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.

Goodreads

Buy Links

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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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New Release-Review & Excerpt: LIGHT MY WAY HOME by Morgan Brice (A Treasure Trail Novella) - Includes Giveaway!

Light My Way Home: 

A Treasure Trail Novella

by Morgan Brice

Publisher:  Darkwind Press

Cover Artist: Adrijus Guscia

Release Date: January 25, 2023

Genres: Paranormal MM romance, urban fantasy

Tropes: Hurt/comfort, second chance, age gap, friends-to-lovers, misunderstood ghost, lonely lighthouse keeper

Themes: Working up the courage to love, getting over old betrayals, fighting the odds to stay together, forbidden love (medium and ghost)

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 22 000 words/ 74 pages

It is a standalone book and is the prequel to the series.

It does not end on a cliffhanger

Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon US   |   Amazon UK

A love strong enough to transcend death.

Blurb 

A shy lighthouse keeper who can talk to ghosts. A lonely ghost mourning the losses of the past and hoping for justice. A love strong enough to transcend death.

Monty Clark is the new park ranger for the Cape May Light. He hoped to find someone to love who can accept his ability as a psychic medium.

Jon Richards was a movie stuntman murdered on the beach in the 1950s. When the new lighthouse keeper strikes up a conversation and invites him in to watch TV, Jon discovers that a beating heart isn’t required to fall in love.

Light My Way Home is an MM paranormal romance with a shy park ranger, a protective ghost, unsolved murders, a dangerous shipwreck, supernatural ninja nuns, vintage movies, old secrets, and love bigger than life or death.

Excerpt 

"And that concludes today’s tour of the Cape May Lighthouse. Don’t forget to stop by our gift shop and tell your friends if you had fun today.” Lighthouse keeper Montana “Monty” Clark watched his guests troop toward the shop and followed close behind so he could ring up their snacks and souvenirs.

“What is that big thing out on the beach?” a lady who reminded Monty of his grandmother asked as he ran her credit card for a lighthouse Christmas ornament, some post‐ cards, bottled water, and a bag of gummy worms.

“That’s Battery 223, built to survive an air strike, and back during the Second World War, it protected the coast with guns that could fire shells miles out to sea,” Monty said with a smile as he carefully wrapped the ornament and bagged her purchases. “Of course, the guns have been gone for a long time. It’s part of the park now, but it’s closed up, so unfortunately, no one can go inside.”

“I bet it would be a popular tour if you could get that changed,” she replied. “Is it haunted? Seems like everything in Cape May has ghosts running around, or at least that’s what our last guide said.”

Even more than you know, Monty thought, although his grin never wavered. “People claim to have spotted some ghosts nearby, but I don’t think any of them were soldiers. The bunker’s guns never fired, and it didn’t come under attack.”

“You did a nice job with the tour,” the lady said. “Tonight we’re taking a ghost tour. Maybe we’ll get lucky and see some spooky stuff.”

“Good luck,” he answered and hoped he sounded sincere. Monty had been able to see and talk with ghosts all his life, and he knew that most people had no idea what they were asking for by seeking out restless spirits.

She gave him a cheery wave as she left, and several more customers kept him busy until the last of the cars drove away, and the lighthouse was peaceful again.

Monty liked the quiet. He enjoyed spending time with close friends, but being alone didn’t bother him. When he had read a book about a lighthouse keeper as a kid, he’d known right then what he wanted to do.

Unlike the lighthouse in that book, the Cape May Light wasn’t on a desolate, windswept rocky island accessible only by boat. As part of a state park in a touristy beach town, it had plenty of visitors in summer and lots of walkers and birdwatchers strolling the grounds off-season. School groups and tours came to learn about the town’s seafaring history, and Monty loved showing them around the building, answering questions, and tossing in unusual facts.

But at the end of the day, the quiet grounds and empty beach soothed Monty’s soul. He bustled around the public areas of the building, making a quick check for trash or lost items. Then he locked the doors and headed for a stroll on the sand to enjoy the sunset.

Carra's Review

This is the first ghost/human romance I’ve read, and I really enjoyed it.  I was wondering how they would make anything work between them beyond a platonic friendship, but went into the story with an open mind knowing this would be an unconventional pairing.

Both Monty and Jon are characters you can feel for.  Monty is so sweet, and I just wanted to wrap him up in a big hug.  As a ghost, Jon already had my sympathy, but even more so once I discovered his backstory.  These two becoming friends first eases you into things, but later as they grew to mean more to each other it did take a little bit to get used to such an unusual relationship.  

There may be some who think “why bother when you can find someone alive?”, but not everyone can find that other person - and in the end, the heart wants what the heart wants…even if others can’t understand it.  This story celebrates that, while also throwing in some angst along the way so you really want things to end up all right between these two wonderful men.

