Truth Or Dare

Title:  Truth Or Dare
Author:  Brenda Williamson

Publisher: Amber Heat

Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat

ISBN:  978-1-61124-222-5

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

Laura always chose the dare instead of giving up information about herself.  That’s how she’d gotten into this mess in the first place.  Somehow she found the nerve to get on stage and participate in a pole competition.  Nerves almost got the best of her when Laura looked out into the crowd and into the blue eyes of the man she still wanted.   

Instead of dancing for Mark, Laura is forced to dance with him.  Laura finds it hard to mask the feelings she has for Mark and she’s confused by the signals she’s getting from him.  How could Mark respond to her with such passion while his wife was standing by watching?  He was married now, so that meant Mark was off limits.  Wasn’t he? 

Laura and Mark hadn’t seen each other in years until fate brings them together, much like it had in the past.  Things are hot and heavy between the two of them from the moment they meet in the club.  Mark challenges Laura to the ultimate game of Truth Or Dare and Laura finally tells the truth.  Up until this point in the story, I had no idea what was going on in Mark’s head.  I knew he’d gotten married, but honestly I didn’t care at all.  With the kind of history he and Laura had, there was no way they weren’t meant to have a future together.  It would have been a shame to see their bond broken because of a misunderstanding.  Readers will appreciate this short story because it’s a wonderful reminder of what can happen when we let down our shields and take a chance. 

Perfect Timing

Title: Perfect Timing

Author: Aimée Brissay

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand

Publisher URL: http://sirenbookstrand.com/

ISBN: 1-61926-077-8

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx  

Vampire Valentin Alekseev stopped to rest at a tavern, miles away from his homeland, hoping he can stay ahead of his pursuers, intent on killing him.  Valentin is the only survivor from his Russian coven.  When cat-shifter Shawn Dougal walks into the tavern, he is immediately drawn to the scent of his mate. Valentin and Shawn are both surprised to discover that they are destined to be together. 

Perfect Timing is a fascinating action packed comical romance of two unlikely paranormals mated. However, the plot illustrates the increased survival benefits of their union. Valentin has been poisoned from drinking tainted blood, unable to feed; Valentin is slowly starving to death. Valentin soon discovered he can tolerate Shawn’s blood plus gain loss strength. Valentin still retains some of his powers which are a benefit during several deadly attacks on them both. Valentin has lost some of his ability to scent different species; Shawn is a great scent tracker. Valentin is a bit of a romantic as well as easily hurt by negative words. Shawn has a touch of a snarky attitude mostly due to his bewilderment of being mated to a male vampire. Shawn was never attracted to men prior to meeting Valentin. There are a couple of brief intimate scenes, although the main focus of the plot is dramatic action rather than detailed lovemaking.  

Aimée Brissay’s Perfect Timing is a thrilling and enjoyable happy-for-now saga with enough of an open ending to continue Valentin and Shawn’s exciting adventures.    

Curtis’s Dads

Title: Curtis’s Dads

Author: Lynn Hagen  

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand

Publisher URL: http://www.sirenbookstrand.com

ISBN: 1619261227

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph 

Curtis is ready to lose his virginity and he knows just who to give it to.  Now if he can just get his dads to give him some privacy.  Chauncey is thrilled to finally have met his mate, especially since he won’t have to worry about explaining shifters to him. But every time he turns around, Curtis’s dads are popping up.  Just what does a bear need to do to claim his mate? 

Curtis’s Dads is the 23rd story in the ongoing Brac Pack series.  While the majority of the characters are ones we already know, their quirkiness keeps the stories entertaining and the readers coming back for more.  Curtis’s Dads is about two of those characters.  When we first meet Curtis, he was a 15 year old boy coming to terms with the changes in his father’s life, as well as the growing knowledge that, like his father, he was also gay.  In this book, Curtis is 20 and ready to experience the sexual side of being gay.  The problem is his fathers and his uncertainty of what to do once he realizes one of the Lakeland bears is his mate.  Both issues are sure to leave the readers laughing but I would advise you not to drink during the scenes where Curtis decides to ask the mates about sex, as these scenes are truly over the top and had me laughing out loud more than once.  Chauncey is all bear, but of the gentle variety, until it comes to protecting his mate.  The connection between these two men shines through clearly for all to see.  The gentleness Chauncey shows his mate is heart-warming but the sex between them is just as hot as any of the other couples.  When Curtis’s past comes out, Chauncey, as well as his brother Chance, truly show their wild side. 

