Bodyguard

Title:  Bodyguard

Author:  Fiona Roarke

Publisher:  Nickel Road Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.amazon.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-944312-05-3

Genre:  {M/F}, Romantic Suspense, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Chloe can’t believe she let her boss talk her into going on a blind date since it is turning into a disaster.  If it wasn’t for the sexy man she ends up kissing for the big screen when the camera gets focused on them, she would probably be screaming.  Deke can’t believe he met such a beautiful woman while he was working. 

Bodyguard is the third book in the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series.  Helping out a friend, Deke ends up talking to and kissing the beautiful woman next to him while attending a baseball game with his boss. Obviously, Chloe and Deke hit it off with some intense chemistry.  Two things that are very obvious in this series, so far, is that the heroes are all brothers and each have fallen in love almost at first sight, which creates some problems along the way.

The intensity of this story is just as intense as the previous stories.  Chloe picks up a stalker that ends up with her being kidnapped.  The kidnapper is someone that I didn’t see coming.  I actually thought it was someone else.  Chloe keeps her head, but trying to come up with different ways to escape that won’t get Deke’s brother killed is hard.

There is a difference in the way the Bodyguard ends that is a bit different than the first two.  I really liked it, especially the scene with Deke’s mother and the broccoli. 

While each book could probably be read by themselves, I recommend that the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series be read in order.  There will be laughter and tears, and I am so looking forward to the next story.

Fight the Tide

Title: Fight the Tide

Author: Keira Andrews

Publisher: KA Books

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

ISBN: 9781988260068

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 3 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Parker and Adam are on a sailboat, traveling down the East Coast hoping to reach the islands in the south. Zombies are everywhere, the world is in chaos and trust is a thing of the past.

Fight the Tide is the second book in the Kick at the Darkness series.  The slow moving plot mirrors a television series with the exception of Adam, an untrained werewolf who can only partly shift because his parents died before Adam was taught how the completely shift. Parker is human and the only one with sailing experience.

The storyline illustrates some emotional traits of loss, along with fear. However, neither the characters nor the action exhibited fully engaged my attention. 

Overall, Fight the Tide is enjoyable as a sweet man love romance without enthralling bold drama.  

Bouncer

Title:  Bouncer

Author:  Fiona Roarke

Publisher:  Nickel Road Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.amazon.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-944312-03-9

Genre:  {M/F}, Romantic Suspense, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Reece is undercover for the DEA at a high-end club, looking for information on how the target is keeping his records once he accepts a client.  He meets Jessica and ends up working with her once her agency decides to use Reece to obtain access to the club.

Bouncer is the second book in the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series and is actually about the next Langston brother.  Reece refuses to take any of the women up on their offer of hooking up since he knows they are only doing it because he happens to be one of the club’s bouncers.  He’s been burned once in a relationship already because of where he’s been working undercover for the last year.

Jessica is an FBI agent, who met Reece while trying to change her tire.  She has been looking for a hook up that won’t turn into a relationship and decides Reece will do nicely.   Both end up deciding to try for a relationship and their chemistry is intense.

Several obstacles abound when both agencies try to do end runs around the other, with Jessica and Reece in the crosshairs.  Both have instructions to not inform the other about what they are doing.  I found it interesting that both their bosses knew that the other agency was running ops, but not informing their two agents.  It reminded me of the issues that keep coming up about inter-agency cooperation in light of today’s climate.

I had to laugh at Jessica’s family, especially when it became clear Reece knew one of her brothers.  There are several humorous incidents and one agent that keeps harassing Jessica, keeps running afoul of both her boss and Reece.  He definitely deserved what happened to him after he blows Reece’s cover. 

I am looking forward to the next story in the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series because it features another Langston brother.

Anubis

Title:  Anubis

Author: T.A. Chase

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0570

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Dr. Jamil Ahlid, the head archaeologist has made discoveries in Petra that brings back painful memories for Anubis. 

Anubis is the second book in the Earth Warriors series. When human warriors die and are chosen to be Earth Warriors, they lose memory of their human names, but not their memories of their death through all of eternity. Anubis is the Egyptian god of funerals and death.

