IM

Title: IM
Author: Rick R. Reed
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrpress.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60820-015-3
Genre: M/M horror, romance
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx


The day Detective Ed Comparetto allowed everyone to know he was gay changed everything and his life on the Chicago Police force was never the same. He knows his fellow officers and the brass are all waiting for him to prove he’s not up to the job. There’s a serial killer running rampage in the gay community, and Ed is trying to discover what ties these cases together. The killer won’t be easy to find and his motive will be harder to discover but if Ed has his way, he’s going to bring the man to justice.

Rick R. Reed’s mind fascinates me. IM took me through a series of twists and turns and unlike most horror and murder mystery books, I was truly at a loss about the culprit and the reasons behind the murders. IM does have a romance element to it, but that’s not the dominant force behind this novel. In addition, while Ed’s encounters with his lover Peter are sensual and their interaction reminiscent of budding love when they occur, I thought of them as a pleasurable moment away from the gruesomeness victims encountered at the hand of the serial killer. Mr. Reed erases the sterile type of what a killer looks and acts like with this thriller. I just couldn’t put this book down until I was sure there were no more victims left to feel the pain inflicted by this disturbing character. This isn’t the type of book I usually request to review, and I’m so happy I jumped out of my norm and decided to dance on the horror side for a change.

Yummy Love: Blueberry Muffins

Title: Yummy Love: Blueberry Muffins
Author: Kate Hill
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-087-2
Genre: Gay, Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Dylan runs the youth shelter for magical teens in Grimton City. When one of those kids comes under investigation for stolen elfin coins, Dylan is pulled in for questioning. Dylan is not sure what surprises him more; the reason someone has been stealing elf coins or his instant attraction to the gorgeous bald cop that brings him in.

Someone out there thinks elfin coins will give them total control of elf magic. When Joel’s latest lead sends him to the youth shelter, he just knows the elf that runs the place has to be involved somehow. When Joel realizes that Dylan is innocent, he asks the man for his help. Soon the two are spending time on more than just the case.

Blueberry Muffins is the latest addition to Kate Hill’s Yummy Love series. Taking place during the same time as Book One, we get to see how Joel and Dylan meet and fall in love. With the steamy sex and the guilty party finally getting his just rewards, this is one book that will keep you enthralled.

Shunga Chronicles: Lady of the Snow

Title: Shunga Chronicles: Lady of the Snow
Author: Lizzie Lyn Lee
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-200-5
Genre: Shunga, M/M/F
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Lord Hiraoka Ichizo of the Kanzu clan and his second in command, Tenshin Satoru are camped in the freezing cold on Mount Heiji with their soldiers, fighting a war against the Minokichi clan. Angered by this war in her domain, the Snow Princess Deity sends snow maiden Shizuka to harvest the soul of the leader, but one night spent in the arms of the two lovers Ichizo and Satoru causes Shizuka to doubt if she can complete her mission.

Shunga Chronicles: Lady of the Snow is a beautiful Japanese legend. Shizuka is a spirit who was murdered by her greedy betrothed and her soul rescued by the Snow Princess. Not accustomed to having human form, she quickly discovers she enjoys the seductions of Ichizo and Satoru, who are long time bonded lovers. Both men grow to love Shizuka and vow to stay together always, but like most romances, chaos finds them. Lizzie Lyn Lee has created a breathtaking story with all the emotional elements of a Japanese opera. The plot is intriguing and the love scenes are enticing, a great first installment to this series. I enjoyed this episode immensely.

Drawn Together

Title: Drawn Together
Author: Z.A. Maxfield
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/.aspx
ISBN: 9781596328952
Genre: LGBT Multicultural Erotic Contemporary
Lymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Virgin Nymph

Okay, you got the girl picked out. You’re ready to travel to her to confess your love and hopefully get married and live happily ever after. NOT! Rory Delaplaines had his plan all figured out but when it came to meet his idol, he was in for a rude awakening; not only was she not a she, she was a he! Get it! It gets better as Rory makes his way towards his idol. He notices that Ran Yamane was making a not-another-fan-with-flowers type look. Ran doesn’t want to insult this young man but if he receives flowers one more time, he might scream. This is just the beginning!

