All in the Details

Title: All in the Details

Author: AKM Miles

Publisher: Silver Publishing  

Publishers URL: https://spsilverpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 9781614959236

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Mystery

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Beau suffers from OCD, but, rather than let it get him down, he uses it to make a success of his life.  While he loves that his events business is going strong, he wishes he had someone in his life to come home to.  Enter Officer Nash Tyler.

I loved this newest story by author AKM Miles.  The characters are well written and the story itself had me laughing more than once.  Beau suffers from OCD, something has caused problems with his relationships in the past.  I like that, rather than letting it rule his life, he is making it work for him.  I also like that it is not something that is constantly harped about.  Nash is an officer with the local police force.  With the exception of his boss, no one knows that Nash is gay.  This changes as soon as Nash and Beau meet.    Poor Beau, as soon as he overhears the two little boys talking, you know things are going to go bad, but his and Nash’s introduction was hilarious.  As Beau seems to be a trouble magnet, there are many more crazy scenes like this in the story. 

Although the men’s love story is a sweet one, they find themselves battling outside forces who feel that the love they have for each other is wrong.  While the reader may know who the bad guy is, they will be surprised by the extent that he goes to.

All in the Details is a great, fast paced story.  I could not wait to see what would happen to the men next.  I loved the strong connection they forged so early in their relationship and the passion between them heats up the pages.  The small mystery that is woven into the story keeps the reader entertained and moves the story along nicely.  If you have not yet tried a story by this author then I strongly suggest you start with this one.

Grime and Punishment

Title: Grime and Punishment

Author:  Z.A. Maxfield

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN: 9781623003111

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Jack Masterson's career as a firefighter ended when he was injured at a fire. Unable to return to the job he loved, he and his cousin Gabe started a job cleaning crime scenes.  It’s a way to still be involved with helping people and one call throws the past right in the face. His old flame Nick Foasberg has committed suicide.

Ryan Halloran tried to help his cousin Nick but couldn’t stop his death. He doesn’t know the entire history between Nick and Jack, so he doesn’t understand Jack’s claim they both need closure. Being a nurse doesn’t prepare him for cleaning up the crime scene but he still helps Jack.

The attraction between Ryan and Jack can’t be denied but when Ryan learns Jack’s secret, he doesn’t know if he can believe they have a future. Can these two men help each other move forward or will they be stuck in the past—apart?

Grime and Punishment is the first release in Z.A. Maxfield’s new series, The Brothers Grime.

While I enjoyed this story, it’s much darker than what I expected from Ms. Maxfield.  Both Jack and Ryan are carrying around some pretty heavy baggage and haven’t been dealing with the emotions that go with them. The author does a nice job of slowly handling these issues and as they do, the tone of the book lightens and seems to pick up speed. The personalities of both men are well developed and snippets of their histories explain the dark and depressing initial tone. Don’t misunderstand me. I wouldn’t change them. I like Jack and Ryan and appreciate their unique storyline. It’s not often an author takes a chance on an emotionally and physically wounded hero, like Jack. Then there’s the crime scene clean-up angle—totally creative and unique—another premise I haven’t seen before.

Surprisingly, despite the high levels of emotions and their pasts, Jack and Ryan getting together works. Yes, I wish their relationship had developed more slowly, especially since Jack had been seeing someone else when the book started. That transition could have been smoother. That brings the secondary characters to mind. Be aware that there are lots of them—I mean a lot, so pay attention. I expect we’ll be seeing more of them again in future releases. Enjoy.

Voyeur

Title: Voyeur

Author: Piper Whitney

Publisher: Silver Publishing

Publisher URL: spsilverpublishing.com/

ISBN: 9781614959229

Genre: {M/M} Shifters

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Chi Zimmer is desperate for a job when he applies for a position at the new nightclub Voyeur. Fortunately for Chi, co-owner Gage Sinclair had an opening at the club as well as an opening in his bed. Chi is just what Gage is looking for to fill both positions.

Voyeur is a heartwarming budding romance with humor, sensual intimacy along with a touch of drama. The characters are convincing. Chi is on the run from his controlling boyfriend. Chi tried to accept the powerful boyfriend to please his family. However, Chi could not endure having his own spirit crushed into conformity, so he left home to start a life of his choosing. Gage and his co-owner have worked for years to launch their nightclub. Finally the business is successfully in operation. But Gage’s personal life is lonely; Gage wants more than one night stands. Navigating their way through doubts, secrets and shocking fights to the death, Chi and Gage settle into a happy ever after relationship.

