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Treasure Trail #2
Blink
Ghosts always remember. Mobsters never forget.
Erik Mitchell helped Interpol bust cartels, oligarchs, and spoiled billionaires for art fraud. As an undercover cop, Ben Nolan helped bring down a Newark crime family. Now Erik and Ben have started over in Cape May, leaving their danger-filled jobs behind them, excited about a fresh start and their new relationship.
Plans to renovate a historic old theater stir up dangerous ghosts and revive interest in unsolved Mob hits. The curse of a murdered witch strikes a close friend, old movie props reveal clues to long-ago crimes, and a shakedown scheme sends Ben's cousin running for cover.
Time is running out to lift the curse. The Russian Mob wants revenge on Erik, and the Newark Mob is gunning for Ben. A grieving ghost seeks justice. Secrets, lies, and deception unravel in the blink of an eye.
Erik and Ben were planning for happily ever after. But unless they can outwit witches, wraiths, and wise guys, they could go down in a hail of gunfire and a blast of dark magic-and see their plans go up in smoke.
Blink is a suspenseful MM paranormal romance mystery-adventure filled with second chance love, hurt/comfort, true soulmates, awesome food trucks, dangerous secrets, restless ghosts, psychic visions, powerful witches, angry mobsters, and a very haunted theater.
Book Two in the Treasure Trail series.
Erik Mitchell helped Interpol bust cartels, oligarchs, and spoiled billionaires for art fraud. As an undercover cop, Ben Nolan helped bring down a Newark crime family. Now Erik and Ben have started over in Cape May, leaving their danger-filled jobs behind them, excited about a fresh start and their new relationship.
Plans to renovate a historic old theater stir up dangerous ghosts and revive interest in unsolved Mob hits. The curse of a murdered witch strikes a close friend, old movie props reveal clues to long-ago crimes, and a shakedown scheme sends Ben's cousin running for cover.
Time is running out to lift the curse. The Russian Mob wants revenge on Erik, and the Newark Mob is gunning for Ben. A grieving ghost seeks justice. Secrets, lies, and deception unravel in the blink of an eye.
Erik and Ben were planning for happily ever after. But unless they can outwit witches, wraiths, and wise guys, they could go down in a hail of gunfire and a blast of dark magic-and see their plans go up in smoke.
Blink is a suspenseful MM paranormal romance mystery-adventure filled with second chance love, hurt/comfort, true soulmates, awesome food trucks, dangerous secrets, restless ghosts, psychic visions, powerful witches, angry mobsters, and a very haunted theater.
Book Two in the Treasure Trail series.
Audible Audio
First published August 31, 2021
52 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Brice
50 books607 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 107 reviews
November 4, 2021
I don’t believe that Morgan Brice could write a bad, uninteresting, or semi hot m/m romance book if she tried. I have read her Witchbane and Badlands series so many times the covers have permanent finger impressions...this series and it’s hot, sexy men are obviously well on their way to taking an honored place on my “how many times can I read it” shelf also. Other than the hot guys, the stories themselves contain magic, supernatural events and characters, as well as lots of local history, and sometimes history about the artifacts. The “Treasure Trail” series has thus far been heavy on the antique and artifact history. I also really, really love how Morgan Brice seems to have a knack of being able to guess that her readers have come to really love all the characters from every one of the different series...so she lets them “visit” and communicate throughout all the other series. The conclusions to her books are always sweet and leaves the reader eagerly awaiting another offering from this wonderful author. While they are a part of series and properly should be read and enjoyed in order...there is always enough repeat to let the reader that has red out of order pick right up on what has previously happened and how the characters have arrived at their current place. Thank you, Morgan Brice, for every word you have written.
May 30, 2022
A complex and intricate mystery, with tons of historical details. I'm glad I re-listened to Treasure Trail before enjoying this one... it's been too long. I hope this isn't the end of the line for Erik and Ben.
The audio version is nicely performed by John Solo.
an audiobook copy of Blink was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The audio version is nicely performed by John Solo.
an audiobook copy of Blink was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
January 18, 2025
Better than I expected. Still a bit insta-lovey, but I think because they’re in an established relationship now, it doesn’t bother me quite as much…. Also, I feel like this should’ve been longer.
September 11, 2021
This was a perfect blend of mystery, magic and love. Steadily paced story with a whole lot of well researched historical facts that would make any movie buff happy! I enjoyed these tidbits that ventured into acting, crime and arcane.
Ben and Erik work well together in everyday life as well as in private. I liked both sweet quiet moments between them as well as their personal doubts which at times mirrored each other. It was endearing how both men worried. I am glad to say that the author flawlessly brought them to the same page with their relationship when the book ended.
There was no shortage of intrigue, suspense and paranormal. I liked the community that both Erik and Ben could draw help from when the need arose. I enjoyed the story and the characters which were diverse and mostly relatable. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
Ben and Erik work well together in everyday life as well as in private. I liked both sweet quiet moments between them as well as their personal doubts which at times mirrored each other. It was endearing how both men worried. I am glad to say that the author flawlessly brought them to the same page with their relationship when the book ended.
There was no shortage of intrigue, suspense and paranormal. I liked the community that both Erik and Ben could draw help from when the need arose. I enjoyed the story and the characters which were diverse and mostly relatable. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
April 6, 2024
Same flow as the first one, but also it's nice to see established couples get more settled together
September 15, 2022
I waited patiently for the return of Erik and Ben, having been teased by their appearances/mentions in other books from the shared universe. And to have the audio appear mere months after reading the book is a real treat because I get to relive it all over again.
