Heat Wave

Title: Heat Wave

Author: Lena Matthews

Publisher:  Loose Id, LLC

Publisher URL:  http://www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-68252-195-3

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

The California heat is causing all kinds of problems for Breanna Cole.  Her plan was to be seductive, but instead she winds up looking like a helpless and needy woman.  If things don’t change quickly, Breanna is going to wind up going home without crossing the line of “friendship” with the one man she’s been lusting after for years.

For as long as he can remember, Jordan Austin has considered himself to be Breanna’s big brother.  He feels responsible for her, so there is no way he can stand by and let Breanna suffer because of the heat.  Jordon thought throwing a pool party would be the best way to blow off some steam, but the moment he sees Breanna’s swim suit, he knows he made a mistake.

Jordan and Breanna have been dancing around the simmering heat between them for years.  Being thrown together by Breanna’s brother has finally caused the simmering to morph into a pot that boils over.  I almost felt bad for Jordan, because he had no choice but to surrender.  But considering that it was a win-win situation for him, I had to dance with joy.  Breanna pulled some great tricks, and thank GOD she did!  I must admit, I was not expecting that reaction from the brother.  Just when I think I had everything figured out, Lena Matthews tricked me and I love that.  This story will leave you sitting in front of a fan for sure.  Heat Wave is one of those stories that will leave you laughing and longing at the same time.  Pick this one up for sure.

Love And War

Title: Love And War

Author: M.O. Kenyan

Publisher:  Beachwalk Press

Publisher URL:  http://beachwalkpress.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781944270254

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Guillermo de Castillo doesn’t want to have fun on his birthday, the first one without his twin brother.  All of his attention is centered on finding the woman who ruined his family.  When punishment and passion merge, Guillermo is torn.  The guilt he feels over wanting Raven is clouding Guillermo’s judgment where his brother is concerned.  Is it possible he didn’t know his brother as well as he thought?

Raven hopes she can delete the memories of her abusive relationship from her mind when she looks into the warm eyes of a stranger.  He’s so familiar and yet so different at the same time.  Sleeping with him was no mistake, but it definitely complicates things when she discovers his identity.  Her daughter has to come first, so Raven is willing to do anything to protect her.  Both mother and daughter have gone through so much, Raven isn’t sure how much more they can take before life breaks them.

Kismet is a strange thing when it brings together Raven and Guillermo.  Raven is in celebration mode, while Guillermo is mourning his brother.  He is clueless as to how hard things have been for Raven and he sees her as an awful person.  Raven quickly lets him know that his brother was not as good and misunderstood as Guillermo thinks.  Though she shares some very deep things, she doesn’t tell Guillermo everything about her daughter, Maya.  Guillermo is determined to use Maya against Raven, but he develops feelings for them both so quickly, his plans change. 

Love and War touched me in many ways.  There are so many women like Raven.  She definitely deserved a second chance at love.  I am so glad Raven had a good friend and a mother to support her.  Maya’s situation just made me so sad each time I read about her problem and how helpless Raven felt in fixing it.  I was shocked how she didn’t realize who Guillermo was when she saw him, but perhaps ignorance was bliss for her.  Guillermo seemed to have a huge weight on his shoulder and I was glad to see that lifted.  Raven was the only way for him to move on and at first, he didn’t get that.  In the beginning he was so arrogant and by the end of the story he was just a big softie.  I love Guillermo and I know readers will be so touched by this story.  

Hurts So Good

Title:  Hurts So Good

Author:  Serge de Moliere

Publisher:   Etopia Press

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-941692-89-9

Genre:  {M/F} Erotic Interracial

Rating:  3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

After all these months, Krista was still in pain.  Boy, was she regretting taking that riding lesson.  A little excitement was all Krista was looking for, not damaged discs.  The physical therapist assigned to Krista turned out to heal more than just her back problems.

Antonio stirred feelings in Krista that she wasn’t expecting, but definitely wanted to explore.  She was getting a second chance at love and now was not the time to blow it.  Antonio seemed to want Krista just as much, if not more.

