Oh Yum! - Teaching Molly

Book Title: Oh Yum! - Teaching Molly
Author: Desiree Holt
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419916038
Genre: BDSM
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Molly Gerard is recently divorced from her cheating husband and looking for some excitement in her life to fill the lonely days and nights. Sexually unfulfilled, she wonders if the things she reads about in romance novels and on internet chat sites could happen to her. The scandal revolving around her divorce haunts her, people talk about her behind her back and the pitying looks make her cringe. Even getting invited to a Fourth of July celebration doesn’t lift her spirits since she knows it was done out of duty and not sincere friendship. When tall, gorgeous and sexy Nick sits next to her at the party, all she can think about is that she’s far too old for him or what could he see in her. If she only knew!

Nick Trajan is a neighbor to their host and when he spies the beautiful, lush, mature woman across the yard, he’s smitten. He doesn’t care what others are saying about her, her divorce or her age. All he knows is that he wants her and he’s determined to have her. The question is whether or not she’ll be willing to participate in his Dom’s lifestyle, because he lives it to the fullest, or will she run from him as far and as fast as possible.

I found Teaching Molly to be a great first impression for the new Oh Yum collection of older women/younger men stories recently released through Ellora’s Cave. In this one, author Desiree Holt has penned a fast paced, well written, sexy novella that I couldn’t put down and read in one sitting. The vivid descriptions of Molly’s insecurities pulled at the old hearts strings. After all none of us are getting younger and her insecure feelings about her age and looks were easy to understand, especially in today’s world where surface beauty is important for so many people. The portrayal of Nick as a sexy, dominant man who didn’t care about Molly’s age was a breath of fresh air. Vivid but tasteful descriptions of Nick’s BDSM lifestyle are the norm for this wonderful little gem, so if books in this genre are generally off limits for you, then this one might be a good first exposure.

Delicious Danger

Title:  Delicious Danger  

Author:  Desiree Holt

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN: 9781419932731

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

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Kelly meets Rick while she is visiting her grandfather and the sparks fly.  Kelly also has a dog that is considered a one person dog which tolerates family members, but Xena seems to take to Rick immediately. 

The third book of the Phoenix Agency series is a very intense suspense story that keeps your interest almost from the start.  I got a little upset when I got interrupted while reading because I did not want to stop reading Delicious Danger.  The author did a lot of research on the Caucasian Ovcharka; I had to look it up as I had never heard of this dog and I am glad I got a chance to learn about them. 

Kelly, Rick and Xena are the main characters that are trying to solve the mystery of who is trying to destroy Phoenix.  Even though the mystery of this particular incident is solved, it does not totally solve the mystery of who is behind the destruction. Because of the way the secondary characters are intertwined into the series, you do need to read these books in order.  The reason Phoenix was created could very much be right in tune to today’s world with all the problems around us.  Both Kelly and Rick are very strong and conscious of their abilities and make no apologies for it.  I did have to laugh at a few of Xena’s antics though.  

The chemistry between Kelly and Rick is explosive so keep plenty of ice on hand.  Some of the interaction between the two is quite entertaining.  This is definitely one for the bookshelf and one series I will be reading again. 

Publisher's Note: Previously published as Scent of Danger with The Lotus Circle and then Cerridwen Press, this book has been revised and the bedroom door opened for Ellora's Cave.

Impulsive Pleasures

Book Title: Impulsive Pleasures
Author: KyAnn Waters
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419915758
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Jamie Cooper-Howe has a weekend problem which makes her skin crawl in irritation: how to enjoy her daughter’s beautifully planned wedding all while in the forced company of her cheating ex-husband and his pregnant trollop, home-wrecking new wife. It’s not like she cares for the jerk any longer but just being civil is nearly an exercise in futility. The marriage of her daughter is supposed to bring dramatic change into her life and wow, does it. All in the form of the young sexy hunk of a best man who pursues her relentlessly. The question is should she let him catch her?

Mark Bentley hasn’t seen his friend for several years and he hasn’t had sex for months. He intends to spend the weekend enjoying one of the bridesmaids but that’s before he gets his first glimpse of the luscious mother of the bride. Once he sets his sights on Jamie, it’s an all-out frontal attack on the gorgeous redhead. What’s he going to do when he discovers that one taste of this beautiful woman isn’t enough? Can he convince her they can be more than a brief weekend affair?

