Footprints

Title: Footprints
Author: Clare London
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-034-5
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Evan Riley and Adam Nolan are anti-terrorist operatives working on the same team, and that’s where their similarities begin and end. After a nine-month assignment, Adam doesn’t understand why Evan is constantly present and Evan doesn’t understand what hold the sea has on Adam. Evan wants to know Adam’s secrets, his desires and exorcise the demons that hold Adam prisoner. He is just the persistent bastard capable of doing it that and so much more.

Footprints is a brilliantly written story about friendship, survival, trust, and healing. Clare London writes this story from Evan’s point of view. He is an affable character who enjoys being an operative. Adam is haunted by his past, which only adds to his cool persona. The others may not understand Adam or his moods, but they consider him immensely trustworthy. I began to understand both men more clearly after becoming privy to events from their past. Adam’s words and reactions helped me understand what drives him, scares him and what he hungered to obtain. At no point did I have to wonder about his emotional state. Ms. London does a wonderful job of portraying his emotions throughout this story. While I understood the wall Adam erected around himself, I’m happy that Evan scaled it like a champion rock climber and never looked back. Footprints taps into your sentimental and passionate sides then adds humor and a smidgen of suspense to create a book you don’t want to miss.

Unfinished Business

Title: Unfinished Business
Author: Etienne D’Artagnan
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-564-0
Genre: Historical/Paranormal/Ménage {m/f/m}/Gay {m/m}
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

John is a casualty of the American Civil War, a spirit returning home with memories and a need to see his best friends and lovers, Amber and Michael. During his absence, which was longer than he’d expected, Michael and Amber have settled into a life together. Now John has to convince them both that the three of them can have a life of their own—even if he is a bit different now.

Unfinished Business is an interesting and entertaining historical romance with a loving trio thrown into a very intriguing situation. I’ve not read many stories in which one of the main characters is a ghost, but the author did very well with the concept.

The love scenes aren’t over the top, and each person involved has a depth of character not easy to achieve in a short story.

Overall, Unfinished Business is a good, well-written read.

Bottled Up

Title: Bottled Up
Author: Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-019-2
Genre: Contemporary {M/M}
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Hearing the shouts coming from the alley behind his wine store, Sean Bielecki interrupts an attack in progress on Bobby Thompson, a teenager. When the police arrive, Sean’s customer, Officer Sam Davis is among them. After taking note of Bobby’s condition and discovering that he is homeless, Sean’s protective instincts that he was not aware of comes to the surface, making him determined to keep Bobby and provide him with a future. Learning that Sean has recently cut off his relationship with his ex, Sam invites Sean and Bobby to dinner with the hope that he and Sean share a mutual attraction. Although the attraction is there, Sean still must triumph over his demons from his horrifying past.

Bottled Up showcases several sensitive issues presented in a non-emotional narrative. The main focus of the story is Bobby, who is an example of the State’s failure to provide and protect unfit parents “throw-away” children. Andrew Grey has produced an interesting saga for fans that like a sweet manlove romance.

Lone Star Lycan

Title: Lone Star Lycan
Author: Regina Carlysle
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419921940
Genre: {M/F} Shapeshifter
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Quinn Harlow had come to town to bury the father she never knew and got more than she bargained for. The mountain of a man she met after the funeral was causing all kinds of new feelings for Quinn that she didn’t understand. In the blink of an eye, Quinn was considering altering her plans from going home to her life to making a life and home with the arousing cowboy.

Joe McKinnon is an Alpha who just met his mate. As badly as Joe wants Quinn, he doesn’t want to frighten her off with the truth just yet. Quinn is exactly what Joe wants in a woman, and he isn’t going to let her walk away without demonstrating how good things could be between them.

Regina Carlysle has come up with a winner in Lone Star Lycan. Readers won’t be able to put the book down without finding out what happens next. The sexual attraction between Quinn and Joe is impossible to ignore and draws readers in like ants at a picnic. The immediate connection this couple shared left me longing to hear more stories about Joe’s Lycan friends, and I intend to be first in line for whatever this author publishes next.

