Unconventional in Kansas City

Title: Unconventional in Kansas City

Author: Anthology

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Publisher URL: www.pride-publishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-78651-476-9

Genre: {M/M} Cowboys

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Kiss Me, Cowboy by Carol Lynne - 4 Nymphs

Eli Barron and Jesse Clooney are best friends and lovers, but when critical circumstances changes their plan to be together, the two men go in separate directions.  Eli stays at home on the ranch to support his widowed mother and younger siblings while Jesse escapes his homophobic parents by following the rodeo circuit.

New Vocations by T.A. Chase - 4.5 Nymphs

Layne Daly adopts and re-trains retired thoroughbreds. When his usual groom was unable to make it to Kansas City, Layne was in need of help.  Carl Stewartson, whose recent injury ended his broncs riding career, offers to help Layne with his horses and more personal things.

Stallions and Ice by Stephani Hecht - 5 Nymphs

Following family traditions, Brandon has been trained from a young child to play the major hockey leagues, although his skills only gained Brandon a position in the minor leagues.  Ethan was trained to ride in the rodeo circuit. However, a medical condition has deprived Ethan of a rodeo future. The mutual attraction between Brandon and Ethan, upon first meeting, has both men thinking about possibly altering their plans for a future together.

Playing with Fire by Jambrea Jo Jones - 5 Nymphs

Hayden McGrath owns a farm-to-table restaurant and entering the barbecue competition at the American Royal gives Hayden a chance to showcase his cooking skills.  Amos Vasquez is a ranch cook at a ranch repurposed into a ranch resort. Amos has two goals this year, win the barbecue competition and win back Hayden. Amos has decided that one night with Hayden is not enough.

Resuscitating Love by Devon Rhodes - 4 Nymphs

American Royal director Hill Pearson is still a cowboy at heart, but the long hours he spends making the rodeo events perfect is taking a toll on Hill’s personal time.  Dr. David Weinstein is Hill’s husband. Married less than a year, David is discovering their marriage is going the wrong direction; they are drifting apart instead of growing closer together. It seems to David that Hill is really married to the American Royal and David is a live in partner instead of husband.

Overall, this collection of compassionate short stories is vastly impressive and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the humor blended into Stallions and Ice as well as Playing with Fire.

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.

Worth Fighting For

Title:  Worth Fighting For

Author:  Cheyenne Meadows

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  https://www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-049-5

Genre:  {M/F} Action & Adventure, Contemporary, Cowboys & Western

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Experience has given April firsthand knowledge of what it means to be abused, so she has a soft spot for others with the same background.  Instead of coming home with one horse like she planned, April winds up with two.  She finds the perfect stable for her horses, but the owner was proving to be a bit difficult.  His expertise with animals clearly didn’t extend to people, because the man wanted nothing to do with April.  She had no idea why the man didn’t like her.

It isn’t just April that Dusty wants to avoid; it’s all women in general.  Dusty’s life has been turned upside down because of war and women.  The unsettled tension between his brothers has left Dusty with only his dog and his stable.  April is the one person who might upset his normal routine and Dusty doesn’t want that.  She’s constantly underfoot trying to help, which makes it impossible for Dusty to ignore his attraction to her. 

The nurse in April wouldn’t let her turn her back on anyone or anything needing compassion.  I was expecting April’s past to be more detailed, but honestly I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as I was imaging.  She was just so sweet, I would have hated to think of her dealing with more bad things.   Even though Dusty is bad tempered most of the time, April is drawn to him.  Something in his eyes touched her and April wanted to get to the bottom of his pain.  If that meant opening up about her own troublesome past, so be it.  To say that Dusty had been wronged by a woman would be an understatement.  Under the circumstances, I understand why he had sworn off relationships, even the one with his family.  When you add PTSD into the mix, that makes things worse.  Getting close to another human being was hard for Dusty, so it moved me to see how good he was with animals.  There is something about a man bonded with his dog that just makes me feel warm and fuzzy, especially if the man is smoking hot. 

