My Wicked Devil

Title:  My Wicked Devil

Author:  Ann Mayburn

Publisher:  Loose Id, LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-331-9

Genre:  {M/F}, {F/F}, BDSM, Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Kira sees Lord Bryan at Club Wicked and doesn’t want anyone else help her overcome the pain she has when she has sex.  Bryan isn’t sure he wants to do it, because Kira is a celebrity and could bring his past back into the public eye, but can’t deny their chemistry.

My Wicked Devil is the third book in the Club Wicked series and brings several issues involving BDSM and public perception.  Most of the public perception is that BDSM is abusive, when it is actually a power exchange between the people involved.  Trust is a big issue and that is brought out big time in this story as Kira is an adrenaline junkie that hasn’t really learned her limits, even after her accident.  This is a big issue with Bryan as he does not want to hurt her by pushing her too far.

The author did a great job explaining what a sadist and masochist is and how they complement each other.  The fact that Kira is turning to BDSM to try to get past the pain of having intercourse, so she can eventually have a family, was an interesting concept.  I loved Bryan now that there was more information so the reader gets to know him, especially with the glimpses we had in previous books. 

The chemistry between the two is hot and both have to make choices about how they want to proceed when there are a lot of trust issues.  I did have to laugh at Kira’s spunk, even knowing she would pay for it later.  Both are very strong with very strong personalities, which play havoc, especially in Bryan’s life.

I loved Laurence and had to laugh at the scene where he made Bryan listen to Kira.  I also would have loved to know what Bryan said to Kira’s sister after putting up with her attitude for awhile.  Several characters from the previous books also make an appearance. 

I am so looking forward to the next books in this series, because Club Wicked has so much to offer readers.  These books need to be read in order as several references from past stories will make more sense.

Burning Bright

Title: Burning Bright

Author: Rachel Wilder, A. Catherine Noon

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publishers URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-60928-526-5

Genre: {M/M}, {M/M/M/M}, Paranormal, BDSM, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

After spending the night at a club with some friends, Sasha is ready to head home.  The problem is that he can’t seem to remember which direction his car is in.  Before he can figure it out, Sasha is accosted by a group of men and is rescued by Neal.

Burning Bright is the first book in the Chicagoland Shifters series.  This story is fast-paced and will pull the readers in from the first page.  While there are a lot of characters in this book, the story centers on Sasha and the men he starts to fall in love with. 

Sasha is a veterinarian, looking for a change and hoping to land a new job in Chicago.  But he’s more than that as Sasha is also an animal empathy and coven guardian.  Only in a world that does not always treat paranormals well, his gifts are something he allows very few to know about.  This is one aspect of the story I wish the authors would have expounded more on.  While it is mentioned a few times that Sasha is a guardian, they really do not go into detail as to just what he did, or how moving so far away would change that, if it did. 

Neal is a retired Marine that now owns and runs the Factory, a local bar/BDSM club.  Like Sasha, Neal and his men also have a secret, one they work hard at keeping others from knowing.  When Neal rescues Sasha, it is easy to see the connection between them.  The two men pair up immediately and, while they are limited as to how far they can go, that does not keep them from heating up the pages.  The men are so different that it is interesting seeing this relationship develop, especially when Sasha starts to have feelings for Steve and Carlos, two of Neal’s men. 

While Sasha struggles to come to terms with the changes in his life, he also finds himself the subject of curiosity by other paranormals in Chicago, thanks to his connection to Neal and the men of the Factory.  Not all the curiosity is good and the authors use this to really throw some twists and turns into the story.  I love all the action that ensues as it really keeps the story hopping. 

Burning Bright is a little different than most of the paranormal stories out there, but if you want a refreshing change then you really need to give this book a shot.  Readers should know that this is a series that will need to be read in order.  

Buried Bones

Title: Buried Bones

Author: Kim Fielding

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-62380-711-5

Genre: {M/M} Werewolves Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Architect Dylan Warner and handyman Chris Nock are making progress on remodeling the old farm house formally owned by Chris’ uncle Frank. Everything is going well until a ghost makes an appearance and Dylan and Chris must discover who the ghost is as well as what the phantom is requesting from them.

