Riveted

Title: Riveted

Author: SJD Peterson

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publishers URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-592-0

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, BDSM, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Even though he left his home, going to New York in order to be with Blake, Ty is still not sure if he could trust the man he is coming to love.  Blake has had to put the past behind him in order to be with Ty, but he is not sure if he is ready to take on another sub.  Eventually the two men are going to have to make some decisions, but will that be the end, or just the beginning of their relationship?

Readers first meet Ty and Blake in Ty’s Obsession by author SJD Peterson, a story that had more of a HFN ending.  Back now in Riveted, the newest addition to the Whispering Pines Ranch series, the two men get an ending that is sure to make many readers happy. 

When the story starts, we find the men living and working in New York.  While all seems to be going smoothly, it does not take the reader long to realize that Ty still carries a lot of fear around with him.  Ty was a character that was hard for me to like when I first met him, yet by the end of Ty’s Obsession, I really hoped that things would turn out well for him.  As Riveted started, I was sad to see that the young man was still struggling with his inability to trust Blake.  However, Blake really stands out in this story, showing Ty patience and understanding, both things that the younger man needs.  The passion between these two is just as hot as when they first got together, which really heats up the pages of the story.  I loved the way in which Blake shows Ty that he plans on keeping him, and thought the scene wrapped up their story wonderfully.

There are some great scenes involving the secondary characters as well.  I really felt for Ty when he meets up with Blake’s mother, right after Blake got him all worked up.  I also had to laugh when Micah, one of Ty’s co-workers, sets his eyes on Tackett for the first time.

This short story is a fast read and one that is sure to become a fan favorite. While it is part of the Whispering Pines Ranch series, it also gives the readers a glimpse of the world in which the author’s next series will takes place. 

Creature Feature

Title: Creature Feature

Author: Anthology

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-62380-430-5

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Diagnosis: Wolf by Poppy Dennison - 4 Nymphs

There is something different about Caleb DiMartino but there were no medical charts to give private nurse Andrew Hughes any clues to the illness afflicting Caleb. What Andrew did notice was that there was a mutual attraction between them. Andrew’s assistance in searching for answers concerning Caleb’s infirmity leads the DiMartino family to the culprits.

Landslide by Mary Calmes – 4 Nymphs

Paranormal courier Frank Corrigan is perfect for his job; he’s human but can resist most paranormals. The only exception for Frank is his sexy boss, Cael Berith. Frank is convinced that Cael is only interested in sex for one night. However, Frank begins to see the truth when problems arise that only Cael can resolve.

Creature Feature is a delightful and enjoyable anthology. Both stories are a romantic comedy, with a touch of action, along with a few homophobic secondary characters illustrated. In Diagnosis: Wolf I particularly enjoyed the description of the wolf’s playful antics.          

The Vampire’s Special Lover

Title: The Vampire’s Special Lover

Author: Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publishers URL: http://www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-77111-468-4

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Dobs has waited forever for his beloved, yet when he finds out the one he has been waiting for is a shape-shifter, he walks away.  When he begins to weaken, Dobs’ friends take things in to their own hands to bring the two together.

The Vampire’s Special Lover is the sixteenth book in author Charlie Richards The Wolves of Stone Ridge series, and is probably one of my favorites.  I loved Frankie when he was first introduced to the series and was hoping he would get a story of his own.  When the author paired him up with Dobs, I was a little surprised.  Dobs is an enforcer for the Vampire Council and he’s also highly prejudice against shape-shifters.  With Frankie being such a gentle soul, I could not see this pair up working, yet it soon becomes clear that Frankie is just what the vampire needs. 

The care in which Dobs must use to ensure that Frankie understands what he is saying when they talk allows the vampire to realize that not all shape-shifters are the evil monsters his father led him to believe.  Unfortunately, Dobs’ issues aren’t the only ones the men must face.  When the vampire’s past comes back to haunt him, Frankie shows just how well he is able to care for his mate.  I love the way Frankie comes into his own, stepping away from being someone his brother usually watches over, to becoming someone who will do whatever they must to rescue his mate.

