Bodyguard

Title:  Bodyguard

Author:  Fiona Roarke

Publisher:  Nickel Road Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.amazon.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-944312-05-3

Genre:  {M/F}, Romantic Suspense, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Chloe can’t believe she let her boss talk her into going on a blind date since it is turning into a disaster.  If it wasn’t for the sexy man she ends up kissing for the big screen when the camera gets focused on them, she would probably be screaming.  Deke can’t believe he met such a beautiful woman while he was working. 

Bodyguard is the third book in the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series.  Helping out a friend, Deke ends up talking to and kissing the beautiful woman next to him while attending a baseball game with his boss. Obviously, Chloe and Deke hit it off with some intense chemistry.  Two things that are very obvious in this series, so far, is that the heroes are all brothers and each have fallen in love almost at first sight, which creates some problems along the way.

The intensity of this story is just as intense as the previous stories.  Chloe picks up a stalker that ends up with her being kidnapped.  The kidnapper is someone that I didn’t see coming.  I actually thought it was someone else.  Chloe keeps her head, but trying to come up with different ways to escape that won’t get Deke’s brother killed is hard.

There is a difference in the way the Bodyguard ends that is a bit different than the first two.  I really liked it, especially the scene with Deke’s mother and the broccoli. 

While each book could probably be read by themselves, I recommend that the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series be read in order.  There will be laughter and tears, and I am so looking forward to the next story.

Fight the Tide

Title: Fight the Tide

Author: Keira Andrews

Publisher: KA Books

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

ISBN: 9781988260068

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 3 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Parker and Adam are on a sailboat, traveling down the East Coast hoping to reach the islands in the south. Zombies are everywhere, the world is in chaos and trust is a thing of the past.

Fight the Tide is the second book in the Kick at the Darkness series.  The slow moving plot mirrors a television series with the exception of Adam, an untrained werewolf who can only partly shift because his parents died before Adam was taught how the completely shift. Parker is human and the only one with sailing experience.

The storyline illustrates some emotional traits of loss, along with fear. However, neither the characters nor the action exhibited fully engaged my attention. 

Overall, Fight the Tide is enjoyable as a sweet man love romance without enthralling bold drama.  

Bouncer

Title:  Bouncer

Author:  Fiona Roarke

Publisher:  Nickel Road Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.amazon.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-944312-03-9

Genre:  {M/F}, Romantic Suspense, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Reece is undercover for the DEA at a high-end club, looking for information on how the target is keeping his records once he accepts a client.  He meets Jessica and ends up working with her once her agency decides to use Reece to obtain access to the club.

Bouncer is the second book in the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series and is actually about the next Langston brother.  Reece refuses to take any of the women up on their offer of hooking up since he knows they are only doing it because he happens to be one of the club’s bouncers.  He’s been burned once in a relationship already because of where he’s been working undercover for the last year.

Jessica is an FBI agent, who met Reece while trying to change her tire.  She has been looking for a hook up that won’t turn into a relationship and decides Reece will do nicely.   Both end up deciding to try for a relationship and their chemistry is intense.

Several obstacles abound when both agencies try to do end runs around the other, with Jessica and Reece in the crosshairs.  Both have instructions to not inform the other about what they are doing.  I found it interesting that both their bosses knew that the other agency was running ops, but not informing their two agents.  It reminded me of the issues that keep coming up about inter-agency cooperation in light of today’s climate.

I had to laugh at Jessica’s family, especially when it became clear Reece knew one of her brothers.  There are several humorous incidents and one agent that keeps harassing Jessica, keeps running afoul of both her boss and Reece.  He definitely deserved what happened to him after he blows Reece’s cover. 

I am looking forward to the next story in the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series because it features another Langston brother.

Anubis

Title:  Anubis

Author: T.A. Chase

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0570

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Dr. Jamil Ahlid, the head archaeologist has made discoveries in Petra that brings back painful memories for Anubis. 

Anubis is the second book in the Earth Warriors series. When human warriors die and are chosen to be Earth Warriors, they lose memory of their human names, but not their memories of their death through all of eternity. Anubis is the Egyptian god of funerals and death.

The mission of the seven Earth Warriors is to collect ancient books and artifacts that could be used to create immortality.

In his human life, Anubis was a ruler’s lover who became a political sacrifice to save the citizens of Petra. Anubis forgave his lover, however he never got the chance to tell him. As a centuries old immortal, Anubis has never loved again until he meets Jamil.

Jamil is not seeking fame, riches or glory. Jamil is an archaeologist to learn as well as teach mankind’s history. His discoveries go to public museums rather than private ownership. Jamil and Anubis share an immediate attraction that quickly grows into a mutual love.

T.A. Chase has created an intriguing and very enjoyable saga. I especially enjoyed the interaction between all of the Earth Warriors.

Biker

Title:  Biker

Author:  Fiona Roarke

Publisher:  Nickel Road Publishing

Publisher URL:  www.amazon.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-944312-01-5

Genre:   {M/F}, Romantic Suspense, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Kaitlin has decided she wants to lose her virginity and that her next door neighbor, Zak, would be the perfect candidate to help her do so.  Zak is attracted to Kaitlin but is undercover and knows he will be leaving within a few weeks, so doesn’t want to act on his attraction.  When Kaitlin decides to act and follows Zak, things get taken out of their hands.