I thought this story was very well done, creative, and unique.  Monty and Jon are perfect together, and as long as they are happy that’s all that matters.  It makes for a great read, and I’m giving Light My Way Home 4.5 stars.  Oh, and if you think there could never be anything physical between them…yeah, well this one I’d recommend for 18+ for a bit of adult content ;-)

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

Website  |  Audible Profile  |  Amazon profile

Facebook Group  |   Facebook Page

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Audiobook Spotlight: LEGACY: DEADLY CURIOSITIES 5 by Gail Z. Martin

Legacy: Deadly Curiosities 5

by Gail Z. Martin

Publisher: SOL Publishing and Tantor Audio

Narrator: Courtney Patterson 

Release Date: May 10, 2022

Genre: Urban fantasy with MM romantic elements

Tropes: Pirates, sea captain, soul bond, friends-to-lovers, magic, witches, Voodoo, visions, psychics, ghosts, monsters, bisexual romance, ghostly lovers, sex magic, omens

Themes: Found family, soulmates, loyal friends, eternal love, second chance at love

Heat Rating: 1 flame

Length: 7 hours and 48 minutes

It can be read as a standalone but is also part of a series. It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Note: Legacy isn’t a romance—it’s adventure/suspense with strong romantic elements. The two main romances in the book are between Gideon (sea captain) and Ramon (privateer) right after the American Revolution, and between Teag and Anthony in current time, and while the romances play an important part in the plot, the focus is on the action/mystery/supernatural elements. (Gideon and Ramon work forbidden magic to bind their souls together forever to protect the coast from a malicious demigod, and because they never want to risk being separated in the afterlife.) There are two secondary romances, an MM one between Dante and Coltt (privateers in the Revolutionary era) and between Cassidy and Kell (MF but nothing beyond a few kisses and cuddles). There is no explicit/on-page sex. Both Dante and Gideon are bisexual, and those pairings are important to the plot.

Also—there are massive crossovers between Legacy (and the whole Deadly Curiosities series) and my Morgan Brice series, especially Badlands, Treasure Trail, Witchbane and Fox Hollow. 

Buy Links

Audible US  |  Audible UK 

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

The clock is ticking for Cassidy and her friends to stop the dark warlock, capture the goblin, and restore the guardian spell before a malevolent ancient entity takes its vengeance on Charleston and the coast.

Blurb 

Omens of impending disaster have the city of Charleston on edge. Tremors warn of earthquake risk, while a potentially catastrophic storm gathers strength over the ocean and heads for land. 

A last-man-standing promise among elderly veterans creates a dangerous inheritance involving an imprisoned, wish-granting goblin. A sea captain and a swashbuckler worked blood magic to protect Charleston from an ancient evil with a spell that bound their souls and their descendants to the task, but danger looms as its power fades. The head of a witch family wants artifacts and secrets—and he'll do anything to get them.

Cassidy Kincaide runs Trifles and Folly, an antique and curio store where her touch magic helps get cursed and haunted objects out of the wrong hands. More than once, she and her allies have saved the world from supernatural threats. 

The clock is ticking for Cassidy and her friends to stop the dark warlock, capture the goblin, and restore the guardian spell before a malevolent ancient entity takes its vengeance on Charleston and the coast. It's going to take all the magic, courage, and quick thinking they can muster—and for once, that might not be enough.

About the Author 

Gail Z. Martin writes epic fantasy, urban fantasy and steampunk for Solaris Books, Orbit Books, SOL Publishing, Darkwind Press, Worldbuilders Press and Falstaff Books. Recent books include Convicts and Exiles, Sellsword’s Oath, Inheritance, and Night Moves. With Larry N. Martin, she is the co-author of the Spells Salt & Steel, Wasteland Marshals, Joe Mack and Jake Desmet series. 

As Morgan Brice, she writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance including the Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail and Fox Hollow series. 

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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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Audible US  |  Audible UK 

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

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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

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

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Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

New Release-Review & Excerpt: THE FANTASTIC FLUKE by Sam Burns - Includes Giveaway!

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:

The Fantastic Fluke 

by Sam Burns

A lost fox. A gorgeous ghost. And an unlikely partnership to stop a murderer.

Since his mother's murder, Sage McKinley doesn’t live, he exists. His weak magic has made him an outcast, shadowing his life with self-doubt. All that changes when the spirit of a gunslinger appears in his bookstore with a message that will flip Sage’s world upside down. According to the mesmerizing apparition, a powerful magic lies within Sage... if he can find a way to tap into it.

But dastardly threats accompany this untapped power. Bodies are piling high as a killer hunts for the secrets of the mage that now course through Sage’s veins. Can Sage find the confidence to embrace all he’s capable of? Or will the next life snuffed out be his own?

Universal Link

Goodreads

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Excerpt

It took about three seconds after I got back to the sidewalk to realize I was being followed. Not by the drunk guys or any other people, but by the distinctive click-click-click of dog toenails on sidewalk.  

