Operation Sheba

Book Title: Operation Sheba
Author: Misty Evans

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-082-0
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Nymph rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Bramble Nymph

A mission gone wrong seventeen months ago made CIA super agent Julia Torrison lose her partner and lover, Conrad Flynn and left her cowering as a basket case. It was all due to CIA’s Director of Operations Michael Stone’s diligent efforts that she created her present peaceful existence as Abigail Quinn. This Abby doesn’t want to look back at her days when she had the codename Sheba but fate is hell-bent upon giving her another shake. Can Julia figure out her true feelings before everything blows up in her face leaving her devastated once again?

Julia’s character is so well developed that I feel that I know everything about her. She is tough as an agent should be but has female vulnerabilities fully in tact, too. She gained my confidence and trust within minutes of starting the story. Full marks should be given to Conrad as he knows what to say and when to say it but I don’t think I can forgive him for a lot of his actions. I had to tamp down a strong urge to knock him out whenever he acted cocky. Even with Con out of commission, Julia and Michael are in a bit of a muddle here as things are confusing and Julia needs times to figure it all out.

The sexual tension is there but the lovemaking scenes are not graphic to make one lose concentration. It is the adrenaline-pumping action and careful planning of the spies that govern the plot and I enjoyed every minute of it. A lot of secondary characters pop up in the story and it was a tad difficult to keep track of them all. The villain was as usual cutting edge and cruel but clever to boot. Bad guys, bombs, and bullets pop up everywhere as the team tries to nab the CIA mole and stay alive at the same time. The CIA’s internal politics is fleshed out beautifully by Ms. Evans.

With non-stop action and a fantastic heroine, Operation Sheba is a great kickoff for a debut writer. I can't wait to see what Ms. Evans has in store for us readers!

Dangerous

Book Title: Dangerous
Author: Monica Burns
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-882-8
Genre: Historical/Paranormal/Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Constance Athelson, Viscountess Westbury lets her friend, Davinia talk her into attending the Black Widows Ball. While looking for some warmth and a moment of solitude, Constance has a passionate sexual encounter, unlike any she’s ever experienced before with a masculine and mysterious man dressed as a highwayman. Constance has a gift, the ability to see dead people and visions of what could be. So when she has a bloody vision involving the man she was just with, she runs away as fast as she can.

Lucien Blakemore, Earl of Lyndham is looking to hire someone to catalog the many antiquities he recently brought back from Egypt. Lucien believes his family has been cursed and because of that curse, he’s determined not to fall in love or it could mean risking the life of the woman he loves. His dowager grandmother, Aurora, has been very insistent he get married so when he meets a beautiful and curvaceous woman dressed as the goddess Isis at the Black Widows Ball, he initially suspects his grandmother is behind the encounter.

When these two meet again, under surprising circumstances, the sparks between them fly and both are unable to deny their attraction for each other.

Dangerous is a scorchingly hot romance involving two strong independent people. Monica Burns has done a terrific job in updating the classic historical romance and of drawing the reader into the time period. Constance and Lucien are confident, sexy and passionate characters that I immediately liked and sympathized with. Constance is fantastic and I really enjoyed the way she stood her ground and could give as good as she got. My only complaint is I would have preferred that Lucien had been more receptive and open minded a little sooner. I immensely enjoyed the paranormal aspect of this romance and even experienced a moment or two of chills down my spine. The author has also left me intrigued and wanting to read more about the Rockwood family. If you’re a fan of the paranormal or historical romances, this is a must read for you.

Crave

Book Title: Crave
Author: Vivian Dean
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-391-7
Genre: Gay Paranormal, M/M/F
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Dr. Peter Coen has had a busy night in the ER. At the end of his work shift, he stops at his favorite bar. While enjoying a beer, an attractive man walks in and sits next to Pete. Duncan Burgess seems to know him, but Pete cannot remember meeting him. Pete has an uneasy feeling about Duncan, so he leaves the bar. When Pete arrives home and settles into his bed, a strange female appears and attempts to seduce him. Out of nowhere, Duncan pops in and chases the female away. Pete did not give much thought to demons until the strange encounters with Duncan; an incubus who wanted to feed on pleasure and the succubus who preys on human males.

Crave is a sensual adventure created by Vivian Dean. The plot and characters are interesting; the storyline has a touch of mystery. Crave is an enjoyable paranormal read.