The young man fascinates Ran, so he offers him a place to stay since Rory used all his funds getting to this convention. Yamane felt it was the least he could do, even though it went against all he believed in. There is someone after Ran who wants to see him dead. Danger is all around and Rory finds himself wanting to protect his friend and soon-to-be-lover.

This story had my attention from the first paragraph. I loved the way Ms. Maxfield drew a picture of two people from totally different backgrounds coming together to fall in love. Was falling in love easy for the two characters? No, not at all and even with people wanting to hurt them, they still had to determine if this relationship was worth having. Hiding out in the scariest of motels or driving all night, would this be the end? Drama! This wonderful story will be a classic, a story to read over and over again. I was happy that they were Drawn Together!

Spoken

Title: Spoken
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerepress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-640-7
Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Kendall is a quiet homebody working as a librarian. He’s also certain Eric, his lover of nearly ten years, is bored with him, and looking for a younger, more exciting replacement. Their relationship has survived Eric’s horrifying cancer scare and its aftermath. Kendall’s just not certain it can survive the inattention, long nights alone or Eric’s newfound need to live life to the fullest. Only one answer makes sense as to why Eric is never home; happy instead to spend every evening and weekend with his so-called friends, leaving Kendall at home with nothing to do but clean, read and worry. He’s seeing another man and is afraid to tell Kendall he loves someone else.

Surviving cancer changed Eric’s outlook on life dramatically. He’s no longer willing to live life on the sidelines, but is intent to go out and live every day to its fullest. That also means exploring the sexual fantasies that have been swirling around in his head his entire life. When a friend invites him to an evening at the Hammer, a premiere BDSM club, he jumps at the chance. It’s only after he realizes Kendall is terrified of losing him that Eric comes to grips with how much his inattention and selfishness has hurt the person he loves most in the world. Can he convince Kendall of his continuing love but that he just wants to try new games and toys to spice up their relationship? Can Kendall accept the new Eric, or will fear of the unknown drive them apart forever?

Spoken is yet another interesting and intriguing look into the wide and varied world of BDSM. Each book in The Hammer series has chosen a different aspect, and this one follows two lovers on its fringes. It was nice watching Kendall and Eric explore together, finding out what did and didn’t work within their relationship. Learning that the BDSM lifestyle can be adapted to fit each couple’s individual needs, and it doesn’t have to involve caning, flogging or collars. This story is about discovering what new things work in an established relationship, building trust in sexual situations, learning boundaries and finding new friends to love and depend on during tough times. The inclusion of characters introduced in previous releases was just icing on the cake of a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining, sexy read.

Deadly Liaisons

Title: Deadly Liaisons
Author: Terry Spear
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 9781605042404
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Tezra is a telepath and an investigator obsessed with finding the vampire that killed her parents. Her sister is in a facility because of the trauma she also experienced. The Special Crimes Unit is unhappy with her because of her off-duty investigation.

Several police officer killings bring her to the attention of Daemon, Prince of the American vampire clans. Daemon is drawn to her, but wants to resist her because of his experience with other women with Tezra’s abilities

Tezra is kidnapped by Daemon’s brother because he feels that she is a threat to Daemon. Daemon removes her from him and takes her to his home and keeps her under guard to protect her from both the vampire killer and the Special Crimes Unit. Both fight their attraction to each other but they end up being lovers.

Tezra is turned into a vampire and ends up battling some of Daemon’s people. There is a full blown battle between factions among the vampires, and ultimately results in a very interesting ending to the mystery of the death of Tezra’s parents and the police officers.

Deadly Liaison has some very interesting twists throughout the story. I loved the way the author wove the relationship between Tezra and Daemon into it. There were some get-the-ice cubes love scenes between the two, but the mystery and the twists about all the killings and the investigation kept my interest throughout. I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good mystery suspense story. This is one I will read again.

Gargoyle’s Quest

Title: Gargoyle’s Quest
Author: Nia K. Foxx
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59596-261-4
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Dr. Fatima Smith, a professor of Mythology, is enjoying herself at the conference, where she is a speaker. She is trying to focus and doesn’t want to react to an overwhelmingly attractive tall stranger in the back of the room, but her body says different. Now that she has been ordered to take a job working with Lorn at his home, she requests he sign a contract, to make sure that he does not make sexual advances towards her while she is working with him and happily, that fails on both parts. Her mind says no but her body says yes to every request he asks of her.

