Time Waits

Title: Time Waits

Author: C.B. Lewis

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781632168535

Genre: {M/M}, Time Travel, Science Fiction          

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Janos is running for his life.  Wounded and close to death, the Hungarian soldier stumbles through a door that leads him a hundred years into the future.  When the first person he sees is a young German male with a purple streak through his hair, Janos can’t help wondering if he’s gone from the frying pan into the fire.

Time Waits by author C.B. Lewis is a well written time travel romance that is sure to remind many readers of the movie Time Cop.  As readers would expect, there are a lot of rules that govern the issue of time travel, and of course more than one is sure to be ignored.  When the story starts out, Dieter, a historian/linguist for the Temporal Research Institute, is waiting for the latest team to come back from their mission. It is during that time when the institute experiences a problem they have never had to deal with before.  While one of the main rules that everyone at the institute is forced to follow deals with not interfering with anyone or anything in the time period they are visiting, nothing has ever been said about what to do if someone comes over to the future.  When this problem becomes reality, Dieter is forced into a role he has no idea how to handle. 

Janos is a soldier in the Hungarian army trying to survive WWII.  It was not his plan to join the army, but when the Nazis rolled into town and family and friends started to “disappear”, Janos thought the best place to hide was in plain sight.  When one of his fellow soldiers realizes that Janos is gay and plans to expose the other man, Janos does the only thing he can to survive.  Unfortunately, he gets seriously injured in the process.  It is while running through the forest looking for a place to hide that he crosses over into the future.  As the reader would expect, Janos is confused by what he sees and distrusts those that he meets. 

This is what made the story so interesting for me.  Rather than having Janos come to terms with everything within a few pages, the author really plays this part of the story up.  Everything that both men, Janos with his fears of where he is, and Dieter with the severe case of PTSD that he is suffering with after having a gun stuck to his head, comes across very realistically.  The author also does a wonderful job making the rest of this science fiction story seem believable, which is sure to help keep the readers turning the pages.  Even the relationship between the main characters builds in a way that is easy to believe, especially given the way in which they first met.  Once Janos and Dieter come together, they really heat up the pages and the feelings between them grows fast. 

There are a few twists in this story that readers will not see coming.  In fact, at one point, I had to go back to re-read a portion because I thought I missed something and I am sure others will be just as surprised as I was.  Time Waits is sure to be a fan favorite and find its way to keeper shelves.   

Unbreakable Bonds

Title: Unbreakable Bonds

Author: Taige Crenshaw and Aliyah Burke

Publisher:  Totally Bound

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781784304935

Genre:  {M/F}   Multicultural, Time travel

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Books mean more than income for Ta-Mara LeBreaux, they are a retreat.  Where else could she find such a perfectly handsome alpha male?  Ta-Mara couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have such a man in her life.  Destiny steps in so she no longer has to imagine.  Ta-Mara can’t logically explain why the mystery man needing her help reminds her of the man she’s half in love with from her favorite story.  Living in the moment brings Ta-Mara happiness she never thought possible, but doubts of the future have her frightened it could end any moment.

Levi Jefferson Davis Madison is saved by a woman with a syrupy voice, and he has no idea how it happened.  Something about Ta-Mara feels safe so Levi can’t help wanting her.  He might not understand modern technology or clothing, but Levi knows that Ta-Mara is the perfect woman for him.  Part of Levi isn’t ready to open his heart and the guilt is doing a number on him.  Levi doesn’t want to forget the reason he’s in this strange time, but he’s not willing to leave Ta-Mara’s side. 

Ta-Mara and Levi are hazy on the exact circumstances that bring their two worlds together.  They try not to question things too much for fear it will end the fantasy they are living in.  With Ta-Mara’s help, Levi adjusts nicely to modern day life, but things aren’t always easy.  Neither Levi nor Ta-Mara are completely honest with each other and the secrets they keep almost drive them apart.  Once they are able to share, other obstacles get in the way.  Love conquers all and matters turn out how destiny wanted. 

