Favorite Obsession

Title:  Favorite Obsession

Author:  Nancy Corrigan

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419991646

Genre:  {M/F}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Mira is told by the Shifter Council she must choose a mate within 30 days; otherwise they will pick one for her.  Complicating matters is the fact that the only man she wants to mate is Josh, a human.  What happens sets the stage for a tragedy waiting to happen.

Favorite Obsession is the third book in the Royal Pride series.  Once the Alexander Pride chooses to settle where shifter cubs had been living as adopted children of humans, Mira is constantly around Josh as his daughter is one of the young children.  An old beau shows up, as well as the nephew of the man that had attacked Mira, as some of her suitors.

Josh has made up his mind Mira is his.  Even though he has been warned about a prophecy regarding Mira, he knows she is his.  Events in Josh’s life, such as the visit by the Golden Goddess after he is attacked, prove to be very interesting and it takes Devon to make Josh realize he is right.  Josh just has to listen to certain things going on.

Family always has a way of interfering and Mira’s is no exception.  In addition, things aren’t quite what they seem where the Council is concerned.  Everyone is trying to interpret the prophecy to their benefit and old enemies surface.  I wasn’t too happy with Mira’s family, much less Josh’s friends.  Things work out in the end, with a few questions left hanging, as well as one issue unresolved.

The chemistry between Josh and Mira is intense and when they get together it is explosive.  I was happy that they got together, though the events toward the end get very emotional and could be triggers for a few readers. 

I am looking forward to the next book.  Readers need to read the series in order to get the most out of the series.

Tempeh For Two

Title: Tempeh For Two

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02014-0231

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs 

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Tobias Rogan and his mate Kyle Slidell have come full circle. The path chosen for Tobias by destiny has been accomplished. 

Tempeh For Two is the finale episode in the Real Werewolves Don't Eat Meat Series. The series began with Salad on the Side. The setting is Boston and Kyle and Tobias were neighbors. The two men share a mutual interest, but Tobias is the Alpha of a small werewolf pack. When one of the wolves attacks Kyle in the neighborhood garden one night, Kyle learns the truth in a hurry. Now he is a werewolf too. Life became even more complicated for Kyle since he's vegan, he refuses to eat meat.

Tobias moved up the werewolf hierarchy because of his unwavering integrity. He refused to allow injustice to reign supreme over the welfare of werewolves as well as the few humans that worked for them. Each promotion in rank was gained only after Tobias was persuasively manipulated into a fight to the death by one of several power hungry homophobic werewolves.

Kyle was a stimulus for disgust among some of the wolves because he continued to maintain his vegan habits. Tobias feared the lack of meat would compromise the health of Kyle’s wolf. 

Like all of the books in this series, Karenna Colcroft’s Tempeh For Two is full of deadly action and mystery, moments of intimacy as well as expressions of true friendship. I greatly enjoyed Tempeh For Two. 

Wolf in Gucci Loafers

Title: Wolf in Gucci Loafers

Author: Tara Lain

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62798-451-5

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Being half-human and half-werewolf has left socialite Lindsey Vanessen on the fringe of both.  Wolves don’t like that he’s gay and his wolf instincts make him too aggressive for human men, so he has little chance of finding love in either world. Being a success at business is Lindsey’s focus until friends who are members of other wealthy families are kidnapped. During the investigation he meets Seth Zakowsy, a hunky cop who pushes all his buttons. His problem—keeping his wolf half a secret.

Flamboyant men usually get little more than a glance from Seth but the attraction he feels for Lindsey is something he can’t deny. Having him involved in his investigation is a distraction, but allows Seth access into the wealthy world of the victims. Then he discovers Lindsey’s aggressive passion, which is a good match for his own dominant needs.  Can two men from vastly different worlds make a relationship work, when secrets and lies are standing between them?   

Wolf in Gucci Loafers is the second release in Tara Lain’s Tales of the Harker Pack. It’s possible to read this book as a standalone but there’d be greater understanding of Lindsey’s world if they are read in order.