Lorn De LaRue is a Gargoyle, who needs to continue the preservation of his race from becoming extinct because of humans keeping away their daughters. He needs the help of Fatima, who is a specialist in her field of Gothic folklore, with his research. He is determined to make her his own quickly and does so, without the approval of the Council, even though she is his mate. What he needs to do does not come easy for him but telling her the truth may change how she sees him completely.

Gargoyle’s Quest is the first book in the Gargoyle series that tells the beginning of the gargoyle history, and the secrets that have been kept for centuries from the humans they live among. I was fascinated with Lorn’s behavior…typical dominant male that expects the woman to obey. Fatima was a surprise because of certain circumstances, and I won’t give that away, but she is a strong black woman who knows her own mind. Nia K. Foxx does great justice to the history revealed in this story, along with the descriptions, and hot sexual scenes. This was definitely a different type of book to read and I loved every moment of reading it.

Picture Perfect

Title: Picture Perfect
Author: Bethany Brown & Ashlyn Kane
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935192-65-7
Genre: Gay Contemporary
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Photographer Cameron Walker has had a crush on hunky veterinarian Jeremy Montgomery since he tutored Cam in math during high school. Over the years, either he or Jeremy has been involved with other men and the opportunity to show his interest has never arisen. It’s only after breaking up with his last boyfriend, Paul, that Cameron seizes the chance he’s always wanted. When Jeremy unexpectedly shows up as part of the wedding party at a marriage ceremony and reception Cameron’s been hired to photograph, he’s thrilled. When Jeremy asks him to dance, he can only say …yes.

Jeremy is excited that the man’s he’s been crazy about for years is finally in his arms, and he can hardly believe his good fortune that Cameron feels the same way. It’s not long before these two lovebirds are planning a life together, and even getting a dog, but all isn’t roses for the new lovers. Someone is delivering mysterious gift with creepy, unsettling notes to Cameron, and Detective Patrick Hawkins, Cameron’s best friend, is worried about his safety. When senseless violence escalates onto Jeremy’s very doorstep, the men must work together to find and stop a crazed stalker before it’s too late.

Picture Perfect is the second release in the new and exciting series by authors Bethany Brown & Ashlyn Kane, Lost Boys and Love Letters. Once again, these talented women have penned a well-written and plotted book that kept my interest my beginning to end. The characters of Cam and Jeremy are well-rounded and likable, and their personal history is interspersed randomly at the perfect times, allowing the readers the background they need, without it ever feeling like a information dump. These two guys are too cute for words, their desire for the other simmering just below the surface for years, and it made me wonder…what took them so long?

There is more going on in this contemporary story than just the romance between Jeremy and Cameron, and that’s what made this book such an enjoyable read. The two most important being Patrick and his importance in Cameron’s life, and the stalker sending gifts and notes. Add all these components together, along with a near fatal accident, blistering hot sex between Cameron and Jeremy, and occasionally Patrick, and you have a story you’ll want to re-read again in the future.

I, for one, would like to see Patrick get his own happily-ever-after in an upcoming release.

Beholding The Moon - Shanghai

Title: Beholding The Moon - Shanghai
Author: Augusta Li and Eon De Beaumont
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publisher URL: http://www.phaze.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60659-120-8
Genre: Yaoi/Futuristic Erotic Romance M/M
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Taro Miyake is back and this time, he wants control of Shanghai’s underworld. But even super-villains need love, and Taro has his eyes set on a beautiful assassin named Qi Lu-Bai. Lu didn’t rise to power just because of his good looks and is beyond being a reluctant lover. He doesn’t have room for love, thanks to his profession, and considers it a weakness that causes carelessness. It will take all of Taro’s skills to gain control over both objects of his desire. This won’t be an easy feat, with another crime boss trying to permanently eliminate Taro.

Taro isn’t above a bit of trickery to get other’s to bend to his will. Will Lu discover the importance of love, or will he help remove the Taro from Shanghai?

