Oh Goddess

Title: Oh Goddess
Author: Gwen Hayes
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-367-8
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Jackson Nichols is doing his big brother routine by checking on his wayward sister for his parents. When he finds her with Ondina in a circle of candles, all he can think about is putting out the candles before a fire starts. What he does causes Ondina to become mortal, and his sister will have to solve the problem of creating another chalice. That will not be an easy task for her to accomplish and forces her to enlist the help of the man she wants protection from.

Goddess Ondina was been born to protect the hearts of women, and she has been called on again for help. The unexpected happens when she answers the call and the outcome is not what either of the women expects. Now she has to stay with Jackson until a new chalice can be created, allowing her to return to her duties of protecting women’s hearts.

Oh Goddess is a fantastic story about how an immortal learns how love really happens and in the process, both main characters find more than they expected. The fact that Jackson was so focused on his career path and is the one that caused the problem to begin with only made me enjoy his suffering more. This was like teaching a child how to function in a world totally unknown, and the goddess did not help with her antics either. Ms. Hayes did a wonderful job of explaining some of the outcome of Ondina’s protection, and showing her the results, which she was not happy with. My only regret is this book was a short one because I wanted more, but I loved the ending.

Runaway Man

Title: Runaway Man

Author: Jambrea Jo Jones

Publisher: Freya’s Bower

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

ISBN: N/A

Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Paranormal

Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Butch can’t handle the truth about Mitch, so he runs away trying to process his lover’s true nature. So when fate brings them back together, Butch decides to make amends.

Butch discovers something frightening about his lover, and can’t process it very well – so like anyone else, he ran. Usually I’d find that cowardly and wouldn’t like the character but in this case, it didn’t bother me so much. While the premise has a magical feel to it, the story retains its realism in the character’s behaviour. The only thing I found a little jarring was the first half of the story was a tad rushed. The commotion at the start didn’t really draw me in and I couldn’t imagine the scene very well because of the fast-paced prose. However, Butch and Mitch are interesting characters and Runaway Man was a sweet story.

VGL Male Seeks Same

Title: VGL Male Seeks Same
Author: Rick R. Reed
Publisher: Amber Quill
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-430-3
Genre: Gay Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

At age 42, Ethan Schwartz is afraid he’ll never find that special someone he’s longed for his entire life. He’s moved to a gay friendly neighborhood, tried the bars, parties and other places gay men go to meet and all have been without success. It’s left him feeling as if his only alternative is to get a cat and to forget about love, passion and romance. Ethan’s just about given up, until he chances to overhear a conversation at work recommending a certain internet website that promises more than a casual hook-up. He’s unsettled and nervous but finally gets up the courage to post his honest profile and he gets zero responses.

Interested to see the difference a new photo can make in his responses is only the beginning of his little experiment…his deception, and thus his new persona is born. The change in photo garners him dozens of emails, varying from lewd propositions to over-the-top pathetic flattery. It also leaves him with the one he wants, from a man who suits him to perfection. The question is whether he can change a budding cyber-romance into the abiding love he’s always dreamed of, without getting caught in his lie.

VGL Male Seeks Same is a wonderfully written tale of the pain, sorrow and loneliness of getting to a certain age, and finding yourself in a place you never expected…alone, and not knowing what to do about changing it. In this case, Ethan decides to try his hand at internet dating and who hasn’t seen the dozens of commercials offering a safe and easy way of meeting the person most perfect for you. The story backbone is both timeless and timely and could be a tale of either sex, which makes it easy for anyone to relate. Mr. Reed has written a phenomenal story filled with emotion, humor, great timing and superb characterization that left me feeling as if I knew Ethan. I could easily see him sitting in his little studio apartment, wondering if he’d ever find someone or if he’d spend the rest of him life alone, working at his boring job, tending to his cat.

The whole book is nicely done, but I particularly enjoyed it after Brian was added as Ethan’s internet love interest. Their posts were romantic, heartfelt and caring…just what Ethan needed and wanted, and when he almost lost Brian, I could almost feel his pain. There isn’t anything about this story that I didn’t like, and if there’s anything I could have wished for, it would be to know more about Brian. Otherwise this novella is near perfect. Read and enjoy!