There is the usual mention of the problems faced by the pack and other paranormals.  Just when I think I know what’s going on and who the bad guys are, the author throws in a few new twists and turns, which of course leaves me eagerly waiting for the next book to come out. This book is one I will be reading again and should not be missed.

Bone Idol

Title: Bone Idol

Author: Paige Turner

Publisher: Total E-Bound

Publisher URL: www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN: 978-0-85715-832-1

Genre: {M/M} Historical Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx 

It’s 1875. The Bone Wars are on and scientists obsessed with dinosaur bones are willing to go to any lengths to make a bigger and better discovery than their rivals, even if it means lying, cheating or stealing. 

Henry is ruled by logic…a man of science and a proper gentleman. When he meets the much younger and exuberant Albert, Henry’s world is thrown into chaos, bringing with it a new and dangerous desire. There’s also trouble on the horizon threatening the truth that rules his scientific mind…a lie he can’t let stand. Albert’s concerned with protecting his father’s personal and professional reputation in the competitive bone hunting world. As he and Henry join in the exciting hunt for bones and explore their growing desire, they discover some hidden secrets that could threaten their love with exposure and endanger their very lives.  

Bone Idol is the first release in Paige Turner’s new M/M historical series, Past Perfect. Generally historical books aren’t my thing but knowing it was set during the thrilling time when scientists and fortune hunters were scouring the world for dinosaur bones caught my interest. I knew I had to read it and wasn’t disappointed. The descriptions of the reserved public demeanor of the characters are spot on, as is the imagery of the weather, clothing and various means of transportation, indicating considerable research.  

Then there’s Henry and Albert, both interesting and vastly different individuals. I like them and their willingness to be together despite the possible repercussions. The dinosaur hunting and the underhanded activity associated with it is nicely handled and historically accurate…well done Ms. Turner. Here’s where the bad guy comes in…and the author has created a real nut job with this guy and after reading the epilogue, they’ll have to continue to deal with him in the next book, too.

There’s a lot going on in this short length, passion, desire, deceit, betrayal and plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention. There are also numerous interesting secondary characters involved in the hunt, some family, scientists or others out for money. My only niggle is that there’s a few spots where it feels like it jumps from one scene to another too quickly, pulling me out of the story.

Winning in a Landslide

Title: Winning in a Landslide

Author: JM Cartwright

Publisher: Torquere Press

Publisher URL: www.torquerebooks.com

ISBN: 978-1-61040-728-1

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

Not everyone is happy that Sheriff Virgil Grissom has been re-elected for another four years. In fact, his opponent filed a voter’s count challenge. The hard-won campaign has made Virgil surly. Luckily Virgil’s partner, former rock star Johnny Rayne, is the remedy Virgil needs to improve his mood. 

Winning in a Landslide is the Christmas sequel to A Change of Tune. Virgil and Johnny are still in the adjustment period of being a couple with two small children. In the community of Elkins, West Virginia some of the residents have mixed feelings about gay men adopting kids while a few others are simply homophobic. However, upon reflection Virgil realizes how empty his life was before meeting Johnny. Virgil refuses to abandon his home life for the sake of his career. Johnny realizes he has the life he always wanted, a loving partner and children.  

JM Cartwright’s Winning in a Landslide is an enjoyable, as well as an especially heartwarming story.

Daddy, Daddy and Me

Title: Daddy, Daddy and Me

Author: Sean Michael

Publisher: Torquere Press

Publisher URL: www.torquerepress.com

ISBN: 978-1-61040-726-7

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx 

When his best friend Beth asked him to donate sperm so she could be a mother, Jeff never imagined how it would change his life. When disaster strikes, leaving him the sole parent of a newborn and three year-old, his world is thrown into chaos. His lover bales, the house isn’t set up for kids and the owner of the restaurant where he’s the chef is tired of giving him time off. 

Donny is crazy about kids and has his degree in early childhood education but he hasn’t been able to find a job as a nanny. That changes when he arrives at Jeff’s to the sound of breaking glass and screaming children and his interview turns into a trial by fire. He gets the nanny job and loves it…and it’s just what Jeff and the kids needs…but with all the changes in their lives, are they ready to think of making a family together? 

