Hell Dogs Squadron 3: Cut Pass

Title: Hell Dogs Squadron 3: Cut Pass
Author: AR Moler
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-726-8
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Considering the events swirling around new lovers Cameron and Mason, it a wonder no one’s been killed; the danger pulling the two men ever closer together. Afraid to leave his lover alone, Cameron and his intelligence agency co-workers head out to Meridian Naval Air Station with the ‘I hate to fly’ Mason in tow. Their mission….locate, seize and secure a stolen missile.

Using Cameron’s psychic power to find the missile turns out to be the easy part of the mission. Retrieving the explosive device from the thieves turns into a bloody firefight that leaves one of their men critically wounded and near death and Mason struggling to save him. Even after the completion of their mission, an unexpected traitor puts Cameron’s life in jeopardy, forcing Mason into an action that threatens his sanity.

Cut Pass is the third and final release in AR Moler’s interesting and well-written Hell Dogs Squadron series. While short in length at just over 11,000 words, the author manages to artfully and succinctly pack in all the elements needed to bring this serial-style trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. The relationship of Cameron and Mason is growing stronger, Cameron is healing from his previous injuries, Mason can openly use his psychic healing powers and they discover the identity of the enemy.

The scenes while flying to Meridian Navel Air Station, those in the warehouse firefight and the ones immediately following, were particularly well done, I felt. The love, compassion and tenderness between Cameron and Mason was perfect, giving this reader hope for the long-term happily-ever-after both men want and deserve.

I’d be more than happy to see more of these psychically gifted men and Division P again in the future. Think about it, Ms. Moler.

Dangerous Deception

Title: Dangerous Deception
Author: Katie Reus
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921384
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Sage’s life was turned upside down after her sister was murdered, by a man stalking Sage. She quit her job to get away after the trial and stays at a bed and breakfast before she takes a trip to try to get her life back together.

Trent meets Sage at the bed and breakfast and they have a fast and furious sexual relationship. She takes off after a week and Trent tries to track her down. Trent goes back home to North Carolina and finds Sage working for his brother and wants to pick up where they left off. Sage tries to keep him away from her as she is still being stalked and she doesn’t want him hurt.

I enjoyed this suspense thriller. Dangerous Deception is very fast paced but you can feel all of Sage and Trent’s emotions. Ms. Reus places you right in the middle of their relationship. Keep a supply of ice-cubes handy as the sex is scorching.

Hunger

Title: Hunger
Author: Kate Hill
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-60521-130-5
Genre: Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Chante has a cat fetish that could have originated from her cat-shaped birthmark. Regardless of the source, it’s something she doesn’t plan to change. When a man with amber-eyes begins to follow her, Chante decides some distance is required, so she decides to visit her great-aunt in Jamaica. Surely, he won’t be able to find her there, right?

Joshi is a Prowleryn, a shape shifter whose tribe lives in remote African wetlands. He’s known all his life he was destined to marry Chante, a mere human and Joshi isn’t happy about the arrangement.

The time has come to claim his mate, and while Joshi is ready to proceed, Chante is not. Can Joshi convince his headstrong mate to submit?

Kate Hill delivers another action-packed, sensually laced story with Hunger. This is the first story of the Mate Marks series. Joshi is handsome, strong, smart, and sexy. The man knows how to thoroughly sate a woman’s body; unfortunately, his understanding of our requirements outside of sex wouldn’t help him conquer a hill of beans from some rambunctious ants. Chante is as smart as she is beautiful, and won’t settle for Joshi demanding anything of her regardless of how her womb sings a sonnet written just for him. I loved this about the character. She didn’t just fall in his arms and accept his explanation as the gospel. This made for a far more entertaining story. Kate Hill has started the series with a bang, and I look forward to reading more about the Prowleryn and the women who tame them.

Ride the Tiger: the Six of Swords

Title: Ride the Tiger: the Six of Swords
Author: Misa Izanaki
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-674-2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, M/M
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Evan is getting ready to go to work. On the other hand, his live in boyfriend, along with his friend, have other plans for Evan. Still black-and-blue from the last beating, Evan refuses to accommodate them and is locked out of the apartment. Cold, wet and barefoot, Evan finds an alley behind The Body Shop nightclub to hide. When the back door opens, Evan is ready to run but soon discovers the man in the door is his long lost twin, whom he has not seen in ten years. No longer homeless, thanks to his brother, Evan quickly adjusts to working in the club’s office; he also secretly admires were tiger Varian, the new bouncer. Varian is drawn to the first sight of the shy Evan, and then falls hard for the man when Evan relates he enjoys the tiger and likes scratching him behind the ears. However, Evan soon realizes he has not been liberated from his ex-boyfriend when, at a chance meeting, he demands Evan’s return.

Ride the Tiger: the Six of Swords is an amazing heartwarming romance. Evan allowed himself to be abused, as well as manipulated, because of guilt and his fear of being homeless. His reunion with his twin brother, in addition to the love and acceptance of Varian, made a big difference in Evan’s life. Evan’s total acceptance of Varian’s tiger side brought forth his natural instincts to care for and protect his mate. Misa Izanaki has created a beautiful story of two men, each bringing something positive to form an exceptionally well-matched relationship. This is an exceedingly enjoyable story.

Flight Plan

Title: Flight Plan
Author: Mike Shade
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Sci-Fi, M/M/M
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Rocco and Zeke are twins and lovers; they spend their time flying their ship and making love to each other. So when Zeke takes a liking to the new engine doctor Derrick, Rocco is in two minds, but the engine doctor soon worms his way into the twin’s bed.

