Irrational Arousal

Title: Irrational Arousal
Author: Summer Devon
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419924156
Genre: {M/F} Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Updating her résumé, calling her mom and catching up on laundry are a few to-do items that Gia plans while laying in bed. Nothing out of the ordinary for an evening at home, until arousal shoots through her chest, giving Gia the shakes. Clear as day, she sees and feels hands stroking her womanly areas, and then the pressure in her erection relaxes. Obviously some sort of hallucination has taken over, because Gia is alone and she doesn’t have family jewels.

Will’s concentration on the construction site is interrupted by freezing visions of his co-worker screwing a dark haired woman. Weak kneed and groaning, Will realizes that the vision isn’t really happening, even though he physically felt as if it was. The woman in the vision seems familiar, but how? Surely this can’t be a dream, considering Will is wide awake and working?

A double nervous breakdown or exposure to some sort of chemicals is the only conclusion Gia and Will can come to after discovering that the other person can feel their excitement. Will is more disturbed by his lack of control over the situation than Gia and convinces her that they need medical intervention. Blinding need was driving them both over the edge and that was even before they had actually touched each other. What could be a curse turns out to be a blessing in disguise for the pair.

By page three, I knew there was no way under the sun I could put this book down without finishing it in one sitting. The clever plot took twist and turns that were impossible to see coming and I loved that element of surprise. As strange as Gia and Will’s condition is, the side effects will definitely bring a smile to your lips. Their lickety split, Twilight Zone kind of union was the glue that made their sex scenes extremely hot. Also, the mystery of Edgar and 12-D is one that is too great to disappear in this one story. I am on bended knee, begging Summer Devon to continue with more explanation about these two topics, because I am dying for more. Irrational Arousal is one sickness I wouldn’t mind catching. What a way to be infected!

Control, A Hammer Story: The Three of Pentacles

Title: Control, A Hammer Story: The Three of Pentacles
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-823-4
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary BDSM
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Jim’s just as shy and nervous as ever and crazy in love with his Master, Marcus, but he’s still having difficulty accepting his need for control in every aspect of his life. He’s so upset, cranky, and worried that he’ll disappoint his lover, his debilitating panic attacks have started again. Jim loves and needs Marcus, and it’s up to the Dom to show his hurting sub that nothing is as important as the life and love they share.

Billy and Montana’s lives are going great, and their full-time Dom/sub life is working well. The bottom drops out for Montana when his surrogate mother dies after a long illness. Montana’s upset, withdrawn, and depressed. It’s up to Billy to show his hurting sub the control he needs, forcing him to deal with the pain and hurt that’s destroying him.

Control, A Hammer Story is the newest release by Sean Michael following the members of the BDSM club, The Hammer. It’s really two stories mixed into one, with a connection portion in the middle that ties everything together seamlessly into a well-written and plotted storyline.

There’s a lot going on in this 18K story…passion, desire, fear, and uncertainly mixed in with Jim’s panic attacks and Montana’s depression. Through it all, Dom’s Marcus and Billy, are front and center, giving their hurting lovers the control and support they need. The emotional connection between the members of each couple is still as intense as ever, and the author does a great job expressing the depth of their commitment to each other and their lifestyle.

It was great seeing other members of the Hammer community introduced previously and I look forward to seeing them again in future books. I for one am anxiously waiting for the next full-length release in this keeper series.

Haunted by Your Soul

Title: Haunted by Your Soul
Author: Marguerite Labbe
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935192-73-2
Genre: {M/M} Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Jacob Corvin refuses to believe his lover is dead. Their link isn’t severed, and regardless of how weak it is at times, he knows Kristair is still there. Having The Syndicate hot on his trail again isn’t helping Jacob’s mental state. The emotions that are building just below the surface are more than ready to find a target to unleash its fury. Is Jacob losing his mind, or is Kristair trying to find a way to reach out to his lover?

