Ride 'Em Again Cowboy

Title: Ride 'Em Again Cowboy
Author: J.P. Bowie
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-025-7
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Cowboys
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Charles Fletcher’s motto was “love them and leave them” until he met Jed Miller. Charles knew from the look in Jed’s eyes that he carried more baggage than UPS ships daily, but that didn’t stop him from lusting after the man.

Jed’s body may be at the Double R, but his heart is still with his former lover. The relocation and new job were necessary for Jed to move forward. He never thought a feisty city lawyer would be the love of his life.

J.P. Bowie brings back the characters I loved from Ride ‘Em Cowboy in his latest release Ride 'Em Again Cowboy. Charles didn’t fool me once. He was the type of man who wanted someone of his own but the fear of hurt seemed to cripple him. No one ever turned him on his ear, like Jed was capable of doing. Jed is one of a kind. Sweet, sensible and spectacular in bed, so yes even a girl could be caught up in the three S’s he possesses. These two create a sweet heat on the pages of this book. Ride 'Em Again Cowboy adds erotic play with witty characters to produce a story you will be happy you read.

Sculpting Clay

Title: Sculpting Clay
Author: Linda Reilly
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
ISBN: 978-1-61581-354-4
Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Clay is hoping that by going somewhere he and his ex have never been, it will help him begin to put the past behind him. That means every Thursday, like clockwork, he shows up at O’Leary’s Irish Pub, orders a beer, and, when he’s done and goes home alone; until he sees Taran, and then everything begins to change. Taran knows Clay is meant to be his; the only problem is getting the man to notice him. Taking a job at O’Leary’s may just be the thing to help him along.

Sculpting Clay, by author Linda Reilly, is a fairy tale with a spin. Clay is almost debilitated after his longtime boyfriend dumps him. By chance, he meets Taran and starts to hope things are changing. The emotions and confusion Clay experiences over the sudden breakup of a long term relationship and starting over with someone new are understandable and come through realistically. Taran is a fairy, and while he knows that Clay is his mate, he knows thing will not be easy between them. Both characters are so strongly written that they grab the reader from the beginning. There were, however, many unanswered questions surrounding Taran and I wish his character would have been explored by the author a little more.

Clay’s ex also comes into play, as he soon shows up after seeing Clay and Taran out on a date. This leads to some angst on everyone’s part and, to tell the truth, I could not decide who made me madder at that point; Clay for falling back to his old ways or Javier for acting as if he had a right to Clay’s time, after the way he left.

Between the passion exhibited by Clay and Taran, and the need to bring a conniving businessman to justice, this story has plenty to keep readers entertained till the last page.

Force of Law

Title: Force of Law
Author: Jez Morrow
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-916-3
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Tom Russell works at an oil change garage in Cleveland, Ohio. When a black Lamborghini car pulls in, Tom recognizes the driver. Law Castille is the very rich cousin of Tom’s former lover, Wells. Law invites Tom to accompany him, as his guest, to Wells’ wedding. Thinking Law is playing games with him, Tom almost immediately realizes Law’s motives for inviting him have nothing to do with revenge or games; Law wants Tom.

Force of Law is a beautiful heartwarming story of sensual seduction. Law is a corporate powerhouse with a take-charge attitude. He does not refute he is gay; however, he does not publicize it in his corporate world. Although he has a forceful personality, Law is serene as well as affectionate with Tom. Law believes in long term goals instead of instant gratification. An average blue collar worker, Tom has a large quantity of common sense. He knows the risk of being openly gay, so he restrains his public sexuality by dating women. Tom prefers to have a long lasting relationship with a man rather than one night stands so he is willing to wait for love to come along. Force of Law has a well written storyline with amusing and believable characters. The setting is communicative with an admirable balance for the plot. The intimate scenes are sensual and enticing. I thoroughly enjoyed Jez Morrow’s captivating happy-ever-after romance.

A Girl, A Guy and A Ghost

Title: A Girl, A Guy and A Ghost
Author: Patricia Mason
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419925887
Genre: {M/F} Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Giselle Hunter, a parapsychology reporter, needs her job, and finding a ghost is at the top of her list on how to keep it. She’s not a real psychic and now that she has arrived in Savannah, Georgia, she is hoping, because it’s the most haunted city in America, to find at least one ghost. What she comes across is a rude nudist wizard, a medium who lacks the psychic part and other strange people in the town, but no ghosts in sight.

