Feral

Title: Feral
Author: Joely Skye
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-520-7
Genre: Gay-Lesbian Romance, Paranormal Romance, M/M
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

The day werewolves captured and tortured Ethan still lingers in his mind. Years later, he still refuses to shift, knowing that he is stronger in his most primal form – a cougar. Werewolves are once again after him, and they aren’t trying to give Ethan an option about what form he is in. After so many years, the primary thought is that Ethan is Feral.

Bram is an Omega Pack member and remembers Ethan. His existence with the Pack hasn’t been easy, but if Bram follows the rules, he keeps the Alpha’s protection. Ethan and Bram form a bond, which surprises them both.

The bond causes Bram to decide he must protect Ethan from his Alpha’s plans. Ethan can’t forget the man who has protected him and refuses to treat the act lightly. Will they be strong enough to survive the cold dish of revenge waiting in the wings?

Joely Skye writes about love, rebuilding lives and relearning the art of trust in Feral. Ethan has suffered an enormous amount of emotional and physical pain. He knew his animal form was stronger than the human side and knew it was the only way to survive. Bram’s role as an Omega isn’t the safest when it comes to the Pack. He’s been kicked for so long that the true extent of harm done by his own Pack is shown by his reactions to others. Ethan awakened a side of Bram he didn’t know existed, or possibly was too scared to acknowledge. Ethan gave Bram someone to focus on who needed protection more than he did. The story grabbed my attention from the first paragraph. Between the chase and then the discovery of innermost desires, I couldn’t help but enjoy the book. The character’s weaknesses drew me in and made them feel real and approachable, while the story’s plot and setting added the balance needed to make this a book unforgettable. I’ll be adding Joely Skye’s to my must-read author’s list.

Trunk in the Basement II

Title: Trunk in the Basement II
Author: Helen Chilcott
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-263-3
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary, Mystery
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Seventy years have passed since Herbert Stokes disappeared at sea. Now Australian novelist Leckie Armytage is searching a used book store for Oscar Wilde. An unseen hand directs her to the book she needs - and to Stokes’ luggage key ticket. She is caught up by the mystery and travels to England to search for answers with the grandson of the missing man.

The smelly ghost of Molly Elva Millar is back in part two Chilcott’s tale. She’s still seeking revenge and even inhabits Leckie’s body at times.

Albert Stokes and servant Eugenia Purdie have a lovely late-life romance going. They help Leckie search family papers for clues and pursue them through the sewers of London. It’s a scary (and slimy) adventure, uncovering illegitimacy, murder and even arms trafficking.

This installment starts at Chapter 19 and ends, “This is not the end.” I’m still not sure where the story is going, but I am enjoying the path it takes. I’m looking forward to the next leg of Chilcott’s journey.

Shunga Chronicles: Prince and the Assassin

Title: Shunga Chronicles: Prince and the Assassin
Author: Lizzie Lynn Lee
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-201-2
Genre: Shunga, BDSM, M/F
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Midori is taking a bath in the hot springs when a highborn stranger comes upon her. Finding him appealing, she invites him to join her in the bath. Refusing to give him her name, she named him Gorgeous Cock and he called her Silver Eyes. Being the last of her kind, Midori has the traits of the kitsune-bi or fox people, which make her perfect to be a spy and an assassin. Engaging in a sexual interlude, the couple cannot forget their time together. When Midori is ordered by her master to kill the prince, she discovers he is the man she loves; Midori vows to find a way to save the prince, as well as sustain her honor.

Shunga Chronicles: Prince and the Assassin is the second episode in the Japanese erotica series. Born with the natural skills of stealth, Midori is trained from a child to be an executioner. In a country split into three tumultuous domains, Midori’s master delegates her to exterminate his rivals. Lizzie Lynn Lee has created another moving tale of characters torn between love and their sense of duty. The plot is interesting and the interwoven cultural fable is enjoyable.

Best Unspoken

Title: Best Unspoken
Author: Bryl Tyne
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.nobleromance.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Contemporary, M/M
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Levi Finley is young, hot and has everything going for him so his friends and his mother don’t understand why he would date a middle-aged introvert, who literally says nothing. Levi knows why he stays with the man but when their taunts get into his head, Levi starts second guessing himself – that is until his quiet boyfriend decides to remind him exactly why he stays.