Ghost, curses, vengeful mobsters, this book took off running and never slowed its pace until the end.
Add in the former glamour of an old time movie theatre and the draw of black and white movies, intrigue, banned love, and betrayal and you have all the elements of a cracking story.
I still need Monty's story. Morgan Brice can't tease us with that relationship and then not follow through.
John Solo, who narrated the other book in this series, does an excellent job.
Ghost, curses, vengeful mobsters, this book took off running and never slowed its pace until the end.
Add in the former glamour of an old time movie theatre and the draw of black and white movies, intrigue, banned love, and betrayal and you have all the elements of a cracking story.
I still need Monty's story. Morgan Brice can't tease us with that relationship and then not follow through.
John Solo, who narrated the other book in this series, does an excellent job.
September 30, 2021
I couldn't put it down!
It’s been just a little over 2 years since I read my first book by Morgan Brice. It was Treasure Trail, the first book in this series. I remember when I finished it that I was eagerly looking forward to more stories for Erik and Ben. While I waited for this story, I read many other books by Morgan Brice and became a fan. IMHO, Blink was worth the wait.
Blink is the second book in the Treasure Trail series but you really can read it as a standalone because the author gives you any information you might need from book one. I highly recommend book one, though, so I hope you give it a try even if you read Blink first.
The events in Blink follow pretty closely on the heels of book one. Erik and Ben are settling into a relationship but are also taking things slow as far as living together goes. The blurb really gives you all the details about the story. I want to tell you that once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
Erik and Ben have bad guys coming at them from all over and Ben’s cousin, Sean, even gets threatened. Sean has a food truck business in a different nearby town and the mob comes calling asking him and other food truck vendors for “protection” money. I loved how Sean’s food truck plays a significant role in the story towards the end; I hope we see more of him in future books.
This story contains ghosts, witches, and other paranormal creatures. Many of them are great allies for Ben and Erik and they added a lot to the story. Blink is an entertaining and suspenseful story with just the right amount of mystery thrown in. I’m looking forward to reading more stories in the interconnected worlds of Morgan Brice (aka Gail Z. Martin).
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
It’s been just a little over 2 years since I read my first book by Morgan Brice. It was Treasure Trail, the first book in this series. I remember when I finished it that I was eagerly looking forward to more stories for Erik and Ben. While I waited for this story, I read many other books by Morgan Brice and became a fan. IMHO, Blink was worth the wait.
Blink is the second book in the Treasure Trail series but you really can read it as a standalone because the author gives you any information you might need from book one. I highly recommend book one, though, so I hope you give it a try even if you read Blink first.
The events in Blink follow pretty closely on the heels of book one. Erik and Ben are settling into a relationship but are also taking things slow as far as living together goes. The blurb really gives you all the details about the story. I want to tell you that once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
Erik and Ben have bad guys coming at them from all over and Ben’s cousin, Sean, even gets threatened. Sean has a food truck business in a different nearby town and the mob comes calling asking him and other food truck vendors for “protection” money. I loved how Sean’s food truck plays a significant role in the story towards the end; I hope we see more of him in future books.
This story contains ghosts, witches, and other paranormal creatures. Many of them are great allies for Ben and Erik and they added a lot to the story. Blink is an entertaining and suspenseful story with just the right amount of mystery thrown in. I’m looking forward to reading more stories in the interconnected worlds of Morgan Brice (aka Gail Z. Martin).
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
May 9, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Great audiobook!
John Solo does a fantastic job performing this audiobook. He doesn’t just read the words, he performs them. It’s easy to distinguish each character’s voice (and there are several in this story) and he does a good job with the female voices. John is one of my favorite audiobook performers.
Blink is the second book in the Treasure Trail series but you really can read it as a standalone because the author gives you any information you might need from book one. I highly recommend book one, though, so I hope you give it a try even if you read Blink first.
The events in Blink follow pretty closely on the heels of book one. Erik and Ben are settling into a relationship but are also taking things slow as far as living together goes. The blurb really gives you all the details about the story. I want to tell you that once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
Erik and Ben have bad guys coming at them from all over and Ben’s cousin, Sean, even gets threatened. Sean has a food truck business in a different nearby town and the mob comes calling asking him and other food truck vendors for “protection” money. I loved how Sean’s food truck plays a significant role in the story towards the end; I hope we see more of him in future books.
This story contains ghosts, witches, and other paranormal creatures. Many of them are great allies for Ben and Erik and they added a lot to the story. Blink is an entertaining and suspenseful story with just the right amount of mystery thrown in. I’m looking forward to reading more stories in the interconnected worlds of Morgan Brice (aka Gail Z. Martin).
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author or narrator.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Great audiobook!
John Solo does a fantastic job performing this audiobook. He doesn’t just read the words, he performs them. It’s easy to distinguish each character’s voice (and there are several in this story) and he does a good job with the female voices. John is one of my favorite audiobook performers.
Blink is the second book in the Treasure Trail series but you really can read it as a standalone because the author gives you any information you might need from book one. I highly recommend book one, though, so I hope you give it a try even if you read Blink first.
The events in Blink follow pretty closely on the heels of book one. Erik and Ben are settling into a relationship but are also taking things slow as far as living together goes. The blurb really gives you all the details about the story. I want to tell you that once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
Erik and Ben have bad guys coming at them from all over and Ben’s cousin, Sean, even gets threatened. Sean has a food truck business in a different nearby town and the mob comes calling asking him and other food truck vendors for “protection” money. I loved how Sean’s food truck plays a significant role in the story towards the end; I hope we see more of him in future books.