Marguerite Labbe’s Haunted by Your Soul is book two in the Triquetra series. It’s been an uphill climb for Jacob. His support system is in shambles, as well as his heart. Marguerite Labbe has a way of making you feel the character’s anguish and rage in this installment. I couldn’t imagine loving someone so completely and knowing they still exist but have no clue of how to reach out to them. Haunted by Your Soul is packed with action, suspense, erotic moments, and at least one breathtaking setting. The ending left me salivating for the next book in the series. If you’ve read the first book in the exciting series, you don’t want to miss this fantastic sequel.

Lucy’s Neighbors

Title: Lucy’s Neighbors
Author: Ava Rose Johnson
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419923920
Genre: {M/F/M} Ménage, {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Lucy is frustrated because of her non-existent love life. She is friends with two neighbors she would love to get to know better but they are a couple. She has watched them from her window for months. Lucy is also feeling trapped by her family and what she feels are her obligations to them.

Steve and Doug may be a couple, but they have been looking for a woman that will satisfy their different tastes. Up until now, every woman has only been for one night, but both men decide Lucy is the one that will complete their relationship.

Lucy’s Neighbors will captivate you almost from the start. Lucy’s feelings of insecurity and self-doubt will resonate with anyone that has had a long dry spell. Every woman would be lucky to find even one man like Steve and Doug. Both are so patient with Lucy, letting her have her space, taking things slow and supporting her when things come to ahead with Lucy’s family. The three of them, either together or in pairs, will have you getting the ice-cubes and fans out. Ms. Johnson brings you right into the story where you are a part of everything going on. Those that like m/m and ménage stories will want to add this one to their bookshelf. I will be reading this one again.

Doce, A Roughstock Story: The Ten of Wands

Title: Doce, A Roughstock Story: The Ten of Wands
Author: BA Tortuga
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-824-1
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Western
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Jaoquim loves riding bulls on the competitive circuit and has a few good friends, but he’s never quite fit in. He’s Brazilian, but being raised in Texas changes his perception of life, making him a Texan, through and through, and different from his countrymen. He’s a nice guy who everyone likes and he’s shy, quiet and afraid to admit his unseemly, evil sexual feelings for Balta, another rider.

Balta has been riding bulls for years and is at the top of his game. He’s older, wiser, stiff, sore, feeling his age and feeling lonely. He’s wanted Joaquim for months and in order to avoid scaring him off, Balta plans a slow seduction to get what he wants…Joa, in his bed. Can Balta and Joa find a way to make their love work in a world filled with macho cowboys, who don’t understand men loving men, or will it drive them apart?

Doce is a short 22K story, set in the Roughstock world of competitive professional bull riders, and brings two new characters into the forefront, Balta and Jaoquim. These two men are the perfect counterpoint to each other, inside the rodeo ring and out. Balta is more boisterous and outgoing, while Joa is shy and calm. The author does a nice job expressing their differences, and an equally nice job of showing what brings them together. The scenes around the ring, bull fighters, medical personnel and competition are realistically written, as is the fear for an injured friend.

Unlike many stories, this one allows the attraction between the characters to grow and build before their relationship takes the final big step, changing it into something physical. And even then the passion and desire is gentle, caring and understanding. These two guys are nice and everyone in the story likes them, but I never felt I had a good handle on what made them tick. Instead of becoming part of the story, I felt like an outsider looking it.

Unholy Matrimony

Title: Unholy Matrimony
Author: Audra Beagle and Chloe West
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-806-7
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Benjamin Bell is a wealthy and handsome New Yorker, who has everything a man could want in his life. He graduated from a prestigious college, lives in a stylish penthouse with his beautiful girlfriend, has a well paying job as an architect and works with his best friend. Except he’s miserable, which explains how he ends up in Las Vegas for a short weekend vacation. It doesn’t explain why he wakes next to a gorgeous blue-eyed man, who he remembers only through an alcohol-induced fog.

When his little Vegas indiscretion follows him back home, Ben learns that not only did he have sex with cute Mason Hadley, multiple times, but he married him. And Mason has the legally binding marriage license to prove it. Now Ben needs to figure out how Mason fits into his life and having him staying in the guest room isn’t working. Then there’s the little matter of his girlfriend/fiancé. What’s Ben going to do when she finds out that Mason isn’t his brother, but his lawfully wedded husband? In Ben’s case what happened in Vegas definitely didn’t stay in Vegas.

