Wulf and the Bounty Hunter

Title:  Wulf and the Bounty Hunter

Author:  Gail Koger

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-68252-227-1

Genre: {M/F}, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Wulf meets Yakira as a child, after she steals his credit chip.  Not only does he discover she is a Jones, he realizes she is his mate and wants to protect her until she is 21, when he can claim her.  Yakira gets away and doesn’t meet Wulf again until she is close to being of age.

Wulf and the Bounty Hunter is the sixth book in the Coletti Warlords and highlights another Warlord and a Jones woman.  Those that have read previous stories know that a Jones woman has a way of constantly being in trouble and is also very smart and, for the most part, is also a warrior with lots of psychic talent.  Yakira is no exception to this rule, as is the non-stop action in this stories.

I love the way Ms. Koger works humor into her stories.  The women are constantly snarky to all, including their Warlords.  A lot of characters from previous books show up as Yakira and the sister of her heart constantly come up with ideas that get them into trouble. I was constantly laughing at the mishaps.

Between kidnappings, threats, and trying to get together, Yakira and Wulf get to know each other and Yakira doesn’t want to wait to mate.  Even though things get hot and heavy between them mentally and with kisses, Wulf keeps putting her off.  They have some great chemistry and I laughed at how quickly they left their bonding ceremony. 

I am looking forward to reading more about the Coletti Warlords in the future.  This is one series I am looking forward to reading over and over again.

Falling into Darkness

Title: Falling into Darkness

Author: L.M. Brown

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Publisher URL: www.pride-publishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-78651-509-4

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy 

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

  

A bond of heavenly love forms between Michael and Lucifer in the realm of angels, the only paradise Michael and Lucifer will ever know after Lucifer falls from grace, leaving Michael torn between good and evil.

Falling into Darkness is a stand-alone book of Michael and Lucifer’s history before the Heavenly Sins series. Lucifer was the favored above all the angels in heaven; he was titled son of the morning by God. Michael is an archangel, one of his duties is to watch over mankind and save the souls of those worthy.

The storyline has a religious overtone as a backdrop. Falling into Darkness features the angel wars as well as the emotional drama of good versus evil. However, the main theme is the compromises made to achieve enduring love between Lucifer and Michael. Lucifer is a powerful angel, a little vain and a charlatan. What is interesting to me is, unlike other angels who break the rules, Lucifer still retained his powers to create demons, so in that sense he was a God of the underworld and perhaps an example of wickedness. 

L.M. Brown has created an impressive illustration of the dilemma in regards to making the right choices. I enjoyed Michael and Lucifer’s sensual romance.

Locke & Blade

Title: Locke & Blade

Author: Lynn Lorenz

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0593

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Social class matters at least to Jonathan Blade. Respectability is what matters to Christopher Locke. Nevertheless, in spite of their differences, Jonathan and Christopher become secret lovers in a world that sneers at man love.

Locke & Blade is the first book in the Locke & Blade of Waterford Patrol series. The setting is a magical world purposely separated from the world of non-magical people and violent creatures. However, somehow creatures from the old world have found the portal and are killing people. Locke is the only inspector at Waterford who knows how to fight using old world weapons as well as the magical wands his fellow patrollers use to subdue lawbreakers. The characters are creditable.

Jonathan has known of his true sexuality since he was a young man, but he has never acted upon his desires. He chose to focus only on his career instead.

Shameful sexual rumors precede Christopher’s arrival, but rather than confirm or deny the gossip, he chooses to remain silent.

It is only the strong mutual attraction, as well as the slowly building of trust, that breaks down the barriers between Jonathan and Christopher.

Lynn Lorenz has created an impressive opening for this series. I was intrigued by the innocence of a world so unaware of the dangers beyond their realm. I also enjoyed the elves that could transport not only themselves but other people as well. I am looking forward to the next addition of this series. 

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.  

You Own Me

Title:  You Own Me

Author:  Megan Slayer

Publisher:  Loose Id, LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-68252-074-1

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

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Vanessa knows she is a Seer, but then she finds out her father was a hunter.  Creighton is summoned by the Sources and what they tell him could change his relationship with Vanessa. 

You Own Me is the second book in the Battle Scarred series.  The war among the Supers and the rogues is heating up and the news is not good.  Creighton is a tiger shifter who must find his true mate.  The problem is that Vanessa has not really learned how strong she is, which is a concern to the Sources and created the problem Creighton faces. 