Buried Bones is the second book in the Bones series. The intriguing plot is romantic suspense. The characters are convincing. Dylan is a perfectionist regarding his job. He stresses over the smallest design details. Dylan also is determined to restore the original attributes of his home as much as possible. Dylan fears revealing his dangerous werewolf side to others, especially to Chris. However, Chris who lives next door to Dylan has complete trust in the werewolf. Chris has a natural talent for fixing up houses, plus Chris is a good cook, which is a great benefit because Dylan cannot cook at all. The plot illustrates the strong loving bond of trust Dylan and Chris share. 

Kim Fielding has created an amazingly enjoyable saga blending romance, mysterious history along with deadly drama. Exploring the background of the werewolf Andy, Dylan and Chris encounter a werewolf pack, more information about werewolf abilities, forgiveness along with the importance of preserving family connections.     

Winter Frost

Title: Winter Frost

Authors: A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly

Publisher: Silver Publishing

Publisher URL: spsilverpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 9781614958147

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Kieran, Jubilee, Sean and Nicholas team up to track down a serial killer working in a Mexican red-light district. It’s a dangerous assignment because this guy thinks he’s a modern day Jack-the-Ripper, mutilating women just like the original. Sean's next assignment is with Trace. They're assigned to protect a witness and while in transit, their car is almost carjacked, so it’s danger and business as usual for the four Marshalls at work.

Things are in turmoil with Kieran and Jubilee’s adoption of Juan stalled and someone they trust trying to take him away from them. It puts a strain on the relationship between the two couples and for awhile puts their working relationship in jeopardy, too. Can the couples weather the troubles facing them or will it destroy everything they care about?

Winter Frost is the newest release in the Orgasmic Texas Dawn series and because of the recurring characters and ongoing plotline, the books should be read in order.

This is another nice addition to the family of books. It’s entertaining, full of tension, has lots of danger, plenty of conflict and the feelings of hurt and betrayal is off the charts. I admit it. I’m shocked at the turn of events regarding Juan’s adoption. The breach of trust caused by these individuals and experienced by Kieran and Jubilee is jaw-dropping. These twists are nicely developed and cause repercussions throughout the book. Nicely done, authors. 

There’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions in Winter Frost. Yes, Sean and Nicholas are the other focus of this story and their relationship is growing closer, but what’s happening with Kieran and Jubilee’s blocked adoption causes trouble between the friends. The strain in their relationships is believable and how it’s resolved—very nicely done. 

Since this is an ongoing series, there are a few plot threads left dangling for the next book, so don’t be surprised. There are even some hints of what might come next. Watch for Spring Leaves, coming soon.

Misunderstandings

Title: Misunderstandings

Author: Angel Rothamel

Publisher: MLR Press

Publishers URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN/BIN: MLR-1-02013-0075

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Light BDSM, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

After spending six years with the SEALs, Dan and his fellow SEALs have settled down in Cedar, Colorado.  The men he has served with have become his second family and he’s going to need every one of them when a past he never knew about comes to light.  The one person he never thought he would need in his corner, however, is Dallas, his CO’s pilot.

Misunderstandings is the first book in a new series by author Angel Rothamel.  The series, SEALs of Cedar, Colorado, will be centered on a team of SEALs put together because of their sexual orientation.  This first book starts with Dan. 

Dan is now a mechanic and like the rest of the men in his ‘family’, more than capable of taking care of himself.  Because of that, when he is hit with unsuspecting news, he has no problem turning to his CO for help.  That will mean spending time with Dallas is just something that he will have to deal with. 

Early in the story, readers learn that there is major conflict between the two men, although the reason behind it is not clear right away.  The fact that both the men are strong, alpha type individuals also means that neither is comfortable taking the first step to clear the air between them.  Once they do decide to clear things up and look into starting a relationship, they really heat up the pages.  But the misunderstandings that existed in the beginning of their relationship are not the only ones they have to face, as the author throws a couple of twists into the story.

When Misunderstandings starts, Dan finds out that he has a family he knew nothing about.  Rather than being a good thing, however, it becomes a case of having to deal with the demon seed.  The author did not pull any punches with this part of the story.  I could not believe the way some of these new family members acted, or the lengths they would go to in order to get what they want.  

