The Way You Say My Name

Title: The Way You Say My Name
Author: Sara Bell
Publisher: PD Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.pdpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-933720-57-9
Genre: {M/M} Gay, Drama, Romantic Suspense
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

It’s been two long years and Dillon Carver’s heart still bleeds, since he walked away from the love of his life, Jamie Walker. Jamie’s decision not to hide his sexuality left Dillon scrambling for cover. However, with two homophobic parents, Dillon knew he couldn’t come out or give them any reason to believe he was gay. In the process of protecting himself, he hurt his lover more than he ever wanted to.

Jamie knows Dillon was his one true love. He’s trying to move on with his life, but won’t allow anyone else to take residence in his heart, including his best friend Ben. Ben won’t force the issue, but he wants a commitment, something Dillon wasn’t able to offer. Ben wants Jamie, Jamie wants Dillon and Dillon wants a second chance.

Sara Bell turns a small town upside down in The Way You Say My Name. This is the second story in the Reed series. Dillon is your typical teen becoming a man. At eighteen, he knows his mind and heart and won’t allow anyone to stand in his way. His tenacity made me love him and forgive his treatment of Jamie. Jamie is the kind of person who finds a glass half-full and never half-empty. He has such a healing effect on those around him who are hurting. I could understand why Ben fell in love with Jamie, and why he would want a future with such a giving person.

The story’s small town setting is perfect for this unfolding drama. The non-chaotic setting allows you to focus on the characters and what’s going on in their environment. I’ll admit I was quite suspicious of a few characters. They loomed on the surface until I could gather more information to understand how they fit in this mystery. The characters are believable and the plot is well developed. The flow and smooth transitions will pull you into this story, even before the mystery has you putting on your Holmes hat. The Way You Say My Name was a fantastic suspenseful read with touches of humor and heart-wrenching moments that is sure to be enjoyed by lovers of the genre.

The Wedding Planner

Title: The Wedding Planner
Author: G.A. Hauser
Publisher: Torquere Books
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60370-787-9
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Jordon knows exactly what he wants in a spouse and believes he has found the perfect girl to marry. So what if things have been lacking in the sex department? They're both busy career people and sometimes going at it like bunnies just isn't going to happen. When Jordon meets his wedding planner though, he just can't keep his mind off sex. Unfortunately, his fiancé is not the one he's craving.

Tyler's made some mistakes as a youth that now haunt him as a man. Trying to get a foot into the modeling world, Tyler has to work as a wedding planner in order to pay the bills. When he meets Jordon and his fiancé, he has to work hard not to show how much he wants the man. Having to spend time with Jordon isn't easy, especially when the two start to become friends.

I loved Ms. Hauser's The Wedding Planner. While there is some angst to be found, the story really is a light-hearted look at two young men who can't help but fall in love. Jordon and Tyler are the types that will pull at the reader's heartstrings. They, each in their own way, are looking for the life they've always dreamed of having but, at times, is not what they get. As Ms. Hauser takes us on the journey of Jordon's self growth and Tyler's redemption, she does it in such a way that the reader will find their actions believable. Probably one of the things I enjoyed most about this story is the way the author let the characters relationship develop naturally rather than to just throw them into bed because they are attracted to each other. Full of zany secondary characters, a gay brother who tells his mother everything she never wanted to know about gay sex, a mother who knows what is best for her boys, a co-worker who can't keep his thoughts to himself and a fiancé who is only out for herself, The Wedding Planner is one story that will keep your interest until the last page.

The Wolves’ Submissive

Title: The Wolves’ Submissive
Author: Ava Rose Johnson
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-945-4
Genre: {M/F/M}, Historical, Shape-shifter, BDSM, Ménage
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Abigail is a human princess mated to two wolves. She wants to be changed to a wolf but doesn’t understand why Caine and Stavros won’t change her. No one has talked to her about the fact that she must become their submissive first, due to the harm she could do if she is not controlled once she becomes a wolf.

Abigail discovers what she needs to do and sets out to convince Caine and Stavros that she can be what they need. Stavros understands that she is ready, but Caine still has doubts. Added to this drama, their society is getting ready for war.

The Wolves’ Submissive is a wonderful story of love and the willingness of each to truly be what they can be. Ms. Johnson writes beautifully of the BDSM lifestyle when it involves someone that is a beginner. She weaves a love story that will capture your imagination as Abigail adjusts to a new lifestyle and places you right there. Keep plenty of ice on hand and this is one for the bookshelf to be read again.