Unholy Matrimony is a fun, cute and lighthearted look at what happens when Ben’s normally staid inhibitions drop and he cuts loose for the first time in his life. The authors did a nice job expressing the swirling emotions of these men and the story is much more romantic than it is erotic, but that doesn’t stop Ben and Mason from having frequent bouts of sizzling hot sex. They are so attracted to each other that the room nearly hums with arousal whenever they’re together.

I loved the bantering dialogue and plenty of places scattered throughout the story deserved a chuckle or two. The story’s pace is smooth, the premise unusual and original and the characters interesting and well-integrated. The descriptions of Ben waking in bed with Mason and those immediately after, were vividly described, giving a good understanding of Ben’s uncertainty, embarrassment and panic. Once I’d read these scenes, I knew I was in for a rollercoaster ride of fun, frivolity and mishap.

This is the first I’ve read by these authors, and it won’t be the last.

Bitter Creek's Redemption

Title: Bitter Creek's Redemption
Author: T. A. Chase
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-579-9
Genre: {M/M} Western Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Eagle, a Comanche and White half-breed, keeps a low profile in town. Educated in the ways of both the Comanche and White worlds, he hides his intelligence from the townspeople and does his job at the livery stable, mostly ignored. When his one true friend comes to Eagle dying from a gunshot and asking for help, Eagle realizes he must take sides in the town’s land war. Help comes with the arrival of a stranger sent for by the dead man’s letter Eagle mailed. Eagle wants justice for his friend’s murder and this decision becomes inescapable with the mutual attraction shared with this stranger.

Bitter Creek's Redemption is a well paced action western. The impressive storyline illustrates greedy men, who all have a hidden agenda. The characters are well defined, Eagle speaks both languages, can read and write as well as being proficient in Comanche skills. Both men have emotional backgrounds interwoven with prejudice, as well as the dangers implicated by detection of their true natures; nevertheless they can’t resist each other. Also exhibited in the secondary characters is the change of their perceptions in relation to the Native American culture. T. A. Chase has delivered a wonderful saga that I very much enjoyed.

Last Call Europe: Chocolate Shock

Title: Last Call Europe: Chocolate Shock
Author: Selena Illyria
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-297-5
Genre: {M/F} Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Alastrina is one Love Fairy who is sick and tired of her boss working all the fairies, as if they were mules. Having had enough, Alastrina takes the evening off, hoping for some fun of her own. For what she had in mind, any man would do until Alastrina spots a man she can’t take her eyes off.

His control is pushed to the limit the moment Garrison Fredricks spies Alastrina walking into the bar. Even his leopard side is dying to come out and play with the sassy fairy. One night was all they were suppose to have, but Garrison is planning for much longer. Unfortunately, there might be some unspoken truths that could mess up Garrison’s plan.

Last Call Europe: Chocolate Shock is an unusual, sexually charged love story that I found to be very hot. The link between Garrison and Alastrina was completely unexpected and I can honestly say that the plot was far from predictable. Their boss really enraged me with some of his actions but after I got a glimpse of the big picture, I began to like him. Readers who love a good paranormal love story will not be disappointed.

As You Are

Title: As You Are
Author: Ethan Day
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-440-4
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Julian fell in love with Danny almost from the first moment they met. Used to being let down in the relationship department, Julian hopes, as Danny's new roommate, things will go differently. As a year of friendship rolls around, Julian begins to wonder if, once again, his hopes are about to be crushed.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ethan Day's As You Are. Written in the first person, we only get to see things through Julian's eyes. While he may be very witty with one-liners that will have you laughing out loud, he does not always see things clearly. It is also because of Julian that readers may have a hard time warming up to Danny. If I had any problems with the story, it was that we don't get to learn more of what made Danny the person he is today. We are only given a very narrow view of Danny's life.

Readers should not let this dissuade them from reading this book however. Julian, Danny and many of the secondary characters do an excellent job pulling the reader in while the author makes the story come alive with his descriptions. I dare you to read this book and not laugh over the dinner party scene.