After the Fire

Book Title: After the Fire
Author: Diana DeRicci
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-486-5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Shar Brenna is a respected member of the Kin, a witch clan that lives in Granier Falls. Her business is thriving and she’s happy with her fiancé, Lawson, until she learns that he never loved her and was only after her family’s money. Upset and angry, Shar joins her friends at a Kin nightclub, Mystic, and gets drunk, setting herself up to be charged with arson after an explosion and fire nearly levels the building. Shar was too drunk to remember much but her friend reminds her of a challenge where she and another Kin put on a ‘fireworks show’, trying to upstage each other. The one thing she can’t deny is that her powers could have caused the fire.

Trajan has known Shar for most of his life and has thought of her as a sister for most of them. That is until he sees her in her nightclub outfit and realizes that his little friend has turned into a desirable sex kitten that pushes all of his buttons. He fights his desires until he learns that she’s no longer engaged, then it’s an all out assault to claim her for his own, and to protect her from harm. The clues of her guilt don’t make any sense to Trajan unless she and the town have come to the attention of a hunter bent on destroying a clan of witches.

There’s a lot of suspense and action from the very beginning in Ms. DeRicci’s new release After the Fire. I just wish I’d had a little more background on the characters and what it meant to be Kin. While the opening scene at the club was interesting, having the heroine, Shar, so drunk she couldn’t remember what happened wasn’t a very good opening impression. Finding her waking in the jail, but not finding out why or what she had been charged with seemed very foolish. Why wasn’t she more worried, or why didn’t she call the Council instead of totally depending on Trajan to figure out what was going on, or who was trying to hurt her. This portion of the plot didn’t seem very plausible to me, neither did the sudden and unexplained attraction Shar and Trajan were experiencing. Suspecting that the people after her were likely Hunters should have scared her to death. Instead, she and Trajan seemed to spend most of their time having sex; not very realistic or wise, in a life and death situation, if you ask me.

Trajan, I did like, even if he did have a long-standing reputation as a man who didn’t do relationship, but only short-term flings. Yet, once he realizes how important Shar was to him, he works to keep her safe. I would have liked to have seen more about Shar’s family that had the money Lawson was after, and more about the history of the Hunter’s to explain why they were so intent on ridding the world of all witches.

Channeling Morpheus 4: Tainted

Book Title: Channeling Morpheus 4: Tainted
Author: Jordan Castillo Price
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-075-9
Genre: Vampire/Gay/Action and Adventure
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Michael is changing. Slowly. He’s paler and his appetite is sliding away. Wild Bill isn’t sure what to think. They’ve been so careful, convinced that rubbers kept the vampirism from transferring via sex. When Michael finds a scientist who’s been working on a possible cure, Wild Bill realized things aren’t quite as cut-and-dried as they’d hoped. Where does it leave Michael, though? Where does it leave them?

Channeling Morpheus 4: Tainted is, by far, the best one in this series yet. A big plus is that it’s told through Wild Bill, instead of Michael. Personally, I loved seeing Michael, their relationship, and the world through Wild Bill’s eyes. His feelings for Michael, as confusing as they are for him, are crystal clear to the reader.

I loved watching Wild Bill interact with humans, especially in the opening when they’re in a store. And the scene in the dressing room? Dear God. Do not miss this installment to Jordan Castillo Price’s amazing series. It certainly deserves a Golden Blush!

...And To Hold

Book Title: ...And To Hold

Author: Pepper Espinoza

Publisher: Amber Heat
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-142-5
Genres: Contemporary / Ménage (M/F/M)

Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Justin is impotent and thinks his wife Mari deserves to have a taste of the passion they once shared. His tragic accident took a vital part of their relationship away, and Mari refuses to allow his impotence to become a hindrance on their marriage, and rejects doing anything that could potentially hurt him. Justin’s solution is to include his best friend Paul into their lovemaking. Will this be just the thing to keep this couple happy inside and outside of the bedroom?

Mari knows Justin is the best thing that has ever happened to her. Even after the accident, he is still the confident and self-assured man he was prior to their marriage. Justin wants to see his wife melt and enjoy the erotic high that they once shared. He knows this solution is not one she may fully embrace at first, but he is willing to use every trick at his disposal to see this through. Paul is a sweetheart, and I loved the fact that he respected Mari and Justin’s relationship. He wanted to see his best friend happy, and if it meant giving Mari mind-blowing orgasms, then that’s what he planned to do. Pepper Espinoza is a wonderful author, and the more of her stories I read, the more respect I have for her style of writing. There is so much passion and caring in her characters, and always a lesson to be learned in her stories. …And To Hold is a story about sacrifice, love, commitment, and friendship. This short story is sure to have you hoping to see more of these fantastic characters.

