Kelsey’s Present

Title: Kelsey’s Present
Author: D. J. Manly
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Holiday,
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

For a long time now, Des has taken care of his niece Kelsey, putting his own life on hold to raise her the best way he knows how. Des isn’t the kind of guy to be resentful; he adores Kelsey and tries hard to give her a normal childhood. This Christmas, Kelsey wants to put aside the artificial tree they usually put up in favor of a real one so Des takes her to pick one out. He knew it would make her happy but when Kelsey spies T.V. heartthrob Victor Moore, she’s absolutely ecstatic. Des is too blindsided by the attractive young star to see the wicked glint in Kelsey’s eye. It’s been a while but maybe, this year, Des will finally get what he wished for.

Kelsey’s Present is a festive, feel-good story with likable characters capturing me from the start. Reading about Des and Victor’s lives was thoroughly enjoyable and their interaction put a big smile on my face. Kelsey is a typical teenager, despite having suffered in the past; made all the more believable because of the dedication Des shows her. The plot did seem a little rushed and could perhaps have benefited from a little more development but that may just be greed on my part, as I really felt the spark between two great guys and could have read much more.

Tango in the Night

Title: Tango in the Night
Author: KC Kendricks
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-621-5
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

It’s been nearly a year since Agent Jubal Graham was shot multiple times and his life-partner of six years died before his eyes. During that time, he’s experienced a coma, almost lost his leg, has had one surgery after another and endured weeks of grueling physical therapy. He’s also planned and schemed on how to bring his lover’s killer to justice, no matter what the cost. When Juba returns to work, he expects to buckle down and catch a killer; he doesn’t expect blue-eyed Agent Ellis Banks, and his determination to become lovers.

Ellis moved to the Philadelphia office from Washington D.C. with the purpose of catching the individuals behind a deadly drug ring. A case connected to Jubal and his shooting. Ellis know all about the legendary Jubal and what happened to him and his lover and despite the differences in their ages and experiences, he’s determined to become the older agent’s lover. When the case begins to fall apart and Jubal’s life is again threatened, Ellis is willing to do anything to keep the man he loves safe.

Tango in the Night is the first release by author KC Kendricks that I’ve had the pleasure of reading and it won’t be my last. This well-plotted story is a tale of regret, recovery and new love in the midst of betrayal and danger, with a fast pace, smooth flow and seamless character integration. It has a great beginning and ending and unlike some books, it never lags in the middle; the story barreling forward, at times, at break-neck speed, as it races to the end.

I admit it. The thing that caught my attention first when I read the blurb was Jubal’s name. It’s unique, unusual and while I’ve heard of ‘real’ people with the name, I’ve never come across a literary character with the old-fashioned moniker.

The characters of Jubal and Ellis are perfect counterpoints, both professionally and personally, and despite the differences in their ages, they make a great couple with lots in common. And the sex ,when they finally get together, is blistering hot and passionate. Both men are determined, dedicated to their jobs and loyal to a fault, and the author has done an exceptional job bringing these two men to life. The same goes for understanding of what makes Jubal and Ellis tick. While I enjoyed the entire book, I truly appreciated the twist of who was the villain and how they dealt with him in the end. Read this one and enjoy. I know I did.

With This Ring

Title: With This Ring
Author: T. A. Chase
Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-856-7
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Josh and Ryan have had an eventful first year, not all of it good. Will the upcoming year be more of the same? Or will the changes be more than these two ever hoped for?

Fans of author T. A. Chase will remember Josh and Ryan from The Tabloid Star. Josh is a bartender who, while working one night, hooks up with Ryan; not realizing that the sexy man he just spent time with is Hollywood’s newest up and coming young star. While things do not go smoothly for the two, they do get the happily-ever-after that all of us have come to expect from this author.

In With This Ring the author gives his readers just a little more of these two sexy men. It is New Year’s Eve and a wedding is about to take place. As both men try to get a handle on their nerves, they, with the author’s help, give the readers a glimpse of the past several months, such as Josh’s first meeting with Ryan’s parents, or Ryan’s proposal to Josh, showing how the two have come to this point in their lives.