Flight Plan is both a “twincest” story and a ménage-a-trios story; if you are uncomfortable with either theme, then this story would best be skipped. I enjoyed reading about all three characters. They were all different from each other; Rocco being more dominant, Zeke being mouthier and Derrick more submissive. They all brought a different aspect to the story, and I enjoyed that immensely. However, I didn’t buy into how quickly Derrick made it into the twins’ life – the twins shared men when both of them wanted too, but Zeke brought Derrick in without talking too his brother and I didn’t buy the reason why he did so. I think the story needed more fleshing out, but it was an enjoyable piece, even if I didn’t buy into Derrick’s quick introduction into the boys lives.

Circe’s Recruits: Hale

Title: Circe’s Recruits: Hale
Author: Marie Harte
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-939-3
Genre: M/M/F Shapeshifter Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Project Dawn disbanded three years ago and the members of Circe’s Recruits are still fighting against the men running the program, and the vicious mutant Circe’s operating under their tight-fisted and brutal control. Pearson Labs is still in operation and the Circe’s currently created are the worst yet, making it more difficult and dangerous to destroy them.

To make matters worse, Hale’s nightly dreams have turned into nightmares involving a man he knows but wishes he didn’t and a beautiful blond haired woman. They are two people meant to be his and both are involved with his enemies. This realization unsettles Hale, the man, but his beast and heart knows what it wants and it refuses to be denied the man and woman destined as his mates. Can the new mates survive the fallout when mutants attack the Recruits estate and military personnel sympathetic to their cause take down Pearson labs, or will their future together fall apart?

Circe’s Recruits: Hale is the fourth release in Marie Harte’s entertaining and intriguing shapeshifter paranormal series. You can read this book as a stand-alone, but there will be a much better understanding of the characters and ongoing situations if your read them in order, which is what I recommend.

I loved Hale in this story. He’s strong, dependable, dedicated and loyal…everything you’d want in a friend or lover. As the last member of Circe’s Recruits without a significant other, I was thrilled when he finally found his mates…that’s right, mates. The relationship between Hale, Robbie McKinley and Paige Masters might have started off a little rocky and uncertain, but it soon changes to acceptance, blistering hot passion and desire. All the characters from the first three releases play vital roles in this story, giving depth, a feeling of family, and interest to the story. Add in several new characters near the end, and you have all components needed for a satisfying conclusion to this four-book story arc.

This reader is hoping Ms. Harte will continue the fight against the mutant Circe’s and the men behind them, with Hawkins and his men, Fallon, Tersch, and Hayashi, the Circe Navy Seals, in the near future.

Lucky

Title: Lucky
Author: JJ Massa
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary, M/M
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Lucky Jacobson is the star of Detective Sims’ most erotic fantasies. Sims’ blood pressure elevates every time he senses the younger man, along with a certain appendage. He’s not sure if Lucky feels the same gnawing desire but thanks to a chance meeting, he may be lucky enough to find out.

Sims and Lucky have an intense sexual attraction but that seemed to be the extent of the couple’s interaction. While the sex was charged and mixed with a hint of BDSM, there wasn’t much of an opportunity to draw any conclusions about where they were headed. In addition, the situation didn’t seem very “realistic” when the characters are placed in a compromising situation that could affect their careers. Does that take away from JJ Massa’s ability to write an enticing erotic scene? No. I found Lucky to be an enjoyable read and hope there is a sequel in the near future. It would be nice to see what happens the day after.

Bottom's Up: A Kinky Orgasm

Title: Bottom's Up: A Kinky Orgasm
Author: Amanda Young
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://amberquill.com/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-524-9
Genre: Contemporary, M/M
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Bar owner Briar Henley was getting ready to close when Truman Lee walks in and orders the bar specialty, a Kinky Orgasm. Briar had not seen Truman since he left town for college. Openly gay, Briar was the object of ridicule by jocks like Truman, so he is surprised to see Truman in his bar and assumed Truman did not remember him. However, Briar supposed wrong when Truman begins to flirt, then reveals he came to the bar to find Briar and that he is not the straight man everyone thought he was. Turns out Briar’s high school dream man has moved back home and is seeking to correct Briar’s assumptions by giving him proof of what he really wants.

Bottom’s Up: A Kinky Orgasm is the sensual seduction of Briar. Afraid his true nature would have a negative impact on his goals, Truman stayed in the closet during high school but once his vocation plans were accomplished, Truman set his sights on gaining the man he has long desired. Briar is realistic about his life and accepts his responsibilities, but he never expected Truman to return his feelings and want more than a one night stand. Amanda Young has created a very arousing story of postponed desires growing into a devoted relationship. I enjoyed this first story in the Bottom’s Up series greatly.

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.

Best of Enemies

Title: Best of Enemies

Author: Cassidy Ryan

Publisher: Torquere Press

Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/

ISBN: N/A

Genre: Paranormal, M/M

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Simeon, the sorcerer has a grudge against a vampire named Byron. They’ve had a feud that has lasted as long as anyone can remember. So when the bartender sees them both, he hopes they don’t trash the place but luckily for him, both Simeon and Byron take their fight outside, which is passionate and bloody as ever.

Best of Enemies isn’t a pretty romantic story that has a happily-ever-after. Byron and Simeon hate each other, and for good reason. Their fight has lasted for years and they seem to want to hurt each other, as much as they can. The characters are simply hot and the sex in this story is scorching. The bartender plays a voiceover here and it’s smartly done without the bartender feeling like an intruder. We get to see enough of the character’s back story so we aren’t lost. I’d love to see Byron and Simeon again, as the ending just left me wanting more. Best of Enemies is an enjoyable paranormal story with a twist.

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.

The Warlord’s Price

Title: The Warlord’s Price
Author: Cynthia Carole
Publisher: Purple Sword Publications
Publisher URL: http://www.purplesword.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

The Warlord Raj-Kumar is looking for retribution from the Prince for his aid in the attack of Raj’s people, to be paid back in grain and cattle. When the Prince is not cooperative, he kidnaps the Princess Sanji instead and asks for a ransom for her safe return. During the ride alone with her to his home, he could not resist his attraction to her and from that moment on, he made the decision to keep her with him forever.

