Unspeakable Words

Title: Unspeakable Words

Author:  Sarah Madison

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN: 978-1-63533-335-0

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Jerry Parker is an FBI agent and, while he thinks he is great at his job, he has yet to oversee a case.  He’s tired of being everyone’s go-to guy for information and feels wasted at the office.  When his boss puts him in charge of picking up a visiting agent, he’s beyond mad, but then everything gets turned on its head and Jerry wonders if he has just met the man of his dreams.

Unspeakable Words is the first book in The Sixth Sense series by author Sarah Madison.  It is a mystery that centers on two FBI agents, both of whom have reputations of being problem children.  Jerry is assigned to the San Francisco office.  While he loves the city, he is tired of the way he is treated by the other agents.  Known for his photographic memory, Jerry is used as a font of information for his co-workers.  Because of his talents, he comes across as cold and crass, therefore unliked by his fellow agents.   John Flynn is in San Francisco for only a few days to follow up on a cold case involving a serial killer.   He’s intrigued by Jerry even though he thinks the guy is a pain in the ass. 

I love the connection that forms between these two men.  There is some tension between the two that intensifies as their time together continues.  I worried about Jerry in the beginning because it was easy to see that he was lusting after John, yet the other agent appeared to be clearly straight.  Everything is not what it seems between the men or the case they are involved in. 

The guys are supposed to be interviewing a possible witness in the Grimm Fairy Tale murders that occurred a few years ago.  Their witness keeps putting them off, however, and when the men finally get the chance to meet with her, they come across something else instead.  Now John can read people’s minds, and both he and Jerry must figure out how to handle the changes to the case, as well as their relationship.  

I was pulled into this story from the beginning.  The author had me turning the pages to see what would happen between the men as well as with the case they are investigating.  I loved the various twists and turns and thought the author did an outstanding job handling the changes that John must contend with.  

I don’t believe that I have read anything by this author and decided to give this “new” series a try.  Imagine my surprise and joy when I realized that this is a second edition and that I could still find books two and three.  This is one story that I will be reading again, and I cannot wait to start book two.

Love in the Line of Fire

Title: Love in the Line of Fire

Author:  Michael Murphy

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN: 978-1-63533-207-0

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Jonah Pratt is head of the First Husband’s detail.  He has worked hard to get where he is but has had to keep his sexual preferences to himself.  When someone tries to kill the First Husband, Jonah is shocked by what follows, especially the feelings he develops for the civilian that helps.

Love in the Line of Fire is a fast paced read that will keep you turning the pages.  Mr. Murphy introduces the readers to two characters that have strong alpha personalities, yet realize that there is something in the other that they need.  Jonah is in the Secret Service.  As head of the First Husband’s detail, he has a lot on his plate.  This leaves him with little time for a social life. However, since he is in the closet he has learned to deal.  Benji is former military and currently attending the same college where the First Husband teaches.  He happens to be in the right place at the right time when an assassin takes a shot at the First Husband.  The author does a great job writing such a serious scene.  The confusion, terror, and adrenalin that you would expect to occur, in a situation like this, comes through clearly. 

This situation brings the two men together and it is while they are dealing with the after-math, that they realize that they have something in common that few others do.   The connection the two are forming is fragile and when a misunderstanding occurs, the relationship that is starting to develop almost comes to an end. These two are really something when they come together but things happen that bring Benji’s secrets and insecurities to the forefront.  More than once, I wanted to cry for Benji.  The PTSD he suffers, due to his time in the military, has a strong hold on him.  His reactions to various situations is realistic, which the author portraits perfectly.     

There is a lot in this story to keep the reader turning the pages.  I was up late into the night wanting to know what would happen next and how things between Benji and Jonah would play out.  As a side note, the situation with the First Husband and the President was as intriguing as the main story and I wondered why the author wasn’t touching more on this.  It was not until later that I found out that Love in the Line of Fire could be considered a follow up to a previous book by this author.  If after reading this current story you want to find out more, I suggest picking up The President’s Husband, I know I plan to. 

Destination, Wedding!

Title: Destination, Wedding!

