The One That Was Lost

Title: The One That Was Lost
Author: TC Blue
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-721-3
Genre: Gay {M/M} Erotic Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Jamie knows helping Michael fight for the man he loves was the right thing to do. The thirty-four year old psychologist is ready to settle down, but refuses to gain happiness at the sake of others. He finally meets Elliot, the bane of Michael’s existence, and he knows El isn’t quite what others believe him to be. While he enjoys spending time with El, Jamie won’t look to find his forever love with a known player.

El has survived a large number of painful firsts. Under that player exterior exists a wounded soul that would rather cover up the pain with one-night stands than allow someone entry to his heart. Traumatized, El attempts to escape by going to Boston under the pretense of assisting the happy new couple. Jamie wants to help El heal, and the men hit it off splendidly, developing a strong friendship along the way. Soon emotions neither expected to flourish come crashing over them. One man runs while the other hides from his hurt. Will they decide love is worth a try? Can Jamie and El learn to trust each other?

The One That Was Lost is TC Blue’s second book in the One and One series. Jamie is older, wiser, handsome and brilliant. He could have any man he wants, and his heart has chosen El. Elliot’s background may be humble, but his persona is larger than life. I loved this about his character. Regardless of the situation, El knew how to handle himself and those around him. I understood his fear when love came knocking, and could actually understand his initial reaction. TC Blue writes about a few of the harder issues of life in this installment and handles them with gentleness and ease. After discovering El’s past, I gained new insight and found myself rooting for him. I wanted to see him happy and in love with a man who saw his true worth.

Jamie brought out El’s romantic nature and gave him a genuine friendship, which became a precious gift for El to relish. He also helped El learn to face his trauma and share his pain. When he began to open up, I knew El would turn his back on his old lifestyle. Jamie saw his worth and helped El to recognize it himself. El helped Jamie learn to live again, to be spontaneous and care free. I watched the years melt away from Jamie, who seemed to be living life like an old man, until El reintroduced him to passion and fun. Their laughter and time exploring Boston seemed more intimate to me than their erotic encounters. In those moments, their guards were down creating a safe haven to simply share and learn about one another. I found The One That Was Lost to be a well-written sequel and look forward to reading more from TC Blue in the future.

Behaving Badly

Title: Behaving Badly
Author: G.A. Hauser
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance
Publisher URL: http://www.lindenbayromance.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60202-165-5
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

The chaos that is the life of Mark Antonius Richfield has finally settled. His full-time day job is fulfilling; his life with lover, Steve is wonderful, and his new part-time career as a fashion model has his half-naked photographs plastered all over town. The only downside to his life is his continued unhappiness with the changes in his thirty-seven year-old body. Then to slap age in his face, a stunning young man shows up on their doorstep claiming to be Mark’s illegitimate, eighteen year-old son, Alexander.

Alex is a mini-clone of Mark at the same age; gorgeous, hot, sexy, mischievous and with a voracious appetite for men, especially handsome older men…just like Steve. Mark and Steve open their home to Alex, taking a crash course on being good parents, forcing them to deal with Alex’s over-sexed libido and roving hands. Can Mark’s fragile ego and low self-esteem survive the new and unexpected complications in his life, or will he come out the loser in the game of love?

Behaving Badly is the fourth release in G.A. Hauser’s ongoing Action! series and I’ll admit upfront that this one is my favorite, thus far. After seeing Mark’s unsettled and self-destructive behavior in the last book, I was thrilled that he had finally gotten it through his head that he was loved; not only by Steve, but Jack and Adam as well. The author has done a wonderful job expressing the intense physical and emotional connection these four men have for each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Mark become the parent he always wanted to be, spoiling his newly discovered son, at the same time he was trying to guide and curb his inappropriate behavior to every gay man he came in contact with. Alex had a rough and unhappy childhood just like Mark, which only made the elder Richfield more protective, giving him a reason to shower the younger man with gifts and attention. What wasn’t so nice to see was Alex’s inability to stop the constant flirting and sexual innuendos directed at his father’s partner, causing stress and misgivings for both adults in the house. These vividly described scenes are where Ms. Hauser excelled, allowing the reader into the hearts and minds of all three men, and what they were feeling.

