Peacemaker

I tend to shy away from M/M books that have a historical setting since I don’t want the added angst and drama of same-sex relationships from those time periods, but given the paranormal aspect and that this was written by one of my favorite authors, I set aside my reservations to give this a go. I’m glad I did because I really enjoyed this first story in this new series! I love the idea of secret agencies dealing with supernatural threats, particularly in a historical setting like this. The historical aspects considering setting and time period showed the author did their research to keep things authentic. The meet-cute between Owen and Calvin was perfect, even though I did realize what was up as it was happening. There is a lot of “is he or isn’t he” going on in each of their heads, and if you are expecting anything romantic or physical, you’ll be waiting a long while. This does serve to increase the angst level between them, and allows the story to concentrate on the case they are investigating. They each have their own contacts that help move the investigation forward, both strong female characters that I’m hoping we’ll see in subsequent books in the series. Another fantastic supporting character is Winston, who serves as their “valet”, but is also a witch, assistant, and like their version of Q (from the Bond stories). He’s one of my favorite supporting characters this author has written. The story really grabbed my attention, and I was fully drawn in to everything that was going on. It does set things up well for the series, particularly with how the vampire baddie ends up in a down-but-not-out position…you just know he’s going to be back. And like with this author’s other series, there is a strong supporting network being established to help Calvin and Owen with whatever they might face. Peacemaker was a 4.5-star read for me, my only wish is that when it came to their relationship there would have been more show, not tell—particularly earlier on in the story. Regardless, this was a great read, and I’d recommend it to any M/M paranormal romance fan. The narration was excellent, perfectly paced and with good differentiation in the character voices. You could also easily tell the difference between points of view, as well as times when the characters’ thoughts were being expressed as opposed to their dialogue/actions. John Solo’s narration gets 5 stars from me!

I've always been a bit dubious about historical M/M books since a lot of the time they 'fudge' the romance angle or set it in an alternate universe where it's okay to be gay. However when I was offered a chance to listen to this one I was intrigued enough to give it a go, especially as the narrator is one of my favourites. This is written by a new to me author and they have kept very much to the reality of being gay in the 1890s. I loved listening to John narrate the story of two men who are conflicted about revealing such a private and potentially dangerous fact about themselves. This story is told from a dual point of view with one chapter following Own then another following Calvin so the listener gets a good grounding into both of the characters. I don't want to give away any major plot points but you really need to listen to this one if you like Wild West stories mixed with supernatural elements and spiced up by mystery and romance. Personally I am going to go hunting for more by this author as they have a wonderful way of describing events and still keeping true to the realities of the times, even with the fantastical thrown in.

With ‘Peacemaker’ being the first in a new paranormal series by Morgan Brice, much of the book is occupied by setting the plot and characters for what will follow. The setting of a slightly steampunk-ish late 19th century is intriguing. Main characters, Owen and Calvin, while interesting separately and together, do spend much of the book wondering if the other shares their ‘particular proclivities’. Non-steamy throughout most of this first installment, listeners are treated to one sexy-times scene and a HFN at the end. Secondary characters, butler Winston, reporter Ida, and Louisa, an undercover Pinkerton agent, slot into the story seamlessly. John Solo lends his wonderful voice as narrator. He imbues Calvin and Owen with the loneliness and desperation for each other that Brice’s words convey.

I was really looking forward to Morgan Brice's new series and the author has made a great start to the new series. Sharps & Springfield is a little different from the previous series, but just as good to read. The story takes place in 1897, when same-sex love was simply not allowed. I liked the two protagonists, Owen Sharps and Calvin Springfield, who met on the train. The two of them take on an assignment and their first case together is to solve the mysterious disappearance of two agents. I found the two of them very likeable and the sparks fly - the chemistry is palpable. But they have to be very careful, especially when you assume that the other is not attracted to you. Revealing your feelings could end in disaster. But so could close cooperation. There are several villains and a wide variety of paranormal protagonists who never let you get bored. Morgan Brice has described the world vividly and in detail, so that I could imagine everything very well. The investigations are exciting and there are also lovable secondary characters. Overall, I was thoroughly entertained by the audiobook narrated by John Solo. He did a good job and brought the story to life. I'm already looking forward to the next volume!

Solid story. great start to a new series. Lots of paranormal action, suspense, bit of angst (more internal monologues of each man wondering about the other's feelings) and a nice romantic development. Enjoyed the historical/steampunk theme to the story. Remindided me very much of the old Wild Wild West series.John Solo is one of those narrators that makes you sit up, listen and enjoy yourself as he performs. This is a great example that. He effortlessly transitions from one character to another, never missing a beat. Made it fun to listen. Looking forward to more!

I love Morgan Brice’s characters! This book is still men fighting supernatural threats but set in a time when one’s preferences had to be kept hidden in the shadows. It is all the action of this author’s books in a more historical setting. I can’t wait to see more stories with Owen, Calvin, and their assistant Wilson! I also love John Solos. He is a great narrator and I love listening to his voice.

