Two new releases get summer reading off to great start

Up first is "Over the Line"($6.99, St. Martin's Paperpacks), the next book in Cindy Gerard's series The Bodyguards.

Former Army Ranger Jason Wilson's first job as a personal securities specialist for E.D.E.N Securities Inc. is to protect bad girl rock star Sweet Baby Jane Perkins. Expecting a hard partying, drugged-out diva, Jason is pleasantly surprised.

Turns out Sweet Baby Jane really is sweet. Jane doesn't do drugs, she doesn't even drink. And, she treats those around her with the same respect that she expects to be treated with.

For a first assignment, this would be the perfect job -- only someone really is out to get Jane.

It could be: The man who stalked her years ago who has recently been released from prison. Her real jerk of a drummer who want more from Jane than she's willing to give. The filmmaker who is documenting Jane's current tour and who makes Jase uneasy. The person or persons unknown who killed Jane's mom.

"Over the Line" should be near the top of your sumnmer reading list.

At the top of your list, I'd put "Killer Dreams" by Iris Johansen ($26, A Bantam Book).

Tightly woven, fast-paced and full of suspense, "Killer Dreams" introduces us to Sophie Dunston and Matt Royd, two individuals who are seeking vengeance for all the right reasons.

I really don't want to give anything away, but I highly recommend this book.

As always, Johansen's characters are fascinating and Sophie and Matt are even more so than usual. Plus, we get a chance to see how Jock Gavin (from "Countdown") is doing and revisit MacDuff's Run.