The Protector’s Keeper

Title: The Protector’s Keeper
Author: Bonnie Rose Leigh
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.net/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-269-5
Genre: Paranormal Romance (m/f), Contemporary,
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Sebastian is in search of the werewolf King’s sister when he meets Catalina, his mate. He finds Catalina in the middle of an attempt by vampires to abduct her. Catalina finds a message from Samantha; this sets Sebastian and Catalina on a quest to find her before the enemy does.

As the story unfolds, Sebastian and Catalina team up with the king, were-bears and were-cats to fight a common enemy. The enemy is not only trying to destroy the weres, but is also abducting women and children to use in the experiments they are doing to create a hybrid vampire and were.

Their search takes them to several countries and they end up fighting for their lives. Added to their troubles is the fact that several of their number turned out to be working with the vampires.

The Protector’s Keeper was very interesting. This is a very good suspense story with several twists and turns that keep your interest throughout. Some places skipped about a little but not enough to cause a disruption of what was going on. I enjoyed a couple of tidbits about Ms. Leigh’s vampires. I recommend this book for anyone that likes a good romantic suspense story, along with some hot shapeshifters.

Dead Twice and for All

Title: Dead Twice and for All
Author: R.E. Wood
Publisher: Freya’s Bower
Publisher URL: http://www.freyasbower.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: M/F, Paranormal, Vampire
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Fire Nymph

He walked into a bar, looking for a drink. His usual weekend never started until Friday night when he didn’t have to worry about going to work the next day. His plans were changed when he caught sight of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She appeared lost, sad and angry all at the same time.

She was recovering from the death of her boyfriend; looking for someone to love again when a handsome man walked up to her, tripping over his own tongue. She asked him a single question and received the answer she wanted. Taking him back to her place, she showed it what it was like to love unconditionally.

R.E Wood did a good job of portraying love and loss in just a few pages; the heartbreak that was suffered after only one night had my own heart a little sore. However, not knowing the name of the characters until the final pages, kept me from becoming the lead character. I was unable to be them as I didn’t know them. They loved, lost, and that was incredible, but not knowing their names left it impersonal.

Blood Red

Title: Blood Red
Author: Aline de Chevigny
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60168-064-8
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Het (m/f)
Rating: 2 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Mikael De Wohlf lives up to his well-earned reputation as a ruthless vampire ruler. His methods of meting out justice are brutal, and he's earned the nickname Cereberus Gnosis, relating to the wise but vicious hound of Hell. No one has ever been able to tame him... until Annabella Micelli.

Annabella comes from a long line of humans who've sworn their allegiance to Mikael's clan, and she's spent the last several years as his personal assistant. She despises his cold-hearted ways, yet she can't deny the emotions and desires he ignites within her.

One way or another, Mikael will have her, though Annabella isn't one to be ordered about.

Blood Red is the first book in the Chronicles of the Cursed series. I had a hard time getting into the story, to be honest. There's a lot of potential here, but I felt that it wasn't given enough space to develop.

The characters are intriguing, but I think they could've been much better with a bit more details. Mikael's past was given in something of an info-dump at the beginning, but there weren't too many details for Annabella. The sex between them (and the sexual tension) was hot, but the overall storyline fell a bit flat for me.

Another point to mention is the editing. While I can overlook a few errors here and there, there were too many in Blood Red. From oddly placed commas, to homonyms and misspellings, the errors were distracting.

All in all, Blood Red is a decent attempt that hints at a bigger world.

Carey'd Away

Title: Carey'd Away
Author: J.M. Snyder
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-505-8
Genre: Gay M/M, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

After a hard night of partying, the last place Carey wants to be is at the comic book convention hosted by the hotel where he works. Wandering the hotel floor making sure everyone is setting up okay and looking for a place to crash, Carey is surprised to see someone that just might make the whole day worthwhile.

Patrick can’t believe he let his friend talk him into helping her at the comic book convention. To top things off, she is late, which leaves Patrick to set up the area on his own. While cleaning up a mess, Patrick hears something that changes his whole day - a wolf whistle.

Carey’d Away is a fun, fast, read by J. M. Snyder. Taking place during the course of a day, the story tells us about two very different people. Carey, the overly confident hotel employee, and Patrick, the shy self-conscious young man who is helping a friend. Each intrigued by the other, the two realize that working the convention might not be so bad after all.

