Betrothed to the Enemy

Title: Betrothed to the Enemy
Author: H. C. Brown
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.nobleromance.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60592-039-9
Genre: Historical M/F Romance
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Having lost her father in the Battle of Hastings, Lady Angela of Parr is forced to travel to London for an audience with the brutal king of the Normans. Headstrong and defiant, she knows she must go along with his demands, but it doesn’t stop her from finding solace in the arms of a Norman knight.

Mortal enemies, Sir Damien de Anesi and Lady Angela share a love strong enough to weather just about anything. Will it be enough, though, when the king’s demands come to fruition?

Set in the 11th century in England, Betrothed to the Enemy is an entertaining read. There are enough historical elements to draw the reader in and give the characters a realistic world to inhabit.

While some of the sex seemed a bit too modern (to me, anyway), I still enjoyed it. Sir Damien is certainly sexy (who doesn’t love a knight with a chivalrous attitude?), and Lady Angela is not a typical wilting flower.

Overall, I found Betrothed to the Enemy to be fun – not too deep, but good enough to walk away with a smile on my face.

Roman Seduction

Title: Roman Seduction
Author: Laura Tolomei
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Historical/Ménage {m/m, m/f, m/m/m}/Adventure
Rating: 2.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Aurelius, a young man of Roman and Egyptian origins, finds himself intensely drawn to a Roman soldier named Attilio. He admires Attilio from afar until the soldier takes it upon himself to bring them together. Aurelius can’t deny his attraction but he has no idea what Attilio feels, if the man feels anything at all for him. His biggest fear, and yet his strongest desire, is to meet the one special person meant for him – and Aurelius believes Attilio is that person. Now he just has to convince the soldier of that fact.

Roman Seduction is more an interlude than a full story. While there is a storyline, it’s somewhat buried within the long passages of background information that would have been better served as dialogue.

The sex is hot, even if it is a bit modern for the time period. Out of the characters, Attilio feels to be the one most developed, though Aurelius has potential. There’s a depth of experience and secrets in Attilio’s past that beg for more with him.

Overall, Roman Seduction is well-written, though the information dumps can be a bit distracting.

Rhiannon's Pride

Title: Rhiannon's Pride
Author: Frances Stockton
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/

ISBN: 9781419920103
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Rhiannon is plagued by memory loss, tiredness and severe headaches. She has spent the last twenty years living in near seclusion with her handmaid, Mary, as her only friend and companion. Rhiannon is upset when she unexpectedly learns that the reason she’s been educated and taught to run a large household is so she can wed an earl. It’s during the earl’s visit that she sees and is drawn to a beautiful but mysterious painting filled with mesmerizing mythological creatures. Running away with her maid, Rhiannon makes her way to Florence in hopes of speaking to the painting’s artist; in order to learn all she can about the race she believes herself to be a part.

Artist Dante is a lion Abcynian Elder and he’s been hoping to meet his mate for decades. When he sees Rhiannon and recognizes her Leo heritage and her ability to speak mind to mind with him, he realizes she’s his mate and rushes to claim her. When Rhiannon collapses in his arms, he takes her and Mary to his home, in order to care for her while she heals. While Rhiannon recovers her memory and recuperates, he teaches her about the history of their race and the two fall in love. Threats to their happiness come from within and without…by Rhiannon’s fear and the plans of an evil man determined to get her back, at all costs.

Rhiannon’s Pride is the second release in Frances Stockton’s historical paranormal series Abcynian Panthera, and takes up several decades after the first left off. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but greater understanding of the Abcynian race and ongoing characters will be attained, if read in order.

This second release by Ms. Stockton is well written, taking the reader deeper into the world of the Abcynian shapeshifters, giving out additional pieces of information regarding their ancient history and that of their long-held enemies, the Saturian. I admit that I love the mythological aspect to this intriguing ongoing storyline and am curious to where, when and with whom the author will deal with next. However, getting back to this story…I loved seeing many of the characters we met in Seductive Persuasion and once introduced, they play a vital part in this story.

Dante is everything an Abcynian Elder should be…dedicated to the people under his care, loyal to his friends and family, talented, strong, aggressive and protective. He’s also tenderhearted and loving, which he shows in abundance when he meets up with the emotionally bruised and physically abused Rhiannon and claims her as his mate. Ms. Stockton did a wonderful job creating this man. He’s patience personified and I couldn’t help but like and appreciate him for those qualities.

