Shifter

Book Title: Shifter
Author: Aubrey Ross
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419917424
Genre: Futuristic
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Commander Mal Ton Adoha is trying to regain the freedom of the humans captured by Max. He expects to use his shapeshifting abilities, his sharp mind, and his fantastic fighting ability. What he doesn’t expect is to have his heart captured by one of the women he rescues.

Lorelle has years of military experience and while her mind is honed to react in battle situations, her body is all woman. The virus has affected her and there is only one-way to survive -- Lorelle will have to submit to Mal Ton.

The game has evolved to a new level. Seconds are now taking on a new role, a sister is in dire need of rescuing, and Mal Ton has found a woman who can capture his heart.

Aubrey Ross has brought back Mal Ton and explored just how deeply he can love the right woman in Shifter. His interaction with Lorelle was something to behold. She is hard as nails and soft as a down comforter all that the same time. Lorelle knew that she was fighting a losing battle when it came to her newly acquired feelings for Mal Ton. Mal Ton finally found something he had waited to have for over three hundred years. He wasn’t going to let Lorelle go regardless of what her mouth said, and I enjoyed watching him slowly chip away at her excuses. The story has set us up for the next installment. I have a feeling that Fane has a few secrets soon to be brought to light in a future story. I enjoyed his character and hope he has his own story. Ms. Ross has written a wonderful futuristic story that is sure to stimulate the mind and the libido.

Seducer

Book Title: Seducer
Author: Aubrey Ross
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419913600
Genre: Futuristic
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Protarians and Stilox have been at war for over three centuries and Commander Mal Ton has lived to see most of the devastation happen. He has had to watch his people fight a war that has left a debilitating mutation in its wake. Mal Ton discovers that Doctor Andrea Raynier, a gifted geneticist, may be the key to curing the mutation and decides to abduct her before the enemy has a chance to gain her assistance. There is a bit of cat chasing a mouse, some-over-the-top lovemaking, and a bit of scheming to gain what Mal Ton wants. Because ultimately what Mal Ton wants, he gets, by any means necessary.

Roark Talbot is the director opposite of the commander, and prefers to gain the doctor’s assistance through less intense means. Overruled and out maneuvered, he has no choice but to support a ploy designed to gain Andrea’s assistance. Now after the seduction, will Andrea allow her feelings to grow for either man after she discovers their treachery?

Aubrey Ross has delivered a story with a few clever twists that escape the norm of intergalactic travel, war, and love in Seducer. While I enjoyed Andrea and Roark, Mal Ton just flat did me in with his sex appeal and aggressive nature. The story is a mix of action, suspense, and romance, topped off with interesting characters. Ms. Ross’ characters have an easy flowing relationship thought the story. And Roark proves romance through creativity can work, regardless of the location. I loved his use of what was readily available to seduce Andrea. If you like futuristic stories with hot commanders and beautiful brilliant doctors, then Seducer is just your cup of tea.

Beyond the Reef

Book Title: Beyond the Reef
Author: A. J. Llewellyn
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-107-0
Genre: Gay romance, Paranormal, M/M
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Tony Kaven is excited about his new job as personal assistant to movie star Rufus Roscoe on location in Maui, Hawaii. But from the moment he arrives on set, things are not looking good for Tony. At first sight, Rufus christens Tony with the name “Chubby Guy”. Tony, who has not had a date in a long time and is insecure about his looks, is not feeling hopeful of making a good impression or about his dream of finding love in Maui, until he goes to his cabin and finds a gorgeous man named Frank in his shower, Frank explains that he is Tony’s true love. Tony’s evening just got a whole lot better.

Beyond the Reef is a wonderful story of taking a leap of faith and trusting with your heart that everything will work out for the good. Tony is a good guy who lands in the middle of chaos and bad attitudes; he is immediately surrounded by a cast of characters with less than pristine sexual morals, including his mother, who has been the source of his unhappiness from an early age. All Tony wants is love, but before that can truly happen, he must learn to look inside himself and deal with the issues buried there. Frank is there to help Tony; to pave the way of discovering what is in his heart and because Frank loves Tony, the lessons Tony must learn is hard on Frank also. The brilliant A.J. Llewellyn has produced another incredible story that exhibits realistic characters, heart wrenching emotions, humor and very sensuous love scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent saga.

Kitchen Matches

Book Title: Kitchen Matches
Author: Marianne Arkins
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-183-1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Sphinx Minx


Corinne Weathers is the youngest of seven children and the only girl. She’s a licensed mechanic and works in her family’s auto repair shop. Her mother wants a more girly-girl and has encouraged her to take a ten week cooking class.

