A Bond of Truth

Title: A Bond of Truth

Author: K.C. Wells

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-63533-134-9

Genre: {M/M/M} High Fantasy, Sequel

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Prince Arrio of Teruna, Prince Kei of Vancor and Dainon of Kandor are three strangers destined to be soul mates for a lifetime.

A Bond of Truth is the sequel to A Bond of Three. The sequel features the next generation of lovers set in the fantasy world. Some of the inhabitants of this world were blessed with special gifts to help mankind. These talents are featured throughout the story, bringing a whimsical premise to a budding romance.  

Prince Arrio is the adopted son of King Tanish and his two consorts. Arrio is a caring young man who is loved by all in the kingdom.

Prince Kei has lead a sheltered life, mainly because of being the younger son of an overprotective mother. Kei loves adventure and was finally allowed his freedom when the King gave Kei permission to visit his brother Sorran, one of King Tanish’s consorts.

Since Kandor has been at peace for years, Dainon’s duties as a warrior are not needed, so at the request of King Rohar, Dainon travels to Teruna to seek aid. Dainon comes from a kingdom where same sex couples are outlawed.   

The three men are well-matched in personality; all three are honorable along with having compassion. Arrio and Kei have magical gifts, while Dainon has the good instincts as well as the skills of a warrior. Arrio, Kei and Dainon also have the emotional fears of a new relationship.

A Bond of Truth is an enjoyably enchanting tale into sensual explorations.

Ringed Love

Title: Ringed Love

Author: Elizabeth Noble

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781634772488

Genre: {M/M}, Science Fiction, Paranormal, BDSM, Sequel, Series        

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Todd and Nick are on the move, heading for Yellowknife and the chance to start over.  Along the way the two men come to the aid of others also looking for the chance of freedom.  Change is in the air for all of them and as long as Todd and Nick can stay together, the two know everything will turn out fine.

Ringed Love is the sixth and final book in the Sentries series by Elizabeth Noble. It is also the sequel to Tethered Pair.  The author starts the story in a way that readers will find refreshing; with Nick showing a group of young adults what it means to be a vet and sentry.  I had to laugh as the group was charged with helping a cow give birth.  One of the young men reminded me of my nephew when he walked in on the cat having kittens.  This, of course, had me laughing even more.  From there, the author takes the readers back, reminding them how the two met and some of the obstacle they faced along the way. 

We get to see the continued strong connection Nick and Todd have.  The chemistry between them heats up the pages and the light BDSM that exists in their relationship is done in a way that flows with the story and does not seem forced.  Then there is the matter of their jobs as sentries.  The “things” the men go up against are fierce, yet Nick and Todd go out of their way protecting others from them.  But time passes and when the men’s lives change, it becomes clear that, while there is a need for sentries, it is a job for more than Nick and Todd, so the two begin training others. 

Watching the men grow old is a change from what we normally see in stories.  It is normal for stories to leave things to the reader’s imagination, yet Ms. Noble takes the readers on a journey that hits on many points of Nick’s and Todd’s lives.  The ending is also different than what we normally see and I have a hard time deciding if it was an ending I liked, or if I would have been happier with things left to my imagination.   

Sentries is a series that I have enjoyed reading.  Getting to know the characters and the world they lived in was fun and I hate to see the series come to an end.  Fans of this series are sure to love the way in which the author wraps everything up and those that have not yet tried these books should know that this is a series that must be read in order.

Amended Soul

Title: Amended Soul

Author: Kate Steele

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-68252-106-9

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal Sequel

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Jamie Hardin is starting life over; he got divorced then bought a house in another state. Jamie wanted to be close to his eldest son, Rio. However, Rio is not the only one Jamie wanted to be close to; Jamie discovered he has an instant attraction to werewolf Jed Matranga.

Amended Soul is the sequel to Altered Heart. The characters are charismatic with a touch of humor. The plot reveals the reason why Rio ran away from home, as well as the actions Jamie took to insure his adopted son, Jack, would never have to deal with the same horrors Rio endured.

Reuniting with Rio generates several new dilemmas for Jamie. Although Jamie’s son is now a werewolf, Jamie knows very little about werewolf culture. Jamie is perplexed by Rio’s reaction when Jamie and Jed happen to be in the same room together. It is as if Rio is jealous of Jamie’s attention directed towards someone else. Rio reverts into an angry protective wolf.