Channeling Morpheus 3: Manikin

Book Title: Channeling Morpheus 3: Manikin
Author: Jordan Castillo Price
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-419-9
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Gay/Action and Adventure
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Michael has possibly met his match. Marushka is a female vampire with a penchant for… dolls. And she’s pegged Michael as her next one. Michael’s slipped her a drug to knock her out, but not before she shaved him head to toe. Stuck in what is increasingly becoming a nightmare, can Michael count on Wild Bill to save him?

Manikin, the third installment of the Channeling Morpheus series, is classic in its eeriness. Marushka really is a twisted vampire with a warped mind to rival anything one might encounter in a psychological horror movie. The sickeningly sweet way she acts toward Michael is spine-tingling, to say the least.

In this one, I have to say that I’ve read one of THE hottest sex scenes I’ve seen in a long, long time. Michael taking Wild Bill? WOW.

If you enjoyed the first two books in this series, you will absolutely love Manikin.

Charlie's Bargain

Book Title: Charlie's Bargain
Author: Evangeline Anderson
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419916601
Genre: Futuristic
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Charlotte Elizabeth Owens–Stratton, now known as Charlie Owens, is from the high society of the Andromeda system. Once living a life of wealth and privilege, she currently resides in the Hole as an improvised barmaid. Lynx is a Xorn and recognized Charlie as his mate from the moment he set eyes on her. The fact that his race is feared and considered savages does little to gain her attention. Charlie wants to avoid the huge alien at all cost but soon finds herself on Lynx’s doorstep, in hopes of solidifying a bargain. Lynx knows why she has approached him and sees this as his opportunity to gain what he wants the most – Charlie in his bed.

Charlie's Bargain is a story about love, lust, and sacrifice. Charlie is a woman of privilege who has adapted to her new surroundings. While she has become a mother figure to her brother, she still longs to feel protected and loved. All of their current problems seem strongly anchored on her slender shoulders, but she is strong enough to handle them and anything else thrown their way. Lynx knows how the residents of the Hole perceive him. Moreover, while he doesn’t really care about their impression of him, he does care about Charlie. Lynx wants her to come to him willingly, but knows the chances are slim. He wants to provide the love and safety Charlie is longing to receive. In addition, while Lynx is anticipating Charlie’s surrender, he will submit to her in his own way. Evangeline Anderson has written a captivating story laced with carnal pleasures.

Midnight Reborn

Book Title: Midnight Reborn
Author: D. McEntire
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-952-2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Months after the death of her father, Robyn Andrews and her mother move in with Jake, her mother’s boyfriend, and their sad existence soon turns to horror when they was imprisoned, abused and treated as slaves. Left alone after her mother overdoses, Robyn manages to escape, killing one of her captors in the process. Fleeing in a stolen truck, she takes the first bus out of town and ends up in Louisville, Kentucky, alone, virtually penniless and scared of her own shadow. Scared that Jake will find her again.

Trigg is a born vampire and a member of the Watchers; a group of warrior vampires who protect civilian vampires and humans from the predation of rogues…vampires who have allowed their bloodlust to rule their desires. When he spies small and fragile Robyn sitting alone and frightened in a local restaurant he can’t understand his desire to keep this strange little human safe. And when she joins him in a battle against a group of Rogues, he realizes that she’s someone he needs in his life…that she’s the light he needs to survive, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe from harm.

Midnight Reborn is D. McEntire’s first book in her new vampire series, The Watchers. It’s a fast-paced and fun read that’s filled with suspense, action, danger, pain, suffering and a hope for a new beginning that pulls at your heart-strings. The characters of Robyn and Trigg are interesting and well-rounded and make a wonderful hero and heroine in this amazingly gritty tale. This is particularly true of Robyn, who suffered years of physical, mental and emotional abuse. Yet, this young woman shines and is able to find the good in any situation and tries not to judge when she’s offered help. Trigg I loved as he struggles to understand why he feels so protective of Robyn…protective enough to leave her when he feels he’s a danger to her safety, even though it tears him up to be away from her. This wonderful man is full of pain, uncertainly and darkness and needs the ‘light’ Robyn brings to his world.