The ‘black moment’, which I won’t reveal, and its aftermath is perfectly executed, bringing all the male characters together to deal with the crisis. The culmination scenes adds Mark’s mother and soon-to-be stepfather to the cast, rounding out and giving the story a little jab of history, allowing a further understanding of why Mark acted as he did. Then there’s the happily-ever-after, which is perfect for the four friends…Mark, Steve, Jack and Adam. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book with these four men; wait, make that six men. I can’t forget Alex and his new boyfriend, Oliver, the son of Angel Loveday.

Bottom's Up: Triplesex

Title: Bottom's Up: Triplesex
Author: Amanda Young
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-538-6
Genre: Contemporary Ménage {M/M/M}
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

A secret thrill raced through Professor Caleb White at the thought of nearly eight weeks free of students and classes. Looking forward to spending a vacation with his long term partner Zaki, Caleb plans to make up for all those long he worked and neglected his partner. He is a little worried that Zaki might start to look at other men and leave him. When Zaki calls and ask that they meet at Henley’s bar, Caleb is surprised when his lover gives him a very unique beginning of summer gift.

Bottom’s Up: Triplesex is another sexy addition in the Bottom’s Up series. In this episode, the creative Amanda Young kicks it up a notch with some extra spice. I look forward to the next enjoyable installment of this delightful series.

Notturno

Title: Notturno
Author: Z.A. Maxfield
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60820-035-1
Genre: Contemporary M/M Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Adin Tredeger is a Professor of Literature at a small private university, as well as being famous in academic circles as an authority on rare and antique erotica. He travels the world, following rumors that could lead to the next big find. When he learns of the existence of a well-preserved five hundred year-old homoerotic journal, Adin realizes that acquiring the manuscript could be the highpoint of his already successful career. He wants it, intends to have it, and is determined to keep it safe.

Donte Fedelta wrote the journal, and it records the intimate details of his affair with, and feelings for, his one true love. It was lost near the end of WWII and now that it has somehow resurfaced, he wants it back. He’s willing to use all his vampire wiles, tricks and seduction on Adin to get his hands on it again and if that doesn’t work, there’s always robbery. What neither of them knows is that a violent third party is just as determined to possess the journal, even if that means killing to get it.

I’ve never met a Z.A. Maxfield story I didn’t like and this intriguing, complex and well-written book isn’t any different. To my knowledge, this is the first book where the talented author has delved into the paranormal, and I’m happy to say with Notturno, she didn’t disappoint.

Adin is a cocky, self-confident academic who doesn’t realize how precarious and uncertain life can be until he comes into contact a man who turns his life upside down, pulling him into a dangerous world he didn’t know existed. Donte is just the opposite. He’s mysterious, sexy, arrogant, a little stiff, and not entirely likable. After all, he was a nobleman while alive and has had five centuries to develop his cold and calculating vampire persona. These two men, while completely different, are the perfect compliment for the other and they come together with intense passion and blistering hot desire. Yet, both Adin and Donte are honest in their need to recover the journal and work independently to do so.

Ms. Maxfield has created an interesting contemporary world inhabited by vampires firmly entrenched in the contemporary world. I loved it when Donte admitted that the only way to travel from place to place was by plane or automobile, just like anyone else, and he drives a…you’ll never guess; a rented Volvo. And Adin’s almost constant irreverence to the potentially deadly Donte was a hoot, making me chuckle more than once. It also made Donte appear more human. The secondary characters are vital to this tale, propelling it forward, and giving it depth and grit, and they are intriguing men in their own right. In fact, I’d like to know more Edward, Tuan and Boaz sometime in the future. Hint…hint.

Sorcerer's Lover II

Title: Sorcerer's Lover II
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-537-9
Genre: Historical {M/M}

Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

In this episode, Benedict is confined to his beloved older brother Henry’s castle, for his protection, against the kingdom’s enemies. The king is dying and Henry expects an attack. Benedict has no interest in political matters. However when the attack does come, shortly after Warin arrives to free Benedict from the castle, Benedict is faced with the dilemma of fleeing with his lover or fighting at Henry’s side.

