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Badlands #5
Point Blank
Sexy psychic Simon Kincaide and skeptical homicide detective Vic D’Amato are getting married--if the ghost of a murderous magician doesn’t get them first!
Simon and Vic’s wedding is just a few weeks away, and they’re hoping for a little peace and quiet to wrap up work before their honeymoon, but nothing ever goes that smoothly.
Strange circumstances around the death of a retired stage magician suggest supernatural involvement, bringing Simon in on the case. The dark secrets of a long-ago resort hotel lead to a trail of unsolved cold cases that have a chilling similarity. Old scandals, malicious magic, and vengeful spirits expose a web of lies, deceit, and death that is headed for a reckoning.
Can Simon and Vic solve the murders, stop the ghosts, keep Simon’s mother from crashing the party, dodge last-minute wedding disasters, and still make it to the altar on time? Or will the shadows of Myrtle Beach’s haunted past ruin everything?
Point Blank is a fast-paced thrill ride MM paranormal romance packed with supernatural suspense, sinister sleight-of-hand, mysterious monsters, psychic visions, hot men, hurt/comfort, loyal friends, wedding planning, found family, ghosts galore, dark magic, and an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the feels.
Simon and Vic’s wedding is just a few weeks away, and they’re hoping for a little peace and quiet to wrap up work before their honeymoon, but nothing ever goes that smoothly.
Strange circumstances around the death of a retired stage magician suggest supernatural involvement, bringing Simon in on the case. The dark secrets of a long-ago resort hotel lead to a trail of unsolved cold cases that have a chilling similarity. Old scandals, malicious magic, and vengeful spirits expose a web of lies, deceit, and death that is headed for a reckoning.
Can Simon and Vic solve the murders, stop the ghosts, keep Simon’s mother from crashing the party, dodge last-minute wedding disasters, and still make it to the altar on time? Or will the shadows of Myrtle Beach’s haunted past ruin everything?
Point Blank is a fast-paced thrill ride MM paranormal romance packed with supernatural suspense, sinister sleight-of-hand, mysterious monsters, psychic visions, hot men, hurt/comfort, loyal friends, wedding planning, found family, ghosts galore, dark magic, and an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the feels.
Audio CD
First published June 7, 2023
40 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Brice
49 books618 followersMorgan Brice writes Urban Fantasy M/M Paranormal Romance with lots of magic, spooky stuff, and sexy men.
Pen name of author Gail Z. Martin.
Pen name of author Gail Z. Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
June 28, 2023
I do love this series from Morgan, Simon and Vic are a perfect partnership both in love and in their paranormal investigations.
Here we have a slight deviation from the norm as the paranormal crime bit only takes up two thirds of the book, leaving the reader time to enjoy without distraction, the wedding celebrations for the two men.
It's another great read and I particularly liked the intricacies of having multiple ghosts and spirits causing different problems, all relating to a former hotel and the events in its heyday.
I did find that the threat wrapped up quite quickly in the end, when it had been built up into a pretty dangerous situation, but that's a minor quibble.
There were still enough of the creepy and spooky happenings to satisfy my paranormal love and the pacing was excellent throughout.
This whole series is a definite favourite.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review
Here we have a slight deviation from the norm as the paranormal crime bit only takes up two thirds of the book, leaving the reader time to enjoy without distraction, the wedding celebrations for the two men.
It's another great read and I particularly liked the intricacies of having multiple ghosts and spirits causing different problems, all relating to a former hotel and the events in its heyday.
I did find that the threat wrapped up quite quickly in the end, when it had been built up into a pretty dangerous situation, but that's a minor quibble.
There were still enough of the creepy and spooky happenings to satisfy my paranormal love and the pacing was excellent throughout.
This whole series is a definite favourite.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review
September 1, 2025
“Only fifty?” Simon teased. “You planning to ditch me in our eighties for some cute twink?” “Sixty? Forget the twinks—you’re stuck with me forever,” Vic countered.
4.25⭐️
Back in the world of Simon and Vic, and this time they are getting hitched. Finally, the time has come for the two of them to tie the knot, and all they can hope for is that the week before everything will go smooth. Nope! We got dead magicians and a hotel that seems to be haunting Simon, plus things with the wedding just don’t seem to be coming together as smoothly as they wished.
At the end of the day, I enjoy this series a lot. I don’t know what it is about dead magicians, but that storyline hooked me. I think it’s really interesting to look back at how big magic was as a stage performance back in the day. Also, they had some cool gadgets as well. We didn’t get a deep dive into history like I wished, but it was still fun for me.
Overall, we get an interesting storyline, and we finally get to see these two seal the deal. It’s pretty great. I’m pretty sure there is only one more book in this series, which is sad, but I’ll be reading it sometime soon.
4.25⭐️
Back in the world of Simon and Vic, and this time they are getting hitched. Finally, the time has come for the two of them to tie the knot, and all they can hope for is that the week before everything will go smooth. Nope! We got dead magicians and a hotel that seems to be haunting Simon, plus things with the wedding just don’t seem to be coming together as smoothly as they wished.
At the end of the day, I enjoy this series a lot. I don’t know what it is about dead magicians, but that storyline hooked me. I think it’s really interesting to look back at how big magic was as a stage performance back in the day. Also, they had some cool gadgets as well. We didn’t get a deep dive into history like I wished, but it was still fun for me.
Overall, we get an interesting storyline, and we finally get to see these two seal the deal. It’s pretty great. I’m pretty sure there is only one more book in this series, which is sad, but I’ll be reading it sometime soon.
July 5, 2023
Have you ever loved a series so much that you actually felt like going into mourning when you truly believe you may have read the last word you will ever read about characters that have taken a life of their own and come right off the pages? That's how I felt as I saw Simon, Vic, and Ross banish the pesky ghosts from the hotel and the house of the magician that held the spirits prisoner even after death...socialize with their friends...figure out how to keep Simon's toxic mother from attending the most important day of their lives...their wedding...and just being the guys that we, the fans, of this series have grown to love. I became "hooked" on Morgan Brice's series some time ago when I read the first book in her "Witchbane" series... from then on, I couldn't get enough. Then along came the first book in this, the "Badlands" series and it got me hooked even more...it is still my favorite series. There is always supernatural suspense and lots of romance in this and every story. Simon and Vic have to fight some nasty ghosts before they are able to get married...but everyone plays their part. Simon and Vic’s relationship, and Vic’s and his co-worker's (Vic's a detective), attitude towards the supernatural have come a long way since that first book. Ross,(Vic's work partner), and their Captain are now on board and eager to help. Simon and Vic grow so much more in their relationship in every book. Their scenes together are a wonderful mix of sweet and sexy. And those wedding vows, and ceremony...WOW! Simon now has a family that he is deserving of and loves him unconditionally since Vic’s mother has claimed him as one of her own. The crew from another of Morgan's series. "Trifles and Folly", one of them, Cassidy... is Simon's cousin, came in for the wedding, bringing their crew. One of them happened to be a 600-year-old vampire. He was well behaved and didn't bite a single guest...and even ate wedding cake:) I really hope that Morgan Brice will continue to give us more of Simon and Vic as a married couple. I own every book in every series, that Morgan Brice has ever written under this penname, so...if this is the end... I can see a lot of rereading in my future...but please, please, please...don't stop writing this series!!