Fair Winds

Title: Fair Winds
Author: Chrissy Munder
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-035-2
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs/Golden Blush
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Rudy Haas’ mistress is the sea. She captured his attention at a young age and to this day, lures him to her with practiced ease. Rudy has a dream, a desire to be one those able to crow about completing twenty-five races from Port Huron to Mackinac. Yes, Rudy wants to one day become an “old goat”. However, his dream looks like a distant memory, thanks to an underhanded ploy by his former crew. Rudy soon finds himself in need of a new boat, and he knows time is of the essence to procure another.

Meeting the crew of Devlin’s Due is a stroke of luck. Rudy knows this may be his only chance to find another crew before the damage to his reputation is done. The stakes are too high, and Rudy is ready to prove he’s the man for the job.

Chrissy Munder’s Fair Winds is a captivating story, with the ability to give readers a love for the sea and the thrill of racing. Rudy is self-assured but not overly confident. He took sailing and racing seriously, and while he still has a great deal to learn, his willingness to work hard makes him a perfect candidate for his new crew. The comradely shared with the members of Devlin’s Due came with ease and spoke volumes to how blessed he was to no longer be with his former crew. It was as if he found long lost friends verses virtual strangers. There is a bit of romance in the story, but the true focus is on Rudy, his trials, and his ability to weather the storm. I don’t know which enthralled me more; the characters, the setting or the plot. Maybe it was the combination of all three and how well they danced together like the perfect Tango. I’m truly in love with this story, and hope Chrissy Munder won’t leave this incredible tale at just one book. I personally would love to gain more time with the crew of Devlin’s Due. This is a fantastic read should not be missed, and even those who get seasick from looking at a pool will find pleasure reading Fair Winds.

Blue Fire

Title: Blue Fire
Author: Z.A. Maxfield
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-980-5
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Jared Kenny has lost everything. His famous husband, Keith, died of cancer a few months before and now a devastating fire has destroyed the award-winning house they shared, along with all his belongings. It did however bring something good into his life, compassionate firefighter Adam Collins and his brilliant blue eyes.

Adam might not have been able to stop the fire, but it didn’t stop his desire to help Jared cope with its aftermath. When the emotionally unsettled Jared isn’t getting better, Adam takes him to his family’s mountain cabin in Colorado for a couple of weeks of much needed quiet. It’s in this isolated, snowy mountain retreat that the two men give in to their passion.

No matter how much he cares for Adam, Jared is afraid of losing himself in his lover’s dominate protective arms and he flees. He allows Adam to return to California, while he stays in Colorado to start a new life, indulging his newfound passion of working with glass and obsessively working to find the perfect shade of blue. The same blinding blue as Adam’s eyes. It takes a fiery tragedy to make Jared realize he’d thrown away what he’d been looking for all along. The question is whether Adam can forget the pain of the past, so they can have a happy future…together.

I’ve never met a Z.A. Maxfield book that I didn’t like, and Blue Fire is no exception. I admit that I didn’t know what to make of Jared in the beginning. He’s stressed, emotionally wounded and extremely depressed, and I wasn’t certain Ms. Maxfield could get these two men together, but she did and did it convincingly. That’s not to say that everything is rosy for these two lovers, because it isn’t. Far, far from it, in fact.

I truly appreciated the realism in this novella. Life isn’t all wine-and-roses perfect and oftentimes doesn’t work out as you’d like, and this is where Ms. Maxfield excelled. The basic premise sucked me in, the characters kept my interest and the well-written storyline compelled me to rush to the end. I liked Adam, but this story definitely revolves around Jared and the healing he goes through as he reclaims his life. When he rushes to Adam’s side, he’s a much different person than when last they met. He’s grown, healed and come into his own as a person and as an artist. He’s at a place where he can be what he and Adam both need in order for them to be happy. If Adam will let him.

