Audiobook Review: NO SURRENDER by MORGAN BRICE (Badlands #5), narrated by Kale Williams

No Surrender 

(Badlands 5) 

An MM Psychic Detective Romance Adventure

by Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Narrator: Kale Williams

Release Date: March 21, 2023

Genre: Paranormal MM romance, MM Psychic Detective Romance Adventure

Tropes: evolving established relationship, hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine

Themes: letting go of the past, dealing with old guilt, forgiveness, facing tough times together, trust

Heat Rating: 5 flames 

Length: 6 hours and 14 minutes

It is a standalone story, but also part of a series. It does not end on a cliffhanger.

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Cold cases, hot leads, a psychic psychopath, a copycat killer, cursed objects, the trial of the century—and wedding plans.

Blurb

Cold cases, hot leads, a psychic psychopath, a copycat killer, cursed objects, the trial of the century—and wedding plans.

Psychic medium Simon Kincaide and sexy homicide detective Vic D'Amato met hunting a supernatural serial killer. Since then, Simon has become a police consultant on cases involving the paranormal, and Vic has gotten over his doubts about Simon's abilities being real. Along the way, they fell in love and got engaged. But it seems like the danger never ends.

Now, the first case Simon and Vic worked together comes back to haunt them as the killer goes to court and all hell breaks loose. The killer has a crazy fan setting curses on key players in the upcoming trial. Ghosts from an old cold case suggest that someone got away with murder. And a supernatural creature attracted to fear and death is using the Grand Strand as its feeding ground. Simon and Vic feel like they're waging a war on all fronts, but with the stakes so high, there can be No Surrender!

Carra's Review

It’s always a pleasure to return to Vic and Simon for another round of paranormal intrigue.  This time around, they’re waiting on the trial from the Slitter case from the first book of the series, but there are strange things happening that seem to be tied to the case, possibly putting it in jeopardy.  Everyone involved in the case has become a target, so it’s a race to figure out what’s going on.

To complicate things, there is also a set of cold cases from the eighties brought to their attention that may be tied to what’s happening…and you know that means more ghostly contacts to keep things interesting.  We’re also treated to an appearance by Simon’s own ghost relative, Dante, to try and help with the cold cases.

As I’ve come to expect from this author and this series, there’s enough going on to keep you on your toes and guessing through much of the story.  I did feel like the resolutions to the different aspects going on felt a little rushed this time in the last quarter of the book, like things were jumping quickly from one thing to another so to me it seemed more tell than show, but I still enjoyed the reveals as they happened.

A fun bonus was the wedding planning for Vic and Simon…I kinda hope to get an invite as it sounds like it’s going to be a great time ;-)

No Surrender was a strong 4-star read/listen for me, and added a nice twist to the series by revisiting their first case.  While you probably could read this one on its own, my recommendation would be to read the series in order for a more complete background on the prior events and a better feel for the fierce connection between the two main characters.

For this audiobook version, Kale Williams delivered another solid narration, well-paced and with just enough differentiation in voices to identify characters who were speaking.  I always enjoy his smooth tone, and am giving four stars for the narration.

About the Author

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.

On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.

Series include Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

Author Links

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Audiobook Review: FLAME AND ASH by Morgan Brice, narrated by Kale Williams (Witchbane #4)

Flame and Ash

by Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Narrator: Kale Williams

Release Date: March 16, 2021

Genre: Urban fantasy M/M paranormal romance

Trope/s: ghosts, magic, supernatural, monster hunters, established and evolving relationship 

Themes: Trust, found family, healing from past loss, letting go of grief and guilt, learning to be a couple

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length:  6 hours and 6 minutes

It can be read as a standalone, although it is the fourth book in the Witchbane series. 

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The hunters become the hunted when the witch knows they're coming to get him, and has deadly plans of his own.

