Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

It would be easy to dismiss this as teen wangst wrapped in the trappings of steampunk because it does have flaws - the girl torn between the nice boy and the bad boy. Problems solved by the nice boys apparently endless supply of wealth that he's willing to share. But. Finley is a charming, kickass heroine - not a 'zomgrescuemeplsthx' kind of girl. I like that the nice boy is the thinker and she's the punch first, think later type.

Fun to see crazy Tesla make an appearance. 

The twist was easy to see coming but I still enjoyed this second book in the series and look forward to the next installment.

Due May 2012.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

I'm not sure why all the erotica I've read lately seems to have a huge MarySue factor going on: the principal are all gorgeous and wealthy and powerful, live in fabulous homes, dress in exquisite clothing, eat amazing food, and have mind blowing sex at the drop of a hat.

Despite my distaste for that type of writing, Bared to You held my interest with fun dialogue and steamy sex. And the unanswered questions at the end are obviously leaving the door open for a sequel or two.

Could the Shades of Grey books be spawning the rise of erotica trilogies?

Due June 2012.

Party of Three by Daire St. Denis

I read this thinking it was going to be a fluffy bit of erotica. Instead of being hot though, I found it frustrating. And not in the good sense. The situation felt contrived and the dialogue felt wooden. When I fall asleep while reading the big sex scene, something's Just Not Right. Color me disappointed.

Tricked by Kevin Hearne

I've enjoyed Kevin Hearne's urban fantasy series about smartass, centuries old Druid Atticus since it started with Hounded and his latest, Tricked is no different. After kicking ass among Celtic and Norse pantheons, this time is Native American foes that Atticus is going up against. Happily, Oberon, his trusty Irish wolfhound who loves poodles and sausages has his back. Because no one who enters into a bargain with Coyote walks away unscathed.

Hearne has been letting Atticus grow naturally in each book along with revealing bits of Atticus's long and intriguing past. And I adore Oberon more with every book; how can you not love a dog who wants an undercover name and Snugglepumpkin at that?

This was a devour it within 48 hours kind of book, fun and enjoyable.

Available now from DelRey in mass market.