King in Check

Title: King in Check
Author: Treva Harte
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-501-2
Genre: {M/F} {M/M} Cowpunk/Futuristic Western
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Mosquito has come to understand his role on the compound. The respect held by the workers for the former foreman is like a living thing, breathing life into the daily operations and circumventing any authority that Mosquito could establish. Mosquito encounters Rey and understands why the men hold him at such high esteem.

Rey recognizes why Mosquito was given the nickname right away. There’s a secret that he has brought back to his old home and he has no choice but to trust Mosquito to keep it. While holding confidences is fine with Mosquito; keeping Rey is definitely part of the bigger plan.

Treva Harte’s latest release King in Check adds a combination of setting, plot, and interesting characters to draw readers in and hold their attention. The story shows us the power of jealousy and love, adding twists to this story that you won’t see coming. And while Rey and Mosquito are both fascinating characters, I found myself drawn to a secondary character and wanting to know more about him. For those who enjoy M/M, there is a smoking hot scene, and those who enjoy M/F won’t be disappointed either. The story ends with just enough up in the air for me to believe there could be more to come. That could be greed talking and not the author’s intent, but one can hope.

Rock Bottom

Title: Rock Bottom
Author: Celia Kyle
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: liquidsilverbooks.com

ISBN: 978-1-59578-638-8
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Love is a wonderful thing until it’s snatched away and then the pain of its loss gets in the way of life and responsibilities. In the days and weeks after the death of his partner, Peter, by a drunk driver, Jeremy turns to alcohol to numb the pain and guilt. He doesn’t want to think of what he’s lost and can never have again, and spirals deeper and deeper into a pit of depression and sorrow. Jeremy drinks constantly, has lost most of his friends and he’s hanging onto his executive position at a design firm by his fingernails. With the realization that he’s hit rock bottom, he knows change is his only option, if he wants to survive.

Rock Bottom by author Celia Kyle is an angst-filled short about a man whose life fell apart with the death of his lover, and he’s at the lowest point of his existence…rock bottom.

I’ve read a couple of other books by Ms. Kyle in the past, but they were shapeshifter in premise. This short is entirely different…it’s serious, sad, painful and depressing, as Jeremy tries to destroy his life with alcohol. It’s also heartbreaking and even humorous in a few places as he tries to turn his life around. This is a serious piece and not meant to be taken lightly, and it left me sad and even a bit weepy at what Jeremy was doing to himself and his life.

The story is also a bit jerky in flow at times, which gave me problems, and left me figuratively scratching my head. I think this is due to the span of time between chapters - often what seems like weeks - and it caused me to stop and do a little re-reading before I could go on. That being said, I appreciated the work, but I can’t really use the word enjoy…not with a piece with Rock Bottom’s content. At lease Jeremy gets his happily-ever-after in the end, even if it was a bit sappy.

Edge of Nowhere

Title: Edge of Nowhere
Author: Regina Carlysle
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419926662
Genre: {M, F} Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Cactus Mackey is a two-hundred-year-old Lycan who knows exactly what he wants, and he wants Sara. He is immediately drawn to the traumatized beauty when he rescues her. Now all Cactus has to do is convince her to stay with him so he can protect her.

After being on the run for so long, Sara Farmer had forgotten what it was like to be cared for by someone. Cactus was making her want things that she felt she could never have. No matter how safe and happy she felt with him, Sara refused to bring danger to Cactus. Leaving him would be the hardest thing she had ever done, but could she stay?

Drama is in the air, but it doesn’t dampen the heat between Sara and Cactus one bit. In fact, I would say it intensifies their whirlwind romance in the most appealing way. Cactus is fearless when it comes to protecting his woman, and that is always a turn-on to read about. Sara and her sister Kate had such a hard time, even before they were kidnapped, that I felt so bad for them. The secrets that each sister lives with are a blessing and a curse combined. Regina Carlysle always creates her shifters with a little something extra for readers to enjoy, and these two strong sisters are no exception.

The fourth story of the High Plains Shifters series is the perfect set up for another hot Lycan story between Kate and Gabe. I was dying for their story even before I finished reading this scorching tale, Edge of Nowhere. Cactus is so appealing because he is all Alpha, yet he was weak for his woman at the right moments. Even before knowing what he was facing, Cactus accepted Sara with open arms to his bed and more importantly, his heart. Thank the Lord, Sara trusted her heart and gave their love a chance. There is no way you can read this riveting story and not be sucked into pages. This one will leave you longing from more.