Krista actually has a history with Antonio that didn’t end so well.  I was hoping for more detail on their relationship, but I got enough understanding to know that Krista’s actions were less than kind.  In trying to protect herself, she hurt them both.  Antonio got to reinvent himself while at the same time reminding Krista of who he always was.  Hurts So Good is a sweet story of a couple who have to first grow apart so they can finally grow together in love.    

Sunny’s Hope

Title: Sunny’s Hope

Author: Nola Cross

Publisher:  Beachwalk Press, Inc.

Publisher URL: http://beachwalkpress.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781940744551

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Christmas is over, but not the magic of the budding romance between Ben and Sunny.  Effortlessly, the couple and the kids have merged into the perfect family.  In such a short time, Ben had crept into Sunny’s heart and Sunny wasn’t fighting it.  Their Hallmark moment is shattered by an accident that leaves Sunny’s daughter Jasmine seriously injured. 

Ben feels responsible for Jasmine’s condition and Sunny’s ex-husband shows up to throw more drama into this stressful situation.  Family doesn’t turn out to be as supportive as Sunny or Ben expected.  Waiting to see if Jasmine would ever be the same again was all Sunny could focus on; everything else was too much to absorb.  

Life gets so good at times, it’s inevitable that something happens to shake things up.  The couple’s relationship is tested again and they almost fail.  Ben had always wanted to stand beside Sunny and shoulder burdens and Sunny just had to open herself up to letting it happen.  Sunny’s ex-husband is a horrible father and opportunist whom I would love to meet up with in a dark alley.  I was disgusted by his selfishness.  For such a short story, Sunny’s Hope covered a very serious topic.  It spoke to the “mom" in me.  Nola Cross does a great job of taking readers full circle in this follow up from Sunny’s Second Chance with some surprises that weren’t so unexpected.  Get the happy ending that will make you sigh with relief by picking up this story.

Sunny’s Second Chance

Title:  Sunny’s Second Chance

Author:  Nola Cross

Publisher:  Beachwalk Press, Inc.

Publisher URL:  http://beachwalkpress.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781940744292

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial, Holiday

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Sunny Williamson finds it hard not to compare herself to the woman who took her husband.  But, she can’t spend too much time on a pity party with her daughter Jasmine expecting Santa to bring her daddy home.  When Jasmine becomes inseparable from her new friend, Sunny has no choice but to spend time with the boy’s father.  After a while, Sunny can’t continue to use the kids as an excuse.  Spending time with Ben is something she’d come to enjoy.

Now that his son Spencer has a reason to laugh again, Ben Stillman feels like things might be alright.  He’s just barely been going through the motions since his wife’s death. Never in a million years did he expect to feel attraction to any woman right now.   But meeting Sunny has given Ben a new, unexpected outlook on life.  She fits into his life so comfortably that Ben can’t imagine the future without her. 

In the blink of an eye, Sunny and Ben bond and stop thinking of reasons not to be together.  Sunny feels desirable again while Ben starts to let go of some of the guilt he lives with.  The kids are happy and life can’t get any better.  Then their Hallmark holiday gets thrown off by Sunny’s ex-husband and Ben’s family.  Obligations almost ruin everything for Sunny and Ben but they refuse to let it. 

Sunny’s ex-husband really did a number on her self esteem, even before he left her for another woman.  Ben appreciated her in ways that she deserved and helped her get her groove back.  Like many mothers, Sunny was so focused on her daughter that she lost sight of her own needs.  And Ben was in the same boat with his son.  Death is different than divorce, so Ben doesn’t get the same kind of closure as Sunny.  He feels guilty about finding another woman in what he thinks is a short time after his wife’s death.  And just when he convinces himself it was okay to move on, Ben’s family puts doubt in his mind again.  I was happy that the story ended without a dramatic scene between them and Sunny because I was praying that wouldn’t happen.  Thumbs up to Nola Cross for concluding this story the way she did.  Relating to her characters is easy because their real life issues could easily be anyone’s issue.  Finding the romantic side of day to day life isn’t always easy, but the author did it.    Sunny’s Second Chance is a sweet, empowering story of hope and family and I enjoyed every page. 