We first met Taro in Lockdown, and has decided he’s ready to concur love and will move any obstacle that stands in his way to gain it. While I had a few issues with some of his methods of “persuasion”, I took pleasure in reading about his abilities and I liked the supporting characters in this book. Lu didn’t just fall to his knees and declare his love for Taro, which only added fuel to the fire burning in Taro’s heart. Taro’s sexual appetite mirrors the appetite of a growing teenager, forever present and never completely sated. I enjoyed reading Beholding The Moon – Shanghai and look forward to seeing what the future holds for Taro and Lu.

The English Heiress

Title: The English Heiress
Author: Roberta Gellis
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 978-1-41992-089-9
Genre: Historical Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Leonie de Conyer’s life of luxury is non-existent at the moment because of a revolt by the people of France against the King. The only thing keeping her alive is the fact that she must help her family survive the starvation put upon them while being held in prison. Her father is accused of being a traitor to the French people, along with an enemy of his who is determined to see him dead. From the time she was being held prisoner, her mind was always on escape with her family, so when the opportunity presented itself, she took it quickly. Now that she is no longer a captive, her emotions come to the forefront with the death of her immediate family.

Roger St. Eyre is an accomplished barrister, who has had his fill of the French people, and is still angry at his dead wife for the suffering she caused. He found out from his father about a close family friend who may be in trouble in France, and decides to go to rescue him so his father can stay home. The first time he sees Leonie, even in her filthy rags and dirty face, she is beautiful to him. He is willing to do whatever it takes to get her out of danger.

The English Heiress is a story of survival of a fast-paced war, and only the strongest are able to survive, escaping through the torn country of France. The characters are very strong willed, and find true love while being forced to find ways around every situation put in their path. The strength they showed during a mob scenes were unbelievable, but necessary to survive, and the two of them were very intelligent people that only wanted to go home. There was a lot of information given in regards to the French Revolution, deceit, and unjust murders of the innocent, to name a few. With the beheading of both King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, there was still a lot of unrest. Ms. Gellis did a fantastic job on the research of this era, and I was reminded of the suffering of the people during that time. I am awaiting the next book in the Royal Dynasty series to read about the next adventure.

Coming Out For Christmas

Title: Coming Out For Christmas
Author: Mel Spenser
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-570-7
Genre: Holiday Romance, M/M
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Andy and Nick are hosting their first Christmas party together and Andy’s cousin Ryan, on break from college, will be staying with them. Ryan has not seen his best friend Scott in months and when the two get together, Ryan discovers that Scott is gay. Things get a little heated at the family party when Ryan and Scott decide to be friends with benefits.

Coming Out For Christmas is a wonderful update of the characters Andy and Nick from the thriller story Miss Me? Mel Spenser has created an impressive episode illustrating holiday chaos with a few surprises and humor to make this a very enjoyable installment.

Cozumel Karma

Title: Cozumel Karma
Author: Lainey Bancroft
Publisher: Absolute XPress
Publisher URL: http://www.absolute-x-press.com/
ISBN: 978-1-894817-16-5
Genre: Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Rose Nymph

Maggie O’Shea has dedicated her life to her business, a pool hall called “Bottom’s Up” that she runs with her best friend Pat. She spends most of her life there; only going home to eat and sleep. Having a drunk for a mother and a spoilt brat for a little sister might also have something to do with her dedication. Maggie tries hard to be there for her family but there’s only so much she can do. She’s sacrificed her life for them but she won’t let them interfere with her independence any more. They already blame Maggie for all the problems in their lives so there’s nothing she could possibly do to make things worse. Pat is a very good friend to Maggie; she’s partly responsible for the woman she is today but there comes a point when Pat’s interfering is just too much for one girl to handle. Yes, she may only have Maggie’s best interests at heart when she suggests a vacation and yes, maybe Pat has a point about how sad Maggie’s life is right now but a singles cruise? There’s no way Maggie’s that desperate. Nope, she’s more than happy to hide away from the world. Trouble with Pat, she has a hard time taking no for an answer.