Madcap Masquerade

Title: Madcap Masquerade
Author: Persephone Roth
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-240-0
Genre: {M/M} Historical
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Loel Woodbine, Duke of Marche, loves his great-aunt and knows his continued access to the family fortune is in her hands. Valeria Randwick understands the dire situation her family is in and would do anything to help, except to marry Marche. What Valeria lacks in fortune, she makes up for in the resourcefulness. The marriage will go as planned, and the bride will be just who Marche needs in his life.

Persephone Roth’s Madcap Masquerade is a well-written historical romance. From the setting to the characters, each element is thought-out and masterfully intertwined into this tale. The story starts off at a fast pace and never slows down. Each new discovery built expertly on the plot and left me on the edge of my seat.

I loved Marche and Valentine, Valeria’s brother, equally. They bring different essentials to this story and are polar opposites as men. However, when someone they love is in danger, they are both a force to be reckoned with. Valentine’s transformation was a great touch in the story. I wasn’t sure of his family’s reaction because of the time period but didn’t feel it was a far stretch when you consider the magnitude of what was gained from the union.

The story was fascinating and a credit to Ms. Roth. Those who enjoy historical gay romance will be happy they read Madcap Masquerade.

Fire Song

Title: Fire Song
Author: Roberta Gellis
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921643
Genre: {M/F} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Fenice de Aix is a widow in a bad situation after her husband’s mother had her sent to a convent and she is being pressured into becoming a nun. Because of her not being noble born, she had a lot of difficulties growing up and she is still having a hard time getting past it. Her mother-in-law won't let Fenice forget she is base born and by taking Fenice's inheritance, believing she is more worthy of it, she rubs it in even more. She was willing to do whatever it takes to make her second marriage work.

Aubrey of Ilmer, a knight in his own right, is fighting guilt over his dead wife and avoiding the young child from that union. With the stigma of his father being a thief, liar and cheat, among other things, Aubrey has fought so hard not to become like him. The support he got from his mother and step-father should have been enough for him to accept his lot in life. His guilt and pride kept him from seeing how much he cared for Fenice and his treatment of her is not good, at times.

Fire Song is the third book in the Royal Dynasty series and just as well written as the first two. This story centers on Raymond de Aix’s oldest daughter out of wedlock and I wanted to smack her a few times with her insecurities of her birth. There is a lot of history given in the first two books, which helps to understand the workings of King Henry’s reign. Even in this story, there is a lot of plotting going on and Fenice was always finding ways to deflect unwanted attention.

After a while, I wanted to beat and strangle both Aubrey and Fenice because they struggled against each other. These two got off on the wrong foot and had too much baggage even before they had a chance. Also, being among royalty didn’t help them with the attention they garnered. Ms. Gellis made this story more believable for me with the jousting, kidnapping and attitudes of all the characters involved. I am not sure if this is the last book in the Royal Dynasty series, but I have really enjoyed reading every one.

Faerie Christmas

Title: Faerie Christmas
Author: Katica Locke
Publisher: Shadowfire Press
Publisher URL: http://www.shadowfirepress.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: {M/M} Urban Fantasy Erotic
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Seddryn sidhe Ezarali has but one wish - to have a Master. When it is finally granted, Ezarali gained nothing that he anticipated receiving. Rejected by one master then tortured by another, Ezarali believes he will never know kindness until he meets a lonely werecougar named Nathan.

Nathan misses his home and family but thanks to fate, he will never see them or Earth again. Receiving Ezarali turns out to be the best present Nathan could hope for this holiday season, the question is does Ezarali feel the same?

Katica Locke’s Faerie Christmas takes us into the lives of Ezarali and Nathan. Each man has his own plight to work through and will need a great deal of inner strength during their dilemmas. I was shocked at Ezarali’s ability to bounce back after his horrendous episodes, but I could only chalk it up to his training as a pleasure slave kicking into overdrive. The initial meeting of the two gave you a glance at Nathan’s role as a protector. I enjoyed reading Faerie Christmas and found the concept interesting.