Afterthought

Title: Afterthought
Author: Cat Kane
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-579-4
Genre: {M/M} Science Fiction
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Vance Gregory is an agent for Organization for Path Security. He is on a mission to bring down Marcus Rose, a powerful telepath who deals in mind-altering substances that allows him greater access to the human user's mind. During a surprise attack Marcus escapes; however, Ayan is abandoned and captured by OPS. Vance requests help from their captive Ayan, a low-level Path with unexplained links to Marcus. At first, Ayan refuses to help Vance and then finally agrees to the plan in exchange for his freedom. Once free, both men discover an intense attraction for each other. Their encounter with Marcus accomplished the completion to Vance’s mission, or so they thought. Meanwhile, Vance and Ayan explore the attraction between them. Their lovemaking builds a powerful mental bond, along with uncertainties, of the connection they feel. Ayan's powers begin to soar out of control and unwanted thoughts of Marcus become a risk to Vance’s psyche. The battle is not over and Vance has to decide between the adversary he hates and the man he loves.

Afterthought by Cat Kane is an intriguing story of gifted men with mind controlling abilities. Vance is a sarcastic fun loving telepath who enjoys his telepathic abilities. He adapts effortlessly to whatever circumstances he’s in. Ayan has uncertainties about his abilities and even fears what he may be capable of; however his actions are motivated by his love for Vance. The storyline is fascinating and well paced, the developed characters have a wonderful interaction and the lovemaking is sensual. I found Afterthought to be an impressive and enjoyable saga.

Seeking the Balance 3: Clutching

Title: Seeking the Balance 3: Clutching
Author: AR Moler
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-820-3
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Mason Flynn is a caring man, which is only part of what makes him an outstanding surgeon, but sometimes he cares too deeply. That’s exactly the case with a young patient that he can’t save despite his healing ability, and it’s tearing him apart. Physically he’s strong but emotionally, he’s feeling a little fragile and as much as he needs his lover close, hates feeling needy. And that’s another problem. He loves Cam and he wants Cam but knows the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy means hiding their relationship, so what’s in their future? What do they do? He’s got love, pain, uncertainty and death on his mind and they’re all driving him crazy. He needs to come to grips with his feelings. That means learning when to let go and when to grab on and hold on tight, to the things in life that matter most.

Clutching is the third and last release in the Seeking the Balance series by author AR Moler, following the lives of Lt. Cameron Bradshaw and Dr. Mason Flynn, who we first met in the Hell Dog’s Squadron trilogy. This release could be read as a stand-alone without trouble but I recommend that they be read in order, for a better understanding of the relationship between Cam and Mason and the world they live in.

Despite their love and passion for each other, living apart and having to hide their relationship is a strain on Cam and Mason’s partnership. Add in the pain and guilt Mason’s experiencing over the illness of his young patient and he’s nearly on overload. These scenes, especially the opening ones are well-written; showing pain, tension, and raw emotion, pulling the reader into the story from the very first paragraphs. But that’s just the beginning of why I enjoyed Clutching. The story has good flow, realistic emotions and plenty of angst but the best thing about Cam and Mason is their enduring love that continues to thrive and grow, even with the military policy on gays trying to get in the way of their happiness.

The paranormal aspect of Cam and Mason’s lives hovers in the background in this release, and that’s okay, at least for me. Life isn’t all about paranormal Division P stuff, but about living their lives together and the love and passion they share.

Throughout both trilogies, the relationship of Mason and Cam has grown steadily stronger and deeper; emotionally and physically and the ending, from a readers point of view, was very satisfying. I don’t know if the author has plans for additional releases featuring these two men, but I for one, because I like these guys so much, would love to see more of them in another trilogy in the future. Hint! Hint!

Cover Me

Title: Cover Me
Author: L.B. Gregg
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60168-245-1
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Max Douglas is a former Marine and now is a security specialist. On the job, he is alert and prepared to deal with any danger; however, off-duty he allows his caring side to show with Michael.

Michael Finnegan is a teacher and the drama coach at Dalton Prep, an exclusive boarding school. Nicknamed Finn by his students, he is amusing and well liked by most people.