The mission of the seven Earth Warriors is to collect ancient books and artifacts that could be used to create immortality.

In his human life, Anubis was a ruler’s lover who became a political sacrifice to save the citizens of Petra. Anubis forgave his lover, however he never got the chance to tell him. As a centuries old immortal, Anubis has never loved again until he meets Jamil.

Jamil is not seeking fame, riches or glory. Jamil is an archaeologist to learn as well as teach mankind’s history. His discoveries go to public museums rather than private ownership. Jamil and Anubis share an immediate attraction that quickly grows into a mutual love.

T.A. Chase has created an intriguing and very enjoyable saga. I especially enjoyed the interaction between all of the Earth Warriors.

Biker

Title:  Biker

Author:  Fiona Roarke

Publisher:  Nickel Road Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.amazon.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-944312-01-5

Genre:   {M/F}, Romantic Suspense, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Kaitlin has decided she wants to lose her virginity and that her next door neighbor, Zak, would be the perfect candidate to help her do so.  Zak is attracted to Kaitlin but is undercover and knows he will be leaving within a few weeks, so doesn’t want to act on his attraction.  When Kaitlin decides to act and follows Zak, things get taken out of their hands.

Biker is the first book in the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series.  I was caught up in the story from the start.  This is a fast-paced suspense story that has a lot of twists and turns.  There are also some humorous moments, especially after Zak and Kaitlin get together. The chemistry between the two is intense.

Kaitlin has her reasons for doing what she did and the number one reason is her step-sister.  There is a lot of rivalry between the two and Kaitlin has had enough of the bragging Brooke does.  Zak, once he’s on board, makes it easier for Kaitlin to face her, especially when things take a surprising turn after Kaitlin is kidnapped.

Zak’s family is very supportive, but he has a few differences of opinion with his boss.  The men and group Zak is investigating keep changing somewhat and he finds out that if Kaitlin hadn’t followed him that one night, he was supposed to be executed by one of the group.  Of course, he doesn’t find this out until the end of his investigation.

I think the author did a good job of showing how some undercover operations can be ended to protect undercover agents for the future.  I loved the way the author ended the story and really enjoyed the ending, especially Zak’s family’s reactions.  

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.  I am also going to be looking for other books she may have written.

Chances with Angel

Title: Chances with Angel

Author: DJ Manly

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-68252-152-6

Genre: {M/M} Mystery 

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Angel Broderick, a TV daytime drama star, is being stalked by a maniac.

  

The betrayal of his wealthy lover caused David Robinson to lose his LA job as an illustrator. Moving back to New York, David has a chance meeting with Angel and the encounter permanently changed David’s life.  

Chances with Angel is a thriller with a touch of budding romance. Well known as an actor, Angel has fans who adore the character he plays on TV and David happens to be one of them. However, the few fans that meet Angel realize he is not like his fictional character. In fact, one fan’s twisted mind cannot distinguish fiction from reality. The New York detectives are making little progress while the stalker is becoming bolder.

David, who is just starting to get his life back on track, becomes the prime suspect. Not willing to have his new life destroyed, David does his own investigation, but will the detectives listen to David’s findings? 

DJ Manly has created an intriguing and enjoyable saga. David’s romantic betrayal in LA almost made me cry. 

The Devil You Know

Title:  The Devil You Know

Author:  Evi Asher

Publisher:  Extasy Books

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0715-5

Genre:  {M/F} Paranormal, Demons

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Being a Hell Lord who gets kicked out of Hell is working out much worse than Eligos imagined.  He was filthy and sleeping on the streets.  All he wants is to feel warmth from the flames and smell sulfur once again.  The one person who started this mess is also the same person responsible for leading him down a more frightening path.  The set of rules Eligos lives by have served him well until now.  In Hell, there was never much to stir his carnal needs, but that all changes when he meets a temping mage.