Rhiannon begins as a rather sad character, which isn’t surprising, considering that she’s spent the last several decades of her life plagued by severe headaches and memory loss, at the hand of her so-called guardian. I was thrilled when she developed a backbone and fled with her companion, Mary. I wasn’t thrilled with her seeming inability to work through what had happened to her in the past, despite learning the truths of her family history, the Abcynian race and why she had been ill for so long. I understand that Rhiannon needed to deal with her painful history at her own pace, but from a reader’s viewpoint, her fear and uncertainty dragged on for far too long. It also, unfortunately, made her more than a bit annoying and unlikable to me…that is, until near the final portion of the story. This is the point where Rhiannon started to change into the strong woman she needed to be, if she was to be a good mate to Dante, and an important member of the Abcynian race.

The Wagonmaster

Title: The Wagonmaster
Author: Nita Wick
Publisher: Freya’s Bower
Publisher URL: http://www.freyasbower.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935013-47-1
Genre: Western M/F, Historical
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

Dr. Adelaide Jennings needs to get to her father in Baker City quickly. He is dying of consumption and she knows only too well that there’s no cure. She went through all the hard work and bullying in order to qualify as a doctor, only to learn that the best she can offer her father is comfort in his final days. She may not be able to cure him but Addie has always been a girl of action so sets out to get a place on the last wagon train heading to Oregon this year. She knows there will be protest and she knows that biding her time for a safer route to her father would be the more sensible option but when Addie decides she wants something, she can be a very stubborn girl indeed. Something Joshua Reynolds is about to find out.

Josh thought the matter was settled. The members of the wagon train that he was escorting along the trail had clearly made up their mind; this journey was no place for an unmarried young lady. However, the good doctor doesn’t seem to understand and Josh really doesn’t have the time to play her little games, however much passion and determination she shows. He certainly isn’t going to agree to such a ridiculous idea as taking her for his wife, no matter how noble her motives. However, it seems that Josh is about to learn very quickly that this strong, independent woman doesn’t take no for an answer.

The Wagonmaster has everything I love in a story; good, strong characters that I cared about, despite being in turn frustrated and amused at their predicament, combined with an interesting, believable plot that kept me reading to the end. The West, my favorite setting for romance, was portrayed well and I lost myself in the harsh yet beautiful surroundings. At just the right length, I didn’t get impatient as Addie and Josh danced around each other, attempting to predict one another’s feelings, while trying to keep a hold of their own. The mistakes both characters make as they grow to know and understand each other make their relationship all the more believable. The tease of what is to come, with characters so perfect for each other and yet being the only people not able to see it, was more than enough to keep the pages turning, with satisfying results. Add a storyline that twisted and turned, providing humor and lighthearted moments, well balanced with the pain and heartache of life in the territories and the result is a fantastic read that I highly recommend to fans of the genre.

Pacific Nights

Title: Pacific Nights
Author: Lynn Lorenz
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-934-8
Genre: WWII M/M Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Sergeant Mike Dabrowski is in trouble for the illegal sale of cigars on the black market and the only way for him to stay out of the brig, and avoid a court martial, is to accept an assignment he doesn’t want. Mike’s mission is to parachute onto a deserted Pacific island with a professor proficient in Japanese, and keep him safe for three months. Their assigned task is to intercept Japanese radio traffic and/or spot enemy planes and radio the information back to an American base.

James Hamilton is a conscientious objector and brilliant Jewish mathematician. He agrees to a three months assignment translating Japanese radio transmissions, in exchange for avoidance of all future military service. He’s calm, quiet, sophisticated and worldly, which means he’s the exact opposite of Mike in every way. Despite their misunderstanding and distrust, the two men must learn to trust and depend on each other, if they are going to survive. Their relationship changes when Mike submits to James for twenty-four hours to do with as he wills, in exchange for slaking his sexual needs.

The question is whether the dreams and promises made on an island can find a place in their futures, once the war is over.