I fell in love with Lindsey in Pack or the Panther and my feelings for him haven’t changed. It’s just now I understand him better because I know his story—what makes him tick and his personality is more developed. I thought his struggle to deal with his human and wolf halves was handled nicely. I like Seth, too. He’s focused, dedicated, and did I mention sexy?

The kidnapping premise is interesting and there’s a lot about the story I found pleasing. The pacing is good, the descriptions are vivid, I liked the differences between Lindsey and Seth and there is always something happening. I mean I never got bored—although I did roll my eyes. Yes, there are parts that made me grin and some that made me chuckle, but still others made me grit my teeth in frustration. It’s because what’s happening in the scene is so cheesy or ridiculous I could hardly stand it. That’s why I had so much trouble deciding on my rating. Parts of the story I really enjoyed—they were fun and entertaining, while others made me cringe. *Spoiler alert* Lindsey taking on the role of a vigilante character? Really? Totally didn’t work for me. 

I also liked seeing the previous characters. They added grounding in pack for Lindsey and allowed the author to provide the needed back story. So, despite my niggles, I enjoyed Lindsey’s tale of finding love and hope Ms. Lain writes another. 

Touching Tate

Title: Touching Tate

Author: Stephani Hecht

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-77111-913-9

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Tate has a massive case of empty nest syndrome.  With both his brothers now living with their mates, he is starting to feel at loose ends, that is, until he becomes reacquainted with Walsh.  Walsh never thought he would be close to normal again, yet after spending months in rehab, he’s back with his ‘family’ and ready to make things right with the pack. 

The eleventh book in the Wayne County Wolves series, Touching Tate, brings together two characters I have been waiting to see in a book of their own.  Tate is the older brother of Finn and Kline, both of whom have recently found their mates and have become soldiers for their pack.  Although a tough warrior himself, Tate needs someone to take care of.  Walsh is a ferret shifter who has had a rough time of it lately.  Hooked on the shifter equivalent of meth, Walsh is saved from certain death by his ‘brother’ Zaid.  Now he’s back and ready to be a productive member of society. This brings the two men into contact again and the chemistry between them is instantaneous.

I loved this pairing as each man brings into the relationship something the other needs to feel complete.  For Tate, it is having someone in his life that he can take care of, while for Walsh, it is someone who makes him feel as if he is a worthy member of the pack.  The author does a great job with these two and their story.  Fans of this series are sure to love this newest addition to the Wayne County Wolves series.  Readers should know that while some of the stories can be read as stand-alone, this is not one of them.  If you do not feel like reading the whole series, which I would suggest you not miss, then you need to at least read The Omega and the Assassin and In Plain Sight.

Lost in Paradise

Title:  Lost in Paradise

Author:  Tianna Xander

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-77111-920-7

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Stacia goes camping for the first time in years.  After hearing bears attacking her camp, she escapes to the river and is rescued by Ronan and Noah.  All end up in Paradise after Ronan is attacked by one of the bears.

The latest book in the Paradise series, Lost in Paradise, is about jaguar/panther shifters this time.  Ronan and Noah are talking about leaving Paradise to find their mate, when they stumble upon Stacia after the attack on her camp.  An additional attack puts Ronan in the hospital in Paradise, where both men discover Stacia is their mate.

The chemistry between the three is intense, whether Stacia is with either individually or with both men. I love the relationships that the shifters have with their mates in the town of Paradise.  While outsiders initially think the men are insane, all work out in the end, once their mates accept there are such things as shifters.

As with previous stories, members of the town try to help the men by touting their strengths and personalities.  There was a new tidbit in this story that I did not pick up in previous ones.  I did have to laugh at Stacia’s reaction until she learned the truth. 

I am looking forward to reading more in this series.  This book can be read as a stand-alone story.