Demanding teacher Micah DePalma makes her feel inept, yet somehow feminine. Cooking is just not her thing -- none of the other students have managed to set themselves on fire!

Midway through the class, Cori is certain that Micah detests her. Micah has heard some of Cori’s smart aleck remarks and is sure she hates him.

One night after class, Micah’s van refuses to start. He spots a tow truck in the lot and is surprised to find Cori behind the wheel.

Hatred is NOT the emotion that develops. But the road to romance is far from smooth. Cori’s rowdy brothers test Micah and his snooty mother is not Cori’s biggest fan.

This is sweet, funny, and enjoyable. Micah’s determination to learn new things and to win Cori is amazing. Seeming opposites can attract, and we all have our own special talents. A pleasant, well-written story.

He’s The One

Book Title: He’s The One
Author: Jane Beckenham
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance
Publisher URL: http://www.lindenbayromance.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60202-070-2
Genre: Contemporary, Drama
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Silver Minx

Taylor Sullivan is a wedding consultant with a secret….she is a virgin! Her clients are asking her questions about sex that she cannot answer so she looks for a man to give her a one-night stand to solve her problem. Taylor chooses Cade Harper, a man with a bad boy image and a trail of broken hearts behind him. Taylor propositions Cade with a deal. He teaches her about sex and then she helps promote his bar. Fair deal, right? Unfortunately, Taylor has one other secret she neglects to tell Cade…a dead fiancée. Will Cade be able to compete with that?

I enjoyed this book because it had quite a bit of sexual tension that lead up forever before the actual sex happened. The characters had heart and soul. I felt myself getting teary at a point or two, feeling their pain while they were dealing with their issues. Poor Taylor had so much to deal with living in the memories of a dead fiancée and Cade dealing with his commitment issues. Reminded me of the real life issues couples face everyday. Good Job!

My One and Oni

Book Title: My One and Oni
Author: Misa Izanaki
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-327-7
Genre: Gay erotic romance, Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

As a child, Alexi Shirogami was sure there was a monster in his bedroom closet. Coming home to Hawaii after being away at school for years, Alexi discovers his monster is still there. Kai is a very attractive Oni, if you can overlook the horns, which Alexi does, so now rather than fear the Oni, Alexi desires him. When Alexi returns to school, Kai goes with him. Now they must find a way to let their love out of the closet.

My One and Oni is an interesting story of transition from childhood to adult. Alexi thought Kai was only in his dreams and the model he used to compare potential boyfriends. Kai has watched over Alexi since he was a child and grew to love the man Alexi had become. Misa Izanaki has created an intriguing story, although the main characters were not fully developed in my opinion. There are plenty of love scenes and a little humor. I also found the premise of the plot enjoyable.

A Good Thing

Book Title: A Good Thing
Author: Julia Talbot
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-603-234-8
Genre: Gay erotic romance, Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Christmas Eve serves as a reminder of the events three years earlier that lead up to Dan being labeled as the Christmas Fire Guy. Heading for his office for a quick stop, Dan crosses the path of a stranger selling hot chocolate and full of holiday cheer. Dan’s Grinch attitude comes out with a verbal attack on Chris who soon turns the tables and in no time at all, Dan and Chris are sharing a sexy fun-filled evening together. Not only did Chris make the evening more enjoyable, but Dan started seeing the holiday in a whole new light.

A Good Thing is a charming and sexy story of turning negative into positive. Chris is upbeat with a positive attitude, determined to show Dan how good it could be when you have someone to share with. When Dan examined the causes of the fire and the rejection of his former lover, he comes to the conclusion that the events were out of his control and his former lover was a user, unlike Chris who enjoys giving as well as receiving. The talented Julia Talbot delivers a wonderful story with a little homespun humor, sexy characters and a realistic storyline. I greatly enjoyed A Good Thing.

Asking for Trouble

Book Title: Asking for Trouble
Author: Kit Tunstall
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419917295
Genre: Werewolf
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Even though he didn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure, Orion was finding it difficult to keep his hands off his assistant. As far as he was concerned, Natalie was made for him. When an attempt is made on Natalie’s life, Orion couldn’t resist taking her to his house, or his bed.

Natalie knows she is too short and too plump to be considered top model material, but that doesn’t keep her from lusting after Orion. And oddly enough, he seems to be flirting with her. Eventually Natalie gets tired of beating around the bush and submits to the passion simmering beneath the surface.