Pacific Nights is the latest release by talented author Lynn Lorenz. It’s an entertaining, fast-paced and well-written WWII novella involving two men from vastly different backgrounds, thrown together by the military under unusual and dangerous circumstances. Ms. Lorenz does a great job describing their frightful nighttime parachute drop onto the isolated island. Her vivid descriptions left me feeling as if I was actually watching as the men jumped from the plane, and then their near-fatal and painful fall into the trees below.

It’s during the first weeks on the island that Mike and James develop a grudging respect for one another, but that doesn’t mean that everything is smooth and friendly. This is where Ms. Lorenz excels. She does a very nice job expressing Mike’s confusion, anger and unhappiness at being attracted to another man. Yet, the tenderness James shows Mike opens his eyes to just what has been missing from his life, and makes him realize how much he wants to have someone care about him.

Truthfully, we learn much more about Mike’s history than we do James, but that’s all right. Whereas James knows where he’s going in life, Mike is adrift, randomly floating from event to event, never planning or thinking ahead to his future. It’s a future that includes James, if an unexpected tragedy doesn’t destroy their chance at a happily ever after. Read and enjoy!

The Highwayman

Title: The Highwayman
Author: Ali Katz
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-517-1
Genre: Historical/Gay (m/m)
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

In an effort to escape the horrors in his past, Janos Vesh has taken up the life of a highwayman. He knows he walks a razor’s edge, but it’s the only thing he has in the way of vengeance for the horrible things done to him and his family. His only solace comes in the form of his lover Stefan, a guard.

Stefan knows it’s only a matter of time before Janos’ path ends in self-destruction. He’s tried many things to convince Janos to stop, but he’s quickly running out of options. When a robbery goes awry, Stefan has very few choices and he’s determined to do anything to save the man he loves before it’s too late.

The Highwayman is a riveting historical set in Hungary in the middle of the eighteenth century. The opening scene jerks the reader into a world of danger and a love affair that defies the odds – and the laws.

Janos is the type of man who commands attention, even when he’s trying to avoid it. His heartache is palpable and his love for Stefan is undeniable. Stefan is equally as entrancing; his care for Janos strong as he watches the man he loves slowly lose his grip on control.

The love scenes remained perfectly true to the time period and the story, as a whole, kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m always leery about historicals just because I demand realism and often, it’s not delivered when the characters end up in bed. I’m happy to say that this was not the case with this book.

If The Highwayman is anything to go by, I’ll be hunting down more from this author in the future.

My Soul to Keep - Calen

Title: My Soul to Keep - Calen
Author: Rie McGaha
Publisher: Noble Romance
Publisher URL: https://www.nobleromance.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Historical/Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Calen MacLeod wants the touch of the woman he’s been dreaming of and he has to follow his instincts to get to her. When he finally reaches the mountains that he has been lead to, he finds himself surrounded by beautiful women and he thinks he’s died and gone to heaven. Little does he know that from this point on, his life will never be the same and that includes Arianna, the woman he has come to love. Now that Calen has been told of his lineage and what it will mean to his people that he procreate for their survival. It helps him to complete his goal of destroying the 500-year old demon bent on the destruction of all witches.

My Soul to Keep – Calen is a beautiful story with an evil twist to it that I did not expect. We have a race of people who were always willing to help mortals, witches who are without even a hint of malice in them. Then we have one man who was so full of evil and bent on slaughtering all of the witches. It required a group effort to rid the witches of him, and that was only temporary because of a son being born to one of the witches that awakens him.

This is a fantastically written book by Rie McGaha, who told of the past lives of the witches, and what could happen in the future for two the characters. There was never any mention of what race the witches were but I fell in love with them nonetheless, and admired their strong survival bond. I am hoping that Ms. McGaha will continue on with the story of Calen’s brother, Caleb, who was his brother’s right arm.

A Gypsy’s Vow

Title: A Gypsy’s Vow
Author: Bonnie Dee
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-556-5
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Tired of being lonely and working at her father’s inn, Bess takes a much needed break to wander the market place. While walking around, she locks eyes with a handsome stranger who takes her breath away and because it is safer, she wants to return to the routine of normalcy. After her visit to his camp one evening, she knows that he is the man for her, and will have to stop her father from marrying her to the man that wants her. With Alexi’s vow to return for her, Bess tries to go about her life, awaiting his return but is having a hard time.

