The Macgregor’s Daughter

Title: The Macgregor’s Daughter
Author: Dee Julian
Publisher: Wild Child Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935013-87-7
Genre: {M/F} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Dreya Macgregor has lost both parents, or so she has been led to believe most of her life. Now she learns that the Macgregor, the clan leader is her real father. Her mother lied to her about who her real father was because of their cultural differences. When she finds herself accused of spying by the Marquis of Canderlay, she has to escape prison before going before the King and runs into Canderlay while getting away. She only wants her father back from his supply trip, and is willing to let Lucian go because of her feelings for him.

Lucian Adams, Marquis of Canderlay, has found himself in the position of lackey to the King of England and he doesn’t like it one bit. Thanks to his father’s gambling debt, he now must search out smugglers for the king and finds the job distasteful. Little did he know that he would find himself at the mercy of the very person he accused of spying, five years later. What he does to save Dreya confuses her father, the Macgregor and himself, because he refused to accept his true feelings about her.

The Macgregor’s Daughter is a very adventurous story that is inspiring to those who love the sea life. There is so much going on, I had to really pay close attention and I am still a little confused by one particular part of Dreya’s life. Although she is a hellion with the personality to go with it, she has a heart of gold when it comes to the people of her father’s clan and anyone in trouble. The loyalty displayed by the characters was touching and, sometimes unwarranted.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Julian, and I find myself wanting to read more from her. She created a truly amazing story of espionage, murder, love, and pirates that had me captivated throughout the story. It took me a little time to hone in on the Scottish burr that was spoken but encouraged me to plan a visit to Scotland in the near future. The secondary characters really added a lot to the plot of the story and the clan healer is an important fixture. If you are looking for adventure, you have found it. Read and enjoy.

The Sexorcist

Title: The Sexorcist
Author: Vivi Andrews
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-992-2
Genre: [M/F] Contemporary Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

The offices of Karmic Consultants are in turmoil. A demon is threatening an important wedding and business goings-on have scared off every receptionist the temp agency has sent them until optimistic and perky Brittany Hylton-VanDeere walks through the door. A wedding to plan? No problem. How hard can salvaging flowers, a dress, the bridal cake and finding a new reception hall be? Nothing can damper Brittany’s outlook - not even knowing office romances are against company policy - and she has her eye on the sexy tattooed hunk who happens to be a talented exorcist.

Luis Rodriguez is a first rate exorcist but he’s tired of the local desperate housewives summoning demons just so they can spend a little time with him. He also doesn’t know what to make of Brittany. How can one person be so bright and chipper? He doesn’t understand her outlook on life but protecting her from a malicious demon opens his eyes, and his heart, to her charms. As the wedding date approaches, the danger increases and if Luis doesn’t find a way to find and banish the demon, the demon might stop Brittany permanently.

The Sexorcist is the latest release in the fun and creative Karmic Consultants series. It’s a fast paced and well written contemporary paranormal release filled with unique and unusual characters, a quirky premise and fun, snappy dialogue that’s guaranteed to keep your attention from beginning to end. Oh, and let’s not forget the intense attraction and blistering hot sex between Brittany and Luis. While these two lovers make up the backbone of the story, characters met in previous releases add great fun, a little chaos and some amusing situations that left me chuckling.

I love Brittany and her optimistic personality and I even love her over-the-top enthusiasm for life. Having a main character be the recipient of a heart transplant was unexpected, but I appreciate and applaud Ms. Andrews for the realistic touch. Brittany’s sweet, funny, outgoing and never let the ho-hum’s- of-everyday-life dampen her boisterous spirits. I enjoyed the addition of her caring parents that are still obsessed with her health, ten years after her successful surgery.

Luis is the epitome of an in-control Alpha male and once Brittany is threatened, the tattooed hunk goes into full protection mode. He’s loyal, talented, intense, dedicated and passionate in his desire to save the woman he’s come to care for.

The premise that a malicious demon is trying to disrupt a wedding is fun and unexpected, as is the reason behind it. I won’t divulge the who or why but let’s just say that Karmic Consultants owner, Karma, is less than pleased and vowing retribution.

Breakfast At Tiffany's

Title: Breakfast At Tiffany's
Author: Lynn Lorenz
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-644-4
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Interracial, Multicultural
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Scott decided there was no better place for a gay man to live than in New Orleans. Life isn’t easy for the homeless man and while there are easier ways to make money, Scott refuses to use those alternatives. He enjoys his job at Tiffany's Waffles 'n' Wings. The establishment has become his haven.

