Cowgirls Don’t Cry

Title: Cowgirls Don’t Cry
Author: Lorelei James
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60928-256-1

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Jessie fell hard for Luke McKay but their marriage was far from the perfect one of love and companionship she’d always imagined. Now two years after the death of her unfaithful husband, Jessie’s ready to kick up her heels and try to find a little fun in the arms of another man. Things don’t go as planned when Luke’s younger brother, Brandt, steps in and spoils her fun, stopping her from making a terrible mistake. She’s angry, hurt and upset at his high handed attitude and determined to never take orders from another McKay man again.

Brandt McKay has been crazy about Jessie from a long time and he’s been avoiding her since the night he confessed his feelings for her and she turned him down. Brandt is suddenly faced with the proof of his brother’s infidelity when he learns Luke sired a young son who now needs someone to care for him. With no one else to help, he turns to Jessie, who reluctantly agrees—if Brandt agrees to shares her bed.

He’s determined to show Jessie he’s a one woman man and as the sexual heat simmering between them grows hotter, Brandt’s more certain than ever they belong together, not just for the short term but forever. Jessie is scared of her intense feelings for Brandt; he’s a McKay and she swore to never give a McKay man power over her again.

Cowgirls Don’t Cry is the 10th and latest release in the well written Rough Riders series by Lorelei James. In this contemporary romance series, each book leads into the next, so my recommendation is that they be read in order. If you don’t, I’m afraid jumping into the huge family with its complicated relationships will only lead to confusion.

Let me start off with the prologue. I think the story would’ve been better served if it had been omitted. Yes, its content regarding the intense emotional pain Jessie is going through is truthful but it also put her in a very unsavory light and her actions don’t fit her personality. I’m sure the author felt there was a purpose to including it but I’m afraid it might have turned off a few readers.

With the beginning of chapter one, the overall tone of the story changes dramatically. From here Cowgirls Don’t Cry becomes another great addition to the family of Rough Rider books and has a little of everything to keep a reader’s attention. There’s fear, pain, grief, passion, desire, poor family dynamics, love and hope for the future.

Despite her earlier rejection of Brandt, I liked that Jessie didn’t fight too hard against her growing feelings for him. Yes, she was understandably reluctant, based on her past experience with her dead husband, yet she allows her love to bloom and grow stronger throughout the entire story. Brandt is a rock, and a bit different from most of the other McKay men. He has a tightly controlled temper but he’s not abrasive, gruff or overbearing. Instead, he’s thoughtful, kind and considerate; just the kind of man the deeply wounded Jessie needs. That’s not to say he isn’t over-the-top sexy. The hunky cowboy is smoking hot and when he and Jessie hit the sheets, or any other horizontal surface, watch out for the flames.

It was wonderful seeing the vast number of returning McKay family members introduced in prior releases, and getting to know some of them better was a treat. One of the characters that played a more prominent role was Casper McKay, Brandt’s bitter and unpleasant father. The man was vile; making a good villain-like personality for the story and Ms. James did a great job developing him into a man you loved to hate. Landon, the illegitimate son of Luke was a cutie and made a great addition to the McKay family dynamics, and made an inspired way to bring Brandt and Jessie together.

I look forward to the next release in this keeper series. Read and enjoy.

Breathe

Title: Breathe
Author: Sloan Parker
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-890-7
Genre: {M/M} Romantic Suspense
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Lincoln McCaw is attempting to anesthetize the guilt with beer at the local bar. Lincoln suffers from nightmares after he caused a fatal accident. Recently released after six months in the county jail, Lincoln must focus on family. His sister and her kids are counting on him. Jay Miller is sitting in the same bar, for the same reason, trying to move past his grief. Hearing the gossip of two other patrons mention the gay man sitting at the end of the bar, Jay decides to give in to his sexual fantasies of being with another guy. Jay strikes up a conversation with Lincoln, which leads to an appointment in the back alley. Wounds still raw are reopened when Jay realizes his clandestine sexual activity is with Lincoln, the man who caused Jay’s wife’s accident.