Count on Me

 Title: Count on Me

Author: Lauren Dane

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61921-991-5

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary Series

Rating: Recommended Read

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Sixteen years ago, Caroline Mendoza’s mother was murdered and her father imprisoned for the crime. Believing in her father’s innocence created a rift with her grandparents that drove her across country to her father’s family. Now an attorney, Caroline’s back in Petal to start a new life. She lands a job with a local law firm, and intends to mend her family split and investigate her mother’s death. Her big surprise—meeting Royal Watson and their intense attraction. Delving into the past is causing problems. Not only is her family angry but someone wants her investigation to stop and is willing to kill her to do it. Can Caroline and Royal make a relationship work while catching a killer and keeping Caroline alive?

Count on Me is the newest release in Lauren Dane’s Petal, Georgia series. While reading the books in order would be preferable, it can be read as a standalone.

This is going to be a short and sweet review. So my first remark is that I’ve enjoyed the other books in this series but this newest one is definitely my favorite. My second is that you should read it immediately. It’s an emotional read—full of love, pain, and family angst—I couldn’t stop reading.

The author’s done a wonderful job in creating Caroline and Royal. The details of their personal histories—particularly Caroline’s is well done. Count on Me is fast-paced, the imagery vivid, the sexual chemistry sizzling and it even has plenty of action and danger. This complicated story is realistic, well written, and entertaining and I encourage you to give it a try.

Loving Jay

Title: Loving Jay

Author: Renae Kaye

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781627986304

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Since a car accident left him with a limp when he was sixteen, Liam has had to make adjustments to his life.  Unbeknownst to the young man, his biggest challenge is just around the corner; admitting to him, and others, that he is gay.  Attracted to Liam, Jay stages a meeting that soon leads these two from friendship to lovers.

Loving Jay is my first book by author Renae Kaye and I have to say it won’t be my last.  The author pulled me in right from the beginning.  I loved the characters and really felt for Liam as he struggled with his attraction to men.  It is easy to see why he is leery of accepting who he really is because of his fear about losing his family.  I have to say, though, that the way the author has Liam’s family voice their initial support for the young man, even before he comes out, lets the reader know that for the most part everything with his family would work out. 

Jay is the total opposite of Liam, which makes him the perfect match for the other man.  I love Jay’s quirkiness, especially when he has bouts of verbal diarrhea.  And when he shares a scene with his whole family, watch out because the craziness really shows up. When Jay and Liam finally come together as a couple they really heat up the pages, especially at the bachelor party.

While the relationship between the two men is important, the author covers some tense issues that help make the story, and Liam’s journey, come across realistically.  The secondary characters are just as well done as the main characters and I loved the way the two families reacted to the men’s relationship. 

Loving Jay is a great story and one I plan on re-reading again.  This is one author I will be keeping an eye on and can’t wait to see what she has planned next. 

Ask the Oracle

Title: Ask the Oracle

Author: JJ Black

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.totallybound.com

ISBN: 9780857156914

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Being the honorable man that he is, Grayson Muir made a commitment to himself to always help save lives. Grey also vowed to never do business with demons. Nevertheless, when Lord Andreo Demos pops into Gray’s office, Grey is forced to work with the demon before the underworld chaos extended to Earth’s humanity.

Ask the Oracle is the first book in the Revelations series. The captivating plot is well paced. The characters are creditable.

Gray’s personal history is particularly interesting. He considers himself merely as a gifted human. Orphaned as a baby, Gray has no clue as to whom or what species his parents were. It was only when Dreo informed him that there has never been a full blooded human Oracle. At the moment, Gray decided his future mission will be to discover his heritage. Gray also discovered Dreo is his fated mate, which explained why he found Dreo so utterly irresistible.

Dreo is principled as well as a very considerate man. He immediately recognized that Gray was his mate but he sought to resolve the issues plaguing the underworld before pursuing Gray intimately. However, Dreo and Gray did share brief intimacy during quiet periods of the hunt for the murderer. 

JJ Black has created a thrilling saga packed with magic, action as well as intrigue. The interaction between the characters is amusing, the intimacy is exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed Ask the Oracle.  