Vanessa’s brother turns out to be a rogue and creates some major problems for not just Vanessa and Creighton, but their friends as well.  Along the way, Vanessa discovers things about herself and how strong she really is.  Creighton, in the meantime, is thinking of willingly defying the Sources. 

Vanessa and Creighton’s relationship has a lot of chemistry.  One thing readers should be aware is that their sexual relationship is a BDSM one and several scenes between the couple reflect that in the book. I loved the way they finally resolved their personal issue.

The end of the book gives an indication about the next romantic relationship.  The war between the Supers and rogues is heating up and is sure to have several surprises in the future.  I can’t wait to read the next story in this series.

Song Of Souls

Title: Song Of Souls

Author: S.J. Frost

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0518

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Lark and Zain are friends, cautiously moving towards becoming lovers. Lark is a singer of songs along with beautifully playing the lute; he also helps the departed soul transition to their final destinations, a secret known only by Lark’s closest friends. Zain is an assassin with the angry spirits of his victims surrounding him. 

Song Of Souls is the third book in the Terra Series. The first book in the series is To The Other Side, where the reader is introduced Bryson, Torran, Larkin, Zain and Aleric. In each book the plot features a romantic interest, deadly enemies as well as the five men that are more like brothers than friends banding together to save the residents of Terra.

Song Of Souls is an emotionally powerful plot featuring Lark attempting to reconcile his principled mind with the love in his heart for Zain. Another dilemma is dealing with unwelcome attentions from rogues, a love struck soldier and a soul stealing necromancer. Zain’s profession keeps Lark and Zain apart until Lark is attacked and it is Zain’s assassin skills that save Lark’s life.

Lark is a calm nonviolent young man who is considerate to everyone, but Lark’s gift of guiding souls is sometimes his curse when conversing with angry spirits.  Besides his friends especially Zain’s protection, Lark has another protector who is always with him, his cat Ghost. Ghost warns Lark of spirits approaching as well as impending danger.

Zain is a realist and with his silver fox companion Kit watching his back, Zain does the job he is paid to do without too much moral deliberation, although most of Zain’s kills were justified. Zain never imagined a future beyond imprisonment or his own death until Lark confessed his love for Zain. Now the future has possibilities Zain can actually look forward to.

S.J. Frost has created an impressive work of genius. The characters are attention-grabbing, exhibiting moments of humor, thrilling magical warfare and scorching exhibitions of intimacy. I thoroughly enjoyed Song Of Souls. 

Catching Dragos

Title:  Catching Dragos

Author:  Gail Koger

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-68252-051-2

Genre:  {M/F}, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Series

Rating:  5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Mariah is a judge for the supernatural world.  She is hired to find something taken by a man who she thinks is a con man and thief.  What she doesn’t know, until it is too late, is that Fabian is the top demon hunter from a rival clan.

Catching Dragos is technically the second book in the The Dragos Clan series; however, readers should be aware that book one is not available as the publisher for that book is out of business.  Catching Dragos can be read by itself.  Not only is this book funny, it is an interesting look at the world that Mariah and Fabian come from where fighting demons and vengeful gods are a normal way of life.

I was laughing at the Mariah’s antics in the beginning, then later after Fabian and Mariah got together.  What makes the story really funny is what happens when the grandmothers get involved.  The grandmothers hate each other, but end up working together to help Mariah and Fabian. 

The rest of the cast of characters is interesting.  Of course the villain just keeps coming as one would expect with demons involved.  I loved the familiar Mariah and Fabian picked up on one of their trips. 

Catching Dragos was a book I could not put down.  It is one I will also be reading again and looking forward to reading more about The Dragos Clan in the future.

Dragon's Surprise

Title: Dragon's Surprise

Author: Jenn Dease

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02015-0419

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Patrolling in the Pacific Ocean, Naval Captain Franklin Drake-Michaels and his dragon mate Marine Major Dane Drake is always on the alert for the ever present danger initiated by the Russo-Chinese terrorist group known as the Voladi.

Dragon's Surprise is the second book in the Dragon Marines series. The plot features the political climate of a futuristic earth. Franklin’s imprisoned family members, their dramatic rescues and the exposure of spies operating within the government. The character interactions are heartwarming.

