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Kings of the Mountain #1
Kings of the Mountain
Fast cars. Outlaw country boys. Snarky werewolves, vengeful ghosts, and menacing monsters.
Dawson King’s family has been hunting things that go bump in the night in Transylvania County, North Carolina, since before the Revolutionary War.
Dawson was never happier than when he was racing his souped-up Mustang along winding mountain roads and hunting monsters with his best friend, Grady. Then Grady fell in love with him, which should have been perfect since Dawson had already fallen hard for Grady.
But Grady was only seventeen, and Dawson feared that sooner or later, Grady would realize his feelings were just a first crush, and then he’d be gone, leaving Dawson devastated. They both needed space to figure things out. So Dawson joined the army, while Grady stayed on the mountain.
Four years later, Dawson is coming home. He’s more sure than ever Grady is his forever love, and they’ve both agreed to begin this new aspect of their relationship as soon as Dawson gets back.
Then Grady’s father is killed in a werewolf hunt gone wrong. Grady is devastated, and he’s throwing mixed signals about moving forward. Dawson knows he needs to hold off on this new thing between them until Grady has time to grieve. But monsters never sleep, and one hunt after another throws Dawson and Grady into constant danger, while tension and unresolved feelings ripple between them.
Making it even harder, Dawson’s got a secret. He’s dreamed of death omens—which point to something stalking Grady. Can Dawson figure out who’s trying to kill Grady, save his life, and win back his heart?
Plenty of mutual pining, hurt/comfort, spooky chills, sexy thrills, and a very happy ending. The Kings of the Mountain is the first novel in the series. It is a MM romance intended for readers 18 years of age and older.
Dawson King’s family has been hunting things that go bump in the night in Transylvania County, North Carolina, since before the Revolutionary War.
Dawson was never happier than when he was racing his souped-up Mustang along winding mountain roads and hunting monsters with his best friend, Grady. Then Grady fell in love with him, which should have been perfect since Dawson had already fallen hard for Grady.
But Grady was only seventeen, and Dawson feared that sooner or later, Grady would realize his feelings were just a first crush, and then he’d be gone, leaving Dawson devastated. They both needed space to figure things out. So Dawson joined the army, while Grady stayed on the mountain.
Four years later, Dawson is coming home. He’s more sure than ever Grady is his forever love, and they’ve both agreed to begin this new aspect of their relationship as soon as Dawson gets back.
Then Grady’s father is killed in a werewolf hunt gone wrong. Grady is devastated, and he’s throwing mixed signals about moving forward. Dawson knows he needs to hold off on this new thing between them until Grady has time to grieve. But monsters never sleep, and one hunt after another throws Dawson and Grady into constant danger, while tension and unresolved feelings ripple between them.
Making it even harder, Dawson’s got a secret. He’s dreamed of death omens—which point to something stalking Grady. Can Dawson figure out who’s trying to kill Grady, save his life, and win back his heart?
Plenty of mutual pining, hurt/comfort, spooky chills, sexy thrills, and a very happy ending. The Kings of the Mountain is the first novel in the series. It is a MM romance intended for readers 18 years of age and older.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2020
44 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Brice
50 books634 followersMorgan Brice writes Urban Fantasy M/M Paranormal Romance with lots of magic, spooky stuff, and sexy men.
Pen name of author Gail Z. Martin.
Pen name of author Gail Z. Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 23, 2020
I wanted to like this "supernatural hunter cousins get their lurve on" story a bit more than I actually did. :- /
Basically, instead of the reader getting to know the guys as a potential couple, through lengthy, in-depth, personal conversations, it felt that there was a whole lot of "telling", through the retelling of past events, instead of "showing" and them actually talking things out in the present.
So once Dawson returned from 4 years in the military, after he and Grady having decided that they both wanted to finally pursue a relationship, the shit hit the fan on multiple fronts and that potential for moving from best friends to lovers stalled. For over two long, cumbersome months.
And while I got Dawson's fear of pressuring Grady for romance on the heels of a tragedy, and Grady's fear that Dawson had changed his mind about wanting "more", hearing that same song and dance rehashed over and over and over and over and OVER again, well, it got tiresome to witness.
I did enjoy the breaks in that monotony when they were out hunting monsters, but in the end, I felt that a majority of the internal angst could've been harped on a whole lot less, resulting in a more entertaining book.
The story did contain a much-dreaded Big Misunderstanding, too, which was thankfully short-lived, but also gave me my favorite line of the book from their seasoned and wise Uncle Denny (on how to avert jealousy), of whom I was a huge fan.
“I didn’t make googly eyes,” Dawson grumbled. “I was trying to get rid of Corbin without tossing him out on his ass and making a scene.”There was limited steam, and only happened toward the very end, but once it arrived, it was well worth the wait.
“Next time, throw the son of a bitch through the window so he lands at Grady’s feet. It’s Neanderthal, but a helluva lot more impressive than flowers.”
All of that said, I'd rate the story at around 3.5 stars and will probably read the next book in the series, which I can only really guess would belong to Grady's troubled, older brother, Knox.
January 18, 2022
This was so horrible that my brain rejected the story as soon as I read it hence making me forget this book evn tho I read it seconds ago.
I should have just DNF'D. 😑
Gray and Daw were the most annoying couple I've read in a while.
80% into the book and still no progress of the romance between the characters except for their inner monologues of how much they love each other. Then at some 90% they fuck instead of having a much needed conversation and now they have a full fledged relationship.
I was so confused and done.
But what was more disgusting was the virgin fetish. Oh, it was mild but the fact that it was there, unintentionally or intentionally idk, made me super uncomfortable. And this happened in the sex scene.
Just yeeeewww 🤢🤮
This was such a waste of time. Sigh.
I should have just DNF'D. 😑
Gray and Daw were the most annoying couple I've read in a while.
80% into the book and still no progress of the romance between the characters except for their inner monologues of how much they love each other. Then at some 90% they fuck instead of having a much needed conversation and now they have a full fledged relationship.
I was so confused and done.
But what was more disgusting was the virgin fetish. Oh, it was mild but the fact that it was there, unintentionally or intentionally idk, made me super uncomfortable. And this happened in the sex scene.
Just yeeeewww 🤢🤮
This was such a waste of time. Sigh.
March 15, 2022
I love Morgan Brice’s books and her characters. I’ve read her “Witchbane” and “Badlands” series at least 5 times since I discovered her work, and I will more than likely read her “Treasure Trail” series as many times or more. The concept of this series is excellent, as usual...but some of the things that I found a little annoying here was the use of some of the frequent flashbacks to the past between Dawson and Grady. They became distracting and I began to find them even boring at times since the information was given again later, and sometimes more than once. The characters of Dawson and Grady are sexy as all get out...as we would expect...but the distress that Dawson put Grady through saying that he's trying not to push him too fast was a little hard to understand. Grady had spent 4 long, miserable years waiting for Dawson, who knew what their feelings were for one another but made the choice to join the army and go on what amounted to a suicide mission anyway. I felt that Dawson’s “waiting” was more for himself than it was for Grady. I found myself thinking as I read, that the entire story could have used a little more pulling together. I have never encountered this before in any of Morgan Brice’s books, and I have never given anything that I have read that she has written less than 5 stars. I’m going to continue this series...but I hope that the things that bothered me about this, the first book in this series, is just a “first time fluke”. I really, really, really enjoy this author and will certainly move along to the next book in the series.
May 27, 2020
I was so excited to start this one! I have loved every single book by Morgan Brice that I've ever read but unfortunately this one was not a favorite. As always the author brought many supernatural creatures to live with her detailed descriptions and well researched myths and folklore. I enjoyed the diversity of Grady and Dawson's adventures. The pace was a bit slower than usual but that was okay as well. What I found odd was the young men themselves and the non relationship they were having.
This had too much teenage angst for my taste. There is nothing wrong with it in books, I just felt this book needed something different. Despite both men professing their feelings deep inside their heads, those feelings didn't see the light of day till the very end. There was way too much pining, overthinking and assuming things. I found it tiresome to read at times. Dawson dragged his feet in regards to starting something with Grady while Grady was just there not doing anything either. Two men who hunt what goes bump in the night should be able to have more confidence and talk to each other since they have known each other forever. I hate when the relationship is based on non communication. That was the case here.
The book was well written as per the norm with this author, and I am so very upset that I didn't like it more. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
This had too much teenage angst for my taste. There is nothing wrong with it in books, I just felt this book needed something different. Despite both men professing their feelings deep inside their heads, those feelings didn't see the light of day till the very end. There was way too much pining, overthinking and assuming things. I found it tiresome to read at times. Dawson dragged his feet in regards to starting something with Grady while Grady was just there not doing anything either. Two men who hunt what goes bump in the night should be able to have more confidence and talk to each other since they have known each other forever. I hate when the relationship is based on non communication. That was the case here.
