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.

The Last Dance

Title:  The Last Dance

Author:  Kierney Scott

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-68252-219-6

Genre: {M/F}, Suspense, Contemporary

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Georgina ends up working as a spy because she started using cocaine to lose weight when she was vying for the prima ballerina spot in the ballet company she was working for.  Her latest target is not someone she wants anything to do with.  Roman knows Georgina is a plant, but can’t resist her.

The Last Dance is a story of a woman trying to survive her past and the mistakes she made.  Once she gets involved with Roman, her life changes as she is caught between her handler and Roman, two very dangerous men.

At first this story starts slow, but picks up as it goes along.  The chemistry between Roman and Georgina is hot, but things are complicated by the fact Roman knows she is supposed to target him.  There are some facts that Georgina is not aware of about her handler that make what happens toward the end surprising, as I certainly did not expect some of things that happened.

I do have to say, I didn’t like Roman at that point at all.  The reasons are all explained at the end, and Roman and Georgina do get their happily ever after, but I’m not sure I would have been as forgiving about what he did. 

The other characters in the book are a mixed bag.  Some I liked, but even then, what they did and who they worked for sent a lot of mixed signals when it can to helping Georgina.

I would say this story could be a cautionary tale for women who want to work in other countries.  Once the story picked up, it was one I had to finish.  This was also the first book I have read by this author and will be looking for more.

The Dark Side

Title: The Dark Side

Author: Laura Baumbach

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0629

Genre: {M/M} Suspense Series

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

As a child Alex Throne was taught to stay calm and think of an escape plan. Those lessons served adult Alex well when he was kidnapped. Unfortunately, Alex’s only escape was a fall into the ocean; fortunately Alex fell within reach of Reese Holt.

The Dark Side is the first book in the Reese Holt series. The plot is like a deadly complex puzzle, each piece is a clue adding to the big picture of the perpetrator’s identity. The plot exhibits a touching good vs. evil description, making it easy to feel emotionally involved in the down-to-earth, sometimes amusing characters.

Alex is a modest man that becomes the pawn in this thriller, he has no interest in taking over his billionaire father’s companies. Instead Alex chose to do part of the accounting work as a concession to his father’s concern for safety plea. Although Alex was not involved in the company’s main operations, he was targeted because of his highly intelligent accounting skills as well as a threat to any corruption within the company.

Security specialist Reese Holt is the owner of Overlap Security Service, a company that deals with high risk assignments. Reese, along with his staff, are all compassionate, highly skilled, the best of the best former military. Though Reese and his team are classified as civilians, they perform their missions in a precision military manner.

Rather than the billionaire’s request to hire him after returning Alex to his home, it is the hint of a mutual attraction between them that influenced Reese to become Alex’s bodyguard. Each new concentrated attack on Alex’s life garners more multifaceted clues until the list of suspects emerged and the quarry is finally captured.

The Dark Side is an excellent enjoyable saga. The engaging main characters are well-matched with similar backgrounds and personality traits. The combat style fighting is intense with a few surprises included. The criminals are a cold blooded nasty piece of work that inspires a cheer when they were eliminated.    

Assassins are People Too

Title: Assassins are People Too

Author: S.C. Wynne

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-68252-028-4

Genre: {M/M} Mystery & Suspense

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

Storm Warning

Title:  Storm Warning

Author:  Monette Michaels

Publisher:  Self Published

Publisher URL:  http://monettemichaels.com

ISBN/BIN:  9780986273056

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

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

DJ Poe has a new job, but needs to rescue her mother before she starts.  Friends she did a mission with in Afghanistan help her.  When she starts her new job, she runs into the one brother of her friends she hasn’t met.  Tweeter decides DJ is his.

Storm Warning is the fourth book in the Security Specialists International series, also known as SSI. DJ happens to be the first woman agent hired by SSI because of her background.  Her background, along with Tweeter’s sister Keely’s habit of attracting trouble, puts her talents to the test.

I loved DJ as she is a strong woman.  Readers need to be aware that when she shares some of what happened to her at the hands of her father and his cronies, it could be the cause of some triggers.  DJ is a survivor, and with Tweeter’s help, starts to heal.  I also enjoyed Tweeter’s stealth courting, as he called it.  He goes out of his way to show DJ that he wants a relationship with her for the long term.  I was so happy when they finally got together.