Tony has always been a resident of the Big Easy. The events of Hurricane Katrina still haunt him to this day. Homeless himself, Tony just wants food to eat, but after encountering Scott, he wants more.

The two men find shelter in each other’s arms, and a mutually shared dream for a better future.

Breakfast At Tiffany's takes us to New Orleans, where we meet Tony and Scott. The men are as different as night and day in some aspects, but they both understand the struggle for survival and the importance of maintaining self-respect. I loved both characters equally, and could see the wonderful impact they had on one another. The story reminded me of how much I have and made me feel slightly proud of all that I’ve accomplished.

To see people struggle to keep food on the table without a word of complaint, well I found it humbling. Lynn Lorenz has a style that is all her own. Her characters are ever changing, the settings always have a subtle allure and the plots are sound and believable. I think that’s why she is one of my favorite authors to read. Pick up a copy and enjoy!

Winner Takes All

Title: Winner Takes All
Author: Jenny Urban and Elizabeth Silver
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-568-5
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Dom and Matt are longtime friends with benefits. Although Dom is gay and out, Matt is straight, or so he thinks, and is wondering why the perfect relationship keeps eluding him. When Matt runs into some business trouble, Dom steps in with another one of their friendly bets to help his buddy out.

Winner Takes All is the new story by authors Jenny Urban and Elizabeth Silver. While this is the first of their books I have read, it won’t be my last. The characters in this story are very engaging; the banter between them is very lively and shows the strong connection between them. Although I thought Dom came across a little sleazy when he proposed the business bet with Matt, I was able to quickly forgive him as the authors do a wonderful job showcasing Dom’s true feelings for Matt. They also allow Matt to show some confusion over the sudden need he feels for his best friend, which gave the story a realistic feel. As both men work on their growing feelings for each other and the sudden change in their relationship, I could not help but be drawn in.

This story has very few secondary characters and those in it have little interaction with the main characters, yet that does not hamper this story in anyway. That the two main characters are able to carry this fun story on their own is due to the wonderful writing by these two authors. If you are looking for a fun read, get Winner Takes All; you won’t be disappointed.

Light of the Body

Title: Light of the Body
Author: Mark Alders
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-537-5
Genre: {M/M/M} Science Fiction
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Jacob Theison is still haunted by the scary alien attacks in Pembroke Eve two months ago. However, before their lives can return to normal, a new home grown predicament takes place. Barking dogs alert Jacob and his live-in boyfriend Callum to a disturbance outside. When Jacob goes out to investigate with Callum behind him, they encounter a strange man who bites Callum, leaving him pregnant. Some of the townspeople are now zombies and the events point to his friend Suzy, who is missing. Enlisting the help of his friend Zane, they set out to discover the cause, in addition to a cure, for this new attack. Along the way, Jacob also realizes that Zane is bisexual, as well as in love with both Jacob and Callum.

Light of the Body is the fantastic action packed Book 2 in the Pembroke Eve Chronicles. The storyline is well written with a fast pace; the characters developed with companionable interaction and the intimate scenes are breathtaking. Jacob is burdened with a huge amount of curiosity, which leads him to jump into situations without forethought or a means of defense. He is compassionate, as well as easy-going, until his loved ones are in danger, and then he is non-stop action. Callum is shy; he relies on others to take command in everything except making love but then he wants to be in charge. Zane uses jokes to hide his fear of rejection from people. Zane is a warrior with a resourceful common sense manner. He is, for the most part, protective of Jacob and Callum.

The creative Mark Alders has produced an extremely thrilling episode that I enjoyed enormously. I look forward to the next installment of this series.

Twilight

Title: Twilight
Author: Carolina Valdez
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-647-5
Genre: {M/M} Dark Fantasy, Shapeshifter, Action, Adventure
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Twilight is a mystical time, where wondrous things can happen. Lakota Native Cade Montana is a horse whisperer who manages a small spread in Wyoming. His love of animals has always created a peace in Cade.

Dr. Lee Donaldson remembers vividly the first time they met and his instant attraction to Cade’s strength and ability to tame wild horses. Over time, the men become friends and lovers.