I was thrilled when I learned about this exciting older woman/young man series by Ellora’s Cave and Impulsive Pleasures didn’t disappoint me. Jamie and Mark are wickedly hot together and Ms. Waters did a wonderful job of integrating their steaming hot sex and Jamie’s uncertainty into a plot filled with secondary characters that play vital parts in this short novella. While she tells herself that having sex with Mark is wrong, in reality, it’s just what Jamie needs to help her get over her husbands betrayal, showing her that she’s still a sexy, desirable woman and getting even with him at the wedding is icing on the cake. Ms. Waters has outdone herself in penning this fast paced sexual romp and I enjoyed every page of it.

Publisher Note: Previously published elsewhere as The Cougar and the Best Man

F-Stop

Title:  F-Stop

Author:  Desiree Holt

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN:  9781419934278

Genre:   {M/F}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

After a breakup with Mike, Kat thought she would never see him again but runs into him at the airport where she is seeing her sister off, along with her sister’s boss and family.  Mike is determined to not make the same mistake he did before. 

The fourth book of the Phoenix Agency series is very intense, emotionally, as Mike realizes he wants a second chance with Kat.  F-Stop is either non-stop action and suspense or very hot sex between Mike and Kat. Both will keep your heart rate up as you read.   

The author did show how some stalkers act and gives some pretty good advice about handling a stalker.  I’m glad the author handled it the way she did within the story.  Part of the lesson is that stress can play a big part in someone’s life and how that stress can affect them especially if there is psychic power/energy involved.  Another thing the author did was bring some of today’s headlines right into the story and indicated what some of the obstacles are with trying to resolve kidnappings without loss of life.   

F-Stop is also a look at betrayal and how bad judgments can affect relationships and lead a person to a place they may feel they don’t have choices.  Ms. Holt has some very great characters within the Phoenix Agency and I am looking forward to Troy’s story.  I do hope she is going to do one for two of the secondary characters that keep popping up, especially with the contributions they make to the agency even though they aren’t partners.   While you can read this by itself, you really should read the series in order to get the best enjoyment in reading it. 

Publisher's Note: Previously published as Freeze Frame with The Lotus Circle and then Cerridwen Press, this book has been revised for Ellora's Cave.

Take It Off!

Title:  Take It Off!

Author:  Taylor Cole and Justin Whitfield

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:   9781419942976

Genre:  Nonfiction

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Take It Off! The Naked Truth about Male Strippers is a very good look at the reality of life as a male stripper.  The two authors are men that have been in the business for at least twenty years.  There were a few things the guys mentioned about what goes on behind the scenes as male strippers that was a little disturbing.  I also had a little difficulty, at times, trying to figure out who was saying what, as sometimes a name was mentioned then it seemed like the tone changed, so it wasn’t clear. I do have to say that what they were describing backstage was very different from my experiences as a professional belly dancer.  I think it was because the venues were very different.  I will also admit that some of my feelings might also be colored by this experience. 

One thing that did strike me was the advice that Taylor and Justin gave regarding choices about lifestyles and thinking about the future.  They both gave some very good advice as they talked about some of the lives they saw as careers came and went.  If someone were to be starting in the business, I would want them to read this book. 

Both men took their experiences and made themselves into a brand of sorts.  The modeling seems to be an offshoot of their dancing and they both became cover models for Ellora’s Cave books.  They both mentioned that they got to travel the world and had experiences they don’t think they would have had. Both of these gentlemen went on to different things in their lives.  Even though a lot of what they experienced was hectic and bordering on chaotic, it was clear, they had some clear goals. 

Supernaturally Kissed

Title: Supernaturally Kissed

Author: Stacey Kennedy

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

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

ISBN: 9781419936111

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

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph 

When newly deceased cop Kipp sees Tess on her way to work one morning, he’s instantly drawn to her and desperately tries to get her attention. Tess has gotten used to the fact that she can see ghosts. She’ll help them out when she can but she isn’t about to put her life on hold for them. However, Kipp has some very seductive ways of making her listen to what he has to say. 

