Title: Cherry
Author: Julia Talbot, Kiernan Kelly, Mallory Path, Kathryn Scannell, Dallas Coleman, Martin Delacroix, BA Tortuga, Taylor Lochland, JL Merrow, Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-755-8
Genre: Erotic Anthology - Various
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph
No One’s Cherry – Julia Talbot – {M/M} Contemporary – 4.5 Nymphs
Friends Marc and Crispin are discussing sex, or the lack thereof, in Crispin’s case. Marc thinks Crispin is still a virgin, despite knowing Crispin was married to childhood sweetheart Amy for ten years. To Marc, when a man realizes he is gay, women just don’t count. When new guy Glenn enters the mix, Crispin starts to suspect a set-up but the guys just have to get used to the fact that Crispin is No One’s Cherry. A great opening story, Crispin is a good character with strength that is appealing. There’s humor, a little drama and a budding relationship that promises some steamy action, all adding up to a very enjoyable read.
First of Foot, Right of the Line – Kiernan Kelly – {M/M} Contemporary – 4 Nymphs
After being together for two years it’s time for F.B. to meet Matt’s family – and he couldn’t be more scared. Luckily, Matt is very understanding and ready to help ease the tension. Just when F.B thought he might get through this in one piece, a family emergency leaves him and Matt home alone with two crying children. Will it all be too much for the marine and his lover, or will F.B finally be able to let other people into his life? First of Foot, Right of the Line had me smiling throughout; with likable characters who felt real and who let me share in some very special moments in their lives. A nice mix of drama and comedy kept me reading to the end.
Nice Girls Do – Mallory Path – {M/M} Contemporary – 3.5 Nymphs
After making the local news, the girls are swarming around Alan. They all want a piece of the guy off T.V. but Alan doesn’t know the first thing about girls so goes to the one person he can trust – best friend Taz. Taz would do anything for Alan so when Alan comes to him for advice, Taz helps him the only way he can. Nice Girls Do is a change of pace from the previous stories and it was a little difficult to switch gears so quickly. There is a lot of substance in this coming-of-age story as I felt much was going on between Alan and Taz beneath the surface. I wish there had been more time to explore this because without the depth of character, it reads a little awkward at times.
Lessons – Kathryn Scannell – {M/M} Fantasy – 4 Nymphs
Danny’s at a disadvantage being human; not only do the Tengri race live longer but almost all have magic skills. That’s not to say Danny doesn’t have some skills of his own, but any Tengri worth his salt would take advantage of a human in such a high position in the Imperial Palace. If he is to remain close to the Emperor, he needs to make the most of his Lessons at the “entertainment establishment”, a task made all the more enjoyable thanks to Tsien Liu. This was a surprising and welcomed change in genre. The introduction to another world and race was very well done; Danny didn’t seem out of place in the alien setting and the chemistry between him and Tsien Liu was scorching. With such a wonderful build up, it was inevitable that I would be left wanting so much more when it ended but still, it was worth it to spend that brief amount of time in such a vivid world.
Just Like Him – Dallas Coleman – {M/M} Contemporary, Incest – 4 Nymphs
It may have taken him some time but Trent is finally heading back home; back to the one man who truly gets him and who will always be there for him; back to his twin brother, Ken. Trent may have messed up big time back when he was younger but Ken also has his regrets. They’re both a little older and wiser now but the hurt remains. Finally it’s time for the guys to face up to the mistakes of the past and grab what they want out of life. Although Just Like Him is the first story I have read involving incest, I felt uncomfortable reading about sexual attraction between twins. Putting my own tastes to one side, this was probably the best written story so far, the style of writing very appealing with characters well introduced. The complexity of the feelings between Ken and Trent was sensitively handled for the most part I personally just felt the erotic nature was out of place.
Who Shall I Tell – Martin Delacroix – {M/M} / {M/F} Contemporary – 5 Nymphs
It’s 1977 and Jake and Adam are associates at an Orlando law firm. They’re still young and will do whatever it takes to move up the career ladder, even sacrificing their personal lives to do so. When their boss asks them to represent a client who has been discriminated against because of his sexuality, they are unsure how to proceed. Concerns about the effect on their careers and attitudes in the workplace have Jake and Adam questioning just how much they are willing to sacrifice. Who Shall I Tell has it all; an interesting, involving self contained plot that satisfied plus likable characters with substance. This was a great snapshot of the loves and lives of a couple of young men trying to make some headway in an aggressive world that showed how their actions affect those close to them.
File Gumbo: A Roughstock Story – {M/M} Western - BA Tortuga – 4.5 Nymphs
Sam can’t believe he’s been screwed out of more points, all because he doesn’t have a following on the circuit like TJ does. He has busted his guts for so long he’s beginning to think he’ll never be as good as the likes of TJ or Beau. Speaking of Beau, he always seems to be just where Sam needs him the most at just the right time. God knows he could use the distraction right about now – he’ll just work on figuring out why things seem to click into place so well with Beau later. File Gumbo: A Roughstock Story has two very likable, down to earth guys in Sam and Beau. Reading about their lives, even in this short amount of time just felt good and relaxed, which was helped a great deal by a vivid setting and some authentic, often colorful language. It was just good to kick back and watch the sparks fly between these two studs.
