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.

Veiled Deception

Title: Veiled Deception
Author: Amy J. Romine
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-737-9
Genre: {M/F} Suspense, Thriller
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

It has been more than a month and Eric Stiles and Rebecca Gailen are still trying to recover from the deep trauma of having a stalker torment her, almost continually, for days. When the stalker wasn’t leaving revolting gifts for her, he was murdering women who favored her and that had Rebecca feeling guilty for their unnecessary brutal deaths.

As the two of them get back to their jobs and work on building a relationship they hope will last, Rebecca is starting to have feelings of dread and wondering if her life is really her own. Eric is forced to cancel an important appointment he has with Rebecca and that may contribute to a chain reaction that will change their lives forever.

Veiled Deception is quite a title and is the second installment in the Trust Me series. I thought that the first book revealed a lot of information on the villain, but I had an eye opener while reading this story. It shows a working love between the two main characters and tells of how much they are willing to go through to keep it.

Ms. Romaine has wowed me again with her generous way of spinning a suspenseful story of a villain who refuses to be stopped. She kept the identity of the true villain until almost the end of this book and I thought for sure it was a totally different person. Let me say here that I was not disappointed at all, and was thrilled at the generosity of the two main characters. If you are looking for a good book, I say read and enjoy.

Shadows Of the Past

Title: Shadows Of the Past
Author: T. L. Lawrence
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://amberquill.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61124-010-8
Genre: {M/F} Suspense, Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Ian Matthew Prestwick is a former Special Agent with the FBI and he’s currently trying to recover from work related panic attacks and migraines. He is now living a quiet life as a history school teacher, without the stress of always looking over his shoulder.

It has taken Matthew five years in Wilton Falls to have some peace in his life and he finally has noticed his helpful neighbor, Aileen. She took on the role of mothering Matt and loving him a little more each year. Now he sees her as someone he wants permanently in his life, but that is interrupted by a past that comes back to haunt him.

The one person Matt least thought about is now out for revenge and the villain will do whatever it takes to make him suffer. That includes kidnapping the one woman he knows Matt is involved with and it has him ready to rush in to kill the villain.

Shadows Of the Past is a fantastic book that has me reading through the whole story quickly, because the characters never disappointed me with their behavior throughout the book. The loyalty that was shown from a small town perspective is touching, and a few of the secondary characters enhanced the story being involved. The villains really thought they had things under their control and they forgot one thing that can always change; the unexpected.

This is truly a suspenseful story and my first time reading this author. Ms. Lawrence really did a great job with her storytelling of the law enforcement workings, creating a very realistic thriller and I enjoyed every moment reading her book.

Serenity Lost

Title: Serenity Lost
Author: Amy Romine
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: http://extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-695-2
Genre: {M/F} Suspense, Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

While out of town, Eric and Rebecca meet in a bar and find themselves seared by their one night of being together. Afterward back home, they both regret that they kept their conversation general and never knew each other’s name.

Rebecca buries herself in work to forget that one night long ago and she focuses on her family and friends to try not to think about him. The only pressing problem is she now has a stalker, who is determined to drive her to an emotional breakdown. She is forced to call the police when the stalker leaves a nasty present for her and Eric is brought in to work on the case.

Eric Stiles works for the police department in a special unit, dealing with serial killers, and his brother Charlie calls him to keep an eye on a good friend. This friend turns out to be Rebecca Gailen and both of them are shocked to see one another again. When he realizes that she might be his brother’s girlfriend, Eric does his best to stay away from her, to keep from hurting Charlie.

Talk about a suspenseful thrilling book! Serenity Lost is just that and more! I truly enjoyed reading the first book in the Trust Me series, especially since I am left hanging in regards to whom the villain is and why they are so obsessed with Rebecca. There were times when I was cringing at the state in which the victims are left and cheering Rebecca on for her courage in not breaking down from the evil that stalked her.