This story contains ghosts, witches, and other paranormal creatures. Many of them are great allies for Ben and Erik and they added a lot to the story. Blink is an entertaining and suspenseful story with just the right amount of mystery thrown in. I’m looking forward to reading more stories in the interconnected worlds of Morgan Brice (aka Gail Z. Martin).
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author or narrator.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
May 10, 2022
What a fun book!
I'm one of those people who will start a series in the middle, so naturally I started with Blink which is book 2. I had no trouble at all following the story. There is plenty of backstory without being an info-dump. This gives the story depth and shows the many layers of the characters.
Morgan Brice has filled this story with a wide variety of characters, human and otherwise. There is a ghost, Russian witches, mobsters, a mobster who had a Strega witch under his thumb and artifacts. I love me some mysterious artifacts!
One of the best parts of suspense/mystery books for me is seeing how everything unfolds. I love lots of action and adventure in the books I read. My personal criteria is no explosions, no car chases, no fights, no point. Blink delightfully meets all the boxes I love to see checked!
There's plenty of hot and spicy romance along the way, which was icing on an already great cake.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 4.5 Stars!
I'm one of those people who will start a series in the middle, so naturally I started with Blink which is book 2. I had no trouble at all following the story. There is plenty of backstory without being an info-dump. This gives the story depth and shows the many layers of the characters.
Morgan Brice has filled this story with a wide variety of characters, human and otherwise. There is a ghost, Russian witches, mobsters, a mobster who had a Strega witch under his thumb and artifacts. I love me some mysterious artifacts!
One of the best parts of suspense/mystery books for me is seeing how everything unfolds. I love lots of action and adventure in the books I read. My personal criteria is no explosions, no car chases, no fights, no point. Blink delightfully meets all the boxes I love to see checked!
There's plenty of hot and spicy romance along the way, which was icing on an already great cake.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 4.5 Stars!
October 18, 2021
The danger seemed to be coming from every direction in Blink, which left Erik and Ben busy trying to keep more than one person safe, including each other.
I love the growing relationship between Erik and Ben. It was definitely “insta-love” on both sides, but they’re not taking that or the fact that they are evidently “soul-mates” for granted. They know that they have to work at a relationship from past experience and part of that work in their minds is proving to themselves that they are good enough for each other. So, there’s a fair amount of inner doubt and soul searching in Blink, but they’ve proven more than once in their short time together that they are willing to sacrifice themselves for each other. Something that neither wants the other to do.
Erik and Ben’s relationship isn’t the only one in the Treasure Trail series. There’s a growing relationship between the two men and the surrounding community. Ben has ties to Cape May through his family, but Erik is new to the area. They’ve both still formed strong bonds, loyal friends and surprising allies. That’s good, because the evil their up against in Blink has formed their own ties in the present and the past.
There were some crazy twists, turns and dangerous moments. There were also some sweet moments too, but this was definitely a suspense driven story. More than enough action and mystery to keep the pages turning and enough romance to prove just how perfect Ben and Erik are for each other. I’m also loving getting to know some of the side characters a little better. They are all a great addition to the story with their own pasts that are more than just a little bit intriguing. I’m not sure what’s next, but I can’t wait for the Treasure Trail series to continue. 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Blink. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the growing relationship between Erik and Ben. It was definitely “insta-love” on both sides, but they’re not taking that or the fact that they are evidently “soul-mates” for granted. They know that they have to work at a relationship from past experience and part of that work in their minds is proving to themselves that they are good enough for each other. So, there’s a fair amount of inner doubt and soul searching in Blink, but they’ve proven more than once in their short time together that they are willing to sacrifice themselves for each other. Something that neither wants the other to do.
Erik and Ben’s relationship isn’t the only one in the Treasure Trail series. There’s a growing relationship between the two men and the surrounding community. Ben has ties to Cape May through his family, but Erik is new to the area. They’ve both still formed strong bonds, loyal friends and surprising allies. That’s good, because the evil their up against in Blink has formed their own ties in the present and the past.
There were some crazy twists, turns and dangerous moments. There were also some sweet moments too, but this was definitely a suspense driven story. More than enough action and mystery to keep the pages turning and enough romance to prove just how perfect Ben and Erik are for each other. I’m also loving getting to know some of the side characters a little better. They are all a great addition to the story with their own pasts that are more than just a little bit intriguing. I’m not sure what’s next, but I can’t wait for the Treasure Trail series to continue. 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Blink. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 10, 2021
Ben and Erik are back in the second installment of the Treasure Trail series. They are now an established couple wrestling with the "should I suggest we live together?" question. Ben and Erik have great chemistry and they complement each other perfectly. Ben understands and accepts Erik's abilities. Blink is a great combination of crime drama and supernatural thriller. There are actually two storylines in the book. There is a paranormal ghost story and both men's past with the mob comes back with a vengeance. The conclusions of the both storylines are action-packed and exciting. I highly recommend this series. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
September 24, 2021
This is book 2 in this series. You have Ben and Erik working their way to creating a more stable relationship. In book one, you had the mystery solved or the hotel. In this book, it is trying to solve the mystery at the local theatre. There is more action in this book with lots of witchy help. Also the Russian and Newark mob had a part in this book. I look forward to reading the next mystery in this series.
I received a copy of this book for my review
I received a copy of this book for my review
November 19, 2021
Well... I wanted to like it. Intent counts, right?