Daddy, Daddy and Me is a fun, sweet and entertaining release by Sean Michael. I love the opening. After a brief introduction to Donny, the story jumps right into the craziness of Jeff’s new life with the kids…think bleeding dad, screaming infant and a toddler running around naked, covered with marker. It made me chuckle and the vivid imagery is just one example of how the author brought the story to life. The children, adorable Robbie and baby Kimberly, are great little scene stealers and I really appreciate that they stayed a vital part of the plot instead of being relegated to the background.  

Then there’s Donny and Jeff. These two are great, likeable characters. Donny is loving, cute and is nuts about kids, and then there’s Jeff, a talented chef who’s determined to take care of his babies while reeling from the defection of his lover. The two make a wonderful couple and while they might get together a little quickly, it makes sense as plotted and is handled realistically. Be aware that unlike many of Sean Michael’s books, there are a limited number of sex scenes, instead concentrating on the emotional side of their relationship, and turning the four of them into a family. 

It’s heartwarming, tender and just made me feel good. Yes, it’s sweet, and Jeff’s ex-Mitch might have been a little over the top as a bad guy but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. In fact, I’ll be reading Daddy, Daddy and Me again sometime in the future. Good going, Sean Michael.

Love Under Siege

Title:  Love Under Siege

Author:  Samantha Kane

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:   www.jasminejade.com

ISBN:  9781419956270

Genre:  {M/M/F}, Ménage, Historical, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Phillip and Jonathan have known each other since they were in school, and then purchased commissions together in the military.  Both fell in love with Maggie. Maggie married Phillip, not realizing that both Phillip and Jonathan wanted to be her husbands in a relationship.  During the time that Maggie comes to terms with what both men want, several things happen that make her question her decision about the future. 

The second installment of the Brothers In Arms series is intense and brings some of the characters from the first book, as well as some new secondary characters that add to the story.  Love Under Siege continues the threat from a man all are familiar with, due to his actions in a dual and his revenge against this group of men.  The series also encompasses a lot of men that served together under one commander during wartime.  Part of the salvation of the men was that, as pairs, they shared a woman and were also lovers.  

Some of Maggie’s angst is how she feels about the society she is a part of.  She knows that her reputation will be in shreds among the ton if she chooses to do as Phillip and Jonathan wants.  I can understand some of Maggie’s feelings as she has grown up in a very rigid society with very stringent rules of behavior.  Any deviation could ruin a reputation or family.   

I will warn you right now that the scenes between the three are so hot, they scorch the page.  Keep ice and fans on hand as you will need them while reading this book.  I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.  I will also be reading this again.

Gravity

Title: Gravity

Author: Sean Michael

Publisher: Torquere Press

Publisher URL: www.torquerepress.com

ISBN: 978-1-61040-725-0

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary BDSM Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx 

Finding his ex-lover in town and at the Hammer one evening wasn’t something Hunter Barrister expected. It’s been years since his painful break-up with Forrest Greune but learning he’s back to stay and wanting to join the club sets his teeth on edge. Hunter’s still upset and as a board member refuses his needed consenting vote, blocking Forrest’s membership. 

Now retired from modeling, Forrest isn’t the same man Hunter knew when they were a couple. With his membership to the Hammer rejected, Forrest is forced to go elsewhere and it ends in disaster. Beaten and near death, when he regains consciousness, Forrest is shocked to find Hunter at his bedside offering the help he needs. Is it possible to put their history behind them and move forward or will the pain and hurt of the past destroy all hopes of a future together? 

Gravity is the newest release in Sean Michael’s Hammer series and my new favorite. It’s not a fun, easy or lighthearted story but begins on a serious note as Hunter deals with the pain of his ex-lover coming back to town. The subject matter only gets more intense as the story progresses and he’s forced to deal with seeing Forrest hurt and the guilt of feeling it was his fault. In this case, it’s not just a minor beating but a severe gay bashing where Forrest almost dies and it results in life changing emotional and physical scars.  

The story is well plotted and written; the personal history between Forrest and Hunter is complicated and it’s filled with pain, fear and uncertainty as they get Forrest through rehab and deal with his permanent disability. We also get plenty of chances to see Hammer regulars Jack and Oliver, along with some of the others.  

Like I said, Gravity’s not an easy book to read but I found the story fascinating and pretty much read it straight through. The BDSM aspect is light, dealing instead with Hunter making amends and the men learning to trust each other again as Forrest heals. So if you’re expecting lots of sex, as is typical in a Hammer story, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a story of love, patience, redemption and healing, then this Master standing by the sub he loves story will find a warm place in your heart.  

