Review for The Gravedigger's Brawl by Abigail Roux

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.

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Halloween's come early with Abigail Roux's exciting and sensual tale of ghostly anger and obsession, The Gravedigger's Brawl.  What starts out as the best one-night stand ever for showy bartender Ash and museum curator Wyatt soon turns into a fiery relationship in more ways than one as a vengeful spirit takes a liking to Ash and turns his life upside down.

Ash has an exotic style that the straight-laced Wyatt (and me) is drawn to.  Wyatt is all about work but longs for the excitement and carefreeness that Ash brings him.  It's definitely a case of opposites attracting that works perfectly.  From the sudden start to their relationship things progress at a sensually speedy pace which feels natural and right.  Their sexual interludes were super steamy and nicely spaced throughout the story.  As the paranormal elements escalate, and Ash starts questioning his sanity, these romantic interludes are greatly appreciated for bringing a sense of calm amidst the storm.

The scares and chills that Ms. Roux hurls at the reader do indeed work and my heart was pounding right along with the characters with every noise and shadow on the page.  Twining the myths into the storyline added even more chills to the events and made them practically jump off the page.  The fast-paced conclusion where everyone's in jeopardy had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what would happen and left me thoroughly satisfied.

Along with the wonderful main characters and intriguing tales of ghosts comes an equally memorable cast of secondary characters.  Another case of opposites attracting, Noah and Caleb, are entertaining with their sweet romance and add much-needed comic relief.  Fellow bartender Ryan offers another bit of sexiness and humor along with waitress Delilah and her sassy attitude.  Mix all these elements together and you have the perfect balance of romance and genuine scares that sucked me in completely and ended before I knew it.  I applaud what Ms. Roux did with The Gravedigger's Brawl and can't wait to read more from her.  This was my first book of hers and won't be my last!

My rating for this is an A.

*I got this book from NetGalley.