Miracles From the Heart by J Paulette Forshey

April 24, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Miracles From the Heart by J Paulette Forshey
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, Light Paranormal
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Two heartwarming stories for the price of one!

A little girl’s Christmas wish brings more than joyful holiday music to her family in ‘Magic of the Christmas Flute’.

It’ll take ‘The Christmas Gift’ to help a couple who married for convenience find love, happiness and the family they’ve always wanted.

Cute and fulfilling for the holidays.

I’m a sucker for holiday romances. Doesn’t have to be Christmas time. I’ll read them all year ’round. This one really fit the bill for me. These are two short stories, so there isn’t a lot there, but there didn’t have to be. The story was fleshed out just fine in both cases.

Magic of the Christmas Flute showed just what a little love, faith and belief can do. I liked that the little girl wasn’t just a prop in the story. She had a purpose, and it was cute. I enjoyed this story a lot.

The Christmas Gift is the shorter of the two stories, but again, there’s plenty there in such a small amount of pages. I knew what was going on and felt for both characters. I felt the pain and yearning, but also the healing.

If you’re looking for something sweet, cute and wonderful for the holidays or any day, then this is the story set for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Triple Intent by Kristian Parker

April 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Triple Intent by Kristian Parker
Village Affairs series, book 3
Publisher: Pride Publishing, Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When a billionaire and his assistant bring change to the village, Michael has to adapt…

The future’s uncertain for Michael Fleming. He came to the sleepy Yorkshire village of Napthwaite a year ago as Thorpe Hall’s gardener, but now the Hall’s been sold…to billionaire hotelier Darryl Burlington.

When self-made Darryl and his handsome French assistant, François Vernier, come to set up the new property acquisition, they plan to find a willing third party to share their bed. Darryl and François aren’t together, but they like to celebrate success. But instead of indulging themselves in a treat after their hard work, they trigger events which no one could have foreseen.

This chain reaction Darryl, François and Michael leads to big changes in Napthwaite—and in all three men’s lives…

Three men, one relationship and one big…love?

I love books with thruples in them. This one didn’t disappoint. I also love the books of Kristan Parker and again, not disappointed. The writing moved along at a great clip and kept me reading to know what would happen next. I’ve read the others in this series and loved them, so seeing Michael in this one made me happy. I’m glad I picked this one up.

Michael, the gardener, has kept the property’s gardens in tiptop shape. I loved his dedication to his plants. He’s concerned he might not have a place when the new owners show up. Darryl is a billionaire and loves to have a third in his relationship. He’s been sharing his bed with his assistant Francois for years and knows there is a third out there for him. There is love in this story, but also complication and misunderstanding, which makes sense and made the characters more human.

It took me a bit to warm up to Francois, but once I did, I liked him more. He’s hurting because he’s been in love with Darryl for years and is fine with sharing him, but he’s unsure of how Darryl truly feels for him. When he thinks he’s been edged out, he lashes out. It’s mean at times, but understandable.

If you’re looking for something hot, with a thruple and packed with great writing, then try this series. I highly recommend.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Heartstopper, Vol 3 by Alice Oseman

April 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Heartstopper, Vol 3 by Alice Oseman
Publisher: Graphix
Genre: YA (ages 14+), LGBTQ, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Charlie didn’t think Nick could ever like him back, but now they’re officially boyfriends. Nick has even found the courage to come out to his mom. But coming out isn’t something that happens just once, and Nick and Charlie try to figure out when to tell their friends that they’re dating. Not being out to their classmates gets even harder during a school trip to Paris. As Nick and Charlie’s feelings get more serious, they’ll need each other more than ever.

Back to the world of Nick and Charlie and it’s so good.

I love this series because the characters are so realistic. They’re funny, heartbreaking and real. I’m wrapped up in this couple. Really. I couldn’t put this volume down and was sad to see it end. The writing is much like that of the age group the boys are and it’s shown in the same manner that young people in their situation struggle. It’s realistic and that’s great.

I’ve read the others in this series and I’m glad I did. It helped me to understand what the characters are going through and how hard it is to be a teen. Nick is just starting to come to terms with who he is and coming out to his family. It’s hard and the book shows that. Charlie, while already out, is dealing with an eating disorder, brought on by teasing because he’s gay. A lot of young people can identify with the characters.