  

Piper Whitney has created a wonderful saga that I enjoyed immensely.  

The Jouster’s Lance

Title: The Jouster’s Lance

Author: A.J. Marcus

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publishers URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 9781623804770

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Dale O’Toole makes his living working as a jouster in the Renaissance Faire circuit.  He loves his job and has put a lot of effort into creating his alter ego Diederik, the Demon Duke of Denmark.  When he goes to Colorado to fill in for an injured jouster, Dale does not realize that, while the area is a little more liberal in some ways, it is even more stringent in others.  While he’s willing to compromise a little regarding his character’s name, he’s not willing to give up the budding relationship he seems to have with another faire worker, Austin.

The Jouster’s Lance is the first book in author A.J. Marcus’ new series, A Ren Faire Romance, set at Renaissance Festivals.  The main characters, Dale and Austin, each work at the festival in Colorado but while Dale is a jouster, Austin is lower on the totem pole, working at one of the many shops.  While their jobs at the festival separate them, there is also the fact that Austin is out while Dale is still in the closet.  All this falls by the wayside when these two meet.  Theirs is a relationship that builds slowly even though the attraction between them is hot.  Then there are the outside interferences that both men have to put up with.  While events involving Austin’s ex are more or less predictable, those surrounding one of Dale’s co-workers is surprising. 

Readers will be able to see the author’s knowledge of these festivals, as his vivid descriptions and inner workings of the faires help bring the story alive. The vast variety of characters in The Jouster’s Lance will help keep the reader entertained and left me wondering just how true to life they were. 

This was a fun read and I am curious to see what the author has planned for book two.

Watch Me

Title: Watch Me

Author: Carol Lynne

Publisher: Total E-Bound

Publisher URL: www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-78184-323-9

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Release Date: 05-24-13

Ten years after his father threw his older brother Kade out of the house, Zeke Straus started looking for him. He searched for years, working as a bartender to make ends meet. Now he’s in another new town and has another bartending job, but this time it’s different—he’s attracted to the owner.

After the legal mess closed Fallon’s on Fifth, new owners bought the bar intending to reopen under the name Clean Slate. Reid Jackson’s rule against fraternization goes out the window when he sees the new, sexy bartender Zeke Straus.

When Zeke learns his brother knows many of the men who frequent the bar, he’s shocked, but when he told Kade’s traveling from Cattle Valley to meet him, he can’t believe his search is over. Reconnecting with Kade and having a relationship with Reid causes unexpected problems. Does Zeke stay with the man he loves or does he move to Cattle Valley to be with his brother?

Watch Me is the newest release in Carol Lynne’s Campus Cravings series. There are lots of returning characters, so while reading them in order would be best, I recommend you at least read the book featuring Kade and Lark, A Biker's Vow.

I’ve always been a fan of Kade and Lark, so I was thrilled this one explained what happened in Kade’s past and that he was given the chance to be reunited with his brother. And I like Zeke too. His story is another good addition to the family of books that make up the Campus Cravings series. I liked the premise—his long search for his brother and learning a little of what he went through to find him. In fact, it’s probably my favorite of the recent releases, despite my niggles.

The development of Zeke and Reid’s personalities is pretty good considering the length—78 actual print pages. It didn’t really give much time for them to develop a relationship either, so again, we’re dealing with a case of instant love, but it seems to work. The sex is maybe a little too frequent for a release of this length but count on it being sizzling.  It was nice getting to see a little of so many of the previous characters. Some played more important roles than others but they were all integrated seamlessly and provided some laughs. I look forward to the next release in this fun and entertaining series.

Kiss of the White Wolf

Title: Kiss of the White Wolf

Author: Cassidy Ryan

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN: 978-1-78184-302-4

Genre: {M/M} Wolf Shifters

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Journalist Hal Paxton was not looking for a story when he encountered wolf shifter Luke Tallis. Nevertheless, Hal realized Luke had been beaten and needed help so he drove Luke to the hospital. Hal furthermore discovered there is a mystery surrounding Luke that got the attention of the police.