Ry Leland is a sexy private investigator, who doesn’t like psychics because of his mother’s abuse of his gift at an early age. He is first introduced to Giselle by her clumsiness and he finds himself in her company in ways he never thought possible. In the beginning he’s determined to keep his psychic abilities from her, but he’s willing to help her find a ghost so she can leave town. Ry follows her around town to keep her out of trouble and tries to save her from the danger she is to herself with her being a klutz.

A Girl, A Guy and A Ghost starts out at a pace that had me wondering about what Edward’s part was in this story and his real purpose for being there - I did find out! LOL All of the dangerous encounters that Giselle had was a bit much and she kept right on plowing through each situation for her story. The two main characters were made for each other and they seemed to forget everything else, each time they had steaming hot sex.

Ms. Mason has written a different kind of story with a twist, and plotted out very well with detailed information. The author kept me laughing at the heroine’s responses to the secondary characters interferences with her determination to find her a ghost. I must say that I was proud of Giselle for continuing on, even after the attempts on her life. How this story ended I won’t give away, but I must say that it was worth reading.

Board Resolution

Title: Board Resolution
Author: Joey W. Hill
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419925771
Genre: {M/F} Ménage + more, BDSM
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Savannah has been negotiating with Matt and his management team since she started taking over for her father. She refuses to have anyone in her company work with them. Savannah’s father made sure that she was totally unemotional in public to the point she is called a ‘Cyborg’.

Matt has fallen in love with Savannah and has been trying to find a way to get through her defenses to the woman he knows is there. After seeing her in a few unguarded moments, he and his team have come up with a plan. It may cost him everything.

Wow! Joey Hill’s Board Resolution is a very intense emotional story that you will not want to put down once you start. Keep ice and fans on hand and be prepared to take a long cold shower after you finish. The chemistry between Savannah and Matt will scorch you, but the chemistry that is generated between the six is amazing. As you follow Savannah through the plan that Matt and his team came up with, you feel her emotions as she tries to come to terms with the fact that she has to rethink everything her father taught her. The patience that Matt shows comes through, though you can also feel his turmoil as he is not quite sure that he is actually doing the right thing. Those that like a good BDSM story will want to make sure that this is on their bookshelf and it is one that you will want to reread again and again.

Flash Point

Title: Flash Point
Author: Lena Austin
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-395-8
Genre: {M/M} Shapeshifters
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Cat shifter Tigs leaps into the tree next to the burning building he and his construction crew were restoring. Before Tigs can climb down, fireman Dustin Hardesty climbs a ladder to rescue the cat. Tigs objects to being manhandled until he notices how handsome Dustin is and then Tigs willingly perches on Dustin’s shoulder for the ride down. Another fireman is intent on taking Tigs to the shelter; again Dustin comes to his rescue and carries Tigs home with him. The two spent the night in a sensuous embrace that neither man would ever forget.

The amazing Lena Austin creates an incredible short story that is hilarious, as well as romantic, with sexy main characters and steamy love scenes. Flash Point features Tigs, a feisty tomcat that is laugh-out-loud funny. He is a hard working, honest contractor with common sense. His amorous night with Dustin identified to Tigs the difference in their social rank and quietly leaves Dustin to find love among his peers. Dustin is a quiet perceptive man who cares deeply for Tigs. Social standings are not an issue to Dustin, he loves and wants Tigs. The plot is well written and well paced. Flash Point is an emotionally uplifting saga that I enjoyed immensely.

Betrayed

Title: Betrayed
Author: Rhianne Aile
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-392-6
Genre: {M/M}, Werewolf, Paranormal
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Will, a witch, has always been close to his twin brother, yet between his brother, his new brother-in-law and their friends; he is starting to feel like the proverbial third wheel. When a friend asks for his help, Will jumps at the chance to get away for a while.

Raul’s brother, Richard, has disappeared. Hoping to find his brother and set things to right, Raul enlists Will’s help. Richard has always wanted to be the next leader of the Cayuga pack, yet he feels his brother stands in the way. When Richard and Raul are reunited, it is the beautiful witch with him that draws Richard’s attention.

