Darkest Hour Before Dawn

Title: Darkest Hour Before Dawn

Author: Charlie Cochet

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-63533-609-2

Genre: M/M Paranormal Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

The Love between THIRDS Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs, a tiger and Chief Medical Examiner Hudson Colbourn, a wolf never died even though they both tried for seven years to move pass their breakup. However unforeseen circumstances plays a major role in the reunion of the lovers and family.

Darkest Hour Before Dawn is the sequel to Thick & Thin and the ninth book in the THIRDS series. The story answers the questions of Hudson Colbourn’s biological family history and also gives the reader some insight to Hudson’s relationship with the Hobbs family.

The action part of the plot center around Hudson’s medical care of Dex who is now a jaguar hybrid, a condition that makes Dex and Hudson very beneficial to the Intelligence team leader as well as the racial groups determined to takeover the world.

The heartwarming side of the plot features the emotional attachment between Hudson and Sebastian, the interaction with team members and a few interesting revelations. 

Overall, Charlie Cochet has added another enjoyable and impressive installment to the THIRDS series.

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.

The Hated Finn

Title: The Hated Finn

Author:  Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0982-1

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

The shifters and vampires have been working hard to destroy the scientists and all they stand for.  After the last raid, Viktor was put in charge of tracking down many of the vendors who supplied the scientists and their labs.  One of those vendors is Finn and Viktor is shocked to discover the man is his beloved.

The Hated Finn is the 39^th book in Ms. Richards’ Wolves of Stone Ridge series.  This new story has a vampire and shifter couple at its center, which is not new.  What makes this story a little refreshing is that, once Finn realizes that Viktor is his mate, he does not automatically fall for the mating pull, but the connection between them cannot be denied.

Viktor is the vampire in this story.  He has some bad history with the scientists and is determined to make sure everyone involved with them pays.  That’s why he is a little shocked to find out that Finn a shifter but also his beloved.  Finn is an ostrich shifter.  He also raises ostriches for their meat and sells it online.  One of his biggest clients is a pharmaceutical company, so he’s little concerned when they seem to have dropped off the map.  He’s unsure which upsets him more, what he finds out about the lab or that the vampire on his door step is his mate.

I loved the chemistry between these two.  When Finn decides to give Viktor a shot, they go on a date and, while they do not end up in bed, the chemistry shines through.  They have some serious issues to overcome, however, such as Finn’s desire to stay away from all paranormals, and Viktor’s time spent with the scientists.  If not for the fact that Viktor is in major need of blood, they would have had to settle those issues before falling into bed. 

There are several secondary characters, most bad, that help move the story along.   I was surprised by the way the interaction between Viktor and the deputy played out but loved the way it introduced Drako to the paranormal world that exists around him.  

Fans of this series will enjoy The Hated Finn.  It is a well-done addition to this ongoing series.  

Corian: Ragadon Desire

Title:  Corian: Ragadon Desire

Author:  Kymber Rowean

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0793-3

Genre: {M/F/M}, Ménage, Paranormal, Sci-Fi

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Nierra is a Corian, one of the ‘promised ones.  She is taken by the Confederacy, but until she is mated, they keep her on a short leash.  Nierra is very surprised when it turns out she has two mates, not one, and that they are dragons.

Corian: Ragadon Desire is the first book I’ve read by Kymber Rowean.  I do hope there will be more stories in the future about this world.  I do have to say when I first started reading this book, it was slow and I got a little confused because of the way it started.  There wasn’t a whole lot about this universe and it wasn’t until a third of the way into the book that things started to make sense.  Things do jump around between what is going on with Brok, Colin and Nierra.

General Dolvechz is the man that is keeping Nierra, along with others, prisoner. The General is a very cruel man and has plans to escape the Confederacy since he has lost power because Nierra hasn’t mated in the years she has been a prisoner.  Lots of other characters help the story along, both good and bad.  There are so many twists in this book once you get past the first part. 

Sabotage and intrigue abound as Nierra, Brok, Colin and others try to escape Dolvechz and his manipulations, especially since he is also being hunted.  There are a few light-hearted moments toward the end, and some people are reunited with family.  I did love the ending. 