Author:  Xavier Maine

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN: 978-1-63533-198-1

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Release Date: Jan. 30, 2017

Ethan and Gabriel are finally getting married.  That is if they can get to the church on time.  With Mother Nature putting her two cents in, the men are worried about what this will mean for the happiest day of their lives.

Destination, Wedding!  is the sixth book in the Brandt and Donnelly Capers series.  In this book, Ethan and Gabriel are ready to get married but when a previous case causes them to lose their wedding venue, the simple wedding they planned becomes a destination wedding in England.  If that is not a big enough problem, the men become separated.  First when Ethan has to go to San Diego for a conference, and then later when a volcano erupts in Iceland, causing many flights to be canceled.  This is really the first time the two men have been away from each other since becoming partners while on the job, and both are struggling with that separation.  As Ethan and Gabriel make their way to England, they are forced to take a deeper look at who they are as individuals and what the other person means to them. 

I really loved this story.  I have been waiting for these two to get married from the moment they got together and wondered how the author would go about doing that.  This story did not disappoint.  The separation Ethan and Gabriel are forced to endure is one full of adventure for both, yet they still miss the other and while Gabriel sees just how much Ethan means to him, it is Ethan that really under goes the biggest change.  When these two finally meet up again, watch out because they will burn up the pages.

There are a lot of secondary characters in Destination, Wedding!.  Of course, Bryce and Nestor are there and these two will have you laughing from the moment they show up until the last page of the book.  When they went to the truck stop, I laughed so hard I almost cried.  Bryce’s logic, when it came to getting to England was over the top crazy, does not do their trip justice. 

There are also several new secondary characters introduced, some of whom play important roles in this story.  There is also a couple of minor mysteries, both of which are slightly shocking.  

This story is slightly different from the previous ones and has become my favorite of the bunch.  I hope the author has no plans to end this series yet as I would love to see more of Ethan and Gabriel in the future

Solider of Fortune

Title: Solider of Fortune

Author:  S.J. Frost

Publisher: MLR Press

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

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0666

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Conrad is a mercenary and makes no bones about it.  He’s done jobs and worked for people that would make the average person cringe.  That does not mean that if the right person came along, he won’t be a softer gentler man. 

Soldier of Fortune is a great story for those that love at least one of their main characters to be a little on the dark side.  Conrad is a mercenary but, unlike those we normally see, he did not get his start through the military.  In fact, Conrad started training while still a teenager and when readers realize why, his actions become understandable.  Conrad has been doing his job for many years now and while he had an exit plan, he did not realize that he would be putting it into effect so early.

Lucas is the son of a wealthy man.  Since it has always been just the two of them, Lucas and his father are close.  When Mr. Hartman decides to run for public office, Lucas couldn’t be prouder until someone takes a shot at his father during a campaign stop.  When Mr. Hartman hires a bodyguard, Lucas is shocked by how drawn to the other man he is. 

There is an instant connection between Lucas and Conrad from the very beginning.  I loved their first meeting and had to laugh at Lucas’ reaction to Conrad.  The connection from Conrad’s side is just as strong but, where Lucas deals with worry that Conrad is straight, Conrad wonders about being good enough for the younger man.  Thankfully neither of these are issues that the author drags out. 

Woven through the story of Lucas’ and Conrad’s relationship is the mystery of who tried to kill Mr. Hartman and why.  This part of the story is a little predictable, but readers will still find themselves turning the pages to see how everything will play out.  This is also where Conrad’s dark side really shines.  I liked that this was something that Lucas could deal with and that he even worried about being so accepting of Conrad’s actions. 

I did think the story ended a little too soon and I hope the author will bring them back for more.  Fans of Ms. Frost’s are sure to enjoy Soldier of Fortune and those who have yet to give this author a try should do so.

Smart Bart

Title: Smart Bart

Author:  AKM Miles

Publisher: MLR Books

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

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0630

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery, Series

Rating:  5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Bart has watched his older siblings find the love of their lives, one by one.  While he is happy for them, he can’t help being a little envious.  Although he has known he was gay for a while, he just did not feel like it was necessary to say anything since there was no one in his life.  But, then Eric steps fully into his life and Bart won’t have it any other way.

Smart Bart is the tenth book in the Scarcity Sanctuary series.  This book is about the last of the seven original boys introduced in the first book.  While it is not necessary to read all the books in the series before starting Smart Bart, you should read the first book to understand why Bart is special to so many people. 

