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.

Overseer’s Chain

Title:  Overseer’s Chain

Author:  Viola Grace

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-1053-7

Genre: {M/F}, Sci-Fi, Space Opera, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

As an assessor, Isabella was in a unique position to hide some of the women designated as breeders.  When she is caught, she finds that her punishment may not be that bad since she will be bound to the Overseer.

Overseer’s Chain is the third book in the Brace for Humanity series.  In this book, we finally get Isabella’s story as she has been a secondary character in the previous ones.  This book is fascinating as the author went into a lot of detail about the humans on Imrahl and it was a surprise.  I must give the author kudos for the way she has created this world.

Isabella has been given a lot of access to the history and confidential files not available for humans.  Iktabi didn’t realize just how much Isabella knew, but her knowledge becomes invaluable when he assigns her as his assistant for her punishment.  What Isabella didn’t know when he first tethered her to him is that she is also Iktabi’s mate.

This book is a little different as well because it tells the story of Imrahl and the Rrassic.  It is an interesting story, especially because of the threats the Rrassic use to keep the humans in line.  Several characters from the previous stories show up. 

It will be interesting to see where the rest of this series goes considering this new information.  I am looking forward to reading those stories.

Destiny

Title:  Destiny

Author:  Faith Starr

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-68252-197-7

Genre: {M/F}, BDSM, Suspense, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Jordan is working on her Doctorate and is looking at BDSM and comparing the consensual nature with an abusive relationship since she works at a women’s shelter for abused women.  Noah is one of the owners of Hilltops and is helping her understand some of the appeal of the lifestyle.

Destiny is the first book in the Hilltops series.  Hilltops is a high end BDSM private club with some very strict guidelines.  Three brothers own it, but as it is now successful, at least one of the owners wants to stay in the office instead of participating as a profession Dom.

There is a twist at the end that shows Noah exactly what his feelings are towards Jordan but until that happens, Noah isn’t sure what he wants beyond having Jordan.  Jordan is attracted to Noah, but is insecure about their relationship. The chemistry between them is explosive and it is noticed by Noah’s family.

I had to laugh at Noah’s family because of the way they reacted to Jordan.  Noah is very surprised by his uncle’s assessment as his uncle transitions to retirement.  The relationship Jordan has with her best friend’s father is complicated.  He is her advisor, but their relationship becomes contentious especially after Casey ends up in the hospital.  

The author kept my interest and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.  Though it started slow, the story itself is very compelling.  The author did a good job showing both points of view in the way she changed the voice.  I will be reading this one again.

Taking Her Down

Title:  Taking Her Down

Author:  Vonna Harper

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-140-9

Genre: {M/F}, BDSM, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Shana has dreams and fantasies about being dominated, especially since she owns her own business and is always in charge.  After a friend runs across a website for an adventure, she signs up.  What she doesn’t know is that the Dom she is paired with also has one of the same fantasies.

Taking Her Down is the third book in the Carnal Secrets series.  Ms. Harper keeps the intensity of the previous books in this one.  Readers should be aware that there are also a few triggers as well.  The author also does a play on the acronym BDSM in the name of the business in the story.

Jim is an attorney who used to go to the island as the Dom paired with a client in order to satisfy his need to dominate.  He sometimes thinks he is living his fantasy and takes Shana with him.  As far as he is concerned, this is not a game and he thinks Shana is a natural submissive that he is going to keep. The two have chemistry, and Jim has a knack of keeping Shana on edge without thinking of using her safe word.

The two secondary characters make their appearance in the first part of the book, but the rest is everything that Jim does to make Shana’s experience what he thinks she needs. 

This story has been revised for being released by Totally Bound as it has been previously published.  I thought Taking Her Down was the best of the three stories in this 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.

Her Submission

Title:  Her Submission

Author:  Vonna Harper

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-113-3

Genre: {M/F}, BDSM, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Kaci is trying to survive and rebuild her life with jobs she chooses. Reno sees her and ends up kidnapping her. 