Being in the military is a hardship for Franklin and Dane because they are often assigned to different ships. However, for this tour of duty Franklin and Dane are both on the USS Requiem.

Dane rescues a young dragon who just happens to be Franklin’s niece. The half human half dragon child is an example of harmony between the two species. Spending time with the child also strengthens the bond between Franklin’s and Dane’s family members as well as softens some of the prejudice attitudes of society in general.

Dragon's Surprise is a captivating saga. I especially enjoyed the exciting military maneuvers exhibited by the dragons. I suggest reading Captain's Mate first to get the full history of Voladi.   

Firebird

Title: Firebird

Author: Pelaam

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.totallybound.com

ISBN: 9781784305253

Genre:  {M/M} Fantasy

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Freedom is a forbidden luxury for all who live under the Great Monarch Maurus rule, especially for Arturri and his new found mate Cassian.

Firebird is a touching romance interspersed with some vicious events. The background descriptions emulate modern earth, but their style of dress mirrors the eighteenth century.

The plot features a jaded unfeeling monarch too self absorbed to rule in fairness, a malicious head of security who takes great delight in beating people plus a slave like society forced to endure the ruler’s brutality. The characters are creditable.

Arturri is called a firebird; however he is man in form as well as intellect. Arturri has an emotional depth that exceeds those of most earthlings.

Cassian is intelligent as well as compassionate. Cassian is a perfect match for Arturri. 

Pelaam has created an impressive short saga that I very much enjoyed.

Superhero

Title: Superhero

Author: Megan Slayer

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02015-0392

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy Series

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Healing from an emotionally painful past makes starting a new relationship difficult for Chase Bender and Dylan Foreman.

Superhero is the first book in the Hiding In Plain Sight series.  My impression of the plot is that it has an inconsistent flow, as well as missing character details. Instead of a superhero, Chase comes across as a coward. The storyline jumps from an intimacy scene to a dramatic scene; there are not enough background essentials to clarify the violent activities almost at the end. I could not grasp the rationale for this particular scene. 

My interpretation of Superhero is a budding romance between two ordinary men moving past the former negatives in their lives. Chase and Dylan have compatible personalities as well as the same concerns for the future. Trust seems to be the key issue, especially for Chase. Overall, the story is, to some extent, enjoyable.   

Family of Lies: Sebastian

Title: Family of Lies: Sebastian

Author: Sam Argent

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-63216-681-4

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Sebastian Orwell doesn’t want to have anything to do with wounded Crown Prince Turren, who he finds in the woods. So to keep from getting involved, he uses his magical ability to heal him as much as possible and leaves him in the safety of a city tavern. The prince won’t let the good deed go, leaving Sebastian to deal with unwanted affection and assassination attempts that won’t stop.

Sebastian and his father have an odd relationship but that doesn’t mean Sebastian wants him to get in trouble unnecessarily. Finding the truth is difficult when he can’t get rid of a love-addled prince, who won’t take no for an answer. With assassins trying to kill Turren, it’s an added job to keep the prince alive. Making the situation worse is keeping the secret that he has magical ability—as well the reason behind why he wears a hood and never shows his face.

Family of Lies: Sebastian is the first release by Sam Argent as far as I can discover. Let me say right off that I enjoyed this book. While it’s not a roller coaster ride, the pace is even and I didn’t find that it had any place where it dragged. Overall, I found it fun, engaging and the world building is creative and filled with interesting details that brought the plot to life.

Yes, it’s long but that’s okay with me because there’s so much that I liked. It’s filled with adventure, action, betrayal, miscommunication and fun, snappy dialogue that made me smile. I loved all the magic and spells and that Sebastian’s family is filled with so many unique but difficult individuals. Then there’s Turren. He’s a quirky guy, who knows what he wants—snarky Sebastian—and he refuses to give up on his quest for true love. And all this happens in the middle of lies, assassination attempts and family intrigue mixed with some seriously dangerous villains. I really want a sequel to this well crafted story, so take the hint Ms. Argent and start writing. 

The Devil Will Do

Title: The Devil Will Do

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Publisher: Wilde City Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-925180-89-3

Genre: {M/M}, BDSM, Fantasy, Sequel          

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Eryn knows the things he craves makes him different from everyone else.   When his cravings turn to the darker side, Eryn begins to feel worthless.  To make matters worse, the young prince he has been dreaming about needs Eryn’s help, but Eryn fears he will be unable to accomplish the task before him.