Alexi has found his true love in Bess and there is nothing he won’t do to have her with him, always. He knows that he must go slowly in order to bring Bess around to accepting his way of life as a gypsy and that is not an easy task. Now that he has a taste of her, there is nothing that he will not do to make her his completely.

A Gypsy’s Vow is a quickie that is fast paced and left me wanting more. I was not surprised by the father’s decision to marry off Bess, without even considering her desire for adventure, or see the truth of the man who wanted her. I was happy to read that she was the level-headed one of the family and continued to fight for her right to live the way she wanted. The history given on the characters is lacking and left me wanting to learn more about them. When the two lovers did come together, it was very hot and sensual each time.

Bonnie Dee wrote about the life of gypsies who wander more than any other people, and are very happy with their lives. I applaud Bess for her courage to do what it takes to be her own woman, and to take charge of her life; to live for herself, not her family. Being introduced to Aunt Edwina turned out to be the saving grace for Bess, in her time of need. This is a very romantic book, and it takes you away for a short period of time. I really enjoyed reading every word.

The Kent Heiress

Title: The Kent Heiress
Author: Roberta Gellis
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921117
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Sabrina is no longer in love with her husband, Lord Elvan, because of his infidelities, which she has experienced first hand. Now that she knows Perce, her brother’s friend, is in love with her, she is determined to end her marriage, and not think about cheating with Perce. Even with her doubts from her husband’s affairs, she never gives up on Perce’s desire to marry her.

When Perce finds himself at a ball that Sabrina is attending, he finds it hard not to voice his emotions at seeing her again. Because of his position as an aide in the Russian army, he is torn between leaving her, because he feels the need to protect her, and obeying the orders he was given to obtain information. At different times, Perce’s temper and jealousy would get the better of him and he would say the wrong words to Sabrina, but he did love her very much.

The Kent Heiress is the second book in the Dynasty series, and continues with the war that is being spurred on by Bonaparte. I found this story very interesting because of the way Sabrina maintained her ice cold attitude with her husband, and the love she found with Perce with a war going on around them. In this story, the secondary characters were a plus and they lent a lot of humor for me. Although the Foreign Office head person was very untrusting, and a pain in the rear to Perce, he cherished his freedom, deciding to not work for them any more.

Roberta Gellis has written of a lot of history telling how some of the other countries felt about each other, and right in the middle of it, two people who needed to find a love that would last forever. The coldness that Sabrina perfected to keep others from approaching her, because of her position, wasn’t what I expected of her and the ability to be a diplomat’s wife, only made her more likable to me. There were times when the lovers were making assumptions about each other without cause because they had decided not to voice what they truly felt. I wanted to shake both of them until their teeth rattled for not communicating.

Venice

Title: Venice
Author: Lynne Connolly
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-517-7
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


There is finally going to be a grand wedding for Richard and Rose, who have had one adventure after another along the way. Rose still needs her confidence built up by Richard, with the fact that he chose her over all the beauties in England. After the wedding breakfast, they are preparing to head off on their honeymoon, and lo and behold….trouble once again. This time the consequences are worse than expected, and Richard makes his plans to keep her safe while they travel separately to Venice.

When Rose finds herself acquainted with a couple, who are con artists, posing as her and her husband, she doesn’t know what to make of it. Although after thinking about it, she considers it might work to their good for the assassin, who is looking to kill them After they were shot at in the coach when leaving the wedding breakfast, Richard has gone on ahead to make sure that Rose will be safe during their stay in Venice while honeymooning. These two are able to think fast on their feet, and handle almost any situation presented to them.

Venice is a fascinating book that kept me reading from the beginning until the end to see how the story would finish. I was very impressed by the talents of both Richard and Rose, who are very strong characters and complimented each other well. Rose is constantly surprising Richard with her abilities to handle dangerous situations that they are confronted with, and she has the fierceness of a mother protecting her children.

This is the third book in the series of Richard and Rose that Ms. Connolly has created, and I so enjoyed reading her books. I went from laughing, to teary eyed, and then wanting to shake up some of the other characters throughout this book. As I read more of the history of Venice through their eyes, the more I want to see the sites for myself. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but you would do better to read all three in sequence to better know the characters involved.