I admit I wasn’t certain what to expect with this one. Morgan always delivers great paranormal stories and this one had all the elements I’ve come to expect: ghosts, mediums, dark forces, vampires…throw in zombies and she’s presented with a very interesting book to read. Also, this one is steampunk, so there are interesting elements (flying ships in 1897). There are also two men, secretly attracted to each other, but having to keep those desires hidden for fear of discovery. This might be an alternate world, but homophobia still runs rampant. Still, it’s St. Louis, so there is a Nancy bar. Anyway, Calvin and Owen, Supernatural Secret Service Agents, have a mystery to solve – what happened to their predecessors? And what does railroad expansion have to do with disappearances? I enjoyed the mystery in the story. I felt there was a little too much ‘does he like me or is he repulsed by me?’ In the end, this was a romance and I got my happy for now. There’s more to come, and I won’t hesitate to pick up the next book in the series. Finally, tip of the hat to John Solo for a great performance. I always enjoy his work – he and Morgan make magic audiobooks together.

Calvin and Owen solve the mystery, thwart the vampires and other other worldly creatures, and eventually find the courage to admit their feelings for each other in this enjoyable historical/paranormal adventure. Good narration by John Solo as always.

As a huge fan of the Wild, Wild West series from its original run combined with being a fan of m/m paranormal romance and Morgan Brice and with an 1897 setting for two characters named Sharps and Springfield and I just knew this book was going to be a winner. I wasn't disappointed and a new one-click series has been added to my list. I loved the world building, the relationship between our two main characters and the obstacles to that in this time period as well as all the action/adventure from the paranormal creatures causing havoc in this world. Read this in e-book and immediately purchased the paperback. I've now listened to the audiobook and it is fantastic. John Solo is in top form. He brought our main characters to life perfectly and something in the timbre of his voice just fit this western AU story.

It's Morgan Brice but historical. An entertaining romp around St Louis with vampires, zombies, and witches.The couple are new partners (in the Supernatural Secret Service), but due to the time period, they spent a lot of the book questioning each others reactions.Looking forward to reading or listening (probably both) to the next installment.John Solo did a great job with the narration. Recommended.

This was OK...I don't read/listen to many historicals but this one had paranormal elements, mm romance and other elements I love in romances and I wanted to try. Well this was a very slow burn which would have been OK if the MCs wasn't so cagey with their feelings towards one another...very frustrating when they kept doubting the other man's wants and intentions. I understand the time back then you had to be extra careful about your sexuality especially gay but DANG! they took it to the extreme. Anyways...the actual case they were in was interesting from start to finish...not too much violence but enough to keep it interesting. I like that they both had different and unique gifts that aid them in solving paranormal cases. Reminds a little of the old tv show Wild Wild West without the mm romance. Now the narration was good. John Solo is always good so no issues there. I believe this is a start of a series...not too sure I'm invested enough to continue on but I would recommend if you love slow burn, partner agent, vampires and John Solo...:)

Loved reading it, loved listening to it. The only thing I can add to my original review is how much I enjoyed listening to John Solo perform this story. He's one of my favorite audiobook performers and he did a great job with this story. My original review is shown below. I’ve read nearly every MM romance that Morgan Brice has written and I’ve enjoyed all of them. Peacemaker is a bit different from the others in that it’s classified as Steampunk. I haven’t read very many Steampunk books so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read this one. The other Steampunk stories I’ve read honestly just kind of confused me but not this one. Maybe this book is kind of Steampunk-light or maybe it’s just Morgan’s great writing? There isn’t a lot of mechanical gadgetry but there are a lot of creepy bad guys. When Owen and Calvin first meet, they are on a train and don’t know anything about each other. They have great conversation and maybe a little bit of flirting but each of them is very cautious because letting the wrong man know what you’re feeling can lead to very bad things in 1897. They don’t know that they both are heading to the same ultimate destination and they are going to be partners. The close proximity puts a strain on each of them because they both think that the other one isn’t attracted to men and that if their feelings become known it could be disastrous. I loved all of the back and forth between these characters and I loved the richly descriptive writing that allowed me to visualize St. Louis in 1897. Morgan Brice always pays attention to detail in her writing and I love that. There are some really bad and creepy characters in this story: zombies, bad vampires, bad witches (also good ones), hellhounds and more. Owen and Calvin have to solve the mystery of the gruesome murders and stay alive while doing it. There are some great secondary characters in this story and I especially liked Winston, who’s a good witch and acts as kind of valet/protector/cook for Owen and Calvin; I hope he’s around for the next book. I also understand that some of the other secondary characters appear in other books written under Morgan’s Gail Z. Martin pen name and now I want to check those out. A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author/narrator. ***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***