Stracey has a thing for bad boys who needed a little fixing and Eligos fits the bill.  In the past, Stracey had gotten into trouble in this kind of situation and she didn’t want to do it again.  But ignoring Eligos was going to be impossible, even if she hadn’t been forced to go on a mission with him.  A woman would have to deaf, dumb, and blind to resist all that hotness that he exuded without even trying.

The inevitable happens and Stracey and Eligos give into the best sex of their lives.  Plus, they find out their mission was a smoke screen for a bigger plan that they both had no say in.  Stracey and Eligos have little time to deal with their feelings about the life changing events they’ve been sucked into like a house in a tornado.  Danger brings an unexpected clarity, even though things don’t wrap up nice and neatly..

The Devil You Know is the fourth installment of the Echelon series and proof that Evi Asher knows how to keep readers hungry for more.  I loved the chemistry between all the characters in this story but I especially enjoyed the immediate heat between Stracey and Eligos.  Sometimes instant attraction isn’t easy to accept and readers need some build up.  Stracey’s sassy mouth coupled with Eligos’ high handed attitude couldn’t have been more perfect.  Falling from Grace isn’t such a bad thing in this case.  I felt for the couple by having their lives mapped out for them but I think it was the best thing for them.  If you don’t pick up their story, you will truly be missing out.

Where I’ll be Waiting

Title: Where I’ll be Waiting

Author: Monika De Giorgi

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-4874-0669-1

Genre: {M/M}, Fantasy        

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Jesse’s life has been rocky for as long as he can remember.  His parents left a lot to be desired and his choice in boyfriends has always been bad.  Jesse isn’t surprised that he starts dreaming of the perfect man, he’s only surprised when those dreams start taking over his life.

Where I’ll Be Waiting is a modern spin on the Sleeping Beauty theme, only this story has a few more twists than the fairy tale.  Jesse was raised by strict abusive, religious parents.  He wanted for the day that he went away to college so that he could live the life he waited.  Only his parents catch him with his boyfriend and what happens next causes Jesse even more problems.  Jesse takes so many hard hits in his life that he ends up building walls to protect himself from more heartache.  While readers would find this understandable when Jesse’s history is revealed, it ends up playing a big part of the story later in the book. 

Cameron has a loving family yet worries about disappointing them because he would rather work than go to college.  He loves his job at the local bookstore and his job allows him to feed his book habit. It is one of those purchases that change his life in ways he never expected. 

These two young men pulled me into their story from the beginning.  I found myself feeling for Jesse and the things he went through in his life.  It was also easy to understand how he thought he was going crazy due to the dreams and the way they made him feel.  As for Cameron, I was glad that his upbringing was so different from Jesse’s and readers will be able to see how that will come in handy as he tries to help Jesse fight his demons.  There are several little twists in this story that will hold your attention and will keep you wondering just what is really going on.  Don’t be surprised if you find yourself close to tears a time or two.  I thought the author did a great job with both these characters as well as the plot, handling both in a way that made the story believable.  

The author, Monika De Giorgi, is new to me, but after reading this story, I will be looking for more books from her.  

Cadence Falls

Title:  Cadence Falls

Author:  Beth D. Carter

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-041-9

Genre:  (M/F/M}, Cowboys, Western

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Three best friends became lovers, but due to a misunderstanding on Everett’s part, the three went their separate ways.  Amanda thought she would be with Cooper and Everett together, but refuses to be with Cooper without Everett.

Cadence Falls is now a stand-alone story that used to be part of the Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats anthology. This is a fast paced story that brings Amanda, Cooper, and Everett back together when a dangerous felon escapes.  Everett is now a tracker with an elite government unit and is on loan to the U.S. Marshalls’ office. The chemistry between the three is good, though I was surprised at how quickly they picked up their relationship once they talked things out, and after Cooper decks Everett. 

This book gets real emotional as the three try to get answers from the others. Some of Cooper’s friends were a little harsh in their opinion of Amanda, but admitted they could accept her if it would make a difference in his attitude.  I had to laugh at the way Amanda finally admitted she loved the two men.  I will say I had chills while reading part of Cadence Falls as there were some familiar situations that brought back some headlines in the news recently.