While The Devil Will Do is a sequel to Hero and Miles and the Magic Flute, it can be read on its own.  In fact, the story is a revised edition of the author’s novella, Sweet Son. It is the story of a young man searching for the person he is meant to be and hoping he will be worthy enough to free his true love. 

This is not a story for everyone.  It is a dark tale of discovery that touches on topics that may be offensive or difficult for some people to read.  The primary character in the story, Eryn, is a young merchant struggling to be what everyone else wants him to be.  While out with friends, he inadvertently discovers a side of himself he did not realized existed.  His actions only bring him a temporary feeling of joy before self-doubt, fear and hatred seep in.  Around the same time, he begins to dream of a young prince, the man he is destined to wed. 

Wyn is more of a secondary character, showing up in dreams or spells that last but a short period of time.  There is no real period of courting or getting to know each other which, for me, was a bit of a turn off.   While I understand that the story was about Eryn’s acceptance of himself and his needs, both needed in order for him and Wyn to work as a couple, I would have like to have seen him learning with Wyn by his side. 

Those who have already read Sweet Son may want to give this revised addition a try.  Those new to this series may want to keep in mind that the BDSM in this story is not on the light side, so be forewarned.

Deserves To Be Adored

Title: Deserves To Be Adored

Author: T. A. Chase

Publisher: Amber Allure

Publisher URL: www.amberquill.com

ISBN: 978-1-61124-748-0

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Power means everything to a witch. Nevertheless, Raleigh Patterson has spent most of his adult life steering clear of witches. Raleigh prefers to work as an escort for the Santiago mob family. Raleigh also has recently discovered a mutual attraction with the mob boss’s son, Joey Santiago.

Deserves To Be Adored is an amusing romance story, infused with a little magical drama. The setting is New Jersey and Louisiana. The characters are wonderfully enchanting.

Raleigh‘s family lives in the Louisiana bayou, but you would think they were royalty based on the counterfeit image Raleigh’s mother attempts to exemplify. However, Raleigh is nothing like his family, he is an intelligent well-mannered, honest man. Being a male escort is just a stepping stone for his future career.

Joey is a considerate bisexual man with a live-and-let-live attitude. He is very protective of all of the employees, especially Raleigh. Joey may not have a college education, but he does have a strong sense of respect for everyone.

My favorite secondary characters are Joey’s mama and his aunt, neither lady would I want to be on the bad side of. Both women are a force to be reckoned with.  I do not advocate violence, but Raleigh’s mama needed a firm slap across her Botox face. 

T. A. Chase’s Deserves To Be Adored is an impressive heartwarmingly sensual and superbly entertaining saga that I enjoyed immensely.

Dawning of Light

Title:  Dawning of Light

Author:  Tami Lund

Publisher:  Liquid Silver Books

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62210-171-9

Genre:  {M/F} Fantasy, Fairies, Paranormal, Shifters, Suspense

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Cecilia Druthers is a lightbearer, who leaves the coterie to unwind from time to time. Sometimes a girl just needed a little freedom, so where’s the harm in that?  Thanks to a protective king and friends, Cecilia is assigned a bodyguard, who acts more like a babysitter.  He’s the most obnoxious and rude shifter alive and his sole purpose seems to be ruining all fun for Cecilia. 

Finn Hennigan had never met anyone who was more of a danger magnet than Cecilia.  She did whatever she wanted with no concern for the consequences and then yelled at him for doing his job.  Finn wasn’t happy about being assigned to “Cecilia duty”, but something about her made him curious.  Finn always imagined he’d wind up with another shifter, so why was he feeling drawn to the one lightbearer who wasn’t even his type?  Cecilia was driving him insane, in more ways than one.

Coterie life had changed and the union of lightbearers and shifters was becoming more acceptable, but not by everyone.  Finn and Cecilia had to deal with the prejudice of their families but also the threats from hate groups.  Finn doubled his efforts to keep Cecilia safe and to keep his hands off her, but failed on both counts.  Cecilia came to terms with the fact that she wanted to be mated to Finn.  Now all she had to do was convince Finn, while at the same time figure out who was trying to kill her.