While the premise of protective warrior vampires isn’t new, the vividly described world created by Ms. McEntire makes this one stand out as a book truly worthy of being called a keeper in this genre. Her secondary characters play a huge part in this paranormal romance, not only the abusive Jake, who you love to hate, but the other Watchers as well. These other warriors did nothing but add depth and spice to an already packed tale, leaving this reader anxiously awaiting the next story in this wonderful series with Midnight Rose.

WindVerse - Craving's Chinook

Book Title: WindVerse - Craving's Chinook
Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.ellorascave.com/
ISBN: 9781419916670
Genre: Futuristic
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Captain Rynlyn Rede is a highly regarded war-hero. The loss of his best friend and XO has a devastating effect on Ryn. He wanders onto the pleasure ship Chinook for a touch of the three L’s – ladies, lust, and liquor – and resurfaces with a fourth – love. Ryn has found his mate in a courtesan named Tessa Gervasee. Tessa has become one of the best at her trade by not getting romantically involved with her clients. She knows Ryn is different. The handsome warrior breaks down all her barriers and there is no choice but to give in to her heart’s desire.

WindVerse - Craving's Chinook is book seven of the WindVerse series. Ryn grew up surrounded by pain and despair. The only caring shown for him was by the Burgon Ryden Bakari years prior when he saved Ryn from further torture. Now, he has Tessa in his life. She soothed his suffering ache with her healing essence. Tessa never expected to find love. The knowledge that Ryn will treat her like a queen and cherish her until his dying breath opens Tessa’s mind, heart, and spirit. Moreover, her powers allow her to see what others failed to recognize, and she is hell bent on giving Ryn a happy future to make up for his miserable past. Charlotte Boyett-Compo has done it again! I am at a loss when it comes to describing the gambit of emotions that assaulted me while reading this book. The well-written characters draw you into the story. Between their bravery and banter, you will not find one dull moment in this story. Fans of the Reapers will be elated, and newcomers will find a reason to buy the first six books in this saga. I’m anticipating the next story in hopes that one day Rune Degendesch, a werewolf character in this story, will find love rapping at his door in the near future.

iDo

Book Title: iDo
Author: Willa Okati
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-389-5
Genre: Gay Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Guy is in the break room when two female employees come in giggling about gay marriage being a joke. Guy takes offense and decides that he and his partner Cameron of several years will show the world that gays can have a committed relationship. When Guy pops the question, Cameron is not happy with the thought of a wedding, but goes along with it because of his love for Guy. Guy soon discovers planning a wedding is a disaster and he is in danger of losing Cameron.

iDo is an example of Murphy’s Law; whatever can go wrong, does. Guy is clueless when it comes to wedding plans. Cameron has more insight about planning, but questions why they are taking this step. Willa Okati created a humorous glance at the behind the scenes details that go into a wedding.

Secret Intentions

Book Title: Secret Intentions
Author: Caitlyn Nicholas
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com
ISBN: 1-60504-197-1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Sphinx Minx

Englishwoman Zaniah Best is a yacht designer who runs her own business and runs it well. Yet as a secretarial temp, she’s a disaster. What’s a shorthand pad look like? She grabs a stack of Post-It notes. A mac computer? Totally mysterious.

So when she goes undercover as a personal assistant, trying to prove Frenchman Corbin de Villiers is a corrupt jerk leaking corporate secrets, things don’t work out as planned.

Zani’s father and brother Paul insist she stay on the job. They don’t want their own shady dealings revealed. It’s hard to understand Zani’s loyalty to them, although ten years ago she promised her dying mother she’d take care of everyone.

Corbin is taken with Zani, despite her thick glasses and lack of secretarial skills. And Zani finds it hard to hate her boss. He is much more appealing than her titled boyfriend Sebastian. An unplanned kiss leaves her breathless. She is furious when Corbin tries to “take it back.”

There is a dangerous storm, both on sea and land. An abduction by the Russian Mafia, tabloid lies, and the possible appearance of a ghost add to the mix.

This is an enjoyable read, although Zani’s loyalty to her father and brother was a little too much for me. I was also a bit put off by the relatively easy access to mega dollars and the final solution to the problems. Zani was an interesting mix of capable skills and klutziness, while Corbin was the epitome of sensitivity. The answer to the corporate espionage puzzle was satisfying and mostly logical. I do hope Caitlyn Nicholas continues to write such fun stories.

