Heat Stroke: F*ck A Duck

Book Title: Heat Stroke: F*ck A Duck
Author: Celia Kyle
Publisher: Changeling Press, LLC
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-020-9
Genre: Paranormal, Humor and Satire
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Mia had the perfect pet in her duck, Howard, and she didn’t want to give him up. Once she took the splint off his injured leg Mia expected things to change but she was not expecting the change she got.

After waking from a relaxing nap in the tub, Mia finds herself being watched by a naked stranger holding a feather. What had he done with Howard and what did he want with her?

I am seeing ducks in a whole new light after this story. I wish this quirky tale was longer because I love the inventive plots that Celia Kyle creates. She put a sexy spin on an unexpected shifter and I cannot wait to see what is next. Heat Stroke: F*ck a Duck is a clever story that should be read.

Special Branch: Kane

Book Title: Special Branch: Kane
Author: Loribelle Hunt
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Publisher URL: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60088-215-9
Genre: Alternate History/Urban Fantasy/Shifter Erotic Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

In 1899, shapeshifters and vampires fight side by side with humans during the Civil War. Kane Dupree is the local Alpha and the lover of bounty hunter Calista Nichols. The Rebel Army learns Calista’s sister Isadora has discovered a cure for paranomal beings and they kidnap the young woman in hopes of turning the tides in their direction. It will take a group of dedicated people to regain Isadora’s freedom. The discovery of one of Kane’s secrets will cause Calista to rethink her position in his life. Kane hopes the contact will help him accomplish one of his most important goals – to finally claim Calista as his mate.

Special Branch: Kane is a wonderful historical romance with a paranormal twist. Kane is pure Alpha, but knows even his limits when it comes to Calista. She’s a human with she-wolf tenacity. I was delighted to see that even for such a short story, Loribelle Hunt allowed us to watch the characters shapeshift and delivers a nice bloody battle to get your juices pumping. I was happy that Calista didn’t just jump at Kane’s command. She is just what he needs to keep him on his toes. I would actually like to see what comes of Isadora and Alex, a vampire and team member to Kane. They seemed to have a chemistry that should be brought to the table in their own story. If you enjoy a bit of alternate history mixed in with your shapeshifters then you should definitely read Special Branch: Kane.

Handyman

Book Title: Handyman
Author: Claire Thompson
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-180-7
Genre: Gay Contemporary Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Will Spencer is something of a player, both professionally and with his openly gay lifestyle, loving and leaving one man after another. It’s only when his boss drops dead of a heart attack, in front of him, that he decides he needs to slow down and de-stress his life. Doing that means taking a six-month leave of absence and buying an old house in need of remodeling. He needs a contractor and that’s exactly what he gets when sexy Jack Crawford walks into his life. The only problem is the handsome older man is talented, polite, and straight, or so he thinks.

Jack Crawford has two grown sons and has been a widow for the last two years. He spent the first months after his wife’s death trying to drink himself into oblivion. Now he’s sober and working hard to keep his life on track. Married right out of high school, Jack’s never thought of himself as gay, but once he’s meets Will, his long-buried sexual longings are rising to the surface. Their attraction is fast, deep and intense, and it’s not something Jack can ignore. The prize is either heartache or the love he’s looked for his entire life.

Handyman is a heart-wrenching tale of personal discovery and growth that I couldn’t put down. Will is the epitome of a high-powered businessperson used to getting what he wants, when he wants. To watch him step back, learn to be patient and put Jack’s needs first, was a wonder to behold. It was such a huge example of personal growth that you couldn’t help but like the guy, in spite of his past love ‘em-and-leave ‘em behavior. Jack is a sweet man, certain of his value as a craftsman and father, but not as certain as someone worthy of love and happiness. The attraction between our guys sparks from their first meeting, and it only gets hotter and more intense the longer they know one another, culminating in a relationship neither was expecting. While I loved the sparks and fire between Will and Jack, the best scenes were those between Jack and his sons. Ms. Thompson’s great writing in these sections was tasteful, well-done and nothing short of fantastic. This book definitely will be placed in my keeper pile to be enjoyed again in the future.