Two Loves for Alex

Title: Two Loves for Alex
Author: Claire Thompson
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419922107
Genre: Ménage à trois or More / BDSM, M/F/M
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Alex is enjoying her time with Liam and Daniel. The men have taken her further in her submissive training than she ever thought possible. Their intense sessions have left Alex hungry for more, leading her to form a closer bond than anyone imagined possible expected. Alex is falling in love with her Masters.

Liam and Daniel have a great deal to work out. They both have strong feelings for Alex that threaten their relationship. Neither knows how to bring up the delicate subject without causing a riff, but the silence is causing more damage than good.
Liam wants Daniel to have an outlet for his dominant impulses, but won’t risk losing his lover. Is there a way to make this new situation work, or will Alex be permanently removed from the picture?

Two Loves for Alex is the sequel to Two Masters for Alex. The headstrong young woman isn’t using her womanly wiles to gain the advantage, as she would in the past. It was nice to see her embrace her role more. There were a few shaky moments but each character found a way to learn from each encounter. I’ll have to admit there were moments where I wasn’t particularly happy with a few of Alex’s decisions, but was happy to see them work out for the best. The story is laced with steamy sexual scenes and a splash of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Claire Thompson has written a wonderful story sure to entertain those who enjoy BDSM.

Reader Advisory: Story contains a sexual slavery scene that could be considered disturbing.

The Sarran Plague

Title: The Sarran Plague
Author: A.C. Katt
Publisher: Eternal Press
Publisher URL: http://www.eternalpress.ca/
ISBN: 978-1-926647-67-8
Genre: Science Fiction/Erotic/M/M/F Ménage
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

When the Sarran Fleet returns home, the warriors are horrified to discover that their hated enemy, the Zyptz, have released a virus into the atmosphere, killing all the fertile females on the planet. Faced with the destruction of the Sarran race, the fleet heads out into the galaxy in search of a planet with fems capable of physically and psychically bonding to a warrior pair, thus completing a triad. After nearly two cycles, they find the planet they are looking for…Earth. Many fear the females on this small backward world will be unable to complete the bond the warriors need, but that fear is soon put to rest. As the fleet gets closer to their destination, the mental voices of fems are felt calling out to their mates. The women are afraid, alone, in pain and dying after being infected by an unknown virus that has decimated the fertile females of the planet.

The mate of Admirals Tonas and Jonal is one of those voices calling out into space…one of the women dying in agony. Once these two warriors mentally bond with their mate, Dr. Anya Forrest, they are determined to save her no matter what the cost, or what deal they have to make with a corrupt government.

The Sarran Plague is the first book by author A.C. Katt that I’ve had the chance to read, and I’ll say up front that I found this science fiction romance to be both entertaining and enjoyable. Ms. Katt has done a very nice job in her world-building, giving a comprehensive understanding of human and Sarran society under attack by unseen forces, bent on the complete destruction of all humanoid life-forms. I must admit that you don’t really learn much about the Zyptz race until nearly the end, and then I cringed at what Earth creature they resembled, and laughed at what could destroy them. That little addition was a perfect out-of-the-blue surprise I really appreciated.

For an unknown author (for me), I was very pleased to find that Ms. Katt pulled me into the story on the very first page and kept my interest until the last word. The story flow is fast-paced but smooth, and it has all the components needed for an exciting story, no matter what the genre. You’ve got pain, suffering, love, desire, and passion, a culture in flux, deceit, betrayal and blistering hot sex between Tonas, Jonal and Anya. What more could you ask? How about some interesting secondary characters, both human and psychic feline, who round out the tale nicely, giving it depth and forward momentum.

I don’t know if Ms. Katt has any intention of turning this book into a series, but I, for one, would welcome more tales of the Sarran warriors as they struggle to re-build their world and claim their destined mates.

Beyond Innocence

Title: Beyond Innocence
Author: Nikki Soarde
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419919299
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Silver Minx

Two men are shot and left for dead. A young family finds one with barely a pulse. Somehow, one of the men survives but doesn’t remember a thing. A physiotherapist named Marnie Grant becomes his only friend. She names him Luke Blue and helps him rediscover his life. Downside is those who left him for dead come back to finish the job.