In Smart Bart, Bart, now an adult, is working in the financial department of the hospital.  He finds himself drawn to one of the hospital’s young patients, Mark.  Mark is six years old and will die of cancer unless a bone marrow donor can be found.  Eric is Mark’s brother and guardian.  He’s been working three jobs to pay Mark’s medical bills, but it still isn’t enough.  Bart is as drawn to Eric as he is to Mark and he can’t help wanting to help.  When Eric shows up to visit Mark, and it is obvious that he has been in a fight, Bart steps in to help. 

After the death of their parents, Eric gets custody of his little brother.  Shortly after, Mark becomes sick and everything starts to fall apart.  Eric does not care what happens to him, he just cannot lose Mark.  When Eric starts to fall behind on hospital bills he goes to a loan shark for assistance.  Unfortunately, not even working three jobs is enough and soon the loan shark isn’t very happy. 

There is a lot that goes on in this story and, while there is a strong attraction between the men, with so much being thrown at them, and Eric not in the physical condition to do more than cuddle, Bart and Eric get the chance to learn more about each other.  That is one of the things I love about Ms. Miles’ books.  The men take their time rather than jumping into bed, so the relationship they build is a strong one.  This does not mean that the men don’t eventually heat up the pages. 

One of the other things I enjoy about this book, and all the others in the series, is that the author always brings back many of the previous characters.   There is an interesting twist with one of the characters that plays strongly into this book.  Then there is Soldier.  Soldier and Dillion are always there for their boys, and those they bring home, regardless of how old they are.  While some may see Soldier’s actions as being pushy, it is easy to see that everything he does is out of love. 

I would love to see more books in this series, and I am curious about what the author has planned next.

Closer by Morning

Title: Closer by Morning

Author: Thom Collins

Publisher: Pride Publishing  

Publishers URL: https://www.pride-publishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 9781786514400

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery        

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Dale is a B-list actor.  One who has always kept a secret, even from himself.  After moving from the States to England in order to be closer to his son, Dale has finally landed a role that may turn his career around.  He never expected to meet someone like Matt, or for life to start imitating art, both of which leave Dale wondering just where his life is heading.

Someone is killing young gay men, only no one has any idea how the victims are tied together.  On top of that, the murders resemble what is unfolding on the set of a new thriller being filmed in town.  Is there a connection or is it just a coincidence?  This is the premise the author lays out for readers in Closer by Morning and one that will leave you guessing until the end.  Readers should know that while the author is not overly graphic in his descriptions, he does touch on topics that may be hard for some readers to handle. 

While the murders are a primary point in the story and one that ties all the characters together, this book is also a romance. The author brings us two characters that can’t seem to help but fall in love.  Dale is an actor who has always struggled with his sexuality.  He has gone so far as to marry and father a child, one he loves deeply, to keep from admitting to himself, and others, who he really is.  Matt is a lawyer.  He is good at his job, but not at relationships.  He is also openly gay.  The men meet at an exercise boot camp and, while there seems to be a connection, they are afraid to say anything for fear of being wrong.  Of course, this does not last long and soon the two are forming a friendship that quickly moves into something more. 

I like the passion that exists between the two men. I also like that, while Dale is currently in the closet, he realizes he will have to eventually come out and is not forcing Matt to go back in.  It is interesting to watch the relationship develop between these two and thought that for all Dale’s fears of being found out, he could not seem to help the PDA’s from occurring.  I also liked the relationship that Dale had with his son and could not help but chuckle a few times when they were together. 

Matt is also a likeable character and I felt for him when it came to dealing with his ex.  I could not help wondering how someone as strong as Matt ended up with someone like Jamie, and if that would play an important part of the story.  I liked the fact that, while things did not work out well for Matt in regards to Jamie, he did not let that keep him from developing a relationship with Dale.  I also liked that Matt understood that Dale would need time to feel comfortable with the feelings that were developing between them and had no plans to force him into anything. 

Both men are surprised to find themselves pulled into the murder investigation that is currently going on.  Neither man can imagine that they would have any connection to the case, and I had to agree with them.  I was just as surprised as they were when everything started to come together. 