Things are almost perfect except for the one thing that Orion fears might end their affair. He has yet to tell Natalie that he is a werewolf and about his involvement in the Pack. What if this is too much for her to handle?

Asking for Trouble is a simmering addition to the Sundown Pack series. The office scenes are guaranteed to leave you sweating in the corner and wishing for more of this story. I was pleasantly shocked with the ways the couple explored their passions and the way Natalie was able to accept Orion. Natalie and Orion are a perfect match and missing their story would be a true shame.

Going Deep

Book Title: Going Deep
Author: Dee Dawning
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher Site URL: http://www.extasybooks.net/
ISBN: NA
Genre: Fantasy Games, Contemporary, Romance, Humor
Nymph Rating: 1.0 Nymph
Reviewer: Rhiannon Nymph

When Carla gets fed up with how much football her boyfriend watches, she tells him that she has a real distaste for football. Even though her boyfriend Joey in a NFL assistant coach, she can find no common ground. Until that is Joey suggests they play a game where they would both get sexually satisfied. If he wins he gets to have anything he wants. If she wins she gets to be in control. They have an argument about Joey wanting to sniff underwear of girl named, dare I say it? Bambi.

This argument escalates to Carla demanding to know whether Joey wants to have sex with Bambi. After a little Chinese food that subject is up for discussion once more. Carla decides they should play fantasy football for it. If she wins she will make Joey have sex with Bambi. After a few games and a very different birthday gift Joey receives from Carla, the couple finds their path to happiness.

This was a fun concept but I have to admit after reading Going Deep it left me unsatisfied. The story is thirty-two pages long and the first half of it is a sex scene. I would tell you it gets better but I can’t. There was more sex than story content. I wanted to know more about the characters involved, not their sexual prowess. I found the ending unbelievable after reading the story.

Going Deep by Dee Dawning, I’m sorry to say, was not for me. If you like pages of sex, this is the book for you. If you’re seeking a story with more robust and depth, I would say look elsewhere.

One Last Kiss

Book Title: One Last Kiss
Author: Gabrina Garza
Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-198-2
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Vampire
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


Alicia Rodriguez knows that she needs to make some serious decisions regarding her health but instead she is on her way to Mexico for a week’s vacation. When she realizes what is happening to her, all she can think about is will it keep her from dying of the Leukemia in her body.

Michael Lucas has returned to the place he thought a paradise but where he became a Hybrid. Now that he has a taste of Alicia in his system, there is nothing that will keep him from having her as his own. The confrontation between Mujer (Spanish for woman), her vampire husband and Michael turned out very different than what they expected.

When I first started reading One Last Kiss, I was already trying to figure out what was wrong with Alicia. These two lovers made me want to get rid of everyone around them, including her parents who dominated her entire life. There are definitely very hot sex scenes and descriptions of beautiful beach areas. Gabrina Garza writes of darkness that will take you over without thought if one is not careful. I hope to read more of her stories.

Law’s Deliverance

Book Title: Law’s Deliverance
Author: Melany Logen
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-740-5
Genre: Multicultural Futurist Fantasy
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph


Prince Law of Bergogia has so many expectations and restrictions placed upon him. Fixing things on the palace lawn and telling dumb jokes are only a couple of things he isn’t allowed to do. Marrying a woman for political gain and producing an heir is what everyone wants him to do. Well that, and keeping a sex slave on the side. Law never planned on buying a sex slave until he laid eyes on a silvery short haired beauty.

Larissa was captured and sent to an auction block to be sold as a sex slave. She fought every chance she could, but fighting was getting her nowhere. Even though the man that bought her was gorgeous and seemed to truly want to help her, Larissa had no intention of being controlled by him. Perhaps the only way to gain her freedom would be by giving Law exactly what he wanted…. mind-blowing sex.

The relationship between Master and Slave gets complicated when Law’s desire for Larissa increases and Larissa becomes confused about her feelings for Law. There is no way the kingdom will accept Larissa as his queen or mother to his illegitimate children. The shame would cause his family to lose their status. Larissa couldn’t live with the guilt she carried over all the changes she had caused in Law’s life. Love was welcomed and hated at the same time.

Law’s Deliverance is a touching love story of two people being freed from a life that they were both forced into. Law just wanted to be an average man, in love with a woman who was perfect for him. He never enjoyed having to follow the path of a prince and I felt his pain of keeping up the pretense. When Larissa entered his life, I prayed that his family and other outsiders wouldn’t be successful in getting rid of her. Poor Larissa was almost her own worst enemy. She made me angry by fighting so hard against Law, the one person who wanted only to help and love her. He didn’t look down on Larissa and he was willing to give up everything just to be with her. What sane woman would not want such a man? Then when I saw her trying to be selfless by putting Law first, I began warming up to her. Many times I was sure it was the end for Larissa and then Melany Logen surprised me with a new twist to the story. Every character makes sense and the ending is hot and hopeful.