August 20, 2024
Simon and Vic are about to tie the knot, but more than Simon’s cold mother wishes to haunt their wedding. Morgan Brice’s blending of romance, suspense, and a whole lot of paranormal for this series captured my attention from the first book. I’ve been dreading the moment when the series would wrap up and I really hope a wedding is no cause to close the book on it.
Point Blank is the sixth entry in the Badlands series. The series is the read in order type because of the romance and suspense arcs for the series both seeing significant growth along the way so it goes from enemies to lovers with Simon getting little belief from the local police to this book when it’s all hands on deck when some cursed ghosts are wreaking havoc and the cold cases surrounding the resort motel are similar and stacking up.
Simon, a powerful psychic who owns a psychic business on the Myrtle Beach wharf is a draw to ghosts in trouble and Vic, who had to start over after trouble back home in his old Philadelphia department is now settled at the Myrtle Beach homicide division with a partner who truly has his back. Their wedding is in final prep and the only fly in the ointment is Simon’s pain of a mother who wants in on the wedding celebration and they don’t want her there.
But, this case comes up at the resort hotel and it’s a whopper. Simon needs help and gets it from Vic, the police department, and other local magic sensitives and users, but also from some crossover characters from another of the author’s series featuring Simon’s cousin Cassie.
The book was divided between psychic murder investigation and the wedding. I enjoyed both, but I will admit that I thought the details of the wedding part lost my interest after a bit. Point Blank feels like the final book, but there is room for many more ghostly cases for Simon and Vic.
The Badlands series are spicy hot romantic suspense with LGBT characters and a strong element of paranormal in the exciting Myrtle Beach setting. I can definitely recommend this series and the author’s entire backlist of other series including an Urban Fantasy under her Gail Z Martin pen name.
Kale Williams has been the voice of the series and I really have enjoyed his work adding depth and character to an already strong book because of the quality work to each individual character, the tone and pace of the scenes. Everything became that bit more intense.
I rec'd an audio copy via Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart 8.7.24
Point Blank is the sixth entry in the Badlands series. The series is the read in order type because of the romance and suspense arcs for the series both seeing significant growth along the way so it goes from enemies to lovers with Simon getting little belief from the local police to this book when it’s all hands on deck when some cursed ghosts are wreaking havoc and the cold cases surrounding the resort motel are similar and stacking up.
Simon, a powerful psychic who owns a psychic business on the Myrtle Beach wharf is a draw to ghosts in trouble and Vic, who had to start over after trouble back home in his old Philadelphia department is now settled at the Myrtle Beach homicide division with a partner who truly has his back. Their wedding is in final prep and the only fly in the ointment is Simon’s pain of a mother who wants in on the wedding celebration and they don’t want her there.
But, this case comes up at the resort hotel and it’s a whopper. Simon needs help and gets it from Vic, the police department, and other local magic sensitives and users, but also from some crossover characters from another of the author’s series featuring Simon’s cousin Cassie.
The book was divided between psychic murder investigation and the wedding. I enjoyed both, but I will admit that I thought the details of the wedding part lost my interest after a bit. Point Blank feels like the final book, but there is room for many more ghostly cases for Simon and Vic.
The Badlands series are spicy hot romantic suspense with LGBT characters and a strong element of paranormal in the exciting Myrtle Beach setting. I can definitely recommend this series and the author’s entire backlist of other series including an Urban Fantasy under her Gail Z Martin pen name.
Kale Williams has been the voice of the series and I really have enjoyed his work adding depth and character to an already strong book because of the quality work to each individual character, the tone and pace of the scenes. Everything became that bit more intense.
I rec'd an audio copy via Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart 8.7.24
September 9, 2025
Another ghostly romp from an auto-buy author - there's a plethora of malevolent entities all linked to a demolished hotel. The 'forensic' investigation proved quite interesting but I felt the inevitable final 'showdown' was a bit mild compared to earlier titles.
August 11, 2023
I love this series—Simon and Vic are one of my favorite couples, so I love revisiting them with each new book. This time around with their wedding in the works is something I’ve been looking forward to!
Just when Simon and Vic were hoping they’d be in the clear for their wedding with no supernatural woo-woo stuff the deal with…but you already knew that would be too good to be true, right? The guys have the expected stresses of wedding planning, but now on top of that there are more ghostly things going on in Myrtle Beach for them to contend with. This time the supernatural happenings are tied to an old hotel that’s not around anymore, but those who had ties to it have unfinished business, and they’re not going to make things easy.
This story seemed to concentrate half on the mystery and half on the wedding preparations, bachelor parties, and the wedding itself. Solving the murder and contending with multiple ghosts took up about two-thirds of the book, but there were still plenty of wedding planning issues sprinkled liberally along the way (which is why overall it felt like half/half). It did feel like much of the mystery solving was more tell than show, with the exception of the visits to the victim’s home where they had to contend with the ghosts. I was expecting more of a struggle to deal with them, but the conflict seemed to have a pretty straightforward wrap-up.
The last third of the book was focused on the pre-wedding festivities and the wedding itself, and there is a lot of exhaustive detail. For me, I could have done with much of that detail as I felt like it made that portion of the story drag on. I love Simon and Vic, but I really didn’t need such an in-depth blow-by-blow recounting of the events.
Overall, Point Blank is hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars for me. It still gave me a nice dose of some of my favorite characters, and I liked that there were multiple ghosts to grapple with. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll enjoy Simon and Vic finally ringing those wedding bells. If you haven’t read the other books in the series yet, you could probably read and enjoy this one just fine, but reading the stories in order will be much more satisfying.
Just when Simon and Vic were hoping they’d be in the clear for their wedding with no supernatural woo-woo stuff the deal with…but you already knew that would be too good to be true, right? The guys have the expected stresses of wedding planning, but now on top of that there are more ghostly things going on in Myrtle Beach for them to contend with. This time the supernatural happenings are tied to an old hotel that’s not around anymore, but those who had ties to it have unfinished business, and they’re not going to make things easy.
This story seemed to concentrate half on the mystery and half on the wedding preparations, bachelor parties, and the wedding itself. Solving the murder and contending with multiple ghosts took up about two-thirds of the book, but there were still plenty of wedding planning issues sprinkled liberally along the way (which is why overall it felt like half/half). It did feel like much of the mystery solving was more tell than show, with the exception of the visits to the victim’s home where they had to contend with the ghosts. I was expecting more of a struggle to deal with them, but the conflict seemed to have a pretty straightforward wrap-up.
The last third of the book was focused on the pre-wedding festivities and the wedding itself, and there is a lot of exhaustive detail. For me, I could have done with much of that detail as I felt like it made that portion of the story drag on. I love Simon and Vic, but I really didn’t need such an in-depth blow-by-blow recounting of the events.