As I stated above, I would like to read about some of the other characters in the future and hope the author turns this into a series as several threads need answering.

Wolfmanny

Title: Wolfmanny

Author:  Julia Talbot

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN: 978-1-63533-287-2

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Publish Date: Feb. 6, 2017

Kenneth was given custody of his nieces and nephews after the death of his sister.  But Kenneth is not only an Alpha, he’s also CEO of a large software company and doesn’t have the time to take care of the children on his own.  He’s gone through several different nannies and, after his oldest bites the latest nanny, he’s forced to look somewhere else for help.  What surprises Kenneth is that the nanny he is expecting turns out to be a many, as well as his mate.  Having Jack show up gives Kenneth the courage to claim Miles, his beta and other mate as well. 

Wolfmanny is the first book in Ms. Talbot’s new series, Nose to Tail, Inc.  This first book is a great shifter story with a few twists thrown in to keep the reader’s attention till the last page.  This is a ménage story that centers on the Alpha, Kenneth Marcon, his beta Miles, and the newest member of the household, Jack. 

First there is Kenneth.  From the beginning, it is easy to see how much he loves his nieces and nephews.  After caring for them so long, he sees them as his own children and will do anything for them.  I also liked the way he is with Miles, even before he claims his beta, he sees the man as his.  But Kenneth has a strong sense of responsibly and does not know when to step away from work.

Then there is Miles.  Miles is the pack beta.  It is his responsibility to be there for the pack when Kenneth isn’t.  He’s also Kenneth’s right hand man when it comes to the business.  When the new manny shows up, he is intrigued by the other man and is surprised by Kenneth’s reaction.

Last there is Jack.  Jack used to be an enforcer in his original pack.  He also has military training and has worked as a manny many times.  He is just what the Marcon family needs, not because they are bad kids but because they are young wolves with a lot of energy.  He is also just what Miles and Kenneth need as he helps Kenneth learn to relax and shows Miles that he is wanted.   With him there, the other two men are finally comfortable acknowledging their feelings for each other, as well as Jack.  I loved the chemistry between these three men.   Even though things move fast, it comes across naturally so the relationship between the men does not seem rushed.  Before the men have a chance to complete the mating, Kenneth must go away on business which leads to some hairy situations. 

There are a few little situations that pop up that will keep the reader’s attention.  One really surprised me and I felt bad for Simone, Kenneth’s oldest.  I also loved the children, especially Ginny and Thomas.  There are also a few other secondary characters that really help make the story.  

I am curious to see what the next story will be about and hope we will not have to wait too long.

Thick & Thin

Title: Thick & Thin

Author: Charlie Cochet

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-63533-389-3

Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Release Date Feb 1, 2017

Everything is changing for Destructive Delta; the biggest change will be Dex and Sloan’s life together as well as a change in their career duties.

Thick & Thin is the sequel to Smoke & Mirrors and the eighth book in the THIRDS series.  Kidnapped from the home he shares with Sloan, Dex is interrogated by a mysterious Therian where Dex learns the whole truth about his parents, John and Gina Daley’s homicide. This new information has set Dex on a mission to root out the secret government agencies, but access to the identities of the underground operation means he must become an undercover agent for the Therian Intelligence Network.

The second part of Dex’s mission, along with soon to be husband Sloan, is to protect their Destructive Delta family.

Thick & Thin answers questions of events introduced in Smoke & Mirrors, as well as opens the doors for the next level of crime fighting. Think of it as FBI agents promoted to CIA in the world today. 

Charlie Cochet has created another impressive and enjoyable installment to the THIRDS series. I look forward to discovering the answers to the burning questions of who is this underground government and what do they want? 

A Christmas in Paradise

Title:  A Christmas in Paradise

Author:  Tianna Xander

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0656-1

Genre: {M/F/M}, Paranormal, Series, Holiday

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Grant and Trey regret leaving Evie in New Jersey, but they don’t think she can accept what they are.  Evie decides to go to Montana to visit for Christmas.

