The Gravedigger’s Brawl by Abigail Roux
Riptide Publishing
Erotic Paranormal
ISBN 978-1-937551-63-6
Reviewed by Nannette







Dr. Wyatt Case is head curator at the Virginia Historical Society. He loves his job at the museum but not everyone he works with. Thankfully, his friend Noah works with him. And since they’re such a good friends, it doesn’t take too much for Noah to convince Wyatt to go to Gravedigger’s Tavern with him to act as his wingman. There, Wyatt meets bartender Ash Lucroix. Ash is everything Wyatt isn’t but surprisingly, everything he wants. Ash and Wyatt’s relationship isn’t the only odd thing happening at Gravedigger’s, though. Something mysterious and spooky is going on, and if they don’t figure out what it is soon, more than their relationship will be in danger.

The Gravedigger’s Brawl is a brilliant display of storytelling. Historical ghost stories blend with fiction to create a truly eerie and fascinating tale. Roux seamlessly weaves authenticity into this creative narrative. The inherent coolness factor of the gaslight lifestyle, bartending “magicians”, and three poignant romances round out its excellent plot. Ash’s vulnerability shows through his makeup and suspenders. He’s an extremely charismatic guy. What you see on the outside is part of who he is, but there’s more to him than interesting tongue rings. He and Wyatt have an opposites attract thing going on. Wyatt is tweed and lecture halls, and Ash is eyeliner and flair bartending, yet the chemistry between them leaps off the pages. Roux creates a movie-like story that you can see and feel with The Gravedigger’s Brawl. And Like the ghosts at the tavern, it lingered with me long after the curtains closed.