While Princess Sanji is riding with Raj-Kumar, she is seriously thinking over her life at the palace with her brother, the Prince. The conclusions did not look too bright for her even if she returns and on top of not feeling loved at home, she is trying to suppress her stirred emotions for Raj-Kumar. As the time arrives for the ransom payment, Sanji’s stubbornness kicks in fully, and she almost loses a chance to be truly free.

I was totally fascinated by The Warlord’s Price because it had both the elements of betrayal and love involved from beginning to end. Sanji’s life is not a happy one. With the death of her parents, her brother takes over the kingdom, which leaves her to deal with his wife. Cynthia Carole has written about the lives of both the desert people, who fight for domination of others, and the mountain people, who are not what Sanji expects from the tales she’s heard. I found the two characters charming, very likable, and prideful to a fault. That made them that much more real to me because they showed their true feelings for each other and the sexual attraction was not one they could avoid. My only problem is that I wished the book had have been longer.

Nothing But Trouble

Title: Nothing But Trouble
Author: Jenna Byrnes
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-512-9
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Graham Elliot makes a generous financial offer to his employee Adrian Scott for three nights of no-strings sex. The money is tempting to Adrian, who is burdened with bills, although the real attraction is not the money, but the handsome and exciting Graham. After two fantastic nights together, Adrian receives a big check and a thank you, but can it pay for Adrian’s broken heart after Graham’s rejection for a future together.

Nothing But Trouble is a heartwarming story of unrequited love for Adrian and coming to terms with reality for Graham. Adrian is openly gay, his mind tells him that Graham is out of his league, but his heart refuses to listen and Adrian falls in love. Graham is a closet gay who conducts his personal life similar to a business transaction, but he discovers that he is not able to move on after Adrian leaves. Jenna Byrnes has created real characters with very real issues. The story exhibits fabulous love scenes and emotional trauma that melts your heart. This is an amazing saga that I enjoyed immensely.

Dancing in the Dark

Title: Dancing in the Dark
Author: Jenna Byrnes
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60659-009-6
Genre: Contemporary Romance M/M
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Detective Nick D’Amato leaves the bar after having a drink with his friends and heads over to pick up his secret lover William. Nick is gay, so some things are best left undercover. Nick had never wanted a long term relationship until Will; now Nick is willing to do whatever it takes to have a commitment. The problem is that Will wants to continue having separate lives. Both men are stubborn and not willing to compromise until a serial killer changes their lives forever.

Dancing in the Dark is a walk on the dark side of life. Nick is part of the police force dealing with a growing number of dead bodies with few leads to the serial killer. Will gets caught in the middle of circumstances that could end his life. The talented Jenna Byrnes creates a story of romance and suspense that is both sensual and realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting dark tale.

Born to Run

Title: Born to Run
Author: Jenna Byrnes
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60659-124-6
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM, M/M
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Detective Sam Nielson and his two best friends are having their regular get-together beer night when Bobby Rodriguez, a recent transfer to Sam’s detective division comes over to introduce himself. Bobby is a Dominant looking for a sub and Bobby wants Sam. Working together on a murder case, Bobby gets his chance to seduce Sam into a new lifestyle, but is this relationship something that Sam can be happy with?

Born to Run is book two in the Streets of Fire series. Jenna Byrnes creates an intriguing murder mystery alone with showcasing Sam’s new romance. This is an enjoyable episode for BDSM fans.

Wanted Dead or Alive

Title: Wanted Dead or Alive
Author: Jenna Byrnes

Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60659-144-4
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Eight years ago, Dan Radisson made a stupid decision resulting in his incarceration at Corcoran State Prison. Now, he’s out on parole and trying to put his life back together, except he’s finding it much harder than expected. Dan loves his older sister and is thankful he can live in the spare bedroom, but he’s uncomfortable with her cop husband, who clearly doesn’t like him. To make matters worse, Dan hates the daily AA meetings he must attend. He needs to find a job, and he could really use a little relief from his growing sexual frustration.

After becoming acquainted with Trey at an AA meeting, it looks like Dan has found the man he needs to take the edge off his frustration, except his chosen bedmate isn’t certain the newly released Dan is ready for a type of sexual relationship he wants and needs. It’s not long before Dan stumbles across a murder, and he stupidly makes the same wrong decision as before. He runs from the scene, and he suddenly finds himself wanted by the police; only this time he has a stubborn Trey in tow.

Wanted Dead or Alive is the first release in the new Slippery When Wet series and this story is by author Jenna Byrnes. The theme for this story had a lot of potential, but the short length really didn’t allow enough time for the plot or the characters to become fully developed. As a fresh out of prison ex-con, Dan starts the story lacking the confidence he needs to function on the outside, but that quickly and unrealistically changes as soon as he meets and hooks up with the friendly and sexy Trey. The characters of Dan’s sister and cop brother-in-law were as expected, supportive and unfriendly, respectively.

I actually liked Dan and Trey together, and the guys did have blistering hot sex, but I knew so little about Trey that I didn’t really understand what kept them together. This was especially true of Trey and why he was so willing to dump everything in his life to run with Dan from the police. Then there’s the complicated set-up of Dan for murder, but the perpetrator was a thug; a man who didn’t seem capable of putting such a plot together.

I liked the ending and it’s happily-ever-after, even if the culmination rescue scene wasn’t very plausible. Still, even with its faults, the story was enjoyable for a quick afternoon read.

Hungry Heart

Title: Hungry Heart
Author: Jenna Byrnes
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-667-6
Genre: Contemporary, M/M
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

NYPD Captain Gil Gates and his two best friends are having drinks in their favorite bar; Gil is depressed over the questioning of his judgment being conducted by Internal Affairs after a double homicide happened on his watch. When the handsome and gay news reporter Brian Knight shows up on Gil’s doorstep, there is more than a felony case to explore, but can Gil trust Brian?