Jamie has never been attracted to another man before so he is puzzled by his sexual feelings for Jed. Because Jamie is human, Jed refuses to enlighten Jamie on the real meaning of interspecies mating, which causes a number of misunderstandings between the two men. Jed wanted Jamie to recognize his true feelings devoid of pressure from others. 

Kate Steele has created a splendidly moving and exceptionally enjoyable heartwarming saga.    

Madness Ends

Title:  Madness Ends

Author:  Beth D. Carter

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78430-840-7

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Ménage, Action, Suspense, Sequel

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Release November 10, 2015

Kaiya becomes the Men of Hell’s accountant after her cousin makes a bargain with their grandfather.  What she doesn’t expect is to have a relationship like her cousin’s after meeting Gabby and Boone.

Madness Ends is the sequel to Mad Delights and is also tied to the Red Wolves Motorcycle Club series.  Madness Ends brings to a close some of the threads left hanging from the previous story.  Kaiya tries to find out what the previous accountant had done with the club’s money and ends up finding out a little more after she is accosted by him while she, Gabby, and Boone go on a trip for supplies.  It was interesting seeing Kaiya try to let the men know she was open for a relationship with both of them.  Of course there is lots of room for misunderstandings as Boone learns to sign and Gabby tries to hide his past.

The chemistry between the three is hot, but Kaiya has some very understandable feelings of being rejected by Gabby at times.  I liked that Kaiya stood up for herself as she tried to explain why she doesn’t like to be ordered around, as she was a virtual prisoner growing up and after she was rescued at her grandfather’s compound.  Eventually they realize they all have to talk about the past so they can forge a true lasting relationship.

Several twists involve another motorcycle club with ties to Vicious and the accountant shows up with a plan to retrieve the stolen money after aligning himself with Vicious.  The tension between all the various parties, once they arrive at the same place, are so true.  The author did a good job tying everything together at the end. 

Both of these books need to be read in order to understand what happens and why things happen in Madness Ends.  While readers don’t need to read the series these stories are linked to, it adds to the understanding of the first book. 

The Claiming of Patrick Donnelly

Title: The Claiming of Patrick Donnelly

Author: Carol Lynne

Publisher: Wilde City Press

Publisher URL: www.wildecity.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-925313-52-9

Genre: {M/M} Paranormal/Horror Sequel

Rating: 4 nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Fisher Marx left his job with the World Police Unit after barely living through his last assignment against the ghosts on Alcatraz Island. Now he’s living a quieter life, working as a deputy for Hickory County. Then he hears rumors of a young man who claims to have been abused by ghosts for years. When he goes to the home to check out the rumors, Fisher meets Patrick and it quickly becomes obvious the ghostly claims are true. It’s a meeting that changes his life in ways Fisher never imagined.

The Claiming of Patrick Donnelly is the sequel to the 2009 release, The Ghosts of Alcatraz by Carol Lynne. It’s possible to read this new release as a standalone but due to the recurring characters, I recommend they be read in order. 

If you’ve followed the career of author Carol Lynne, you’re likely aware she doesn’t write a great many books that fall in the paranormal/horror genre. This new release is a well written and creative follow up to the original work involving several of the same characters. The plot is fast paced, details vivid and there’s enough background provided on Fisher and Patrick to understand them. Patrick’s ghostly haunting is the backbone of the story but Ms. Lynne doesn’t allow it to totally overbalance the story. There’s still time for Fisher and Patrick’s relationship to blossom. I can’t forget to mention the action packed and dangerous ghost filled scenes scattered in the story. The author does a creative job explaining the ghosts, how some of them got that way and why they are after Patrick. I also enjoyed the participation and help of the secondary characters, both new and old. If you like reading books in the genre I suggest giving this one a try.

Too Hip For Love

Title:  Too Hip For Love

Author:  Sindra van Yssel

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-676-1

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Sequel

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Parker and Karen have had an arrangement for several years; however, Karen now wants more than just a Dom-sub relationship.  Karen wants to find someone that will love her and give her children. 

Too Hip for Love brings two characters from Take Me With You and tells their story. Too Hip for Love shows a relationship, at first glance only a Dom-sub friendship type relationship, grow into a strong love.  What this book also showcases is that lack of communication can cause all sorts of misunderstandings that can lead to misery.  Even though both love each other, neither has been willing to actually relate what they feel or need to the other.