The author did a good job keeping this part of the story going.  He has peppered Closer by Morning with so many secondary characters that I could see one or more being the “bad” guy.  I was also surprised by the way the killer was caught and am sure readers will not see it coming.  Closer by Morning was an interesting read and I will have to keep my eyes open for more books by this author. 

Chances with Angel

Title: Chances with Angel

Author: DJ Manly

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-68252-152-6

Genre: {M/M} Mystery 

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Angel Broderick, a TV daytime drama star, is being stalked by a maniac.

  

The betrayal of his wealthy lover caused David Robinson to lose his LA job as an illustrator. Moving back to New York, David has a chance meeting with Angel and the encounter permanently changed David’s life.  

Chances with Angel is a thriller with a touch of budding romance. Well known as an actor, Angel has fans who adore the character he plays on TV and David happens to be one of them. However, the few fans that meet Angel realize he is not like his fictional character. In fact, one fan’s twisted mind cannot distinguish fiction from reality. The New York detectives are making little progress while the stalker is becoming bolder.

David, who is just starting to get his life back on track, becomes the prime suspect. Not willing to have his new life destroyed, David does his own investigation, but will the detectives listen to David’s findings? 

DJ Manly has created an intriguing and enjoyable saga. David’s romantic betrayal in LA almost made me cry. 

Missing, Presumed Dead

Title: Missing, Presumed Dead

Author: Christiane France

Publisher: Chris Grover

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

ISBN: e000000002287

Genre: {M/M} Mystery Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Private investigator Greg Stewartson gets a late night visit from his brother Vance and Tim Fensham. Vance is a Hollywood star maker and it seems one of his clients has gone missing.

Missing, Presumed Dead is the first book in the Amethyst Cove Mysteries series. Tim Fensham is the brother of an up and coming movie star who has gone missing. She was last seen in Amethyst Cove, a California coastal town.

The central question of the plot is whether the starlet chose to disappear or was she the victim of a murder?

Former cop Greg Stewartson, now co-owner of the Amethyst Cove Security & Investigations, takes the reader through all the possible scenarios and Greg’s investigative procedures.

When not working the case, Greg and Tim are trying to resist their attraction for each other. Although Greg would like to have a relationship, he has a rule about mixing business with pleasure. Tim is also interested in a relationship but he lives in San Francisco, too far away to be a permanent boyfriend. 

Christiane France has created an impressive saga that I enjoyed immensely.    

A Cold Wind

Title: A Cold Wind

Author: Neil Plakcy

Publisher: Loose Id

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-68252-095-6

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery, Series          

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Aidan and Liam have finally found the home they want to call their own; the only problem is that the house has all the ear marks of being a money pit.  In order to inject some much needed cash into their bank account, the two men take a job protecting a Russian business man.  Almost right away, their work and personal lives collides.

A Cold Wind is the eighth book in the Have Body Will Guard series.  Readers should note that this is a series that needs to be read in order, so if you have not read the previous seven books, you may want to wait on this review.

Aidan’s and Liam’s lives have been going along as normal with the only big change being the purchase of a new home.  While Aidan is excited, Liam is a little more leery.  When more of the house needs to be repaired than what they thought, and their handy man is deported, the two men begin to wonder if they have bitten off more than what they expected.  Thankfully a job request comes in that adds money to their dwindling coffers, giving the two a chance to step away from home repairs and get back to what they know.

I am always happy to see a new story added to this series.  While Liam is not always one of my favorite characters as I think he’s too short with Aidan at times; these two are one of my favorite couples.  I like the way Aidan has of mellowing Liam out on occasion, just as I like the way Liam reinforces Aidan’s abilities when the other man is feeling incapable.  I also like the way the author weaves the various mysteries through each of the books in this series. 

In A Cold Wind, the two men are assigned the job of watching a retired Russian business man who believes someone is after him.  Slava’s a Russian rags to riches story.  As part of that story, he found a woman he thought he could love and had two children.  The whole time he kept his personal preferences to himself as much as possible.  When the Russian government starts making noise about taking some of Slava’s business, the Russian begins preparing for the future.  Unfortunately he did not realize one of his enemies would go as far as he does and everything Slava has kept secret comes out. 