Nick Of Time

Title: Nick Of Time
Author: T. A. Chase
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-567-6
Genre: {M/M} Vampire, Suspense
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Gryphon is an ancient vampire, who was captured and tortured by humans.

Nick is a human, who respects the paranormal world. Thrown into Gryphon’s cell close to dying, he is willing to sacrifice himself to save the vampire.

Nick’s natural curiosity and suspicion almost cost him his life when he refused to cooperate with the villain he first thought of as his lover. Because of his final noble deed to help Gryphon gain freedom, both men are saved from death. Drinking from Nick, Gryphon claims the human as his to love and protect, which unwittingly sets into motion a life-changing mission for Nick as well as his paranormal friends who refused to be left behind.

Nick Of Time is the second book in The Preternaturals series. The storyline is a well written fast paced erotic romantic thriller. Each chapter inserts a layer of intrigue and suspense, maintaining the reader’s interest from beginning to end. Nick and Gryphon are a compliment to each other, both having the same moral principles. The secondary characters, at times, have teasing attitudes that works as a tension reliever. Also the characters from the first book Allergies makes an emergence as supportive characters to Nick’s mission. The detailed love scenes are incredibly sensuous. T. A. Chase’s creative Nick Of Time is an exciting and superbly pleasurable installment of this amazing series. I can scarcely wait for the next addition.

Paranormal Payload

Title: Paranormal Payload
Author: Mandy M. Roth
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60504-615-0
Genre: {M/F} SciFi-Futuristic/Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Long ago when individuals with paranormal abilities were discovered, the Commission succeeded in relocating them to other planets. The supernaturals not only survived in their new homes in deep space, they and their descendants thrived, increasing their abilities through countless generations of interbreeding with other powerful races.

Commission Captain Sevan Vasil doesn’t think he’ll ever have a wife and family of his own since he carried a small amount of lion-shifter DNA in his system. That hasn’t stopped him from dreaming of a beautiful raven-haired beauty for six months, of claiming her as his mate in his dream. When his ship’s severely damaged and he’s forced to seek asylum, Sevan’s shocked to discover the woman he loves is very real and just as beautiful as in his dreams.

Lorelei is uneasy with letting Sevan land his ship on her planet, but deny him the chance to repair his damaged ship. The man’s gorgeous, dominating and more than a little cocky, and everything she ever wanted in a mate. Except danger is all around Lorelei and her people, and she needs to get Sevan’s ship and crew off-planet before their enemy, Stegian, a dangerous vampire-sorcerer, awakes.

Paranormal Payload is the first book in the Project Exorcism series by Mandy M. Roth. It’s been previously published and has been revised for this new release.

This is the first book of Ms. Roth that I’ve had the pleasure of reading and I’m happy to say she did a great job integrating the sci-fi and paranormal aspects of this story. The world building is nicely developed, the background information seamlessly placed within the complicated story, all the characters are fascinating, it has a great villain, and the sex between Lorelei and Sevan is hot, hot, hot.

There’s a little of everything in this book, and will appeal to lovers of both sci-fi and paranormal genres. It’s a great introduction to the series, leaving plenty of unanswered questions to be covered in following releases. Look for Force of Attraction, coming soon.

The Gypsy Legacy: The Earl

Title: The Gypsy Legacy: The Earl
Author: Denise Patrick
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-644-0
Genre: {M/F} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

During one summer in a gypsy camp, Lady Amanda Cookeson was given into her care a panther statuette, until her true love came along to claim it. What the gypsy told her is that her gypsy prince would be able to identify it upon seeing it. Jon Kenton is that man and Amanda has never forgotten the promise given to her by the gypsy woman.

Jon Kenton, Earl of Wynton, stood on the sidelines while the telling of the future come true for his family by his great-grandmother and found he didn’t want the same thing. Because of his deep hurt, he refuses to accept the fate of true love. His remembrance of Amanda, from years ago, didn’t surface until after he accidentally heard about the statuette.

The Gypsy Legacy: The Earl is the third book in The Gypsy Legacy series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first two. It was very interesting to learn about Jon’s special abilities with healing herbs, taught to him by his great-grandmother. These two characters are perfect for each other from the beginning, and they are able to over come the past to move on to the future.

Denise Patrick has written of what life could be like from a gypsy’s view point. There is so much talent from the women that went into the designs of each of the rooms in the homes, and the fabrics used were beautifully described. This is a truly happily ever after story told beautifully by Ms. Patrick, and I would love to read more.

