The Countess Takes A Lover

Book Title: The Countess Takes A Lover
Author: Bonnie Dee
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-937-9
Genre: Historical Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


Countess Meredith du Chevalier is a widow who does as she pleases by taking on lovers, handling her finances and running her household. When she decides to take Christopher as a novice in lovemaking, she finds out more about herself than she even knew was hidden underneath the façade she portrayed to others.

Christopher Whitby is fascinated with plant life and wants to be a Botanist at heart but his father has other plans for him to become the heir that finds a wife and takes over when his father either dies or becomes too old. Once he finds out why Meredith took an interest in him, the anger and hurt blossoms beyond anything Christopher could think of thus he begins the plot to get revenge against both her and his parents.

The Countess Takes a Lover, being a historical romance, is more than what I bargained for and the lovemaking scenes leave little to the imagination. Chris & Meredith find completion with each other and learn more things regarding gardening way past the normal. With the proper society in England’s ton, one has to be very careful of how you carried yourself throughout your life and do exactly everything expected of the family. What Bonnie Dee has written is a very beautiful love story regardless of hurt, anger and betrayal the outcome is satisfying for almost everyone involved.

Windwalker’s Mate

Book Title: Windwalker’s Mate
Author: Margaret L. Carter
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-241-5
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Horror
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Shannon is so confused about her powers that when she gets angry the powers come alive without her realizing it and hurt her stepfather in the process. Her love for Nathan had blossomed as a teenager and when he let her go, the influence of her mother causes her to suppress that love for a time. Because their son is at the center of things, the two lovers put aside the emotions that they have and join forces with the police to find Nathan’s father.

Nathan has become apart of the Windwalker’s spirit at the first ritual that involved sex with Shannon and he still has the mark on him. When he finds out that his father intends to use their son Daniel to open the Gate to Other Worlds, he does all he can to protect both of them. Because of her love for him, that is what will keep him from following the Windwalker into a world unknown.

I found this story to be a great mystery in the occult and know that it is not the normal for everyday life. From the title Windwalker’s Mate it leads you in a different direction but I enjoyed reading every word that kept you on the edge each step of the way. With Shannon’s fear of what happened that night at the ritual and Nathan’s mark from the Windwalker after they completed the sexual act on him after all those years had me wondering why it took so long for them to get back together.

Margaret L. Carter has done a very creative job with this book. I want to say that if you need something different then this is the story for you with every element included. After the betrayal of Nathan’s father to everyone involved, what more can he do to the couple? The way this story ends kind of leaves you wondering it there is more of a tale to be told.

Night Moves

Book Title: Night Moves
Author: Matt Brooks, Erastes, Kiernan Kelly, Kira Stone

Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60168-083-9

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Theron's Boys by Kiernan Kelly - 5 Nymphs
Christian Wolfe is a bartender and dancer at Blood Alley, an elite club owned by Theron Shade. He only admits he might have declined Theron’s proposal of being Turned if he had known what the ramifications associated with becoming a vampire had encompassed. But then again he does gain two important possessions by agreeing: the gift of immortality and his first bite from true love. Life, as he knows it, is threatened and Christian decides it’s time to end his meager existence as one of Theron’s boys and start enjoying life as a man in love.

Inferno by Matt Brooks - 5 Nymphs
Blaise has decided to go to Inferno for a night of dancing and sweat-slick enjoyment. What he gains is a companion named Robert. Robert knows the road that Blaise has only half traveled and offers to help him complete his journey with an extra bonus he didn’t expect.

Chiaroscuro by Erastes - 5 Nymphs
Michel de Posco is an artist struggling to pay off his family’s debt to his Patron. The weasel of a man has stolen a great deal from Michel’s family but he is in no position to show his contempt. Michel is commissioned to paint the portrait of a man whose essences he will never capture on his canvas. His beauty is beyond compare. But what Michel doesn’t anticipate is the true gifts that will be bestowed upon him by the one who has captured his attention and his heart.

Immortal Steps by Kira Stone - 5 Nymphs
There is a hidden society of vampires among us who use Hunters to help those with vampiric DNA complete their change before it is too late. The DNA is a silent killer if you do not change and Tain O’Halloran has no idea of the danger that lurks in his body. Kyle Lohan has watched the brilliant dancer and has waited years for the privilege of assisting with his change and then claiming his heart and body as his own. After all, Kyle is Tain’s most dedicated fan.

The authors of Night Moves have brought us four fantastic stories about vampires. While each story presents characters with an allure that keeps readers begging for more; the similarities will end there. I was enthralled with the novel as a whole. The Vampires all had the ability to gain their mates with a healthy dose of kindness laced with a sex appeal too intense to be denied. And in the blink of an eye they were ready to protect those they loved with a fierce determination that enemies could never stand against. There is no weak link in this anthology. Readers of the genre will find the stories intriguingly sensual, laced with romance, and lessons of self discover.

So Much More Than Naked

Book Title: So Much More Than Naked
Author: D.J. Manly
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-041-7
Genre: Contemporary, GBLT (M/M), BDSM
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Ruby Minx

It had to be a mistake. That’s the first thing Darcy thought when he arrived at the address given to him by his brother Martin of his supposed blind date. Instead of meeting a woman who might be a suitable date to take to Martin’s wedding, he is greeted by Ryan, a Dom who had placed an ad for a submissive.

Ryan doesn’t think it’s a mistake that Darcy ended up at his house. He is immediately attracted to Darcy, who has been denying for years that he is gay. Darcy, while he also feels an attraction to Ryan, does everything he can to suppress it, but on the night of Martin’s wedding he crosses the line and can no longer deny it. Ryan makes him feel cared for, which is something he has never experienced as he has always been the responsible one, the one in control, looking after his mother and younger brother.

When tragedy strikes, Darcy does not know where to turn and he is falling apart. Ryan, who is a sex therapist, challenges him to submit and give over control. Darcy is at first hesitant but he wants to prove to Ryan that he is not what and who he thinks he is so he agrees. It is the most incredible sexual experience for Darcy who up until this point was a virgin at 26. He realizes then that it’s game over.

So Much More Than Naked is much more than just another book about letting go of control or denying one’s sexual orientation because of concerns and fears about others’ perceptions. It’s about release and giving someone else power over your life, realizing that you don’t always have to be strong. It’s also about accepting help when the burden is too great to bear alone, admitting that you need someone else and not being afraid to let that person know you love him. Darcy had to learn a valuable lesson that loving and being loved is the most important thing in life and that he could put his total trust in Ryan, knowing he will keep him safe. I would highly recommend this wonderful book as, once again, D.J. Manly hits one out the park.

The Dioni Chronicles III: Sebastian’s Surrender

Book Title: The Dioni Chronicles III: Sebastian’s Surrender
Author: Dana Littlejohn
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.redrosepublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60435-140-8
Genre: Erotic romance/paranormal/MC/IR
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


The next vampire in line who is to be granted a wife is Sebastian Santos. However, Sebastian is less than jazzed because he really does not care for humans. Their only purpose to him is for feeding. A wife would destroy his solitude but he had to carry out his duty to the clan. Finding his mate sleeping on his porch one evening came as a complete shock.

Amber was frightened of all the things Sebastian made her feel and she was wondering if he might be crazy. Sebastian had just asked her to be his wife and revealed himself as being a vampire the first time she met him. And to make matters weirder, she felt drawn to him.

Sebastian’s Surrender gave me another taste of Dana Littlejohn’s wonderful writing style. Sebastian made a quick change the second he became aware of Amber and that made him seem softer. I enjoyed the fact that Amber was hesitant about getting involved with Sebastian, but I wish her turmoil had dragged on a bit longer. If you enjoyed the first two books of the series, then this one is a must read.

Quest into the Forbidden

Book Title: Quest into the Forbidden
Author: Vanessa N. Gilfoy
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-400-3
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


Holt, now the king of Gildon, is out to undo the damage his father, the former king, has done. To accomplish that, Holt has to go into the Elven lands to see King Andraste who wants nothing to do with him. Along the way, Holt finds a fortune teller who gives him the future he does not want. When he gets closer to the kingdom Holt finds a beautiful Elven woman swimming at a waterfall and falls in love with her.

Ceres, an Elven princess and next in line, is caught between her father and Holt with very mixed emotions. She has chosen Holt as her fated mate and regrets her decision afterwards.

As Holt and Warren get about an hour away from the front gates of the city, Ceres comes charging down the mountain with an elven army behind her. Holt sends Warren on to get help from his army in the city and stays with Ceres to defend her from the elven army. When Holt realizes he is killing Ceres’ people, he loses the will to fight anymore and goes back to her to protect her from harm.

Vanessa Gilfoy has done a beautiful job of taking you into the Elven and human realm. Quest into the Forbidden has shown me that love can truly become a factor in deciding choices in life. Holt and Ceres find a love that is life-long, even if death takes one of them. When Ceres finds out why she is not allowed to fate a human, she is torn as to what to really do about her love for Holt or stay to rule in her father’s place.


Reader Advisory: This book contains graphic violence.

The Sight of Home

Book Title: The Sight of Home
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Books
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-297-3
Genre: Gay Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Blind since a plane crash when he was five, Stone Watson is used to getting around on his own. It’s not until his historical novel becomes a hit, that this quiet and unassuming history professor is forced out of his comfort zone and onto a thirty-six week, sixty city book tour he isn’t equipped to do alone. Even with his Seeing Eye dog, Leeah, he still needs the two eyes of a human to help him so decides to hire an assistant to be eyes and ears while he’s on the road.

Mason Vergis is the perfect candidate to help protect and care for Professor Watson. He’s big, strong, muscular, very capable and served ten years in the military. He’s also spent several of the intervening years as a bodyguard, so he’s well able to take care of any problems that might arise while on the book tour as well as help him function with the day to day routine. He wants this job, wants to do something else beside baby-sit a spoiled, rich client. He also wants and needs physical and emotional companionship. He just never expected to it in the form of a sexy, blind history professor.

These two guys are great together, both emotionally and physically. While their sexual intimacy might have been a little quick under normal circumstances, in the context of the short nature of this story, it was well written and perfectly done, never seeming rushed but with a near perfect flow. Everything about the growing relationship between these two works. Mason is a big guy, used to protecting those around him and Stone only makes him more of what he already is…a caring, tender and thoughtful man who looks out for those he cares for. The surprising thing for him is how much he does care and it scares him more than a little. Stone, on the other hand, is more than willing to develop a relationship with the big man whose sexy smell and gravely voice drives him to distraction. He’s used to being alone and independent, but also knows when to ask for help. It doesn’t make him less of a man, only a smarter and safer one, and if Mason wants to cuddle while he takes care of him, that’s all the better.

I loved how Mr. Michaels wrote Stone’s character. Too often in modern literature, ‘people’ with any kind of disability are relegated to the background, to unimportant secondary characters that always support and never lead the plot. In this well written short, that isn’t the case, and in that I applaud the author for using a non-perfect man has his primary character. In this well written story, he shows how alike we are no matter what our physical limitations; wanting love, happiness and someone to call our own. While I thoroughly enjoyed the story as written, I would have loved to read more about these two intriguing men. Keep up the good work and I eagerly await the next release by this talented author.

Tears of Anubis

Book Title: Tears of Anubis
Author: Michele Bardsley
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-451-5
Genre: Werewolf
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Elle Reddington’s past is one filled with devastation from the deaths of her husband and her parents. She is constantly plagued by erotic dreams of a wolf-man who claims that she is his mate.

Xavier Sky is an Alpha Anubinake, a group of shape shifters whose existence is being threatened. He has waited a long time to claim Elle as his mate and finds it more difficult to repress his desires. Time is running out for his people, so he must claim her now.

Tears of Anubis is a touching tale of two people without family coming together to make a perfect union. Watching Xavier trying to give Elle time to accept her true nature and him as her mate was emotional and exciting. I felt each character’s needs and loved seeing Elle’s past unravel. Michele Bardsley knows how to build up to a fantastic ending that readers will enjoy.

Under My Skin

Book Title: Under My Skin
Author: M. L. Rhodes
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-244-6
Genre: Gay Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Sebastian Keller, owner of Great Escapes Travel Book Shop, is having issues with the loud music coming from Rad Tattoos, a new shop next door. When Sebastian goes over to confront the owner, Dylan Radamacher, about the noise, Dylan flirts with Sebastian. Sebastian is attracted to bad boy Dylan but given his history of bad choices in boyfriends, Sebastian runs back to his shop determined to avoid Dylan. Sebastian’s resolve is forgotten when Dylan stops by after closing and invites him to dinner. Dylan shows Sebastian that he is not the bad boy that Sebastian perceived, but a kind and loving man hoping for more than a one night stand.

Under My Skin is a compassionate love story that deals with overcoming real fears. Sebastian has a history of falling for the wrong guys; his last boyfriend Beck, had maxed out his credit cards, emptied his bank account, cleaned out his apartment and left a note saying since I’ve drained you dry, it’s time to move on to the next sucker. Dylan has never had a long term relationship before, but he wanted a chance to show Sebastian that he is the right decision. M. L. Rhodes exemplifies characters so alive; the emotions exhibited melt your heart, and the very sensuous love scene causes a rise in the temperature. Under My Skin is a well written, fantastic and exciting story that has me breathless for more.

Tempting Adam

Book Title: Tempting Adam
Author: Shelli Stevens
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-912-3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Christy Wallace may be a respected Spanish teacher in the Seattle school system but she also likes things a little spicy. That’s why she’s taken up teaching the salsa dancing she loves so much during the summer school break. It allows the petite beauty to be the wild and racy woman she normally holds in check. When she meets tall and attractive Adam in her friend’s coffee shop she’s smitten, and when he suggests dinner, readily agrees. How was she to know that the man of her dreams would turn out to be the older brother of her gay best friend; the friend who she’s agreed to pose as his girlfriend.

Adam is a wealthy successful apple farmer and he and his parents have come to Seattle to visit his younger brother, Nate. When he goes to a local coffee shop, he never imagines he’ll meet a beautiful and attractive woman who will change his life. He also doesn’t expect that after a night filled with blistering hot passion that he’ll walk into a restaurant and have his ideal woman introduced as his brother’s girlfriend. His continued attraction is a problem for him but he can’t keep away or keep his hands off her. The question is whether he can live with himself if he takes her for himself.

Tempting Adam is the second book in Ms. Stevens new and ongoing Seattle Steam contemporary romance series. While this one has a few references to previous characters, this book can truly be read as a stand-alone story.

Once again Ms. Stevens has crafted a vividly described world with interesting and likable characters. I loved that the lifestyles of Adam and Christy were so dissimilar, apple farmer versus teacher/salsa dancing instructor. These two had an instant attraction which almost jumped off the page and once they became intimate, it turned blistering hot and intense. Adam’s brother, Nate, on the other hand needed to be slapped upside the head for suggesting his stupid deception in the first place. This is the part that I had trouble with, it just seemed to be expected and I wasn’t surprised when it occurred, which I found disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is good, the characters well rounded, the relationships well done, and the scenes nicely plotted, all within a good page turning pace.

The final scenes where Adam finally learns his brother is gay were very well done and I loved the surprise both brothers received when their parents admitted they’d known for years that Nate liked men. It was also eye-opening that Adam didn’t have a clue, suggesting their relationship needed a little work. The parents were the nice middle class one that everyone dreams of, and the locale of Adam’s home town typical small town America…all of which was enjoyable to read about. I have to admit that I loved the scenes in the bar with the mechanical bull, which I didn’t expect and enjoyed immensely. I eagerly await the next book in this interesting series.

Masquerade of the Cursed King

Book Title: Masquerade of the Cursed King
Author: Vanessa N. Gilfoy
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-276-4
Genre: Fantasy
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


Eleanor Borona was not happy with her life and was continually trying to run away from it but her parents caught her every time. From childhood, she has loved Erick and would do anything to be near him even though he knew nothing of her feelings for him. Being a hybrid did not help matters along after Eleanor grew up and Erick had changed so much it was hard for her to stay around him.

Frederick (Erick) was king of Biston, not by his own choosing but with the help of the Western elves, he was able to overpower the Gildon army. When Erick was told his future by an old wizard woman he did not listen closely, understand or believe what she was foretelling at all. Because of his hatred for his mother, who is a hybrid and abused him in his younger years, Eleanor does not have a chance with him. Now if he could only stop smelling Eleanor’s pheromones that make him want to throw her to the floor and have his way with her completely.

Masquerade of the Cursed King was a little long and did not get to the masquerade until further in the book. With two headstrong and proud people who are fated for each other and are constantly provoking one another so much, it causes them to ignore their feelings even more. To be used so was not what Erick wanted and when he found out about all of the betrayals, it set him up for something worse.

Because he’d been protected so much Erick was unable to be himself and that caused him to make a lot of bad decisions with his kingdom. Upon finding out the truth that Eleanor was the one he really loved he still refused to believe it and would marry her off to anyone to remove her from being around him all the time. Everyone involved comes to an ending that hopefully works for all of them and that kind of left everything hanging for another novel perhaps?

Supernatural Bonds - Drui Claiming

Book Title: Supernatural Bonds - Drui Claiming
Author: Jory Strong
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419916977
Genre: Paranormal / Ménage a trois or More / Gay
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Xanthus is everything a dragon should be…possessive, domineering, intense and demanding. It’s his way or no way and his attraction to a certain beauty who is denying him is making him more than a little cranky. When she tries to cut off their budding relationship, he refuses to believe she’s serious. Then he learns she has another man in her life and he’s furious, at least initially. Then he starts to think that maybe he might have a chance to still be with her.

Marika is a Drui, a member of an ancient race who always has more than one permanent bed partner, so no matter how much she longs for Xanthaus, she can’t have him. Dragons never share and she already has a partner in her life, Tallis, a shapeshifting Sjen, who’s been with her for years and whom she will not give up. It’s not until she overhears a comment about Xanthus’s family and their desires that she begins to hope. She wants both men in her bed, but that isn’t going to happen unless she can get two totally Alpha males to give their threesome a chance.