Misunderstandings was a very good story, one that pulled me in from the beginning.  The various men in the SEALs team were intriguing and I can’t wait to read the rest of these books. 

Master at Arms

Title:  Master at Arms

Author:  Bianca D’Arc

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-61921-574-0

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Tristan kills a skith and saves Rath from worse injury.  Rath decides Tristan will be his knight, now he just has to find Tristan and Thorn a wife, so he can be with his own dragoness.  Cara finds both Tristan and Thorn attractive, but isn’t sure she can choose between them.

The latest installment in the Dragon Knights series, Master at Arms, brings more surprises for the royal family and the dragons of Draconia.  Family intrigues play a big part in this story as well.  I had to laugh at Rath and Sharlis, as they were doing their best to play matchmaker once they realized both men were attracted to Cara.

I was surprised with Tristan’s background, since he is the Master at Arms at Cara’s family estate on the border with Skithdron.  He also didn’t quite understand what Rath was getting at, even when Thorn started talking to him about Cara and the types of marriages the Dragon Knights have.  Cara has a lot of chemistry with Tristan and Thorn, which makes the sex scenes hot. 

As more dragons and knights are introduced in this series, we learn more about Draconia and the war they are facing.  I have tried to guess how this series will end as I read, but the author keeps adding twists that keep the reader guessing.

Torquere Press Special Calls for Submissions

Torquere Press Special Calls for Submissions

SEPTEMBER - OUTSERVE CHARITY SIP BLITZ

Every year, the great authors at Torquere Press put their money where their mouth is, donating their time writing stories for our chosen charity. Those same authors donate any royalties earned on their stories to the chosen organization, with Torquere matching those donations 100%. In the past we've raised $5000.00 for Lambda Legal, over $3000.00 for the Matthew Shepard Foundation, and more than $10000.00 combined for organizations such as NOH8 and Doctors Without Borders.

For the 2013-2014 Charity event, which will premiere in September 2013, we've chosen OutServe-SLDN as our donation organization. OutServe is an non-profit that provides legal services and support to LGBT military individuals and families, working toward equal representation and benefits.

This year's theme for Charity Sips, or short stories, is "In Uniform". Who doesn't love a man, or woman, in uniform? While OutServe is primarily a military charity, we want to encourage authors to use their imaginations. Soldiers, sailors, pilots? Absolutely. But we're also open to stories about first responders like police, firemen and EMTs, as well as security guards, park rangers or anyone else who wears a snappy uniform to work. Give us hot, romantic, fully realized stories with happy endings about all the unsung heroes and heroines in the world.

Word count for Charity Sips ranges from 3000-8000 words. Deadline for submissions is July 1, 2013. Please send stories to submissions@torquerepress.com with OutServe Charity Sip and your story's title in subject line. Include full manuscript in RTF or Word formats, and in the body of the email include a cover letter with your full legal name and address information, as well as a synopsis of your story. Please our general submissions guidelines for formatting and other information. Feel free to emailkristi@torquerepress.com for more information.

OCTOBER - LIGHTS OUT SIPS!

They say there’s nothing there in the dark that isn’t present in the light. We disagree! Halloween is all about things that go bump in the night, and October is all about Halloween here at Torquere. Give us romantic, fully realized, LGBT tales about Halloween and/or paranormal activity, from ghosts to were-creatures to vamps and everything in between. Give us all the things that only come alive when the lights go out!

Please send your submissions to submissions@torquerepress.com with Lights Out in the subject field. Please see our general submissions guidelines for formatting etc. Deadline for submission is August 1, 2013. Length, 3000-8000 words.

NOVEMBER - THANKFUL SIPS

We should all stop and be thankful for something. Whether it's the big things -- like love and family -- or the little things -- like flavored lube -- or simply the HOT things, we want to know! For our Thankful sips, we're looking for fully realized, romantic LGBT stories about love during Thanksgiving holidays. Make us laugh or cry, surprise us and make us glow with happy endings! Length is 3000-8000 words.

Please send your submissions to submissions@torquerepress.com with Thankful in the subject field. Please see our general submissions guidelines for formatting etc. Deadline for submission is September 1, 2013.