Breathe is a heartrending romance intertwined with multiple layers of drama. The characters are convincing. The story illustrates numerous facets of grief, giving an in-depth description of how each character is affected by the loss of a loved one. Lincoln is his own worst enemy; he constantly berates himself for the accident. He feels he deserves the anonymous veiled threats he started receiving while in jail. Lincoln will suffer through anything to protect his love ones, including sacrificing his love for Jay rather than cause Jay more pain. Jay tries to stay away from Lincoln, even though Jay craves the touches, along with the emotional support Lincoln provides. Both are admirable as well as compassionate men.

Lincoln and Jay realize grief is the catalyst of an already unhinged mind when the coercion directed toward Lincoln escalates into violent acts. Lincoln and Jay join forces to discover the perpetrator before someone is killed. Sloan Parker has created a superb saga that kept me on the edge of apprehension until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed Breathe.

Unfair Advantage

Title: Unfair Advantage
Author: Qwillia Rain
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-806-8
Genre: {M/F/M}, BDSM
Rating: Golden Blush Award
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Bryce has to get married or lose control of his family’s business. He has waited eight years to have Mattie. Mattie is still a virgin, but has always been interested in her boss. Bryce decides he is going to marry Mattie.

Anyone with an interest in BDSM will want to read the first book in Qwillia Rain’s series Diablo Blanco Club Unfair Advantage. It is a textbook for those just starting out in this lifestyle. I was very short tempered with anyone that interrupted me as I was reading. It will definitely keep a reader’s interest and raise their heartbeat a lot, so be prepared for some very hot sex and play.

Bryce has lots of patience and slowly introduces Mattie to his expectations from her. The chemistry between the two is explosive, but there are some issues that both of them have to overcome. The author resolved these, but at times I wanted to hit Bryce because he was so dense. The resolution that Mattie came up with could be taken right out of our own lives.

The secondary characters contribute greatly to the story, as things are worked out between Bryce and Mattie. One interaction between Bryce, Mattie, and Richard bring things to a head between the two main characters, as it creates a crisis in their relationship.

I have to say that I was very impressed by the author’s grasp of the subject matter. I will definitely be reading more from this author as I think this is one of the best stories that I have read about BDSM. Qwillia Rain will probably be added to my favorite author’s list.

Just a Cowboy

Title: Just a Cowboy
Author: Julia Talbot
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61040-055-8
Genre: {M/M} Western
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

As soon as Herschel hires Dalton to work on his ranch, he can tell there’s a story the new kid is just itching to tell. Herschel is more than happy to hear it as there is something about Dalton that just makes him want to give the guy a chance. Herschel needs to play it cool though as he has a sneaking suspicion Dalton will bolt the moment he digs too deep.

Dalton can’t believe his luck. A gorgeous, kind cowboy has given him a job, a roof over his head and a way to move on from his past. Dalton is also very aware of Herschel’s presence whenever they are alone, as well as the looks he keeps sending his way. He wants so badly for Herschel to be the one he can finally bare his soul to but uncertainty is eating him up inside. Before he has a chance to decide however, circumstances beyond Dalton’s control threaten any chance of a life together with Herschel. He knows the truth will set him free but can Dalton find the courage to face it once and for all?

The building of trust and confidence is at the very core of Just a Cowboy as Herschel and Dalton figure out a way to handle the cards they have been dealt together. The plot works itself out at a nice, laid back pace and it relaxed me enough to just sit back and let the story come to me in its own time. The development of Herschel and Dalton’s relationship moved on at a good, steady pace. The running theme of “problems not being as bad as you think they are if you just have the courage to talk to someone about them” is put into practice well and I loved Herschel being the voice of age and wisdom, as he found the delicate balance to ultimately show Dalton the way.

Marooned

Title: Marooned
Author: Sharon Maria Bidwell
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-528-0
Genre: {M/M} Sci-Fi
Rating: Golden Blush
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Cosmonaut Vernon Attwater knew he would follow in his family’s footsteps and travel the stars. But what he hoped would be an easy trip turned into an adventure he would never forget. Marooned on a strange planet, Vern hopes he doesn’t fall prey to the strange creatures and become their version of chicken. With the help of Cresszna, a humanoid alien, Vern is saved from that predicament and lands squarely into another one. Vern always thought of himself as a heterosexual until Cresszna unleashed his style of seduction on him. Vern isn’t ready to explore the desire that Cresszna awakes in him and his denial soon puts a wedge between the men. Will they find a happy medium or will Vern grow to resent Cresszna over time?