This is written in a tender, but real way. The characters struggle, but it’s like reading the picture diary of friends. I loved it.

If you’re looking for a book with tender but teen characters and a great storyline, then this might be the book for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Stompin’ at the Savoy: The Story of Norma Miller by Alan Govenar

April 18, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Stompin’ at the Savoy: The Story of Norma Miller by Alan Govenar
Publisher: Candlewick
Genre: YA (Ages 10+), Historical, Non-Fiction, Biography
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Through extensive interviews with jazz dancer Norma Miller, acclaimed author and filmmaker Alan Govenar captures the vitality, wry humor, and indomitable spirit of an American treasure.

When she was just five years old, in 1924, Norma Miller knew just what she wanted to do for the rest of her life: she wanted to dance. It was the Jazz Age, the Harlem Renaissance, and Norma lived behind New York’s Savoy Ballroom, the only dance hall in a still-segregated America where blacks and whites could mingle on the same mahogany floor. It was in this majestic “home of happy feet” that twelve-year-old Norma first brought the house down, swing-stepping with Twist Mouth George, one of the premier dancers of the day. Before long, the feisty Norma would rise to fame as one of the first performers of the Lindy Hop, an acrobatic dance style named for Charles Lindbergh’s first solo flight (or “hop”) across the Atlantic. With the celebrated dance troupe Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, a teenage Norma would cross the Atlantic herself on a tour of Europe and even strut her stuff on the silver screen.

In this invigorating, humorous, and thought-provoking oral autobiography, Alan Govenar captures the sound and spirit of Norma Miller’s voice as she recalls her early years and coming of age as a determined young dancer during the heyday of swing. Augmenting her lively narrative are Martin French’s jazzy, single-color illustrations, evoking the vibrant style of vintage poster art.

A pioneer in the dance world and a fascinating person all-around.

I loved the Ken Burns documentary Jazz and was thrilled to find a biography of one of the dancers featured in the program. Norma Miller. First, she’s a fascinating person. Second, it’s impressive how she managed to pull herself up. Third, she’s a survivor. I can’t imagine how she managed to live her life and not get bogged down in some of the low points.

This story is a YA book, but really, anyone can read it. This is the story of Norma Miller. She was a Lindy Hop dancer who started out by watching the shadows from the Savoy Ballroom and listening to the music. She had some lessons, but most of her training is self-taught. I liked that she wasn’t just an overnight success. She had to work for it. The author spoke directly to her for this book and that shows. Her voice, just like in the documentary, really shines. She didn’t have an easy life, either, as she went on dance tours and often spent many months away from home, despite the tours only supposed to have been a few weeks.

I liked that she taught dance and works with young dancers to develop their love of dance and jazz in particular.

If you’re looking for a dance biography and want something fascinating, then this is the book for you. Check it out.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Washington Wives by Maureen Dean

April 17, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Washington Wives by Maureen Dean
Publisher: Diamond Books
Genre: Historical, Romance, Action/Adventure, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In five days, the President will announce a new Chief of Staff.

Three very beautiful, very powerful women have each decided that her husband will be the next man in the White House.

Five days. Three women. One golden opportunity to be married to the second most influential man in America.

And only one of them will succeed.

I thought the intrigue in Washington was all make believe…

I knew when I picked up this book that there would be steam. There was a bucketload of that. Every detail is written from the viewpoint of someone who lived it or at least very close to it. This book also showed the maneuverings in Washington and how cutthroat it can be.

The moment I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. There were twists and turns, plus a lot of backstabbing and shaky dealings that added to my enjoyment. I don’t want to live around any of these people, but reading about them is fascinating.

One man dies and it’s up for grabs as to who will fill his spot. I loved reading the deals and rumors/lies used to get what everyone wanted. I got invested in the characters right away and I’m glad I read this. I couldn’t put it down.

If you’re looking for something dealing with 1980s politics and full of intrigue, then this book is for you. Give it a try.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Various Intentions by AE Lister

April 14, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Various Intentions by AE Lister
Persuasions, book 3
Publisher: Pride Publishing, Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When best-laid-plans fall apart, all you can do is pick up the pieces—and host a gallery exhibit.