Overall, Point Blank is hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars for me. It still gave me a nice dose of some of my favorite characters, and I liked that there were multiple ghosts to grapple with. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll enjoy Simon and Vic finally ringing those wedding bells. If you haven’t read the other books in the series yet, you could probably read and enjoy this one just fine, but reading the stories in order will be much more satisfying.
September 14, 2025
4.5 stars. Audiobook. Paranormal romance, contemporary setting, ocean-side boardwalk town, ghosts tour guide/medium and homicide detective. Low drama, low angst, medium spice. Series of 6 books, following the same couple, must be read in order. Book after book held interesting mysteries that required police work and paranormal talents to tackle. Very well done, I read them one after the other and the series stayed interesting. Narration by Kale Williams was great, multiple characters voices done really well.
There are multiple series from this author in this same universe/timeline, some cameos of other characters, but nothing integral to this series.
There are multiple series from this author in this same universe/timeline, some cameos of other characters, but nothing integral to this series.
September 12, 2024
I’ve loved this series so much! And it’s always fun to see characters from the others series this author has. Simon and Vic have a doozy of a case to solve before their wedding. They are such a supportive couple and always there for each other. They aren’t sure how this will all turn out but they know they will be there for each other. Love the spooky thriller vibes. It was so much fun to listen to!
Read
December 1, 2024i live for Vic and Simon, lol. i was so excited to read about their wedding, and i'm glad it went off with out a hitch. the mystery this time didn't really catch my fancy. i don't know if it was because all i really wanted was the wedding or if it just wasn't as good as the rest of the series. don't get me wrong, the book was good, it just didn't hit like the others did. but i am super excited they are honeymooning at Caynahm castle...
July 2, 2023
Point Blank is Book 6 in the Badlands series. I love this series, the action, adventure, ghosts, mystery, suspense, magic, witches, and found family. I do love when Vic and Simon get to work together. This is a fascinating story from beginning to end. A murder mystery and finally a wedding. It's hard to plan your wedding when you have to deal with reckless spirits. I've loved going on this wild ride with Vic and Simon. I also loved seeing everyone at their wedding. This is an amazing series with strong characters in such a fascinating world. I definitely recommend this book and series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 1, 2025
Simon and Vic are getting married!!! Since it's Simon and Vic, nothing is ever easy. Before they can get to the altar, they have to deal with a haunted hotel and last minute wedding changes. Vic and Simon have so many amazing people in their lives who are willing to help.
I recommend reading the series in order. The narrator, Kale Williams, is great. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I recommend reading the series in order. The narrator, Kale Williams, is great. I'm looking forward to the next book.
January 18, 2025
We get a wedding! But it wasn't smooth sailing leading up to it - murderous ghosts needed to be dealt with first! It was a good mystery with lots of tension and spooky goings on interspersed with the minutia of preparing for a wedding. I enjoyed it.
June 12, 2023
Simon and Vic are getting married! Their wedding day is approaching and there are several fires to be put out so the celebration will go smoothly. They manage to get the wedding details worked out but unfortunately have to face several vengeful and homicidal ghosts before they can enjoy the ceremony. Vic and Simon are one of my favorite book couples. At this point they are a solid couple who work well together at home and at work. When one is suffering or stressed the other finds the strength to help them. Morgan Brice does a wonderful job creating a creepy ghost story then transitioning to the wedding fun. I highly recommend this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
January 11, 2026
"Point Blank" is the sixth book in the "Badlands" series by Morgan Brice. Simon and Vic are looking forward to getting married and are in Pittsburgh, PA. They just want to focus on their wedding, but other things keep them on their toes. I enjoyed revisiting this series and seeing where Morgan is going with it. I would have to say that this book is my favorite in the series. I would say what my favorite scene is, but then it would give part of the story away. Just know that I would definitely give this book a read.
June 30, 2023
I’m definitely glad that we only had regular problems with our wedding and not the supernatural stuff that Simon and Vic do. Morgan Brice uses this book to bring together lots of the characters that appeared in the previous books in this series but most of them only for the wedding. Before that we get the usual heart pounding ghosts, magic, murder and secrets that these two men need to take care of alongside the usual wedding problems. Another marvelous addition to the story.
June 19, 2024
This was a pretty good listen - I'd give the story itself a 3.5, rounded up to a 4. If you've enjoyed previous Badlands books, it's worth continuing. The audio narration was great - Kale Williams never disappoints with his talent of making books even better with his performance.
There was a lot going on, so far as the mystery/ghost story/bad guy to catch portion of it. (The involvement of historical magical items kind of reminded me of Josh Lanyon's Magician Murders, although that has an entirely different sort of overall plot.) Several of the previous Brice/Gail Z. Martin-verse books touched on the trafficking of paranormal creatures, people or relics, a sort of black market, but this was a uniquely Simon/Vic/Myrtle Beach danger to neutralize. Although said danger was definitely lethal and they were working against a clock of sorts, (what with having to stay alive and make it to their wedding), I wasn't intensely sucked into the race to resolution. I think the aspects of the story that focused on Simon & Vic's relationship and wedding overshadowed it - for some listeners/readers, that will not be an issue, but I've been reading/listening to a lot of heavy duty suspense, so I think I needed more adrenaline. I'm still totally invested in this series and the Brice/Martin connected world though.
On the major plus side, for those who have been following the related Brice/Martin series, there are fantastic cameos. I loved seeing so many Deadly Curiosities characters in particular; (Simon is a cousin of that series' main character). For those who haven't read those books, that shouldn't change general understanding of the story - it's just cool for those who have.
A secondary plus for me was that the excessive repetition and occasional very slight inconsistencies in some of Brice/Martin's older works lessened enough that I didn't get pulled out, thinking, "Didn't we just go over this in the last chapter?" or "Why are they saying that the last thing they had to eat were burgers? They just had breakfast before getting in the car." It's not totally without repetition, but it's mostly the sort to subtly jog the memory of readers who haven't read the previous books recently, which was forgivable.
There was a lot going on, so far as the mystery/ghost story/bad guy to catch portion of it. (The involvement of historical magical items kind of reminded me of Josh Lanyon's Magician Murders, although that has an entirely different sort of overall plot.) Several of the previous Brice/Gail Z. Martin-verse books touched on the trafficking of paranormal creatures, people or relics, a sort of black market, but this was a uniquely Simon/Vic/Myrtle Beach danger to neutralize. Although said danger was definitely lethal and they were working against a clock of sorts, (what with having to stay alive and make it to their wedding), I wasn't intensely sucked into the race to resolution. I think the aspects of the story that focused on Simon & Vic's relationship and wedding overshadowed it - for some listeners/readers, that will not be an issue, but I've been reading/listening to a lot of heavy duty suspense, so I think I needed more adrenaline. I'm still totally invested in this series and the Brice/Martin connected world though.
On the major plus side, for those who have been following the related Brice/Martin series, there are fantastic cameos. I loved seeing so many Deadly Curiosities characters in particular; (Simon is a cousin of that series' main character). For those who haven't read those books, that shouldn't change general understanding of the story - it's just cool for those who have.