Kipp remembers what he was doing before his life was cruelly cut short – chasing a lead on the cold case he was working on. He thinks he got too close to uncovering the truth about the disappearance of Hannah Reid but he needs Tess’ help if he’s going to do anything about it now. 

Trying to convince people of her ability is the last thing Tess wants to do, but she soon realizes Kipp is not going to take no for an answer. She can’t shake him and as she learns more about the case and the man Kipp used to be, she can’t help but feel for the ghost. Her ability is the only way to bring peace to the Reid family, but if she helps solve the case, Kipp will be free to pass over – unless there’s something else keeping him around? 

Supernaturally Kissed is a very enjoyable book with an exciting, unpredictable plot that just draws the reader in. This was one of those stories that I knew I would like before I’d even reached the bottom of the first page. I felt that the style of writing was unique and the author has definitely made a mark on me. The dialog between characters was very energetic, which did make it a little difficult to keep track of who was talking to whom at times. The characters are very likable and passionate, whether working well together, or more often then not, butting heads. I loved the way it ended; the possibilities for Tess’ understanding of her ability to develop and the opportunities for her to put her gift to further good use are exciting. Having learned that this is the first book in the author’s Frostbite series, I am very glad to have read Supernaturally Kissed and can’t wait for the next installment. 

Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title Stolen Dreams and has been revised for Ellora’s Cave.

Extrasensory

Title:  Extrasensory

Author:  Desiree Holt

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN:  9781419930980

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Dan has been asked by his friend, Chase, to provide security for a prototype that could potentially be worth billions and have lethal consequences.  Mia keeps having visions about a “rock” with unique abilities and decides she has to warn Chase’s company about a possible theft. 

The second book about the Phoenix Agency is just as suspense-filled as the first one.  Extrasensory has a storyline about corporate theft, as well as government spy intrigues that could have been torn from the headlines of most newspapers.  Some of the characters, both main and secondary, remind me of some of the people you read about. 

Dan is open to psychic abilities because his friend was saved by a woman with them.  Mia doesn’t trust her abilities because she was constantly shot down by her parents and friends but she is willing to say something, as long as she does it anonymously.  She certainly doesn’t expect Dan to show up in her office nor the chemistry that is so strong between them.  Their relationship heats up very quickly and it scorches the pages. 

The author did a good job continuing the thread of the first book, along with keeping your interest.  You can read this alone, but you will get so much more from it if you read these in order.  You can bet this series will be read again and I am looking forward to the next book in about the Phoenix Agency. 

Publisher's Note: Previously published as Visions of Darkness with The Lotus Circle and then Cerridwen Press, this book has been revised for Ellora's Cave.

Pack Rescue

Title:  Pack Rescue

Author:  Gwen Campbell

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419948688

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Fina is running after rogue werewolves killed her pack and raped her.  She also made sure that they couldn’t profit from their crimes.  After ending up in Wyoming, she is given sanctuary by the sheriff’s pack.  Turns out Fina is the mate to both the Sheriff and his brother.

The first story in the Western Wolves series, Pack Rescue, follows Fina as she decides if she wants to continue running, or accept the offer of being the alpha female as the mate to the alpha and beta of the pack she ends up with after escaping from the rogues.  Everyone is very surprised to find that she and a young boy are the only survivors of the pack in Tennessee.

Fina is a strong woman that has a head on her shoulders and managed to hide the pack’s assets from the rogue wolves.  As she slowly learns to trust Cutler and Nath, she worries about Ryan’s acceptance since he is a male, though he is only five.  I loved how Cutler and Nath were so patient with her and Ryan, especially when he acted out.  There were some funny moments when Fina had to prove her dominance to the women, as well as Cutler and Nath’s reactions after they mated.  The scene on the table is extremely hot.

There are some wonderful secondary characters and I hope they make an appearance in the future.  Most were helpful to the new family. The incident with Melissa at the school was interesting, and also showed a lot about pack politics and hierarchy.  The way Fina’s situation was resolved involved a lot of pack politics that included other packs. 

I am looking forward to future books in this series.  This is also the first book by Ms. Campbell I have read, and I will be looking for others to check out. 

Publisher’s Note: Previously published as When A Pack Dies. The book has been edited for Ellora’s Cave publication.