Her Submission is the second book in the Carnal Secrets series.  Be aware there will be triggers in this book for some readers.  Reno was injured and is not currently a trainer for Carnal.  He also hasn’t decided if he is going to keep Kaci for himself even though he takes her to his home, not the Carnal training facility.

Kaci has fantasies of being forced to submit, but she doesn’t trust easily as she grew up hard.  After being betrayed by her then boyfriend and spending two years in juvie, she is trying to rebuild her life, when Reno enters it. 

Both Kaci and Reno end up facing some hard facts as Reno trains her.  Several times he deviates from the normal training program he used at Carnal.  As they both learn more about each other, they discover feelings for each other. 

Reno does talk to a friend that is a former trainer as well.  He is confused because Kaci doesn’t react like the ‘normal’ captive he is used to dealing with. Reno must make some decisions as he starts getting feelings for Kaci about what is he going to do with her. Will he also decide to go back to Carnal or join his friend’s business? 

The books in Carnal Secrets are very intense and will invoke strong emotions.  I am intrigued enough to want to know what the next story will be.  Readers should be aware that this book has been previously published by a different publisher and been revised for release by Totally Bound.

Alien Salvation

Title:  Alien Salvation

Author:  Tracy St. John

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-064-8

Genre: {M/F/M/M}, BDSM, Sci-Fi, Series

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Lindsey and her parents went into hiding once her sister became the Kalquorian Empress. They are barely surviving after the nuclear holocaust when Bacoj, Japohn and Vax crash on the planet.

Alien Salvation is the fourth book in the Clans of Kalquor series and picks up several months after the leaders on Earth decided to explode nuclear bombs as Earth was invaded.  The survivors are barely hanging on.  The author is very descriptive about what is going on as people try to survive. 

Lindsey approaches the Kalquorians to make a trade for food because she and her parents are barely surviving.  After a deal is struck, Lindsey gets to know them and the four decide to become a clan.  Because of who Lindsey is, the men make a decision that could have some extreme consequences.

The author did a good job showing the emotional impact that decision had on the whole family.  I had to laugh about Empress Jessica’s reactions when she found out about it, as it seems she has quite a temper.  While there were some secondary characters, the story revolved around Lindsey, Bacoj, Japohn and Vax, as well as Lindsey’s parents.  I loved the mother’s reactions about the deference she was given as Jessica’s mother.

I really enjoy reading this series and will be reading it again, as well as the next book.  This book has been revised and re-released after being published before by a different publisher.  The purchase link is for Amazon as the book is not available through the publisher in the United States, but is available through them outside.

Not His Type

Title:  Not His Type

Author:  Cameron Allie

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0965-4

Genre: {M/F}, {F/F/F}, Contemporary, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Brooke does not want to be the liaison between her boss and Gabe when she goes home to care for her dying mother, especially since Brooke and Gabe do not have a good history.

Not His Type is the second book in the Unexpected Changes series.  Even though there may be a few triggers for some readers in this book, it did a good job letting readers know some of the major issues Brooke faced while in high school. In one sense, I am not sure that in real life, because of their past, Gabe would have started dating Brooke. 

Gabe has several women he has sex with in a group.  He manages to talk Brooke into going to his room and participating in sex with his ‘girls’.  Gabe is surprised when he starts to have feelings for Brooke and gets upset when he realizes she doesn’t want to continue their relationship after her mother dies.

Several of their friends have plenty to say since they know what happened in high school and Brooke’s best friend with benefits also has a lot to say to both.  Between him and Brooke’s mother, Gabe finds out about the reasons Brooke behaved the way she did, and why she missed so much one year in high school.  Gabe’s family also has some interesting things to say, including encouraging Brooke to hang in there. 

Not His Type was an unexpected story that was intense, but very informative about issues regarding cutting, anorexia and stalking.  The author did a good job integrating these issues into the story and showing how relationships can evolve despite very rocky beginnings.  I am looking forward to the next stories in this series.

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.  