There are a few times, during the story, when you think the police have gotten one person for the murders and then you find out they are pawns being used by the true villain. Ms. Romine really did a great job at storytelling, and she had me entranced until the end. Lo and behold, I am left hanging until the next book comes out! Read and enjoy!

Reasonable Doubt

Title: Reasonable Doubt
Author: Mia Watts
Publisher: Total E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-162-9
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary Thriller, Suspense
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Geo and Mark have been lovers for almost a year and have managed to keep it a secret from their family, friends and co-workers. Their relationship is tested when Geo’s old flame, Lauren, returns to head up an FBI task force and despite knowing he’s already involved, makes it clear that she intends to get Geo back in her bed. When Geo does nothing to discourage her, Mack feels hurt and begins to pull away, questioning and doubting their love and commitment. While they work the case and struggle to find a killer, the chasm between them grows deeper, and as the case ends, the question is whether their love will end with it.

Reasonable Doubt is the second release in Mia Watt’s Boys in Blue series and it takes up almost a year after the first book left off. It’s a nicely done sequel and shows the development and strength of Geo and Mark’s relationship after being together almost a year, but it also shows its weaknesses. Geo is strong and knows what he wants; Mark is more tenderhearted and afraid of being hurt. Ms. Watt’s did a very nice job in expressing the various emotions of both men and made me want to smack Geo upside the head for being dense on more than one occasion.

Her characterizations of Lauren and her FBI partner, Andy, were spot on - they are both obnoxious, but I at least like Andy; he was a nice guy, in a strange kind of way. Lauren was just plain strange and self-serving. Geo and Mark care for each other deeply and you can almost feel the passion and desire simmering below the surface even during their difficult times.

Overall the author has packed a lot of romance, passion and a good dose of angst inside this short 55 page read and she’s done it with flair, good character development and creativity. I’m very curious as to what Ms. Watt’s has planned for Geo and Mark in her next release.

Killer Designs

Title: Killer Designs
Author: Sherre Pratt
Publisher: Breathless Press
Publisher URL: http://www.breathlesspress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-926771-45-8
Genre: {M/F} Erotic Suspense, Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Release Date: August 27, 2010

Sunny Benning and her brother, Rick have worked hard to build their design company into one of the most sought after in Palm Beach, Florida and they love their work. When Rick’s partner comes up murdered in Sunny’s house, there isn’t much to prove that he didn’t kill him. Sunny has made it her mission to save her brother from being in trouble again and not even Det. Jake Chess will get in her way. From the first time she lays eyes on him, she has the hots for him, but knows that her brother’s innocence comes first.

Detective Jake Chess is on his way out to start a two weeks vacation at his mountain cabin, when he gets a call saying he’s needed on a case and it’s going to be a tough one to solve. His instinct tells him the main suspect is Rick, but he needs to follow protocol and he’s also distracted by Rick’s sister, Sunny. It becomes harder to keep his emotional feelings for her separate and he’s determined to solve his case before he can move forward with her.

Killer Designs is a great story with a thrilling twist, and I’m not sure if the designs or mystery kept me reading. It’s really interesting that the villain is able to keep his true character from those that were around him.

Sunny proved to be quite a strong woman, and there is a lot of history as to why she is that way. I really liked her take-charge personality and her ability to know when to let someone else take the lead in difficult situations.

Jake is a sexy man with a mission to keep the bad guys locked up and he seemed to know what he wanted in a woman too. One things I found odd was that he would get a little off track when he was with Sunny and they did have steaming hot sex when they should have been finding her brother, Rick.

This is a very creatively written story by Ms. Pratt, and she put a spin on the villain’s role very nicely. I really appreciated the research into the fashion design industry and the effort to distract from the real killer. I look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.

Anarchy in Blood

Title: Anarchy in Blood
Author: Carol Lynne and T. A. Chase
Publisher: Total E Bound Books
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-0-85715-248-0
Genre: {M/M}, Thriller
Rating: Golden Blush Award
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Aaron loves his job at the White House. Working as the assistant to longtime family friend, President Douglas, means there’s little time for a personal life. When a scandal hits the White House, Aaron knows the only one who can help is former secret service agent Grayson Mills.