Betrayed is the follow up to Rhianne Aile’s Cursed and centers around Will, Tristan’s twin brother, who we first met when he came to the States to help out his brother. The story picks up not long after the first story ended and is written in such a way that is it possible to read it without having first read Cursed. I would not recommend doing that however, as you will miss out on some wonderful background history. From the beginning, the characters pull you into this wonderful story of a gorgeous witch, a troubled werewolf, and his not-so-nice wife. While all the characters are strongly written, it is the main characters, Will and Richard, which will leave you turning the pages. The chemistry is so strong between these two that they barely make it to a bed the first time they meet. There are times throughout this story that had me wondering just how the author was going to get these two together, as theirs is a relationship full of obstacles. Many characters from the first book show up in Betrayed, lending richness to the already wonderful werewolf tale.

While I found this to be a wonderful story, and one I will reread more than once, I wished that the character of Sienna could have been fleshed out a little more. Although many answers were provided by the author as the story was wrapping up regarding Sienna’s actions, the reasons why she did what she did or her objections were clear. If you like werewolves, or things paranormal, rush out and get this one. You won’t be disappointed.

Quinn’s Hart

Title: Quinn’s Hart
Author: Cassandra Gold
Publisher: Amber Quill
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-636-9
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Quinn Delaney has been painfully shy his entire life. His abusive father even tried to beat it out of him while he was a child, but it didn’t help. In fact, nothing did. When he shot up in height, towering over everyone around him, all he wanted to do was blend into the background and become invisible. Unfortunately, that’s means his success, romantically, has been limited and he’s lonely and depressed. He thinks he’s doing his friend Stephanie, a travel agent, a favor when he lets her badger him into going on a singles trip to Disney World. Quinn’s certain he’ll be miserable. What he doesn’t expect is to catch the eye of Josh, the most gorgeous man in their tour group.

Josh Hart didn’t expect to be on a singles trip to Disney World, but having his high-maintenance boyfriend dump him…over the phone no less, changed his vacation plans. Josh has never been to an amusement park before so he’s determined to enjoy his time in Florida. He’s not looking for a man but when he meets tall, shy and unassuming Quinn, he’s smitten. The question is whether he can convince sexy Quinn of his appeal, and get the other men on the tour to leave them alone, long enough to turn their new friendship into something more.

Quinn’s Hart is the newest release by author Cassandra Gold and it’s a real keeper. From the very first page, this engaging and enjoyable story caught my attention, and it kept me enthralled until the end. I liked Quinn…a lot. He’s the type of man who’d make a great friend or neighbor and the author did a wonderful job expressing his pleasing and unassuming character, and the parts of his past that shaped him into the man he is in the present. Josh is everything that Quinn isn’t…dynamic, outgoing, and without a shy bone in his body. These two men are about as opposite as possible on the outside but inside, they are a perfect compliment and that’s one of the aspects of this story that I enjoyed the most. Ms. Gold did a great job showing how Quinn and Josh fit together like interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle…two single pieces coming together to make them whole.

I thought the setting of Disney World was cute, unusual and refreshing, especially since I’ve never visited that particular amusement park. The singles trip premise and the meet-and-greet routine is handled nicely. The secondary characters added interest and variety and showed that it’s possible to build good friendships on a short association, such as with Steve and Art, and Lyle and Ray. These men and a couple of others, who can only be described as obnoxious, rounded out the story, giving it interest and a little conflict.

It’s true. You can definitely call this story cute and sweet, but it’s so much more. It’s also tender, caring, and heartwarming. I for one would love to see a sequel, seeing where this relationship goes once the men get home and back to their everyday lives in St. Louis. Think about it, Ms. Gold. I’d appreciate it and I think others would too. Read and enjoy.

Our Sacred Balance

Title: Our Sacred Balance
Author: Marguerite Labbe
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-935192-75-6
Genre: {M/M} Paranormal
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Kristair and Jacob are trying to adjust to a normal life outside of the supernatural spectrum. Jacob may miss some of Kristair’s old abilities, but not enough to wish his lover could return to his former glory. Kristair and Jacob soon find out they are living in the calm right before the storm, when an old marker is called in for their help. Vampires targeted at their weakest moment means only trustworthy humans can handle the investigation. The truth will change Kristair and Jacob’s lives forever.