Blurb 

One hundred years ago, a sheriff's posse killed dark warlock Rhyfel Gremory, but his witch-disciples escaped, and their magic made them nearly immortal. To keep their power, each year one of the witch-disciples kills a descendant of one of the men in the posse, a 12-year cycle that has cost dozens of lives, including that of Seth Tanner's brother, Jesse.

Seth rescued Evan Malone from one of the witches, and they've fallen in love despite the danger and chaos, going on the road to complete the quest and bring an end to the ritual murders. Their relationship is new, their emotions are raw, and the danger is real. It's a challenge to find their way as a couple while they're on the road together in the close quarters of Seth's RV, training in magic and combat skills to fight off a supernatural killer.

Their quest to stop a century-long killing spree takes them to a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They're ahead of the sacrifice cycle, with plans to stop the murders and kill the dark witch. Only this time, the hunters become the hunted when the witch knows they're coming to get him, and has deadly plans of his own.

Carra's Review

I’m so happy to be reading Seth and Evan again!  Not only that, but this story is set in Boone, North Carolina where I lived for several years…always love reading something set in a familiar locale.  Plus getting back into the whole witch disciples storyline—I look forward to these two guys continuing to take these baddies down.  Even better was that this time around, Seth’s mentors Toby and Milo join them to help, plus we get introduced to a new couple, one of whom is the target this time around.  I’m hoping we might see more of them at some point in a future story.

Seth and Evan’s relationship seems more solid than ever, and even with that we still get more relationship development in this book (I love that).  They’re just as hot as well…maybe even getting hotter together (you’ll see what I mean ;-) ).  Even if a bit of a wrench is thrown in at one point…

Though the core legend on which this series is based and the resulting methods of fighting the disciples seem to remain constant, you’ll find some interesting new places, supernatural creatures, and objects to capture your attention (you can be absolutely sure on my next trip to North Carolina I’ll be checking out the Road to Nowhere since it’s an actual place with an intriguing history!).  The paranormal aspects of the story, the angst brought up thanks to someone from Seth’s past, and the fight against another disciple had me reading this story through in a single sitting.

Flame and Ash is another excellent addition to this series, and I’ll be here waiting for Seth and Evan’s next adventure.  This book was a 4.5-star read for me, and I know fans of the series will definitely enjoy it.  This is the third book in the series, and you really do need to read these books in order to get the full effect.  There are also mentions of characters from the author’s other series, though you don’t need to have read those to enjoy this one.  This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

The narration: I really enjoyed the narration.  Kale Williams did another solid job, and I found myself fully immersed with Seth and Evan once again.  The story flew by, and the voices were consistent with the prior books in the series.  5 stars for the narration!

About the Author

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.

On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.

Series include Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

Website  |  Audible Profile  |  Amazon profile

Facebook Group  |   Facebook Page

  Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail)  |  Twitter  

 BookBub  |  Instagram

Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a new release

Read a copy of my Badlands short story Restless Nights here for free

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

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Audiobook Review: AUSTIN by Felice Stevens (Man Up #1)

AUSTIN

MAN UP SERIES

FELICE STEVENS

M/M ROMANCE

AUDIO RELEASE DATE: 08.29.18

COVER DESIGN: REESE DANTE

NARRATOR: KALE WILLIAMS

BLURB

I can make it by myself. The only rules I follow are my own. Love? I learned that lesson the hard and painful way—it wasn’t right for me. Sure, sometimes it gets lonely, and I wish I had a man to hold. Who’d love me. Want me. Treat me with respect. Yeah, I dance in a club, but that doesn’t mean I’m easy. Or a fool. So you, sitting in the back, watching me? I know what you want. You want me. In your bed. Under you. But I say no. It doesn’t matter how many presents you give me.

I’m not falling for you. I know who you are. But you don’t know me. You don’t know Austin.

Audible

EXCERPT

“Stop mooning over him, Austin. He’s taken.”

I gave my boss Tyler one last look from beneath the dark curls hanging in my eyes and let out a sigh as melancholy as I felt. “Don’t I know it. Look at them. The perfect couple. And Marcus never takes his eyes off Ty. I wouldn’t either if he were my man.”