I fell in love with April’s horse, Mischief, and he was the center of some of my favorite scenes.  Dusty’s brothers also made me feel very comfortable and left me curious to know more about their lives.  Everything came together like a hand and glove in Worth Fight For.  The right amount of turmoil was added, without being so sad that I needed to take a break to calm down.  Things weren’t perfect for Dusty and April but I felt they dealt with everything perfectly.  This story will renew your faith in people and give you the hope that everyone can have a second chance.

Butt Riders On The Range

Title: Butt Riders On The Range

Author: Anthology

Publisher: Wilde City Press

Publisher URL: www.wildecity.com

ISBN: 978-1-925313-12-3

Genre:  {M/M} Comedy

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Hung Like A Horse by JP Barnaby - 4 Nymphs

Horse shifter Riley Harper is as skittish as a colt, always afraid someone would discover his secret. Fortunately, Riley’s days of hiding comes to an end when he meets John North, a Missouri farmer who turns out to be Riley’s new protector, friend and lover.  A striking heartwarming romance, the characters are engaging with a touch of amusement.

Chinchilla Chimichangas by Kage Alan - 4 Nymphs

Chris, along with his very opinionated imaginary friends, is taking a Route sixty-six trip mapped out long ago by his father. Detoured by a storm to a small farming community in Oklahoma, Chris meets Cameron, the cowboy of his dreams, as well as sanctioned by his make-believe friends.  The imaginary friends are especially humorous and contribute a pleasant balance to an emotional theme.

  

Squatting With Spurs On by Kiernan Kelly - 4 Nymphs

Live, love and repeat this is the magical time warp Dooley McCallister and Buck Caldwell are caught in. Dooley has no memory of his previous life spans, but fortunately Buck remembers each and every one. No matter the current century, Buck and Dooley always go back to their first Montana home together.  This story gives a humorous innovative meaning to the turn of phrase “I will always love you”.

Faux Cowboy by Shae Connor - 3 Nymphs

Doug Shaw heads to New York in hopes of having a little fun. Growing up on a farm in Wyoming did not offer much for a gay cowboy. However, meeting the cowboy pretender Jackson James at a western themed saloon soon fulfilled Doug’s erotic riding desires. Enjoyable as a one time read only, the casual hook-up theme did not exhibit any noteworthy actions or believable personality qualities. The unexciting one-dimensional characters did not completely employ my interest.   

Hooves And Horns by Eden Winters - 5 Nymphs

Kerry Abrams is a champion bull rider and Armando is a champion bronco rider. Though Kerry and Armando enjoy pleasing their rodeo fans as well as each other between shows, the secret to the lover’s rodeo success is that they are both shifters.  The character interaction is laugh out loud hilarious; I enjoyed the vibrant descriptions that draw the reader into the storyline.

The Boy From Battalion Bluff by Jevocas Green - 5 Nymphs

High noon everyday the townsfolk would gather on Main Street. The men gathered in hopes of being selected and the women gathered in envy to watch Dr. Feel-Good walk down the center of the street. The Doc’s mission was to select one lucky man to receive the Doc’s special brand of relaxing therapy. After waiting for months for his chance, Toby, the stable boy, finally got lucky. The principle of this plot is the old west meets another world. The storyline features exceptionally loving characters and a blissful conclusion.

The Five Hells War by Ally Blue - 5 Nymphs

Sometimes it is the little guy who wins. Salvador Flint owns a small ranch surrounded by greedy corporate ranchers willing to try everything, including hiring corporate lawyer Balthazar Shellenbarger to force Salvador out of business. But upon meeting Salvador, Balthazar found Salvador to be an honest man with a skill for more than ranching. The setting is not Earth, however the corruption illustrated in the plot is a realistic image of Earth. The storyline provokes outrage and the characters encourage cheers.   