Thierry is Liam’s and Aidan’s new neighbor.  He’s also a widower having a hard time getting over the death of his spouse.  He’s drawn into the story when a storm takes out a window at Liam’s and Aidan’s new house and they are forced to return, bringing Slava with them.  You can see the chemistry develop between the two older gentlemen, but with Thierry’s grief and Slava’s safety issues, it is easy to see that things will not play out smoothly. 

There is a lot going on in A Cold Wind and while it seems obvious who the bad guy may be, I can’t help thinking that there is more going on.  I like that the author keeps the readers wondering what will happen next by throwing in a variety of twists and turns. There is also a big change in store for our main characters and I cannot wait to see where this takes them. 

Fans of M/M stories that are about more than just the sex should really give this series a shot.  The world created by the author, and the cases Liam and Aidan find themselves working, will make you a fan of Mr. Plakcy and will have you looking for more stories by this author. 

Dying For a Thrill

Title: Dying For a Thrill

Author: Mark Zubro

Publisher: MLR Press

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

ISBN/BIN: MLR-1-02016-0533

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery, Police Procedural, Series          

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Everyone is used to their lives going to hell when a blizzard hits.  For Mike King, things go from bad to worst and he’s not sure who to trust other than his team.

Dying For a Thrill is action-packed from the very beginning.  With its vast cast of characters, however, it is also confusing at times, but don’t feel bad because main character Mike King is just as confused. 

Mike is a private detective.  He and his team have just finished a case and are planning on heading home, hopefully before the worst of the blizzard hits.  A young man comes into the office and passes out, but not before claiming someone is out to kill him. I had to laugh and shake my head at the reaction of Mike and his crew when Jamie passes out.  Not only do none of them seem overly concerned, but the information that comes out regarding Mike’s past relationships is crazy. 

The information that Jamie reveals is something you would expect to see on the big screen and more than once, I had to go back and re-read a passage because the young man’s tale is a little over the top.  Before long Mike, and the readers, will see that not everything is what it is supposed to be.

There are many twists and turns in Dying For a Thrill that the reader will be left guessing who to believe and what is really going on.  I liked that in this story.  I liked having a mystery that isn’t easy to figure out, while at the same time going a little crazy trying to decide just who the bad guys are, and trust me, there are several to choose from.  

Dying For a Thrill is a story in which the main focus is the mystery that Mike and his crew find themselves involved in, instead of the romantic interest of its main character.  While this story may not be for everyone, I strongly suggest those readers who enjoy a good mystery give this book a chance.  As the first story in the A Mike King Mystery series, there are more stories to look forward to, and I am curious to see what the author has planned for Mike next. 

Two Pet Dicks

Title: Two Pet Dicks

Author: John Inman

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781634767910

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery        

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Maitland Carter and Lenny Fritz have been friends since they were young boys.  They have gone through everything together, including discovering that they are gay.  While they have always been tight as friends, in between boyfriends, their relationship turned to one with benefits.  Now their relationship is changing once again and Maitland and Lenny are a little nervous.  Will this make them even stronger or will it doom their friendship?

Two Pet Dicks is the newest book by author John Inman.  The characters in this book are lifelong friends who have done everything together.  Working as pet detectives, the two men have been kicked out of Lenny’s dad’s basement and are finally opening an office.  Before they know it, they have cases coming out of their ears.  There is a lizard stealing ex, a runaway foul mouthed bird, an escaped gerbil, and finally a lost puppy.  Two of these cases are “normal” but leave you wondering just how the heck Mait and Lenny will solve them.  One is more than what the men signed on for and the other has a twist that readers will not see coming.  

With everything going on, Mait and Lenny are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other that go beyond friends.  Their friendship is both a blessing and a curse.  They’re excited and scared about taking the next step and the author brings everything they are feeling across in a way that is realistic.  The chemistry between them is also believable and I loved that the way they care for each other comes across so well.

The mystery in Two Pet Dicks will hold your interest just as much as the romance.  Although Lenny comes across as not too bright at times, he figures out what is going on first and, if you pay attention to the clues, you will figure it out at the same time.  All though this is a mystery, it is not dark and will have you laughing.  More than once I found myself laughing out loud, and when Ed shows up things go even crazier.  This was a great story, but I must confess I am a big fan of this author.  I love the way he mixes humor into his stories.  I also love that the characters are likeable and easy to relate to and that the stories pull you in from the beginning.  