Naked Nights

Title:  Naked Nights

Author:  Vonna Harper

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-108-9

Genre: {M/F}, BDSM, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Marina is a jockey but has gotten on a couple of the owner’s bad side because they don’t think a woman should be one.  They decide to remove her from the equation by hiring a group called Carnal to kidnap her.

Naked Nights is the first book in the Carnal Secrets series by Vonna Harper. This book has been revised from a previous release and publisher. Readers should be aware that this book is full of triggers and may also make some angry as well.  The basic premise is that Carnal kidnaps women, making them into sex slaves, which they sell.  It is also definitely outside the normal BDSM safeguards usually associated with the lifestyle.

Trey is a former professional football player who was injured and got involved with Carnal as an investor, but decides to become a trainer.  Marina is his first captive trainee.  Trey starts questioning himself as things progress, especially as he starts to know Marina.  The authorities aren’t too happy and are constantly questioning him about his methods, even sending another trainer to demonstrate some techniques, which doesn’t go over well.

Marina also questions herself, as she starts this journey she is forced on.  Several scenes are very intense and some can even be called torture.  Conversations confuse her feelings and the night before her auction, where the other women are as well, is bad.  The day of the auction is a surprise for Marina.

This book kept me guessing right up until the end.  Of course, there is a happy ending for Trey and Marina, but to get there is very intense.  There were times I had to put it down, just to keep perspective that this was just a story and not ripped out of headlines.  I don’t doubt the rest of this series will be as intense.  

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? 

Wulf and the Bounty Hunter

Title:  Wulf and the Bounty Hunter

Author:  Gail Koger

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-68252-227-1

Genre: {M/F}, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Wulf meets Yakira as a child, after she steals his credit chip.  Not only does he discover she is a Jones, he realizes she is his mate and wants to protect her until she is 21, when he can claim her.  Yakira gets away and doesn’t meet Wulf again until she is close to being of age.

Wulf and the Bounty Hunter is the sixth book in the Coletti Warlords and highlights another Warlord and a Jones woman.  Those that have read previous stories know that a Jones woman has a way of constantly being in trouble and is also very smart and, for the most part, is also a warrior with lots of psychic talent.  Yakira is no exception to this rule, as is the non-stop action in this stories.

I love the way Ms. Koger works humor into her stories.  The women are constantly snarky to all, including their Warlords.  A lot of characters from previous books show up as Yakira and the sister of her heart constantly come up with ideas that get them into trouble. I was constantly laughing at the mishaps.

Between kidnappings, threats, and trying to get together, Yakira and Wulf get to know each other and Yakira doesn’t want to wait to mate.  Even though things get hot and heavy between them mentally and with kisses, Wulf keeps putting her off.  They have some great chemistry and I laughed at how quickly they left their bonding ceremony. 

I am looking forward to reading more about the Coletti Warlords in the future.  This is one series I am looking forward to reading over and over again.

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

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.

My Mistletoe Master

Title:  My Mistletoe Master

Author:  Cameron Allie

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-4874-0837-4

Genre:   {M/F} BDSM, Holiday, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Amelia has stayed away from home after humiliating herself at a party with her brother’s best friend, Nick.  Because of his loyalty to her brother, Nick has always regretted not telling Amelia how he felt.  Things will change this year at Christmas.

My Mistletoe Master is the first book in the Unexpected Changes series by Cameron Allie.  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as this is the first book by this author I have read and not all authors can write about BDSM well.  I was pleasantly surprised, especially as Nick wasn’t an established Dom and the story indicated that he was doing research so he could meet Amelia’s expectations.

I had to laugh at both Amelia’s and Nick’s reactions when she thought she was alone and started watching a kinky video and Nick caught her.  That was the catalyst for the rest of the story.  I found it interesting that Amelia is the one that didn’t want people to know they were together after that.  There were also some very funny moments when her brother was trying to figure out what was going on as well as almost catching them.

Several of Amelia’s relatives are funny and I had to laugh at Amelia’s grandmother.  With trying to conceal their relationship, Amelia’s ex showing up at a party, and other friends trying to make a play for Nick, there were plenty of times that would make you cry, laugh, or want to slap someone in this book.