The book was well written as per the norm with this author, and I am so very upset that I didn't like it more. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
June 11, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
The few of Morgan Brice’s other works that I have read always bring to mind the show Supernatural in one way or another, and Kings of the Mountain is the most reminiscent in feel and tone to that show. You have Grady and Dawson King who, although raised as cousins, aren’t related by blood since Aaron is adopted, coming close enough to the incest line to satisfy hardcore Winchester boy shippers with a Kings boys ship that doesn’t have two brothers smashing. And, as Dawson helpfully points out early in the story, cousin marrying is no big thing in North Carolina so, ship away! There’s also the King boy’s last living uncle, Denny to fulfill the gruff, caretaking Bobby role, a lovingly tended muscle car, and a friend named Colt. I can’t say for certain Colt was named for the infamous demon killing revolver in the show, but it’s hard to believe it’s an accident.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
The few of Morgan Brice’s other works that I have read always bring to mind the show Supernatural in one way or another, and Kings of the Mountain is the most reminiscent in feel and tone to that show. You have Grady and Dawson King who, although raised as cousins, aren’t related by blood since Aaron is adopted, coming close enough to the incest line to satisfy hardcore Winchester boy shippers with a Kings boys ship that doesn’t have two brothers smashing. And, as Dawson helpfully points out early in the story, cousin marrying is no big thing in North Carolina so, ship away! There’s also the King boy’s last living uncle, Denny to fulfill the gruff, caretaking Bobby role, a lovingly tended muscle car, and a friend named Colt. I can’t say for certain Colt was named for the infamous demon killing revolver in the show, but it’s hard to believe it’s an accident.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
April 2, 2023
We have the story of Dawson who is coming home from being in the service and being away from Grady for the last 4 years. Grady is Dawson's cousin by marriage. Grady's father was adopted and he was the youngest brother. Dawson & Grady come from a long line of monster hunters, think Supernatural, but better. Dawson joined the service because he was afraid that he would give in to his feelings for Grady & Grady was only 17 years old. He also was sure that Grady would realize that he wanted more than Dawson & that would have crushed him. But during the last year that they were apart, Dawson agreed that if Grady still felt the same about him, that he would agree to give what they feel a shot. Dawson has been dreaming about a monster that is a very bad omen and he is afraid that it's going to spell death for Grady. A short time before Dawson comes home, Grady's dad died while they were on a hunt and Grady is blaming himself. Then when things go wrong on a hunt with Dawson, Grady really is doubting himself and them being a couple. I enjoyed the hunts and the way you can tell that they care for each other. Even though Dawson holds back, because of all that has happened, he is crazy about Grady. The only thing I didn't care for is that they take almost the entire book before they get together. I really would have liked them to get together way sooner then they did. I can't wait for the next book & see where this series goes.
June 1, 2020
Dawson has noticed his cousin by adoption only has recently started growing up. No longer is he the little kid he's used to thinking of him as. But, even though Dawson's only 2 years older than Grady, those two years are crucial, so Dawson makes the decision to take himself out of the picture, for everyone's sake. Enlisting will take care of everything, then, when Dawson comes back home, if Grady wants to be together, there should be nothing stopping them.
Except his homecoming isn't quite going to be the reunion he had been hoping for because Grady's grieving his now gone father, and Dawson's been having horrible dreams, not only of his deployment, but of something supernaturally devastating happening to Grady. Dawson will once again have to wait it out, for Grady to be ready. In the meantime, he'll be there for him, they'll go on a few hunts, and hopefully things will work themselves out.
This is a great start to what I hope will be a long line of adventures for the Kings. Think Supernatural with a twist very similar to a lot of fanfic ultimate fantasies, and you'll have the core of what this is all about. I like the two guys, I like their family, and I love the lore. I really wanted them to do more and better, communicating, so that they could have been a couple much earlier in the story, but since this is what I believe is just the beginning of a series, it makes sense that they took awhile to get it together. I will definitely be looking forward to more about the Kings.
ARC via Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.
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Did not finish
July 31, 2020Finally facing up to the fact that I'm not going to be able to finish this book. Listen, the author makes basically no bones about the fact that this is thinly veiled Supernatural fanftiction. Well more of a "reimagining" in this case since I don't think this was ever published as a fic and she conveniently made the main couple cousins instead of soulmates who happen to be brothers. Since I am huge SPN fan and consider myself a connoisseur of SPN fic I was intrigued.
Unfortunately this reads like your run of the mill read-it-and-forget-it fic. What makes the Winchesters so interesting and the reason that fanbase has been writing feverishly about them for 15 years is not something you can just recreate by changing the location and switching up the family dynamics.
The magic of fic is that every reader brings their own interpretation of the characters to the story they are reading. If they're a fan they will bring even more fandom-wide accepted added characteristics and interpretations with them. A good fic author doesn't need to do more than drop a famous canon line to transport whole worlds of meaning that every reader will instantly know.
The Kings of Wolf Mountain have none of that and so this is just a generic family of people you have no connection to going through familiar motions that I can get by firing up my AO3 account.
Too bad.
Unfortunately this reads like your run of the mill read-it-and-forget-it fic. What makes the Winchesters so interesting and the reason that fanbase has been writing feverishly about them for 15 years is not something you can just recreate by changing the location and switching up the family dynamics.
The magic of fic is that every reader brings their own interpretation of the characters to the story they are reading. If they're a fan they will bring even more fandom-wide accepted added characteristics and interpretations with them. A good fic author doesn't need to do more than drop a famous canon line to transport whole worlds of meaning that every reader will instantly know.
The Kings of Wolf Mountain have none of that and so this is just a generic family of people you have no connection to going through familiar motions that I can get by firing up my AO3 account.
Too bad.
June 3, 2020
I’m already a huge fan of this author, and loved this new series.
The world building is fabulous, and gave me a Supernatural with a touch of Dukes of Hazard vibe from the onset. I love that the sheriff and his men are werewolves, and the name of the mountain and the car amused me. As always, I appreciated the cameo mention from another character from one of her other series, which is one of my favourite things about this author.
Dawson and Grady are both very likeable characters, and there’s plenty of hurt/comfort in this story. I liked that their PTSD was handled head on, and realistically, and that it did impact their decisions moving forward, as they struggled to follow their hearts, yet be there for each other. I also liked that they make mistakes and that not all hunts go well, and sometimes people die. It upped the stakes and added an edge of realism and danger. I really felt for Grady in particular and what had happened with his father.
Denny is wonderful. He’s caring, and yet no nonsense and tells them what they need rather than what they necessarily want to hear. What he tells Dawson when he calls him an idiot is very spot on, and perfect.
The narrative winds back and forth between the past and the present, but I thought because these guys have a complex and long friendship as well as relationship it made for a richer story being able to see their history rather than being told about it. The various hunts are all quite different, and I particularly liked the haunted motel, and the twist of why the ghost decides to make his presence known.
I thought the final show down was exciting, and I liked how the story came together with all the threads explained as part of it. I’m already looking forward to reading more of these guys, and also hope to see them take a role in part of the author’s larger universe.
The world building is fabulous, and gave me a Supernatural with a touch of Dukes of Hazard vibe from the onset. I love that the sheriff and his men are werewolves, and the name of the mountain and the car amused me. As always, I appreciated the cameo mention from another character from one of her other series, which is one of my favourite things about this author.
Dawson and Grady are both very likeable characters, and there’s plenty of hurt/comfort in this story. I liked that their PTSD was handled head on, and realistically, and that it did impact their decisions moving forward, as they struggled to follow their hearts, yet be there for each other. I also liked that they make mistakes and that not all hunts go well, and sometimes people die. It upped the stakes and added an edge of realism and danger. I really felt for Grady in particular and what had happened with his father.
Denny is wonderful. He’s caring, and yet no nonsense and tells them what they need rather than what they necessarily want to hear. What he tells Dawson when he calls him an idiot is very spot on, and perfect.
The narrative winds back and forth between the past and the present, but I thought because these guys have a complex and long friendship as well as relationship it made for a richer story being able to see their history rather than being told about it. The various hunts are all quite different, and I particularly liked the haunted motel, and the twist of why the ghost decides to make his presence known.
I thought the final show down was exciting, and I liked how the story came together with all the threads explained as part of it. I’m already looking forward to reading more of these guys, and also hope to see them take a role in part of the author’s larger universe.
May 24, 2020
The Kings were in the monsters hunting business, and have been for generations. Fae, wendigo, werewolves, ghosts...you named it and called their number, they took it down. The ones doing all the hunting in this book were Grady and Dawson. Just two men, at the end of the day, trained to do a job, but not enhanced humans with increase speed or powers, and I really liked that. They were fragile, so to speak, and they got hurt multiple times during the story, which made it more realistic. Cocky, for sure, yet aware and fearful of the risks they were taking.
The book is told in an interesting combination of past, present and internal monologues, from both Grady and Dawson's points of view. The author chose to recount the evolving of their relationship, from their youth to present day, with a series of flashbacks. I liked how the jumps from then to now were integrated in the storytelling, how Dowson and Grady's musing over their feelings were dispersed among their monster hunting escapades. And, let me tell you, they've been through enough of them. It was thrilling and amazing, because the author made it seem like a study in mythology, lore and urban legends. Each job the guys took came with historical description or myth explanation, all ghosts, creepy creatures or witches with their own set of tools to take them down.
Most times it seemed like Dawson and Grady weren't going to make it alive during their risky encounters with the paranormal, and I almost lost hope they'd manage to fix things between them. But, happily, at the end of the book they were pretty much alive and reeeallly cozy with each other. Good thing, too, because this way they'll take me on lots of future adventures in the next books of this series. Can't wait!
The book is told in an interesting combination of past, present and internal monologues, from both Grady and Dawson's points of view. The author chose to recount the evolving of their relationship, from their youth to present day, with a series of flashbacks. I liked how the jumps from then to now were integrated in the storytelling, how Dowson and Grady's musing over their feelings were dispersed among their monster hunting escapades. And, let me tell you, they've been through enough of them. It was thrilling and amazing, because the author made it seem like a study in mythology, lore and urban legends. Each job the guys took came with historical description or myth explanation, all ghosts, creepy creatures or witches with their own set of tools to take them down.
Most times it seemed like Dawson and Grady weren't going to make it alive during their risky encounters with the paranormal, and I almost lost hope they'd manage to fix things between them. But, happily, at the end of the book they were pretty much alive and reeeallly cozy with each other. Good thing, too, because this way they'll take me on lots of future adventures in the next books of this series. Can't wait!
June 15, 2020
Morgan Brice does urban fantasy really well. I know when I pick up one of her books I’m going to find some urban legend that is new to me, along with some of my favorites. This time the stage is set with a family of monster hunters going back many generations. The bit of a twist? Two cousins unrelated by blood who have been best friends for a very long time, partners in monster hunting…and both pining for each other. Dawson and Grady’s story is even more complex than what you get with just a glance at the book’s blurb.
With a setup like that you I’m sure you can imagine the amount of angst going on, and things are complicated by Grady grieving the death of his father as well as the death omen dreams Dawson’s been having. Dawson trying to hold off on the two of them finally seeing where things can go with them as a couple just adds fuel to the fire.