Talan's Treasure

Title: Talan's Treasure

Author: Amber Kell

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN: 978-0-85715-843-7

Genre: {M/M} Wereshifters, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

Adrian and Talan finally arrive at the cabins after traveling the icy roads. They stopped in front of the caretaker’s cabin to check in, only to discover the wolf shifter had been murdered. Trapped by a snow storm in addition to having a sheriff who hates shifters, solving the murder is left to Adrian and Talan.  

Talan's Treasure is book five in the Supernatural Mates Series.  Adrian and Talan are the main characters in the first book of the series. Adrian is a small wolf shifter and Talan is a lion shifter as well as the pride’s alpha, the two are true mates sharing a mate bond. The plot features the murder mystery, a touch of drama when Adrian is attacked, sensual lovemaking plus the disposal of the mentally infected killer.  

Amber Kell’s Talan’s Treasure is an impressive, as well as exceptionally enjoyable, romantic suspense.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Title:  Something Wicked This Way Comes

Author:  Laurann Dohner, Mel Teshco, Desiree Holt, Eliza Knight, Kathy Kulig,  Jaid Black

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN:  9781419936906

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Paranormal

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Captain of Nara’s Heart by Laurann Dohner - 4.5 Nymphs 

A pilot and her crew are sent to be auctioned as sex slaves after being arrested.  A member of Captain Vellar’s crew buys her for him, as he needs to have a female until one from his home planet can arrive. 

This was an interesting story about a woman falling in love with a man from another world and taking matters into her own hands to be happy. 

Dragon Heat by Mel Teshco - 4 Nymphs 

After she goes after Bensen, Grace is betrayed by the organization she is an operative for.  Unbeknownst to her, she is actually the target. 

A story of deceit and betrayal by friends, to finding love with an unlikely man, made for an intense story.

Dangerous Addiction by Desiree Holt – 5 Nymphs    

Cord saw Fallon and fell for her, but has to fight the fact she was abused by her former Dom.

A beautiful BDSM story where patience wins the heart of a brave woman.

Highland Tryst by Eliza Knight - 4.5 Nymphs

Kari trips over Fin after he is transported to the present by a witch on the battlefield where he almost lost his life.

This was a fun story with a lot of misunderstandings.

Tattoo Witch by Kathy Kulig - 3.5 Nymphs

Sam and Anita end up getting tattoos that come with good things and curses.

I was actually a little disappointed with this story. There were some places it seemed a little redundant and others confusing.

The Addiction by Jaid Black - 5 Nymphs

Shelli is fired after another disastrous performance, but has caught the eye of John Calder.

I enjoyed the humor in this story and had to laugh at a lot of Shelli’s antics.  A good love story, this is the sequel to The Possession.

Some of the stories in Something Wicked This Way Comes don’t really seem to belong in a book with this title.  Most seem to be straight forward love stories, with a few minutes of angst.  Only one seemed to really embody the title.  I’ll admit this did throw me a little because it ended up being a totally different mindset as I read.  Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy most of the stories and a few I would have liked to know more about the characters.  The chemistry between the couples was intense and you could see some of the emotions coming through.  There are a few stories I will read again in this book.

Christmas Homecoming

Title: Christmas Homecoming

Author: Sean Michael

Publisher: Torquere Press

Publisher URL: www.torquerepress.com

ISBN: 978-1-61040-719-9

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary BDSM Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx 

Waiting for his lover, Joey, to come home from his deployment in Afghanistan is making Grady cranky. It’s been nearly two years since they’ve been together and it looks like Valentine’s Day might be the earliest they see each other. It makes for a lonely holiday season, but Oliver’s keeping him busy helping with the Hammer’s annual Christmas Charity Auction. But there’s a special surprise waiting for him on auction night…one he’ll likely never forget. 

Christmas Homecoming is release 12.1 in Sean Michael’s Hammer series. It’s another fun and entertaining short, just what I’ve come to expect from an annual holiday story. That this one involves a returning serviceman who happens to be a sub in an established relationship just makes this release all the more poignant. It also allows them to delve immediately into the problems Joey has on returning…issues only Grady, as his Dom, can help with. 

The author did a wonderful job showing Grady’s loneliness for Joey, affecting his entire life. This also allows the entrance of Jack and Oliver, bringing in the beloved Hammer characters, grounding the story and pulling Grady into the auction action. I love the surprise twist at the auction and the reaction of both Grady and Joey on seeing each other. As you can imagine there’s lots of blistering hot sex in this story of love reunited but that doesn’t mean that sub Joey doesn’t get the discipline he wants and needs. So, if you’re in the mood for a BDSM story filled with love between established partners, give this well written holiday gem a try.

