An Angel’s Hope

Title: An Angel’s Hope
Author: Stephani Hecht
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-329-6
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal {M/F}
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Determined to fulfill his destiny of protecting mankind from demons, mighty warrior angel Ramiel, fights in the battle of good verses evil. He is a part of a band of angels who are embroiled in a civil war with the justice Angels and when he’s forced to kill a friend, that action changes his reasoning to fight the waging war. When an honor vow is asked of him by Nissa, for saving the life of one of his brothers, he doesn’t think much will come of it. Little does he know that she will use that promise for her own purpose and neither are aware what the outcome will be until much later.

Nissa is a fairy of a lost royalty. She has been on her own, and taking care of herself, since she was very young and is now responsible for another young fairy girl. She has been dreaming of Ramiel for a long time and when she sees him, there is nothing she won’t do to have him protect her from the fairies that are trying to kill her. The more she is with Ramiel, the more she realizes that she loves him.

An Angel’s Hope is the ninth book in the Archangel series and just as exciting as the first eight books! Each story let me see a little more into the characters in and out of action, as well as the family connections. The interesting thing is Ramiel and Nissa has developed a bond early on without their knowing and it only became stronger as their time together allowed. Even with the Order of the Four defeating a major demon, they still have to battle demons and justice angels bent on destroying the Earth-bound angels. Now that Nissa is living with the angel warriors against the wishes of the fairies, the fairies intend to use her for their own purposes.

I have been wowed again by Ms. Hecht’s story telling of survival, unnecessary destruction of lives, and bonding of family. The mating ceremonies that are performed for the couples wanting it by Chief Archangel Michael are a nice touch, and water is a purifying of the past is inspiring. This Archangel series is getting even more fascinating, and I anxiously await the next book to be released.

Blood Eclipse

Title: Blood Eclipse
Author: A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-320-3
Genre: {M/M}, Futuristic, Paranormal, Vampire
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Can vampires really be trusted? Rory doesn’t think so. He’s seen their ability to destroy without a second thought and kill, as if a precious human life is unimportant. Rory wants to expose vampires and save mankind from their new fetish; unfortunately his best friend Dennis sees them as something else. He wants Rory to stop being vamphobic and give them a fair chance. Just like with humans, Dennis knows there are some bad seeds, but he also feels there are some that are good.

Rory fiercely disagrees with Dennis until he meets a pure blood named Carden. Carden’s kind is rare and knows his allure is stronger than that of a made vampire. He doesn’t know why he’s attracted to Rory and is grateful for the kindness Rory offers, during one of the most heartbreaking moments of his life.

Blood Eclipse is the first book in A.J. Llewellyn’s and D.J. Manly’s Eclipse series. Rory has witnessed the destructive power of vampires firsthand, and has little faith that any of them are trustworthy. When he finds himself drawn to Carden it is both a frightening and exciting experience. Carden is strong of mind, body, and spirit but something is making his life difficult and he finds himself in a terrible position when he meets Rory. With all the danger and evil surrounding him, he doesn’t want Rory to become a casualty. Their attraction oozes over the pages like hot butter. Their ferocious appetite for each other had me fanning and hoping Carden could change Rory’s mind about vampires, indefinitely. This couple could become more powerful than anyone expects, and could tilt the balance in the favor of good. I loved their interaction, as well as that between Dennis and the vampire he is enthralled with, Thiago. This first installment delivers a solid background and propels us towards the next episode longing to find out what happens next between the main characters. The series is off to a fantastic start and I’m anxious to read the next book in the Eclipse series.

Dripping Hot

Title: Dripping Hot
Author: G.A. Hauser
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance
Publisher URL: http://www.lindenbayromance.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60202-203-4
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

There’s a lot going on in Mark Richfield’s life, and most of it’s making the already high-strung man a little crazy. It’s busy at work, his half-naked billboard ad is all over town and his son is constantly mouthing off, testing his boundaries. Always insecure about his looks makes Mark concerned about Alex’s continuing attraction to his partner, Steven. Then to make matters worse, the holiday season is coming, and they want him to play Santa at the office party. What else could go wrong? Don’t ask!

