Super Freakonomics by Levitt and Dubner

SuperFreakonomics challenges the way we think all over again, exploring the hidden side of everything with such questions as: How is a street prostitute like a department store Santa? Who adds more value: a pimp or a Realtor? What do hurricanes, heart attacks, and highway deaths have in common? Did TV cause a rise in crime? Can eating kangaroo meat save the planet?

Whether investigating a solution to global warming or explaining why the price of oral sex has fallen so drastically, Levitt and Dubner show the world for what it really is—good, bad, ugly, and, in the final analysis, superfreaky.
 
Who knew economics and statistics could be so thought-provoking and entertaining. 

Treachery In Death by J D Robb

Naked in a shower in an old, unused gym in the basement of Cop Central, Peabody overhears two cops arguing about their own corruption and conspiracy in murder. One of them is a lieutenant, the daughter of a decorated ex-cop who is a legend and Whitney's predecessor. Knowing that if she is discovered, she is dead, she waits out the tense moments until their argument is over and they are gone. Shaken, she contacts McNabb and Eve to let them know what she has heard. This kicks off an investigation and internal sting operation spearheaded by Eve and in cooperation with their Internal Affairs Bureau. 

Great book, great plot, typical pithy banter....and Roarke. All the ingredients that make this series so addictive. 

Lip Service by M.J. Rose

On the surface, Julia Sterling's life is enviable. She lives on Manhattan's East Side, is married to a renowned psychiatrist, deeply loves her stepson and is forging a career as a journalist. 

When a writing assignment exposes Julia to telephone sex, she glimpses a world that stirs her erotic fantasies but threatens her carefully constructed reality. 

As she probes her emotional and sexual connections to the men she knows and several she will never meet, she confronts evil, perversity and her own passions.

A good read.  The ending was a bit contrived. Really didn't like Julia's husband, glad she left him in the end though it took her a long time to do so.

The Reckless Bride by Stephanie Laurens

Captain Rafe Carstairs is the final hope for thwarting the evil traitor known only as The Black Cobra. Bold and determined to complete his assignment against impossible odds - the mission made suddenly more perilous by the proud English rose, Loretta Michelmarch.

A typical Stephanie Laurens, action, romance and a touch of mystery.

The Vampire With The Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks

He's out of control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo . . .

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored . . . ?

Not as good as others in this series.  The romance was very on again and off again, and not very on again when it was on. I've liked Dougal in the other books in this series but his story was a bit disappointing.  He got all 'oh woe is me' rather than the alpha male he had been previously.

An Ok read but not spectacular.

Innocent In Death by J D Robb

When grade-school teacher Craig Foster is found dead in his classroom from apparent poisoning, Eve is hard-pressed to determine a suspect. Fellow teachers, parents, caregivers, and students are all on her short-list, but no one is jumping out at her as a probable lead. The murder seems senseless and without a motive; the man seems as innocent as they come. Into the mix, on a personal front, arrives Magdelena Percell, an old flame of Roarke's. During their first meeting, Eve sees something on Roarke's face as he catches sight of Maggie that unnerves her, for it's a look that Eve's only ever seen directed at her. Maggie comes on strong, calling Roarke "lover" and making loaded references to their long-ago liaison. When they talk about it later that night, Roarke assures Eve that she's no reason to be jealous or concerned. The next morning, however, she overhears him making lunch plans with Maggie. Meanwhile, the case is progressing slowly until another teacher is found dead on school grounds, and the suspect list narrows. Putting the pieces together, Eve focuses on an unlikely suspect and her alarming suspicions are not well received by her commander or Dr. Mira. 

Another excellent addition to the series. The mystery wasn't as difficult to work out as is usual in this series.  The story was more about the blip in Eve and Roarke's relationship.  Men can be so blind when a beautiful, sexy woman makes a play for them.

A Breath Away by Rita Herron

Ever since Violet Baker's childhood companion was brutally murdered, she's been plagued with visions of the girl's last hours. Now, on the twentieth anniversary of Darlene's death,Violet's father is found dead, a note beside him confessing to the murder. But something doesn't feel right, and Violet returns to Crow's Landing looking for answers. Facing the judgmental town as a murderer's daughter is difficult enough, but the scalding tension between her and Sheriff Grady Monroe, Darlene's half brother, is worse. As the two of them race to unravel the mystery, it quickly becomes clear that Violet is in grave danger…and Grady suddenly knows that he'll do anything to protect her, no matter what the cost….

Lots of suspects and a bit too sweet at the sudden ending.

An OK thriller that kept me reading but not totally engaged.