Anarchy in Blood is the second story in the Dracul’s Revenge series. Once again, authors Carol Lynne and T. A. Chase have knocked the story out of the ball park. Since I have a big mouth and the possibility of me spilling some secretes to this story is strong, the only thing I will say regarding the political thriller aspect of Anarchy in Blood is OMG! The story is so outstanding that I could very easily see it turned into a movie.

With regard to the romance, once again the reader will be drawn in by the characters. Grayson is a major alpha. He’s strong and capable of taking care of himself and those he cares for. Before starting his own security company, he was a member of the Secret Service where he guarded the Vice President. To keep Grayson from being too perfect, the authors gave him a major flaw; he is an alcoholic. Although recovering, temptation still lingers and many of the little things that Grayson does in order to get through his day are realistic, as those who know someone facing this problem can attest.

Aaron has been involved in politics in some way since he was a teenager. For him, it was only natural to take a job at the White House when his mentor and family friend asks him. The loyalty Aaron feels for those he cares about and works for comes through clearly. When Aaron has reason to contact Grayson, the attraction between them is so strong that it seems natural for them to fall into a relationship.

I do not know how many more books the authors have slated for this series, but I do hope they are not planning to end it anytime soon

Survival Games

Title: Survival Games
Author: J.E. Taylor
Publisher: eXcessica Publishing
Publisher URL: http://excessica.com/
ISBN: 1449958923
Genre: {M/F} Erotic Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Ty Aris has obeyed every order his step-brother Frank has given him until he grabs Jessica from a parking lot and his life changes forever because of it. He has produced the most graphic black market porn and snuff films ever published. Now all he thinks about is how he can free Jessica - before she becomes the next star - and himself from the hell they are in. Even though she hates him after what had been done to her, he still wants to help her get away.

Jessica Connor, working mother and wife, wakes up in a nightmare that is beyond anything imaginable and at the moment, there is nothing she can do about it. She refuses to give in to his demands, pleas or his desire for her and yet a physical bond is formed between them. The sexual abuse that she gets from the brother, whenever Ty is absent, shakes her badly but the threats of death for Ty by the brother, keeps her from telling him what happened.

Survival Games is the most graphic thriller I have ever read and the first in the Games Trilogy. It’s a good thing I am not weak at heart, as while reading this book, there were a few times it was hard to continue. I was extremely proud of Jessica’s determination to live and her vow to get back to her children. She really fought hard not to be submissive and I believe that would have ended her life much quicker. The real villain, Frank, is heartless towards everyone and that included his own brothers, who he had no problem using or destroying.

There is so much to take in with the physical and mental abuse done to the tortured victims - it was sickening - and knowing they wouldn’t be leaving said there was no hope to begin with. I won’t say what was done, but be prepared if you decide to read this story. It was surprising at how they covered up each crime, as was Ty’s knowledge of computers and other equipment available to him. Ms. Taylor, you have done a fantastic job of describing how dramatic one’s life can be, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Son of a Gun

Title: Son of a Gun
Author: AM Riley
Publisher: MLR Press
Publisher URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60820-118-1
Genre: [M/M] Contemporary Thriller
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

There were many reasons for Stefan Sanchez to leave Texas and flee to LA but the biggest one was a closeted relationship with his childhood friend, Deputy Chet Blain. In California, he builds a life and gains success as a writer of adventure books for adolescent boys but that doesn’t mean he’s personally happy.

When his best friend Tommy dies, Stef flies home for the funeral but going back to his childhood home isn’t easy. It’s a time filled with painful memories, lies, half-truths surrounding his friend’s death and an uncertainty of who to trust in his search for Tommy’s missing wife, Sammy. On top of everything else, Chet wants to restart their relationship, and Evans, a hunky Secret Service agent, keeps tabs on him--following him everywhere he goes. Is it because of business, or could it be for personal reasons?