Tough To Love

Title:  Tough To Love

Author:  Marie Rochelle

Publisher:  Phaze Books

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-60659-767-5

Genre:  {M/F} Interracial, Contemporary

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Sage Nicole is a confident woman who works hard to get the things she wants from life.  Life threw her for some major changes as a child but in the end, she was stronger for it all.  Only one person could shake Sage up and have her acting like a love struck teenager.  Rally is the only man Sage has ever wanted.  No matter how hard she tries to move on and open her heart to a new romantic interest, Sage can’t give up hope that Rally will see her as something more than a burden on his family.

When it comes to Sage, Rally Teveare feels a sense of duty and a lot of guilt.  Each passing day makes it more difficult to keep from acting on the infatuation he tries to mask.  An aloof attitude is one thing, but now Rally realizes he might have gone too far and pushed Sage away forever.  Now that he’s ready to explore a real relationship with Sage, he might have pushed her into the arms of another man.

Sage and Rally have a strained relationship because of the sexual tension between them.  Rally does everything he can think of to distance himself from Sage, even dating.  His girlfriend is good company most times, but she isn’t the woman he wants.  He thinks she’s the type of woman he should be with, but he has no idea how wrong he is.  There are moments when Rally is unnecessarily cruel to Sage because of his girlfriend and I got so angry with him.  I wanted him to treat Sage with a bit more tact than he did.  Sage took a lot because she was so in love, but when she’d had enough, she let him know. I was happy when Sage stood up for herself.  Thank God for her best friend and Rally’s brother.  I was thankful for them in Sage’s life and how they always looked out for her.  

Marie Rochelle gives you the happily-ever-after ending you hope for with Sage and Rally in Tough To Love.  With the kind of history these two have, it would be unnatural if they didn’t wind up together.  The heart wants what it wants and in the end, nothing else matters.  It made all the turmoil worth it and left me hopeful for some of the other characters.  If you enjoy a good read that makes you feel personally involved and wanting more, then here you go.

Swing for #3

Title: Swing for #3

Author:  RaeLynn Blue

Publisher:  Razor’s Edge Press

Publisher URL:  http://razorsedgepress.com

ISBN/BIN:  06557-02109

Genre: {M/F/M} Contemporary, I/R, Ménage

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Tonya wanted to enhance her marriage; she just hoped she was going about it the right way.  After deciding on the right swing club, Tonya was a bit nervous about going through with her plan.  Things would change after this, and Tonya could only hope it would be for the better.

Having Tonya as a wife brought Kirby so much joy.  He would do anything to please the woman he adored, even if it meant sharing her with another man.  Though they’d agreed on everything, Kirby did have one unmentioned detail about their night ahead.  Hopefully Tonya isn’t too upset once she finds out. 

Tonya and Kirby are in love, there’s no doubt about that.  Kirby is very secure in his marriage, which put my mind at ease.  He knows that Tonya is doing this for them, not just herself.  I was amazed at how understanding he was and I was glad he didn’t just leave things up in the air.  I liked the fact that he had a plan.  Understanding the third person they invited into their love making made the ménage feel very natural. Though it was explained, I was curious about the relationship between the two men and about Kirby’s past. Swing for #3 is a short story that brings two people closer together by adding a third.  Readers will enjoy their encounter as much as I did.

Changeless

Title: Changeless

Author: Cherie Noel

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0106

Genre:  {M/M} Interracial

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs 

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Sean Taliaferro Allen and Calvin Abelin shared a common bond, not just in friendship but also in life’s events. Nevertheless, through all the changes they endured, their special connection remained strong.

Changeless is part of the Mixed Tape Series Volume 4. The plot illustrates the trust and support of true friendship as well as the different cultural perceptions. The characters are credible. Sean is burdened with the double-edged sword of being black and gay. Sean’s race is not acceptable by some in the predominately white small town. Sean’s sexually is not acceptable by the general black culture, especially by his one remaining family member. Calvin’s sexually is accepted by his family, particularly his younger brother. Life changing events separate Sean and Calvin for years, yet they never completely lost touch with each other.      

Cherie Noel has created a fascinating as well as very enjoyable saga exemplifying realistic social predicaments that are still a crisis in the world today. 