The urban fantasy elements are spot on, and each successive encounter keeps the tension of the story building. The romance elements though are sparse, at least until the end; instead there are extra heaping portions of that pining I mentioned which of course increases the angst level. That did make the connection between Dawson and Grady feel, well, not quite connected—and for me that made the scene where they finally do connect feel a little less than genuine (something a few lingering touches and so-close-but-just-a-breath-away encounters could have resolved).
The story does keep you on edge thanks to the gradual suspense buildup, I just would have liked to see a bit more on the romance side. Kings of the Mountain was still a solid 4-star read for me, and is a great setup for this new series. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
With a setup like that you I’m sure you can imagine the amount of angst going on, and things are complicated by Grady grieving the death of his father as well as the death omen dreams Dawson’s been having. Dawson trying to hold off on the two of them finally seeing where things can go with them as a couple just adds fuel to the fire.
The urban fantasy elements are spot on, and each successive encounter keeps the tension of the story building. The romance elements though are sparse, at least until the end; instead there are extra heaping portions of that pining I mentioned which of course increases the angst level. That did make the connection between Dawson and Grady feel, well, not quite connected—and for me that made the scene where they finally do connect feel a little less than genuine (something a few lingering touches and so-close-but-just-a-breath-away encounters could have resolved).
The story does keep you on edge thanks to the gradual suspense buildup, I just would have liked to see a bit more on the romance side. Kings of the Mountain was still a solid 4-star read for me, and is a great setup for this new series. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
July 4, 2020
Another great start to a brand new series by Morgan Brice, who is one of my "automatics" - I automatically get and read anything and everything she releases. I have never been disappointed. Kings of the Mountain is technically an urban fantasy because of the paranormal elements, but the setting is rural. The book cover is reminiscent of The Dukes of Hazzard, and that would be a good comparison IF the Duke boys were gay and IF they battled werewolves and other monsters instead of Boss Hogg. Kings of the Mountain is an MM romance between two lifelong friends who are hesitant to act on the attraction they feel toward each other. Both are dealing with heavy emotional issues: Dawson, recently returned from military service, is struggling with PTSD, and Grady blames himself for his father's recent death. Morgan Brice handles emotional struggles well. We feel for the characters and care for them deeply, but the author never descends into sentimentality. The love scenes come late in the novel, but they're worth the wait. Highly recommended for fans of gay romance and urban fantasy.
May 23, 2020
Dawson joined the army to get away from Grady. He thought being in love with the underage boy was just to dangerous. It nearly broke Grady when Dawson left. His family and hunting supernatural creatures filled his time. When Dawson finally returns it to death and sadness. He can’t allow himself to approach Grady until he’s worked through his grief. Hunting allowed them to be together without addressing the BEING together.
Dealing with both men’s insecurities got to be a bit much. That said, I still really liked the beginning of their story. The flashbacks were helpful and didn’t break up the story.
The author has created another couple to follow and root for. Gray and Daw are interesting and sympathetic characters with a lot more stories to tell.
I received an arc of this book.
Dealing with both men’s insecurities got to be a bit much. That said, I still really liked the beginning of their story. The flashbacks were helpful and didn’t break up the story.
The author has created another couple to follow and root for. Gray and Daw are interesting and sympathetic characters with a lot more stories to tell.
I received an arc of this book.
May 25, 2020
If you’re a fan of the show Supernatural I think this is the book for you. Grady and Dawson are monster hunters, and through the course of the story deal with a whole host of supernatural creatures. I really enjoyed the way Brice developed their relationship. It’s told through dual POVs with really well placed flashbacks, that make you really root for them to work out. The whole will they-won’t they got a little old, but I think that was well explained too with the reasoning behind Gradys emotional turmoil. And while the relationship didn’t really get off the ground until the end of the story, the afterward alludes to this becoming a series so I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes! Overall it’s a high adventure, slow burn story that I highly recommend.
Read
December 30, 2020tee hee, this was totally Supernatural insprired! I loved it! i really enjoyed the push/pull of Gray and Daw, the broken yet determined to heal for the other relationship. had me wanting to scream "silly man" at both of them. i just love a book that can pull you in, untill, you are telling the characters what to do as if they can hear you, as if they are real. i also relly enjoyed that the monster hunting was the setting not the story. don't get me wrong, i enjoyed the badass-ness of fighting the monsters, but i enjoyed Grady and Dawson more.
August 18, 2023
Another great start from Gail
Don't know why I kept forgetting to pick up this series but boy am I glad that I did. Dawson & Grady have spent their lives growing up together yet not being able to be together. When Dawson leaves for the Army both learn to be separate people so that they can give it a real shot.
Once home life tends to get in the way and these two need to learn to work together once again and in time become what they have always wanted.
Another great read from a Morgan Brice and cannot wait to see what's next for the Kings.
Don't know why I kept forgetting to pick up this series but boy am I glad that I did. Dawson & Grady have spent their lives growing up together yet not being able to be together. When Dawson leaves for the Army both learn to be separate people so that they can give it a real shot.
Once home life tends to get in the way and these two need to learn to work together once again and in time become what they have always wanted.
Another great read from a Morgan Brice and cannot wait to see what's next for the Kings.
May 24, 2020
This is book one of a new series, it sets up our main characters Dawson and Grady very nicely. It mixes their history together with present day shenanigans.
We have an exciting mix of ghosts, shifters, weres and just downright bad witches.
The series will follow the adventures of these two and their family and friends. Personally, I can’t wait!
I accepted this ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest opinion.
We have an exciting mix of ghosts, shifters, weres and just downright bad witches.
The series will follow the adventures of these two and their family and friends. Personally, I can’t wait!
I accepted this ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 15, 2020
If you were a fan of the old Dukes of Hazzard TV series or are a fan of the TV series Supernatural you are really going to enjoy the first book in this new series by Morgan Brice. We’ve got cousins, tooling around rural mountains in a souped up 1969 Mustang (shades of the General Lee) hunting and taking out monsters. Now we never saw Bo and Luke Duke getting hot and heavy, and despite the fanfic sites we aren’t seeing Sam and Dean as anything other than brothers, but here we do get a relationship between cousins Dawson and Grady. If that squicks you out a little be aware that there is no blood relationship between the cousins. It was a bit of a risk for the author to take but believe me, there is nothing in the book that remotely made me feel uncomfortable with the way the relationship is portrayed.
Dawson is just returning home from three years overseas in the military doing a different kind of hunting but he’s ready to come home and to finally pursue the relationship with Grady, two years younger, that caused him to join the military to begin with. He and Grady have resolved their issues via email and video chats when they could over the last couple years, and they are ready to give things a try. Fate seems to have other plans for them. Additionally, Dawson has been having a dream that he’s always been taught is a bad omen and you can’t speak of. Color me intrigued.
The book, as is a hallmark of this author, relies on a lot of folklore and legend for its villains. Things are action packed and suspenseful and the trajectory of the relationship ties in very smoothly with the development and escalation of the storyline. There’s a lot of emotional baggage that you just want them to unpack so they can get to their HEA. Lack of communication and over sensitivity to the other’s drama keeps throwing up obstacles and while the reasoning is clear there are points you just want to smack both of them.
The crisis moment is suspenseful and will keep you guessing initially as to what’s happening and how. The big final confrontation really gets the blood pumping. The ending is sweet and leaves us looking forward to the next book in the series as well as the series crossovers that are a staple of Brice/Martin’s work.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review.**
Dawson is just returning home from three years overseas in the military doing a different kind of hunting but he’s ready to come home and to finally pursue the relationship with Grady, two years younger, that caused him to join the military to begin with. He and Grady have resolved their issues via email and video chats when they could over the last couple years, and they are ready to give things a try. Fate seems to have other plans for them. Additionally, Dawson has been having a dream that he’s always been taught is a bad omen and you can’t speak of. Color me intrigued.
The book, as is a hallmark of this author, relies on a lot of folklore and legend for its villains. Things are action packed and suspenseful and the trajectory of the relationship ties in very smoothly with the development and escalation of the storyline. There’s a lot of emotional baggage that you just want them to unpack so they can get to their HEA. Lack of communication and over sensitivity to the other’s drama keeps throwing up obstacles and while the reasoning is clear there are points you just want to smack both of them.
The crisis moment is suspenseful and will keep you guessing initially as to what’s happening and how. The big final confrontation really gets the blood pumping. The ending is sweet and leaves us looking forward to the next book in the series as well as the series crossovers that are a staple of Brice/Martin’s work.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review.**
September 19, 2022
Buckle up for a wild ride on the back roads, chasing ghosts and monsters while trying to evade the local sheriff!
It’s like supernatural meets the Dukes of Hazzard. Explore the urban legends with a family that’s been hunting monsters for generations. Oh and there’s a romance between two of the hunters!
Dawson and Grady are two realistic characters that pull you into their world as they keep you on the edge of your seat. Dealing with the death of a family member, returning from active military duty, joining the family business, hunting things that go bump in the night…and turning a life long attraction into a relationship…these boys are busy!
Plots and story arcs twist and turn in this amazing story. It’s never a dull moment, you won’t be able to put down your kindle! Great world building and amazing character development will have you anticipating future installments of this series!
It’s like supernatural meets the Dukes of Hazzard. Explore the urban legends with a family that’s been hunting monsters for generations. Oh and there’s a romance between two of the hunters!
Dawson and Grady are two realistic characters that pull you into their world as they keep you on the edge of your seat. Dealing with the death of a family member, returning from active military duty, joining the family business, hunting things that go bump in the night…and turning a life long attraction into a relationship…these boys are busy!
Plots and story arcs twist and turn in this amazing story. It’s never a dull moment, you won’t be able to put down your kindle! Great world building and amazing character development will have you anticipating future installments of this series!