Our Sacred Balance is Marguerite Labbe’s final story of the Triquetra trilogy and what a fantastic ending. We see Kristair taking on a role he hasn’t touched in over two thousand years. His relinquish of control to Jacob in some instances proves just how much love and trust he has for his young lover. Jacob has grown into quite the man. His strength of mind and spirit shine through. Even when he’s angry and slips back into his bayou dialect, Kristair’s protection is still his top concern. Ms. Labbe has created an incredible tale, weaving this supernatural love story with suspense and action. What more could I ask for besides… more? The ending left me hoping for a spin off. There are quite a few supporting characters that I would enjoy reading more about, especially Tony. He has definitely morphed throughout this series. For those following this series, hold on for a spectacular ride!

Too Keen

Title: Too Keen
Author: AKM Miles
Publisher: Total E Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-019-6
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Both Keen and his neighbor Sandy have brothers coming into town for a visit. While Keen is hoping his twin will hit it off with Sandy, he has no delusions the same thing will happen between him and Sandy’s much younger baby brother. What happens when Lance, Sandy’s baby brother, is older than everyone thought? Why, sparks fly, of course. Soon Lance and Keen can’t seem to stay away from each other, something that makes both these men very happy.

In Too Keen by AKM Miles, Lance refers to Keen and himself as chaos magnets and that is exactly what they are. From the very beginning, these two seem to find themselves in one potentially dangerous situation after the other. Of course, these situations are just the thing to pull the reader into this fast paced story. The chemistry between these two men doesn’t hurt either, as they heat up the pages almost from the moment they meet. As Keen and the younger Lance begin to form their relationship, it is easy for the reader to see that these two are destined to be together. It is not just the main characters that make this such a wonderful story. The excellent secondary characters the author has worked into the background are just as interesting and not only enrich the story with their interaction with Lance and Keen, but also add an entertaining value all their own that will leave the reader chuckling. Fans of author AKM Miles are sure to love this new story and if you have not yet given this author a try, Too Keen is a great book to start off with.

Judgment

Title: Judgment
Author: Vivien Dean
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-634-5
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Working together is tough for any couple, which is why Derek and Sam have avoided serving as legal co-counsel in the six months they’ve been together. Life in and out of the office changes dramatically when the two lovers are assigned, and win, an important case. The win brings them closer than they expected and it also shows they’re a highly effective legal team. Both Sam and Derek are happy professionally and their personal relationship is moving forward. It could come crashing down around their ears when Sam’s parents arrive unannounced and make an unwelcome and shocking discovery…their only son’s gay.

Judgment is the fourth and last release in Vivien Dean’s Wrangler’s series. I’ve enjoyed all the other books in this legal-based series but I can truthfully say Judgment is my favorite. I would recommend that the books in this series be read in order for a full understanding of the continuing characters and their relationship to each other.

Watching Derek and Sam’s relationship grow is a joy. That’s especially true of Derek. He tends to want things his way and Ms. Dean did a nice job showing his growth in the arena of personal compromise, due to his desire to keep Sam in his life. To me, Derek is the more complicated character; a man of grit, determination and dedication, who has a backbone of pure steel, which Sam has learned to melt and bend. These two lovers are great together and seeing this culmination of their relationship a nice ending to the series.

The secondary characters, some new and some old, continue to play important roles, rounding out the story and giving it deep and a feeling of continuity. This is especially true of Sam’s straight laced and unbending socially conscious parents, when they arrive in the last half of the story. I’m not giving away how they reacted, so I’ll just say read and enjoy this novella. You won’t be sorry you did.

Exploring Limits

Title: Exploring Limits
Author: Nicki Bennett and Ariel Tachna
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-099-4
Genre: {M/M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Jonathan Braedon is cast as King Arthur in a BBC miniseries and is attracted to his co-stars, Devon Aldridge and Kit Webster. Jon has no intention of acting on his attraction for either man until Devon and Kit invite him to a pub for a few drinks. By means of flirty remarks and suggestive touches, Jon realizes he is the object of both men’s aspiration. Arriving at Devon’s home, Kit and Devon make a decision to seduce Jon together. During their intimate moments, the three men learn each other’s preferences, making for a pleasurable three-way liaison.

Exploring Limits is a story written more in the context of a journal listing the locality and assortment of the three men’s intimate proceedings. The setting is England. Jon is American with a young son at home and feels at liberty to explore intimacy with other males. Devon has a dominant personality and enjoys being kinky. Kit is younger than the other two men, upbeat and an affectionate devotee. No emotional connection other than friendship was demonstrated outside of the bedroom. I had the impression this was a temporary means to pass the time rather than a promising relationship. The central characteristic of Nicki Bennett and Ariel Tachna’s chronicle is the profusion of sexual activity with limited backdrop and secondary characters. Read solely as happy-for-now erotica, Exploring Limits is enjoyable.