Needing a Vampire’s Aggression

Title: Needing a Vampire’s Aggression

Author: Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-4874-0734-6

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

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Parker is still grieving the death of his husband.  To the shifter, it does not matter that ten years have passed; the loss of his human husband is just as strong today as the day Donnie died.  When Parker comes across Nikolai at a poker game, he is not prepared to acknowledge his mate and leaves.

Needing a Vampire’s Aggression is the 35^th book in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series by author Charlie Richards.  This new story brings a member of the Kuznetsov Vampire Coven to the forefront once again.  Nikolai is the coven’s second and acts as the group’s enforcer.  He is used to doing what is needed to keep his family safe, regardless of what it calls for.  Because of this, Nikolai is a little more intense and darker than other members of his family.  I liked that these same facts made the Kuznetsov family protective of Nikolai, especially when it came to Parker acknowledging the mate connection. 

Parker is a wolf shifter and member of the Stone Ridge pack.  It is easy to feel for the shifter as he continues to pine for his late husband.  While I felt for Parker, I could not help but think how messy things could have been if Donnie had still been alive when Nikolai came into the picture.  The author does a good job showcasing the struggle Parker went through when it came to dealing with his grief, meeting Nikolai, acknowledging the mate connection and handling the feelings of disloyalty that he has because of his growing need for the vampire.

With the help of friends, these two are brought together in a situation that really heats up the pages.  Some readers may find what happens next a little off putting but the scene is well written and true to the characters.   

Of course, fans of this series know that the books are never just about the romance between the main characters and Needing a Vampire’s Aggression is no different.  Nikolai, at Jared’s request, participates in a mission that is supposed to be well planned. However, more than one problem pops up and things get a little out of hand, which means Parker will be forced to come to terms with his feelings faster than he planned.  I can’t wait to see how the next stories play out, especially after the way the mission ended. 

Fans of this series are sure to enjoy this story as it is one that should not be missed.

Awakening the Alpha

Title: Awakening the Alpha

Author: Carolina Valdez

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-68252-151-9

Genre: {M/M} Shapeshifters         

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Former Navy SEAL sniper Blaze Canis finds out the hard way that trust is a part of love. Keeping secrets from his lover, Native American Logan Swift Rider almost destroyed their relationship shortly after it began.

Awakening the Alpha is a budding interracial romance. The setting is Yellowstone Park with some interesting history about the area including the dangerous animals the tourist is likely to encounter.

Blaze is an alpha werewolf who chose not to be the leader of a pack because he is gay. The thought of mating with a female was unacceptable for Blaze so he chose instead to join the Navy. Now that he has retired, Blaze misses the friendship of his military unit.   

Logan left the reservation to become an artist. Also being gay, Logan could not carry on the Shoshone’s expected tradition of marriage and fathering children. Logan continues to speak his native language at times as well as remembers some of the myths learned as a child. It is one particular native myth that caused a major misunderstanding between Logan and Blaze.

Carolina Valdez has created an amiable saga that I enjoyed. I found the Shoshone tribe history especially interesting.  

Totally Bound & Pride Publishing's new partnership with WHSmith

For more information, please click here for Totally Bound Publishing and here for Pride Publishing

Congratulations to Totally Bound and Pride Publishing from everyone at Literary Nymphs

Smoke & Mirrors

Title: Smoke & Mirrors

Author: Charlie Cochet

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-63477-388-1

Genre: {M/M} Shape shifter Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Release Date: Jul 8, 2016

THIRDS Agent Dexter J. Daley is in big trouble. The last thing Dex remembers is falling asleep beside his mate Sloane Brodie. How did Dex wind up tied to a chair in a room with no windows? And why is this Therian wolf asking questions about Dex’s long deceased mother?

Smoke & Mirrors is the seventh book in the THIRDS series. The plot is a combination of intense gripping suspense, top level conspiracies, life or death apprehension, engaging characters and tension breaking comedy. In this episode, Dex is fighting a personal battle between his beliefs and the reality concerning his parent’s demise and the secretive Intelligence Agents.  