And The Horse He Rode In On by TC Blue - 4 Nymphs

Texas sheep rancher Tyler and poacher Jason is an unlikely pair of shifters, yet there is an undeniable attraction between them that works. Of course it took months for the two to find common ground. Nevertheless Tyler and Jason managed to work through their differences to become lovers. The main features of the plot are an amusing dialog merged with compassionate characters. 

Overall, Butt Riders On The Range is a marvelous assortment of incredibly entertaining stories.

Drawing the Devil

Title: Drawing the Devil

Author: Jon Keys

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-61922-461-2

Genre: {M/M} Cowboys

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Release date 2-3-2015

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping in Dustin Lewis like the thrill of riding a bull. Nevertheless, there is some major risk involved in a rodeo. Luckily, for Dustin, bullfighter Shane Rees was at hand to save Dustin from a near death-by-bull ride on the most dangerous bull Diablo.

Drawing the Devil is an exciting preview into the rodeo competitions. The main theme is romance. The plot illustrates the dangers of being talented, as well as being gay, in what is socially considered a tough man’s sport. The risk of being gay is that bullies exploit homosexuality as an excuse to justify their brutal attacks on strangers they are actually envious of. The characters are creditable.

Dustin has an ADHD medical condition; he takes medicine so that he can center his attention, except bull riding makes Dustin so overexcited it takes hours to calm down. One calming solution Dustin found is the intimacy he shares with Shane.

Shane is a loner, although he is openly gay to a few people.  Shane’s scarred face, due to an encounter with a bull, has lowered his self esteem. His relationship with Dustin is the first time Shane has hopes for a future with a husband at his side. Like any budding romance, Shane and Dustin have a few verbal fights, however their relationship is build on friends first then evolving into love.

Jon Keys has created an impressive saga that I found enjoyable. The rodeo action details in addition to the intimacy scenes are fascinating.

Promises of Mercy

Title:  Promises of Mercy

Author:    Vella Day 

Publisher:  Erotic Reads Publishing (sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.)

Publisher URL:  www.amazon.com

ISBN/BIN:   978-0-9899759-0-2

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Amber comes under suspicion for being an Angel of Mercy after several patients die.  Amber meets Stone after her brother is in an accident, but she had met Cade when he questioned her after the first murder.

Promises of Mercy is the first book in the Montana Promises series by Vella Day.  This is the first book by Ms. Day I’ve read and I was not disappointed.  Ms. Day wove the romance of three people into a very good suspense mystery.  The romance part of the story comes together gradually, but the reader very quickly gets caught up in the mystery.

Amber and Cade both have issues getting close to other people, but Stone comes from a very affectionate and loving family.  As the relationship between the three evolves, there are several bumps along the way including finding time for the three to be together.  The scenes between Amber, Stone and Cade are hot and the chemistry is apparent, even when it is Amber and only one of the men.

All the staff at the hospital are under suspicion until Cade is able to clear at least Amber. As things progress, the reader starts to get an inkling which one of two people is probably the guilty party.  I was surprised how the actual guilty party was disclosed.  It was totally unexpected.

Friends and family play a big part in how all three interact with each other, as well as other secondary characters.  Amber’s interaction with her weekly ‘girls night happy hour’ was funny at times.  

I am looking forward to reading the Montana Promises series and Promises of Mercy was a good start.  

Finding Release

Title: Finding Release

Author: Silvia Violet

Publisher: Silver Publishing

Publisher URL: spsilverpublishing.com/

ISBN: 9781614955436

Genre: {M/M} Shifters Cowboy Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Coleman Wilder, a half-breed werewolf, has earned the respect of most people in the small town of Cranford, Tennessee because of the fine horses he raises on his farm. Life is good for Cole until his friend, horse shifter Jonah Marks, is found at a rescue ranch. Unable to shift back to human, half starved and beaten, Jonah who had been missing for a year, found salvation as well as love with Cole.

