Illicit (Box Set)

Title:  Illicit (Box Set)

Author:  Marteeka Karland

Publisher:  Changeling Press

Publisher URL:  www.changelingpress.com

ISBN/BIN:  07596-02449

Genre:  {M/F}, Sci-Fi, Action, Futuristic, Anthology

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Illicit Mating - 4 Nymphs

Gabrielle, along with a friend, apply to become brides for Cluath.  Worr sees them and decides they will become his and his brother’s.  The problem is there is a plot afoot to take over all the stations in space, including Earth.  Gabrielle must work alongside Worr to save both populations.

Illicit Sex - 4 Nymphs

Kil can’t believe what his brother did.  Lyra wants nothing to do with him because he thinks women should be protected and obey.  What Kil gets is a woman willing to fight for what she believes in.  Lyra is taken by enemies, and Kil finds he can’t live without her.

Illicit Craving - 4 Nymphs

Bacia arrives just in time to help her brother save his mate.  She is taking over security on the station and goes undercover.  Jaxon is an undercover agent for Earth and ends up saving Bacia from mercs working for the enemy.  As they learn to trust each other, both realize they are working to save both their worlds.

Illicit Love - 4 Nymphs

Drac is the Supreme General for the Cluath and is extremely upset about the attempts on his children’s lives.  Drac gets an unexpected visitor, Celestine, who was sent by the mercs as a gift to make him leave the Colony.  Celestine realizes Drac isn’t as bad as she had been told and ends up helping him try to end the plot against both Earth and the Cluath.

Illicit is an interesting look at a dying alien culture that has to look to other planets and races to repopulate their world.  Humans are the closest to the Cluath.  Cluath is building colonies on other planets for Earth’s population in order to survive.  Several factions on both planets want something else.

Drac and his family are fighting to make sure the populations for both planets to survive and not just the wealthy.  They end up fighting, along with their mates, to make it happen.  I really liked reading this book as the women turned out to be very strong and showed they were worthy of standing with their men, even with some of the things that happened to them.  I really liked Bacia’s story because she showed Jaxon that a woman can be a warrior too.  The four couples had some great chemistry.  The only downside in the story about Kil and Lyra was the drug and its one major side effect.  I liked that Kil did his best to remain honorable under the circumstances.

I would love to read more stories about the Cluath and Earth in the future.  While it seemed as if things were wrapped up, I felt the ending wasn’t quite what it should have been if things were completely tied up.  I enjoyed reading Illicit, as I also thought that this could be a possibility in the future if there are other planets with life.

I will be reading Illicit again.

Publisher's Note: Illicit (Box Set) contains the previously published novellas Illicit Mating, Illicit Sex, Illicit Craving, and Illicit Love. 

Madness Ends

Title:  Madness Ends

Author:  Beth D. Carter

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78430-840-7

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Ménage, Action, Suspense, Sequel

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Release November 10, 2015

Kaiya becomes the Men of Hell’s accountant after her cousin makes a bargain with their grandfather.  What she doesn’t expect is to have a relationship like her cousin’s after meeting Gabby and Boone.

Madness Ends is the sequel to Mad Delights and is also tied to the Red Wolves Motorcycle Club series.  Madness Ends brings to a close some of the threads left hanging from the previous story.  Kaiya tries to find out what the previous accountant had done with the club’s money and ends up finding out a little more after she is accosted by him while she, Gabby, and Boone go on a trip for supplies.  It was interesting seeing Kaiya try to let the men know she was open for a relationship with both of them.  Of course there is lots of room for misunderstandings as Boone learns to sign and Gabby tries to hide his past.

The chemistry between the three is hot, but Kaiya has some very understandable feelings of being rejected by Gabby at times.  I liked that Kaiya stood up for herself as she tried to explain why she doesn’t like to be ordered around, as she was a virtual prisoner growing up and after she was rescued at her grandfather’s compound.  Eventually they realize they all have to talk about the past so they can forge a true lasting relationship.

Several twists involve another motorcycle club with ties to Vicious and the accountant shows up with a plan to retrieve the stolen money after aligning himself with Vicious.  The tension between all the various parties, once they arrive at the same place, are so true.  The author did a good job tying everything together at the end. 

Both of these books need to be read in order to understand what happens and why things happen in Madness Ends.  While readers don’t need to read the series these stories are linked to, it adds to the understanding of the first book. 