Hungry Heart is book three in the Streets of Fire series. Jenna Byrnes brings you up to date on the lives of Nick and Sam, while adding a love interest for Gil. This is an enjoyable story featuring romance with crime-solving as the background.

Dance Wars 4: Last Night Stand

Title: Dance Wars 4: Last Night Stand
Author: Sophia Titheniel
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-151-0
Genre: Futuristic, Werewolves, M/M
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Lachian and Adair have been secretly meeting for a year and each time, it gets harder for them to separate. Lachian is a Pony Express Rider and Adair is the leader of a group of scavengers who prey on Pony Express Riders, taking their packages and whatever else that can garner them money. Adair and his crew are also the champions in the Dance Wars, gaining them the prize money at the bar in Chiodwig. Tired of hiding his ever growing love for Adair, Lachian is determined to find a way for them to spend their lives together. With a workable plan and help from his friends, Lachian goes into action.

Dance Wars 4: Last Night Stand is a heartwarming episode of Lachian and Adair. Lachian is a daredevil, not afraid to take risks for what he wants, and he wants to keep the love and connection he has with Adair, who is a werewolf. Adair is tired of the scavenger’s life; however his caring heart will not allow him to abandon his crew. The wolf side of Adair has claimed Lachian as his mate and refuses to give Lachian up; Adair is torn between the warring sides of his brain. Sophia Titheniel has created an outstanding series of well written plots, intense characters on an emotional roller coaster and a dash of humor in every installment. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and will be watching for her next venture.

Livin’ on a Prayer

Title: Livin’ on a Prayer
Author: Jude Mason
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-779-6
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Logan White was a young man when he made the mistake of getting involved in a B&E, which landed him in Corcoran Correctional Facility. Now, its eight years later and he’s been released early, for good behavior. He has no family or friends to contact, no skills and little money to tide him over until he can find a job. Unfortunately, no one wants to hire an ex-con. Enter Shane Grayson, the friendly neighborhood gay reverend who runs the local shelter, who helps Logan find a job. While the physical and emotional bond between the two men grows stronger, the job turns into a nightmare, threatening Logan’s life and his parole.

Livin’ on a Prayer is the second release in the new Slippery When Wet series and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Logan is a guy who made a stupid decision and paid for it with eight years of his life. He’s also handsome, kind, friendly and determined to stay out of prison. Ms. Mason did a very nice job in describing Logan’s frustration at his inability to find a job…that no one would give an ex-con a chance to prove he was worthy of their trust.

Yet, desperation often forces change, bringing Logan to the attention of Shane. This loving man of the cloth is a gem, hanging out in a rough area of town to keep the church mucky mucks from being embarrassed because of his homosexuality. It’s also an unfortunate but painfully truthful example of what gay men of faith endure every day.

The descriptions of Logan and Shane’s physical relationship were caring, loving and fiery, but the vivid scenes revolving around Logan’s job environment and the trouble that resulted are the best. These show not only Ms. Mason’s ability to write well, but also the tender loving care Logan and Shane have for one another.

Zeven Ways To Kill Your Lover

Title: Zeven Ways To Kill Your Lover
Author: L. Shannon
Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat
ISBN: 978-1-60272-519-5
Genre: Shapeshifter, BDSM-light (m/f), Suspense
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Zeven is the top assassin in Las Vegas and has been given a contract to kill a doctor that could expose werewolves to humans. He doesn’t find out until he has accepted the contract that his target is his mate.

Harley knew Zeven when she was younger and had run from him after members of his clan killed her family. She and Zeven are now trying to come up with ideas about how to fake her death.

During the course of them running, setting up the scenario and going to get the rest of his fee, Zeven finds out that he has been set up.

Zeven Ways To Kill Your Lover was an intense action story with hot sex between Zeven and Harley. The different scenarios that both of them came up with and then shot down gave the book its title. I enjoyed reading this book as there were several unexpected twists and the back-story of how Zeven became an assassin.

Fighting Lady Jayne

Title: Fighting Lady Jayne
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921575
Genre: Fantasy M/F
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Inter-dimensional Boxing Champion Jayne Hart has come a long way. Her past life is a simple memory the Divinity Corporation has no use to expose. After Jayne loses her last fight, she wakes up in a parallel universe. Sent to become a warrior’s wife, Jayne isn’t conditioned for love, a family or marriage. Jayne’s use to fighting for everything she has ever gotten and running before she gets too close to form bonds.

Ronen of Firewall has no desire to marry if it brings the misery he witnessed in his brother’s first marriage. He does not intend to choose a bride and is utterly shocked when Jayne lays claim to him. Their passion is explosive and Ronen thinks the Gods have sent him a blessing, until Lady Jayne decides it’s high time to run. Will Ronen finally allow his new wife to escape his grasp, or will Jayne discover it’s more fun to stay and play?

Fighting Lady Jayne is the second book in the Divinity Warrior series. Michelle M. Pillow’s characters are full of wit, charm, and sensual qualities. Jayne baffled me in the beginning. I couldn’t understand why she would run from such a handsome man who wanted to care for her. However, after understanding her background I could understand her fear of commitment and having her own family. Ronen was after my heart from the start, strong, stoic, smart, honorable, and handsome to boot. He’s the kind of man any woman would give her eyetooth to wake up next to every morning. They are perfect for one another; her sass verses his sensibility, made for moments of steamy passion and passionate fights. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I recommend Fighting Lady Jayne to those who enjoy knights who know how to treat their woman and the woman who keep them on their toes.

