Unicorns and Rainbow Poop

Title: Unicorns and Rainbow Poop

Author: Sam Kadence

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press

Publishers URL: http://harmonyinkpress.com/

ISBN/BIN: 9781632164186

Genre: {M/M}, Young Adult, Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

As a member of Vocal Growth, Dane was always able to keep his problems in the background.  Now that the group has fallen apart, Dane has nothing to help him focus and all his problems are soon at the forefront. With no way to handle them, Dane crashes big time. 

The second book in the Vocal Growth series, Unicorns and Rainbow Poop picks up a few months after book one ends and centers on Dane and Bas.  While Bas is a character the readers know well, Dane was just touched on in On the Right Track.  From the start of Unicorns and Rainbow Poop, the readers come to know Dane and the troubles he faces.  His issues are serious and the author does a good job bringing them, and what Dane goes through to fix them, across in a realistic manner.  Dane isn’t the only one going through a rough patch however.  Bas is still estranged from his family and, when his grandmother, the only family member to stand by him after he came out, passes, he finds himself falling back into a severe depression.  The two young men find themselves thrown together by a mutual friend and, while they really have nothing in common, they soon find themselves drawn to each other.  There is a connection between the two men but Dane has a great fear of being gay, one of the things that exasperates his mental health issues.  Bas, on the other hand, has no plans to go into the closet for anyone so you would wonder how these two could ever find their way into a relationship. 

While the author does a good job handling the young men’s issues, there were a few points in the story that, for me, were a little farfetched.  However, these moments move the story along and the fact that this is a work of fiction makes them a little easier to overlook. 

Many characters from the first book show up in this story to lend Dane and Bas a hand.  There are also a few new characters introduced.  While all these characters help move the story along, not all of them are likeable.  There are also a few little twists in the story, one of which was really surprising and I hope will be the focus of the next book.  

Vocal Growth is the type of series that needs to be read in order so that the reader will have a clear understanding of all the primary characters.  Unicorns and Rainbow Poop is not only a great title but was a good second story and for those who may be curious, the Rainbow Poop is a rainbow cookie, one that may just show up in my holiday baking this year. 

Loveblood

Title: Loveblood

Author: M.J. O’Shea

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781632162427

Genre: {M/M}, Shape-shifter, Young Adult

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Max and his mom have finally gotten up the courage to leave his abusive father.  Unlike some who have faced similar situations, they have a place to stay. Unfortunately however, that isn’t necessarily a good thing because in the shifter world, it is frowned on for them to leave the way they did.  This worries Max as he can’t help wondering what kind of reception they will receive once they make it to their new home.

Loveblood is the new release by author M.J. O’Shea.  This shape-shifter story is one that I am sure will grab the reader’s attention from the first page.  Unlike some stories in this sub-genre, the world that the author has created is, at times, more than a little violent, especially for characters so young.  However, this violence is not gratuitous and in fact plays an important part in the story. 

The characters are well written and, from the beginning, it was easy to want them to find their happily ever after.  Max comes from an abusive family so it is understandable that he his leery of going into a new pack.  Jonah is the favorite son of the pack and used to being in control.  Neither one of these young men is ready for the changes that occur once they meet.  There is an instant attraction between the two and, while Max understands what is going on, Jonah has no clue.  While the connection is strong, and the two can’t seem to stay away from each other, there are a lot of misunderstandings that may keep these two apart. 

There are a lot of twists and turns in this story that are sure to hold the reader’s attention.  The author does a great job keeping the reader guessing how everything is going to play out.  I have to say there were a few things I did not expect to happen and one that really surprised me.  There were, for me, a couple of unanswered questions, and I would love to see more of Max and Jonah in the future.  Fans of Ms. O’Shea’s are sure to love this newest story and, if you have not yet tried one of her books, this is a great one to start with.  

For Love of: Tangi

Title: For Love of: Tangi

Author: Antonio

Publisher: Smashwords

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

ISBN/BIN: 9781311457059

Genre: {M/M}, Coming of Age, Young Adult

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Colt’s life has been golden, never really knowing a moment of uncertainty or discontent until the day he meets Tangi.  Tangi is the “new kid” at school and, like Colt, a senior.  When Colt mistakes the other boy for a girl, and asks him to lunch in front of the entire class, everything changes for both of them. 