Sorcerer’s Lover II is the second installment of this wonderful historical saga created by Shawn Lane, the love between Benedict and Warin continues to be strong and very sensual with an added layer of intrigue. I look forward to the next episode of this fascinating and enjoyable series.

Sorcerer's Lover

Title: Sorcerer's Lover
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-365-8
Genre: Historical {M/M}
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Perched in a tree awaiting the arrival of the king’s son Benedict, Warin, a sorcerer plans to capture Benedict and hold him for ransom so that he can free his sister from her abductor. Warin succeeds with his plan; however the time he spends with Benedict makes it hard to release him and Benedict is reluctant to leave Warin after the ransom is paid.

Sorcerer’s Lover is a romantic discovery of forbidden love. Their minds tell them that this love can never be, but their hearts refuse to let go of the bond they have to each other. Shawn Lane has created a most enjoyable love story in a historical setting.

The Nest

Title: The Nest
Author: G.S. Wiley
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60168-220-8
Genre: Gay {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Jay McIntyre became a man, before his time, when his mother opted to lead an uncomplicated life. She left Jay to care for his three siblings and to find a way to supply for their needs. Jay didn’t whine; he stepped up to the plate and did what was necessary to keep his family intact. Now, his mission is to keep Social Services out of the picture and food on the table.

Police Constable Brendan Cuddy sees the handsome younger man and his instincts won’t allow Jay’s words to be considered the gospel truth. There is definitely more to Jay’s story and Brendan plans to find out what it is and help when he can. After a few events occur that Jay has no control over, he turns to Brendan and learns to trust him. He knows this new friendship could go horribly wrong, but Brendan’s easy nature wins over the younger siblings over and Jay soon follows their lead. Will Brendan become the man Jay deserves to have, his anchor through the storm?

G.S. Wiley takes us into The Nest, a community full of families with too many children and not enough responsible adults around to help raise them. Jay took on his role as father and guardian like a fish to water. His compassion and love for his siblings allows him to make responsible decisions. Brendan has his own issues and watching Jay’s selflessness may have helped him decide to cut a few strings along the way. The story hits a few hard issues, especially the plight of single parent homes and children caught in the system. I applauded Jay for wanting a better life for his siblings. His lack of money seemed unimportant when you focused on the infinite quantity of love he gave to his family. The Nest is about trust, commitment, love and finding your inner strength. There isn’t a great deal of physical interaction between the main characters, but that doesn’t take away from the story. I found myself focusing more on the subject and rooting Jay. This compelling story is sure to be a hit among those who enjoy the genre.

Cage Match

Title: Cage Match
Author: Bonnie Dee
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com
ISBN: 978-1-59632-953-9
Genre: Gay {M/M} Futuristic Fantasy
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Rather than serve out a prison term for robbery, Jabez becomes a cage fighter, a modern day gladiator. Every win means a little more time cut from his sentence and one more day he’s alive. Used to men and women coming to see him after a match, he never expects to meet anyone like Andreas.

Andreas is corporate royalty, spending all his time partying with friends or flitting from one interest to the other. When a bet sends him back stage after his first cage match, he has no idea what he’s getting into.

Although from two different backgrounds, the two men cannot help being drawn to each other. They’re going to have to come to terms with their feelings soon if they want to survive what’s coming next.

Bonnie Dee’s Cage Match is a twist of the apocalyptic plot. Instead of the usual ‘destruction by war’, Earth is recovering from the plague and while many things may have changed, some things stay the same. Set in what once was Boston, Cage Match is the story of two men from different walks of life who meet, fall in love, then have to fight for what they have. Unfortunately for Andreas and Jabez, it is not that simple as the author throws many obstacles in their path. Not only will these two have to discover who they really are and what it is they need to make them happy, they also have to battle greedy friends, cold family members, and enemies neither realized they had. Ms. Dee keeps this story hopping with lots of action and of course, hot sex. While reading this story, I could not wait to see what would happen next.