There were some interesting scenes between Parker and Karen and a good balance within them.  I did get a little upset with both of them because they both seemed to be waiting for the other to say something, though Karen did not speak up when Parker asked her about what she felt she needed.  Things start to change after Karen has an accident.

Friends in the lifestyle tried to help and kept giving advice and other characters showed up for a minute.  I liked that the author kept the various situations real and the evolution between Karen and Parker could be almost any relationship.

Those that have read Ms. Van Yssel’s books won’t be disappointed by this one.  

The Devil Will Do

Title: The Devil Will Do

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Publisher: Wilde City Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-925180-89-3

Genre: {M/M}, BDSM, Fantasy, Sequel          

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Eryn knows the things he craves makes him different from everyone else.   When his cravings turn to the darker side, Eryn begins to feel worthless.  To make matters worse, the young prince he has been dreaming about needs Eryn’s help, but Eryn fears he will be unable to accomplish the task before him.

While The Devil Will Do is a sequel to Hero and Miles and the Magic Flute, it can be read on its own.  In fact, the story is a revised edition of the author’s novella, Sweet Son. It is the story of a young man searching for the person he is meant to be and hoping he will be worthy enough to free his true love. 

This is not a story for everyone.  It is a dark tale of discovery that touches on topics that may be offensive or difficult for some people to read.  The primary character in the story, Eryn, is a young merchant struggling to be what everyone else wants him to be.  While out with friends, he inadvertently discovers a side of himself he did not realized existed.  His actions only bring him a temporary feeling of joy before self-doubt, fear and hatred seep in.  Around the same time, he begins to dream of a young prince, the man he is destined to wed. 

Wyn is more of a secondary character, showing up in dreams or spells that last but a short period of time.  There is no real period of courting or getting to know each other which, for me, was a bit of a turn off.   While I understand that the story was about Eryn’s acceptance of himself and his needs, both needed in order for him and Wyn to work as a couple, I would have like to have seen him learning with Wyn by his side. 

Those who have already read Sweet Son may want to give this revised addition a try.  Those new to this series may want to keep in mind that the BDSM in this story is not on the light side, so be forewarned.

The Art of Breathing

Title: The Art of Breathing

Author: TJ Klune

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press  

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781627989268

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Sequel

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Changes are coming to Tyson’s life and the young man can’t help wondering if they are coming faster than what he is ready for.  The biggest change will be leaving Dominic behind and that is the one that plays the biggest part in how Tyson’s life turns out. 

The Art of Breathing is the sequel to Who We Are by author JT Klune.  Readers will want to make sure they read these stories in order, as the history of the characters is important.  In The Art of Breathing, The Kid takes center stage and I loved that the author starts this book off with a prolog so that the readers can get reacquainted with the main characters before jumping into the meat of the story. 

While there are several light hearted moments in this book, and times you will have to keep yourself from laughing out loud, this is not always an easy story to read.  In fact, The Art of Breathing is full of angst and more than once I found myself close to tears.  Tyson, who we all know as The Kid, has more than his share of issues and, as he is the center of this book, the reader will soon become familiar with all of them.  Some may not agree with the direction in which the author has taken Tyson, but given what has happened in his past, the issues that the young man faces are realistic and the author handles them in a believable way. 

Once the romantic relationship between Tyson and Dominic starts, the reader can’t help but hope things will start turning around for Tyson. However things don’t work out that smoothly.  There are a lot of obstacles that these two have to overcome; thankfully they have a lot of ‘family’ members there to help them.  This means the readers get the chance to catch up on several previous characters.  Many times when they show up laughs are sure to follow. 

Although the relationship between Dominic and Tyson is a primary part of the story, the family relationship with Tyson, Bear, Otter, and Tyson’s mom and little sister is just more important at times than the one between Dominic and Tyson.  There were times that I worried about the relationship between Bear and Tyson but could understand Tyson’s need to stand on his own two feet.  

There were a few little twists that I did not see coming and I loved the little cliffhanger the author ended the story on.  There is still one story left before we will have to say good bye to this group of characters and, while I am curious to see what will happen next, I hate the idea of saying good bye.  If you have not tried any books by this author, then you should start with the stories of Bear, Otter, and The Kid.  

Beyond Addiction

Title:  Beyond Addiction

Author:  Desiree Holt

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419945038

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Sequel

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Fallon has stayed away from Doms and BDSM since her last experience with Brian.  Meeting Cord changes that and both fall hard for each other.  Will Fallon be able to overcome her experience and make a life with Cord?