Steven has his own problems to deal with. Despite having a boyfriend, Alex is still making sexual advances and fending off his roving hands is getting old. Life only gets worse when he runs into his estranged parents and his mother notices his wedding ring. They’re angry and upset when they learn the secret he’s been hiding and never intended to share with them. Steven’s gay, happily married to a man and has a grown son. Now that they know the truth, he has to worry that his bigoted, racist, homophobic ex-policeman father will try to hurt Mark and Alex.

Alex is still mouthing off to his father, and despite being crazy about his boyfriend Oliver, can’t stop himself from groping Steven at every opportunity. His bigger problem is the verbal and physical harassment he’s experiencing at college from a group of obnoxious and persistent geeks. When he’s given permission to attend a music gig with Oliver at a local club, things turn potentially dangerous.

Dripping Hot is the fifth release in the ongoing Action! series by author G.A. Hauser and it’s just as hot and sexy as its predecessors. Mark has turned into a great father; loving, kind, caring and a bit overprotective, despite his son’s inappropriate language and behavior. He and Steven still have a satisfying sexual and emotional relationship and when possible, Jack and Adam join them, the four as close and loving as ever.

While Mark and Steven are happy, Alex can’t keep from rocking the boat. He’s constantly at odds with his father, mouthing off about anything and everything and being so ungrateful and obnoxious, he deserves a good thrashing, or to be thrown out of the house on his ear, at the very least. I have to admit that the constant groping of his father’s partner got on my last nerve and his inability to control his own actions was a turn-off. Alex was angry that his father and Steven didn’t treat him like an adult, and why should they. Despite being sexually active, he acts like a petulant and spoiled brat at every turn.

The vividly described scenes revolving around Steven and his estranged parents, especially his father, were exceptionally well done, making me want to know more about them. That Steven was afraid his father would hurt his family was sad, but all too realistic. I was glad they came around as quickly as they did, but I would have loved to know why and with luck, we’ll find out in a future release.

Horsfall: Taste Test

Title: Horsfall: Taste Test
Author: Jade Buchanan
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-274-6
Genre: Ménage, Shapeshifters {M/M}
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Oliver Philip is on his way to meet with a client when he receives a phone call informing him that the meeting has been cancelled. Thinking this is his lucky day, Oliver turns his car around and drives the three hour trek back to the twin Shire horse shapeshifters, Bayard and Marshall Stoddard’s horse ranch. Upon his arrival, Oliver is greeted with the news that his twin lovers have planned an afternoon picnic packed with all kinds of Oliver’s favorite tasty treats, including Bay and Marsh.

Horsfall: Taste Test continues the Horsfall series and the unique connection of Oliver and the twins Bayard and Marshall. Like any new relationship, the three men must confront the pitfalls that threaten to tear them apart. Bay is more subdued in personality than Marshall, who is mischievous; yet they both have a strong love for Oliver and he is the center of their attention. Oliver loves both men equally but his fears prevent him from moving forward. The amazing Jade Buchanan delivers another heartwarming and very enjoyable episode of these sexy men, with a dash of humor and the inspiration to go horseback riding.

No One But You

Title: No One But You
Author: K.C. Kendricks
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-545-4
Genre: Gay {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Stacy has been out of town for a week and Levi can't wait for him to get home. When he does, things do not go as smoothly as usual. Levi begins to worry about the way Stacy is acting. Now he just has to figure out what is really going on before their relationship comes to an end.

No One But You by K.C. Kendricks was just what I needed after an extremely long exhausting day. This fast paced sequel to Shining Victory picks up five years after Stacy and Levi have gotten together. The relationship between Stacy and Levi is just as hot and intense as ever. The problems that are tossed into the story add plenty of angst drawing the men closer together. This was one story I hated to see end.

Keeping Paige

Title: Keeping Paige
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419922480
Genre: {M/F} Fantasy
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Paige is cursed, or so she feels. Her people have no love for Paige or her family’s psychic abilities, so who better to sacrifice to their gods. Paige knew of their strong feelings, but never suspected they would subject her to a fairy ring. However, the punishment she expects seems to have thrown her in the arms of her destiny.