Kiss of the White Wolf is a well written well paced arousing romance blended with social cruelty. The setting is the United Kingdom. The characters are creditable. Hal is an investigative reporter who exposed the corruption in the police department. For this reason, some in the department seek revenge. The main thorns in Hal’s side before meeting Luke are the media constantly camped outside his London home. After meeting Luke, Hal’s problem is staying alive as well as growing accustomed to being a wolf shifter’s mate. Luke is an out in the open wolf shifter alpha without a pack. He is an artist who lives a quiet country life. Luke worries about other shifters who were held captive. As the story unfolds, the culprits in addition to why these events occurred are revealed in heartbreaking details. The plot highlights honorable men, in contrast to the prejudice cowards motivated by greed.    

Cassidy Ryan has created a splendidly engaging saga that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Evolution

Title: Evolution

Author: Sam Kadence

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press

Publishers URL: http://harmonyinkpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-411-4

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Young Adult

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Gene just wants to sing.  When his band has a shot at the big time, Gene can’t decide if he’s excited or regretting everything already.  To make things even more confusing, Gene accidentally runs into Kerstrande, who just happens to be a member of rock royalty and Gene’s secret crush.

Evolution is my first book by this author and after reading this one, I am curious to see what the author has planned next.  Evolution is the kind of story that covers several sub-genres and can therefore be enjoyed by many readers.  There is the rock star aspect of the book, with both main characters in the music industry.  The difference is that while Gene is just starting out, Kerstrande has faded into the background.  The music sub-plot plays heavily in Evolution, and readers may be surprised by the way this part of the story plays out. 

Then there is the paranormal aspect.  This one can get a little confusing at times, as there are a variety of paranormal beings in the story and it is not always clear as to who is what.  The paranormals in Evolution are not always likeable either and are a little on the dark side, which I was surprised by.  It is clear early on that Kerstrande is a vampire, but the author keeps you guessing when it comes to Gene.  Another thing is that in the world the author has built, paranormal beings are known about but must be registered.  The consequences for those who do not follow this law are extreme, which shows why Kerstrande has kept hidden. 

Although it does not always appear so, Evolution is also a young adult story.  Gene is not quite legal but has been on his own for a while.  When he meets Kerstrande, he does not expect the changes that his life takes.  There is a strong connection between the two men and it is easy to understand why, at times, Gene is not sure where he stands with the vampire.  While Kerstrande is the older of the two, at times Gene comes across as the more mature one.  I was surprised by some of Kerstrande’s actions but liked the way he finally steps up at the end.

Evolution was a very interesting story and one I will be reading again.  However, there are some loose ends and I hope the author plans on a sequel soon.

Hazard’s Dare

Title:  Hazard’s Dare

Author:  Frances Stockton

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419944796

Genre:  {M/F}, Light Bondage, Contemporary

Rating:   4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Avery has decided she wants to break out of her ‘goody two shoes’ image while she is on vacation in Dare.  She is shocked when she walks in the Truth or Dare Club and sees Hazard singing on stage.  Hazard is blindsided since he thought Avery was engaged, and then sees her walk in to the club wearing a red dress.

Hazard’s Dare is related to the Ink and Kink series that includes the Alexandria Griffins football team.  While Hazard’s Dare is not part of the series, several characters show up or are mentioned from the series to give readers a glimpse of how some of the characters interact with each other. 

I had to laugh at a lot of the references about how Avery’s brother, his husband, and some of their close friends might react when they discover she has a relationship with Hazard.  The way the author shows the changing emotions Avery and Hazard have toward each other, love and relationships, is so realistic, I thought I was listening to some friends telling me their story.  The chemistry between the two is hot, and neither was afraid to switch roles when they were at Jaxon’s house. 

Even though I guessed that one of the characters was going to play a part in the suspense of the story, I was surprised when he actually did and for the reasons he did.  I was also surprised about how and who resolved the issue.

Ms. Stockton has written a great story, and I think readers will enjoy it very much.  I am looking forward to reading more from her series, and also more about some of the other players for the Griffins in the future.