French Peril

Title: French Peril
Author: Mona Risk
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.cerridwenpress.com/
ISBN: 9781419917189
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Cheryl Stewart is a graduate student at the Harvard School of Architecture, just one paper shy of graduation. Her mentor and surrogate father, Doc Howard, came down with an apparent case of food poisoning the night before he was to fly to France to restore an old chapel and search for a valuable statue. He sent Cheryl in his place, and died shortly thereafter. It was homicide, and Cheryl now has his computer and a murderer on her trail.

Count François de Valcroux expects the Nobel Prize winning professor and is dubious of Cheryl’s knowledge and many skills. She manages to convince him of her abilities and to steal his heart as their team fully searches the remnants of the old chapel. She’s had a crush on him for three years, but he’s always been a no-commitment type of guy.

Aging Butler Bernard has some clues concerning the missing $50 million statue and he is attacked on the chateau grounds. François’ sister is a delight, warming quickly to Cheryl and finding her own love story.

Few of the characters are as they seem. The five students helping with the dig are ostensibly from Italy, England, Amsterdam, Madrid and Germany and all unknown personally to the Count. The sexy Edith Blaise is a lawyer and one of the Count’s many lovers. I wish there had been more details about the dinner party where this schemer was slighted in favor of the lovely Cheryl -- it could have been so catty and so much fun!

The lovely Loire Valley and the chateau with its secret passages and opulence make a pleasant setting for this powerful adventure. The author does a great job of both hiding and revealing information, leading to a spine-tingling conclusion.

This is a real page-turner and succeeds as both a romance and a mystery. It is a joy to read.

Curtains in Stonington

Book Title: Curtains in Stonington
Author: Rosemary Goodwin
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-078-9
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


Kate Bart is surviving the death of her husband and getting on with her life in a small quiet country town. When her friend’s psychic aunt warns her of dead people in her life, she is in a panic hoping for it not to be true. Still holding on to being alone, she finally lets go of her husband after five years.

Bernard Duchowski, who goes by Dutch, had retired from the police force and moved to Stonington to become a Private Investigator. He has known Kate for a long time and wants them to have a meaningful relationship. While working on a case together, the two of them learn more about how they feel about each other.

Curtains in Stonington was a wonderful suspense story that intrigued me greatly. I was very surprised at the fact that Kate & her mother were actually from England and they stuck to their traditional way of life. With the involvement of the townspeople, it was not hard to figure out who murdered two people and these were the people that the aunt had predicted.

Rosemary Goodwin has written a very talented story of murder and romance that will be the start of more books. The characters range from a very professional person to a widow who is lonely for attention and with all the country people made the town more alive for me. Curtains In Stonington, A Kate Bart Mystery is a great book for those looking for something different to read.

Dreams of Death

Book Title: Dreams of Death
Author: Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-645-4
Genre: Paranormal M/M erotic romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

A serial killer is on the loose in the small town of New Vale. Aaron Sellers and his friends have been following the case, picking up clues the police seemed to have missed. Aaron is confident this is the work of a vampire and he has an idea where he might find him. Telling no one where he is going, Aaron locates the vampire’s hiding place. Confronting the vampire with a rescue offer, Aaron drives the vampire, Taylor, to the next town. Aaron’s secret fantasy of making love to a vampire are about to come true.

Dreams of Death is another installment of the fabulous Romanorum / Inferi Brotherhood series. Aaron has never met a vampire even though the vampires have legal citizenship, so when the chance to accomplish one of his dreams presents itself, Aaron takes it. Taylor is a member of one of the rogue brotherhood sectors based in England. Tired of the fighting within the vampire ranks, Taylor goes into a self induced sleep for over a century and when he wakes, he continues his old habits of killing for food. After meeting Aaron, Taylor has reason to change his wicked ways and he is smart enough to know all roads lead back to Rome. The amazing team of Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael present another segment in the vampire hierarchy, this episode hints at Taylor being part of the problem plaguing Prince Mael of The Prince’s Angels. This is a fantastic vampire series with excellent characters and well written plots.