Claimed

Title: Claimed

Author: Jambrea Jo Jones

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0037

Genre: {M/M} Interracial, Vampire

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

A desperate situation necessitates Luke Shelton to take desperate actions. With no other options available, Luke agrees to become a gift to the vampire Bussoe. Luke’s only hope is that he survives the encounter long enough to see that his family is safe and healthy.

Claimed is an intriguing blend of heartwarming and comical romance. The short story details an overview of Bussoe’s history, a touch of conflict, sizzling intimacy and amusingly vexing secondary characters. The characters are creditable.  Luke’s family is part of the honest but working poor society. Luke has good intentions without the resources to remedy his family’s dilemma. Bussoe has a justified rebellious nature hiding an empathetic heart. However, after living for centuries, life has become boring for Bussoe until he meets Luke. Bussoe instantly knew Luke is more than merely a food source. Luke also realized there is something special between him and Bussoe.

Jambrea Jo Jones has created a fantastic as well as enjoyable saga with the potential for a sequel in the future.           

Cold, Cold Winter

Title:  Cold, Cold Winter

Author:  Asha King

Publisher:  Phaze Books

Publisher URL:  http://www.phaze.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-60659-715-6

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial

Rating:  3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Blogging at home was bringing in good money for Danyiah “Dani” Jackson, even though living in the small town of Stirling Falls was challenging.  As long as she had her hot cowboy by her side, nothing else mattered.  Hopefully, Dani had come up with the best humorous way to divulge some news to him. 

Adam Cooper is a hard working guy who likes to keep things simple.  As much as he loves Dani, their relationship was anything except simple.  Adam is constantly hovering between wanting her and shock at some of the things she does.  Now he’s faced with the prospect that Dani isn’t taking their relationship as seriously as he is.  All his future plans seemed to be disappearing before Adam’s eyes.

Dani and Adam have a fight that could end them forever.  Neither one of them wants to give in and compromising seems impossible.  As far as Adam is concerned, there is no middle ground.  He doesn’t believe that Dani ever intended to be with him forever and Dani doubts that Adam will totally accept her as she is.  They were as different as night and day.  Sometimes love isn’t enough, but in this case, thank God it was.  The couple got a wake up call that brought their fight to an end.  When Dani is finally honest with Adam, he shares some things of his own. 

Cold, Cold Winter is the couple’s continued story from Wild Horses.  I didn’t read their first story, so I am curious about the couple’s history.  After all Dani and Adam have been through, you’d think things would be smooth sailing, but relationships don’t work that way.  Their love has to be true blue, when I consider how different they both seem to be.  Even I had my doubts that Dani would be too much for Adam to handle.  I found myself wanting her to conform to him and I’m not sure why.  Adam is so likeable, I couldn’t help myself.  But as a woman, I understood Dani’s side of things.  Her career and goals had to be just as important as Adams and he had to understand that.  I am still trying to grasp why Dani picked that particular object to leave for Adam as a surprise in his room.  Yes, she explained it, but wow. 

I think Dani and Adam represent a lot of couples out there.  They were deeply in love but they had their differences.  Real effort had to be taken so those differences didn’t drive a wedge between them.  I think Asha King put a nice dose of reality in this story with the right amount of “happily ever after” that readers will appreciate.  Not everyone can make real life problems seem romantic.  That is a real talent. 

Rekindling Christmas

Title:  Rekindling Christmas

Author:  Yvette Hines

Publisher:  Whispers Publishing

Publisher URL:  http://whispershome.com

ISBN/BIN:  N/A

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Ryanne McCall’s job as a product manager keeps her busy and she loves it.  It’s the perfect excuse to get her out of family gatherings.  Ryanne loves her family dearly but she just can’t take the constant pressure they put on her.  With Christmas around the corner, Ryanne knows she’ll find herself bunking with her snoring Aunt Mildred if she doesn’t find a valid reason that will keep her away from home a little longer.  Even though she doesn’t ski, Ryanne jumps at the chance to go on a single’s retreat.

Carson Rodman didn’t know why he let his friend talk him into a week in the mountains. All he wanted was a little skiing without being propositioned by every horny woman around.  Carson was over his ex-girlfriend but that didn’t mean he was ready to play musical beds on this trip.  When he runs into his old high school friend and fantasy, Carson can’t believe his good luck.  This time, he’s going to let Ryanne know exactly how he feels.