Best Unspoken is a very original story, a premise that had me glued to my seat. The funny thing about this story is that I didn’t completely warm up to the couple but the writing pulled me in and inevitably made me curious to know more about the characters. Levi is young, compared to his forty or so boyfriend Rob. His mother and friends don’t approve and consider his quiet lover “creepy”. I felt bad for Rob; he was judged because of his age and his introverted personality. Levi’s friends, and to a lesser extent, his mother were rather horrible and I was surprised that the character was so easily swayed by their opinions.

Overall Best Unspoken is a premise that would have worked wonderful in a much longer book, where it would have been given more time to develop. The characters’ relationship is fascinating enough and the writing was solid. I felt the story was rather a fragment of their relationship – and in the end left me a tad confused because there was no character development. However, the author has me very interested and I can only hope the author decides to make this story into a more feature length novel.

The Drakhom Taboo II

Title: The Drakhom Taboo II
Author: Celia Jade
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: None
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Vampire, (m/f)
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Bianca worked hard on her design and felt their company was turned down because Devon Slane, the company’s owner, wanted a personal relationship with her.

The Drakhom Taboo II continues the story of K & E Ergonomics with Bianca. Both continuously challenge each other and I liked Bianca’s spirit. She didn’t let Devon get away without confronting him.

The Drakhom Taboo

Title: The Drakhom Taboo
Author: Celia Jade
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: None
Genre: Paranormal, Vampire, (m/f)
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Kate has always avoided Drakhoms because she was afraid of the stories she had heard about their sharp teeth. Her new client, Tanton, set her pulse pounding when she first met him. Kate has a rule that she doesn’t date clients but she also suspects him of being a Drakhom.

The Drakhom Taboo is a story of sexual tension. I liked the way Tanton slowly breaks down Kate’s barriers. Get the fans ready for when you read the first sex scene.

Concealed Affairs

Title: Concealed Affairs
Author: C.R. Moss
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-261-9
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Victoria Padden is a computer specialist with wealthy roots and a wild child past. David Lloyd is the soon-to-be doctor she’s been living with. Her mom is thrilled with this arrangement, but it’s too stable, too boring. And it’s not progressing rapidly towards marriage.

Tori’s boss and best friend, Sally Becker, takes her to a bachelor auction and bids on the owner of a construction and landscaping company. Sally sees hunky Geoff McKenzie as a great way to move David out of Tori’s life. Geoff is attractive, sensitive and for some reason, unable to hold on to a woman.

Chubby Bertha Sims, abetted by her wealthy and pushy mother, wants Geoff for herself. A jealous co-worker wants Tori’s clients. Nasty notes and phone calls plague Tori.

Geoff and Tori both do a lot of hot fantasizing before they get to the real thing near the end of the book. Bertha has some steamy dreams as well, and records them in her journal.

Ms. Moss is an engaging writer. The book kept me engrossed until the end but then I was disappointed by a couple of twists. The author did not foreshadow these significant factors well and worked a little too hard to tie up loose ends. I was left with new characters I didn’t fully understand and some heavy duty questions about the older cast members I had thought I understood. Moss had done a great job of making me feel comfortable with her people and her plot. Then she spoiled it with too many surprises.

Murder by Design

Title: Murder by Design
Author: Jade Falconer
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60659-049-2
Genre: Gay M/M Erotic Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Sidney loves his life. He’s doing very well as a model in L.A, has a boyfriend who loves him and tons of gorgeous friends - some he even has sex with. This fact comes back to haunt him when his boyfriend is found murdered. When the police start to suspect him, Sidney has no idea how he will prove his innocence.

When a famous fashion designer is found murdered, Greg is assigned the case. What he hoped would be an open and closed case becomes anything but as he falls for their prime suspect. Now Greg has to find the real killer in order to prove Sidney innocent.

Murder by Design is an interesting who-done-it set in the modeling world. Sidney is not always a likeable character, in the beginning. As his life spirals out of control, he becomes less self-involved, which makes it easy to see why Greg has fallen for him. While the mystery itself does not leave you on pins and needles, there were a couple of times when I could not make up my mind about who the murderer was. All in all, this is another fine book by Jade Falconer.