Cade’s introduction into his new abilities makes him sadly aware that there is no room in his life for Lee. The penalty of revealing the truth to an outsider is death and Cade would rather break Lee’s heart than to cause his demise. While Cade plans to keep his distance, Fate has other ideas and won’t allow the lovers to suffer forever.

Carolina Valdez takes us to the picturesque Mountain Valley, Wyoming for a delightful story about love and acceptance. Lee is a good man with a heart filled with love for Cade and the animals he works with. Cade understands horses, and working on the ranch, he knows the dangers of predatory animals first hand. It was hard to side with either man during some of their conflict, because both had valid points. While I could understand Cade’s fear of telling Lee and reluctance to continue with their relationship, I was unsure if being alone was the right decision. Fortunately, part of Cade understood that sometimes you just have to trust the one you love.

Twilight is a well-written story, which encompasses a sound plot, brilliant setting, and fantastic characters that pull you into the thick of things. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story and believe those who read this genres will be elated they bought the book.

Owned

Title: Owned
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-968-2
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary BDSM
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymphs

Billy and Tanny are still working on their relationship and together, they’re moving farther into the dominance and submission aspects of their life together. Montana is still having difficulties with complete trust, always feeling inadequate and unworthy of Billy’s love, no matter how many times he’s shown and told otherwise. Yet, Billy’s faith in his wounded lover remains strong and he’s certain that together they can find the subspace that Tanny needs to be truly happy and content.

Oliver is still missing and Jack and all their friends are worried, especially when it becomes evident that his strange and out of character behavior started much earlier than anyone initially suspected. The close-knit members of the Hammer community rally around Jack, lending him the emotional and physical support he needs during the crisis. Billy, Marcus and the others are filled with questions and self-recriminations that Oliver’s odd conduct wasn’t noticed earlier and they’re all afraid if they don’t find him quickly, something terrible might happen.

Owned is the latest release in Sean Michael’s Hammer series and it takes up almost immediately where Snared left off. As with all of the books in this contemporary BDSM series, Owned is filled with passion, desire and blistering hot sex mixed in with a very healthy dose of dominance and submission. It’s also filled with caring, friendship, loyalty and trust. Both portions of the story (Billy/Tanny vs. Oliver/Jack) are intense and at times a little painful, but with the pain comes growth and recovery, both as couples and as friends. There’s even some fun, snappy dialogue mixed in with the pain and angst.

There were parts that were out of sequence—the timeline confusing and a little distracting. There wasn’t any mention of Marcus’ lover Jim or Doc Manning’s sub Les and why is Margaret alive, when she died back in the Arcana release Control. And where did Frank come from? I don’t remember him from previous releases, yet the men of the story all seem very familiar with him, including sharing the opinion that the aggressive ex-cop is a submissive. Why did Oliver spend so much of the story missing and how did Jack and the others miss that something was so wrong with him? Lastly, I’d love to finally learn what’s in Tanny’s past he can’t deal with and why. Getting a breadcrumb trail of information is frustrating.

Needed

Title: Needed
Author: A.J. Llewellyn
Publisher: eXasty Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-542-9
Genre: {M/M}, {M/M/M}, Contemporary, Suspense
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Mingo and Francois are happy and loving life. While Mingo might wish things were going a little better on the business front, both men are working on improving family ties, enjoying a great group of friends and of course, their sex life couldn’t be better or hotter. Then the other shoe fell.

Needed, the second story in the Mingo McCloud series, picks up five months after the end of Wanted. Mingo and Francois are tighter than ever and the passion hotter. I wondered how the author was planning on following up the first book but should not have worried as Needed is wonderfully done. With just the right combination of romance and mystery, A.J. Llewellyn brings these two back to life for the reader. As we go through life with them, the reader sees how some things have changed – Mingo no longer works for Benny - and some things have stayed the same – the intense love and need between Mingo and Francois. The author doesn’t make their lives all good times and sex however, as he throws in some light angst to keep things interesting. There are also a variety of wonderful secondary characters, some new and some returning. These characters help round out the story as Francois goes missing and Mingo goes searching for his man.

With Mingo and Francois quickly becoming two of my favorite Llewellyn characters, I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Still The One

Title: Still The One
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-674-1
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Dustin Jones and his boyfriend Malcolm Rowland have come to a crossroad in their careers. Dustin works as a chef, with an opportunity to advance. Malcolm started out doing community theater and is now an actor in some of Los Angeles’ major venues. When the chance to act on Broadway is presented to Malcolm, he takes it, leaving Dustin in Los Angeles. With each day spent in New York, Malcolm begins to question his decision and how it will affect his relationship with Dustin.