As she slinks onto the ship with a resigned sigh, trying desperately to avoid contact with anyone, she daydreams about who she could pretend to be while on this “holiday”. She certainly isn’t telling anyone her real name. Pat will just have to accept that Maggie is not here with the sole goal of getting laid. She’s going to make the most of it and first stop – Cozumel. Maggie makes a break for one of the hidden golden beaches, the solitude making her mouth water before she sets foot on land. However, she’s involved in a motor accident before she gets the chance to hide. Now there’s a blond sea god known simply as Cole chasing after her who’s turned her life upside down but can he accept Maggie, family and all?

I absolutely loved Cozumel Karma from the start and can’t recommend it highly enough to fans of the genre. I was instantly captivated by Maggie and Pat and the trouble they’ve had to go through to get where they are today was believable and at times, heart-wrenching. Maggie’s development in particular was a success as she starts out as a strong, independent woman whose duty to her family is becoming detrimental to her own well-being but as things progress, we see just what an effect her childhood has had on her. I really did worry at times that it might all be too much for her to overcome and I honestly don’t know how the character survived this long with her family and upbringing dragging her down at every possible opportunity. There is intrigue with the character of Cole as it is obvious from the start that he is just what Maggie needs but his life is a mystery to her and she fights the desire to learn more about him as she believes no one is ever as good as they first seem. The entire cast is so strong and I really was kept guessing to the end just how these characters could possibly get their happy ending. The plot grabbed my attention and one plot twist in particular, which I won’t spoil here, is worthy of much praise. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Don’t Spank The Vamp

Title: Don’t Spank The Vamp
Author: C. J. England
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 9781605043838
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Light BDSM
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Dawn’s friends take her to a sex shop named Don’t Spank The Vamp on her birthday because they think she needs to get out of her shell and start living life, not just for her art.

When Dawn first enters the shop, Aidan can feel her from his room above and thinks that she is his twin-flame, the one destined to be his mate. Aidan goes after Dawn. loses control and ends up tying himself to her. He also teaches Dawn about different types of sexual pleasure.

When Dawn is offered a show in New York to display her art work, she goes to the shop to share the news with Aidan and gets what she thinks is an unwelcome surprise and leaves. Aidan tracks her down and explains that old friends were visiting and that Aithne was not supposed to bar Dawn from going to his rooms.

While meeting these friends, Dawn is attacked by a vampire so Aidan, again, delays telling Dawn he is a vampire. Both fall in love with each other, but Aidan’s secret is starting to drive a wedge between them.

Don’t Spank the Vamp is a fun story with lots of sex and interesting scenarios. Ms. England paints wonderful pictures with her words, but also lets the reader in on all the emotional turmoil both Aidan and Dawn experience as their relationship progresses. Ms. England’s vampire has a few little characteristics that I have not read about before; I found Aidan lots of fun and Dawn is a good match for him.

On Reflection

Title: On Reflection
Author: Stevie Woods
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-611-7
Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Nic is a young orphan trying to survive on the streets. When he meets someone who introduces him to life on the high seas, Nic finds his true calling by quickly moving up in the ranks. Shortly before becoming captain of his own ship, Nic meets Andreas and finds his life changed forever.

During a night of passion Andreas, who wishes to keep Nic with him always, turns Nic into a vampire. Putting his old life behind him, Nic struggles to come to terms with life as a vampire and his dependence on Andreas. As time passes and the relationship between the two men changes, Nic finds pleasure and love with first Palo and later Maxim. However, Andreas is never far behind

Stevie Woods' On Reflection centers on Nicolo d’Volenzkya and his life as a vampire. We see how Nic struggles not to let his need for blood get out of hand while he learns about his new life. We also see how his relationships with his sire and the two men he loves shapes the decisions he makes. While the story as a whole was a good one and the relationships were complex, I found that at times it moved a little slowly for me.

Breathing Shallow

Title: Breathing Shallow
Author: Stephanie Adkins
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-525-1
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Rose Nymph

For almost a year now, Kristen has filled her life with all the things important to her. She has preoccupied herself with a career, friends, family and anything else that could possibly stop her thinking about her heart and how Randy shattered it when he left her standing at the altar. She’s far too busy moving on with her life to need a man. At least, that’s what she thought before her neighbor Ayden started having loud, passionate sex with the lights on, the curtains and window open for all to see.