Drui Claiming is the fourth book in Ms. Strong’s ongoing Supernatural Bonds series and it takes up where the last book left off. While it is meant to read as a stand alone, it would probably be better if it were read in the series order. As with others in this original series, Drui Claiming is well written and plotted with interesting characters. It also includes characters from the previous book as secondaries, giving the reader a continuing look at the lives of the people they became familiar with in the previous release Sophie’s Dragon.

The passion between Marika and Tallis is intense; each knowing what turns the other on during their dominant/submissive play, setting that person on fire. Then add in Xanthus to the mix, and you have nothing short of the all consuming heat of Dragon’s fire. Whether it’s Marika with the men or the men together, the sexual intimacy between these people is hot…hot…hot.

Darling Brat

Book Title: Darling Brat
Author: Kate Steele
Publisher: Loose id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-698-9
Genre: LGBT Erotic Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Mark Bartel returns home from a week long business trip to find his lover Joe Moning has a surprise he wants to show Mark. Feeling tired and wanting nothing more than to make love to Joe, Mark agrees to go along with Joe’s plans. The surprise is a ten acre plot of land that Joe owns; he wants Mark to design a house for them so they can move in together. Mark is an architect and Joe is a carpenter, they are both ready to move their relationship forward to the next level.

Darling Brat is a continued segment of Thaw in Winter. Kate Steele provides a character update of easy going Joe, serious Mark who pouts when things don’t go his way, and the infamous Derek who is still up to his old tricks. This is a creative and funny addition to a captivating saga that I thoroughly enjoy. I look forward to more of these delightful characters in the future.

Blind Faith

Book Title: Blind Faith

Author: Claire Thompson

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-4-645

Genre: Gay, Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Aidan Byrne lost his eye sight in a horrific car accident. Broken and disabled, Aidan had to learn to live in the dark. He can no longer work in his chosen profession but has discovered other talents he possesses. Aidan refuses to accept the pity of others and has chosen to live like a hermit. But the memories he has of Zane have kept him just close enough to the surface to not fall too deeply into the dark and to give up on life all together.

Zane Wilde, the last name should say it all. Zane has a gypsy’s soul. While his heart knew that he truly loved Aidan, his traveling eye and need for adventure kept their budding relationship at bay. Zane has returned home to Aidan. Seeing the man he loves in his current state of withdrawal from the world is emotionally unsettling and he refuses to allow it to continue. Zane’s touch caresses all the feelings that Aidan has tried to hide for years and has Aidan ready to reclaim his life, his happiness, and hopefully Zane’s heart.

When you meet someone, you step out on Blind Faith. You never know what that person is willing to do, or for that matter, if your happiness is a true consideration. Zane and Aidan are characters you can’t help but to love. Zane is wild and carefree, but his love for Aidan is too important to walk away from. Aidan seemed to live by that old saying “if you love someone set them free, if they return it was meant to be”. Both men needed the same things – security, commitment and love. The sad thing is that both could have lost out because Zane was selfishly leaving his lover and Aidan wasn’t selfish enough to voice his true desires. But the blindness, in my opinion, gave Aidan the strength to admit what he wanted and show Zane a new side in their bedroom. And their love making was just that… love making. Watching Zane and Aidan claim each other body and soul was invigorating. Blind Faith was engaging with lessons on love and commitment. Claire Thompson has brought us a fantastically written story that readers will find hard to put down.

Lycan Warriors - Carnal

Book Title: Lycan Warriors - Carnal
Author: Nathalie Gray
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419914683
Genre: Werewolf
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Cristoval Vanatos is the charismatic and dedicated leader of a group of Lycan rebels. In the eyes of the law, he and others of his kind are considered little more than freaks or mutants and they deserve nothing except death. Unfortunately at the death of his father, he was captured and now finds himself in the hands of group of scientists bent on discovering as much about his Lycan physiology as possible and they don’t care how much pain they cause him to do it. He gets his first glimpse of a female Lycan when he’s injected with an aphrodisiac and told to mate with her.

Dragana is a woman brought back from the dead…literally. She wakes to find herself suspended in a cell of fluid, with tubes and wires hanging from her body. Desperate to escape, she manages to injure and kill several of her captures. It’s not until they throw her into another cell with a male Lycan that she realizes she isn’t alone, that together they have hope for escape. She’s still the same woman, just different. She’s still a killing machine capable of dealing out death and vengeance, but she’s also changed and no longer the quick-to-react tough talking woman she was before. Coming back from the dead does change you, after all.

Carnal is the third in Ms. Gray’s ongoing Lycan Warriors futuristic werewolf series, and it picks up where the last book Primal left off. The action and adventure continues in this well written book but is more character driven with the intense emotions of Cristoval and Dragana as they struggle to survive their scientist torturers and their rising mutual desire and attraction. When these two come together, the only words suitable are blistering hot and primal.

The villains in this book are ones normally thought of as quiet and studious…scientists, but in this piece they are anything but. Here they are dispensers of pain, agony and death, more than a little reminiscent of Nazi scientists during WWII, determined to do whatever they thought needed in the name of scientific discovery. This is especially true of Killen, the main torturer, and he is definitely a man easy to hate and to wish for an ugly and painful end.

While the secondary characters from the previous Lycan books didn’t appear until the latter portion of the story, they still played an integral part in the climatic and action packed ending. It was great to see these ‘people’ again and to get reacquainted with their lives and loves.

Heart of the West - Lassoed

Book Title: Heart of the West - Lassoed
Author: Ann Jacobs
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419915697
Genre: BDSM
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Diana McTavish hasn’t been out of rehab for long and she’s having trouble trusting any man other than her two little brothers. Not even switching from a submissive to a dominant role while playing at the local BDSM dungeon is working for her either, not emotionally or physically. Her heart isn’t in giving pain to another person, no matter how much they want it, and seeing Matt, her old love, playing with subs at the club is tearing her apart. She still wants him, still needs him, but the thought of giving up her control to any Dom, even Matt, scares her to death.

When Matt moved back home after retiring from the NFL, he was determined to learn to be what Diana needed…a Dom. Having never been involved in that lifestyle he was surprised at how easily he fit, at least in the giving of pleasure, just not the public sex. He’s willing to do whatever is needed to prove to Diana that he can be trusted, and if that means giving up his control and letting her call the shots then he’s willing to try.

Lassoed is Ms. Jacobs’ third book in her Heart of the West series revolving around the lives and loves of the three McTavish children. This one is about Diana and how she tries to put her life back together after surviving years of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her Dom ex-husband. This is actually my favorite of the series and I was thrilled to watch as Diana learned to put her fear aside and trust again, in the form of the man she’s loved her entire life, Matt. These two old lovers were perfect together as teenagers and they are still the perfect other half of a whole. The way in which Matt submits, allowing Diana to maintain control and feel more comfortable with their intimacy show just how much he cares for her. This man is willing to do whatever is necessary for the woman he’s loved forever to feel safe…for her to trust him as she did when they were teenagers.

This is ultimately a feel-good story of one person’s success in exorcising her personal demons of distrust and fear and finding her way back to the one man she was always meant to be with. The sex between these old lovers is intense, passionate and caring. Just what Diana needed to let down her emotional barriers and trust again, and to give her hope for the future.

While this story carries the BDSM label it is by far the mildest of the three books in this series, and it’s all in the first few pages. So if sex play of this kind in any form makes you uncomfortable then choose this series carefully or avoid it all together. If, on the other hand, you enjoy well written books in this genre then give this book and series a try. You’ll be glad you did.

Desperate Alliance

Book Title: Desperate Alliance
Author: Robie Madison
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419914348
Genre: Futuristic
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Rating: Mystical Nymph

Hallie Clearwater is a human who has been cybernetically enhanced as a child to save her life and overcome several birth defects. Unfortunately, there is a portion of the human population known as pure human supremacists who feel individuals who have been enhanced are freaks and shouldn’t have the same rights as the pure. Still there are others, like her brother, who are willing to compromise. It’s during such a negotiation session that Hallie’s brother is killed. Now she’s on a mission, both literally and emotionally, to bring his murderers to justice and to do it she needs the help of Daniel Highcliff.

Daniel Highcliff has been imprisoned for most of the last year in one of the worst prisons imaginable for a crime he didn’t commit. Beaten, starved and abused, the only thing he has left when Hallie comes with his release authorization is his pride. Lucky for these two, Daniel doesn’t agree with the tenets of the PHF (Pure Human Faction), because when he sees her he wants her and to her amazement, negotiates to have her. Still he’d agree to almost anything to get out of prison and helping Hallie also gives him the chance he needs to clear his name.

The premise for this well written and plotted futuristic romance is both unique and original, which this reader truly appreciated. I also loved that in Desperate Alliance the female lead, Hallie, was by far the stronger of the two physically and that Daniel didn’t care. Not only didn’t he care she was stronger; he couldn’t have cared less that she was enhanced. This man truly only cared about who she was on the inside and nothing else mattered. These two are likeable as individuals, but make them a couple and you have an unbeatable hot, passionate and intense emotional and physical combination.

The scenes and memories revolving around Daniel’s time in prison were excellently done, giving the reader a true feel for how brutal and inhumane his treatment had been. This alone made you understand to what extremes Daniel was willing to go to get away from his sadistic jailers. I also enjoyed that the author doled out pieces of information and character history a little at a time, skillfully integrating them into the plot as it unfolded as these two struggled to not only survive, but to catch a killer and clear Daniel’s good name.

Desperate Alliance is the newest release by a talented author I was unfamiliar with before reading this book, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this futuristic romance. The characters are likeable to the extreme, the bigotry and prejudice is easily believable and the reaction of the PHF expected by people afraid of change and having their place in life usurped. This is one book that would make a great continuing series.

Weary Memory

Book Title: Weary Memory
Author: Elizabeth Jewell
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-356-7
Genre: Gay (M/M)/Paranormal/ History Rewritten
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Weary Memory is the first book in the Memories series.

Alex has been working for a vampire for the last six months and has found the work pretty interesting. With his linguistic background, translating prophetic documents and books is a large part of his job which helps contribute to their main priority, which is protecting the “normal” folk. After letting himself into Liam’s with research notes he needs looked over for validity, Alex comes across an old sketchbook of Liam’s. Unable to resist he opens the sketchbook to find naked pornographic drawings of first one then a second woman and finally a man. Seeing Liam’s drawings of the man unnerves him and brings back a memory he’s locked away for more than twenty years.

Liam is a two hundred seventy seven year old vampire, who doesn’t look a day over 35. One hundred years ago Liam himself was a vicious killer but now he hunts them.

After Liam discovers Alex looking through his sketchbook, Alex surprisingly wants to open up to Liam and tell him the secret he’s never told another person. He’s not sure why it’s all coming out now, he thought he had locked it away where it would never touch him again, but he was wrong. As Liam speaks to him calmly and compassionately, Alex can’t think straight and is going through several different emotions all at the same time. Listening to Liam tell him about how he was tortured by Monique, the woman who turned him and the difference between violence and sex, he’s taken aback when Liam offers to help him. Alex finds himself strangely drawn to Liam, he finds the vampire alluring and dangerous while at the same time safe and steady. Will Alex take Liam up on his offer of help and will he ever be able to deal with the haunting memories?

Weary Memory is a terrific and touching story of one man’s beginning steps in healing and learning to live with the horrific memories of abuse at the hands of his father and of the second man, who happens to be a vampire who wants to help him. Elizabeth Jewell has created two wonderful and extremely likable characters that seem to perfectly balance each other. The honesty and openness between these two men will quickly and easily have you caring about both of them. By the time I reached the end of this book, the author left me only wanting more! Fans of the m/m genre do not miss this book!

This is a story of healing for two adults, one of whom has been the victim of childhood sexual abuse. The material may be difficult for some readers.

Persistent Memory

Book Title: Persistent Memory
Author: Elizabeth Jewell
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher’s URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-764-0
Genre: Gay (M/M)/Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Persistent Memory is the second book in the Memories series.

The second book picks up three weeks after the end of Weary Memory. Alex has realized making love with Liam has not only helped in starting to replace the bad memories but he now needs it and wants it. While researching an unknown artifact, Alex is unable to stop himself from seducing Liam at the office. He tells the vampire he trusts him so he doesn’t need to be so gentle with him this time. But even after admitting to himself that being in Liam’s arms makes him feel safe and secure, he still finds himself hesitating and tensing up before he’s able to relax his body.

That night Liam dreams of darker times when he preferred the taste of innocent blood and is startled out of his slumber when Alex suddenly pulls away from him. It’s then he realizes he’s unknowingly scraped his teeth on Alex’s neck and is humbled when Alex says he still trusts him. Liam though is concerned; he hasn’t slipped like that in a hundred years and wonders what caused it to happen now. The following morning the mysterious artifact, a wooden cross somehow looks different to Alex and he feels a sharp stabbing pain near his temple when he picks it up. Will this be the end for the lovers?

Persistent Memory is a fantastic continuation of Alex and Liam’s story. In this installment both men begin to realize and admit to themselves there‘s more going on between them than just a friend helping a friend to heal. Elizabeth Jewell has again written very well about a tough and sensitive subject with an ending so moving and emotional I had to blink several times to clear the tears. As with Weary Memory no fan of the m/m genre should miss this book!

Making Memories

Book Title: Making Memories
Author: Elizabeth Jewell
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher’s URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-863-0
Genre: Gay (M/M)/Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Making Memories is the third book in the Memories series.

After agreeing there’s more to their relationship, Alex and Liam are going out on their first date. While at the ballet, Liam sees another vampire he recognizes from his past and who still feeds on humans. Antoine is also a necromancer, one who practices dark magic and once had Liam as a student. When they catch up with him, he’s already fed on the Congressman’s daughter he was out with and switches Liam’s mind into Alex’s body and vice versa.

When Alex comes to, all he can feel is the ravenous uncontrollable hunger for blood. Liam finds himself human again and able to stand out in the sunshine without the fear of burning up in flames. The sex they have while being in each other’s bodies seems even more sensational than normal, but Alex finds he’s almost upset that Liam is able to surrender his own body without the usual hesitation Alex has. Liam believes he’s discovered how to kill Antoine but it’s at the risk of Alex losing his life. When Alex’s mind replays all of Liam’s memories, will he be able to let the man he loves more than anyone else touch him ever again?

Making Memories is another outstanding and emotional installment in this series. Just as you think these two men are beginning a relationship, life throws them a huge curve and jeopardizes their love, their souls and their lives. Once again Elizabeth Jewell has written such a powerful story I was moved to tears. As with the first two books in this series, no fan of the m/m genre should miss Making Memories.

Passing Memories

Book Title: Passing Memories
Author: Elizabeth Jewell
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher’s URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-862-3
Genre: Gay (M/M)/Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Passing Memories is the fourth book in the Memories series.

Passing Memories takes place a few weeks after the end of Making Memories. Alex realizes he’s no longer the same man he once was. After experiencing Liam’s memories, he admits to himself his sexual needs and desires have changed. Before he can discuss it with his lover, Alex receives a phone call that his father has had a stroke and the doctor wants him there to make decisions. After talking it over with Liam, Alex decides he’ll go to the hospital and Liam will accompany him. When he calls to book the flight though, he only makes a reservation for one.

Shortly after Alex leaves, Liam receives an unwanted visitor. Monique is the vampire who turned him and also taught him the joys of pain along with his sexual desire. Liam never expected to see Monique again as he’d killed her decades ago or at least he thought he had. After talking with Carly, the office assistant, Liam decides to leave right away to be with the man he loves.

Alex is happily surprised when Liam shows up at his hotel room, but goes to the hospital for his mid-morning appointment to speak with his father’s doctor, alone. He then has to make some difficult decisions concerning his father and if that isn’t enough he’s confronted by Monique while out later that day. Feeling rather proud of himself for not losing his cool with her, Alex returns to the hotel and to Liam. What will Alex choose to do about his father? What does Monique want? Will these two lovers ever have any peace?

Passing Memories is a fantastic and fitting ending to an outstanding series. The depth of emotion and understanding that’s grown between these two men is strong enough to withstand anything life may throw at them. Once Alex tells Liam about his father’s abuse and after sharing Liam’s memories, their connection has become unbreakable. Elizabeth Jewell has written an exceptional love story for two extraordinary characters and I haven’t even mentioned the hot, sensual sex! Throughout the series, at no time did I ever feel disappointed. I can not say enough about this book and the entire series; they are all must reads which you’ll want to keep close by to re-read again and again.

Standish

Book Title: Standish

Author: Erastes

Publisher: PD Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.pdpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-933720-09-8

Genre: Gay Fiction / Historical Drama / Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


In the 1820’s, homosexuality is an offense that is punishable by death.

Rafe Goshawk is a wealthy man, who has inherited some of his wealth by his grandfather’s trickery. He has returned from the Continent to claim one such estate as his own – Standish. And while he was contemplating having a place to raise his son, he had no idea of the prize that was waiting for him to claim. A prize he would not be denied: Ambrose Standish.

Ambrose Standish is fragile of health but strong of mind. He knows that his father has left him with no skill to help his family, but he did leave him with the dream of regaining the great house lost in a card game by his late grandfather. With news of Goshawk’s impending arrival at Standish to claim the ill-gained prize, Ambrose is left with lost hope and a strong dislike of Rafe.

Will Rafe claim Ambrose through deception or can he win the young man over with pure untainted love?

Love is never simple and sometimes tolls out more pain than expected. But when it’s real, you find that the pain will help you grow, and make the love felt that much more precious. That is clearly evident in Standish. When we meet Ambrose, he is young, shy, and unworldly. While his mind is sharp from books, he is unaware of the love and passion that another can invoke. Rafe has known love only once in his life and that was smote from him at an early age. Years have taught him to be ruthless and cunning. He sees Ambrose as a challenge that he fully plans to concur, but soon he discovers him as a man his heart intends to love. Watching Rafe and Ambrose endure so much hatred, hurt, and harm left me tearful at best, feeling their wounds as my own at worse. And while I knew Rafe loved Ambrose, I was completely ready to thrash him myself for not divulging truths in the first place. Truths that, in my opinion, may not have saved him from some of his pain, but could have afforded him not to endure others. Standish is a story of passion, intrigue and growth. It’s a story of healing, forgiveness and sacrifice. And finally it is a story about love and acceptance. Erastes thrust us back into post-Napoleonic Europe in Standish, with vivid scenic descriptions and lively period language. He has created a story that readers will enjoy not just because of his style of writing, which is fabulous all onto itself, but because of the lessons learned by two incredible written characters. This is a story to be read and embraced.