A Summit City Christmas

Title: A Summit City Christmas

Author: Ethan Day

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: 978-1-60820-545-3

Genre: {M/M} Holiday, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

The morning before Christmas, Boone is standing on the back deck consuming coffee while talking to himself. This is Boone’s daily ritual in an effort to accustom his body to the cold temperatures of Summit City.   

A Summit City Christmas is a holiday short and part of the Sno Ho series. The story, narrated by Boone briefly highlights the personalities of friends, family as well as the difference in Wade and Boone’s backgrounds. Boone is somewhat of a pampered princess with an opinion on everything including the décor of Wade’s traditional Christmas tree. Wade is attempting to hold on to his small town values, but he is slowly losing the battle because of his love for and from Boone. In order to fully savor A Summit City Christmas, I suggest reading the beginning story Sno Ho followed by Life in Fusion. The characters are outrageously funny as well as incredibly enjoyable, especially Boone.  

Merry Kinkmas

Title:  Merry Kinkmas

Author:  Shannon Peters

Publisher:  Total-E-Bound Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN:  978-0-85715-836-9

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Seasonal

Rating:  5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Phoebe is trying her hardest to get Matt to notice her.  Unfortunately, her attempts have backfired, or so she thinks. 

Merry Kinkmas was a fun story to read.  I had to laugh at some of the antics Phoebe did to try to get Matt’s attention.  The emotions and chemistry between the two are very intense.   

Phoebe gets a crash course in BDSM when the elevator gets stuck.  Several things happened that could have been bad but in this case, it was fantastic for Phoebe.  One of the security issues about elevators was covered by the author.  This is a story I am going to read again especially at this time of the year in the future.

Unshakeable Faith

Title: Unshakeable Faith

Author: Lisa Worrall

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-61372-268-8

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx 

Brody Tyler’s life takes a dramatic turn when a stranger walks into his bar. With no memory after surviving a vicious attack, he doesn’t even know his name and has to pick one from the newspaper. Nash is a risk but one Brody’s willing to take and before long, the two are deeply in love. But soon tragedy strikes again when a hit-and-run accident returns Nash’s memory. 

The real Nash is a ruthless businessman. When he wakes in a hospital bed after the hit-and-run, he doesn’t remember the last six months, so has no idea a killer is after him. Brody is desperate and accidentally ends up as Nash’s bodyguard. The two clash from the beginning and when Brody catches glimpses of his lover inside the ‘real’ Nash, he has hope. The question is whether he can keep Nash safe from a killer long enough for him to remember their love. 

Unshakeable Faith is the latest release by Lisa Worrall. It’s a well written, entertaining and heartwarming book. It’s filled with interesting characters, has a smooth flow, a unique premise and is a wonderful romance. Brody’s a great guy and the development of his personality is nicely done. He’s physically imposing and is a kind, caring and protective man, so it’s no wonder he opens his heart and home to Nash.  

The background Ms. Worrall created to explain Nash’s circumstances are heart-wrenching. Instead of dwelling heavily on his amnesia, she instead allows Nash to move on with his life, developing a committed loving relationship with Brody. And while it’s sweet and touching, it isn’t rushed. The big change comes when Nash regains his memory...he isn’t a very nice person…he’s an unmitigated jerk… and nothing like the Nash of the first half. The personality Ms. Worrall gave him is so different; it’s difficult to like him at all.  

There are plenty of secondary characters spread throughout the story, some at Brody’s bar and others at Nash’s home. I particularly like Wyatt, Brody’s childhood friend and Hannah, who’s known Nash since he was a kid. They both really added some fun and spice to their scenes. And let’s not forget the villain trying to kill Nash. By the end, his identity might not have been a big surprise but the reasons behind his actions are. 

I do have a niggle on the speed at which Brody forgave Nash. After what happed, it seems unrealistic. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the overall story. So, if you like reading a well plotted romance with two fascinating guys in a story of love and loss and love given a second chance, then give this one a try.

The Birches

Title: The Birches

Author: Xavier Axelson

Publisher: Seventh Window Publications

Publisher URL: http://seventhwindow.com/

ISBN: 978-0-9840215-0-5

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

Technique is everything for perfectionist chef-in-training Leo; that is until he met Dock, who taught Leo preparing food is a sensual experience to be savored and shared. 