Warm Rush, Book I: Chasing Winter

Book Title: Warm Rush, Book I: Chasing Winter
Author: Rowan McBride
Publisher: Amber Quill
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/

ISBN: 978-1-60272-296-5
Genre: Gay / Contemporary / Fantasy / Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Jesse Winters is a twenty-six-year-old successful businessman, living the good life. He may have all the money he wants or needs, but he’s still a pleasant down-to-earth man who has time to play basketball with Keith, the fifteen-year-old guy next door. It’s a relationship he treasures, so he makes certain to keep his personal life and his gay lifestyle safely hidden. When his marketing department recommends he expand his stores to Europe, it saddens him to leave his home and young friend but he goes. Months after leaving, he suffers a near fatal, physically destructive auto accident on the Autobahn, which leaves him a shell of his former self. Jesse was originally supposed to be gone one year, but with his hospitalization and rehabilitation, it’s nearly three before he sees his home again. The most surprising thing of all is the changes he finds in his young friend Keith.

Keith has been enamored of his older neighbor, Jesse, since the day he moved in next door and he loves spending time with him, talking, perfecting his basketball skills and shooting baskets. When he learns Jesse is leaving for a year-long business trip he’s devastated, and months later when Jesse stops emailing, he’s crushed. That doesn’t change how he feels. Keith is in love with Jess and determined that when his love returns, he will be all that Jesse wants or needs. Three years later when Jesse does return, Keith is a physically changed eighteen-year-old who towers over everyone in his family. He loves Jesse, he wants Jesse and he’s not willing to let the debilitating results of an accident stand in his way of what he wants…and that’s Jesse, body and soul.

Warm Rush: Book 1, Chasing Winter is a re-release of Rowan McBride’s unique and unusual gay paranormal and it’s filled with so many twists and turns, I never knew what to expect next. The vast majority of the story takes place after Jesse returns home from Europe, despondent and in pain, which only made me appreciate the first portion more, where Jesse is healthy and happy. During the three years apart, both men undergo dramatic changes, both physically and emotionally. Jesse’s were the result of his injury, while Keith’s were the result of what Jesse’s needed to feel safe and secure, or to fit into his personal kinks (of which I’d never heard before). Even with Jesse’s physical limitations and pain, the desire and passion between him and Keith is blistering hot, but more importantly, also filled with caring and tenderness as Keith tries to give Jesses what he needs. These two guys seem so different you wouldn’t ever think they’d make a couple, when in fact they each fill a need the other has to be happy and complete.

Ms. McBride did a wonderful job describing the pain Jesse experienced every minute of the day; his lack of interest in eating, interacting with people and his fear of rejection. The scenes of various well-wishing neighbors who keep suggesting various dermatologists and plastic surgeons when he arrives home are particularly heart-wrenching. Yet through it all, Jesse is nothing but kind and polite. Keith, I admit I understood the least. But it didn’t take away from the devotion and love he had for Jesse, and the scene where they told his parents they were involved was priceless, as was their shock that he’d loved Jesse since his early teens.

The paranormals aspects of this story are icing on the cake, only adding another layer to an already well-packed gay tale of romance, caring, redemption, and getting what you want out of life in the end. This well-written tale is definitely worth the read.

Nothing But Trouble

Book Title: Nothing But Trouble
Author: Jamie Hill
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-512-9
Genre: Contemporary M/M romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Graham Elliot makes a generous financial offer to his employee Adrian Scott for three nights of no-strings sex. The money is tempting to Adrian, who is burdened with bills, although the real attraction is not the money, but the handsome and exciting Graham. After two fantastic nights together, Adrian receives a big check and a thank you, but can it pay for Adrian’s broken heart after Graham’s rejection for a future together.

Nothing But Trouble is a heartwarming story of unrequited love for Adrian and coming to terms with reality for Graham. Adrian is openly gay, his mind tells him that Graham is out of his league, but his heart refuses to listen and Adrian falls in love. Graham is a closet gay who conducts his personal life similar to a business transaction, but he discovers that he is not able to move on after Adrian leaves. Jamie Hill has created real characters with very real issues. The story exhibits fabulous love scenes and emotional trauma that melts your heart. This is an amazing saga that I enjoyed immensely.

Lycan Lore

Book Title: Lycan Lore
Author: Shannon Leigh
Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/

ISBN: 978-1-60272-137-1
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Werewolf/Shapeshifter
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx


When Cassandra decides to accept the offer of a trip with her friend Heather, she did not realize it would also include the boyfriend. While trying to put up a tent alone, she is startled by Cray, who is only passing by and is so hot, she wants him to stay around. Now that she has made up her mind what to do about Cray, he goes and does something she least expects. After learning the truth about him and thinking things through, she is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him.