Beyond Addiction is the sequel to the short story Dangerous Addiction.  Beyond Addiction continues Fallon’s and Cord’s story, but now Cord is learning more about Fallon’s history and realizes he may not be able to keep or help her get over her experience with her previous “Dom”, Brian.

As the story progresses, the differences between an abuser and a true BDSM Dom/sub relationship is very apparent in this story.  Readers need to be aware that there are situations in this book that can cause triggers for some.  I was glad Fallon realized very quickly just what Brian had done and why.  The way she got out was very creative though and I was glad she got help.

The author did a good job showing that there are people in all professions who are familiar with the lifestyle and can use that knowledge to help those that choose to live it.  Cord had a good friend who was a lawyer that knew a doctor and therapist that could help understand some of the underlying issues that let Fallon fall prey to the abuse.  Fallon also had a great friend in Claire who was able to see what was happening and took action.

Cord is a wonderful man and I was mad at Fallon when she left.  The relationship they had was great and full of chemistry.  The scenes between them were intense and heated up the pages.  Once Fallon escaped and healed, she and Cord got back together and I was glad as he was very good for her. 

I hope the author does a sequel to Dangerous Addiction as I want to know what happens between Jose and Claire.  The way the author left that idea hanging seems to give credence to that.  I will be reading this again.

King Merek and the Mechanic

Title: King Merek and the Mechanic

Author: Lyssa Samuels

Publisher: Siren Bookstrand

Publishers URL: http://sirenbookstrand.com

ISBN/BIN: 9781627406581

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Merek and his brothers need to find their aheris before they can return home and help their people.  Finding them was the easy part, now they have to find a way to keep them.

Author Lyssa Samuels has brought the readers a new series that fans of this genre are sure to enjoy.   King Merek and the Mechanic is the first book in the Royal Mates, Love’s Diamond series.  This is the story that explains everything the readers need to know about Merek, his family, and the world they come from.  I liked that the author gives the reader all this information up front, rather than building the world as she goes.  This does not mean she will not expound on it as each new story comes out.  I also like that the author lets the readers know up front how many books will be in the series, rather than dragging it out. 

Merek and his brothers look like earthlings, yet that is where the similarities end.  As a member of the royal family, Merek has the ability to call up magic.  Bonding with his aheri will enhance that, giving him the ability to better care for his people.  Vance is a mechanic who lives in the same town he grew up in, hanging out with friends he has had since he was a young boy.  There is an instant connection between these two, partly because of the mating pull that exists.  I like the way the author lets these two move easily from friends to lovers.  I also like that Vance is so easily accepting of what Merek tells him. 

There are some twists and turns in King Merek and the Mechanic, especially once they make their way to Sanzel.   There are also a variety of secondary characters; some of these will get stories of their own, while others just help move the story along. 

I enjoyed this first story and am anxiously waiting to see how the rest of this series will play out. I will also be keeping my eyes open for other stories from Ms. Samuels as this book has put her on my must buy list.

Adding It Up

Title: Adding It Up

Author: Chris Owen and Tory Temple

Publisher: Torquere Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61040-530-0

Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Sequel

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Trey and Deuce love each other and the lives they are making together, yet that does not mean things are flowing smoothly.  Between their dogs, Trey’s daughter, and Holly, Trey’s ex-wife, the two men still have a lot to overcome.

Adding It Up is the sequel to the authors’ By the Numbers story.  This novella picks up with the men, Trey and Deuce, now living together and sharing custody of Trey’s daughter with Holly, Trey’s ex.  It is easy for the readers to see the love and chemistry that continues to exist between the two men.  You want this to go well for them, yet the authors pepper the story with a lot of real life issues.  First there is Lacey, Trey’s young daughter.  This little one is a sweetie and more times than not steals the spotlight.  I love the interaction between her and Deuce and Deuce’s uncertainty about his role in her life is realistic and understandable.  Then there is the ex.  Holly had a lot to overcome in the first story and her anger is understandable, as is Trey’s suspicions when Holly and Deuce begin to form a relationship in Adding It Up.  

Adding It Up is a great follow up to the previous story.  It gives the readers a chance to catch up on characters they already know, while at the same time further the men’s story along.  The issues the men face in this newest story lend the book an air of realism.  Because this is a follow up story, it is important to read the first book, By the Numbers, before reading Adding It Up.  