Unearthed Treasure

Title:  Unearthed Treasure

Author:  Elizabeth Lapthorne

Publisher:  Total E Bound

Publisher URL:  www.total-e-bound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78184-300-0

Genre:   {M/F}, Action, Mystery, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

David and Chelsea think their cover might be blown, but follow through with their assignment to find the ringleader of the smuggling operation.  After working together for so long, they finally admit they love each other. 

The sixth book in The Agency series, Unearthed Treasure, picks up during the attack on the National Gallery of London from the previous book.  Several things happen that could be very hazardous to both David and Chelsea.  Some of the risks involved in undercover operations are explored in detail, and some of the personality characteristics needed are showcased.

I liked the chemistry and communication the two had together.  I did have to laugh at some of the give and take they had regarding watching each other’s back, even though both wanted to protect the other.  I also liked the sentiment that David stated about his feelings for Chelsea that is the title of this book.

The secondary characters were realistic.  I was surprised at who the ringleader was and how it was revealed.  The author did a good job explaining why things happened as well.  I really liked the scene where David and Chelsea escape after things get screwed up because of some of the crew. 

I’m glad the subplot from Intimate Knowledge was followed through with resolution in Unearthed Treasure.  David gave a very good explanation about why he let Jennifer live and neatly sidestepped the trap laid for him because of it.  While not all the stories in this series need to be read in order, these two need to be read in order to understand some of the references that are a big part of this story.

Forked

Title: Forked

Author: Declan Sands

Publisher: Changeling Press

Publisher URL: changelingpress.com/ 

ISBN/ BIN: 05763-01847

Genre: {M/M} Action Suspense Sci-Fi

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

Cliff Blood is on an unscheduled visit to Earth, which will get him in big trouble with the powers on his home planet Eninac. But that is okay with Cliff because now he knows his brother Matt is safe and well. However, there are other issues that require Cliff’s attention; the answers to who is attempting to frame his new boss and why Cliff is so attracted to the Deputy US Marshal Falen Scott. 

Forked is the second book in the Blood-Hound series. The exceptionally enjoyable short story plot is packed with plenty of action, a mystery and some very interesting characters. Cliff is on the trail of the strange creatures, who are attempting to murder his snake shifter boss. After destroying the creatures with the help of Falen, Cliff is still in the dark surrounding this Intergalactic mystery. Falen may be veiled in secrets but his sexual skills are most enjoyable experiences for Cliff. Falen and Cliff’s shared intimacies along with their investigative skills make them an invincible team.    

Dead Run

Title: Dead Run

Author: Josh Lanyon

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-61118-464-8

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Action, Suspense Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx 

After living on different continents for nearly a year, the strain is beginning to tell on lovers, Special Agents of the Department of Diplomatic Security Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt. A week-long vacation together seems like the perfect answer to their problems so when they get vacation at the same time, Taylor arranges for a flight to Paris. A wrench is thrown in his plans when he spies a ‘70’s terrorist long thought dead trying to board a plane. Taylor still gets to Paris…just behind schedule and nothing goes as planned. He and Will end up fighting and instead of making up, they’re chasing a dangerous foe threatening the city with violence. Just when they think things can’t get worse…it does. 

Dead Run is the fourth release in Josh Lanyon’s Dangerous Ground series and begins at least eleven months after their job-forced separation. While some series start to lose steam after a few releases, this newest story of Taylor and Will’s life is just as fast paced as before, even more complicated…and with plenty of drama. Except this time they’re juggling some well scripted relationship misunderstandings with a terrorist subplot that threatens the city of Paris. I really liked this one. In fact, it might be my favorite. 

For someone who’s never visited the city of lights, the vivid details of historical Paris is deeply appreciated. It’s a great backdrop for this romance that highlights the uncertainty and vulnerability that Taylor feels about Will putting his career before their love for each other. Consequently, his reactions are often expressed without thought, leaving them upset and angry. Mr. Lanyon did a very nice job with their emotional upheaval and their inability to express what they are really feeling. This only gets worse after Will is injured in one of the rather dramatic twists and turns interspersed throughout the story.  