Dawning of Light is the second book in the Lightbearer series, and it seems that Tami Lund stepped up her game with the suspense in this story.  There are some big reveals that kept me guessing and left me shocked.  Both Finn and Cecilia had family issues that made me angry.  I was disgusted by some of the family actions and couldn’t believe the things a parent would do to their child.  The come- backs and arguing between Finn and Cecilia was nice foreplay and it made their union very spicy.  If you enjoy couples who don’t see the forest because of the trees, you have to read this story. 

A Bond of Three

Title: A Bond of Three

Author: K.C. Wells

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-63216-683-8

Genre: {M/M/M} Fantasy 

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

The setting is a fantasy world similar to middle earth or the mystical ancient world.  Teruna is the center of three kingdoms. Kandor borders Teruna on the west, with mountains that separate Kandor and Teruna, while Vancor is on the east borders of Teruna.

The well written plot features the elements of anguish, jealousy, secrecy and romantic interludes. The kingdom of Kandor is the enemy of Teruna. Rumors of Kandor’s intent to attack Teruna motivate the Teruna king to form an alliance with Vancor. The combined kingdoms of Teruna and Vancor would then be able to defeat Kandor. To accomplish the treaty, the kings decided that their sons should be united in marriage.

The main characters are Prince Tanish of Teruna, Feyar, Tanish’s lover and Prince Sorran of Vancor.

Tanish suffers from guilt because he has loved Feyar for years, but the laws of the kingdom forbid Tanish or anyone from acknowledging Feyar in public. Tanish is forced to keep his love a secret.

As required by Teruna law, Feyar was forcibly enlisted into being a sex tutor for the aristocracy. However Feyar was fortunate enough to be chosen as Tanish’s exclusive bed partner. Feyar regretted the lost of contact with his family, but could not be repentant for the love he shared with Tanish.

Sorran is extremely perceptive; he seeks equality for all the citizens in the realm. When Sorran discovers the love that already exists between Tanish and Feyar, Sorran is heartbroken. Nevertheless, Sorran has a natural magnetism that neither Feyar nor Tanish can resist.

A Bond of Three is an outstanding enjoyable saga. The engaging characters draws the readers into their world by demonstrating the realistic emotional pitfalls Tanish, Feyar and Sorran had to endure before their connection of love was firmly established. The display of compassion in each man is heartwarming; the intimacy scenes are superb.

Porter's Reaper

Title: Porter's Reaper

Author: Amber Kell

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.totallybound.com

ISBN: 9781784303853

Genre: {M/M} Fantasy Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Porter Exton and Alstair Gorman are assigned to work together on a mission ordered by Hades. Also, Porter and Alstair discover an attraction for each other that cultivates into a long term relationship.

Porter's Reaper is fifth book in the A Wizard's Touch series. In this installment, the plot has an almost religious overtone. Revenge, along with mysterious deaths at the Mayell Wizard Academy, is the main elements illustrated.

As a Reaper, Alstair’s responsibility is not to judge the dead, but simply provide safe passage of newly deceased souls from Earth to the afterlife. However, Alstair is a considerate man who has other magical powers. Before his death, Alstair had goals of using his magic to benefit mankind.

Porter is a shy restless soul searching for answers regarding his death. He cannot move on to the afterlife until his murder is resolved. When Porter is assigned to be Alstair’s assistant, it gives him the opportunity to finally discover the answers he seeks. 

Porter's Reaper is an intriguing saga. The storyline is a good balance of mystery, humor, conflicts and romance. I especially enjoyed the exhibition of their supernatural powers.  

Primal Desire

Title: Primal Desire

Author: Lupa Garneau

Publisher: Totally Bound Books

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781784302948

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Humans know nothing about shifters and, as it turns out, even some shifters know very little about their world.  When the Rune Fang’s prodigal son returns home and meets Cole, a clumsy young shifter seeking temporary shelter, things start to change at a very fast rate.  Now Nexhan is worried that those in his pack, as well as others, will have trouble staying a step ahead of those changes. 

Primal Desire is the first book in the Children of Shairobi series by author Lupa Garneau.  Primal Desire sets up this series wonderfully, and gives the reader a refreshing spin on the shifter sub-genre.  The characters, both main and secondary, are well written, and Cole and Nexhan pull you into their story from the beginning.