Twins’ Slave

Title:   Twins’ Slave

Author:  M. Garnet

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-77111-914-6

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Sci-Fi

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Lorelei is a cop who gets involved in a shoot-out with aliens and manages to elude them for a while.  Once captured, she is taken to Bleak’s quarters as his slave.  Once there, Bleak realizes she is more than just his and his brother’s slave.

Twins’ Slave is a fast-paced book that I hope will have a sequel, or become a series, to answer some questions that went unanswered in this book.  The ending leaves a few issues unresolved.  Ms. Garnet creates a world that has a special resource that others want, but has kept hands off for a while because the Twinned Dessnue has not yet found their catalyst, or their woman.  That changes when Lorelei is introduced into the mix. 

I loved the fact that Lorelei didn’t accept the way they wanted to keep her.  She shows that her law enforcement background is an asset to the two men and those she comes to care about.  Lorelei becomes Bleak’s and Leant’s Concubine and foils a plot against the men’s surrogate father.

The chemistry between the three is what sets a new rule on Bleak’s and Leant’s planet of GigasVnee.  As their relationship grows, they learn they are intertwined and can feel each other, though the twins have always been able to communicate and feel what the other does. 

The secondary characters are a mix of good and bad.  The prologue does introduce one character that is mentioned, but doesn’t actually show up.  There were a few situations with the Guards that were funny, but life threatening in others. 

Despite not having answers to several questions that become very evident toward the end, this is one book I will read again as it was a good suspense as well as love story.

The Wolf’s Healing Touch

Title: The Wolf’s Healing Touch

Author: Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books  

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-77111-890-3

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

After everything his sister went through, Byron has plenty of reason to hate scientists.  When he is one of those appointed to turn Sampson Marlow over to representatives of the CIA, he did not realize he would be meeting his mate, Edwin.  What is worse is the fact that his mate is a scientist, one who admits to doing experiments. 

The Wolf’s Healing Touch is the 22^nd story in Ms. Richards long running Wolves of Stone Ridge series.  This story is one in which the main characters pull you straight into their story and keep you there until the last page.  Having been a fan of this series, and knowing some of the things Marlow and his cronies have done to shifters, it was easy to understand why Byron acted the way he did after finding out what Edwin did for a living.  What surprised me is Edwin’s prior knowledge of shifters, and how he found out.  As for the two men, readers know the author is not one to let misunderstandings linger for long and the two waste no time coming together. 

There are a couple of twists in The Wolf’s Healing Touch that lend some tension to the book.  I have to say I was a little surprised by Toby, Edwin’s assistant, as I kept waiting for him to be the bad guy.  

Readers of this series are sure to love this newest addition and I am curious where the author will be taking it next.

Spirit

Title: Spirit

Author: John Inman

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62798-681-6

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Jason Day is crazy about his nephew, Timmy. That’s the only reason he agrees to watch him during his sister’s four-week vacation. Jason just didn’t realize how it would take over his life and prevent him from getting any of his at-home video design work done. Timmy’s a hand-full and constantly moving. Help comes with the arrival of Sam, an unexpected visitor who Jason hasn’t seen since his sister’s wedding. An even bigger surprise is the man who lives in the basement—a ghost Jason didn’t know he had.

Spirit is the newest release by John Inman. It’s not only well written and plotted, but fun and entertaining with a smooth pace, vivid descriptions and great characters. I really enjoyed Timmy. At four, the kid’s a dynamo of energy and takes over every scene he’s in—but not in a bad way. The author’s done a wonderful job with his personality, allowing him to stay child-like without making the mistake of giving him adult mannerisms. His interaction with the adults and how he runs them ragged, made me chuckle.

Jason’s a great guy. He made me laugh with his stubborn refusal to believe in his ghost until he didn’t have any other choice. Sam has a great sense of humor and his bantering dialogue with Jason is just another reason for me to love this book. Not to mention these two have a sizzling chemistry—can you say hot? The ghost is a great addition and has a vivid personality all his own that comes out in pieces as the story progress and we learn his identity. The scenes where Jason and Sam are searching for the truth of what happened to him are some of my favorites and are particularly well written. 