Sharon Maria Bidwell is a brilliant author who uses humor, suspense and erotic encounters to create a fascinating story. The two primary characters in Marooned are multidimensional and drew me into the tale. Vern’s quick wit keeps the story flowing. Cresszna is passionate and gifted with the patience of a saint.

Even with the language barrier, the two learn how to communicate with one another. That obstacle added a great deal to the story. They had to rely not only on verbal communication, but also body language to convey their thoughts and desires. We watch their relationship evolve from strangers, to companions and then to more over time. Vern didn’t understand how much he abused Cresszna’s kindness and almost lost someone who meant a great deal to him. Cresszna understood Vern’s quandary and wanted to make him as comfortable as possible. I found the story enthralling and look forward to reading more from Ms. Bidwell in the near future.

By Your Side

Title: By Your Side
Author: Willa Okati

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-883-9

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

At thirty-three, Matthieu never thought he would meet the man of his dreams, or that that man would be eighteen year-old Roman. Seven years have passed and Roman is ready to show Matthieu that their love will never fade, but is Matthieu finally ready to listen?

Do you like May/December romances? If you do then you will want to get Willa Okati’s latest release By Your Side. Like many of the author’s stories, the reader will not be able to put this story down. By Your Side tells the story of two men who meet and fall in love, yet cannot be together. The two men meet the summer Roman turns eighteen and, while they give into the attraction they feel, there is also a big problem. The problem is that Matthieu is fifteen years older than Roman and to say the age difference plays a big part in the story would be putting it mildly. Readers will be able to understand the struggle Matthieu goes through as he tries to come to terms with their age difference and his feelings for the younger man.

The chemistry between them is intense and Roman, although much younger, in no way comes across as a mind-your-elders type of guy. In fact, I loved how Roman steps up in the story to show Matthieu that, while he may have gone off and lived his life, he still needs the older man to feel complete.

By Your Side is fun story by Willa Okati and one not to be missed.

Jake or Jack

Title: Jake or Jack
Author: D. J. Manly
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-722-5
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

David Cole is a drug dealer who negotiates deals for Frederick Rivera, one of the biggest mobsters in New York City, and David’s lover. David had an appointment to meet a new contact, a man known only as Jake. Jake was supposed to pave the way to an elite group of Americans, who would pay top dollar for prime drugs. There is an immediate attraction between David and Jake, one that could quickly become a deadly disaster.

Jake or Jack is a well written, well paced superb urban crime story. The characters are remarkably convincing. David’s life is the product of parental emotional detachment. Without the needed support at home, David’s childhood dream to become an inventor was forsaken for street life. David has the dual role job of Frederick’s whore, along with drug mule, in exchange for Frederick’s protection; no one is allowed to touch David without permission. Upon meeting Jake, David experiences love for the first time. Jake is torn between duty and desire for David. Understanding the consequences involved, Jake waits three years before he reveals his true feelings to David. The amazing D. J. Manly has created a marvelous saga filled with emotional turmoil, apprehension, as well as fantastic lovemaking. I thoroughly enjoyed Jake or Jack.

Slow Ride

Title: Slow Ride
Author: Lorelei James
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: samhainpublishing.com
ISBN: 978-1-60928-301-8
Genre: {M/F} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

The long-awaited wedding of Keely McKay and Jack Donohue is finally over but now the newly married couple has to endure the longest wedding reception Keely’s ever attended…her own, and it’s making her cranky. But at least she finally has Jack as her husband. Her hunky man usually gives her everything she wants, including sex anyplace and anytime she desires...so what’s with putting her off now that they’re married?

Jack is crazy about Keely and wants their first time making love as man-and-wife to be as sweet and romantic as he can make it. So while insisting they wait until they arrive at their honeymoon destination seemed like a good idea, after hours of exhausting travel it only makes his new bride angry. That means if Jack wants to get back on Keely’s good side, he’d better find the perfect way to sweep his cowgirl wife off her feet and fast.

Slow Ride is a free short story and takes place between the epilogue of All Jacked Up and the second chapter of Cowgirls Don't Cry. This little piece is a definite follow up to characters previously introduced and the reader should at least be familiar with the book where Keely and Jack get together.