Highland Nights

Title: Highland Nights
Author: Donna Grant
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419923586
Genre: {M/F} Historical
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

After being abandoned as a child by her sister years ago, Fiona Sinclair doesn’t trust anyone but herself. She is a powerful Druid priestess who has learned the extent of her powers from her foster parent, while growing up. Because of their love for her, she has tried hard to be the child they never had. Now that she is of age, along comes Gregor MacLachlan to take her to her sisters to fulfill the prophecy that has been a part of their lives from their births. When she realizes that he is her mate, she resists the attraction but after a near death accident, she accepts her fate with him. When danger threatens all of them and they have to band together, it changes Fiona’s way of thinking forever.

Gregor is a hard seasoned warrior, with too many secrets, and he has made a name for himself as a mercenary. He has kept almost everyone in the dark about who he really is until the man he worked for found out, with the help of the Fae. The problem he now faces is how to get Fiona safely to Druid Glen without interference from those that wish to kill her and she is determined to seduce him, along the way. She rejects him after reaching their destination because she couldn’t face him leaving her; he is wounded deeply, ready to move on, but he can’t refuse a friend’s offer to stay.

Highland Nights is a beautifully written story of a knight in shinning armor, saving the damsel in distress, saving his own clan in the process. There is so much hurt between these two characters from others, and they find a common bond that will either make or break them. This is the second book in the Druids Glen series, and I found myself visualizing the breathtaking scenes that were described in detail by Ms. Grant of the Scotland highlands.

At times I became frustrated with Fiona and Gregor because they constantly doubted themselves. I guess after years of believing that they were abandoned, it’s hard to change old habits but boy, did they ever need to. For them to be able to survive what is about to take place in the prophecy foretold by the elves, they needed to get their act together. In this book, all three sisters finally meet up and it’s not what you would expect, but time and events changed everyone’s attitudes quickly.

The history surrounding these three is long and the villains never ceased to surprise me with their tactics throughout the book. When the villains identities were revealed, it really had me thinking, and wanting to race to the end of the story, but I resisted. I must say that Ms. Grant spun a realistic well plotted tale, the druids, and the love that blossomed between the two characters, along with their resistance to acceptances of others.

I anxiously await the next book in the series to see what happens to Moria, who also refuses to accept her mate. You can read this book alone, but to really enjoy, and understand, the characters, start from the beginning of the series.

The Man

Title: The Man
Author: Mechele Armstrong
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-486-2
Genre: {M/M/F} Futuristic Multicultural Ménage
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Michipi calls the Settler’s Mine home. The business owner never thought the mate who abandoned her would one day reappear. Not only has Colton come to reclaim her, but he also has their third, Larkin, in tow. Michipi still bears the pain of his first stealthy departure; is she willing to trust him a second time?

Mechele Armstrong’s The Man is the fifth book in the Settlers Mine series. Colton has a good reason for being away from Michipi and is ready to prove his love to his mate. Larkin is a wonderful influence on both of his mates. He has the ability to make them stop looking past the negative and grasp for hope, regardless of how small. Some of my favorite characters made a cameo appearance, but nothing significant enough to take the focus away from Larkin, Michipi, and Colton. Ms. Armstrong adds bits of suspense and some sensual play between all three mates. The Man has messages on the importance of trust, second chances and forgiveness. I found myself wondering if I could give Colton the opportunity to present his case after so many years of loneliness and heartache. I found the story to be an enjoyable read.

Turn It On

Title: Turn It On
Author: Vivian Arend
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-879-6
Genre: [M/F] Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Maxine Turner has always loved her grandmother’s beautiful old home. When she’s given the opportunity to move into it, she’s thrilled. After living under the microscope of her large and overprotective family, she’s looking forward to having a little independence and freedom. Despite the interference from her family, she has a great life and enjoys her work as a web designer. Max’s life changes with a series of strange, disturbing phone calls and the intermittent vandalism of her beloved house.

It does bring her into contact with security consultant, Ryan Claymore, a man who recently resigned his commission and left the army to care for his ill half-brother. From the first moment these two set eyes on each other, the sparks fly. Ryan’s a good guy; a dedicated and determined man, trying to do the right thing. Despite family responsibilities getting in the way and the inappropriateness of his being involved with Max, he can’t deny their attraction, or that he wants her in his life…and his bed.

