Karma Chameleon

Title: Karma Chameleon
Author: Willa Okati
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-851-8
Genre: {M/M} Paranormal, Shape-shifter
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Qualities we usually seek in a lover or best friend are quite different from those Arden possesses. He’s shameless, with a sex drive impressive to nymphomaniacs and lucrative gigolos alike. However, when you look underneath his crass exterior Arden’s heart is waiting for love…if it could sew up his mouth long enough to grab someone’s interest.

Shavey enjoys being with Arden. The two have used various areas of the apartment vigorously during their sessions, (oh if the walls could talk). And even though Arden squashes every attempt the big man makes at addressing his true feelings, Shavey refuses to give up. Unfortunately for Arden, his option to run has expired. A chameleonic shape-shifting curse puts Arden just where Shavey wants him. It’s time for Arden to face the facts… life is better with someone to love.

In Karma Chameleon, we get a full view of Arden at his best and worse. Arden isn’t used to people loving him with all his quirks. He’s come to expect others to leave him high and dry at his lowest moments. I believe that’s why he acts out at times. “Why wait… let me help you to the door” seems to be his mental train of thought. Shavey enjoys being a pillar of strength for others can lean on. The man has that patience of mother’s with small children and those with pets who just seem to enjoy messing up the carpet.

They weren’t beating down love’s door, especially after witnessing their best buds find happiness in each other’s arms. I’ll be the first to admit that they are the perfect couple. Shavey needs someone to protect, even if the harm comes from their own silly actions. And Arden, he needs Shavey to keep him from harming himself, the mischievous devil.

From their overzealous sex that could put a Sweating to the Oldie's video to shame, to the zingers always readily available to keep me laughing, there wasn’t anything about this story I didn’t love. Those who’ve enjoyed the Tomcat Jones series will find themselves pleased with this latest installment and wondering when the crazy cat will have his own tale.

Driftwood

Title: Driftwood
Author: Harper Fox
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com
ISBN: 978-1-60928-157-1
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Dr. Tom Penrose suffers from a severe case of PTSD, due to his time in Afghanistan. All the doctor wants, when he is not working at the local hospital, is to be left alone. Between his numerous neighbors and his new infatuation with Flynn Summers, he does not seem to be getting his wish.

Driftwood is an intense story of two men, Tom and Flynn, both suffering from PTSD. In many ways, the two men are a lot alike because they both basically ignore their problems, including the self-destructive issues, they have as a result of the PTSD. Although the men suffer for different reasons, both display aspects of the disease that come across realistically, as does the struggle one of the secondary characters face as he tries to get military benefits for his PTSD. The strength in which the author was able to portray the men’s struggles lead me to believe the author did one heck of a job researching the issue. While the connection between the two men is strong, it is not always a healthy one. After some introspection by Tom and Flynn, followed by some minor disasters, the author pulls these two slightly damaged men together in a way that will more than satisfy the reader.

Although I ended up enjoying the story, I did find it to be dry at times, especially in the beginning. Once the relationship between Tom and Flynn started to develop, the story really took off. I will be looking for more stories by Harper Fox and suggest you do the same.

A Game of Skills

Title: A Game of Skills
Author: T.C. Blue
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-257-2
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

It’s dangerous working as an agent for the Farmingdale Gentleman’s Club, an organization whose services are offered to the highest bidder. When his latest mission goes awry, Simon doesn’t expect to be rescued by a man he doesn’t know and a child who seems to know things she shouldn’t, but he is. He also doesn’t expect or want the sizzling attraction he feels for his male rescuer, Morgan, either.

Morgan has his best friend’s child, Rico, with him and they’ve been on the run from a group of people bent on taking the unusually talented young girl captive and they’re willing to kill to get her. He doesn’t need the complication of helping a dangerous stranger but Morgan can’t deny their chemistry and developing feelings for Simon is the worst thing that could happen.

Between Simon’s life as an agent and the group of crazies chasing them, Morgan’s life is totally screwed up. Can he and Simon keep Rico safe and make a life together, or does he keep running and hope he can stay ahead of their pursuers?

A Game of Skills is book two in the Farmingdale Gentleman's Club series. Be aware that while it would be helpful to have read the first book, you can read this one as a standalone.