It is just that it is too.. cross referencing. All the characters from previous books are mentioned at least once. The plot of previous book is somehow repeated. And it is just too much. Reoccurring characters in all nice and well, but must they be in every book, all the time? It is more annoying than endearing. I lost interest pretty quickly and the mystery itself with its deep ties into previous book and all the same mob drama was not holding my interest at all. I wanted to like it, really, but somehow.. it was just an okay read. Passable, but not something I could read again or remember after I have finished reading it.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
It is just that it is too.. cross referencing. All the characters from previous books are mentioned at least once. The plot of previous book is somehow repeated. And it is just too much. Reoccurring characters in all nice and well, but must they be in every book, all the time? It is more annoying than endearing. I lost interest pretty quickly and the mystery itself with its deep ties into previous book and all the same mob drama was not holding my interest at all. I wanted to like it, really, but somehow.. it was just an okay read. Passable, but not something I could read again or remember after I have finished reading it.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
September 22, 2021
Loved this second book
Hope there’s more to this series but if not at least a bunch of loose ends were tied up. Eric and Ben are two of my favs. Magic, ghosts, love and powerful friendships fill this book. Such a wonderful story.
Hope there’s more to this series but if not at least a bunch of loose ends were tied up. Eric and Ben are two of my favs. Magic, ghosts, love and powerful friendships fill this book. Such a wonderful story.
May 25, 2022
If you haven’t read the first one, I’d recommend doing so. Ben and Erik are working out how to be together. I loved their dynamic!! There’s ghost, organized crime, curses and more. This was crazy good!! I love the crazy little town and the found family they have. Overall the story was really well written, highly recommend! Edited to add I recently listened to the audio version of the story, John Solo did a good job with the narrative. The only thing that felt off was when he whispered, I had to turn up the volume. By the time he spoke normal, the volume was too loud. Overall, it was well done.
May 11, 2022
I really enjoy Ben & Erik. We have a good mystery along with a love story of the past as well as the present. Our boys still have doubts and worries about their relationship. But I think they are much closer to believing the other that they are their one & only. As always, John Solo does a really good job narrating this story.
February 4, 2024
Solid sequel to Treasure Trail in this high action high suspense urban fantasy thriller. Morgan just has a way of keeping you drawn in from yhe start and on the edge of your seat of what could possibly happen next? So many twists and turns just how I love a suspense thriller! Hope that she continues with this series.
May 28, 2022
I found this to be an entertaining story and I'm glad to have listened to it, even if it wasn't an overwhelming 5-star book for me. It felt very much like the stories at the Savannah Trifles and Follies shop of the Gail Z. Martin Deadly Curiosities books, but with m/m romance thrown in & slightly less gore than in some of Brice/Martin books. Much like when I have listened to the Savannah-set books, I could imagine myself there in Cape May, getting to know the area where the characters live, work and investigate, and felt like I would find those characters and that shop really existing. I don't live all that far from Cape May myself and visited there several times - I found myself wanting to go back again, (though perhaps without the risk of supernatural attack). Also, I would love to see the Savannah shop people get together in person with the Cape May crew, definitely with a visit from Soren in person. It felt like a tease whenever Soren and Teague are mentioned in this book. (Though these teases and mentions of characters from other series made me want to go back to those series for a listen.)
I do confess to having a hard time getting into this one & staying in it - but that might've been a more about me than about the book, as I'd just finished a binge of heavy duty suspense books. Eventually there was a greater sense of urgency within the story, but even though there was definitely a reason for the characters to act quickly to solve the mystery, (a friend in dire straits and potential greater danger from multiple fronts, both magical & not), they seemed to go about it in a less than urgent fashion at times, Erik and Ben indulging in a bit of circling inner monologues of a romantic nature. As Short Round would say in Temple of Doom, "Hey, Dr. Jones, no time for love!" Of course, this is a romance novel, so I guess we need to make time for love in between solving magical and mob-related mysteries. I do want a love story and that's why I listened to this book, so again, my lack of overwhelming enthusiasm was more of a mood than anything to do with the book. While I know that real human beings do ruminate and mentally hash over the same things while stressing and making decisions, I have a probably unfair tendency to want characters to not repeatedly think over the same points before acting or speaking their thoughts out loud. I think it was supposed to be amusing and realistic that they both were inwardly doing much the same thing, a very real human thing for people to do and a show of how much they're meant to be, but I was feeling impatient for sleuthing amidst extreme danger.
The audio was decent, well paced and fit the emotions the characters were going through. It had been some time since I had last listened to a John Solo narration. Audio experience is incredibly subjective and I think his style is one that either people will really enjoy or really not enjoy, depending on their own taste. I enjoy his narrations with very little negative to say, and I can say without reservation that I will be listening to more of his books, and more Brice/Martin books, despite my own fickle moods.
I do confess to having a hard time getting into this one & staying in it - but that might've been a more about me than about the book, as I'd just finished a binge of heavy duty suspense books. Eventually there was a greater sense of urgency within the story, but even though there was definitely a reason for the characters to act quickly to solve the mystery, (a friend in dire straits and potential greater danger from multiple fronts, both magical & not), they seemed to go about it in a less than urgent fashion at times, Erik and Ben indulging in a bit of circling inner monologues of a romantic nature. As Short Round would say in Temple of Doom, "Hey, Dr. Jones, no time for love!" Of course, this is a romance novel, so I guess we need to make time for love in between solving magical and mob-related mysteries. I do want a love story and that's why I listened to this book, so again, my lack of overwhelming enthusiasm was more of a mood than anything to do with the book. While I know that real human beings do ruminate and mentally hash over the same things while stressing and making decisions, I have a probably unfair tendency to want characters to not repeatedly think over the same points before acting or speaking their thoughts out loud. I think it was supposed to be amusing and realistic that they both were inwardly doing much the same thing, a very real human thing for people to do and a show of how much they're meant to be, but I was feeling impatient for sleuthing amidst extreme danger.