Blood Secrets

Book Title: Blood Secrets
Author: Sheri Lewis Wohl
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-774-0
Genre: Multicultural Dark Paranormal Vampire Thriller
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


Catherine “Cat” Lohr is a psychic and hunter for the Anima Mundi. Her lover and fellow hunter Adam Bell goes missing and Cat finds herself facing down three evils to regain his freedom. There is a race against time and it will take a team of hunters not to just find Adam, but to destroy the evil that keeps evading its final destruction.

Cat is facing her old nemesis Elizabeth Barthory in the latest Necuratul installment. There is no rest for a hunter. While Cat is trying to gain a bit of R&R after the last battle, Cat gets the news of Adam’s abduction. I loved the fact that the grandfathers once again came to speak with her. I know Adam loves Cat but I was worried that his family would never accept her. Cat has a great deal riding on her shoulders, between work and home, but she pulls it together and draws on an inner strength long forgotten. Sheri Lewis Wohl has written yet another wonderful installment with Necuratul 3: Blood Secrets, bringing back a few of the characters we have come to love and enjoy. The setting is spectacular, and the story contains just enough adventure and suspense to capture your attention.

Walking in Two Worlds

Book Title: Walking in Two Worlds
Author: Terry O’Reilly
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60168-140-9
Genre: M/M Western Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Cowboy Lee Masters had been riding all day and all night when he stopped to rest at a secluded mountain lake. Bathing and washing his clothes in the icy water, Lee lay in the sun to dry off; watching Lee from a few feet away is Tatanka, an Indian brave who smiles at Lee. With his clothes still wet, Lee greets Tatanka naked; the two men strike up a friendship, though language is a barrier at the start. Soon friendship leads to love and after months at the lake, the two men begin their journey to find a warmer place to live together.

Walking in Two Worlds is a fascinating story of two gay men searching for a home together. Lee was fired from his cattle job when the foreman found him in bed with another cowboy. Tatanka left his tribe by choice rather than submit to the conditions of tribal law for men with two spirits. Bonded by love and respect for each other, they tried living in Tatanka’s world but Lee could not accept sharing Tatanka with the other braves. Living in Lee’s world, they were confronted with the prejudice of a shallow and dangerous society. Terry O’Reilly illustrates the cultural difference of Lee and Tatanka along with the narrow minded mind-set of people demanding change of the couple’s individuality. Walking in Two Worlds delivers the compelling message that everyone must find their place in this world and be allowed to live in peace with love and honor. This is a very inventive and enjoyable story.

Faith and Fidelity

Book Title: Faith and Fidelity
Author: Tere Michaels
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-772-6
Genre: LGBT Erotic Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


New York City Vice Detective Evan Cerelli is a widower living in despair. For the sake of his children and his career, Evan will have to vanquish the morbid hole he has dwelled in and learn to live, love, and laugh again. Moving forward without his wife is harder than Evan could have anticipated. Surrounded by the pity of others, he meets a former homicide detective name Matt Haight and recognizes a kindred spirit. To his surprise, Matt sees Evan as a man and leaves ‘pity the young widower’ to others. That one moment of clarity and understanding solidifies a bond of friendship that will transform two straight men into destined lovers.

Matt has everything to gain and nothing to lose by his connection to Evan. Evan, on the other hand, could lose his career, children and second chance at happiness if he handles his newfound relationship poorly.

Faith and Fidelity takes us into the lives of two straight men who tap into their dormant passion for male bed play. Evan is a wonderful father, who believes he could have been a better husband. His wife was the first person to look within Evan and help him through his painful adolescence. Her gentle touch and willingness to listen without judging helped mold Evan into a fantastic man. I could feel his pain when he realized his best friend, lover, confidant, and pillar of support was gone forever. Matt has become a loner since leaving the NYPD and attempts to hide his pain through drinking, self-neglect, and one-night stands. Meeting Evan gave Matt a reason to focus on what he was doing to himself. Their strong friendship transformed Matt and Evan into capable loving men. Their passion was sweet with a hard masculine edge surrounding its core. There is definitely no sweet girly loving here but erotic sexual pleasure laced thickly in testosterone romantically spiced with sensuality. Moreover, while this was a new experience for both men, they got past their fears and wanted to please and love each other. Tere Michaels has delivered a fantastic story that will have you bouncing between tears and laughter, with waves of heat sprinkled lightly like a tender caress. Faith and Fidelity will remain as part of your collection for years to come.