A secondary plus for me was that the excessive repetition and occasional very slight inconsistencies in some of Brice/Martin's older works lessened enough that I didn't get pulled out, thinking, "Didn't we just go over this in the last chapter?" or "Why are they saying that the last thing they had to eat were burgers? They just had breakfast before getting in the car." It's not totally without repetition, but it's mostly the sort to subtly jog the memory of readers who haven't read the previous books recently, which was forgivable.
June 22, 2023
And the Groom Wore White - In a Size Medium
Remember how 'Friends' used to call episodes 'The One With'?
Well, this is The One with the Wedding.
And the psychotic ghost.
Simon the Ghost Tour Leader, Psychic and police consultant is about to marry his hot homicide detective, Vic.
After being fired from his job as a professor, due to teaching things seen as 'occcult', Simon had moved to Myrtle Beach and settled into his business, Grand Strand Ghost Tours.
It was as a sceptic that Vic came into his shop, after seeing something that disturbed him on a case, and knowing no one would believe him.
Since then, they'd saved each other's lives, worked on paranormal cases, fallen in love and got engaged.
In the midst of stressful wedding planning, Simon takes a reading from a woman whose daughter drowned fifty years ago when they were staying at the old Ocean Paradise hotel.
Between caterers, venue difficulties and psychic readings, Simon is drained.
Of course, the hotel keeps cropping up wherever he looks, as does magic, or famous magicians.
Whether the old hotel was as cursed as their wedding seems to be, or it's just a magnet for ghostly activity, it's Simon's job as police liaison to investigate.
For those who know Martin's/Brice's other series, you'll get to see a few welcome cameos, particularly from the 'Deadly Curiosities' books with Cassidy and Teag, for starters.
As well as being there for the wedding, their skills with cursed objects and hacking are also needed.
Then there's Miss Eppie, Hoodoo Practitioner, Gabriella, bruja, a six hundred year old vampire and a necromancer; not to mention the most nefarious creature of all - Simon's mom!
This jam packed with danger, mystery, emotional rollercoasters, romance, humour and heat.
Brice has an inate skill for description, characterisations, dialogue and story arcs that make the words simply flow. It's clear she also has a top notch editor on board.
The wedding book is everything fans of the series have come to expect and it was a sheer joy to read.
Remember how 'Friends' used to call episodes 'The One With'?
Well, this is The One with the Wedding.
And the psychotic ghost.
Simon the Ghost Tour Leader, Psychic and police consultant is about to marry his hot homicide detective, Vic.
After being fired from his job as a professor, due to teaching things seen as 'occcult', Simon had moved to Myrtle Beach and settled into his business, Grand Strand Ghost Tours.
It was as a sceptic that Vic came into his shop, after seeing something that disturbed him on a case, and knowing no one would believe him.
Since then, they'd saved each other's lives, worked on paranormal cases, fallen in love and got engaged.
In the midst of stressful wedding planning, Simon takes a reading from a woman whose daughter drowned fifty years ago when they were staying at the old Ocean Paradise hotel.
Between caterers, venue difficulties and psychic readings, Simon is drained.
Of course, the hotel keeps cropping up wherever he looks, as does magic, or famous magicians.
Whether the old hotel was as cursed as their wedding seems to be, or it's just a magnet for ghostly activity, it's Simon's job as police liaison to investigate.
For those who know Martin's/Brice's other series, you'll get to see a few welcome cameos, particularly from the 'Deadly Curiosities' books with Cassidy and Teag, for starters.
As well as being there for the wedding, their skills with cursed objects and hacking are also needed.
Then there's Miss Eppie, Hoodoo Practitioner, Gabriella, bruja, a six hundred year old vampire and a necromancer; not to mention the most nefarious creature of all - Simon's mom!
This jam packed with danger, mystery, emotional rollercoasters, romance, humour and heat.
Brice has an inate skill for description, characterisations, dialogue and story arcs that make the words simply flow. It's clear she also has a top notch editor on board.
The wedding book is everything fans of the series have come to expect and it was a sheer joy to read.
June 27, 2023
CWs and CNs at the end.
After several books and adventures, we are finally reunited with psychic Simon Kincaide and his police detective boyfriend, Vic D’Amato, and it is time for wedding bells….except, of course, they have one more case they must solve before they tie the knot. A sudden interest in a hotel from the 1930s stirs up some old magic, leading to a gnarly case where Simon and Vic have to deal with a murder, vengeful ghosts, cursed objects and a host of bad memories and interpersonal drama between people connected to the now demolished Ocean Paradise Hotel.
*Point Blank* was yet another highly enjoyable novel in this series that I’ve so come to love. After everything that Vic and Simon have gone through, I loved seeing them do what they do best and combine their skills to solve this particularly nasty case. The case itself was fascinating with so much of the victim and perpetrator’s histories with each other as well as other figures playing into the twisted sequence of events that led to the death of a once famous stage magician. I really loved seeing Simon and Vic’s respective skill sets come together even more and particularly if Simon wants to keep his love safe from what is an especially wrathful and nasty spirit who will stop at nothing to complete his unfinished business. And of course, watching these two finally get married was such a wonderful celebration of them and the characters we have gotten to know over the past several books. I was particularly weepy at their vows and that was a perfect coda to another 5 star read from Morgan Brice!
CWs: murder and some violence of the supernatural kind; discussions of past deaths by drowning, suicide and seeming freak accidents; discussions of sexual harassment in the past; toxic family members
CNs: This is the sixth book in the paranormal series featuring a psychic and a detective, who are an established couple. The book is lowish heat and does contain on-page sex scenes. Thank you to GRR for the ARC and this is my voluntary review.
After several books and adventures, we are finally reunited with psychic Simon Kincaide and his police detective boyfriend, Vic D’Amato, and it is time for wedding bells….except, of course, they have one more case they must solve before they tie the knot. A sudden interest in a hotel from the 1930s stirs up some old magic, leading to a gnarly case where Simon and Vic have to deal with a murder, vengeful ghosts, cursed objects and a host of bad memories and interpersonal drama between people connected to the now demolished Ocean Paradise Hotel.
*Point Blank* was yet another highly enjoyable novel in this series that I’ve so come to love. After everything that Vic and Simon have gone through, I loved seeing them do what they do best and combine their skills to solve this particularly nasty case. The case itself was fascinating with so much of the victim and perpetrator’s histories with each other as well as other figures playing into the twisted sequence of events that led to the death of a once famous stage magician. I really loved seeing Simon and Vic’s respective skill sets come together even more and particularly if Simon wants to keep his love safe from what is an especially wrathful and nasty spirit who will stop at nothing to complete his unfinished business. And of course, watching these two finally get married was such a wonderful celebration of them and the characters we have gotten to know over the past several books. I was particularly weepy at their vows and that was a perfect coda to another 5 star read from Morgan Brice!
CWs: murder and some violence of the supernatural kind; discussions of past deaths by drowning, suicide and seeming freak accidents; discussions of sexual harassment in the past; toxic family members
CNs: This is the sixth book in the paranormal series featuring a psychic and a detective, who are an established couple. The book is lowish heat and does contain on-page sex scenes. Thank you to GRR for the ARC and this is my voluntary review.