The audio was decent, well paced and fit the emotions the characters were going through. It had been some time since I had last listened to a John Solo narration. Audio experience is incredibly subjective and I think his style is one that either people will really enjoy or really not enjoy, depending on their own taste. I enjoy his narrations with very little negative to say, and I can say without reservation that I will be listening to more of his books, and more Brice/Martin books, despite my own fickle moods.
April 6, 2024
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.5 Hearts.
When Jaxon, a retired Broadway star, buys an old theatre in Cape May, New Jersey, intending to restore it, he gets more than he bargained for. He needs Eriks' unique abilities to return the establishment to its original, authentic, magnificent, state. However, Erik’s involvement brings the attention of the MOB, with whom he has a past. This, in turn, puts Erik’s partner, Ben, who also has abilities, in danger. Ben, too, has ties to those intent on revenge. Then there are the spirits who can’t rest without a resolution, and the people of the present who don’t want the past being dug up. Adventurous investigation and mystery reside on all sides.
Blink is book two in the Treasure Trail series. There are crossover characters and locations between this series and other paranormal books written by Morgan Brice/Gail Z – all of which are awesome. Each character is given a little background, which is good for a catchup or summary for a new reader. I thought it was a fascinating read. I settled into the butt groove of my chair with a good cup of tea and looked forward to reading. The number of cast members occasionally made it a touch overwhelming, alongside the volume of gossip/facts that came with their backstory. Nevertheless, I was thoroughly entertained. Was it perfect? Nope. Did I care? Nope. And by the end, I couldn’t wait to begin the next book in the series – Last Resort.
The story is told in the third person with alternate chapters from the viewpoints of Ben and Erik. Private thoughts are written in italics which give insight into the case, worries, and the depth of feeling between these two soul mates. Morgan Brice always provides good imagery, but I also love that worldbuilding has evolved over a plethora of books, which, although not necessary for this specific arc, adds depth for fans who have read other Brice Books. Engaging action is provided from the first page, with the supernatural getting in on the act. My only niggle is that, while Erik was seeing the history of objects, it would have been nice to hear some sweet stories mixed in with the traumatic.
Ben and Erik have law enforcement backgrounds, which they gave up for a quieter life. Yeeeaahhh, that didn’t happen (there are ghosty encounters, visions, kidnapping, shootouts…the list grows). When a person’s history involves the MOB, it is difficult to hide, especially when one is the cause of many incarcerations. However, Ben is street-smart, and Erik is cunning. Previously, what they didn’t have on the job was adequate backup. In their new home, they have family and a supernaturally aware community, including witches, to watch their six. Shout out here for Jon, a ghost who stole my heart. I’d mention other characters, but it would look like a movie cast list – especially given the cameos. It's much easier to read the story and find your own favs.
Blink provides a splendid balance between supernatural action, investigation, and the fears and hopes behind a developing relationship. I’m smitten.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
When Jaxon, a retired Broadway star, buys an old theatre in Cape May, New Jersey, intending to restore it, he gets more than he bargained for. He needs Eriks' unique abilities to return the establishment to its original, authentic, magnificent, state. However, Erik’s involvement brings the attention of the MOB, with whom he has a past. This, in turn, puts Erik’s partner, Ben, who also has abilities, in danger. Ben, too, has ties to those intent on revenge. Then there are the spirits who can’t rest without a resolution, and the people of the present who don’t want the past being dug up. Adventurous investigation and mystery reside on all sides.
Blink is book two in the Treasure Trail series. There are crossover characters and locations between this series and other paranormal books written by Morgan Brice/Gail Z – all of which are awesome. Each character is given a little background, which is good for a catchup or summary for a new reader. I thought it was a fascinating read. I settled into the butt groove of my chair with a good cup of tea and looked forward to reading. The number of cast members occasionally made it a touch overwhelming, alongside the volume of gossip/facts that came with their backstory. Nevertheless, I was thoroughly entertained. Was it perfect? Nope. Did I care? Nope. And by the end, I couldn’t wait to begin the next book in the series – Last Resort.
The story is told in the third person with alternate chapters from the viewpoints of Ben and Erik. Private thoughts are written in italics which give insight into the case, worries, and the depth of feeling between these two soul mates. Morgan Brice always provides good imagery, but I also love that worldbuilding has evolved over a plethora of books, which, although not necessary for this specific arc, adds depth for fans who have read other Brice Books. Engaging action is provided from the first page, with the supernatural getting in on the act. My only niggle is that, while Erik was seeing the history of objects, it would have been nice to hear some sweet stories mixed in with the traumatic.
Ben and Erik have law enforcement backgrounds, which they gave up for a quieter life. Yeeeaahhh, that didn’t happen (there are ghosty encounters, visions, kidnapping, shootouts…the list grows). When a person’s history involves the MOB, it is difficult to hide, especially when one is the cause of many incarcerations. However, Ben is street-smart, and Erik is cunning. Previously, what they didn’t have on the job was adequate backup. In their new home, they have family and a supernaturally aware community, including witches, to watch their six. Shout out here for Jon, a ghost who stole my heart. I’d mention other characters, but it would look like a movie cast list – especially given the cameos. It's much easier to read the story and find your own favs.