Finding Release is the first book in the Wild R Farm Series. The plot is centered on the emotional and physical abuse employed by religious terrorists, who exploit a twisted version of the Bible as an excuse to hide their psychotic personality. Being gay, along with growing up in a fanatical household, has left Jonah with emotional scars that are slow to heal. Jonah fears for his and Cole’s life, he would rather run away than face his abusive family. However, Cole becomes Jonah’s security blanket, which gives Jonah the courage he needs to face his enemy. Cole is openly gay yet he fears losing control of his wolf side. For this reason, Cole has never sought a relationship before Jonah returned. The unlikely pairing works well together. Each man provides what the other needs to feel mentally whole. The story also illustrates especially sensual intimacy scenes, expressing the underlying bond that had always been there between Cole and Jonah.

Silvia Violet has created an exceptionally impressive as well as thoroughly enjoyable saga. I look forward to the next episode.     

Saviours of Oestend

Title: Saviours of Oestend

Author: Marie Sexton

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

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

ISBN: 978-1-78184-026-9

Genre: {M/M} Cowboy Dark Fantasy Sequel

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

Dante Pane had tried to give up on life when he was forced to leave his home at the BarChi. However, the wraiths plaguing all of Oestend did not kill him. Instead, his new home was cursed with dead animals, unnatural weather and voices riding the wind.  

Saviours of Oestend is the intriguing sequel to Song of Oestend. Like the first book, this story continues the complex plot that illustrates how the first settlers of Oestend created an imbalance of the lands, as well as destroying the native people. The current ranch owners are paying the price for their thoughtless forefathers. There are three amongst them that inherited the magic of the old ones. By joining their magic together, the spirits are finally appeased. The characters are convincing. Dante has been forced into a sexuality closet, which makes him a bitter man. He is jealous of the happiness Deacon has found in an openly gay relationship with Aren. Cami is not what she appears to be and is a mystery to everyone, yet she is the only one who can reach the heart and soul of Dante. The plot gives a detailed history of the land and the characters. Intimacies between the various couples are illustrated. There is even a six-way sexual ritual highlighted.   

Saviours of Oestend is a fascinating and exceedingly enjoyable saga. However, you must read Song of Oestend first in order to truly understand the thorough plot.

Commando Cowboys Capture Their Mate

Title:  Commando Cowboys Capture Their Mate

Author:  Paige Cameron

Publisher:  Siren-Bookstrand

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

ISBN:1-61034-705-6

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Cowboy, Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Sara is the victim of identity theft.  Because of the theft, she is kidnapped by a community of warriors.  Mitch and Daren have a reaction that leaves no doubt Sara is theirs.  Convincing her stay is the problem. 

The first book in the Wyoming Warriors series sets the groundwork for a society that tries to be as self-sufficient as possible.  Commando Cowboys Capture Their Mate has a lot of suspense and intrigue as this community tries to find traitors in their midst.  I loved the little bit of background that let you know exactly how these men and women came to be with their special abilities. I liked the way the author gave you a hint that there is more to this society, which will slowly be revealed as the series unfolds. 

The author showcases the problems that Sara faces when she is asked to stay with Mitch and Daren.  Anyone who has a relationship with someone from a different culture and tries to adjust to fit in was handled very realistically.   

The secondary characters are very realistic in their reactions in various situations, from Sara's girlfriends to men Sara meets, especially when Sara tells her friends she is getting married. One situation with a main character that was undercover as part of his job, showed how a partner could become jealous and start having doubts about a relationship. 

The chemistry between Mitch, Sara, and Daren is scorching hot so keep ice handy.  The resolution of the community marriage and the public relationship was interesting.  I for one will be reading this one again. I do suggest that if you start reading this series, you read them in order to get the full impact of this community.

Straight Cowboy

Title: Straight Cowboy

Author: Jan Irving

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

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

ISBN: 978-0-85715-596-2

Genre: {M/M} Cowboy, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Cowboy Joshua Ryan is a Western Trail Rides tourist guide for guest Matt James.  Matt is hearing impaired.  However, this is not a problem for Josh, who is skilled in sign language.  The real problem is Josh made a gay porn movie and he cannot stop thinking about it.  Josh is not gay so why does he desire repeating his gay performance with Matt?  