Like Coffee and Doughnuts

Title: Like Coffee and Doughnuts
Author: Elle Parker
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publisher URL: http://www.lyricalpress.com/
ISBN: 978-0-9824170-5-8
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Dino Martini is an Italian-American private investigator who likes old music, ballroom dancing and his classic convertible, Matilda. That doesn’t mean the old-fashioned man doesn’t do most of his work with a computer, or use a cell phone for communication with his clients and friends. He works alone unless he needs someone to watch his back and then he turns to Seth, his mechanic and best friend, who’s a hot-tempered brawler, and good to have around in a fight.

Life is good for Dino until circumstances force him to move out of his soon-to-be demolished apartment building and then he and Seth get involved in a dangerous case, after the two men repossess a seventy-eight Corvette. Now, there are some serious bad guys on their trail, but that’s not Dino’s only problem. After knowing Seth for years, their relationship unexpectedly changes from that of friends to lovers. Dino has never had a boyfriend before, has never even dated a man, so the change has him unsettled, and questioning whether he can keep them both alive.

The first thing about Like Coffee and Doughnuts that caught my attention was the unusual title new author Elle Parker has chosen for her first release.

Dino and Seth have been best buddies for years, but the two men couldn’t be more different in temperament. Dino, at forty-two, is calm, quiet, steady, loves to cook and doesn’t do flings…and did I mention he’s a clotheshorse, who likes to look just so-so. Seth, at thirty-three, is filled with boundless energy, is loud and brass, flirts endlessly and enjoys sex with members of either sex. And he’s definitely more of a faded jeans and beer kind of guy. In truth, these two are so different, it’s hard to believe they’re friends and even harder to believe that their relationship could turn into that of lovers. But it does, and this is where Ms. Parker excels. Her change in their relationship is well-timed and believable and their bantering dialogue snappy and fun.

The drug/crime sub-plot portion of the story is well integrated in the overall plot and has just enough danger and uncertainty to make it plausible, without totally taking over the story. Even though there are several years and vastly different life experiences separating them, Dino and Seth are perfect compliments to each other. I have to admit I was surprised when Seth made the first move and I was even more surprised to learn he’d loved Dino for years. Read and enjoy!

Sacrificial Sex

Title: Sacrificial Sex
Author: Laura Tolomei
Publisher: Extasy books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-243-5
Genre: Sci-Fi/Horror/Gay (m/m, m/f, m/f/m, m/m/m)
Rating: 2.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Mylos is the Blood Divine, the spiritual leader in a city ripe with a bloodthirsty legacy of human (and animal) sacrifice. It’s his job to conduct the sacred rituals involving the bloodletting and death of young virgins, and it’s something he greatly enjoys. Then along comes Rowen, a young man full of defiance who captures Mylos, like no one else ever has before.

Soon they’re bound as lovers, Mylos finding the release he craves in the arms of his blond but mysterious man. Rowen introduces Mylos to many things – sex with a servant Mylos occasionally only used for his own pleasure, and even sex with a woman, which is a feat, given Mylos’ absolute hatred of women in general.

But Rowen isn’t quite what he seems, and neither is the young lady who shows up as a sacrifice, yet confounds Mylos without even trying.

Sacrificial Sex is… hard to describe. It’s set in an intriguing science fiction world and I’d love to learn more of the places these people inhabit. It’s fairly well written, with very descriptive love scenes and brutal images of sacrifice and death.

My biggest complaint is that I honestly had a hard time keeping track of everything. The plot seemed to jump a good bit, and in the middle, took a turn I wasn’t expecting. While it wasn’t necessarily bad, it did leave me a bit confused.

Sacrificial Sex is a difficult book to read due to the meanderings it takes, but for some, it might be just right.

Warning: This book contains very graphic scenes of human sacrifice resulting in death. Please be forewarned.

Tangled Web

Title: Tangled Web
Author: Cassie Stevens
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-532-2
Genre: Gay M/M, Adventure, Suspense
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Rick Ramone and his partner Scott have been exploring Mayan ruins, in hopes of coming across ‘the find’ that will allow them to continue their stay in Guatemala and bring in funding, as well. With time running out and a new group of interns coming any day, the two men have to find something fast. When a family emergency occurs, the two men pack up and head out.

Val cannot wait to get to Guatemala. The archaeology student has been looking forward to his internship for some time but a call from his sister throws things up in the air. He only hopes that his new boss will understand.

When Rick and Val end up on the same rescue team, they could not be more pleased but when secrets start coming out into the open, the two men wonder just what is going on.

Cassie Stevens does an excellent job weaving suspense, action and love into Tangled Web. Rick and Val sizzle together from the very beginning. The various family members are something out of The Sopranos with the backstabbing, murder, drug deals and affairs that go on. One of the things I loved about the story the most though is that she leads the reader on a merry chases as they try to figure out who the good guys and bad guys are.

629 Miles To Love

Title: 629 Miles To Love
Author: Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-520-1
Genre: Gay, Contemporary, M/M
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Six years ago, Cal Green’s best friend and high school sweetheart left town to pursue his dreams. The pain is still fresh and the scab over his wounded heart is still unhealed. Love stopped existing for Cal when Noah Parker was no longer part of the equation. Seeing Noah makes him face all the pain, regret, and lost time. Cal is reluctant to listen to Noah. What’s done is done and there’s no way to go back.

Noah came home to handle some unfinished business. His move six years ago doesn’t bother him as much as losing Cal as a part of his life. He knows getting Cal back is going to be an uphill battle. With a full tank of gas and a steel iron will, Noah sets out on a 629-mile journey to reclaim the love of his life.

Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe’s 629 Miles To Love is about second chances, accepting the past, and fighting for love. Regardless of what Cal and Noah accomplished professionally, they both knew they were living an incomplete existence without the other. I was able to relate to both characters, and could understand the reluctance and why giving up was not an option. Their ache for the other was clear. I’ll admit I straddled the fence throughout this entire story, unable to take sides after each new point came to light. The setting, a truck cab where the men are isolated and faced with no alternative but to communicate, was the perfect location for this battle of wills to take place. It allowed me to focus on the couple with a minimum amount of distractions. I was delighted with this story and look forward to reading more from this duo.