For Love of: Tangi is my first book by this author and I have to say I enjoyed it very much.  The story is a little unusual as, at times, it seems as if there are more than two main characters. However the story does center on Colt and Tangi, with everyone else pulled into their universe.  Colt is the town’s golden boy but he does not carry the air of entitlement such a position would bring which is unusual.  His confidence takes a hit, however, when he meets Tangi.  I liked that the author allowed him to continue to feel uncertain even as he sets out to befriend, and later falls in love, with Tangi. 

Tangi is different from the rest of the kids at school.  Thanks to his parents, Tangi is a world traveler which gives him an exotic air; the fact that his looks are unique does not hurt either.  While he is not offended by the fact that Colt thinks he is a girl at first, he really does expect the school’s star football player to keep the lunch date that shocks the school.  Tangi is an easy going character.  I love that the author gives him a hidden strength that both young men will find useful at times.

The author also handles the intimacy between the two young men in a way that comes across wonderfully.  The passion between them is hot and intense, even though they choose to take things slowly, waiting to become more physical.  

There is a wide variety of secondary characters in For Love of:  Tangi.  Each one is necessary for moving the story along and, many times, are just as important as the main characters.  There are many fun moments in the story, as well as some tense ones.  The story flows smoothly and will hold the reader’s attention until the very last page.  I could not help hoping for a sequel as For Love of: Tangi came to an end.  I will be keeping my eyes open for more from this author, and encourage those who love the coming of age/young adult sub-genre to give this book a try.

Evolution

Title: Evolution

Author: Sam Kadence

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press

Publishers URL: http://harmonyinkpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-62380-411-4

Genre: {M/M}, Paranormal, Young Adult

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Gene just wants to sing.  When his band has a shot at the big time, Gene can’t decide if he’s excited or regretting everything already.  To make things even more confusing, Gene accidentally runs into Kerstrande, who just happens to be a member of rock royalty and Gene’s secret crush.

Evolution is my first book by this author and after reading this one, I am curious to see what the author has planned next.  Evolution is the kind of story that covers several sub-genres and can therefore be enjoyed by many readers.  There is the rock star aspect of the book, with both main characters in the music industry.  The difference is that while Gene is just starting out, Kerstrande has faded into the background.  The music sub-plot plays heavily in Evolution, and readers may be surprised by the way this part of the story plays out. 

Then there is the paranormal aspect.  This one can get a little confusing at times, as there are a variety of paranormal beings in the story and it is not always clear as to who is what.  The paranormals in Evolution are not always likeable either and are a little on the dark side, which I was surprised by.  It is clear early on that Kerstrande is a vampire, but the author keeps you guessing when it comes to Gene.  Another thing is that in the world the author has built, paranormal beings are known about but must be registered.  The consequences for those who do not follow this law are extreme, which shows why Kerstrande has kept hidden. 

Although it does not always appear so, Evolution is also a young adult story.  Gene is not quite legal but has been on his own for a while.  When he meets Kerstrande, he does not expect the changes that his life takes.  There is a strong connection between the two men and it is easy to understand why, at times, Gene is not sure where he stands with the vampire.  While Kerstrande is the older of the two, at times Gene comes across as the more mature one.  I was surprised by some of Kerstrande’s actions but liked the way he finally steps up at the end.

Evolution was a very interesting story and one I will be reading again.  However, there are some loose ends and I hope the author plans on a sequel soon.

Wrestling with Desire

Title: Wrestling with Desire
Author: D.H. Starr
Publisher: Featherweight Press
Publisher URL: http://featherweightpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-60820-221-8
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Young Adult
Rating: Golden Blush Award
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Derek is looking forward to his final year of high school. As a member of the school’s wrestling team, he knows this is their year to make it to the state championship. What he doesn’t expect is to meet someone like Scott.

Scott is the new kid in school, something he knows all too much about. Not happy about this latest move, Scott expects this to be the year from hell. Then he meets Derek and not only does he find a new friend but soon, the young athlete begins to mean a whole lot more.

Wrestling with Desire by D.H. Starr is a first rate coming-of-age story. Right from the beginning, you can see the connection forming between the main characters, Derek and Scott. Both young men are in their senior year of high school. That each is gay, in the closet and developing feelings for the other means they will soon be facing more than their fair share of issues. All the insecurities they struggle with will take the reader back to their own years in high school. It is also easy to understand the conflict Scott has with his family, particularly his father, and Derek’s inability to grasp what Scott is going through.

These two pulled me into their story from the beginning. Their relationship is not an easy one and more than once I found myself close to tears. After reading Wrestling with Desire, I decided to check out the writer’s web site and was glad to see that this is the first story in a trilogy. I can’t wait to see what the author will throw at them next and can only hope that they will continue to find their happily ever after.