Sir Aidan of Fallenrock is in no hurry to marry one of the bartered brides, but that’s exactly what his king and his friends expect of him. Aidan wants the gods to bless him with a wife sent through the rings, not a mate picked at random to give them a new bloodline. Meeting Paige, Aidan feels the gods have heard his plea and makes Paige his wife.

Paige isn’t as willing as Aidan feels she should be, and Aidan doesn’t understand why love is important to Paige. What will the handsome knight do to win his lady?

Michelle M. Pillow’s Keeping Paige is the third story of the Divinity Warrior series. Aidan and Paige make a better match than they could expect. Both are strongly independent and their dynamic attraction makes them a handsome couple. I could understand both of their arguments, but leaned more towards Aidan’s even when he didn’t understand love in the beginning. Paige was lonely and wanted companionship, and I knew if she took the time to see what a blessing Aidan was, she could help the giant of a man learn the true meaning of love. Ms. Pillow has created a different circumstance for each new bride’s appearance in Battlewar, which keeps the series interesting. I love their different backgrounds as much as I love their similar traits. Michelle M. Pillow delivers action, suspense, drama, romance, and spine tingling erotic encounters in Keeping Paige.

Playing for Keeps

Title: Playing for Keeps
Author: Stephanie Morris
Publisher: Amira Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amirapress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935348-51-1
Genre: Interracial Contemporary {M/F}
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Keirra Smith wasn’t planning to give in and date Eric, no matter how much he makes her tingle. Accepting her attraction to the cocky cop was like a walk in the park, compared to the turmoil Keirra felt over dating a police officer. Painful memories from her past just wouldn’t let Keirra risk another broken heart.

Sure, he had a playboy reputation but all Eric Brooks wanted was to settle down with one special woman. Convincing Keirra that she’s that woman was proving to be more difficult than Eric thought. Living without her in his life was not an option, because Keirra was already in Eric’s heart.

Eric chases Keirra until eventually she can’t fight the chemistry between them any longer. As a couple, Eric and Keirra deliver passion, in and out of the bedroom. Their strong wills worked for them and against them at the same time, and always kept their banter interesting. I had a moment of fear after the incident that caused their break up, but not for long. Eric ends up with his career and the love of his life because he was Playing for Keeps.

Conventional Wisdom

Title: Conventional Wisdom
Author: TC Blue
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-769-5
Genre: Contemporary {M/M}
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Trent, a Goth gaming video clerk, is sitting in the hotel bar the night before the SciFiCon convention starts, when TV star Lucas Merrifield walks in and takes a seat next to Trent, introducing himself as Bill Speare. There is an instant attraction between Trent and Lucas and both men are looking for a one night stand. During their conversation, Lucas surmises that Trent does not know who he is and invites the man up to his room. However, the sexual compatibility is such that both men want to continue until the end of the convention.

Conventional Wisdom is the sexy kick-up-your-heels saga of Lucas, who’s in the closet and openly gay Trent. Lucas is there promoting TV, while Trent is there for a sneak peek at upcoming games; finding someone to share a sexual interlude with is just an added bonus for both men. TC Blue has created an entertaining, as well as enjoyable, tale of men having fun and letting their hair down, if only for a few days.

Brazen's Army

Title: Brazen's Army
Author: Piper Evyns
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-915-7
Genre: {M/M} Futuristic Science Fiction
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Ten years ago, an alleged meteor strike devastated the world, killing millions and destroying the land and economy of almost every nation on earth. Since then, an apocalyptic war between the two opposing factions, the Atlantic Rim Alliance and Ancient Dynasty, has done even more damage. It’s during these war years that scholar Ridley Sykes , a professor of ancient civilizations, begins to dream of a man and events he knows to be premonitions of things to come.

When Ridley comes face to face with his dream lover, he realizes that the man has come to kill him, sent most likely by his father, under the lie that he’s an Ancient Dynasty sympathizer. Ridley’s discovered what happened ten years ago and it wasn’t a meteor strike; it was returning aliens. In order to succeed in saving the world from a war started by two immortal aliens, Ridley must convince Lieutenant Brazen Malone to defy orders and help him find the resting place of an ancient Sumerian priestess. They have no allys, and little firepower, but if they don’t succeed, everyone on Earth will be doomed.