Toy Box: Biting

Title: Toy Box: Biting
Author: Misa Izanaki, Jourdan Lane and Mike Shade
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-716-9
Genre: Paranormal, M/M
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Curiosity by Misa Izanaki - 3 Nymphs

Dante wants something from Kale; however Kale realises that as a half-vampire, controlling his urges is far from easy. Curiosity brings backs the lovable characters of Dante and Kale from the author’s fascinating mythical world she has built over numerous short stories from the same publisher. I have really enjoyed reading about Kale and Dante’s relationship and was glad they were featured in this story. It’s easy to forget that Kale is a vampire; however Dante brings the man’s vampirism to the centre and we are made to deal with Kale’s other side. It was an intriguing read and it brought about a lot of issues regarding Kale’s second nature.

Clarity by Jourdan Lane - 4 Nymphs

Caleb has been paying his dues after his incident with Lucien. Both Xander and Logan have been helping him as much as they can, but Caleb can no longer deny his natural instincts; will Lucien allow him to feed again? Clarity is one of those stories I have been looking forward to this year. From the first book in the Soulmates series, I loved Caleb; he’s like the adorable puppy, bad boy and best friend all rolled into one character. His story in the Soulmates series goes from happy-go-lucky to heartbreaking. I think the author did very well addressing Caleb’s emotions and problems in this story, and I loved Xander and Caleb’s interactions. I just wish there was more of their story to read; that might sound greedy but I was expecting more story than sex.

Keifer and Me by Mike Shade - 2 Nymphs

Keifer has been gone for a year and when he returns, he calls Davey. However, he gives Davey precise instructions and when Davey arrives he realises that Keifer is not the same man he once was. Keifer and Me is an odd story and I felt like these characters were already established. The whole story left me with a surreal feeling, and I didn’t actually enjoy it. The plot, the characters and the emotions were all very overdramatic for my liking. I appreciated the originality of Keifer and Me, but I just couldn’t like the characters or the way the story was written.

Toy Box: Biting has two out of three good stories, and I really enjoyed the second story. It should be noted that the first and second stories take characters from previous established works, and while the first one can be read as a standalone, the second one requires the reader to have read the whole series (alongside the shorter works) to get the feel of the series.

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.

Cyr's Revenge

Title: Cyr's Revenge
Author: Ava Rose Johnson
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921308
Genre: Gay M/M
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Whoever said revenge is a dish best served cold must have known Cyr. Seven years away from his lover, Smith Knox, has left him ready to wreak havoc on those responsible. Cyr sees his old lover and automatically remembers his touch, his smell and the passionate encounters they once had. He will pull every trick out of his hat to ensure that Smith isn’t just around for one night, but for the rest of his life.

Smith Knox hasn’t forgotten his feelings of abandonment by his former best friend and lover. Livid is an accurate description of how Smith felt, and he hasn’t trusted anyone with his heart since that day. His work as a bounty hunter is a lucrative career that supplies very little time left worrying about a past he cannot change. Well, it used to distract him until he picked up his latest assignment. Smith has teamed up with Cyr to take down a drug lord. Buried under the heartache, the love still burns bright. The question is will Smith let down his guard long enough to accept Cyr with open arms?

Cyr's Revenge is part of the Hunters for Hire series. Smith learned to tolerate the ache of losing his lover and best friend. Not a man to mope around, Smith made a life where he could be content. Cyr has waited for the day he could reclaim Smith as his own. Those years of separation were tough, but he took the time to prepare for their future. Regardless of their mixed emotions, Cyr and Smith’s attraction was instantaneous as if their years of separation never existed. I’ll admit, my first impression of Cyr wasn’t good because of the anxiety and hurt rolling off Smith in waves. However, as I got further along in the story, Cyr’s background and reasons for his disappearance altered my opinion. The story allows you to visualize the surroundings without distracting you from the story, adds a touch of suspense, sexual tension as well as five alarm sexual encounters, and a splash of action. Ava Rose Johnson writes about second changes at love, revenge, and a fresh start at life in Cyr's Revenge. Lovers of the genre will enjoy this wonderful addition to the series.

Surf n Turf

Title: Surf n Turf
Author: Scott & Scott
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-943-0
Genre: Gay M/M, Erotic
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Robert knew things in his relationship with David hadn’t been going well lately, but he always figured they would work themselves out. When David decided to end the relationship after 10 years, Robert not only loses his lover but the bookstore they owned together. At loose ends, Robert decides to take his few belongings and the money from the store’s sale and heads for Seaside, a gay friendly resort town.

Blakely left the south to find himself. Knowing he would never be accepted after coming out, he headed north. Finding out his boyfriend was picking up boys and having sex in alleys causes Blakely to pack up once more. Getting a job in Seaside was just what he needed for the summer.

What neither man realizes is that what they hope will be a quiet summer to figure out their futures will be anything but, once the Meanies and Queenies get involved.

Surf n Turf, the newest book in the Romentics series (all books are stand-alones) is a great story that will have the readers thinking of Westside Story, The Outsiders, and even a little bit of Cinderella. The authors take two men, each looking for something more and fearing they will never find it and places them in a situation that, at times, will have the reader laughing out loud. Left on their own, Robert and Blakely would have had no problems getting together. However, once the authors threw in the Meanies, a group of leather daddies and the Queenies, highbrow society men, what would have been just a sweet read becomes a hilarious tale that readers will speed through.

Heart of an Angel

Title: Heart of an Angel
Author: Stephani Hecht
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-290-9
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Shapeshifter
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Chief Archangel Michael is going crazy trying to find his abducted mate Rachael and his warriors are helping him all they can. The search is an added distraction from the war going on with Heaven and their fight with Lucifer’s demons. Knowing that he still had to handle the running of the compound where they live doesn’t help but gives him a distraction until Rachael could be found.