However Long The Night

Title: However Long The Night
Author: Jamie Craig
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-463-1
Genre: Dark Fantasy / Vampire / BDSM / Ménage (M/M/M)
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Gideon Keel and Jesse Madding have adjusted to life without Emma, to some degree. They haven’t dedicated as much time to searching for answers for that dreadful day where she was abducted, but that’s about to change. Derek’s nephew Jonah believes anything involving Jesse is fascinating, and he decides to play amateur detective with what few clues he has about the demon that possessed Emma and Gideon two years ago. He finds key information to help in their search, but also lands in a sticky situation that could put an end to his young life. It will take, Gideon, Jesse, Jonah, and their dimensions David Brighton to find all of the missing links. Friendships will be tested, weighed and altered, as Jesse and Gideon come closer to discovering the truth behind the abduction of their lovely Emma.

Gideon is in rare form in this installment of the Masters Chronicles. He’s like a kid with pride in his favorite toy. He wants you to look, but you had better not touch it without his permission. Jesse learns jealousy definitely goes both ways and Jonah’s wish comes true. Adding their dimensions David was the icing on the cake for me. The man has such a quiet strength that I believe even Gideon wouldn’t mind being on the receiving end of a few moments of play. There were moments where Gideon’s actions had me raising an eyebrow. I know, he is the Master, and I was happy when he identified his neglect of Jesse and rectified it. We gain the solution to one dilemma, but still have so many other unanswered questions in its wake. If you’ve enjoyed the prior installments or those just beginning to read books by Jamie Craig, I whole-hearted recommend you pick up a copy of However Long The Night.

Captive Heart

Title: Captive Heart
Author: Kelly Kirch
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41991-839-1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Naya’s world is in turmoil after seeing her roommate get shot, right in front of her, and not knowing why is making her crazy. When she’s kidnapped again and the first kidnapper shoots at her, leaving Bart wondering about it. Now that she is free of her bindings and on the run from Bart, Naya is trying to figure out how to get back to her parents in New York, who are sleeper terrorists from Iran. What she didn’t know is the reason her parents kept this information from her and why are the kidnappers assuming that she’s a terrorist too.

Special Agent Jake Bart does not want to do anything except complete his mission, only he has become too involved with his hostage, who is a pain in his backside. Once he realizes that she is not directly connected to the assassination attempt that is scheduled to occur in the next few days, he lets down his guard too much, and Naya slips under his skin permanently without his realizing it. Now that they have admitted to each other how they really feel, there should be sparks flying, but first things first…stop the terrorist.

Captive Heart is a fast paced story about two people trying to stop the people who have been working on a terrorist plot for years. I was surprised at how quick Naya picked up on Jake’s behavior patterns of checking the area and that he could read her facial expressions like a book, regardless of what she was thinking. These two characters go from one extreme to another as they try to stay alive, and while the sex starts out a little slow, it quickly heats up. Kelly Kirch has done a wonderful job of descriptive story telling, of relating possibilities that could happen right in our own hometowns. With the fact of the traitor in the special ops group sworn to protect and serve, does not stop Jake from trying to complete his mission to retrieve Naya and return to base, which never happens because of detours.

Saving Jenna

Title: Saving Jenna
Author: Violet Summers
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 9781595785046
Genre: Shifters
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Jenna is the daughter of a man who is trying to annihilate night creatures such as vampires, dragons, and werewolves. Her father is also abusive to both her and her younger sister. Jenna escapes her father’s compound along with Rowen and ends up beaten by two members of his security team.

Nico is a vampire that has been dreaming of Jenna and realizes she is his Beloved. He and a couple of his friends save Jenna. In the meantime, Rowen has been recaptured by their father’s men. Nico, Jenna and some friends decide to rescue Rowen and mount an attack which turns out to be a trap.