Lacey and Lethal

Title:   Lacey and Lethal

Author:    Laurann Dohner

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:   9781419937125

Genre:  {M/F}, Paranormal, Sequel

Rating:   4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Lacey catches Lethal, but decides she can’t kill him as he doesn’t act like other vampires she has seen.  Lethal is surprised by Lacey and realizes he is attracted to her.

Lacey and Lethal is part of the same world that these two stories, Scarred and Kilt and Mine to Chase, are in.  Lethal is the last of the trio that own and run a bar that allows vampires a safe place.  Chase’s werewolves are the guards for them during the day.

Lacey is attracted to Lethal and decides she is going to use him before she kills him.  I had to laugh at the conversation the two have while she is doing this.  Lethal is just as funny in his own way.  I loved that the two got together, despite the fact she wanted to kill him.  Lacey definitely has her perceptions altered, as she listens to Lethal’s reasons why rogues are a danger to him and other vampires.

Once they figure out they can trust each other, things really heat up between them.  The circumstances speed some things up but I don’t think either was really ready for.  I sort of anticipated some of them though, once things came to a head with Lacey’s former team.

I really disliked her boss, Jeff.  His whole attitude from the beginning was not good, especially the way he treated Lacey once they captured Lethal.  The author did surprise me somewhat at the last scene, though for the most part the ending was also expected.

All the characters from the other stories show up and some are just as entertaining as they were before.  I enjoyed reading the stories, as they are lighthearted for the most part, and will be reading them again together in the future. 

Take It Off! (Again)

Title:  Take It Off! (Again)

Author:  Justin Whitfield & Taylor Cole

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419946783

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Sequel

Rating:  Golden Blush Award

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Take It Off! (Again) is the sequel to Take It Off, and continues telling about the authors escapades as male strippers/review dancers.  Be prepared for a wild ride as you read.  In some places you can figure out which author is writing and in others, they just come right out and tell you.

One of the things I liked was that, even though they were extremely promiscuous at times, they stressed using condoms.  There was the one exception and that was when one of the authors ended up doing a scene in a porn movie, but a clean test certificate, showing no STDs, was required on site at time of filming.

Another thing I liked is that they make it clear that dancers should have backup and contingency plans for the future, as this profession usually has a fairly short job retention at the peak of a career.  Saving is another item stressed, again looking to the future.

The last part of the book stresses exercise and diet as well as attitudes for a person’s life.  They even give a blueprint for a daily exercise program.  One of the guys even gives a meal recommendation at the end, though I’m not sure I would want to eat the same thing several times a day for days. 

I really enjoyed reading this and think a lot of their advice is very practical regardless of what job anyone chooses to do.  It is also a very entertaining book to read.  I also suggest both books be read in order and preferably back to back because they give a very entertaining look at a particular lifestyle.

Meteor Strike

Title: Meteor Strike

Author: Silvia Violet

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-62300-385-2

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Sequel

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Astro-physicist Matthew Dansk refuses to compromise his dating rules even if it means suffering a bruised heart. It seems Matthew’s dream of an open relationship with Alan Miller is not in the stars. On the other hand, things have a way of changing, especially when it involves the heart.  

Meteor Strike is a truly heartwarming romance with engaging characters. Matthew’s moral principles illustrates he is fully aware of who he is, an openly gay man. Fortunately, Matthew is so dedicated to his career that he has little time to dwell on his loneliness. Matthew’s only minor flaw is that he envies his contemporaries who are happily in a long term relationship. Alan has a take-charge personality, yet he hides his sexually. Before meeting Matthew, Alan would travel to gay bars far away from his work to indulge in sexual flings. Working closely with Matthew for six months changed Alan’s point of view. When Matthew returned home at the end of the project, Alan realized he no longer desired hiding in the closet or having random sex with strangers. The convention was the opportunity Alan needed to seduce Matthew into a real relationship with him. 

Silvia Violet has created a very touching as well as exceptionally enjoyable sequel to Astronomical.          

Re/Paired

Title:  Re/Paired

Author:  Michele Zurlo

Publisher:  Loose Id

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-194-0

Genre:   {M/F}, BDSM, Contemporary, Sequel

Rating:  5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Katrina decides she isn’t going to just settle for being friends with Keith anymore.  She also wants to find a Dom to train her.  Keith fits the bill for Katrina, in more ways than one.