Son of a Gun is the newest release by author AM Riley and it’s filled with pain, unhappiness, family unrest, political wrangling and enough twists and turns to make me dizzy. Add in a few old friends, a mysterious childhood secret code, money laundering, a drug cartel and a missing pregnant woman and you have everything needed for a well written suspense that’s guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. On top of this, you’ll find vivid descriptions, great action scenes and a flawed but complicated sympathetic hero-of-sorts in Stefan.

There are numerous complex secondary characters that are vital to the plot, but at the backbone of the story is Stefan and his overwhelming need to discover who killed his friend and to locate the man’s missing wife. He’s a flippant smart mouth, who gets in trouble just by breathing, and that’s exactly what happens numerous times during the fast paced story—he gets into trouble with a capital T. Stef even gets shot (grazed) and rescued by the sexy Evans and then he walks right back into danger again.

Really there’s so much going on in this story, and there are so many intermingled relationships that it’s impossible to sort them out in this review. If you enjoy a complicated mystery, with lots of action and danger, then Son of a Gun is the book for you.

State of Mind

Title: State of Mind
Author: Libby Drew
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-430-5
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Espionage, Thriller
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Gifted Agent Alec Devlin’s latest assignment for the Organization has him trying to locate a rogue agent, Grier Crist. Soon after meeting, Alec is questioning the true reasons behind Grier’s trouble with the Organization. His snooping goes too far and the hunter soon becomes the prey.

Grier always considered being an agent a rewarding job. Recent events have him pondering the group’s motivation. His apprehension to trust those involved with the group causes Grier to sever ties and go into hiding. Alec isn’t someone he anticipated meeting, but his skills are a boon and vital to Grier’s survival. The two will have to trust one another and team up to discover the truth.

State of Mind takes us into a world of espionage and adventure. The story begins with a suspenseful scene, introducing us to Grier. I couldn’t help but be drawn into the tale at that moment. With danger surrounding him, he had sympathy for others without a second thought. I knew he was an honorable man and wanted to see him discern the truth behind the terrible events unfolding.

Grier and Alec both found themselves recruits of the Organization for similar reasons. Living through painful experiences in their youths shaped and molded their young minds, making them susceptible to the group’s offer. Even with those elements in play, they grew into strong determined men, with intelligent minds and compassionate hearts.

Libby Drew has created a wonderful cast of characters. Each brings something unique to the story. Alec’s personality and quick wit was too much for Grier to escape and drew the older agent in, slowly but surely. Their sexual relationship takes off slowly, but when it finally comes, they use their considerable talents to create an experience you won’t forget. State of Mind is a fascinating tale, with just enough action, suspense, and a drama to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Blue Moon Café

Title: The Blue Moon Café
Author: Rick R. Reed
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 13: 978-1-60272-656-7
Genre: {M/M} Werewolf, Suspense, Thriller
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx

Thad Matthews is bored being home all day with nothing to do. He decides to visit the newly open restaurant in his neighborhood where he meets Sam Lupino, the owner. Thad and Sam have an immediate attraction to each other, as well as share a night of intimacy. Afterward, unexplained things started happening suspending their promising relationship.

The Blue Moon Café is a dark thriller that takes you on a psychological journey into the killer’s psyche. The setting is Seattle’s gay district and all the victims are young gay men. The characters are very realistic. The well-defined plot profiles a serial killer’s distorted mentality, a killer who has the instincts of a wolf. Thad is currently unemployed but tries to stay busy between searching for jobs. He is smart and observant. With each murder, coupled with the disappearance of Sam’s whole family, Thad became aware of the pattern. He also grows even more fearful when his new friend Jared has a near miss with the monster. Thad is caught between his traumatized friend and his mysterious lover in a web of suspense that could prove deadly.