Saving Jenna, part of The Night Creatures series, is a wonderful story of two people trying to find their way and overcoming the violence in their past. The sex scenes are so hot and descriptive that I was constantly going for ice and fanning myself. Ms. Summers’ Night Creatures have a little bit of a difference that makes them fun.

Moving Along

Title: Moving Along
Author: Addison Albright
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: M/M contemporary short story/Sequel
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Rose Nymph

When Mark first saw Brandt at the Halloween party, it was lust at first sight. Brandt may have been apprehensive to begin with but it soon became apparent to Mark that there was something building between them. Brandt knew it too and after a little soul-searching and a whole lot of encouragement from his first love, Brandt let go and took a chance on love once more. With Christmas around the corner, strong memories are being stirred within Brandt. Can he take the next step and make new memories with Mark?

Moving Along picks up a couple of months down the line from where its prequel Moving On left off. A light and sweet story, it was lovely to revisit the characters’ lives to see if things are working out between Brandt and Mark. The chemistry is definitely still there and the conflict both men feel between the past and the present is very believable. The Christmas presents they got each other were very cute and I’m just itching to read the fun they get up to in the future.

Redesigning Adele

Title: Redesigning Adele
Author: Talya Bosco
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.net/
ISBN: 9781596325548
Genre: Ménage, full-figured heroine, Polyamory
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Adele is a plus-sized interior designer with insecurities about her weight. Her family is also very judgmental to the point she is almost a basket case after she spends time with them, which doesn’t help.

Max and Leo are her bosses, best friends and the object of her fantasies for the last year. She is starting to feel like she needs to stop spending a lot of time with them because she doesn’t want to ruin their friendship. Adele eventually realized that she needs to grab the chance to be happy.

Max and Leo have been trying to figure out how to get Adele into their bed and lives and have finally decided on a course of action to get her there.

Redesigning Adele is fraught with misunderstandings as Max and Leo try to be subtle and drop hints to Adele about what they want. This story is very emotional and fast paced. I felt the story jumped around a little toward the end. Those that like m/m and ménage will like this one.

In His Mind

Title: In His Mind
Author: Cheryl Dragon
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419916786
Genre: Paranormal Gay
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Adam Rayne owns Rayne Paranormal Investigations (RPI) with his siblings. He has known about his sexual preference since high school, but has hidden it from his family.

Parker Mullins works as a telepath for RPI and wants Adam as his friend and lover. Adam may be able to hide his sexuality from his brothers, but he cannot hide his lust-driven thoughts from Parker. He finally has Adam just where he wants him, on an assignment and near a bed. Can Parker finally get Adam to let down his guard and let nature run its course?

Adam and Parker are two fun characters to watch when it comes to a bit of cat and mouse chasing. Parker has the upper hand, seeing that Adam cannot really hide his true desires; what I wouldn’t do to have the gift of telepathy. Ms. Dragon delivers a fast-paced paranormal story, which makes me wish for more, and the way the story ended leads me to believe I will get my wish. The sex was deliciously erotic and the characters create a wonderful couple. I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Dragon’s books in the near future.

Vision Lust

Title: Vision Lust
Author: Lorie O’Clare
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419920172
Genre: Shapeshifters
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Tore is the acknowledged leader of the five hunters. He is trying to keep the peace between leopards and other shifter races. He was also on the list of leopards that Leo Pard was rounding up.

Maurie is oldest of the Sheridan litter and has kept her sisters alive and all of them together. She is fiercely independent and anyone who dishonors her litter will die if she has anything to do with it. Maurie is also trying to regain her position with Vision Controllers.

Tore and Maurie clash from the start. Both are used to their own way and the attraction both feel for each other is not welcomed by either. As they learn to trust each other, they find out there is a plot to kill Maurie.

Vision Lust, book 4 of the Leopard Visions series, is non-stop action. The plots and sub-plots keep you on your toes. The sex between Tore and Maurie is raw and will scorch the walls. You will need to keep ice water on hand constantly. This is one you will not want to put down.