Butt Pirates in Space

Title: Butt Pirates in Space

Author: Anthology

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0064

Genre:  {M/M} {M/M/M} Sci-fi

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

What to Expect When Your Boyfriend is Expecting by Shae Connor - 4 Nymphs

On the all-male planet of Lalande, biologist from earth Zeke and his Lalandian boyfriend Zeph’s steamy prenatal lovemaking timetable is interrupted by a pirate’s kidnapping scheme.

Spacehunters by Kage Alan - 3.5 Nymphs

Former soldiers, as well as victims in a war to exterminate all homosexuals, gay couple Chace and Jayden are on a mission to steal a priceless artifact. Their ultimate goal is to build a long range spaceship so they can leave the territories controlled by Earth. The storyline is filled with an abundance of snarky dialog making it difficult to follow the actual plot.

B’Utopia by Kiernan Kelly - 4 Nymphs

Captain Jarrick Freeman was a loyal company man until he and his crew were deemed disposal employees. It was only the timely actions of pirate Captain Rictor Horn that changed Jarrick’s state of mind from company loyalty to seeking revenge.

Free Gift with Purchase by TC Blue - 4.5 Nymphs

Romantic relationships had been forbidden aboard the pirate spaceship Mama. To remedy this problem, the captain kept good-timers on board, professionals who serviced all of the crew without becoming emotionally attached to any one partner. However, first mate Valmark soon realized his happiness was dependent on his rare, exotic and incredibly passionate free gift.

Pride of the Rangers by Angelia Sparrow - 4 Nymphs

Lieutenant Cliff Cody of the Space Exploration Rangers has been stripped of his rank, as well as sentenced to life on an agricultural penal colony. With the aid of a fellow inmate, Cliff escapes to a pirate’s spaceship. Nevertheless, sometimes justice is a mystery, wearing a variety of facades.

Butt Pirates in Space is an exceptionally enjoyable collection of humorous stories ranging from sensual to kinky intimacy.  

False Match

Title:  False Match

Author:  Lynne Silver

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419944956

Genre:  {M/F}, Contemporary, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Chase just knows he is not enhanced and doesn’t belong with the Program and asks Samara to do the tests to confirm that fact.  Samara was rescued, but now is working for the Program in their genetic program, but she feels like she is in prison with Chase acting as her guard.

The third book in the Coded for Love series, False Match, picks up after the first book, Heated Match, after mounting a rescue which ended up freeing Samara and her son.  Because she had been forced to help their enemy, due to her son’s life being threatened, she is under a lot of suspicion and under guard. 

Chase’s feelings are understandable when he realizes he is not an enhanced soldier, something which creates some problems, not only with his fellow soldiers but Samara as well.  Other issues arise that can threaten everything the Program is doing as well as those living there.

The relationship that develops between Samara and Chase is very true to life with lots of misunderstandings along the way, though they have lots of chemistry.  The author shows how single parents have to be careful about relationships and how it can affect the children, as well. 

As this series progresses, some of the stories lead into the next book.  Readers need to read this series in order as there is a lot of background needed to understand a lot of what is going on.  I am waiting for the next book, as False Match ended with a twist. 

Fire Horse

Title: Fire Horse

Author: Mickie B. Ashling

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-578-4

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

With a refined English mother and a rough Texan father, who liked to use his fists, Preston Fawkes had a troubled home life. By age ten, he wanted to become a polo player. Meeting fifteen-year-old Konrad Schnell at the San Antonio Polo Club sends him on a path that will change his life.  As Preston grows older, he and Konrad grow much closer and when he’s sent to boarding school in England, they’re both devastated.  

The distance and their age difference make it hard to keep up a relationship and Konrad is traveling, while playing polo. But most of all it’s the fear of what would happen if their relationship is exposed. Then the worst happens and they’re separated, sending Preston on a path that will rule his life—being the best polo player possible. But is he happy?

Fire Horse is the newest release by Mickie B. Ashling. It’s well written, with a complicated plot that moves seamlessly from the present, to the past and back again.  The pacing is smooth and there are lots of vivid details that help bring the story to life. Since I know so little about polo, I liked learning about the ‘sport of kings’ and enjoyed it as the story premise. 