Alpha Male, Beta Male – {M/M} Contemporary - Taylor Lochland – 3.5 Nymph
Vet Aaron has had a thing for Nathan, the 22 year old son of one of his best clients, ever since he first set eyes on him. He’s never acted on his feelings though as he didn’t want to seem unprofessional and besides, he’s almost ten years older than Nathan. When Nathan’s parents are out of town and a horse goes into labor, Nathan doesn’t know what to do so calls on Aaron in a panic. Can Aaron maintain his distance from the object of his desires long enough to do his job? There was a nice amount of tension and build up to the budding relationship between Aaron and Nathan in Alpha Male, Beta Male. It was enjoyable to get to know what makes Aaron and Nathan tick and the farm setting gave the story a homey feel but I feel the intensity petered out a little towards the end. I wasn’t really given enough time to really immerse myself in their feelings for each other.
Different Strengths – JL Merrow – {M/M} Contemporary – 5 Nymphs
Michael’s been focusing on work a lot recently; it’s not like there’s much else in his life to pre-occupy him. Simply put, his sex life is non-existent – a fact that his client Rufus T intends to change with a visit to the local strip joint. Rufus doesn’t need to know Michael’s not into women but when he spies the bartender, it seems Michael might not be able to keep his secret for much longer. I absolutely loved Different Strengths; the first person point of view was very easy to read and helped me make a connection with Michael. Michael is opinionated, honest, and funny – all qualities that made me care about his happiness. Through his narration, I was able to learn about his difficult past and the healing he still needs to do – healing that the bartender may, or may not, be able to help with.
Graduation – Sean Michael – {M/M} Contemporary – 4 Nymphs
Bobby made a mistake the last time he was with Neil – he couldn’t help it, he was majorly freaked out by his feelings for the guy – but now Neil’s graduating and Bobby’s found the courage to face up to his mistake. As he knocks on Neil’s door, Bobby plans to apologize then leave but soon he’s inside Neil’s room and way out of his depth. Will he try to make up for the past, or will Bobby run away yet again? Graduation is the story of a confused guy who gets a second chance at discovering who he really is. Bobby is believable as someone who is sorry for his past actions and is sick and tired of being confused about who he is. Neil is a good guy who can empathize with what Bobby must be going through. With such good characterization, it was enjoyable to see the guys move forward in their lives.
Author: Julia Talbot, Kiernan Kelly, Mallory Path, Kathryn Scannell, Dallas Coleman, Martin Delacroix, BA Tortuga, Taylor Lochland, JL Merrow, Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-755-8
Genre: Erotic Anthology - Various
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph
No One’s Cherry – Julia Talbot – {M/M} Contemporary – 4.5 Nymphs
Friends Marc and Crispin are discussing sex, or the lack thereof, in Crispin’s case. Marc thinks Crispin is still a virgin, despite knowing Crispin was married to childhood sweetheart Amy for ten years. To Marc, when a man realizes he is gay, women just don’t count. When new guy Glenn enters the mix, Crispin starts to suspect a set-up but the guys just have to get used to the fact that Crispin is No One’s Cherry. A great opening story, Crispin is a good character with strength that is appealing. There’s humor, a little drama and a budding relationship that promises some steamy action, all adding up to a very enjoyable read.
First of Foot, Right of the Line – Kiernan Kelly – {M/M} Contemporary – 4 Nymphs
After being together for two years it’s time for F.B. to meet Matt’s family – and he couldn’t be more scared. Luckily, Matt is very understanding and ready to help ease the tension. Just when F.B thought he might get through this in one piece, a family emergency leaves him and Matt home alone with two crying children. Will it all be too much for the marine and his lover, or will F.B finally be able to let other people into his life? First of Foot, Right of the Line had me smiling throughout; with likable characters who felt real and who let me share in some very special moments in their lives. A nice mix of drama and comedy kept me reading to the end.
Nice Girls Do – Mallory Path – {M/M} Contemporary – 3.5 Nymphs
After making the local news, the girls are swarming around Alan. They all want a piece of the guy off T.V. but Alan doesn’t know the first thing about girls so goes to the one person he can trust – best friend Taz. Taz would do anything for Alan so when Alan comes to him for advice, Taz helps him the only way he can. Nice Girls Do is a change of pace from the previous stories and it was a little difficult to switch gears so quickly. There is a lot of substance in this coming-of-age story as I felt much was going on between Alan and Taz beneath the surface. I wish there had been more time to explore this because without the depth of character, it reads a little awkward at times.
Lessons – Kathryn Scannell – {M/M} Fantasy – 4 Nymphs
Danny’s at a disadvantage being human; not only do the Tengri race live longer but almost all have magic skills. That’s not to say Danny doesn’t have some skills of his own, but any Tengri worth his salt would take advantage of a human in such a high position in the Imperial Palace. If he is to remain close to the Emperor, he needs to make the most of his Lessons at the “entertainment establishment”, a task made all the more enjoyable thanks to Tsien Liu. This was a surprising and welcomed change in genre. The introduction to another world and race was very well done; Danny didn’t seem out of place in the alien setting and the chemistry between him and Tsien Liu was scorching. With such a wonderful build up, it was inevitable that I would be left wanting so much more when it ended but still, it was worth it to spend that brief amount of time in such a vivid world.