At its base, Brazen’s Army is a story of humanity trying to survive a devastating disaster, closely followed by global unrest and war. This is where Ms. Evyn’s creativity veers off from the usual. Her explanation on the creation of the human race was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise, mixing together history, alien technology, two ancient gods bent on world domination and an ancient Sumerian priestess. She’s also created two interesting and intriguing characters in Braz and Ridley, These two are dedicated to what they believe is right and are determined to do whatever is necessary to save the world, even at the expense of their own lives. Secondary characters are almost non-existent, with the exception of a brief look at one of the ancient gods, and an even smaller glimpse of the Sumerian priestess.

There’s a lot going on in this novella-length release, almost too much. I just didn’t feel I knew enough about what was happening in the background, and why. Leaving me with a lot of unanswered question, that I believe could have been resolved if the book had been longer and more developed.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved the premise and I liked both Braz and Ridley, they are truly the perfect counterpoint to each other. I just wish the story had included more history, deeper explanations, and a more thorough understanding of the two aliens. Why’d they left and more importantly why they decided to return. Then there’s the Sumerian priestess who Ridley must find to save the world; I’d really wanted to know about her.

Barely Covered

Title: Barely Covered
Author: Sedonia Guillone
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419922398
Genre: {M/M} Gay Suspense
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Damien Royce has a dream.....Damien wants true love from a person who seeks his inner beauty and worth, while protecting and respecting him. It is a dream he hopes will replace the nightmare that has haunted him since his youth. Who knew a man with a badge wielded the power to make dreams become reality?

Frank Kazaminsky might be a young detective but he earned his rank, thanks to his uncanny ability to ferret out the truth. When Kaz sees Damien strutting across the Club Moritz’s stage, the attraction is instantaneous. There is more to Damien than his ability to fill a G-string to perfection, and Kaz wants to know everything about the handsome dancer.

Kaz finds himself protecting Damien, and knows his life has changed for the better. When the attacker’s body is discovered, it becomes Kaz’s job to find out who murdered the man and why. Everyone who has a motive, including Damien, is on the list of suspects. Will Kaz find the true killer before it’s too late?

Barely Covered is Sedonia Guillone’s prequel to Barely Undercover. For those of you who wondered how Damien and Kaz met, all your answers are in this installment along with a murder mystery. Damien is still trying to find his sea legs, and in the process of healing. Kaz discovers truths about himself that he would have never been privy to without spending time with Damien. I love Kaz’s gentle treatment of Damien in this story. He saw Damien was in pain and refused to manipulate the situation to gain any leeway. My respect for Kaz went way up with each new act. I found the story enjoyable to read with just enough suspense, romance, drama, and erotic encounters to keep me captivated and wishing for more.

Seeking the Balance 1: Blue Bike Blues

Title: Seeking the Balance 1: Blue Bike Blues
Author: A.R. Moler
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-770-1
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Paranormal
Rating 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Navy fighter pilot Lt. Cameron Bradshaw is an adrenaline junkie. So it’s no surprise when he buys a new motorcycle to replace the one wrecked in a near fatal accident a few weeks before. What he doesn’t expect is the violently negative response from his lover, Dr. Mason Flynn. Their intense argument drives the lovers apart and they don’t speak for days. Mason concentrates on his patients; spending hours in the office and surgery, while Cam seeks comfort in the arms of a woman. Will Cam’s anger push him into doing something he’ll regret, or will guilt and betrayal stop him before it’s too late?

Blue Bike Blues is the first release in a new series entitled Seeking the Balance by author AR Moler. I liked these men on their introduction in Hell Dog’s Squadron and I was thrilled when I learned their story was going to continue in a new chaser series. It’s short at just a little over 10K, but there’s a lot of story and emotion packed within the pages of Blue Bike Blues. The passion flaring between Cam and Mason, both inside and outside the bedroom, is still as blistering hot as before, and their psychic link deeper and more intense. What was nice to see was the eventual willingness of both men to compromise, allowing their love and relationship to grow into something deeper and more permanent. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Moler does with the lovers in the next release scheduled for sometime in August.

