My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

Title: My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Author: Lynn Lorenz
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-602-4
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, BDSM (Light), Romantic Comedy, Interracial
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Charles loves the Wild West and cowboys, in general. If he could have arranged it, he would have been born wearing spurs and chaps. However, luck is on his side and he gets to dress the part for a costume party.

Simon can’t believe his luck. He has no qualms about being gay but he has never considered makeup and sequins part of his accessories. To attend a costume party is one thing; however to attend it in drag quite something else.

One look at the Asian man and Charles was hooked, so it only seemed appropriate to point Simon in the direction of an Indian princess costume. Will the fantasy end at the stroke of midnight?

Simon and Charles make a fun couple. From the banter to the erotic scenes, I enjoyed this story from the first paragraph. Their meeting had me chuckling and shaking my head. Nevertheless, one look in Simon’s big brown eyes and Charles was ready to stake his claim. Simon won me over immediately. He knew his limits and thank goodness, they weren’t hard lines drawn in the sand but flexible. He learned so much about himself in this story, and it was nice seeing him get in touch with a part he wasn’t previously aware of. Lynn Lorenz knows how to write a well-plotted story with fascinating characters. My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys is entertaining and well worth a read. Pick up a copy; you won’t be disappointed.

Kiss of Moonlight

Title: Kiss of Moonlight
Author: Stephanie Julian
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419925399
Genre: {M/F} Shapeshifter
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Tamra is hiding after a brutal rape and is trying to rebuild her defenses. Tamra sees what she thinks is a small half-grown dog in the woods several nights in a row. Tamra does not realize this dog is actually a werewolf and is the daughter of the man who is actually her mate.

Kyle is an assassin for the Etruscan werewolves for situations when killing is the only solution left. His daughter asks him to check on Tamra. He arrives at her cabin and realizes she is his mate and decides to return the next day with his daughter to introduce himself to her.

Kiss of Moonlight is an interesting look at a werewolf society that is quite different from other werewolf societies I am familiar with. Ms. Julian has a way with words as she describes the Etruscans, as well as some of the other paranormal races involved in her story. I was fascinated by some of this society’s complexity as it was slowly revealed,

The way Kyle is with Tamra is very telling of his feelings and you can understand Tamra’s angst as the story progresses. The twists in this story will keep you on your toes, as you read it. I am looking forward to the next story about a few of the secondary characters. This is one I will be reading again.

Human Nature

Title: Human Nature
Author: Cat Kane
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-628-9
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Gage has little use for humans. After decades of hiding from them, the only one to get beneath his armor is Randall. Gage loves Randall but refuses to acknowledge his true feelings. With the threat of hunter’s comes Dominic, a werewolf needing refuge, and an attraction that will overtake all three of the men’s senses and demand a lasting commitment.

Cat Kane’s release Human Nature is definitely going to keep you enthralled. I will admit, between the three characters, Dominic drew me into the storyline more. His inability to completely back down and allow Gage to be the master of his territory kept the story interesting. Randall wore his heart on his sleeve, and I believe he was a bit too much of a pushover for Gage. While it wasn’t ingrained in him to challenge Gage, for some reason I think Gage would have enjoyed the opportunity to put him firmly back in his place. The story takes place in a beautiful wooded area far enough from civilization to create a cocoon around the men. Cat Kane builds the romance in this story at a moderate pace, and adds a dash of action to keep the story flowing. I enjoyed reading Human Nature.

The Dickens with Love

Title: The Dickens with Love
Author: Josh Lanyon
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60504-837-6
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Life hasn’t been easy for once respected rare book hunter, James Winter, the last three years. Even though he wasn’t involved in the criminal activities of his boss, he’s lost everything important to him; his self-respect, his reputation and he’s days away from living in his car. When Mr. Stephanopoulos, a collector with a shady background, hires him to broker the purchase of a previously unknown book by Charles Dickens, it sounds like the answer to James’ financial woes.

James’ first problem is that the book is owned by Sedgwick Crisparkle, an English chemistry professor, and he’s been forbidden to reveal who the interested buyer is. Despite his client’s demand of anonymity, James sets out to accomplish his task, unaware of the roadblocks in his way. Not only is the book’s owner annoyingly cranky, he’s also a gorgeous hunk on the prowl. Even with James’ reputation, Sedgwick isn’t above mixing business and pleasure, at least until Sedgwick discovers who the unknown buyer is, and then all bets are off. James is threatened with financial ruin, and the possibility of never seeing the book or Sedgwick again.

The Dickens with Love is the newest release by talented author Josh Lanyon, and it’s another winner, this time one with a twisted holiday theme that’s sure to please. Whether you’re a lover of Christmas, Charles Dickens, or a well written and plotted romance, this gay contemporary fits the bill. Read and enjoy.

James and Sedgwick might both be gay and have obsessions with antique books, but that’s where the similarities between these two men end. They live on different continents, have different family backgrounds and professional lives, and financially are as far apart as the rich are from the poor. Despite these dissimilarities, the author has done a nice job bringing these two men together and has done so with passion, creativity and realism. I admit it. I like these men…as individuals and together. As lovers, they fit together well, even if they have bouts of misunderstanding, anger and hurt and Mr. Lanyon crafts these emotions nicely and seamlessly interjects them into a premise that’s perfect for the holiday season. The anonymous buyer might not be an Ebenezer Scrooge, but he still fills the bill as a contemporary money-hungry villain.

City of Blood

Title: City of Blood
Author: A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-412-7
Genre: {M/M} Futuristic, Vampire
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

When Carden returned to Petra Jordan, he leaves everyone behind in Los Angles to deal with the destruction and mayhem his vengeance created. The trip also granted him an opportunity to reconnect with his father. The relationship takes a turn when his father Declen, King of the Vampires, learns how Carden has lived since that fateful day. Carden’s love for Rory is yet another sore spot, but one he isn’t willing to relinquish. Even with the knowledge of just how close he is to losing Rory, Carden returns to protect the man he loves. Is it too late, or can these two find a way to continue their relationship?

City of Blood is book three of the Blood Eclipse series. A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly add a new level to this well-plotted episode. I will admit, some of the new revelations shocked me and created a most fascinating read. The action, suspense and steamy erotic scenes had me on the edge of my seat.

Rory seems stronger in this segment of the series; he is more determined and unwilling to give up on the man he loves. Carden centers his thoughts on protecting Rory and is willing to do whatever is necessary to give secure his happiness. He is truly selfless at one point, and I couldn’t decide if I liked this side of him or not. I wanted to see him just snarl at the world and claim what was his. However, his new resolve worked well with the plot so who am I to complain. The story starts and ends at the same fast-pace, and the new characters are fascinating without taking over the tale. The ending had me pulling out my hair, because the suspense grew so rapidly I wasn’t ready to stop reading. Overall, I found the story compelling and believe those who have enjoyed the series will be as pleased with City of Blood as I am.