Oh Yum! - Surprised by Desire

Book Title: Oh Yum! - Surprised by Desire
Author: Katie Blu
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419916045
Genre: Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Responding to a call from her mother, Jenna Michaels returns to her hometown for a combined vacation with the Nolan family, like they had while she was growing up. This time, though, David Nolan is divorced and both his mother and hers are doing everything in their power to throw the two together. Unfortunately for David and their mothers, he isn’t the man who heats Jenna’s blood or drives her crazy with lust and longing. It’s his son Jason and their mutual passion catches her completely off guard. While she finds herself attracted, she also finds it difficult to believe that the young hunk would be interested in a woman so many years senior to him. What she doesn’t realize is that Jason has been watching her for years and this vacation is his chance to let her know exactly how he feels and what he wants.

Surprised by Desire in another interesting release in the ongoing Oh Yum series. It’s a fun and quick read filled with witty dialogue, rampant sex and enough misunderstanding and family upset to make a sane person scream. The locale of Jenna and Jason’s first groping encounter, a dark and damp cave, was certainly a unique twist for a short romance. Ms. Blu has done an excellent job in relating these two lovers separated by years and experience.

Quarterback Blitz

Title:  Quarterback Blitz

Author:  Frances Stockton

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN: 9781419930416

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Cougar

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Kyran walked into the locker room while Anna was trying to get out of her costume for the Griffins football team.  Kyran has been trying to get Anna to take him seriously when he asks her out, but Anna can’t believe he wants her since she is ten years older than him. 

Quarterback Blitz will keep you on the edge of your seat.  The suspense the author created around both Kyran and Anna is intense and, at times, will surprise you.  Anna is self-conscious of her body and her age.  Kyran couldn’t care less.  I loved the way Kyran let Anna know he was serious.   

Both characters, as well as the secondary ones, are strong and I definitely want to know more about some of them.  The author showed the steps to take when you have a serious stalker that seems to find you, no matter what.  Some of the stalking and incidents could have been taken out of the headlines.   

The relationship between Anna and Kyran is intense.  Keep ice on hand for some of their sex scenes.  I liked that the author showed how some problems could come up with a professional football team when they were on the road, and some behind-the-scenes when there is a mascot involved. 

This is one book I will be reading again and can’t wait to read about some of the other characters in the future.

Necklace of Shame

Book Title: Necklace of Shame
Author: Carol Lynne
Genre: Ménage a trois or More / Gay / Contemporary
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419910623
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

At the age of sixteen, Annabel Jenkins is attacked and left for dead by her father. It’s on this life-changing night that she falls in love with Brody, the policeman who rescued her. Now its ten years later, and Bel is a nurse, living and working in a town miles from where she grew up. The man she’s crazy about has never given her more than passing attention and she needs to get on with her life. Her life takes a turn for the worse when her safety is once more in question.

Brody left the police force after Bel was attacked and he’s spent the last ten years trying to stay away from her, while building up his construction business. When it’s learned that Bel’s attacker has been released from prison, Brody rushes to protect her, enlisting the help of his best friend and lover, Callum.

Sheriff Callum McCloud has loved Brody all his life, and they’ve been lovers for years. He’d like nothing more than to live with him and build a life together. He also knows of Brody’s love for Bel and his desire to have her in his life. He’s always cared for Bel and would welcome her into their bed, but will he get the chance or will he lose Brody forever?

Necklace of Shame is another winning story from talented author Carol Lynne. There’s a lot going on in this contemporary romance and it starts with a bang. Ms. Lynne’s description of the brutal attack of young Bel is so realistic, it could have been pulled from the front page of any major newspaper in the country. The attraction between Bel and Brody is intense, as years of love and longing finally explode with passion. Add in Callum who fears that his love will be replaced and you have what you expect to be a love triangle. But a triangle isn’t what you get. Instead, you get a loving threesome whose mutual passion blazes bright enough for the entire town to see.

But this isn’t only a story of love found; it’s also a story of a child’s brutality by an adult who is supposed to love and care for her. The amount of physical violence experienced by Bel is amazing, and that she manages to survive whole and healthy, astounding. Ms. Lynne’s description of the damage perpetrated on Bel by her attacker was so vivid it made me cringe more than once, and that it was done by a family member was sickening. The scene that made the biggest impact on me was Bel’s attack in the parking lot. It was pre-meditated, cold, violent and painfully vivid, giving a clear picture of a dispassionate killer. Even with the violence, this love story isn’t to be missed.