June 3, 2020
*4.5 stars*
"Kings of the Mountain" is the new series by Morgan Brice, who is my personal urban fantasy queen, including M/M urban fantasy. However, this novel is a little different in terms of structure than the author's other books. Let's start with the fact that in "Kings of the Mountain" there are two time planes/levels that allow us to fully enjoy this new adventure. Obviously, our characters live "here and now", that is, in the present, and that's when the main events of this story take place. Nevertheless, several times we go back in time to see the past that had a huge impact on the present and on our characters. So while the first time plane/level is largely used to build action and strengthen the relationship between our boys, the past is a very important factor that influences the process of creating the characters, as it reveals to us their thoughts, evolution of character and feelings, psychological and emotional depth. What's more, thanks to this way of constructing the story, we've just met Dawson and Grady but at the same time we have known them for years.
Another thing that makes this novel different from the author's other works is the slow burning closeness between Dawson and Grady. Very often in novels in which a similar motif is used, the characters' feelings or awareness of mutual feelings start from zero, or almost zero, and evolve slowly as the story unfolds. In this novel, our boys have been in love with each other for years and they already know about their mutual feelings, however, their intimate closeness develops very slowly, due to many factors that are often beyond their control. And that's what makes "Kings of the Mountain" different from other novels and thus makes this story unique. What's important, Morgan Brice managed to show this motif in a really interesting way, because by combining the theme of delayed closeness with many others, she gave this novel an amazing vibe that the reader feels with their whole being.
What's more, I believe it's also very important that in "Kings of the Mountain" we see a few well known everyday problems. The first of them are good intentions, the consequence of which is the drama we see at some point in the story, according to the rule "we wanted it as good as possible, but it turned out as always". To be honest, every time Dawson tries to be chivalrous and caring, the reader is fully aware that "princess in peril" won't appreciate it, because Grady is not a princess and doesn't need a knight. As they say, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Another everyday problem, which is closely related to the one I've just mentioned, is the lack of communication. Also in this case, we are aware from the beginning that if Dawson doesn't openly say what he really thinks, Grady will interpret his actions in his own way, and considering the drama that have shaken him recently and which have influenced, among others, his self-esteem, it won't be a positive interpretation. What's interesting, the author touched the problems that we know from our everyday life, which we easily spot in the novel, but can't see when they concern us. Just like in our boys' case.
Another thing that distinguishes this novel from many others is the fact that "Kings of the Mountain" was not set in a vibrant city, like the vast majority of urban fantasy stories, but in more remote, though definitely not peaceful, mountainous region. Thus, the work our characters do is not limited to their city, because they cover the whole area. Interestingly, a similar theme is rarely used by other authors, however, Morgan Brice, or in this case Gail Z. Martin already created a series in which the main character "commutes to work", or at least to his "second job". So I'm sure that in her new series the author will use the motif of distant area, small towns and most beloved car in the most perfect way possible.
To sum up, "Kings of the Mountain" is a great start of the new series, which conquers the hearts of many readers and arouses the interest of others in the blink of an eye. Morgan Brice offers us an interesting story full of emotions and adventure, as well as gives us the opportunity to thoroughly get to know her characters, alongside whom we start this new monster hunt.
__________________
„Kings of the Mountain” jest nową serią Morgan Brice, która jest moją prywatną królową urban fantasy, w tym także M/M urban fantasy. Ta powieść jest jednak trochę inna pod względem budowy, niż poprzednie książki autorki. Zacznijmy od tego, że w „Kings of the Mountain” pojawiają się dwie płaszczyzny czasowe, które pozwalają nam na wdrożenie się w tę nową przygodę. Nasi bohaterowie żyją wprawdzie w powieściowym „tu i teraz”, czyli w teraźniejszości, w której mają miejsce wydarzenia tej historii. Niemniej jednak, kilkukrotnie przenosimy się w przeszłość, do wydarzeń, które miały ogromny wpływ na teraźniejszość i na to, jacy nasi bohaterowie są teraz. O ile więc pierwsza płaszczyzna czasowa w dużej mierze buduje akcję oraz utrwala relacje między naszymi bohaterami, o tyle przeszłość jest bardzo ważnym czynnikiem, który wpływa na proces tworzenia bohaterów, jako że odkrywa przed nami ich myśli, ewolucję charakteru i uczuć, psychologiczną i emocjonalną głębię. Co więcej, dzięki takiej konstrukcji tej historii, chociaż poznajemy Dawsona i Grady’ego dopiero teraz, to jednocześnie znamy ich już od lat.
Inną rzeczą, która wyróżnia tę powieść spośród innych dzieł autorki jest powoli rozwijająca się bliskość między Dawsonem i Grady’m. Bardzo często w powieściach, w których pojawia się podobny motyw, uczucia bohaterów lub świadomość wzajemności uczuć zaczynają się od zera, bądź niemal zera i ewoluują powoli w miarę rozwoju historii. W tej powieści nasi chłopcy kochają się już od lat i w dużym stopniu wiedzą już o swoich wzajemnych uczuciach, jednakże ich intymna bliskość rozwija się bardzo powoli, a to za sprawą wielu czynników, na które nie zawsze mają wpływ. I właśnie to sprawia, że „Kings of the Mountain” różni się od innych powieści i tym samym jest historią wyjątkową. Co istotne, Morgan Brice udało się przedstawić ten motyw w naprawdę interesujący sposób, ponieważ łącząc wątek odkładanej na później bliskości z wieloma innymi, nadała tej powieści niesamowitego klimatu, który czytelnik czuje całym sobą.
Prawdę mówiąc, bardzo istotne wydaje mi się także wykorzystanie w „Kings of the Mountain” kilku doskonale znanych nam z codziennego życia problemów. Pierwszym z nich są dobre chęci, których konsekwencją jest pojawiający się w pewnym momencie historii dramatów, w myśl zasady „chciałem dobrze, ale wyszło jak zawsze”. Prawdę mówiąc, za każdym razem, kiedy Dawson stara się być rycerski i troskliwy, czytelnik ma pełną świadomość, że to nie spodoba się „księżniczce w opałach”, jako że nie jest księżniczką i w gruncie rzeczy nie potrzebuje rycerza. Jak to mówią „dobrymi chęciami jest piekło wybrukowane”. Innym z życiowych problemów, ściśle związanym ze wspomnianym przeze mnie przed chwilą, jest brak komunikacji. Także w tym wypadku jesteśmy od początku świadomi tego, że jeśli Dawson nie wyzna otwarcie, co nim kieruje, Grady zinterpretuje wszystko po swojemu, tym bardziej w kontekście dramatów, które wstrząsnęły nim ostatnio i które wpłynęły między innymi na jego samoocenę. Co interesujące, autorka wykorzystała problemy, które znamy z codziennego życie, które jesteśmy w stanie z łatwością dostrzec w powieści, a które umykają nam w przypadku, gdy dotyczą nas samych. Zupełnie jak w przypadku naszych chłopców.
Kolejnym elementem, który wyróżnia tę powieść spośród wielu innych jest fakt, iż „Kings of the Mountain” nie zostało osadzone w tętniącym życiem mieście, jak zdecydowana większość historii urban fantasy, ale w bardziej odludnych, chociaż zdecydowanie nie spokojnych, rejonach górskich. Tym samym, praca naszych bohaterów nie ogranicza się do ich miasta, ale do całej okolicy. Co interesujące, podobny motyw rzadko pojawia się u innych autorów, jednakże Morgan Brice, czy też w tym wypadku Gail Z. Martin miała już okazję tworzyć serię, w której główny bohater „dojeżdża do pracy”, a przynajmniej do tej „drugiej pracy”. Jestem więc pewna, że autorka doskonale wykorzysta w swojej nowej serii motyw odludzia, małych miasteczek oraz ukochanego samochodu będącego oczkiem w głowie jednego z bohaterów.
Podsumowując, „Kings of the Mountain” jest świetnym początkiem nowej serii, która w mgnieniu oka podbija serca wielu czytelników i rozbudza zainteresowanie innych. Morgan Brice oferuje nam interesującą historię pełną emocji i przygody, jak również daje nam okazję dogłębnie poznać swoich bohaterów, u boku których zaczynamy nasze nowe polowanie na potwory.
"Kings of the Mountain" is the new series by Morgan Brice, who is my personal urban fantasy queen, including M/M urban fantasy. However, this novel is a little different in terms of structure than the author's other books. Let's start with the fact that in "Kings of the Mountain" there are two time planes/levels that allow us to fully enjoy this new adventure. Obviously, our characters live "here and now", that is, in the present, and that's when the main events of this story take place. Nevertheless, several times we go back in time to see the past that had a huge impact on the present and on our characters. So while the first time plane/level is largely used to build action and strengthen the relationship between our boys, the past is a very important factor that influences the process of creating the characters, as it reveals to us their thoughts, evolution of character and feelings, psychological and emotional depth. What's more, thanks to this way of constructing the story, we've just met Dawson and Grady but at the same time we have known them for years.
Another thing that makes this novel different from the author's other works is the slow burning closeness between Dawson and Grady. Very often in novels in which a similar motif is used, the characters' feelings or awareness of mutual feelings start from zero, or almost zero, and evolve slowly as the story unfolds. In this novel, our boys have been in love with each other for years and they already know about their mutual feelings, however, their intimate closeness develops very slowly, due to many factors that are often beyond their control. And that's what makes "Kings of the Mountain" different from other novels and thus makes this story unique. What's important, Morgan Brice managed to show this motif in a really interesting way, because by combining the theme of delayed closeness with many others, she gave this novel an amazing vibe that the reader feels with their whole being.
What's more, I believe it's also very important that in "Kings of the Mountain" we see a few well known everyday problems. The first of them are good intentions, the consequence of which is the drama we see at some point in the story, according to the rule "we wanted it as good as possible, but it turned out as always". To be honest, every time Dawson tries to be chivalrous and caring, the reader is fully aware that "princess in peril" won't appreciate it, because Grady is not a princess and doesn't need a knight. As they say, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Another everyday problem, which is closely related to the one I've just mentioned, is the lack of communication. Also in this case, we are aware from the beginning that if Dawson doesn't openly say what he really thinks, Grady will interpret his actions in his own way, and considering the drama that have shaken him recently and which have influenced, among others, his self-esteem, it won't be a positive interpretation. What's interesting, the author touched the problems that we know from our everyday life, which we easily spot in the novel, but can't see when they concern us. Just like in our boys' case.