The Vampire’s Special Lover is a great addition to this ongoing series.  While fans are sure to love it, it is also a great book for those who have not yet tried this author to pick up.  

Sensei

Title: Sensei

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0032

Genre: {M/M} Vampires

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Isao Nakamura is more than a martial arts instructor; he’s a vampire with the principles of a ninja warrior. Nevertheless, not even Isao’s discipline can refuse to give in to the magnetism of his human student, James.

Sensei is a short contemporary romance blended with vampire conflict. Exemplified in the story are the elements of compassion, secret desire, a hint of jealousy and sensual intimacy.   Isao is his own master; he refuses to bow down to the whims of the vampire clan, which is an insult to the clan leader. Isao is content to lead the same honorable life of the ninja he once was, only feeding on the dregs of society.  James is Isao’s best student, intelligent as well as a highly developed combatant. When Isao’s secrets are revealed, instead of fleeing, James stayed at Isao’s side. Sensei is an enjoyable and delightful saga.  

Testing Arthur

Title: Testing Arthur

Author: Amber Kell

Publisher: Total-E-Bound

Publisher URL: www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-78184-260-7

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 3 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Getting severely injured tracking a serial killer turns the life of FBI agent Arthur Turner on its ear. After nearly losing his leg, he’s left needing help while recuperating and is surprised to find his former lover, Patrick Edwards at his door. After months apart, it also gives Arthur hope that he and Patrick can start again, if he makes changes in his life.

As a confident businessman, Patrick was unwilling to live in the closet so he broke up with Arthur. But with Arthur’s injury things have changed—his lover has changed—and is now offering to come out for him. Patrick’s thrilled but he’s also worried that in the future Arthur will regret his decision. But when a stalker targets Patrick, it pulls the two men together making their commitment stronger than either thought possible. Can they trap a killer and stay alive to build the relationship they both desire?

Testing Arthur is the newest release in Amber Kell’s Mercenary Love series, and it can be read as a standalone.

I was pretty excited when I learned Arthur and Patrick would be the focus of this release. They had such great potential with their fiery interaction in the first release that I couldn’t wait to see what happened when they finally got together. It’s too bad the reader missed the beginnings of their relationship. Ms. Kell did a nice job providing enough details to understand the severity of Arthur’s injury without being graphic and ultimately that provides the perfect reason to leave the FBI and make a life with Patrick. Seeing them try to rebuild their relationship is nice and the speed is realistic based on what had happened between them in the past. The angst felt by both men is believable and understandable.

My niggles:

Lack of back story made me feel like something was missing in Arthur and Patrick’s relationship.

Arthur went from a bad ass guy who was totally sure of himself and his abilities in the first book to one who seemed filled with doubt. Such a big personality change didn’t make sense to me.

The stalker angle is pretty predictable and I just didn’t feel the suspense.

The Art of Touch

Title: The Art of Touch

Author: Dominique Frost

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-62300-288-6

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Jared Hamilton has an aversion to meddlesome people. Nevertheless, this does not stop his secretary or his uncle from interfering with Jared’s health and well-being, since Jared’s life consist of work only. Bullied into visiting massage therapist Kyle Washburn, Jared is prepared to find fault with wasting his time for a massage. However, the experience opens up a whole new relaxed world Jared did not believe possible.

The Art of Touch is an amusing romantic short story. Jared and Kyle have contradictory personalities but somehow manage to fall in love. Jared is a rich workaholic lawyer, who enjoys wielding power over everyone. Buried beneath the granite exterior, Jared is a lonely man who fears rejections. Kyle is a man who is afraid of making the wrong choices. Kyle is able to break through Jared’s tough shell and find Jared’s compassionate side. Jared and Kyle’s personality conflicts soon bonds into a promising relationship.

Dominique Frost has created an engaging, as well as an especially enjoyable saga.    