It is very easy to fall back into the world in which With This Ring takes place, as the author does a wonderful job bringing everything to life. This story, with its hot main characters and its many well known secondary characters, is just what fans of this author need as they anxiously await his next release.

Alone at Last

Title: Alone at Last
Author: Destiny Wallace
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Publisher URL: http://redrosepublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60435-600-7
Genre: {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial/Multicultural
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amethyst Nymph

Since the age of fifteen, Hope Brewer has been carrying a torch for her best friend’s fine brother. He is the only white guy she has ever been attracted to, physically and mentally. But over the years, James has never shown any interest in her other than as his little sister’s sidekick. Hope felt there was no way he would see her as a woman.

The night he dropped Hope off at her prom was the first time James noticed her with new eyes. Unfortunately, years after she becomes legal, Hope still seems polite but somewhat distant around him, so James never thought he stood a chance. When his match-making sister gets involved, James gets an unexpected opportunity to explore his suppressed feelings for Hope.

Alone at Last is one of the most adorable and ardent blossoming love stories I have read in a long time. My praise goes out to Destiny Wallace for painting such a vivid picture of Hope and James’ relationship over the years. At first, I was saddened by the time the couple wasted by not actually talking about their attraction for each other. But once the author showed me a more meaningful aspect to their relationship that went so far beyond sex and into true friendship, how could I be sad? Because of their history, Hope and James make a perfect couple. Everyone can relate to the bittersweet feelings of a high school crush. Watching Hope mature with her passion for James and discovering that he felt the same way made me want to high five somebody. This story is a wonderful reminder of how romantic real life can be.

Literary Nymphs would..........

like to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of our readers, authors, publishers and visitors!

May 2010 be a healthy happy and presperous New Year for us all!

Trial by Fire

Title: Trial by Fire
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-875-3
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Harry and his partner, Jack, have transferred from Homicide to Vice and both men hate it and the unwelcome changes it has brought to their lives. The stake-outs are dangerous, the drug dealers are too numerous to count and the late night shifts put Harry opposite of his lover Jason and their two best friends, Sammy and Peter. And to make matters worse, Harry and Jack can’t transfer to another department until eighteen months have elapsed.

The only thing that makes life bearable to Harry is Jason’s love and devotion and the two are counting the days until Harry can go back to Homicide. Disaster strikes when a drug ring stake-out goes bad, killing Jack and endangering Harry…physically and emotionally. With Jason supporting Harry while he heals, it falls to Sammy to hold everything else together and he’s wearing himself ragged, trying to help his friends and take care of Peter and the shop. When Sammy is ready to drop from exhaustion, it’s up to Peter to step in and take control, fulfilling the needs of his loving sub. It’s a case of friends standing firm in the face of potential devastation, because Harry might never be the same again.

Trial by Fire is the fourth and newest release in Sean Michael’s ongoing Between Friends series and it’s the most emotionally intense and painful book of the series, so far. With the change in work status, there’s a lot going on in Harry’s life, and it’s putting an emotional strain on him, and stress on his lover, Jason, and Mr. Michael’s description of this part of their life is spot on. The friendship between the Harry and Jason, and Sammy and Peter is just as strong and supportive as ever. In fact, Sammy really steps up and takes control when Jason needs him, putting his own health at risk.

What I didn’t expect was the rollercoaster ride of emotions with the suffering Harry underwent after the stake-out went bad. This portion of the story is where the author truly outdid himself. These scenes are heart wrenchingly painful, thoughtful, and well-written and shows the love and understanding both couple have for each other. I don’t know where the series is going with the next release, but I can’t wait to find out.

Daring to Dream

Title: Daring to Dream
Author: Grace Cox
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publisher URL: http://www.lyricalpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61650-087-0
Genre: {M/F} Erotica
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

Sarah is a nursing student who spends her time either studying or babysitting to earn extra money to help pay for tuition. Sarah’s a shy girl with an unhappy upbringing and finds it difficult forming meaningful relationships, especially with men. Although she might not have much experience with sex, that doesn’t stop her thinking about it and there’s one man in particular who is feeding her lusty thoughts on a regular basis.