The story is told from Preston’s viewpoint, so we never learn what went on in Konrad’s head, only Preston’s reaction. It’s a big drawback for me because of the obvious deep emotional pain both men felt and the amount of baggage they carried. The differences between Preston’s life in Texas and England are handled nicely. It’s just one example of Ms. Ashling’s descriptive ability that permeates the entire story. Now to the characters. The personalities of all the characters are well developed but I still have mixed feelings about them—Preston in particular. He really doesn’t have any redeeming qualities. He’s rude, arrogant, conceited, annoying and won’t listen to anyone. I truly think he’s a character you’ll either love or hate, with no middle ground.

Maybe I should have seen it coming but I was surprised by the last scenes. I think you’ll like it. I am a bit disappointed at how abruptly the book ended and while I’m not a big fan of epilogues, I think in this instance a short one would have been nice. 

The Dragon Healer

Title:  The Dragon Healer

Author:  Bianca D’Arc 

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-61921-528-3

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Ménage, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Silla is wary of the attraction she has for Brodie and Geoff.  She had a very bad experience before she ended up at the Temple to be trained as a healer.  Can she overcome her past to accept the triad marriage she is being offered as a knight’s mate?

The latest in the Dragon Knights series brings a new element to the series.  The Dragon Healer tells us about a Temple that trains healers, who are then sent out among the community for about ten years before returning.  Silla finds herself helping a wounded dragon for the first time in her life.

Silla surprises Brodie and herself when she hears the dragon, making her one of those rare women that can become a wife of the Dragon Knights.  Both Brodie and Geoff realize she is theirs, but know they have to convince Silla.  The chemistry between the three is hot.  Be aware there is a very mild BDSM scene.

I liked the storyline about the healer and the Temple.  This is a little bit of a departure from the constant battles in the previous stories.  Granted, the fact that Silla can heal dragons will be an asset in the new lair that Brodie and Geoff are building.  Most of the secondary characters in this story were the inn keeper and townspeople. This story centered almost solely on the knights and the two dragons.

To Enchant an Eagle

Title: To Enchant an Eagle

Author: Amber Kell

Publisher: Extasy Books

Publisher URL: www.extasybooks.com

ISBN: 978-1-77111-523-0

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Everything has a price; this is the lesson eagle shifter Eaton Franks learned the hard way when a sorcerer offers to heal Eaton’s mate, hawk shifter Marty.

To Enchant an Eagle is the third book in the Banded Brothers Series. The plot is a romantic comedy with entertaining characters. Eaton is a member of the band, as well as an adopted member of the Gage family. Band leader Carey Gage is the only human. In this action packed episode, Marty, who was seriously injured in a hawk hierarchy skirmish, is confined to bed. Eaton is prepping for his doctoral thesis in physics when he is kidnapped by his lab partner. Although Eaton is a skilled warrior like the rest of the Gage family, Eaton finds that he is outnumbered by the enemy. Aware that his rescue will be almost immediately, Eaton releases another captive before the mêlée goes into full combat status.

Amber Kell has created another amusing exciting installment to this especially enjoyable series, which is best read in sequence. 

My Wicked Nanny

Title:  My Wicked Nanny

Author:  Ann Mayburn

Publisher:  Loose Id

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62300-308-1

Genre: {M/F/F/M}, BDSM, Ménage and More, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Anya starts working at Wicked to get enough money to pay for her studies in Paris.  She’s also working as a nanny for Jesse, not knowing he is actually a Master at Wicked.  Jesse is intrigued by Anya, not knowing she is his nanny that had taken a waitress job at Wicked and she is the first woman to interest him since his wife’s death.

My Wicked Nanny, the second book in the Club Wicked series, tells an interesting story about love, loss and second chances.  There were some interesting nuances at Wicked and I loved the description to some of the different areas within the club.  The author captures the reader’s interest quickly and doesn’t let it go, leaving the reader wanting more. 

At first, I wasn’t too fond of Jesse and the way he seemed to ignore Anya, only to want to monopolize her attention later.  I wanted to slap him with the way he confronted Anya, once he realized it was her at the club.  I liked that he forced Anya to follow her dream to make sure he was what she actually wanted. The chemistry between the two is hot, and the scenes burn the pages

There were a couple of interesting characters that really encouraged Anya and Master Liam is one I hope gets his own story one of these days.  There were a few I wasn’t too fond of either as they really seemed to go out of their way to cause trouble. 