Time After Time

Title: Time After Time
Author: J.P. Bowie
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60820-057-3
Genre: Mystery {M/M}
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Michael Ballantyne, who lives in Los Angeles, is confused by repeating erotic dreams of him and a stranger. When he is informed that he is the new owner of Bedford Park, a large estate in Hertfordshire, England Michael is sure this is a mistake. Upon his arrival in England, Michael is convinced that this is somehow connected to the dreams. Within a few days, Michael meets Jonathan Robertson, the man who is the exact image of the man in his dreams come to life. Both men soon discover that they have a mutual attraction to each other and that they are having the same dreams. Over the next several days as they attempt to grasp the meaning of how and why they were brought together, the secrets of Bedford Park, along with the hidden dangers, begin to be revealed.

Time After Time is a captivating mystery and a beautiful love story. The well-written intricate plot builds from the beginning to the breathtaking conclusion. I was held spellbound as each layer of the intriguing puzzle unfolds. Michael and Jonathan are realistic characters with natural curiosity and loveable personalities, the secondary characters along with the tidbits of history and a little humor added just enough backdrops for attention-grabbing visualization. J.P. Bowie has created a fascinating who-done-it storyline that I enjoyed immensely.

The Sheikh and the Servant

Title: The Sheikh and the Servant
Author: Sonja Spencer
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-040-6
Genre: {M/M} Historical
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Noori entered into the life of a pleasure slave with no true hope of escaping. The only way to leave the Amir’s realm is through the generosity of a wealthy master who deems someone a worthy commodity. His rare beauty makes him more of a novelty, until one such master, a Sheikh, recognizes Noori’s potential. With the purchase comes the opportunity to earn his freedom. Can Noori learn to accept his new role?

The Sheikh and the Servant takes us on Noori’s journey from slave to servant and finally to esteemed lover and friend. Noori carried a heavy burden that forced him into becoming a pleasure slave. This wasn’t an ideal situation but he hoped to capture a fair master’s attention and move forward. I couldn’t help but respect Noori and admire his spunk. He didn’t sit and wallow in self-pity, but persevered. Those around him saw the true beauty in Noori, through his kind heart, gentleness with children, and patience even at the most frustrating of moments. At times, watching him interact with the Sheikh was like watching an old married couple, thanks to Noori’s ability to identify the Sheikh’s needs. Sonja Spencer has written a wonderful story with a solid plot, fascinating characters and stunning setting. I love her books more and more with each new story, and recommend The Sheikh and the Servant to those who enjoy gay historical romances.

Another Dream

Title: Another Dream
Author: Addison Albright
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-754-1
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Larry Travis is a painfully shy man without any sexual experience, but does have great writing skills and a vivid imagination, which allows him to make his living writing popular erotic books. When he moves into his new apartment complex, he meets an outgoing carpenter Marty, who lives across the hall. Larry watches him from a distance, too shy to say little more than hi when their paths cross, so when Marty asks him to go dancing at a local club, he’s apprehensive but thrilled. Marty is just the man Larry needs to draw him out of his introverted shell. The new lovers begin a whirlwind courtship that takes the men on a cross-country road trip. For Larry, it’s a chance for an ordinary family visit but for Marty, it’s much more. It’s the opportunity to see his remaining family for the first time in twenty years.

Despite how well the two get along and the phenomenal sex, Larry is still insecure with his new, first-time relationship. Marty doesn’t want to push Larry into anything he’s not ready for, but he’s been waiting for the right man to come along for twenty years, and he’s ready to settle down. Can these two dissimilar men make their dreams a reality or will their differences and Larry’s insecurities keep them apart?

Another Dream by author Addison Albright is a sweet and tender story of two dissimilar men, both looking for someone to call their own. Larry is shy, quiet, uncertain and insecure while Marty is protective, caring, confident and tired of quick meaningless hook-ups. Ms. Albright does a wonderful job describing the personalities of these two lovers, and watching Marty encourage and guide Larry out of his self-imposed shell, a joy. The characters are charming, the situations realistic and the dialogue filled with humor and sensitivity. The story rounds out nicely with the addition of several family members, and two good friends, Ray and Ronald.