A Christmas in Paradise is the nineteenth book in the Paradise series.  This book is a little different from the previous ones, as there is not a shattering life event.  Instead this book is about three people reconnecting and figuring out what they really want and need.

Evie already knew about the two men being shifters and is hurt by the fact the two didn’t talk to her as she thought of them as her best friends.  Grant and Trey know she is their mate, but were afraid to share their secret in case of rejection and didn’t think she could handle a poly relationship.  It is easy to tell that they have chemistry.

A few characters from previous books make a very brief appearance. I was a little puzzled about how Evie became friends online with Gemma though. 

I hope there will be more in this series and that readers will learn more about the Rangers who became shifters and their future mates.

Melissa’s Christmas Wish

Title:  Melissa’s Christmas Wish

Author:  M.R. Kelly

Publisher:  eXtasy books

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0956-2
Genre:  {M/F} Paranormal, BBBW, Holiday

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

All Mel wants is to spend her last night as a student hanging out with her best friend.  However, things don’t go as planned when Mel finds herself in a dangerous situation.  As far as Mel knows, all hope is lost and she could perish at any moment. 

Serghei is a vampire who is no stranger to protecting others. When he has visions of a beautiful, mysterious black woman, he knows he has to help her.  Unfortunately Serghei has no idea who she is or where to start.  All he knows is that something about her is drawing him in.

Melissa’s Christmas Wish has a lot of drama and story packed into this short read.  I was sad when it ended.  Mel’s relationship with her best friend was so moving.  They seemed to understand each other more than their families.  That kind of bond is hard to come by and I appreciate M.R. Kelly reminding me of the importance of a great friend.  I was impressed by the amount of honor that Serghei has.  Without hesitation, he jumped to help Mel and without hesitation, Serghei also decided to walk away. Thank GOD Mel was not afraid to share her feelings with him.  Readers will be rejuvenated from this story, no doubt.  The blend of action and romance is impossible to resist.

Five Minutes Longer

Title: Five Minutes Longer

Author:  Victoria Sue

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN: 978-1-63477-916-6

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Science Fiction

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Finn Mayer has wanted to be in the FBI since he was 14 years old.  He’s worked hard to accomplish his dreams, putting up with more than anyone should so when he is denied his dream, he is devastated.  Just when he is ready to find something else, he gets a call that changes his life.

Five Minutes Longer is a new book by author Victoria Sue. I want to say right off the bat that I hope the author plans to turn this into a series as there is still a lot of story to tell.  All the characters, both main and secondary, will pull you into the story from the beginning and you will not put the book down until you have finished it. 

Finn is dyslexic and has worked hard to overcome his problem.  He has also kept his learning problems to himself to keep from facing the ridicule his brother and mother would send his way.  Unfortunately, Finn does not get into the FBI like he wanted.  To make matters worse, he finds himself the target of his mother and brother’s BS and decides he has had enough.  Getting ready to walk out the door, Finn get a call asking him to come to Florida for training.

Talon is an enhanced human.  Bigger and stronger than a normal human, enhanced humans also have special powers, all of which make them targets of those afraid of them.  Hoping to show that normals have nothing to fear from the enhanced, Talon and the FBI form a special unit, but there is one problem.  The powers that be want the unit to be made up of normals and enhanced, something that Talon and the others making up the unit are against. 

Unaware that he is being set up to fail from the beginning, Finn is excited about his chance to get into the FBI.  Then he realizes what is going on.  Determined to prove to everyone that he can be an asset, he works hard, but it’s too bad he can’t get Talon out of his mind. 

The attraction between these two is intense.  Both want the other but fear getting involved.  Talon also has a few issues that pop up, keeping him from admitting just what the young normal means to him.  Outside factors also play into the men’s relationship, usually showing up just when you think Talon and Finn have a chance at a relationship.  

There are a lot of little twists and secrets in Five Minutes Longer that will keep you reading.  There are also moments that will tug at your heart strings.  As I stated in the beginning, I really hope the author plans to make this a series.  I am curious to see what happens with the other members of H.E.R.O.  and I think Talon and Finn have more to tell as well.  Fans of the mystery, science fiction, or action sub-genres are sure to like this story and should really give it a try.  