DJ’s mom has to heal, as well.  The women of SSI go a long way to help both heal and I loved the way they were so kick ass when the situation called for it, as readers of the series already know. 

The bad guys are interesting even though a few are predictable, but DJ and Tweeter have lots of help from their fellow agents, and some from other agencies, as they finish their missions.  There were a few twists and turns, though one main situation was one that could be seen coming. 

While readers don’t need to read the series in order to enjoy it, I recommend that the stories be read in order to get the most out of them.  Storm Warning is a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to reading more about Security Specialists International.

Saving Nico

Title:  Saving Nico

Author:  Danica St. Como

Publisher:  Loose Id, LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-765-2

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Nico travels to Sanctuary to decompress and be evaluated and he never thought he would run into his late spotter’s fiancé.  Abigail is babysitting the Sanctuary owners’ baby when Nico arrives.  Can they build a relationship when the past comes calling?

Saving Nico is the sixth book in The Men of Sanctuary series.  The author did a good job giving readers an idea of what some snipers go through, especially when they lose their partner.  I liked that she also showcased a situation that does sometimes happen when people are in special circumstances, where someone becomes attracted to a friend’s romantic interest.  Some of us may have gotten crushes on friends’ boyfriends in high school, but don’t act on it.

In Nico’s case, Pete wasn’t exactly faithful to Abigail and ended up marrying someone else before he was killed.  Of course, Abigail didn’t know that when she decides she has to get away from home and pursues a career in the area of Sanctuary.  Nico knows he should say something, but doesn’t when it comes back to bite him.

Nico and Abigail have a lot of chemistry together.  Both have some baggage that needs to be cleared up, but there is the little matter of sabotage going on at Sanctuary that brings a lot of people together to resolve it.  While there are quite a lot of twists in the story, it does become clear who the bad guy is about halfway through the book, but the resolution of this situation was great.

Nico has to do some major damage control when it comes to his relationship with Abigail, especially when Pete’s widow shows up.  I had to laugh at the efforts of all the friends of Nico’s and Abigail’s when they tried to help them after their blow up.  I loved their families’ reactions as well. 

While this story can be read alone, I recommend the series be read in order.  A few situations mentioned will make the humor extremely funny if you know the backstory.  The Men of Sanctuary series is on my to-be-read again bookshelf.

Perception

Title:  Perception

Author:  Edie Jo Gibson

Publisher:  Liquid Silver Books

Publisher URL:  www.lsbooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781622102327

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

Rating:  5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Based on chatter, Elizabeth is being investigated for possible terrorist activity.  Jay has been assigned to keep an eye on her, get into her lab and search her computers.  When the first kidnap attempt fails, things get complicated between the two of them.

The second book in the Retribution series, Perception, brings headlines to life when a scientist ends up being a target because of work she and other team members did when they were at a university. The book also showcases what can happen when greed gets the better of people and the lengths some people will go to get money and power.

Both Jay and Elizabeth make the most of their opportunities once they get kidnapped right under the nose of Jay’s team.  The author did a good job showing the resilience people have in the most adverse situations.  Readers should be aware there are a few scenarios that could cause some heart pounding moments, especially at the end.  Of course, things will turn out okay, but the author has some very interesting and scary twists as the book progresses.

The security team from the first book makes an appearance, as does Ethan’s wife, Frankie.  There are a few interesting characters, one who may show up in future books, but the bad guy definitely has a mean streak. 

Perception kept my attention throughout and I finished the book in one day because I could not put it down.  While the story can be read alone, I recommend this series be read in order to get the most of this series.

Deception

Title:  Deception

Author:  Edie Jo Gibson

Publisher:  Liquid Silver Books

Publisher URL:  www.lsbooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781622101191

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

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Frankie has a network of friends in the community that band together to put bad guys away.  When an operation kills his brother, Ethan spends his time trying to find the man responsible.  While doing surveillance on someone in the community who might lead him to that man, he runs across Frankie.  What happens when they team up?

Deception is the first book in the Retribution series.  This was an interesting blend of former military with a security firm, working with what is effectively a neighborhood watch organization, taken one step further along the way.  Both groups are effective about putting the bad guy away.

Both groups did a few things that bordered on being illegal, especially when it came to surveillance.  There were a few humorous moments, such as using the rats to gain entrance to a building and the interaction with Ethan.  There are some interesting and quirky characters in both groups.