Back in the day, Ryanne and Carson shared many memories.  They even learned to ride bikes together as childhood friends.  Now they both harbor feelings for the other that go way beyond the boundaries of friendship.   Ryanne and Carson spend the week exploring their pent up passions and realize they should have acted on this long ago.  Things are picture perfect until a misunderstanding with Carson causes Ryanne to disappear.  Fortunately, Carson clears things up and he and Ryanne pick up where they left off, in lust and love.

I love the history between Ryanne and Carson.  There is something so touching about couples who bonded even before they knew what the birds and the bees were.  Those two probably know lots of embarrassing things about each other because they’ve been friends since childhood.  The idea that someone who knows you that well and worships the ground you walk on is so powerful.  That kind of love is rare and special.  As far as friendships go, I had a hard time getting the link between Carson and his best friend Phillip.  Honestly, I wouldn’t mind seeing Phillip’s player days come to an end.  He might have unresolved past issues that turned him into the man-whore he is today.  Ryanne surprised me with her actions when she found out something disturbing about Carson.  I wanted her to handle the situation differently, but it all worked out in the end, thanks to Carson.  Rekindling Christmas is comforting, like hot chocolate and snuggling by the fireplace.  I felt familiar with Ryanne and Carson, as if I could have known them in high school.  Seeing them come together was the perfect blend of sweet and sexy and that is why I am never disappointed with a Yvette Hines story.

Access Granted

Title:  Access Granted

Author:  Marie Rochelle

Publisher:  Phaze Books

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-60659-703-3

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial, Paranormal

Rating:  3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

For years, Sabrina Watley had two special things in her world.  Having a loving brother and her job as a court reporter made Sabrina proud and happy.  Since the death of her brother, things just weren’t the same.  No amount of work was enough to ease the loneliness Sabrina felt.   Only her brother’s best friend could help fill the emptiness a bit, because she always thought of him as family;  although he made her nervous with the heated looks he gave her when they were alone.  Sabrina wasn’t in the market for that kind of relationship right now, but especially not with Zander.

Zander Irizarry is a vampire with one goal in mind, getting his mate.  He’s waited a long time and put up with several obstacles.  Sabrina has other men sniffing around her and she refuses to admit her attraction to Zander.   No other man is going to have her and the sooner Sabrina accepts that, the sooner he can be completely honest with her.  Time is running out, just like Zander’s patience. 

It’s a lot for a girl to absorb that her lover is a vampire, but Sabrina comes around.  Zander is the man of her dreams and she can’t fight their bond anymore.  But, living forever was a curse, as far as Sabrina was concerned, and she wanted no part of it.  Zander made her happy, but becoming like him wasn’t in Sabrina’s game plan.  After a few touch and go moments, it seems as if Sabrina is shutting Zander out for good.  But, Zander doesn’t give up and Sabrina forgives him.

Access Granted is the second story of the Alpha Male Incorporated series.  Zander had been chasing Sabrina since he laid eyes on her and she had been running.  I understood Sabrina’s reluctance to get involved with Zander, to a degree, but I thought she should have caved in much sooner.  With the strong desire she felt for him, I don’t understand how she could view him like a brother for so long, especially when she knew he didn’t see her as a sister.  Zander tried softening the news about him being a vampire, but it backfired.  I can’t be mad at him for his actions; in fact I cheered for him and I think he should have acted sooner.  Honestly, I am amazed the poor guy didn’t snap.  Sabrina was a little naive about these other men she was hanging out with and I wasn’t expecting that.  Thank goodness for Zander and his anger.  It made me feel peaceful when he finally got everything he wanted.   Marie Rochelle wraps up this romance with the hopes of more to follow and I, for one, can’t wait.

To Sir, With Lust

Title:  To Sir, With Lust

Author:  Paige Bennett

Publisher:  Phaze

Publisher URL:  http://www.phaze.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-60659-695-1

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Interracial

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Kendra Phelps has it bad for her attractive professor.  All she can think about during his lectures are all the wicked things he’d say to her in bed.  Kendra isn’t sure he’s interested in her, but she’s ready to put everything on the line to find out.