June 10, 2023
Will not disappoint!
This is the 6th book in the Badlands series and continues the same high standard set in the other books in the series. Though this is billed as a stand-alone book, the reader will gain the utmost enjoyment by reading the series in order to fully experience the character development of Vic and Simon, along with the full “supporting cast”!
Hoping for a little peace and quiet before their wedding. strange circumstances around a death put Vic and Simon on the case. What follows is a wild, ride as sinister secrets from a long-ago resort hotel lead them to a trail of unsolved cold cases that are too similar for comfort. Old scandals, malicious magic, and vengeful spirits are entangled in the mystery that Vic and Simon must solve. Vic and Simon experience some harrowing experiences as they get closer and closer to unraveling the long-ago mysteries along with the current death. With Simon’s skills, Vic’s dogged nature and the help of their friends (especially Miss Eppie and Gabriella – love those two!) they confront a force like never before. To add even more pressure, they are solving the case while juggling Simon’s difficult mother and plans for their wedding.
The mystery itself was good, however I really like the way it felt like I was being treated to two different books; a mystery and a romance. Once the case was wrapped up the story transitioned immediately into the wedding that has been lurking in the shadows for several books. Overall, this is a good thriller/mystery with an excellent spooky atmosphere. It’s also a pretty decent romance! There was good character development, and a solid plot to keep the reader engaged. I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily
This is the 6th book in the Badlands series and continues the same high standard set in the other books in the series. Though this is billed as a stand-alone book, the reader will gain the utmost enjoyment by reading the series in order to fully experience the character development of Vic and Simon, along with the full “supporting cast”!
Hoping for a little peace and quiet before their wedding. strange circumstances around a death put Vic and Simon on the case. What follows is a wild, ride as sinister secrets from a long-ago resort hotel lead them to a trail of unsolved cold cases that are too similar for comfort. Old scandals, malicious magic, and vengeful spirits are entangled in the mystery that Vic and Simon must solve. Vic and Simon experience some harrowing experiences as they get closer and closer to unraveling the long-ago mysteries along with the current death. With Simon’s skills, Vic’s dogged nature and the help of their friends (especially Miss Eppie and Gabriella – love those two!) they confront a force like never before. To add even more pressure, they are solving the case while juggling Simon’s difficult mother and plans for their wedding.
The mystery itself was good, however I really like the way it felt like I was being treated to two different books; a mystery and a romance. Once the case was wrapped up the story transitioned immediately into the wedding that has been lurking in the shadows for several books. Overall, this is a good thriller/mystery with an excellent spooky atmosphere. It’s also a pretty decent romance! There was good character development, and a solid plot to keep the reader engaged. I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily
July 7, 2023
4.25 stars
“Point Blank” by Morgan Brice is Book 6 in the ‘Badlands’ series and follows Vic and Simon as they try to solve a locked-room murder mystery with a twist, plus survive to enjoy their upcoming nuptials.
This adult gay paranormal romance continues the adventures of homicide detective Vic and his psychic partner/fiance Simon as they race to solve a mysterious murder that seems to have ties throughout the small beach community. Add pre-wedding complications and jitters, and the stress threatens to derail their plans.
I have been reading the books in this fascinating series since the beginning, and it’s so wonderful to see how their relationship has grown, and touching to watch them work through the complications of family interactions while they approach their special day.
The chilling implications of the cold cases that are uncovered are balanced by the camaraderie that has developed between the police department and Simon and his paranormal contacts. It was fun to follow the clues as they are revealed, especially with the twists of having informants who are non-corporeal and Simon having his ancestor there to provide assistance (and snarky comments). I think this story might be enjoyed by someone new to the series, but it definitely will be more appreciated by those who have read the other stories in this series. There are cameos by characters who star in their own series, such as Badlands or Treasure Trail, and allusions to the fun anthologies set at Caynham Castle, so those new to this author will have plenty of new stories to savor.
This is an excellent addition to the series, combining thrills and chills and sentiment, and I look forward to reading about more adventures experienced by this charismatic pair.
A copy of this story was provided for review
“Point Blank” by Morgan Brice is Book 6 in the ‘Badlands’ series and follows Vic and Simon as they try to solve a locked-room murder mystery with a twist, plus survive to enjoy their upcoming nuptials.
This adult gay paranormal romance continues the adventures of homicide detective Vic and his psychic partner/fiance Simon as they race to solve a mysterious murder that seems to have ties throughout the small beach community. Add pre-wedding complications and jitters, and the stress threatens to derail their plans.
I have been reading the books in this fascinating series since the beginning, and it’s so wonderful to see how their relationship has grown, and touching to watch them work through the complications of family interactions while they approach their special day.
The chilling implications of the cold cases that are uncovered are balanced by the camaraderie that has developed between the police department and Simon and his paranormal contacts. It was fun to follow the clues as they are revealed, especially with the twists of having informants who are non-corporeal and Simon having his ancestor there to provide assistance (and snarky comments). I think this story might be enjoyed by someone new to the series, but it definitely will be more appreciated by those who have read the other stories in this series. There are cameos by characters who star in their own series, such as Badlands or Treasure Trail, and allusions to the fun anthologies set at Caynham Castle, so those new to this author will have plenty of new stories to savor.
This is an excellent addition to the series, combining thrills and chills and sentiment, and I look forward to reading about more adventures experienced by this charismatic pair.
A copy of this story was provided for review
July 3, 2024
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4,5)
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the sixth volume in the Badland series and I recommend reading the books in order. You can read Point Blank as a standalone, but it's more fun to see how Simon and Vic's relationship has developed over the course of the series.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style and it didn't take long for me to become completely immersed in the book.
If you like romance, thrills, suspense and the paranormal, this is the book for you.
Psychic Simon, who has a business in Myrtle Beach, attracts ghosts in trouble. This time he has to deal with a resort hotel where a number of unsolved murders are piling up. He gets help from Vic as well as from the police and local magical beings. It was fun following the various clues and theorizing about the murderer. And let me tell you, Simon has his hands full with the ghosts who are out of control.
Simon and Vic's wedding is also coming up. Not everything goes according to plan here either. The family have to move to alternative accommodation and Simon's mother threatens to break up the wedding with her presence.
Can the series of murders be solved in time? And will they be able to enjoy their wedding?
Simon and Vic are very likeable protagonists who have grown very close to my heart. I was really rooting for them and hoping that everything would work out with the wedding. At the same time, it was super exciting to follow the case and see protagonists from earlier volumes again.
Kale Williams narrated the series and I was very pleased to listen to his voice again because I really enjoy his performance. He adds depth to each character and he portrays the emotions brilliantly. He also finds a suitable voice for each character and gets both the tone and pace of the scenes perfect. He did a brilliant job.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4,5)
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the sixth volume in the Badland series and I recommend reading the books in order. You can read Point Blank as a standalone, but it's more fun to see how Simon and Vic's relationship has developed over the course of the series.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style and it didn't take long for me to become completely immersed in the book.