Frankie and Ethan are attracted to each other, but have to work on trusting each.  Frankie also is at war with herself because she doesn’t want to be constantly waiting for Ethan to return from wherever he may go, not knowing he is looking to stay put and grow his firm.  The chemistry between them is hot enough that both get distracted at times from their goal of catching Briggs.

Retribution is the name of the bar Frankie owns and it is fitting because of the work they do trying to help people in the community. There are several twists that were complete surprises, especially when things are revealed at the end.  The way the author handled a few of those toward the end will cause hearts to pound. 

I found this a fresh take on the suspense genre with the characters the author created in both groups of organizations.  Benny, Pearl, Greta and Brenda Sue are the type of friends everyone should have.  Ethan’s team were funny when they weren’t totally in military mode. 

I am looking forward to reading more in this series.  This is an author I have not read before, but will be looking for more from her.

Still Life

Title: Still Life

Author: DB Kennison

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61923-005-7

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary Suspense Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Release Date: 08-11-2015

Divorced from her cheating husband, Randi Lassiter doesn’t date. Between the time spent in her real estate office during the day and the hours spent photographing philandering husbands at night, she’s too busy. Then she falls over a mutilated body in an alley and almost winds up as a suspect.

When Detective Jon Bricksen left Milwaukee, he thought he’d seen his last murder victim but his small town has a brutal killing, the first in forty years, and he’s been put in charge. He’s not thrilled at being named lead investigator and is worried Randi will mess up his case with her interference. But Randi knows the town better than Jon does and can find out information he can’t and suddenly, they’re in a partnership he never expected. As their attraction grows can they find a serial killer before becoming victims themselves?

Still Life is the debut novel by DB Kennison in her new Randi Lassiter series. The premise caught my attention immediately, but discovering it’s a first time publication for the author left me a little apprehensive. I needn’t have worried. I found it well written, highly entertaining and difficult to put down.

I like Randi and Jon and found their personalities well developed. The plot is even and fast paced, there’s plenty of action, the secondary characters are integrated smoothly within the storyline and I particularly enjoyed Randi’s friend CJ. The details of the murder and police investigation—including Randi’s part, are believable and balanced nicely against the other things going.

Then there’s Randi and Jon’s relationship. They definitely start off rocky but it doesn’t take long for their attraction to surface. Life is complicated and problems arise that have to be worked out—and they have a killer to caught, so watch out for trouble in the department and some interesting twists. If you enjoy romantic suspense novels, I think you’ll enjoy this one. I know I did.

Love Will Always Find You

Title: Love Will Always Find You

Author: Claire Matthews

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781619230255

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary; Suspense

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

Evie Malone is stuck in a rut. She’s an aspiring author but she’s having writer’s block. Her day job as a dog trainer makes her happy and pays the bills, but her love life is a mess. She’s unhappy in her relationship with Brad, so decides once and for all that she is going to end it. When she arrives at his place to let him down gently however, she walks straight in to a crime scene. Brad is dead and Evie is suspect number one.

Luke Kovacs is a great cop, but knows nothing about taking care of a dog. When he inherits one from his aunt, he calls Evie for help. There is an immediate attraction, but there’s hardly a chance to acknowledge it before Evie is embroiled in a murder investigation. Luke is dedicated to his job and trusts his instinct that Evie is innocent, but someone is trying to frame her. Can Luke keep his cool when the woman he has come to care about the most is put in danger?

I enjoyed reading Love Will Always Find You. The story captured my imagination; I was curious to unravel the mystery of Brad’s death. The supporting characters were strong and give a real “whodunit?” feel to the book. I did like Luke, although I felt his character was held back a bit from his true potential. My thoughts on Evie are a bit more complex. Certain ways she behaved rubbed me up the wrong way at times.

There is a lot of humor in the book - it’s a nice character trait for both Evie and her cousin Jesse, who also put in a strong performance. I just struggled to find the humor and the seriousness of Brad’s murder compatible. Evie’s thoughts about her relationship with Brad were not particularly flattering, but I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. Reading about how her thoughts would switch between compassion at the horrible situation and attraction to Luke seemed a bit inappropriate. That being said, I did enjoy the story – I just felt my personality clashed with Evie’s at times.

From the Ashes

Title: From the Ashes

Author: Lillian T. MacGowan

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-62300-853-6

Genre: {M/M} Mystery & Suspense

Rating: 2 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

By ranking definition this book was readable, but not without its flaws.