Trust

Title: Trust
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921797
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Paramedic Brad Callahan is on duty when the call comes in; a car wreck on the Southern California freeway. Rushing to the scene, Brad discovers the passenger is mystery author and the love of his life, Justin Lowe. After a botched relationship in college with Justin, Brad has lived with regret for thirteen years. Even thinking that Justin hates him, Brad feels compelled to visit Justin in the hospital and assure himself of Justin’s recovery. When Justin awakens, he tells Brad that the wreck was not an accident. Upon release from the hospital, Brad takes Justin to his apartment and offers to help investigate the death threats. Shortly after their arrival home, the long simmering desire for each other comes to the surface and the intimate yearnings become reality again. However, the question that still remains is who wants Justin dead?

Trust - the title says it all. Because of his background, Justin has issues with trust and is jealous of Brad’s friends. One thoughtless incident by Brad and Justin severs the relationship without giving Brad a chance to redeem himself; a decision that has left Justin’s heart unoccupied by anyone else. After Justin moves away, Brad examines his life to resolve the underling stimulus of the path he is on and the direction he actually wishes to follow in his life. Losing Justin’s love is his biggest regret. Both men pay a heavy penance for years. The incredible Shawn Lane delivers an excellent illustration of human judgments and how they can have an effect on life for years; fortunately time along with maturity, provides a second chance. Trust is an amazing story that I enjoyed enormously.

The Far Away Years

Title: The Far Away Years

Author: LF Blake

Publisher: Torquere Press

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

ISBN: 978-1-60370-335-2

Genre: Contemporary, M/M

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Jeff and Danny may be best friends and band mates, but their relationship is still rocky at times. Danny, who is hopelessly in love with Jeff, is unfortunately married. However, both men come together and delve into a life that they both one day wish could come true. Spaced over a few years, Jeff and Daniel fight hard and love even harder. Jeff's denial, stardom and family life push Danny to the brink of destruction but it is only then that Jeff realises the only person who ever made him feel alive could be about to disappear. Will Jeff get a second chance with Danny?

Rarely do stories make me feel exhausted emotionally by the end of the page. LF Blake has managed to do something that rarely happens to me and I don’t know why I am surprised. After sampling a shorter piece by the author, I had to get this novel. Set in the backdrop of the Eighties, best friends and band mates Jeff and Daniel live a wannabe-rock-star life. Trying to succeed with their band Far Cry, both men navigate their lives through denial, depression, pain, sex, girlfriends and drugs. Daniel provides lead vocals and is also the biggest emotional wreck in the story, which tore my heart to little shreds. The author voiced him so exceedingly well, I felt like he was in the same room as me. His dramatics and his destructive life just made me pity him. Hopelessly in love with his best friend Jeff, who is married and wants the two-point four children and a dog, Danny flounders from one syringe to the next. In the closet, because he has to be – no one knows the real “Danny”, not even Jeff or their band mates. Daniel is known as the drama queen and the womaniser. Throughout this whole story, I just wanted to hug Daniel. Someone so hopeless is rarely written, his life was painful to read, and yet I never once thought “get away and try it on your own” he was so tied to Jeff, he literally only existed for the man. The author wrote such a broken character that it exhausted me to read his pain.

Jeff was the silent and in denial character, who was also hard to read. Trying to be the good son, he married the pretty girl and wanted to start a family. Never once in the story did the author make Jeff dislike his wife; I actually believed he loved and cared for the woman. Was Jeff bisexual? No. I don’t believe Jeff was; however the author uses a lot of confusion techniques that makes you ask the question whether Jeff was bisexual or gay and ultimately not care because it was all about feelings and the author portrayed them very well. Jeff just loved two people and out of fear, and his obvious love for his wife, he resented anything to do with Daniel for a point in time. However when Daniel and Jeff come together, it is done under the guise of desperation and cheating. Both men are in relationships and their situation should make me dislike them; cheating men being my big no-no but the author did a fantastic job with that storyline that I was swept away in their rocky and dangerous relationship.

The characters are what made this story so great. Two broken main characters, the wives and girlfriends, Jeff's family and the band all adding flavour. The author brought such colourful characters that they demanded to be read in one go.