Reader Advisory: This book contains references to rape, incest and graphic violence.

Lucy’s Neighbors

Title: Lucy’s Neighbors
Author: Ava Rose Johnson
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419923920
Genre: {M/F/M} Ménage, {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Lucy is frustrated because of her non-existent love life. She is friends with two neighbors she would love to get to know better but they are a couple. She has watched them from her window for months. Lucy is also feeling trapped by her family and what she feels are her obligations to them.

Steve and Doug may be a couple, but they have been looking for a woman that will satisfy their different tastes. Up until now, every woman has only been for one night, but both men decide Lucy is the one that will complete their relationship.

Lucy’s Neighbors will captivate you almost from the start. Lucy’s feelings of insecurity and self-doubt will resonate with anyone that has had a long dry spell. Every woman would be lucky to find even one man like Steve and Doug. Both are so patient with Lucy, letting her have her space, taking things slow and supporting her when things come to ahead with Lucy’s family. The three of them, either together or in pairs, will have you getting the ice-cubes and fans out. Ms. Johnson brings you right into the story where you are a part of everything going on. Those that like m/m and ménage stories will want to add this one to their bookshelf. I will be reading this one again.

Perfect Man

Title: Perfect Man
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419918018
Genre: Contemporary, Gay
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Craig Fontaine was Alex Nichols' first crush. Unfortunately, he was clued to this fact and made Alex’s high school existence painful and awkward. Now years later, Alex finds himself on a blind date with the man who gave him nightly wet dreams followed by daily schoolhouse torture. Craig is unsure of why or what brought Alex back into his life, but his attraction comes roaring back to life. The old youthful puppy love has been transformed into the lust and desires of a grown man. And while Alex is trying to figure out if Craig is playing a cruel joke, Craig is trying to figure out how he can gain and maintain Alex’s love and trust, while battling a few demons of his own. Because, to Craig, Alex is truly the Perfect Man.

I found myself remembering my painful high school days while reading this book. Shawn Lane not only took me back, but she helped me gain perspective from the other side of the looking glass. While Alex was going through his own drama, Craig was living a hell from which there was no escape. I was happy these men were able to gain friendship after so many years. Alex truly found a source to help him move his life in a positive direction. Ms. Lane doesn’t just give us a good story with some hot sex. She also thrusts the hard-hitting topics such as abuse and mental illness in the pot; giving me time to reflect on how they could affect people, and what it would take to survive when they are a part of your daily existence. It’s not a light read, but it’s not heavy enough to weigh you down. It has a great balance between reality and sensuality. I was impressed with Ms. Lane’s writing style and recommend reading Perfect Man.

His Sister’s Kiss

Title: His Sister’s Kiss
Author: Kate Hill
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419925948
Genre: {M/F} 20th Century Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Master Sergeant Abraham Marley Forbes has survived being a captive in a Vietnam prison, and needs to fulfill a promise to a deceased friend. He’s been a loner all his life and it doesn’t help him to overcome his hard outer shell, until he comes face to face with the sister of his friend…Angela. Now that Abe has a taste of what life could be with a beautiful woman, he is afraid the flashbacks of imprisonment will destroy what they are building together.

Angela Franco has fantasized what her perfect dream man will be like all her life, and has stayed away from unwanted useless sex, waiting for her true love. While she is suffering the loss of her only brother, raising his child Polly by herself, she keeps busy with everyday life, and her parents constant badgering to get married. When she comes face to face with Abe, there is no going back and they try to overcome both of their second guessing about the relationship.

His Sister’s Kiss is a beautiful bittersweet story of a solider from the Vietnam era and it left me with mixed emotions, remembering that time. I must say that Ms. Hill did a fantastic job of giving detailed descriptions of the scenes of war and believe me when I tell you, they are real. Angela’s reaction is not what one would expect from most women but when you fall in love at first sight, all bets are off. The sex between these two was blistering hot, and didn’t leave much to imagination.