There are a couple of niggles but they didn’t diminish my enjoyment. The identity of the ghost is obvious pretty early on. The same goes for the villains. They spend most of their time off-scene, but once they do make their presence known, it’s action and danger. So, as you can see, this paranormal romance is still a winner for me and I can easily say—read it.

The Wizard King

Title:  The Wizard King

Author:  Dana Marie Bell

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-61921-975-5

Genre:  {M/F}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Gareth refuses to go through the ritual, formally making him king, without his mate by his side.  He is aware that he caused a lot of the problems between him and Gen after the last battle.

The third book in the Heart’s Desire series, The Wizard King, picks up where Hecate’s Own ends.  The two remaining Beckett men are still battling their wolves and the need to find their mates.  In my opinion, The Wizard King is the best book of the series so far.

I had to laugh at the Wizard Court’s reaction to Gareth.  Mac was great, especially when he made no bones about helping Gareth rule, when the women on the Council decided that Gen would not make an acceptable Queen-Consort.  Gareth made no bones about the fact that Gen was there to stay, regardless what the rest of the wizards wanted.

The rest of Gen’s immediate family is up to their old tricks, trying to rule with an evil mage and destroy the Beckett’s besides.  The majority of characters from the previous books show up, along with a few new ones to help.  There are still two situations to be resolved, one with Gen’s family and one with the last Beckett man.

The chemistry between Gareth and Gen has grown and it is no surprise they burn up the pages once they get together.  Both have a few issues that need to be resolved, but things do work out.

The Wizard King is a fast paced book with lots of suspense.  I am looking forward to Daniel’s story as he is the last Beckett brother. 

Rules of the Chef

Title: Rules of the Chef

Author: Nicole Dennis

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-0-85715-679-2

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 3 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Chef Dakota Mitchell loves his restaurant, Southern Delights.  When his friend and business partner sells his hotel portion of their Bed and Breakfast—Southern Charm—Dakota’s saddled with a new partner he doesn’t want. 

The Ashford Hotels wants to start a collection of unique boutique hotels and plans to start with Southern Charm as their first acquisition. When Samuel Ashford arrives he’s ready to make huge changes to correct its rundown appearance, but didn’t count on the resistance of his new partner. He also doesn’t expect the sizzling attraction to a man he argues with constantly. Can Dakota and Sam come to an agreement and make a life together?

Rules of the Chef is the first book in the new series, Southern Charm by Nicole Dennis. I liked the premise for this new M/M series. I mean what could be better than two good looking guys at the beach and one of them is a great chef. Who doesn’t love a man who can cook?

I enjoyed how the story began. Dakota’s passionate about his restaurant and obviously loves his friend and the bed and breakfast they own. His quirky relationship with the people who work at the B & B and their bantering dialogue made me smile. He seems like a likable guy but the moment Sam arrives, the problems begin. Dakota doesn’t want to make changes and he acts like an arrogant ass. From this point on his personality is definitely flawed and pretty unappealing during most of the remainder of the book. Sam’s supposed to be attracted to Dakota but his attitude is so terrible that I don’t know why he would be. At least they don’t jump into bed immediately.

What I liked: Getting to see Dakota and Sam shopping. I enjoyed the early morning fish market scene. It was funny and added a nice growth moment to their relationship. There are a few secondary characters that were nice additions—Mal and Elise in particular, and I’d like to know more about them. There are also a few townspeople that made appearances who I assume we’ll see again in the future.

Where I have issues: Aside from the landscaping at the Southern Charm I didn’t have a good feel for what else needed to be fixed. Dakota’s a businessman. He should have had a better handle on his kitchen. And Sam—the idea that he spent days sorting paperwork is crazy. Why didn’t he have help? And they kept talking about Chandler, the wonder accountant, but he never appeared. I guess we’ll see him in the next book. My biggest complaint is the abrupt ending after the last minute drama involving Sam. I find this kind of ploy to sell the next book, not only disappointing, but annoying. It left me feeling like the book had stopped at the mid-way point and I was missing the last half. Not a good emotion for a reader.