A Hidden Beauty

Book Title: A Hidden Beauty
Author: Jaime Craig
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-009-6
Genre: Gay-Lesbian Romance, Historical
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Ruby Minx

Micah Yardley, a student of letters at Harvard, has only ever wanted one thing – to meet Jefferson Dering. Jefferson is a poet and his idol and after hearing a speech he gave at Harvard, Micah travels by coach from Boston to Jefferson’s home in Wroxham a few hours away, in hopes of discussing poetry. Micah wishes that one day he could be a published poet like Jefferson, but his family does not feel that a scholarly career is a worthy pursuit. Luckily, he is the fourth son so there is not a lot of pressure on him to fit into the family mold.

Jefferson exceeds all of Micah’s expectations. He is warm and welcoming and invites Micah into his home for poetry readings over dinner and drinks. Micah falls more and more under Jefferson’s spell every time they meet until the natural outlet of sex can no longer be restrained. Micah, who is a virgin, realizes that he loves more than Jefferson’s poetry – he is falling in love with the man as well, but when Jefferson kisses him he does not follow through with his sexual urges. Instead he returns to Boston immediately, upset at his feelings for another man.

After he returns home, Micah carries on a long distance correspondence relationship with Jefferson. The letters, which take up almost one quarter of the book, reveal their feelings and everything else they cannot say in person. But Jefferson has secrets. Ten years earlier he had been caught in a compromising situation with another young man and this caused him to exile himself to Wroxham where he lives in obscurity. Jefferson does not wish to have a similar situation develop with Micah but he can’t give him up, although he seems to have difficulty moving on after what happened all those years ago.

The background for this book seems to be the nineteenth century but there are no real details of when the story actually takes place except for the mode of transportation, the language, clothing and supporting characters. The pace is very slow; almost like a serene and peaceful stream and the setting is romantic and sensual.

There are paranormal influences in the story that affect Jefferson and his family but I found this to be quite distracting, especially at the end of the book.

A Hidden Beauty is beautifully written and the story is finely crafted. The language is “olde worlde” and is appropriate for the period in which the story appears to take place. I thought the pace of the love affair between the two characters was quite fitting given the era, but it seemed to me that Micah’s character was very juvenile and ordinary and maybe this was intentional on the part of the author. However, Jamie Craig does a good job on Jefferson in his role of seducer and experienced older lover.

I found this book to be a surprisingly good read and would recommend it to anyone who loves the genre.

Into the Mist

Book Title: Into the Mist
Author: Maya Banks
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/index.php
ISBN: 1-59998-069-X
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Covert Hostage Recovery specialist Eli Chance is sitting at the bar in a Singapore nightclub when Falcon Mercenary Tyana Berezovsky walks up to him and asks Eli if he wanted to dance. With one look at her, Eli decides he wants a lot more than a dance. Tyana is on a fact-finding mission, gathering information she hopes will help save her brother Damiano, who has become an out of control shifter after being exposed along with Eli’s team to a powerful chemical that changes the DNA. Tyana’s mission is sidelined for a moment when Eli takes her to his place and makes love to her. Not getting the answers she seeks, Tyana is determined to try again. However her agenda has changed. She still wants answers, but now she also wants to spend another night with Eli.

Into the Mist is impressive story of intricate uncover missions. Eli and his team worked as unclassified employees for the U.S. and he is a born elemental shifter; he can change into smoke or mist at will. Tyana is the only female member of the Falcon Mercenary team who operates mostly in Europe; she speaks several languages and is deadly with weapons. Maya Banks has created a very intriguing plot with a remarkable cast of characters and sensual love scenes. The personal revelations of the characters have a realism that touches the emotions. I look forward to the next episode of Into the Mist.

Uniforms

Book Title: Uniforms

Author: AKM Miles

Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-227-0

Genre: Gay erotic romance, contemporary
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Jackson knows he is a fortunate man. His childhood was less than spectacular, but with the help and love of his mentor, he removed his gang uniform and replaced it with one of honor: Jackson is a policeman. Now he has a house but without a man to love, it’s pretty hard to make it a home.

Sam shows up on Jackson’s doorstep beaten and begging for assistance. Sam wants to leave the gang, but knows without Jackson’s assistance the only way out is certain death. Can Jackson help Sam gain the normal life he is seeking?

People wear different hats aka uniforms all through their lives. In Uniforms we watch Jackson and Sam remove the damaged inadequate uniforms and replace them with those of the healthy adequate variety. They transition from being gang members to being productive citizens, secretly gay to openly loving, and most importantly, from having no real family to creating their own. They were both willing to do what was necessary to make the other feel loved and protected. Jackson recognized himself in Sam and couldn’t do anything else but try and give Sam the same chance he was given. AKM Miles was able to help me feel their love, their glow, and their hope for a less lonely future. The story is heartwarming and quite touching in certain parts. There is a balance of chemistry, plot, and real life drama that makes it hard to not love these two wonderful characters. I found Uniforms to be a wonderful story and would recommend it to others who enjoy the genre.

Seven Sinners

Book Title: Seven Sinners
Author: Red Garnier

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-555-0

Genre: Contemporary / Paranormal / Vampire
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Phillip Gaston Maxwell has been a vampire for close to a century and sex has lost some of its appeal. But Anna, his best friend who was turned by the same sire, is the one who keeps the act from becoming too mundane. Phillip is hosting a bachelor’s party for Daniel, a member of his House, and decides that this is the perfect opportunity to seduce the handsome Incubus. The party soon turns out to be more than even Phillip could imagine, as all present become aware of Phillip’s feelings for Anna.

When Seven Sinners get together you will find lust, sex and sin. And if you are fortunate you may even find love. Phillip found all four that night. He was hiding from his feelings for Anna for so long that even he couldn’t see the forest for the trees. But the men of his House recognized his and Anna’s longing looks for what they were. The story was left a bit up in the air, which leads me to believe that there is hopefully a sequel in the works. I can only hope that Phillip will take the bull by the horns and pursue the woman he loves. Red Garnier delivers a story filled to the brim with erotic encounters, designed to entice and charge your libido.

Ring My Bell

Book Title: Ring My Bell

Author: BA Tortuga

Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-227-0

Genre: Gay erotic romance, contemporary
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

A drunken bar brawl has Collin working community service during the Christmas season. Ringing a bell on cold winter days is enough to dampen Collin’s holiday spirit. He’s a walking Scrooge in boots. Hungry, tired and feet aching from hours of standing has only increased his grouchy disposition. Finding a crater in the road while he is headed home doesn’t improve his mood one iota. When he spies a naked man battered, bruised and covered in feathers, Collin realizes things could be far worse for him: he could be that poor naked sap.

Gaz and his boss had a bit of a falling out. His punishment was to be thrown to Earth with his wings ripped off. Too bad his boss wasn’t nice enough to drop him near his home in Napa Valley instead of in North Texas. But the time spent with Collin helps Gaz to realize he was actually given a wonderful present with the pain of his punishment – Gaz was given someone to love.

Ring My Bell proves that angels aren’t always perfect, and that the big guy has a wicked sense of humor. Gaz doesn’t agree with the rules he has to follow and has argued one too many times. But when he meets Collin, he recognizes that even in his time of punishment he was given a reward. Collin is in an especially frosty mood and not up to being a Good Samaritan, but Gaz pulls it out of him easily. He was uncomfortable with how he felt about the man, but soon found that they both had a healing balm to sooth the others aches and pains. Gaz and Collin were both great characters. They were believable and had an easy way of communicating. Collin and Gaz learned to accept what the other offered and never looked back. The story was amusing and entertaining. BA Tortuga delivers a wonderful holiday story in Ring My Bell that is sure to be a hit.

Wolf

Book Title: Wolf

Authors: Dakota Cassidy, Marteeka Karland, Kira Stone and Sierra Dafoe

Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-813-5

Genre: Gay-Lesbian Romance/Shapeshifter
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Werelock by Dakota Cassidy 4 Nymphs

Addison Ross never knew picking pumpkins could wreak havoc on her solitude existence. But thanks to her sister and persistent niece and nephew, Addy has become the proud owner of a pumpkin, a talisman, and a werelock named Caleb Marsden. While Caleb’s mind tells him to keep Abby safe, his heart tells him to claim her as his own.

Wild Ones by Kira Stone 5 Nymphs

Luc is the alpha of a small pack of werewolves with the ability to control the elements. Their talent is rare and demands they find their fourth to obtain the pack’s balance. It will take all four to stick a cord of harmony. Billy still can’t believe he gets furry once a month. He isn’t sure why he was bitten or what draws him to a territory in the Canadian wilderness that he has marked as his own. But he is certain that facing the pack that is following him will be his only way to keep his territory. The question is can Luc tame the wild pup?

Witching Hour by Marteeka Karland 5 Nymphs

Hazel is a witch, without formal training, who refuses to give up trying to hone her skills. Drake is an alpha werewolf who lives in Hazel’s building. He was attempting to keep his distance until her scent captured his lustful attention. Now Drake will do everything in his power to claim his virgin witch – mind, body and soul.

Wolf Bound by Sierra Dafoe 5 Nymphs

Jenna had no idea her lover could be so treacherous. But when she finds herself stranded on a ski slope, the reality of her fate becomes all too clear. Jenna awakes in a cave with a wolf that appeared when she was first injured. But this is no ordinary wolf. Soon Jenna is faced with deciding which way she is willing to lose the man she loves – by walking away or by him being exposed and possibly killed. Both choices will leave her with a gaping hole in her heart, but which decision can she live with over time?

Wolf is a fantastic novel filled with gorgeous shapeshifters. Each story has a bit of humor, adventure, and a healthy appetite for some serious loving. I appreciated having the wolves broached from four very different outlooks. Each story was built around a common theme of dominant wolves willing to sacrifice to take care of those they love. If you enjoy stories about shapeshifters, Wolf is a must read.

Lila's Capture

Book Title: Lila's Capture
Author: Jade James

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-660-6

Genre: BDSM Ménage
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Lila Barton is a woman with a hidden desire. It’s a secret that she has only written about in her hidden diary. Seth Bane is Lila’s boyfriend, and upon finding the diary decides that he wants to help Lila’s fantasies become reality. Will Lila be upset by Seth’s invasion of her privacy or can the events he has planned help soothe her temper?

Being in a secure relationship can help you reap a bounty of fun and it is evident in Lila's Capture. Seth had no idea that his and Lila’s adventurous desires were so parallel. He knew that he wanted to make her his wife but her words only cemented that fact. Now he has an opportunity to fulfill her fantasies. Lila found herself not wanting to voice her needs to Seth, for fear of destroying their happy relationship. The couple both loved each other enough to put the others needs in the forefront. Neither wanted to do anything that would hurt the other. And both Seth and Lila wanted to increase the pleasure their partner receives. The scenes were erotic with a fair amount passion. For those women who have daydreamed about having twins in your bed, you will enjoy reading Lila’s Capture. Jade James has written a wonderful story about abduction laced in seduction and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.

Fairy Dust

Book Title: Fairy Dust
Author: Tielle St. Clare
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419915215
Genre: Fantasy Ménage
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Fairy Godmother Marlena added a sex additive to her fairy dust so instead of the fairy tales ending with the perfect kiss, they expanded into the sexual realm. Marlena’s boss Martin is not pleased and decides Marlena will become part of the fairy tales so she can learn what true love is. What Marlena learns in the three stories she was in is the various positions in the sexual category. In the last story, Little Red Riding Hood, Marlena found the love she was looking for with the wolf and the Huntsman, but fairy tales can not be changed, and Marlena could not remain in the story.

Fairy Dust is not your children’s version of fairy tales. With Marlena’s super-charged fairy dust, the troll becomes a well endowed hunk, Snow White incites an orgy, and the wolf is a werewolf. Tielle St. Clare creates wicked little tales that are humorous and sexy. You must read this story to see how the happily ever after comes about. I enjoyed this impressive and tantalizing story a great deal.

Children of the Triad Book 5: Sex Me Fast

Book Title: Children of the Triad Book 5: Sex Me Fast
Author: Tianna Xander & Bonnie Rose Leigh
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-039-4
Genre: Shape shifters/Series/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Ménage a Trios
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Mercy Lawton is an Amazonian warrior on a mission from The Goddess, even though she does not know what she is looking for. When she runs into the two males that will be her mates, her response is not what you think it will be.

Timon Kirkan & Nicolao Pritton are hated enemies and now have to change their whole way of life because of Mercy who will not become their mate because they are men. After The Goddess pays them a visit, they begin to change and it comes willingly to them after they see the benefits from it.

This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book of the Children of the Triad Series. The characters are very different and for them to work together speaks volumes to me. With Mercy’s feelings being more important to Timon & Nicolao (I love both male names), it amazes me how fast the change was. Tianna Xander & Bonnie Rose Leigh combined both pleasure and adventure into this story it also leaves you wanting more of it.

Playing with Fire: The Knight of Wands

Book Title: Playing with Fire: The Knight of Wands
Author: Kiernan Kelly
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher’s URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-300-0
Genre: M/M/Gay Erotic/Romance/Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 4 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Marcus Jacobs is a clown and has been with the Morgan and Morgan Circus his entire life. His father was a clown, his mother walked the highwire and his grandfather was also a clown. While getting ready for a show, he reflects on the time when he was six years old and his father gave him the tarot card which he now keeps taped inside the cover of his makeup box. His father always told him to never forget with humor no heartache is unbearable. When Marcus is injured during his highwire routine, he has no choice but to move in with his best friend as he’s unable to completely take care of himself.

Jericho Morgan is part owner of the circus, with his sister Wisteria, and best friend to Marcus. A while back, Jericho accepted that his feelings ran a lot deeper than just friendship for Marcus and felt as if he were dying inside when he witnessed Marcus’ fall. His is the first face Marcus sees upon awakening in the hospital and he goes to battle with his sister when she tells him she wants to leave Marcus behind when the circus moves on. After Marcus moves into his trailer, Jericho realizes having him around and not being able to touch him is more difficult than he thought it would be. One day while helping Marcus to bathe, he can no longer hide his feelings and with Marcus’ encouragement confesses his love for the man.

Marcus is at first surprised by Jericho’s confession but he’s even more surprised by his own desire to become intimately involved with his best friend. The lovers happiness is short lived, though when tragedy strikes the circus. Does someone have it in for the show? Will the new lovers ever be happy together?

Playing with Fire: The Knight of Wands is a heartfelt and refreshingly different love story of two men trying to make a relationship work in some rather unfortunate circumstances. Kiernan Kelly has created a very colorful world around the lives of “Cirkys” and placed two strong and noble men in the midst of it all. The author has also written some very touching scenes which moved me to tears. This book is not only about the growing relationship between Marcus and Jericho, it’s also about family and what makes someone family. Jericho and Marcus seem perfect for each other and you’ll find yourself rooting for them all the way. If you are a fan of the m/m genre then you must read this book.

Incognito 9: Pursuing Penelope

Book Title: Incognito 9: Pursuing Penelope
Author: Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton

Publisher: Cobblestone Press

Publisher URL: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60088-242-5

Genre: BDSM
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Penelope Schwartz is beautiful, submissive, and, thanks to her first visit to Incognito BDSM club, the prime suspect of arson. That fateful night, she was rescued by two handsome fireman, Joseph and Blake, but little did she realize how many times and ways they would be her saviors in the days to come.

Madison Layle and Anna Leigh Keaton have demonstrated you can never judge a book by its cover in Incognito 9: Pursuing Penelope. Penelope has had little experience with love over the years and her background has created the perfect submissive. Joseph and his best friend Blake are men who like to dominate their lovers, while nurturing their lover and supplying a secure environment. They treat the petite woman with kid gloves in some instances, and are rough and demanding in others. And for the first time in the widow’s life, she gets a glimpse at what she has been missing, and is unwilling to let it go. Penelope, Blake and Joseph have a wonderful relationship in and outside of the bedroom. Incognito 9: Pursuing Penelope as a whole brings us suspense, drama, romance and the sex rockets to a seven on the Richter scale. This story is sure to be a pleaser for those who love the genre or have followed the series from the beginning.

Tusks

Book Title: Tusks
Author: William Maltese
Publisher: ManLoveRomance Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrpress.com/
ISBN: 978-0-9793110-8-6
Genre: Gay Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Richard Westover, the TV host of Animal Kingdoms in the Wild, has an interview with Christopher Van Hoon at his home in South Africa. Richard is determined to show the Van Hoon family as greedy capitalists with no concern for the land and the animals they have exploited for generations. Richard’s agenda is revenge for the betrayal Christopher’s father inflicted upon Richard’s father sixteen years ago. Van Hoon had commissioned Richard’s father Jack to do a study of feasibility for the Lackland Animal Preserve. When gold was found, the project was dumped and Jack was left heartbroken. Jack was not the only one affected by the failed project; Richard and Christopher had discovered love for each other, but was torn apart before that love could grow.

Tusks centers around the opposing views of the world we live in and the emotional conflicts interfering with love. Richard’s bitterness is an excuse to return to Africa and Christopher; he is desperate to recapture the love he has carried in his memories for sixteen years. Christopher loves Richard now just as he had years ago; he is determined not to lose Richard again, so he finds a compromise they can both live with and be happy. William Maltese has created a fascinating story with real issues and well developed characters that actually come to life. The story is thought provoking and heart wrenching at the same time. Tusks is an impressive read that will stay with you and is worth a return visit.

Friends with Benefits

Book Title: Friends with Benefits
Author: Stone Richards
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://extasybooks.net/
ISBN: Unavailable
Genre: Gay (M/M) & (M/M/M)/ Romance/Fantasy Game
Nymph Rating: 3.5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Hal Montgomery sadly is on a flight to Paris by himself. Ten years ago he and his friend Ty Brewster opened their own Architectural Design company fresh out of college. They specialize in high rise office buildings and recently landed a job in Paris to build a twelve story building, which will house attorneys and accountants. Hal was supposed to be traveling with Ty but they got into a fight and Hal hasn’t seen Ty in over a day. The first time they had sex together was late one night after wrapping up a deal and drinking too much champagne. It was also at this time Hal realized he was in love with Ty.