Ayden seems to have awakened something in Kristen that she thought she’d permanently put to sleep after Randy left and she can’t stop peeking in on him from the darkness of her room. They may be neighbors but it’s only now, at the annual street party, that they finally speak. The two of them are instantly drawn to one another and before long, Ayden’s making Kristen feel emotions she’s been perfectly happy running away from until now. As a storm sets in making Kristen feel lonelier than ever, just why is Ayden so intent on making her face the past?

Breathing Shallow is the story of a woman hurt so badly by betrayal that she never thought she could love again. Ayden thinks he knows just how much she’s hurting but soon realizes he can’t be the one to fix things; she needs to work things out and find closure on her own. The storms that occur during the latter part of the story work wonderfully as a metaphor for the inner turmoil both characters are experiencing. Both Kristen and Ayden aren’t perfect, as they are dealing with deep-set insecurities which are handled well throughout and give realism to the characters.

The romance and love making are very well done and had me enthralled in their quickly deepening relationship. It was a pleasure to read Breathing Shallow as it didn’t rely too heavily on someone else being the one to “save” Kristen. Yes, it was meeting Ayden and hearing his advice that gave her the motivation to move on but she had to look deep within to find forgiveness and this made Kristen a very strong character in my mind. Ayden was very likable and it is hinted at that he has experienced similar pain that allows him to understand what Kristen is going though. I’d like to learn more about his past and his possible future with Kristen.

Changes in Attitude: Wheel of Fortune

Title: Changes in Attitude: Wheel of Fortune
Author: Julia Talbot
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-599-8
Genre: Paranormal, M/M
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Werewolf Cyrus Delton is running away from his warlock lover Marcus Despain. With two bullets in his body, thanks to Marcus’s shooting spree, Cyrus is almost to his tricked-out SUV when he is knocked cold, again thanks to Marcus. Standing in a hotel window watching the action, mage Wiley Farraday runs to the rescue, disposing of monster remains and hauling Cyrus into the car. Wiley then puts the pedal to the medal and gets the heck out of Dodge or in this case, out of Shreveport, La.

Changes in Attitude: Wheel of Fortune is an amusing love triangle. Cyrus is clueless as to why Marcus chased him away, but he is willing to work things out with Marcus if given the chance. He also discovers he is attracted to Wiley. The talented Julia Talbot creates a fascinating tale of three sexy characters bonding together in this exciting saga. The detailed storyline is hilarious and the character’s interaction is fantastic and very enjoyable to read.

Branded as Trouble

Title: Branded as Trouble
Author: Lorelei James
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-458-3
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Former bad boy Colt McKay has three years of sobriety under his belt but his family and the people of his small Wyoming town have very long memories, and they seem unwilling or unable to forget his past. The only person who sees him as a man who’s put his drugs, alcohol and sexual excesses behind him is his AA sponsor India Ellison. Everything about Indie is a turn-on for the hunky cowboy; her sassy attitude, multiple piercings and tattoos, and her soft emotional center. Now, if he can get the woman of his dreams to see him as more than a friend, he’ll have his heart’s desire by his side and in his bed.

Tattoo artist India Ellison, with her body art and oddly dyed hair, is a walking advertisement for her small, privately owned tattoo studio. Despite the stares and misunderstanding of the townspeople, Indie has a good life. She has her best friend Colt by her side, she’s crazy about her sister’s children, she’s clean and sober and still struggling with her addiction every day. After an unexpected night of passion, all Indie can think about is Colt, and not as her friend, but the lover she wanted for three long and painful years. The question is whether these two strong-willed and damaged individuals can find a way past the hurt of yesterday and into a happy future together.

Branded as Trouble is the sixth release in Ms. James’ Rough Rider series, and it’s just as hot, sexy and fast-paced as its five predecessors. What I really appreciated was the sexual tension simmering between Colt and Indie, and his resolve that they start their personal relationship by ‘dating’ for two weeks before they jump into bed. This portion of the book was very well-done and had me chuckling with amusement at the frustration making Colt and Indie achy, hot and bothered as they tried to get through the two weeks. When they finally released their passion, the scenes were intense, frequent and sexually demanding…Colt demanding submission to his will and Indie complying.