If you have not yet tried anything by this author, I strongly suggest you do so and Two Pet Dicks is a great place to start.

Black of Night

Title: Black of Night

Author: TC Blue

Publisher: Torquere Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-944449-21-6

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Mystery        

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Working as a fry cook, Matthew has formed bonds he isn’t too happy about.  When changes are made, Matthew thinks about leaving, but then he finds himself drawn to Rory and starts to change his mind. 

Black of Night is a new paranormal romance by author TC Blue.  This story takes the readers into a world where vampires and shifters exist alongside humans, even though humans have no idea they exist.  The characters pull you into the world created by the author from the beginning and continue to hold your interest until the last page. 

Matthew is a vampire.  He works as a cook on the night shift and, while he tries not to get too involved with the humans that he cooks for, he can’t help but become attached.  When the owner of the restaurant turns the place over to his nephew, Matthew begins thinking about moving on.  Rory is the new owner and Matthew has made him very curious.  It takes a while but eventually these two can’t deny the attraction that exists between them.   The author really heated up the pages with Rory’s and Matthew’s first encounter.  It is then that Matthew also realizes that Rory isn’t human.  While the two men deal with their reactions to each other, Matthew is still trying to figure out who is killing red heads in his small town, and what the possible connection to Rory is.

While I enjoyed the relationship that developed between the main characters, it is the mystery that really held my interest.  There were a lot of little twists and turns that kept me wondering, but when the culprit is revealed, the reasons for the killings is over the top.  I could not believe the way this part of the story played out.  

Fans of the paranormal sub-genre should really give this story a shot as I am sure it will become a must keep for many readers.   

Assassins are People Too

Title: Assassins are People Too

Author: S.C. Wynne

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-68252-028-4

Genre: {M/M} Mystery & Suspense

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Emotions are not part of the equation for paid assassin Marc Francis. Nevertheless, Marc’s head could not overrule his heart’s strong attraction to his apartment neighbor, Dillon Carter.

Assassins are People Too is an energetic action plot of two men who become unlikely lovers with little to no future of a normal relationship. Marc and Dillon’s stolen moments of intimacy are marred by murder attempts from Marc’s enemies.

Marc is a shadow man who has lost his humanity. He is trapped in an unsupported service where being killed is a more probable future than retirement. Unfortunately, Marc’s desire for Dillon jeopardizes Dillon’s life, as well.

Before meeting Marc, Dillon lived a quiet almost boring life. Dillon is a kindhearted man who rescues discarded plants and looks for the goodness in everyone, even though some people are beyond redemption. 

S.C. Wynne has created an intriguing as well as enjoyable saga that ends with two possibilities, a cliffhanger with a future sequel or Marc and Dillon living in the moment leaving the readers to decide their conclusion.         

Still Missing

Title: Still Missing

Author: Christiane France

Publisher: Amber Allure

Publisher URL: www.amberquill.com

ISBN: 978-1-68175-113-9

Genre: {M/M} Mystery Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Every time Greg Stewartson thinks he is making headway in finding out the name of Ash Tyler’s birth mother, Greg runs into another road block.

Still Missing is part of the Amethyst Cove Mysteries series. Amethyst Cove Security & Investigations is owned by two former cops, Ian Coulter and Greg Stewartson. Still Missing continues the Missing, But Not Dead story.

Greg’s chance meeting with Ash Tyler at the beach turns into a mutual attraction that evolved into a loving relationship. Ash did not hire Greg to investigate his case but Greg is intrigued enough to do a little research on his own.

Ash was adopted, he had a wonderful life with loving parents, but now as an adult, Ash wonders who his birth parents were. The few clues Greg has managed to gather leads to a mystery Greg is determined to solve. However, the key source of possible information is the missing Jack Smith.

The question is does Jack Smith really exist or is the name fake? Is Jack hiding out somewhere or is he dead?  These are just some of the questions Greg and Ash are beginning to contemplate. 

Because of all of the questions Still Missing instigates, I look forward to the next installment of this enjoyable saga. 