Uneven

Book Title: Uneven
Author: Anah Crow
Publisher: Torquere
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-328-4
Genre: Gay Erotic Romance/ Contemporary BDSM
Nymph Rating: 3.5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Rase Illion is a wealthy man, a captain of industry in his forties who was too busy for most of his life to take the time to make friends. He’s always liked balance in his life and prefers dealing with steel machines to humans. When he meets a stock boy from his company who isn’t intimidated by him, Rase surprises himself when he can’t help but submit to the younger man’s dominating personality. Not since his youth after an incident gone wrong in a dungeon has he allowed himself to submit to anyone let alone another man.

Rase soon discovers there’s more to Gabriel Chariton than just being a stock boy. After a passionate episode of his total submission to Gabriel, Rase decides to make some necessary changes in his life. Divorcing his second wife and trying to repair his relationship with his son, Takis are his first priorities.

Uneven is an enjoyable story of one man learning to accept himself. I was disappointed as the reader is never given the chance to get to know Gabriel and as a result I didn’t care about him. Once past the initial and rough sado masochistic (s/m) scene with Gabriel, Anah Crow’s writing flourishes when Rase becomes a much more likeable person and the reader is given the opportunity to get to know him better, which explains a lot of his initial aloofness. I love the relationship between Rase and his son, Takis as well as his relationship with his secretary Allen. The banter between them is terrific and the care these two men, Rase and Allen have for each other easily comes across, whereas it does not with Gabriel. As a result I found myself rooting for Allen to get together with Rase. As I enjoyed reading about Rase and the changes he makes in his life and himself, that is why I can recommend this book to fans of the m/m genre.

Silent Witness

Book Title: Silent Witness
Author: Mary Eason
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.cerridwenpress.com/
ISBN: 9781419916847
Genre: Romance - Suspense
Nymph Rating: 2.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Silver Minx


Faith McKenzie is running but she isn’t sure what she is running from. For the past 2 years, she has been hiding and searching her mind for her memories. She lost her memory the same day that her best friend was murdered. The only thing she is sure of is someone who claims to be a friend and the silent voice from the phone calls. Her latest “safe” place is a house in Cape Cod. This is where she meets Security Specialist J.T. Wyatt, who has his own skeletons in the closet.

J.T. Wyatt notices immediately the signs of someone on the run when he meets Faith. Despite his usual actions, he hires Faith as an assistant and assumes that is the results of a bad relationship, until he witnesses the phone call that Faith receives. With J.T.’s help, she starts to find the answers to her past, but they have to hurry. Those phone calls are only the beginning.

The overall story is ok and even the sex isn’t bad but the book is unsurprising. I figured out who Faith was and had a pretty good idea who the killer was after the first few chapters. Personally, I don’t like reading books that are predictable. The writing itself was good but there wasn’t much suspense to it. I really only finished it to make sure I was right about the killer and Faith. This may be a good book for someone who likes only a little bit of suspense.

The Englor Affair

Book Title: The Englor Affair
Author: J. L. Langley
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-236-6
Genre: Gay Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

After his brother, Prince Aiden, is kidnapped, Prince Payton Townsend is anxious to catch the people responsible. He eagerly agrees to pose as his brother-in-law, Admiral Nate Hawkins’ assistant while on a trip to the planet Englor. Under the pretense of inspecting the planet’s Marine bases, he works to hack into the base computer system for information vital to finding out who is behind the treachery. Payton is young, unmarried and never been without his chaperone before, so the freedom of movement he’s allowed while on Englor is more than a little heady. It’s while on a visit to the base gym that he meets Si, a handsome and intriguing man who changes his life forever. What he doesn’t know is that Si isn’t just any Marine officer; he’s actually Prince Simon Hollister, and heir to the throne of Englor.

Simon Hollister joined the Marines in rebellion to his parents, especially his mother who was bitter, power hungry, and bigoted against men loving men. He’s risen to the rank of Colonel, not because of his position as prince and heir, but because he’s well respected and excels at his job. His life is good, except for the expectations of his parents and people; to marry and beget an heir. The only problem with that plan is his desire is for men and not women, and that plan hits a big snag when he set his eyes on Lieutenant Payton Jeffers while working out in the base gym. Si’s never been so attracted to another man before and at first he thinks it just a basic case of lust, but he can’t get Payton out of his mind. The question is what he’s going to do when he discovers his young lover’s true identity?