Racism plays a big part in Unbreakable Bonds and brings love full circle.  Levi is from the South during an era where race mixing isn’t acceptable and Ta-Mara is from the current time, where race might not be an issue at all.  There are two women in Levi’s heart so he’s torn between the past and present.  I can easily imagine Levi in all his glory during the past, but I must say I loved him best during the times he was adjusting to the twenty-first century.  I guess a SUV would freak out anyone accustomed to horses.  When Levi entered a bathroom for the first time, I felt how overwhelmed he must have been.  Under the circumstances, I’d say the man adapted like a duck takes to water.  Ta-Mara’s giving nature makes for some very touching scenes and I know readers will feel how genuine she is.  I bet I won’t be the only one looking hopefully at my bookshelf after reading this novel.

Time Weaver

Title:  Time Weaver

Author:  Kate Donovan

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

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

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-61921-005-9

Genre:  {M/F} Retro Romance, Time Travel

Rating:  3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

For months Alexander BlackKnife’s search for a missing woman had lead him to nothing but dead ends.  As an attorney, Alexander would investigate every avenue, even if it might implicate his people, the Susquehannock tribe.  Alexander decides to follow up with the missing blonde’s cousin as a last resort and his entire world changes in the blink of an eye.

Cassandra Stone is a creative beauty who refuses to accept the notion that her cousin could be dead.  Even though the world might think her cousin had lost touch with reality, Cassie thought anything was possible.  If her cousin had traveled to the past, Cassie was determined to find out what happened to her.  Alexander’s disbelief wasn’t going to stop Cassie from following her cousin into the past to make sure she was okay. 

After waking up in the seventeenth century, Cassie is overjoyed to meet her cousin.  Her joy quickly turns to fear when she realizes that Alexander followed her and is in serious trouble.  In the present day, Cassie and Alexander didn’t get a chance to explore their attraction, because of Alexander.  Being in the past together gave them the perfect opportunity to be together, if they could survive long enough to return home. 

Alexander’s fate brings him face to face with his idol.  He gets to spend time with his mentor, learning the old ways and also share his modern knowledge.  Before coming to the past, Alexander questioned his ability to change things for the tribe and if he was the right man for the job.  He’d even convinced himself why a relationship with Cassie was off limits. 

Cassie comes to the conclusion that fate didn’t want her to be with Alexander.   At first she thought the trip to the past was about her.  However, after seeing all the positive changes Alexander makes, Cassie changes her mind.  As much as it hurt, Cassie puts aside her feelings and leaves Alexander, which almost turns out to be a fatal disaster.  Alexander intervenes just in time and the couple gets the ending they deserve. 

Dream Weaver unites a couple who mean a lot to the lives of those around them.  Alexander has obligations to his people, and he’s not certain if he’s strong enough to endure everything.  What he does know is that he wants Cassie and she wants him.  Alexander had doubts, but I never doubted for a minute.  I always saw the strength in him and so did everyone around him.   I like Cassie’s character because she is so quirky.  She certainly knows how to improvise and that quality saved her numerous times.  The story has a lot going on, but I know readers will enjoy the twist and turns the author makes.  Every character left me with a lasting impression and readers will agree.

Passion Awakened

Title:  Passion Awakened

Author: Jessica Lee 

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781419940279

Genre:  {M/F} Time Travel

Rating:  3.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

The time away from her daughter, in the family cabin, was supposed to be good for Shayla Murphy’s muse.  All had gone well until two men materialized out of thin air on her doorstep and had a tussle.  The blue-eyed, hot stranger had saved her life, but that didn’t mean Shayla felt safe about letting him in or that she believed his story about being from the future.  Calling the police wasn’t an option since they’d only think she was crazy.  Shayla’s heart went out to the stranger, especially when she noticed he seemed to be getting sick. 

Creed Donovan’s sickness was going to take him into unchartered territory and unless he can get home quickly, there’s no cure for his ailment.  Creed is a drug enforcer for the Federation of Americans and he’s chasing a rebel.  With his supply of sexual suppressing drugs stolen, Creed is experiencing some serious knee-buckling arousal.  Being stranded with Shayla is only making it worse.  For the first time in his life, Creed begins having doubts about his duties. 