Just Like Him – Dallas Coleman – {M/M} Contemporary, Incest – 4 Nymphs
It may have taken him some time but Trent is finally heading back home; back to the one man who truly gets him and who will always be there for him; back to his twin brother, Ken. Trent may have messed up big time back when he was younger but Ken also has his regrets. They’re both a little older and wiser now but the hurt remains. Finally it’s time for the guys to face up to the mistakes of the past and grab what they want out of life. Although Just Like Him is the first story I have read involving incest, I felt uncomfortable reading about sexual attraction between twins. Putting my own tastes to one side, this was probably the best written story so far, the style of writing very appealing with characters well introduced. The complexity of the feelings between Ken and Trent was sensitively handled for the most part I personally just felt the erotic nature was out of place.
Who Shall I Tell – Martin Delacroix – {M/M} / {M/F} Contemporary – 5 Nymphs
It’s 1977 and Jake and Adam are associates at an Orlando law firm. They’re still young and will do whatever it takes to move up the career ladder, even sacrificing their personal lives to do so. When their boss asks them to represent a client who has been discriminated against because of his sexuality, they are unsure how to proceed. Concerns about the effect on their careers and attitudes in the workplace have Jake and Adam questioning just how much they are willing to sacrifice. Who Shall I Tell has it all; an interesting, involving self contained plot that satisfied plus likable characters with substance. This was a great snapshot of the loves and lives of a couple of young men trying to make some headway in an aggressive world that showed how their actions affect those close to them.
File Gumbo: A Roughstock Story – {M/M} Western - BA Tortuga – 4.5 Nymphs
Sam can’t believe he’s been screwed out of more points, all because he doesn’t have a following on the circuit like TJ does. He has busted his guts for so long he’s beginning to think he’ll never be as good as the likes of TJ or Beau. Speaking of Beau, he always seems to be just where Sam needs him the most at just the right time. God knows he could use the distraction right about now – he’ll just work on figuring out why things seem to click into place so well with Beau later. File Gumbo: A Roughstock Story has two very likable, down to earth guys in Sam and Beau. Reading about their lives, even in this short amount of time just felt good and relaxed, which was helped a great deal by a vivid setting and some authentic, often colorful language. It was just good to kick back and watch the sparks fly between these two studs.
Alpha Male, Beta Male – {M/M} Contemporary - Taylor Lochland – 3.5 Nymph
Vet Aaron has had a thing for Nathan, the 22 year old son of one of his best clients, ever since he first set eyes on him. He’s never acted on his feelings though as he didn’t want to seem unprofessional and besides, he’s almost ten years older than Nathan. When Nathan’s parents are out of town and a horse goes into labor, Nathan doesn’t know what to do so calls on Aaron in a panic. Can Aaron maintain his distance from the object of his desires long enough to do his job? There was a nice amount of tension and build up to the budding relationship between Aaron and Nathan in Alpha Male, Beta Male. It was enjoyable to get to know what makes Aaron and Nathan tick and the farm setting gave the story a homey feel but I feel the intensity petered out a little towards the end. I wasn’t really given enough time to really immerse myself in their feelings for each other.
Different Strengths – JL Merrow – {M/M} Contemporary – 5 Nymphs
Michael’s been focusing on work a lot recently; it’s not like there’s much else in his life to pre-occupy him. Simply put, his sex life is non-existent – a fact that his client Rufus T intends to change with a visit to the local strip joint. Rufus doesn’t need to know Michael’s not into women but when he spies the bartender, it seems Michael might not be able to keep his secret for much longer. I absolutely loved Different Strengths; the first person point of view was very easy to read and helped me make a connection with Michael. Michael is opinionated, honest, and funny – all qualities that made me care about his happiness. Through his narration, I was able to learn about his difficult past and the healing he still needs to do – healing that the bartender may, or may not, be able to help with.
Graduation – Sean Michael – {M/M} Contemporary – 4 Nymphs
Bobby made a mistake the last time he was with Neil – he couldn’t help it, he was majorly freaked out by his feelings for the guy – but now Neil’s graduating and Bobby’s found the courage to face up to his mistake. As he knocks on Neil’s door, Bobby plans to apologize then leave but soon he’s inside Neil’s room and way out of his depth. Will he try to make up for the past, or will Bobby run away yet again? Graduation is the story of a confused guy who gets a second chance at discovering who he really is. Bobby is believable as someone who is sorry for his past actions and is sick and tired of being confused about who he is. Neil is a good guy who can empathize with what Bobby must be going through. With such good characterization, it was enjoyable to see the guys move forward in their lives.
Cherry is a wonderful mixture of characters, relationships and genres. With differing degrees of eroticism and intensity, there is a little bit for everyone in this anthology; whether you like witnessing the first stirrings of a romance or established couples spicing up their relationships, I highly recommend this to fans of the genres.
Contains a “twincest” story