The Englor Affair is the anxiously awaited second book in Ms. Langley’s intriguing Sci-fi/ regency romance series that I fell in love with while reading My Fair Captain. On the surface combining these two genres seems like an odd pairing, but Ms. Langley makes it work with vivid descriptions, believable, sexy characters and phenomenal world building. Her explanations make an unusual scenario plausible, pulling the reader into the story from the beginning. With some books, background details power the story, but in this well-written story they might be the backbone but they don’t carry the story. No, here the characters of Si and Pay, their growing relationship, and their search for the traitors, are the true story.

Payton was a great secondary character in My Fair Captain, but in The Englor Affair, he truly shines, showing how intelligent, computer savvy and sexy he is. Si might be physically intimidating, but it’s Payton’s ability to hack into a computer which helps move the story forward in their search for a traitor and murderer. The physical intimacy and growing emotional connection between Si and Payton was fun to watch, after all Payton had had a chaperone dogging his steps his entire life to ensure his virtue wasn’t compromised. Of course he went a little crazy; doing things he knew his royal parents would be disappointed in…not to mention his scary as hell brother-in-law, Nate. Still the hot and steamy attraction between Si and Payton can’t be denied, then there’s the little problem of Si being the heir to the Englor throne and what it means to his connection to Payton.

Ms. Langley has masterfully integrated Si and Payton, with the plot started in the first book on Payton’s home planet of Regelence. She’s given us a taste of important characters met previously, and mixed it all together into a storyline to be carried on in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved the ending, leaving me awaiting the next book in this exciting series.

An Itch to Scratch

Book Title: An Itch to Scratch
Author: Julia Talbot
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-501-1
Genre: Gay Erotic Paranormal Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Deacon Malvais is a werewolf with a few problems, he’s gay and he loves to feed on vampires so his solution is to apply for membership at the exclusive Bloodrose Club. Deke agrees to be auctioned off in exchange for the membership fee. The top vampire bidder for Deke is K. C. Arlington. Kasey is immediately attracted to Deke and in a very short time, the relationship between the two becomes more than just Deke feeding Kasey.

An Itch to Scratch is the prequel to The Werewolf Code. Deke is a loner who is only looking for a safe place to indulge in his sexual desires. Kasey had never given much thought to having a mate until Deke; they both realized that their craving for each other was actually a bond of love. Julia Talbot has created a fantastic story with distinctive and very sexy characters that I enjoyed immensely.

Hawkins Ranch: Knowing Caleb

Book Title: Hawkins Ranch: Knowing Caleb
Author: Cameron Dane
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-775-7
Genre: LGBT Contemporary Western Shape-shifter Suspense
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Note: Knowing Caleb is affiliated with Demon Moon, Falling: an erotic love story, and ReneCade but can be read as a stand alone title.

Caleb is the only one of the three Hawkins brothers who is still alone and unloved. He’s stood by and watched his brothers find their mates, while knowing such happiness is not meant for a man with such terrible secrets burned into his soul. Secrets he doesn’t deserve to ever be forgiven for…secrets he’s never told his brothers…secrets worse than being a demon. As much as he loves his brothers and their mates, it pains him to see them blissfully happy so he takes to spending much of his time on the road, traveling with his bucking bulls from one rodeo venue to another. It’s here that he comes across Jake, a man he met months earlier, and he offers him a job as foreman on his ranch. It’s a life changing event he never expected. He likes woman, he has sex with woman, and he’s always wanted woman. What does it mean that he can’t stop thinking about Jake? How can he suddenly be attracted to a man? It’s disturbing, unsettling and confusing.

Jake is at a low point in his life when he meets Caleb again. He hates his job traveling on the rodeo circuit, and he’s drunk and in pain on the sixth anniversary of his wife’s death. When he voices a desire that Caleb takes as wanting to end his life, Caleb stays with him instead of doing what he’s planned…finding a willing woman for a little harmless sex. The next morning over breakfast, when Caleb offers him a job as ranch foreman, he jumps at the opportunity at doing a job he loves. It’s not long after starting his new job that Jake finds himself watching Caleb every chance he gets and he doesn’t understand it. He’s not gay, has never been attracted to a man before, and vowed to love his wife forever. Yet he can’t deny his feelings for Caleb and they scare him to death.

