I just finished Elle James' TO KISS A FROG. What a delightful and sexy book. Of course, I have always loved frogs, even as a young girl. I know that my fear of snakes would make people think I would abhor all things lizardy, but I only hate snakes. Frogs are simply too cute. In this novel, scientist Elaine Smith (major brain but lacks in social skills) decides to get out of the lab and investigate water pollution in Cajun country. There she meets Craig Thibodeaux working at his uncle's marina. He's a New Orleans' lawyer on vacation whose icy blue eyes and black hair make Dr. Elaine wish she had more social skills. Unfortunately, Craig has this little problem: a voodoo queen has turned him into a frog by day, and he only has until the next full moon to find a woman who will truly love him. This book is funny. If you're looking for a light read, then check it out.

My next recommendation is a faced-paced, sci-fi adventure by C. J. Barry: UNMASKED. Whoa! What a great book. I couldn't put it down on Sunday. I have a weakness for books about masked men - I was brainwashed by Zorro movies at a very young age. This book does not disappoint. Here's the blurb from C. J.'s web site:

A MAN OF MANY MASKS

To the merchants he plunders, he is the Ghost Rider of the Dead Zone. To sector law enforcement, he is a wanted space pirate. To the slaves he rescues, he is the savior laghato. To one determined female captain, Qaade Deter is serious trouble.

Torrie Masters had heard of the legendary raider, but she never expected to encounter him, especially on her maiden voyage for her family's shipping business. Nor would she have expected that beneath his black mask lurked an enticing man destined to challenge her in ways she can’t shoot herself out of.

But a great threat has emerged, one that leaves Qaade no choice but to join forces with the woman he believed was his enemy. A woman with a warrior's spirit—now entrusted with the fate of thousands, one pirate’s impossible dream, and the power to leave him…UNMASKED.

This blurb does not do the book justice because it doesn't capture the pace, the humor, and the grit of both characters. I really love it that Torrie can kick butt with the best of them. She's more than a match both physically and intellectually for this hero.

What's even better is that I've just discovered Barry's work, and she has a handful of books I've yet to read! Yay!