Rachael realizes that she has to keep it together until Michael can get to her but that is proving to be very hard, considering who took her from her bedroom. Knowing that she had to stay focused, all of her attention is on destroying their enemy, and not on Michael, who is her distraction.

Heart of an Angel leads up to the battle of the Order of Four against Moloch, who is more powerful than Lucifer himself. My heart went out to Michael, who was experiencing so many different emotions he usually kept suppressed, regarding his family and especially his soul mate Rachael. This was tough for him and tearing him up trying to find her. It was time for all of the archangels to come together to accomplish a common goal and that was to remove a threat that was very powerful. In comes the Order of Four; Abdiel and the siblings, Rachael, Appolion, and Camael.

Stephani Hecht did a wonderful job of continuing her series of the Archangels with this book, and it was not at all what I expected. The way that she expressed the love of family, loyalty and a determination to survive as a group of warriors with so much humor among them, is well done. I hope that now they can focus on solving the problems with the Council in Heaven. I await the next book in this series to see what will happen to the Archangel warriors.

Play it Again, Sam

Title: Play it Again, Sam
Author: Jenna Byrnes
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-742-0
Genre: Contemporary M/M Erotic Romance
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Marc Phillips runs the projection booth for an old fashion neighborhood theatre. He doesn’t work there because of the ambiance, but purely for the comfort, the theatre gives him. Sam Merit interrupts Marc’s normally boring existence the day they meet. Sam is trying to cope with his recent change in employment, or rather his new status of unemployed. The trips to the theatre are good to fill the void and supply a healthy dose of eye candy while he checks out Marc.

They discover a connection that surpasses what either expected, but Marc’s past is looming over their new bond like a black cloud. Can Sam gain Marc’s trust or is the relationship doomed before it has begun?

Play it Again, Sam is a book about acceptance, new beginning, and learning to take risks. Sam needed the gentle distraction of Marc in his life. While the stress of being unemployed was lurking on the edge, the fun and smiles Marc supplies helped the situation become less taxing. Marc’s baggage was serious. Watching his apprehension told me there was more than meets the eye to the bear of a man. They have fantastic chemistry, and their passion moves from softly sensual to fiercely demanding. I enjoyed reading Play it Again, Sam and recommend it to those who read the genre.

Tempt Me Twice

Title: Tempt Me Twice
Author: Eden Bradley
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-489-7
Genre: Contemporary M/M/F
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

Jessie has been best friends with Paul since college and values his friendship more than anything else. She’s so glad he is happy with new love Noah but there’s a problem – she can’t stop her lustful fantasies. Having such a close relationship with Paul has left Jessie with the realization that she’s in love with him. For a long time now, she’s wanted to act on her feelings but has resisted, due to her fear of losing his friendship. She’s managed to keep a hold of things until now but it is making her miserable. The last thing she needs is a vacation with Paul and Noah, especially when she discovers Noah is just as hot and sweet as Paul. She can’t take much more of this…

I didn’t quite know what to make of the characters in Tempt Me Twice. Jessie is downright wanton in her lust for both men’s bodies. To begin with, this is very erotic but I eventually lost patience with her inability to face the reality of the situation and communicate her feelings. It’s understandable, though, considering the speed her relationship with Paul changes, she’d feel confliction and so the rollercoaster of emotions she is on is well portrayed.

As the story is written from Jessie’s perspective, the longing she feels comes across well but it would have been nice to get Paul’s perspective more as I think that would have added to the believability. However, Noah’s role is very well done. I never felt sorry for him, never felt that he was in danger of getting his feelings hurt. I was endeared to him because he can see the truth long before the others and he is happy to help.

Certain aspects to the story seem to fade away and that was a little unsatisfying. For example, there are hints to trauma in Jessie’s past and a lot of her decisions are influenced by her relationship with her father, which could have been further explored. Also, Jessie’s upcoming show at the gallery and her career in general are left at the wayside. However, the premise of friendship being cherished so much that people are willing to deny their true feelings to keep it is very strong and with some very erotic scenes backing up the emotion, I would recommend Tempt Me Twice.

For the Love of Blood: The Hightower Introduction

Title: For the Love of Blood: The Hightower Introduction
Author: Annie Alvarez
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-265-7
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/GLBT (f/f)
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

After being tossed around from foster home to foster home, Izzy is finally making her way in the world as a half-witch. She finds work in a center that provides donors to vampires – a place for both vampires and humans to do so safely. While there, she finds herself drawn to Tamara Hightower, sister of the center’s owner. Tamara is feared by everyone, but Izzy can’t shake the lust she holds for the dominating vamp.

Izzy quickly proves that she’s not the type who submits willingly and in so doing, she catches Tamara’s eye as well. They settle into a love affair, but things become complicated when Tamara’s mother, Lady Hightower, summons them both. A war is brewing, and it seems it’s closer than any of them think.

For the Love of Blood: The Hightower Introduction is book one in what I assume will be a series. The love scenes between Tamara and Izzy are hot and well done, especially the scene with the pearls. Both women are strong and three-dimensional.

The plot seems a bit shallow but overall, it held my interest. I look forward to the next book in this series.

The One That Got Away

Title: The One That Got Away
Author: TC Blue
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-660-5
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Love isn’t cruel, but no one said the people who toy with our emotions wouldn’t be. Michael is a witness to this fact, thanks to his former lover Alex. Recovering from the breakup isn’t easy, even with close friends willing to lend a shoulder to cry on. When it appears their gentle nudging isn’t going to help Michael get out of his funk, his roommate Jim brings out the big guns.

Jim noticed there was something special about his best friend Michael from the start. While most men miss the hidden qualities that make him a precious commodity, Jim has come to savor all the unique attributes that make Michael sexy and alluring. Jim wants Michael to learn to live and laugh again, and his plan to become friends with benefits was a good idea, until he fell in love. One night, one kiss, one moment of passion leads them down a road of with no way to turn back.