Overall, the story is fun and sexy and it’s filled with lots of wedding day high emotional drama. Keely is just as passionate and strong-willed as ever and Jack is determined to do what he thinks is right, even if it doesn’t turn out that way. In the space of a mere twenty pages, Ms. James uses her talented creative voice and taken two beloved characters, mixed in multiple McKay family members and come out on the other side with a wedding day story that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s a great addition to the Rough Rider family of books and I look forward to other releases in the series.

Blood Relations

Title: Blood Relations
Author: K.C. Burn
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-879-2
Genre: {M/M} Shape-shifter, Vampire
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Frazer Nyland is having a hard time keeping bedfellows. His love life is in the pits, leaving Frazer to wonder if men no longer consider him attractive. That all changes when he shakes things up a bit and meets a man who makes him remember how it feels to be desired.

What Agent Cooper Wallace wants most is a man of his own. Someone he can build a relationship with and trust with his heart. Meeting Frazer was a stroke of luck. When an investigation leads him to Frazer’s home town and evidence starts to mount against his lover, Cooper is distraught and unsure of how he can continue without the man who has quickly taken over his heart.

Will Cooper lose the man he loves?

Blood Relations is the second release in the MIA Case Files series. K.C. Burn uses an Umbrae-possessed vampire to create a great deal of havoc in the story. Cooper is a strong man with a sharp mind and a killer body. Frazer is a sweetie who has lost some of his confidence, thanks to a few months of bad luck with men. Their chemistry was instantaneous with enough heat to make the ink run off the pages. I loved their first scorching scene and knew the passionate encounters could only get better.

The men make a wonderful pair. Their similar desire for a trustworthy lover made them work harder at communication. It didn’t squash all of the trust issues but they were never big enough to cause more than a tiny disturbance. And while the sex was fantastic, they knew they needed more for a lasting relationship.

K.C. Burn combines action, suspense, and a fair amount of drama to create a fantastic sequel to Wolfsbane. Those who enjoy secret agents, knee deep in paranormal unrest, will be happy they bought a copy.

Devotion 2

Title: Devotion 2
Author: Blak Rayne

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-719-5

Genre: {M/M}, Futuristic

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Reeve and Slade’s relationship finally seems to be going well but can Reeve get Slade to understand he wants and needs more? Or is their relationship doomed, once and for all?

Devotion 2 picks up right where book one ended, so readers will have no choice but to read the first story in order to understand what is going on. As with the first story, Devotion 2 holds your attention till the end. So much goes on in the story that there is never a dull moment. The connection between Slade and Reeve is still present but so is all the turmoil. Between their work responsibilities and their friends, the two men seem to have issues thrown at them left and right. At times, I felt that half their problems could have been avoided, if only their well meaning friends had minded their own business. While there are a lot of intense moments in this story, there are also a few light-hearted ones, such as when Slade and Reeve are at Reeve’s mother’s place for Thanksgiving.

In her dedication, the author mentions writing on a dare. I am glad she picked up the challenge and can’t wait to see what she will come up with next.

Fin de Siècle

Title: Fin de Siècle
Author: A. J. Llewellyn
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-721-8
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Newly retired US Marshal Dean Honeybone’s lover, Jean-Luc has accepted a job in a Paris restaurant as its new chef. Dean is looking forward to a new beginning with Jean-Luc and their adopted daughter, Kaia. However, Dean has two concerns to resolve before he can fully take pleasure in life as a private citizen. Vincent Lambert, Jean-Luc’s former lover, has been falsely accused of art theft and Dean’s continued nightmares regarding serial child killer Richard Stance.

Fin de Siècle is the final episode of the Honeybone series. The series is a well written romantic suspense. The characters are believable. Dean is at a crossroads. Before he can move forward, he must deal with the psychological trauma caused by the plane crash he and Kaia survived. Dean feels guilty that Richard escaped punishment for his crimes. Although there is no proof Richard survived, Dean blames himself for “the one that got away”. With the help of group therapy, Dean learns to accept some things are beyond his control, as well as he must let go of the past in order to move into the future.

The gifted A. J. Llewellyn has created a thought-provoking, as well as distressingly realistic storyline in this series. Reprieve from the sinister topic comes in the form of the incredible loves scenes interwoven into Dean’s job associated tragedies. I enjoyed Fin de Siècle immensely.

