Reviewed by Nikyta
Title: Badlands
Author: Morgan Brice
Heroes: Simon & Vic
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Length: 296 pages
Publisher: Darkwind Press
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Medium and clairvoyant Simon Kincaide owns a Myrtle Beach boardwalk shop where he runs ghost tours, holds séances, and offers private psychic readings, making a fresh start after his abilities cost him his lover and his job as a folklore professor. Jaded cop Vic D’Amato saw something supernatural he couldn’t explain during a shootout several years ago in Pittsburgh and relocated to Myrtle Beach to leave the past behind, still skeptical about the paranormal. But when the search for a serial killer hits a dead end, Vic battles his skepticism to ask Simon for help. As the body count rises, Simon’s involvement makes him a target, and a suspect. But Simon can’t say no, even if it costs him his life and heart.
Review:
I was super intrigued when I read this blurb because I absolutely love books about psychics and mediums and this one did not disappoint! I love that it had a cop AND a psychic and I loved that we actually got to see the serial killer case unfold. It was interesting to see how that played a major role in this book and the author didn’t cut corners on showing the reader the scenes and working the case. As for Vic, I liked that he was willing to take a leap and try to get a psychic’s perspective even if he didn’t really believe in all that. I also liked how down to earth Simon was. I mean, he hasn’t exactly had the best life but now, he’s so laid back and I loved him as a character. I love the life he’s built and the friends he’s made. When Simon and Vic meet, sparks fly instantly but once Vic allows Simon to do a reading for him, things change between them. There’s still that chemistry but there’s also a bit of skepticism and underlying wariness that never really goes away.
I enjoyed this one a lot but I felt like Simon forgave Vic way too easily. I mean, he knew that Vic didn’t take him seriously and yet, he still let Vic treat him like he was a fraud. Simon didn’t even trust Vic enough to let him know what he was going to do or how Simon was being taunted. Because of how Vic treated Simon’s gift and how Vic acted when Simon’s attempted to let Vic know of what he was experiencing, I felt like Vic needed to grovel like his life depended on it. Instead, Simon forgave him instantly with just an “it’s understandable his disbelief”. But NO, it’s not understandable when the guy that’s trying to get in your pants, won’t take you seriously.
All in all, though, I really liked this one. I did ultimately like Simon and Vic as characters and their relationship, even if I didn’t agree with how easily Vic was forgiven for not believing in Simon. I did also love the serial killer aspect and how well that was handled. I hope we get more of this world around Myrtle Beach because I adored Simon and Vic and hope to see more of them soon!
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*
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