Straight Cowboy is the first book in the Uncommon Cowboys Series.  The well written heartwarming plot illustrates Josh’s struggle with his sexuality.  The characters are believable.  Matt is openly gay, intelligent and somewhat of a loner with a sexually wild side hidden inside.  He is attracted to Josh; nevertheless Matt refuses to be a substitute for Josh’s female lovers.  By the time Matt and Josh reached their destination, along with the intimacy they shared, Matt realized he had fallen in love with Josh.   

Josh never felt like he fit in anywhere.  His time spent out on the wildness trails is Josh’s comfort zone.  He is confused by his embarrassing thoughts, regarding Matt which makes him surly.  However, the attraction another guest displays towards Matt, forces Josh to admit his desire to stay Matt’s lover.   Jan Irving has created an impressively steamy, as well as heartwarming, short story that I enjoyed greatly.

Shy Cowboy

Title: Shy Cowboy

Author: Jan Irving

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

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

ISBN: 978-0-85715-568-9

Genre: {M/M} Cowboys/ Were-shifter, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx   

Tall with a thickly muscled body that weighed more than most, Cass Drake goes on a diet, hoping to attract the new ranch hand, Tom Black.  However, Cass is not the only who wants Tom.  Life suddenly becomes dangerous for Tom and Cass after Tom is attacked by a stranger.  

Shy Cowboy is book three in the Uncommon Cowboys series.  The plot features danger, secrets as well as revelations, and sensual lovemaking.  The setting is the Yellow Trail Ranch in Montana.  The loveable characters are convincing. Cass is self-conscious about his size and strength, he is always afraid of hurting someone with his large hands.  Cass is also a compassionate man, who cares about the environment, as well as people.  Cass lacks experience with dating, so he is slow to be aware of Tom’s flirting with him.  After Tom is injured, Cass finally notices there is more than friendship between him and Tom.   

Tom is a wolf shifter.  He moves from place to place to keep a low profile.  However, his wolf wanted to claim Cass, licking his neck along with biting to mark Cass as his mate.  Tom thought Cass was beautiful just the way he is and he took every opportunity to show Cass how desirable he is to Tom.  Jan Irving has created a splendid saga that I enjoyed immensely.

Cowboy Easy

Title: Cowboy Easy
Author: Stormy Glenn
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Publishing URL: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-61034-266-6
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Cowboy
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Being gay and living in a small, isolated ranching community, Lachlan Blaecleah never expected to find the love of his life, much less find him in the middle of a street fight with the two town bullies. The instant he sets eyes on Asa Miller, Lachlan realizes he wants to know him better and jumps in to rescue the stranger.

Asa can’t believe Lachlan. He’s a walking, talking cowboy – complete with the boots and hat and he’s more than willing to accompany his new friend back to his home for a night of sexual fun. What he doesn’t expect is his sudden and intense feelings – his desire to stick around and get to know his cowboy better.

Life isn’t smooth and someone in the community is determined to separate the men permanently. Asa needs to decide if the heartache is worth it when the hate almost results in losing the man he’s coming to love. Can he live with the uncertainly of a future together or should he move on?

Cowboy Easy is the first release in Stormy Glenn’s new ranching series, Blaecleah Brothers. It’s a nice opening to what I assume is a five book story arc, since there are five brothers.

I enjoyed the main characters. Asa is friendly, quick-witted, fun to be around, and loving, and has an interesting personal background that I didn’t expect but hope to see dealt with more in the future. Lachlan, too is an intriguing man and while he may look like a big strapping rancher - which he is - he’s also loving, enthusiastic and tenderhearted. Ms. Glenn did a very nice job on the personality of both and though she intertwined them into a couple a bit quickly, it doesn’t change that it was done well and believably.