Tensaw Blues

Title: Tensaw Blues
Author: T. D. McKinney & Terry Wylis

Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-61124-013-9
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Suspense
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Max Bowman is tired. After two years of hiding his relationship with his lover, Quint Wolfe, the constant schooling of his features and reactions while in public and the inability to ever go anywhere together as a couple is getting old. Once the idea of being Quint’s secret lover held a certain appeal and Max understood and even agreed with the need to keep their personal connection hidden, but now he’s wondering if he can continue. It’s driving him crazy and the emotional pain is crippling. Even while they’re staying at an idyllic inn while on a business trip, Max feels alone and even unloved.

Things only get worse when there’s sabotage at the new Wolfe Corporation plant and one of the men is injured. The local police are stumped but one thing is certain, someone is out to get even with Quint, putting Max’s life on the line. Will Quint have to choose between Max and the company or will the police find the person or persons responsible first?

Tensaw Blues is the fourth release in the Southern Beaus series and a sequel to Wolfe Proxy. While it would be beneficial to read all the books in order, I feel it’s imperative to at least read the lead in story of how Quint and Max got together in Wolfe Proxy.

I liked the characters of both Max and Quint when they were introduced previously and enjoyed getting to know more about them in this newest release. The authors did a very nice job describing how their relationship had progressed over the last two years, as well as the painful emotional problems both were experiencing while trying to keep their love secret. This is particularly true of Max and the authors vivid and often heart wrenching expression of his pain and hurt. There is never any real doubt that Quint loves Max, but his priorities are definitely skewed, making it easy to get annoyed at him for staying in the closet despite his reasoning. When they are together, its good and their physical intimacy is intense and passionate.

I loved seeing the characters from the previous releases. They played important roles in this story but what was going on in their lives never overshadowed Max and Quint’s story. The sabotage aspect of the plotline is handled realistically, as is its aftermath. I for one am looking forward to the next release in this well crafted and plotted series.

Winston Quirk

Title: Winston Quirk
Author Martin Delacroix
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: {M/M} Drama, Interracial
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

When Dane witnesses an attack on Winston Quirk, he has to intervene. It seems certain inhabitants of the Bahamian island of Man-O-War Cay do not take kindly to change but still Dane cannot believe the level of animosity and aggression toward new guy Winston, just for the black man being on the island after dark. Truth be told though, Dane is struggling with more than just the behavior of idiots; he’s trying to deal with his own feelings that are stirring, thanks to this mysterious stranger entering his life.

In Winston Quirk, Dane and Winston are faced with barriers they must overcome if they wish to take their obvious chemistry to the next level. Set in 1975, I must admit that having to face the mindless prejudices of disturbed people was not particularly pleasant to observe. However for a majority of the time the author successfully focused on the development of Dane and Winston, with both men trying to overcome social inequalities and find their place in the world. Dane was very mixed up about his emotions for Winston but Winston seemed more secure in himself and patient enough to allow Dane to figure things out for himself.

Winston Quirk is part of Torquere Press’ Charity Sip 2010 Healing Hearts.

A Taste of Love

Title: A Taste of Love
Author: Andrew Grey

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-632-3

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Left to care for his two five year-old brothers, which isn’t easy, Billy is in desperate need of a job. With his restaurant growing by leaps and bounds, Darryl needs another waiter, stat. The two seem made for each other and then love gets tossed into the mix.

I love Andrew Grey’s stories. The characters just pull you into their stories and you want everything to turn out perfect for them. A Taste of Love is no different. While their struggles are different, both Darryl and Billy are hurting and needing someone to love them. Darryl’s problems do not come to light right away, but when they do, the reader will be able to understand when he struggles to stay away from the young man he has fallen for. Billy’s struggle to care for his brothers are sure to pull at the heart strings of many readers, while the love that starts to form between the two men will have the reader cheering.

The chemistry between these two men is so strong, it practically leaps from the pages but this is not just a love story between Darryl and Billy, as the twins play just as important a role in the book as the two men do. It was fun to watch as the four become a family, but like Billy, I too began to wonder just when the next shoe would fall. I was in no way expecting what happened next and many times I found myself crying. The twists this story takes will keep you glued to the pages, and the author did a wonderful job wrapping up the loose ends.

If you’re a fan of Andrew Grey then you will want to read this book. If you have not yet tried this author, A Taste of Love is an excellent book to start with.