Frankie Marone, the other dance instructor and my best friend, poked me in the side. “And you know Marcus hates it when you drool over Ty. You told me that yourself. So let’s finish up here and get over to the club.”Frankie’s brown eyes sparkled. “It’s margarita night, and you know that means big tips for us. Especially you, when your Mr. Tall, Dark, and Doesn’t Ever Speak shows up.”

We gathered our bags and went to change in the locker room Tyler had built in the back of the dance studio. I ran a critical eye over myself in the mirror, poofed out my curls a bit, then slicked on a little lip gloss. “Do you think I need eyeliner?”

“Girl, you know that man likes you done up. Here, take mine.”Frankie handed me his eyeliner, and I used it around the corners of my eyes, giving them a cat’s-eye tilt at the edge. “Didn’t he send you some sexy things to wear after the last time you danced for him?”

Heat crept up my face at the memory of the silky jockstrap and scented oils the mysterious stranger had sent me backstage at Man Up, the club where Frankie and I usually danced most nights. It wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life, but the money was great, and I did what I could to get by.

I gave Frankie back the eyeliner. “Here. And yeah, I dunno. He probably won’t show.”

“But you’re wearing it just in case he does, right?”

I bit my lip and nodded, then pulled down my leggings to reveal a peek of red silky material lined with crystals.

“Jesus, that’s hot. And expensive, I bet.”

“I know.”After the package had arrived, I looked up the jock online and found it at a boutique in Chelsea specializing in high-end menswear. “It’s a hundred bucks.

“Holy sh*t.”Frankie’s jaw dropped. “He wants you.”

It had turned chilly outside, and I tugged on my fur-topped boots. “I don’t mind a little snuggle here and there, and I’m not against saying a special thank-you with a kiss, but there’s a limit. You know what I mean.

Frankie zipped up his jacket and pulled his furry hood over his head. “If he wants to be your sugar daddy, you tell him yes. Get yourself set up good with a nice place and a bank account. I would. You don’t need to keep shaking your ass for those guys always grabbing your junk.”

“I’m not a whore, Frankie. I’m not selling myself. Right now, I love dancing and teaching the kids, but I have plans. And maybe someday, in the future, a real boyfriend.”

“And you’re a great dancer. The kids love you.”Frankie shrugged as we walked back into the studio in time to see Marcus kissing Tyler with a passion I’d never experienced. It made my heart and my d*ck throb. “And as for boyfriends, they’re nothing but trouble.”

Carra's Review

First, before you start this book—be aware that this a very short story, and is only a prequel to the next book.  There is a cliffhanger at the end, kind of a “what will he do next” ending…and this is meant to thoroughly pique your interest for the next story and the series.  

Several characters are introduced.  The two main ones who will be the focus of the next book, Austin and Rhoades, who are dancing around each other both figuratively and literally (for Austin) and stirring up the interest of anyone who reads this, are the center of attention.  Even with this being such a short length, the heat, chemistry, and attraction between them are palpable.  Also introduced are the other dancers at Man Up, the club for which the series is named, as well as the club’s owner.

Since the story is quite short (I read in in less than a half hour), there’s not much more I can say without giving away too much.  Just know that it will definitely grab your attention, make you want more, and also probably have you screaming “YOU TEASE!” at the author…kind of like I’m doing right now.

I’m giving Austin 4.5 stars for the intriguing start, and I cannot wait for Rhoades—Undeniable to come out so I can get more of these two guys.  

The narration: If reading Austin in ebook form piqued my interest for the next book, listening to Kale Williams’s narration helped cement that interest even more.  Austin’s character comes across as sweet but wary, and as for Rhoades I really liked the touch of accent Williams gave to his voice.  The narration was smooth and evenly paced, and left me excited to get started on the next audiobook of Rhoades.  5 stars for the narration!

About the Author

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn't until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth's court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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