The author did a good job of showing how both people try to find their way when both were inexperienced, but one party already knew about their submissive side.  I’m glad the author made sure to mention safe words and that Nick made sure Amelia used them. 

I want to see where the author takes this series. I sort of want to see what happens with Amelia’s brother.

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. 

Alien Conquest

Title:  Alien Conquest

Author:  Tracy St. John

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-78651-063-1

Genre: {M/F/M/M}, BDSM, Sci-Fi, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Cassidy has been in a convent on Europa for three years.  As her grandfather comes to get her to go back to Earth, the convent is taken captive by the Kalquorians.  Cassidy becomes the chosen one for Captain Tranis and his clan.

Alien Conquest is the third book in the Clans of Kalquor series.  This book goes into more detail about how the Kalquorians try to re-educate the women, although the medic in the clan determines that it is the wrong approach to take.  I will warn readers that there is more sex in this book compared to the others I read previously, and there are some things that could cause some triggers. 

One of the reasons the Captain was following Cassidy’s grandfather was because of his position in the military on Earth, as the Kalquorians want to end the war by an invasion. There is a major surprise for everyone in the Galaxy that I did not see coming.  This will affect all the rest of the stories in the series for sure.

I really liked Cassidy.  She was extremely smart and wanted to learn as much as she wanted, but her education had been cut short.  As Tranis, Lidon and Degorsk were trying to break her repressive training regarding pleasure, they discovered this fact and offered to provide tutors so she could study anything she wanted once they returned to Kalquor.  It was clear the chemistry between the four was hot, but Cassidy kept going back and forth about enjoying it, or thinking she was terrible for enjoying herself.  Things do work out in the end. 

I have enjoyed reading this series so far and am looking forward to reading more. As with previous books in this series, Alien Conquest is available through this publisher if you reside outside the U.S., otherwise the book can be purchased at Amazon (hyperlink for title), which is where the author’s website sends readers in the U.S.  Readers also need to be aware that this series was published previously and has been revised for Totally Bound.

Enemy of My Enemy

Title: Enemy of My Enemy

Author:  Tal Bauer

Publisher: Nine Star Press

Publisher URL: http://ninestarpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-911153-96-2

Genre: {M/M}, Political Thriller, Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Jack and Ethan are back, and so is their most hated enemy.  The men must pull in all their chips to find out what is going on, and even then, it may not be enough.

Enemy of My Enemy is the second book in the Executive Office series by author Tal Bauer.  This is a series that must be read in order, so if you have not read Enemies of the State, you may want to stop reading this review to keep from seeing any spoilers.  

Enemy of My Enemy starts where Enemies of the State ended, with Ethan agreeing to move into the White House, becoming the First Gentleman.  He also agrees to go to work for Irwin, heading an off the books black-ops mission.  As you can imagine, many in the White House circle are not happy and soon Jack finds himself looking for a new Vice-President.  It was interesting seeing how these two strong men worked to make this new change in their relationship work.   But soon their relationship has more rough turns than either expected. 

When Madigan returns, he sets into motion a plot that will have the readers wondering just what the hell is going on and whether Jack and Ethan will ever be able to stop him.  In Enemy of My Enemy, Madigan’s crazy really shines through.  The things this nut job does, and the plans he has, is just one of the many parts of this story that will keep the readers turning the pages.  There are other twists in this book that will grab the reader’s attention as well.  More than once I was worried how things would turn out.

Many of the characters we met in the first book, besides Madigan, Jack, and Ethan, show up in this story as well.  Puchkov’s life takes an interesting turn and so does Lt. Cooper’s.  I can’t wait for both their stories. 

While I enjoy the romantic aspect of this series, for me, it is the political thriller area where the author really shines.  I love the way the author has of pulling the readers in, and keeping the story fresh.  The only real problem I have found, would be that it is very easy to reveal spoilers while talking about this book.  I think everyone will be surprised by the way Enemy of My Enemy plays out, and I hope book three is just around the corner because I really need to know what happens.