Sam is in an emotional conflict between Thad and his family’s secret. Coming from Sicily, the family chose Seattle for the hunting grounds. Sam knew it was a mistake to be with Thad; however, he allowed his out of control passions to rule his decision. In a family of werewolves, they are all hunters, but which of them feast on humans? The amazing Rick R. Reed presents the answer by building layer upon layer of thought provoking, as well as petrifying, clues plus points out the serial killer’s warped reasoning. The Blue Moon Café is a dramatically potent suspenseful story illustrated with an unnerving realism. This is a dark fierce murder mystery, interwoven with the emotional turmoil of the frightening unknown danger, in addition to an unstable relationship. This is an exhilarating macabre fright saga at its most outstanding.

Blood Crystal

Title: Blood Crystal
Author: Jannifer Hoffman
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60735-110-8
Genre: {M/F} Suspense, Thriller, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Rookie agent Dani Lovato is going undercover as a precious gems specialist to retrieve a stolen priceless crystal that has been stolen. She learns that there are only a few people she can trust and Stephen is at the top of her list. Now that she is on the run with him, Dani feels guilty for keeping secrets from him. Being a woman with a lot of baggage, she doesn’t need a man with the same kind of issues, nor a relationship either.

Stephen Douglas, a wounded war hero who has just returned from Afghanistan, finds himself being blackmailed by the police, and it doesn’t sit well with him. The true man in him won’t allow him leave Dani to the troubles she is in and finds himself doing everything possible to help her, even breaking into his ex-wife’s house.

Blood Crystal is a truly fascinating story with a lot of gun fire, chases, secrets, lack of trust and villains. This story started out at a full run and never stopped until the end of the book. The two main characters are very entertaining with their determination to out-do the other, and I love the way they fought the budding love that found its way into their hectic lives.

Ms. Hoffman did a great job of storytelling with espionage, gun fights, hot love-making, and attempted murder of the main characters. Throw in Stephen’s brothers teasing him while on the run and Dani’s secrets and you’ve got a whopper of a story. I loved the plane scenes best because it had me visualizing my time flying in the front seat of one being afraid. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

No Good Deed

Title: No Good Deed
Author: Lynn Lorenz
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-625-3
Genre: {M/M} Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Captain Daniel Chan straddles the fence that separates his true sexual inclination with a fierce determination that would make any bull rider envious. He still enjoys women and considers himself bisexual. Besides, working in a small town like Riceland doesn’t give Dan the option of coming out. He’s not sure how the department, or his neighbors, would react and has no reason to test the waters until he meets a man in need of some assistance, Mark.

Mark considers himself damaged goods. His last painful relationship left him with internal scars that still haven’t healed. Dan gives Mark a feeling of security he never expected to experience again. Can he trust his heart, body and soul to Dan’s tender care?

I absolutely love Lynn Lorenz’s newest release, No Good Deed. Dan isn’t your typical police officer. Being a Chinese American employed as a Captain on a small town police force was a nice twist to this role. I love how he could crack jokes with his neighbors; it made him feel like the person next door. His relationship with his Chief is also something that draws you in. They have a mutual respect and a great camaraderie that allows some comical conversations to take place. Then there is Mark’s relationship with Dan. It begins slow and smooth, gently building over time. I adored Mark and could clearly see why Dan was smitten. While Ms. Lorenz does deliver some sensual moments, she also includes suspense and action to keep the story flowing. No Good Deed is a page-turner you don’t want to miss.

Just Peachy

Title: Just Peachy
Author: Michelle L. Levigne
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-594-2
Genre: {M/F} Suspense Thriller
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Maggie is tired of having to deal with crazed fans after her book signings and is seriously considering dropping her pen name and persona, Magda Torrene. One psychotic fan has gone too far, expecting her to be the character in her books. What she is working towards is only the PI business and not having a man in her life. That is until she meets and spends some time with Rick. Maggie is at the point in her life where she might finally be able to let go of her deceased husband and have a relationship with another man.