Berrr's Vow

Title: Berrr's Vow
Author: Laurann Dohner
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419929205
Genre: {M/F} Sci-Fi
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

If Shanna could get past her bad luck with men, dead end job and sexless existence, she could say life on Earth was a happy one. The situation seems like a twisted version of paradise that she would willingly accept when weighed against her current predicament. Awakening after her abduction from Earth to discover that she will be sold as a sex slave never occurred as a possibility in her wildest dreams. Unfortunately for her abductors, Shanna isn’t some tiny slip of a woman who plans to be docile. No, they picked the wrong woman to kidnap.

Hyvin Berrr is the leader of Zorn. He doesn’t understand the allure Earthlings have on his sons until he meets Shanna. He sees his chance at happiness and is willing to move mountains to keep his Shanna happy. When his past threatens his future, Berrr may have no option to but let happiness slip through his fingers. Is Shanna willing to walk away or is she willing to fight for her man?

Berrr's Vow, Laurann Dohner’s fourth book of the Zorn Warriors series, has become my favorite. If I could identify myself in one of the women so far, it’s Shanna. Her life hasn’t been easy but she refuses to give in because of her size or circumstance. She’s tough as nails when she needs to get and one hundred percent woman when she gains entry to Berrr’s bed. Berrr is a man of honor. His role as leader ties his hands in some instances and makes protecting Shanna difficult. It was nice to see the large man finally gain some happiness after so many years of suffering.

A few new characters were introduced in the latest installment and I’m hoping Ms. Dohner will branch off and create stories for one in particular. She combines action and some wickedly sensual scenes between Berrr and Shanna to create one of the best stories for this series. I’m anxious to see which warrior is next to fall hard. Pickup a copy and enjoy!

Howl

Title: Howl
Author: Lacey-Anne Frye
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-477-0
Genre: {M/M} Werewolf
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Brent Keating finds the perfect secluded place to spend a one week vacation with his boyfriend, Henry Bowers. The Mistwood Inn is located in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by woods. Since it was after the tourist season, Brent and Henry are the only guests. The innkeeper is very accommodating, even giving the men a subtle warning not to go outside after dark. Still, Brent did not heed the warning and is bitten by a werewolf.

Howl is an out of the ordinary story written from Brent’s perspective. The storyline is a blend of suspense and romance. The plot gives a detailed description of the Inn’s interior décor, in addition to the dark woodsy exterior. A completely developed setting would have advanced a realistic impression to the plot. The characters are mostly creditable. Brent is mature, reclusive and considered by some to be an insensitive Talent Director. Henry is laid-back, has a sense of humor with a sarcastic streak. How the relationship began is not clear. Nevertheless, at this point in time, Brent and Henry are in a loving relationship. After Brent is bitten, he is faced with overcoming the curse, as well as protecting Henry from the same fate or worse. Overall, Lacey-Anne Frye’s Howl is a pleasant werewolf tale.

Snake Eyes

Title: Snake Eyes
Author: A.J Llewellyn & Stephani Hecht

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-656-3

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

River’s mom has always been a ‘collector’ but this time he knows something is different. When he shows up at her apartment, he never imagined what he would find, or that someone like Colton would be there to help.

Authors A.J. Llewellyn and Stephani Hecht have teamed up together again to bring the readers Snake Eyes. The story tells the tale of River, a young man struggling to help his mother, who is a hoarder. At times I felt the freak factor of Honey’s collection, a poisonous snake, overshadowed the story but the romance between River and Colton does eventually heat up the pages. You can see the connection forming between the two from the beginning. Ethical issues come into play, due to Colton being a therapist, and I loved how the authors not only addressed the issue but found a way to resolve it. It is also quite clear that the authors spent some time researching the issues surrounding hoarders and the toll it puts on the family. As Colton helps River cope with the issues surrounding his mother, you can tell theirs is a relationship that can last.

I love reading stories by these two. They bring to life a variety of characters and situations that keep entertaining. With each book, it becomes harder to separate one author’s style from the other as they blend so well. This is one pairing I hope has much more up their sleeves.

