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Dr. Wyatt Case is never happier than when he’s walking the halls of his history museum. Playing wingman for his best friend at Gravedigger’s Tavern throws him way out of his comfort zone, but not as much as the eccentric man behind the bar, Ash Lucroix.
Ash is everything Wyatt doesn’t understand: exuberant, quirky, and elbow deep in a Gaslight lifestyle that weaves history into everyday life. He coordinates his suspenders with his tongue rings. Within hours, Wyatt and Ash are hooked.
But strange things are afoot at Gravedigger’s, and after a knock to the head, Ash starts seeing things that can’t be explained by old appliances or faulty wiring. Soon everyone at Gravedigger’s is wondering if they’re seeing ghosts, or just going crazy. The answer to that question could end more than just Wyatt and Ash’s fragile relationship—it might also end their lives.
My Review:
Okay, I'll admit it...I definitely judge books by their covers and this is a book I avoided (although I know and love this author's writing) just because of that cover. It looks too much like a historical and then I read the description and it's about a history museum curator, which meant I immediately pushed it aside. I don't read historical. Well, after hearing several good reviews, I finally broke down and picked up this book. I am so glad I did, because I WRONGLY judged this book by its cover. It's a GOOD book and extremely contemporary!
Not only is this book a romance (actually there are a couple of romantic story lines within this one), but it's also a really awesome, creepy ghost story. I made the mistake of reading it after everyone went to bed and will admit to getting a bit spooked. I've read several ghost stories over the last few weeks, but none were quite as spooky as this one managed to be. I'm not normally a person who goes for scary, but this one was so good...it worked for me.
Wyatt is a museum curator who is stressed at work and on the verge of losing his job because foot traffic is down while they are renovating part of the museum (big "duh"...he warned the Board that would happen). Nick also works at the museum and is his best friend. He drags Wyatt down to Gravedigger's Tavern to distract him and to introduce him to Ash. Nick has his own fascination going with the bar owner, Caleb. But there are strange things happening at Gravedigger's. There's always been rumors about ghost-sightings there, but all of a sudden everything is starting to ramp up...just in time for Halloween.
This book had just the perfect amount of creepy and romance. I really liked Wyatt and Ash. Wyatt is your typical history geek...kind of awkward, kind of shy. Whereas, Ash is a bartender...a really, really good-looking one. That leaves Wyatt off-kilter and he's the one to throw the first wrench into their relationship which hurts Ash. I liked the way that was all written...it just seemed really honest and right on the way so many relationships work. Ash puts himself out there with Wyatt and then Wyatt blows it...not because he likes Ash, but because he likes him too much and is freaking out. Add in some super-creepy ghosts threatening Ash and this was just the perfect mix of emotion, angst, and suspense. LOVED it!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 26, 2013
It was pretty good. I liked the characters a lot, but felt the ending a bit of a let-down. Not in what happened, but how it played out to get there. I was expecting a lot more involvement from the characters in order to solve the problem. Ending felt a bit too quick and easy.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DameMargo
Posted April 3, 2013
Summary
Gravedigger's Brawl by Abigail Roux is both a Gothic horror story and romance novel with neo-Victorian overtones and a historical mystery. It's a fabulous combination of well balanced elements which will make you shiver first with a sexual tingle and then with fright. The author creates a tavern full of interesting characters and an ambiance which jumps right off the page. Gravedigger's Brawl is not so deep in the horror genre that romance fans should fear to read it. However, beware you may be inspired to buy a corset and attend a costume party where steampunk inventions are displayed and absinthe is the drink of choice.
Fantasy World
This story occurs mainly in a fictional tavern in the historic city of Richmond, Virginia. The city and locations are so beautifully described you'll be shocked to find out some of them aren't actual places. Some of the history used in the book is actually real and shockingly not fictional. It's a fabulous combination.
Tingle Factor
Expect tingles in your naughty bits as well as raised hairs on the back of your neck. Wyatt and Ash do not shy away from full man on man action and Ash's tongue piercing may cause you to drool.
Romance
Gravedigger's Brawl may have many elements but the romance is not neglected. Wyatt steps up to prove he cares about what happens to Ash when bad things happen. This story isn't just about the sex or the paranormal mystery.
Drama
The author keeps tension high at Gravedigger's Tavern with ghostly apparitions, odd noises, and suspicious events. Wyatt is also kept in a state of uproar by museum issues and a rabid Board of Trustee member.
Hero#1
Dr. Wyatt Case is a bumbling historian with few social skills but lots of knowledge. He's trying to save his job while exploring an attraction to a hot bartender and doing a little paranormal investigating on the side. Wyatt is very likeable even when he's being terribly awkward. He's openly gay, but that is not his defining characteristic nor does it make him wimpy or a flaming queen.
Hero#2
Ash Lucroix is a fabulous character from his guyliner all the way down to his suspenders. He makes Victorian fashion cool again while juggling liquor bottles at a trendy bar in Richmond. Ash is a real person with wants, needs, and emotions instead of the amazingly attractive but shallow stereotype used in so many books. Ash can wear eyeliner as well as any rock star and without it being the least bit feminine.
Anonymous
Posted March 29, 2013
I love everything by Abigail Roux, but this is definitely in my favorites, and a good ghost story to boot. Spooky without being overly disgusting or violent, my favorite kind of ghost story. As usual, the characters and their chemistry together are the author's strongest point. They feel so real and I get so attached to every one of them, not only the two leads (who are totally yummy).
Anonymous
Posted February 22, 2013
I love a good ghost story and I love a good M/M romance novel. Put the two together and you've got The Gravedigger's Brawl. All the characters are well done, realistic, and lovable. There's humor, some steamy scenes, and a good deal of suspense. I don't know how Abigail Roux could top herself, but I do hope there's a sequel or at least some flash fiction in the future because I didn't want this one to end. Well done on every level. And, I just have to say, the cover is one of my all time favorites.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mike_
Posted December 1, 2012
Combine mystery, supernatural and relationships in equal doses and I'm in. "The Gravedigger's Brawl" was wonderful - didn't know the author but will watch for more.
Recommended.
Anonymous
Posted October 18, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 27, 2013
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Anonymous
Posted November 10, 2012
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Overview
Dr. Wyatt Case is never happier than when he’s walking the halls of his history museum. Playing wingman for his best friend at Gravedigger’s Tavern throws him way out of his comfort zone, but not as much as the eccentric man behind the bar, Ash Lucroix.
Ash is everything Wyatt doesn’t understand: exuberant, quirky, and elbow deep in a Gaslight lifestyle that weaves history into everyday life. He coordinates his suspenders with his tongue rings....