Nic Walker and Vincent Blake lead charmed lives—or so thinks their neglected friend Juno. But when Juno’s plans come crumbling down, it’s their boyfriend Charles who reaches out to get Nic to help. Nic, Vincent, Matteo and even Taylor are there with solid plans for assistance, including an emergency art exhibit called Electric Dreams.

Amid an unexpected revelation about Matteo’s past, a surprising romantic development in Daphne’s life and a personal challenge of Nic’s, the gang comes together to help their friends and demonstrate what real loyalty looks like. Nobody ever said life was easy, but sometimes a challenge can bring out the best in people—and remind you of the true meaning of friendship.

A family that’s found is a family that’s strong.

I love stories that aren’t the usual. This one is one of those stories. That’s not to say this book isn’t good. It’s very good. I’ve been on the hunt for stories of people who are coming into their own, accepting who they are and being comfortable in their own skin. This is one of those books.

Juno and Charles are a good pairing, but they’re troubled and that made them more human. I liked how Nic’s role switched into a fatherly/best friend role with these men. I won’t lie, this is a hot book. I mean, it’ll melt the screen, it’s that hot. But there’s emotion to the heat. It’s not just kink. Plus, this story shows that sometimes the family you make is the strongest bond. Stronger than the one you’re born with. I liked that. Sure, there’s kink, but there’s family.

If you’re looking for a story that’s full of heart and heat, then this is the story for you. It’s not the usual erotic romance and that’s what makes it so good. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Magic & Home by Alexa Piper

April 13, 2023 By 1 Comment


Magic & Home by Alexa Piper
Monster Apocalypse 2
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Futuristic, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Over the past two years, Rory has learned that other people aren’t the best of company, that the guilt of causing the Apocalypse is a heavy burden, and that monsters only see him as a meal. Until Rory met Inkiri, who sees Rory as his mate.

Now, Rory has to navigate what it means to be with someone who not only isn’t human but who also is from another world altogether… and since Rory finds himself in that otherworld all of a sudden, he has to adapt fast. Inkiri definitely has no intention of slowing down in his quest to make his human mate happy.

While Rory is beginning to wrap his head around liking the new place and the new customs, he can’t relax into a peaceful happily ever after because whatever connection Rory has to the magic that unleashed the Apocalypse, people want that, meaning they want him. Where Rory and his newfound family ran to may not have been far enough to escape their pursuers’ clutches.

More magic, more intrigue and more love.

I liked book one in this series and I’m glad I picked up book two. This one is set in Ink’s world, and I really felt like I was there with the characters. I liked the pacing and the way this book is set up. The story moves so fast, but it’s a great clip. I was right there with the characters and liked how they grew through this book.

Ink and Rory are good together and I liked seeing how they grew together. Rory is starting to come into his magic a bit more and Ink has welcomed Rory into his world. They’re a great pairing.

This isn’t a simple story. Ink has found family with him, and they add their own complications. Plus, Rory seems to be a magnet for trouble. These added layers to the story and I liked it. I liked how things never really slowed down.

If you’re looking for a monster romance that’s not the usual, then this might be the one you’re looking for. Check this one out!

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Terribly Tristan by Lisa Henry & Sarah Honey

April 11, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Terribly Tristan by Lisa Henry & Sarah Honey
Book three in the Bad Boyfriends, Inc. series
Publisher: Pride Publishing, Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When it comes to dating, one and done has always been Tristan’s rule—so what happens when once isn’t enough?

Leo Fisher is a sensible guy, with a sensible life. He’s the picture of respectability, just like his parents raised him to be. But when he inherits a crumbling terrace house in Newtown from his uncle, he also inherits a tenant who turns his world upside down. Tristan is brazen, gorgeous, experienced, and doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. He’s everything Leo is not—maybe that’s why Leo is drawn to him. Leo has only ever made the right choices—the sensible choices, yet here he is, hooking up with his tenant—who happens to be a rent boy.

Tristan Montague is not a rent boy. Not exactly. He’s a Bad Boyfriend. For a modest fee, he’ll turn any date into the kind of disaster that will have his client’s unsuspecting parents begging them to rethink their life choices. Boyfriending for cash is fun, but for real? No thanks. There are way too many flowers in the garden of life to settle on one single bloom. Tristan flits happily from lover to lover like a glorious gay butterfly, and he doesn’t do repeats.