Cray knows his heritage history and lives by it faithfully until he meets Cassandra, who changes all the equations for him. He had been able to resist her advances for a while but finally gives into his true feelings. Knowing his responsibilities for the protection of others kept him from biting her which would decidedly change her life.

I was thoroughly impressed with Lycan Lore because of the protectiveness that Cray had for Cassandra. The hot sex, shape shifting, danger and mystery kept me reading to find out what was going to happen to each of the characters and I was not disappointed at all. Shannon Leigh has written a fabulous story for those that are werewolf fans.

Living Lies

Book Title: Living Lies
Author: Dawn Brown
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-047-9
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Author Dawn Brown gives a new twist to the urban legend of the phantom hitchhiker in this engrossing mystery. A couple driving near the small town of Hareton in a snowstorm picks up the bedraggled Michelle Carling. She disappears into thin air before they get her home, of course. Michelle has been dead 12 years. Her body has never been found, nor has her killer been apprehended. She reappears in the dreams of the wife, leading to the discovery of her body.

Everyone has secrets in Hareton, and they are revealed in a nicely spooky manner as we discover the truth about Michelle’s death. Her father is dead, but we learn he had a secret first wife. Her mother has all but disintegrated in a haze of alcoholism. Youngest sibling Haley is trying to hold Mom and the family furniture business together, letting her own dreams pass her by.

Dean Larson, the primary suspect, has returned to town to clear his name. Romantic tension builds between Haley and Dean as the complicated puzzle pieces fall into place.

Michelle’s best friend Lara is married to the richest man in town, while sleeping with his weasely brother. Michelle’s brother Garret is married to Erin, another of the victim’s friends. Erin’s father Nate was Mr. Carling’s business partner. Sister Paige Carling has been away for four years and can hardly wait to escape again. She seems hard-bitten, but may have more sense than anyone else in the family.

Haley is in danger when she and Dean start to close in on the killer. The story is nicely paced, both the romance and the mystery resolve themselves realistically.

The author gives us a town where almost everyone is living a lie. She also gives us some great insights into choices and family relationships. This is a very enjoyable read.

Moonlight Sonata For Two

Book Title: Moonlight Sonata For Two
Author: Helen Louise Caroll
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-292-7
Genre: Gay, Vampire, Futuristic
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Sinjen Dameon arrives on Eden 5 Space Colony to perform his last concert. He still has a passion for music, but the audience is more interested in him than his performance as a pianist. Vincent Von Vogt enjoys Sinjen’s music and lures him to his home for dinner. Sinjen is powerless to oppose Vincent. From the moment they met, Vincent slowly seduces Sinjen, tempting him with desires Sinjen has never known before.

Moonlight Sonata For Two is a sensual story of erotic enticement. Vincent creates an ambience surrounding Sinjen that keep him in a state of arousal. Vincent is lonely and desires Sinjen, but there comes a point during the evening when Vincent must choose between holding on to Sinjen or letting him go. Helen Louise Caroll has created a tantalizing story that I enjoyed.

Bound By Love

Book Title: Bound By Love
Author: Wendy Stone
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-831-1
Genre: Fantasy/Erotic Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Adrianna is away from home and living in New York City and all of the sudden, she is whisked away to places unknown in a totally different world. When the realization of her situation sets in there is nothing she won’t do to get back home from Daring Castle.

Kaden has fallen in love with Adrianna from the first time he saw her and will do anything to keep her with him. As the days pass, Adrianna is adjusting to being a slave but not completely accepting the fact that she will not be able to go home. Now that he wants to free Adrianna and make her his wife everything changes.

Bound By Love was a fabulous read and I loved every moment of my time reading this book. This was truly an adventure to places through a portal that went from frightening to loving and I enjoyed every moment of that trip, although it was a little hard accepting the idea of being a controlled slave by someone. As the characters came to life for me, they enhanced each other so much and the trials of love is what made this story for me.

This was my first novel by Wendy Stone and I was very impressed with all of the descriptions of each person, the scenes and especially the magic involved with them. If you are looking for a good novel to curl up with for a while then this is a book for you.

Unveiled

Book Title: Unveiled
Author: Jamie Craig
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-091-6
Genre: Gay / Dark Fantasy / Vampire / BDSM / Mystery / Detective
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Just when Jesse Madding thought his dreams were a safe haven, he and Gideon Keel run across one of the most gruesome crime scene they have ever witnessed as partners. Gideon and Jesse know they have their work cut out, to find the people who have committed this crime.

