A Treasure of Gold

Title:  A Treasure of Gold

Author:  Piper Huguley

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781619227439   

Genre:  {M/F} Historical, Multicultural

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Nettie Bledsoe has devoted her life to the church and helping others.  So when she stumbles upon a wounded man, Nettie can’t just walk away.  Despite warnings from her family, Nettie knows she has to get involved.  The church members surely couldn’t have a problem with Nettie caring for a motherless child. 

People looked down on Jay Evans because of his job, the same job that lead to him getting shot.  Jay wants to change his life for his daughter, Goldie, but it’s not as easy as he thought.  Long ago, the church failed Jay, so he’s hesitant about accepting Nettie’s help.  Until he regains his strength and school resumes, Jay has to find something to do with Goldie.

Bonding with Goldie was easy for Nettie, but she was caught off guard by the pull she felt towards Jay.  He wasn’t what Nettie expected, and she saw a side of him that others didn’t.  It had been a long time since Jay considered having a woman in his life.  Because of him, Nettie could possibly be shunned by the church and her family.  Nettie’s will was strong, but Jay was afraid of the influence they had on her. 

Nettie and Jay are so different, but that doesn’t stop them where matters of the heart are concerned.  Nettie is a no-nonsense country girl who believes the church can do no wrong.  Jay is a numbers man and single father who’s trying to go legit.  At first Jay isn’t happy about Nettie’s meddling, but soon he can’t imagine continuing life without her.  Jay had issues that only Nettie could have resolved.  She gave him life after tragedy and Jay gave Nettie hope.  Nettie never expected to have a family of her own and I know her family would have stifled the light in her eventually.   Nettie’s family loved her without a doubt, which probably led to their controlling ways.  They meant well though, and eventually they changed their tune. 

A Treasure of Gold is the third book of the Migrations of the Heart series, but I feel it can be read as a stand alone without a problem.  Readers will become invested in the characters because they’ll feel so comfortable with them, as if they are neighbors from down the road.  I enjoyed the simpler time that this story was set in and the involvement of the church without being too preachy.  Piper Huguley does a wonderful job of building a foundation that makes a very memorable and touching story.  

Takes the Cake

Title:  Takes the Cake

Author:  Lynn Chantale

Publisher:  Loose Id

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-944-1    

Genre:  {M/F} Multicultural, Contemporary

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

When it comes to catering, Liz Arnold is the best of the best.  That’s why she landed the job doing this grand wedding.  Accommodating late changes on a whim of the bride is a challenge Liz takes on with ease.  However, butting heads with a man from her past is making her job difficult and dredging up old feelings.  Liz is so conflicted.

Superstition or not, nobody was going to doom his sister’s wedding.  Everything has to be perfect and Keegan Murphy intends to make that happen.  But, that’s not all.  Keegan is determined to make Liz his, even though she’s giving him the cold shoulder.

Shock from several unpredictable events literally had me thinking that this one Takes the Cake.  I laughed, I gasped, and I blushed through them all.  There is so much going on, leading up to the actual wedding, I kept making bets with myself what the final outcome would be.  Lynn Chantale certainly knows how to keep you guessing and I enjoyed that.  Liz and Keegan have a history that makes things tense while preparing for the wedding and most of the tension is sexual.  Regret is something Keegan has been dealing with since he lost Liz, so letting her freeze him out is not an option.  Liz is strong but her wall crumbles like a house of cards when she remembers the good times she had with Keegan.  I loved their fights and definitely their make up scenes.  If you appreciate a healthy dose of drama and desire, you have to read this delightful story.

When Dove Cries

Title:  When Dove Cries

Author:  Beth D. Carter

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781784305550

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Multicultural, Crime and Mystery, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Draven is forced to help the FBI find the trafficking organization in Destiny.  Cade knows Draven has a problem with him due to history with Draven’s family.  Both men join forces when they find Dove after she escaped her captivity and they realize she was one of the victims.