Private Investigator Rick Sloane is asked by his friend, and Maggie’s boss, to keep her safe while he is out of town. He is not sure about taking on the assignment until he discovers that Maggie handles herself well. She scores more points with him each time there is danger and he wants to know her better. He finds himself wanting to make theirs a partnership of investigating and book writing.

Just Peachy is a fantastic story, from a woman’s point of view, regarding law enforcement and men, in particular. I really enjoyed Maggie’s character, who became more realistic by her behavior regarding weight gain, binge eating and her determination for getting a job done. Throughout the book, the villain or villains never gave up on their goal and the obsession over one person….Magda.

Ms. Levigne writes of murder, budding romance, friendships and of finding new families. The secondary characters really added quite a bit to the story with their backgrounds and research help to Maggie. Surprisingly, there isn’t any hot sex scenes but Maggie and Rick had very naughty thoughts towards each other. I look forward to reading more from this author, who wowed me with this book.

Walking After Midnight

Title: Walking After Midnight
Author: T. D. McKinney
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-568-3
Genre: {M/F} Dark Fantasy/Vampire/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

He lives the life of the rich and famous, due to his status as Pet to the Queen of vampires. Jack Niemczyk, an FBI profiler, should be happy but his vampire lover has left him and he is feeling the absence of her connection deeply. He tries to move on, thinking to replace Baby with a human companion but he creates problems instead of healings. He is more concerned with what his co-workers and friends think of him, and he overcompensates his actions by immersing himself in his work.

Baby Roxton, the Queen of New Orleans, belongs to a master vampire and Jack is considered her pet. She knows what she wants out of life, but finds it hard to accomplish it, and is shocked when she finds out things are not what they should be. She finds that she can’t show Jack how much she really loves him and that is not something she will not stand for.

Walking After Midnight is the second in The Shield and the Darkness series and it was full of quite a few surprises. This is a book that makes you think twice about living a normal life versus what can happen if you allow others to influence you. Jack spent too much time thinking and feeling guilty over situations beyond his control, instead of moving on with his life.

One thing that I found different in Jack; he needed the honesty of others to survive. This proved to be a huge stumbling block for him, but not a downfall, that kept him from living his life as he chose. Because Jack did not have the family connection he wanted, he relied on the friendship of others to feel normal.

There is quite a bit of history given by T. D. McKinney, in regards to New Orleans, and I loved every moment of reading about the sights and sounds of this dynamic city. I am very impressed with all of the characters in this story and their connection to each other, mostly because they were family. Imagine my shocking surprise while reading about the villain, who was determined to bring closure to every victim’s life they took. I won’t give away who the villain is, but when the other characters find out, no one suspected them. I did get a lot of background throughout my reading on most of the characters, and hope that there will be another book forthcoming.

Don’t Look Back

Title: Don’t Look Back
Author: Michelle Cary & Amanda Young
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-565-2
Genre: {M/F} Suspense/Thriller/Mystery/Detective
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Cyndi Whitmore is not very trusting of people, especially her step-father, and she doesn't have many friends. She has moved on with her life by planning her wedding to the hometown boy, and has just finished teaching her last day of school before summer break. She’s learned the friends from her past are coming up dead, and it has her a little frighten that she might be next. Now that everything is looking up for her, and she starts to wonder if the life she led is catching up to her, after she has tried so hard to suppress it.

Deputy Braden Andrews has an easy job in a small town and his biggest worry is settling down. When a series of murders occur, little does he know that he will have to protect the prime murder suspect or how much he will come to desire Cyndi. He is willing to gain her trust almost any way he can, so that she will divulge the information needed to catch the killer. In the meantime, he is having a difficult time separating his professional duties from his personal feelings for her.

Don’t Look Back is a suspenseful thriller that kept me reading to find out who was committing the murders. Michelle Cary & Amanda Young did a fantastic job with this story, and I was quite surprised at who turned out to be the villain, having stayed in the background for so long. The electrical attraction between Braden and Cyndi left me hot and bothered, and I was rooting for them all the while.