If you like romance, thrills, suspense and the paranormal, this is the book for you.
Psychic Simon, who has a business in Myrtle Beach, attracts ghosts in trouble. This time he has to deal with a resort hotel where a number of unsolved murders are piling up. He gets help from Vic as well as from the police and local magical beings. It was fun following the various clues and theorizing about the murderer. And let me tell you, Simon has his hands full with the ghosts who are out of control.
Simon and Vic's wedding is also coming up. Not everything goes according to plan here either. The family have to move to alternative accommodation and Simon's mother threatens to break up the wedding with her presence.
Can the series of murders be solved in time? And will they be able to enjoy their wedding?
Simon and Vic are very likeable protagonists who have grown very close to my heart. I was really rooting for them and hoping that everything would work out with the wedding. At the same time, it was super exciting to follow the case and see protagonists from earlier volumes again.
Kale Williams narrated the series and I was very pleased to listen to his voice again because I really enjoy his performance. He adds depth to each character and he portrays the emotions brilliantly. He also finds a suitable voice for each character and gets both the tone and pace of the scenes perfect. He did a brilliant job.
October 12, 2024
The first few hours of this were great. The last hour to an hour and a half was awful. I’ll explain.
I really like the characters and how much the MCs love each other. I’m glad they’re finally at the point of marriage. They’re a little codependent when they keep missing each other their one night before the wedding without each other but I think the author thought it was romantic.
The detective work was mostly them puzzling things out with a little bit of interviewing people and a lot of interviewing ghosts. They did a good job of figuring out the rather complicated plot. There wasn’t quite as much action as usual but there was a good culminating exciting scene.
But then the wedding and everything that happened before and after was explained in excruciating detail. Too much happened after the climax of the story. They of course had to have the wedding but everything was way too long. Too much time was spent on the bachelor parties. There were scenes at all the many things they did for the event including detail about them doing karaoke and what songs they all sang.
They went through both long parties and then their long spa day the next morning and then afternoon tea and going to the beauty salon separated by sex. They even went through every present they got. Every single one. It was really boring.
I think the author had a vision of the perfect wedding with every part of the whole weekend. I would love a wedding like that but I can’t imagine two men would. Anyway, she included everything she imagined but by bit. A lot of authors who want to do this write it in a short story instead that they give out free. I so wish Brice had done that.
I hope the series isn’t over but what’s next, kids? Their lives are a bit dangerous and unpredictable for children. But we’ll see.
Kale Williams did a fabulous job of narrating as usual. He’s one of my very favorites.
I really like the characters and how much the MCs love each other. I’m glad they’re finally at the point of marriage. They’re a little codependent when they keep missing each other their one night before the wedding without each other but I think the author thought it was romantic.
The detective work was mostly them puzzling things out with a little bit of interviewing people and a lot of interviewing ghosts. They did a good job of figuring out the rather complicated plot. There wasn’t quite as much action as usual but there was a good culminating exciting scene.
But then the wedding and everything that happened before and after was explained in excruciating detail. Too much happened after the climax of the story. They of course had to have the wedding but everything was way too long. Too much time was spent on the bachelor parties. There were scenes at all the many things they did for the event including detail about them doing karaoke and what songs they all sang.
They went through both long parties and then their long spa day the next morning and then afternoon tea and going to the beauty salon separated by sex. They even went through every present they got. Every single one. It was really boring.
I think the author had a vision of the perfect wedding with every part of the whole weekend. I would love a wedding like that but I can’t imagine two men would. Anyway, she included everything she imagined but by bit. A lot of authors who want to do this write it in a short story instead that they give out free. I so wish Brice had done that.
I hope the series isn’t over but what’s next, kids? Their lives are a bit dangerous and unpredictable for children. But we’ll see.
Kale Williams did a fabulous job of narrating as usual. He’s one of my very favorites.
July 11, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.25 hearts
Years ago, a swanky hotel for the rich and famous went bust. With its anniversary approaching and associated antique items appearing all over the place - ghosts are disturbed. All is not well, and the extra activity is doing a number on Simon’s psychic abilities. When a former magician dies under suspicious circumstances, Simon is brought in to help his fiancée, Vic, with the case. The question is whether Vic and Simon can solve all the mysteries before their wedding – will they even survive that long?
Point Blank is book 6 in the Badlands series and can be read as a standalone. I am a fan of Morgan Brice’s writing. I like it because the stories take me into a world of the supernatural, where logic and mystery work together, providing an engaging tale that keeps me eagerly turning the page.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Vic and Simon. Worldbuilding gave me sufficient imagery to picture the scene without going OTT, which suited my reading tastes. I also enjoyed how enough backstory was provided for the emotions displayed while not losing the story focus on the main arc or going off on a tangent.
I felt as though I journeyed with the characters because I was taken through the investigation process, theorizing, visits, revelations, actions, and dangers associated with solving the case. Vic and Simon’s loving established relationship came through in every activity - including their wedding jitters and organizational hazards. The author’s vision for the wedding also came over nicely, too.
The extended cast complimented the story without overshadowing the main characters. I particularly liked Vic’s police partner, Ross, and the D’Amato brothers – they were a riot.
I think the paranormal danger could have gone up an extra notch. What can I say? I love angsty drama. Nevertheless, I still found Point Blank a grassroots investigative pleasure to read and a worthy addition to my Morgan Brice library.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Years ago, a swanky hotel for the rich and famous went bust. With its anniversary approaching and associated antique items appearing all over the place - ghosts are disturbed. All is not well, and the extra activity is doing a number on Simon’s psychic abilities. When a former magician dies under suspicious circumstances, Simon is brought in to help his fiancée, Vic, with the case. The question is whether Vic and Simon can solve all the mysteries before their wedding – will they even survive that long?
Point Blank is book 6 in the Badlands series and can be read as a standalone. I am a fan of Morgan Brice’s writing. I like it because the stories take me into a world of the supernatural, where logic and mystery work together, providing an engaging tale that keeps me eagerly turning the page.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Vic and Simon. Worldbuilding gave me sufficient imagery to picture the scene without going OTT, which suited my reading tastes. I also enjoyed how enough backstory was provided for the emotions displayed while not losing the story focus on the main arc or going off on a tangent.
I felt as though I journeyed with the characters because I was taken through the investigation process, theorizing, visits, revelations, actions, and dangers associated with solving the case. Vic and Simon’s loving established relationship came through in every activity - including their wedding jitters and organizational hazards. The author’s vision for the wedding also came over nicely, too.
The extended cast complimented the story without overshadowing the main characters. I particularly liked Vic’s police partner, Ross, and the D’Amato brothers – they were a riot.
I think the paranormal danger could have gone up an extra notch. What can I say? I love angsty drama. Nevertheless, I still found Point Blank a grassroots investigative pleasure to read and a worthy addition to my Morgan Brice library.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
July 10, 2024
Okay, here is the thing. I absolutely love the Badlands series. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. Magic, mayhem, suspense, murder, mystery, action...and of course, romance. So when I saw that a new audiobook had been added, I jumped at the chance. Here are my thoughts.