The Search For Soaring Hawk

Title: The Search For Soaring Hawk
Author: Terry O'Reilly
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-609-3
Genre: {M/M/M} Ménage, The Old West
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Soaring Hawk is raised in the native customs of his Indian brave father and the teachings of his white captive mother. As a youth, he becomes curious about men loving men. Soaring Hawk had observed the exchanges between the braves and a “two spirits” man in the tribe. By the time he reached the age of manhood, Soaring Hawk knew he desired a monogamous relationship with a male partner. However, tribal tradition required that “two spirit” males must service all the braves during the times their wife is not available. Unable to make clear to the shaman that he was not a female on the inside and male on the outside, which is the tribe’s only categorization for men desiring men, Soaring Hawk abandons his native home and ventures into the world of the other side of his heritage as Samuel Hawkins.

The Search For Soaring Hawk is a splendid and intuitive story of Native American culture. For two years, Sam travels from place to place, working and meeting other men who are attracted to males. All of his lovers profess to love Sam, although the meaning is different from Sam’s definition of the word; none have the soul connection Sam seeks. Learning the ways in the white world convinces Sam to follow his Indian heart and to discard the cloak the Sam Hawkins name symbolizes. This saga has an intricate and well written plot that is well-paced. The setting is descriptive, particularly the Native American rituals, as well as the wagon train heading west, illustrating some of the dangers during the trek. The characters are developed. Sam demonstrates courageousness, respect for his elders and compassion for life including all animals, in addition to an unassuming nature which attracts others to him. The secondary characters are interesting, even the wolf dog has wonderful qualities. The intimate scenes are very sensual. Terry O'Reilly has created an excellent happy-ever-after story that I enjoyed immensely.

Colliding in Free Fall

Title: Colliding in Free Fall
Author: Vivien Dean
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: liquidsilverbooks.com
ISBN: 978-1-59578-637-1
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Jay McGhee loves his job as a firefighter in his hometown of Roseville, Indiana but at forty-three, he isn’t certain how much longer his aging body can put up with the abuse of fighting fires. That becomes even clearer after he’s injured while on the job and he’s forced on medical leave for a few days. And it doesn’t help when his doctor keeps suggesting he take a desk job and let the younger men do the manual work. As a gay man living in a small rural community, he’s sacrificed his personal happiness to keep his sexual preference hidden, and he’s determined to hold onto the job he loves as long as possible.

Everything changes when twenty-seven year-old Frank Kaplan, the grandson of a local woman, moves into town. For the first time in his adult life, Jay’s willing to take a chance at a little personal happiness, even though the long-haired, tattooed object of his desire couldn’t be more different from his usual type of man. Yet he’s still not willing to act on his attraction; instead, he strikes up a friendship with Frank…a man who might not even be gay. Despite his fear of discovery and ridicule, Jay can’t stay away from Frank because the younger man fills an empty void in his life that Jay didn’t even know he had. Can these two men find happiness or will Frank drift away, leaving Jay alone and unhappy again?

Colliding in Free Fall is, at heart, the story of a closeted gay man’s life in crisis, and I mean both personally and professionally. Jay’s been hiding his sexual preference his entire life and he’s tired of his friends suggesting he find a nice girl and settle down, when a woman is the last thing he wants. He tried being married once years before, and couldn’t live the lie, so they divorced. Yet, he can’t deny that he’s tired of being alone; that he wants a partner and lover he doesn’t have to hide.

On the professional side, at age forty-three Jay’s facing what every person does…he doesn’t heal as fast, move as quick and he’s having trouble competing with the youth and stamina of his firefighting co-workers. This is where the story is pertinent, no matter what the sexuality of the character. As painful and annoying as it is to admit, as we age our bodies change and betray us. In truth, this is Jay’s most painful and difficult-to-handle problem, and where Ms. Dean hooked me. These portions of the story were handled very well, allowing me to feel Jay’s pain, denial and uncertainty with his life and future.

Frank, I’m still not certain of…whether I like him or not. He and Jay spent the first portion of the story as ‘friends’, where neither knew the sexual/emotional desires of the other. Then when they became lovers, I still felt he kept Jay at arm’s length, emotionally speaking, and I spent most of the story not knowing what motivated him. It wasn’t until near the end that I came to understand him better, and while I empathized with his past, I didn’t like that Jay was the only one compromising and giving up what mattered to him. I guess ultimately, Frank left me feeling cold…that he was being selfish and unbending…that Frank took too much from Jay and didn’t give enough back. I know that in reality this happens a great deal and despite the story being technically well-written; in the end, it left me feeling unsatisfied.