One criticism that could be said about The Far Away Years is that the author chose to time her story in the eighties, however other than sub-heading that told the year every few chapters, the story held no flavour of the setting. The world-building was pretty poor, and ended up reading like a present contemporary. If emphasis is made on the year, then the author should have stuck to it. Whilst I personally find the characterisation in this story superb, I think the author forgot about the world-building and lost a sense of structure to the story.

Overall, a great story centred on musicians, this author has a distinct style of story telling and I am very excited to see what else LF Blake will offer.

Vision Revealed

Title: Vision Revealed
Author: Lorie O’Clare
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921605
Genre: Shifters, (m/f)
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Jin Rose has asked for a meeting with the hunters to clear the air regarding her father and herself. She wants to be able to move freely without a price on her head after she resigned as a hunter.

Kane Masters is a white leopard that wants to be the fifth hunter. He runs into Jin Rose and realizes that she is the female that he has been having visions about for the last year. As Kane convinces Jin Rose that she is his mate, Kane tries to protect Jin Rose from other leopards and werewolves.

Vision Revealed is a fit ending to the Leopard Visions series. Ms. O’Clare answers questions in this book that presented themselves as you read the earlier stories. The confidence that Kane has in himself, as well as Jin Rose’s insecurities come through. The tension between Kane and Jin Rose was so real that I felt I was actually standing there and feeling it. I highly recommend this series to anyone that likes to read about shifters.

Hidden Hands

Title: Hidden Hands
Author: Shayla Kersten
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921131
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Months after losing his lover to another man, Detective Jeremy Lawson is lonely, which is how he finds himself standing inside a packed gay club. As much as he desires a committed relationship, he knows he’s unlikely to find anything except sex from a pick-up at a club scene. Surprisingly, he couldn’t have been more wrong. Not only does he get the best sex he’s had in months but he finds a wounded man in need of rescuing, not only from his own demons but also from a mysterious shooter.

David March hates his life, and doesn’t think he deserves to find any kind of a happy future. Wounded by a past he couldn’t control, he believes the only thing he deserves is pain, suffering and unhappiness but he’s also terribly lonely. Looking for a little physical relief brings him to a gay club where he meets a tenderhearted one-night stand who turns out to be a local cop. Despite the danger, meeting Jeremy changes David’s thinking; giving him hope for the future, if he can stay alive long enough to enjoy it.

Hidden Hands is short at just under 25K, but author Shayla Kersten manages to pack a great deal of story into it’s length. There’s blistering hot sex between two hunky men, angst, pain, anger, and a dangerous mysterious stalker bent on death. David has so much emotional baggage that, at times, I wondered if he would be able to work through his problems so he could have his happily-ever-after with Jeremy. Years of pain and uncertainly because his family couldn’t accept his sexuality has left David near suicidal and his quick turn-around, once he got involved with Jeremy, was my only real complaint regarding the plot. Agreeing to see a shrink just didn’t seem enough to justify his change in attitude, yet with the story length, was likely the only way to resolve the issue in the space allowed.

David’s background information was interjected nicely, giving a thorough understanding of why he thought and reacted as he did, without allowing his past issues to become maudlin. Jeremy is loyal, determined and dedicated; just the stabilizing center David needs in his life. The identity of the stalker was rather abrupt, but was done nicely, as was the revelation of who was actually behind his actions.

If you’re looking for a quick and enjoyable afternoon read, you might want to give this little novella a try.

Hearts Afire: April

Title: Hearts Afire: April
Author: Emery Sanborne, Jamie Craig
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-527-5
Genre: Anthologies, M/M
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Once Burned by Emery Sanborne – 4.5 Nymphs

Andreas Sullivan comes from a long line of firefighters, so to say it’s in his blood would be an understatement. Part of Andreas’ new promotion includes being available for unexpected assignments. His latest task has him helping handsome adrenaline junkie, Bobby Ford.

Bobby knows his reputation precedes him, but wants to make this station his home. He didn’t anticipate his attraction to Andreas and refuses to let it just slip away gently into the night. Andreas knows better than to mix business with pleasure, and regardless of what good sense tells him to do, he wants Bobby with equal fervor.