STORY: 4 Stars
I really liked this story. Vic and Simon can't have an easy time when they are planning their wedding or trying to find a venue. That would be too picturebook perfect, and they are not that couple. LOL. Ghosts are causing mayhem, and together, they have to wrap up their case before they can say I Do and fly off on their honeymoon. But as always, there is danger lurking. The characters are great, the side characters are amazing and memorable, and the story pulls you in. That said, this one seemed a little like something was missing that the other stories possessed. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's still a great story that I loved, and I still recommend listening to or reading it, though.
NARRATION: 4.5 Stars
Kale did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life as always. Each has their own voice, their own mannerisms, and quirks that jump through the speakers and help to distinguish each one.
OVERALL: 4 Stars
I loved the book and have both read and listened to it. But there is something missing. It still comes alive in your head and heart, still has amazing characters, and you still want to cheer for Vic and Simon as they take you on their adventures. I will admit there was a time or two I wanted to yell look behind you. Ghosts can be anywhere. LOL. 4 stars and I suggest you one-click this one today!
STORY: 4 Stars
I really liked this story. Vic and Simon can't have an easy time when they are planning their wedding or trying to find a venue. That would be too picturebook perfect, and they are not that couple. LOL. Ghosts are causing mayhem, and together, they have to wrap up their case before they can say I Do and fly off on their honeymoon. But as always, there is danger lurking. The characters are great, the side characters are amazing and memorable, and the story pulls you in. That said, this one seemed a little like something was missing that the other stories possessed. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's still a great story that I loved, and I still recommend listening to or reading it, though.
NARRATION: 4.5 Stars
Kale did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life as always. Each has their own voice, their own mannerisms, and quirks that jump through the speakers and help to distinguish each one.
OVERALL: 4 Stars
I loved the book and have both read and listened to it. But there is something missing. It still comes alive in your head and heart, still has amazing characters, and you still want to cheer for Vic and Simon as they take you on their adventures. I will admit there was a time or two I wanted to yell look behind you. Ghosts can be anywhere. LOL. 4 stars and I suggest you one-click this one today!
July 20, 2023
5 Stars
Of all the series that Ms. Morgan has created this one, which has always remained my favorite. Point Blank really should be read in order because these two men have really worked hard to get where they are.
This is a couple that is equally likable. They are from completely different backgrounds, but they complement each other perfectly. Vic is a hard-boiled cop who comes from a huge Italian family that loves him completely. Simon is a medium that owns a shop for tourists in Myrtle Beach. This area is host to many paranormal beings. Simon fled a life of academia due to a fallout with the university and also left a horrible boyfriend and an equally awful mother. Settling in this beach resort, he found a new career and the love of his life.
Simon and Vic are in the midst of their wedding arrangements, and of course, ghostly issues emerge. Simon sometimes works on occult police cases with his fiancé. Ross is Vic’s work partner and has a wonderful relationship with the two men. The three are up to their ears in ghosts in their current case.
A bizarre death and more angry ghosts than you can keep track of having our guys racing to solve the murder before the nuptials. A decent amount of ghostly drama is mixed in with the wedding preparation and the big day itself. If you follow the series, please pick up this book. It is filled with sweetness and joy, along with some heart-pounding moments, because Vic and Simon wouldn’t have it any other way. Happy reading.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. **
Of all the series that Ms. Morgan has created this one, which has always remained my favorite. Point Blank really should be read in order because these two men have really worked hard to get where they are.
This is a couple that is equally likable. They are from completely different backgrounds, but they complement each other perfectly. Vic is a hard-boiled cop who comes from a huge Italian family that loves him completely. Simon is a medium that owns a shop for tourists in Myrtle Beach. This area is host to many paranormal beings. Simon fled a life of academia due to a fallout with the university and also left a horrible boyfriend and an equally awful mother. Settling in this beach resort, he found a new career and the love of his life.
Simon and Vic are in the midst of their wedding arrangements, and of course, ghostly issues emerge. Simon sometimes works on occult police cases with his fiancé. Ross is Vic’s work partner and has a wonderful relationship with the two men. The three are up to their ears in ghosts in their current case.
A bizarre death and more angry ghosts than you can keep track of having our guys racing to solve the murder before the nuptials. A decent amount of ghostly drama is mixed in with the wedding preparation and the big day itself. If you follow the series, please pick up this book. It is filled with sweetness and joy, along with some heart-pounding moments, because Vic and Simon wouldn’t have it any other way. Happy reading.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. **
June 14, 2023
It was clear that the path to the altar wouldn't be problem-free for these two.
We are finally there, Simon and Vic have only one week to go until their wedding but it wouldn't be these two if not a ghost or two or three would cause havoc.
I love these two characters. Over the last books we could see how much their relationship grew and I love that there is no drama for the sake of drama with them.
As they have their HEA already, the book is very much more a mystery but don't worry, the sexy times aren't missing and it's the general love they have for each other which shines through.
So, the mystery. When Simon suddenly is surrounded by stories about an old hotel which had be demolised years ago and a magician who performed there is found murdered, everything points to the supernatural. The mystery is fast, interesting, well researched and as always there are twist and turns.
I love the litte bits, Ross and Vic's Van Helsing bag Simon put together for them to protect them, the other secondary characters who always appear and are equally loved. Cassie and her crew from Charleston make an appearance.
The wedding - this is really the fitting end of the book. All ghosts are laid to rest (I honestly want to know what they do with trapped ghosts) and all wedding problems are sorted. Again, no drama as potential issues were nicely sorted.
I hope to see these two back again for more ghost mysteries.
We are finally there, Simon and Vic have only one week to go until their wedding but it wouldn't be these two if not a ghost or two or three would cause havoc.
I love these two characters. Over the last books we could see how much their relationship grew and I love that there is no drama for the sake of drama with them.
As they have their HEA already, the book is very much more a mystery but don't worry, the sexy times aren't missing and it's the general love they have for each other which shines through.
So, the mystery. When Simon suddenly is surrounded by stories about an old hotel which had be demolised years ago and a magician who performed there is found murdered, everything points to the supernatural. The mystery is fast, interesting, well researched and as always there are twist and turns.
I love the litte bits, Ross and Vic's Van Helsing bag Simon put together for them to protect them, the other secondary characters who always appear and are equally loved. Cassie and her crew from Charleston make an appearance.
The wedding - this is really the fitting end of the book. All ghosts are laid to rest (I honestly want to know what they do with trapped ghosts) and all wedding problems are sorted. Again, no drama as potential issues were nicely sorted.
I hope to see these two back again for more ghost mysteries.
June 24, 2023
Organizing a wedding while dealing with ghosts hell bent on revenge, what could possibly go wrong....