Kid Christmas Rides Again

Title: Kid Christmas Rides Again
Author: Eric Arvin
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-295-0
Genre: {M/M} Fantasy
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

What happens when the Santa we know kicks the bucket from one too many chocolate chip cookies and not enough cardiovascular activities? Why, they replace him with a hot stud, Kid Christmas. There’s nothing like a muscle bound man to fill out that suit and make the threads bust, thanks to a bulging physique. However, if Kid wants to keep Christmas safe, he’s going to have to battle an evil enemy out to destroy the name Claus.

Eric Arvin is a creative author and the illustrations that are included in this work are something to behold. I will never view Santa through the same eyes. The humor and magnitude of sexual encounters makes Kid Christmas Rides Again a fast-paced story with the ability to hold your attention. I never could imagine this role being held by a handsome gay character, but that has now ended. Mr. Arvin’s characters are fun and memorable. For those who ready for a change, this story is definitely for you.

To Keep and to Love

Title: To Keep and to Love
Author: Serena Yates
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-304-9
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Reunited at last, Ryan Johnston and Daniel Miller are ready to begin their happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, the same people responsible for their four-year separation are at it again. Ryan’s parents are homophobic and the way they treat their son appalls Daniel. Ryan is frightened and believes the only way he can protect the man he loves is to vanish once again.

If the strained family ties aren’t enough, Ryan’s lack of funds and Daniel’s abundance of wealth enhances the tension on their relationship. Will the two men find a way to coexist, even with so many barriers in their way?

For those who were awaiting Serena Yates’ sequel for To Find and to Keep, the wait is over. She begins this compelling story the day after Ryan’s twin sister’s wedding. Ryan’s character really knows how to pull on the old heartstrings. It was hard not to feel his hurt and anguish throughout the story. I would love to combine Daniel’s characteristics into a very straight and available man. Handsome, loving, protective, an excellent cook and businessman, topped off with a healthy libido. What person wouldn’t want him by their side or in their bed? I’ll admit this story is quite a tear jerker. Ms. Yates adds fantastic backdrops and believable characters, with a giant dollop of drama. If you want beefy men, who are on testosterone-overload, then this may not be the story for you. However, if you enjoy a good emotional rollercoaster ride, you should pick up a copy of To Keep and to Love.

The Mark of an Alpha

Title: The Mark of an Alpha
Author: Kim Dare
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-008-0
Genre: [M/M] Paranormal Shapeshifter
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Werewolf tradition is written in stone and it’s very clear on the unbending hierarchy of the pack and its rule. The Alpha pair is at the top; always strong, dominant, and holding equal positions of power, and everyone else’s position is below.

Life and rules work differently in the human world, especially in the leather and whip filled world of the dominants and submissives. Even if werewolves find pleasure and satisfaction in this world, it can’t last. At some point they must put it aside and return to the rules and responsibilities of the pack, even if it’s the last thing they want to do. Bennett and Marsdon find themselves in that very position on their last night together in the club. It’s now time to put away their own pleasures and return to the pack and do their duty, except things aren’t always as they appear. There are times when even an Alpha wants to let someone else take control.

The Mark of an Alpha is the first release in Kim Dare’s new Pack Discipline series. The beginning was a bit of a usual start, but that didn’t stop it from hooking me into the story. I loved that it explored the need for sexual submission in a werewolf, but I was disappointed about the abrupt end of this portion of the storyline; that the characters weren’t allowed to explore it further; that it became a point of contention between new mates Bennett and Mardson.

The jump to the mating ceremony of the two Alphas was a big jump for me, but I was glad to find that the men I’d previously met in the beginning were the men involved. What I had trouble with from the start was Bennett’s constant struggle to be someone he thought he needed to be for his mate and pack; that he couldn’t let his guard down for a minute, even with his mate. His inability to bend a little got old by the middle and by the end, I wanted to club some sense into him. I liked the struggle for Marsdon and Bennett to work through their conflicts, but despite their love, the mating wasn’t working and all the angst got tiring after awhile.