Jason thought he had it all – a good career, married and a baby on the way. He had no idea just how badly things could go. Jason doesn’t ever want to open himself up to that sort of hurt again. He thought he was content to work hard to give his beautiful daughter everything he never had as a child. He didn’t have the time or the inclination to make a commitment to anyone else in his life so why is it he just can’t put Sarah out of his mind?

Daring to Dream is a wonderful story of two people who had thought happiness was out of reach, finding solace in the company of each other. Sarah is a very likeable character who seems permanently poised on the verge of womanhood. Her thoughts are a whirl of hot, hard sex, mixed with fairytale romance where the good girl can get her happily-ever-after. Sarah’s mind was a very erotic place and I thoroughly enjoyed peaking in. Jason is characterized well as the man who puts those important in his life before his own needs and his mixture of emotions towards Sarah added a frustrating touch to the potential relationship. The plot was unpredictable and well-paced, leaving me very satisfied. I really warmed to Sarah and loved witnessing the sometimes awkward, at other times outrageously forward attempts at satisfying her growing need with fantastic results.

The Dog Next Door

Title: The Dog Next Door
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-847-0
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary Paranormal
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Keifer loves his job as a vet and the animals, the dogs especially, love him back. That might have something to do with Keifer’s little family secret; every month, he shifts into a wolf.

Felix has lived next door to Keifer for almost a year. Still recovering from the breakup of his last relationship, he hasn’t done anything but watch the sexy little vet. That all changes on the day Felix asks Keifer out for dinner and ice cream. It’s not long before the two men discover they’re compatible both in and out of bed, and they’re soon spending every spare minute together.

The only problem is Keifer’s shift during the full moon. He wants to tell his lover the truth, but is afraid, so instead, he comes up with an excuse for why he isn’t available. When Felix learns the truth, the question is whether he can accept all of Keifer…the man and the wolf, or turn away forever.

The premise for The Dog Next Door isn’t exactly original, but it’s still cute and makes for an enjoyable, quick afternoon read. The beginning scenes where Felix and Keifer get to know each other and go on their first date is fun (I loved the ice cream scene) and filled with realistic bantering dialogue. That goes for the final scenes when Felix discovers a strange ‘dog’ has turned into his missing lover, as well. I enjoyed those portions of the story very much. The sex, as always with a Sean Michael book, is hot, intense and well written; my only problem is the quantity that heavily weighs down the middle of the book, leaving me feeling a little adrift, plot-wise.

Iron Man

Title: Iron Man
Author: KyAnn Waters
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419924507
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

One of the hardest things Adam ever did was to leave his vampire lover, Rafe, and relocate to Washington, D.C. Being Rafe’s blood slave offered tantalizing nights in The Catacombs but Rafe wanted more. He wanted Adam to become his blood bond, and it’s was one step Adam was unwilling to take.

Adam’s back just in time to give Rafe the support he needs during a troubling time. As the two reawaken their passion, they also shed new light on their relationship. Will Adam have the strength to walk away a second time?

KyAnn Waters’ Iron Man is the second book in the Blood Slaves series. You couldn’t help but to be drawn to Rafe during this holiday season. He has so much weighing on his shoulders but attempted to keep a stiff upper lip. I knew from Adam’s initial reaction that it would be hard walk away from Rafe again. The two are perfectly matched in and outside of The Catacombs and make quite the handsome couple. Ms. Waters is bringing love and stimulating erotic scenes to us in this series and I’m looking forward to the next installment.

The Mistletoe Phenomenon

Title: The Mistletoe Phenomenon
Author: Serena Yates
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-342-1
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary Holiday
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Life has taken an unexpected turn for famous glaciologist Magnus Carstens, with the death of his brother and sister-in-law. He’s the guardian of his eight year-old nephew Jakob and he’s taken a new job in Mistletoe, Wyoming, better suited for a man of science trying to create a stable home environment for a young child. He and Jakob aren’t in town a week when he meets Lance Rivera, working in his sister’s shop, Holiday World. Lance is pretty disillusioned with life. His lover left, taking all their money, he can’t get a job in his chosen profession and he’s unhappy and lonely. When a challenge puts the men under a sprig of mistletoe, it makes them both realize that what they want is standing right there in front of them. All they have to do is reach out with both hands to find love, happiness and the family they’re looking for.

