Roustabout is a great standalone story in a multi-author world. This was by no means my first Morgan Brice book but it was the first book I’ve read with a character who is a necromancer and I really enjoyed it. There was a mystery in this story but it was of the type where the readers already know who (RJ) is being hunted by the Tennessee Bureau of Supernatural Investigations.

We also know that RJ isn’t really a bad guy. He’s just giving some really bad guys what they are owed for all of the bad things that they’ve done to people he loves. Bart is the agent who is tasked with finding the man who is committing all of these crimes that seem to be connected and yet he can’t figure out exactly how they’re connected. Bart’s abilities as a witch and a necromancer are put to good use in this book.

I don’t know if Morgan intends Roustabout to be part of a new series but I wouldn’t mind reading more books with RJ and Bart; they make a great couple and I’m sure they would have interesting adventures together.

Reviews for Morgan Brice

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NAME OF CHARACTER: Bartlett Gibson

What impression do you make on people when they first meet you?
A: They tend to think I’m more serious and all-business more than I really am. That’s my own fault, because I don’t show the other sides of myself to very many people.

How about after they’ve known you for a while?
A: I think my team and work partners know that I enjoy going out and having fun and that I have a sense of humor.

What is your profession?
A: I’m an agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Supernatural Investigation

Tell me about your best friend.
A: My late fiancé, Shaun, was my best friend. I don’t have a best friend now.

Describe your ideal mate.
A: I want someone who can be a best friend, partner, companion, and lover, someone I can have fun with and be serious with, who shares a lot of common interests. I don’t need a lot of people around me as long as they’re the right people.

What’s the most important thing in your life?
A: Taking time to appreciate every day, because life can be over in the blink of an eye.

Your thoughts on love?
A: The right person is hard to find, so when you do find the one, make him your top priority.

Is there anything you haven’t done that you want to do?
A: Take a long tropical vacation and not think about work.

What are you most afraid of?
A: Falling in love again and losing that person.

Favorite food
A: I love good barbecue.

What would you consider your perfect night out?
A: I’m okay with going out or staying in if I’m with the right person.

What do you like most about the person you fell in love with?
A: He’s smart and brave and has a fierce sense of justice, plus he’s a great kisser.

Thank you.

But first, reckless as it might be, RJ had a date.

He knew he was fussing too much over his hair—manicuring his stubble and manscaping— but it had been a long time since there’d been anyone to notice, and he was going to make the most of it.

RJ wore his best shirt, a russet one that complemented his hair and warmed his pale complexion. Together with a new pair of jeans and a pair of Timberlands that were a rare splurge, he knew he cleaned up well.

He drove to Rosco’s Barbecue and parked, then realized his palms were sweating as he gripped the steering wheel.

It’s just dinner, he told himself. But nobody had ever made him feel like Bart did.

He grew up fast on the circuit surrounded by roustabouts and wranglers who didn’t follow convention and largely lived outside the restrictions of polite society. RJ had plenty of boyfriends and lovers over the years. Those in the carnival life rarely expected permanence, and relationships seldom lasted more than a season.

Moving from place to place had been a necessary distraction in those years. He hadn’t wanted more than temporary connections since he still mourned the people he had loved and lost. The dream of vengeance had sustained him, and for a long time, that was enough.

But now, with the end of his quest in sight, RJ found himself wanting more. Maybe he could never tell a partner everything about his old life and the recompense he had dealt out, but perhaps he didn’t need to live in self-imposed solitude.

After all, people in WITSEC get married. This isn’t too much different.

God, I’ve got the cart before the horse. We haven’t even fucked properly, and I’m picking out china patterns. It’s just dinner. And maybe a blow job if I play my cards right.

He went inside and looked for Bart. When he didn’t see the tall man waiting, his stomach tightened, fearing he had been stood up.

Bart came in a moment later, looking harried. “Sorry. Work ran over. Have you been here long?” He looked like he really cared whether RJ had been worried.

RJ relaxed and gave a broad smile. “Just got here myself.” His stomach growled. “It smells so good in here, and I’m starving.”

They followed the hostess to a table. RJ saw Bart slip her a twenty to get a spot out of the thick of the fray. Rosco’s did a booming business, with food that deserved the buzz.

“Did you have a good day?” Bart asked after they had ordered. RJ thought it was charming that Bart seemed flustered.

Maybe he’s as out of practice as I am.

Carnival of Mysteries shared world Series

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