Treasure for Treasure

Title: Treasure for Treasure

Author:  R. Cooper

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN: 978-1-63477-888-6

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Joe wants out of Everlasting.  The town is supposed to be special, yet all Joe has ever found is pain and heartbreak.  Now back in town, after leaving for college, Joe is working as a barista and selling his paintings on the side.  When dragons return to Everlasting, many are scared, but Joe is just pissed.

Treasure for Treasure is the seventh book in the Being(s) in Love series.  This story is nice and long, which I liked, as it gives the readers a chance to get to know the characters.  In this story those characters, both main and secondary, really make this story shine.

The main characters are Joe and Zarrin.  Joe is a normal human.  He has a long history in the small town of Everlasting.  Growing up poor and a minority, he had his fair share of bullies and bigots to contended with.  The one thing he thought made a difference was his boyfriend.  That is until he realized he was just being used.  Joe’s history with the town is introduced in the story’s prologue.  Normally I can take or leave prologues, but this one pulled me in and I felt so bad for Joe and what he had gone through. 

Zarrin is a dragon and, like Joe, has a long history with the town of Everlasting.  Zarrin’s family goes back to the start of the town and his several times great-grandmother.  Dizhen’s magic was strong, protecting the town and those that lived there.  When Dizhen passed, her heirs were tasked with the protection of Everlasting.  Most ended up leaving, that is if they even showed up until Zarrin. 

Zarrin is young and weak by dragon standards.  He’s the only one in his family with any interest in the town yet, while the town folks are afraid of him, Zarrin does not feel he has what it takes to step into Dizhen’s shoes.  I really loved Zarrin.  He wants so badly to be a dragon his family can be proud of, but it boils down to the fact that they are so different that no matter what he did, they would not change their opinion of him.  In the end Zarrin proves to himself and others just what type of dragon he really is. 

The relationship between Zarrin and Joe starts out rocky and stays that way for some time.  There are a lot of misunderstandings on both sides, plus the fact that Joe has a big chip on his shoulder where the dragons are concerned.  The turning point in their relationship is very harsh and I felt so bad for Zarrin I wanted to cry. 

By far Treasure for Treasure is my favorite of all the books in the Being(s) in Love series.  While each book can be read on its own, many of the books tie in to each other so new readers to this series may want to read the books in order. 

Regifted

Title: Regifted

Author:  B.J. McCall

Publisher:  Changeling Press

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

ISBN/BIN:  07869-02539

Genre:  {M/F} Paranormal, Christmas

Rating:  3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Fern Lantry volunteered to work late, not expecting anything exciting to happen.  She is happily surprised when her boss gives her a Christmas gift.  Fern’s happiness takes a nose dive when she realizes the gift has been regifted to her.  But, Fern puts on the exotic perfume anyway.

Pace Holden misses the mountains and his pack, but something was giving him hope that Christmas would be better than he originally thought.  The scent of his new neighbor was driving him crazy, and he just had to meet her.  She was human, but she smelled of wolf pheromones, and Pace didn’t know why.  A storm hits and causes all the power to go out, giving Pace the perfect chance to get close to Fern. 

Things between Fern and Pace move quickly in Regifted, the second installment of the Yule Tied series.  Once the couple start going down the road the perfume guided them to, there was no turning back.  Fern has never been up close and personal with a shifter before and she’s dying to take whatever her wolf lover is ready to give.  As far as Pace is concerned, Fern is going to be his forever.  Reading about the couple’s time together left me with a warm happily ever after feeling that I never get enough of.  I loved the fact that two lonely people find each other during the holidays.  Readers should give this story a read and hope that Santa is half as nice to them. 

Hunting Season Hijinks

Title: Hunting Season Hijinks

Author:  Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0901-2

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

It’s hunting season again, but unlike most seasons, Gideon is on his own since his father is sick.  But things don’t go the way he had planned, and Gideon can’t decide if he is surprised or not.