The setting is identified as the Bottom without any reference to a city, country or even a planet. The location plays a significant role in identifying dialog and other relevant environmental details.

The premise of the story is a low level criminal illegally acquiring property in the city’s poorest section, corrupt city officials and child prostitutes. The purpose for the property takeover is not revealed; perhaps this is the unsolved mystery of the ineffectively developed mundane plot. The story pattern seems to be repetitive. Every problem presented, the characters would immediately have sex before finding a resolution to the dilemma.   

The main characters are Deck, a firefighter and Naim, a doctor. The only ample character background description is of Naim, who has a Middle Eastern heritage and lived in France until he finished medical school. The jargon spoken by Deck and some of the secondary characters is a tedious distraction especially because the dropped words expression of speaking is unfamiliar to me. 

I was not personally impressed with this book, I found no emotional qualities illustrated, nor did the overall story make any reasonable sense to me. 

Bombshell

Title:  Bombshell

Author:  Danica St. Como

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC

Publisher URL:  www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62300-754-6

Genre:  {M/F}, Suspense, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

MacBride is distracted after going back to Catamount Lake because of a woman he met at an explosives training seminar.  He doesn’t know Keko is the daughter of one of the best explosives expert in the country. 

Bombshell is the third book in The Men of Sanctuary series and is Sheriff MacBride’s story.  This is also a re-edited and revised book from another publisher, now under Loose Id’s label.  Of the series, this has to be my favorite book so far as Keko is such a kick-ass heroine.

I loved Keko’s sass and the fact that she gives as good as she gets when her friend Kamaka teases her, especially about MacBride.  Even though she acts out of character at the conference when she hooks up with MacBride, she is surprised to find the chemistry is still there when she gets an assignment to Catamount Lake.  The two of them have a hard time keeping their hands off each other.

A unique bomb is found that results in Keko ending up in MacBride’s neck of the woods.  As things progress, several characters from past stories show up to help, as well as a few new ones that help the story along.  This story has lots of suspense and humor in it.  While the main subject matter is a very serious subject, the story also showcases some of the problems, as well as some of the solutions, to something that also makes headlines. 

The Men of Sanctuary series should be read in order to get the most out of it, especially since the first book, A Strength of Arms, lets readers know how Sanctuary came about.  Bombshell is a good addition and I am looking forward to the next book.

Knight Takes Queen

Title:  Knight Takes Queen

Author:  Elizabeth Lapthorne

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781784305024

Genre:  {M/F}, Suspense, Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

During a hacking attempt, Peter drops in on Jane and ends up partnering with her to find the hacker and what they wanted.  Peter has been slowly trying to change their friendship into a relationship with Jane.

Knight Takes Queen is the tenth book in The Agency series.  I laughed when I realized the title of the book was a play on Peter’s and Jane’s chess game as well as Jane’s old gaming handle. 

Peter is a field agent and takes it on himself to protect Jane when they realize the Agency is under attack, especially when Jane pulls the plug to protect Agency systems.  The chemistry between the two is hot and both are willing to take the steps to change their relationship.

When they find the hacker, the couple face an interesting dilemma as they realize why the Agency was hacked.  What they learn is something that could have been handled better and I really liked the resolution, as it was so true to life in cases dealing with covert agencies when it is for the agency’s benefit. 

Knight Takes Queen can be read alone, although to get the most out of The Agency series, the stories should be read in order.  I am looking forward to see what surprising covert problem will be next.

Heart Shot

Title:  Heart Shot

Author:  Elizabeth Lapthorne

Publisher:  Totally Bound

Publisher URL:  www.totallybound.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781784304683

Genre:  {M/F}, Suspense, Series

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Emily is attacked doing research for an assignment and ends up realizing something is wrong.  Fin has been assigned as a temporary bodyguard for Emily’s target, but ends up trying to protect her.

The ninth book in The Agency series, Heart Shot, is aptly named because of a scene toward the end.  Emily insists on checking out every assignment she is given and has actually turned some down even as her boss begins to pressure her to do more.

Fin’s partner has been hospitalized, so his boss wants him out of the office.  Fin has always been a player, so when he realizes he has intense feelings for Emily, he acts out of character.  I liked that he did not judge Emily for what she did and actually gave her acceptance.