A man can only take so much and Ray Simmons isn’t sure he can go on another day like this.  Dating a student is bad, no matter how tempting the student is.  He has to stay professional and keep his burning desires to himself. 

Ray never stood a chance once Kendra made up her mind to have him.  He put up a good fight, but I could literally hear the clock ticking.  The age difference and the fact that she was his student didn’t stop Kendra from recognizing a good man.  I enjoyed the fact that their attraction evolved into more than just a physical relationship and I got to see them do “couple” things.  Their feelings developed so quickly that I was surprised.  I guess when it’s right, it’s right.  The glimpse into the couple’s future was a perfect happy ending.  To Sir, With Lust is a spicy scenario that’s tasteful and tantalizing so I know readers will appreciate this story.

The Wolf Who Loved Her

Title: The Wolf Who Loved Her

Author:  Kasey Moone

Publisher: Phaze Books

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-60659-681-4

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary, I/R, Paranormal

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

After being open for a month, business was still slow so Joni Watson was hoping that some paying customers would visit her bookstore.  What she didn’t want was the rudeness she got from the sexiest guy she’d ever laid eyes on.  The stranger was barking orders at Joni as if he owned the place.  And yet, that didn’t stop Joni from finding the stranger irresistible.   She was turned on and off at the same time and Joni didn’t know why.

Ian McNeal was worked up and in a hurry.  He didn’t have time for this chatterbox when he had pack drama to deal with.  But, one whiff of Joni’s scent had Ian’s wolf on overload.  Leaving her alone now was not an option, especially since he might have brought danger to her doorstep.

Attraction is immediate between Joni and Ian, even though they don’t exactly like each other when they first meet.  Joni takes the news that Ian is a wolf and that she’s his mate with a bit of fear at first, but she gets on board.  Ian does his best to keep Joni safe but things still go wrong, and Joni’s life is endangered.  During this time Joni discovers something about herself that brings about a happy ending for the couple.

I love it when a couple meant to be together start off on the wrong foot.  It seems to make the passion leap off the pages.  This story is short but it’s packed with more than enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats, like I was.  The Wolf Who Loved Her left me wanting more because I am curious about Ian and Joni’s new beginning.  I see so many more possibilities with Ian’s pack and Joni’s self discovery so hopefully Kasey Moone agrees. 

Cheek to Cheek

Title: Cheek to Cheek

Author:  Paige Bennett

Publisher:  Phaze Books

Publisher URL:  http://www.phaze.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-60659-660-9

Genre:  {M/F}  Contemporary, Interracial

Rating:  3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

Ever since the eight grade, Diandra Davis has been in love with ballroom dancing.  Teaching is about the only exciting thing she has going on right now.  After a few mediocre relationships and a horrible incident with a student, Diandra is apprehensive about getting involved again.   

Jared Whitman is the ultimate big brother so there was no way he could refuse the ballroom lessons his sister signed him up for.  He just hoped he didn’t embarrass himself too badly with his two left feet.   Nervousness quickly turns to desire when he spots his beautiful dance instructor.  

The attraction between Diandra and Jared is too strong to be ignored.  Jared tries not to rush things, but he’s determined to make Diandra his.  Diandra wants Jared in the worst way and after a debate with herself, she gives in.  When they come together, it’s like the Fourth of July.  But the afterglow is ruined by assumptions and we all know what “they” say about assuming things.   

Honesty really is the best policy and in Jared and Diandra’s case, it would have spared them both lots of pain and confusion.  I saw their issue coming but I didn’t think it would snowball into an avalanche.  Diandra’s guilt was normal, but I wasn’t expecting anger from Jared.  Cheek to Cheek is a simple and sweet story between two people who get a shot at the kind of relationship that knocks your socks off.  They deserved to feel passion for someone, not just something, like their job.  Watching Jared and Diandra find what they were missing in each other felt comfortable.  I liked the image of an average guy like Jared getting the girl.  Romance and reality make a great combination that readers won’t be able to resist.