When Dove Cries is the third book in the Red Wolves Motorcycle Club series and picks up where True North ends.  Draven didn’t want to make a run to Las Vegas for a drug dealer, but knows the Red Wolves need the money for hospital bills.  Cade knows the club hasn’t been doing anything illegal for a while, but due to an ongoing investigation into the drug dealer, this is the perfect opportunity to go undercover using the Red Wolves.  Rescuing Dove works out great as far as Cade is concerned.

I liked the way the author didn’t sugar coat the relationship between Draven and Cade, even to the point the men were jealous of each other for a while.  Draven knows a ménage relationship can work as he has friends in them, but hates the idea because of who the other man is.  An incident with Draven’s brother and what happened while Draven was there is a major issue between the men.

I was a little surprised by part of the resolution of who the bad guy was and some of the other twists.  I had to laugh at North’s reaction when Cade admitted he was an FBI agent.

There is at least one more book in this series and I am wondering how it is going to connect with the overall theme of the series, other than the Red Wolves, since it seems like those loose ends have been resolved.  I am looking forward to finding out. 

Driven by Night

Title:  Driven by Night

Author:  Aliyah Burke

Publisher:  Totally Bound

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781784305840

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

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Calida Michaels doesn’t know why she’s being chased.  A dangerously hot stranger comes to her rescue just in time, but Calida’s not sure that going with him is the best idea.  Strange feelings overwhelm her and Calida is drawn to the man.  She feels safe in his arms but Calida is underwhelmed by his explanation of why he has to protect her.

As a Guardian, Tiarnán Malone knows that anything can happen when he’s sent on a riddled mission.  He tries to expect the unexpected, but finding his mate is a complete shock.  Fulfilling a prophecy and gaining Calida’s’s trust isn’t going as smoothly as it could.  Tiarnán is the perfect warrior but he’s horrible at expressing his feelings to Calida. 

Calida is fed up with Tiarnán and tired of taking a back seat.  He says they are meant to be together, but with Tiarnán, it’s like an obligation, not love.  Calida isn’t willing to settle so the battle between good and bad will have to wrap up without her when she decides to leave.  Tiarnán realizes his mistakes with Calida a little too late.  Putting all his cards on the table is the only way to convince Calida of his true feelings.  Saving the world won’t mean anything to Tiarnán if he doesn’t have Calida in his world.

Driven by Night, the fifth book of the Astral Guardians series, definitely left me with questions.  Aliyah Burke knows how to leave readers thinking about a story long after they finish reading it.  The story was excellent as a stand alone read, so I don’t doubt that reading the series in order would be more impacting. Tiarnán’s childhood wasn’t an easy one, and I know that becoming a Guardian saved him.   Tiarnán is not very expressive and I understand why.  He had strong bonds with very few people and Calida didn’t understand some of these bonds, although I have to put the blame on Tiarnán for causing that situation.  Men can be dense as fog sometimes, even if they are a great warrior.  If you enjoy watching the sparks fly between a couple, then this story is for you.  

True North

Title:  True North

Author:  Beth D. Carter

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781784304850

Genre: {M/F/M}, Multicultural, Mystery, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

North and Givon are spending time fishing, when they hear a shot fired close by. As they race to the location, they see Allison lying on the ground bleeding.  As North tries to stop the bleeding, Givon, as sheriff, goes after the man.  Allison knows she is lucky to be alive.

The second book in the Red Wolves Motorcycle Club series, True North, has two lifelong friends facing a life-changing incident.  Givon is the sheriff in Destiny and North is the president of the Red Wolves.  Even though they took different paths, they still rely on each other to protect their backs. Readers learn a lot about both Givon and North, including how clubs are like families to members.

There were several surprises and two distinct threads revolving around Allison, one which dominated and put North and Gavon in danger.  Givon’s decision about North and Allison wasn’t too much of a surprise.  Both men were surprised that they didn’t feel jealous about sharing Allison but realized they had a resource to talk to with their friends, Braden, Leo and Merrie.

I loved the way Givon and North never let their lives ruin their friendship, though they were very careful to walk a thin line.  There are several clashes with lots of secondary characters and one decision that will be sure to haunt the Red Wolves in the future.  The author did a good job with the resolution of the major thread involving Allison, though I was surprised by who handled it at the end. 