Cheek to Cheek

Title: Cheek to Cheek
Author: Chris Owen
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-731-2
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

The past two weeks have been pretty emotional for Mallory so he’d be excused for looking to escape it all for a little while. On top of the breakdown of his long term relationship with Trish, Mal is still trying to come to terms with the tragic accident that took the lives of some of his fellow fire fighters and left his friend Drew out of action indefinitely. He wasn’t looking for anything in particular that night at the bar; he just wanted to forget his troubles for a while. Mal wasn’t about to complain when Will took an interest in him, however. A body to die for and the dance moves to match, it’s not long before they’re expressing themselves physically; on the dance floor, in Mal’s kitchen, living room, bedroom, hallway, any place they see fit really. With heat like that however, there’s a tendency to get burned; something Mal is trying very hard to avoid, without much success.

Cheek to Cheek delves once again into a world that I first became aware of when reading 911. I absolutely loved 911 so had high expectations for this and for the most part, I wasn’t disappointed. As with the author’s previous book, the characters were very strong. I took a liking to Will immediately but it took a little longer for me to warm to Mal as he seemed self centered, at first. Mal’s ex Trish was a solid character too and I couldn’t help but sympathize with her as Mal’s behavior towards her seemed harsh at times. The relationship between Mal and Will was an interesting one and I enjoyed witnessing its development, even if Mal fought it all the way. The build up to events at the end was very well done and I couldn’t wait to see what surprises the author had in store for us. As well as the ending turned out, the introduction to the story felt a little rushed and I would have liked more time for Mal’s character to develop so that I could understand his actions better. The understanding did come, just after some confusion.

It was nice to meet some of the characters from 911 again but rest assured, Cheek to Cheek is a solid story in its right, focusing on the relationships between people first, with the background setting of the fire station feeling very real. The chemistry between Mal and Will was fantastic and even though Mal’s behavior left me rolling my eyes a lot and wondering what his problem was, I cared for both of them and wanted them happy.

Thirst

Title: Thirst
Author: Kate Hill
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-133-6
Genre: Paranormal, Dark Fantasy, {Het}
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Curator Malika Carter Young is a woman with focus, drive and ambition. Educated and beautiful, Malika has no time for distractions from her career or her passion for history, that is until she meets Arias del Rio.

Arias is more than what he seems. What Malika sees is a self-taught man who is as handsome as he is compassionate. The truth is Arias is Malika’s mate and he’s ready to claim the woman destiny has promised would be his. Unfortunately, Arias’ mortal enemy is hell-bent on destroying him and those he loves.

Thirst is the second release in Kate Hill’s Mate Marks series. Arias concedes his role in past events and the pain inflicted by his actions. I love his passion and relentless drive to have what he truly wanted. Arias didn’t expect Malika to fall into his arms like some pimple faced teenager with little sense of what she truly wanted. No, Arias wanted a woman with a mind as sharply toned as her body. He wouldn’t settle for any less than the woman he could share his life with and I applauded him for his determination. Malika knew her fascination for history and the relics that survived over time were part of the reason she didn’t make time for relationships. She didn’t make excuses for her attraction to Arias, but she didn’t kick up her skirt just for kicks either. Malika knew she had to take a few drastic measures to ensure Arias took her seriously. Little did she know, for once she was preaching to the choir, because Arias had no plans on making Malika a simple conquest. The references to Malika’s profession made the story more interesting. By balancing Malika’s personal and professional sides, she became a more appealing character. The couple’s chemistry is firecracker hot from the first kiss to the conclusion of the story. Thirst is a fast-paced read that I found hard to put down.

Love Most Inconvenient 2

Title: Love Most Inconvenient 2
Author: D.J. Manly
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-566-4
Genre: Contemporary Anthology {M/M}
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

The Planner - 5 Nymphs
Vincent Williams’s life is thrown into turmoil when his live-in lover, in addition to his business partner, runs off with a younger man. Vincent, who is an accountant and knows nothing about planning parties, is desperate for help when David Samson applies for the job and takes over before Vincent actually hires him. However David quickly proves his worth when the customers like him; the other employees love him and Vincent finds that he cannot resist him.