The Blaecleah family, as a whole, is an unusual group as is their tight relationship. I like the parents and how they interacted with their sons. I particularly love the tale that the author told of how Ma and Da got together while living in Ireland…it is very well thought out and added great depth and history. While the family makes up the majority of the supporting players in this 35K release, there are a few others, the most important being the individual trying to pull Asa and Lachlan apart. Watch for the next release, Cowboy Keeper. It features Rourke and Billy Thornton, the younger brother of Clem, Lachlan’s nemesis.

Amorzinhos

Title: Amorzinhos
Author: BA Tortuga
Publisher: Torquere Books
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-920-0
Genre: [M/M/M] Contemporary Ménage, Cowboy
Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Partners Balta and Joa still have trouble keeping their hands off each other. Their love is strong and steadfast, but the more dominant Balta knows his lover needs something else, or rather someone else…someone kinder and less powerful to make him happy…a friend. He’s determined to provide his beloved Joa with everything he needs, and if that means adding another man to their bed, then that’s what he’s willing to do.

Raul has recently arrived in the United States from his home country of Brazil and new to the American bull-riding circuit. He’s having trouble with a few of the other riders, doesn’t speak good English and is lonely. He needs help but more importantly, he needs a friend. He’s a kind-hearted man, who also happens to be sizzling hot. Raul is also fond of Joa and watches him every chance he gets. When Balta realizes there’s a mutual attraction between newcomer Raul and his lover, he’s determined to get the three of them together.

Amorzinhos, A Roughstock Story takes up shortly after where the Arcana Doce left off. This 23K short can easily be read as a stand-alone, but if you want to see how Balta and Joa got together, check out the aforementioned Doce.

As would be expected from a story where the characters are bull riders, Amorzinhas starts off with a 92.5 point ride, or at least the memory of one. It rapidly changes into a bit of quick loving when Balta goes looking for Joa. I guess that leads to what I see as the first problem with this story…the sex. It’s sizzling hot, intense and passionate but it takes over the book, leaving little room for character backgrounds or plot development.

Even when Raul is added to the mix, the sex still overshadows the relationships and as interesting as I found this newcomer, I never felt I knew enough about him…or what made him tick. It was obvious he was crazy about Joa and the two got along well as friends and competitive riders, but I never got a good handle on their personal relationship. He was kind, caring and easy to get along with and seems a much better match to Joa than to Balta.

Then there’s Balta himself. I never doubted his love for Joa but I never understood why he thought sharing his lover was the decision to make in order to keep the younger man happy. Even if both he and Joa desired Raul, why take the risk of ruining their relationship? It just wasn’t explained and left me with lots of questions. And lastly…even when Raul was included, it seemed like he was a literal third wheel much of the time…like he wasn’t a real member of the trio. It left me wondering how long the threesome could last once they got back to the circuit and what would happen when they did. I’m hoping for more of a story with the next release in this contemporary cowboy series.

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.

Last Call

Title: Last Call
Author: D.J. Manly
Publisher: eXtasty Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.net/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-461-3
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Cowboys
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Patrick and Josh have been friends for some time now and while Patrick’s life has been an open book, he knows nothing about Josh’s family. All that changes when the two go back to Wyoming for the summer.

While Dakota’s life didn’t turn out the way he planned, he has made peace with the changes he was forced to make. Now the one-time-teacher-turned-rancher is hoping to strengthen the bonds with his son when he returns home for the summer. Although he knows Josh is bringing a friend with him, he is unprepared for the feelings Patrick brings forth.

When fans of author D.J. Manly buy one of his stories, they know to expect a story full of intense passion and angst. Last Call, the author’s latest release, will not disappoint. Readers will feel the chemistry between Patrick and Dakota from the very beginning. While the readers know these two are meant for each other, the characters do not and their relationship is not a smooth one. The age difference between the two men becomes a point that may just keep them apart, as well as some events in Dakota’s past. At times heart-wrenching, this story has become my favorite Manly story to date. Kudos should also go out to Martine Jardin for an absolutely gorgeous cover that is sure to grab the reader’s attention as they browse for something to read.