Tabloid Star

Title: Tabloid Star
Author: T.A. Chase
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com
ISBN: 978-1-60504-662-4
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Ryan wants one night to just be an ordinary person, able to go to a bar and spend time with someone who interests him. When he goes out with an old friend, he meets Josh and soon Ryan wants all kinds of things.

Josh doesn't have time for anything but the occasional one night stand. Working three jobs leaves him little time for himself yet after one night with the sexy Ryan, Josh is wondering if maybe things need to change.

T.A Chase's Tabloid Star gives the reader a glimpse of the not-so-glamorous side of stardom. When sexy up-and-coming Ryan meets bad boy Josh and a picture of them in a compromising position ends up in the rag sheets, both their worlds come crashing in on them. By having Ryan and Josh doubt the motives of the other, the author has made the story even more believable. As the two work to trust each other and find out who is taking pictures of Ryan, we see not only how their feelings grow but also how well they fit together. Cameo appearances from former TA. Chase characters add a layer of richness to an already wonderful story.

Submissive With Benefits

Title: Submissive With Benefits
Author: Reese Gabriel
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419923692
Genre: BDSM
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Royce keeps running off men who come on to Anabel. She has secretly wanted him but is afraid to ruin their friendship. Even though she suspects he is a Dom, Anabel has been having fantasies and Royce is the star.

Royce is afraid that if he goes after Anabel, she will run screaming from him and ruin their friendship to boot. Anabel’s boss gives some advice to Anabel to make Royce go after Anabel.

Submissive With Benefits is a very intense relationship story with a very big side of submission. The author puts you right into the middle of Royce and Anabel’s relationship which held my interest throughout the story. I recommend you keep plenty of ice on hand because you will need it, once the two get together.

Out Of The Blue

Title: Out Of The Blue
Author: Josh Lanyon
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-578-7
Genre: {M/M} Military Historical
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

It’s 1916 and the world is at war. Thousands of soldiers are fighting in the trenches of France, and hundreds of British and German pilots are battling to the death in the air over the once fertile fields below. The strain of living on the edge of death, hoping to survive while watching friends and comrades die, leads to tension, poor choices and more than a little reckless behavior. When a piece of Captain Bat Bryant’s past is threatened with exposure, he lashes out in anger, fear and panic, accidentally killing the man trying to blackmail him. What he doesn’t expect is for his actions to have been witnessed by another pilot; the huge and handsome Texan, Cowboy Cooper. Initially Bat doesn’t know what to expect from the other pilot, but it’s not long before he discovers Cowboy has his own reasons for agreeing to help.

I guess I can blame being a sucker for war stories on watching too many John Wayne movies while growing up so when I discovered Mr. Lanyon had written a novella set during “The Great War”, I was thrilled. I can honestly say I’ve never been disappointed with a book from this talented author, and Out of the Blue is no exception. It’s well written and plotted, filled with accurately portrayed historical details and has an exciting, realistic premise. All the characters, especially Bat and Cowboy, are vividly described, and the action, both on the ground and in the air, sucks you into the story from the very first sentence.

Cowboy didn’t start out as a likable man; he saw what he wanted, in this case, Bat, and he was willing to do just about anything to get it. It wasn’t long though before Mr. Lanyon’s portrayal of the huge Texan changes, showing Cowboy to be caring, tender and protective. I initially found Bat to be a little confusing. For a military pilot and the captain who was the glue holding the squadron together, he tended to be a little uncertain and over-emotional. Yet, his attitude and unrest was understandable, considering recent events. These two couldn’t be more dissimilar in personal backgrounds, but it’s not long before their desire to defeat the Germans and to find solace in each other’s arms, pulls the men together.

It’s a story that shows the fragility of life and the depictions of the new, young, naïve pilots who often didn’t make it past their first flight, sad and depressing. In truth, there’s a lot about this story that pulls at the heartstrings…the pilots depression, the fear, confusion, the suicidal flights in bad weather, and the deaths of comrades each time the squadron takes off. All these added with Cowboy, Bat and their new relationship makes this historical M/M book not to be missed.