Greek Temptation

Title: Greek Temptation
Author: L. A. Day
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419917431
Genre: Paranormal, Ménage M/M/F
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Samantha Bastille puts the finishing touches on a painting she felt driven to paint. During her art show, a client recognizes the castle ruin in the painting and offers to take her to see it; little did Samantha know that she had dreamed her destiny. Samantha arrives on the private Greek island one day before the mating ritual is to take place. She is immediately drawn to Lykaios Diotreophes and his lover Arcas. Now the two men have the task of convincing Samantha that she must mate with both of them during the ceremony or die.

Greek Temptation is a story of werewolves and their mating rituals. Samantha did not believe in werewolves, but she is attracted to both men and cannot resist their request. L. A. Day has created an intriguing story with sensual characters that I enjoyed.

A Summer Without Rain

Title: A Summer Without Rain
Author: Christie Gordon
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.net/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-231-2
Genre: Gay Romance M/M Yaoi
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

The 1920’s weren’t a good time to let it be known that you are gay. Living in a Catholic community in Ireland only added fuel to the fire for those who wanted a same sex relationship. Ostracized and shunned by his small town, Shannon Sullivan now lives a painful existence after being discovered in a compromising position with a male teacher. He only remained so he could be close to his best friend and the love of his life, Ciaran O’Kelly. Ciaran doesn’t know of Shannon’s feelings, but a trip to Dublin to deliver a family heirloom will give them the opportunity to explore their feelings and deepen their commitment.

In A Summer Without Rain, we meet Shannon and Ciaran. It’s been years since Shannon was caught with his teacher and he still carries the pain of his treatment by the town, the church and his family. He’s a sweet young man, with a good heart, but the community has no tolerance for gay acts or relationships. Ciaran is sheltered but when push comes to shove, he’s more than ready to carry his own weight. There were moments where I thought Ciaran had to be slightly daft. After fair warnings of being careful, he took needless chances that could have gotten him and Shannon either thrown out of town or killed for their actions. Shannon was like a kid in a parlor who discovers they carry his favorite flavor of ice cream. He knew he shouldn’t, but the treat was too sweet to pass up. Over all this is a wonderful story that transports you back to this era with the clothing, setting, and political unrest. I immensely enjoyed reading A Summer Without Rain, and look forward to discovering more stories by Christie Gordon.

The Slayer’s Apprentice

Title: The Slayer's Apprentice
Author: Zathyn Priest
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 9781603706018
Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Horror
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Phoenix Love is a young troubled man, trying to do everything in his power to raise a baby brother and stay under the radar at the same time. Working as a bartender and picking pockets to make ends meet, Phoenix lives for his brother Echo, who has no idea of the horrible things running around in Phoenix’s mind. Unconsciously drawn to the gorgeous man he served one night in the bar, Phoenix is shocked and alarmed when he and Echo run into him later and he realizes the man is a cop. As Phoenix and Daniel try to form some kind of relationship, reports that Australia’s serial killer ‘The Slayer’ has returned hits the news, causing Phoenix’s already slightly bizarre behavior to accelerate. It is not long before Phoenix comes to the attention of the lead investigator who believes Phoenix is involved in some way. He just has to prove it.

The Slayer’s Apprentice is another excellent book by Zathyn Priest, one that grabs you from the very beginning. Although mentally and emotionally flawed, Phoenix is one of those that you can’t help but want to hold tight and keep safe, regardless of his behavior; while wondering at the same time if Daniel will be able to hold on to Phoenix or if he should just walk away. The mystery in which this story revolves around is so well written that you are constantly wondering exactly who of the many players is The Slayer and what exactly Phoenix’s role in these gruesome crimes are. While I believe this book should be considered a must-read and not-to-be-missed, be warned that once you start it, you will not be able to put it down until you have read the last page.

Blood Vice

Title: Blood Vice
Author: Keith Melton
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-388-3
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Karl Vance is a highly successful and well paid employee, if you can afford to pay for his services; he’s discrete, efficient, powerful and deadly. All qualities that make for a great contract hit man. What his Mafia employers don’t know is that he’s also a Master vampire and the occupation of hit man fits his needs like a glove. Killing the criminal element of the city of Boston allows him access to the blood he needs to survive, while still allowing him to maintain his vow to never kill an innocent.