DECEMBER - ALL I WANT SIPS

All I want for Christmas (or Hanukah or Yule) is you. Or you and you… Who doesn’t want to be with someone they love for the holidays? For our All I Want sips, we’re looking for fully realized, romantic LGBT stories about love at the holidays. Make us laugh or cry, surprise us and make us glow with happy endings! Length is 3000-8000 words.

Please send your submissions to submissions@torquerepress.com with All I Want in the subject field. Please see our general submissions guidelines for formatting etc. Deadline for submission is September 15, 2013.

Ruffling the Peacock’s Feathers

Title: Ruffling the Peacock’s Feathers

Author: Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publishers URL: http://www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-77111-545-2

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Rueben and his brother haven’t been very close lately, but when Ricky goes missing, Rueben is determined to find him.  What he doesn’t expect is to find his brother holed up in a hotel with a bunch of sexy men, or for one of those men to be his mate.

Fans of the Kontra’s Menagerie series will remember Ricky from an earlier story.  In Ruffling the Peacock’s Feathers, Ricky’s brother Rueben shows up.  Rueben is the total opposite of Ricky.  Being gay aside, Rueben is easier going so when it becomes known that Lamar, the man he has been having sex with for the last few hours, is a shape-shifter, he isn’t as freaked as Ricky was when he found out.  

This does not mean theirs is an easy going relationship.  The attraction between the two men is strong, which for Lamar is understandable since he knows Rueben is his mate.  For Rueben however, he does not quite understand his need for the other man.  I like that, while Rueben goes into the situation thinking of Lamar as just a one, maybe two night stand, he isn’t upset at the possibility of more.  Readers will be a little surprised by the way that these two bond.  I love the unusual method and found it a refreshing change from what we usually get.  I also love that Lamar is a peacock rather than something more aggressive.  While I love the more predatory shifters, the occasional switch up is a nice change, especially when it is something not seen before.  The conversation between the two men when they meet up in the park was well done and I kept expecting to have someone show up to see this big man talking to a peacock and wondered how Rueben would handle the situation. 

While not all stories in the series need to be read in order, there are some aspects that carryover from one book to the other, as well as crossovers between this series and the Wolves of Stone Ridge, that I would recommend that the reader read them as they come out.

The Gig

Title: The Gig

Author: Kim Fielding

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-62380-712-2

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Chance meeting can sometimes evolve into a prospect for a new future career as well as new friends. When Drew Clifton and his lover, Travis Miller, meet Dylan Warner and his lover, Chris Nock, a new camaraderie is formed. 

The Gig is a Bones/Speechless Crossover short story. The key feature is that the four men all have flaws that spawned emotional turmoil. Drew and Travis are the main characters from Speechless. Drew cannot speak or write. Travis has lost his sight in one eye, also, he is unemployed. Dylan and Chris are the main characters from Bones. Dylan is a werewolf and Chris suffers from low self esteem. All of the men had retreated from society until they met their special someone with whom they could share a loving relationship.       

Willing Sacrifice

Title:  Willing Sacrifice

Author:  Joey W. Hill

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419943607

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Series

Rating:  5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Max is the security chief, as well as a limo driver, for the company Janet works for.  Janet keeps men at arm’s length because of her past, but is also a Domme at the club her employers go to.  Max left the SEALs after his mother was killed and his sister attacked.  Neither one acted on their attraction to each other until an emergency breaks some barriers between them.

Willing Sacrifice is part of author Joey Hill’s Knights of the Board Room series, and is a bit different as it is about the Administrative Assistant to Matt at K&A.  Janet uses BDSM as a way of maintaining control, without the emotional entanglements of a relationship. Max also has his own demons to overcome, but knows about the club as he constantly drives the owners and their ladies there.

I have to give Ms. Hill kudos for the research she did regarding SEALs and their training.  I also was intrigued by the way she used some of the concepts and training with her interactions between Janet and Max as they explored their relationship, especially since Max is not a submissive by any means.  The chemistry is intense and the scenes between them are hot. I was also intrigued by the give and take between them and Max’s willingness to sometimes submit emotionally to Janet when she needed him to for her to maintain balance. 

All the characters from the previous five books show up, giving support as needed to both Max and Janet.  Readers get additional insight into them as you see some things from both Max’s and Janet’s perspective.  While readers don’t need to read the previous books to enjoy Willing Sacrifice, I recommend you do to get the most out of this story.