Once Burned, Twice Shy and it will take time for Andreas to feel comfortable in this new situation. Will he let his guard down long enough to see what Bobby has to offer?

A Voice in the Dark by Jamie Craig – 4.5 Nymphs

Firefighter Dan Middleton knew he was going to have a life in public services. He started at a young age preparing for his career. However, nothing could prepare him for helping Anthony Saunders the morning Anthony’s life changed forever.

Anthony remembered that A Voice in the Dark calmed him during those agonizing moments. He may have lost his sight, but not his will to live, and Anthony has a low tolerance for coddling. He wants to thank the man who helped him that fateful morning. The men bond, thanks to their mutual likes. Will Dan and Anthony find a way to coexist?

Hearts Afire: April delivers two exciting stories about firefighters and their chance at love. The authors have created characters with wit, sex appeal, giving spirits and highly driven libidos. Each story has a bit of suspense, action and humor then topped with erotic encounters to boot. Those who enjoy stories about gay firefighters will enjoy this installment of the Hearts Afire series and I recommend this book to those who enjoy the genre.

Tooth and Claw

Title: Tooth and Claw
Author: Annmarie McKenna
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-506-1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Seth Gramble is unusual, even for a vampire, and it makes him a prince among his people. He’s one of a rare few who can also shape-shift into a jaguar. When Seth’s best friend, police detective Luke, introduces him to his female partner, Paxton, both the vampire and jaguar parts of Seth recognizes they have found their mate. Unfortunately, after the death of her long-term lover by a rogue vampire, Paxton refuses to have anything to do with Seth. It’s been six long months and Seth is tired of waiting. It’s time to claim his mate. He only hopes she won’t kill him first.

It doesn’t matter how much her body craves Seth Gramble, Paxton Tenor doesn’t want to have anything to do with the handsome bloodsucker. She’s learned the hard way that vampires are bad news, and nothing good can come of having a relationship with one. Paxton manages to keep the sexy predator at arm’s length until she, Seth and Luke get assigned a serial burglary case together. The close proximity with Seth forces Paxton to realize that not all vampires are rogue killers, like the one who killed her lover. The toothy vampire might be annoying, but he’s also smart, funny and sexy, and when his kitty comes out to play, why fight their attraction? Let the games begin.

Tooth and Claw by Annmarie McKenna is a fast-paced, fresh and funny paranormal romance that you’re certain to enjoy. The panty-raiding thief is a hilarious way to get these two lovers up close and personal, and their witty, bantering conversations kept me chuckling as I raced from page to page.

There’s an interesting mix of secondary characters, especially Luke, who kept calling Seth ‘toothy’ or ‘your highness’. I mean, come on. Who would have expected a vampire to be okay with being called ‘toothy’ all the time, even if it was his best friend doing it, and it certainly made Seth appear more human and less predator. The rapport between Seth and Luke is definitely best-buddy material; who else could get away with the things they pulled on each other.

Then there’s Paxton; the perfect woman to make both Seth and his kitty purr. It was fun watching this self-assured and sexy woman come to the realization that despite his blood-sucking tendencies, Seth was a ‘good guy’ in vampire clothing, and the perfect ‘man’ for her. I might not have read any of Ms. McKenna’s books in the past, but her name has been put on my watch list with this lively and well-written romance.

Bound by Blood

Title: Bound by Blood
Author: Evie Byrne
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-518-4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Gregor Faustin is so involved in opening his new and unusual nightclub that he ignores his mother’s premonition of his future wife, until he literally runs her down on his way to a business meeting. After he gets a taste of Maddy’s blood, he has connected to her so much more than he wanted. It is way more than he ever expected, making him realize he can never go back to the lonely life he once lived. He is thinking about her all the time with her feisty mouth and luscious behind.

When Maddy realizes that she has been hit, she tries to get up and starts blasting Gregor with profanities, threatening him to within an inch of his life. He rescues her from an unwanted ambulance ride to the hospital, instead taking her home. She knows that her days are numbered with serious health problems, and has made her peace with accepting death. Gregor has a different plan, whether she wants it or not, and will not accept her decision to give up.

While reading Bound by Blood, I kept wondering how these two characters would finally meet, and it was not what I would even conceive. This is a fabulous story about old world vampyrs, and how they have mixed in with humans. The family is of Russian heritage, but living in New York City protecting their clan, and others that are loyal to them.