Turn It On is the first release in Turner Twins, a new series by multi-published author Vivian Arend. It’s a fun, well-plotted read, filled with fear, an unexpected betrayal, passion, desire, sizzling hot sex and lots of family. That also means you get lots of secondary characters, some playing important roles, but others who only show up briefly, serving a specific purpose.

I loved the character of Ryan’s little brother, Carl, and Ms. Arend did a nice job expressing his personality and disability, but also how Ryan interacted with him. It showed a loving side of his tough-guy personality that you can’t help but like. Max is similar in personality…in that she loved her family and usually didn’t know when to say no to any of them.

The vandalism and the reactions of Max and Ryan play a big role in the story, but it’s not allowed to overpower their romance. It also shows varying sides of both their personalities: Max-it’s probably nothing and Ryan-protective and angry. The villain red herring was too obvious to be the actual culprit, but I didn’t figure out who was really behind it, until the storyline revealed his identity. Maybe I should have but I didn’t, and for me, that makes a book more enjoyable.

An Uncommon Whore

Title: An Uncommon Whore
Author: Belinda McBride
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-512-8
Genre: {M/M} Science Fiction/Space Opera
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Pasha is a slave with no memory of his own past. Whenever his pimp is in need of money, he takes Pasha to a seedy tavern on the planet Warlan to pander him out to travelers. On this night, Pasha’s attention is drawn to Captain Griffin Hawke. Griffin is lured into accepting the services of Pasha and it is during Pasha’s performance that Griffin is alerted to the identity of the man, covered by the whore’s mask and the conclusion to his decade’s long search.

Belinda McBride's An Uncommon Whore is a sensual voyage of discovery. Although Pasha has no memory beyond slavery, the sight of Griffin activates a deep-rooted desire to stay with him and eagerly surrender to all of Griffin’s needs. His slave training has taught him that being compliant to someone you love does not deteriorate the pride, but develops into more of a sharing event. Griffin has been searching for his king Helios Dayspring. However, finding him creates an internal conflict of duty to their people’s future versus personal desire. Griffin is a proud and honorable warrior and it is those qualities that compel him to set aside his individual yearning for Helios and place duty first. This is an impressive romance story with a well written plot and developed characters that I greatly enjoyed.

Seb's Surrender

Title: Seb's Surrender
Author: Carol Lynne
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-023-3
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Sebastian James knows what it’s like to grow up in a neglectful abusive household. A childhood incident has scared Seb, making him shy away from opening his heart. However, Jared Grant makes the bodyguard wish for something he never thought he would want. Seb is ready for love.

Jared is embracing his new lease on life. After years of abuse, he’s learning that life doesn’t always have to be painful, and not everyone is intent on hurting him. Jared’s past is quickly catching up to him. Will Seb finally admit his feelings or will he lose Jared forever?

Seb's Surrender is Carol Lynne’s second book in the Bodyguards in Love series. This is classic Carol Lynne and an example of what she does best. Ms. Lynne creates a story around people with what most would consider debilitating odds. Then she allows them to break from their shells before our eyes. While some would have been too frightened to give love a chance, they learn to embrace it, thanks to the safety of their circle of friends. No two characters are the same. They all have the hearts of lions when it’s time to fight the good fight. Seb may be a tough bodyguard but he has such a wonderful giving spirit. Jared has more spunk than people give him credit for but when he found love, the gloves came off. Watching Jared morph from frightened to fierce is a thing of beauty.

I really love this series and cannot wait to read the next story. Read and enjoy.

And Call Me in the Morning

Title: And Call Me in the Morning
Author: Willa Okati
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60737-509-8
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Sometimes life throws you a curve, forcing you down a path never expected. Eli and Zane have been friends and colleagues for years, and spend all their free time together. They couldn’t be more different in temperament and background, but their odd couple pairing works for them. It also puts ideas in the heads of their mutual friends that they might be more than what they appear in public. What with the hours spent together, the loving looks and constant touching, they have to be lovers. Right? Wrong.

It seems the only thing that will stop the teasing is a kiss, except the first touch of their lips ignites more than a spark. It blazes hot and bright, with fire, passion, desire and scares Eli half to death. He might feel he’s too old to change his ways, but he also knows he can’t deny Zane anything.