Amy’s Advantage

Title:  Amy’s Advantage

Author:  Eve Jameson

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419944451

Genre:  {M/F}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Having been attacked several times, Amy knows her daughter will be safer if she gets her to Ilyria.  She is being protected by Jordyn, who has been assigned to make sure both Amy and Chloe get there.

The latest installment of the Ilyrian Destiny series is just as action-packed as the previous stories, though it has been a while since the last book.  Amy’s Advantage gives the reader a lot more information about the war that Ilyria is involved in and one of the traitors is finally identified, though there are a lot of questions left unanswered.

There is one member of the five Royal Houses left without a mate and as Amy is a Mystic, she is thought to be his mate but she turns out not to be. Some new characters show up and we learn more about a few of the secondary characters and some of their roles within the Ilyrian society.

I wanted to slap Jordyn, as he kept trying to repress his feelings since he felt he had to fulfill his duty to let Amy go.  Things come to a head and he finally admits his feelings because the chemistry between the two is so hot, he finally gives in.  I did have to laugh at Amy’s attempts to seduce Jordyn and how nervous she got in some situations.

As the suspense builds about finding the sisters, there is the shadow of treachery still to come.  Even though this is a series that readers will enjoy more if they read the series in order, Amy’s Advantage can be read as a standalone.  Based on the epilogue, I am looking forward to reading the next story in this series and hope it will be released fairly soon.

A Simple Romance

Title: A Simple Romance

Author: J.H. Knight

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-432-9

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Skip thought his life was perfect. He had a husband he adored and a teaching job he loved, but he lost it all when his partner suddenly decided to leave him. After eight years of being part of a couple, Skip’s left with only the cat, making him depressed and withdrawn. At the end of the school year, he decides to move and heads across country to his hometown.

Being home has some advantages—he has a place to stay and his mother to love and coddle him until he can get his head on straight. It also holds Paul Miller, his teenage crush, who’s now a teacher at the local high school where he was just hired. Skip’s nervous and uncertain about getting involved but after one night with Paul, he’s willing to consider a sex-only relationship. Except Paul wants more. The question is whether Paul can convince the deeply wounded Skip that love is worth risking his heart.

J.H. Knight is a new author for me and her release A Simple Romance didn’t disappoint. It’s an entertaining M/M romance—lighthearted and fun, but with just enough angst for realism. Skip’s hurt, mistrust and uncertainly are handled well, allowing the reader to understand the depth of his feelings.  He’s so scared, he almost misses a second chance at love with Paul and for me, his uncertainly went on a little too long. I admit that despite how much I like Skip, I still started to get irritated with his inability to make a decision. It was so unfair to Paul.

I know the premise for this romance isn’t original but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. The plot flow’s smooth, the imagery is vivid and the personalities of Skip and Paul are well developed. The addition of Skip and Paul’s mothers are great. These two ladies are a hoot. But that’s not all. There are other supporting characters that flesh out the plot and add a few laughs too. And I can’t forget about the sex. While full of passion and desire, it don’t overwhelm the growing relationship between Skip and Paul. So, as you can tell, I liked this romance and I hope you’ll give it a try. Enjoy.

Nights In Canaan

Title: Nights In Canaan

Author: Kendall McKenna

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0042

Genre: {M/M} Vampire

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Mankind alone is not capable of controlling their destiny, so powers beyond the realm of human understanding were created. In the midst of each generation who engage in war, the ancient vampire appears. The vampire’s goal is to turn the tide of battles to an unfair advantage. Yet with each appearance of the vampire, the warrior also appears on the opposing side. The warrior’s duty is to destroy the vampire in order for humans to continue existent. 

Nights In Canaan has a distinctive almost sanctified plot. The warrior and vampire are enemies, as well as lovers. Their rebirth is a perpetual cycle, connected to the human race’s incapability to live in harmony. Because of the actions of humanity, the rebirth cycle for the warrior and vampire is never-ending. Each time the vampire and warrior are reborn, they have new names. But their mission, along with the outcome, remains the same. They share a few hours together making love, and then the vampire’s death arrives at the appointed time.