Still The One is the sequel to The Best Gift. In this episode, Dustin and Malcolm have been together for five years. Malcolm is an author of gay romance, in addition to being a theater actor. It had always been a dream of his to be on stage. The experience in New York is an eye opener for Malcolm. He realizes his new friends are superficial and self-absorbed. This is the first time he has been away from Dustin for a long period of time and Malcolm is very lonely. Dustin dreams of becoming the head chef at the restaurant and his dream comes true when the current head chef retires. Dustin is not pleased that Malcolm is so far away; however he will do anything to make Malcolm happy, including encourage him to achieve his goals.

The amazing Shawn Lane has created a wonderfully emotional story of self-discovery. Still The One is an outstanding saga that I enjoyed immensely.

The Best Gift

Title: The Best Gift
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-624-6
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Malcolm Rowland arrives at the restaurant where his best friend Dustin Jones works. Dustin needs a ride and Malcolm’s live-in boyfriend has to work, or so he says. Malcolm discovers his boyfriend holding hands with another man plus he learns that this is not the first time he’s cheated. Dustin offers Malcolm a place to stay, in hopes that they can finally move beyond friendship.

The Best Gift is a Christmas theme short story. Malcolm and Dustin have been best friends since high school. Both men were secretly in love with each other; however missed opportunity played a big role in moving their friendship forward to the next level. Malcolm’s break-up with his boyfriend gave them the time to explore their feelings. Malcolm is quiet and trusting. He believes what he is told without considering it could be a lie. Dustin gives the appearance of being laid back, however he is very protective of Malcolm.

The storyline is well written, in addition to being very touching. The talented Shawn Lane has created a heartwarming and very enjoyable introduction to Malcolm and Dustin.

Beyond the Shadows

Title: Beyond the Shadows
Author: Deirdre O'Dare
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-670-3
Genre: {M/M} Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Action, Adventure
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Theirs is a bond that spans the length of time…

First-year Border Patrol officers Rhys Davis and Liam Malone are part of a triad of best friends. Their small unit, formed since the second grade, has strengthened over time. The hidden desire Rhys and Liam harbor to be more than just simple friends has always been close to the surface for both men. The feelings that pull Rhys and Liam are too complex and coupled with memories of a shared past have the men considering their relationship was destined to be more.

Their first assignment has them on the trail of a Soul-Eater. Do those visions contain the knowledge needed to defeat the being? Will the friendship survive this new level of intimacy?

Deirdre O'Dare’s new release Beyond the Shadows takes us into New Mexico, near the Arizona border. I’ve always loved the brilliant hues of that area and could imagine the breathing Southwest backdrop. This was the perfect area for the story. The magnitude of destruction and havoc promised this would be a spectacular battle, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Rhys and Liam’s bond was established and made taking the next step in their relationship believable and unrushed. Their friendship has a great balance and I could see moments where they drew strength from one another. Their connection was so pure, untainted by lust or desire, and supported by an undying love. Rhys and Liam’s emotions spilled out on every page and I knew there was no way the Soul-Eater could win against their love and devotion to protect not only each other, but those in the Soul-Eater’s path.

Beyond the Shadows has a well-developed plot and mixes dark fantasy with action and suspense to create a fascinating story. I would recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal gay erotica, with a touch of chills and thrills.

House Money

Title: House Money
Author: Susan DiPlacido
Publisher: Mundania Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mundania.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-340-8
Genre: {M/F} Mystery
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Eva Russo is taking her life in hand by opening up an art gallery with the theme of mobsters. Her father is owner of a failing casino in Las Vegas and he is also head of the “family”, as they call it. When her father ends up being murdered on his way to her exhibit, she goes a little crazy and starts to cook up a plan to change the way Dave is handling the business. She knows who ordered the hit on her father, it was, Dave ‘The Sheik’ DeSantis, the mobster who is taking charge of the hotel.

With Dave making his way up the ranks of the family and after seventeen years of waiting for Eva’s father to be murdered, he finally gets what he wants. He goes too far in his arrogance by stepping right into her father’s office and taking over as head of the family. Now that he is occupied with a new girlfriend and money coming up missing, Dave misses the real reason Eva comes to town. His temper and greed get the best of him and causes him to make some decisions that will later come back to haunt him.