Kansas City Shuffle

Title: Kansas City Shuffle
Author: Talya Bosco
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-993-5
Genre: {M/F/M} Full-figured heroine, Shape-shifter Paranormal Ménage
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Larissa is a plus-sized accountant who is about have a once in a lifetime experience by going on three dates with cover models. Unfortunately, the dates don’t turn out the way she expects and Larissa’s hopes of man candy come to a halt. She then meets a suave stranger who asks Larissa out on a date. The chemistry is strong and Larissa is overjoyed with Jared. Just as Larissa is thanking her lucky stars, another handsome hunk approaches her seeking a date. Never in a million years did Larissa expect to be so attracted to two men at once. What was a girl to do?

Jared and Devon are Alpha werewolf shifters, who are being forced to pick their mate. Though they aren’t happy about the situation, once they meet Larissa, they decide to go along with the plans. Neither Jared nor Devon could deny that she is the one for them. Convincing her that it’s perfectly natural to desire them both is going to be a walk in the park, in comparison to telling Larissa they’re werewolves and explaining the truth about the contest. The longer the shifters spend in Larissa’s embrace, the more they realize they will gladly face pack banishment if it will stop the turmoil she is enduring because of their lies. Nothing can encumber Jared and Devon’s love for Larissa, not even Larissa herself.

Talya Bosco turned an average woman, with a humdrum life into a spontaneous siren and I was jealous. Larissa’s character is an ideal blend of strength and vulnerability, which makes her easy to identify with and even easier to like. Every woman has moments of self doubt, but I was glad that Larissa didn’t wallow in those moments. I think she acted realistically to each loop she was thrown for. Initially I was riled from the way the men entered Larissa’s life. Once I realized the depth of their connection and love, I couldn’t be angry at Jared or Devon. They were pawns as much as Larissa and I was thrilled to see them all win at the game of love. Kansas City Shuffle shows what can happen when you open your mind and your heart to the possibilities of destiny. Magnetic shifters plus mind blowing sex equals one sensational story.

His Convenient Husband

Title: His Convenient Husband
Author: J. L. Langley
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-749-2
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Tucker Delaney is a take-charge man who is very protective of those he loves. Raised on the Bar D Ranch in Texas, Tucker moves to Dallas to become a businessman.

Micah Jiminez, ranch manager and the undeclared love interest of Tucker, was orphaned as a child and brought to the ranch, where he was raised and nurtured by the Delaney family and treated like one of their own.

The impending death of the head of the Delaney family brings a disagreeable relative to the ranch, threatening Micah and the rest of the family. Sick with worry, Micah must swallow his pride and convince Tucker to come home. Quickly grasping the circumstances his family is in, Tucker comes up with an ideal solution to the problems by talking Micah into a marriage of convenience.

His Convenient Husband, Book one of the Innamorati series, is a well-paced romance with a developed storyline that builds from the background to intriguing revelations as well as the emotional interactions of the in depth characters. J. L. Langley has created an exceptional feel-good happily-ever-after saga that I enjoyed immensely.

Fire and Ice

Title: Fire and Ice
Author: A.J. Llewellyn & Stephani Hecht
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: www.extasybooks.net

ISBN: 978-1-55487-343-2
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Cristiano's return to the boxing ring was only supposed to help him earn a few dollars, something the struggling student desperately needs. What he doesn't expect is that sparing with the boxing world's newest golden boy would lead to hot sex or being dumped the next day. Things start changing for Cristiano after he meets Alex and soon Cristiano realizes just what he has been missing.

Alex needs to return to the ice, what he doesn't need is to be mixed up in the plans his manager has for him. He also doesn't expect to fall hopelessly head over heels for Cristiano.

Fire and Ice is A.J. Llewellyn's latest collaboration, this time with author Stephani Hecht. Set in the sports world, the authors bring us two heroes. Cristiano, a hard working boxer struggling to make ends meet as he goes to school with the hope of one day leaving the boxing world behind, and Alex, a hockey player returning to the ice after an accident almost killed him. While the two come from completely different worlds, the attraction between them is strong. The authors make this the focus of their story rather than the sport that each man works in. With rich secondary characters peppering the tale, A.J. Llewellyn and Stephani Hecht keep the story flowing smoothly. I will be reading this one again.

Deadly Slumber

Title: Deadly Slumber
Author: Victor J. Banis
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60820-091-7
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Mystery
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

The House of the Dead, more commonly known as Bartholomew’s Mortuary, is a structural monstrosity and its owners have catered to the local gay community for years. The numerous funeral directors are all drop-dead gorgeous and perpetually horny, always willing to provide whatever physical comfort a bereaved loved one might need. After a number of unusual events occur at the facility, the temporary manager hires Stanley and Tom to discover the identity of a troublesome mischief-maker. But, it’s not long before they find themselves tracking a missing woman and hunting a killer. There are coffins, slumber rooms, visitations, and more suspects than you can shake a dead body at and if they don’t discover the killer’s identity, Stanley might wind up being the next victim.