Max and Michael had a one day fling that left Michael with bruised emotions, as well as feeling foolish. Both men are attracted to each other, nevertheless Max does not give any indication he intends to act on the attraction so Michael makes the first move, which turns into an emotional calamity for him. Months later when Max arrives at the school to protect a student, Michael considers Max his adversary. Their tempers ignite over school policy. The more they debate with each other, the more intense the sexual tension becomes. Michael refuses to believe there is a problem at school until the danger escalates and he and Max are caught up in trying to save students, along with each other.

Cover Me is book three in the Men of Smithfield series by L.B. Gregg. This is a well paced mystery romance with humorous characters and witty dialogue. The who-done-it element is exciting and realistic. The lovemaking is emotional. The secondary characters feature Tony Gervase from the first book Gobsmacked. Men of Smithfield is a fantastic series that I enjoy immensely and Cover Me is no exception.

Barside Psychology

Title: Barside Psychology
Author: Mychael Black
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Ty is enjoying life and working alongside his fiancé is the cherry on his sundae. However, when a customer questions their age difference, Ty wonders if his lover may consider him too young. Jack knows Ty is his source of happiness and has no desire to live without him. What’s an older man to do when his young lover is in doubt?

For those who fell in love with Jack and Ty from the Breakdown series, Mychael Black brings us Barside Psychology, a short story in Torquere Press’ Changeling Lives. The men are still in love and more than willing to provide proof of said feelings. Jack is the kind of lover most would give their eyeteeth to be blessed to have. He is older, wiser and hornier than most men who are half his age. Ty knows how to keep Jack’s motor running and stroke his ego without even trying. They are definitely a loving couple; something that drew me to them from the first story. It was nice to read about them once again. Pick up a copy, a hot night of sex is waiting for your perusal.

Walking After Midnight

Title: Walking After Midnight
Author: T. D. McKinney
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-568-3
Genre: {M/F} Dark Fantasy/Vampire/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

He lives the life of the rich and famous, due to his status as Pet to the Queen of vampires. Jack Niemczyk, an FBI profiler, should be happy but his vampire lover has left him and he is feeling the absence of her connection deeply. He tries to move on, thinking to replace Baby with a human companion but he creates problems instead of healings. He is more concerned with what his co-workers and friends think of him, and he overcompensates his actions by immersing himself in his work.

Baby Roxton, the Queen of New Orleans, belongs to a master vampire and Jack is considered her pet. She knows what she wants out of life, but finds it hard to accomplish it, and is shocked when she finds out things are not what they should be. She finds that she can’t show Jack how much she really loves him and that is not something she will not stand for.

Walking After Midnight is the second in The Shield and the Darkness series and it was full of quite a few surprises. This is a book that makes you think twice about living a normal life versus what can happen if you allow others to influence you. Jack spent too much time thinking and feeling guilty over situations beyond his control, instead of moving on with his life.

One thing that I found different in Jack; he needed the honesty of others to survive. This proved to be a huge stumbling block for him, but not a downfall, that kept him from living his life as he chose. Because Jack did not have the family connection he wanted, he relied on the friendship of others to feel normal.

There is quite a bit of history given by T. D. McKinney, in regards to New Orleans, and I loved every moment of reading about the sights and sounds of this dynamic city. I am very impressed with all of the characters in this story and their connection to each other, mostly because they were family. Imagine my shocking surprise while reading about the villain, who was determined to bring closure to every victim’s life they took. I won’t give away who the villain is, but when the other characters find out, no one suspected them. I did get a lot of background throughout my reading on most of the characters, and hope that there will be another book forthcoming.

Catch the Wind

Title: Catch the Wind
Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921896
Genre: {M/F} Futuristic, SciFi
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Jaegar Rosakaris, Tuirc’s crowned prince, is no stranger to a woman’s body. Known for his prowess, he has willing bed partners coming out of the woodwork. However, his appetite has finally made Jaegar bite of more than he can chew. Jaegar’s fate after an afternoon romp is a bond mate and his first taste of true love.

If the rumors are true, Riezell Guardian Major Dominia Alamaine is in for a special treat if she gets some alone time with Jaegar. She hopes the handsome package before her truly has the stay and size of a racehorse. Dominia believes he will be worth every shaky legged step she takes to return home. However, by the time Jaegar finishes, her heart will have a quiver to match the one in her uncertain strides. Moreover, the ache he creates in her stomach will have a matching ache residing in Dominia’s heart.