Another thing that distinguishes this novel from many others is the fact that "Kings of the Mountain" was not set in a vibrant city, like the vast majority of urban fantasy stories, but in more remote, though definitely not peaceful, mountainous region. Thus, the work our characters do is not limited to their city, because they cover the whole area. Interestingly, a similar theme is rarely used by other authors, however, Morgan Brice, or in this case Gail Z. Martin already created a series in which the main character "commutes to work", or at least to his "second job". So I'm sure that in her new series the author will use the motif of distant area, small towns and most beloved car in the most perfect way possible.
To sum up, "Kings of the Mountain" is a great start of the new series, which conquers the hearts of many readers and arouses the interest of others in the blink of an eye. Morgan Brice offers us an interesting story full of emotions and adventure, as well as gives us the opportunity to thoroughly get to know her characters, alongside whom we start this new monster hunt.
__________________
„Kings of the Mountain” jest nową serią Morgan Brice, która jest moją prywatną królową urban fantasy, w tym także M/M urban fantasy. Ta powieść jest jednak trochę inna pod względem budowy, niż poprzednie książki autorki. Zacznijmy od tego, że w „Kings of the Mountain” pojawiają się dwie płaszczyzny czasowe, które pozwalają nam na wdrożenie się w tę nową przygodę. Nasi bohaterowie żyją wprawdzie w powieściowym „tu i teraz”, czyli w teraźniejszości, w której mają miejsce wydarzenia tej historii. Niemniej jednak, kilkukrotnie przenosimy się w przeszłość, do wydarzeń, które miały ogromny wpływ na teraźniejszość i na to, jacy nasi bohaterowie są teraz. O ile więc pierwsza płaszczyzna czasowa w dużej mierze buduje akcję oraz utrwala relacje między naszymi bohaterami, o tyle przeszłość jest bardzo ważnym czynnikiem, który wpływa na proces tworzenia bohaterów, jako że odkrywa przed nami ich myśli, ewolucję charakteru i uczuć, psychologiczną i emocjonalną głębię. Co więcej, dzięki takiej konstrukcji tej historii, chociaż poznajemy Dawsona i Grady’ego dopiero teraz, to jednocześnie znamy ich już od lat.
Inną rzeczą, która wyróżnia tę powieść spośród innych dzieł autorki jest powoli rozwijająca się bliskość między Dawsonem i Grady’m. Bardzo często w powieściach, w których pojawia się podobny motyw, uczucia bohaterów lub świadomość wzajemności uczuć zaczynają się od zera, bądź niemal zera i ewoluują powoli w miarę rozwoju historii. W tej powieści nasi chłopcy kochają się już od lat i w dużym stopniu wiedzą już o swoich wzajemnych uczuciach, jednakże ich intymna bliskość rozwija się bardzo powoli, a to za sprawą wielu czynników, na które nie zawsze mają wpływ. I właśnie to sprawia, że „Kings of the Mountain” różni się od innych powieści i tym samym jest historią wyjątkową. Co istotne, Morgan Brice udało się przedstawić ten motyw w naprawdę interesujący sposób, ponieważ łącząc wątek odkładanej na później bliskości z wieloma innymi, nadała tej powieści niesamowitego klimatu, który czytelnik czuje całym sobą.
Prawdę mówiąc, bardzo istotne wydaje mi się także wykorzystanie w „Kings of the Mountain” kilku doskonale znanych nam z codziennego życia problemów. Pierwszym z nich są dobre chęci, których konsekwencją jest pojawiający się w pewnym momencie historii dramatów, w myśl zasady „chciałem dobrze, ale wyszło jak zawsze”. Prawdę mówiąc, za każdym razem, kiedy Dawson stara się być rycerski i troskliwy, czytelnik ma pełną świadomość, że to nie spodoba się „księżniczce w opałach”, jako że nie jest księżniczką i w gruncie rzeczy nie potrzebuje rycerza. Jak to mówią „dobrymi chęciami jest piekło wybrukowane”. Innym z życiowych problemów, ściśle związanym ze wspomnianym przeze mnie przed chwilą, jest brak komunikacji. Także w tym wypadku jesteśmy od początku świadomi tego, że jeśli Dawson nie wyzna otwarcie, co nim kieruje, Grady zinterpretuje wszystko po swojemu, tym bardziej w kontekście dramatów, które wstrząsnęły nim ostatnio i które wpłynęły między innymi na jego samoocenę. Co interesujące, autorka wykorzystała problemy, które znamy z codziennego życie, które jesteśmy w stanie z łatwością dostrzec w powieści, a które umykają nam w przypadku, gdy dotyczą nas samych. Zupełnie jak w przypadku naszych chłopców.
Kolejnym elementem, który wyróżnia tę powieść spośród wielu innych jest fakt, iż „Kings of the Mountain” nie zostało osadzone w tętniącym życiem mieście, jak zdecydowana większość historii urban fantasy, ale w bardziej odludnych, chociaż zdecydowanie nie spokojnych, rejonach górskich. Tym samym, praca naszych bohaterów nie ogranicza się do ich miasta, ale do całej okolicy. Co interesujące, podobny motyw rzadko pojawia się u innych autorów, jednakże Morgan Brice, czy też w tym wypadku Gail Z. Martin miała już okazję tworzyć serię, w której główny bohater „dojeżdża do pracy”, a przynajmniej do tej „drugiej pracy”. Jestem więc pewna, że autorka doskonale wykorzysta w swojej nowej serii motyw odludzia, małych miasteczek oraz ukochanego samochodu będącego oczkiem w głowie jednego z bohaterów.
Podsumowując, „Kings of the Mountain” jest świetnym początkiem nowej serii, która w mgnieniu oka podbija serca wielu czytelników i rozbudza zainteresowanie innych. Morgan Brice oferuje nam interesującą historię pełną emocji i przygody, jak również daje nam okazję dogłębnie poznać swoich bohaterów, u boku których zaczynamy nasze nowe polowanie na potwory.
May 26, 2020
this was enjoyable.. i wasnt sure at first because the cover.. but the story itself was a lot different then i thought it would be.. it was a fun mix of action and paranormal.. it was sexy and interesting. cant wait to see if more comes.
September 5, 2025
Morgan Brice's love for the CW's Supernatural leapt off the pages. I really enjoyed the amount of detail that was given about what they were hunting and the lore behind it which was always my favorite part of the early seasons of Supernatural. This book even has an Uncle Denny who is basically Uncle Bobby except he puts up with a lot more than Bobby would have.
Before I start talking about the couple, I want to say that this book is very taboo and is not for everyone as the MMCs are adopted cousins that grew up together. Both boys are over thinkers and have a lot of internal angst, it got to a point where I wished that I had the ability to lock them in a room together to force them to talk. They do a lot of assuming about what the other is feeling and what is best for the other instead of talking. The book also does a lot more telling than it does showing as we get told the boys had a conversation about wanting to be together before reuniting and we are told about the way feelings developed between them as they ages but we were never shown any moments between them that had me feeling or believing they wanted to be together that badly.
Overall, an interesting but frustrating read.
Read
September 25, 2020A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 ⭐️
Being a King in Transylvania county North Carolina carries a legacy of monster hunting spanning generations, and Grady and Dawson King have been best friends and hunting partners since Grady was fifteen and Dawson seventeen. Even at so young an age, Grady knew that Dawson was his forever guy. When Dawson realizes he has strong feelings for Grady as well, Grady’s years of innocent flirtation no longer seem so innocent and, fearing Grady is too young to make the kind of lifetime commitment Dawson wants, he enlists in the army to give them space to mature, leaving Grady furious and devastated.
As the years pass, Grady and Dawson renew their friendship and decide to give a relationship a try upon Dawson’s return home. Instead of the joyous reunion and the beginning of his forever with Grady, Dawson’s met with the news that his Uncle Aaron died during a werewolf hunt and that Grady is traumatized by what happened to his father. Dawson feels that Grady needs a friend now more than a new lover, and dedicates himself to being whatever Grady requires. Soon, the two men are hunting again, but no matter how easy the case is supposed to be, Dawson and Grady find themselves in mortal danger. This only strengthens Dawson’s resolve to remain just friends as Dawson keeps dreaming of death omens that convince him Grady is in danger and that it’ll be easier to protect Grady if they remain friends only. Unfortunately, Dawson’s need to protect Grady at all costs, while keeping him in the dark feeds all the nagging insecurities and fear Grady has struggled with for years. Fueled by Dawson’s secrecy, these depressing thoughts combine with Grady’s sorrow to create a whirlwind of frustration and pain that leaves the men vulnerable in ways neither can see and on the brink of losing everything.
The few of Morgan Brice’s other works that I have read always bring to mind the show "Supernatural" in one way or another, and "Kings of the Mountain" is the most reminiscent in feel and tone to that show. You have Grady and Dawson King who, although raised as cousins, aren’t related by blood since Aaron is adopted, coming close enough to the incest line to satisfy hardcore Winchester boy shippers with a Kings boys ship that doesn’t have two brothers smashing. And, as Dawson helpfully points out early in the story, cousin marrying is no big thing in North Carolina so, ship away! There’s also the King boy’s last living uncle, Denny to fulfill the gruff, caretaking Bobby role, a lovingly tended muscle car, and a friend named Colt. I can’t say for certain Colt was named for the infamous demon killing revolver in the show, but it’s hard to believe it’s an accident.