Deadly Slumber is the fourth release in the Deadly Mystery series by author Victor J. Banis, and it begins a few weeks after the last book left off. It's another well written and plotted mystery with a unique but realistic premise that grabs your attention and doesn't let go until you reach the end, with great characters in the guise of Stanley and Tom. Life hasn’t been easy for these two lovers and much has happened in previous books to mold and solidify their partnership. That being said, it is my recommendation that the books be read in order.

There’s a lot going on in this story. It would have been easy for the author to have gotten bogged down, but Mr. Banis uses great finesse in keeping the story and characters on track and the plot flowing. The emotions of Stanley and Tom have changed a great deal, since they first became involved; this is especially true after the events in Deadly Dreams, leaving them unsettled and a bit broken. I guess that made me a little unsettled, too. I admit Tom wasn’t my favorite at the beginning of the series but the man’s definitely grown on me and finding him upset, despondent and reclusive was a bit of a shock. As was Stanley’s withdrawal, distraction, and confusion. Watching the men work through their individual personal issues and relationship problems was painful and emotionally wrenching, but it was handled with sensitivity. The love, concern, and care between Stanley and Tom are still present, and the sex is still as smoking hot as ever.

There are actually two themes contained within Deadly Slumber. The healing partnership of Stanley and Tom and the strange mysteries contained within the hallowed halls of Bartholomew’s Mortuary. Honestly, I can’t really say which of the two parts is my favorite. Both are equally well crafted, and Mr. Banis did an excellent job pulling the two parts into the whole, without either appearing slighted, but it’s heavily weighted on the side of the mystery. This reader is looking forward to the next book following the lives of these two interesting men. Read it and enjoy.

Deceived

Title: Deceived
Author: Lexie Davis
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-1-907010-68-2
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Suspense
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Matthew Vaughn spent years as a dedicated cop. Being imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit hurt almost as much as Matt’s lover, and former partner’s, reaction to the verdict. Two years later, Matt is tired of being behind bars and he wants answers. He misses his freedom, his job and his lover, Shayne Lewis.

Believing Matt is guilty has been difficult for Shayne. The man he loves could never commit such a crime, but the evidence was irrefutable. When Matt shows up seeking help, Shayne has to decide if he wants to help the man he still loves or uphold his position as a police officer.

Deceived is a well-written suspenseful story about a police officer who had his life snatched away from him. I couldn’t imagine spending time behind bars and yet, that’s just what Matt had to do. The psychological damage done to Matt was more dealing with the betrayal of those closest to him, by not standing by his side, than the treatment the former officer received in prison. If you enjoy contemporary M/M police stories then you should read Deceived.

Wild Thing

Title: Wild Thing
Author: Lena Austin
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-273-9
Genre: {M/M} Shapeshifters
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Dr. Lee Porter, a professor of geology returns to his family’s homestead outside of Yellowstone Park, Colorado before beginning his new job. Recurring episodes of black-outs prompted his career change and move. While making an inspection of his property, Lee finds an almost wild-looking naked man sick with fever in the barn. Lee soon discovers the man’s name is Will. They have a mutual magnetism but Will is much more than Lee thinks, which Lee will soon discover.

Wild Thing is book two in the Coyotes of Yellowstone series. Meeting Will opens Lee’s intellect into a realism that he had never thought of before and it is Will that understands what really ails Lee. The creative genius of Lena Austin’s characters continues in this well written, fascinating and humorous installment. This is a splendid story that I enjoyed immensely.

Best Vacation That Never Was

Title: Best Vacation That Never Was
Author: Lynn Lorenz
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com/

ISBN: 978-1-59632-998-0
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Troy Hastings is packed; ready to go and only hours away from his dream cruise vacation when his life goes up in smoke, literally. As a result, he loses everything he owns and the fire department has to rescue him from the ledge outside his fiery bathroom, wearing only a damp towel. To make matters worse, he’s alone and has nowhere to go, since all his friends have already left on the cruise. Coming to his rescue is hunky young firefighter Jason Cooper, who wants to help him get his life in order. He offers Troy a place to stay until his friends get back into town.