Biker is the first book in the Bad Boys in Big Trouble series.  I was caught up in the story from the start.  This is a fast-paced suspense story that has a lot of twists and turns.  There are also some humorous moments, especially after Zak and Kaitlin get together. The chemistry between the two is intense.

Kaitlin has her reasons for doing what she did and the number one reason is her step-sister.  There is a lot of rivalry between the two and Kaitlin has had enough of the bragging Brooke does.  Zak, once he’s on board, makes it easier for Kaitlin to face her, especially when things take a surprising turn after Kaitlin is kidnapped.

Zak’s family is very supportive, but he has a few differences of opinion with his boss.  The men and group Zak is investigating keep changing somewhat and he finds out that if Kaitlin hadn’t followed him that one night, he was supposed to be executed by one of the group.  Of course, he doesn’t find this out until the end of his investigation.

I think the author did a good job of showing how some undercover operations can be ended to protect undercover agents for the future.  I loved the way the author ended the story and really enjoyed the ending, especially Zak’s family’s reactions.  

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.  I am also going to be looking for other books she may have written.

Chances with Angel

Title: Chances with Angel

Author: DJ Manly

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-68252-152-6

Genre: {M/M} Mystery 

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Angel Broderick, a TV daytime drama star, is being stalked by a maniac.

  

The betrayal of his wealthy lover caused David Robinson to lose his LA job as an illustrator. Moving back to New York, David has a chance meeting with Angel and the encounter permanently changed David’s life.  

Chances with Angel is a thriller with a touch of budding romance. Well known as an actor, Angel has fans who adore the character he plays on TV and David happens to be one of them. However, the few fans that meet Angel realize he is not like his fictional character. In fact, one fan’s twisted mind cannot distinguish fiction from reality. The New York detectives are making little progress while the stalker is becoming bolder.

David, who is just starting to get his life back on track, becomes the prime suspect. Not willing to have his new life destroyed, David does his own investigation, but will the detectives listen to David’s findings? 

DJ Manly has created an intriguing and enjoyable saga. David’s romantic betrayal in LA almost made me cry. 

The Devil You Know

Title:  The Devil You Know

Author:  Evi Asher

Publisher:  Extasy Books

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0715-5

Genre:  {M/F} Paranormal, Demons

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Being a Hell Lord who gets kicked out of Hell is working out much worse than Eligos imagined.  He was filthy and sleeping on the streets.  All he wants is to feel warmth from the flames and smell sulfur once again.  The one person who started this mess is also the same person responsible for leading him down a more frightening path.  The set of rules Eligos lives by have served him well until now.  In Hell, there was never much to stir his carnal needs, but that all changes when he meets a temping mage.

Stracey has a thing for bad boys who needed a little fixing and Eligos fits the bill.  In the past, Stracey had gotten into trouble in this kind of situation and she didn’t want to do it again.  But ignoring Eligos was going to be impossible, even if she hadn’t been forced to go on a mission with him.  A woman would have to deaf, dumb, and blind to resist all that hotness that he exuded without even trying.

The inevitable happens and Stracey and Eligos give into the best sex of their lives.  Plus, they find out their mission was a smoke screen for a bigger plan that they both had no say in.  Stracey and Eligos have little time to deal with their feelings about the life changing events they’ve been sucked into like a house in a tornado.  Danger brings an unexpected clarity, even though things don’t wrap up nice and neatly..

The Devil You Know is the fourth installment of the Echelon series and proof that Evi Asher knows how to keep readers hungry for more.  I loved the chemistry between all the characters in this story but I especially enjoyed the immediate heat between Stracey and Eligos.  Sometimes instant attraction isn’t easy to accept and readers need some build up.  Stracey’s sassy mouth coupled with Eligos’ high handed attitude couldn’t have been more perfect.  Falling from Grace isn’t such a bad thing in this case.  I felt for the couple by having their lives mapped out for them but I think it was the best thing for them.  If you don’t pick up their story, you will truly be missing out.

Where I’ll be Waiting

Title: Where I’ll be Waiting

Author: Monika De Giorgi

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-4874-0669-1

Genre: {M/M}, Fantasy        

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Jesse’s life has been rocky for as long as he can remember.  His parents left a lot to be desired and his choice in boyfriends has always been bad.  Jesse isn’t surprised that he starts dreaming of the perfect man, he’s only surprised when those dreams start taking over his life.

Where I’ll Be Waiting is a modern spin on the Sleeping Beauty theme, only this story has a few more twists than the fairy tale.  Jesse was raised by strict abusive, religious parents.  He wanted for the day that he went away to college so that he could live the life he waited.  Only his parents catch him with his boyfriend and what happens next causes Jesse even more problems.  Jesse takes so many hard hits in his life that he ends up building walls to protect himself from more heartache.  While readers would find this understandable when Jesse’s history is revealed, it ends up playing a big part of the story later in the book. 