Shortly after arriving in Paris, Hal is thrilled when Ty surprises him by showing up at his hotel room claiming to be there to make Hal’s fantasy come true. What ensues is a hot ménage a trios with Pierre, an exchange student they knew in college who helped them get the job in Paris. It’s not until after Pierre leaves that Ty does help Hal live out his fantasy.

Friends with Benefits is a short and spicy story revolving around two men possibly moving their relationship forward from just being friends. Stone Richards has been able to provide a complete story in a short amount of time, as well as being able to convey a lot of emotion between these two characters. I recommend this book to fans of the m/m genre.

Asher and the Elevator Romp

Book Title: Asher and the Elevator Romp
Author: Zoe Nichols
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: Unavailable
Genre: M/M/Gay/Erotica
Nymph Rating: 4.5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Ash is getting ready for a night out and decides red is his color. After fluffing his skirt, he laces up a cute little red and black corset, puts on a pair of black high heels and a couple of frilly red garters. Ash is the first to admit that he babies his waist length black silky hair with the most expensive conditioners and shampoos he can buy. Just as he’s putting on the finishing touches, Derek arrives with his six foot four inch bronze muscular body dressed all in black.

While waiting for the elevator to arrive, Ash can’t help but tease Derek in the hopes of seducing him. When the elevator arrives with one passenger aboard both Ash and Derek have to behave themselves, but as soon as the passenger gets off, it’s a whole other story.

Asher and the Elevator Romp is a really short but very hot, sexy, fun little story! Zoe Nichols has created one of the most irresistible and fun loving characters I’ve read in a long time in Ash. I certainly hope this author continues Ash’s story as I definitely want to know more about him. I highly recommend this book to all fans of the m/m genre.

A Strange Place in Time

Book Title: A Strange Place in Time
Author: Alyx J. Shaw
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-302-4
Genre: Gay Fantasy, Science Fiction
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

John Arrowsmith is riding his custom built Harley on a road he has never been on before, he doesn’t know where he is going or why, but he feels compelled to follow his instincts. After spending a stormy night with a couple traveling in an RV, John heads out the next morning. Shortly after gaining the highway, John is struck by a truck, sending John and the motorcycle off the road. John is sucked through a slimy portal and transported to another planet with strange deadly creatures and others found only in fairytales. In a world where things mechanical are outlawed and travel by horse is the norm, John must find his way in this new world, and learn why he is here.

A Strange Place in Time is a combination Lord of the Rings and Alice in Wonderland, because indeed John fell down a rabbit hole and landed in the world of elves, wizards and magic. Alyx J. Shaw has created a mystical world with an intriguing journey that builds from the first page until the very last. The focus of this story is John’s quest, so there is very little sexual content in this adventure. The end leaves me with the impression that there is more to come, and I eagerly await the next installment of this unique tale.

Stay With Me

Book Title: Stay With Me
Author: Maya Banks
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-934-4
Genre: Contemporary, Ménage (M/F/M)
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Ruby Minx

Catherine, Logan and Rhys have been married for 5 years and on the night of their fifth anniversary, just before leaving on their vacation to Jamaica, Catherine is going to tell the men in her life that she’s pregnant with their child. She has it all planned but, as usual, they cancel due to yet another “business emergency”. Catherine decides that she has had enough, goes on the trip by herself and vows to use the time as an opportunity to make some tough life decisions about her future that may or may not include Rhys and Logan.

When her husbands realize on their return home that she has “flown the coop”, they immediately try to locate her. A few days later Rhys finds her on a beach in Jamaica after a protracted search since she did not leave any hint of her whereabouts. She agrees to go back to the hotel with him and when Logan shows up they both make love to her hoping that she would forgive them and stay in the marriage. But she feels that it is time to stand up for herself and tell them what she wants out of their relationship instead of always giving in and “sucking it up” when they decide to abandon her for business reasons. Will Rhys and Logan be able to change their evil ways? Will Catherine forget her good resolutions and give in to her men?

Stay With Me is a beautiful story of a woman who makes a stand for herself and decides that enough is enough and takes charge of her own destiny when her marriage goes awry. As usual Maya Banks pens a wonderful love story, this time with three amazing characters. Logan, the alpha male who is totally blindsided when he realizes that Catherine is serious about leaving, and sensitive Rhys who is devastated when Cat states that love is not enough to sustain a marriage that is not working. It takes a near tragedy to make them realize how much she means to them. Catherine took a long time to grow a backbone but when she does, look out! The sex in the book is sensuous, hot enough to burn your fingers, moving when it counts and just plain great. Fans of Maya Banks and new readers alike will want to pick up a copy of Stay With Me, a tale of love almost lost and found again. A great read!!

Mercykill: Book 1 Shattered Melody

Book Title: Mercykill: Book 1 Shattered Melody
Author: Michael Barnette
Publisher: Mojocastle Press
Publisher’s URL: http://www.mojocastle.com/
ISBN: 1-60180-01609
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Paranormal/Yaoi/GLBT
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Mercykill is a tight-knit band of three men on their way to the top on the Japanese music scene, with the help of their female manager, Kita. On the night of an important concert, they see a strange man offstage threatening her and before they can do anything to stop it, the woman they all love is brutally killed and Juro is shot. Bereft and grieving, Juro, Akira and Takeshi find themselves accused of Kita’s murder by the two detectives assigned to the case. They are boxed in from every corner. They can’t get paid for their performance at the last concert, the private detective they hired is threatened with having his license revoked and their own record label isn’t telling them the truth. If not for the love and support of friends, family and fans, the men would be totally alone. The deep emotional and physical bond between the three is all that keeps them going in their search for the real killer. But is it enough, and can they find out the truth before they become the next victims?

Mercykill: Book 1 Shattered Melody is an interesting and intriguing look into the lives of three men who have committed their love and music together. Mr. Barnette has done an excellent job in vividly describing the world of yaoi, one of which I was unfamiliar. He writes with great emotion to express the feelings of fear, betrayal, grief and love for these interesting characters. While the beginning was a little slow for me, once it got going it raced to the end as I swept along for the ride as Takeshi, Juro and Akira tried to discover the identity of the killer and why Kita was murdered. While Takeshi might have been planning on marrying Kita, it didn’t lessen the emotional and physical attachment of the remaining three members. Throw in the continuing attempts by Kita to reach out from beyond the grave to help and you have a story difficult to put down.

Through Neon Eyes – Zoner

Book Title: Through Neon Eyes – Zoner
Author: Michael Barnette
Publisher: Mojocastle Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mojocastle.com/
ISBN: X-60180-002
Genre: M/M/Futuristic/Science Fiction/BDSM/Yaoi/Manga
Nymph Rating: 4 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Zoner is the first book in the Through Neon Eyes series.

David Jessman is a researcher “hired away” (stolen) from Megalli-Loran by his current employer NeuroTech. David has always been aware there is the danger of his prior employer being so unhappy about NeuroTech taking him away from them, they could retaliate by de-hiring (killing) him. He lives in a nice apartment in the Corp tower, has a mostly, so he thinks, satisfying sex life which mainly consists of simvids and has been living a rather comfortable life in Miami. But lately David’s getting bored with his simvid and decides he wants the real thing, so he hires a paid lover.

Bells is a gunwhore, a combination paid protector or assassin and paid lover, is the best in his field. He’s also known as a Zonewarrior from Liberty City Freezone, a place where only the strong survive, a poverty strewn area full of disease and terror. One of Bells trademarks is his long blond hair which he keeps braided with blue beads, feathers and small bells scattered throughout. Another is his cobalt blue neon-eyes. He looks like an angel with the body of a young god made for sin and has been enhanced for strength, speed and agility. He’s been sent in as David’s paid lover and has also been hired by Megalli-Loran to de-hire him.

When these two meet…sparks fly! David is instantly drawn to Bells, who finds himself attracted to David. Shortly after arriving, Bells tells David the real reason why he’s there and renders him unconscious. When he awakens David finds himself cuffed to a bed unable to move. The gunwhore then tells him how he’s going to introduce David to the Sweet Sisters (pleasure and pain) and moving faster than his eyes can detect, Bells is astride him. Instead of killing David with a sensory overload while they’re jacked into each other during sex, Bells finds he’s enjoying David too much and decides to let him live. What will become of this extremely mismatched pair?

Zoner is a terrific short story about two very different men, complete with sex scenes so hot and sensual; your eyelashes may be singed! Michael Barnette has created two strong and masculine characters that are easily likable and placed them in a bleak but also fascinating world. The tension between Bells and David is so high and the sensations and feelings they experience are so extreme, as the reader you may also find yourself a little breathless. I highly recommend this book to all fans of m/m, bdsm or sci-fi genres. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Through Neon Eyes - Control

Book Title: Through Neon Eyes - Control
Author: Michael Barnette
Publisher: Mojocastle Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mojocastle.com/
ISBN: X-60180-003
Genre: M/M/Futuristic/Mystery/Science Fiction/Yaoi/Manga
Nymph Rating: 5 nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Control is the second book in the Through Neon Eyes series.

Control starts the morning after David and Bells’ night of raw, passionate sex. David awakens to find himself back in his own bed, lying next to the beautiful gunwhore. He realizes he never wants Bells to leave but he also believes it’s not possible. Bells is just his paid lover doing his job, even though he was hired by his prior employer, Megalli-Loran to kill him, Bells had let him live. Upon that thought David quickly starts wondering if Bells will carry out his killjob now and then negates that thought when he remembers what they did together the night before.

As David starts to get up and get ready to go to work, Bells easily distracts him by telling him they have plenty of time before he has to leave and wonders what they could do in the meantime. David has quickly become addicted to Bells and to the Sweet Sisters and starts to dread when he’ll have to leave, thinking it will be the last time he’ll see his gunwhore until he can save the money to hire him as a paid lover again. What will happen next with our contradictory lovers?

Control is even better than the first book, Zoner. In this one we get to more of Bells' point of view and the two men start to admit to themselves there might be more than just the addicting passionate sex going on between them. Thank you Michael Barnette for writing one of the hottest and steamiest shower scenes I have ever read! I can not recommend this book enough, it is a must read for fans of m/m, sci-fi or bdsm genres.

Through Neon Eyes – Promise: Part 1

Book Title: Through Neon Eyes – Promise: Part 1
Author: Michael Barnette
Publisher: Mojocastle Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mojocastle.com/
ISBN: 1-60180-025-8
Genre: M/M/Futuristic/Mystery/Suspense/Science Fiction/Yaoi/Manga
Nymph Rating: 5 nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Promise Part 1 is the third book in the Through Neon Eyes series.

The third installment begins with David having a very unproductive day at work, due to his inability to think about anything other than the gorgeous young man who was hired to kill him and instead was waiting for him in his apartment to come home. With just a phone call at the end of his day, Bells has him wanting and needing the gunwhore so badly and so instantaneously by the time he reaches his apartment, David’s body is trembling in anticipation of seeing, touching and smelling his Master again. For that is how he has easily come to consider Bells, not only as his lover but as his Master and David is more than willing to do whatever his Master may ask of him.

After they share a passionate moment and Bells sexually pleases David, he convinces David he needs to eat and they decide to order out. While waiting for dinner to be delivered, Bells poses a challenge to David that he’s unable to resist nor is he willing to lose. When an attempt is made on David’s life, Bells quickly responds by defending the man he has quickly come to think of as his lover. While comforting David in the aftermath, Bells admits to himself he’s beginning to fall in love with the older man and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect him.

Promise: Part 1 is a terrific and perfectly natural continuation of Bells and David’s growing relationship. In this installment we get to know the gunwhore a little more and the story shares the two men’s point of view equally. Kudos to Michael Barnette for writing another passionate and gripping installment in this series, as well as continuing the natural progression of the storyline. You will find yourself rooting for this against all odds mismatched couple right from the start as this author has done a wonderful job in relaying Bells’ and David’s growing feelings for each other. As with the first two books in this series, I highly recommend Promise: Part 1 as I can not wait to find out what happens in Part 2.

Closer

Book Title: Closer
Author: Ally Blue
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-948-4
Genre: Gay Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Needing a vacation, Bo Broussard and Sam Raintree are staying at Andre’s sister’s beach house located between the town of Gulf Shores and the peninsula at the mouth of Mobile Bay. The rest of the team is starting an investigation at Fort Medina, just a few miles from the beach house. Bo insists on the team staying at the house and joining them at the fort. Sam is not happy to have company. More than that, he senses danger and goes along to protect Bo. Immediately after the visit to the fort, Bo starts exhibiting dark sinister behaviors. Sam is at a loss on how to battle this new threat. He fears losing Bo forever.

Closer is book four in the Bay City Paranormal Investigation series. In this episode, the Bo and Sam relationship and lovemaking continues to be intense, with a nail biting, well written storyline that causes your neck hair to stand on end. The extraordinary Ally Blue creates a plot so extreme that you can feel the characters emotions transported into you, causing an increase to your pulse. This is another incredible illustration of this series that I enjoyed immensely.

Forgotten Kisses

Book Title: Forgotten Kisses
Author: Rena Marks
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-5-031
Genre: Vampire
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


Anjelia Romere is confused by her feelings for Julian and she will avoid him at all costs because he is a vampire. Trying to live her life in a normal way was not to be when she found out that both Julian & Leo wanted her. Now that she has become a human servant to Julian and has a mark on her back from Leo, she must choose which man will be in her life forever.

Julian Bax, master vampire, who is at war with Leo Freedman, the werewolf king, both want Anjelia for themselves. When the two men must come together to save her life, they will come to accept whatever she wants that will please her.

I was very surprised reading this story, Forgotten Kisses, because of the characters in it. It was a thrilling mystery that kept me intrigued all the way through. All the twists and turns Anjelia goes through because of these two men is unbelievable but it does not stop their feelings for each other. To know that Anjelia had to choose between Julian & Leo was hard enough knowing that either man would make her happy.

Rena Marks does a wonderful job of describing in detail the changes of the wolf and actions of the vampire. I was a little confused until I realized that Anjelia was narrating her story and got lost for a moment when she was having visions. After I figured out what was happening, I was no longer confused and enjoyed the rest of the story. I won’t give away the ending, which I loved.

Trust the Night

Book Title: Trust the Night
Author: Sara Saint John
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-913-1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

There’s a murderer stalking the women of Oklahoma City and Homicide Detective Beth Andrews has been given the job of bringing the modern day ‘Jack the Ripper’ to justice. Having been the victim of abuse by her vicious ex-husband, she’s convinced that this new killer is the worst kind of abuser of women. Since she survived her own abusive experience, she’s committed to learning his identity and determined to catch this brutal killer. Her one and only goal is to keep the women of the city alive, even if she has to risk her own life to do so. When’s she’s ‘saddled’ with Sam, a profiler, she’s at first annoyed, then intrigued and ultimately aroused. She may spend her day hunting a killer, but by night she and Sam are getting more intimately acquainted.

Sam Jordan is a criminal psychologist assigned to assist in bringing this new killer to justice, and he knows at their first meeting that Beth isn’t thrilled by his ‘interference’ in her case. He also knows that he’s two things she doesn’t trust in the least…a ‘shrink’ and a man. What Beth doesn’t know is that normal guns and ammo used in defense won’t bring this unique and scary killer down. That she and any other police officer in the city won’t be able to defend themselves against this one-of-a-kind killer, because Sam is convinced that the killer is a vampire. He figures that he is the only one capable of dealing with a vampire. After all it takes a vampire to fight a vampire and he’s been chasing after Jack the Ripper for longer than Beth has been alive.

Trust the Night is a very well written and plotted paranormal romantic suspense. In this engaging contemporary story, the author does a wonderful job of integrating the truth and fiction revolving around the legendary Whitechapel killer, Jack the Ripper, to a present day serial killer. That she brought a character out of history into a modern story by changing the madman into a vampire killer was nothing short of genius, and something I wasn’t expecting. Then she uses great vivid descriptions to hook the reader and drag them into the story, not with just the locale but the history and emotions of the characters. Add in ‘Jack’ targeting Beth for death and Sam’s determination to keep her alive and you have a truly great suspense element, culminating in a fiery ending.

Ms. Saint John has created two primary characters that almost leap off the page and scream “I’m real”, making it easy to take their individual feelings to heart and care about what happens to them. The fact that Beth has been through a previous abusive relationship gave her a unique and personal reason for working so hard to bring a killer to justice, and it also explained why she was so reluctant to let a man get close to her. She’s everything you’d expect; attractive, dedicated, hardworking, focused and more than a little obsessed. Sam, on the other hand, is more laid back, intense, passionate, friendly and easy going and very dangerous, which is to be expected considering he’s a vampire. He’s had his own emotional turmoil in life that has made him into the man he is; from being changed into a vampire against his will to the death of the wife he loved. Both of our characters have a great deal of baggage to deal with which adds great depth and angst to the story.

I appreciated that the author allowed our main characters the chance to get to know each other before they took the step of jumping into bed with each other. Their physical relationship, while blistering hot and intense, is never gratuitous or overdone, always fitting nicely into the well plotted and paced plotline. These two, while having problems, are still perfect for each other and the biggest obstacle to their potential future happiness is whether Beth can handle the fact her lover drinks blood to survive.

Angel Series Book One: Angel Warriors

Book Title: Angel Series Book One: Angel Warriors
Author: Stephani Hecth
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.net/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-040-0
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Fantasy
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Abdiel is caught in a dilemma when he chooses to go against Lucifer, who wants to take over Heaven, and he is beaten very badly by his own family. After being rescued by Chief Archangel Michael, he becomes a loner who wants to be left alone to do his work until Michael tells him to report to earth to work with an empath named Camael and healer Gabi.

Gabi is happy to have another Archangel for their Angel warrior team but hates it when she finds out it is Abdiel, who she still loves from childhood. As they come together as a team their lives change with relationships towards each other improving for the better. Abdiel bonds with Cam like no other Archangel has and Gabi tries to keep her emotions in check around him and finds it harder everyday to do so, especially when she has to heal him.