That means Jason has seven days to woo Troy by giving him the wonderful vacation he’s missing, and to convince him that his favorite firefighter is the man he’s been waiting for his entire life. The two spend their fun time jet skiing, parasailing, and having the best sex of their lives, and even play at a little light bondage. The question is whether at the end of the week. Troy will find a new apartment and leave Jason behind, or will he take a leap of faith and stay.

Best Vacation That Never Was is another fun and lively read by talented, multi-published author, Lynn Lorenz. The story starts with a bang, or maybe I should say a raging inferno, giving the story an unusual and unexpected dramatic twist for a contemporary romance. The scenes describing Troy, his reactions while trapped, the fire and his rescue are wonderfully crafted; realistic, vivid and action packed, drawing the reader into the story, demanding they read on.

While their life experiences and jobs are vastly different, as are their ages, at heart Troy and Jason are just what the other is looking for. If they can get past a few misunderstandings, and a lot of mutual unease, they had a chance at a future together and this is where Ms. Lorenz excelled. Their happiness in the newness of their growing relationship is nicely balanced with the uncertainty each feels when they open their hearts to potential pain and rejection.

The sex between these two men is sizzling hot and there’s lot of it, but it never overwhelms the emotional aspects of the story, or the fun Troy and Jason have just sharing a day together. The daytrip scenes are great, and I loved how Jason courted Troy with the over-the-top vacation he missed because of the fire. This is an enjoyable book; just perfect for an afternoon read.

The Gypsy Legacy: The Marquis

Title: The Gypsy Legacy: The Marquis
Author: Denise Patrick
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-59998-693-0
Genre: {M/F} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Jay Collings, the Marquis of Thanet, has returned to England after being away for years to complete a promise given to a gypsy for her help. He needs to find the mate to the necklace he has in his position, and marry this particular woman. What he discovers from the solicitor regarding his father’s will require a lot from him, and he realizes that he has to break his promise to inherit. When he arrives at his country home, Jay seeks out his two charges, Christina and her sister. After spending a full day with Christina, he knows that he wants her for his wife.

Lady Christina Kenton has the life of a pauper. She and her younger sister are living in the dowager house to escape the clutches of the steward. She has promised to marry her stepfather’s son or rather one of them….Jay and not listen to her great grandmother’s request that she find the mate to her necklace. Christina is trying to keep her emotions in check, as expected by women of quality, but she knows that Jay is causing her to forget everything.

The Gypsy Legacy: The Marquis is quite an intriguing story that leads you around the countryside, and is the first in the series. I found it very interesting how the villain was thinking only of his own well being, and considered murder an everyday thing. The fact that Jay and Christina didn’t trust each other really hindered their efforts to become truly husband and wife. There was always some incident to add to the tension they felt and it didn’t help matters that the villain hadn’t been apprehended. The secondary characters really add to the unfolding plot and a pleasant added distraction.

Denise Patrick had done a wonderful storytelling job that leads off with murder, gypsies, hatred, and beautifully fashioned clothing. I really loved Christina’s independence, and applauded her fearless and proficient handling of her pistols. It was kind of tricky how Ms. Patrick ended this story, because I just knew the villain would get away, and cause more problems for Jay and Christina. I loved every moment of reading it. I am looking forward to dive into the next book in The Gypsy Legacy series.

The Gypsy Legacy: The Duke

Title: The Gypsy Legacy: The Duke
Author: Denise Patrick
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-182-3
Genre: {M/F} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Brand Waring, heir to the Duke of Warringham, has returned home after being kidnapped as a child. He wants nothing more than to find out who was responsible for his and his brother’s abduction. When he finds himself gazing at his friend’s sister Felicia, with a longing he never thought he was capable of, he tries to suppress it. With the help of his business partner, Brand is able to bring closure to each situation that arises for him.

Felicia Collings is in her second season, and refusing marriage proposals comes easy for her. The ring that her great-grandmother left to her is what she is going by, and no man has yet spoken to her about it until Brand. When he kisses her, he causes Felicia to forget everything she needs to say, and Felicia doesn't want it to be that way. She is a crack shot, firebrand, spoiled by her family and determined to marry a duke.