Emma Coolidge just wants to be a good sister and protect the only sibling she has. That sibling love has delivered her to the hands of a group of very nasty characters. Jesse notices Emma and sees not just her beauty, but also her fear. Now, Gideon and Jesse will have to find the culprits and protect Emma. The three value their newfound friendship, but their mutual attraction refuses to diminish and stands firm.

Will Gideon and Jesse be able to keep Emma safe and possibly add another into their small fold of trusted friends?

Jamie Craig brings back one of my favorite vampires and his new found love in Unveiled. Gideon is still coming to terms with sharing his feelings. Poor love, I have to give him credit after four hundred years of not having to share, I think he deserves a slight break. Jesse loves Gideon and takes him for all his good and bad. I don’t know if I could do some of the things Gideon has the handsome man doing, but it works for them so who am I to fuss. Emma is now added to the mix and brings a softness and understanding that the duo need. I love her personality and willingness to not judge Gideon by what he is, but by his actions, his heart, and his convictions. The story is wonderfully written and the characters make the pages sizzle. Not to mention the action and sexual lust that Gideon and Jesse share. If you enjoy murder, mystery, and hot vampires you don’t want to miss Unveiled.

Lion Tamers

Book Title: Lion Tamers
Author: Sutton Fox
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publisher URL: http://www.lyricalpress.com/
ISBN: 978-0-9818905-3-1
Genre: Romance/Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Tyler Dalton produces reality TV shows, knowing conflict makes great TV.

Morgan Blade is the only female contestant on his latest competition, a battle of race car drivers. For some reason, Tyler’s boss wants Morgan off the show, as does her main macho competition, Jim O’Bannon. Jim is a jerk who struck out trying to date Morgan. I have no idea why the head of Hanover Entertainment wanted the fan favorite to lose.

Morgan’s cheating husband and little girl were killed in an auto accident. Tyler’s drug addicted wife turned to stripping and neglected his now five-year-old daughter Annie. He has sole custody and the delightful child captures Morgan’s heart, even while reminding her of her own painful loss.

Both characters have strong family ties. Morgan’s cancer stricken father is the main reason she wants to win.

The characters are all solid, though the leads could use a flaw or two. There is lots of interesting information about sprint car racing. The actions and the intrusions of the ever-present camera crew are also described.

This is book one of the Traveling Circus series. The writing is strong and I’m looking forward to book two.

When I Dream Of You

Book Title: When I Dream Of You
Author: Mychael Black & Shayne Carmichael
Publisher: Phaze
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-837-3
Genre: Contemporary M/M Erotic Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

At the young age of twenty two, Daniel Scott has had to deal with more pain and suffering than most see in a lifetime. He lives at home with an abusive father and works in an attorney’s office doing research for his father as well. While out one night, Dan is attacked by a couple of guys and receives help from a kind man named Karl.

Karl Johnson used to be a professional body builder and has several trophies to prove it and is now part owner of a gym. After helping Daniel in chasing off his attackers, he takes him back to his place where he can tend and nurse his wounds. They quickly find they enjoy each other’s company and are strongly attracted to each other. Yet when Karl suggests that Daniel move in with him, Daniel worries Karl will come to regret his decision.

Even though When I Dream Of You is a short story it’s still an emotional and very romantic one. Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael have again created some extraordinary and likable characters that are easy to understand and relate to. The writing duo has also created a fun, sausage loving character named Cin, who almost steals every scene she’s in! The topic of Daniel’s relationship with an abusive father is well written and treated seriously. My only complaint is the short length of the story and would have liked to read more about Daniel and Karl’s future. I highly recommend When I Dream Of You to all fans of the m/m genre and as a must read for fans of the authors.

Vicious Vixen

Book Title: Vicious Vixen
Author: Shiloh Walker
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher Site URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-946-8
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!

Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Reviewer: Rhiannon Nymph

Graeme’s life is over, caught in a world between heaven and hell. He has been offered Salvation and Redemption. Redemption for himself and the crimes he has committed and Salvation for the person responsible for his death - the one woman he loved.

Vixen Markham is a natural born killer; she can’t help it. She’s a product of her environment. In her eyes, love doesn’t exist and trust is a liability. That liability and her need to survive cause her to kill the one man she let get close. When she learns the truth that caused her to make that fatal decision, she sets off on a mission of vengeance. Along her path she meets a man with eyes that haunt her from her past.

Can Graeme stop Vixen before she makes the one decision that will end her own life and seal her fate with eternal damnation of her soul? Is love strong enough to surpass death and betrayal of a lover?