Wow! I was totally blown away with this book! Archangel Series Book One: Angel Warriors speaks of possibilities you don’t even think of with talk of the Angels and Lucifer doing battle. When Abdiel was going through the rejection from his family, it was heartbreaking to read and knowing how he felt about his young twin siblings made it even worse. Now that he knows which family is standing with him makes Abdiel realize how important he is to others. As Gabi decides to show Abdiel her true feelings, he accepts his love for her as no other and they choose to mate for life, as Angels do.

There are so many levels of Angels, Healers, Archangels, Justice and the list goes on. I was impressed by the knowledge of Stephani Hecht, who has written a wonderful book. This was a book regarding Angels, who are there to protect humans and finding out what a normal life they live is great along with the romance and hot sex. I will be waiting impatiently for the next installment of the Archangel Series.

Circle of Friends: All Fired Up

Book Title: Circle of Friends: All Fired Up
Author: Gabrina Garza
Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-225-5
Genre: Contemporary / Exhibitionism / Public Places / Series
Lymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Loving a dedicated and hard-working firefighter can be painful, which is something Gertie Randall learned the hard way when her brother died while fighting a fire. Because of losing him, fires and anything associated with fires scare her to death. Something as simple as a routine drill often sends her into a blind panic, so it’s not unexpected that she reacts badly during a scheduled drill. It’s only after falling down several steps while trying to flee her office building and she’s lying alone and injured that the man who got away walks back into her life.

When tall, dark and handsome firefight Kevin Thorpe spies a beautiful woman lying injured after a fall, he thinks she looks terribly familiar and once he hears her talk, he’s certain. He’s looking at none other than his old high school sweetheart; the woman who broke his heart and the woman he’s never been able to forget. Once he finds her again, he’s not willing to let her go and the two soon find themselves in a vacant office wrapped in each other’s arms. The question is whether Gertie can put the fear of fire behind her and work for a new tomorrow with the man who got away.

Circle of Friends: All Fired Up is a nicely written novella perfect for a quick afternoon read. The story starts off with a bang (the fire alarm) and finishes in a blaze as you race from page to page to see if these two old lovers can work through their difficulties and find a forever kind of happiness. While the sex between Gertie and Kevin is intense and fiery hot, what I appreciated most was the vivid descriptions Ms. Garza used to show the pain and fear which Gertie experienced after Kevin left her to fight a fire. These few scenes brought to mind what family members of a firefighter must go through every day when their loved one leaves for work. The placement of the secondary characters was perfect, lending needed support while never overpowering the story, but always letting the romance between Gertie and Kevin shine through.

Dark Elves I: Taken

Book Title: Dark Elves I: Taken
Author: Jet Mykles
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 1-59632-096-6
Genre: Paranormal; BDSM

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Diana lives a mercenary’s life. She is a fighter by nature and an instigator by habit. While trying to recover what has been stolen from her, Diana and her best friend Gala are abducted by men with hair as white as fresh snow and obsidian skin that glistens. They awaken in the underground kingdom of the raedjour. That was a horrible discovery all its own. But the news that they are expected to bed every man until they find their truemate is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Diana has decided to fight this change tooth and nail and has attracted the attention of Commander Salin.

Salin is a man known for refusing to take the easy road. And from what he has heard of Diana, conquering her will be no easy task to perform. Salin decides to be give Diana something none of her past lovers did: a choice. He wants her as a willing lover because he knows that Diana is indeed his truemate. Deeply rooted pain from her past is the reason Diana can’t accept his declaration of love. Will Salin and Diana find a way to get past the walls she has strategically build around her heart?

Taken is the first book in Jet Mykles' Dark Elves series. Diana is strong and determined. She comes out fighting regardless of the situation. Her strength and determination attract Salin as much as her beauty. But she has had years to condition herself into thinking she is not worthy of love. Salin hasn’t put an overwhelming amount of effort into finding a truemate until he spies Diana. He is powerful inside and out, but wants to know her love is given freely and not under duress. The story was wonderfully written and the sex was explosive. I will admit I was quite angered by the position Diana and Gala were put in but seeing her happy and content made up for that in the end. Jet Mykles has a wonderful writing style. Those who enjoy the genre will be glad they picked up a copy of Taken.

Dark Elves II: Mastered

Book Title: Dark Elves II: Mastered
Author: Jet Mykles
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 1-59632-138-5
Genre: Paranormal; BDSM

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Suzana is the last remaining survivor of her family. The beautiful violet eyed woman is a musical mage of noble birth with only one thing left to truly call her own: her virginity. But even that is about to be snatched from her grips. In route to be sold off by slavers, the traders’ caravan is overtaken by the mysterious raedjour and the last thing she has to call her own is the price she will have to pay for being rescued.

Virgins are a high prize to win amongst the raedjour. Untried woman are not allowed to endure the trial of being passed to a different warrior every nine days. A tournament is held and the winner’s prize is the honor of taking the maidenhead.

Krael was immediately attracted to Suzana’s pixie-like features and knew no other would take her virginity. He thought claiming her maidenhead would be sufficient but when another decides she will be his, Krael faces the cold reality that no other should have this woman, his woman. She is to be his, body and soul.

Watching Krael and Suzana accept their love was a pleasurable experience. Krael has seen truemates who share no real love and has no desire to be stuck in such a predicament. He attempts to harden his heart and resolve but Suzana is a small woman packing one powerful punch. Suzana knows there is no way to escape and takes news of what is to become of her calmer than I ever could. She makes the most of her situation, knowing that it could have been far worse if she had stayed in the clutches of the slavers. It was nice seeing characters from the first book come and assist Suzana during this transition. Jet Mykles brings us another enjoyable tale in Dark Elves II: Mastered.

Dark Elves III: Salvation

Book Title: Dark Elves III: Salvation
Author: Jet Mykles
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-218-7
Genre: Paranormal; BDSM

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Irin had lived among the raedjour since infancy. A protective spell has protected her virginity by dulling the urges of those around her. Irin is now an adult and ready to find her truemate among those she has grown up with. While she has no qualms about going through the trial, her heart hopes that Savous and Radin will be the ones to take her through the trail and become her truemates.

Radin has been Savous’ master for centuries. They have watched Irin grow into a beautiful woman and one that they both love and have hopes of mastering. There is little doubt that they will be the ones to awaken Irin’s sexual urges. But there is more to their lover than Radin and Savous could have guessed. And the secret that is revealed will bring both pain and pleasure in its wake.

Salvation is the third book in Jet Mykles Dark Elves series. Irin is unlike the women who have to go through the trial. She is fully aware of what is expected and what she will gain. The love that she has for Savous and Radin is wondrous and pure. Radin and Savous have become close over the centuries; learning and relishing the closeness of their bond. What they are fortunate enough to share with Irin is beyond the magnitude either had anticipated. Salvation clearly wouldn’t be a Jet Mykles book without heart pounding, body-glistening-from-sweat sex included. Jet Mykles has produced yet another fantastic story in the Dark Elves series with strong characters, a sound plot, action, and a bit of suspense.

Dark Elves IV: Dissent

Book Title: Dark Elves IV: Dissent
Author: Jet Mykles
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-298-1
Genre: Paranormal/ BDSM

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Marisol, “Sol” to her friends, has just come to terms with the fact that while her husband may not be perfect, he is able to take care of her. Her world takes a turn for the worse when she discovers her brother Geriman has killed her husband. There is no choice but to run. And after months of staying one step ahead of those likely to hang them, the siblings must travel through the Dark Forest to escape with their lives. They are soon captured by rogue raedjours and the punishment they exact is more than most humans can endure.

Jarak and his men find items that clearly point to the abduction of humans. They can only hope they are not too late to save the lives of those who have fallen into the rogues grasp.

Jet Mykles has delivered yet another fantastic adventure with Dark Elves IV: Dissent. Sol is willful, beautiful and sinfully sumptuous. She loves her brother dearly, and knows he is her last living relative. A relationship she will fight to save at all costs. I wish Geriman felt the same way. His bad decisions have led them to flee through an unsafe territory. While I felt sorry for the pain inflicted on him, it was hard to completely feel regret for the hand he was dealt. Then we come to Jarak. I’ve loved him from the first book. Now he has matured and his kind heart is ever present. Watching Jarak put Sol’s needs above his own shows what a truemate is willing to do for the one he loves. The story is filled with action, and dare I say romance. The sex is hot enough to melt butter, but I’ve come to expect that from Jet. This is a wonderful addition to the Dark Elves series, and one that fans will find hard to put down. Excellent book Jet, I’m waiting for the next episode!

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Bondage, domination/submission, male/male sexual practices, and dubious consent.

Phantom Desires

Book Title: Phantom Desires
Author: Gabrina Garza
Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-251-4
Genre: Historical / Ménage / Group / Voyeurism / Exhibitionism / Public Places

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Five years ago, an arsonist destroyed Erik du Sable’s home and life. Thanks to his servant Marcus, Erik was saved and nursed back to health. To keep Kasare, the woman he loves safe, Erik has assumed a new identity, Monsieur LeCaste. The only one who knows he did not perish is Marcus. But five years is a long time to be without the tender embrace of Kasare, and Erik is ready to reclaim his lover.

Kasare Montez remembers the night of the fire all too well. The love she had for her handsome French-Norwegian lover has not dwindled, and no man can compare. Erik taught Kasare about love and passion. Lessons she will never forget. Kasare receives an invitation for a masquerade party from Monsieur LeCaste, and can’t help but recognize the date as the anniversary for her and Erik's engagement party. While Kasare isn’t prepared to attend, fate decides she must.

Will Kasare’s attraction to Monsieur LeCaste be too much for the Spanish beauty to handle? How can a mere stranger make her feel as if she has known him forever?

Gabrina Garza had created a wonderful period novel in Phantom Desires. Each character is so uniquely different, but they all mesh well together. Kasare has not forgotten her lover and fiancé Erik. She grieved for a while and even when forced to marry, she didn’t stop loving him. Erik is wallowing in self-pity and while he is not willing to risk Kasare’s rejection, his need to have her in his bed has caused him to seduce her once more. Marcus is fighting a battle of sexual awareness and we are fortunate enough to see the outcome of that event. The book takes hold of the reader in a sweet embrace, refusing to let go until the final word is read. Gabrina has delivered a plot and setting that are perfectly aligned and packed with suspense and mayhem. Then she laces in sexually stimulating scenes that are toe-curling at the very least. I was thoroughly pleased with Phantom Desires and look forward to reading future books from this talented author.

Roughstock: Blindride -- Season One

Book Title: Roughstock: Blindride -- Season One
Author: BA Tortuga
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370- 313-0
Genre: Contemporary Gay Western
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Bull rider Jason Scott is having a great winning season as he and his traveling partner drive from event to event on the rodeo circuit. Everything in life is perfect…well, almost. The only thing that would make life better was if he had Bax. He’s desired his buddy for years but has always been reluctant to let him know how he really felt, afraid it would ruin their long friendship.

Life changes dramatically for both men when Jason gets tromped during a ride and when he regains consciousness; they discover he’s completely lost his sight. Without any way to take care of himself or earn a living, Jason decides his only alternative is to go home to his mother’s. With his often painful bad leg Bax has his own physical problems but he isn’t willing to let the man he loves curl up and die, so he hatches a plan to allow him to keep riding. Even though friends and family think he’s crazy, they all pitch in to give Jason a second chance at his dream.

Roughstock: Blindride – Season One is a wonderful story of what two men in love are willing to go through to help the other in a time of extreme life changes. The romance portion of this story is rather slow to get started, but the author does an excellent job describing the fear both men experience if they were to reveal their feelings, and in this the book is very realistic. The tenderness Bax takes in caring for Jason after his accident is sweet and heart-warming to watch as the relationship between these two old friends changes forever when they become lovers. The emotions are intense, the passion high and the sex hot between these two devoted cowboys. All the various characters are well rounded, the rodeo world interesting, and the idea to help Jason unique and original. This well plotted story will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next Roughstock book in 2009.

Firefly Promise

Book Title: Firefly Promise
Author: Nikki Soarde
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-490-4
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Jocelyn “Joss” Maxwell is a woman on a mission: she is trying to reclaim her life. Two years ago, her ex-husband stole their little girl and left without a trace. She has returned home seeking solace and prepared to stop chasing phantoms. Joss sees her deceased friend’s husband and discovers that Caleb’s pain is deeper than her own. She knows that without her help he will never try to move past his loss.

In the blink of an eye, Caleb Coleridge found his whole world torn apart. His wife and two children were no longer alive and his source of love gone. It’s been two years and his regrets are still there; his dreams won’t leave him in peace. Caleb has used work and sex to ease the ache but his grief won’t leave him, no matter how powerful the orgasm.

Joss knows what she must do. She realizes that it may cause the man she is beginning to have feelings for to never trust her again but it’s something she has to do, thanks to a childhood Firefly Promise.

Firefly Promise reminds me of the days when you could ask your best friend for a favor and knew they would do everything in their power to grant it. Caleb is handsome and charming. He is running from the memories of his family like the hounds of hell are nipping at his heels. Joss has demons of her own. She’s sassy, loving and beautiful; in short, everything good that Caleb needs to move forward. The two have a sexual chemistry that ignites from the word go. But Nikki doesn’t just give us mouth-watering sex. She takes us to Florence, where the couple discovers just how they truly feel about one another. And then she mixes a bit of mystery in the mix that I didn’t see coming. Firefly Promise is a wonderful story that reminds us to never give up hope even when the odds appear to be against you. It’s a wonderful story that readers of the genre will enjoy from beginning to end.

Breathing

Book Title: Breathing
Author: Laura Baumbach
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-875-3
Genre: Gay Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Vampire Rowland Campbell takes his lover Colin Dobson to a New Orleans tattoo parlor for a special spellbinding tattoo that will not only bind Colin to Rowland but will also protect Colin from attacks. Tattoo artist Armand chants a spell as he is drawing the design on Colin’s body. Colin was starting to have doubts about sleeping with the undead but after Rowland rescued him from a fiery vampire hunter’s attack on the tattoo parlor, Colin realized his life is very unhappy without Rowland.

Breathing is book 2 in the Enthralled series. Because of his love for Colin, Rowland wanted to make sure that Colin was protected when he was away. The joy and love Colin received being with Rowland became more important than Rowland’s lack of ability to take breaths. Laura Baumbach has created another breathtaking episode in this beautiful love story; I look forward to the next tantalizing edition.

Enthralled

Book Title: Enthralled
Author: Laura Baumbach
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-548-6
Genre: Gay Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Colin Dobson is seeking to end his life of misery by jumping from his ten story apartment balcony. As he starts to fall, he collides with a force that propels him back. Powerful vampire Rowland Campbell has an arrow in his chest from the vampire hunters determined to kill him. Colin helps Rowland remove the arrow, then begs Rowland to take his life. Normally Rowland has no concern for his feeding source but there is something about Colin that attracts Rowland and he decides to make Colin his thrall, a combination servant and lover that Rowland will protect and keep for his own.

Enthralled is the first episode in the series, relating how Colin’s and Rowland’s relationship began. Colin is a lonely hemophiliac, who has been sheltered all of his life. Because of Rowland’s ability to control the bleeding and his sensuous love making, Colin has a desire to live. Rowland is amazed at the feelings Colin inspires in him, his care of Colin is loving and tender. Laura Baumbach has the brilliant talent of appealing to your emotions and leaving you panting for more. This is an excellent story and very enjoyable.

All that Glitters

Book Title: All that Glitters

Author: Aislinn Kerry

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59998-921-2

Genre: Gay-Lesbian Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

The gruesome murder of his family, accusations of insanity, and being stalked by an evil gwrach-y-rhibyn, a night-hag, preparing to make Kynan a snack has caused him to move to Paris in search of a new life, as well as to escape old memories. But nightmares are hard to elude when they are nipping at your heels.

Aneirin sees Kynan in distress and can’t leave without assisting him. He saves the young man’s life and restores his faith in mankind. Aneirin offers Kynan a strong shoulder to lean on, friendship, and ultimately love. Will Kynan still love Aneirin when he discovers what he truly is?

Aislinn Kerry has brought us a story filled with love, commitment, and acceptance in All that Glitters. Aneirin is strong man and a fierce protector. Kynan is just the opposite, but has a warm, giving nature that draws Aneirin to him. The interaction between the characters was sensual and loving. Each wants to have the other but is unsure of the cost to obtain the dream. The story was captivating and had me wishing for a few more pages about these fascinating characters. All that Glitters is a wonderful story that lovers of the genre will enjoy immensely.

Calendar Boys April: Out of the Storm

Book Title: Calendar Boys April: Out of the Storm
Author: Jamie Craig
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-242-2
Genre: Gay Contemporary Series
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

All that TV weatherman Nick Lau wanted was a quiet and romantic weekend with his boyfriend Austin. What he got was unceremoniously dumped and left to fend for himself, just hours before a sudden torrential downpour wipes out the only road leading to and from the secluded mountain cabin he’s rented. He expects to spend the remainder of the weekend alone, licking his wounds, and not in the company of the ruggedly hunky ranger who comes to rescue him.

When Ranger Jay Archer goes up the mountain to evacuate tourists before the road washes out, he never expects to have his warning ignored or to have the door slammed in his face. He also doesn’t expect to become trapped in a small and romantic cabin with handsome Nick Lau. But the most surprising thing of all is his instant attraction, so it’s not long before these two strangers are doing more than just keeping each other company.

The writing team that makes up Jamie Craig has done it again with their light hearted, fun and sexy April offering in their ongoing Calendar Boys series, Out of the Storm. They have come up with another interesting meeting premise, witty dialogue that often had me chuckling, great characters and enough hot physical attraction to set the cabin on fire. Best of all it gave the men and their new relationship hope for the future. This well written and plotted gay romance is another of those books designated as a keeper to be re-read again in the future. Nothing about this series disappoints, so give it a try and enjoy!