Hunting Season Hijinks, the 38^th book in Ms. Richards Wolves of Stone Ridge series, touches on one of the odd ball questions that floats around in my head whenever I read a story about shifters.  How come no one gets caught by hunters while running around in the woods?  In this newest book, that is exactly what happens.

Gideon has grown up around Stone Ridge and, while investigating the woods, he has noticed many unusual things.  This has lead the young man to have an open mind about what is around him.  This comes in handy when, while bow hunting, he takes down a deer that runs off.  After tracking it, he comes across a naked man who has been shot, in the same areas that Gideon shot the deer.  Gideon is surprised by the feelings the man brings up, especially once he becomes conscious again.

Alejandro is on the run.  His herd requires him to mate with several females to enlarge the size of the herd. The problem is that Alejandro is gay and there is no way he can get any female pregnant.  The only thing left is for him to get out of Arizona before his alpha or beta can kill him.   While looking for the Stone Ridge pack, with hopes of getting accepted into the area, Alejandro smells something that intrigues him, but before he can find out what it is, he is shot by a hunter. 

I liked the way these two met.  It is so far from the norm, which is a refreshing change, that you can’t help getting caught up in the story.  I also liked the connection between the two men, and the fact that they waste no time jumping into bed, fits with the flow of the story.  The chemistry between them is hot and the care Alejandro took with Gideon made me smile. 

I had started to wonder if there would be any real conflict in Hunting Season Hijinks and the author did not disappoint.  There is the problem with Gideon’s ex, who brings some surprising and deadly results, as well as the issue of Alejandro’s herd that must be settled.  I liked the way the whole story plays out and think this could easily be one of my favorites in the series.  

A Chance for Us

Title: A Chance for Us

Author: Jake C. Wallace

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-63477-722-3

Genre: {M/M} Vampire Series

Rating: 3 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

New Vampire Justice Officer Max Kincaid is attracted to women only or so he always thought until he rescued Justin Masters from a fanatical vampire.

A Chance for Us is the second book in New Vampire Justice series. The plot is slow paced with less than convincing characters or actions to engage my attention. The setting mirror today’s privileged society of corrupt politicians, discrimination and civil unrest.

The characteristics of the vampires are the same as a human. Vampires eat food and drink synthetic blood; only the fangs distinguish them from the humans. The attraction between Justin and Max was more credible as friends rather than two men in love

The key point of this plot is finding the missing humans and vampires associated with the bite clubs. However, there is one exclusive bite club hiding a sinister connection to a fanatical vampire attempting to gain vampire domination over humans. Justin was one of the evil vampire’s hostages. The NVJ investigation of the bite club reveals a vivid description of pain slaves and masochists. Further investigation revealed how humans were constrained by the pain slavery.

Overall, focusing on the mystery premise as well as the profiling of possible suspects, I found A Chance for Us enjoyable. 

    

Guarding His Mark

Title: Guarding His Mark

Author: SA Welsh

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Publisher URL: www.pride-publishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-78651-430-1

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Being a part of the Shifter Protection Specialists Inc. is not only a job, it is Khan’s family and he would never abandon his adopted shifter brothers. Nevertheless, a night out for some casual entertainment is occasionally desired. It was on such a night that king cobra shifter Khan met Dr. Casey Jameson, a scientist in need of venom to produce a life saving serum. Except the first night of their meeting, the focus was on producing a more intimate cure for what ailed both of them.

Guarding his Mark is the third book in the Shifter Protection Specialists Inc. series. The action filled plot highlights trust issues, greed, deception, betrayal and humorous interaction between characters. The characters are creditable.

Casey is on a personal mission to develop a cure before it is too late. His research shows that king cobra venom has the best potential for a successful serum. Casey is a brilliant scientist, but not very good at judging people. It is this flaw that causes Casey major problems.

Khan has trust issues stemming from the betrayal of his natural family, so discovering that Casey is a scientist, brings back bad memories of the past for Khan. However, the attraction between Khan and Casey is so strong that neither man can forget each other or the night they spent together.

SA Welsh has created an exceptionally enjoyable intense action installment to this series. From the beginning Casey’s life is in jeopardy and just when you think Khan and Casey have escaped, another attack immediately strikes without pause.  