Maria Ricardi is an accountant and the only daughter of crime boss Alberto Ricardi. Tired of being in the background, and despite the “boy’s club” mentality of her father and his men, she’s determined to make a name for herself, and take her place at her father’s side in the family business. To that end, Maria is willing to use every asset available to gain the power she craves, and she wants to use Karl and his killing ability to do it.

What Karl and Maria don’t know is that the rival crime family also has a vampire working for them, Alejandro Delgado. The two men have been enemies for centuries, each wanting the other dead and turned to ash. When Delgado learns of Karl’s affection for Maria, he drains her and turns her into his vampire slave. Karl must decide whether it’s more important to settle his score with Delgado or save the most important woman ever to enter his lonely life.

Blood Vice is the first release in a new urban fantasy series, The Nightfall Syndicate, by author Keith Melton. I have to say up front that when I read the blurb for this book, I was intrigued by the concept of a Master vampire who no longer fed on the innocent. Instead, he provides the sustenance he needs by feeding on the criminal underbelly of Boston. This is where the plotline has its first real twist, because this vampire is a hit man for the Mafia…a very successful and highly-sought-after hit man.

Mr. Melton’s portrayal of Karl as a dark and brooding man, a powerful vampire who prays for the souls of his victims, was particularly well done. I was left with the impression that I knew what Karl was thinking and feeling and despite his profession, I liked this guy and his determination to stick to his vow. The characterization of Maria was equally well done, so much so that at the beginning, I can truthfully say that I didn’t care for her. It was only after learning more about her family and their relationship that I warmed up to her, but it was the scenes when she was fleeing after learning Karl’s true nature that she became a personality I could relate to.

The secondary characters in this urban fantasy are many and all are vital to propelling this unusual, but well-written story forward, and there is a wide variety to choose from. There’s a stubborn father, a hated illegitimate half-brother, criminal underlings, vampire sirelings, the members of the Order of the Thorn, and Karl’s trusted servant/companion, Xiesha, a powerful woman herself. All these individuals make for a fast-paced and complex story from beginning to end.

Frozen Fury

Title: Frozen Fury
Author: A.J. Townsend
Publisher: Freya’s Bower
Publisher URL: http://www.freyasbower.com/
ISBN: 9781935013495
Genre: Romance Suspense
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Amber is kidnapped one evening from her home in Alaska after watching her husband get hit on the head. Lute Brenner was framed by her husband for killing a judge several years ago and he is out for revenge.

Jack has never really loved Amber, only marrying her for her father’s money. He thinks that this is an opportunity for him to get rid of Amber and start a new life for himself. He makes a show of reporting Amber missing and takes their son Buster back to New York.

Amber is trying her best to survive and return to her son. While being held captive, she finds out Jack had a mistress and a few other things about him. She also discovers just how strong she is. Amber tries to escape several times and is almost killed by Brenner. In the meantime, Mitch, Brenner’s step-son, tries to help her as much as possible.

Mitch has been roped into helping Brenner because Brenner and his brother has Mitch’s daughter held hostage. He is trying to find his daughter and keep Amber alive.

Frozen Fury is a very good suspense story. Ms. Townsend keeps you on the edge of your seat as the story goes through the various twists and turns of Amber’s saga. Amber is a lot stronger than you are led to believe at the beginning. I could place myself in Amber’s position and feel her emotions from the author’s descriptions. I would characterize this as a suspense story more than a romance though. There are a little bit of romantic elements toward the end. This is the first book of Ms. Townsend’s I have read and I look forward to reading more from her. Suspense lovers will want to add Frozen Fury to their bookshelf.

Caramel Kisses

Title: Caramel Kisses
Author: TJ Michaels
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419920318
Genre: Contemporary/Multicultural
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Sydni Cannes is an executive vice president that lives for work and pretty much nothing else. When her crazy sister talks her into an evening out, Sydni never thought it would end up with her behind bars. And, to make matters worse, Sydni finds out she is being represented by her handsome co-worker.