Simply put, Shiloh Walker’s Vicious Vixen is an erotic thriller that leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. Once you pick it up they’ll have to pry it from your hands. The intensity of both characters took me places that I didn’t expect. This book touched me in a way that I didn’t expect. Well done Ms. Walker, well done!

If All The Sand Were Pearl

Book Title: If All The Sand Were Pearl
Author: Pepper Espinoza
Publisher: Samhain
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/new
ISBN: 1-60504-199-8
Genre: Gay-Lesbian/Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

For the past two months, Jag Martin’s stomach has been in knots while arrangements for his wedding were being made. According to tradition his parents make all the arrangements, even so far as choosing the person he may marry. The only decision young Jag was asked to make was the gender, did he want to marry a woman or a man. Always believing he would never marry and due to his family’s currently financial humble situation he finds himself holding a perfectly round, smooth, black pearl ring while preparing to meet the man he might spend the rest of his life with.

Brace Rivers is tired of being alone; he’s a wealthy older man who enjoys traveling and horses but has always wanted someone to share his life with. He’s never believed he’d be lucky enough to find someone to marry though as he prefers men to women. So when Jag’s parents present him with the opportunity of meeting their son with a possible marriage, he considers himself lucky indeed.

If All The Sand Were Pearl is a wonderfully romantic story; a sensual tale of two souls finding each other in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Pepper Espinoza has created a beautiful and wondrous world for two fantastic characters. Jag, the younger inexperienced man, is boldly inquisitive, honest, smart, confident and Brace, the older more experienced man, is intelligent, witty, charming, a little self conscious about his size and both are absolutely irresistible. I enjoyed everything about this book from the way the two characters meet to (what should have felt rushed but didn’t) natural progression of their relationship. If you like a good sexy m/m romance then do not miss If All The Sand Were Pearl.

Making Magic

Book Title: Making Magic
Author: Jade Falconer
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59426-814-4
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

First semester at college in New Orleans, Tommy Edwards has a class in witchcraft taught by the mysterious Professor Elliot Burton. Tommy’s friend Derek bet him that he could not discover the professor’s secrets. Always up for a challenge, Tommy takes that bet and proceeds to seduce Elliot. Tommy soon learns that with Elliot, sex magic is very real.

Making Magic is a sultry romance with a little bit of magic and a touch of kink. Tommy secretly desires a lover who will care for him and control him and with the magical power found in Elliot, Tommy’s dream becomes a reality. Elliot did not realize how lonely his life was until he met Tommy. Jade Falconer delivers a mystical tale with sensuous love, sexy characters and a fascinating storyline. This is a very enjoyable story.

Virgin

Book Title: Virgin
Author: Jessica Freely
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-741-2
Genre: LGBT Shape-shifter Paranormal

Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Joam is a Varnal and an orphan since the brutal death of his mother three years before. Now, he’s working as an auto mechanic, at near slave wages, for a cruel man who starves and beats the kind-hearted young man. What Joam doesn’t know is that his boss, Higgs, is part of a three man cabal of evil sorcerers that control the small, isolated town of Beulah where he lives. These three men plan on selling Joam’s virginal status so he can be used in an arcane ritual to gain more power for the vicious Varnal, Walsh.

Blake is a young gay hustler who’s on the run after discovering that the most powerful and dangerous pimp in the city, Gregor Walsh, is secretly a shapeshifting Varnal. After seeing his friend Randy killed, Blake is terrified and running for his life. His escape seems to be working until his rust-bucket of a car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, near the little town of Beulah. When he locates a repair garage, he finds more than just a mechanic in Joam. He finds a young, battered man who’s sorely in need of not only a friend but a lover.

Virgin is the newest release by author Jessica Freely. It’s set in an alternative universe-type world where shapeshifting Varnals and sorcerers are openly acknowledged and feared. Ms. Freely has created a bleak and intriguing world where intimidation and fear seems to be the norm, and she’s managed to do it in fewer than eighty pages. Her villains are nicely evil and bent on taking power in their small town of Beulah, but for the life of me I don’t know why. There doesn’t seem to be many citizens and only a few businesses…so why bother? Then there’s Walsh, the story’s original bad guy. He’s definitely ‘the’ bad guy our heroes Joam and Blake need to stay away from. Yet, when they are captured, they work effectively together to overcome their situation. I liked these two young men, and sexually they are hot together, but they’re also tender and caring. Blake is less developed than Joam, and I would have loved to have more information about his background. At the end of this tale, there’s plenty of room left for another story following these two young lovers on the run.