This book was rather surprising. I kept trying to guess who Luke really was and when I thought I had it, Ms. Soarde changed it. The sex scenes were intimate enough to be almost romantic, but not like porn. I loved the overall plot of the story. I think the best part is the ending where everything comes together and is explained.

Seeds of Time 1: Blue Roses

Title: Seeds of Time 1: Blue Roses
Author: G.S. Wiley
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-702-2
Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary, M/M
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Simon finds himself in an age-old predicament, when he discovers his boyfriend’s web of deceit. Brokenhearted Simon tries to move forward but his pain is evident to those who love him. His sister decides he deserves happiness and buys him a potion guaranteed to show Simon his true love. Simon’s opinion of the potion and its creator alters from doubter to true believer when he finds himself in the past.

Simon is a sweet man who illustrates realistic traits through action and behavior. He’s just like any other ordinary person who seeks love and acceptance. The extent of his boyfriend Adrian’s betrayal was enough to make me want to horsewhip him. I could feel the emotions coursing through Simon and my heart went out to him. G.S. Wiley did a wonderful job transitioning between the two periods. I felt as if I was standing next to Simon when he stepped out to discover his new surroundings. I’ll admit I was proud of his reaction through it all. Seeds of Time 1: Blue Roses was a wonderful way to begin a series, and I’m looking forward to reading more about the character and seeing what his next step will be.

Tarotica

Title: Tarotica
Author: Amber Austin
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Publisher URL: www.ravenousromance.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60777-092-3
Genre: Erotic Romance
Rating: 2.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Miranda decides to fulfill her dream of traveling across country after her father dies. She starts in California and meets Eli in San Francisco. Eli is on the run because he discovered a disease in the vineyard he worked at that had previously only been found in France and has been threatened.

Both Miranda and Eli spend time together and alone, traveling to various states and taking different lovers. While both decide that they actually want to be together as a couple, they are reluctant to say anything.

The premise of Tarotica was using the 21 cards of the Major Arcana in the Tarot deck to take the reader on Miranda’s journey. The premise of the story would have been an interesting one if the author could have been consistent. I found the story a little disjointed and felt that some of the chapters had nothing to do with the symbolism of the cards they represented. I also felt the reader needed a basic understanding of the Tarot to even begin to understand half of what was going on or even to enjoy the story.

The Prize

Title: The Prize
Author: Kira Chase
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-281-7
Genre: Contemporary/GLBT (lesbian)
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Micki has lusted after and longed for Starlyn for two years. As the manager of the popular lesbian nightclub, TM's, Starlyn has watched Micki float from woman to woman, never landing anywhere long. Micki finally gives up, figuring Starlyn simply doesn't want her. Then TM's hosts a charity contest in which the winner gets a date with Starlyn. Micki enters... and wins. Now she just has to make the night one that neither of them – especially Starlyn – ever forgets.

The Prize is a well-written romance centering on two beautiful but lonely women. While the plot isn't deep, the emotions are, and when Micki and Starlyn finally get each other alone, it's worth the wait. The sex was very well done, soft and satisfying but never over-the-top.

Overall, The Prize is a feel-good lesbian romance, one I'd be inclined to recommend for someone looking for a light but fun read.

Something Pumping

Title: Something Pumping
Author: Marie Rochelle
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.redrosepublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60435-326-6
Genre: Contemporary/Interracial
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Her good-for-nothing brother was doing his best to ruin Jaleena Falcon’s big day. She couldn’t understand what had him so upset this particular day, but Jaleena was tired of dealing with him. Just as it seemed all was hopeless for Jaleena, help arrived. Having the man of her dreams show up with a plunger was the last thing Jaleena was expecting.

Cage Harrison breathed a sigh of relief when a plumbing emergency gave him the perfect excuse to ditch his ex-girlfriend. Instead of concentrating on her toilet, all Cage could think about was finding out how Jaleena’s lips would taste. All he had to do was get her to say ‘yes’ to a date and the rest would be easy.

Things heat up quickly and Jaleena and Cage can’t seem to keep their minds or hands off each other. Business is booming and love is in the air but not everything is perfect. Between family members and Cage’s ex-girlfriend, this couple might have a wedge placed between them that could keep them apart forever.