Devonshire

Title: Devonshire
Author: Lynne Connolly
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-349-4
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Rose Golightly is getting married in a few months to the man she has fallen deeply in love with…Richard. Nothing, except her insecurities about herself, will keep her from marrying him, and he does everything possible to let her know how beautiful she is to him. As the wedding gets closer, she comes to know him more and her acceptance is total.

Richard Kerre, Lord Strang, turns out to be more than Rose expected, and she is a little overwhelmed by some of the things she is learning about him. Being a very private person, he shows a façade to the public and behind closed doors, Rose and his brother are the only ones to know the true man. Richard knows that he can’t live without his beloved Rose, and he will do anything to show her his love and loyalty.

Devonshire is the second book in the Richard and Rose series, and in this one I surely expected a wedding by the middle of the story…no such luck. It seems that these two are magnets for trouble one way or another, and it was very amusing to watch Rose grow from a shy wallflower to confident woman, going into a new and different society. Some of the secondary characters brought a lot of understanding for me with their interactions with each other.

Lynne Connolly does a wonderful job of telling of the struggles most young ladies have going from single to wife and the changes that go with it. This was a fast-pace story that spoke of illegal activities, murder, and how people learn to survive in adversities. I really enjoyed reading about the devotion that Richard and Rose had for each other, and the future they were about to embark upon.

Yorkshire

Title: Yorkshire
Author: Lynne Connolly
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-269-5
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Rose Golightly, at five and twenty, considers herself on the shelf; an old maid too old for the marriage mart, so she’s settled for helping her brother’s family at their country home. While traveling to a wedding, she is confused by her mixed emotions regarding her pursuit by a young man and the other man she comes to love. Now that she has decided what she needs to do to help Richard survive the carriage crash, she can’t hide the feelings she has for him any longer.

Richard Kerre, Viscount Strang, has decided to dissolve the contract he just signed to marry a woman he can no longer tolerate. In the meantime, it’s love at first sight when he sees Rose upon his arrival at an estate they are both were bound for. As far as he is concerned, she is the only woman for him, and there is nothing he won’t do to have her. Even if that means he must fight his father and give up his fortune to do it.

Yorkshire is a fascinating story that immediately caught my interest and kept me reading to the end to see what would happen next. I was very appalled by the actions of the minster, spouting his personal religious beliefs of how people should behave. I was particularly unhappy with his pompous, look-down-his-nose attitude towards numerous other characters, especially the women. At first, the murders were considered an accident, and upon learning what happened only created more suspense, that added to the mystery of who committed them. There were a few of the characters that took on the task to solve them, and I was surprised to find out who dunit!

Lynne Connolly does a wonderful job with her creativity of all the characters, and the vivid descriptions of the period clothing, and the treasures at the manor. This is the first book in the series, Richard and Rose; and I am looking forward to reading the next story in this historical romance.

Bound to Him

Title: Bound to Him
Author: Ava March
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-928-7
Genre: BDSM LGBT Erotic Historical, M/M
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Call me Oliver…

Lord Oliver Marsden finally has the man he loves; if only he could get Lord Vincent Prescot to acknowledge his feelings. Oliver knows firsthand how longing for acceptance can make you bend to another person’s whims. His actions mirror those of Vincent, in some respects, when it comes to a desire for love but enough is enough! Oliver wants to hear his given name slip from the man who owns his heart lips like a drop of fine wine. He is ready to tear down the last remaining boundaries. Oliver wants love and refuses to accept less.

Vincent is proud of the man he has become. He has wealth and respect of his peers, but his father’s acceptance still eludes him. His father’s request for a favor could cause him to lose Oliver. Will Vincent decide his being in his father’s good graces is more important than having Oliver?

Bound to Him is the sequel to Ava March’s Bound by Deception. Having Oliver and Vincent back was a wonderful treat. Oliver’s strength of character and mind shine in this installment. I was proud to see him take a stance, regardless of the outcome. There were moments where I truly wanted to take Vincent to task. Oliver is a man to be treasured and Vincent’s treatment was anything but, at times. However, Vincent pleased me when he decided to allow his heart to guide him, and the handsome Lord fell back into my good graces. The story has a wonderful balance. There were unforeseen twists in the plot that kept me off kilter, and the sexual encounters were scorching and written with a sensual flavor. I could almost see the dimness of the rooms, the flickering candles, and feel the warmth of the fireplace. Bound to Him was a wonderful sequel. I’m look forward to reading more of Ms. March’s delightful books in the future.