There is some strong chemistry between Cole and Nexhan, however, both men have serious issues which keep them from understanding what is going on between them right away.  These issues, as well as others that pop up, result in many twists and turns that hold the reader’s attention and keep them turning the pages.  

I was curious to see how everything would play out, not only between Cole and Nexhan, but also between Cole and his family, as well as with the problems facing the various packs.  The author did a wonderful job wrapping up some of the story lines while keeping the reader looking forward to the next book.  Fans of the paranormal sub-genre should really give this story a shot, as I am sure it will end up on many readers’ keeper shelves.  Readers should also know that Primal Desire had been published elsewhere and has been re-edited and re-vised with this new edition.

Once Upon a Pirate

Title: Once Upon a Pirate

Author: Jambrea Jo Jones

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02014-0333

Genre: {M/M} Dragon Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Valda Rollins is stuck in a cell with Flame; a dragon obsessed with bodybuilding and can hear voices in his head. Valda begins to wonder if Flame is crazy or is it magic?

Once Upon a Pirate is part of the Ever After Series. This is a short installment that ends on a “to be continued” very important mission. The characters are wonderfully captivating as well as entertaining.

Valda is a wizard who became a pirate to escape the fanatical members in his family. He has a reason to hate dragons, yet Valda discovers not all dragons are bad.

Flame is a lovable dragon who just wants to protect the good guys, especially his mate Valda. Keeping his body in top form through daily exercise means Flame will be battle ready to defend his love ones. 

Jambrea Jo Jones has created another fantastic addition to this romantic comedy series. I enjoyed Once Upon a Pirate immensely, and I look forward to the next episode in the Ever After Series.

Prime Imperative

Title:  Prime Imperative

Author:  Monette Michaels

Publisher:  Liquid Silver Books

Publisher URL:  www.liquidsilverbooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62210-156-6

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Series

Rating:  5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Brianna ends up being one of the Prime ‘Lost Ones’ and contacts Prime to see if her mate is still alive.  Turns out that her mate is Iolyn Caradoc.  He is excited but upset when he finds himself across the galaxy when she needs protection.

Prime Imperative is the third book in The Prime Chronicles series and the story of the third son of Prime’s leader.  It picks up not long after the last story, and things are escalating when Brianna is scheduled to go to Prime, to continue research regarding the fertility and birth rate issues that are destroying the Prime population.

The chemistry between Brianna and Iolyn is intense, partly because of the mate mark they received when they were young.  As they learn about each other, Iolyn is frustrated because he can’t quite accept Brianna is a battle mate. Brianna gets upset with him because she knows she can help even if she is a doctor.

Iolyn’s brothers and their mates help Iolyn and Brianna adjust and some other friends are there as well.  One of the bad guys from previous books ends up causing more trouble, but there was a twist that I did not see coming, and the resolution does not resolve all the issues brought up.  

I am happy to see that there will be more stories in The Prime Chronicles.  I am anxious to see how the author will resolve one of the biggest issues facing the Prime.  This series needs to be read in order to get the best picture of what is going on with the Prime.  This series is a keeper to be read again.

Apple Brew

Title: Apple Brew

Author: West Thornhill

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Publisher URL: www.totallybound.com

ISBN: 9781784302689

Genre: {M/M/M/M} Fantasy Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Jude, one of the five guardians of the Tuatha de Danaan treasure, is determined to protect his fellow guardians even if it means surrendering his freedom to their enemy Gethin. Xeno, who is the custodian of tranquility for the guardians, is struggling to make sense of recently revealed information regarding his fae legacy.

  

Apple Brew is the third book in the Delectable Vines series. The setting is a small community outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. The history of the plot is two factions of fae clans fighting to gain power over the Tuatha de Danaan treasure. If the treasure lands in the wrong hands, the veil between the fae and human worlds will be lifted propelling darkness to take over the earth. The appointed Caerwyn fae guardians are Rex, Ace, Cyd, Jude, Niko and now Xeno. Their enemy is Gethin, a royal member of the Cimmerian Fae. The guardians are all bonded to each other through a destined love.

In this episode, some secrets have been revealed while still more secrets remain hidden. Xeno discovers he is Fae plus he has dark powers from the Cimmerian side of his heritage. Jude is on a quest to discover his past.

West Thornhill has created a fascinating as well as an enjoyable cliff hanger. I look forward to the next installment.   

Reader Advisory: This series is best read in sequence.