As, I previously said, I like the premise, so I hope the series get the glitches worked out because it has so much potential.

Farren's Wizard

Title: Farren's Wizard

Author: Amber Kell

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.totallybound.com

ISBN: 9781784300029

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Escape is futile, or so it seems, for Farren Azar. Although Farren’s new boyfriend Dan Stewartson is the only one Farren would ever regret leaving.

Farren's Wizard is the third book in the A Wizard's Touch series. Farren is desperate to get away from his cold, unfeeling power-hungry family. Farren is not only a fire mage, his grandfather is a full blooded djinn which means Farren has more magical powers than the other wizards at the college. This is a major problem for Farren since all djinns were declared outlaws long ago. Farren even tried to break up with his true love Dan before the family secrets were revealed.

Dan is the oldest of triplets; alone his magic was not very strong. However, joined with his brothers, the magic of three was exceptionally strong. Dan knew Farren was more than a fire mage but he was determined to keep the information secret. In Dan’s mind, Farren is his forever mate.  

Amber Kell has created an electrifying saga that I enjoyed immensely. I suggest reading this series in sequence, starting with Jaynell's Wolf.

The Bigger They Come

Title: The Bigger They Come

Author: Ari McKay

Publisher: Torquere Press

Publisher URL: www.torquerebooks.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61040-675-8

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Cade “Hercules” Thornton spent years in the Marines before Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, forced him out. Then he led a paramilitary organization before a leg injury ended that career. Now he owns Hercules Security, providing the best bodyguards money can buy. That’s how he finds himself with a new client, Kate Morgan, a wealthy businesswoman who wants her grandson protected from a stalker. The catch—she demands Cade do the job himself. The problem—Cade doesn’t do fieldwork anymore.

The other problem—Dr. Jude Morgan doesn’t think he needs someone watching his every move and thinks his grandmother is over-reacting. The sparks that fly between Jude and his new babysitter are explosive, surprising both men with their intensity. It’s soon apparent the danger from the stalker is real and getting worse. Can Cade keep Jude safe or will he die trying?

The Bigger They Come is the first release in Ari McKay’s new series, Herc’s Mercs.  I’m a sucker for a bodyguard book and this blurb appealed to me immediately and finding out Jude wasn’t a geeky guy who jumps at his own shadow is a plus. The bantering dialogue between these two is pretty amusing and their sexual chemistry is hot. The sparks fly in one direction or the other from the first second they meet and sometimes not in a good way. Cade wants to deck Jude! The author’s done a nice job with the personality development of both men and I like them both, even if Jude is prickly and touchy. The story is well written, flows smoothly and had enough twists to keep my attention and the pages turning. I can’t wait for the next one. 

As much as I enjoyed it, there are a few things that could have made it better—in my opinion. I would have loved to know more about Herc’s business and the men who work for him. Maybe that’ll happen in the next book because I don’t have a feel for the company and who might be in the next book. Once Thomas appeared on scene as a threat, I understood how dangerous he was but the references to him just fell a bit flat without knowing more about him. Jude’s grandmother—I liked her and how she wanted to protect him but his annoyance with her, in turn annoyed me. Their relationship didn’t need to be so adversarial to be convincing.

Nothing but Smoke

Title: Nothing but Smoke

Author: Daisy Harris

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781619221727

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Publication Date:  June 11, 2014

Michael has watched as each of his friends found someone special to settle down with.  While Michael usually has no problem finding someone to get off with, he is beginning to wonder if there isn’t more out there for him, as well.  He doesn’t expect a park hookup, especially one deep in the closet, to be the one to snag him though. 