In Search of a Story

Title: In Search of a Story

Author: Andrew Grey

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-614-9

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

With his editor angry at his last story, Brad Torrence has one week to write another the man loves or Brad’s out of a job. He comes across an ad selling unused nursery items and Brad calls, thinking he’ll write an article about a grieving mother. What he gets is a single man with a story he didn’t expect.

Months have passed and Cory Wolfe’s still grieving, but sharing his story with Brad makes him feel better. But most surprisingly is the attraction he feels for the younger man—he actually feels alive again. As their relationship grows, Brad digs deep into another story about financial greed and it’s dangerous. If Brad’s not careful, his hunt for his next big story could very well be his last.

In Search of a Story is the last release by Andrew Grey. It’s a sweet, emotional and romantic story guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings.

Premises that are a bit unusual catch my attention, so after I read the blurb I knew I had to read it. I like how the author brought Brad and Cory’s world to life, pulling in loss, pain and anger without letting the story turn maudlin. The plot moved forward with Brad’s next news article at the same time their personal relationship develops. That brings in romance, passion, love, danger and suspense. As you can see, there’s a little bit of everything in this heartwarming story.

Both Cory and Brad are likable guys and their personalities are nicely developed. The pace is steady, the descriptions are good and various secondary characters nicely placed within the plot. I even got the happily-ever-after I wanted. I hope you enjoy it too.

The Angry Dove and the Assassin

Title: The Angry Dove and the Assassin

Author: Stephani Hecht

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publishers URL: http://www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-77111-544-5

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Caley can’t believe he’s seeking refuge with a wolf pack.  Years ago wolves killed his family so he knows that they can be viscous creatures.  So when the new assassins show up, he can’t believe how drawn to their leader he is.  Grey is everything he could ever want in a mate; now Caley has to make peace with how his feelings for wolves are changing.

The Angry Dove and the Assassin is the latest addition to the Wayne County Wolves series.  The assassins Shane found to help the pack have finally shown up and just in time too.  I love that the author continues to enlarge the world in which her stories take place.  These new characters bring a lot of history with them, some of which we get the chance to see as Grey becomes Caley’s love interest.  With Grey being an assassin, the reader knows to expect a little craziness from him, but actually he is tamer than what I was expecting.  He is definitely all alpha male, however, and I like the way he clicks with Caley.

While Caley lives with Chris’ pack, and designs clothes for a lot of them, he has kept to himself since moving in.  It is easy to understand why the Dove shifter is leery about forming attachments with the wolves after what had happened to his family.  However, that all changes when he meets Grey.  The attraction between them is strong and I like the way they acknowledge the fact that they’re mates without drawing it out over a long period of time. 

To keep the story from becoming too light, however, the author brings back Rand, who causes more than his share of trouble.  The author uses this time to introduce the next group of troublemakers, as well as possible problem areas for the pack.  I like that the author introduces new situations into the series, as it keeps the Wayne County Wolves series fresh and the reader coming back for more.  I also like the twist she threw in regarding Cassie and can see it becoming a major series plot line issue. 

While it is not always necessary to read the series in order, I would recommend it as it gives you a chance to learn about the various characters in the series.

Teasing Jonathan

Title: Teasing Jonathan

Author: Amber Kell

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-78184-330-7

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

On his way to a meeting, Jonathan stops for coffee and meets Kai Stromwell, when he keeps the man from being hit by a speeding car.  It’s not long before it becomes clear that someone’s trying to kill Kai but the question is who—and why? Is it somehow related to Kai’s successful business or his quirky sister?  With the attraction between them off the charts, the only option to keep Kai safe is for Jonathon to act as his bodyguard. Can these two men work together to figure out who is targeting Kai and stop them before it’s too late? Can they make a new relationship work under the pressure?

Teasing Jonathan is the newest release in Amber Kell’s Mercenary Love series. Because of the recurring characters/relationships, I recommend the books be read in order.

Prologues aren’t usually my favorite thing but I liked this one. It allows the reader a look into the unrest Jonathan’s experiencing and is written with sensitivity, showing the long term effects of PTSD. I also appreciate how later in the story Jonathan’s concerned how his sleeping problem might interfere with his physical relationship with Kai—a real possibility.