The Mistletoe Phenomenon is a cute, endearing and well written Christmas story from the first page to the last and destined for a place in my keeper file to be read and enjoyed next Christmas holiday season.

Lance is a real sweetheart. You have to love this guy. He’s cute, endearing, loyal, knows how to handle just about every situation, aside from problems in his own life, and he wants a family of his own so badly, I found myself rooting for him from the beginning. Then there’s Jakob. After the death of his parents, this poor kid deserves to have two adults to love and take care of him. Finally there’s Magnus. In the beginning, this guy is so socially inept I found myself wincing at nearly everything that came out of his mouth. Despite loving his nephew, he doesn’t know what to do or say to make him happy. That brings us back to loving house-Dad-wanna-be Lance. He and Magnus might come from vastly different family and professional backgrounds, but they fill in the holes that life has left in the other. Overall, it’s a case of strange circumstances and timing and a little sprig of mistletoe, bringing three people together to form a loving family.

Shifters' Captive

Title: Shifters' Captive
Author: Bonnie Dee
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504- 873-4
Genre: {M/F/M} Shifters
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Some members in both the wolf and panther shifters clans are in a coma or have died. Sherrie is kidnapped after the wolves council is told that she will be able to help. John is not happy about kidnapping Sherrie, but does as he is told. He is very happy when he realizes that he is attracted to her.

Grant has been having dreams about Sherrie and that she is the key to saving his people. He and John are unhappy about having to work together, but Sherrie realizes that the three of them together create a bond that will break the hold on both shifter clans.

Shifters’ Captive is a very interesting take on using psychic powers to control minds and traveling on an astral plane. Some of the scenes sometimes seemed a little out of place, but you’re pulled right into the story with the author’s descriptions of the various situations.

John, Sherrie and Grant burn up the pages with their sex scenes and I suggest keeping ice on hand. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the twists that Ms. Dee kept throwing into her story that kept you guessing, as well as wondering, how the three of them would resolve getting trapped.

The Santa Mug

Title: The Santa Mug
Author: Patric Michael
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-335-3
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary Holiday
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

It’s been almost four years since his lover, Marlon died on Christmas Eve and during that time, Darren has pulled farther and farther away from his friends; he ignores the holidays and he spends most of his time depressed and in pain. Life goes on as usual until old friend Max invites him home for the Thanksgiving holidays. Long estranged from his own family, and used to being alone, Max’s large overwhelming family almost has him running for the hills.

Max has wanted Darren for years, and has waited patiently for him to get over Marlon’s loss. Spending so much time together, and seeing Max with his family, makes Darren realize how selfish and unhappy he’s been. He’s pushed his friends away, one by one, but through it all, Max has been steadfast and loyal. It also makes him realize what he needs and wants has been staring him in the face all along. All he had to do was reach and grab what was willingly given, and Max was the willing giver. When Max hand delivers a small gift left to him by Marlon, it heals his heart of pain, and open it up to a new beginning and a new love with Max.

The Santa Mug is the first writing by Patric Michael I’ve had the pleasure to read, and it won’t be my last. In fact, this little jewel is going straight into my keeper file to be read and enjoyed next Christmas season. The writing is tight and efficient, while at the same time, tender, hard-warming and emotional, allowing the reader to feel Darren’s pain and guilt, the depression and loneliness of his life. The author does an equally nice job opening Darren up to the deep and steadfast love that’s stared him in the face for months with Max. Wonderful, loving, kind and tender Max, who opens his heart, giving Darren the chance at happiness for the first time since Marlon died.

There’s nothing about this Christmas story that I didn’t like. Really. Nothing. It’s not what I’d call a rollercoaster fast ride, even though the story takes place in the short number of weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Instead, it progresses at a steady and determined pace, all the while dealing with pain, loss and feeling of guilt and rejection, but most importantly with love, acceptance and hope for the future. Give it a try. You won’t be sorry you did.