Kendall McKenna has created an out of the ordinary saga. The characters are desolately pragmatic from the spiritual point of view illustrated; nevertheless Nights In Canaan is an enjoyable perceptive story.     

Hecate’s Own

Title:  Hecate’s Own

Author:  Dana Marie Bell

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-61921-096-7

Genre:  {M/F}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Release Date April 9, 2013

Zach doesn’t know why every spell he tries, even in the beginning children’s class, backfires.  Jo agrees to try to teach him but is trying to keep her attraction to him at bay.  Circumstances interfere and everyone gets a huge surprise once they realize he is actually what is called Hecate’s Own.

The second book in the Heart’s Desire series, Hecate’s Own, gives us a very good look at the societies among the witches, wizards, and warlocks.  The author does a good job explaining the differences as the story progresses.  The Beckett family is still battling the Goodwins, who seem to have amassed a lot of power very quickly.  Part of the problem Zach has is that he is under a hex, but also needs to find and claim his mate. Once Zach claims Jo, the chemistry between the two is very intense.

A lot of the secondary characters were also in the first book, but more were added.  I was a little surprised that both mates for the remaining Beckett brothers were revealed, but can understand once everyone tried to save both Jo and Kerry from the male Goodwins.  I can also understand the men’s reluctance to accept Gen Goodwin’s help, even though she was also an Own.  I am looking forward to the story with Gen and Garrett because there is going to be lots of sparks.

There were a lot of surprises, as well as twists in this story.  It kept my interest to the point I did not want to put this one down.  The relationships between the families and the court were sometimes humorous and the Beckett brothers really acted like brothers with all the teasing, even as they had each other’s backs.

You must read Shadow of the Wolf before reading Hecate’s Own as it picks up from the end of the first book.  This is one series I will be reading again and again.

Something In the Way He Needs

Title: Something In the Way He Needs 

Author: Cardeno C.

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-536-4

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary BDSM Series

Rating: Recommended Read

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Asher Penaz is a man who likes to be in control, whether professionally in his role as a police captain or personally when he visits the local leather bars. That’s why he can’t understand his sudden attraction to the sweet tempered Daniel Tover, who isn’t into the BDSM scene. Daniel’s spent his entire life moving from one job to another looking for that one special thing or place that would make him feel the call of being ‘home’. He’s never found it but doesn’t stop looking.

Neither can deny their attraction and when Asher invites him home, Daniel can’t do anything but say yes. It takes time to blend two such different lives together but both men are determined to succeed, despite the struggle. They have so much to learn and lose if it goes wrong. If Daniel can learn to trust and Asher can give up control, these two men might just have the chance at the happiness they’ve both been looking for.

Something in the Way He Needs is the first book in the new Family series by Cardeno C. I’m going to make this review short and to the point. It’s good—really good—I hope you’ll take a chance and read it good.

First let’s address the BDSM. Yes, there are aspects of BDSM because Asher comes from that world but the story doesn’t dwell heavily on it. If fact, just the opposite. There’s light spanking and lots of dominant hot sex but I think this is the first book I’ve read where the author writes a convincing story of love and its emotional impact making a Dom change his lifestyle for the man he loves. It’s so realistic I nearly cried later in the book.

I like both Asher and Daniel. They’re pretty complex individuals with well-developed personalities and their pasts play heavily on their present, making each deeply flawed. The plot is nicely constructed with a smooth flow, there’s vivid imagery, good secondary character integration and a few surprises to keep it interesting and the pages turning.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Hell's End

Title: Hell's End

Author: Ally Blue

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-61921-487-3

Genre: {M/M} Alternate Worlds Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Release date May 21, 2013

Ivan is a Government soldier with a curiosity problem, especially when his team is sent on a dangerous rescue mission to save Tuck, a young man who had grown up as a Gutter, which is the name given to a group of orphans highly skilled in survival tactics and considered as the bottom of the social scale.