Time heals wounds, they say, but I am still crushed by the length of time it took Cage to come to his senses and go after Jaleena. It’s a good thing he looks so good in a pair of jeans or I might not have forgiven him so quickly. Jaleena must be superhuman because I doubt I could have dealt with that bad seed brother, as long as she did. True love can conquer all, but not without some ups and downs, apparently, and Something Pumping is a perfect example of this. Marie Rochelle created characters that evoke strong emotions. Some of them I loved, some of them I hated, and others I just pitied. All in all, the suspense and sex balanced to make this story one that must not be ignored.

One More Word

Title: One More Word

Author: Dallas Coleman

Publisher: Torquere Press

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

ISBN: N/A

Genre: Contemporary, M/M

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Henley is sick and tired of writing love stories. He doesn’t believe in them, but all his editor wants from him are weddings and babies. So when Henley gets a call from his ex-boyfriend, Jack, he does what he always does and goes to him, despite his ex being a liar and a cheater. However, this time Jack has something to say – but will Henley give him the chance?

I am quite the fan of Dallas Coleman, only because the author has fresh ideas and a very good voice. One More Word is an interesting piece and one that has some very fascinating characters. Henley is a writer – busy writing stories about couples in love. He isn’t feeling the romance after being burned by his ex-boyfriend. Henley is very amusing and even more so because the story is written in his point of view. Henley’s cheating ex-boyfriend Jack only comes into play near the end; however the description of the man was very good. I felt like I knew him for the short time he was introduced, and it wasn’t just because of the extensive detailing on Jack’s appearance. If there is one thing I would criticise, it is the ‘one-word’ sentence use. I despise that technique. I believe the author could have used a simple sentence to describe the emotions, instead of breaking three or so words into separate sentences. It does not add appeal or any charm to the story overall. However, despite my one qualm, I highly enjoyed this story and I do hope the author decides to visit Jack and Henley again.

Better Late Than Never

Title: Better Late Than Never
Author: Stephanie Morris
Publisher: Amira Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amirapress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935348-31-3
Genre: Interracial Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Randy Stroud has spent the past six years living with what he deems the biggest mistake of his life. When he left his high school sweetheart, Kristen Smith, without a fight, Randy knew his life would never be the same. He hasn’t felt complete since that fateful day, and seeing Kristen again solidifies that thought. Randy is now ready to do whatever it takes to regain her love and affection.

Kristen is the owner of a daycare center and is ecstatic over fulfilling one of her dreams. Unexpectedly seeing Randy and his young son helps Kristen discover she’s not “over” Randy, in fact she loves him more than ever.

Randy refuses to let a second opportunity for love to slip through his fingers. Will their romance remain a distant memory or can Kristen and Randy rediscover love?

Stephanie Morris writes about forgiveness, trust, and rediscovering love in Better Late Than Never. The story takes place in a town where few secrets remain such in this small close net community. Randy knew the moment he walked away from Kristen he made a mistake, but pride and fear wouldn’t allow him to ask for a second chance. Facing her was the kick in the pants he needed wake him up. Kristen was so hurt that day that she never moved on. One look in his eyes told Kristen her solution was more of a Band-Aid than a cure. I enjoyed watching this couple come to grips over this past hurts. There were a few slow moments for me in this book, but I understood the author’s need to give sufficient background information. I couldn’t comprehend some of Kristen’s actions when it came to Randy, especially allowing him into her bed with such uncertainty looming in the future. However, I have to admit the intimacy seemed to aid in them growing closer and strengthened their emotional connection. The supporting characters brought spice to this story, and had me hoping to see them again in the near future. If you enjoy stories about the one that got away, then you’ll enjoy Better Late Than Never.

Captive

Title: Captive
Author: Scarlet Blackwell
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935192-90-9
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM, M/M
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

An Alaskan retreat seems to be the perfect location for author Gabriel Black to work on his latest novel. Gabriel has a deadline looming on the horizon and hopes the hideaway’s solace will allow some peace and quiet. When Ethan, an armed trespasser, makes his presence known, he turns Gabriel’s winter abode into an inescapable prison. Gabriel’s desire to work changes to a quest for survival, and the author isn’t above using seduction to escape. Will Ethan fall for his attempts, or will Gabriel make the situation worse than he could ever imagine?