Dex is highly intelligent as well as extremely perceptive, good skills to have when analyzing the adversary.

Perplexing tidbits of information from a power hungry mad scientist coupled with an unexplained medical condition has planted seeds of suspicion in Dex and drastically reduced his sense of well being.

Before his kidnapping, Dex liked to play pranks on his team mates to raise everyone’s spirits, but now the team noticed there is something different about Dex even though he tries to hide his strange symptoms.

As more information is revealed, Sloan is also affected, dealing with his anger concerning issues in the past as well as guilt regarding a future with Dex, Sloan temporarily rejects his relationship with Dex until Ash gives Sloan a strong verbal kick in the butt, shaking Sloan out of his self induced pity party. 

Charlie Cochet has created so many twists and turns in this brilliant episode of the THIRDS, I was literally hanging on the edge of my chair. Dex pulls out all the emotional stops of the readers. I absolutely enjoyed Smoke & Mirrors.

Quell

Title:  Quell

Author:  Viola Grace

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0792-6

Genre:  {M/F}, Sci-Fi, Space Opera, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Within the Nyal Imperium, prison guards have a special talent that can keep prisoners calm. Amylia has been recruited by the Volunteer Project and is a guard at one of their prisons. At a court appearance, Amylia is kidnapped along with the prisoner, the Queen of Rohul, she is guarding in court who is being broken out of prison. Since Amylia befriended the Prime Queen while she was a prisoner, as a reward, Amylia becomes a province queen with the Queen's brother-in-law, Gyrion, as her Consort.

Quell is the 35^th book in the Terran Times Second Wave series. In one way, this book is different from the previous ones in this series.  Rohul is ruled by women.  Each province is ruled by a Queen and their consort, with one Prime Queen for the planet.  I was surprised about the way a Province Queen could become the Prime Queen and how quickly it could happen.

I had to laugh at some of Gyrion’s antics after he met Amylia.  There are several instances that endear her to the people, one is where she uses her power to vanquish one of Gyrion’s former lovers.  The instance with the beast was so funny, especially the days that followed that instance. 

                                                                                                                       

I loved the way Amylia handled the Imperium when they came looking for her and their former prisoner.  Amylia and Gyrion learn about each other and their chemistry is hot.  The epilogue was a surprise. 

I enjoyed reading Quell and will be reading it again for the humor in it. There is one more book in the Terran Times Second Wave series according to the author and a lot of answers will be given in that story.

Worth Fighting For

Title:  Worth Fighting For

Author:  Cheyenne Meadows

Publisher:  Totally Bound

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-049-5

Genre:  {M/F} Action & Adventure, Contemporary, Cowboys & Western

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Experience has given April firsthand knowledge of what it means to be abused, so she has a soft spot for others with the same background.  Instead of coming home with one horse like she planned, April winds up with two.  She finds the perfect stable for her horses, but the owner was proving to be a bit difficult.  His expertise with animals clearly didn’t extend to people, because the man wanted nothing to do with April.  She had no idea why the man didn’t like her.

It isn’t just April that Dusty wants to avoid; it’s all women in general.  Dusty’s life has been turned upside down because of war and women.  The unsettled tension between his brothers has left Dusty with only his dog and his stable.  April is the one person who might upset his normal routine and Dusty doesn’t want that.  She’s constantly underfoot trying to help, which makes it impossible for Dusty to ignore his attraction to her. 

The nurse in April wouldn’t let her turn her back on anyone or anything needing compassion.  I was expecting April’s past to be more detailed, but honestly I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as I was imaging.  She was just so sweet, I would have hated to think of her dealing with more bad things.   Even though Dusty is bad tempered most of the time, April is drawn to him.  Something in his eyes touched her and April wanted to get to the bottom of his pain.  If that meant opening up about her own troublesome past, so be it.  To say that Dusty had been wronged by a woman would be an understatement.  Under the circumstances, I understand why he had sworn off relationships, even the one with his family.  When you add PTSD into the mix, that makes things worse.  Getting close to another human being was hard for Dusty, so it moved me to see how good he was with animals.  There is something about a man bonded with his dog that just makes me feel warm and fuzzy, especially if the man is smoking hot. 