It’s rare to have the hero and heroine of a contemporary romance to have such addictive and flawed pasts, so I really appreciated the unique background these two characters brought to this new story. The AA portion and the mentoring sponsors was a welcome addition, as was the integration of past characters. It’s too bad that I didn’t get many warm and fuzzy feelings from Colt’s family, aside from his brother Cam. With so many family members having wild personal pasts, I found their actions toward Colt oddly hypocritical, despite that he’d turned his life around. He still loved his family and chose to ignore their hurtful words and actions when he should have told them to go to hell. The scene where Cam told his family off for their treatment of Colt were nicely done and full of emotion, but the scenes where his father and brothers apologized; those tugged at the heart strings.

I’ll be watching and waiting anxiously to see where this storyline goes with the next release in this well thought out and interesting series. If I had my picks, I’d like to see Cam’s story dealt with next. Hint…hint.

Leticia's Lovers

Title: Leticia's Lovers
Author: Shelley Munro
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419920196
Genre: Shape-shifter / Menage a trois or More / Gay
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Virgin Nymph

Leticia Huntingdon had a big disease with a little name, just as Prince sang about in one of his songs called FIV, the feline version of AIDS. She’s been in remission but now her disease has come back with a vengeance and can take her life; however, her feline doctor and friend Gavin Finley will have a strong say in that scenario. Gavin refuses to allow Leticia to die on his watch. Knowing that Leticia is his mate, he continues to take care of her while Leticia continues to push Gavin away.

Gavin meets Charlie McKenzie, and soon Gavin realizes that he is also his mate. Charlie and Gavin begin their life together, then Leticia comes over for her doctor’s appointment and she knows that Gavin and Charlie have mated and it breaks her heart. Leticia wants Gavin to be her mate. How could this have happened! Leticia knows why, she pushed him away.

Gavin works tirelessly to save Leticia. He has Charlie who is feeling left out because he has to spend all his time with Leticia and he feels helpless because he and Charlie just mated. Charlie is then left to watch over Leticia and she develops feelings for him. Leticia decides a ménage could help bring them closer together.

I liked this book because the characters had to put everything they felt about each other on the line to be with other. Sickness be damned and whatever else happens along the way. Charlie was the key and Gavin unlocked the door to be Leticia’s Lovers.

The Garden House

Book Title: The Garden House
Author: Mia Cherish & Jacqueline Quaid
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/

ISBN: 1-59279-570-6
Genre: Lesbian/Interracial/Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

When Clancy Rosabel, a young college student, arrives at an immaculate mansion in the Garden District on orders to steal flowers as a pledge to a sorority, she knows she just can’t waltz in and take them. So she stands at the gate and politely asks for the flowers from the mansion’s owner -- Léonor Griffin, New Orleans’ Belle Madame. Little does Clancy realize just how much she must pay for the flowers, and how much she continues to long for the vampiress’ touch.

Léonor Griffin has been widowed for ages, from her husband and from her past lover. When young and beautiful Clancy appears at her garden gate, Lea finds herself unable to resist the woman’s allure. Unknowingly, Clancy begins to work her way into Lea’s shuttered heart, but what happens when the time comes to introduce Clancy fully into the nocturnal lifestyle?

The Garden House is a beautifully written story, rich in detail and love scenes. It’s so easy to imagine the lush Creole landscape and the unbelievable eroticism that flows between these two women. Lea is sultry and refined, and the touches of French in her accent only add to her appeal. Clancy is a sweet college girl who is learning about love in the best way possible: at the hands (and lips) of a loving, gentle partner.

If you enjoy lesbian romances (and even if you normally don’t), don’t pass up The Garden House.

Hell Takes a Holiday

Title: Hell Takes a Holiday
Author: Kiernan Kelly
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-569-1
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Caen Nymph

Lucifer may be the devil himself, but he is no longer bothered about punishing the guilty. No, he’s feeling lonely and missing how things use to be. So when Uriel, his former love, comes to visit him, he’s left out of sorts. Uriel has missed Lucifer and when their passion erupts, Lucifer doesn’t know if he has the heart to leave the former angel once again.