Blink provides a splendid balance between supernatural action, investigation, and the fears and hopes behind a developing relationship. I’m smitten.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
September 26, 2021
Blink takes place 4 months after Treasure Trail with Erik and Ben just finishing their first summer at their new businesses in Cape May. They were apparently too busy to concentrate much on furthering their relationship but thankfully the author skipped the usual angst and relationship problems that are so common in this type of series. Seriously, it’s to the point that I mostly avoid any series with the same main character couple in each book despite my love for mystery and action. I’m relieved and the author has my respect for not taking the usual route.
I do have one complaint though, there are characters mentioned that were never introduced in this series. I found it very confusing. For example:
“You’re working with Brent Lawson and Austin Williams on that other project- surely three PIs with supernatural know-how can unearth something.”
It goes on for a sentence or two describing a case they’re supposedly working on together but these two characters were never introduced before in this series and the supposed case Ben was helping them with was never brought up again. There was also a new contact or two of Erik’s that there was no background given for. I found this frustrating. At the end of the book, the author mentioned other books they had written under a separate pen name, Gail Z. Martin, that apparently accounts for these characters. In my opinion, that information should have been listed at the front of the book with a timeline reading order list of all connected books. Why a separate pen name was used for connected books is beyond me. The genres appear to all be the same as this one.
I feel like there were a few inconsistencies with the first book. The main one that drove me nuts was that the antique shop was supposed to be the first floor of a three-story Victorian house. Erik mentioned two bedrooms on the second floor and more upstairs. And yet in this book, it’s made to sound like Erik lives in a small apartment upstairs. There were some other things like where Erik was shot but I don’t want to nitpick too much. It feels to me as if the author(s) took a break between books and forgot some of the details.
Regardless of the above frustrations, I really enjoyed the book. I like Erik and Ben a lot. I found Monty and Jon’s relationship fascinating. A novella or short story about their beginning would be awesome. I liked all of the other characters (at least the local ones) and was happy to see more of Ben’s cousin Sean. I thought the ending part with him was pretty cool. It was nice that the remaining mystery from the first book regarding the forged clock Ben found was resolved. I look forward to seeing more Treasure Trail books and will likely look into the connected series’s as well.
~I received an ARC of this book from the author through Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review. Thank you!
I do have one complaint though, there are characters mentioned that were never introduced in this series. I found it very confusing. For example:
“You’re working with Brent Lawson and Austin Williams on that other project- surely three PIs with supernatural know-how can unearth something.”
It goes on for a sentence or two describing a case they’re supposedly working on together but these two characters were never introduced before in this series and the supposed case Ben was helping them with was never brought up again. There was also a new contact or two of Erik’s that there was no background given for. I found this frustrating. At the end of the book, the author mentioned other books they had written under a separate pen name, Gail Z. Martin, that apparently accounts for these characters. In my opinion, that information should have been listed at the front of the book with a timeline reading order list of all connected books. Why a separate pen name was used for connected books is beyond me. The genres appear to all be the same as this one.
I feel like there were a few inconsistencies with the first book. The main one that drove me nuts was that the antique shop was supposed to be the first floor of a three-story Victorian house. Erik mentioned two bedrooms on the second floor and more upstairs. And yet in this book, it’s made to sound like Erik lives in a small apartment upstairs. There were some other things like where Erik was shot but I don’t want to nitpick too much. It feels to me as if the author(s) took a break between books and forgot some of the details.
Regardless of the above frustrations, I really enjoyed the book. I like Erik and Ben a lot. I found Monty and Jon’s relationship fascinating. A novella or short story about their beginning would be awesome. I liked all of the other characters (at least the local ones) and was happy to see more of Ben’s cousin Sean. I thought the ending part with him was pretty cool. It was nice that the remaining mystery from the first book regarding the forged clock Ben found was resolved. I look forward to seeing more Treasure Trail books and will likely look into the connected series’s as well.
~I received an ARC of this book from the author through Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review. Thank you!
October 8, 2021
If you like ghostly action and plenty of real-life bad guys, this book is sure to please—another fast-paced story from Ms. Brice that combines ethereal spirits with very much alive mobsters.
Erik has left his dangerous career of art fraud and stopping misappropriations. Being on call to Interpol, he met many unsavory characters, including the Russian mob. Now life is so much better running a small curio shop in a New Jersey beach town. I love how the history of Cape May connects so deeply with the present day.
Ben is a former New York cop that also had to leave a very precarious job. Coming back to his childhood roots, he helps run his aunt’s rentals. In book one of the Treasure Trail series, Erik and Ben found each other and seem destined to be together forever.
Erik does have supernatural abilities in that he can touch an object and get the stories and emotions imprinted on it. Ben supports and believes in Erik’s gifts. The two are blissfully happy, but a tragic mishap to a close friend trying to restore a historic theater, and visits from both men’s pasts, threaten to destroy their perfect balance.
In pure magical Morgan fashion, a lot of stuff happens at once. Buckle up for this ride is bumpy as Erik and Ben try to stay alive so they can have a lifetime together. Happy reading! I recommend this book.
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.
Erik has left his dangerous career of art fraud and stopping misappropriations. Being on call to Interpol, he met many unsavory characters, including the Russian mob. Now life is so much better running a small curio shop in a New Jersey beach town. I love how the history of Cape May connects so deeply with the present day.
Ben is a former New York cop that also had to leave a very precarious job. Coming back to his childhood roots, he helps run his aunt’s rentals. In book one of the Treasure Trail series, Erik and Ben found each other and seem destined to be together forever.
Erik does have supernatural abilities in that he can touch an object and get the stories and emotions imprinted on it. Ben supports and believes in Erik’s gifts. The two are blissfully happy, but a tragic mishap to a close friend trying to restore a historic theater, and visits from both men’s pasts, threaten to destroy their perfect balance.