I have to admit that I like Marsdon better. Despite him having an Alpha personality from top to bottom, of the two mates, he is by far more pliable. Through it all, he’s all about what’s best for Bennett and the pack, always putting them above what he wants and needs to be happy. In the end, even though he hates it, Marsdon once again gives in to what is best for his mate, but it brought them to a type of closure that will allow them and the pack to move forward; to heal both their relationship and the rift in the pack.

I would like to know more details of their newly formed pack members and its members. I only have a vague understanding of them, except for maybe little Omega, Talbot (who I want to know more about), and Alfred, the troublemaker.

Where this storyline and the relationship between Marsdon and Bennett goes is anyone’s guess, but I’ll be waiting in the wings to see what direction this series takes next.

No Place Like Home

Title: No Place Like Home
Author: Rick R. Reed
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-598-0
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Comedy
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Burl is feeling amorous and his libido in need of release; however it is the middle of the night and his long term partner AJ is sleeping soundly. AJ will not object to Burl’s wanderings, as long as he returns home to AJ, so with that in mind Burl decides to visit the Sodom Sin Mountain Ski Resort where he encounters a rather strange offer for sex. Not finding what he seeks, Burl drives to New York where he finds the kind of danger that accelerates his drive back to his Pennsylvania home and AJ.

No Place Like Home is a dark comedy spoof reminiscent of a kinky Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Burl is an English teacher who is very fashion conscience and confident. His casual use of drugs, as well as the lack of mind over body control, gives the impression that perhaps he had ingested too many times over the years and was possibly in a constant fog. This is a well written fast read with interesting characters, in addition to an abundance of humor. I found the story to be impressive, although I was not in agreement with the drug references.

The Sin Eater’s Prince

Title: The Sin Eater’s Prince
Author: Keta Diablo
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Publisher URL: http://www.ravenousromance.com/
ISBN: 9781607773191
Genre: {M/M} Historical, Paranormal
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Being a sin eater is lonely, unrewarding work but it’s the only life Owen Rhys has ever known. His people in his small village in Wales only acknowledge the man when their loved ones pass on. But the local physician sees Owen’s unique beauty and would have him as a lover, confidant and friend, if the opportunity ever presented itself.

Andras Maddock has more than a soft spot for Owen and no one had better think twice about harming him. Andras and Owen discover their attraction is mutual, but the road to love is rocky. Secrets, hidden pasts and nasty villains will keep Owen and Andras on their toes.

Keta Diablo’s The Sin Eater’s Prince pushed Keta onto my list of favorite authors. After reading past stories, I was pleasantly surprised by her latest release and her ability to spread her wings. The Sin Eater’s Prince hits on three of my favorite genres. The realistic characters do a fantastic job of drawing you into the tale. Owen and Andras both have traits that I found enduring but in the end, Owen won me over. With his big heart, and desire to do what was best for all concerned, he was a pauper hero, rich in love and forgiveness.

The way the story ends leaves room for a sequel, and I’m so hoping this story rich and plot and imagery will have a continuing saga. Buy a copy and enjoy!

Saying I Do

Title: Saying I Do
Author: Cameron Dane
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-493-0
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

After two years of being lovers, it’s a big step when Adam decides to ask Rhone to marry him and the younger man is petrified that the man he’s crazy about will say no. Of course, Rhone is thrilled and says yes, and the two lovers become engaged and start planning a wedding in Vermont.

That’s where the story takes a twist. Despite looking good on the outside, all isn’t perfect on the inside of the hotel where their wedding is scheduled to take place. Instead of spending all their time wrapped in each other’s arms, Adam and Rhone seem to spend just as much time dealing with the odd goings-on at the hotel. No matter where they go, they keep running into the woman who runs the hotel and her feuding fiancé, and there’s also a young male employee being bullied and abused by his supervisor/boyfriend. Helping these people puts a strain on Adam and Rhone’s relationship and causes Adam’s insecurities to rise to the surface. It’s up to Rhone to set everything right or he might not get to say I Do to the most important person in his life.

Saying I Do is the third release by Cameron Dane in her ongoing Quinn Security series and this one starts off with a bang. Well, it actually starts off with a round of blistering hot sex between lovers Adam and Rhone. I know… I know, it’s a bit unusual to start off with a sex scene, but then again our two characters have been in love for a couple of years already and from the blurb, we know the men get engaged and are getting married.

Let me tell you, Rhone and Adam are still just as much in love as ever and the sex is intense, frequent, sizzling hot, passionate and Ms. Dane did an excellent job with these emotion-filled scenes. She also did well describing the depth of their love and commitment, making me feel their joy and happiness at getting married.