Drew Caruth was thanking his lucky stars for Sydni’s stint with the law. He’d been trying for a long time to get Sydni to notice him, and up until this point nothing had worked. Drew’s extraordinary skills as an attorney would clear up her legal problems. But, would he appeal to her as boyfriend material? As far as Drew was concerned, Sydni was the full package and he was looking forward to unwrapping her.

TJ Michaels creates stories that always radiate heat from beginning to end, and Caramel Kisses is no exception to this rule. Drew was relentless in his pursuit to get his woman. Nobody was going to stand in his way, not even Sydni herself. I loved that the most about him. Even though Sydni’s lips were telling Drew to go away, her heart and soul were drawing him closer. Thank goodness she loosened up before it was too late. The couple not only faced their differences of race and age, but also an unknown threat at work that nearly ruined everything. This story has just the right amount of mystery injected to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat.

Valentine's Vindication

Title: Valentine's Vindication
Author: Keta Diablo
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.nobleromance.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60592-017-7
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Deke is a submissive whose insecurities about himself, his Master’s needs and his inability to submit completely interfere with his relationship. He’s too scared to tell Val the truth and decided cheating was his only option to get out of the relationship. What has Deke learned over the past few months? That cheating was the worst mistake of his life. He’s facing Valentine Giovanni on Valentine’s Day, in hopes of gaining back his Master. Does he have what it takes to please Val, or will their relationship remain a distant memory?

Deke is scared of Val’s style of mastering. He looked at the entire picture Val presents, the businessman, the master, the man, and felt he wasn’t worthy of his love; that he could be easily replaced. This was a classic “flight or fight” reaction where the flight seemed to be the better option for Deke. Val is a kinder man than most, because most wouldn’t have allowed Deke to reenter their life on any level. The story has a few butt warming D/s scenes, but the sadist in me wishes Val had made Deke suffer just a tad bit more. I found Valentine's Vindication to be a pleasant story to read, spankings and all.

Making Waves

Title: Making Waves
Author: Pepper Espinoza
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-468-6
Genre: Gay / Contemporary / The Arts
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Scott Huxley is Hollywood’s current golden boy. He also has a big secret, one that could cost him his career. On the eve of his wedding, Scott, feeling the pressure, decides to hit the bars. Andy Burns is Scott’s future brother-in-law. As a favor to his sister, Andy hits the streets looking for the wayward star. Locating the drunken actor was the easy part, getting him home and into bed is another story.

The next morning, in no hurry to get to Napa for the upcoming wedding, the two men hang out getting to know each other. Both are a little surprised and shocked to learn the other is gay. Soon the two are burning up the sheets but Andy has no desire to be another man’s dirty little secret nor can he hurt his sister. They each have a lot of thinking to do before either one of them will be happy.

Pepper Espinoza’s Making Waves is the story of two flawed men struggling to live with themselves and the attraction they feel for each other. While some readers may enjoy this story, others may have trouble with the infidelity aspects of Making Waves.

Blood Claim: Prelude

Title: Blood Claim: Prelude
Author: Selena Illyria
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-866-2
Genre: Multicultural Vampire Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

The past few months have left Kit little time to enjoy her new mate, Rysen. Rysen knows he has some making up to do and decides that Valentine’s Day will provide the perfect opportunity to make up for his extended absence. He remembers this also marks Kit’s induction into Vampyre society and wants to make the anniversary extra special. A misunderstanding could throw a monkey wrench into Rysen’s plans if he doesn’t find a way to prove to Kit just how much she means to him.

Blood Claim: Prelude is the second installment in the Blood Claim series. Kit is as sassy as ever, and Rysen has yet again placed his foot in his mouth. I’m guessing that feelings are developing deeply not just for Rysen and Kit, but also between Jessye, Kit’s blood mother, and Rysen’s brother. I can’t wait to see those two when they finally let their guard down enough to have a serious relationship. I’m anxiously awaiting for the next installment to be released, and I found Blood Claim: Prelude to be beyond enjoyable. Between the fights, the sex, and delving into the past that connects Rysen and Kit, Ms. Illyria covers all the bases to bring us a wonderful sequel.