The story focused on the relationship Emily and Fin had, as well as trying to stay alive and was a fast paced story that the author kept flowing pretty well. The main three secondary characters played minor roles to the story itself, which were situations involving both bosses and target. 

I look forward to reading the next story to see how the situation with Emily’s boss is resolved.

Staying Invisible

Title:  Staying Invisible  

Author:  Ann Scott

Publisher:  Siren-BookStrand, Inc.

Publisher URL:    http://sirenbookstrand.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-63258-621-6

Genre:  {M/F}, Suspense

Rating:  4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

After Sam’s first love, Mitch, dies in a car crash, Sam hides herself away in Kentucky working.  She is housesitting for a friend when Luc sort of abducts her after he is shot.  Both realize they are attracted to each other.

Staying Invisible is a fast paced read that is full of suspense and intrigue.  Luc works for his father, but also works for Homeland Security in a special unit.  Luc has his own problems with keeping his agency work secret. When Luc forces Sam to help him, she uses her friend’s name instead of her own, which results in some future misunderstandings.  I understood Sam’s reasons but couldn’t quite understand Luc’s reaction about lies considering one of his jobs.

I loved Luc’s friend Coop.  If you want a best friend, he is one to have.  The bad guy has some tricks up his sleeve that make you realize, before Luc does, that there are traitors in the ranks.  The way the author ended the book, actually made me want more.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.  Staying Invisible is one for the bookshelves to be read again.

An Opportunity Seized

Title:  An Opportunity Seized

Author:  Donna Gallagher

Publisher:  Totally Bound

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781784304188

Genre:  {M/F} Thrillers and Suspense, Rubenesque

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Toni Grimaldi considers herself to be a bit on the plain and plump side, but she owns it. Being part of a high society family doesn’t give Toni a high society mentality.  She enjoys being in the background and having normal life experiences.  This London vacation was just the getaway Toni needed, with no overprotective parents and no awkward situations, or so she thought.

Jason was never supposed to make direct contact with Toni.  Protecting a spoiled rich heiress on shopping sprees was what he expected to do on this job. Boy was he wrong, because this magnetic woman was nothing like Jason imagined.  After realizing he wanted a more intimate relationship with Toni, Jason feared how she’d handle the truth.  At the same time, Jason can’t let his desire for Toni sidetrack him from the danger he was hired to protect her from.

Their surprise romantic getaway is interrupted by an accident back home.  Toni’s entire family is being threatened, so she needs to deal with that on top of whatever is happening with Jason.  Does he really want Toni for herself or is he interested in her money and status?  Jason’s previous track record on relationships wasn’t good, so Toni was worried.  Jason had no doubts about his feelings for Toni, but concerns about being an employee for her family while sharing her bed. 

Donna Gallagher has given us an exciting start to the Haven Security series with An Opportunity Seized.  Even though we aren’t all rich and high society women, I think readers will get Toni, because she is simple.  She takes pleasure from the little things in life.  She accepts who she is without being too hard on herself.  And at the end of the day, Toni was stronger than I originally thought.  Jason brought out that strength in her.  For as much as Toni’s parents tried to groom her, I was pleased that they really loved her as she was.  I felt that projected from the pages.  Jason was such a good guy and I loved the fact that he would literally give you the shirt off his back. The scene when he first spoke to Toni was so embarrassing, I think my cheeks turned red.  This is a wonderful blend of risk and romance that will leave readers anticipating the next story.

Dawning of Light

Title:  Dawning of Light

Author:  Tami Lund

Publisher:  Liquid Silver Books

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-62210-171-9

Genre:  {M/F} Fantasy, Fairies, Paranormal, Shifters, Suspense

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Cecilia Druthers is a lightbearer, who leaves the coterie to unwind from time to time. Sometimes a girl just needed a little freedom, so where’s the harm in that?  Thanks to a protective king and friends, Cecilia is assigned a bodyguard, who acts more like a babysitter.  He’s the most obnoxious and rude shifter alive and his sole purpose seems to be ruining all fun for Cecilia. 

Finn Hennigan had never met anyone who was more of a danger magnet than Cecilia.  She did whatever she wanted with no concern for the consequences and then yelled at him for doing his job.  Finn wasn’t happy about being assigned to “Cecilia duty”, but something about her made him curious.  Finn always imagined he’d wind up with another shifter, so why was he feeling drawn to the one lightbearer who wasn’t even his type?  Cecilia was driving him insane, in more ways than one.