Far From The Usual

Title:  Far From The Usual

Author:  Avril  Ashton

Publisher:  Evernight Publishing

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-927368-71-8

Genre:  {M/F} Interracial

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

She’s tired of trying to please a father who sees her as an embarrassment and staying with a man who cheats.  Things should be clear, now that Arden Windham has ended things with her cheating ex-boyfriend, but she’s more confused than ever.  Her ex’s brother has always left Arden feeling unsettled because he treats her as if she killed his dog or something.  Arden can’t stand the man, yet she also can’t stop lusting after him. 

Cameron Mercer is grumpy and anti-social.  He’s alienated from the entire town and has a strained family relationship because of his time in jail.  In his eyes, Arden is a spoiled little rich girl, but that doesn’t stop him from staking a claim on her.  He’s wanted Arden the entire time she was with his brother and now is his chance to have her.   

Cameron refuses to stay away from Arden, regardless of how much Arden avoids him.  They come together and things are more intense than either of them anticipated.   Arden learns the truth behind Cameron’s bad-boy image and Cameron digs deeper into the broken relationship Arden has with his brother.  Several people express their unhappiness about them being together but in the end, Cameron and Arden follow their hearts.

Far From The Usual perfectly describes Arden and Cameron’s relationship.  They seemed like extreme opposites but as I got to know their characters, I discovered they were so much alike.  Both of them had spent way too long doing what was expected of them by their family.  Arden’s father and Cameron’s brother are on my hit list.  The entire town made assumptions about them that weren’t true.  Arden was far from the pampered princess that Cameron saw her as and Cameron’s feelings extended to more than wanting marathon sex.  He was a good man and I was surprised by how humble he really was.  He had reasons for his gruff behavior, so I was able to forgive him.  Cameron came to Arden’s defense when she needed him.  Though at times, I admit I wanted to slap him myself.  But when he poured all that emotion into his love for Arden, that made it all worth it.  That is the kind of man Arden deserved and this is the kind of story that readers will remember after finishing it.

Graceland

Title: Graceland

Author: Ally Blue

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-60928-827-3

Genre: {M/M} Interracial 

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx  

Release Date:  July 3rd, 2012  

Student Nurse Kevin Fraser is enjoying a night out with friends when he hears this incredible voice singing on stage. Owen Hicks is the Cherokee version of Elvis, including the famous hip movements. Unfortunately, Owens’s voice is almost permanently silenced by out of control diabetes. 

Graceland is a realistic illustration of just how deadly diabetes can be if not taken seriously. Kevin is a compassionate man who works at the hospital to support his education cost. Owen is an average man with a minor self-esteem problem, in addition to a major sweet tooth. When Owen is brought in to the emergency room, it is Kevin who is able to calm Owen. What started out as a comfortable friendship slowly evolved into love. Along with dealing with the disease, there is a social status issue, as well as racial tensions, among members of both Owen and Kevin’s family. The secondary characters add a touch of humor to the plot.  

Ally Blue has created a remarkable health awareness saga that I enjoyable immensely.

Too Hot To Touch

Title:  Too Hot To Touch

Author:  Marie Rochelle

Publisher:  Phaze Books

Publisher URL:  http://www.phaze.com

ISBN:  978-1-60659-644-9

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary Interracial Series 

Rating:  3.5 Nymphs 

As a successful optometrist with good friends, Shauntie Kane has a life that most people would love to have.  Sometimes Shauntie was lonely for male companionship, but she didn’t let it break her strong spirit.  Her passion for work sporadically caused her to lose track of what was going on around her.  Because she’d been sidetracked, Shauntie now needed some extensive and costly repairs done on her house.  When a referral shows up to give Shauntie an estimate, she’s torn between wanting him gone, and wanting him in her bed.  

Nash Wentworth knew that Shauntie was the woman for him and he intended to take full advantage of the good fortune that had come his way.  He knew Shauntie felt the same chemistry as he did, but because of a past bad relationship, she’d be reluctant to go out with him.  All Nash wanted was a chance to shower her with the love and respect Shauntie deserved. 