The Red Wolves Motorcycle Club series is best read in order to get the full impact of the stories.  I am looking forward to the next story.

Along Came Merrie

Title:  Along Came Merrie

Author:  Beth D. Carter

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781784303426

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Multicultural, Western, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Merrie is looking to change her life but ends up on the run after seeing something she shouldn’t after she stopped to use a pay phone.  After escaping, she ends up on a ranch where both Braden and Leo live.

Along Came Merrie is the first book in the Red Wolves Motorcycle Club and gives readers a glimpse into the world of outlaw motorcycle gangs.  While the Demon Devils’ are the group Merrie is running from, she meets the leader of the Red Wolves later in the story.  The author did a good job showing how one incident can color a person’s actions when something triggers memories later.

As Merrie heals, she tries to sort out her feelings, she is safe and grateful but is her attraction to Braden and Leo real or because they are her rescuers.  The conflict she has, along with realizing she could have a poly relationship, is very real.  In addition, Braden has some issues that have to be dealt with, especially as it causes a few issues between him and Merrie. An incident makes both men realize they can’t live without Merrie and want her to stay.  The three have some hot chemistry.

Several of the secondary characters are interesting, and there are several surprises. The leader of the Red Wolves and the sheriff turn out to be best friends, though they try to keep that fact hidden.  The suspense will grab you as it keeps building.  The author created an interesting solution to the entire problem. 

Along Came Merrie is the first book about outlaw motorcycle clubs that I have read and it did not disappoint me. In fact, I’m looking forward to reading more about this series as the author had an interesting epilogue to this story.

Unbreakable Bonds

Title: Unbreakable Bonds

Author: Taige Crenshaw and Aliyah Burke

Publisher:  Totally Bound

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781784304935

Genre:  {M/F}   Multicultural, Time travel

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Books mean more than income for Ta-Mara LeBreaux, they are a retreat.  Where else could she find such a perfectly handsome alpha male?  Ta-Mara couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have such a man in her life.  Destiny steps in so she no longer has to imagine.  Ta-Mara can’t logically explain why the mystery man needing her help reminds her of the man she’s half in love with from her favorite story.  Living in the moment brings Ta-Mara happiness she never thought possible, but doubts of the future have her frightened it could end any moment.

Levi Jefferson Davis Madison is saved by a woman with a syrupy voice, and he has no idea how it happened.  Something about Ta-Mara feels safe so Levi can’t help wanting her.  He might not understand modern technology or clothing, but Levi knows that Ta-Mara is the perfect woman for him.  Part of Levi isn’t ready to open his heart and the guilt is doing a number on him.  Levi doesn’t want to forget the reason he’s in this strange time, but he’s not willing to leave Ta-Mara’s side. 

Ta-Mara and Levi are hazy on the exact circumstances that bring their two worlds together.  They try not to question things too much for fear it will end the fantasy they are living in.  With Ta-Mara’s help, Levi adjusts nicely to modern day life, but things aren’t always easy.  Neither Levi nor Ta-Mara are completely honest with each other and the secrets they keep almost drive them apart.  Once they are able to share, other obstacles get in the way.  Love conquers all and matters turn out how destiny wanted. 

Racism plays a big part in Unbreakable Bonds and brings love full circle.  Levi is from the South during an era where race mixing isn’t acceptable and Ta-Mara is from the current time, where race might not be an issue at all.  There are two women in Levi’s heart so he’s torn between the past and present.  I can easily imagine Levi in all his glory during the past, but I must say I loved him best during the times he was adjusting to the twenty-first century.  I guess a SUV would freak out anyone accustomed to horses.  When Levi entered a bathroom for the first time, I felt how overwhelmed he must have been.  Under the circumstances, I’d say the man adapted like a duck takes to water.  Ta-Mara’s giving nature makes for some very touching scenes and I know readers will feel how genuine she is.  I bet I won’t be the only one looking hopefully at my bookshelf after reading this novel.

Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore

Title:  Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore

Author:  Aliyah Burke

Publisher:  Totally Bound

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781784303143   

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Multicultural

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

One month is the time Marine Brent Agers has left to get himself together.  The pains in his body aren’t going away as fast as Brent wants and he’s restless, so he hits the road.  Brent pulls into a small town, hoping he can relax in peace without being disturbed.  When he runs into a woman who has him hot and bothered, Brent becomes more confused.

Life is good for Maya Brennan.  Work, friends and pets keep her going.  Her simple life becomes very complicated when Brent shows up in her town and becomes her neighbor.  He changed her life when they hooked up on vacation in ways Maya never imagined.  But, Brent doesn’t seem to remember her and all the epic sex they had.

Memory comes crashing back to Brent and he’s determined to rekindle things with the woman who’s given him many sleepless nights.  Maya tries, but she can’t resist Brent’s charm.  Things heat up between the couple and they become acquainted as Brent’s month of leave comes to an end.  Brent is torn but he knows he wants more than a fling, while Maya believes that a fling is all that can happen between them.  After some soul searching on both parts, the couple gets the ending they deserve. 

Maya and Brent’s past should have made their reunion easy and magical.  Even though Brent didn’t remember Maya, he felt drawn to her.  Of course Maya would be angry if her lover didn’t remember her.  Who wouldn’t be? I kept waiting for the moment Brent would remember and I was anxious to see how he’d handle it.  It had me turning the pages faster.  I loved the small town vibe and how everyone was so protective of Maya and she of them.  But, Maya did issue an ultimatum to Brent that had me disagreeing with her.  I don’t think she was fair in some of the demands she made of the man.  I was wringing my hands, thinking the couple could never work out this bump in the road and yet they did.  Till We Ain’t Strangers Any More is the third book in the Interludes series, but the first of the series that I have read.  Reading it as a stand alone was not a problem, but obviously one can’t help but be curious about the previous stories.  Aliyah Burke never disappoints with her characters or plots so I suggest for more fun, pick up the series.

His Ward

Title: His Ward

Author: Lena Matthews

Publisher:  Loose Id

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-517-7

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Multicultural

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

His ward, Tionne, was everything to Misha Turkovic.  There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her or give her. Misha is a powerful man who could make anything happen.  But, the one thing he couldn’t do was cross the line and divulge his true feelings.  Misha was determined to do the right thing out of respect, even if it meant denying himself the only woman he wanted. 

Tionne Singleton is in love with a man who sees her as a responsibility.  Misha controls every aspect of her life, from the people she socializes with to her job.  Tionne knows her own mind and she’s tired of Misha trying to run her life.  She’s ready to move things to the next level and open Misha’s eyes.  Either it was all or nothing, as far as Tionne was concerned.

Tionne always knew Misha was the one and Misha felt the same.  He was just hesitant to act on lustful feelings for Tionne because of his debt to her father.  I loved, loved. loved Misha because he was the perfect go-to guy!  He was hot, dangerous, powerful, and arrogant.  Every woman wants a man who can make things happen with the blink of an eye, I don’t care what anybody says.  Misha reminded of my favorite mob soap opera character.   And I’m still very curious about Misha’s job. 

Tionne had bodyguards and drivers because Misha wanted it.  Mostly this pissed her off because Misha was having her watched like a child.  As much as I understood Tionne’s feelings, I was also jealous and impressed that she could bring out that much concern from Misha.  Plus, Tionne had a mouth on her that she used often to push Misha’s buttons.  That was one frustrated man.  How the two of them kept their hands off each other as long as they did is beyond me.  The prelude to the first time the couple made love was priceless.  Lena Matthews has done it again, written a story that feeds into women’s fantasies and left the pages smoking.  This author never disappoints.  If you don’t read His Ward, you are missing out. 

Mating Scents

Title:  Mating Scents

Author:  McKenna Jeffries

Publisher:  Totally Bound

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781784301569

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary, Multicultural

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Garrick Radley realizes too late that listening to his friend’s advice about women might not have been wise.   Garrick finally has his chance with the woman he’d been dreaming about for weeks, but his approach isn’t as suave as he planned it to be.  Bailey is everything Garrick wants, so falling head over heals for her is unavoidable.