However, before they can reach their happily-ever-after, the couple will have to walk through hell.

Charlotte Boyett-Compo’s Catch the Wind is the tenth book in the WindVerse series. Jaegar may be living a personal a nightmare, but that hasn’t slowed him down where the women are concerned. After reading this book, I had to wonder if he compensated the affection he received from his partners for the love that he was denied. Dominia is a strong confident woman and the perfect mate for Jaegar. The author paces the events to give you a slow build-up to what takes place, and it truly sucks you into this story. Catch the Wind is expertly written with a finely tuned plot, brilliantly detailed setting, and fascinating characters. While leaving the main characters in the forefront, she gives you a glimpse of a possible new relationship in the making. The betrayal, jealousy, friendship, love, devotion, and finally revenge made me ride out quite a few emotions while reading this book.

Chasing Victory

Title: Chasing Victory
Author: Tory Temple
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-811-1
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Mitchell Baker is a seasoned professional stock car racer and he’s at the top of heap in his highly competitive field. There’s a lot to enjoy about his life. Mitchell drives the best cars, works with his best friend, travels all over the country and the public adores him. However, all isn’t right with his world. He’s tired of sponsors demanding wins, his nearest competitor drives him crazy, his driving has changed from his passion into a job and he’s tired of being alone. Mitchell knows his life needs to change and if his luck doesn’t change, he might just find himself out of the winner’s circle and job for good.

Every race is required to have qualified medical personnel available and Pacey Evans fills that need as a traveling track paramedic. He meets Mitch after a race injury and the attraction between the men sparks, hot and intense. It’s not long before Mitch discovers that his new lover is exactly what he needs, not only for his personal happiness, but for his racing status as well. Life throws him another curve when his lucky charm, Pacey, wants more than just a quick sexual encounter before a race. What happens when Mitchell needs to chose between his livelihood and his personal life? Can he keep the happiness he’s always wanted, or is his life destined to run in never ending circles, while he looks for a way off?

Chasing Victory is the first book with a racing premise that I’ve read, so as a non-sports person, I wasn’t certain what to expect. What I got was a pleasant story with just enough information on how the racing world works to make it interesting, without overwhelming a non-racing enthusiast with meaningless details. It even made me think about watching a few races on TV and that’s never happened before.

The story has a unique plotline and the author handles the tension and atmosphere, in and off the track, very nicely. The attraction between Mitch and Pacey sparks fast, and the no-commitment sex is hot, starting the men on a season-long affair. While the sexual encounters are frequent, they never feel forced or out of place. I felt I had a good understanding of Mitch and loved watching his emotional growth throughout the story, but the other characters, including Pacey, were enigmas to me. With Pacey being such an important part of the story, I would have liked to know more about what made him tick. I enjoyed the inclusion of Mitch’s ill father and his caregiver, but again the relationship left me hanging and if developed further could have added more depth to the overall story and Mitch’s relationship with Pacey.

The above being said…I did enjoy the story, but it fell short of its true potential to be much more.

Heart of a Warlock

Title: Heart of a Warlock
Author: Lyn Armstrong
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com
ISBN: N/A
Genre: {M/F} Erotic Historical Paranormal
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Cipher Prose Nymph

An enchanted and magical journey between Lady Alayne Duncan and Laird Callum Roberts ensues after Alayne has been ousted by her clan and blackmailed.

Alayne struggles with her expected betrayal of the man she has fallen in love with while Callum is determined to never trust another woman after a past, heart-wrenching betrayal.

While Heart of a Warlock was an interesting, fast-paced journey of magical atmosphere, blackmail and love, I found I was a little confused by some of the seemingly forced explicit scenes that appeared to be inserted for no tangible reason necessary to the story line. Other than some of the awkwardly placed sexual encounters, I found the story had an enriched plot and overall detailed characters. Laird Callum is intriguing, brooding and sexy while Lady Alayne strives to do what she must to protect her sister, even though it comes at a high price. Overall, Heart of a Warlock is a fast-paced, well thought out, and executed read that will keep your interest until the very last word.