In pure magical Morgan fashion, a lot of stuff happens at once. Buckle up for this ride is bumpy as Erik and Ben try to stay alive so they can have a lifetime together. Happy reading! I recommend this book.
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.
May 16, 2022
Those annoying ghosts (an audio review)
I adore Ben and Erik. Both are former law enforcement. Both were injured on the job. Both have settled in a little town hoping to live a quiet life. Erik has opened an antiquities store and Ben is running a property rental business. Life should be quiet.
Uh, yeah, no.
Cape May used to have a thriving movie theater and a growing movie business. A series of tragedies led to the closing of those businesses, but the ghosts haven’t gone away. It’s up to Erik to solve the mystery of the black magic before a close friend loses his life. Oh, and the Russian mob is after him for his involvement in one of their jobs. No big deal. Right?
Not to be outdone, Ben gets involved with the Newark mob and gets himself taken. But he can get out of the situation before Erik gets involved. Right?
Meanwhile, each man is trying to figure out how to move their relationship forward. They’re spending all their spare time together, so they should make the next step. Right? But they’re also cautious. Part of me wanted to tell them to get over themselves already and just…move in together?
Solving mob and ghosts problems prove challenging, but the men are definitely up for the task. More to come, I’m quite sure.
Loved John Solo’s narration of the book. Just overall a great audio choice.
I adore Ben and Erik. Both are former law enforcement. Both were injured on the job. Both have settled in a little town hoping to live a quiet life. Erik has opened an antiquities store and Ben is running a property rental business. Life should be quiet.
Uh, yeah, no.
Cape May used to have a thriving movie theater and a growing movie business. A series of tragedies led to the closing of those businesses, but the ghosts haven’t gone away. It’s up to Erik to solve the mystery of the black magic before a close friend loses his life. Oh, and the Russian mob is after him for his involvement in one of their jobs. No big deal. Right?
Not to be outdone, Ben gets involved with the Newark mob and gets himself taken. But he can get out of the situation before Erik gets involved. Right?
Meanwhile, each man is trying to figure out how to move their relationship forward. They’re spending all their spare time together, so they should make the next step. Right? But they’re also cautious. Part of me wanted to tell them to get over themselves already and just…move in together?
Solving mob and ghosts problems prove challenging, but the men are definitely up for the task. More to come, I’m quite sure.
Loved John Solo’s narration of the book. Just overall a great audio choice.
October 8, 2021
I loved the second book in this series, and how the MCs and secondary characters are growing into their own. I enjoyed the mix of paranormal, drama, and romance, and how this fits in with the author’s world, with references and appearances by characters from other series.
I like that Erik and Ben are still very new to their relationship and how that deepens in this story. I like how different they are from each other, in personality, background and strengths and weaknesses. Ben’s interest in superheroes always makes me smile. I appreciate another geek! I also like how they’re both fallible, make mistakes, and that it takes everyone working together to save the day.
I liked the introduction of Ben’s cousin Sean. His food truck is very cool. The pieces of the theatre haunting and the factions after Ben and Erik fit together nicely, with each a real threat on its own, let alone together. I loved Monty and Jon and want to see them get their own story. I liked how Jon’s story was connected with the haunting, and how he kind of got some closure. Still very bittersweet though.
I’m looking forward to more in this series.
I like that Erik and Ben are still very new to their relationship and how that deepens in this story. I like how different they are from each other, in personality, background and strengths and weaknesses. Ben’s interest in superheroes always makes me smile. I appreciate another geek! I also like how they’re both fallible, make mistakes, and that it takes everyone working together to save the day.
I liked the introduction of Ben’s cousin Sean. His food truck is very cool. The pieces of the theatre haunting and the factions after Ben and Erik fit together nicely, with each a real threat on its own, let alone together. I loved Monty and Jon and want to see them get their own story. I liked how Jon’s story was connected with the haunting, and how he kind of got some closure. Still very bittersweet though.
I’m looking forward to more in this series.
November 23, 2021
Solid 3.5 sequel to "Treasure Trail" is entertaining but didn't quite hit it out of the park for me. There are two major plotlines in this story, one paranormal and the other dealing with the Newark and Russian Mob gangsters.
The paranormal story is an interesting one, dealing with a haunted local theater that Erik and Ben try to deal with as the curse it is under transfers to their friend Jaxson. There are some interesting twists in this one such as a relationship in the past between a strega and a gangster, and a relationship in the present between a ghost and a medium. The second plotline I didn't find as interesting as it seemed to be mainly a rehash of the first book as gangsters from the New Jersey and Russian mobs pursue Erik and Ben in a quest for revenge. It just seemed to me that this part would have been better off dealt with a bit more quickly, if at all.
Still, it's another entertaining entry by Brice, who tends to be one of my go to authors for fun paranormal adventures. There's some growth in the story here, particularly with the supporting characters of Monty and Sean, so I'm curious to see where Brice goes next with this crew.
The paranormal story is an interesting one, dealing with a haunted local theater that Erik and Ben try to deal with as the curse it is under transfers to their friend Jaxson. There are some interesting twists in this one such as a relationship in the past between a strega and a gangster, and a relationship in the present between a ghost and a medium. The second plotline I didn't find as interesting as it seemed to be mainly a rehash of the first book as gangsters from the New Jersey and Russian mobs pursue Erik and Ben in a quest for revenge. It just seemed to me that this part would have been better off dealt with a bit more quickly, if at all.