The Gypsy Legacy: The Duke is the second book in the series and I have concluded that Ms. Patrick has outdone herself in storytelling. This book continues with telling of the lives of the siblings Jay, Christina, Jon, and Felicia. I loved the fact that everything that their great-grandmother taught or told them came to pass and she had a lot of faith in them to accept what she said. When Brand and Felicia got together, I knew there would be fireworks, and I was right! I found myself laughing, and wanting to shake the both of them a few times for their doubts. Now that the two of them have expressed their true feeling, they can get on with their lives.

I really enjoyed how Ms. Patrick unfolded the plot surrounding the kidnapping, and the deaths of so many people for revenge of one bitter person. The secondary characters, some of the older generation, were an added plus with their input and the controlling of the younger siblings. The descriptions of the fashions and scenic properties of each estate are beautiful, making them leap off the page. I now must read the next book to find out whom the last brother ends up with!

The Lost Books 1&2

Title: The Lost Books 1&2
Author: Evangeline Anderson
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-994-2
Genre: {M/M} LGBT Vampire Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

The Lost 1: Broken Vows - 4.5 Nymphs
Gabrielle is a vampire trying to atone for his sins. It would appear to be a wasted effort for someone without a soul but for the handsome vampire, it’s a necessary price to pay for the suffering he caused over the centuries. A chance meeting with young impressionable Daniel has Gabrielle questioning his vow. Daniel has limited sexual experience, and thinks it’s high time to discover if he is actually gay. Admiring the male form is one thing; enjoying said form in his bed is something entirely different. Will Gabrielle become his willing teacher in the art of loving another man?

The Lost 2: Blood Hustler - 4.5 Nymphs
James’ grief has taken up helm as his constant companion. He isn’t ready to seek another man to fill the void left by his dead lover, let alone someone to fill his bed for one night. However, his uncertainty begins to melt away slowly from the moment he meets Tad. Hustling for a living wasn’t Tad’s idea of the perfect occupation, but he does what he has to in order to survive. Their connection is instantaneous. Can James help Tad overcome his painful past?

Evangeline Anderson’s The Lost Books 1&2 takes us into the lives to two powerful vampires. Each confronts his desire for love and a mate to share their life. The vampires are similar in their general make up; strong, dominant, and protective. Gabrielle’s and James’ genuine compassion shines like a beacon and attracted me to the characters. Their counterparts are as different as night and day, and only share similar characteristics where it counts most. Daniel’s innocence is as appealing as Tad’s street sense, but it’s their acceptance of the vampires that tugged at my heart. Gabrielle and James both had difficulty masking their emotions. When you consider how old they are, the ability to crack that defense says a great deal about the power Daniel and Tad wield. The stories both have well defined plots, and settings that draw you in and demand your full attention. I found both stories fascinating and written with a passion I’ve come to associate with stories by Evangeline Anderson. I’ve never been disappointed with one of her books and The Lost Books 1&2 is no exception.

Combustion

Title: Combustion
Author: Denise A. Agnew
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-550-3
Genre: {M/F} Suspense
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Autumn MacAllister returns home to spend some time recovering from a knee injury, before getting back to the her job of smoke jumping. What she doesn’t realize is her life is about to change for the better….or worse? Now that she has gotten a place to live, and a job with the newspaper, she wants to get on with her life. When she finds out who it is attending her after an accident, none other than Jack Dillon. She is overwhelmed with his constant attention, and the fantasies he presents to her.

Firefighter Jack Dillon loves his job and only wants to continue to protect and serve his town. He goes about doing his duty, fighting fires and caring for the injured, to offset suppressed emotions he wants to completely forget. When he rescues Autumn from a car accident, he finally recognizes her from school and immediately, the feelings he had for her from before comes back in full force. His determination to protect her was never a question for him, and she felt the same way he did when it came to defending their honor.

After reading Combustion, I was overwhelmed by the memory of September 11th, and had to commiserate with the characters because of the loss of my parent at that same time. While I was reading this story, my mind kept wondering back to the fire that took the lives of Jack and Autumn’s parents, and why things turned out the way it did for them. This is an action packed story with fire being the main attraction, and the sex was just as combustible as the fires being fought. It was very interesting how the plot unfolded for me, and had me really thinking about the motives of the arsonist.

Denise A. Agnew has done a wonderful job of telling this story of the dangers that can happen to firefighters during a fire, and of what happened after September 11th. With so much emotional baggage from the past between them, I am surprised that Jack and Autumn were able to bond at all. The ending is action packed, and cleared up a lot of different questions I had. I loved every moment of reading this book and look forward to reading other books from Ms. Agnew.