Any woman with eyes would be salivating over Garrick and Bailey Rueben is no exception.  She wants Garrick so much, she decides to take action into her own hands.  The sinful things that man does to Bailey’s body keep her breathless just thinking about him.  Sex has never controlled her life so there’s no way Bailey intends on letting that happen now.  What she has with Garrick is just a fling and flings don’t last forever.

Bailey’s confidence and boldness are outweighed by her resistance to commitment.  Her family life is wonderful, but it’s also given Bailey a warped idea about relationships.  This causes her to hold back with Garrick and he feels it.  Bailey is Garrick’s future, so he’s not shy about letting her know that.  Bailey gets scared and this might push away a weaker man, but not Garrick.  He knows just what to do to make Bailey feel safe. 

I was shocked by the couple’s first meeting.  It left me giggling and rereading it again for a smile.  Theirs is the kind of story so off-the-wall wonderful that their grandchildren will be telling it some day.  Their drama was resolved easier than I thought and I think readers will appreciate that.  If that isn’t enough to draw you in, then all the interesting friends of Garrick and Bailey will certainly do the trick.  So far, I have a top three list of characters who deserve to come back in their own story.  McKenna Jeffries did a splendid job in making readers feel a bond with her characters.  In some I felt a sadness that I just have to see turn into a happy ending because they deserve it.  The town, the businesses, the jobs and the personalities were all unexpected and that kept me curious.  I suggest you jump on board now with Mating Scents, the first of the Rules of Attraction series so you won’t feel left out.  

Taste of Lacey

Title: Taste of Lacey

Author:  Linden Hughes

Publisher:  Loose Id

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-004-2

Genre:  {M/F}   Multicultural, Contemporary

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Lacey Bishop is a focused woman working her way through a list of goals.  Right now the only thing Lacey cares about is building up her catering business.  She’s got the degree and the skill to make it happen.  With everything going according to plan, Lacey is thrown for a loop when her brother’s best friend takes their relationship to a new level.  Rye goes from practically being family to being the only man Lacey wants in her bed. 

Ryder McKay had helped move in the furniture in Lacey’s bedroom.  Never in a million years did he imagine he’d be lying in her bed, waiting to douse the flames their kiss had started.  Rye never saw Lacey “that way” before, but after discovering the temptress beneath the surface, there was no way he was giving Lacey up.  All he has to do is convince Lacey that he’s in for the long haul and hope her family doesn’t come between them.

There has never been a lack of women in Rye’s life, and Lacey knows that.  He can have anyone he wants, and Rye wants Lacey.  Rye thinks his intentions are crystal clear, and is somewhat hurt by Lacey’s idea of where they stood as a couple.  How could she have such a low opinion of him? 

Lacey isn’t as open with everyone as Rye is in regards to their changed relationship, especially with her family.  Lacey is upset when she feels that Rye goes over her head and keeps her in the dark about relevant information.  Jealousy from an unexpected person causes tension between the couple and Lacey is almost forced to pick sides.  

When two people with history decide to change the rules of their relationship, things get steamy.  Lacey and Rye were so comfortable with each other, I was surprised it took them so long to hit the sheets.  As a mixed couple, racism was part of their issues, but I was glad that it didn’t dominate the story.  I think Rye was a typical male at some points, because he assumed that Lacey should know the extent of his feelings without verbalizing them.  More communication would have cut down on the misunderstandings for sure.  But I’m not letting Lacey off the hook either.  She should have confided in Rye instead of holding back.  I know Lacey thought she was doing the right thing and that she tried to trust him, but she always had doubts.  Finally she started listening to her heart and realized that Rye wanted more than a Taste of Lacey, he wanted her forever.  When a couple has history like Lacey and Rye, it’s easy to feel comfortable with them.  I felt as if I knew who they were immediately and I was sad to see their story end.  