Dammit. 

I kept walking. Maybe it would lose interest or focus, get distracted by the smell of food or a squirrel. But no. In fact, as I tried to pretend it wasn’t there, it drew closer, its steps gaining in confidence. 

“I don’t have any food,” I told it. Like it was possible to have a rational conversation with a dog. 

Maybe I was alone among humans, but I had never wanted a dog. They were sweet and cute, and who didn’t like petting them? But I didn’t want that kind of responsibility. Maybe it was the single thing I inherited from my father: his aversion to responsibility. 

Besides, what was I supposed to do with a dog all day? I couldn’t leave it alone in my house—it would probably pee in there. My backyard wasn’t fenced off, so I couldn’t leave it outside. I sure as hell couldn’t take it to work with me. I could just imagine the complaints I’d get for bringing a dog to the shop. 

Mr. Ashwell, who came in twice a week and probably spent a sum total of fifteen dollars a month, would throw a fit. He was very particular. He once berated me for allowing a woman to carry a tiny little purse dog around in the shop with her. 

Called a two-pound yorkie a dangerous menace. 

Yeah. It’d be a tragedy of epic proportions if I lost that customer. One of Dad’s favorites, of course. 

But dammit, I didn’t have time for a dog. Or money. They required food and veterinarians and grooming and constant walks to keep them from crapping everywhere. 

I stopped and turned to confront the thing, but . . . but it wasn’t a dog at all. 

It was a fox. 

Just a plain old red fox, with orangey fur that turned dark on its paws, black tipped ears, and a white underbelly and fluffy white tail tip. Just like the ones all over the woods outside of town, but this one was staring up at me like I’d hung the goddamn moon.

Carra's Review

More.  I want more.  I NEED more.  More Sage, more Gideon, more Fluke.  Lots more Fluke.  I’m gonna need a big distraction while I wait!  Do you think I might’ve liked this one?  Oh yeah.

I’ve read other stories that have incorporated ley lines in them, and this one takes the concept and gives it just a bit of its own twist (which we don’t see until quite late in the story)…enough so that it has its own unique touch.  There is of course a baddie, and while I had my thoughts on who it could be—there’s several people to choose from—the author put a small twist on this as well.  Then in between all that we have Sage, a mage of supposed minor power (very, very minor) that gets caught up in a magic that is quite beyond his expectations.  There are quite a few elements going on in this story, and it all served to keep my attention riveted to the pages.

I loved the characters; Sage is like your magical everyman with so much hidden potential, and Gideon is the strong, silent, steady type who acts as a constant support for him, believing Sage is capable of more than he thinks.  Then there’s Fluke.  Fluke is awesome as Sage’s familiar, and I liked the human qualities Fluke displays when interacting with and supporting Sage throughout the book.  I want my own Fluke…pretty please?

There’s just the right amount of groundwork laid out in this story, with just enough aspects left open-ended to leave me satisfied with the world the author created while also keeping me on the hook for more to come.  And boy, I hope it’s a lot more because I’m kinda hooked on these guys!

The Fantastic Fluke was a very strong 4.5-star read for me, and I can’t wait for more (seriously—the next one is ready now, right?  Please? *sigh, settling in to wait*).  Bonus points for Sage owning a bookstore, I’m such a sucker for anything with bookstores or libraries as main settings.  If you’re a fan of M/M paranormal romance/urban fantasy, go ahead and add this one to your library—you’ll like it, I promise ;-)  This story is meant for readers 18+ for the adult language and sexual content.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Sam's new release, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Sam’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!

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About the Author:

Sam lives in the Midwest with husband and cat, which is even less exciting than it sounds, so she's not sure why you're still reading this.

She specializes in LGBTQIA+ fiction, usually with a romantic element. There's sometimes intrigue and violence, usually a little sex, and almost always some swearing in her work. Her writing is light and happy, though, so if you're looking for a dark gritty reality, you've come to the wrong author.

Website - Facebook - Facebook Group - Goodreads - Amazon - Instagram

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Book Blitz: STRUGGLE FOR MY SOUL by Andrea Renee Smith

Struggle for My Soul 

by Andrea Renee Smith

Synopsis

When Shelley's boyfriend dies, all Hell breaks loose. He and other Friends have to fight to save her soul from the evil that wants to claim her. Find out what demons await her and what her future holds.

Add to GoodReads

Buy Links

Amazon - Barnes and Noble

About the Author

She is a homemaker, a wife and a mother. She has two Maltese she adores. She also takes care of her mother-in-law. She formerly worked as a Teacher’s Assistant.

She loves to read and write romance and other genres.

She has written a 4 book series called Cristibell. 

Four children's books and two adult books.

Her series is being published on Goodreads, Amazon along with her other books.

Connect with the author

Facebook - Amazon