Riding the El at Midnight

Book Title: Riding the El at Midnight
Author: Rick R. Reed
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-228-6
Genre: Gay / Erotic Horror / Suspense / Thriller / BDSM / Voyeurism / Exhibitionism / Public Places
Nymph Rating: 3.5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Mark calls himself a whore while getting ready for his night out. Dressed in faded jeans that seem to be held together by nothing more than a few threads and the chaps he wears over them; a leather vest with no shirt underneath just a chain connecting his nipple rings to his navel ring and an eagle tattoo with wings spread and talons ready on his left bicep. He grabs his bag of toys and heads for the subway.

Julio is dressed to the nines in a grey summer suit, highly polished black shoes, maroon tie and a dyed to match maroon carnation on his jacket lapel. He caresses the pearl handled switchblade as he puts it in his jacket pocket before heading for the subway and a night out looking for retribution.

When Mark sees Julio board the train, he knows he’s found the man he’s looking for. He can’t stop looking at the man with hair so black it has blue highlights and eyes so dark the iris is lost in them. Julio reluctantly finds himself unable to stop looking at the man sitting across from him with the long red hair. After the train empties of passengers and they’re the only two left, Mark approaches Julio with a proposition he hopes he can’t resist and Julio agrees to Mark’s proposition but for more sinister reasons.

Riding the El at Midnight is a short, fast paced chiller that will leave you feeling slightly perturbed. Rick Reed has written a chilling scenario between two men, two strangers who may or may not be slightly disturbed. So if you like your stories with a much darker edge that cause a shiver to run up and down your spine then this is the book for you. If you like romance with a happy-ever-after then this is definitely not the book for you.

This book contains graphic violence and hardcore bondage and punishment. May not be suitable for the more sensitive reader.

Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky

Book Title: Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky
Author: Chris Owen
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370- 314-7

Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Hank is happy with his life in Shady Ridge and his job as a small town police officer. He’s not exactly in the closet but doesn’t really hide his sexuality either. When he has an itch to scratch, he joins three of his friends at a gay bar, the Neon Sky, for a couple of days of talking, drinking and lot of sex. The lonely life, and shallow sexual encounters, work well for him until Charlie joins the same police department and then everything changes.

Charlie is a huge mountain of a man who left his previous job in Albany after the end of a long term relationship. He’s come to Shady Ridge to re-group and a new start on life. What he doesn’t expect is the immediate attraction he feels for Hank and rooming with him, while searching for an apartment, only makes it more intense. Then when he sees him dancing while at the Neon Sky, he realizes that Hank’s gay too and it gives him a whole new perspective on what might be.

Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky is the first book that I’ve read by Chris Owen and this wouldn’t be my last. The author has written a sweet and sexy story that had me pulling for a happy ending from the very first pages. I liked these guys… a lot. They’re nice, loving, friendly and a little laid back, giving them the opportunity to learn about each other before they jump into bed together. When they jump though…watch out. These guys are hot together and everything clicks into place as they move from strangers to lovers and more. These are the kind of guys you want as friends or neighbors. I don’t know if the author has any more planned for the people of Shady Ridge, but I certainly hope so.

Man, Oh Man! Writing M/M Fiction for Kinks and Cash

Book Title: Man, Oh Man! Writing M/M Fiction for Kinks and Cash
Author: Josh Lanyon

Publisher: MLR Press

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

ISBN: 978-1-934531-30-3
Genre: Instructional Guide

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

When I was first told about this book I was excited. It is nothing new to those who know me that I have a dream to become a writer. Josh Lanyon delivers all the tools needed to successfully write in the field in M/M fiction in Man, Oh Man! Writing M/M Fiction for Kinks and Cash. The chapters are laid out step by step to prepare you for writing your book up through submissions and hopefully getting published. Josh doesn’t just give you his insight but gathers information from a host of other sources. And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, you gain some helpful tidbits about what some of the top publishers look for in submissions.

I loved the question and answers sections with responses from successful authors in the field, reviewers, and publishers. I found some of those responses most helpful, because depending on what you write, one of the publishers may be a better fit than others. There is fantastic information on creating characters, finding sources for new book ideas, as well as the difference between M/M and gay romance (something I didn’t know but now I can identify). So if you have writers block, I would definitely start to focus on those chapters.

I don’t want to give too much detail on the book. It’s better to read it from beginning to end. I will say that those new to the craft, as well as those who are successfully published, can all gain something from this thought provoking book. The two things that stick out for me are actual quotes on my wall. Josh says to “write what you love” and that “Writers, Write”. Thank you for writing this manual Josh. I am sure those who have dreamed of writing in this field will be as elated as I am and feel just as inspired.

Survivor

Book Title: Survivor

Author: Mary Eason

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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

ISBN: 1-59998-654-X

Genre: Chick Lit

Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Twenty-three year old Grace Caldwell has a degree in public relations and a stopgap job at Lonestar Advertising. She's waiting for an opening in her field when rich and handsome Aaron Severn takes over the company and makes her his personal assistant. For some reason, he feels the inexperienced and outspoken Grace is perfect for this high powered and important position. The old CEO retires and, according to rumor, his secretary is out to get revenge from this young upstart who has been with the firm less than a year. But this story line never develops.

Aaron is 37 and has a cynical reluctance toward commitment. He is an accomplished entrepreneur who expects a lot from his employees.

Grace feels she will never marry. She envisions only a short life, ending with the same disease that killed her mother. Her mother died when she was six and her father walked out. She was raised by loving and religious grandparents. Grandma Ruth has dreams that foretell the future. And Grandma is sure Grace's future will be changed forever by Aaron.

The two have a close and puzzling relationship. Their arguments and hurt feeling seemed unconvincing, and their periods of closeness are chaste and unsatisfying.

There were also some puzzling details in the story. Aaron urges Grace to make their plane reservations for London immediately. They will leave the week before Christmas and he expects crowds. Yet the plane is described as "somewhat empty." The car savvy kid at the drive-thru asks, "What kind of horsepower does this thing get?" I thought a Corvette "had" horsepower. As the relationship develops, Aaron frequently refers to Grace as "little girl," a term of endearment I found grating for a supposedly "spunky" female.

I believe Eason intended the story to be inspirational. Her male lead learns to believe in something other than possessions and money, while Grace stops living in fear. Yet I found the tale weak and unconvincing.

The Pauper Prince

Book Title: The Pauper Prince
Author: Kelli A. Wilkins
Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-224-8
Genre: Action Adventure/Fantasy/Series/Some M/M
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Allan Tissington is in the worst situation he has ever been in and no way to get out of it. When the king decided to banish him, Alex finds him in a doorway and decides to help him find a job to support himself instead of being homeless on the streets. Now that he had found love with Claudette, his life will not be the same. Allan is willing to sacrifice everything from his past life to keep her.

Claudette Lambert knows her place and works from sunup to sundown without asking questions of the owner. She wants nothing more than to live out her life as best she can, being a commoner, and Allan keeps throwing her emotions into overdrive with his attention for her. As Allan is being cared for after a bad fight, she knows that she wants to be with him forever, even after meeting his sister Elara who is a spoiled princess.

What a story that Kelli A. Wilkins has written with The Pauper Prince, so much mystery surrounding Allan, who is the prince exiled by his father as he realizes what changes it will take to make him a real man who wants nothing more than to go home and do right by his father. The twist and turns throughout the book will keep you reading to make sure everyone involved survive their adventure. This is the sequel of Dalton’s Temptation and I am sure the first book was just as exciting as this one. These characters came to life for me and I was fascinated by Allan’s persistence to survive everything that happens to him during his period of poverty. With all the other surprises in the book, you will not be bored reading this one and is definitely not one to put down for long!

Dragon & Fenyx: Called by Power

Book Title: Dragon & Fenyx: Called by Power
Author: Auburnimp and Michael Barnette
Publisher: Shadowfire Press
Publisher URL: http://www.shadowfirepress.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Sci-fantasy M/M
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


Flamespirit is having trouble being with a clan that doesn’t want him nor did the clan chief do as he had promised years ago, to make him an official member. When he continually saves Stormdragon, he realizes they are meant to be together.

Stormdragon is a windmage, among other things, and is looking for death any way he can get it, now that he is without his swordbrother who has died. After he accepts Flamespirit for who he is, his problem begins when he wants to keep him but has to tell him why he is clanless.

When I finished reading Dragon & Fenyx: Called by Power, I was so captivated by the story I can’t wait for the next book of the series to come out. Oh, the lives of these two lovers are definitely in for a lot of adventure ahead. Both men have different lives and problems but are willing to work out their relationship together. As Flamespirit helps Stormdragon at every turn, they both begin to realize that something more was going on than just fighting off other people who wanted something from them both.

Auburnimp and Michael Barnette have come up with a fantastic escape of sand, swords and mage power to keep you wondering what will happen next.


It will be coming out through Shadowfire Press in August.

Grigore in Blood

Book Title: Grigore in Blood
Author: D. J. Manly
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.net/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-037-0
Genre: Gay Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Stanton Lang is attacking the Ross family as revenge for his unrequited love for Anton. A small army of immortals lead by vampire and wizard Grigore come to the aid of Anton, who has promised them a place where they can live in peace once they take back the city from the Lang family. Tracking the immortals is half- vampire, half-human vampire hunter Wade who claims his mission is to kill Grigore, but secretly desires him. Desperate to reclaim their lost loves, Stanton and Adam request the aid of the demon Sitri. Stanton wants the love spell increased and Adam switches bodies so he can get close to Nicolas.

Grigore in Blood is the rousing conclusion to the Wolf Saga series. In this final episode, everything is revealed; all of the connections come to light. All the questions are answered with the exception of one, will Adam remain human? The brilliant D. J. Manly delivers another exciting addition in this thrilling saga. The trilogy is well written with tantalizing love scenes and witty dialog, each book builds the compelling plot and ending with a grand finale, and a message of love conquers all. I enjoyed this remarkable and imaginative saga immensely.

Long Hard Ride

Book Title: Long Hard Ride
Author: Lorelei James
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-468-7
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Channing Kincaid is a well educated wealthy socialite who has never fit in the world of her snobbish Massachusetts family. Rebelling against a life she doesn’t want and seeking the excitement she craves, she graduates and heads out west to follow the rodeo circuit. Things get off to a bumpy start when she discovers that the cowboy she’s been traveling with is actually married. That opens up the opportunity to hook up with a man’s she’s been crazy about since first meeting, wild man Colby McKay. When she agrees to no-holds-barred sex with him, he adds the additional incentive of his two traveling partners to the sexcapades as well. She’s might wish to have the wild cowboy to herself, but she’s also willing to agree to just about anything to be with Colby.

Cowboy Colby McKay is a bronc buster, bull rider and calf roper who can have his pick of the numerous ‘buckle bunnies’ that follows the rodeo cowboys. That is all except for the one woman he wants. He’s lusted after Channing since he first laid eyes on her, so when he finds that she and her boyfriend Jared have parted ways, he’s determined to keep her for himself. It’s not long before he discovers that he might have agreed to her having sex with his two partners, but that’s not how he feels. He wants to keep her for himself, and if that means tying her up in rope to make her admit who she belongs too, then bring on the rope and fun. Yet, all isn’t as it appears with these three friends and when secrets are revealed, it changes the group dynamics in ways Colby and Channing never imagined.

Long Hard Ride is the first in Ms. James new Rough Riders series set in the contemporary world of the wild western cowboy and the women, and land, they love. I have to admit that aside from scenes seen on television I know very little about the world of cowboys and rodeos, but Ms. James vividly detailed descriptions made me feel a part of the scene. It’s obvious that she took great pains to accurately depict both the actual rodeo events (I loved the bull riding and calf roping), and the behind the scenes human drama.

The thing that I loved the most was how she depicted the feeling of ‘family’ and friendship from the various cowboys, suppliers and real family members that followed the circuit from place to place during the rodeo season. Those portions of the book truly stand out and shine, making the book a joy to read. That’s certainly not to say that the wild and passionate sex isn’t hot, hot, hot, whether just Channing and Colby, or with the other men added to the mix. Did I forget to mention the dominance, submission, and rope play?

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes with this fast paced book that, at times, barrels ahead like a steam engine and then it slows, allowing you to appreciate some small thing that makes you smile. The story is at times complicated with so many well rounded secondary characters, but they only add a feeling of realism to a well plotted and written modern western tale. They also give this reader hope for many more equally well crafted tales set in the world of cowboys and rodeos in the future. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this new series with Rode Hard, Put Up Wet.

Rode Hard, Put Up Wet

Book Title: Rode Hard, Put Up Wet
Author: Lorelei James
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-674-4
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Gemma Jansen has been struggling to keep her ranch and rodeo stock contracting business afloat since the death of her husband several years before. She’s also tired on being alone and as much as she misses her husband, all she can think of is Cash Big Crow. Gemma might have turned him down the year before, but now she’s ready to move on with her life and wants to rekindle the passion they felt for one another. In spite of their ten year age difference, Gemma finally swallows her pride and fear. She tracks down Cash at a stop on the rodeo circuit to offer him the job as foreman on her ranch and he pleases her with his quick agreement. There is one little surprise though; he has a grown daughter, Macie, who is spending the summer traveling with him. She has one small surprise for him. Carter McKay is living on the property and helping her out while he gets ready for a big art showing of his work.

Cash Big Crow has been crazy about Gemma since he met her two years before, and he’s been biding his time while she grieved for her husband, waiting until she was ready and willing to have a relationship with him. He’s surprised when she offers him a job as ranch foreman and he’s even more surprised when she agrees to his two stipulations. They share a bed, and while she might be the boss of the ranch during the daylight hours, once in bedroom mode he calls the shots on all things relating to sex and where in the house or grounds they have it and when.

Rode Hard, Put Up Wet is a well written and plotted gem of a read that easily handles two emotionally and physically intense relationships at the same time, artfully weaving them into a cohesive story that I found myself racing to finish. Gemma and Cash have a history, while Macie and Carter have new love. The relationships between both couples and four main characters are intense and passionate, their desire and blazing need nearly oozing off the computer. The story is fast paced, and filled with witty, sexy dialogue and realistic situations that demand you believe them. She’s also blessed the story with an abundance of wonderful secondary characters, several of which we met in the first book Long Hard Ride. These personalities flesh out the story giving it depth and adding to the realism. It also gives the author a great many choices for use in additional books revolving around the McKay men and the woman, land and people they love. Look for the next book in this series with Cowgirl Up and Ride.

Cowgirl Up and Ride

Book Title: Cowgirl Up and Ride
Author: Lorelei James
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-895-X
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

AJ Foster has loved Cord McKay since she was five years old and dreamed for years of having him as lover and husband. Now that she’s grown up she’s determined to do whatever it takes to make him see her as a woman and not the small girl he rescued so many years before or as his small son’s babysitter. She doesn’t care that he’s thirteen years older or divorced with a child she already loves. She sees him as a dominating and desirable man who also sets her libido on fire. AJ is convinced he will learn to love her if given the chance and she takes it when she asks him to teach her about sex.

Cord McKay is a lonely bitter man since his city-born wife left him and his son when he was an infant. He devotes himself to caring for Ky, tending to his ranch and livestock, being the responsible oldest son to his family, and dealing with the out-of-control behavior of his younger brothers and cousins. He doesn’t date, seldom goes out and never has meaningful sex with a woman. When he sees AJ out dancing one night, he finally sees her as the woman she’s grown in to and one that he wants to get his hands on. So when AJ asks him to teach her all he knows about sex, he certainly can’t, and doesn’t, say no. What he doesn’t expect is that he will be the one being taught…how to love again.

Cowgirl Up and Ride is my favorite of Ms. James ongoing Rough Rider series to date and left me wanting to know more about the sexy McKay men and the women they call their own. The characters of AJ and Cord are well rounded and intense and they are both passionate about the people and places they love. While they come from similar ranching backgrounds, their individual family finances and circumstances have made their lives totally different. Still their personalities and sexual appetites gel, making it easy for them to understand each other and interact on a meaningful emotional and physical level. These two are blistering hot when it comes to their physical relationship, but they each have a lot to learn in order to be happy. Fear of being hurt, age difference, life experiences and family crisis’s lead to multiple misunderstandings for them both.

The story is filled with many great recurring and new secondary characters, many of which add great depth to the book and series. The scenes involving AJ’s family are intense and heart wrenching and well placed within the story. I can’t say the same for all of the scenes involving the sexual exploits of the younger McKay men. While some were important to the ongoing storyline, others seemed to be a little excessive and took away from the relationship between our two main characters. Yet when it all comes to the end, the book and series are well worth the read and I eagerly await the next installment in this contemporary western romance series. Gotta love them cowboys!

California Creamin' and other Stories

Book Title: California Creamin' and other Stories
Author: William Maltese
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://mlrpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-93453-149-5
Genre: Contemporary, GBLT (M/M)
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Ruby Minx

California Creamin’ is an eclectic collection of short stories from the very talented pen of writer William Maltese. This anthology includes stories about cowboys, men in the military, surfer dudes, hustlers and every variety of man love you can possibly imagine. The sex is hot, as expected, and by the time you finish the book you’re sweating and have to find a way to reduce your body temperature.

The adventures are certainly not run of the mill and a few of my favorites are indicated below –

California Creamin’ is a story about surfing and surfer dudes and how the sport has evolved into an avenue for hook-ups. The narrator of this story talks about his conquests with other surfers more than he does about his skill on the board. In one episode he and another surfer, Pete, spend the night in their 2-man tent trying to outdo each other under the sheets. After a night to remember what would two surfers do but ride the waves? That’s exactly how this memorable evening ends, with hot sex while riding the waves and trying to stay balanced on a cool board as the ultimate thrill. Surf’s up.

In What If Roberto Maurez is interviewing 7 candidates for the enviable position of his personal boy-toy; his one stipulation is that physically they must look like pre-pubescent boys even though they are of age. He gives them carte blanche to have sex with the guests and other candidates that evening and Andrew (known as The Black Widower) who has just left his last “sugar daddy”, and Joey get together to have some fun. These two characters have a great time of the carnal kind but their partying is cut short when Joey, who is not expecting to be selected for the honor of being Roberto’s boy, is told that he has won the “lottery”. There is a twist at the end of this story but you will have to read the book to find out.