I am looking forward to the next Club Wicked installment and I hope it is either about Master Hawk or Master Liam.  These books can be read as stand-alones, though I encourage readers to read them in order.  This series is one for the bookshelves to be read again.

Dweller on the Threshold

Title: Dweller on the Threshold

Author: Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61921-426-2

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary Urban Fantasy

Rating: Recommend Read

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Beri O’Dell’s six feet tall and stronger than most men. She has long, white-streaked hair that glows in the sun and moonlight—and doesn’t have a clue what she is. Growing up in foster care left her feeling alone but her relationship with her one-time foster-sister, Detective Elsa Remington, is her one constant. Beri’s in Florida when she gets word Elsa’s in a coma. It seems a paranormal creature is stealing souls and Elsa’s a victim.

Determined to save Elsa, Beri heads to the city to track down whatever is responsible. Helping Beri is her two spirit guides, a witch and a fussy necromancer. The last member of their group is Nikolos, an ancient Minoan warrior, who know exactly who they need to find.  It’s a creature he fought millennia ago and just barely won—so it’s bad. But they have to try—no matter what the cost—or the Dweller on the Threshold could destroy everything.

Dweller on the Threshold is the first release in Rinda Elliott’s new urban fantasy series, featuring kick-ass heroine Beri O’Dell.

New authors are always an uncertainty but I was so enthralled by the premise of this book I had to give it a try, and I’m glad I did. Not only is Beri a complicated and well developed personality but the world building in this first release is top notch. Yes, I admit that it’s complicated and at times a bit confusing but that’s because there are so many layers, interesting secondary characters and vivid details that almost paint a picture of Beri’s world. So yes, that means you need to pay attention.

Don’t think that it’s all doom and gloom. There are some lighthearted moments and even a few chuckles because of the snarky digs and comments between some of the characters—it’s really pretty amusing. There’s some pretty intense chemistry between Beri and Nikolos too, but the love element takes a backseat to the urban fantasy part of the story, all without shortchanging it. Well done, Ms. Elliott.

I really couldn’t get enough of this wildly creative story and was disappointed when I got to the last page. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted more. Be aware that this is an ongoing story arc and several of the plot threads are left dangling to be dealt with in the next book. Look for Blood of an Ancient coming in October. I can’t wait.

Primal Instincts

Title: Primal Instincts

Author: Gabrielle Evans

Publisher: Siren Bookstrand  

Publishers URL: http://www.sirenbookstrand.com

ISBN/BIN: 9781622426959

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Layke, an elf elder with The Council, is one of the oldest beings around.  Unfortunately, that sets him apart from others as they all feel he should have the answer for any problem that pops up.  It also makes finding friends and lovers hard since he is never sure if they like him for himself or for who he is.  When he meets Aspen, all doubts fall to the wayside and he can’t wait to learn more about the demon.  But Aspen is not who he seems and both men wonder what is in store for them.

This was a fun, fast paced story that will hold your attention to the end.  Primal Instincts, the newest book in The Moonlight Breed series, centers around two characters the readers are already acquainted with.  I love Aspen’s bouncy attitude and the fact that he has no real filter between his brain and his mouth means he says just about anything that pops into his head.  I love that Layke does not try to change that and in fact, tries to encourage the younger man.  There is a mystery surrounding Aspen that soon becomes the focus of the story.  I like that the author uses this to change the series plot a little so that not everyone who shows up in these books has had the same experience. 

Layke is an easy character to like.  As one of the oldest paranormal beings around, it would be easy for him to feel entitled, yet that is not how he is and the isolation that he seems to feel because of who he is, is wearing him down.  Watching Layke with Aspen was fun and you can’t help but root for them.  It is not surprising that the bond between them forms so fast or that they can’t stand to be parted from each other.  One of the things I liked about this story is the fact that Layke goes into more detail about mates, explaining things that the others no longer remember.

There is some disturbing news regarding The Hive’s activities and what they have done to Aspen.  While in some ways this is shocking, it is something the characters, as well as the readers, should have seen coming.  The author hints at some upcoming changes and I am interested in seeing what she has planned.

Primal Instincts is a great addition to this series, and while some of the books can be read as stand alones, I would recommend reading them in order so that you can receive the whole impact of the world in which the series exists.