Hell's End is the first book in the Hellscape series. The plot is an intricate futuristic action mystery romance all blended together.  The characters are believable. There is an immediate attraction between Ivan and Tuck. Both men are intelligent experienced warriors. The two men soon develop a passionate relationship, which also provide them with a cover-up. Still, the subject that sparked Ivan’s interest the most is the strange tattoo Tuck has, along with the mystery of the government’s particular interest in Tuck. Conducting a stealth investigation on his own, Ivan discovered information which motivated his resolve to rescue Tuck yet again, only this time from the very government Ivan serves.

Ally Blue has created an enjoyable as well as an impressive saga. The captivating world structure of the space station Hell’s End mirrors some of the aspects of our current social world. The more powerful the family, the higher the level they lived on. The head body of the government occupied the very top levels. A DNA security system prohibited access to upper levels as well as data files. Scientists played a key role in life or death of lower level residents. Some people were considered as purely experimental objects in the advancement of scientific power. 

Fugitive Heart

Title: Fugitive Heart

Authors: Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 9781619214682

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Expected Release Date: 04/30/13

With both parents dead and her brother Elliot missing, Ames Jensen is alone. Between waitressing and a side-job designing websites she’s able to support herself and save a little in hopes of buying her childhood dream house. Except before she has enough put aside, a stranger comes to town and he moves into her house. Ames is upset and ready to hate him but instead finds herself attracted despite their rocky start.

Nick Ross is on the run from the Esposito crime family. It’s all Elliot’s fault for making him into an accomplice for something he didn’t do and Nick’s life is in danger. Now he’s in the Jensen family hometown searching for the missing money and data that Elliot stole. Getting involved with Elliot’s sister is totally unexpected. When Ames discovers his true identity, it endangers them both, forcing Nick to protect her from his past.

Fugitive Heart is the newest release by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon. While I’m familiar with Ms. Dee, Summer Devon is a new author for me. I’m happy to report that these two have done a nice job seamlessly melding their writing styles together.

While the premise for this contemporary romance isn’t exactly new, Ames and Nick make it entertaining. The personalities of both are well developed and there’s plenty of information so the reader can understand their individual histories. The details of the town of Arnesdale and the house Ames loves helps makes the story come alive.  The pace is steady, there’s good secondary character integration and I enjoyed how Elliot remains a focus without ever actually appearing in a scene.

My niggles:

1. Ames developing a relationship with Nick so quickly after learning why he’s really in town didn’t make sense to me. She never acted like she had doubts about him, which isn’t realistic.
2. The whole crime family problem resolved too easily in the end.

Claimed

Title: Claimed

Author: Jambrea Jo Jones

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0037

Genre: {M/M} Interracial, Vampire

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

A desperate situation necessitates Luke Shelton to take desperate actions. With no other options available, Luke agrees to become a gift to the vampire Bussoe. Luke’s only hope is that he survives the encounter long enough to see that his family is safe and healthy.

Claimed is an intriguing blend of heartwarming and comical romance. The short story details an overview of Bussoe’s history, a touch of conflict, sizzling intimacy and amusingly vexing secondary characters. The characters are creditable.  Luke’s family is part of the honest but working poor society. Luke has good intentions without the resources to remedy his family’s dilemma. Bussoe has a justified rebellious nature hiding an empathetic heart. However, after living for centuries, life has become boring for Bussoe until he meets Luke. Bussoe instantly knew Luke is more than merely a food source. Luke also realized there is something special between him and Bussoe.

Jambrea Jo Jones has created a fantastic as well as enjoyable saga with the potential for a sequel in the future.           

Mine to Chase

Title:  Mine to Chase

Author:  Laurann Dohner

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419944758

Genre:  {M/F}, Paranormal, Sequel

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Chase walked away from Jasmine a year ago, thinking he was protecting her from his world.  When he finds her almost dead, he realizes he can’t let her go; not only because she is his mate, but she is now in danger of losing her life.