In Football, Kenny visits the physiotherapist for some therapy on his foot and causes an unexpected reaction in his therapist, who finds out that he really loves feet! Soon Carlo, a member of a rival football team shows up and demands equal treatment from the therapist, who is concerned that he could be fired if he is caught making out with a patient. He is blackmailed into seeing Carlo after working hours and Carlo has his way with him. This therapist definitely has a thing of the sexual and kinky kind for feet. Who knew that feet were such an erogenous zone? Then Kenny joins them for a really raunchy threesome. But that’s another story.

All of the stories in California Creamin' are extremely well written and are intended to titillate and stimulate your imagination in addition to your other erotic senses. The characters are well drawn and, as expected, feature very good looking men who hook up with the same. The stories run the gamut of men in different professions from cowboys to hustlers to hitchhikers who just want to have and give a good time. William Maltese has done a terrific job on these characters and stories and the reader becomes an unintentional voyeur. I wish I could give you a taste of the other stories in this book but there is only so much time and space. What I can tell you is that you won’t regret buying this book if you’re looking for a really hot read featuring men doing indescribable things to each other.

Touching Lace

Book Title: Touching Lace
Author: Anne Rainey
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-903-4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


Lacey Vaughn wants nothing more to do with men after her last fiasco when she caught Evan with her supposedly best girlfriend Christy. With insecurities in full bloom, she needs the help of her friend Nick to see her through the dumps again before she eats her way there. Working off her frustration will take more than she has at the moment and both brothers & mom are not helping to make her feel any better at the moment.

Nick Stone wants Lacey with such passion he is willing to do anything to have her. After finding out she had been cheated on by her latest boyfriend, Nick decides to get Lacey out of her funk by being the best friend he is and little do either realize what is to become of their friendship. When he angers her unknowingly, Nick tells her how completely in love he is with her and her spitfire attitude is what he loves most about Lacey.

I love Anne Rainey’s writing in Touching Lace because she shows the affection of close siblings who care about each other deeply. Now that Lacey knows what it feels like to have a true love, she wants nothing more than to keep Nick with her always. I was really wondering about the sex education lessons that Nick offered to Lacey and could not fathom that would work out without their emotions becoming more obvious between them. When Nick and Lacey realize how much love is between them, they stop fighting their feelings and then here comes the brothers Merrick & Blade. This is the second story of a series of the Vaughn family and I want to definitely read more about the family.

The Werewolf Code: The Moon

Book Title: The Werewolf Code: The Moon
Author: Julia Talbot
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-301-7
Genre: Gay Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Private detective Deke, a werewolf, is on stakeout watching a man who he thinks is a cheating husband. On the phone is his partner Kasey, a vampire. When Kasey can’t find a marriage license for the client, he tells Deke something is not right about this case. What they discover is the guy is really a fugitive from a genetic science project gone out of control.

The Werewolf Code: The Moon is a hilarious description of a mad scientist creating mutant werewolves; Jason, the out-of-control fugitive biting people with dreams of building an army of super beings and Deke and Kasey trying to stop the insanity of it all. Julia Talbot has produced a storyline that begs for more adventures with these fabulous characters in the future. I enjoyed this story immensely.

Cheating Chance

Book Title: Cheating Chance
Author: James Buchanan
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-303-1
Genre: Gay Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Nick O’Malley is an agent for the Nevada Gaming Commission; he’s also a Goth with a ‘68 Cadillac hearse. At the Goth convention in San Diego, Nick meets Brandon Carr, who is a cop for the Riverside California PD. They have a weekend fling and go their separate ways. When the attraction proves to be too strong for Brandon to resist any longer, he drives his Harley bike nine hundred miles to spend four days with Nick. Out for a night on the town, Nick and Brandon are leaving a club when shots are fired and a man is killed in the parking lot, which turns out to be a former co-worker and friend of Nick’s.

Cheating Chance is a walk on the dark side with a peek at the Goth lifestyle and the dirty side of casinos. Nick is an openly gay computer geek who is good at his behind-the-scene job. Brandon is still hiding in the closet, afraid of losing respect if the other cops find out he’s gay. Because of this, he ignores Nick in public and flirts with women, leaving Nick feeling used. The gifted James Buchanan lures you into the networking within the legal systems and the progression of an investigation, the emotional turmoil of a new relationship and the motivations for murder. Cheating Chance is a well written, realistic mystery blended with humor and sensuous love play that keeps your emotions attached to the very end of the story. I enjoyed this impressive and tantalizing story immensely.

Dark Waters

Book Title: Dark Waters

Author: Chris Quinton
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing

Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-511-6

Genre: Shape-shifter / Gay
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Flein Traveler has roamed the world for centuries. Thanks to his father Loki, he ages slower than humans and makes putting down roots nearly impossible. Flein doesn’t have many close friends and usually keeps to himself. While traveling through the Highland village of Glenfinnan, Flein is told a story of how women are being murderer and raped. All signs point to the killer being a waterhorse who calls the Loch home.

Donnchadh is a waterhorse who has met Flein in both his forms. He is attracted to Flein when he realizes he is more than human. Flein’s stories of other countries fascinate Donnchadh and draw the men closer together. In time Flein knows that he is not the one who is committing the vicious crimes. Against his better judgment, Flein assists Donnchadh with the hunt to find the real murderer. And Donnchadh goes from wanting to make Flein a meal to making him his new mate.

Chris Quinton’s Dark Waters is a wonderful story set in the Highlands. There is action, suspense, and sweltering erotic encounters between Flein and Donnchadh. Donnchadh has never known companionship and finds that with Flein. Flein has had others share his life with him, but he has never felt the completeness that Donnchadh is able to deliver. The characters are strong, the plot keeps you engrossed, and the story on a whole was intriguing. It was definitely a wonderful break from the normal shapeshifter novels that have crossed my desk and well worth a read or two.

Undeniable Magnetism

Book Title: Undeniable Magnetism
Author: Bonnie Dee
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-650-7
Genre : GBLT (M/M), Multicultural
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Ruby Minx

Simon walks into Jay’s bar after a difficult day at his father’s advertising firm, where he is the heir apparent, and Jay knows right away that the day is turning out to be a whole lot brighter than anticipated. They start chatting; one thing leads to another and suddenly they are in Jay’s back room having oral sex.

Jay, who is blue collar Irish-Catholic, does not expect to see Simon again although he wants to and thinks that it was probably a one time thing. However a few days later, Simon shows up again and they are back at it. This time Simon spends the night and becomes a fixture in Jay’s life as they start dating. Simon, who has been brought up as the scion of an uptight, rich and society-conscious African American family, is deep in the closet and makes every excuse to Jay to keep his homosexuality “on the down low” by not introducing him as his lover to family and friends. Eventually Jay, who is street smart and very savvy, and who is falling more and more for Simon every day, tires of all the secrecy and excuses and confronts Simon who does the right thing in a very big way.

Undeniable Magnetism is more than a story of two men from different backgrounds ultimately finding each other and staying together. It is also about tolerance, racial and sexual prejudices and how these two flawed characters cope in a relationship while confronting the challenges of family, friends and society. Bonnie Dee has done an amazing job with the characterizations in the book and the dialogue is believable, funny and really fresh and shows Jay’s and Simon’s genuine feelings for each other. Highly recommended and a terrific read.

Visions of Darkness

Book Title: Visions of Darkness

Author: Judith Rochelle

Publisher: The Lotus Circle

Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx
ISBN: 9781419980510

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Nymph Rating: 3 1/2 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Oscar is a robot with tremendously important military and political significance. Carpenter Techtronics, a world leader in specialized electronics, is set to unveil their new product within the week. Mia Fleming, never able to reliably evaluate her precognitive abilities, has had a vision and knows something terrible is going to happen. She tries to warn Chase Carpenter, founder and head of the company. Chase calls his old buddy, Dan Romero, senior partner and CEO of the Phoenix Agency, to check things out.

Mia is an art historian at San Antonio's DeWitt Museum. She avoids romance because she feels her precognitive gifts make her only an object of curiosity -- not one of sexual desire. Mia is petite but strong. She hasn't always been right in her predictions, and she has some real enemies among the public and the police. Dan has always found women to fulfill his sexual needs, but has had no desire for more than one-nighters. He's cautious, capable, and known to be impervious to female charms. Yet the sparks fly from the moment these two first meet.

Mia gets assistance in controlling her psychic talents from Faith Halloran and her Aunt Viva, both of whom were introduced in an earlier installment from The Lotus Circle, though this is not officially part of a series. Faith's husband Mark is the newest partner in the mysterious Phoenix organization.

Chase’s fiancée Joy Riveras has reached a position of power in Carpenter Techtronics. No one but Chase can stand her bossy, rude ways. She is one of many characters on the scene. It is a bit difficult to keep some of the minor players straight.

The motives of the mysterious Khalid and the identities of his cohorts are revealed slowly and skillfully. Author Rochelle gives us murder, blackmail and lots of suspense, as well as some fascinating information about psychic powers.

Traveling to Home

Book Title: Traveling to Home
Author: Lorne Rodman
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-271-3
Genre: Gay Western
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Adam Beaulieu is backpacking across Canada from Quebec to Calgary for the Stampede when his money starts to run low. He goes to the job center to look for temporary work. While there he meets Ronnie Hernandez, a bull rider from New Mexico. The two become instant friends and are lucky enough to get work together. By the end of the job, Adam and Ronnie are good friends with benefits. Ronnie invites Adam to come with him. Ronnie works the rodeo circuit to support their travels. By the time they reach New Mexico, Adam and Ronnie are in love.

Traveling to Home is a wonderful story of finding your soul mate in the most implausible place. Lorne Rodman gives a captivating example of being contented with life and the pleasures of loving someone. I found this story very enjoyable.

The Pridelands 3: Sheer's Choice

Book Title: The Pridelands 3: Sheer's Choice
Author: Jade Buchanan
Publisher: Changeling Press, LLC
Publisher’s URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-848-7
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Achan is the youngest Steinsson and part of Durai’s pride. He is also missing and the pride is searching through Muncho Lake Provincial Park for some signs of the young lion. The discovery of Achan’s absence has caused tempers to flare and resentment to rear its ugly head.

Soon new arrivals have come to aid in the search. Tigris Sheer Ma’at, Rabi’a Asher and Pran Devan bring their special skills, hope, and determination all the things necessary to help find and save Achan. But their arrival also brings another twist to the already complex situation: a possibility of new mates for the Durai pride.

I fell in love with the characters Jade Buchanan created in the first Pridelands series and was blissful after reading The Pridelands 3: Sheer's Choice. Rais has been feeling the effects of having those around him mated, and his attitude stinks because of it. Rabi’a is still coping with the fact of not being maternal enough to care for her own daughter. Then we come to Sheer, a Tigris with a heart of gold and a loving spirit. He has never known what it is to have a family of his own, but is more than willing to find out.

I am anxiously awaiting Khalid’s story, but I have a feeling the giant with the gentleness few know he possesses will not meet his heart mate for a while. I have to say in this story I saw more of his true nature and he has become my favorite character. If you enjoyed the previous of the Pridelands series, The Pridelands 3: Sheer's Choice will have you laughing and overjoyed for the characters destined to find heart mates. Jade Buchanan is a natural at creating believable characters and stories that reach out to the reader.

Frostbite

Book Title: Frostbite
Author: Moira McTark
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Publisher URL: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60088-214-2
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Bramble Nymph

Bethany Phillips strives for control in everything she does. Being emotional is a weakness in her eyes and love has no room in her plans. Though her coworker Ryan Chase’s attitude towards work and life irritates the hell out of her, she can’t complain as he usually gets the job done. She can barely tolerate him. What will happen when these two polar opposites are sent to attend an interpersonal skills conference and manage to get themselves trapped in an expansive retreat with a storm blowing over?

Bethany managed to scare me at many levels. It is like as if an internal clock is ticking inside her that makes her do methodical things all according to precise plans. Being on top of everything is good but such sharp focus can be deadly for a normal human being. Ryan is someone I would love to know. I share his love for life and really liked the way he tries rub away Bethany’s sharp corners. Long sex scenes are spread on the whole length of the story but I was more interested in unraveling the mystery behind Bethany’s behavior. I never thought that a woman like her would give any man a chance but Ms. McTark convinced me that a man like Rick would be good for her ego.

The plot’s sharp focus is on the very unlikely lead pair’s budding relationship and the story passionately follows it till the end. There are relationship and trust issues that are all dealt very finely by the author. Their boss Jared Fikes is the only secondary character. He is their boss and the president of Tracestone Corp and contributes to the story by phone. Setting up two people alone in wilderness isn’t my idea of building up a romance but Bethany’s character needed the aloneness to recognize the emptiness that was within her.

Despite its short length, Frostbite introduces you to two very diverse people who were brought together by unlikely circumstances and who discover new horizons for themselves. True love and unbreakable trust are the only two things that can save hearts lost to Frostbite. Don’t forget to pick up a copy and find out for yourself!

Wild Frontier

Book Title: Wild Frontier

Author: Sienna Black
Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-652-1

Genre: Polyamorous Historical Western Shape-Shifter
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Lucas Trumble is the sheriff of Fairtrade, Montana. The town has seen some bizarre occurrences since Louisa Dupré moved on the outskirts of town. Luke is convinced that Louisa is not the witch everyone thinks she is. Wouldn’t any man know what his woman is capable of doing?

While Louisa is not a witch, her grandmother did train her in the use of healing herbs. She was also taught about werewolves and other creatures that most people chalk up as a myth.

When the Sheriffs’ best friend Caleb Hawkins is bitten by a wolf, he goes to Louisa for help. Soon Luke is sharing more than a mutual friendship with Caleb, and he has to determine if he can accept the new circumstances.

Wild Frontier is set in the Wild West. Luke is a strong capable sheriff with a gentle nature. Sometimes he’s a bit too tame for Louisa. Caleb is a bit wilder than his friend, but has never overstepped his boundaries with either him or Louisa until he is bitten. Louisa sees an opportunity to have two men that she has fallen in love with and will do what is necessary to keep all of them happy and sharing their love and lives as one. The story was enjoyable to read. All of the characters had a strong presence that linked them together perfectly. There was action, sensual love making and just enough shifting to keep readers engrossed. This is sure to be a wonderful read for those who enjoy the genres.

Disoriented Dress

Book Title: Disoriented Dress
Author: Liam Stalls
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Publisher’s URL: http://www.redrosepublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60435-073-9
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Moon Nymph


Janet Delaine finds a naked blonde in bed with her boyfriend, John, when she comes home from work one day. Overtaken with despair she turns to his best friend, Cliff. Now there’s a hunk who can treat women right. Too bad he left town right after she met him and her man stayed behind. Things go from bad to worse when John’s sexual perversions affect her work, mentality, and physical well-being. More than anything, she wants out of this dysfunctional relationship, but the former love of her life has something he’s hanging over her head. Not even gorgeous and level-headed Cliff can help her with this one.

Liam Stalls weaves a tale here that involves the ultimate digression- infidelity. His main character, Janet, is a symbol for many women in today’s society who get hurt and don’t know how to fix a bad situation. Cliff is the alpha male character that every women longs to find and keep to herself. Readers will connect with these characters and the journey that they take.

Be aware that violence is included in this story.

Roommates

Book Title: Roommates
Author: Helen Gabriel
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher’s URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-677-4
Genre: Contemporary, GBLT (M/M) Interracial
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Ruby Minx

Jasper’s and Morgan’s relationship did not have a very auspicious beginning when Jasper wakes up and sees Morgan holding a gun on him. This situation should have gone downhill very fast but, like many misunderstandings between people meant for each other, they quickly recognize what they want - each other.

Morgan, a cop, had returned home from a particularly stressful day at work running down criminals when he walks into his apartment and realizes that there is someone else in residence. He finds Jasper sleeping in the spare room and has no idea who he is. Morgan had recently placed an ad to rent his spare bedroom but had never met his new roommate in person and had no idea of his arrival date, so he is a bit surprised by Jasper’s presence, but they move from anger to attraction in short order.

Morgan and Jasper soon acknowledge that the qualities they are searching for in a partner, which are ‘must haves’ for a long term relationship, are within their grasp, if only they have the courage to take that first step. The tension between them explodes into fireworks in bed and they know then they have found their other half.

Roommates is a very sweet short story of two very different men who have been looking for love for a long time and they waste no time grabbing each other when they know that feeling is returned. Helen Gabriel has done a very good writing job of creating these two complex three dimensional diverse characters who have similar qualities where it counts.

Sleeping With the Past

Book Title: Sleeping With the Past
Author: Cassidy Ryan
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60370-292-8
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Professor Asher Munro has been getting death threats for several weeks, none of which he has taken seriously. After all who would want to hurt him? He might try to brush the threats off, but his teaching assistant Ellis takes the threats to heart and they scare her. In fear for her mentor’s life and against Asher’s orders, she goes to her father, Detective Nathaniel Holden and begs for his help, taking the latest letter with her.

Nat has met Asher several times in the past and due to his attraction to the younger man he’s reluctant to become involved in a case that will put them in close contact. He might have become a parent at a young age, but he’s been firmly in the closet his whole life and plans on staying there. It’s only after Asher is attacked and severely injured that Nat is forced to admit that the threats are real, and they can no longer be ignored. After being assigned to play Asher’s 24/7 bodyguard, he finds that not only is he fighting to keep the man safe, but fighting to keep himself from falling in love with the charming, cheerful man.

Sleeping with the Past is a well written contemporary gay romance with just enough suspense to keep you guessing at who the ‘bad guy’ of this story really is. The characters of Asher and Nat are likable, well rounded and are so dissimilar in background that they are a true case of opposites attracting, and attracting is exactly what happens to these two sexy men. Nat might fight his desire for Asher, but it only grows stronger the longer he’s with him, until it can no longer be denied. These two are intense, passionate and overall great guys who deserve to find happiness.

The author does an excellent job in describing Nat’s fear of change; of having the life he loves destroyed by others upon discovering that he’s gay. His hesitation to give in to his desire for Asher is understandable with what he feels he has to lose…respect from his co-workers and the love of his child. The sexual tension between these men can almost be felt radiating off the page, and by the time their sexual relationship is culminated near the end, their desire for one another is almost a pulsing need. The ending is well finished, and I never did figure out who was threatening Asher, even up to the end. I love surprises when it comes to the villains. Good work, Ms. Ryan.