What You Do To Me: A Breathe Epilogue

Title: What You Do To Me: A Breathe Epilogue

Author: Sloan Parker

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-62300-359-3

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

An accident that almost psychologically destroyed Lincoln, as much as it did Jay, brought them together. Mutual grief evolved into mutual love, giving both men a second chance to find happiness.  

What You Do To Me: A Breathe Epilogue is a brief update to the main characters first introduced in the excellent novel Breathe. By taking a day at a time, Lincoln and Jay are moving beyond the guilt, along with the pain, of their tumultuous past together. Jay and Lincoln are now living together, sharing a strong loving bond plus working towards a happier future. To learn all about Jay and Lincoln, I suggest you read the truly heartwarming story Breathe first.   

Freeing Demitri’s Wolf

Title: Freeing Demitri’s Wolf

Author: Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publishers URL: http://www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-77111-498-1

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, May/December Romance, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Kiernan is beginning to wonder if his obsession with the young waiter at the diner is the sign of a mid-life crisis or something more.  When he finds out Demitri returns his feelings, he wonders if the young man is just who he needs in his life.  Then he learns Demitri’s secret and wonders just what he’s gotten himself into.

Freeing Demitri’s Wolf is the newest book in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series. I really love this story.  Kiernan is a strong, dominating character.  While he doesn’t advertise the fact that he’s gay, he doesn’t hide it either.  Demitri, on the other hand, is a bit submissive and while his family knows he’s gay, they just think it’s a phase.  The chemistry between the two men is strong and the sex between them heat up the pages.  These two make a great couple but Kiernan is human and has no idea of the paranormal world, which means things aren’t going to go well. 

The author really throws a lot of twists and turns into this story, keeping the reader very entertained.  The way in which Kiernan acts when he finds out about Demitri is understandable.  However, I like that he doesn’t drag his feet when it comes to accepting the shifter.  There are a few new characters introduced in the book, and I had to laugh when Kiernan’s daughter meets Demitri for the first time.  There are also a few old characters popping up to help the two men along the way.

Freeing Demitri’s Wolf is a fun, hot story and I am sure fans of this author will enjoy this new one.  If you have yet to try anything by this author and like the shape-shifter genre, then I would strongly suggest giving this series a try.

A Betting Man

Title: A Betting Man

Author: Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Publisher: Wilde City Press

Publisher URL: www.wildecity.com

ISBN: 978-1-925031-05-8

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Kent Samson’s competitive nature would not allow him to decline a challenge proposed by his best friend and co-worker. So when the next person to walk into his office is a male instead of a female, Kent is determined to win Terry Barron as well as the bet.

A Betting Man is a well-paced romantic comedy. All of the characters are humorous, intelligent and genuinely engaging. The storyline is written in both Kent’s and Terry’s point of view. Kent is a high performance driven man, who is a little ashamed of his humble background. His material lifestyle is a testament to his success. Even the prominent women Kent dated was self promoting with sexual benefits for him. Although, Kent had never dated a man before, he is not gender premeditated. Dating Terry is the first time Kent formed an emotional connection with any of his dates, as well as desiring to have an actual long-term relationship.

Terry is a naturally easy going gay man who desires to be loved for the intuitive individual that he is, rather than the image his family has chosen for him. Because of his secret, Terry is cautious on the subject of his background. Also, Terry constantly makes a conscious effort to control his pronunciation, something he has in common with Kent.

One of the key highlights of A Betting Man is Kent’s expressive forward thinking parents. Their intelligent Christian views blended with Southern charm is refreshingly heartwarming. Kent was concerned his parents would condemn a same sex relationship. However, just the opposite was true; both parents welcomed Terry with open arms, immediately acknowledging Terry as an unofficial son-in-law.

Sandrine Gasq-Dion has created an excellent saga that is extremely enjoyable.  A Betting Man illustrates the typical chaos of building a loving liaison regardless of the sexual characteristics of the couple. 

Doc Featherstone’s Return

Title: Doc Featherstone’s Return

Author: Stephani Hecht

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publishers URL: http://www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-77111-515-5

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Joshua knows that the young hawk shifter is someone he could come to care about. However, his family believes shifters, and especially those in their family, should stay pure.  If they ever found out that his mate was not only a hawk, but also a man, they would disinherit him in a minute.  It’s not until the infirmary at Coalition Headquarters is attacked and both he and Ash are injured, that Joshua starts to see things differently.