TC Blue’s The One That Got Away takes us into the lives of Jim and Michael. These men see what lies below the surface and each feels blessed to have the other in their life. Michael’s inability to recognize his worth and beauty made him his own worst enemy. Jim’s lack of faith in their situation had him stumbling around in the dark, trying to figure out how to gain the one he truly loved, Michael. Their frailties helped these characters to burrow into my heart. While I couldn’t actually take sides because each made colossal mistakes, I was pleased when they acknowledged what they truly wanted. If I had to pick a favorite moment in this book, it’s where Michael finally saw how others see him. That was an eye-opening event, if I ever saw one. The story is about acceptance, self-love, personal growth, and the importance of friendship. I found The One That Got Away to be a delightful read.

Highland Beast

Title: Highland Beast
Author: Regina Carlysle
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921506
Genre: Shapeshifter Time-travel, Romance (m/f)
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Martha is an empath in hiding. She buys an antique mirror with strange symbols on it, and later that night, she begins to feel the lust and loneliness of someone else.

For 300 years, Silas MacAdam has been cursed and trapped by a witch he spurned. Silas has been alone, cut off from his people and waiting for the woman that can free him. When Silas sees Martha through the mirror, he realizes she could be the one to free him.

Highland Beast is a very intense love story that takes you back in time and back again. The intensity of the emotions that Ms. Carlysle reveals between Martha and Silas takes you on their journey with them. The sex between Martha and Silas is the get-the-ice-cubes kind. I enjoyed the surprise ending, as there is no hint until the last few chapters. This is one for the bookshelf, to be read again.

Three of a Kind

Title: Three of a Kind
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-713-8
Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary M/M
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Butch may be a giant of a man but he has a soft spot when it comes to those in distress. Seeing Zane in dire need of medical care and a place to lay his head has him taking the younger man home. Zane is sporting bruises as if he met the business end of a bull. He’s wary of trusting anyone, but with a broken down truck and no serious cash at his disposal, the alternatives are less than safe.

Zane realizes he’s safer than he thought when he meets Butch’s lover Randy. There’s no way this strong confident man could really want him, right? Well Zane’s about to discover Butch isn’t the only one who has a hankering for him. Randy is also more than ready to take him into their home, hearts, and bed. Will Zane decide to stay and see how things could progress or will he decide to seek out greener pastures?

Sean Michael’s Three of a Kind is about earning trust, learning to live again and survival. Zane had his trust thrown back in his face and now has to live with the repercussions of his decisions. The simple fact of fighting and accepting part of the blame for his current state gave me respect for the young man. Randy reminded me of the Energizer Bunny, with his abundance of energy. His ability to speak his mind freely kept this story interesting and less melancholy during some of the sadder moments. Butch’s ability to assess situations and know the right touch, words, or looks needed to calm the waters made him the perfect balance for their threesome. Yes, the erotic moments were steamy, but the message in this story seemed more poignant. From the plot, to the characters and then the isolated area the three men called home, there was nothing I didn’t enjoy about this wonderfully written story. I wholeheartedly recommend Three of a Kind to those who enjoy reading the genre.

Homecoming

Title: Homecoming
Author: Regina Paul
Publisher: Eternal Press
Publisher URL: http://www.eternalpress.ca/
ISBN: 978-1-926647-65-4
Genre: Gay M/M, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Crew is back after a five-year absence and hopes his lover will still want him after all this time. The last time he saw Eagle, the two of them had been fighting and Crew was storming out the door. Now that he is ready to settle down, Crew can't help but wonder if he will get another chance with Eagle or if he has blown it for good.

Regina Paul‘s Homecoming is a hot and sexy story. From the time Crew and Eagle reunite until the time they fall asleep, these two are unable to keep their hands off each other. While the chemistry between the characters was evident from the beginning, I would have like to have seen how they came to be as a couple. There was also mention of them being a bonded pair yet there was no real explanation as to what exactly this meant. While I wished there had been more to the story I did find the book to be enjoyable.

Lessons in Discovery

Title: Lessons in Discovery
Author: Charlie Cochrane
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance
Publisher URL: http://www.lindenbayromance.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60202-200-3
Genre: Gay/Lesbian Historical M/M
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

It’s been a year of blissful discovery, friendship, and passionate encounters for Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith and while sharing a cramped bed is fun, Jonty believes sharing a home would be better. However, a slight accident causing Orlando to lose some of his memory dampens their celebration. The year used to fortify their bond is now only part of Jonty’s memories and he will have to begin to build the trust and love they shared once more. Some of the residual effects of their friendship remain in Orlando’s mind. To wake up having a true friend opens Orlando’s mind and he is envisioning a less lonesome future.

The Master decides a recuperating Orlando is the perfect person to solve a four-hundred-year-old murder mystery. Orlando and Jonty tackle the mystery and use all of the skills acquired while assisting with their last two cases.

Will Jonty be able to accept just Orlando’s friendship if his memories never return? Will Orlando be willing to accept the true nature of their relationship? Working together is just the medicine needed to aid in the rediscovery of their past love affair, and bring out a new side of Orlando that Jonty would hate to see leave.

Lessons in Discovery is the third book in the A Cambridge Fellows Mystery series. Charlie Cochrane definitely knows how to keep a series interesting. The plot is simple but written with finesse and draws you in from the first page. The main characters are becoming two of my favorites to read. They truly bring out the best in one another, and their genuine love and affection shines through. The beautifully written setting and supporting cast, as usual, adds just the right amount of embellishment to this story and are smoothly incorporated. While the erotic encounters are sensually fervent, they never become crass. I thoroughly enjoyed Lessons in Discovery and look forward to reading the next installment in this series.