In Creed’s time, the government has decided to create a safer society by using drugs to suppress people’s sexual desires.  Creed accepted this and did his job without question until he met Shayla.  She opened his eyes and he realized all the things he was missing in his world.  Maybe there was less chaos, but there was also a lot less happiness.  After being exposed to that much pleasure and emotion, there was no way Creed was going to go back to living without it again.  Now that Shayla and Creed have discovered each other, they are in danger of being torn apart.  Shayla and Creed have an unexpected connection that winds up being their saving grace in the end.  Shayla needed a man like Creed in her life.  I think he restored her faith in men and I know that Shayla changed Creed’s ideas about humanity.  Passion Awakened is the best description ever for this rousing story of two people who found what they didn’t know they were missing.  Losing control of a situation can often times be the best thing ever and I know that readers will agree with me after reading this story. 

Huntress for Hire

Title:  Huntress for Hire

Author:  Ali Atwood

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Publisher URL:  www.extasybooks.com

ISBN/BIN:  978-1-77111-110-2

Genre:  {M/F/M}, Ménage, Shape-Shifter, Sci-Fi, Time-travel

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph 

Because of her size and profession, Kat has always had trouble with men and their attitudes.  Max and Brett arrive in Kat’s time to catch a killer that has targeted Kat. 

Huntress for Hire has some interesting concepts that you don’t see very often, if at all, in time-traveling stories.  The author also had an interesting look at law enforcement in the future. 

Kat is a very strong character and wants a man that can accept her.  To have found two men who fit her criteria is something that Kat doesn’t quite trust.  Max and Brett are also strongly written, as is the villain.  The author created some interesting personality enhancements for each character that are perfectly acceptable in the future, but a person would have to hide in our time. 

Once Kat, Max and Brett get together, the chemistry is intense between them.  I was a little surprised by the ending, but enjoyed it.  The twists and turns in the story are realistic for the story concept.  Looking at some of the society and technology of the future was also interesting.  

I enjoyed this story from Ms. Atwood and am looking forward to reading more from her.

Highland Steam

Title:  Highland Steam

Author:   Eliza Knight

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

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

ISBN/BIN:  9781419939747

Genre:  {M/F} Time Travel

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph 

Her trip to Scotland was supposed to help her heal, but it wasn’t going as planned.   So far Briana was terribly lost, hungry, thirsty, and possibly hallucinating.  The New York City girl was definitely out of her element.  Somehow, the glowing stones had led her to one sexy and naked stranger.  Why did it seem as if he was expecting her? 

With the weight of his entire clan on his shoulders, Drostan Comyn does what he must for the future of Inverlochy Castle.  He’s not so sure the magic will work, but he tries anyway.  Only one woman can help him, so the legend says.  Magic brought the enchanting beauty to him, but what would make her stay? 

Briana and Drostan are from two different worlds, literally, but that doesn’t stop them from falling for each other.  Briana was torn between staying with Drostan and returning to her own time.  Drostan wanted Briana, but he wanted her decision to be uninfluenced.  I was moved by the fact that Drostan was prepared for Briana to return home.  In such a short time, he’d actually fallen in love with her.  Lust I expected, but not love.  Briana wasn’t leaving behind anyone who’d miss her but she was giving up eight hundred years of progress.  Personally, I doubt I could do it, no matter how handsome Drostan was.  Highland Steam is a short love story that reminded me of the importance of family.  Also, I never grow tired of reading about hunky Highlanders who know how to make a woman feel like a woman and I think readers will agree.   I enjoyed this couple and have hopes that Drostan’s sister might reappear in a future story. 

Take It Off, Warrior

Title: Take It Off, Warrior
Author: Eliza Knight
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publisher URL: http://www.jasminejade.com/
ISBN: 9781419928154
Genre: {M/F} Time Travel, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Cipher Prose Nymph

When Valerie rents a castle in Ireland for the ultimate Bachelorette party for a friend, she could have never imagined that the gesture would put her on her own path to true love.

Camden wakes up in his castle, only it’s five hundred years later. His conscience draws him toward finding a way to return to his time, but his heart begs him to stay after meeting Valerie.

Take It Off, Warrior kept my fingers itching to turn the page. The descriptions of the castle were deep and painted a perfect picture in my mind, making me wish I were there right along with Valerie and Camden.

While the sex was fiery hot from the beginning, it was also fed off of love and grew in intensity.

The inner emotional struggles Valerie had to deal with and the journey Camden took to figure out his importance in each life provided good conflict and led to a believable and happy outcome.

I would have loved to read a full length novel about Camden and Valerie and recommend Take It Off, Warrior to anyone who wants a fast-paced, hot read.