I found myself liking Braden even more when he accepted his feelings without doubts for Cyndi, and Cyndi for being so determined to not look back at her not-so-clean past. These two authors did a fantastic job of creating very believable scenes and describing each murder vividly and the plot thickened quickly, I say well-done ladies! I look forward to reading more from these two authors, and hope that brother Mitch will be their next project.

Wearing Death

Title: Wearing Death
Author: Jamie Craig
Publisher: Amber Allure
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure
ISBN: 978-1-60272-555-3
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary, Suspense, Thriller, Interracial
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Officer Brendan Wheeler struggled for five days to escape from his captor. Running on the pure desire to live, he arrives on veterinarian Jeremy Reed’s doorstep broken, tired, and aching from the vivid tattoo covering his back. Jeremy opened his door, knowing something awful has happened to Brendan. He does everything to assist the officer without a care to his own safety.

When the image on Brendan’s back becomes a bloody reality the next day, everyone wants to know how Brendan ties in to the dead body.

Wearing Death takes us into a quiet small town in Utah with minimal crime. The murder mystery and kidnapping take the residents by storm, but the police department has seasoned officers determined to find a resolution. Jamie Craig, as always, has created a suspenseful tale with a unique plot played out by fascinating characters. Their attention to detail makes each scene a delight to read. If you’ve never read a Jamie Craig story, you are in for a treat.

Trapped

Title: Trapped
Author: D. J. Manly
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher URL: http://www.extasybooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-311-1
Genre: Gay {M/M} Contemporary Romance, Thriller
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

Amador Derringer-Vega and Giovanni Bianchi have a great deal in common. Both men are the eldest son’s of crime bosses, both are trying to stay out of the family business and both are desperately trying to hide the fact that they are gay. That’s where the likenesses begin and end. Amad wants to protect his siblings while Gio is concerned about proving himself to his father. The only way to accomplish that is for Gio to assassinate Amad, who happens to be the son of a rival mobster. However, when Gio sees Amad in the midst of a night of debauchery, he knows he cannot kill the handsome man.

Amad isn’t happy to find out he’s been marked for a hit and displeased to discover the hit man knows his secret. In the end, the men discover that in their own way they are both thoroughly Trapped and may never be able to have more than their brief moments of happiness.

Trapped is a story about survival and love that stands the test of time. Amad is smart and charming and would prefer to make his money legally, but knows it won’t be possible because of the demands of his father. Gio is no killer but he’s definitely a lover. While under his father’s scrutiny, he was cautious of his hidden desires but Amad tore his defenses down without even realizing it. I found Trapped entertaining, and while some of the events towards the end of the story seemed a bit farfetched, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of reading the story. The story has action, suspense, and characters that grab your attention.

Peter’s Chair

Title: Peter’s Chair
Author: John Simpson
Publisher: Devine Destinies
Publisher URL: http://www.devinedestinies.com/
ISBN: 978-1-55487-303-6
Genre: Contemporary/Thriller/Gay
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

The Vatican has a new Pope, and the work ahead of him is anything but easy. Pope John XXIV is the Church’s first gay (and partnered) Pope, and as such, he sets the foundations for changes within the Church that have been a long time coming. With his partner William (a Bishop) by his side, he experiences many potential pitfalls along the way – from the expected backlash to attempts on his life.

Yet despite all the adversities before him, Pope John paves the way for other gays and lesbians within the Church and the world at large. It’s not an easy road to travel, but it must be done.

Peter’s Chair is another riveting novel by author John Simpson. The notion of a gay Pope might be fanciful, but it’s a great dream nonetheless. Beneath that point, though, lies a thrilling story full of danger and intrigue. The action is true to form for John Simpson – the details he brings into the story breathe more life into characters already three-dimensional.

What I loved about this book was the lack of sex, and what sex there was, it stayed in tone with the book: not explicit, not overdone. The love between William and Pope John, however, rings crystal clear.

I’ve read several books by John Simpson and have enjoyed them all. Peter’s Chair, however, is the best one he’s written to date.