Re/Paired is the sequel to Re/Bound and picks soon after Re/Bound ends.  This time the main story is about Katrina and Keith and there is a lot of suspense, as well as some good BDSM scenes.  One thing I really liked about this book is that the author chose to delve a little bit more into how negotiations about limits within a relationship are done.  I also liked that Ms. Zurlo showed that a submissive isn’t necessarily a doormat, as some people think. 

Katrina was not shy about letting Keith know when she thought he went too far and also called him on his attitude. The two have been friends ever since Katrina’s brother brought him home to meet his family.  This book is mostly about their evolving relationship, which can be very intense as they have some great chemistry. 

As the story progresses, there are lots of emotional highs and lows, especially when Katrina finds out she has a stalker.  I was a little surprised about who the stalker was, though it became clear toward the end of book it was also related to what happened in Re/Bound.

There were a couple of secondary characters that I would like to see have their own story.  I did have to laugh at the reaction that both agents had when Katrina showed up at a munch and their reaction to her request. I also loved the flogging practice at the women’s night in. 

To get the most out of this story, readers should read Re/Bound before reading Re/Paired, even though this could be read by itself.

Memory in Shadow

Title: Memory in Shadow

Author: CJ Black

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Publisher’s URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781595789792

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Sequel

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

While Dane and Vanlyn are still away recuperating, the war between the humans and fiends continues.  Although many are working towards a compromise that would allow the two factions to live in peace, others are working to destroy everything.   Lahn struggles to hold everything together while his friends are away, but things seem to be taking a turn for the worse.  Then Rasleigh shows up and Lahn wonders if the young man is ready to accept his fate.

Memory in Shadow is the sequel to Illusion of Night.  This new story starts not long after the end of book one.  Many of the fiends continue to cross the veil between the human world and their own.  In order to fully understand just who and what the fiends are, as well as the reason for the war, it is important to read the stories in order. 

Many of the secondary characters that peppered Illusion of Night also show up in Memory in Shadow, although not all are who they seem to be; and while Memory in Shadow is full of interesting characters, the story centers around Rasleigh and Lahn.  Rasleigh is one of those characters that, in the first book, was easy to dislike.  Now as readers begin to really know Rasleigh, it is easy to see the many layers that make this character up. Rasleigh has a hard time reconciling who he was with whom he is now and I found myself feeling for Rasleigh.  It is easy to understand why he forgot his past, due to the loss he sustained, but I also wondered if he was getting ready to repeat some of his past mistakes.

Lahn is a fiend struggling to carry out the wishes of his friend.  As the war drags on, the fiend finds himself under a lot of stress and the fact that some of his allies seem to be turning against him doesn’t help either.  Lahn is a strong, dominate character. I liked him in the first book and was happy to see him get his own story.  Although I had forgotten about the connection between Lahn and Rasleigh I was looking forward to their reunion and wanted it to bring some relief to the fiend, but it soon became apparent that that was not going to happen, at least not for a while.

The attraction between the two men is very strong, yet, at times, their physical relationship borders on dubious consent.   This aspect of the story may be difficult for some readers but the situations ring true to the nature of the characters. 

The author makes sure she holds the reader’s attention with the many twists and turns peppered throughout the story.  Not only is the war heating up but new rifts and creatures turn up causing issues for all involved.  There are a few unexpected surprises that had me on the edge of my chair and at one time had me worrying about the state of our heroes.

This was a great follow up story that also leaves the door open for many return trips by the author and readers. 

Fairy Gay Father

Title: Fairy Gay Father

Author: Jambrea Jo Jones  

Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing  

Publisher URL: www.ellorascave.com

ISBN: 9781419942495

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Sequel

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Ryan Keats’ life is in a slump, the thrill of recreational sex is gone. However, things take a surprising turn for Ryan when he meets Cordell Winston.

Fairy Gay Father is the sequel to Steamy Reunion and it is recommended that you read the first book before reading Fairy Gay Father. Ryan is a gay man, masking his fear of rejection by indulging in casual sex in the role of an escort. Being an escort is not his main profession, it is more of a diversion. But lately Ryan is starting to wish for a stable loving relationship. Cord has been on a mission for months to finally meet Ryan face to face, along with seducing Ryan into a permanent relationship with him.

Jambrea Jo Jones has created an amusing and enjoyable short story. Ryan and Cord start off as combatants, yet there is a definite attraction between the two men. Once Ryan and Cord make it to the bedroom, both men recognize a lasting relationship is indeed possible.  