Savage Lust

Title: Savage Lust
Author: Gabriella Bradley
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-450-7
Genre: {M/F} Het Menáge Quatre, Holiday, Cowboys
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Amazon Nymph

Chad, Sam and Johnny are stunned when they discover their father left the majority of his estate to Topaz. They just know she is their father’s mistress and they are not going to stand for it. They inform the attorney that he is to file the necessary documents to contest the will.

Topaz is absolutely stunned when she finds out about the will. She had no idea about the other life the man her mother had loved. Topaz is battling the brothers’ anger, as well as kidnapping and murder plots, as she tries to make sense of the feelings she is starting to have for the three men.

The author does not take long to make you feel like you are a part of Savage Lust. The emotions that the four have are so intense, you think you are right there as they let their feelings out. There are some elements of the paranormal included as Chad ends up talking to his father. I found it very unusual for a story about multiple partners to only hint at and did not have many sex scenes until the last part of the book.

The main secondary characters are just as interesting. One suggests the solution that Topaz eventually approaches the three men with as she falls in love with all of them. Those that like ménage and more will enjoy this one and is one to be reread.

Studs & Spurs

Title: Studs & Spurs
Author: JL Langley, Kiernan Kelly, Dakota Flint, Angela Fiddler
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-934531-55-6
Genre: Gay Cowboy Anthology
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

The Convenient Husband by J. L. Langley - 4.5 Nymphs
Tucker Delany moved away from his beloved family and the Bar D Ranch to avoid taking advantage of being the object of a teenage crush he believed Micah Jimenez had for him. However, four years later, with the family in a financial crisis and Tucker’s grandfather dying, Micah is determined to get Tucker to come home. Upon learning of the contents of his grandfather’s unusual will, Tucker grasps at the chance to marry the man he has loved for years, in addition to the thrill of discovering that Micah feels the same way.

Seeing You by Dakota Flint - 4 Nymphs
Dylan returns to the Lazy G after a fourteen month absence and a phone call from his sister. Upon his arrival, Dylan could not believe the broken down state of the ranch. Still grieving for the tragic loss of his lover and Dylan’s brother, Wade had no interest in anything. Determined to help his friend start living again, Dylan pushed back his own grief and guilt in an effort to assist Wade. Leaning on each other, Dylan and Wade discovered how to move forward and find happiness in living.

Judas Steer by Kiernan Kelly - 4 Nymphs
Granger Blue signs on to a cattle drive for the Lazy J. From the beginning, unusual and dangerous things start to happen. Granger also notices that one of the younger cowboys can barely ride his horse. Intrigued by this, Granger appoints himself to learn about the young man and to discover who is behind the strange events that are happening. Billy Bower is on his first cattle drive, forced into it by his father. When Granger offers to teach Billy how to ride, along with sharing his tent, both Granger and Billy realize that there is more than friendship between them; they also realized that solving mysteries could be deadly.

Forgotten Favor by Angela Fiddler - 4 Nymphs
Mark McCoy is happy to be home at the Bar Nunn ranch after spending months on the rodeo circuit. However, that happiness is short lived when Mark and his favorite horse take a tumble, leaving him with a broken hip and leg. During his hospital stay, one surprise visitor is Jake Alastair; Mark had spent the last four years imagining what would have happened between them if they had not been interrupted after their first kiss. Being dependant on his father’s support, Mark was forced to distance himself from Jake, but Jake never gave up hope of being with Mark and the two of them were reunited because of Mark’s favorite horse.

Studs & Spurs is a fantastic collection of cowboy stories showcasing the hard, and sometimes, dangerous life of ranching and cattle drives. Each story is set in a different state spanning from Texas to Canada and features a second-chance-at-love theme. The very talented authors have created well written tales with some heartbreaking moments, humor, a touch of intrigue and a dash of chaos. I particularly enjoyed the amusing obstinate characters in The Convenient Husband. Studs & Spurs is a moving and impressive cowboy anthology that I enjoyed immensely.