When I started reading House Money, I was sucked in very quickly and found myself wanting to rush to the end to see how Eva got her revenge. It turns out that it was way more than I suspected, and boy was I surprised with how the plot unfolded! The two main characters, Eva and Dave, never liked each other from the beginning and by the end of the story, you realize that Eva was not getting revenge. She was looking out for her family all along, and it made me take a second look at who she really was.

The family members played a large part in what was needed to discover who ordered the hit on Eva’s father and when everything settled, there was money to spread around for the family. Ms. DiPlacido did a fantastic job of spinning a story of what could happen with the mobsters, be this illegally gambling in Las Vegas casinos or family pulling together to handle someone who is trying to harm them. I loved Eva’s loyalty to her family and her desire to want to change their lives from gangsters to a more normal one.

Let me tell you here that I was completely sucked in by one scene in particular that had me totally fooled until the end, and I found myself wanting to smack one of the cousins. Also I had to laugh at Eva when I realized that she was the manipulator of the whole situation, with Dave being the fall guy. This is truly a wonderful find for me and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Seeking Kokopelli

Title: Seeking Kokopelli
Author: Shelley Munro
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: samhainpublishing.com
ISBN: 978-1-60928-064-2
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Nate McKenzie loves his job as a roadie for musician Adam James and his band Stampede, but his personal life is in turmoil. He’s still mourning the death of his wife and feeling guilty over his undeniable attraction to a person not his wife; a man and it makes him angry. Nate tries to keep his mind on this job, but he still watches Adam every night they perform, imagining how good they would be together. Nate finds out just how good when, in a moment of weakness, he and Adam share a passionate kiss that sends them both up in flames.

Adam wants Nate more than anything else in his life, but he’s afraid of scaring the man off and his attraction isn’t the only thing that could do it. Adam comes from an ancient lineage and was once the Kokopelli of his people, until they discovered he was gay. Angry at Adam’s sexuality, his father and elders stripped him of his powers and his magical tattoo and then they threw him out of their village. Adam hasn’t seen or spoken to his father or brother in years and now that he finally has Nate in his life, his past is coming back to haunt him. Suddenly there’s someone trying to kill Adam and his tattoo is back, forcing him to confess the truth of his heritage to Nate.

Seeking Kokopelli is the newest release by author Shelley Munro. It’s a well-written, plotted and paced M/M paranormal story that will keep your attention from beginning to end. The plot also contains something I’m a real sucker for—a historical myth that the author has brought into the present with an unusual and creative twist. And that’s exactly what she’s done with this modern-day rendering of the Kokopelli legend found in the American southwest.

This book has a lot going for it: two likeable main characters with a deep emotional bond in Adam and Nate, an interesting premise, good secondaries in the other band members, blistering hot sex, and an unexpected villain willing to kill to get what he wants. There’s even a satisfying ending. What more could a reader ask for? Give this M/M a chance. You won’t be sorry you did.

Dalton's Awakening

Title: Dalton's Awakening
Author: Carol Lynne
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-129-2
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Dalton Montgomery’s ugly divorce left him with an empty bed and the stigma of being gay. That one rumor caused more destruction than Dalton was prepared to handle. Losing a few friends along the way only pushed the knife deeper in his festering wounds. A visit to Bella Lucina's holds the answers Dalton desperately needs and an encounter with Sal will shine light on his wife’s accusations.

One look at Dalton and bartender, Sal, is hooked. Their quick meeting affects both men, but while Sal knows he’s gay, Dalton is still hanging on to the perception that he is not.

Will Dalton allow his ex-wife’s allegations to harden his resolve and decide to ignore his desires? Is having Sal worth trying to discover the truth?

Dalton isn’t your normal character who has suppressed his desire for a gay relationship. You could feel his confusion and dismay over the situation with Sal. Over the years, Sal played the field like a pro but after a short time with Dalton, he knows this situation is different and worth fighting for. Their interaction varies from loving and nurturing to ravenous lust. I could understand Dalton’s nervousness and couldn’t fault him for taking things at his own pace. Sal supplied the erotic stimulation Dalton needed, as well as the loving patience he deserved. I found Dalton's Awakening to be a wonderful read and recommend it to those who enjoy the genre.