Lady Sings the Blues

Book Title: Lady Sings the Blues
Author: Mallery Malone
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-051-6
Genre: Interracial Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Miss Scarlet is the owner of the hottest club in Hotlanta, The Scarlet Lady. People come from miles around to see her moves she perfected during her previous days as an exotic dancer. Very few people saw Miss Scarlet as her true self, Alina Gabriel. The one person who sees the real Alina just happens to be blind.

Joshua Hanover excited more than just the audience with his blues band, his guitar, and his good looks. One minute he was performing the song he composed for Alina and the next minute they are in her office making out like rabbits.

Even though Joshua is the blind one, Alina is the one having trouble seeing things clearly in regards to their explosive relationship. Alina assumes they only share lust and Joshua wants all or nothing.

Lady Sings the Blues is what happens when a man’s love makes a woman see her internal beauty. Alina used her physical beauty to put herself through school and get her club, so she never expected people to see her as Alina, but only Miss Scarlet. Joshua not only accepts her, he wants her in his life. I cringed when I thought Alina might mess things up with such a genuinely good guy. Even worse, Joshua thought his blindness was the cause. They were the perfect match, in and out of bed, with their passions for life. Reading about their whirlwind love story is a must.

Master of the Lines 5: Coda

Book Title: Master of the Lines 5: Coda
Author: Angela Fiddler
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-755-9
Genre: LGBT Vampire Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rhiannon Nymph

Members of the Conclave are being hunted by an old nemesis from Vision’s past, or so he thinks. The assailant finally makes contact with Vision during the night using the power of the moon and then again by taking control of young Cain's body during a training exercise. It isn't until a sentimental painting in Janus's building is defiled as a message does Janus decide it is time to find and kill Varaugh if he is indeed behind what is happening.

When both Kane and Lyall are visited in their dreams by the mystery assailant Janus sides with Vision on his quest to put an end to the person is attempting to invade the conclave. After Octavius, a lieutenant of Vladimir kills one of the Conclave elders events are set into motion that could mean the end of Vision and those he loves.

Vision is a true character indeed. His smug, comedic personality pulled me into his story. From page one Angela Fiddler draws you into a world of Vampires, and shows you what goes on behind closed doors. Master of the Lines 5: Coda is a gripping tale, with twists and turns that grab your attention and holds you till the very end.

This is not your run of the mill vampire romance story. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush with its moments of sensitivity, pick up Master of the Lines 5: Coda.

Outlaw Lovers - Jude Outlaw

Book Title: Outlaw Lovers - Jude Outlaw
Author: Jan Springer
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 1-84360-937-1
Genre: Futuristic
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


The world leaders have introduced the Claiming Law after a virus has killed a majority of the world’s female population, leaving women with no rights and claimable by groups of men as sexual property.

Cate Callahan learns the man she loves, Jude Outlaw, is coming home after serving in the terrorist war. Under normal circumstances, it would be good news, but Jude is bringing his four brothers along to claim Cate under the new law. Cate decides to do what any red-blooded woman would do who knew what freedom felt like prior to the new law’s enactment – she runs.

The thought of Cate’s warm body is the only thing that has kept Jude fighting to return home. He loves her and isn’t ready to come to terms with having to share her, let alone use her to aid someone else he loves. Nevertheless, he won’t tolerate her running.

You have to love those Outlaw brothers. They are strong, determined, and fiercely protective. I was a bit upset with Jude when I discovered what he agreed to in the beginning. However, I was tickled pink when he figured out where his heart truly lies. I’m not sure if I could have come to terms as quickly as Cate did about being shared amongst the Outlaw men regardless of how fine they were. Jan Springer has written a wonderful introduction to this ongoing saga that is sure to be a treat for those who enjoy the softer side of BDMS.

Narian Rebirth: Mia’s Discovery

Book Title: Narian Rebirth: Mia’s Discovery
Author: Tianna Xander & Bonnie Rose Leigh
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Publisher URL: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60088-231-9
Genre: Vampire/Ménage/Science Fiction
Nymph Rating: 4 nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Silver Minx


The Narian people had to leave their planet because it could no longer sustain them. The entire civilization packed themselves on 3 ships. One ship crashed onto Earth and started the legends of Atlantis.