I like these guys more with each book. They’re smart, sexy, dynamic, loving and at times so bullheaded and dense, you want to hit them upside the head with a two-by-four. In this, at times bittersweet, story, Mr. Lanyon has crafted two men caught in a situation filled with resentment and loneliness. He’s covered an unbelievable amount of emotion with Taylor and Will in this novella length release, and he’s done with witty dialogue, passion, lots of angst, suspense and action. Read and enjoy.

My Yakuza

Title: My Yakuza
Author: A.J. Llewellyn and John Simpson
Publisher: Total E Bound Books
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-372-2
Genre: {M/M}, Suspense, Action
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Shiro’s life has always been slightly unusual. He’s never known his father, his mother has no problem sleeping with men for money and his grandmother has an unusual herb garden. His one constant has always been his love for Hawaii. But his hopes of a degree in Hawaiian studies is temporarily derailed when Shiro has to find his missing mother, whose lover just so happens to be a the head of a Yakuza clan in Japan.

My Yakuza is the first collaboration of authors A.J. Llewellyn and John Simpson. Separately they are very good writers; together they are outstanding. I loved the characters Shiro and Kono. The connection between these two men is intense from the beginning, even though Kono is not sure whether or not he can trust the younger man. Watching Shiro trying to be good had me chuckling more than once. There is also a lot of action in this story as Shiro and Kono try to save themselves and Shiro’s mother and friend. Between the intense heat of the two men and the constant action, there is plenty to hold the reader’s attention. There are a few wonderful secondary characters, some are not always what they seem, that help move the story along. Without giving too much away, there is one point in the story when I could not believe who one of the ‘bad’ guys was.

My Yakuza is an excellent story and I hope these two authors have plans to write more stories together.

Libra: Outlined in Ink

Title: Libra: Outlined in Ink
Author: Vivien Dean
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-754-0
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Action
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

It’s been years since Jarrett has seen Eli, his best friend’s little brother, so he’s unsure why the FBI thinks he can track the young man down for them. When Jarrett and Eli meet up again, the attraction between the two is instant, but who is out to get Eli and why.

Libra: Outlined in Ink is part of Amber Allure’s multi-authored series entitled Boys of the Zodiac. The characters in this story will grab the reader from the beginning. The innocence that surrounds Eli, when he really is not always that pure, makes you want to protect him, and I could not believe how easily Jarrett planned to hand over Eli to the FBI at the start of the story. It is easy to see a connection between the two men and readers should prepare for one hot read.

As Libra: Outlined in Ink progresses, more and more twists are revealed, keeping the reader guessing as to what exactly is going on and who really are the bad guys. While a couple of these twists you may be able to see coming, some will actually surprise you.

Although to me it felt like the story ended rather abruptly, Libra: Outlined in Ink will be one I plan on reading again

72 Hours

Title: 72 Hours
Author: Clare London
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-61581-593-7
Genre: {M/M}, Action, Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Tanner may not have realized what his feelings for Niall meant, but he did know that he didn’t want to be without the man. When a fight splits them apart, Tanner takes his suspension seriously and goes into hiding. Only a threat to Niall and the rest of the team could ever bring Tanner out and reunite him with the man who still holds his heart.

72 Hours is an action-packed story about a covert ops team that comes under attack, as well as two of its team members, Tanner and Niall. The story is told in the first person, from Tanner’s point of view. There is a lot of jumping between the past and present as he reveals to the reader how he and Niall meet and what tore them apart. The constant jumping around can be a little confusing at times, but stick with it as it does improve as the story progresses.

While 72 Hours does primarily focus on the team and what is happening to them, some romance does pop up with regards to Tanner and Niall. It is very easy to see the strong connection between the two men, as well as what pulled them apart. The author could have very easily used the situation the men and the rest of their team found themselves in as the reason to get back together, however she did not. By having Tanner and Niall struggle with their feelings for each other as they tried to come to terms with their past made the story more believable.

The mystery surrounding the team will hold the reader’s attention. The action scenes are strongly written and while it is not overly difficult to figure out who the bad guy is, the reason he is after them may keep you guessing.

Mated

Title: Mated
Author: A.J. Llewellyn
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-666-2
Genre: {M/M}, {M/M/M} Contemporary, Action
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Mingo and his family head to Connecticut for a wedding, only to become caught up in another mystery. Just who seems to be after the men now and will it pull them apart?