When Shauntie started thinking with her heart instead of her head, she realized Nash was a good guy.  The two fall into a comfortable relationship and just as things heat up, the past makes an ugly appearance.  Shauntie is hurt by Nash’s failure to disclose the entire truth and she pushes him away.  Honestly, I can’t say that I blame her.  Eventually Shauntie puts her pride aside and she and Nash make up.  I was shocked by the way Nash turned the tables on Shauntie and laid some of the blame on her for the damage she’d suffered from her ex-boyfriend.  At first I was angry but I soon realized that Nash was right.  The truth is often not pretty, but necessary.  In this case, it was necessary for Shauntie to make peace and move on with her life.  This story is an inspirational reminder that not all men are the same and that good things can grow from bad situations.  Marie Rochelle has created some strong women in this story, and I know readers will see themselves in the characters.  I certainly did.

Under His Spell

Title:  Under His Spell

Author:  Liz Davis

Publisher:  Siren-Bookstrand Publishing

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

ISBN:  1-61034-866-4

Genre:  {M/F} Erotic, Interracial, Paranormal, Werewolves

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

When she spots a stranger with long black hair in a coffeehouse, Lynn Calloway can’t stop staring.  She’s not the kind of woman to engage in conversation with a total stranger and flirt, but something about the man is hard to resist.  Fate brings the man to Lynn’s house and they spend an amazing night in bed together.  Lynn’s happiness is quickly squashed upon discovering that her American Indian lover left without even saying goodbye. 

Takoda Chasing didn’t mean to bring another woman into his life, but he had no choice.  Lynn was his and he couldn’t deny his feelings for her. Takoda doesn’t know how to tell her he’s a wolf and handles the situation all wrong.  If Lynn is able to accept him, will she be able to handle the tragedy from his past?   

Lynn forgives Takoda for his unexplained absence and after some convincing, she accepts the fact that he’s a shifter.  The couple’s happiness is quickly interrupted by demons from their past and interference from Lynn’s co-worker.  Takoda fears he won’t be able to keep Lynn safe from harm but when it counts, he is always there for her.  There are some very intense moments that seem like all hope is lost.  Lynn’s co-worker definitely gave me the creeps and I would have liked to see a different outcome for him. I also enjoyed the sinister feeling when Lynn gets stranded and meets Dex.  His part in the story left me with questions. Takoda is a good man, and I was glad to see him let go of some of his guilt and sadness when he met Lynn.  He deserved a second chance at happiness and I’m thrilled it was with Lynn.  I was shocked by the unknown danger that surrounded Lynn.  It was a wonderful addition to this love story that helped cement the couple’s love.   

Under His Spell is a delightful love story of two people meant to be together.  I know readers will be pleased if they pick up a copy because Liz Davis has given them a story that stands out.

Call and Answer

Title: Call and Answer
Author: Val Kovalin
Publisher: Amber Allure

Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/

ISBN: 978-1-61124-083-2
Genre: {M/M} Nostalgic Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, Interracial
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Scandalous Minx 

For Henri Broussard, life is just beginning.  He didn’t anticipate encountering a man who makes him ache for sex or who could thoroughly awaken his passionate nature.  That’s just what he finds in Gabriel.   

To most, Gabriel appears to be a handsome black musician but to those who are aware of his true nature, Gabriel is known to be a very old and powerful alligator shape-shifter.  When Gabriel shows Henri the truth, will he run away or will he embrace the important role he is to play during Gabriel’s season? 

Val Kovalin is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.  This talented writer has brought us characters with depth, beautiful settings and life lessons in this wonderfully told tale.  Henri and Gabriel’s attraction is mutual and instantaneous.  There was no doubt that they would become lovers, but there was an uncertainty of how close they would allow the other to get. 

The plot is simple but thanks to the complex characters, it doesn’t feel as if it’s a story I’ve read before.  The imagery of Gabriel’s shifting took my breath away.  I could imagine his body gliding through the bayou, and only wished I was there in person to see in myself.  With a touch of suspense, drama, and action the story is complete and entertaining.  It truly drew me in from the opening lines.

Ms. Kovalin leaves the ending open, which I hope means there will be at least one future story for the two men.  I, for one, will be the first in line to read more about this couple.  Those who enjoy paranormal tales will enjoy reading Call and Answer.