Threads of Love

Title: Threads of Love
Author: Kathleen Coddington
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419919718
Genre: Historical/Het (m/f)
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Aislinn deTalby first met Roger Montclaire when she was fourteen, but even then, she knew he was the one for her – her true love. She was betrothed to him and spent the next several years planning for her perfect wedding. When the day finally arrives a few years later, however, Aislinn is beside herself with anger and grief. Roger is dead and she is marrying his dark and brooding scholar brother, Garrett.

Aislinn despises Garrett, and he's not entirely fond of her headstrong, stubborn ways. Her lingering love for Roger only drives the wedge deeper between them. Yet another sort of storm is brewing, and unless they can see eye-to-eye and work together, disaster may come swiftly before they ever have a chance at peace.

Threads of Love is set during the Middle Ages – specifically the 14th century – in England. An uneasy treaty is struck between France and England, but it's the war in Exley Castle that is the focal point.

Aislinn is young and naïve, and beyond stubborn. Yet she manages to show her strength and maturity as the novel progresses. She's the perfect foil to Garrett's hermit-like scholarly ways.

Garrett is the epitome of 'don't judge a book by its cover' (literally and figuratively, in his case). He's dark and mysterious, yet sexy and strong. If I'd been Aislinn, I wouldn't have been able to resist him.

The love scenes were battles of wills at the start, which just made them hotter. The tone (pacing, wordage, etc) was perfect for the time period and the overall feel of the story.

There were several points where I hit an 'aha!' moment, and by the time I finished, I wanted to read it all over again.

Threads of Love is another historical that will stay with me for some time, and I hope to see it in print in the future.

Paxton's Winter

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another Royal Dilemma

Title: Another Royal Dilemma
Author: Robin Gideon
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-528-2
Genre: Historical Ménage
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Princess Tatiana, a wealthy heiress, is taking control of her life now that her husband has abandoned her, which means she will be able to divorce him. She is enjoying the time spent with her two lovers at every opportunity possible. After being apart for almost two weeks taking care of their properties, the three of them are planning an evening of ménage a trios together at Mademoiselle Veronique’s exclusive nightclub.

Before they can arrive at their destination, into the coach bursts a frightened and cold young girl, running away from an evil man who has just purchased her. The methodical minds of Prince Dimitri, Count Klaus, and Princess Tatiana help Majedah so she doesn’t have to return to the evil prince. They are determined to help her by using their connections with the royal family and to create a new life for her.

Another Royal Dilemma is the second book in the Royal Desires series and I must say that even though it was short, it kept me reading all the way through. Robin Gideon did a fabulous job of writing about how the Russian royalty live, and the determination of the main characters to help a total stranger. The way that this story unfolded was very interesting because of the actions of some of the secondary characters, and I anxiously await the next book to see what adventure the three lovers get into again.

Rome's Perfect Boy

Title: Rome's Perfect Boy
Author: Alex Fox
Publisher: Eternal Press
Publisher URL: http://www.eternalpress.ca/index.html
ISBN: 978-1-926647-69-2
Genre: Gay M/M, Historical
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Marcus is a young innocent slave about to be sold by his old master. While standing on the auction block, he sees Antonius and is instantly drawn to him. Worried about being sold, he hopes that the handsome man talking to his master will soon buy him.

Antonius has been searching for just the perfect boy, one who will be able to crave everything Antonius can teach him. Antonius begins to hope that he has finally found his boy.

Set in ancient Rome, Alex Fox’s Rome’s Perfect Boy tells the tale of Marcus, a young slave boy and his introduction into the world of BDSM at the hands of his new master. Those who like this genre are sure to enjoy this novella.

The Cornish Heiress

Title: The Cornish Heiress
Author: Roberta Gellis
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921001
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Philip St. Eyre is caught up with helping his father, Robert St. Eyre, and assisting him in stopping an espionage plot against England. What he does not realize is that on the way to France to do some spying, he would fall in love with the smuggler Red Meg. While assisting the smuggler with purchasing the dry goods for his friend, he develops a bonding love for her and wants to end her smuggling days. Now that he has her alone with him in Paris, he has made up his mind to make their relationship permanent.

