"Strangers in the night, exchanging glances..."  As I picked up my copy of this book this morning, the tune began flowing through my mind.  That song's theme resonates throughout this book--complete strangers become friends and lovers after one chance meeting.

In Susan Johnson's "Natural Attraction," the lure of hot air balloons brings two people together.  Jasper Amery, Viscount Priestly, has enjoyed the attentions of many women, but something about Nicky Wemyss brings him to his knees.  Could this steadfast bachelor be falling in love?

Nicky is one of my new favorite heroines.  The book is set in 1785 Scotland, so at first I was expecting a prim virgin.  Nicky is nothing of the sort.  Born in India, Nicky is well read in the Kama Sutra, Nicky proved to be a grand challenge for Jasper.

Katherine O'Neal's "Fool Me Once" introduces Kate Frost to the reader.  Kate grew up in an orphanage until she was adopted by a professional pickpocket, Tolly Frost.  Sadly, Tolly died in prison after attempting to pull off a con that Kate had thought up.  When she meets Rhys Brandt, she falls for his charms, but in essence she is convinced she is little more than his prisoner.

Kate was, in a word, unique.  Unlike other heroines, Kate makes her living swindling people of of their possessions, and she does it with flair!  There is more than meets the eye with Rhys.  At first, I was not fond of his character.  He has a background that, as it is revealed, truly makes you like him.

Finally in Pam Rosenthal's "House East Of Regent Street," you'll find yourself absorbed in the story of Jack Merion.  Jack is a seaman, recently honored for his duties served during the Napoleonic Wars.   With his money, Jack has his eye on a former brothel.  It is a grand house, one that Jack would enjoy.  Unfortunately, there is another interested party, a secretive woman named Cleo Myles, and she plans to show Jack exactly where her talents lie.

Pam Rosenthal has become one of my favorite historical authors, and though it is a novella rather than a full-length novel, "House East Of Regent Street" is her finest work to date.  I thoroughly enjoyed both characters and couldn't wait to see what they were planning next!

If you like gutsy heroines teaming up with manly men, STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT is a perfect choice.  Each heroine is bold and daring; their sexuality is not a limiting factor.  For that reason, the men are not quite sure how to deal with someone so advanced, and it makes for passionate reading!