Still, it's another entertaining entry by Brice, who tends to be one of my go to authors for fun paranormal adventures. There's some growth in the story here, particularly with the supporting characters of Monty and Sean, so I'm curious to see where Brice goes next with this crew.
March 3, 2025
Brice's Badlands series is one of my favorite queer urban fantasy out there. But Treasure Trail simply bores me. Maybe because Ben and Eric are so similar, almost clones of each other. They both have disapproving parents, they both visited this little town as kids, they both worked for law enforcement (though in different fields), they both got betrayed and shot during their last stint, they both have the mob on their heels, they both broke up with their SOs at that time... Even their issues regarding living together were the very same, so much so that sometimes I actually had to check whose POV I was following at the time. And, of course, Eric now wants tattoos too because even in that regard they have to be a carbon copy of each other, gosh forbid there was something unique about one of them. Basically, the reader gets every single thing in duplicate. And whereas the first book ended with Eric kidnapped and being held in a warehouse, this book ends with Ben being kidnapped (with the elderly neighbor as a witness again, of course) and held in a warehouse. The author is literally stealing from herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
To say I love Ben and Erik as characters is probably an understatement. To think there is only one more book in their story makes me sad.
This book was spicier than Book 1 was and had a more established relationship between the MCs which lead to a more natural inclusion of the spicy scenes. Just like the first book, a well written plot that interweaves the pasts of both MCs to create the build in plot. Unlike the first one, this one felt more like a traditional MM romance book with a paranormal undertone. Much more balanced than Book 1 in regard to “normal” and paranormal plot drivers. Where Book 1 was driven more so by the paranormal connections to normal events this story takes a more balanced approach where although the initial driver to the plot was paranormal by the time we got to the climax of the plot, the paranormal elements seemed to take a back seat to more real world events.
This book also deepens the connections with some secondary characters in an interesting way and continues to build on some loose ends from Book 1. Interested to see what potential carry over plot elements will be in Book 3.
This book was spicier than Book 1 was and had a more established relationship between the MCs which lead to a more natural inclusion of the spicy scenes. Just like the first book, a well written plot that interweaves the pasts of both MCs to create the build in plot. Unlike the first one, this one felt more like a traditional MM romance book with a paranormal undertone. Much more balanced than Book 1 in regard to “normal” and paranormal plot drivers. Where Book 1 was driven more so by the paranormal connections to normal events this story takes a more balanced approach where although the initial driver to the plot was paranormal by the time we got to the climax of the plot, the paranormal elements seemed to take a back seat to more real world events.
This book also deepens the connections with some secondary characters in an interesting way and continues to build on some loose ends from Book 1. Interested to see what potential carry over plot elements will be in Book 3.
October 5, 2021
Ben and Erik are back along with lots of their friends from the previous book and other books by a Morgan Brice. I love how diverse the character lineup is and how the characters blend from the other series. It’s seedless and not like dumps or make you wonder who the heck is this. It’s so artfully done that you just want more snd to go find their stories snd series. Now back to this book.
Erik and Ben are trying to navigate being livers snd their jobs. Erik works in valuing art and also magical art pieces. Ben sees ghosts, is an ex cop does some pI work and now takes care of his aunt’s resort business
There is a lot going on here with mob connections, both past and present, ghosts, witches, and romance. The romance is sweet with some heat.
This story has it all if you are into the supernatural and suspense. There is flashbacks of violence, betrayal, and murder so if you have emotional triggers take that in mind!
I’m wait for another!
Erik and Ben are trying to navigate being livers snd their jobs. Erik works in valuing art and also magical art pieces. Ben sees ghosts, is an ex cop does some pI work and now takes care of his aunt’s resort business
There is a lot going on here with mob connections, both past and present, ghosts, witches, and romance. The romance is sweet with some heat.
This story has it all if you are into the supernatural and suspense. There is flashbacks of violence, betrayal, and murder so if you have emotional triggers take that in mind!
I’m wait for another!
September 28, 2021
Just when they think it is safe to settle down together in Cape May and get on with their lives together Erik and Ben learn that the past does not always care to stay in the past. Both the Russian mob and the Newark mob have not forgotten about them. And in addition to them there are more paranormal beings afoot as they attempt to renovate an old theatre. There is such a solid cast of secondary characters and it was neat to read about Ben and Erik's developing relationship and to see them grow together as a couple as they deal with all of the crazy activity around them. I loved that this was set in Cape May, a place I spent a lot of time in as a child so in addition to a good story this gave me a bit of a taste of memory lane. I am looking forward to more of this couple and this series.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
September 28, 2021
this was a solid second book in this series and I think I even liked it a bit more than the last one. we get to know a few secondary characters better and I have high hopes for them .... Sean and Captain Hendricks come to mind ;)
Monty was a surprise but a pleasant one ... it would be interesting to read how that worked out
the mystery in this book was solid - as with the last one, there is a interesting mixture between paranormal and normal activity which leads to all what is happening.
the relationship between Erik and Ben is good although it seems a bit too easy sometimes ... but that is an interesting change to a lot of other books
I also have to start now the other series, Deadly curiosities, because I really want to get to know Sorren better
so I really hope we get another one in this series soon
Monty was a surprise but a pleasant one ... it would be interesting to read how that worked out
the mystery in this book was solid - as with the last one, there is a interesting mixture between paranormal and normal activity which leads to all what is happening.
the relationship between Erik and Ben is good although it seems a bit too easy sometimes ... but that is an interesting change to a lot of other books
I also have to start now the other series, Deadly curiosities, because I really want to get to know Sorren better
so I really hope we get another one in this series soon
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