Except when he meets cute, awkward Leo, Tristan finds himself rethinking his ‘no repeats’ rule. Tristan’s mission to show Leo that he, too, can be a glorious gay butterfly takes an unexpected turn when physical attraction develops into something more, and Tristan realizes he might not want to be a fake boyfriend anymore…he might want to be a real one?

But for Leo to take a stand against his overbearing parents, Tristan’s going to have to be a Bad Boyfriend one last time—and it’s going to have to be spectacular.

Two guys who might not be suited for each other find out they’re a perfect match.

I liked the other books in this series, so I was excited to find this one, Terribly Tristan. It looked cute, sounded funny and everything I wanted to read. It was. The writing flowed well, with good pacing and interesting characters. I had to know what would happen next. I liked the premise, too. Tristan is paid to be a bad boyfriend and Leo is trying to break out of his shell. It’s cute.

I liked the chemistry between these two characters. For Tristan, one and done is his way to go. I liked how he had to decide if that’s the only way he wanted to be, or if there was more out there for him. I liked that Leo had to accept that being ‘normal’ and ‘good’ aren’t everything. I had one quibble with the way Leo portrayed his parents. Okay, so they weren’t great in that they wanted something specific for him, but they weren’t mean. Just…parents. It would’ve been nice to see them step back a bit, but this quibble might not bother most readers and that’s fine.

If you’re looking for a hot romance, with a rom-com feel and something fun to boot, then this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Biological Compatibility by MA Freeman

April 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Biological Compatibility by MA Freeman
Aleka Chronicles 4
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Phoebe Walden finally has it all. She’s met the love of her life, and she has a family she can tolerate, who accept her and love her no matter what. But there’s a darkness shadowing her, waiting to destroy her chance at happiness. Not on Phoebe’s watch. However it’s not just her happiness at stake, but all of theirs if she makes even one mistake.

Scott Quinn has done the best he could, floating under the radar. Hard choices have made it difficult for him even to face himself in the mirror. But things finally looking up. He’s found the perfect woman, who seems to be into him as much as he’s into her. Yet Scott has secrets. He knows who he is and what he’s done will cause friction. And always in the shadows lurks the harsh reality that his freedom has been an illusion all along.

A cute story with great characters.

I wasn’t sure what to think when I picked up this book. It’s different and I wanted to like it. I did! The writing flowed well and kept my interest immediately. I liked the chemistry between the characters, too. The pacing is great as well.

Phoebe and Scott are good together. I liked that there were layers to them and that they didn’t put everything out there right away. I also liked that Phoebe isn’t your average woman. She’s complicated and unabashed in her complication. That’s refreshing. She’s not making excuses for herself. I liked that a lot.

Then there’s the romance. Whew!!! This really sizzled. I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I am off to check them out now. If they’re like this one, I’m in for a treat and you will be, too.

Check this one out!

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

Heartstopper, Vol 2 by Alice Oseman

April 7, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Heartstopper, Vol 2 by Alice Oseman
Publisher: Graphix
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Ages 14+, LGBTQ, Romance
Rating 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Nick and Charlie are best friends, but one spontaneous kiss has changed everything. In the aftermath, Charlie thinks that he’s made a horrible mistake and ruined his friendship with Nick, but Nick is more confused than ever. Love works in surprising ways, and Nick comes to see the world from a new perspective. He discovers all sorts of things about his friends, his family… and himself.

The boys are back and trying to navigate this thing called life. The thing called love.

I’m in love with this series because Nick and Charlie are so realistic. I see and feel the struggles in them. I understand where they’re coming from and why they react the way they do. Why? Because yes, it’s shown in the pictures – it’s a graphic novel – but also the heartfelt way the author conveys these things. I’m right there with Nick and Charlie. It’s refreshing.

It’s also a good story for young people who are trying to sort out how they feel – all across the spectrum. We’re all human and we get shy. We make mistakes. This book shows that. I liked that this one, in particular, really spotlighted Nick and his struggles with understanding he’s bisexual. It’s a real struggle that’s hard to deal with if you’re feeling alone and confused.

If you like a sweet romance, a sweet LGBTQ one with two young men navigating the world with the changes in their lives, then this might be the one for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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