Brilliant Disguise

Title: Brilliant Disguise
Author: J. L. Wilson
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/
ISBN: 9781934992456
Genre: {M/F} Contemporary/Suspense
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Now why would Shannon think she could handle the trouble she is in by herself and can she really trust the FBI? Her mother and friends think she needs to get help solving the mysterious threats surrounding her husband’s death and she is not cooperating. In walks Nick Baxter, whose intent it is to fool the small town folks with a fake job. What he doesn’t know is that they know exactly who he is, because her friends have been talking to each other. Shannon is always the champion for her family but doesn’t have a lot of confidence in herself, unless it deals with her computers.

Nick Baxter is an agent with the FBI, ready to retire. He has been sent on one last job, to find out Shannon’s involvement with her husband. What he discovers is not what he expects and he finds himself fighting his change of feelings for her, once he realizes that she is an innocent victim. He almost loses it when she is in danger, and decides she needs a guardian until the whole investigation is over.

Brilliant Disguise is a truly wonderful story that had me thinking about how close to true life this book is. The characters complemented each other with their interactions in each other’s lives. I found myself laughing, yelling and rooting for both Nick and Shannon throughout the story, because they needed each other to know what true love really means. There was too much involvement from the entire town, which thrived on gossip.

J. L. Wilson has done an amazing job of spinning this tale of murder, suspense, espionage, and new-found lasting friendships. It is interesting how much of a major role Shannon’s mother played in what was going on, and I loved her firm handling of all the male FBI agents that came into her life. I am very pleased with the ending, and won’t give away too much here. I enjoyed reading the story, and hope the author writes about some of the other characters, especially Nathan and Margaret.

Blood Eclipse Rapture

Title: Blood Eclipse Rapture
Author: A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-370-8
Genre: {M/M} Vampire, Futuristic
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Sometimes you have no choice but to give in and let go. Rory is at that point, now that his attraction to Carden has progressed from mild heat to sizzle and burn. Their passion overwhelms him, but he’s not the only person feeling the love only a vampire can invoke.

Carden wants answers as to what happened to his family. He is certain they are right under his nose and when he finally gets them, there is no stopping his fury.

Years of secrets, heartache, agony and betrayal all come to a breaking point in this latest Blood Eclipse series installment. Carden and Rory get closer than further away from a lasting relationship. There are too many hidden agendas and too many enemies for the twosome to have smooth sailing. We see Carden and what effect he has on the world and the man who loves him. There were a few episodes where I knew the pain and loneliness had to be devastating for him to react as he did. Seeing some of his true powers surface was something to behold. As usual, A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly have brought us another thrilling episode with Blood Eclipse Rapture that is sure to leave you speechless and anxious for the next installment, thanks to a clever cliffhanger.

Savage Storm

Title: Savage Storm
Author: Vonna Harper
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419922602
Genre: {M/F} Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Death is the only way Alika feels she can escape her abusive master, so she jumps into the sea during a storm. Instead of dying, Alika is reborn when she is saved by a man who would never hurt her. For the first time in her life, Alika feels desire and she never expected that. But, would Yahola be able to keep her safe?

Yahola has secluded himself on an island to pray and purify himself by spending time with his spirit helper. After seeing a woman drowning in the sea, Yahola assumes she is a gift from the spirits and goes to her rescue. The more time he spends with her, the clearer it becomes to Yahola that Alika must be his forever.

Two people’s lives are changed for the better when Mother Nature brings them together in Savage Storm. Vonna Harper’s description of Alika’s life as a slave captured my attention and made me feel as if I were in the story right beside the characters. Under such circumstances, it’s easy to understand why Alika wanted to end it all, but I am so glad fate threw a monkey wrench in her plans. I admit, I was somewhat confused over Yahola’s relationship with his spirit helper at first but by the end of this story, everything was much clearer. Yahola is a great man and warrior and he definitely earned my respect with his actions. I enjoyed the instant protectiveness he felt for Alika and the way he helped her to learn trust. These strong characters are both survivors and their story is one that must be read.

This story was previously available in the Storm Warnings anthology.