Taber

Title:  Taber

Author:  Taige Crenshaw/Aliyah Burke

Publisher:  Total-E-Bound Publishing

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78184-126-6

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

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Lainey Mercer is excited about starting a new chapter in her life.  With the help of her best friend, Lainey lands what she thinks could turn out to be the perfect job.  Finding a new home for the last displaced animal is a relief to Lainey.  Feelings of relief quickly turn to confusion when she meets her new boss.  First impressions leave her feeling aroused and annoyed at the same time.  Sure, she’s a sucker for his untamed demeanor, but not so much for his arrogance. 

Taber Ellis was impressed with Lainey on paper, but in person she was so much more.  Her sharp tongue didn’t hide the fact that she was drawn to him and Taber welcomes the challenge.    After all this time, Taber never expected to find a mate, but now that he has, nothing was going to keep him from her.  Up until this point, animals have been the most important things in his life.  Gaining Lainey’s acceptance as a man is proving to be difficult, so how will she react when he tells her he’s a God? 

Lainey feels betrayed when she finds out the truth about Taber and doesn’t want to hear his excuses.  Painful memories from her past make it hard for Lainey to forgive Taber easily.  I have to admit that I sided with Taber on this.  The hurt that Lainey was holding onto was completely different from Taber not telling her he was a God.  I think she made a bigger deal out of the entire thing than she should have.  Taber tries to make Lainey see his side in this situation, but he has little success.  In the end, it’s their love of animals that finally bring Taber and Lainey together.  It’s funny how tragedy sometimes brings on the happy ending you hope for. 

Taber is the fifth book in the Kemet Uncovered series, and it’s left me wondering what I missed in the first four books.  The passions and problems of Gods always seem more intense, especially when dealing with women who aren’t afraid to drive them to the edge.  I love the fact they at the end of the day, Taber is still just a man who messed up and needs to get back in his woman’s good graces.   Aliyah Burke and Taige Crenshaw are skilled at showing all the sides of a character, so readers understand them.  This is another gripping story that will draw you in and keep you hoping to see the characters reappear in another story.

Hawaiian Gothic

Title: Hawaiian Gothic

Author: Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane

Publisher: Loose Id

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781611188592

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Multicultural

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph 

Running from his feelings for his best friend, Ori leaves Hawaii, never realizing how much his decision will affect both him and Kalani.   When Kalani is attacked, the men’s lives change once again.  Returning to Hawaii brings Ori more questions than answers and once again leaves things up in the air. 

Hawaiian Gothic is an interesting story and I get the feeling it is going to be one of those that readers either really like or really hate.  This story is more than just about the two main characters. In fact, it centers around the relationship of several of the secondary characters as well and these relationships play a big part in the story.  In order to get all the background in, the authors jump back and forth in time, which became annoying at times for me, although I understood why they did it.  While I found all the characters interesting, I wish the authors would have spent more time on Ori and Kalani and I felt slightly cheated on that front.   

As for the metaphysical portion of the story, the authors did an outstanding job.  I was pulled in almost from the beginning and could not figure out how the authors planned to wrap all the individual plot lines up.  There were many twists and turns, a couple of which I did not see coming, but thought they helped make the story.   

Hawaiian Gothic was my introduction to these two authors and I am interested to see what else they plan to bring the readers.

Demon Seed

Title:  Demon Seed

Author:  Jianne Carlo

Publisher:  Loose Id

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

ISBN:  978-1-61118-697-0  

Genre:  {M/F} Multicultural Contemporary Suspense

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

Jacinta Maria de Silva has lived in a convent her entire life.  As she was preparing to take her first vows, Jacinta was told she’d have to spend time living in the outside world first.  With temptations like popcorn, ice cream, and music, it became obvious that Jacinta wouldn’t be taking her vows.  But the biggest temptation was the man called Demon.  He’d saved her from rape and death, without even knowing who she was or what kind of trouble she was in.  Demon was awakening new feelings in Jacinta that she wanted to explore with him. 

Being in the Navy Seals has taught Demon how to recognize an ambush right away.  Pretending to be Jacinta’s lover was the only way to save them both and not blow his cover.  Demon was already on a mission so he didn’t want to get wrapped up in Jacinta’s drama.  After some of the missing pieces of the puzzle start coming together, Demon knows he has to protect Jacinta.  Knowing how innocent and sheltered she is doesn’t stop him from wanting Jacinta. 

