Point Blank
Badlands, Book 6
byMorgan Brice
Sexy psychic Simon Kincaide and skeptical homicide detective Vic D’Amato are getting married--if the ghost of a murderous magician doesn’t get them first!
Simon and Vic’s wedding is just a few weeks away, and they’re hoping for a little peace and quiet to wrap up work before their honeymoon, but nothing ever goes that smoothly.
Strange circumstances around the death of a retired stage magician suggest supernatural involvement, bringing Simon in on the case. The dark secrets of a long-ago resort hotel lead to a trail of unsolved cold cases that have a chilling similarity. Old scandals, malicious magic, and vengeful spirits expose a web of lies, deceit, and death that is headed for a reckoning.
Can Simon and Vic solve the murders, stop the ghosts, keep Simon’s mother from crashing the party, dodge last-minute wedding disasters, and still make it to the altar on time? Or will the shadows of Myrtle Beach’s haunted past ruin everything?
Point Blank is a fast-paced thrill ride MM paranormal romance packed with supernatural suspense, sinister sleight-of-hand, mysterious monsters, psychic visions, hot men, hurt/comfort, loyal friends, wedding planning, found family, ghosts galore, dark magic, and an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the feels.
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Exclusive from Point Blank
From Chapter 4
Simon
“Picking up any interesting juju?” Vic asked as the three of them put on gloves and booties.
“There are multiple ghosts, and both light and dark energies,” Simon told them. “I also think that Sheldon knew he had objects with real magic—maybe even cursed—and took precautions. There are wardings on the house, and I suspect we’ll find more spell work inside.”
“Do you think he was a witch?” As Ross had grown accustomed to Simon’s abilities, his initial reserve had given way to curiosity.
“Whether or not he was trained, I’m almost positive he at least dabbled. That can be more dangerous,” Simon replied.
“You ready?” Vic met his gaze, taking his cue from Simon.
“Yeah. Just stick close and don’t touch anything,” Simon warned.
Ross unlocked the door and turned on the lights. Simon followed and paused just over the threshold with Vic behind him.
“What?” Vic asked.
“Everything feels different inside than it did outside,” Simon replied. “I’m going to bet that Sheldon had some sort of perimeter set up around the foundation with salt and iron. All the energies are much stronger in here.”
“So the question is—did he want to keep something out, or make sure something didn’t get out?” Vic mused.
Simon moved into the small entranceway and had to step around the downed armoire. “Maybe a little of both. There are people—and creatures—who could be drawn to a concentration of powerful objects like dogs to the smell of food.”
“Well, that’s not creepy at all,” Ross muttered and fingered the amulet in his pocket.
Simon saw the overturned armoire and shivered, realizing how badly Vic might have been hurt if he’d caught its full weight. “Where did you see the ghost?”
Vic eyed the wardrobe like it was a snake, and pointed to the mirror where the ghost had appeared. “Here. I was jittery the whole time we were going through the house, so I won’t be surprised if you find more spooks.”
“Did you have the feeling we were being watched?” Ross spoke up. “Because I did. Told myself it was my imagination.”
“It wasn’t.” Simon examined the mirror closely without touching it, and gave the armoire a good look as well. He turned from side to side, taking in the magician’s hoarded treasures. “I’d like to walk through before I reach out to the ghosts. That should give me an idea of what we’re dealing with.”
Ross dug in his pocket. “Here. Take these. We don’t have warning stickers for ‘cursed’ and ‘haunted’ things, but if you put a biohazard label on or near something, no one is going to touch it.”
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About the Author:
Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic and urban fantasy, with less romance, more explosions.
All of the modern-day Morgan Brice and Gail Z. Martin series crossover, so characters from one series appear in cameos and on page in important secondary roles in books from other series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but the more you read the more the expanded universe of friendships and connections becomes clear.
Morgan and Gail believe that paranormal elements make any story even better, and her worlds are full of ghosts, psychics, shifters, creatures, vampires, monster hunters, and magic.
She's also a huge fan of the TV show Supernatural. (Chibi art by Kamidiox)
Find Morgan at www.MorganBrice.com and her reader group at www.facebook.com/groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
She's @MorganBriceBook on Twitter, @MorganBriceAuthor on Instagram, and can also be found on Bookbub, Goodreads and Pinterest (as GZMartin).
4.25 stars
“Point Blank” by Morgan Brice is Book 6 in the ‘Badlands’
series and follows Vic and Simon as they try to solve a locked-room murder mystery
with a twist, plus survive to enjoy their upcoming nuptials.
This adult gay paranormal romance continues the adventures of
homicide detective Vic and his psychic partner/fiance Simon as they race to
solve a mysterious murder that seems to have ties throughout the small beach
community. Add pre-wedding complications and jitters, and the stress threatens
to derail their plans.
I have been reading the books in this fascinating series
since the beginning, and it’s so wonderful to see how their relationship has
grown, and touching to watch them work through the complications of family interactions
while they approach their special day.
The chilling implications of the cold cases that are
uncovered are balanced by the camaraderie that has developed between the police
department and Simon and his paranormal contacts. It was fun to follow the
clues as they are revealed, especially with the twists of having informants who
are non-corporeal and Simon having his ancestor there to provide assistance
(and snarky comments). I think this story might be enjoyed by someone new to
the series, but it definitely will be more appreciated by those who have read
the other stories in this series. There are cameos by characters who star in
their own series, such as Badlands or Treasure Trail, and allusions to the fun
anthologies set at Caynham Castle, so those new to this author will have plenty
of new stories to savor.
This is an excellent addition to the series, combining
thrills and chills and sentiment, and I look forward to reading about more
adventures experienced by this charismatic pair.
A copy of this story was provided for review