Guarding His Mark

Title: Guarding His Mark

Author: SA Welsh

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Publisher URL: www.pride-publishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-78651-430-1

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Being a part of the Shifter Protection Specialists Inc. is not only a job, it is Khan’s family and he would never abandon his adopted shifter brothers. Nevertheless, a night out for some casual entertainment is occasionally desired. It was on such a night that king cobra shifter Khan met Dr. Casey Jameson, a scientist in need of venom to produce a life saving serum. Except the first night of their meeting, the focus was on producing a more intimate cure for what ailed both of them.

Guarding his Mark is the third book in the Shifter Protection Specialists Inc. series. The action filled plot highlights trust issues, greed, deception, betrayal and humorous interaction between characters. The characters are creditable.

Casey is on a personal mission to develop a cure before it is too late. His research shows that king cobra venom has the best potential for a successful serum. Casey is a brilliant scientist, but not very good at judging people. It is this flaw that causes Casey major problems.

Khan has trust issues stemming from the betrayal of his natural family, so discovering that Casey is a scientist, brings back bad memories of the past for Khan. However, the attraction between Khan and Casey is so strong that neither man can forget each other or the night they spent together.

SA Welsh has created an exceptionally enjoyable intense action installment to this series. From the beginning Casey’s life is in jeopardy and just when you think Khan and Casey have escaped, another attack immediately strikes without pause.  

Cracking the Big Lug’s Shell

Title: Cracking the Big Lug’s Shell

Author:  Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0893-0

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Vadim has sat back, and watched as all his siblings found their beloveds.  Worried about being alone, Vadim is shocked by who the Fates have chosen for him.  There is no way that someone as small as Kendrick could be meant for someone like him.

Cracking the Big Lug’s Shell is the 37^th book in Ms. Richards’ Wolves of Stone Ridge series.  This story centers on the last Kuznetsov sibling.  Even though he’s a big bad vampire, Vadim is a bit of a gentle soul, who has a “big” problem when it comes to relationships.  This issue has caused Vadim to have self-esteem issues.  When he meets the man the Fates have picked for him, he can’t help but take a step back. 

Kendrick is human and knows nothing of the paranormal world that exists around him.  He’s also trying to put a bad relationship behind him, something that is easier said than done.  When a large group comes into the restaurant and he is asked to switch stations, Kendrick is immediately drawn to the big man that comes in late. 

Like with all beloveds, there is an instant draw for the two involved, but that does not mean that things will be smooth sailing for the couple.  That is no different in this new story.  Both men have issues to overcome, but Kendrick is determined to get his man.  The chemistry between these two men is strong and they really heat up the pages.  While Vadim’s problem is easy to solve, Kendrick’s is a little more difficult. 

Fans of this series are sure to like Cracking the Big Lug’s Shell.  Since all the Kuznetsov siblings have now found their beloveds, I am curious as to who the author will move on to next? 

Sharing the Land

Title: Sharing the Land

Author: A.J. Marcus, Caitlin Ricci

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publisher URL: www.extasybooks.com

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0781-0

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Zack Abbey is the last of his family and decides to sell the Wild Lands Ranch. However, Zack’s best friend Ricky Pike is worried about the wellbeing of his birth pack. It is up to the wolf pack to convince Zack to stay on the ranch.

Sharing the Land is the fifth book in the Wild Lands series. The series is a collection of sweet romance stories that span two hundred years of evolution on a Colorado cattle ranch. Each installment is a different generation of an Abbey and wolf shifter couple bonded to the land and each other.

The current generation details an empty ranch devoid of cattle and a ranch home with only Zack living there. Loneliness is Zack’s main motivator for selling the ranch. Ricky is Zack’s desired mate, but Ricky left years ago to get an education.  Zack’s abusive boyfriend adds the only mildly dramatic scene in the storyline. 

Sharing the Land is an enjoyable episode featuring emotional moments of loss and heartwarming compassion.  