I fell in love with April’s horse, Mischief, and he was the center of some of my favorite scenes.  Dusty’s brothers also made me feel very comfortable and left me curious to know more about their lives.  Everything came together like a hand and glove in Worth Fight For.  The right amount of turmoil was added, without being so sad that I needed to take a break to calm down.  Things weren’t perfect for Dusty and April but I felt they dealt with everything perfectly.  This story will renew your faith in people and give you the hope that everyone can have a second chance.

Cops and Robby

Title: Cops and Robby

Author: Carol Lynne

Publisher: Wilde City Press

Publisher URL: www.wildecity.com

ISBN: 978-1-925313-92-5

Genre: {M/M/M} Contemporary, Taboo

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Robby knows first hand that being a prostitute is a dangerous occupation; thankfully Robby is rescued and sheltered by Cole and Morgan Caldwell, a couple of unique brothers that just happen to be cops.

Cops and Robby is a short story that exposes the secrets of three men. The plot highlights the three men growing into a loving long-term relationship.

 

Robby comes from an abusive home and turns to prostitution for his survival. Even after his rescue, Robby lives in fear of his vengeful pimp.

Cole and Morgan are brothers as well as lovers; this too could be perceived as survival after the family tragedy that occurred in their young lives. What started out as non-sexual comfort evolved into a deeper expression of brotherly love as adults.

Cops and Robby is an impressive and enjoyable saga. There is a small amount of Incest, but the main theme, as well as the intimacy, is a romantic ménage. 

Harmony

Title:  Harmony

Author:  Jillian Verne

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-68252-114-4

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Teodor always believed he was a sinner and not a good man. Other than his music, he could not accept his nature.  Because of this, he ended up abandoning Eva, the love of his life.  What happens when he realizes he may lose her forever?

Harmony is the fourth book in the Masters of the Order series and this story is about Teodor and his struggle to accept himself.  One thing that is a little different from the previous stories is that this book goes from the past to the present and also looks at things from Eva’s, as well as Teodor’s, perspective.  In this respect, sometimes the story was a little hard to follow, but it makes perfect sense as you witness the full impact of Teodor’s struggle.  Harmony is a very intense and emotional book.

Part of Teodor’s problem was his addiction to drugs, which added to his sense of guilt and self-loathing.  He did not want to accept the things that Eva loved as right between the two and ended up leaving Eva.  Eva herself made some choices after that that had a big impact on her self-worth.  Readers should be aware there is one ménage scene that makes Eva realize she deserves better.

I loved that several of the Doms and their ladies helped both get to the point that they needed to be so they could eventually be together.  There are places that may be difficult for some, especially the suicide thoughts, and I was actually in tears reading some sections.  Another influence that added to Teodor’s view of himself was his brother’s input and his opinion that he freely shared with Toedor. The author has a lot of insight into the lifestyle and the responsibilities of a Master/Dom to his sub and the sub’s responsibility.  As always, open communication is stressed as the key to a successful BDSM relationship.

It was very clear from the beginning that Teodor and Eva had some intense chemistry together.  The author was also very sensitive to the fact that Eva was seventeen when the two met.

There are still a few Master’s that haven’t gotten their relationship yet and Teodor’s fellow band members are also interesting and hopefully will get stories as well, as they have had Teodor’s back from the beginning.  

I am looking forward to reading more of the Masters of the Order series.

That’s One Cross Vamp

Title: That’s One Cross Vamp

Author: Bailey Bradford

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Publisher URL: www.pride-publishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-78651-462-2

Genre: {M/M} Vampire Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Erin Meyers is tired of the empty direction his life has taken; it is time for a change. Vampire Jude has been waiting for years for Erin to notice him as more than a friend, Jude wants to have a long term relationship with Erin.