At its best, "Supernatural" was full of cool lore, exciting action, and familial love and Kings of the Mountain takes those concepts and runs with them, adding depth and drama to the relationship between Sam and Dean Grady and Dawson by having them pine for one another throughout the years. In addition, not only is Dawson struggling with PTSD from his tour in Afghanistan, Grady is awash in fresh trauma from watching his father die and feeling guilty for not preventing it. The narrative also provides flashbacks of the events that led them to where they are in the present emotionally, which at times don’t flow well, but do provide necessary backstory. The family love is solidified by the care and concern conveyed by Denny, even amidst his own grief at losing his last remaining sibling. The hunts Dawson and Grady go on and the accompanying lore is interesting and the action dynamic as well. All these elements combine to make a fun and engaging supernatural story.
What doesn’t work as well for me is how the pining is executed. The fact that the majority of the angst comes about because they fail to have a conversation about what they want or where they stand is a bit exhausting. They make decisions or judgments and mentally circle the same excuses and reasons for being miserably horny and not dating to create the tension between them. Frankly, this conceit drives me crazy; it feels contrived. If you want there to be drama and tension and angsty pining between the characters, cool—just let it be earned.
Dawson doesn’t tell Grady why he thinks they should just be friends because he feels like however he says it will upset Grady. Ok, but after more than a month, Grady is still upset and now hurt by Dawson’s holding back. Am I really supposed to believe that Dawson saying, “Hey, I’m kinda messed up; you’re kinda messed up. How about we wait to start dating until we get back on solid ground?” would be taken any more poorly than Dawson’s treatment, especially with Dawson’s screaming in the night speaking clearly of his PTSD? Dawson doesn’t want to talk about the death omens because “at some point [he’d been told] that to speak of an omen was to bring it about”. Fine, but after all the near misses and continued death omens, it becomes clear that Grady is still in danger, but after 10 weeks still no research into death omens or maybe risking it to warn Grady since not talking about it hasn’t changed anything? Moreover, when dealing with myth and legend, hard and fast rules don’t always apply. But nope, Dawson decides he still knows best and damsels Grady as opposed to treating him like a qualified hunter who can help Dawson keep him safe if he knows he’s in danger.
Additionally, while Dawson’s enlistment was to give them time to grow and mature, each man falls back into the same unhealthy patterns. Dawson enlisted ostensibly for Grady’s own good and because he felt like Grady was too young and immature to make a real commitment. Dawson comes home and immediately makes choices for Grady without discussing it with Grady and treating him, as if “he still [sees] Grady as too young, too fragile, or too immature to handle getting involved”. On the flip side, we have Grady who acts as immaturely as he did when he was fifteen by trying to get Dawson’s attention without coming out and saying anything. After about a month, Grady expresses frustration that he is “doing all the work to get this off the ground”; yet the “work” seems to consist entirely of flirting and incessantly waiting for Dawson to make the first move, again, among other questionable choices. Just because the narrative is filled with acknowledgements for the need for a conversation in both characters’ internal monologues doesn’t make the flimsy reasoning behind not doing it any better. If you want drama, let them have the conversation and let it go bad or still have Grady frustrated with Dawson’s pace—you still get the angst and pining without making both characters seem ridiculous and immature.
This behavior and certain factors involving the antagonist and contradictions in established character traits is what put a dint in my enjoyment of Kings.
However, while the lack of communication and seeming character breaking bothers me, I can see this not being an issue for others who enjoy paranormal adventures, especially those established around hunters. Given that overall, "Kings of the Mountain" is sweet, piny (sometimes whiny), supernatural, monster-killing fun and a solid series opener that has the potential to get better as Dawson and Grady learn to trust each and establish an equal partnership, I can see it being very enjoyable for some readers.
3.5 ⭐️
Being a King in Transylvania county North Carolina carries a legacy of monster hunting spanning generations, and Grady and Dawson King have been best friends and hunting partners since Grady was fifteen and Dawson seventeen. Even at so young an age, Grady knew that Dawson was his forever guy. When Dawson realizes he has strong feelings for Grady as well, Grady’s years of innocent flirtation no longer seem so innocent and, fearing Grady is too young to make the kind of lifetime commitment Dawson wants, he enlists in the army to give them space to mature, leaving Grady furious and devastated.
As the years pass, Grady and Dawson renew their friendship and decide to give a relationship a try upon Dawson’s return home. Instead of the joyous reunion and the beginning of his forever with Grady, Dawson’s met with the news that his Uncle Aaron died during a werewolf hunt and that Grady is traumatized by what happened to his father. Dawson feels that Grady needs a friend now more than a new lover, and dedicates himself to being whatever Grady requires. Soon, the two men are hunting again, but no matter how easy the case is supposed to be, Dawson and Grady find themselves in mortal danger. This only strengthens Dawson’s resolve to remain just friends as Dawson keeps dreaming of death omens that convince him Grady is in danger and that it’ll be easier to protect Grady if they remain friends only. Unfortunately, Dawson’s need to protect Grady at all costs, while keeping him in the dark feeds all the nagging insecurities and fear Grady has struggled with for years. Fueled by Dawson’s secrecy, these depressing thoughts combine with Grady’s sorrow to create a whirlwind of frustration and pain that leaves the men vulnerable in ways neither can see and on the brink of losing everything.
The few of Morgan Brice’s other works that I have read always bring to mind the show "Supernatural" in one way or another, and "Kings of the Mountain" is the most reminiscent in feel and tone to that show. You have Grady and Dawson King who, although raised as cousins, aren’t related by blood since Aaron is adopted, coming close enough to the incest line to satisfy hardcore Winchester boy shippers with a Kings boys ship that doesn’t have two brothers smashing. And, as Dawson helpfully points out early in the story, cousin marrying is no big thing in North Carolina so, ship away! There’s also the King boy’s last living uncle, Denny to fulfill the gruff, caretaking Bobby role, a lovingly tended muscle car, and a friend named Colt. I can’t say for certain Colt was named for the infamous demon killing revolver in the show, but it’s hard to believe it’s an accident.
At its best, "Supernatural" was full of cool lore, exciting action, and familial love and Kings of the Mountain takes those concepts and runs with them, adding depth and drama to the relationship between Sam and Dean Grady and Dawson by having them pine for one another throughout the years. In addition, not only is Dawson struggling with PTSD from his tour in Afghanistan, Grady is awash in fresh trauma from watching his father die and feeling guilty for not preventing it. The narrative also provides flashbacks of the events that led them to where they are in the present emotionally, which at times don’t flow well, but do provide necessary backstory. The family love is solidified by the care and concern conveyed by Denny, even amidst his own grief at losing his last remaining sibling. The hunts Dawson and Grady go on and the accompanying lore is interesting and the action dynamic as well. All these elements combine to make a fun and engaging supernatural story.
What doesn’t work as well for me is how the pining is executed. The fact that the majority of the angst comes about because they fail to have a conversation about what they want or where they stand is a bit exhausting. They make decisions or judgments and mentally circle the same excuses and reasons for being miserably horny and not dating to create the tension between them. Frankly, this conceit drives me crazy; it feels contrived. If you want there to be drama and tension and angsty pining between the characters, cool—just let it be earned.
Dawson doesn’t tell Grady why he thinks they should just be friends because he feels like however he says it will upset Grady. Ok, but after more than a month, Grady is still upset and now hurt by Dawson’s holding back. Am I really supposed to believe that Dawson saying, “Hey, I’m kinda messed up; you’re kinda messed up. How about we wait to start dating until we get back on solid ground?” would be taken any more poorly than Dawson’s treatment, especially with Dawson’s screaming in the night speaking clearly of his PTSD? Dawson doesn’t want to talk about the death omens because “at some point [he’d been told] that to speak of an omen was to bring it about”. Fine, but after all the near misses and continued death omens, it becomes clear that Grady is still in danger, but after 10 weeks still no research into death omens or maybe risking it to warn Grady since not talking about it hasn’t changed anything? Moreover, when dealing with myth and legend, hard and fast rules don’t always apply. But nope, Dawson decides he still knows best and damsels Grady as opposed to treating him like a qualified hunter who can help Dawson keep him safe if he knows he’s in danger.
Additionally, while Dawson’s enlistment was to give them time to grow and mature, each man falls back into the same unhealthy patterns. Dawson enlisted ostensibly for Grady’s own good and because he felt like Grady was too young and immature to make a real commitment. Dawson comes home and immediately makes choices for Grady without discussing it with Grady and treating him, as if “he still [sees] Grady as too young, too fragile, or too immature to handle getting involved”. On the flip side, we have Grady who acts as immaturely as he did when he was fifteen by trying to get Dawson’s attention without coming out and saying anything. After about a month, Grady expresses frustration that he is “doing all the work to get this off the ground”; yet the “work” seems to consist entirely of flirting and incessantly waiting for Dawson to make the first move, again, among other questionable choices. Just because the narrative is filled with acknowledgements for the need for a conversation in both characters’ internal monologues doesn’t make the flimsy reasoning behind not doing it any better. If you want drama, let them have the conversation and let it go bad or still have Grady frustrated with Dawson’s pace—you still get the angst and pining without making both characters seem ridiculous and immature.
This behavior and certain factors involving the antagonist and contradictions in established character traits is what put a dint in my enjoyment of Kings.
However, while the lack of communication and seeming character breaking bothers me, I can see this not being an issue for others who enjoy paranormal adventures, especially those established around hunters. Given that overall, "Kings of the Mountain" is sweet, piny (sometimes whiny), supernatural, monster-killing fun and a solid series opener that has the potential to get better as Dawson and Grady learn to trust each and establish an equal partnership, I can see it being very enjoyable for some readers.
September 3, 2022
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
Dawson and Grady King are first cousins (by adoption of Grady's father Aaron). They have always been good friends and since they were teenagers they each wanted more. Dawson didn't want to force Grady into anything when he was young and hadn't explored so he enlisted into the military. Being gone four years should give Grady time to date others and if it's meant to be for them, it will. Now Dawson is coming home and they are going to be together. Only a tragedy has befallen the King family and Grady is a mess. Dawson is also having some pretty bad nightmares that feel ominous and has him in a bad mindset. When Dawson gets home and finds out what's happened he decides that Grady needs some time to get himself together before they move into boyfriend status. It doesn't help that their first time back hunting together comes with a close call from the very same creature Dawson has been having nightmares about. Will these two get their heads on straight and make it work or will interfering things pull them apart?