Reunion

Title: Reunion
Author: Carol Lynne
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-1-907010-46-0
Genre: Contemporary {M/M} and Bisexual Ménage and more
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Gabe Whitlock has spent over a decade trying to locate his mother and discover the reasons behind her abandoning him as a young child. Though his search has been fruitless, someone else’s search has led to one of his closest friends. Gabe gains answers from a relative he didn’t know existed while aspects of his life begin to spin out of control. He will need the help of his former team members and their significant others to solve the mystery behind his mother’s disappearance.

Carol Lynne’s Reunion takes us back to the Triple Spur and the characters we’ve all come to love from the Men In Love series. Gabe drew on so many of my emotions in this installment. I looked back over the years I’ve enjoyed with my parents and couldn’t imagine being so young and left behind. However, thanks to the strength of his partners and friends, he didn’t suffer alone. As always, the former SEALs rallied behind one another. Reunion contains a host of information including the introduction of more than one potential couple, which is definitely good news to those of us who have fallen in love with the series. The introduction of new characters should help us gain a few stories to keep us sated, while we keep up-to-date on the initial characters that made this series a hit. Carol Lynne adds touches of suspense to this fast-paced story and mixes it with mouth-watering erotic encounters only these characters can create. I found Reunion to be an entertaining teaser that has me more than ready for the next episode.

Under His Protection

Title: Under His Protection
Author: Denise A. Agnew
Publisher: Liquid Silver
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-548-0
Genre: Suspense, {M/F}
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Olivia Scott is in Gold Rush due to a Librarian Exchange Program. One night, she is taken hostage at the library while Trey MacGilvary happened to be there. Trey is a SWAT sniper that likes his relationships easy and uncomplicated.

Olivia and Trey realize they have a stalker that is threatening Olivia and both Trey’s mothers. Trey and his brothers are at a loss about who it might be, but know it could be anyone that Trey arrested or had dealings with during his time as a deputy.

Under His Protection is a very intense suspense story. Not only does Olivia blossom during the time she and Trey are together, Trey starts having to re-evaluate his feelings about relationships. After several attempts on Olivia’s life, Trey realizes he can’t let her go. Several chapters into this book, you will find that you won’t want to put this down.

Not Yeti!

Title: Not Yeti!
Author: Celia Kyle
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-270-8
Genre: {M/F} Paranormal, Shapeshifters
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Parenthood has Sela and Yosi by the tail and refuses to let go. Even though their five-year old twins are more than a handful, the couple couldn’t imagine life without them. However, that doesn’t stop Sela from wishing she could enjoy her husband as she had in simpler times. She misses the lustful erotic moments capable of creating screams of passion loud enough to shatter a few glasses. Will Yosi and Sela discover how to balance their roles as parent and spouse?

Celia Kyle brings Sela and Yosi back once again in Not Yeti! The story adds a balance of reality and fantasy that makes their characters real and personable. The problems Sela and Yosi stumble upon are the types parents encounter on a daily basis. It was easy to understand the frustration felt by both. Sometimes we forget how important our mates are, and need a reminder of how precious their love is and how much they complete our lives. I enjoyed this latest installment of the Yeti series and hope Celia plans to write stories that contain Yosi’s siblings.

Hero in Me

Title: Hero in Me
Author: JB McDonald
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Erotic
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

You can take the badge from the officer, but you can never take the officer out of the man. Zachary Lyons still has the instincts he fine-tuned as a police officer. The mutual attraction to a bar patron has Zach paying close attention to their surroundings, and something isn’t quite right. Zach intercepts the threat to Will and gives him the support and safety he needs.

Will Rawn wants Zach, there’s no doubt about it. Yes, Zach helped him, but beyond that, Will sees a sexy unattached man he could spend time with and enjoy. Zach doesn’t want someone with a hero complex, and Will doesn’t want a man who is tarnished by the first impression.