Demon knows the lunatic who’s after Jacinta and he knows she can’t go back to the convent, no matter what she says.  The more time he spends with her, the more Demon starts thinking about a future with her by his side.  Part of him wants to be selfish but the other part feels guilty about shackling her to a man like him.  Jacinta isn’t as helpless as Demon thinks and she shows him that life in a convent has made her stronger than he thinks. 

Demon Seed is the fourth book of the Hades Squad series.  It brings together two people who seem to be as different as night and day.  Jacinta has led a sheltered life, while Demon has seen and done too much.  From the moment they met and Demon was forced to become Jacinta’s lover, I knew she was no wilting wallflower.  An average woman would never have been able to pull off such bravado.  Jacinta is a living contradiction and I loved that about her.  The nuns had taught her deadly skills with a knife and yet she loved M&M’s like a child.  And each time she made her little announcements to Demon, I cracked a smile.  I couldn’t help laughing along with Demon.  He thinks he’s too damaged and tainted for Jacinta and can’t believe that she has feelings for him.  I could understand how Demon might think she felt gratitude and not love.  I enjoyed reading about his confusion.  He’s an honorable man and he deserved Jacinta’s love.  The suspense and danger kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to guess what would happen next.  I thought it was clever how Jacinta and Demon’s past were linked.   I know readers will be drawn into this story as if they are side by side with Jacinta and Demon, just as I was. 

Reading this story as a stand-alone will not confuse you if you haven’t read the previous stories in the series.  However, it will make you want to read Jianne Carlo’s other works and make you a fan. 

Page 93

Title: Page 93
Author:  Maggie Montgomery

Publisher: Loose Id

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

ISBN:  978-1-61118-664-2

Genre:  {M/F} Contemporary Multicultural

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

Raelynn Pierce leads a happy life in a small Georgia town with her daughter, even though her confidence as a woman has been damaged because of her ex-husband.  The whole neighborhood has been checking out the new neighbor, but it’s Raelynn who gets quality time with him after he crashes his car in her yard.  A snow storm might have forced them together, but molten desire had them making out on the couch like teenagers. 

Alec Nakamura is a widowed father who hasn’t thought about getting involved with a woman until Raelynn.   Attraction quickly leads to some of the best sex they’d ever had.  Their weekend romp could turn into something long term if Raelynn’s insecurities don’t get in the way.  Can Alec deal with that and the nosey neighbors? 

Raelynn and Alec are comfortable together.  When they decide to read a book of sexual positions together, their relationship transcends a new level.  The couple wasn’t shy, especially when it came to Page 93. Raelynn was a curious mix because on one hand, she seemed reserved but on the other hand, that woman had some brass balls.  I was shocked by her honesty more than once.  Alec had no idea what he was in for when he moved next door to Raelynn.  He was such a good sport about the neighbors.  After learning how his wife died, my heart went out to him.   

In such a short time, they truly got to know each other.  Maggie Montgomery reminded me of the pros and cons of living in a small town.  Her description of the neighbors brought me fond memories and I actually visualized some of the scenes.  My favorite scene happened when Alec and Raelynn walked to the store and had a tense moment with a neighbor, Mary Jo.  Page 93 has an adorable down home feeling that readers are sure to like.  If you love Southern charm, you will appreciate this short romance.

Unus

Title: Unus

Author:  Stephanie Burke

Publisher:  Loose Id

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

ISBN:   978-1-61118-577-5

Genre:  {M/F} Multicultural Paranormal Shape-shifter Fantasy

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

Cyprus wished her life were over.  How could this have happened to her?  Cyprus had done her duty of protecting her planet, as was expected.  She was a warrior after all.  She anticipated emerging from The Change ready to protect her coven, not to be the Coven Master. Cyprus didn’t want this new body or the responsibilities that came with it.  She wasn’t prepared to deal with this new thing called crying or craving for shoes.  Being a female was a curse in her eyes. 