The investigation portion of the story never overwhelmed the romance portion, but helped to give it direction and interest. I, in particular, liked Wes, the abused man they were trying to help and would love to see him featured in another series story sometime in the future. Then there was Robert, who played a small role until near the end of the book. I’d like to know more about him, as well. Seeing the characters from the two previous releases arrive at the hotel and be part of the ceremony was a nice addition. I am anxious to see where the series goes with the next release. Keep writing Cameron and nice work…again.

Melting The Slopes

Title: Melting The Slopes
Author: William Maltese, Jason Edding. Ethan Day
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60820-085-9
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Sno Ho - Ethan Day 4 Nymphs
Boone Daniels arrives at Summit City lodge in Colorado, expecting to celebrate their one year anniversary with his boyfriend. Instead he receives a phone call from said boyfriend informing him that they are no longer a couple. Not one to dwell on bad news, Boone makes his way to a cozy bar. There he meets Wade Walker, a ski instructor and they spend the night together.

Sno Ho is a humorous first person commentary of the night before events, which had elapsed from Boone’s memory and the budding romance that followed Boone’s remembrance. Boone is a vivacious guy with a quirky imagination that is perfectly suitable for a promising writer. Wade is a notable ski instructor and prominent resident of Summit City. Both men are intuitive and personable. They have excellent chemistry between them and good interaction with the town’s people. The characters and plot are developed and the setting is descriptive. My impression is that the story is a cliff hanger, meaning that I must endure waiting for more of these wonderful characters.

Bottoms Up - William Maltese 5 Nymphs
British agent referred to only as” Buddy”, is on a covert assignment to obtain information needed to complete his agency’s political agenda. However, the more time he spends with his target Alain Rollenbatski, the more difficult it becomes to separate job from his feeling for Alain.

Bottoms Up is an emotional rollercoaster that spans a three year period. The intriguing plot takes place mostly in Europe. The agent is an honorable man more than willing to serve his country, yet his integrity is at odds with the agency’s methods used to gain information. Alain is a forward-thinking wealthy man who has no desire to follow in his dying father’s footsteps. The chemistry between the two men that is almost idyllic. All the well developed elements of this story are realistic and the sex scenes are marvelously sizzling.

One Fire, One Ice - Jason Edding 4 Nymphs
Grant has secretly loved his best friend Babhru for years, yet neither has openly indicted their desire to be lovers. However, at the age of twenty one and with Babhru leaving for college, Grant plans to seduce Babhru during a weekend stay at a ski lodge.

One Fire, One Ice is an emotionally charged story of Grant’s memories of his past. Still mourning his parent’s death, Grant’s future is in limbo. He is depending on Babhru to set their path the same way as he always followed Babhru’s lead. Grant is wealthy and very giving. Babhru is honorable and independent. The story has a descriptive setting, the plot is interesting. The characters were not quite believable in that Grant seems to lack any incentive for his future beyond the seduction of Babhru.

Overall, Melting The Slopes is an engaging, and at times, humorous anthology by three very talented authors. Well written plots with interesting characters and intimate details that provide a full voyeur effect visual.

Sinful Heat

Title: Sinful Heat
Author: Tianna Xander
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487- 451-4
Genre: (M/M/M/F} Ménage/Quatre, Shapeshifter, Vampire,
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Maya ends up on a swinger’s cruise and not the single’s cruise her friend sends her on. She is frustrated as she was looking forward to maybe finding a man to spend time with on the cruise. Her first shore excursion is a night swimming expedition with dolphins. She ends up on an island with three hot men and missing her ship.

Franco, Dante, and Jacob are using the dolphin excursions to try to find their mate by trying to control the women on their trips. They will not be able to control this mate and they want to find her as Franco has seen his brother with his mate and wants the same thing. Maya is totally unexpected as she does not fit any one of their dream mate. The men are frustrated by the fact that Maya keeps running from them.

Sinful Heat is the second book in the The Endowed series. This book follows Angelo’s brother and his friends as they try to come to terms with the fact that Maya may never accept them. Maya’s feelings and confusion comes through very clearly and I was sometimes able to feel like I was Maya. Her reactions to three very sexy men who want nothing more than to adore her as she comes to terms with her feelings is priceless. This story about the Endowed was more of a love story with some suspense thrown in and the author keeps adding insights and building on the previous information about this society. The ending leads into the next book of the series and I, for one, can’t wait.