JB McDonald introduces us to Will and Zach in Hero in Me. Zach knows why his career as an officer is over and accepts the blame. He’s not throwing a pity party, but his desire to help is still part of his general makeup. Will has dealt with being a victim in different situations, but has learned to bounce back and move forward with life. He doesn’t allow people to control his mindset, or make him scared of his own shadow. You may kick Will, but he’s too strong to stay down. I loved this about his character. He knew what he wanted and devil-be-damned, he was going to get it. Zach and Will make a great couple. Zach’s edginess is nothing compared to Will’s ability to take charge. JB McDonald delivers a well-written story about the hard lessons we endure, and not allowing circumstances to dictate your life. The one message I could say I got from this story is seize the day because tomorrow isn’t promised.

Deadly Dreams

Title: Deadly Dreams
Author: Victor J. Banis
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60820-039-9
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Suspense/Mystery
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

A mysterious stranger is dogging Stanley’s footsteps, or at least he thinks so. He keeps seeing a flash of movement or feels someone watching him, nearly every time he turns around. It’s only after the death of Stanley’s father, when a member of Homeland Security approaches him that he learns the family secret. He has an older brother, Andrew, who Stanley didn’t know about, and he’s a terrorist and killer. To make matters worse, Tom caught a brief glimpse of Andrew’s face at the funeral of his and Stanley’s father. Andrew can’t allow anyone to identify his face and that means Tom has to die.

Deadly Dreams is the third release in the mystery/suspense series Deadly Mystery by author Victor J. Banis. This one starts in a new direction I didn’t expect. In order to be more open about their relationship, Stanley and Tom have both left the police department and opened a detective agency together. This shift in the men’s occupation allows Mr. Banis a vast number of possibilities for future releases, which makes this reader very happy.

Of the three books in the series, Deadly Dreams has, by far, the most complicated plot to date with a newly discovered relative, Homeland Security, lies, a family death, fear, uncertainty and passion. It has so many interesting components that it almost demands you to read the next page. Andrew is a unique, cold and calculating character and despite his strange, stalker-like obsession with his brother, he’s not above killing the man Stanley loves to protect his identity. The history Mr. Banis created for Stanley’s parents and his brother was brilliant from start to finish, making me feel just the tiniest bit sorry for Andrew - just the teeniest, tiniest bit.

Tom really shines in this newest release. Despite his continuing confusion on why Stanley is the one and only male he’s ever been attracted to, Tom’s willing to turn his life upside down to be with him. For a man who doesn’t know how he feels, everything Tom does shouts of commitment. He quits a job he loves, moves in with Stanley and partners with his lover in a new detective agency. Then when Andrew uses his brother as a lure, Tom walks into the lion’s den to rescue his Stanley…again, putting his own life in jeopardy.

Stanley seems to have his head in the clouds more than usual. He knows his brother is a killer but still can’t stop his desire to meet and speak with him. That desire puts both his and Tom’s life in danger, and had me wanting to slap him upside the head. At the end of the story, which I won’t reveal, Stanley’s forced to take a good look at himself and his actions, and he’s not happy with the selfishness he sees. The ending is a bit of a surprise…in both good and bad ways, cementing the love and commitment between our two rather confused men, making for an enjoyable read with a compelling storyline.

Temptation & Treachery

Title: Temptation & Treachery
Author: Isabel Roman
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Publisher URL: http://www.ravenousromance.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60777-109-8
Genre: {M/F}, Historical, Occult
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

A Magicker herself, Lady Isadore Harrington is on her way to America to take over the work of her brother and friend Malcolm, in helping the less fortunate live free of persecutors of magic. Her area of Magick is vision seer and while on the ship during the trip, she has several violent visions involving strangers. In one particular vision, she sees the face of a man she knows, James Blackthorne, and wonders what it means for them.

James Blackthorne, head of the Council of Magickers, and frustrated because he is tired of being at everyone’s beck and call. He’s lacking sleep to keep up with the troubles since his cousin, who is a master magicker, has married and left for England. When he sees Isadore walking off the ship, his body reacts to her even before he can speak or touch her, and that is not what he expected. Now that he had determined that there is nothing to stop him from making Isadore his, he uses all his experiences to get her.