Rogue Wolf

Title: Rogue Wolf
Author: Violet Hilton
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-386-5
Genre: {M/M} Sci-Fi
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Things are not going according to plans for Captain Trent Rolston and his small band of pirates. First they must battle intruders onboard their spaceship Cygnus, and then the expected bounty from the targeted luxury ship yields little profit. The only good news for Trent is the ship’s mechanic, Vince, finally surrenders to Trent’s seduction.

Rogue Wolf is an intriguing space escapade. The plot has action, along with being well paced. The main characters are imaginative, as well as interesting. Trent had a drifter childhood, moving from planet to planet with his mother. His dreams of a naval career were cut short when his intimate affair with another man was discovered. Without ties to any planet, he considers the spaceship his home. Trent is a considerate man who is loyal to his crew. He has desired Vince for a long time, yet is afraid another intimate attempt will sever their friendship bond. Vince is an honorable man living as a human, hiding his alien heritage. Vince is hunted by his own tribe who has marked him for death. Vince is aware of how Trent feels about him, although he has rejected Trent’s advances in the past rather than dishonor the memory of his deceased partner or place Trent in danger from his tribe. However, when Vince realizes his emotions are still controlled by the mating cycle, he can no longer refuse to give in to Trent and claims him for his mate, along with making a decision to stop running and face his enemy.

The intimate scenes were a little indistinct, however the overall character interaction and space battles were entraining. Violet Hilton has created an impressive and enjoyable saga.

Survival Instinct

Title: Survival Instinct
Author: Roxy Harte
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-566-1
Genre: {M/M} Multicultural Erotic Suspense
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Brian Van Zant's world was turned upside down in the blink of an eye. To discover his twin and his husband were having an affair was shocking, but their sudden death, caused by a fatal accident, left no time for Brian to gain the closure he needed. Brian decides to take an impromptu trip, which leads him straight into the arms of Tobias.

Park Ranger Tobias Red Hawk isn’t out to the local residents. He keeps his desire for men and his love of kink tightly tucked away. Meeting Brian puts Tobias’ libido and heart in turmoil. The hurt in Brian’s eyes brings out Tobias’ protective nature but he knows he does not have room in his life for love, or does he?

Roxy Harte brings us love and adventure on a beautiful Montana mountainside in Survival Instinct. Right away, my heart went out for Brian. The betrayal, loss and uncertainty he was going through made me want to cyber box anyone who stepped on his feelings. I will admit I wasn’t truly feeling his family. While I’m sure their hearts were in the right place, they felt cold and unloving to me.

Tobias is a man who makes me want to purposely be stranded on a mountain where I’ll require his special brand of TLC to recuperate. Sexy, handsome, with a heart of gold, he was just what Brian needed to move forward with his life. The story is a mix of action, suspense, spine tingling sex and raw emotions, which makes it a winner in my book. This is the second story I’ve read by Roxy Harte, and I haven’t been disappointed yet. Pick up a copy and enjoy.

Duck Fart

Title: Duck Fart
Author: Jade Buchanan
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60168-275-8
Genre: {M/M/M} Paranormal
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Keith Malone, Bailey Mitchell and Drake McKale are at the Del Fantasma, a San Diego nightclub for both the supernatural and humans, owned by a vampire named Cody. Keith and Drake are there to relax with a drink and possibly meet someone for a sexual fling. Bailey is on a mission to join his best friend Adam. Sitting together at the bar, the sparks begin to fly between Bailey and Drake. However, there is also an instant attraction between the three men and only Drake realizes it is because they are mates.

Duck Fart is a fantastic, as well as hilarious, romance. The plot is well written and well paced. The developed characters have superb interaction. Keith is human; he knows he is fascinated by both Bailey and Drake but is not sure why. Keith is a carpenter who does occasional work for his friend Cody. He’s comfortable with the supernatural. Keith is an easy-going guy with a natural protective instinct towards the two smaller men. Bailey is a shy Siamese cat shifter. He travelled to San Diego in hopes of reuniting with Adam and breaking the grasp his father has on him. However, upon his arrival at the bar, Bailey recognizes Adam is already mated to a werewolf. A newly graduated engineer, Bailey is not aware that the magnetism he feels for Keith and Drake is actually a mating signal. Drake is a duck shifter with attitude. Independent, as well as highly educated, Drake hides his intelligence behind a brash persona. He is also grumpy and looking for a fight because every shifter he meets snickers at him since he is smaller than everyone else. When Drake decides to pick a fight with the shy, little kitty Bailey, he realizes Bailey, along with Keith, are his mates.

