This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: M/M Romance, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense
Published by Tantor Audio
Released on March 29, 2019
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
The Delight
After enjoying the introduction of Simon the psychic and Vic the homicide detective during a serial killer’s rampage in Myrtle Beach, I was eager to go home for the holidays to Pittsburgh where Simon got to meet Vic’s boisterous Italian family.
Review
Lucky Town is #1.5 in the series and a novella that follows up on the first story so it doesn’t make the best of standalones though, in a pinch, it could be done.
Simon and Vic are opposites and their families are as well. Simon may be worried that Vic’s family won’t like him because he’s either a guy or psychic, but it is still a better bet than his mom’s cold and calculating holiday parties where she has invited his ex, no less.
Vic’s not exactly sanguine about heading home either. He wants to be with his family and has no doubt of their acceptance and love, but having to leave the force the way he did and getting the brush off from his ex leave a bitter taste. He comes from a family of people who serve and protect in many aspects of law enforcement so he has no doubt that his past will come up especially with Simon being a true psychic and a curiosity to them all.
This was a shorter piece and I enjoy how it solidified in my mind the relationship that began in Badlands. Simon and Vic have had a few months for the dust to clear on that old case and settle into their new relationship when not strained by a murder investigation and powerful psychic killer. They’re setting up house in Simon’s place and looking forward to their first holiday season together. It’s fraught with its own issues as exes and families are involved. I adored Vic’s big boisterous family and how they made it so easy for Simon to feel welcome and to reassure Vic that they have his back.
Though this was a shorter piece, there was still room to tuck a dark and dangerous murder investigation around Thanksgiving and Christmas season for the guys. I found it a bit too pat that the case began in Pittsburgh and led to a finale in Myrtle Beach, but that didn’t stop me from being right there in the moment when Simon and Vic go back to back with Simon’s magic friends to stop a supernatural fiend from killing hapless victims.
It was a fun play on an old, darker holiday legend and did the job of revealing a little more of what Simon can do and Vic must accept as the series progresses.
Kale Williams continues as the narrator and I thoroughly enjoyed his portrayal of both guys and the extended cast. He does well with both genders, age, and tosses in some regional accents for good measure. I hope he continues to be the voice of the series.
So, this novella was a fun one and I liked it even better than book one, surprisingly. It left me enthused to progress on to book two. I can recommend this series to those who enjoy spicy m/m romance paired with exciting and moderately darker paranormal suspense.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met
New Release #62
Audio #49
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I wonder what it would be like to be truly psychic, especially in such an environment as your new partner’s family for Christmas. I can’t decide if the ability would make it easier or more terrifying!
You actually pulled out something I didn’t emphasize, but is a very important element of the series. The author does explore that aspect of what it is like pro and con to being a true psychic when it comes to your daily life. It’s been as much a curse as blessing for poor Simon. But, that was what made Vic’s family so amazing. They asked questions, but they were totally fine with Simon’s ability and treated him like he belonged in their family.
Ooo, got me curious about the play on an old, darker holiday legend.
Oh yes, Violet! We have the ultimate bad Santa sighting when the Krampus legend gets a place in the story. 🙂
This sounds like a great story. I haven’t read many M/M romances, but I do love a good mystery especially when there’s a spicy romance included. 🙂
Definitely offers both of those for your, Rachel. 🙂
This novella sounds like a good little addition to the Badlands series. I like when you get more of the characters and series you love, but in a shorter novella, especially if you’re strapped for time!
It really was. I thought it was fun to see Simon go north with Vic to meet the parents. And, yes, there have been weeks where I need novellas if I’m going to read and actually finish a story. 🙂
I am so happy to see that you enjoyed this one so much darling, I love M/M romance and I really like the paranormal like elements involved here too.
Definitely loved this great combo of psychics, magic, and romantic suspense. 🙂
I’n not familiar with this author or narrator, but I love the sounds of a psychic and a detective together. Great review.
I agree- psychic, cop, and murder mysteries, yes please! Those things caught my eye with the first book. He was a new to me narrator as well though I’d heard of the author when I finally tried the first book.
OK – that cover is so sexy. That man in the glasses…rawr. LOL
It seems like they had a lot more to worry about this holiday season than meeting the family! I’m glad that this one solidified their relationship for you.
Great review!
Simon is so sexy. 🙂 I like that they tried to match up the models to the book descriptions of both characters.
Oh yeah, a bad supernatural Santa legend and the exes. 🙂 It was a holiday nightmare.
Love when a narrator is good at all the different people
I agree. I don’t like trying to guess who is talking or be distracted by too much or too little in the acting so its great when a narrator hits just the right balance.