Temptation and Treachery is the fourth book in The Dark Desires of the Druids series and I found myself wondering how this story would unfold. I was surprised by the fact that there was more than one villain and of how much loyalty the council Magickers lacked. There is an immediate attraction between James and Isadore that blossoms from the very beginning of their relationship. Their lives are in danger before they realized the truth of who is behind it but it didn’t stop them from helping those that needed them.

Isabel Roman has done a wonderful job telling of the treachery by the characters that felt they needed the control. There is a joint effort of council to staunch the problems that arose so they could try to live peacefully. I am hopeful that this is not the last in this series, and I am looking forward to other books written by this author.

Defining Right

Title: Defining Right
Author: Kara Larson
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: # 978-1-60370-758-9
Genre: {M/M} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Cipher Prose Nymph

It’s hard enough that Amiri has grown up in a bad part of town. But even his unruly siblings, neighbors and crime-happy uncles don’t bring shame upon themselves as fast and hard as Amiri does when his mother catches him in a threesome with two other boys.

When his parents send him off to live with his Aunt, Amiri’s journey of truly understanding who he is begins. Strangely and surprisingly, he finds that his Auntie supports him where no one ever has and insists he must live his life as it will make him happy.

I found Defining Right a fast-paced, struggled journey of homosexuality. I feel that it shows that not only do people who prefer the same sex suffer the same trials and tribulations as people who prefer the opposite sex, but the constraints that society still places upon such preference.

I like the way the story gave several examples of why those who have different views and beliefs from others should not judge the others harshly, and may actually lose out on some important things in life. Defining Right was, overall, an enjoyable read with insight to the way historical society’s harsh views of homosexuality differ very little from today’s views.

Fur and Fang

Title: Fur and Fang
Author: Sean Michael and BA Tortuga
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-700-8
Genre: {M/M} Gay Erotic, Paranormal
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Law of the Jungle – Sean Michael – 5 Nymphs
Captain Marco has one true passion, sinking His Majesty’s naval ships. The pleasure from revenge pales in comparison to the gift his crew presents. It is more beautiful and deadly than he could have ever dreamed of encountering. Marco’s new emerald-eyed cat has enthralled him and stolen his heart. When Abrigo shows Marco his human form, the Captain knows there is nothing he wouldn’t do for to protect his mate.

Snake Oil – BA Tortuga – 5 Nymphs
The loss of Haskell’s mate, Truett, has left the drifter lonely. When Haskell encounters a traveling show, he doesn’t know what to make of the owner’s claims. Haskell soon discovers that his mate is alive. Truett has dreamed of his lover and has had little desire to be human again. Haskell will prove the true power of love, as he fights to help Truett regain his freedom.

The Lost Tiger – Sean Michael – 5 Nymphs
Greyson believes in helping strays. His kind heart may not be to the liking of the man he’s dating but to Torao, it’s equivalent to the rising sun after a hard rain. Tired and hungry, Torao has escaped his Keeper and left the only life he knows, but life in a cage is not an option. Can Greyson protect the beautiful were-tiger he now knows is his mate?

Alpha – BA Tortuga – 5 Nymphs
Cage is a lone wolf who has fought for the right of his new den. When he encounters Roman, a wolf claiming the rights to the cabin, Cage is unsure of what to do but he won’t give up without a fight. Roman’s absence was longer than he anticipated, but he’s willing to share the cabin as long as Cage understands whose alpha in their small pack. A misunderstanding could tear apart their pack, and danger is waiting for a silent attack. Will Roman figure it out before it’s too late? Will Cage ever truly trust the alpha?

Fur and Fang is an anthology you won’t want to miss. Each story contains suspense, danger, erotic encounters hot enough to steam the windows. The characters, plots and settings engulf your senses and take you over from the first line. I truly couldn’t pick a favorite among these stories, and both authors are on my must-read list. If I had to pick a favorite character, I would say Greyson because of his selflessness. I have a love of shifters and I was in overload by the time I finished reading Alpha. I’m hoping BA Tortuga and Sean Michael team up again and bring us more Fur and Fang anthologies in the near future.