Bethany’s Rite

Title: Bethany’s Rite
Author: Eve Jameson
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419901874
Genre: Shapeshifter {M/F}
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Bethany has been lost to IIyria since her mother fled after civil war tore the world apart. She is the Matched Mate to Wyc Kilth, one of the heirs to the five royal families. The royal families and the Matched Mates are descendants of the Mystics and in order to save IIyria, the children of the Matched Mates will have to come to a pact.

Wyc finds Bethany and as he tries to explain about their matching, Bethany is constantly under attack by the Sleht. The Sleht will either kidnap her or kill her, depending on her status as a fully mated female or not.

Bethany’s Rite is a wonderful look at a society’s mating rites. As you learn more about the world that Ms. Jameson has created, you have an appreciation of the insecurities of both men and women within a relationship. The sex between Bethany and Wyc requires lots of ice and cold showers. I could not stop reading this book and stayed up late to finish this in one day. I am looking forward to reading the next book about the IIyrians.

The Firm 2: Vixen

Title: The Firm 2: Vixen
Author: Tuesday Morrigan
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-147-3
Genre: Paranormal, Shapeshifter {M/F}
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Detective Tahlia Roberts meets Killian in a bar one night and is immediately drawn to him. Each time she is with Killian, Tahlia feels safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, meeting him while undercover has caused some problems in paradise. There’s a murderer on the loose, and until he has been caught, Tahlia has to keep some secrets from the man she is falling head over heels in love with.

Killian Lionheart knows he’s next in line to get married and he tries everything he can to avoid it. If giving up sex is the only way to keep Killian from ending up mated, like his brothers, then so be it. Then one night Killian meets the sexiest woman he’s ever seen and realizes it will be impossible to walk away from her. Even the fact that he feels she is lying to him doesn’t dampen his desire for Tahlia.

Tahlia and Killian can’t seem to keep their minds or their hands off each other. This couple heats up the pages instantly and they fit together like a hand and a glove. There were moments where Killian was completely tuned into Tahlia’s needs and feelings and those moments touched me the most. When Tahlia shows up on Killian’s doorstep, I was almost speechless but in a good way. I loved the way she went to him for comfort and the fact that he was there for her. As much as I enjoyed the couple’s love story, I am still on the fence about how easily Tahlia accepted the fact that Killian was a lion shifter. I was expecting Tahlia to be more shocked than she actually was. Also, I still have many unanswered questions about the killer that Tuesday Morrigan didn’t tackle. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a follow up story. If you love the Lionheart family like I do and are dying to see another suave shifter meet his perfect match, then The Firm 2: Vixen has to go on your list of must reads.

Fire on the Mountain

Title: Fire on the Mountain
Author: P.D. Singer
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-762-6
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Jake isn’t certain he wants to attend pharmacy school in the fall, so signing up for a season of firefighting with the Colorado Fire Service seems like the perfect break, until he can decide what to do. Headquarters assigns Kurt as his partner, an experienced, confident and competent mountain firefighter, perfect for a rookie recruit. The men live at a remote mountain cabin, near a beautiful clear lake, and Kurt is trying to teach Jake archery when they aren’t extinguishing fires they find while making their daily rounds. Life should be perfect, except being with his gorgeous mentor in the small cabin is slowly making the still-in-the-closet Jake crazy. Is his desire for his partner making him see things that aren’t there, or is Kurt intentionally teasing him and showing interest? He can’t tell and when a small fire turns into a dangerous blaze, things really heat up.

Told in first person through the viewpoint of Jake, Fire on the Mountain is a tale of uncertainty and insecurity, mixed with angst and danger, as two dedicated men fight to prevent fire from consuming the mountain forests they love. Jake doesn’t know what to do about his attraction to Kurt. He’s gay, but inexperienced, and doesn’t know if he’s correctly reading what he thinks are interested signals from Kurt. What if he’s wrong? What if Kurt isn’t interested, or what if he’s straight? These unanswered questions make the idea of making a move even more difficult, since the two are supposed to serve together for six months, and he doesn’t want to ruin their friendship.