Nothing but Smoke is the third story in the Fire and Rain series.  Like the other stories, this book also has a firefighter for a main character, in this case Nicky.  Nicky has a lot on his plate and the last thing he can handle is being gay.  With a macho job and a sick, religious mother, Nicky hides who he is from others.  This lends an air of innocence to the brawny firefighter, which is different from what we have come to expect.  It was really easy to be drawn to Nicky.  I wondered how things would play out for him and hoped that things with his mother would end peacefully. 

Michael was the character that took a little getting used to.  He comes across as very brash, yet it is easy to see he uses that as a cover.  I was surprised to see the author throw two characters like this together yet, at the same time, realized it made sense as Nicky would need someone like Michael to help him face the changes coming into his life.  

The author brings the previous characters in to help Michael and Nicky, which gives the readers a chance to catch up with them.  While at times the book can be a little heavy, there are some lighter moments.  Readers will find that Nothing but Smoke is another well done story by this author, and a perfect addition to the series.

Chasing the Dragon

Title: Chasing the Dragon

Author: Ash Penn

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.totallybound.com

ISBN: 9781784300036

Genre: M/M Contemporary Twincest

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Twins Aiden and Kai had not spoken or seen each other for ten years. The goal of their trial parting was to sever their compulsive craving for intimacy whenever they were together. However, meeting again on their thirty-second birthday only confirmed that Aiden and Kai can never break the unusual attachment they share.   

Chasing the Dragon is a bittersweet short story. The characters are creditable. Kai is gay as well as flamboyant; he is constantly changing his hair color to stand out as an individual rather than a twin. Nevertheless, Kai’s personality is more of a façade to hide his pain of rejection. Kai is also the instigator of chaos with anyone who loves him.

Aiden has a caregiver’s personality, he caters to the wishes of others first. Kai is the only man Aiden has ever been intimate with or even desired. I got the impression that Aiden is either bisexual or in deep denial regarding his sexuality.

Ash Penn has created a touching attention grabbing saga that I found mostly enjoyable. I was saddened by the thought of Aiden and Kai having to settle for living life devoid of a true brotherly relationship.     

Reader Advisory: This book contains a twincest / incest storyline.

Riding & Regrets

Title: Riding & Regrets

Author: Bailey Bradford

Publisher: Totally Bound

Publishers URL: https://www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN: 9780857156884

Genre: {M/M}, Western, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Jody just wants to fit in somewhere.  He had hoped it would be at the Mossy Glenn Ranch but he’s not so sure now.  When he is suddenly made aware that he is the father of a two-year-old daughter, he is surprised by the way everyone on the ranch pulls together to help.  To make things even more overwhelming, Jody meets Noel while signing his little one up for day care. 

Riding & Regrets is the newest addition to the Mossy Glenn Ranch series.  Readers are sure to enjoy this new story, but should know that it does bring up topics that may be difficult for some to handle.  Noel is escaping an abusive relationship and hopes running to his aunt’s will be a new start.  Noel is out and proud and I wondered how he would fit in in the small community of Ashville, Montana.  I was a little surprised that the author did not bring this issue up at least once.

Jody is one of the ranch hands on the Mossy Glenn.  He’s young and has been on his own for many years, which explains his, at times, immature attitude and actions.  The author did a great job showcasing the confusion and fear a twenty year old young man would feel when he suddenly finds himself a parent.  I really felt for the young man, especially given the fact that Jody has no clear memory of the night Prissy was conceived. 

There is an instant connection between Jody and Noel and I like the way they complimented each other.  I also like the way the author allowed these two to grow, moving in to a physical relationship at a pace that is comfortable for them.  I wish the author would have spent a little more time on Jody’s past, as it is clear that not everything is what it appears.

This story is also full of wonderful secondary characters.  Many of the guys we have met before and I love the way they go out of their way to help Jody and Prissy. 

Riding & Regrets is a well written story that fans of this series are sure to enjoy.  I really liked the characters in this book, especially the way they pulled me into their story.  While each book can stand on its own, the reader would get a richer understanding by reading all the books in the series.