Deserves to be Adored

Title: Deserves to be Adored

Author: T. A. Chase

Publisher: MLR Books

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

ISBN/BIN: MLR-1-02016-0610

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal        

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

When Raleigh was kicked out of his home and coven, he had to learn to survive on his own.  That meant working as a rent boy, as soon as he came of age, and going to school to get his degree.  Now in his thirties with everything just about where he wants them, his family shows up and they are not taking no for an answer.

Deserves to be Adored is a short story by author TA Chase.  While this story has been published once before, I do not remember seeing it.  Thankfully, this time around I got the chance to review it.  This story pulled me in from the beginning and I really loved the main characters. 

Raleigh is a witch and a strong one.  When he was still a kid, his family and coven kicked him out for being gay.  Now when his mother wants him to take his rightful place in the coven, she is pulling out all the stops to get him back.  Problem is that Raleigh does not want to go back, which eventually means that his employers, the Santiago family, find themselves getting involved. 

Joey is a driver for his family’s “business”.  When his uncle hasn’t heard from Raleigh, who is one of their rent boys, he sends Joey to find out what is going on.  It’s at that moment that Joey realizes just what Raleigh means to him. 

While some readers may have an issue with the instant connection between Raleigh and Joey, I loved it.  I also liked the way Joey went out of his way to care for the other man, as well as how he handled Raleigh’s profession.  

The author also throws some excitement into the story in the form of a coven war.  There are a couple of moments in this story when I worried about the two men, yet the author handles everything in a way that comes across believably.  I really wished this story was longer and hope that Ms. Chase will bring them back for more in the future.   

Heart of a Warrior

Title: Heart of a Warrior

Author: Kendall McKenna

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0601

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Beta wolf to his True Alpha, Marine sergeant Terrell Hubbard will always think about serve and protect duty first. However, when Terrell’s newly discovered mate Staff Sergeant Kai Thayer makes a decision detrimental to the Marines and the pack, Terrell and Kai’s relationship becomes a contradiction to duty.

Heart of a Warrior is part of the Tameness of the Wolf series. The plot of the series is men discovering love even in the turmoil of war. The setting is Iraq. The camps are manned by dedicated Marines, some of whom are wolf shifters. The highlight of this episode is Terrell and Kai, two wolves commemorating the mating ritual in an exceptionally steamy expression of mutual desire. 

Kendall McKenna has created another enjoyable installment. The military action series is best read in sequence starting with The Strength of the Pack. 

Swaying the Marine’s Loyalty

Title: Swaying the Marine’s Loyalty

Author: Charlie Richards

Publisher: eXtasy Books

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-4874-0836-7

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Series          

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Zakhar has found his beloved, yet it is a matter of the wrong time and the wrong place.  Left with little option, he kidnaps Armand and can only hope for the best.  What happens when Armand wakes up and realizes the things of horror movies are real?

Swaying the Marine’s Loyalty picks up where Needing a Vampire’s Aggression left off.  While the vampires were able to snatch General Parker, a few glitches occurred that ended up with one more Kuznetsov brother finding his beloved.  Right from the beginning, readers see that this book is going to be a little different.  Zakhar is nervous about Armand’s reaction when he wakes up and, if I were the vampire, I do not know that I would have left Armand’s bedside until things were resolved.  Of course, that is not possible and the results of Armand waking on his own have a lasting effect. 

I liked that the author had Armand wake up confused and ready to escape rather than seeing Zakhar right off and falling in love.  The problems that arise from this keep the whole Kuznetsov family busy.  I did feel bad for Zakhar because his ‘first’ meeting with Armand does not play out the way he had hoped, but the author handles things in a way that is believable. 

The relationship between Armand and Zakhar is not the only focus of Swaying the Marine’s Loyalty.  The Kuznetsov coven needs to figure out the best way to handle General Parker and, when readers learn just how bad this guy is, they will not feel the least upset over how the vampires deal with him.  There are a couple of surprises toward the end of this story and I wonder how the fact that the Kuznetsov sister finds her beloved will affect the family. 

Swaying the Marine’s Loyalty is the 36^th book in Ms. Richards long running Wolves of Stone Ridge series.  I am curious to see how much farther the author is planning on taking this series and who will be next to find their mate or beloved.