Both men are likable, friendly and hardworking, and the story sweet and tender. Yet, it has moments of danger and intensity that nicely balance the tale, giving it a bit of grit and depth. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where a scruffy biker holds Kurt at knifepoint, and the ones where the men are trapped by a wind-whipped blaze. These tightly written portions of the storyline brought out the danger of living, working or vacationing in remote areas of the backcountry. If I had to guess, I’d have to say that if the fire hadn’t trapped the men, they might have never had enough courage to act on their attraction.

Talons of the Condor

Title: Talons of the Condor
Author: John Simpson
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-031-4
Genre: Contemporary/Gay {M/M}
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

President David Windsor knows life is never easy for the President of the United States, especially when said president is openly gay. Yet he somehow manages, despite opposition at nearly every turn. Now, though, he’s faced with some dire matters, including an assassination attempt. Add in the troubles inherent in being gay and in politics, it’s a recipe for disaster in every aspect of his life. Only with his Secret Service agent-turned-lover Shane Thompson by his side can David hope to overcome the issues surrounding his presidency and their lives.

Talons of the Condor is the amazing sequel to Condor One. While some might be a bit turned off by the political messages throughout the book, I, for one, found them fascinating. This story picks up right where Condor One left off, and it’s just as action-packed.

The love between David and Shane is strong, though one must wonder just how much two people can take before they (and/or their relationship) suffers. I enjoyed the fact that it focused more on the romance than actual sex, and the action kept up the fast but brilliant pace throughout.

If you read Condor One (and I very highly suggest it since this is a direct sequel), then you will absolutely love Talons of the Condor.

Extreme Bull

Title: Extreme Bull
Author: Catt Ford
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: None assigned
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Cowboy
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Jeff Stratton and Clay Harris are rivals on the bull riding circuit, both striving for the coveted title of top rider. Their not-so-friendly competition is just as intense out of the ring, when they are vying for buckle-bunnies they meet in the bars for one-night stands. Everything changes the day Jeff slams Clay against a wall, and locks lips with him. The passionate kiss is confusing, making these men aware of each other in ways they never were before. Can these two rivals make their attraction work in the world in which they compete and live, or will they let the most important person in their lives slip away?

The setting for Extreme Bull is the world of competitive bull riding, and since I love a good cowboy story, I wanted to try this one. The author did a nice job describing the dangers inside the arena that the riders face every time they climb on the back of a beast weighing half a ton or more. In fact, these are some of my favorite scenes in the story, especially since they include, in a small way, the rodeo clowns and the medical personnel. Her secondary characters are interesting, this being particularly true of Sam, Jamie and Doug, who helped to round out the story.

The passion between Jeff and Clay is sudden, intense, uncertain and fueled by desire, a little anger and fear. Jeff seems more willing to admit what he’s feeling, while Clay is reluctant to take the leap and admit what Jeff means to him. I’m afraid Clay’s wishy-washy attitude toward his lover throughout the remainder of the book got to be more than a little irritating, making me wish Jeff would find someone more open and giving. I admit I had trouble developing an emotional attachment to Clay, but he manages to redeem himself in the end…standing by his man in the face of Jeff’s injury.

For The Boys

Title: For The Boys
Author: J. M. Snyder
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60168-212-3
Genre: Historical {M/M}
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

With the sound of shells falling all around them and the images of death and despair haunting their dreams, Carl and his platoon welcome the light relief of the USO dance troop with open arms. He was looking for something, anything to serve as a brief reminder that the rest of the world still exists but he got more than he bargained for when he set eyes on dancer Tommy. The nurses may be drooling all over the performer but Carl soon finds out that there’s only one person in Tommy’s sights. The Korean War isn’t the likeliest of setting for romance and the pair’s feelings are going to be tested to the limits before war is over.

The style of writing in For The Boys was very descriptive and emotive, tears stinging my eyes at times and joy filling my heart at others. I found Carl and Tommy’s blossoming relationship moving and realistically portrayed in a very vivid setting. The long distance communications between the two were particularly poignant as they had to watch what they were saying in case of being caught but just couldn’t hold back with their feelings. The author was successful in creating good, decent characters that were just looking for some happiness in their lives. There was a real sense of camaraderie as the men struggled to find some sense of normality within the chaos surrounding them. Carl and Tommy’s conflict between controlling their urges and accepting a situation so completely out of their hands impacted hard and the drama of an unpredictable outcome left me glued to my seat until the very end.