I found myself laughing at the reactions of both Angela and Abe when her parents stated what they thought of the relationship, and Polly didn’t help matters either. This is a very short story, but it’s packed with a load of emotions that can overwhelm you if you are not in the right frame of mind. I enjoyed reading every sentence, and learning more about the characters really helped to visualize them better. Kudos to Ms. Hill, and keep the books coming!

Kiss of the Wind

Title: Kiss of the Wind
Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419917226
Genre: Fantasy
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Storm Lord Aeral has lived with centuries of loneliness in his mountain fortress. Thanks to his brother, the Sea Lord, and his brother’s lover, Storm is paying for a crime he is not solely responsible of committing. For centuries, women from the village under his domain are sent as Chosen ones to make amends to the God in hopes of saving their village from plague. Unfortunately, none of them has ever wanted him, his company or their position as the Chosen one; that is until they sent the chieftain’s daughter Aideyn. Aideyn has a heart of gold and enough compassion to fill the world. And, while her first reaction to being selected was one of dread and sadness, it soon changed to something more. She is capable of righting a few wrongs and adds a measure of peace and happiness to Aeral’s miserable existence.

Charlotte Boyett-Compo has written a story filled with passion and discovery in Kiss of the Wind. The characters, from the gods to the mortals, have a real feeling and draw you into the story. Aideyn has a giving spirit that creates joy wherever she goes. There is one scene where she interacts with one who has never known a caring hand and that cemented her as one of my favorite characters. This is a story you don’t want to miss. Wonderfully detailed in the scenery, fantastic characters, moments of wit, loving honey-coated erotic encounters and messages in trust and forgiveness are all included in Kiss of the Wind. This is one story you don’t want to miss.

Shadow of a Wolf

Book Title: Shadow of a Wolf
Author: Jez Morrow
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-465-2
Genre: Werewolf / Gay

Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Lieutenant Commander Jack Reed hasn’t cried since he lost his parents. But when his best friend was kidnapped one cold December night, Jack had to come to terms with a hidden truth: he was in love with Martin Winter.

Martin Winter is a FBI Agent. He and Jack have a great deal in common. Both no longer had a parent they can lean on and both are shapeshifters. Finding someone who shares the same ability seems like a godsend. When Martin returns, he goes to the one person capable of helping piece his life together: Jack.

Shadow of a Wolf is a brilliantly written novel. There is suspense, intrigue, action and spine-tingling sex throughout the tale. Martin is too beautiful to be considered handsome. His kidnapping has come with a high price. Upon returning, Martin’s not sure of who he can trust outside of Jack, but fears pulling him into a situation that could spell certain death. Jack knows he’s a handsome man, it’s been said too often to be a lie. And even with that knowledge and the wealth left to him by his parents, Jack is still down to earth. Now that he has Martin back, Jack is ready to step up to the plate and protect the man he loves, body and soul. Shadow of a Wolf was my introduction to Jez Morrow, and it was well beyond what I anticipated. I didn’t put the book down until the last word was read. If we are lucky there will be a sequel and the two men will find more shapeshifters in the future (one can hope). Readers of the genres will be elated with the novel.

Ringo’s Ride

Title: Ringo’s Ride
Author: Regina Carlysle
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419923630
Genre: {M/F} Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Rayne’s day is quickly going downhill. She discovers that the one shifter she’s been pining for is her mate. Unfortunately, Ringo isn’t happy about the situation and he is less than kind when he makes his feelings known. Next, Rayne is kidnapped and the only man who can save her is the one who refuses to claim her. Making Ringo want her in his bed is easy, but making him want her in his life is the true challenge facing Rayne.

Issues that surround his family haunt Ringo every day of his life. A fine woman like Rayne deserved more than Ringo thinks he can give. Staying away from her had been difficult up until this point but when fate steps in and makes Rayne his mate, things go from difficult to torture in the blink of an eye. Rejecting her is killing Ringo, but it’s the only way to keep her safe. Hopefully, Rayne doesn’t lose trust in him when some unexpected truths are revealed.