Wranglers: Discovery

Title: Wranglers: Discovery
Author: Vivien Dean
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-549-2
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Derek Rossi is an up-and-coming young attorney in one of San Francisco’s prominent firms and he’s not used to having another lawyer get the better of him. That makes losing an important case to rival Sam Kimball a bitter pill to swallow. The two men have been arguing in the courtroom for two months, and Derek is angry, annoyed and frustrated with the friendly Texan. When Sam unexpectedly drops into his office with the intention of sharing a few drinks, Derek’s certain the cocky man has an ulterior motive. And he’d be right, which he discovers when Sam surprises him with a heated kiss. Derek doesn’t know what to think so he pushes Sam away, yet he soon learns that not seeing Sam isn’t the answer either. He can’t stop thinking of the “sex on legs” and the memory of the kiss is driving him crazy.

Wranglers: Discovery is the first release in a new series by author Vivien Dean. It’s short in nature at 17K, but there’s lot of tension, passion and personal conflict packed within its pages. Both Derek and Sam are dedicated professionals, and rivals, which makes for some interesting opening scenes. Ms. Dean does a very nice job showing Derek’s confusion and mistrust of Sam, as well as the passion and desire spiraling between the two men. Being rivals and lovers when you compete in any job can be difficult, so when it’s high profile and in a public forum, it’s even more so and the author expresses this well. The entire story is tightly constructed and realistic, with two characters that are interesting and likable. The ending left me with the question of what happens next, and I’m happy to say I get to find out with the next release, Voir Dire, coming in the fall.

Naughty Games - Double Dare

Title: Naughty Games - Double Dare
Author: Lena Matthews
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419923616
Genre: {M/F} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Paige Reyes did not want to be at the birthday party being given for an old college friend but was blackmailed into attending. What Paige really wanted was to give him a tongue lashing, and not think about her feelings for him any more. When the time comes for Shane to give out the gifts to his friends, Paige immediately takes off, after opening the bag with the keys to Shane’s cabin. He has to chase her down, and force her into a waiting limo, to talk.

Double Dare is the third book in Ms. Matthews’ Naughty Games series, and I found myself wondering how Shane was going to rectify his error in judgment with Paige. It is interesting to read about five people, who went through college together, and are still learning to accept the truth about each other. These two lovers go from arguing with each other, to very hot and heavy sex that leads to expressing the emotions that they’ve kept pinned up inside.

In this book, Ms. Matthews tells of a determination by the characters to continue a close bond that formed early on, the challenges they have had, and a desire to find true love. The story had me laughing at the stubbornness of both Shane and Paige, and both of them had the same wants without realizing it. This book can be read as a stand alone, but to get a better feel for the characters, you really must read all three.

Thursday’s Child

Title: Thursday’s Child
Author: Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935192-96-1
Genre: Fantasy/Gay {M/M}
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

Travis and Cembran (Children of Bacchus) are living comfortable lives on their own land. Their love is as strong as ever, and they even have a trio of young satyr lovers who help them with everyday chores. A carnival rolls into town, so the group sets off for a night of fun. The fun takes a darker turn when they discover Vauk, a satyr held captive as a sort of sideshow freak. Horrified by the abuse Vauk endures, Cembran and Travis rescue him and he takes refuge on their land. It isn’t until a friend of theirs, Trent, comes along that Vauk slowly begins to reclaim the human side of his nature.

While Vauk and Trent forge a bond of friendship and love, Vauk’s past starts to catch up with him, threatening everything they hold dear.

Thursday’s Child is the wonderful sequel to Children of Bacchus. I greatly enjoyed revisiting Cembran and Travis, and their friends (Dovino, Phillip, and Jeremy) are a treat as well. My favorites, though, are Vauk and Trent. The (eventual) trust and love between them is beautiful to behold, and the devotion comes across perfectly.

As they are all satyrs, there is plenty of sex, but it never gets dull or repetitive. Throughout every moment, the love is clear and that drives them (as do their satyr natures).

If you enjoyed Children of Bacchus, you will love Thursday’s Child.