Mine to Chase is an interesting story about a half-breed vampire/werewolf.  Chase is an enforcer for a club run by two vampires, but he is also the alpha of one of the werewolf packs in the city.  Chase is actually running down a rogue vampire when he finds Jasmine near death.

The author had some twists on both the vampires and werewolves in this story.  While there are still some of the typical traits we know and love, the author created some that weren’t quite what we usually expect,.  I really enjoyed the explanations she had both Jenny and Chase give Jasmine, not only about them, but about vampires and werewolves.

The chemistry between Jasmine and Chase is scorching.  Their relationship is very realistic, as both have their own set of insecurities to overcome as they bond as mates. 

I really enjoyed several of the secondary characters and the lighthearted moment when they were waiting, after setting a trap for those that wanted to kill Jasmine, was priceless. I would love to read more about them especially about Jenny and one of Chase’s friends, Lethal, in the future.

This book is loosely related to Scarred and Kilt from the anthology Something Wicked This Way Comes, Volume 2.

Blind Passion

Title:  Blind Passion

Author:  Kelli Scott

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  http://www.ellorascave.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419942457

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Nicki Adkins felt like a voyeur because of her neighbor, who was hot enough to be a model.  After finally gathering enough nerve to speak to him, Nicki still couldn’t get farther than awkward mailbox conversations.  Her fantasies were driving Nicki to take some very bold risks in getting him to notice her.

Being blind hasn’t hindered Sal Lopez’s career as a lawyer, but it did make people disregard him.  His perky neighbor was someone Sal was definitely interested in getting to know better.  Just the sound of her voice was giving Sal visions of family vacations in the future.  But, would it be fair to her to start a relationship with a blind man?

Something about Sal brought out the freak in Nicki and she was becoming bolder everyday.  She knew Sal couldn’t see her, but imagining him watching her was a turn on.  Nicki herself was shocked by the extent of her fetish for giving him private shows, even though Sal was clueless.  Sal gets a pleasant shock when he comes home one evening and that shock has him rethinking a relationship with Nicki.  Will embarrassment be the end before there’s a start?

Nicki and Sal wasted so much time dancing around each other because of fear and uncertainty.  Both of them were afraid to take a leap and act on the attraction they felt for the other.  I don’t think I’m over simplifying their situation by saying that Sal’s blindness wasn’t as big a problem to Nicki as it was to him. I admit I understood his reason and thought it was somewhat noble.   When the libido and the heart are both involved, any obstacle can be overcome.  Blind Passion is a great description of this couple’s relationship and what can happen when you stop thinking about things too much.  I enjoyed Nicki’s fearlessness and vulnerability and I know other women will relate to her on this level.  This story will have readers gasping like I did.

In the Pride's Best Interest

Title: In the Pride's Best Interest

Author: Jessica Lee

Publisher: Resplendence Publishing

Publisher URL: www.resplendencepublishing.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60735-641-7

Genre: {M/M} Shape shifter Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Attempting to come to terms with the death of his mother, Shayne Matthews seeks the solace he has always found in the Smoky Mountains. Only this time Shayne becomes lost. Shayne’s rescuer is lion shifter Eli Novak. However, it is not long before Eli discovers that Shayne is the liberator Eli desperately needed.

In the Pride's Best Interest is the second book in the Ariel Estates series. The estate is in a secluded mountain area of North Carolina and since lions are not native to America, the pride lives in fear of discovery by humans. Background information is sparse. With the mention of an expected visit from the elders, I assumed there are more than one pride as well as that elders are the lawmakers. But the details of the pride’s origins are not explained. The main focus of the plot is discrimination. The consensus among some of pride is that gay men should not be tolerated, especially in a leader’s position. This narrow minded attitude is the main source of conflict within the pride since Silas, the pride leader, has a male mate. Eli’s internal conflict is a double edged sword because he considers himself to be straight and Eli considers humans to be inferior to shifters.

Overall, Jessica Lee has created an impressive as well as enjoyable saga blending emotional turmoil, denial, jealousy and a hint of intimacy.       