On first impressions I equated Ringo to a bad massage because he rubbed me the wrong way. I thought he was a sex-driven jerk who only cared about himself when he was first introduced in Lone Star Lycan, which was the second book in the High Plains Shifter series. Boy, oh boy was I wrong! In all honesty, he probably cared the least about himself. Sure, he seemed cold and disconnected at times, but it was all an act to protect Rayne from danger. Some of the danger was real, and some of it was only in Ringo’s mind. This lonely lycan has valid reasons for questioning his worthiness, and I am tickled pink he was able to move on with his woman by his side. Honestly, the way they both yearned for one another, it was only a matter of time before they mated. The scene with Ringo watching Rayne from the bushes touched me in ways I hadn’t expected. Ringo’s Ride has the right amount of heart-felt moments, heat, and suspense. Regina Carlysle really tapped into something special when she created these lovable lycans. I will never grow tired of reading about their experiences and I don’t think readers will, either.

Blackmailed

Book Title: Blackmailed
Author: Tawny Taylor
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419917400
Genre: BDSM
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Office Manager Elena Caine has a secret, and now finds herself caught between two men – the man she is attracted two and the piece of crap blackmailing her. She’s no axe murderer, but if the truth comes out, she could lose her job. That’s not an option for Elena.

VP Kyler Pierce has his own secrets away from work, but not the kind that could get him fired. At home and an exclusive club he is a member of, he is Dom Kyler. While they both have the same mad dog enemy snapping at their heels, Kyler is confident he can find a solution to their quandary. However, information passed to Kyler damages his perception of Elena and has him second-guessing his initial impression of his beautiful coworker. How far will Kyler go to determine the truth and have Elena just where he always wanted her?

Blackmailed takes us into the lives of Elena and Kyler, two people trying to move further in their careers with work and sweat. Kyler has something to prove to himself, and his work ethics have taken him to the top. Elena is the provider in her family and needs to remain as such. Tawny Taylor has written a story about second-chances, love, and the discovery of BDSM. Elena knew she wanted to delve into the world, and Kyler gives her the opportunity she has been waiting for. There are characters in this book that truly had me shaking my head at their underhanded messiness, but you know all dogs have their day. If you like a bit of backhandedness mixed with your seduction and BDSM, then you should read Blackmailed.

Alpha Turned

Title: Alpha Turned
Author: K.B. Alan
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419922831
Genre: {M/F} Shapeshifter
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Hillary became a werewolf after a traumatic visit with her college boyfriend's family. When she settled in Slade, she made a conscious effort to make sure there are no other werewolves in town. She sets up her woodworking shop and only allows her wolf out about once every three months.

Aaron, Zach’s brother, goes to Hillary’s shop to commission an order as a surprise for Zach’s birthday. He let’s her know she is in violation of a national law by not letting the Alpha wolf know she was there. Aaron returns to Mountain View and reports to Zach the situation with Hillary, only to find that Hillary is Zach’s mate.

K. B. Alan gave Alpha Turned several surprising twists to this werewolf society. I enjoyed the little details that were provided as you learned about laws, hierarchy and the relationships within the pack. As the story unfolds, there are also some very intense emotions that come through from the author’s description. The relationship between Zach and Hillary is very supportive as well as being the melting-the-ice-cubes variety. This is one for the bookshelf and is one I will be reading again.

Love Under Siege

Title:  Love Under Siege

Author:  Samantha Kane

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:   www.jasminejade.com

ISBN:  9781419956270

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

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Phillip and Jonathan have known each other since they were in school, and then purchased commissions together in the military.  Both fell in love with Maggie. Maggie married Phillip, not realizing that both Phillip and Jonathan wanted to be her husbands in a relationship.  During the time that Maggie comes to terms with what both men want, several things happen that make her question her decision about the future. 

The second installment of the Brothers In Arms series is intense and brings some of the characters from the first book, as well as some new secondary characters that add to the story.  Love Under Siege continues the threat from a man all are familiar with, due to his actions in a dual and his revenge against this group of men.  The series also encompasses a lot of men that served together under one commander during wartime.  Part of the salvation of the men was that, as pairs, they shared a woman and were also lovers.  

Some of Maggie’s angst is how she feels about the society she is a part of.  She knows that her reputation will be in shreds among the ton if she chooses to do as Phillip and Jonathan wants.  I can understand some of Maggie’s feelings as she has grown up in a very rigid society with very stringent rules of behavior.  Any deviation could ruin a reputation or family.   

I will warn you right now that the scenes between the three are so hot, they scorch the page.  Keep ice and fans on hand as you will need them while reading this book.  I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.  I will also be reading this again.