Web of Secrets

Title: Web of Secrets

Author: Terry Poole

Publisher: Loose Id

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62300-996-0

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery          

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

When Nathan’s biological parents die, it is up to him to take care of the estate.  The last place Nathan wants to be however is the site where his demons ruled.  What he finds is more than he ever expected. 

Web of Secrets is a new book by author Terry Poole and let me tell you, it will pull you in right from the get go.  First of all the author introduces the readers to two main characters that will have you rooting for them from the beginning.  Nathan is the town’s rich boy, but what the town does not know is that Nathan’s home life is hell.  Kelly was the town’s bad boy, always finding his way into trouble.  When he steps over the line one time to many, his father puts him to work for the family company.  It is at this time, when the two boys are in their teens, that they meet.  The connection is instant and they can’t help but get very close in those first few moments that they are together.   Unfortunately, Nathan’s father walks in and everything goes to hell, fast.

Jump several years into the future and the two boys, now men, find their way back together again.   Now, Nathan is a doctor.  Brilliant and hardworking he is also a little naive, so when his immediate supervisor starts to become aggressive he is clueless.  Years later the advances have become too much and threats are being made.  Nathan hopes the leave of absence he is on will help him figure out what to do. 

Like Nathan, Kelly also made something of himself by becoming a FBI agent.  While on the job however, Kelly is injured and forced to leave the job.  Once again he is working at the family business, this time alongside his sisters and brother.  Going to the home of Nathan’s biological parents, in order to get it and everything inside ready for auction, Kelly is surprised to realize that the man in front of him is the young boy he fell in love with.  The attraction between the two is just as strong now as it was in the past.  While Kelly remembers Nathan though, Nathan has no idea who Kelly was to him.  The author did a good job making the progress of their relationship come across realistically, and I loved watching them on their journey.

The men’s relationship is not the only part of the story.  There is also a mystery woven throughout Web of Secrets that contains many layers.  This part of the story will really have you on the seat of your pants.  I could not believe the way the author wrapped this part of the story up and think other readers will be just as surprised. 

Reckoning

Title: Reckoning

Author: Fyn Alexander

Publisher: Loose Id

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62300-993-9

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery, BDSM, Series        

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Angel thought he knew what his Daddy did for a living.  When he is sent on a mission, and truths are revealed, neither Angel nor Kael is sure how their relationship will play out.

Reckoning is the fourth story in the Angel and the Assassin series and, like the previous three books, this one will pull you right in.  The author snags you at the beginning by having Kael see a psychiatrist.  Any fan of this series knows this is a not a safe thing, and I have to say I was a little afraid for the shrink.  Of course things go the way you may expect, which leads to some intense time for Angel and Kael once they get home.

Angel and Kael have been together for about two years now and both think their relationship is working out perfectly. But Kael is struggling with personal and job related issues, and Angel is training with MI6.  With things slowly going out of control for both of them, their relationship starts to take some hits.  Later when Kael and Angel are sent out on missions, secrets are revealed that really affect their personal lives.

One of the things that Reckoning does is showcase just how innocent Angel still is, even after spending all this time with Kael.  There are moments, such as when Angel is in the dungeon with Kael, or killing someone for MI6, that it is easy to forget that Angel is only 19.  When the reader keeps that in mind, they can understand why the young man would feel betrayed by Kael and has no idea how to handle his feelings. 

Kael, on the other hand, is growing emotionally because of his time with Angel. However, he has trouble understanding Angel’s reactions when he finds out that not all Kael’s kills are ‘justified’ but strictly work ordered.  It takes some doing before they find their way and, at one point, Angel becomes so assertive I could not help wondering if he was finally starting to come into his own and, if so, what that will mean for their relationship down the road.

There are several returning secondary characters and times when Kael has to hand out his own brand of justice.  In the end, Reckoning does a good job furthering the men’s relationship as well as the series.  Fans of the series are sure to love the book, and those thinking of reading the book need to remember that this series must be read in order. 