On Thin Ice

Title: On Thin Ice

Author: Jessica Lee

Publisher: Resplendence Publishing

Publisher URL: resplendencepublishing.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60735-477-2

Genre: {M/M} Shape-shifter Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Lion Pride leader Silas Murdock is not a coward by any stretch of the imagination. However, Silas did regret his rash decision to allow a stranger to travel along with some of his pride members. That last minute judgment resulted in the loss of lives from an assassin’s attempt to murder Silas, as well as the plane crash. Silas, too, would have died had it not been for Dr. Theo Lucas, an Alaskan wolf shifter. 

On Thin Ice is the first book in the Ariel Estates series. The plot is a budding romance story with plenty of enemy fighting action, mystery and sensual lovemaking. The characters are creditable. Silas is a natural born leader, whose first priority is the welfare of his pride. Believing honesty is the best policy, Silas did not hide his bisexual nature from the other shifters living on the estate.  Nevertheless, not all pride members were as accepting as others. The trip to Alaska proved to be an emotional revelation for Silas on several levels. Not the least of them being his immediate desire for Theo. All too soon, the reality of having a long term relationship between them is brought to light. Theo, who has his own emotional issues, is needed by his wolf pack. Silas fears the lions will never accept a wolf in their territory. I will be interested to see how this long distance romance develops in the future.

Jessica Lee has created a fantastic HFN saga that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Tanny and the Cage

Title: Tanny and the Cage

Author: Sean Michael

Publisher: Torquere Press

Publisher URL: www.torquerebooks.com

ISBN/BIN: None listed

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary BSDM Series

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Established partners Billy and Montana are going through a rough patch, squabbling over the small stuff and it’s making them both miserable. It’s taken the focus off of how much they love each other and it’s led to them sleeping apart. Can these partners find a way to repair their relationship and get back to enjoying each other and the toys of the BDSM world that brought them together?

Tanny and the Cage is the new single short release in the Hammer world by Sean Michael. Be aware it was originally published as part of the Toy Box Anthology: Cage.

It’s good seeing Billy and Montana again. These two lovers have been featured in books in the past, so it’s nice getting another small look into their lives. At a length of just over 4K there’s no time for additional personality development but you can still get a good feel for the commitment of these two. Once the decision’s made to apologize, they move forward to repair their relationship. It’s handled pretty well and you can almost feel the warmth of their love coming off the page. As with all the Hammer books, there’s some struggle with the sub admitting to what he needs.

My main niggle—Billy and Montana don’t really work at why they were fighting. It’s just over and done with. A little open communication to stop it from happening again or at least talking about it would have been nice.

Chelsea’s Rescue

Title:  Chelsea’s Rescue

Author:  Tonya Ramagos

Publisher:  Siren Bookstrand

Publisher URL:  http://www.sirenbookstrand.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62242-427-6

Genre:  {M/F/M}, BDSM, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Chelsea left Horn Hill to pursue a career as an interior designer, but ended up embroiled with a man with ties to a Miami drug lord, and is now running for her life.  Braden and Micah rescue Chelsea after her car crashes into a tree. 

Chelsea’s Rescue is the fifth book in The Service Club series. Chelsea ran from Braden and Micah when she left, and there are some feelings that need to be addressed between the three. Braden and Micah aren't sure Chelsea will stay because she isn’t sure she wants the same thing they want.

The emotional factor is a big one in this story, not only Braden’s and Micah’s feelings, but Chelsea’s as well.  Chelsea also has to overcome some of the treatment she had from the man she is running from.  Both Braden and Micah know they can overcome her insecurities and boy, do they!  Some of the scenes they have with Chelsea scorch the pages, with one in particular extremely interesting from the BDSM view.  The author has done some research and is very realistic running through the scenes.

Only a few of the Service Club members show up in this story and some of the rituals of the club did not happen making this story a little bit different.  There were some references to a couple of new characters, so I am looking forward to the next few stories in this series.