Highlander Brawn

Title:  Highlander Brawn

Author:  Eliza Knight

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781419943256

Genre:  {M/F} Historical, Paranormal Elements, Sequel

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs:  Amethyst Nymph

The moment she laid eyes on the raven-haired devil with the stormy gaze, Sorcha was hooked.  He’d come to make peace with her clan, but his presence was playing havoc with her libido.  Sorcha had vowed to be a healer and warrior to her clan.  Men were off limits, especially this man who made her feel things she didn’t want to feel.

The alliance between the two clans was rocky enough without adding in the unexpected heat Laird Reed Campbell feels when he meets Sorcha.  One taste of her would be enough to get her out of his system, or so he thought.  That one taste was forcing him into marriage with a hellion who said she looked forward to being his widow.  Sorcha needed discipline and Reed wanted to be the man who gave it to her…in his bed.

When Reed and Sorcha are in the same room, it’s like a detonator.  It was only a matter of time, a very short one, before the two of them stopped pretending they didn’t want each other.  Sorcha isn’t the meek and mild type and this drives Reed to distraction in more ways than one.  He wants to be angry, but Reed can’t stop feeling fortunate for being bound to Sorcha.  The couple bond in ways they never imagined, even though they have trust issues. 

Highlander Brawn is the sequel to Highland Steam but that doesn’t mean it takes a back seat where amorous relations are concerned.  This story might make you break a sweat while reading, so come prepared.  I was curious about Reed and Sorcha when they first appeared.  Brief as their first encounter was, I felt the mounting tension and knew something big was coming.   Hands down, the best scenes in this book happen in the first few pages when Reed goes for Sorcha.  Readers will be tickled and turned on at the same time.  I love Sorcha’s boldness at times and Reed’s reaction to her moods.  A couple like them will always keep you wanting more.  Thank you, Eliza Knight, for giving me more than I expected.  

Cuff Master

Title:  Cuff Master

Author:  Frances Stockton

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419941566

Genre:  {M/F}, BDSM, Paranormal, Sequel

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Ethan and Morgan have been dancing around their relationship for months.  Morgan is afraid being rejected because of her psychic abilities.  Ethan may not understand them, but he is willing to support her.  One thing is sure though, Ethan is going to find out who is trying to kill her.

Cuff Master is about the second brother of the Maddox family, which we met in Ink Master.  Be aware that there is one scene with male/male action among two friends of both Ethan and Morgan.  Morgan is new to the BDSM scene, though she has known for awhile that Ethan is a dominant.  The author is very knowledgeable about the lifestyle and the scenes she creates in this book are scorching.  There were even some things she mentioned that I would have liked to know where to get, such as one outfit she described that Ethan dressed Morgan in.

The story is very intense and will hold the readers interest.  A reader does not have to read Ink Master to follow this story, but be aware there are some references to that story in this one.  I was a little surprised by the way the author wove the suspense story in Cuff Master.  Some of the story references the human trafficking problem that has been in the news lately.  The way she resolved it was very surprising, even though part of storyline was a little predictable while the detectives were trying to find out what really happened to Jenna.

I will be reading both books again and am anticipating the youngest Maddox brother’s story.

Tame 2: Savage

Title: Tame 2: Savage

Author: A. J. Llewellyn

Publisher: Amber Allure

Publisher URL: www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/

ISBN: 978-1-61124-324-6

Genre: {M/M} Werewolf Sequel

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

LAPD cop Cavan Carmichael is finding out that there is more to his live-in werewolf boyfriend Ludo than he realized. It is not just the mood swings every month, there is an underlining power to Ludo that Cavan is about to witness first hand.

Savage is the sequel to Tame. Ludo has been keeping secrets from Cavan. However, as the plot unfolds, the secrets are revealed including the motive behind who is stalking Cavan and why, what the stone wolves really mean and what actions are necessary to defeat the enemy. The true villains in the story are greed, as well as jealousy. The jealousy of Cavan and Ludo’s loving relationship, coupled with the fact both are honorable men inspires a sinister plan to remove the decency imbedded within them along with turning Ludo into a killer. The lure of money swiftly changes Cavan’s so-called friends into enemies. Trapped, badly injured with not hope in sight, Cavan is finally rescued by an unlikely hero.

Savage is an exceedingly enjoyable intriguing mystery with plenty of action as well as breathtaking intimacy scenes.