The Endowed

Title: The Endowed
Author: Tianna Xander
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-316-6
Genre: {M/F/M} Ménage, Vampire, Time Travel
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Victoria is what is known as a sentinel because she can become one of the Endowed. She has lusted after Angelo and Ricardo since she was sixteen, though she feels like she was rejected by them since they would not feed from someone they thought of as a child.

Angelo notices Victoria after a couple of rogue vampires decide they are going to make her their next meal. He can’t kill them because he must have proof and another member of the council as witness, so he decides to protect Victoria by taking her to his home. Angelo realizes that she is both Ricardo’s and his mate.

This series about The Endowed introduces a vampire society that has a very interesting and different story of how they came to be. The author also creates an interesting mating rite between them and humans. There are several suspenseful moments when you might wonder how they will get out alive. The chemistry between the three is scorching hot. There was one area toward the end of the book that was a little confusing, as it was unclear how some information was given to Victoria, and I had to reread that part. That being said, this book is one that should be on the bookshelf of those that like vampires and I am looking forward to reading the next book about The Endowed.

Moonlust

Title: Moonlust
Author: Kallysten
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-885-7
Genre: {M/M} Futuristic
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

For Captain Kar, there is no better life than traveling amongst the stars. Trading keeps him and his crew in the black so when they are requested to acquire a few boxes of precious chromore, Kar cannot help but think there’s a catch.

Landing on Danaus, he and his crew find themselves letting down their inhibitions. The passion that is always masked comes into full view, and life aboard his ship will never be the same.

Kallysten’s Moonlust is yet another excellent story in the Men in Space series. Kar, Jay and Will are great characters, and their personalities complement one another. The story is a mix of suspense, action, and mind-blowing sex that will definitely invoke a few reads. I’ll admit Jay’s character gained most of my attention. Gaining a glimpse at his past made me want to know more about the man, and I can’t help but wonder what would happen if he had to return to his former life. I found the story a wonderful treat and believe those who enjoy the genre will enjoy Moonlust.

Paul’s D’Marco

Title: Paul’s D’Marco
Author: Leiland Dale
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.authorleilanddale.co.cc/shop/
ISBN: none listed
Genre: {M/M},Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Matt D’Marco is a strong, tough, Alpha cop whose marriage has fallen apart. Not only does he have an ex-wife to contend with, but he also has to find out whose killing little blond haired boys before more die. Paul is a psychic who moved away from his home town in order to be happy. Only a cry for help from his brother-in-law would bring him back.

Paul’s D’Marco brings together two men, neither of whom have had successful relationships. To say the chemistry between them is intense would be an understatement as they burn up the pages as soon as they meet. The author has thrown them into a situation where they are together 24/7, giving them plenty of time to learn about each other. The mystery surrounding the deaths of the young boys will keep you guessing and if you watch a lot of crime dramas, you just may be able to figure out who the bad guy is.

Author Leiland Dale has written a very interesting, fast paced, novella that is part crime drama and part paranormal. The characters draw you in from the beginning and hold your interest until the end. One of the things I enjoyed the most about this story is that it is told from the view point of both main characters. I admit that in the beginning I was a little worried that it would make the story confusing but it works out well. The relationship between Paul and Matt could easily be worked into more than one sequel and I hope to read more about them soon.

Waiting In Vain

Title: Waiting In Vain
Author: Charlotte Stein
Publisher: Total E Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-006-6
Genre: {M/F} Contemporary/Seasonal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Cipher Prose Nymph

Mick has been attracted to Nancy for three years. The problem? Her smartness makes him insecure.

Nancy thinks Mick is gorgeous and has drooled over him at every family Christmas gathering. The problem? He’s way too good looking for a Plain Jane like her.

Waiting In Vain is full of surprises, humor and hot sex. I found myself extremely amused at the action and wittiness that is packed into this short novella. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion over the awkward moments Mick intentionally caused for Nancy, and fanning myself a little over some of Nancy’s unexpected reactions.

Waiting In Vain is a sweet but spicy story that has no problem holding your interest to the very end. My advice is to not pick this one up until you have time to read it all, because you won’t want to put it down.