Anything But Mine

Book Title: Anything But Mine

Author: Linda Winfree

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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

ISBN: 1-59998-891-7

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Public Defender Autry Holton is honor-bound to defend a murderer who scares her to death. She's pregnant and she has not told the father. He left her right after the child was conceived. She's getting threatening phone calls and notes, but she's determined to get through all of this on her own.

Sheriff Stanton Reed has no reason to believe his vasectomy failed. He loves Autry, but fears emotional closeness. He already has a failed marriage and two nearly grown children. Yet when he discovers the truth, he longs for a second chance at love and fatherhood.

Author Winfree grabs the reader's interest on the first page and never lets go. I really cared about these characters, and about the relationship between police profiler Caitlin Falconetti and Stan's investigator Tick Calvert. Autry's no-good brother Nate is another major character: he's violent and has left his wife and kids. Murderer Jeff Schaefer is truly evil and tricky to boot.

An explosion reminiscent of Oklahoma City is only one of the developments that brought tears to my eyes. There's a series of possibly related burglaries and many issues of trust and inner revelation. The mystery has many elements. Who is stalking Autry? Who is responsible for the courthouse explosion? Is everything connected or are there multiple bad guys? Winfree ties it all up nicely, with a believable romance and tremendous skill at creating suspense. This complicated tale is a great read.

Want Me

Book Title: Want Me
Author: Rowan McBride
Publisher: Wheatmark
Publisher URL: http://www.wheatmark.com/
ISBN: 978-1-58736-934-6
Genre: gay fiction
Nymph Rating: 5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Joel Beckett is on top of the world in his sophomore year at college. He’s a star football player, has the body of a god and is wanted by all the girls and even a few of the guys in college. So why does he feel so bored all the time? At 6 foot 6, he likes having one of the biggest hard cut muscular bodies on campus. He enjoys that most people find him at least a little intimidating and have to look up at him. He’s the happiest after winning a game and riding the adrenaline rush for the next few days and when that’s gone, he feels almost lost.

Walker Cain is a 5 foot 4 scrawny nerd and Joel’s roommate. He either has his nose in a book, watching an old black and white movie or looking at Joel. Joel’s best friend Sam calls Walker creepy but Joel has always behaved decently towards him, he’s never ridiculed him or made fun of his size and he’s never complained about the smell of hyacinth. Before Joel moved in, Walker had been through eight roommates who had mostly felt like Sam and moved out. The Cain blood line is cursed, but they can also perform magic, create potions and poisons. Each family member can only create one big spell in their life to use possibly in the hope of redeeming oneself or not. Walker already knows how he’s going to use his spell, he’s going to use it to make the man he wants want him in return and he wants Joel, more than anything.

When Walker casts the spell and speaks the words “Want Me”, black spirals curl around and throughout Joel who is unable to resist and finds himself wanting Walker. Upon awakening Joel can’t remember everything that happened and is dumbfounded when Walker kisses him and calls him lover, but as soon as he starts to resist, Walker speaks those words again and Joel can’t stop himself from wanting him. Soon Joel starts to realize something’s not right, he still fits his football uniform perfectly and no one has mentioned he looks different, but Joel notices he’s not as tall as he was and his muscles aren’t quite as bulky anymore! Walker on the other hand doesn’t mind the changes in his body; he’s just relieved he’s not turning into a girl! Walker doesn’t know what went wrong with the spell, he wished for what he wanted and all he wanted was for Joel to want him.

The spell remains intact and every time they have sex and Joel has an orgasm he finds himself falling down the spirals and waking up in a new life with a smaller body, while Walker keeps getting larger. It’s not long before Joel is 5 foot 4 and Walker is 6 foot 6 and naturally Joel is angry, angry that his life has been stolen from him. Because he can no longer play football Joel needs something to fill that void and takes an interest in writing, particularly poetry. With the encouragement from his professor and new best friend April, Joel continues to pursue his writing and is even complimented by Walker that he’s a good writer and his poems are beautiful. Can the spell ever be reversed or is Joel doomed to continue getting smaller? Will Joel ever be happy! Will he and Walker ever be able to find peace?

Want Me is a fantastic and beautiful story of redemption, acceptance of oneself and the forgiving of others. Rowan McBride has done a wonderful job in keeping this story from going over the top and in creating such a profound and fascinating world for these two characters. Joel quickly avoids becoming what could be a not so likable ego-filled jock to one you’ll find yourself sympathizing with and rooting for. Walker easily could have become the hated villain but never does. Even though he has no qualms in doing whatever it takes to get what he wants or what he thinks will make Joel happy, he has an innocence about him and the glimpses we get of his life and his family history helps to make him someone you’ll find yourself sympathizing with and rooting for as well. The intense emotions and the passionate relationship between these two men will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. At no time did the story become confusing or lose my interest, the author’s writing kept me turning every page needing to find out what happened next. Do not miss this book! Every fan of the m/m genre will want to re-read this story again and again, I know I will!

Amethyst Rain

Book Title: Amethyst Rain
Author: Alison Paige
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher site URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419914485
Genre: Contemporary, Gay, Ménage a Trois
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Your Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Midnight Minx

Katie joined the Army years before as an engineer and she expected the war to be over before she became qualified. She is now finished studying but her unit was called up for service. Wanting to spend her last free weekend with friends but also hopefully getting lucky, she takes off for a few fun-filled days beside the lake.

Mark and Jarrod are best friends, whose relationship developed into something much more. They both agreed to never let a third person into their relationship without each other’s consent. They accept an invitation to spend a weekend with friends and discover something that might just turn their world upside down.

Amethyst Rain is a short story that has everything a good book needs; there is sexual tension as Katie’s amethyst necklace causes everyone’s libido to go into overdrive. But more importantly the author makes us fall in love with the characters.

Katie is a wonderful lead character as we watch her deal with her fear of having to serve in Iraq when she never really expected to. Later on she fears that such long term separation will affect her newfound relationship with Mark and Jarrod.

As a reader I often struggle to believe in the main characters finding true love so quickly when reading a short story. This author however managed to make me not only believe that they fell in love but also that the men would be willing to wait while Katie serves her time in the Army. I congratulate Alison Paige and thank her for not only a hot ménage story but also a stimulating and emotional read.

Aquamarine

Book Title: Aquamarine
Author: Sara Bell
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-308-6
Genre: Contemporary, GBLT (M/M)
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Ruby Minx

Derek Hoffman and Ford Galloway have been best friends since they roomed together as college freshmen. Derek, who is “out” as a gay football player, and Ford who is straight, play for the same college football team, the Coast Southern Cougars. Derek has been nominated for the Heisman Trophy and his boyfriend Paul, an aspiring actor, is always in the news talking about his relationship with Derek, whose family thinks Paul is a jerk and is only with Derek because he wants to bask in his reflected glory. Paul’s recent announcement of their engagement is the last straw, taking Derek and his family totally by surprise.

Then Derek suffers a career-ending injury during a game. Ford is distraught and will not leave his side during his hospital stay and offers to take care of him during his convalescence. Derek’s supposed fiancé Paul, who had been MIA since his accident, shows up just long enough to break up with him, a move anyone could see coming a mile away somewhat like a pitcher telegraphing his next pitch to the hitter.

Derek had been in love with Ford long before he met Paul but always thought that he was straight. However, Ford seems to be unusually tender and loving toward him when he is injured and he wonders if he is reading the signs correctly, but he doesn’t want to risk a rebuff. Things quickly come to a head when Ford comes home and sees the new gay male nurse helping Derek in the bathroom.

Aquamarine could have been a very good story but the main characters are not very believable. The story is told from Derek’s POV and I found it hard to relate to him. How could he have been blind to the fact that Paul was only using him and disregarded the advice of Ford and his family, whom he loved very much, to stick with this guy? I can’t understand why he did not drop Paul after the engagement fiasco. There are errors in the book including name switches, which make it difficult to keep the characters straight. Also, Ford changed from hetero to gay three quarters of the way through the book with a very lame explanation which didn’t seem to be logical. I have given this book 3 Nymphs because at least the sports background seems credible.

Touch a Four-Leaf Clover

Book Title: Touch a Four-Leaf Clover
Author: Shara Azod and RaeLynn Blue
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Publisher URL: https://www.redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/
ISBN: 978-1-60435-0135-4
Genre: Erotic Romance/MC/IR/Paranormal and Contemporary Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Book 1 (5 nymphs)
The Goddess Bridgid’s temple had been left cold, and her priestesses defiled. The cousins Ciaran and Conner are responsible for seducing the women away from their duties. Bridgid decided upon a punishment to humble both men. Ciaran and Connor will have no sexual stirrings until they locate the one woman who can rekindle their fire. Until that time, neither shall find rest or death.

Four thousand years has passed and Ciaran’s sex life is nonexistent. He is unable to find joy in anything, and anger is his constant companion. St. Patrick’s Day finds Ciaran in a Chicago pub, brooding in the corner. Just as he was pushing away his plate, he hears a voice that breathed life into his soul and his nether regions. He had to find the woman with that voice. Once he laid eyes on her Ciaran was practically slobbering from thinking about planting himself between her beckoning thighs.

Tia was having a hell of a time getting her drunken roommate to her car. Even though she was somewhat frightened by the blue-eyed man from the bar following her, she couldn’t help feeling relief that he showed up to carry her roommate to her car. And staring at his jeans that fit his body like a glove wasn’t so bad either. Tia was drowning in the waves of want for the Irishman, but unfortunately she feared that he was more attracted to her roommate.


Book 2 (5 nymphs)
Every single day of the curse wears heavily upon Connor’s shoulders. He often felt he had no heart left and understood why some people consider him an ass. Looking at his cousin Ciaran hurt too much, especially considering that this entire mess was Connor’s fault. That is why he migrated to California. He gave up the hope of finding a woman who would stand up to him and be his soul mate. Until that time, all he could do with women was study them from a distance. The second he spots a petite but lush woman with braids entering his club, he is drawn to her. When he hears the siren speak Connor’s sexual urges raced through his body like the speed of light.

Roxy was having a bad St. Patrick’s Day, reflecting on the loss of her ex and her business. All she wanted to do was nurse her beer in peace without being harassed by a drunk looking for a little brown sugar. Having lost faith in men, she was not expecting to be rescued by the biggest, sexiest redhead in the club. Most likely the green-eyed hottie was going to blame her for the fight in his club and throw her out.

Azod and Blue created a hot pair of cousins in Touch a Four-Leaf Clover. There is nothing like a brooding and broken man who is drop dead gorgeous. I am hard pressed to pick a favorite, so I am forced to love them both. Ciaran allowed himself to be led astray by Connor, and Connor harbored guilt about the damage he caused to both their lives. In the end, both men were changed by the love of their women. The issue Tia brought up with her roommate in regards to Ciaran was cleverly written and rarely covered in stories. Roxy and Connor were my favorite couple because of their ride or die warrior love. I am a sucker for seeing a strong man who treats his strong woman like an equal, but still with a delicate touch. Irishmen have become my new favorite characters and I am dying for another story from Azod and Blue. Their writing is erotica at its best and always leaves me wanting more.

The Invaders

Book Title: The Invaders
Author: Gregory Norris

Publisher: Phaze

Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-880-9
Genre: M/M, Sci-Fi/Futuristic

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Verdance is a small uneventful kind of town, where gadgets are a must for the youth to keep their sanity. Phillip McKinley is the star quarterback and has the head cheerleader as his girlfriend. What more could any high school student want? How about being able to tell the world you are gay and comfortable with that reality.

Julian is the newcomer with the beautiful sapphire eyes, a lean body, and handsome face. He has a protective Mentor and a glowing aura that has captured Phillips attention hook, line, and sinker. Will Julian’s secret be too much for the QB to handle?

The Invaders is a love story on a multitude of levels. Love of self, love of fellow man, and love of your destined mate are all encompassed in this story. Some of us survived the awkward teen years under stress, while others were the actual cause of said stress. Gregory Norris brings this to the forefront and allows us to see how Phillip handles himself in these situations. I was actually proud of the young man and wish there were more young people out there like him in this aspect. Julian gave Phillip the power to decide what he wanted and the strength to go for it. Phillip supplied Julian with the last key needed to prepare him for the impending battle which will decide the fate of mankind. The sex was creative and defied gravity to say the least. The Invaders is a wonderful story, and I’m looking forward to reading more from Gregory Norris.

Smokin’: Carolina in the Storming

Book Title: Smokin’: Carolina in the Storming
Author: Jeanie Johnson and Jayha Leigh
Publisher: Lulu
Publisher URL: http://www.lulu.com/en/products/
ISBN: 978-1-4357-0960-7
Genre: I/R
Nymphs Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Carolina Gilchrist-Williams arrives like a bat out of hell in Colorado at Mariana and Samson’s home to celebrate her baby girl’s pregnancy. She had to be there to spoil Mariana herself and cook all her favorite southern dishes, as if eating were going out of style. Carolina’s joy is put on the back burner when she lays eyes on the honey haired, green eyed giant she remembered from Mariana’s wedding. That arrogant and educated Alpha was just like a bad massage as far as Carolina was concerned; he rubbed her the wrong way. Although the white boy was finer than frog’s hair and he did make Carolina fantasize about things that had to be illegal in at least three states.

Mackenzie Robert’s life was disrupted the day he spotted a mocha, full figured beauty at his friend’s wedding. She had been issuing him threats with her eyes and body language the entire time, but that didn’t keep him from checking her out. Mackenzie had spent numerous nights dreaming of the one woman tornado and now here she was. He was there overseeing construction on Samson’s land, so that gave Mackenzie plenty of time to spend in Carolina’s face and hopefully, her bed. Being cursed out by Carolina from A to Z daily only made him more hot and bothered. The Almighty had opened the door to opportunity and Mackenzie would make the sultry sharp tongued scholar his, whether she liked it or not.

One minute the two are going toe to toe and the next they are going at it, lips to lips. Mackenzie tries his best to woo Carolina, and she tries her best to resist Mackenzie. Their relationship transcends to a higher level when an abused child enters their lives. Carolina immediately claims the boy, David, as hers and is ready to do battle with anyone attempting to take him away. Mackenzie accepts David and helps him overcome the horror that has been his life up until this point. Carolina’s family arrives in Colorado to offer their support against David’s negligent father. David’s circumstances bring some surprising twist that will leave you shocked and bring out the mother in you. Eventually Carolina admits to herself that she wants Mackenzie and she decides exactly how she is going to blow his mind.

Once again Johnson and Leigh have taken me over the rainbow with another emotional read. Smokin’: Carolina in the Storming is a mold breaker and Johnson and Leigh have reinvented themselves yet again. Erotica kissed comedy on a bed made of drama and gave birth to a story that left me weeping unabashedly. As tough as nails as the trash-talking Carolina is, she is also soft like baby’s skin and I loved her character because of this. I am so glad she got her own story after being introduced in the first story of the series, Hot Like Fire: The Taming and Liberation of Mariana. She has three weapons of destruction that can’t be defeated: her mitts, her mouth, and her mind. She was destined to attract the only man alive who could appreciate her dominance.

Mackenzie is the kind of man who could take me like General Grant took Richmond on the drop of a dime. I am amazed that Carolina held out as long as she did against his methods of persuasion. Their scenes in the kitchen and the bathroom should only be read if you don’t have a weak heart, because they are hot to death! Writing this review was nearly impossible because it only made me go back and start reading this glorious story again. More spin off stories are brewing, I can feel it. I can hardly wait to see which one of their wacko characters graces the pages next. No matter who is chosen, the story is bound to be a hit. This story is so much more than a must read. It is a “don’t- make- me-remind –you-again- that -these –authors- brought- you- to –the- table- once again -so -you –had-better- act-as -if –you- know” epic tale.

Claiming Their Mate

Book Title: Claiming Their Mate
Author: Paige McKellan
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1- 59998-915-8
Genre: Paranormal, Ménage (M/F/M)
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Ruby Minx

Jules Kingston has been destined from birth, as the eldest WereLioness of her family, to be the next Lioness of the White Sands Pride. When her fathers decided to step down three months earlier, they had put out a call for a pair of lions to mate with her and she is totally against taking a mate at 23 years of age. She had been hoping to spread her wings and do all the things she had planned for the next 10 years before settling down as Lioness with mates and a litter of cubs. Certainly she had no intention of being the mate to the two outstanding lions in the Pride, Gabriel and Lucas Beckett, who made her blood race and her hormones go into overdrive.

Gabriel and Lucas have waited for Jules to grow up and knew that they were predestined to mate with her, but first they must convince her that she is their soul mate. Jules, on the other hand, is so sick of all the WereLions pursuing her to present their case because they want to be the next Leo, some of them actually sniffing her while in human form that she is ready to scream. Just a few days earlier she had run one of her pursuers down because he wanted her to take him for a “test run” to see what it was like to be in bed with a lion in his prime. When he wouldn’t take no for an answer she rammed him with her car and broke both his legs.

Then Gabe comes home from the Navy Seals and together with his brother Luke they decide to claim their woman. Gabe and Luke kidnap Jules from her home as she is escaping from them, and take her to their ranch before she can leave. At first she resists their combined sexual attack but she is no match for them and soon finds herself in their bed. When they mate the sex is primal - pure lust and animal magnetism as their animal and human senses merge. Gabe and Luke double team Jules in every way to get her to agree that they are soul mates.

All three main characters in the book are very likeable and three dimensional. The two men are alpha males who have one objective and that is to claim their mate. Jules on the other hand wants to have a say in her life and won’t be forced into making such an important decision about her future without weighing what she would be giving up, even though her fathers appear to have chosen for her. Then the decision is made for her, two other WereLions challenge Luke and Gabe to a mate fight and whoever wins will have the privilege of impregnating her, thus taking away her options to decide her own life. To find out what happens next and who wins Jules, you will have to read the book.

Claiming Their Mate gives an interesting picture of the lives of these shapeshifters and Ms McKellan demonstrates great imagination in letting her readers into their world. This is a terrific story and for a first book, a most impressive debut.