With the seriousness of her health problems hovering around Maddy, she finds love a little too late and Gregor is the typical macho male, to a fault. Evie Byrne created a wonderful story of love, and of how different races can survive amongst each other, even with death on the horizon. But who am I to ruin a fantastic story? I’m looking forward to reading the next book of the Faustin Brother series.

Possessor and Possessed: A Jarhead Story

Title: Possessor and Possessed: A Jarhead Story

Author: Sean Michael

Publisher: Torquere Press

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

ISBN: N/A

Genre: Contemporary, M/M/M, Erotic

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Rock has been known to be the possessive one in the relationship, but after some guys at the gym dismiss Dick and his relationship with Rock and Rig, he comes home to stake his claim on both men.

Possessor and Possessed: A Jarhead Story is a tender story about three men, who love each other fiercely. Dick is a sweet character in the Jarhead series, and one that I feel isn’t explored that often, gets to star a little more in this story. The story is all sex, and little on the theme at hand. Dick shows his possessiveness through sex, and whilst that isn’t wrong at all – I felt the author could have used a more original way to tell the story; one of the components being the storytelling along with the sexual aspect. I was a tad disappointed with the story overall; however, for what was offered, it was an easy read.

Paxton's Winter

Title: Paxton's Winter
Author: T. D. McKinney
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-502-7
Genre: Gay (M/M) / Historical (Old West)

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Paxton “Pax” Terhune is a former rancher who's holed himself up in the mountains, far away from a nightmarish past. His lover was hung while he watched, and a ruthless mine owner is now after Pax. Bounty hunter Zane Steadman has been sent to hunt Pax down but what he finds is far more than what he expected. Now he's faced with the possibility of losing the one man he was hired to bring in.

They're both quickly running out of time, and the odds aren't in their favor. But Pax will do anything to keep Zane in his life...

Paxton's Winter is a story rich in details and history. Pax and Zane are two very different men at first glance, but the more they're together, the clearer it becomes just how perfect they are for one other.

After the death of his former lover, Pax locked his heart firmly away and that proves difficult to keep up when Zane steps into his life. Zane slowly, patiently works his way into Pax's heart, though and when it comes down to it, Pax will do everything he can to hold onto Zane.

I was happy to see the love scenes are brilliantly done for the time period. They're not purple prose, but they aren't highly explicit. They hit a wonderful medium that keeps up the heat while remaining true to the overall tone.

There were tense moments, and times when the heartbreak (especially Pax's) shone through clear. But in the end, it's all worth the ride just to see them get the best ending possible.

I've become quite a fan of T. D. McKinney's, and I would love to see more historicals like Paxton's Winter.

WindChaser

Title: WindChaser
Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419918117
Genre: Futuristic
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Ranulf “Mac” MacKirnan is a walking wet dream. While he has no trouble granting women their fantasies, he feels he is of no other use to them. Resigned to a fate of having a revolving door to his bedroom, Mac’s life changes the day he views Jade Shimota’s picture. He decides he has to have a taste of the beautiful Guardian even if all he ever is granted is a taste.

Jade is too busy building her career to want more from a man than him being a agreeable bed warmer in the winter. She loves her independence, and has no plans to give it up. Looking at Mac’s picture something twists inside Jade and whispers, “he’s the one”. However, she doesn’t want a partner, someone to build a life with, a permanent lover – or does she?

These two are a force to reckon with, in their own ways. Both are strong, determined, and take to permanent change like a reluctant virgin on her wedding night. Love, however, has another plan in mind, and regardless of their strength or psychic abilities, there is nothing to do but buckle up and enjoy the ride.

WindChaser is definitely going to be one of my favorite books in the WindVerse series. There is so much more to Mac than I realized, and gaining a glimpse of his past gave me new respect for the man. I was happy to see Jade recognize how she was living or should I say not living her life. We all get fixated on what we deem important, that sometimes we miss life’s blessings and the gifts that could make the experience more enjoyable. Charlotte Boyett-Compo continues to be one of my favorite authors. Each book is a joy to read thanks to her humor, bigger than life characters, settings and fantastic plots. The erotic moments vary in degrees of heat, but each can give a bowl of Texas chili a run for its money. I loved the book and look forward to reading more of her stories.