Man in the Mirror

Title: Man in the Mirror
Author: Alex Standish
Publisher: Torquere Books
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60370-912-5
Genre: {M/M}, Western, Time -Travel
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Shane is a recent transplant to Glendale, Arizona. While walking around town, he comes across an antique store where he ends up buying a mirror believed to be enchanted by a long ago witch. Later that evening, when the moon is full, something strange happens and Shane’s life will never be the same again.

Navezgane is an Apache warrior looking for the white men who destroyed his village. When he comes across a group of outlaws, he is surprised by the strange white man they have tied up.

If you like M/M stories with a time travel theme, then you are going to love this one. It is probably one of the best I have read in some time. The characters, Shane and Navezgane, are just plain fun. Although they seemly have nothing in common, the author brings them together in such a way that they can’t help but fall in love. Shane’s easy acceptance of traveling to the past was a plus, as there was none of the whining and complaining that can occur in stories like this. The snappy dialog and one-liners will keep the reader entertained. While the passion between these two is intense, it is the constant trouble Shane and Navezgane seem to find themselves in that will keep the readers turning the pages.

Although I have only read a few stories by Alex Standish, Man in the Mirror is, by far, my favorite and one I will be reading again and again.

Single White Knight

Title: Single White Knight
Author: Brynn Paulin
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Publisher URL: http://www.total-e-bound.com/
ISBN: 978-1-906811-04-4
Genre: {M/M} Gay, Time Travel
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx

When news of his true desires surface, Sir Alwyn the Black goes on the run. For years, he has dealt with the painful separation from his lover left wondering if he should keep going. Alwyn’s ready to make a change, however destiny decides another town is too short of a leap.

Toby Woods is an adjunct professor for a small private college. He has a passion for medieval history, and uses his knowledge for other projects. When the knight appears proclaiming to be his lost love, Toby cannot deny the attraction, but something holds him back from admitting the truth.

Their reconciliation balances on the tip of a very sharp sword.

Single White Knight is a story about love, sorrow, second chances and learning to embrace your true desires. Toby keeps his lifestyle hidden for a number of reasons. Coming face to face with Alwyn made him reexamine his life and make a few hard decisions. Alwyn wants to be Toby’s knight. Regardless of how he adored Toby, he drew the line on what sacrifices he was willing to make. I respected Alwyn’s straightforward and decisive manner. They are a very believable couple with their easy banter and passion, simmering close to the surface. The Midwest setting was the perfect location for this fast-paced story. I found Single White Knight to be a fantastic read.

No Regrets

Title: No Regrets
Author: Mari Carr
Publisher: Liquid Silver
Publisher URL: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59578-569-5
Genre: {M/F} Contemporary, Historical, Time Travel
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Goddess Minx

Tori Hamilton is distraught over the disappearance of her two close friends. She now has to put together the mysterious clues left for her, and figure out what happened to them. When she returns to the old oak tree where they spent their summers, she is whisked back to regency England, and found unconscious by Lord Benjamin Sinclair. She awakens in a strange bed with no memory, a tall dark handsome man standing over her, and all she can do is start crying at her situation. When Tori gets her memory back, and realizes why she is there, she takes off to help her friends, who are in danger.

After returning home from the soul-damaging war, Lord Benjamin decided to become a recluse, and moved to the country with his ward. Because of his dark emotional depressions, he goes to one of his close friends to secure the future of his ward. He is not able to see him about the matter, and on his return home, finds Tori badly beaten by the old oak tree. Now that she has become his sunshine, there is nothing he won’t do to keep her safe, and by his side forever.

No Regrets is the second book in the June Girls series and was not what I expected while reading this story. Here is a young lady who never received any kind of positive love or nurturing from her parents. While battling her overweight issues, she completes her college to become a Children’s Librarian. The months Tori spends with Ben, helping him get the house in order, while being the governess for little Chelsea, are some of the best in her life, helping her ease some her anxieties.

The close bond developed by Tori with Chelsea is what triggers warning bells for her in regards to a hired man with intentions of doing harm. Mari Carr has done a wonderful job telling of the changes needed for the June Girls to adjust to being in the past, and living with the dominant males of that time. I found myself laughing at the men’s sometimes shocked responses to the ladies’ language, and behavior of the twenty-first century. I enjoyed reading of how different the characters were, and how they were able to be there for each other when needed. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.