The life of Megaera Devoran is twofold; one as the lady of the manor by day and the other as Red Meg by night, a smuggler who controls the contraband. She wishes there was a quick solution to her money troubles that her father and deceased husband brought to the estate. When she sees Philip, there is immediate distrust and a sexual longing that she has never felt for any man. Not knowing what to do about these feelings puzzle her but then she decides that all bets are off .

The Cornish Heiress is a fabulous story that continues The Royal Dynasty series. This book tells of how things ended between the father and son, who is now an adult, finding his own way in life on England’s soil. Although Philip goes to France on more than one occasion, he spends most of his time with Megaera. He does a wonderful job at deceiving the French people so much, he almost believes it himself too. But when it comes to Meg, the deception is not what either of them wants or when the time comes for the truth, they can’t tell it.

While there was a continued effort with plots to assassinate Bonaparte, and others of the Bourbon royalty, Philip was able to complete his missions with the help of others. Roberta Gellis has done a wonderful job of describing the characters completely and I was thoroughly impressed with Meg. She was a one-woman show and taking care of her estate was more than she should have had to do at so young an age. I thought she was very quick on her feet and not one to panic in bad situations. I look forward to the next adventure in the series.

A Fine Cure from Fennel Seed

Title: A Fine Cure from Fennel Seed
Author: Lucius Parhelion
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-607-0
Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Historical, M/M
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Spencer’s move from Vermont to Greenwich Village was a good choice. His job as a night shift druggist is a rewarding career. His friendship with old schoolmate Leo is pleasant and soon provides a few rewards he never anticipated. When Leo shows up for help, Spencer believes he understands what he needs to cure what ails him. There’s a mix-up in the translation, and before it’s corrected Leo shows Spencer A Fine Cure from Fennel Seed.

The setting for this story is 1932, a time where homosexuality was still a criminal offense, and the United States was going through an economic change. Spencer knew he had an attraction to Leo, but not a clue of how deep it really went. Leo has wanted Spencer for too long, but refused to cross the line of friendship without some indication that Spencer was prepared to experience ecstasy. While their first encounter showed Spencer’s innocence, it also gave a glimpse of passion and the depth of Leo’s caring for his friend. The supporting cast takes some of the weight off the couple to entertain us, and allows a few moments of laughter and light-hearted banter. I’m not sure if there will be a sequel, but I’ll be the first in line ready to read what Spencer and Leo have decided to do about their new level of friendship.

Single Heart, Single Love

Book Title: Single Heart, Single Love
Author: Patt Mihailoff
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419918773
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Jade is indentured to a seedy innkeeper who ‘hired’ her to keep his inn clean and serve the customers. She’s done her best to avoid the gropes and such from the drunken men who frequent the place (and from the innkeeper himself), but all her hardships seem nothing compared to the man who just bought her contract: Cole McCayne.

A mountain man with a surly, dark personality, Cole makes it clear he only hired her to clean, cook, and take care of his son. Neither he nor Jade expect the attraction they both begin to feel over time, but Cole’s past keeps him locked away from any possible emotions. It isn’t until those demons return to haunt him with a vengeance that Cole realizes what he’s lost -- and what he’s going to lose -- if he doesn’t let go of memories.

Single Heart, Single Love is a sweeping historical romance set in the 19th century American West. Patt Mihailoff draws you in immediately, giving the setting and atmosphere free rein. The prose engages all the senses and never lets go. The style reminds me of the historical romances I grew up reading -- the ones that pulled me into the world of literary romance. It’s grand and descriptive, with a strong-willed yet soft heroine and a stubborn, dark, yet sexy hero.

Jade is the perfect balance to Cole’s darkness. The best part about her? She’s no shrinking violet. For that, she’s one of my favorite heroines. No matter how curt and spiteful Cole gets, Jade refuses to let him simply walk all over her.

Cole, despite his nasty attitude, is a good man. The past haunts him relentlessly, and the struggle he goes through to let go is heart-wrenching to watch. Yet, for all the growling and scowling, he’s strong and has a heart of gold, even if it takes devastation to break it free.

The love scenes are not explicit, and for that, I was grateful. They were well-written and paced perfectly for the story.

Single Heart, Single Love is one of those romances I can easily see myself reading in print, curled up in a comfy chair, sipping hot tea, and spending a quiet night alone.