Tomcat Jones

Title: Tomcat Jones
Author: Willa Okati
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-913-3
Genre: Shape Shifter, M/M
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

T.J. Jones and his best friend are in the grocery store stocking up on junk food when his basket crashes into McGowan Smith. The minute their eyes meet, there is an instant attraction so strong that T.J. is speechless and McGowan’s smile ramps up to blinding when he realizes this is his new neighbor. T.J, who does not believe in love, mainly because his dates have run away screaming when they discovered T.J. shifted into a cat, was starting to feel a glimmer of hope. McGowan, who also has a bad track record in the love department, immediately feels that T.J. is “The One” he has been waiting for. Rapidly falling in love with each other and engaging in explosive lovemaking when all too soon, the truth is revealed when McGowan, an untrained wizard, loses control of his emotions and his magic causes T.J. to shift into a cat in front of him.

Tomcat Jones is an outstanding and hilarious piece of fiction. McGowan is a lovable and easy-going guy who is clueless about being an undeveloped wizard, nor does he realize that T.J. is his familiar until the reality of strange happenings reveals the magic surrounding him and T.J. Although T.J. is used to wizards, he is taken by surprise when he discovers McGowan has magic. The amazing Willa Okati has created a well written, well paced marvelous tale with emotions that moved me from laughter to tears. The characters are vibrant in addition to being poignant, the intimate scenes are volatile. Tomcat Jones is a spectacular story that I absolutely enjoyed and recommend.

Cruel Memories

Title: Cruel Memories
Author: Darcy Abriel
Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-501-0
Genre: Gothic/Contemporary/Het
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Devon Masters is struggling with demons no man should ever have. His half-brother, Gavin Killian, is dead after a lifetime of evil and cruelty. Ten years ago, Gavin raped their step-sister, Haley. Now Haley's back to prove to Devon, who married her to keep her safe, that she's a woman and she needs Devon in her life for good. But can Devon let go of the past long enough to give them a chance?

Cruel Memories is dark and brooding, just like the hero, Devon Masters. He's a man haunted by a past full of heartbreak and sheer evil at the hands of his half-brother. Yet he can't ignore the love he feels for Haley.

Haley is grown now, and she's moved beyond the attack that scarred her so deeply. She needs Devon and is strong enough to make him see it.

The love between them is strong, and the love scenes are perfectly suited to the overall tone of the story. There's a darkness that permeates the book and it lends itself to the story very well. My only complaint is that I feel it could've been a bit longer. There's a lot of history that is somewhat skimmed over, and I think there's much more to tell. That being said, I'm becoming quite a fan of Darcy Abriel's and can't wait to read her next book.

Mad Blood

Title: Mad Blood
Author: Stephani Hecht
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.net

ISBN: 978-1-55487-270-1
Genre: Gay M/M, Paranormal, Vampire
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Dante Toren’s return to Detroit isn’t everything he thought it would be. First there is the nosy teenage werewolf that asks too many questions. Then when he decides to play Good Samaritan and take the kid home, he finds a pack of dead wolves and hungry empusa. If that isn’t enough, he has to deal with his feelings for Brenden.

Brenden is tired of being the clan fledgling. When a call for help comes in, he and his fellow geek vamps head out to help, taking their new weapon with them. When Brenden goes all primal helping Dante, he seals his fate in more ways than one. Now the new team leader has to get his team in top fighting order, hope the bad guy does not come for him and get Dante to fall in love with him.

The ongoing battle between Pure Ones (borne vamps) and Drone (made vampires) continues in Mad Blood by Stephani Hecht. Coming into the series at book four, I was worried that I might not grasp enough of the history to enjoy the story. That was not the case as the author does an outstanding job filling in the background story without bogging down the current one. While Brenden has loved Dante for some time, it isn’t until recently that Dante knew that Brenden is even interested in him. When the two get together, stand back because nothing will keep them apart, not even a pissed-off older sister. The secondary characters are just as great with everything from the expected bad-ass vamp to geek vamps that can’t seem to walk and carry a gun at the same time. This story is filled with lots of great action. I can’t wait to check out the earlier books.