The Boss - 5 Nymphs
Steven Hillary allows his friend to talk him into celebrating his twenty-fifth birthday at a local gay bar. Under the influence of too many drinks, Steven gets on stage and does a striptease for the gorgeous hunk sitting at the bar. Steven is surprised and embarrassed the next morning when he walks into a meeting and finds out that the new boss, Rob Taylor is the hunk from the night before. Steven still has the image in his mind of falling face first between Rob’s thighs. Rob, on the other hand, is hoping for a fully conscious repeat performance.

Jupiter - 4.5 Nymphs
Alex Villanueva’s life was on a downward spiral until he was sentenced to do ten months community service at the school he damaged in a fit of anger. However, his life was changed and he was given positive motivation with the help of friends and the love of Jacob Williams, a graduate student at the school.

Love Most Inconvenient 2 is a collection of three stories featuring second chances at life and love. In each story, there is emotional chaos and the struggle to get their life back on track. I very much enjoyed The Planner, which is hilarious with the clever play on words during the main character’s first meeting. The exceedingly talented D.J. Manly has delivered three superb tales that have intelligent, well-written and well-paced plots, as well as realistic characters along with sensuous love scenes. Overall, this is a fantastic and enormously enjoyable anthology.

Exploring Savage Places

Title: Exploring Savage Places
Author: K.Z. Snow
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-959-1
Genre: LGBT {M/M}, Futuristic, Urban Fantasy Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

The Powers of Regenerie work Zee and Tole execute is rewarding, however it does nothing to help their individual love lives. Their need for secrecy causes slight disruptions on the road to coupling bliss. Each man is frustrated; Zee thanks to his perceived boring persona and Tole because of his vampire lover’s, Ridley Barron, need for donors. The hybrid men also share a deep desire to attain a loving relationship similar to the one Win shares with Pablo.

After receiving disturbing reports about events taking place in Pleasureplex of Xanandru, Zee decides this is his chance to prove his abilities. Zee has more than trouble waiting for his arrival. Tole allows his hurt to heal in a way the others have never seen, but picks up the pieces of his heart when duty calls. Will Zee and Tole finally get the love they both deserve?

Exploring Savage Places is the third book of K.Z. Snow’s Utopia-X series. We see an edgier side of Zee and a warmer side of Tole in this installment. I loved the slight change in the characters personalities most of all. It kept the series interesting and me a bit off-balanced for what they would do next. My heart went out to the two men; they both wanted something that seems so far out of their reach. It’s ironic that the one thing that kept their desires from being obtainable was the one rule they are all scared to break. This was definitely an interesting episode full of sizzling erotic play, action, suspense, and a few humorous moments, making Exploring Savage Places a treat to read.

Grey’s Awakening

Title: Grey’s Awakening
Author: Cameron Dane
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-560-2
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Everyone around Greyson Cole is falling in love, getting married or starting a family. The thought that any of these commitment-type events would happen to him scares the successful but cynical venture capitalist to death. Deciding he needs a little quality alone time, he heads to his cabin in the mountains in hopes of relaxing for a few days. He expects peace and quiet. What he finds is an unknown, towel-wrapped man standing inside his vacation home. Grey doesn’t believe in love, romance or relationships so his attraction to the wildly handsome Sirus surprises him, threatening his celibacy pact and his sanity.

Sirus Wilder has known Grey’s sister, Kelsie, for years, and he’s thrilled when she offers him the use of her brother’s cabin, since his home across the lake needed repairs after a severe water leak. While he’s heard about Greyson from his sister, they’ve never met; making him doubly thankful when the man agrees to let him share the cabin. Sirus is still recovering from a nasty breakup and isn’t looking to hook-up, even for a short time. Yet, he can’t deny that Grey is the sexiest man he’s ever seen. Unfortunately, he’s also an arrogant, cold-hearted ass.