That’s One Cross Vamp is the sixth book in The Vamp for Me series. The plot features Erin going through some life changing decisions and the support from the vampire coven especially Jude.

Erin is a psychiatrist who has helped several of the vampires deal their fears, yet Erin has avoided facing his own fears until his health forces Erin to deal with all of his issues.

Jude has secretly loved Erin for a long time, but watching Erin go through a variety of one night stands was more than Jude could tolerate, so he watched and hoped for his chance with Erin from an emotionally safe distant.

Bailey Bradford has created an impressive and emotional addition to this series. I especially enjoyed Erin’s willpower to conquer his health issues as well as Jude’s determination to provide all of Erin’s needs.

  

This series is best read in sequence starting with My Life Without Garlic.

A Dandelion for Tulip

Title: A Dandelion for Tulip

Author: R. Cooper

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-63477-314-0

Genre: {M/M}, Urban Fantasy, Series        

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

David has been in love with Tulip almost from the moment they met.  But Tulip is a fairy and, even if he wasn’t straight, David does not believe he is good enough for the other man. 

A Dandelion for Tulip is the sixth book in the Being(s) in Love series by author R. Cooper.  This new book pairs a human with a fairy once again. In this story, our human is David.  A student struggling to get his PhD in the study of Beings so he doesn’t have time for a relationship.  That does not stop him from falling in love with longtime friend, Tulip.  Since Tulip is straight, however, David knows all he will ever have is his friendship.  I liked David.  The author did a good job bringing this character alive in a way that you could easily picture this slightly nerdy young man, who is a little on the socially awkward side, try to come to terms with his feelings for a friend. 

Our fairy is Tulip.  Tulip has been around for a while and during that time, he has been rejected in a way that has left its mark.  To protect himself, he guards his feelings well so it is no wonder that David does not know the real Tulip.  Even though Tulip is older than he looks, he still has a bit of innocence about him.  I felt a little bad for him a time or two as he tries to keep from falling in love with David.  But the more Tulip rejects David, the more David begins to feel unworthy of love. 

While A Dandelion for Tulip is not an angst-driven story, there are a few misunderstandings that cause bad feelings between the characters.  The author has done such a good job making this story come alive that it is easy to feel for the characters and, more than once, I wanted to tell them to stop being so careful and go after what they wanted.  

This story was a great addition to this series.  While each story can stand alone, I would recommend that you read the books in order as it will give you a clearer understanding of the world the author created.  If you have not yet tried any books by R. Cooper, I would strongly suggest that you start with this series.   

Demon Duke

Title: Demon Duke

Author: S.J. Frost

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02015-0561

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Calvin Blackwood is a healing witch, still learning his craft. Sadly, Calvin’s magical powers are not strong enough to heal his ailing brother, but Calvin can summon Sal, a demon duke who has a fondness for humans, especially Calvin.

Demon Duke is the second book in the Paranormal Nobles series. The well-written plot is a combination of compassion, a touch of drama and characters that are believable, as well as incredibly hilarious.

Having loss their parents to ill health, Calvin’s older brother Nathan is the only family Calvin has left. Calvin and Nathan are very close and do whatever they can to help each other even though their beliefs are extremely different.

Calvin knows if he summons a demon, he will be expected to compensate the demon with sexual favors. That being said, Calvin also knows that summoning Sal for help will be a price he is more than willing to pay since he is already attracted to the sexy demon.    

Sal is an unusual demon in that he forms emotional relationships; Sal enjoys socializing with humans and vampires. Vampire prince Valentin and his cousin Basil are Sal’s best friends. Sal secretly loves Calvin though Sal refuses to admit it. The only relatable demon traits Sal has is his enormous sexual appetite, his battle abilities along with his superior magical powers. 

S.J. Frost has created an outstanding saga. The interactions between the characters is truly entertaining, I think Sal is my favorite character because he is a clever, boastful, sweet talking, badass. Although Calvin is a badass when necessary, he’s normally a little more reserved than Sal.