Now to the actual story. I love how Jonathan and Kai met. It’s just the first of several action-filled scenes that keeps the story rolling along at a pretty fast pace. There are so many options of who might be behind the threats to Kai’s life that I didn’t have a clue who was behind them until almost the end. So, good going Ms. Kell. I like to be kept guessing as long as possible. 

The personalities of Kai and Jon are pretty well rounded, the imagery is good and the secondary characters are well placed. I particularly liked getting to see a little of Sin and Callum at the beginning. Kai’s sister is also an interesting addition to the storyline. I look forward to the next release.

Tiger Tiger

Title: Tiger Tiger

Author: Rachel Wilder, A. Catherine Noon

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publishers URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61921-535-1

Genre: {M/M/M}, {M/M/M/M}, Paranormal, BDSM, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Sasha and his men are settling nicely into their new lives.  The scrimmages with the Russian mob, as well as the bear shifters, have been put behind them.  But why is Sasha starting to feel so unsettled and has someone he knows gone rogue?

Tiger Tiger is the second book in the Chicagoland Shifters series.  This new story picks up shortly after the end of the first book.  Sasha, as well as Neal, Steve, Carlos, and the rest of the shifters at the Factory, have settled down and are trying to get their lives back to normal.  Of course, this is just the opening the authors needed to stir things up again and they do so in a way that pulls the readers right back into the world they created.

I like this new story line.  The fact that it is possible that the rogue leaving kills around the Factory could possibly be one of the men that belongs to Neal’s Krug, is very realistic, especially as there are some who have trouble accepting their animal side.  I, for one, seriously thought it would turn out to be TJ and wondered if it did, how the authors would make things right.  The readers will be slightly surprised when the authors start to reveal what is going on and where the fault lies.  The authors also use this situation to introduce many new secondary characters.  I found many of these characters interesting and am curious as to how they will play into future stories.  

Even with all the outside forces spinning around them, Sasha, Neal, Steve and Carlos find the time to be together.  While these four men continue to heat up the pages with their passion, it is easy to see that Sasha is starting to worry about what he has.  Unfortunately, Sasha has a right to worry and I cannot believe how he was treated by one of the men he is involved with.  I wanted to smack this person and was glad the situation was handled the way it was.  

Tiger Tiger is just as well written as the first book.  I liked the way in which the authors continued to pull me into the paranormal world they created.  By expanding the world in the way they have, the series felt fresh and the problems new.  I am curious to see how, and in which direction, the authors plan to take the next book.  Remember this is a series that will have to be read in order.

Still

Title: Still

Author: Mary Calmes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-695-8

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Sivan Cruz and Walter Wainwright have been a couple for seventeen years. They’ve even raised Walter’s two children together, but it doesn’t mean their relationship’s stable. In fact, it’s falling apart because they don’t communicate like they should. Sivan’s convinced Walter doesn’t love him anymore, when in fact Walter’s feelings haven’t changed. But when Sivan suggests a divorce, Walter’s hurt and agrees when he should have said no. During the months they’re apart, Sivan tries to move on but isn’t really happy. Walter determined to get his husband back, but doesn’t know how to go about it. Can these two men find a way back to each other or will they suffer in silence, alone and unhappy?

Still is the latest release by multi-published author Mary Calmes. It’s nice for a change reading a story about an older couple, even if they are an established one that’s having trouble. It’s the reality of life which is all too often overlooked, so kudos to Ms. Calmes for tackling the subject.

It’s a well thought-out story with a steady pace that has minimal external conflict. In this case that’s okay because the story focus is squarely on Sivan, Walter and their relationship.  The personalities of both men are nicely developed and the details of their life make you understand why they shouldn’t have separated. Despite the seriousness of the premise there are still plenty of lighthearted moments and some even made me chuckle, because Sivan is pretty illogical at times. Walter I really liked. He’s determined to win his husband back despite the man’s stubbornness. 

Some might complain that this story is a bit slow but I don’t agree. The pace works for what’s going on in the lives of these men. It’s warm and entertaining and had some twists I didn’t expect. And best of all, had the happily-ever-after I wanted. I hope you enjoy it as much I did.