Grey’s Awakening is the second and newest release in author Cameron Dane’s Cabin Fever series. It takes place in the same cabin where Kelsie and John, Grey’s best friend and his twin sister, fell in love in the first book, Sweetest Tattoo. While it’s not imperative to read the books in order, it would give a better understanding of the inter-character relationships.

I always enjoy Ms. Dane’s stories, and this one isn’t any exception. Grey’s Awakening is fast-paced, well plotted and has likeable characters with strong personalities who have definite ideas of what they want out of life. There’s also plenty of tension as Grey and Sirus struggle to work through their differing painful life experiences, family histories and fear of what the future might bring.

Neither of these two intriguing men want to fall in love; it’s too painful, too heart wrenching when it falls apart but they can’t deny their attraction either. Then there’s the conflict of who’s the top in their short two-week relationship and Grey’s refusal to bottom for anyone. Grey and Sirus are so vastly different; trucker versus venture capitalist, that at first I wasn’t certain their feelings would ever move past raw lust and desire, but the author did it and did it realistically. Add in John and Kelsie from the previous release, along with a few new characters, and you have all the components needed for a story that keeps your interest from beginning to end.

The Harem Boy

Title: The Harem Boy
Author: Jay Lygon
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-742-8
Genre: Gay {M/M} Erotic Romance, Contemporary, BDSM
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Christopher Lewis just wants a place where he fits in, where others accept him, flaws and all. He doesn’t have time to cry ‘woe is me’, but takes life in stride. Even the painful realty that his parents don’t want a gay son doesn’t make his lose his drive to succeed. Destitute with no means of paying tuition, Chris refuses to give up on his dream to graduate from college. A moment of kindness toward one of the University’s professors, Ophir, changes his life in the blink of an eye.

Ophir is Professor on campus but Master at home. Regardless of the venue, he expects his slaves and students to be respectful and learn from his tutelage. He takes one look at Chris and knows where he wants him… in his house, on his knees, ready to service him. However, Ophir hasn’t gotten this far by following the guidance of his phallus. When he hears Chris’ background, he knows he cannot turn his back on the younger man. Is there a line Ophir refuses to cross to help Chris or has he found The Harem Boy he’s been searching for all along?

Jay Lygon brings us Master Ophir, a character from previous stories that readers have come to love. Ophir believes everything has a place, and no one should hurt or throw away precious gifts. Ophir closed himself off to love the day he left his old Master. Emotionally wounded by his parent’s lack of compassion, Chris is too scared to give anyone access to his heart. In this aspect, Chris and Ophir are similar. Both carry a bone-deep pain, they feel rejected on some level let it be real or imagined, and discard any notion of love with the finesse of Scrooge snubbing Christmas. My heart went out to them. I’ll definitely look for future releases to see how Chris and Ophir learn to come to terms with their invisible link. I found The Harem Boy an impressive read. The story has some humor and erotic encounters to lighten the reality of Chris’ situation, while delivering a strong message about love, sacrifice, forgiveness, self-worth and second chances. Then, there is the reality of society’s views on same sex relationships. Such a small book, but it carries a big punch.

Psychic Rebels

Title: Psychic Rebels
Author: Cheryl Dragon
Publisher: Loose Id.
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-949-2
Genre: Paranormal, Interracial, {M/M}
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Dennis and Colin are standing outside a crime scene, waiting for the police to arrest a pedophile so they can rescue the child held captive inside. Both men have psychic abilities that are a great help to law enforcement. Colin has the ability to locate missing people with his visions and Dennis is a psychic healer. Dennis and Colin are also lovers who have been apart for six months. Colin uses his gift to help the paranormals, while Dennis will only work with humans. This ongoing debate between them is the source of their off-and-on-again relationship.

Cheryl Dragon’s Psychic Rebels is a story of two men who are having difficulty finding a common ground in their relationship. Dennis had a terrible experience with vampires years ago, which still haunt him. Colin continues to search Dennis’ mind for the source of his fears, to no avail. While the storyline is an interesting premise, the rather mild plot is deficient in the distinctive anxiety of danger associated with hunting and subduing potential killers. The focus of the story is on the intimate encounters, which are illustrated all through this saga. Erotically, this is an enjoyable story.