No Regrets

Title: No Regrets
Author: Mari Carr
Publisher: Liquid Silver
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-569-5
Genre: {M/F} Contemporary, Historical, Time Travel
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Tori Hamilton is distraught over the disappearance of her two close friends. She now has to put together the mysterious clues left for her, and figure out what happened to them. When she returns to the old oak tree where they spent their summers, she is whisked back to regency England, and found unconscious by Lord Benjamin Sinclair. She awakens in a strange bed with no memory, a tall dark handsome man standing over her, and all she can do is start crying at her situation. When Tori gets her memory back, and realizes why she is there, she takes off to help her friends, who are in danger.

After returning home from the soul-damaging war, Lord Benjamin decided to become a recluse, and moved to the country with his ward. Because of his dark emotional depressions, he goes to one of his close friends to secure the future of his ward. He is not able to see him about the matter, and on his return home, finds Tori badly beaten by the old oak tree. Now that she has become his sunshine, there is nothing he won’t do to keep her safe, and by his side forever.

No Regrets is the second book in the June Girls series and was not what I expected while reading this story. Here is a young lady who never received any kind of positive love or nurturing from her parents. While battling her overweight issues, she completes her college to become a Children’s Librarian. The months Tori spends with Ben, helping him get the house in order, while being the governess for little Chelsea, are some of the best in her life, helping her ease some her anxieties.

The close bond developed by Tori with Chelsea is what triggers warning bells for her in regards to a hired man with intentions of doing harm. Mari Carr has done a wonderful job telling of the changes needed for the June Girls to adjust to being in the past, and living with the dominant males of that time. I found myself laughing at the men’s sometimes shocked responses to the ladies’ language, and behavior of the twenty-first century. I enjoyed reading of how different the characters were, and how they were able to be there for each other when needed. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Dreaming in Color

Title: Dreaming in Color
Author: Cameron Dane
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-978-2
Genre: {M/M} LGBT Paranormal
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Many things represent happiness and safety and too many people let it be an old worn blanket, a teddy missing an eye, a new friendship or a red door. For Colin Baxter, the appearance of a red door in his dreams is the beginning of a connection with a fantasy lover. The feelings this phantom invokes are strong and Colin is sure if he finds this mysterious man, he will gain the love of a lifetime.

Marek Donovan has made mistakes in his life, but two have cost him the most precious items he’s ever come across. He decides to move to Fiji and discovers the perfect location to hide away from the world. It has been two years since his lover died, two years of solitude, of remorse and of bone-deep loneliness. However, that loneliness is about to end. Colin has come to seek answers, and if he’s lucky, he will begin a new life with the man who owns the house with the red door.

Dreaming in Color is a book you won’t soon forget. Cameron Dane has delivered an emotionally charged book with characters that steal your heart. Colin has a warm infectious personality that soaks into everyone around him. His romantic spirit makes him the perfect person for Marek. Marek has known pain on many levels, and the idea of not having Colin after living so many years as a hermit equates to taking a punch from Tyson. Marek suffered from various types of fear when Colin came on the scene, and was reluctant to hear him out. However Marek’s heart knew it was time to let the past go. Ms. Dane brings all the elements together in this story, grabbing your attention in a death grip while refusing to let go. Dreaming in Color has a fantastic backdrop, strong characters, a believable plot, and enough passionate lovemaking to keep your heart aflutter. Dreaming in Color is about second chances, lost opportunities, healing old wounds, and relearning the true meaning of love. Pick up a copy - you’ll be glad that you did.

The Fire Inside

Title: The Fire Inside
Author: Julia Talbot
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-768-8
Genre: Urban Fantasy {M/M}
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Nick is sitting in his car, parked in an alley, when, out of nowhere, Ty lands on the hood. Nick is shocked until bullets start flying, just as Ty jumps in the car, begging for help. By the time Nick gets Ty to one of his hideouts, he notices that Ty is ice cold. In the relative safety of the apartment, Nick discovers ways to warm Ty up as well as learn about his special talents; even more surprising is that they both discover Nick has a few talents of his own.