Centuries later, Amelia Branson was struggling to pay the taxes on her family’s farm land. After being denied again for a loan to get the farm back on track, Amelia accepts a deal from 2 very handsome professors, asking to use her land to do some archeological digs and farming her land. Little did she know about the two professors were and what they would mean to her.

Markus Carr and Aeden Simon are looking for the remaining survivors from the crash, including Markus’s brother who is the leader of the Narian people. Markus and Aeden are also looking for their mate. Amelia didn’t know that she had accepted Markus and Aeden as her mate but they are set to convince her otherwise. Together, they fulfill each other’s fantasies.

This story captured my attention from the beginning. I love the stories of Atlantis and this adds just another way to enjoy it. Chapter after chapter I found myself wanting to read more to find out what happened. The sexual tension that radiated from the characters was great and when they finally got to the actually sex, it was hot enough for me to wish my husband was home! Epilogue was a great opener for the next book as well. I am looking forward to reading more from these authors.

Tied Up, Tied Down

Book Title: Tied Up, Tied Down
Author: Lorelei James
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-064-9
Genre: Western Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Skylar Ellison is a control freak and while it might be good for her new business, it’s not so good for her personal life. That’s why she was so surprised when she allowed herself to get involved with one of the infamous McKay men. And she was even more surprised when she got pregnant in the parking lot of a local bar. After having a fight with Kade, he disappears and she’s forced to go through her pregnancy alone.

Depressed and upset after Skylar broke up with him, Kade took off on business for nearly a year. Now he’s returned to town and wants Skylar back. What he doesn’t expect is to discover he’s the father of a three-month old baby girl, Eliza. He’s crazy about the baby, and he loves her mother, so when Kade can’t get Skylar to marry him, he moves into her house determined to be the hands-on kind of father he’s always wanted to be. It also gives him the chance to prove to Skylar he wants to be tied to her forever.

Tied Up, Tied Down is Ms. James’ newest release in her ongoing Rough Rider series, and it’s just as fast paced, sexy and fun as its predecessors. Kade is a good guy, and he’s also a down-to-earth hottie who has turned into a one-woman man. He’s also a man who is willing to do whatever is necessary to take care of the two girls who mean the most to him…Skylar and Eliza. But his biggest task is convincing Skylar that they have a future together. Skylar, on the other hand, is uncertain, reluctant and more than a little gun-shy due to a bad relationship in the past. She wants Kade, she even loves Kade, but her fear and her need for control are her greatest enemies. Watching her struggle is often painful, but most of all it’s realistic. This well-written western romance pulls at the heart-strings, but ultimately it offers hope for the future, making it an excellent read for anyone.

Dominion

Book Title: Dominion
Author: Jamie Craig
Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-281-1
Genre: Gay /Ménage/Bisexuality/Dark Fantasy/Vampire/BDSM
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Jesse Madding has two important people in the world, his lovers Gideon Keel and Emma Coolidge. When an arsonist attempts to rob him of their love, it’s time to allow Gideon do what he does best, hunt for the culprit. Gideon Keel is a vampire who has changed over his lifespan. Jesse and Emma have given him a love that allows him to enjoy the beauty of the world. In addition, a threat to harm them is something he will not tolerate. They will have to start from scratch with a new home and a new playroom. But before they can enjoy their new abode, they will have to deal with the one seeking to destroy their future.

Jamie Craig has delivered another passionately written installment of the Master Chronicles. I’ve watched Gideon grow as a person throughout these tales, Emma is getting stronger, and Jesse is finding his own. The characters are beautifully written and the story combines suspense, mystery and lovemaking hot enough to make you wish vampires really existed. The things Gideon is capable of doing to his lovers is enough to cause a mild heart attack. If you enjoyed the first five books in this series, Dominion will be a wonderful treat. You get to see old characters you love, others you loved to hate, and still yet a few new interesting ones to add a bit of spice and variety.