Four-Letter Words

Title: Four-Letter Words

Author: Gabrielle Evans

Publisher: Siren Bookstrand

Publisher URL: www.sirenbookstrand.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62740-023-7

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Zasha Gershwin doesn’t let his emotions control him. He controls his emotions. That means he cares for Thane but falling in love with his witch mate is just too frivolous for him to even consider. He understands the pull of the mate bond but love—it’s not something he plans for his life. Thane Braddock, on the other hand, remembers the love he shared with Zasha in another life time and wants it again—and he’s determined to get it back. The problems—making his stubborn mate remember their past without driving him crazy and making every mistake possible while doing it. The other—children are being kidnapped, evil is rising and the Braddock brothers are needed to stop it. Can Zasha and Thane rebuild their relationship in the middle of a crisis or will it crumble to dust?

Four-Letter Words is the latest release in Gabrielle Evans paranormal series, Haven.  Because of the interconnection of characters and the continuing plotline, I recommend the books be read in order.

There’s a lot happening in this book, so the pace is pretty fast all the way through. In fact, so much is occurring, it’s a wonder Zasha and Thane have time for each other. Between the kidnapped kids who need rescuing and the numerous characters required to help defeat the villains responsible, the distractions to their romance are numerous. More quality time before the rescue attempt becomes the prominent focus would have been nice. Even so, the story descriptions are good, there are a couple of scenes that made me chuckle and I enjoyed seeing the Braddock brothers all together. 

Now to Zasha and Thane. I really enjoyed Thane and I feel his personality is more developed than Zasha. I certainly like him more. He’s a warmer individual, while Zasha is just a tad too self-contained and aloof. That means there’s lots of angst as they try to work out their issues, but it also allows the opportunity to throw in a few twists and turns to grab your attention. It’s really a bit of an emotional rollercoaster with these two and what’s going on all around them. With the new characters added, I don’t have a clue who will be featured next but I look forward to the next release to see where the storyline goes next.

Roughed Up

Title: Roughed Up

Author: Hank Edwards

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-62300-283-1

Genre: {M/M} Suspense Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Vacationing on the beaches of Barbados Island does not impede Mark Beecher’s curiosity. However, Mark’s curiosity is the source of his being kidnapped and his lover, FBI Special Agent Aaron Pearce rushing to Mark’s rescue, along with capturing a sex slavery ring.

Roughed Up is the third book in the Up to Trouble series. Mark and Pearce first met in Holed Up when Pearce is assigned to protect Mark Beecher, who was a witness to an attempted terrorist attack in Detroit. The time they spent together evolved into Mark and Pearce becoming lovers. Shacked Up features Mark who is a chef, moves into Pearce’s Washington, DC apartment, as well as getting a job catering prestigious parties. The catering company’s criminal activities lead to Mark’s unemployment and Pearce’s suspension. Pearce, who has never been in an actual relationship, is still learning to take into account Mark’s feelings before making judgmental statements. Mark worries Pearce will end their relationship. Drugged and held hostage for two days, Mark has more reasons than ever to be anxious about the endurance of their commitment. 

Hank Edwards’ Roughed Up features the dangers of traveling outside of the United States.  For example the laws of Barbados prohibit public displays of homosexuality. Slavery investigations are not fully enforced unless a possible worldwide embarrassment is likely to occur.  Roughed Up is an intriguing consciousness saga that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Until Forever Comes

Title: Until Forever Comes

Author: Cardeno C.

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-666-8

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Ethan Abbatt is considered the weakest member of his pack because he can’t shift. His life is filled with pain and ridicule and he’s tired of it. His extreme answer—death by vampire—doesn’t go as expected. Instead he ends up wounded, almost drained of blood, but finds he’s attracted to the vampire leader, Miguel. When he wakes up the next morning with paws, Ethan knows his life has changed forever.

At more than four hundred years old, Miguel Rodriguez is a strong and powerful vampire and he lost his humanity centuries ago.  Until his chance meeting with Ethan and his insistence that they’re true mates, Miguel’s feelings have laid dormant but the young shifter is hard to resist.  Being together is out of the ordinary but for the two of them, it’s meant to be. The question is whether they can survive the problems trying to keep them apart.