The Birches is an intriguing plot of obtaining goals and happiness. Leo is obsessed with proving himself worthy of the faith his supporting parents had in his ability to be a great chef. Leo’s technique is the best in his class. However, Leo’s visually appealing dishes lacked taste appeal. Dock has no formal training, yet his dishes are in demand, proof by the always packed restaurant. Dock is very attracted to the uptight Leo and decides to romance him with cooking lessons. Dock teaches Leo the true technique for preparing a savory dish is the passionate blending of the ingredients creating an orgy in a bowl the same way a man would caress his lover.  

Xavier Axelson has created an impressive, as well as an especially enjoyable saga.  

Just One Bite

Title:  Just One Bite

Author:  Barbara Elsborg

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  http://www.jasminejade.com

ISBN:  9781419936876

Genre:  {M/F} Paranormal

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

Liv Miller knows how to deal with a bad day, but this one was straight out of the Twilight Zone.  An indecent proposal and bad hair cut forces her into the path of a mugger.   Liv feels hopeful that things were about to improve until her mugger drops a bomb.  On top of being the most yummy man she’d encountered in a while, the poor man was apparently insane.   

Cal Masterson is a werewolf who might have infected Liv when he bit her.  She doesn’t seem to believe his story though.  There isn’t much time to convince Liv, but Cal keeps trying.  Hopefully when she learns the entire truth, Liv will forgive him. 

All it took to change Liv’s life forever was Just One Bite.  Something about Cal felt right, so Liv just couldn’t resist him.  He turns out to be the missing piece to a puzzle in Liv’s life.  This story unfolds in a most amusing and unexpected manner and I think readers will appreciate that.  There are some kooky moments that made me grin as well, like their first meeting.  Barbara Elsborg has packed a lot into this quick read, so readers should definitely pick it up.

First Christmas

Title: First Christmas

Author: Stevie Woods

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: 978-1-60820-518-9

Genre: {M/M} Holiday, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

Mackenzie Wallace was really looking forward to sharing his first Christmas with his lover, Ian Grayson, and their friends. However, plans must be changed when an emergency delivery is needed to ensure the hospitals have much-needed supplies.  

First Christmas is a part of The Tomcat Line Series. This is a twelve page story illustrating how even the simplest plans can change, adjustments are made and true happiness is sharing life’s ups and downs with your loved ones. 

Thanksgiving In Sanctuary

Title:  Thanksgiving In Sanctuary

Author:  Cooper McKenzie

Publisher:  Siren-Bookstrand

Publisher URL:  http://www.sirenbookstrand.com

ISBN: 1-61926-013-1

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Ménage, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Martin decides that he would like to have his brother, Robert, enter into a triad relationship with him and his wife, Anna.  Anna runs to Sanctuary, where all their kids are to think about what Martin wants. 

In the fifth book of the Welcome to Sanctuary series, Thanksgiving in Sanctuary unites the Ryans with their children and their respective spouses.  The author did a good job portraying Anna’s feelings and insecurities.  One thing that came through is how much the brothers loved Anna. 

There was a surprise within the story that I am not sure what to make of it.  Does this mean there will be another story about Winter?  In some ways this seemed out of place, though the outcome of this mini drama was great.  I also had to laugh at some of the antics.   

I like the idea of a wedding on Thanksgiving, even though it makes for a lot of work.  The fact that there is a special ceremony for the triad relationship is wonderful.  One thing the author did gloss over was some of the problems that Anna, Martin and Robert will possibly encounter since they won’t be living in Sanctuary.  I do think this book brought the series full circle and I will be reading this series again.  Readers should read the rest of the series before reading Thanksgiving in Sanctuary.

Page 93

Title: Page 93
Author:  Maggie Montgomery

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com

ISBN:  978-1-61118-664-2

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary Multicultural

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

Raelynn Pierce leads a happy life in a small Georgia town with her daughter, even though her confidence as a woman has been damaged because of her ex-husband.  The whole neighborhood has been checking out the new neighbor, but it’s Raelynn who gets quality time with him after he crashes his car in her yard.  A snow storm might have forced them together, but molten desire had them making out on the couch like teenagers. 