Rogue’s Rage

Title: Rogue’s Rage
Author: Lacey Thorn
Publisher: Total E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-330-2
Genre: {M/F/M} Fantasy Paranormal
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Rory loves her sister and the people of her village. She also takes her responsibilities seriously but the one thing that takes precedence over everything is clearing her mother’s name. When two strangers, Lake and Lincoln, arrive at her village, the opportunity arises for her to tell her story and plead for justice in front of the queen. But these two friends aren’t just opportune strangers and they’re more than willing to show Rory just what that three are to each other if she’ll just take the chance to let their bond grow.

Rogue’s Rage is the third release in Lacey Thorn’s series Blood Magic. The books truly lead from one to another, making it imperative that they be read in order. After a prologue the story begins where book two left off and Rory’s life and responsibilities inside her village are introduced immediately. The descriptions of her simple existence are nicely described as is her relationship to her sister and two close friends. There’s also a little family history regarding her mother and sister that helps explain what drives her. The arrival of Lake and Lincoln is handled a little stiffly but they are strangers come from afar, but they are soon accepted, not just into the village but into Rory’s arms.

The realization that the three are meant to be together is the only explanation for the swift way Rory agrees to leave her home. The emotions swirling between Rory, Lake and Lincoln is passionate and intense and when they come together, it’s fiery hot. There is an unexpected revelation regarding Rory and a guardian that comes with being a member of the royal family but I’m not going to say anything further. Just know that I enjoyed this little surprise nugget.

The ongoing story line is handled well and it was nice seeing the characters from the previous releases. They were seamlessly interjected into Rogue’s Rage as old friends of Rory, Lake and Lincoln, giving the tale a sense of family and continuity. There is a bit of well done action sprinkled throughout its seventy-eight pages, with the most dramatic occurring at the end. The problem is the number of physical encounters. While they are very well done, they tend to overbalance the story. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Portrait of His Obsession

Title: Portrait of His Obsession
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60928-258-5
Genre: {M/F} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Syrian Blakeney has shown the ton society the prudish side of herself, and only her brother knows her true nature….that she is a loving, caring sister. When her brother paints a portrait of her in the garden next to her favorite flowers, she hates it immediately. That’s only because it shows the face she puts on for the public and she wants him to destroy it.

Earl of Wrotham, Lord Harrison has lived his life from one moment to the next with enjoyment of women. One night, a year ago, he spied Syrian dancing in the rain and he fell in love with her. His dreams are now filled with her and no other woman can satisfy him, which means he will do whatever it takes to marry her.

After reading Portrait of His Obsession, I felt as if this story is a cat and mouse tale of the two main characters. Although there are not many secondary characters, Harrison and Syrian provided much laughter and frustration for me with their love-hate relationship.

This is my first read from Ms. Pillow and there is not a lot of evil plotting done, except for Harrison and Syrian against each other. I was very entertained by their antics of trying to outdo one another and I loved the detailed description of the garden scene. If you are looking for hot steamy sex, then this is a story for you.


This book has been previously published and has been revised from its original release.

Fool's Errand

Title: Fool's Errand
Author: Chris Quinton
Publisher: Manifold Press
Publisher URL: http://manifoldpress.co.uk/
ISBN: 978-0-9565426-5-6
Genre: {M/M} Vampire Mystery
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Xavi has always taken care of himself and protects his heart behind a golden shield. An afternoon of passion changes from pleasure to a mad dash for safety after he witnesses the murder of a high profile person. Xavi is sure that someone in the police department can be trusted and leaves just enough information about the crime to ensure their desire to keep him safe. When his protector makes his appearance, Xavi is relieved and frightened at the same time. The man isn’t what he expected and comes equipped with just the right ammunition to get past all of Xavi’s defenses. He’s ready to tear down the well constructed shield and make Xavi his own.

Fool's Errand is the first story of the Fool's Odyssey trilogy. Chris Quinton mixes action, suspense and a budding relationship into the perfect recipe for this story. Xavi wasn’t what I expected. His background doesn’t depict a happy carefree childhood but he doesn’t cry over spilled milk. In fact, it was easy to understand his apprehension when it came to trusting others. He gave his savior more than either expected. The time they shared opened both of their eyes and hearts to the possibility of finally having someone to share their lives with.

The settings add to the element of each scene. From the perfect romantic location, to an area that spells danger and possible death, each locale draws your attention and pulls you further into the tale.

By the end, I was truly ready for the next installment. I recommend this story to those who enjoy gay paranormal suspense series as much as I do.