're looking for a quick, funny read with plenty of steam, you may want to give it a try. If you're already a Laurenston fan, then this one will be a great addition to your Laurenston shelf. I can't wait for her next shifter story. I'm borrowing four of Cupid's five arrows for this one. It was so much fun to read, and I know it'll be just as much fun to revisit later.

Look on Amazon.com for Beast Behaving Badly (The Pride Series). Until next time, happy reading!