Doc Featherstone’s Return is the latest book in Ms. Hecht’s ongoing series, The Lost Shifters.  The story picks up shortly after the attack on the infirmary and everyone is trying to get back to normal.  Ash, who was badly injured during the attack, isn’t doing so well.  Unable to walk or shift, Ash has given up and those around him are starting to worry.  While what Ash is going through is rough, I liked that the author chose to let him go through the same feelings as a human rather than letting him heal right away. 

Joshua, while not as hurt as Ash, is also injured, but rather than stay with the Coalition, he goes home to recuperate.  This causes even more problems with Ash and when members of the coalition decide it’s time for the Doctor to return, they send Shane to fetch him.  Regardless of what he is doing, Shane always has me laughing and seeing him interact with Joshua was no different. 

Just because the Doc returns does not mean things go smoothly for the two men.  Joshua has a lot of misunderstandings to clear up before things look like they can even develop for him and Ash.  Once they do get together, however, the chemistry that has always simmered below the surface really heats up.  These two make a good pairing and I like that the Doc is so possessive of Ash, given Ash’s history.

While there is no major battle in Doc Featherstone’s Return, there is a surprising enemy.  This little twist was not one I saw coming and was actually shocked that the author took things in that direction.  I felt bad for all those involved.  The author does bring up the possibility of new characters joining not only this series, but also its spinoff, The Wayne County Wolves and I am curious as to who will be showing up.

While it is not necessary to read all the books in this series in order, I would highly recommend it.

Astronomical

Title: Astronomical

Author: Silvia Violet

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com/

ISBN: 978-1-62300-298-5

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Blake Theriot had given up on finding the man of his dreams; the last time Blake was in a relationship was two years ago. When Professor Greg MacIntyre moves in next door, Blake realizes Greg is his dream man. Unfortunately, Blake cannot seem to gather up the courage to actually have a conversation with Greg.

Astronomical is a budding romance story. The character description is very amusing. Blake is an extremely tidy man who was forced to adjust his routine when his adolescent niece needed a part time sitter, plus Blake adopted an abandoned dog who grew to be large and messy. The one issue Blake has yet to overcome is giving up sexual control to his partners.  On the other hand, Greg is exceptionally adaptable; he has no control issues when it comes to intimacy. 

       

Silvia Violet has created a delightful saga. I especially enjoyed Blake’s niece’s manipulations of Blake and Greg.

Reader Advisory: Spankings, Light BDSM 

Haunted Wolves

Title: Haunted Wolves

Author: Moira Rogers

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61921-443-9

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary Paranormal Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Release Date: 07-09-13

Lorelei is emotionally wounded—broken and she doesn’t know if she’ll get better. Her life’s a mess and all she has left is the members of her pack. They’re getting used to a new home and have a new alpha pair to care for them. All the changes are exhausting but getting settled makes her feel safe, yet given her time to think about what she’s lost and that’s painful. 

Colin’s an enforcer and he’s spent the last decade on the move. He never thought about staying in one place but being with Lorelei opens him to feelings he’s never had before. He wants her in his bed but when dangerous magic begins swirling around their pack lands, all Colin’s protective instincts come to the surface. Can two wounded wolves win against the magic threatening them or will the darkness swallow them both?

Haunted Wolves is the second release in Moira Rogers Green Pines series. It takes up shortly after the first book left off, so they should be read in order.

There’s a lot to like about this book and that includes two great main characters in Colin and Lorelei. These two are broken by past circumstances but because the author did a good job building their personalities and backgrounds, it’s easy to understand them. It’s not their fault but…talk about two messed up lives. I sometimes didn’t think they’d ever be able to shed the darkness of the past and take a chance on a future together. The doom and gloom following them is nicely written and plotted but fewer depressing scenes would’ve been nice.

The story’s full of pain, fear and angst, not from just these two but from the entire pack, and problems have followed them to their new home. There are plenty of wonderful secondary characters that really add zing to the story, vivid descriptions bring their new home to life, the pace is steady from start to finish and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing.  I can’t wait to see what secrets are revealed in the next book. Watch for it.