The Fire Inside is a wonderful fantasy where in some cities a person with magical powers is the norm. The talented Julia Talbot has created an intriguing saga of Nick and Ty on the run; they encounter many close calls and don’t discover the unknown assailants until the end. The touch of magic, action, humor and man love makes this impressive story an enjoyable read.

Noblesword

Title: Noblesword
Author: Katalina Leon
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasmine-jade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921414
Genre: {M/F} {M/M/F} {F/F} Erotica, BDSM
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Gwen and Jeff Bel Geddes have been together since their college days and now, sadly, are in the process of getting a divorce. When Gwen found little tidbits of information on Noblesword Vineyards among Jeff’s things, she thinks he is cheating again. She has hired a private detective to gather information on him and now she is ready to go through with the divorce. However, Jeff has disappeared, and she has no idea where to find him.

Noblesword Vineyards is an exclusive sexual boutique, where couples can let down their inhibitions in a “free play zone”, and explore their wildest fantasies. Jeff has set Gwen up for a visit at the Vineyard without her knowledge and as her curiosity at what drew him there in the first place gets the better of her, she goes there to investigate. Gwen pleads with the mistress to be admitted to become a novice, and now she has signed a contract, saying she is the property of Noblesword for the night. Although Gwen is having second thoughts, too late, after being dressed in a costume picked for her, she goes through with the evening entertainment.

Just from the title, Noblesword is a total surprising story, and I was really intrigued with what Gwen and Jeff would go through individually to salvage their marriage. With the help of the Noblesword owners, there are no limits as to what can be accomplished for everyone involved. The head mistress is not what I expected, and she didn’t make it easy for anyone to back away from a challenge.

Katalina Leon did a fantastic job with descriptions of what could happen during a night of erotic fantasies, and the roles played by willing participants. The costumes enhanced each of the different scenes that were acted out, and imagine the surprise responses by those who were there for the first time.

Her Commander

Title: Her Commander
Author: Cathryn Cade
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-626-6
Genre: {M/F} Romantic SciFi-Futuristic
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Captain Steven Craig is a man known for his iron-will and self-control. He’s dedicated to his ship and determined to keep it and the people entrusted to his care, whether that be his crew or the passengers, safe from harm. That also means keeping his physical intimacy strictly off-ship, and never with a woman of the crew, especially the beautiful and sensuous females of his elite and deadly Serpentian Guard. He’s rarely been tempted to break his self-imposed vow until he encounters Cadet Tessa Alligon.

Tessa Alligon is a new cadet, in hopes of gaining full membership in the elite Serpentian Guard. Like the others of her group, she’s agile, beautiful and lethal, but she’s also tenderhearted, quiet, reserved and half-human. Tessa believes she’s ready for anything, never counting on meeting Captain Craig, or her unexpected response to him. After a night of blistering passion, he tells her it was a mistake, and can never happen again…they don’t have a future together.

The future of everyone on board is threatened when it’s learned that there is at least one saboteur on board. They could be passengers, a member of the general crew or even someone in the Serpentian Guard and if they don’t discover their identities, everyone on board could end up dead.

Her Commander is the second release in Cathryn Cade’s ongoing Orion series. It’s a fast-paced, tightly plotted story of passion, desire, love, betrayal and threatened sabotage. The word that personifies the characters of both Steven and Tessa is dedication; whether to the ship or the people they serve, making them perfect for each other. I enjoyed the scenes revolving around The Serpentian Guards, and Ms. Cade does a very nice job showing Tessa’s half-human differences.

The primary story of the growing relationship between these two is what propels this story forward, but the underlying threat from the unidentified saboteurs provides the fuel. The secondary characters round out the story, adding flavor, depth and overall interest, and the references to the situation and people from Tyger, Tyger, Burning Bryght, tie the two books together. I must admit that I would like a little more information about who is behind the attempted saboteurs, and why. The hints so far seem too simple, leaving me to believe that not all is as it appears. Who knows? Maybe I’m right and maybe I’m wrong. I’ll have to wait and see.