Cameron has a loving family yet worries about disappointing them because he would rather work than go to college.  He loves his job at the local bookstore and his job allows him to feed his book habit. It is one of those purchases that change his life in ways he never expected. 

These two young men pulled me into their story from the beginning.  I found myself feeling for Jesse and the things he went through in his life.  It was also easy to understand how he thought he was going crazy due to the dreams and the way they made him feel.  As for Cameron, I was glad that his upbringing was so different from Jesse’s and readers will be able to see how that will come in handy as he tries to help Jesse fight his demons.  There are several little twists in this story that will hold your attention and will keep you wondering just what is really going on.  Don’t be surprised if you find yourself close to tears a time or two.  I thought the author did a great job with both these characters as well as the plot, handling both in a way that made the story believable.  

The author, Monika De Giorgi, is new to me, but after reading this story, I will be looking for more books from her.  

Cadence Falls

Title:  Cadence Falls

Author:  Beth D. Carter

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-041-9

Genre:  (M/F/M}, Cowboys, Western

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Three best friends became lovers, but due to a misunderstanding on Everett’s part, the three went their separate ways.  Amanda thought she would be with Cooper and Everett together, but refuses to be with Cooper without Everett.

Cadence Falls is now a stand-alone story that used to be part of the Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats anthology. This is a fast paced story that brings Amanda, Cooper, and Everett back together when a dangerous felon escapes.  Everett is now a tracker with an elite government unit and is on loan to the U.S. Marshalls’ office. The chemistry between the three is good, though I was surprised at how quickly they picked up their relationship once they talked things out, and after Cooper decks Everett. 

This book gets real emotional as the three try to get answers from the others. Some of Cooper’s friends were a little harsh in their opinion of Amanda, but admitted they could accept her if it would make a difference in his attitude.  I had to laugh at the way Amanda finally admitted she loved the two men.  I will say I had chills while reading part of Cadence Falls as there were some familiar situations that brought back some headlines in the news recently.

Needing a Vampire’s Aggression

Title: Needing a Vampire’s Aggression

Author: Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-4874-0734-6

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

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Parker is still grieving the death of his husband.  To the shifter, it does not matter that ten years have passed; the loss of his human husband is just as strong today as the day Donnie died.  When Parker comes across Nikolai at a poker game, he is not prepared to acknowledge his mate and leaves.

Needing a Vampire’s Aggression is the 35^th book in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series by author Charlie Richards.  This new story brings a member of the Kuznetsov Vampire Coven to the forefront once again.  Nikolai is the coven’s second and acts as the group’s enforcer.  He is used to doing what is needed to keep his family safe, regardless of what it calls for.  Because of this, Nikolai is a little more intense and darker than other members of his family.  I liked that these same facts made the Kuznetsov family protective of Nikolai, especially when it came to Parker acknowledging the mate connection. 

Parker is a wolf shifter and member of the Stone Ridge pack.  It is easy to feel for the shifter as he continues to pine for his late husband.  While I felt for Parker, I could not help but think how messy things could have been if Donnie had still been alive when Nikolai came into the picture.  The author does a good job showcasing the struggle Parker went through when it came to dealing with his grief, meeting Nikolai, acknowledging the mate connection and handling the feelings of disloyalty that he has because of his growing need for the vampire.

With the help of friends, these two are brought together in a situation that really heats up the pages.  Some readers may find what happens next a little off putting but the scene is well written and true to the characters.   

Of course, fans of this series know that the books are never just about the romance between the main characters and Needing a Vampire’s Aggression is no different.  Nikolai, at Jared’s request, participates in a mission that is supposed to be well planned. However, more than one problem pops up and things get a little out of hand, which means Parker will be forced to come to terms with his feelings faster than he planned.  I can’t wait to see how the next stories play out, especially after the way the mission ended. 

Fans of this series are sure to enjoy this story as it is one that should not be missed.

Awakening the Alpha

Title: Awakening the Alpha

Author: Carolina Valdez

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-68252-151-9

Genre: {M/M} Shapeshifters         

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Former Navy SEAL sniper Blaze Canis finds out the hard way that trust is a part of love. Keeping secrets from his lover, Native American Logan Swift Rider almost destroyed their relationship shortly after it began.

Awakening the Alpha is a budding interracial romance. The setting is Yellowstone Park with some interesting history about the area including the dangerous animals the tourist is likely to encounter.

Blaze is an alpha werewolf who chose not to be the leader of a pack because he is gay. The thought of mating with a female was unacceptable for Blaze so he chose instead to join the Navy. Now that he has retired, Blaze misses the friendship of his military unit.   

Logan left the reservation to become an artist. Also being gay, Logan could not carry on the Shoshone’s expected tradition of marriage and fathering children. Logan continues to speak his native language at times as well as remembers some of the myths learned as a child. It is one particular native myth that caused a major misunderstanding between Logan and Blaze.

Carolina Valdez has created an amiable saga that I enjoyed. I found the Shoshone tribe history especially interesting.  

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