I liked the story of the generational family hunting supernatural creatures to save the day. I liked the concept of cousins being together and going against some peoples thoughts on this. I even agreed with Dawson that at 19 and 17 is too young to tie each other down, especially since Grady hadn't even kissed anyone. I really liked the passed episodes placed strategically to help tell the story and give us an understanding of what shaped Dawson and Grady. I really liked Uncle Denny and would've liked to see him have something besides Dawson, Grady and hunting to fulfill his life. Colt was at the beginning and then gone, never to be seen again. Will he be in further books? Knox is mentioned a couple times but never met on page. Hopefully he gets his life under control. Now onto Dawson and Grady. Too many things kept getting in the way and keeping them apart. In their family's line of work it seems like this is always going to be an issue, so to use it as a plot twist to keep them apart was dragging. Will they be together, no they won't went on entirely too long. They don't even kiss until about 85% in the book. It seemed like there was too much sad things happening to drag them down and not enough happy things to uplift them. I wish Uncle Denny had just knocked their heads together early on and got them to cut the nonsense. Also Dawson making all the decisions, based on their personal relationship, without consulting Grady didn't give Grady the chance to be an equal partner. I wanted more time of these two talking about their issues and working them out, in-between monster hunting, than all the time spent hiding things and being ansty teenagers (even though they're not teenagers).
Dawson and Grady King are first cousins (by adoption of Grady's father Aaron). They have always been good friends and since they were teenagers they each wanted more. Dawson didn't want to force Grady into anything when he was young and hadn't explored so he enlisted into the military. Being gone four years should give Grady time to date others and if it's meant to be for them, it will. Now Dawson is coming home and they are going to be together. Only a tragedy has befallen the King family and Grady is a mess. Dawson is also having some pretty bad nightmares that feel ominous and has him in a bad mindset. When Dawson gets home and finds out what's happened he decides that Grady needs some time to get himself together before they move into boyfriend status. It doesn't help that their first time back hunting together comes with a close call from the very same creature Dawson has been having nightmares about. Will these two get their heads on straight and make it work or will interfering things pull them apart?
I liked the story of the generational family hunting supernatural creatures to save the day. I liked the concept of cousins being together and going against some peoples thoughts on this. I even agreed with Dawson that at 19 and 17 is too young to tie each other down, especially since Grady hadn't even kissed anyone. I really liked the passed episodes placed strategically to help tell the story and give us an understanding of what shaped Dawson and Grady. I really liked Uncle Denny and would've liked to see him have something besides Dawson, Grady and hunting to fulfill his life. Colt was at the beginning and then gone, never to be seen again. Will he be in further books? Knox is mentioned a couple times but never met on page. Hopefully he gets his life under control. Now onto Dawson and Grady. Too many things kept getting in the way and keeping them apart. In their family's line of work it seems like this is always going to be an issue, so to use it as a plot twist to keep them apart was dragging. Will they be together, no they won't went on entirely too long. They don't even kiss until about 85% in the book. It seemed like there was too much sad things happening to drag them down and not enough happy things to uplift them. I wish Uncle Denny had just knocked their heads together early on and got them to cut the nonsense. Also Dawson making all the decisions, based on their personal relationship, without consulting Grady didn't give Grady the chance to be an equal partner. I wanted more time of these two talking about their issues and working them out, in-between monster hunting, than all the time spent hiding things and being ansty teenagers (even though they're not teenagers).
May 24, 2020
Yes, this has overtones of Dukes of Hazzard and Supernatural (I'm sure by intention), but Morgan's language craft is excellent, and the imagery she gives us of the North Carolina mountains is fantastic. I really felt I was up there in the forest and on top of the mountain looking out as the valleys. In fact, I think I would recognize that town and the valley if I ever get there based on the scenery she puts into this story.
I'm a Morgan Brice fan, and I enjoy the interplay of characters between her various series. In this one she gets us off to a quick start. In the first page and a half she describes Dawson with: "But it was one thing to shoot a werewolf or behead a vampire, and another thing entirely to be locked in a firefight with other human beings, kill-or-be-killed." That should set the stage for you.
Language we use can be tricky. These two are called cousins, but Grady's father was adopted by his grandfather. So although they allude to "kissing cousins" (not a term that is used in the book), they really have no blood relationship. Actually part of their struggle is more about a 2 years age difference. That is a big deal between 16 & 18, but like nothing between 33 & 35 (you get to have some perspective when you're older.) What these two characters have is the same difficulty of communicating with each other about feelings. They try and over think their feelings and relationship. While I loved the story, and will probably continue reading this series (I think I've been reading about 6 of her series already, and need to catch up on some books to complete what she has available), the introspection made it drag in places. You just wanted to confront each of these guys and say "get on with it and tell him what is really in your head!"
One of my favorite lines in the book, after they bungle communication (Again!), Uncle Denny tells Dawson to rush after Grady "It’s Neanderthal, but a helluva lot more impressive than flowers.”
I'm an older guy. These two characters are a third of my age. I wish I had been as aware of some of what was happening for me when I was their age. It was nice to have my name mentioned in The book, although I figure Gail did it by accident. I don’t think I normally deserve that sort of commemoration!
Morgan Brice has great skill with language. She cares for her characters and takes the time so that you care for them. You never want her book to finish, and you are encouraged to join her website or Facebook or other places that she sends out information.
I'm a Morgan Brice fan, and I enjoy the interplay of characters between her various series. In this one she gets us off to a quick start. In the first page and a half she describes Dawson with: "But it was one thing to shoot a werewolf or behead a vampire, and another thing entirely to be locked in a firefight with other human beings, kill-or-be-killed." That should set the stage for you.
Language we use can be tricky. These two are called cousins, but Grady's father was adopted by his grandfather. So although they allude to "kissing cousins" (not a term that is used in the book), they really have no blood relationship. Actually part of their struggle is more about a 2 years age difference. That is a big deal between 16 & 18, but like nothing between 33 & 35 (you get to have some perspective when you're older.) What these two characters have is the same difficulty of communicating with each other about feelings. They try and over think their feelings and relationship. While I loved the story, and will probably continue reading this series (I think I've been reading about 6 of her series already, and need to catch up on some books to complete what she has available), the introspection made it drag in places. You just wanted to confront each of these guys and say "get on with it and tell him what is really in your head!"
One of my favorite lines in the book, after they bungle communication (Again!), Uncle Denny tells Dawson to rush after Grady "It’s Neanderthal, but a helluva lot more impressive than flowers.”
I'm an older guy. These two characters are a third of my age. I wish I had been as aware of some of what was happening for me when I was their age. It was nice to have my name mentioned in The book, although I figure Gail did it by accident. I don’t think I normally deserve that sort of commemoration!
Morgan Brice has great skill with language. She cares for her characters and takes the time so that you care for them. You never want her book to finish, and you are encouraged to join her website or Facebook or other places that she sends out information.
May 27, 2020
I want to say first that for the most part I did enjoy the book overall, however, there there were a few things that prevented me from enjoying it fully. I did not know that the two main characters, Gray and Dawson, were cousins, step-cousins thankfully but still cousins. That made things a little awkward, but, I am glad that it wasn't incest because they were not blood related because had they have been, I would not have been able to finish the story.
I actually think I like the trope of two main characters actually having an attraction for each other but the one main character (usually the older one) thinks the younger mc needs to "experience life" a bit. I don't agree with that mentality but I usually like the way the younger main character challenges that narrative. Gray seemed plenty mature enough for me and he was only 17, Dawson could have waited one year. Him choosing to cut and run to the army for four years potentially endangering his life just so Gray could "grow up" was a lot of self-serving bull to me. Dawson came off like a full blown coward who had no qualms with shoving his sexual activities to Gray's attention, which then brings to the main part where this story lost some stars for me. Dawson came off as super hypocritical and I could not deal with him at that point. I will also say that the drama with the omens seemed like it would be thing big thing, but it wasn't. Really made that build up to nothing.
So the book was okay but there were some major hiccups for me.
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I actually think I like the trope of two main characters actually having an attraction for each other but the one main character (usually the older one) thinks the younger mc needs to "experience life" a bit. I don't agree with that mentality but I usually like the way the younger main character challenges that narrative. Gray seemed plenty mature enough for me and he was only 17, Dawson could have waited one year. Him choosing to cut and run to the army for four years potentially endangering his life just so Gray could "grow up" was a lot of self-serving bull to me. Dawson came off like a full blown coward who had no qualms with shoving his sexual activities to Gray's attention, which then brings to the main part where this story lost some stars for me. Dawson came off as super hypocritical and I could not deal with him at that point. I will also say that the drama with the omens seemed like it would be thing big thing, but it wasn't. Really made that build up to nothing.
So the book was okay but there were some major hiccups for me.
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
August 30, 2020
5 Stars
YES! Another Morgan Brice paranormal series. Buckle up folks, this is one wild ride. I was hooked from the first page. I loved the setting of the novel in the Cunanoon Mountains of Transylvania County, North Carolina. Totally fitting for this action-packed story.
Dawson King, along with his love interest and monster hunting partner Grady King (cousins by marriage, so relax), is crazy about souped-up cars and excels at ridding the world of these supernatural killers. At 19, he felt he needed time away from his beloved mountain they live on to see if his own feelings towards 17-year-old Grady were real. He has never acted on his emotions because he felt Grady was too young and they both needed time to grow.
After four years of army life, Dawson’s love has not lessened and he realizes he needs to work things out with Grady.The King family staked their claim in the mountains before the Revolutionary War and took on the grisly task of protecting the innocent from the monsters that are lurking there. The opening of the tale is dark and tragic, so be prepared for some heavy moments. My heart bled for Grady as his loss is so immense. Dawson is now home and being patient on their hopeful new relationship to allow Grady time to heal. Both men are tempted but do an awkward dance, each thinking the other prefers to go slow.