And Call Me in the Morning is the latest release by multi-published author Willa Okati and of her writings, it’s my new favorite. I know. There have been many stories written about men who finally admit that their feelings run deeper than just friendship, but this one is something special. In fact, I didn’t race through it, to see what happened in the end. Instead, I found myself savoring it, a little at a time, and I hope you will react the same way.

Eli and Zane are nice men, great friends, and highly intelligent and dedicated doctors, and Ms. Okati expressed those feelings and personality attributes well. I really appreciated that she didn’t gloss over the problems with the hospital administration over funding for the desperately needed free clinic. Including details that might have been ripped from the headlines of any major newspaper smacked of true realism. It also handles the issue of job dissatisfaction, and whether one or both men should move one in to another opportunity; and I think all of us have confronted that issue at some time in our life.

It was nice seeing the friend’s side to Eli and Zane’s relationship before it made the slow and sometimes painful switch to that of lovers. And, I have to tell you, their two female doctor friend’s are a hoot. These women are sharp-tongued funny, persistent and they didn’t know when to shut-up and stop shoving the men together, which is what prompted the first kiss…the big moment that changed Eli and Zane’s lives. It was fun watching the process of Eli and Zane getting comfortable with the emotional and physical change in their relationship…and the sex when they did, let’s just say it was intense and passionate. The pacing is good, integration of the various secondary characters is smooth and timely, and the black moment a bit scary and life threatening. Add all these story aspects together and you have a winning tale that begs to be read. Enjoy!

The Lost Son

Title: The Lost Son
Author: Mychael Black
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60504-892-5
Genre: {M/M} Fantasy
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Kalen Ysindroc, the king’s general, is summoned; rumors of half-human, half-elven lithings have been sighted along the kingdom’s borders. Micheil Theirauf, the king’s sorcerer and Kalen’s best friend in addition to long-time elven lover, has a fearful suspicion regarding Kalen’s trip, a suspicion that slowly reveals itself through Kalen’s dreams after an attempt was made on his life. Kalen, who never knew his origins, discovers his father possessed horrifying magical powers. Kalen’s discovery also reveals an unfamiliar half-brother that could alter his life with Micheil, forever.

The Lost Son is the first book in the Secrets of Socendor series. This is a well written storyline with detailed action in an incredible fantasy, shrouded in a captivating mystery. Kalen and Micheil are the main characters; however, the secondary characters each play a key role in the unfolding revelations of revenge, jealousy, betrayal and the hunger for power, as the motive for the attempts to destroy Kalen before he is aware of his supremacy. Kalen always considered himself to be an ordinary human from humble beginnings, this journey proves otherwise. Because of the laws, Micheil must hide the fact that he is an elf or give up his love for Kalen, which he will not do. The love scenes are seductive and grant a breathtaking image. The amazing Mychael Black transports you to another world filled with ingenious as well as mystical creatures that enchant fans of fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Son and look forward to the next installment.

Resolution

Title: Resolution
Author: Carol Lynne
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60735-112-2
Genre: {M/M/M} Paranormal, Shifters
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Bird shifter Takoda still remembers the one that got away. He hasn’t allowed his friend and fellow bird shifter Enapay the opportunity to become the mate he has longed to become. Enter Dr. Gray Whitmore, whose work has led him to Refuge. Gray tries to keep his professional and personal life separate. Takoda brings out his protective nature and Enapay brings out his passion. He cannot understand why he’s attracted to them both and fights his desire. When Gray and Enapay learn of Takoda’s health deterioration, the three are forced to face their true feelings and roles in each other’s lives.

Resolution, Carol Lynne’s fourth book in the Refuge Shifters series, takes us back to Refuge. It’s finally Takoda’s chance for love, and I wasn’t sure if he would jump on the bus or off the bridge. His old wounds seemed to get in his way. I could understand why he liked being in his crow form and was happy when he no longer had the ability to fly away from his issues. Having to face his old lover and seeing him happy cemented that it was time to move forward. Enapay has the patience of a saint. I was proud of him when he took the situation in hand. His strength and determination are important for the threesome to thrive. Gray had his own baggage, but his lovers helped him to see things in a whole new light. With their move to Refuge came a host of friends who loved them and treated each as family. There are a few points in the story that could have been stronger and felt a bit rushed. Overall, I found Resolution to be an enjoyable read.