Untie The Lover’s Knot

Title:  Untie The Lover’s Knot

Author:  M. Garnet

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0486-4

Genre: {M/F/M/M}, Ménage and more, Paranormal, Mystery, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Carry has managed to convince the world she is a widow.  Several attempts are made to breach her home, but it is only when she visits one of her husbands that she’s kidnapped.  Carry is willing to do whatever she can to survive until she can be rescued.

The second book in the Lover’s Knot of Four series, Untie the Lover’s Knot, picks up where Lover’s Knot of Four ended.  This is a fast paced suspense story that showcases a woman who knows what she wants and just how much it may cost her.  Carry’s men will stop at nothing to get her back and have their vengeance.

Despite all the precautions the five created, Carry ends up being a target due to the wealth that the four brothers amassed, which is what no one expected. I love how Carry’s brain works as she tries to protect her men and try to escape at the same time.  Because of the threats her kidnapper has made, she has to come up with a way to utilize one of the men’s talents and has an interesting idea which ends up working, though it may make some readers uncomfortable.

Readers need to read the series in order, and based on the ending, there is more suspense and action in store in the future.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in Lover’s Knot of Four.

Circle Of Steel

Title: Circle Of Steel

Author: KC Kendricks

Publisher: Amber Allure

Publisher URL: www.amberquill.com

ISBN: 978-1-68175-071-2

Genre: {M/M} Mystery Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

FBI agent Rick Mohr has been shot and his live in lover Private Investigator Ian Coulter fears the worst. However, once Rick is on the road to recovery, Ian and Rick turn their focus to finding the answers to the key questions of who is the shooter and why did he choose Rick as a target?

Circle Of Steel is part of the Amethyst Cove Mysteries series. The plot centers on several issues that have a direct impact on Rick and Ian’s relationship. Their lack of marital status causes problems for hospital care plus adds a level of tension to the relationship.

Attempting to discuss their personal situation, their contradictory personalities progress into an explosive exchange of verbal assault. One bone of contention between Rick and Ian is a matter of trust, as well as their different methods for solving crimes. Rick wants to overprotect Ian, while Ian, a former street cop, takes a few risks in his investigations. 

KC Kendricks has created another intriguing and enjoyable episode to the series. I look forward to the next installment, especially since the perpetrator introduced in this episode is still on the loose.   

Valor on the Move

Title: Valor on the Move

Author: Kiera Andrews

Publisher: Self Published

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

ISBN/BIN: 9780994092441

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Mystery        

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Coming out to your family is the hardest thing for some to do.  Imagine how hard it must be if your family is the First Family of the United States.  Rafael does not have to imagine, as it is something he lives with every day.  The only thing that makes life easy is the fact that one day soon he can come out to his family and live the life he has always wanted.

Valor on the Move is the newest novel by author Kiera Andrews.  In this story she takes us into the life of Rafael Castillo, the youngest son of the President of the United States. Some would think that this would be a life full of advantages.  For Rafael it is a life of restrictions as he is forced to keep his true self hidden.  The author does a really good job pulling the reader into the world she has created and it will be easy for them to understand all that Rafael is going through.  I cannot imagine what it must feel like to have your every moment monitored, even if those doing the monitoring are doing so to keep you safe.  One of those put in place to monitor Rafael is Shane.

Shane is a member of the Secret Service.  He has finally made his way into the White House, and while it is not covering POTUS, it is just one stop closer.  What he does not count on is being so attracted to his charge.  Readers will see the attraction between the two men right off, but the fact that everyone believes Rafael is straight throws Shane off.  I really like the way the author has these two getting to know each other as it gives the men a basis to form a relationship on other than sexual attraction. Of course there are some problems and when Rafael finds out that his family already strongly suspects that he is gay, he rightly explodes.  I could not believe the way his parents acted, or that one of his brothers is so dense.  When Rafael cannot stay at the White House one more minute, he takes off which results in all kinds of trouble.

While I expected some problems to pop up because of who Rafael is, I was surprised by not only what happened but by who was involved.  The effect all this has on Shane is strong and leaves him questioning what he is doing.  While I loved how everything plays out for Rafael with regards to his family, his relationship with Shane takes a hit.  I wondered how the author planned to bring these two back together again and thought the final wrap up came out great.  

Valor on the Move is another well done story by author Kiera Andrews.  Readers who have not yet tried any stories by her should give the author a try and this book is a great place to start.