There’s a lot going on in this well-plotted action suspense book and it all starts off with a bang when Morgan discovers he’s being followed and he, Ellie and Rico end up in the middle of a shoot out, fighting for their lives. This is one example of the fast-paced over-the-road adventures of Morgan as he struggles to stay ahead of the people determined to turn Rico into some kind of lab experiment. I loved how much Morgan cared for Rico and the extremes he was willing to go through to keep her safe. He’s a great primary character—he’s ex-military, strong, smart, loyal, dedicated, determined and he’s devoted to and willing to kill for this special child that he loves like his own.

Morgan and Simon have an undeniable chemistry from the first moment they meet, but it doesn’t stop them from going their separate ways and then spending weeks apart, thinking of each other, either. I loved the extremes Simon is willing to go through to find Morgan and Rico and of course, he and his team do it just in the nick of time. The rescue allows the author the time needed to develop the relationship of the reunited lovers into something they want but are both scared to death of. They’re plenty hot together, but don’t count out cute and endearing too.

Rico’s a great character and is truly the glue that pulls the plot together—and not just between Morgan and Simon, but later with Patrice, the head of the Gentleman’s Club. Allowing Patrice to develop feeling for Rico changes her personality; it makes her human and likable, causing her to make out-of-character decisions. Ms. Blue did a nice job with the paranormal aspect of Rico’s personality and made the special child she is, even more special when the extent of her psychic talent is revealed.

Yes, the passion and growing love between Morgan and Simon is horribly important to the ongoing story, but the paranormal twists and finding the people responsible for tracking Rico ultimately turns into the backbone of the story. And it’s here that that the unexpected turns just keep coming and coming. (And no, I’m not telling you anything else!) Let’s just say that the villain is someone you’ll find reprehensible, cold and calculating, and like most bad guys, will get their just desserts.

By the end of the story, it’s seems like the author will be making changes at the Gentleman’s Club and I for one can’t want to see what’s going to happen in the next release in this thrilling adventure series. I hope to see more of Morgan, Rico and Simon in the future.

To Take Up The Sword

Title: To Take Up The Sword
Author: Brynna Curry
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publisher URL: http://www.lyricalpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61650-190-7
Genre: {M/F} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

After one of his cases turns out not to his liking, Special Agent Gabriel Spiller is taking some much needed time away from work, reevaluating his position with the FBI. All of the death threats he’s received since the “not guilty” verdict haven’t helped much, either. He lost his partner, Serena Roarke while searching for some missing diamonds and now her sister, Leannan has found him.

Leannan O’Neal hears her dead sister, Serena, tell her that if she was ever in trouble, find Gabriel to protect her. Leannan is a school teacher in a small town, with a boring life, but finds herself on the run and knows that she must trust her sister, in order to survive the villain’s threats. Lea ends up helping Gabe in a shootout but killing someone affects her in a negative way. It’s not something she normally does, and having to do it is not sitting well with her.

To Take Up The Sword is a quickie. It’s an intriguing and enjoyable tale that kept me reading all the way through to find out how this story would end. Ms. Curry wrote a distinctively well plotted story that lead the two main characters on a chase across several states and the villain is indeed heartless to accomplish his goals. I was a little surprised at the betrayal from a person close to Gabe, but did understand why it was necessary towards the end of the book.

Gabe and Lea learn to trust each other quickly in order to survive the weather, bullets and bombs, along with exploring their mutual attraction, which blossomed into satisfied need for the both of them. I have requested the first book, to have a better understanding of the characters and their history. I really enjoyed reading this story, and this is my first from this author. This is the second book in the Elemental Magic series, and I am wondering who the next story will be about.

Hot Rod

Title: Hot Rod
Author: G.A. Hauser
Publisher: The G.A. Hauser Collection
Publisher URL: http://www.authorgahauser.com/
ISBN: 9781453624852
Genre: {M/M} Erotic Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

After ten years in prison, Rod Reynolds is about to reclaim his life. Being wrongfully convicted and sentenced was only the beginning of the hellish decade. The acts he performed to remain safe are ingrained in his every waking thought leaving Rod to wonder if he will ever enjoy sex again, until he meets Dr. Foley Russell.

Foley has his own demons to conquer. The war vet has an onslaught of nightmares detailing the events of being a doctor on the frontline. He sees a kindred spirit in Rod. More importantly, he sees a man who needs him as much as he needs Rod.

The events leading to Rod’s imprisonment lead those around him to rally for justice. After a decade spent in misery, will Karma grant Rod both vindication and love?