Captive is set in a picturesque Alaskan home. While Gabriel is scared in his current position, his craving for BDSM comes to the surface during his interactions with Ethan on a subconscious level. Scarlet Blackwell’s Captive is a creative story, and while some of Gabriel’s reactions seemed a bit of an extreme for a prisoner’s responses, you soon understand his reactions and then are able to relate to his feelings towards Ethan. The story itself is more complex than meets the eye, which surprised me. I was then able to understand fully why Ethan drew such strong reactions from Gabriel. I found the story to be an enjoyable read and recommend it to those who enjoy capture scenes in their novels.

The Edge of Desperation

Title: The Edge of Desperation
Author: Jason Edding and James Buchanan
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60820-043-6
Genre: Sci-Fi, Futuristic Romance, M/M
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

The Dark Robe Society 2 - Jason Edding 4 Nymphs

Jack Harrow and Edge Fland, with the help of the rebel soldiers, have escaped to the underground stronghold located one thousand feet below the surface. Jack’s unique abilities make him too dangerous for the Black Robes to abandon their intent to destroy him. Checking for structural damage after a near-miss attack from the Dark Robes, Lt. Toren Mir reports his findings to Commander Alton Tees. Tees has secretly desired Toren; however he knew that Toren is Admiral Dobson’s lover, so Tees remains quiet about his feelings even when he notices Toren watching him. When Dobson is discovered to be a replacement clone working for the Black Robes, he is destroyed. Tees takes command of the rebellion and appoints Toren as his assistant. Confessing his feelings to Toren, he discovers that the desire is mutual. Jack and Edge, joining forces with Toren and Tees, set out to bring down the Black Robes Society.

Beyond Duty - James Buchanan 4 Nymphs

Stranded on a planet engaged in war, Sargent Alad Deming is walking in the slum sector known as Desperation Alley in search of an information broker who could give him a lead on soldier assignments for his unit and him. Along the way, Alad meets another soldier who only gave his name as Hirah. Alad does a hand signal to let Hirah know he would be interested in sex and Hirah gives the ‘I agree’ signal. Together they venture into an establishment that serves food, drinks and cushions on the floor. After a night of enjoyment, Alad and Hirah promise to contact each other via the service house. However, they meet again sooner than expected when Alad is summoned by a Captain looking for soldiers and his commanding officer is none other than Lt. Hirah Gahage, a dangerous outcast from Krtayurga. Warned of the danger concerning Hirah, Alad cannot resist him, and vice versa. What started as an attraction grows into love and respect. Both men are honorable and vow to uphold those standards Beyond Duty.

The Edge of Desperation is an impressive futuristic saga filled with creative creatures, well-written plots, chaos and extremely enticing love scenes. Strong characters tackle the challenges and undertake the crucial finish considered necessary. Since The Dark Robe Society is a series, I got the impression from the ending that another episode is possible. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these fascinating stories.

Space Escapes

Title: Space Escapes
Author: Jason Edding and Angela Fiddler
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-934531-76-1
Genre: SCI-Fi, M/M
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Dark Robe Heart: Dark Robe Society 1- Jason Edding 4.5 Nymphs

Jack Harrow has become cynical on the subject of his creators, an underground society established in the Earth year of 2140 by disgruntled scientists with God-like complexes. At the present year of 2575, Jack formulates his escape to Jupiter and following close behind Jack is Edge Fland, an assassin for the Dark Robes. Edge has orders to exterminate Jack; however, after being intimate during the voyage, a strong magnetism between the two men develops. Now Edge, as well as Jack, is being hunted.

The Bright Side of Midnight - Angela Fiddler 3 Nymphs

Dr. Tavish Pan is returning to the mining colony Midnight after finishing his education, which was financed by the colony. His goal is to find a cure for Black Lung. The workers who are mining Arochos, the main ingredient used to create a mood enhancer drug, are the most affected by the sickness or so Tavish believes. However once he is on the planet and starts testing, he finds there is drug addiction with life-threatening side effects also. Jordan Patrice, the man who becomes Tavish’s lover, is addicted to the drug and Tavish has even more reason to find the cure for several ailments. Blocking the progress for a cure are the corrupt men with their own agenda for keeping the mines open. One of those men is Rees, who supplies the men with drugs to keep them under his control. Tavish is in a race against time to stay alive, find a cure and save the men on Midnight.