Mated is A.J. Llewellyn’s latest addition to the Mingo McCloud series. One of the things I love about this series is that, regardless of how much time passes between books, the author is able to pull you right back into Mingo’s and Francois’ world. The chemistry between the men is as strong as always and it is easy to see the love between the two, even when they are involved in a threesome with Sage.

Like the previous stories, Mated has a touch of mystery attached to it, one that involves both Mingo’s and Francois’ past. With wonderful characters and snappy dialog, the comment regarding Mingo’s mother and where her boyfriends come from had me laughing out loud. This book is sure to please. Mated, like the previous stories, was an excellent read and I can’t wait for the next installment.

Touch Me Gently

Title: Touch Me Gently
Author: J.R. Loveless
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-575-3
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Clothes hide most of the scars from the torment of Kaden James’ horrific episodes during his youth. Fear induced from that period reduces Kaden to a panicked individual and makes staying employed difficult to accomplish.

Now, he’s been given a second chance at life and an opportunity at love when he takes a job on a Montana ranch as a cook. Kaden comes in contact with a host of people willing to look past the scars and help him regain his courage. Logan Michaels is ready to help him want to open his heart to a relationship and learn to trust. But danger presents itself and Kaden once again finds himself struggling to face down his demons.

J.R. Loveless’ Touch Me Gently is a brilliantly written story about a young man’s ability to overcome odds that would leave most crippled. I loved Kaden’s character. His gentleness made him a target for evil people, who enjoy inflicting pain and terror on weaker individuals. Logan is a cowboy with a heart. His spirit and ability to accept Kaden as is allowed for their love to grow and for Kaden to find his inner strength and once again thrive.

While there isn’t a great deal of sex between the men, there is an overwhelming passion and attraction that slowly simmers until they finally capitulate to their desire. Those episodes bring the heat while giving insight to just how deeply the men care for each other. Loveless combines action, suspense and drama to create a fast-paced story that took over my senses. Those who like their cowboys strong and determined with an ability to tap into their tender side will love Touch Me Gently.

Silence

Title: Silence
Author: Lena Austin
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60521-454-2
Genre: {M/M} Vampires, Werewolves
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Detective Cameron Douglas, a werewolf retired from the force, after he is deafened in an attempted murder while working the investigation into the death of the mayor's secretary. ENT therapist Noel Miller is a vampire, who wants to be more than Cam's interpreter.

Silence, part three of a multi-author series, Dire Wolves, has a well-constructed action plot of living with disability, a mystery, as well as two lonely men finding romance. The setting is Florida. The detailed characters have realistic issues and the lovemaking is especially sensual. While still in the hospital, Cam’s boss paid a visit to announce that Cam’s badge had been retired. Cam was furious over leaving the murder case of his mother’s best friend still unsolved. Cam’s life had suddenly become a double edged sword; adjusting to the loss of his hearing and realizing that there was more than a little attraction to Noel. Both Cam and Noel have a two-fold reason to conceal their true nature from the humans they work amongst. To the world they live in, werewolves and vampires do not exist, plus being gay is equally unthinkable.

The amazing Lena Austin has created an impressive action-suspense saga interwoven with humor in addition to intriguing secondary characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Silence.

Touch of a Wolf

Title: Touch of a Wolf
Author: Jez Morrow
Publisher: Torquere Books
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com
ISBN: 978-1-61040-457-1
Genre: {M/M}, Shape-Shifter, Action
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

The day Matt meet Channing was the worse day of his life. The day Channing came back was the best day of Matt’s life. Or was it?

Touch of a Wolf is a shape-shifter, action-adventure story with some really intense sex scenes. While I loved the characters and the premise of the story, I found it also had a few weak points. Right from the beginning Matt and Channing will pull you into their story, the first time these two meet is hot so beware. Both men are struggling to overcome issues that will, not only hold the reader’s attention, but will play heavily into the plot of this story.

On the other hand there were a few areas, such as Channing’s withdrawal from cocaine and heroine, and the men being on the run that came across a little weak. It is easy to understand that as an undercover cop, Channing was forced to do things from being caught. Now, before heading to court, he is trying to get clean. However, his cold turkey withdrawals were just too mild to be believed, plus the fact that while Matt and Channing are on the run, Matt uses his ATM card, with no worry of being caught.

Touch of a Wolf is still a good story that’s full of action, and with a new spin on the werewolf concept that gives it a fresh feel.