The author has written a few stories based on angel and demons. Most of the stories have been interesting and nothing too serious, which is what I have enjoyed about them. However Hell Takes a Holiday was a story that left me very uncomfortable at times. I love reading stories about religion especially in fiction, because I love to see how authors portray such a sensitive subject. Most of the time I am left pleased, however this time I wasn’t. I understand very well that people have varying opinions on religion, but when a story says that free will shouldn’t have been given to man, and religion is the root problem for everything – well it simply offends me. Whether or not that was the author’s goal, as a reader I am allowed to interpret the written word as I see it. Though the second-half saved it for me, and went back to what I enjoyed and that was some angel/demon loving and just a nice sweet romance.

Jake's Regret

Title: Jake's Regret
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 9781602724884
Genre: Gay / Contemporary / Sports / Athletes / Multicultural
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Virgin Nymph

Damian Grant had a funeral to attend; it was his former lover’s father. Jake Fields didn’t expect to get caught up with a blast from the past during such a sad time. Damian and Jake used to be lovers before that blasted note.

Jake left Damian to satisfy his dad, who went to the grave not knowing his son was gay. Jake sees Damian at the funeral and immediately sparks fly for both of them, but Jake still hasn’t come out yet so he asks Damian if he can see him at his hotel room. This visit consists of spaghetti for dinner and ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert, of course the chocolate sauce is Damian’s dessert after he licks it off Jake! The next day, the maid waltzes in and it’s downhill for Jake.

I liked this short story because it took Damian and Jake eleven years to get back together, and even though they did, they still had differences to work out and things in each other’s past that had to be dealt with, but they made it. I wanted this book to continue. At the end there were no regrets for Jake.

Lightning in a Bottle

Title: Lightning in a Bottle
Author: Barbara Elsborg
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-893-8
Genre: Vampire Paranormal
Nymph Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Felix’s life is a mess and he doesn’t know what to do about it. With the death of his parents, he became the thirteenth Earl of Shelbourne and promptly lost Pevenhurst Castle and the estate held by his family for over four hundred years to creditors. Now the only thing he has left is forty-seven pounds and eleven pence in his bank account, the carriage house and the property surrounding it. Life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of the new female owner of his ancestral home, who dances in thunderstorms, rollerblades in the middle of the night and leaps around on unsafe roofs. She’s gorgeous, sexy, and has an arousing habit of biting his neck.

Erin Markov’s life isn’t her life, or at least, she doesn’t think it is. According to the young looking couple that claims to be her parents, she’s been ill…very ill. Yet, that doesn’t explain why she can’t remember anything about her life, or explain why she can’t stand being in the sun, or has to drink a vile tasting ‘energy’ drink called Plasmix every day. Things only become odder when ‘her parents’ drop her off at a dilapidated estate they’ve purchased, set her up in a secure basement apartment and give her instructions to oversee the extensive renovations of the manor house. And let’s not forget their instructions not to go out in the sun. Life takes a turn for the better when she becomes acquainted with the attractive sculptor living in the carriage house. It also jump starts her memories and gives her a taste of what life with her new lover could be.

Lightning in a Bottle is the third release in the Trueblood series by author Barbara Elsborg and this one follows another member of that special and hunted clan of vampires. I loved the unique beginning of this book and how well Ms. Elsborg expressed the pain and distress Felix is experiencing at the loss of his family estate. That goes doubly for Erin, and her inability to remember even the barest piece of information from her past. Felix and Erin are a perfect match and watching them become closer, both emotionally and physically, was a joy to watch. When Erin remembered what happened and why, those scenes felt just right.

I did have a little problem with Erin’s parents and their seemingly uncaring attitude when they dumped her off at the new estate without any explanation that made sense. It wasn’t until near the end when Felix and Erin were in danger that they stepped up and acted like parents, trying to protect their child. It was during these scenes that all the characters shined, as they struggled to find a way to survive the danger threatening them. The integration of family and explanations were only made here, finally allowing the overall scenario to become clear and understandable.

While the sex between Felix and Erin was undeniably hot, it also overpowered the first portion of the story, overshadowing the fun they had together, the building of their relationship, and the activities going on at the estate.