Space Escapes is an intriguing sci-fi anthology that overall I found enjoyable. Each story has a plot of complex puzzles that are revealed as the story moves forward; each has a love interest with intimate encounters, and in each story greed, as well as power-hungry villains bordering on insanity, is illustrated.

Threads of Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Private Dicks

Title: Private Dicks
Author: Katie Allen
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921674
Genre: Gay Contemporary M/M
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Isaac Rhodes is a man who invokes fear in others. He was a good cop and now without the rules and bureaucratic tape, he’s a hell of a private investigator. His partner, Nate Washington, plays the starring role in Rhodes' fantasies. Wash is Rhodes' version of a diabetic with a slice of chocolate cake in front of them. He knows he wants a taste but fears the repercussions. After a year of silence, Rhodes lets Wash know there will be no women in his bed, and Wash finds himself in a quandary. While Wash is attracted to Rhodes, he’s not sure if he’s ready for a gay relationship, especially a public one.

In the midst of this newly discovered and acted upon attraction, the P.I.’s find themselves involved in a case that will test their professional skills and their hearts.

Private Dicks introduces us to two men; one as hard as nails and the other handsome enough to make your teeth ache. Their abilities differ and allows for a higher degree of success when it comes to closing their cases. There is a nice balance to the couple. Rhodes and Wash are manly men with their own quirks that don’t mind dishing out a friendly ribbing. It made their attraction easier to understand and believable for me. Katie Allen brings action, suspense, mystery, and erotic encounters to us in this story. Some of the subject matter presented may be unsettling to some, but it was included more as reference details instead of an attempt to create a shock factor. I believe I appreciated this most about the author. Ms. Allen depicted their more tender moments in a way that didn’t alter my perception of the men or make them girly. I absolutely enjoyed reading Private Dicks and I hope to read more of Katie Allen’s stories in the near future.

Sit Up and Beg

Title: Sit Up and Beg
Author: Julia Talbot
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Paranormal, M/M
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Werewolf Killian gets kidnapped by a psycho man who amuses himself with capturing magical creatures and making them fight to the death. Evan is a shifter himself and wormed his way into the organisation to help these creatures. Usually Evan is too late to help the were-creatures, but not with Killian, who has a whole of fight still left in him.

Sit Up and Beg is an action-packed story. The author dedicates a good chunk of the story on Killian getting captured and the way Evan helps Killian escape. Whilst that aspect was good, I didn’t find it very interesting, as it didn’t elicit any “on the edge of my seat” kind of feeling. The romance between Killian and Evan went too quick and felt forced, making for an abrupt ending. It didn’t make much sense, despite the author stating the time of their escape and their romance being six months later. Overall, I found the story disjointed and a little bland but even though the action didn’t do much for me – the fact the author chose to start the story that way was a refreshing change.

Slippery When Wet

Title: Slippery When Wet
Author: Stone Richards
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-282-4
Genre: Contemporary/Gay (m/m)
Rating: 1.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Newly-single Devon Markum is dealing with a rough break-up when he hires a hunky college student to clean his pool. The first time he sees Marty Phillips, he finds himself unable to stop thinking about the man. A chance meeting at a bar ends in a hot night of sex for them both, but what happens when Devon's architectural firm takes on a particular new client with ties to Marty?

Slippery When Wet didn't grab my attention as well as I'd hoped. The storyline seemed a bit too contrived and the ending too convenient. The sex scenes left me rather cold, primarily due to the neverending 'male' this and 'male' that. It's clear these are men, and while buzz words are one thing, I think this story went a bit too far. Another issue I had is the tricky one with pronouns. There were many scenes in which a diagram was almost needed, despite there being only two men. It's a hard balance to get right: that of pronouns and proper names; but Slippery When Wet went too far to the pronoun side to the point where it wasn't clear who was doing what.

I wish I could recommend Slippery When Wet because it has potential with a bit more polishing, but I honestly can't.