The amazing Jade Buchanan has created a splendid story with an entertaining theme, exhilarating, as well as adorable, characters in addition to delectable love scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed Duck Fart.

Serenade

Title: Serenade
Author: Erin Grace
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publisher URL: http://www.lyricalpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61650-147-1
Genre: {M/F} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Orphaned at a young age, Grace Hathaway is left in the custody of a ruthless uncle, who wants her inheritance. She is plotting on how to get out of a threatened marriage to an odious cousin and sets sail to Spain, to see the man who is handling her monies. When she is caught on a ship as a stowaway by the captain, who is angry that someone got past his crew, she is determined to do her share of work.

Captain Marcus James is at home on the seas and he has no plans to become a land-lover at all. He is haunted by the death of his parents, who were sailing home and attacked by pirates, leaving him at their mercy. Grace is not what he expects to find in the hold and when he tries to make an example of her, it backfires badly.

Serenade is quite the story of a ship’s captain facing bad storms, battling pirates and a blazing hot romance with an unwanted female. I am extremely proud of Grace for ignoring society’s rules and going off to save herself from marrying someone she didn’t love. The villain in this story is more than one person, both on land and out to sea. It was interesting how the sailors took to Grace, especially during the tattoo scene.

Ms. Grace has done a great job of storytelling about what can happen on the open sea and the battle with the pirates, while being chased by the law was an added touch. It made the story more realistic for me and I thought that Marcus displayed quite the behavior of a sea captain. There is quite a change in his life after finding out what really happened when his parents died and who the story came from was truly devastating for him at first.

This is the first book I have read from this author and am looking forward to seeing more from her. I would hope that there is more in regards to some of the secondary characters that have a story also. Read and enjoy.

New: The Two of Swords

Title: New: The Two of Swords
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: None
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary BDSM
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

For the last three years, Gil has bought Xan at The Hammers annual Christmas Charity auction. The first two years, the men have parted company after their auction night was completed but this year, Gil wants to take Xan home and claim the sub for his own.

Xan is an intense and passionate artist and he’s gotten so involved with his work in the past, he’s actually hurt himself and is in desperate need of someone to guide and take care of him. He’s packed and ready to leave town after his latest night with Gil. When the Dom wants more from him- wants to take him home- the question is whether Xan can trust Gil and believe the man wants him as a forever lover.

New is the latest short release revolving around the people who live, work or play at The Hammer. At 12.7 K, this release is limited in length, but not in emotion. It’s a nicely paced story of Gil, convincing the man he wants to stay, that they can’t be good together. But his toughest job is showing Xan that he’s a man to be trusted. Not just with his body and pleasures but with his heart and soul.

Once again Sean Michael has taken the reader on a journey of discovery and shown that life and love isn’t the same for everyone, but that some individuals have different needs to find a happy and satisfied life. That’s exactly what he does with Gil and Xan. Together they fit the empty places of the other, making a whole.

Wishing For A Home

Title: Wishing For A Home
Author: T.A. Chase
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-700-2
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

All Derek has ever wanted to do is play his music. In order to achieve his dream, Derek had kept some secrets. After eight years, those secrets are starting to destroy him.

Max is a private person and he likes it that way. After the upbringing he had, Max always swore he would never be anyone’s dirty little secret.

Wishing For A Home, T.A. Chase’s latest addition to the Home series, brings two former secondary characters into the limelight. Max and Derek have kept fans of this series waiting for their story and those fans won’t be disappointed. While the readers have met these two before, their backgrounds have stayed a mystery. As the author reveals their secrets, both Max and Derek’s prior behavior began to make sense to me.

I loved that the author let Max and Derek take their time learning about each other, rather than throwing them into bed right away. I thought it gave a realistic flavor to the story and allowed the readers to see the depth of feeling the men have for each other. Their relationship does have a few bumps so you may want to keep the tissue handy.

Readers will also enjoy the fact that previous couples make an appearance, allowing the reader to catch up on some of their favorite characters. With several secondary characters still yelling for stories of their own, this is one series that hopefully won’t end any time soon.