Knowing Caleb is the latest addition in Cameron Dane’s exciting series revolving around the lives and loves of the Hawkins brothers of Quniton, Montana. I guess the first thing I should say about this story is WOW! My previous favorite of Falling has now been replaced with this well-written tale of the unexpected love between two previously heterosexual men. I know the concept might be a little off-putting for some people, but Ms. Dane made it work with her excellent writing, intriguing plot and strong believable characters; each with a painful past. There is great depth of emotion in this contemporary gay romance, and I was pulled into the story from the very first page, and it kept me racing to the end. The paranormal slant of this tale is only a small portion of the whole, it doesn’t overpower the tale, only emerges around the edges as background, which I truly appreciated.

I’ve liked Caleb since his first appearance in Demon, and this story fills in the blank spots, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the kind, and insecure, person lurking under his cool and confident exterior. Jake is a loving man so devastated by the loss of his wife that he can’t allow himself to feel more than friendship for another person. That’s what makes this story so heart-wrenching. These two men need each other desperately and they fight their attraction at every turn, so much so, that on occasion I wanted to yell ’stop being stubborn…this is the person you’ve been waiting for. Don’t blow it.’ The simmering passion between Caleb and Jake is only a small part of what makes this book a keeper. It’s filled with a fast-paced plot, vivid descriptions, a beautiful locale, and great characters…some new and some old, that make for a intriguing book in a wonderful series. I highly recommend this story for all lovers of the genre. You won’t be sorry you took a chance on this one.

Tricked Out

Book Title: Tricked Out
Author: J. M. Snyder
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60168-110-2
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Nymph Rating: 4.5 nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Woodland Nymph

Willis Moore is a thirtyish year old detective just coming off a forced leave of absence due to the death of his former lover and informant Teabag. While out cruising one night, he hires a hustler with pale white translucent skin and has some much-needed unencumbered passionate sex.

Corey is a twenty three year old hustler with a penchant for black men. Imagine his surprise when he goes to the police station to file a report when one of his boys are attacked and runs into his trick from the previous evening. As the beatings of young male hustlers continue, Will feels he has to help and protect Corey. When she discovers Will has assigned the case to himself Chief Sorensen is not pleased.

Tricked Out is a sexy, gritty story of two men meeting under the unlikeliest of circumstances. J.M. Snyder has done a terrific job in creating these two characters and in the writing of Will’s emotional pain and the budding relationship he has with Corey. I found both Will and Corey easy to like and found myself smiling at their witty banter. I so enjoyed reading Will and Corey’s story I wish there had been more. I strongly recommend this book to all fans of the m/m genre.

Dragon’s Song 2: Nioral’s Quest

Book Title: Dragon’s Song 2: Nioral’s Quest
Author: Cameo Brown
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-993-4
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Silver Minx


Nioral is a lone Healer Dragon from the Kilsh Brood, who is very lonely. He is also the last of the Lynial brood that were wiped out. To pay back his broodmates for taking him in, he spends his days pleasuring as many human women as he can, in addition to collecting herbs and roots. There is great magic resulting from a human woman’s orgasms, which heals a vast number of dragon ailments. Unfortunately, he receives no pleasure for himself because of the Lynial curse. Until he finds his true mate, he cannot feel the pleasures of a woman, human or dragon. Subsequently, he spends quite a bit of time alone in the forest until he rescues what he thinks is a silver adder.

Merigone, a healer herself, finds herself in trouble when she, in a snake form, comes across the candy thorn. Candy thorn is very poisonous to snakes and she is in desperate need of healing. Nioral rescues her not only from the poison but from villagers wanting her silver skin and from the unwanted attentions of Fudalon, the King of Snakes. Merigone awakens needs in Nioral that he has no idea how face. Nioral must choose between keeping the dragon secret and loving the only woman that arouses him.

I found Dragon’s Song 2: Nioral’s Quest to be a great spin off of the boy-meets-girl-and-rescues girl. Trying to figure out the dragon secret and why Merigone was turned into a snake makes for an interesting read. I kept reading, dying to figure it out. Even though this is the second book in the series, you can read it separate. The characters were so full of emotions; it was like I was watching a movie. The sex was not the usual boring sex and you can feel the emotions jumping off the pages. Great job, Cameo Brown! I look forward to reading more from this author.