This story drew me in from the beginning. A homicide detective and a psychic get married, but after a séance about a death at the Ocean Paradise Hotel, strange things begin to happen. Haunted exhibits about the Hotel unexplained deaths, an increase in ghostly activities, some of which are so malicious that they pose a deadly threat to everyone. In its heyday, the Hotel was a grande dame, a place of leisure for the wealthy. It went bankrupt in the 1970s and was demolished, but something awoke its dormant spirits and now it is a race against time to solve everything, or everyone could be in mortal danger. It is a well-written story with very likable characters. The relationship between the MCs is solid and sweet without anxiety. I really liked the flow of the story, it felt natural and kept me enthralled. With murder investigations, dealing with malicious ghosts and the challenges in organizing their wedding, there is plenty of action with some romance in the mix. The story can be read on its own. I haven't read the previous ones, but I felt like I got to know the characters and background of the story quickly without extensive descriptions. I voluntarily decided to write this review based on an ARC of this story. This review reflects my honest opinion and I liked this story so much that I will buy the previous stories.
This story drew me in from the beginning. A homicide detective and a psychic get married, but after a séance about a death at the Ocean Paradise Hotel, strange things begin to happen. Haunted exhibits about the Hotel unexplained deaths, an increase in ghostly activities, some of which are so malicious that they pose a deadly threat to everyone. In its heyday, the Hotel was a grande dame, a place of leisure for the wealthy. It went bankrupt in the 1970s and was demolished, but something awoke its dormant spirits and now it is a race against time to solve everything, or everyone could be in mortal danger. It is a well-written story with very likable characters. The relationship between the MCs is solid and sweet without anxiety. I really liked the flow of the story, it felt natural and kept me enthralled. With murder investigations, dealing with malicious ghosts and the challenges in organizing their wedding, there is plenty of action with some romance in the mix. The story can be read on its own. I haven't read the previous ones, but I felt like I got to know the characters and background of the story quickly without extensive descriptions. I voluntarily decided to write this review based on an ARC of this story. This review reflects my honest opinion and I liked this story so much that I will buy the previous stories.
February 4, 2024
Another solid entry in my favorite urban fantasy series! Psychic and ghost tour guide Simon Kincaide, my literary boyfriend, and his partner, homicide detective Vic D’Amato, are getting married – but first they need to solve a mystery and get rid of the ghost of a sociopathic magician who is still killing people from beyond the grave. The ghostology in this and other novels in the Badlands series is fascinating! Morgan Brice does an amazing job, as always, in finding new ghostly adversaries and how to deal with them. I love the way Simon and Vic as well as Ross Hamilton, Vic's partner in the police force, deal with the ghostly threat. Intertwined with the mystery are Simon and Vic's preparations for the wedding, with Simon's narcissistic mother threatening to disrupt the event. (I felt myself cringing every time Simon spoke with her.) Simon's cousin Cassidy Kincaide (from another favorite UF series, Deadly Curiosities, written by the same author under the name Gail Z. Martin) helps out with both the mystery and the wedding plans, and favorite characters from other Brice/Martin series make an appearance, emphasizing the theme of “found family” (or “family of choice”) that runs through all of Brice's novels. I was especially glad to see Simon's mentors, the wise women Gabriella and Miss Eppie, and I'd love to know more of their back stories. Highly recommended for fans of M/M romance, exciting ghost stories, and urban fantasy!
July 2, 2023
Ghostly intrigue in an M/M romance series
What I appreciated the most is that I could read book #6 in the series having not read any before and not be lost in story or series. Secondly, I enjoyed the fact that this book takes place in one of my favorite places, Myrtle Beach, SC where my family have spent many summers. Thirdly, there was a nice mix of gay and straight people and/or couples, which was more like real life. Some authors go only one or the other and that is not reality.
Simon Kincaide is a psychic 34yo who can commune with ghosts better than his mother and definitely better than his Ex-boyfriend, Jacen. Simon is getting married to his lover, Homicide detective Vic D’Amato. While they are hoping for a quiet no-homicide lead up to their nuptials, they do not get their wish. This murder will send them back in history to determine who is doing what. Will they survive this ghostly encounter?
Fascinating premise for a series which makes me want to go back to the point where Simon met Vic. At this point I can only imagine the explaining Simon had to do to make Vic understand his gift. Obviously, it didn’t scare off Vic. If you like realistic characters mixing with paranormally gifted individuals to rid the world of bad ghosts, read this book. I am glad I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
What I appreciated the most is that I could read book #6 in the series having not read any before and not be lost in story or series. Secondly, I enjoyed the fact that this book takes place in one of my favorite places, Myrtle Beach, SC where my family have spent many summers. Thirdly, there was a nice mix of gay and straight people and/or couples, which was more like real life. Some authors go only one or the other and that is not reality.
Simon Kincaide is a psychic 34yo who can commune with ghosts better than his mother and definitely better than his Ex-boyfriend, Jacen. Simon is getting married to his lover, Homicide detective Vic D’Amato. While they are hoping for a quiet no-homicide lead up to their nuptials, they do not get their wish. This murder will send them back in history to determine who is doing what. Will they survive this ghostly encounter?
Fascinating premise for a series which makes me want to go back to the point where Simon met Vic. At this point I can only imagine the explaining Simon had to do to make Vic understand his gift. Obviously, it didn’t scare off Vic. If you like realistic characters mixing with paranormally gifted individuals to rid the world of bad ghosts, read this book. I am glad I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
June 28, 2023
Badlands was my first read by this author, and got me hooked, and is still one of my favourite series. I loved the combination of supernatural suspense and romance in this story, with Simon and Vic having to battle some nasty ghosts before they are able to get married.
I love the world, and how all the series interconnect. I liked how Simon needed help to take down this formidable foe, and how everyone plays their part. His and Vic’s relationship, and Vic’s attitude towards the supernatural have come a long way since that first book. I love how Ross is now on board, and how he and Vic have a Van Helsing kit!
Simon and Vic have grown in their relationship too. I love how Vic knows exactly what to do to care for Simon after a vision. Their scenes together are a wonderful mix of sweet and sexy. Loved their wedding vows, and ceremony.
Simon’s mother is horrible! I love the way her potential interference was dealt with. Very clever! And how Vic’s mother has claimed him as her own.
I enjoyed catching up with the Trifles and Folly crew, and others. I liked how friendships and family/found family play a huge role in this story.
A very satisfying read. I’m looking forward to more of Simon and Vic’s adventures as a married couple.
I love the world, and how all the series interconnect. I liked how Simon needed help to take down this formidable foe, and how everyone plays their part. His and Vic’s relationship, and Vic’s attitude towards the supernatural have come a long way since that first book. I love how Ross is now on board, and how he and Vic have a Van Helsing kit!
Simon and Vic have grown in their relationship too. I love how Vic knows exactly what to do to care for Simon after a vision. Their scenes together are a wonderful mix of sweet and sexy. Loved their wedding vows, and ceremony.
Simon’s mother is horrible! I love the way her potential interference was dealt with. Very clever! And how Vic’s mother has claimed him as her own.
I enjoyed catching up with the Trifles and Folly crew, and others. I liked how friendships and family/found family play a huge role in this story.
A very satisfying read. I’m looking forward to more of Simon and Vic’s adventures as a married couple.
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