Dracul’s Blood

Title: Dracul’s Blood
Author: Carol Lynne and T. A. Chase
Publisher: Total E Bound Books
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com
ISBN: 978-0-85715-168-1
Genre: {M/M}, Thriller
Rating: Golden Blush
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

When New York City experiences a series of gruesome murders, Detective Bobby Marks is called in to investigate. He never realized that one sick case would lead him to the love of his life.

Professor Nikolay Radin’s specialty is Eastern European History and when Detective Marks comes to him for help, he can’t help but say yes; anything to keep seeing the sexy detective.

What do you get when you pair two outstanding authors, like Carol Lynne and T. A. Chase? You get Dracul’s Blood; book one in the Dracul’s Revenge series, and one hell of a story. The two aspects of this story are evenly matched so that neither the romance side nor the thriller side overshadows the other.

The men, Nik and Bobby, are attracted to each other from the moment they meet. While both men are openly gay, neither has had any luck in the relationship department. As they get to know each other, the attraction only grows. The passion between them is hot, just like fans of these authors expect.

With regard to the thriller aspect of the plot, it is sure to keep you on the edge of your chair. The murders are bloody and gruesome. Although the first murderer is revealed right away, the identity of the other is kept secret till the end. In fact, when the murderer was revealed, it was a total surprise. While the mystery of the murders revolve around an ancient cask of wine and it’s connection to Vlad the Impaler and his step-brother, do not let the title fool you as this is not a vampire story.

While it was impossible for me to figure out which author wrote what, I was surprised by how smoothly the story flowed. Not only am I looking forward to the rest of this series, I also hope these two plan to do more stories together.

Honeybone

Title: Honeybone
Author: A. J. Llewellyn
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-513-9
Genre: {M/M} Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

US Federal Marshal Dean Honeybone awakens in an Australian hospital and has instant recall of the plane crash. Dean was escorting a serial killer of children back to the location of the first crime for imprisonment. The only survivors are Dean and nine-year old Kaia Pendleton. As Dean and Kaia convalesce, Dean discovers that serial killer Richard Stance is the only one whose body was not recovered from the crash site. Still recuperating, Dean takes a week long vacation on Wilson Island where he meets Jean-Luc Sebastien, the island’s French chef. The attraction is immediate and Dean is thinking of a career change. However, he has a nagging feeling that Richard Stance is alive, waiting to kill again.

Honeybone is the first book in the Honeybone series. In this installment, the events take place in Australia. The serial killer is outlined including his standard killing patterns. Dean is a US Marshal based in Washington. His interest and education prepared him for his cop position. Dean has good instincts, in addition to being aware of the smallest details. At the same time, it is Dean’s total focus on a case that makes it hard for him to have a relationship. Meeting Jean-Luc brings Dean to a crossroads; if he abandons his profession, will he be overwhelmed with regret? Jean-Luc already has regrets stemming from his breakup with his former lover and business partner. He has a healthy respect for nature, yet seems to be somewhat self-centered when it comes to compromise in a new relationship with Dean.

The incredibly talented A. J. Llewellyn has created a realistic story with a sinister theme that encompasses all of the emotions. The building plot is gripping, the intimate scenes are exciting. The crimes are mournfully realistic, so as to incite awareness of the dark side of humanity. This is an impressive cop thriller and I am looking forward to the next episode.

Warning: Contains references to a serial killer of young people.

Miami Steam

Title: Miami Steam
Author: Chantal Verlaine
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-558-9
Genre: Contemporary {M/F} Crime Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

Rebecca Challenger is a reporter for the Miami Star newspaper and is constantly on the lookout for that one big story to get her to the top. She’s paid her dues, including working with a certain stubborn, journalist-hating cop to get to the bottom of crimes, all in the hopes of getting where she really wants to be – features writer. Helping to catch the “Night Knifer”, a sadistic, crazed serial killer targeting certain women’s “clientele” could be just what she’s looking for.

Detective Rick Gonzalez has never liked reporters, ever since one of them single-handedly ruined months of undercover work. In his mind all they ever do is misquote people, sensationalize events and report information inaccurately. If it were up to him, he wouldn’t be sitting opposite Ms Challenger, allowing her to see confidential reports on the killer’s motives. Yet there she is, looking as beautiful and ravishing as ever. He knows deep down the chief is right – if Rebecca’s on board, information about the killer will spread rapidly and hopefully they’ll catch a lead. Rick doesn’t have to be happy about it though, or pleasant to the woman, however much his body reacts to her.

As Rebecca and Rick find an uneasy alliance, they start to see the spoils of their hard work and Rick doesn’t seem quite so cold towards her anymore. As feelings start to intensify, Rebecca thinks maybe she and Rick could make things work after all, until she hears some unpleasant rumors about the detective. How could she have been so stupid? She’ll have to keep her focus though, as it seems the serial killer has found his next target…

Miami Steam is an exciting story packed full of suspense and electricity between two strong, stubborn characters. The background to both characters was set up nicely, the uneasy truce they have is realistic and setting the scene for romance. I loved the mixture of a police department and newspaper office and there was plenty of drama in both settings. The serial killer plot played out nicely, with twists and turns keeping me guessing. The chemistry between Rick and Rebecca was scorching and it was fun to ride along with them as they learned more about each other. The style of writing was easy to read but felt a little clichéd at times and the fact that Rebecca was willing to base her relationship with Rick on the gossiping of strangers didn’t really sit well with me. However, Rick did call her on this when they eventually started talking honestly and it was enjoyable to follow their ups and downs until the very end.