G.A. Hauser has quickly climbed to the top of my favorite authors list, thanks to her latest release Hot Rod. Rod is your average hard working man, who trusted the system and was betrayed in the process. Handsome Doctor Foley is a patient man, with the capacity to love unconditionally. The two men make a breathtaking couple. The gentle reassurances Foley supplied to help Rod reawaken his passion made him likeable.

Hot Rod is a fast-paced well plotted read. From the characters to the setting, the story is perfectly packaged and will leave readers begging for more. Those who are fans will be pleased and new comers will add this sensational author to their “must read” list.

My Summer of Wes

Title: My Summer of Wes
Author: Missy Welsh
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-833-4
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Malcolm was your typical geek in school, which of course made him the target of bullies. While he may have had to put up with the beatings and name calling, at least he always knew they were wrong about his being gay. Then he meets Wes.

My Summer of Wes definitely belongs in the coming of age category. Malcolm has just graduated from high school and he could not be happier. Unfortunately, the treatment he received at the hand of bullies, as well as the neglect from his parents, left him with a few insecurities. Wes is an openly gay, 24 year old mechanic, whose passion is restoring old cars. The opening scenes of this book drew me right in as I watched Wes meeting the bullies that had tormented Malcolm, and then a short while later Malcolm himself. Malcolm’s reaction to Wes’ openness and his growing confusion over his own sexuality come through clearly and realistically. The author uses Wes’ maturity and openness to show Malcolm that it is important to be true to yourself. I loved that the author allowed Malcolm to find his way naturally without any pressure from Wes, while at the same time having Wes by his side. The moment in which Malcolm realizes he is indeed gay had me chuckling. Though there are a few rough times, this is basically a sweet romance, and one that I will be re-reading again.

Out of the Darkness

Title: Out of the Darkness
Author: Kate Sherwood
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-555-5
Genre: {M/M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Leaving his old life behind and moving to California has been hard on Dan Wheeler and it has taken months for his world to smooth out and for him to get comfortable in his new home. He’s making a life with lovers Evan and Jeff, but it’s hard figuring out the dynamics of a threesome when two of those three have been together for years. When the relationship works, it’s wonderful—they laugh and have fun together but when it doesn’t, Dan thinks he’s crazy for getting involved with the established couple. He thinks about running.

It’s not just the newness of his relationship with Evan and Jeff causing Dan problems. He’s still struggling with the death of his long-term lover Justin and whether he deserves to be happy without him. Then there’s Evan and his crazy jealousy that starts to make even Jeff uncomfortable. Jeff has his own problems too. He’s the oldest of the trio and is still afraid he can’t keep up with his partners either in or out of bed in the long run. Despite the problems, misunderstandings and pain they’re going through, Dan cares for his partners. He just has to decide whether he’d be happier with or without them in his life.

Out of the Darkness is a sequel to Dark Horse and takes up almost immediately where the first release ended, so consequently the books need to be read in the order written. The first book introduced the characters, relationships and huge backstory of Dan, Evan and Jeff and if you don’t read it, I’m afraid you’ll be hopelessly lost. That goes for the numerous secondary characters that filter in and out of the story. Most were introduced previously and play varying degrees of plot importance, but for the most part, who they are really isn’t explained in Out of the Darkness so take it from me, read Dark Horse first.

Dan continues to be the focal point of this relationship, but I’m happy to say there isn’t as much angst and emotional pain as in the previous release. This one shows the three having a good time together—having fun—laughing, going out, meeting friends and in general, being normal. That’s not to say that Dan still isn’t being a bit wishy/washy and I have to admit there were times I wondered if he was ever going to get his feelings straightened out. Still, Ms. Sherwood did a great job writing Evan and Jeff as understanding and loving men willing to give Dan the time he needed.

I loved that Ms. Sherwood took the time for the men to realize that there was more to their relationship than sex and that they needed to slow down, date and get to know each other as people, not just lovers. These scenes are very nicely done and showed not only how much Dan, Evan and Jeff cared for each other, but how they handled their sexual frustration. These guys want their relationship to work but there were still times I was left wondering whether they could get past their difficulties and make a workable decision of what they wanted and who they wanted to be with.

The epilogue was a nice addition to the story, wrapping up a few of my questions and letting me know that these loving men could be happy together. FYI-You can find a few additional scenes located on the author’s website that you might want to check out. I’d love to see a story revolving around Dan’s best friend Chris.