Stroke of Luck

Title: Stroke of Luck
Author: Jourdan Lane
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-617-9
Genre: M/M, Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Brandt is still the same old jealous coot, but Dale loves him regardless. Owning a ranch in Colorado, the men are living their lives in relative bliss. However, when a friend from Dale’s past comes to him for help, Brandt and Dale’s relationship is tested.

For me Jourdan Lane is known for her paranormal series, and sometimes it’s hard for me to break out of that mold and read something completely different, after being immersed in her previous novels for the last few years. However, Stroke of Luck is an interesting story, as it takes the characters of Brandt and Dale from Cowboy Up! Reading this story about an established relationship really appeals to me, and it was nice to see the relationship already developed. Brandt is a hard-ass who’s got a severe jealous bone; characters that have this trait really please me because it’s one of my guilty pleasures. However, sometimes Brandt’s jealousy could come off demeaning rather than appealing. Dale was the overall “nice guy” character, and in this piece it worked well enough. Stroke of Luck is a good story, and one that would appeal to those who enjoy alpha cowboys.

Pirates

Title: Pirates
Author: G.A. Hauser
Publisher: Phaze
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60659-106-2
Genre: Historical Romance, M/M
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Virgin Nymph

Justin Alexander Taylor has always dreamed of a life at sea. Living in England, with an abusive father, he decides to run away. Being a stowaway on a ship seems better than being abused any day, that is, until he finds out what kind of shipmates are on the Revenge, they’re Pirates! Arrrrrr!

Justin thought he’d just got out of the frying pan and into the fire when he beholds the most gorgeous eyes he’s ever seen and those eyes belong to Captain Richard Jones. The shipmates think Justin is the prettiest young boy that they have ever seen, and they all want to get their hands on him, but he only had eyes for the Captain. Richard Jones knows from the moment they pull young Justin from the bottom of the boat that he will need to care for the naïve young man. However, Justin has plans of his own that include figuring out a way to seduce his captain and make him return his love.

Captain Jones can no longer deny his passion for the Justin, who sleeps next to him at night, nor can he continue to ignore the way Justin is willing to do anything to make him happy. The Captain loves Justin with tenderness and such exquisite passion that Justin wants to spend the rest of his life with the intriguing man.

Ms. Hauser drew me into this book like a moth to a flame. The purest love and passion were used to describe the lovemaking between the two men; it was gentle, passionate, and beautiful. This book is the kind of book that will make you want to read it again and again, and again.

Confessions of a Confederate: Finding Rebecca

Book Title: Confessions of a Confederate: Finding Rebecca
Author: Taylor Kincaid
Publisher: Forbidden Publications
Publisher URL: http://www.forbiddenpublications.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Fire Nymph

Gwen continues her research for the book that she and the spirit of Joshua are writing. Needing to know what happened to Katelyn and Rebecca when they left Georgia, Gwen and her Aunt Bev head to Biloxi to visit the great granddaughter of Katelyn.

This visit reveals more that Gwen ever expected. Could the whole story of the Calhoun’s been completely wrong?

This book was a good read. I highly recommend this series if you are looking for a book to keep you company at an appointment. I had some time before dinner and dinner was late when Finding Rebecca grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let it go!

Confessions of a Confederate: Spirit, Reveal Thyself

Book Title: Confessions of a Confederate: Spirit, Reveal Thyself
Author: Taylor Kincaid
Publisher: Forbidden Publications
Publisher URL: http://www.forbiddenpublications.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Paranormal RomanceNymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Fire Nymph

Gwen returns in the second book of the Confessions of a Confederate series. She finds herself talking to a mirror and awaiting the golden response from the spirit that haunts the mansion, known as Katelyn. The mysterious ghost wants her to write and tell his story.

Which story will Gwen end up telling? Will it be Rory’s or his brother Joshua’s? Find out in Spirit, Reveal Thyself. This story was a flawless continuation of the first one. A wonderful quick and highly recommended read.