Until Forever Comes is the second release in the Mates series by Cardeno C. and it’s actually a prequel to Wake Me Up Inside.  After meeting Ethan and Miguel in the first book I wanted to know more about them, so I was happy they were the focus of this new release.

It’s a fun and entertaining book with a steady pace, a surprising amount of tenderness, considering Miguel’s bad-ass attitude at the beginning, and some vivid world building. Both Miguel and Ethan have well developed personalities and they blend together nicely as a couple—and their chemistry—it’s sizzling. There are several seamlessly placed secondary characters but I enjoyed Ethan’s sweet sister, Crissy, the most. That’s not to say a number of those other characters don’t supply some needed action and danger—so watch out for troublemakers.

When I finished Ethan and Miguel’s story, I had to immediately re-read Wake Me Up Inside again. And I enjoyed it just as much the second time as I did the first. I hope you enjoy this paranormal romance as much as I did and I look forward to the next one. 

Paid Leave

Title: Paid Leave

Author: Haley B. James

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publishers URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-479-4

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Benji is a member of the Albuquerque Police Department.  When he took the job, he did so knowing that he would have to stay deep in the closet.  When Benji is involved in a shooting, he is forced on leave and starts going stir crazy.  What he does not expect is to find someone like Neal, who is so comfortable in his own skin that Benji can’t help but be drawn to the other man.

Paid Leave by author Haley B. James is an interesting story centered on a young in-the-closet police officer.  I could not help thinking of the TNT show Southland while I was reading this story, and, in some ways Benji reminded me of John Cooper, one of the show’s cops.  While Benji is not as jaded as his television counterpart, his struggle to stay in the closet had a familiar ring to it.  Benji’s fears of being outed are understandable, given the way some in the police force continue to feel about homosexuality.  Given his fears, I could not believe that he started a relationship, regardless of the fact that it is only based on lust, with a reporter.  Every time Charles showed up at Benji’s place, I wanted to smack him and was so glad when Benji finally came to his senses.

Neal, on the other hand, is the perfect man for Benji.  He’s the owner of a small coffee shop and comfortable with who he is.  When the men are together, the chemistry between them really shines.  The author does a great job showing how these two feel about each other.  I loved the way in which Neal slowly brings Benji out into the world.  The fact that Benji is still in the closet puts a strain on the men’s relationship, but Benji is also feeling stress from his job.

Between the bad press the Police Dept. is currently facing, his involvement in an on-the-job shooting and his co-workers finding out he is gay, Benji has a lot on his plate.  The way in which the author chooses to settle each of these conflicts and the way in which they affect both Neal and Benji, come across realistically. 

Paid Leave is a well written story that slowly brings the readers into Benji’s life and allows them to see how meeting the right person helps him become a stronger person.  The personal and professional conflicts the men face help strengthen their relationship.  This is a story that will find its way to many keeper piles.  Fans of the M/M genre should really give it a try. 

Intimate Knowledge

Title:  Intimate Knowledge

Author:  Elizabeth Lapthorne

Publisher:  Total-E-Bound

Publisher URL:  www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78184-268-3

Genre:  {M/F}, Mystery, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

When she returns from a camping trip and getting accosted in her apartment, Jennifer calls on Saul to help her.  Saul has always loved Jennifer, but never acted on the fact since he never wanted his life at The Agency to touch her. That changes with one phone call.

The fifth installment of The Agency series starts a new mystery for the various agents.  Intimate Knowledge introduces the mystery, but mostly revolves around Jennifer’s and Saul’s relationship and the new facts that they learn about each other.   

I had to laugh as I read this book, as it seemed like the head of one section had to ask questions to find out why agents were tripping over each other without warning.  It reminded me of some of the recent news stories about various agencies not sharing information with each other.  I’m sure there will be some ramifications from this in the future.

The relationship between Jennifer and Saul is intense and also stems from the very long friendship they have.  Both have been unwilling to be the first to cross the boundary into a romantic relationship until Jennifer is threatened.  The chemistry between them is very intense and they have a hard time staying focused on staying out of harm’s way.

More information regarding some items will be forthcoming in future installments in this series, and I am looking forward to reading the next book.  To get the most out of this series, readers should read all of them in order.