Strategic Surrender

Title:  Strategic Surrender

Author:  Elizabeth Lapthorne

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419949005

Genre:  {M/F}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Kiera is called in along with her partner and a Special Operations man, Hayden, to decide what to do with a grimoire.  The result of their solution is a contract on their heads.

Strategic Surrender is the eighth book in the Urban Seductions series.  Readers need to read the last book, Edge of Ecstasy, before reading Strategic Surrender as what happened in that story has some bearing regarding what happens now.

Kiera is breaking her own rule after she meets Hayden.  Both Hayden and Kiera have some explosive chemistry together.  While Kiera doesn’t think Hayden needs to be concerned for her safety, things change once it is learned there is a contract on them.  There are some interesting times both in and out of bed as their relationship grows.

More information is given about the Tribunal governing wizards and witches.  Several questions come up about security when circumstances push everyone into hiding.  How did someone find out what happened before the Tribunal was even notified? Why would someone want what little knowledge was gleaned before the grimoire was destroyed? And who is trustworthy? 

Toward the end of the story, several things regarding answers to these questions were left hanging.  I hope the author will resolve these issues in future stories.  More information about the roles of several secondary characters could be expanded, including what Daniel and Melissa do after they are contacted by Hayden.

All the stories in this series are interconnected, though some stories are resolved, but have that little twist that runs into the next one.  Strategic Surrender has a major twist that will prove very interesting in future stories.

Rogue of the Borders

Title: Rogue of the Borders

Author:  Cynthia Breeding

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61922-125-3

Genre:  {M/F} Regency

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Abigail Townsend is sick of stuffy balls and isn’t sure she can go through one more Season.  She’s nothing like the other debutantes.  She’s a strong-willed intellect who knows what she wants.  Abigail is dying to experience the kind of adventure and travel she constantly reads about.  When Abigail sees an opportunity to make her dreams come true, she doesn’t hesitate.  And the fact that it involves the man of her fantasies is icing on the cake. 

Shane Macleod has no intention of pursuing any woman right now.  Life at sea is no kind of life for a family.  Plus, Shane has a secret that he can’t share with anyone.  Even though he’s drawn to Abigail, Shane isn’t happy when he’s forced to do the right thing and marry her.  Shane vows not to lay a hand on her, but Abigail has other ideas.  The more he tries to push her away, the more Abigail sneaks into Shane’s heart.

Abigail and Shane are both blind to the danger surrounding them by someone from their past.  Actions speak louder than words and actions definitely cause a misunderstanding between the couple.  The interference of family works for the couple and against them at the same time, but the biggest obstacle is Shane himself.  He puts up a good fight by trying to be noble but he is no match for Abigail.  She was determined to have her husband fall in love with her and she wasn’t taking any excuses from Shane.  I was actually jaw-dropping shocked at some of the moments when Shane decided to give Abigail the cold shoulder.  In his mind he thought it was for the best I know, but I couldn’t believe his willpower was that strong.  I was also amazed by Abigail’s boldness at times.  It took a lot of nerve for her to dress like a male and sneak onto Shane’s ship.  She was so sure of her ability to fool him that Abigail didn’t think through certain aspects of her deception.  That made for some very intense moments where I feared for her safety and Shane’s sanity.  Although, I admit I was expecting a much bigger reveal. 

Rogue of the Borders is the third book of the Rogue series.  Cynthia Breeding has once again given readers another hot Highlander to fall in lust with.  I think Shane has it all, brains and brawn.  And the fact that he appreciates more in a woman than just beauty makes Shane even more of a catch.  I know that all of the Macleod men have met their perfect matches, but I feel that Abigail truly is Shane’s equal in every way that counts.  In this particular time, intelligence isn’t a quality that men want in a woman.  They want the opposite.  Shane is man enough not to be threatened by Abigail and recognize the prize he has in her.  Over thinking the situation nearly cost Shane the woman I feel was created just for him.  If you enjoyed the first two installments in this series, you have to read Shane and Abigail’s story.  Readers will be excited to hear about characters they bonded with in the previous stories and see everything come full circle.