Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Blink

SERIES: Treasure Trail #2

AUTHOR: Morgan Brice

PUBLISHER: Darkwind Press

LENGTH: 212 Pages

RELEASE DATE: August 21, 2021

BLURB:

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.

REVIEW:

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 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.

RATING:

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