Alec Nakamura is a widowed father who hasn’t thought about getting involved with a woman until Raelynn.   Attraction quickly leads to some of the best sex they’d ever had.  Their weekend romp could turn into something long term if Raelynn’s insecurities don’t get in the way.  Can Alec deal with that and the nosey neighbors? 

Raelynn and Alec are comfortable together.  When they decide to read a book of sexual positions together, their relationship transcends a new level.  The couple wasn’t shy, especially when it came to Page 93. Raelynn was a curious mix because on one hand, she seemed reserved but on the other hand, that woman had some brass balls.  I was shocked by her honesty more than once.  Alec had no idea what he was in for when he moved next door to Raelynn.  He was such a good sport about the neighbors.  After learning how his wife died, my heart went out to him.   

In such a short time, they truly got to know each other.  Maggie Montgomery reminded me of the pros and cons of living in a small town.  Her description of the neighbors brought me fond memories and I actually visualized some of the scenes.  My favorite scene happened when Alec and Raelynn walked to the store and had a tense moment with a neighbor, Mary Jo.  Page 93 has an adorable down home feeling that readers are sure to like.  If you love Southern charm, you will appreciate this short romance.

Collin’s Awakening

Title: Collin’s Awakening

Authors: Lynn Hagen and Stormy Glenn

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand

Publisher URL: www.sirenbookstrand.com

ISBN: 1-61034-988-1

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Shape-shifter Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx 

When Collin was hit by a car and died in his partner’s arms, Riojos sunk into a deep depression. For days, he stayed in a drunken stupor and was on the verge of killing himself with his own service revolver when Collin came home from the morgue. 

Waking up on a cold slab, with a toe tag in place, freaks Collin out and he bolts from the morgue in only a sheet, finding refuge in a local shelter. He doesn’t understand what happened but knows he has to get home. Collin and Riojos are thrust into a dangerous new world, while trying to make sense of the changes in Collin’s life and staying ahead of the men hunting them. Men who will stop at nothing to capture a phoenix. 

Collin’s Awakening is the first release in the new series by Lynn Hagen and Stormy Glenn, Phoenix Rising. When I read the blurb and realized Collin was a phoenix, I was intrigued. It’s a rare shifter in a paranormal story and I was anxious to see what these two talented authors would do with this special race and I wasn’t disappointed. They’ve created an enjoyable and entertaining story with two unique and interesting characters in Collin and Riojos. 

The opening with Collin waking up in the morgue wasn’t expected and his horror was nicely expressed. The same goes for Riojos and his drunken reaction to losing his lover. Physically, the men are typical of other shifters they write…smaller/ weaker versus larger/stronger but both have big personalities that they’ve convincingly brought to life with vivid personal details. But the story has more. It’s filled with passion, desire, love, fear and uncertainty as they try to stay alive.

There are numerous secondary characters scattered throughout the story and I admit I loved the inclusion of Collin’s parents and Riojos’s brother. These three really grounded the story in family…and then there’s fellow cop Tony, who we’ll see more of in the next release, Kyle's Return. And let’s not forget the bad guys out to capture Collin. They’re just part of the plot threads left dangling at the end of the story. I assume more details regarding them and the mystery surrounding the phoenix will be revealed later.

He Needs to Feed

Title: He Needs to Feed

Author: Saloni Quinby

Publisher: Changeling Press

Publisher URL: www.changelingpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-60521-736-9

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

Caleb sat on the front steps of his townhouse; he is waiting for the guy next door to get home. Before long, Devin Hill arrives, giving Caleb an opportunity to invite Devin over for dinner and to hopefully explore their mutual attraction.  

He Needs to Feed has a fascinating plot, dealing with demons. The setting is Boston. The characters are creditable. The interaction between the main and secondary characters is especially amusing, the intimacy scenes are sensual.  Caleb owns a store where he sells his custom made furniture. Caleb is an honorable man who likes to lead a well ordered life. There is no cruelty in Caleb, just a laid back considerate man.  

Devin owns Devin Hill Dance Studio and he exhibits discipline in his dancing, as well as his personal life. Devin’s relationship with Caleb encouraged him to relax his tight control enough to start enjoying the simple things in life. Their budding relationship is going well until the night Caleb rescues a woman from a serial rapist, that’s when the sex demon jumps from the dying rapist’s body into Caleb. Unable to control his sexual urges, Caleb ends the relationship with Devin. With the help of friends and family, Caleb’s true personality is restored.  

Saloni Quinby has created an impressive along with an enjoyable happily-ever-after saga ending with the possibility for a sequel.