Prince Alnowan is still happily unmated, much to his parents’ displeasure.  After running into Cyprus he’s ready to give up his bachelorhood to have her. He lost his heart to her instantly.  Being from different worlds with different customs doesn’t concern Alnowan.  Those things could be sorted out.  Being challenged to a fight to the death by his future mate is what has Alnowan concerned. 

Cyprus is from the Equlestraa race and Alnowan is Dragonish, so their mating is not a common one.  As a prince, Alnowan is expected to start his own circle of females.  He would be the head of the household.  As Coven Master, Cyprus would be the leader and the only female in her family.  Sacrifices and compromises would have to be made, but Alnowan is willing to do anything to have Cyprus.  No matter how much she denies it, Cyprus wants Alnowan just as much.  Even when unexpected issues pop up, Alnowan doesn’t give up and Cyprus winds up coming to his rescue. 

Unus, the second story of The Coven series, is really a prequel.  Readers will have no trouble keeping up if they read the stories out of order. This story is lighter and definitely has more humor than the first installment. Stephanie Burke gives us a deeper look into Cyprus and Alnowan, who is renamed Unus.  Their lives were drastically changed in a nanosecond and there was never a dull moment for either of them.  I appreciated the reversed roles of the woman being the head of the household but still, I felt bad for Alnowan.  He gave up so much to join Cyprus’ coven and be her mate. That made him manlier in my eyes, because I felt his complete acceptance of Cyprus.  Cyprus didn’t make things easy for him, because she resisted him every step of the way.  Only when Alnowan’s life was endangered did she admit they belonged together.  

Unus is a fast paced romance that will probably make you giggle and cry and the same time.  It’s far from predictable and the perfect foundation for future stories, I hope. There were moments that I actually laughed out loud, like during a scene when the couple exchanged insults.  If you enjoy laughter with your lusting, this one is for you.

The Coven

Title: The Coven

Author:  Stephanie Burke

Publisher:  Loose Id

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

ISBN:   978-1-59632-766-5

Genre:  {M/F/M/M/M/M/M} Multicultural Polyamorous, Shape-shifter

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

The world is in love with pop icon Cyprus Reid.  Her siren’s voice and graceful beauty keeps her in the spotlight with her five male escorts. Cyprus’ fans are clueless about her true identity and the horrors in her past.   Each performance brings Cyprus closer to completing her coven and taking back all that was stolen from her.  After all these years Cyprus will get revenge on those who wronged her and nothing will stop her. 

For months, Jason Giles has been following his instincts and it’s about to pay off.   Posing as head of hotel security has allowed him the perfect opportunity to get close to his target, Cyprus.  Regardless of her beauty and talent, Jason knows Cyprus is a cold- blooded killer and he intends to expose her.   After infiltrating Cyprus’ coven, Jason is more confused than ever.  His discoveries cause him uneasy feelings about completing his assignment.  Jason’s attraction to Cyprus and the bond with her coven changes everything. 

Cyprus and her associates are not fond of humans.  Considering the damage humans caused their family, I can’t say I blame them.  Even though Cyprus is a powerful being, she’s still a woman who wants things any average woman would want.  Having that dream ripped away could have destroyed her, but it didn’t.  At first, I admit I sided with Jason.  Jason isn’t as smart as he thinks because Cyprus knows he’s really there to spy, not to protect her.  After obtaining more information about who hired him to bring down Cyprus, Jason isn’t sure he is protecting the right person.  Not only does he help to see that justice is served, Jason helps Cyprus complete her coven.  Jason also gains unexpected information about himself.  The story ends with a tragedy that’s really a happy ending.  Cyprus and her coven are able to disappear from the spotlight and return to the life they were meant to have.    

The Coven is a mysterious read with several layers that I enjoyed watching unfold.  Each revelation brings a different question and makes me curious about each member of Cyprus’ coven.  The men are all so different, yet their union works.  I think readers will be even more curious about Cyprus, just as I am.  I was surprised by some of her attributes, I have to admit.  Timing is everything and Stephanie Burke has excellent timing when building suspense in her scenes.  There is plenty of action and sexual encounters to keep you on the edge of your seat and curious for more.