Another layer of this book is a recurring dream that Dawson has that is basically an omen of death. I will let you discover what they mean. So basically between the PTSD from both men and the fear of the ominous nightmares, this romance is stuck in neutral.
Grady is frustrated and tired of longing for Dawson. He thinks if they can start successfully hunting again, the tensions will fade and they can connect as a couple and this glacier of a relationship can start to move. The hunts create off the chart moments and I was impressed by the men’s resiliency.
Fast-paced and loaded with things that go bump in the night along with tons of unresolved sexual tension, this book was one fervent and smoldering read. I can’t wait for the next installment and highly recommend you jump right in. Happy Reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
YES! Another Morgan Brice paranormal series. Buckle up folks, this is one wild ride. I was hooked from the first page. I loved the setting of the novel in the Cunanoon Mountains of Transylvania County, North Carolina. Totally fitting for this action-packed story.
Dawson King, along with his love interest and monster hunting partner Grady King (cousins by marriage, so relax), is crazy about souped-up cars and excels at ridding the world of these supernatural killers. At 19, he felt he needed time away from his beloved mountain they live on to see if his own feelings towards 17-year-old Grady were real. He has never acted on his emotions because he felt Grady was too young and they both needed time to grow.
After four years of army life, Dawson’s love has not lessened and he realizes he needs to work things out with Grady.The King family staked their claim in the mountains before the Revolutionary War and took on the grisly task of protecting the innocent from the monsters that are lurking there. The opening of the tale is dark and tragic, so be prepared for some heavy moments. My heart bled for Grady as his loss is so immense. Dawson is now home and being patient on their hopeful new relationship to allow Grady time to heal. Both men are tempted but do an awkward dance, each thinking the other prefers to go slow.
Another layer of this book is a recurring dream that Dawson has that is basically an omen of death. I will let you discover what they mean. So basically between the PTSD from both men and the fear of the ominous nightmares, this romance is stuck in neutral.
Grady is frustrated and tired of longing for Dawson. He thinks if they can start successfully hunting again, the tensions will fade and they can connect as a couple and this glacier of a relationship can start to move. The hunts create off the chart moments and I was impressed by the men’s resiliency.
Fast-paced and loaded with things that go bump in the night along with tons of unresolved sexual tension, this book was one fervent and smoldering read. I can’t wait for the next installment and highly recommend you jump right in. Happy Reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
September 21, 2022
Series Tour Reviewed For Love Bytes – 3.5 Hearts
A story by Morgan Brice is always worth reading. Yes, I’m a fan. But with any literary work – some come across better than others.
Born from a sense of responsibility, Dawson separated himself from the flirting hero worship he believed his non-blood cousin Grady was demonstrating by joining the Army. Years later, Dawson returns home a changed man, realizing that Grady is the one he wants. But when he gets home, disaster has struck, and Grady isn’t, emotionally, in a good place. Friendship, support, comfort, and survival takes the place of romance. Events aren’t helped when Dawson dreams of Death Omens.
I appreciate how difficult it is to get a story out of the starting gates, let alone a series. Given the story begins when Dawson exits from the army, there are many backstories to weave into the tale while trying to progress events. Hence, a hefty portion of the novel is taken up with the family/couples’ history. Parts were a bit of an information dump, with a lot of swapping between past and present. Then again, certain aspects needed to be understood before the relationship between Dawson and Grady could focus on the present and move forward. Also, repetition is a bit of an issue, but it shows how the same event can be seen differently.
Dawson and Grady are lovely. Their devotion to each other, and their duty to rid the lands of vengeful paranormal beings, constantly putting their lives on the line, is admirable. They have the makings of one hell of a dynamic duo. The range of supernatural life was an element I greatly enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more. The battles were exciting. There was only one element where I understood its presence but found it disjointed – amid the depths of anguish, the characters find a way to have sexual thoughts of each other. I guess, each to his own, but I struggle to comprehend the ability to think of sex while overcoming major loss. This was an area I feel could have done with a bit more fluidity.
Overall, I found Kings of the Mountain to be a solid, albeit slightly disjointed, start to a series that has great potential.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
A story by Morgan Brice is always worth reading. Yes, I’m a fan. But with any literary work – some come across better than others.
Born from a sense of responsibility, Dawson separated himself from the flirting hero worship he believed his non-blood cousin Grady was demonstrating by joining the Army. Years later, Dawson returns home a changed man, realizing that Grady is the one he wants. But when he gets home, disaster has struck, and Grady isn’t, emotionally, in a good place. Friendship, support, comfort, and survival takes the place of romance. Events aren’t helped when Dawson dreams of Death Omens.
I appreciate how difficult it is to get a story out of the starting gates, let alone a series. Given the story begins when Dawson exits from the army, there are many backstories to weave into the tale while trying to progress events. Hence, a hefty portion of the novel is taken up with the family/couples’ history. Parts were a bit of an information dump, with a lot of swapping between past and present. Then again, certain aspects needed to be understood before the relationship between Dawson and Grady could focus on the present and move forward. Also, repetition is a bit of an issue, but it shows how the same event can be seen differently.
Dawson and Grady are lovely. Their devotion to each other, and their duty to rid the lands of vengeful paranormal beings, constantly putting their lives on the line, is admirable. They have the makings of one hell of a dynamic duo. The range of supernatural life was an element I greatly enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more. The battles were exciting. There was only one element where I understood its presence but found it disjointed – amid the depths of anguish, the characters find a way to have sexual thoughts of each other. I guess, each to his own, but I struggle to comprehend the ability to think of sex while overcoming major loss. This was an area I feel could have done with a bit more fluidity.
Overall, I found Kings of the Mountain to be a solid, albeit slightly disjointed, start to a series that has great potential.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
May 29, 2020
I wanted this story to be a lot more than it actually was. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. It was more of a paranormal, monster-hunting adventure than a romance, in my opinion. If Dawson and Grady had just been two best friends on an adventure, I would have gotten an equal amount of enjoyment from it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the romance felt unnecessary to the rest of this story. I did appreciate how much background I got on the Kings family--it's nice to read a book where I'm not constantly one step behind, trying to figure out what's going on.
Grady and Dawson are likable guys, each with their own flaws and insecurities. Grady in particular is dealing with some difficult emotions throughout this book, and my heart went out to him. What's supposed to be a happy reunion with his best friend and crush, Dawson, turns into a grief-filled time of mourning. The majority of the book explores how Grady and Dawson make the leap from friends to lovers. Their journey isn't straightforward--both men have some serious communication issues and deep-seated insecurities about not being desirable enough. In between all the longing glances and heated stares, some pretty exciting monster hunting happens. Grady and Dawson spend so long circling each other that they don't come together until the last 15% of the book. Just when I was finally feeling their romance come to life, their story ended. I know this is a series, but I was still disappointed that I didn't get to see how these two made a real relationship work. I hope there's a second book in the works for them. I'm also crossing my fingers that there's a heavily angsty story about Knox planned.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Grady and Dawson are likable guys, each with their own flaws and insecurities. Grady in particular is dealing with some difficult emotions throughout this book, and my heart went out to him. What's supposed to be a happy reunion with his best friend and crush, Dawson, turns into a grief-filled time of mourning. The majority of the book explores how Grady and Dawson make the leap from friends to lovers. Their journey isn't straightforward--both men have some serious communication issues and deep-seated insecurities about not being desirable enough. In between all the longing glances and heated stares, some pretty exciting monster hunting happens. Grady and Dawson spend so long circling each other that they don't come together until the last 15% of the book. Just when I was finally feeling their romance come to life, their story ended. I know this is a series, but I was still disappointed that I didn't get to see how these two made a real relationship work. I hope there's a second book in the works for them. I'm also crossing my fingers that there's a heavily angsty story about Knox planned.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 2, 2022
I have fallen in love with Morgan Brice's paranormal books and this one is no different. I loved the fact that it is already established from the start that Dawson and Grady want to date, it is just things that keep getting in their way.
Dawson and Grady have known each other their whole lives; they are cousins, but no blood related ones. Their family are hunters of the supernatural. Dawson has just returned from the army and finds out that his Uncle, Grady's father, has died. This causes Dawson to decide to hold off on starting a relationship with Grady.
Dawson and Grady have been in love with each other for years and decide to finally move forward with a romantic relationship. A string of supernatural hunts, a family members death, injury, and miscommunication gets in their way! The miscommunication drove me nuts and I just wished that one of them spoke up. I wanted to slap some sense into both of them, either one could have saved all the drama by using their words! It was amazing apart from that.
I loved learning about all the supernatural beings and seeing the hunters in action. The cases were a highlight of the book and I just wanted to read about more of their adventures. Morgan Brice just knows how to write paranormal books, and she hasn't let me down yet!
The flashbacks were used to great effect here and helped us to understand their relationship. It makes us understand each characters motives and their though process. I wished they had got together sooner and not near the end of the book; I wanted to see them as a couple more. Miscommunication strikes again!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and the is my honest review.
Dawson and Grady have known each other their whole lives; they are cousins, but no blood related ones. Their family are hunters of the supernatural. Dawson has just returned from the army and finds out that his Uncle, Grady's father, has died. This causes Dawson to decide to hold off on starting a relationship with Grady.
Dawson and Grady have been in love with each other for years and decide to finally move forward with a romantic relationship. A string of supernatural hunts, a family members death, injury, and miscommunication gets in their way! The miscommunication drove me nuts and I just wished that one of them spoke up. I wanted to slap some sense into both of them, either one could have saved all the drama by using their words! It was amazing apart from that.
I loved learning about all the supernatural beings and seeing the hunters in action. The cases were a highlight of the book and I just wanted to read about more of their adventures. Morgan Brice just knows how to write paranormal books, and she hasn't let me down yet!
The flashbacks were used to great effect here and helped us to understand their relationship. It makes us understand each characters motives and their though process. I wished they had got together sooner and not near the end of the book; I wanted to see them as a couple more. Miscommunication strikes again!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and the is my honest review.
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