Coterie life had changed and the union of lightbearers and shifters was becoming more acceptable, but not by everyone.  Finn and Cecilia had to deal with the prejudice of their families but also the threats from hate groups.  Finn doubled his efforts to keep Cecilia safe and to keep his hands off her, but failed on both counts.  Cecilia came to terms with the fact that she wanted to be mated to Finn.  Now all she had to do was convince Finn, while at the same time figure out who was trying to kill her.

Dawning of Light is the second book in the Lightbearer series, and it seems that Tami Lund stepped up her game with the suspense in this story.  There are some big reveals that kept me guessing and left me shocked.  Both Finn and Cecilia had family issues that made me angry.  I was disgusted by some of the family actions and couldn’t believe the things a parent would do to their child.  The come- backs and arguing between Finn and Cecilia was nice foreplay and it made their union very spicy.  If you enjoy couples who don’t see the forest because of the trees, you have to read this story. 

Steps to Heaven

Title: Steps to Heaven

Author: Star Noble

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781632163769

Genre: {M/M}, Suspense       

Rating: 3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Steve and Bob became friends while at the police academy, something that works in their favor as partners on the job.  Their latest case soon has them re-thinking their relationship, both on the job and off.

Steps to Heaven is a mystery that centers around two young cops and a case that seems to spiral out of control.  Steve and Bob have a strong connection and the skills each brings into their partnership make them an outstanding team on the force.  Their strong friendship has always caused others to talk, which makes things difficult on Steve and Bob when their feeling for each other start to change.

I liked the friendship that exists between the two men and can understand why Steve has such a hard time coming to terms with his changing feelings, even if I did not like how he tried to combat those feelings in the beginning.  The men’s struggle with their changing feelings plays a large part in Steps to Heaven, which means the story is not overshadowed with a lot of sex.  This keeps the romance aspect of the story realistic, and when they do come together the passion between them is intense.

The mystery that is woven into the story is an interesting one and I liked the way the author pulled the two men into what was going on.  As much as I liked the mystery, this was also the part of the story that gave me the most problem.  I found the procedural aspects to be a little lacking, at times wondering how the men could be such good cops and continually make stupid mistakes. 

While the premise of Steps to Heaven is a good one, and for the most part I liked the story, parts of it did come across to me a little weak.  I am curious to see if the author plans on bringing these men back for more and would most likely pick up the story if she did. 

Wildest Dreams: A Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox Mystery

Title: Wildest Dreams: A Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox Mystery

Author: Sharon Maria Bidwell

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62300-536-8

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Suspense

Rating: 3 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox are CID Detective Inspectors and they’re currently working together on a case trying to track down the supplier of a new drug-REM. All information is need-to-know as the drug is dangerous, causing odd behavior in all people exposed to it. After checking on a victim, Frederick and Riley head to Scotland to follows up on several leads.

It’s a tough investigation as Frederick and Riley’s personal relationship is anything but smooth. Then they make contact with a man who turns out to be the supplier and find themselves in dire straits—the newest victims. Getting less of the drug, Frederick is their only hope and he must find Riley, who is hallucinating and running feral through the woods. Can they find their way back to sanity, safety and civilization?

Wildest Dreams: A Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox Mystery is the newest release by Sharon Marie Bidwell. It’s an M/M romance set within the confines of a police drug investigation. While the finale seems open-ended, I have no idea whether there will be additional books following these two lovers.

I finished this story a few days ago and it’s taken me several more to get my thoughts together. The blurb is like a typical police drama that I read routinely, so it seemed like a good fit for me. I was disappointed. While the premise had great potential, I don’t feel any of its realized. I found the personalities of Frederick and Riley underdeveloped, and while they might make a good couple—their relationship is rushed and not given the chance to develop. I found the descriptions bland and the plot confusing at times, requiring me to reread portions. 

Honestly, I thought the story odd and disjointed at times. And I have no idea why the author felt the need to suddenly include a bit of BDSM. It didn’t really go with anything else in the plot line. The dark edge of the story, which should have been a plus, wasn’t.  Between the aforementioned niggles, the uneven pace and the strange personality of the drug supplier, who ended up having such a prominent role, I was too distracted. Ultimately, I just didn’t care about either character.