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The Gravedigger's Brawl

by Abigail Roux (Goodreads Author)

4.01 of 5 stars 4.01 · rating details · 698 ratings · 185 reviews

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...more

ebook, 250 pages

Published October 15th 2012 by Riptide Publishing

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Best M/M Romance Published in 2012

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Dec 18, 2012 Dd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hello Readers!!

Welcome to the Gravedigger's Tavern---

Be careful while going in!!

Strange things have been happening!!

Now,you don't want to be caught in here alone.........

...........Do you???

----------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Dr. Wyatt Case--

Dr. Wyatt Case loves his history museum.He is the curator but the real power lies with the Board of Directors.Over the years,the Board has rejected his ideas for drawing more people to the museum one after the other.Now,when...more

74 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, spooky, pnr-ghosts, mm-romance, author-abigail-roux, reviewed-for-netgalley, published-by-riptide, sexy-mm, haunted-tavern, contemporary, books-for-review, pierced-tongue-knows-how-to-use-it, 4-stars

The Gravedigger’s Brawl is a funny, romantic, and very sexy m/m story. It’s unique, exiting, spooky… first page to the last, I loved it – but what else could I expect from Abigail Roux?

Cover blurb: 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: exub

...more
The Gravedigger’s Brawl is a funny, romantic, and very sexy m/m story. It’s unique, exiting, spooky… first page to the last, I loved it – but what else could I expect from Abigail Roux?

Cover blurb: 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.

I’ve been a fan of this author’s work for some time, so when I saw this story available for review from netgalley, I had to grab it. Wow, am I glad I did!

Like all of Ms. Roux’s books, The Gravedigger’s Brawl has the perfect balance of romance, passion, sex and **gasp** even a great story! It’s a contemporary tale with a lot of historical background centering around the haunting of the tavern called Gravedigger’s. This ghostly side of the story gives this a great feel – mysterious, dark, eery – and I found myself actually peeking out the corners of my eyes, looking for things lurking in the shadows! The romance is sweet, the sex is hot, and all-in-all, a truly entertaining tale! Awesome fun!

The bottom line: As I said, I'm a fan of Abigail Roux's stories. I've loved everything she's written, and books like this are why. If you're a lover of m/m romance and would like some spooky thrown in, too, then grab The Gravedigger's Brawl and settle in for some great reading.

My thanks to Riptide Publishing and netgalley.com for giving me a copy of this book for review.(less)

18 likes · like · see review

Oct 13, 2012 Heller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

This is a ghost story first and foremost. Romance and relationships definitely play second fiddle here but this is good creepy fun.

Roux writes such fun dialogue and she creates very solid, likeable characters. I almost wish this story had focused on Noah and Caleb, they were the secondary relationship here after Wyatt and Ash and I really enjoyed it when they were on the page. I would have loved a more detailed look at the two of them.

While Wyatt and Ash were interesting I felt that their roma...more

12 likes · like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Gravedigger’s Brawl stirs up all kinds of trouble and mystery with a perfect blend of shadows, bumps, whispers & cries in the night topped off with suspenders, angel wings, sexy tongue piercings, and top hats. Come on…belly up to the bar for a fun spooky dose of history and romance!

The fun begins right off the bat when we meet Wyatt Case under his desk noticing all kinds of head room. *clears throat* Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s not what you think. Haha…Dr. Wyatt Case, an adorable,...more

11 likes · like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 deirdre rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

3.5+ stars
this was just plain fun!!!!

what a great read . . . a pleasure from the first word until the last

good characters . . . good chemistry with all of the characters!
well done ghost story . . . not cheesy at all (as i can find ghost stories over done sometimes)
well written, well edited, and of course, great dialogue.
plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue
not too much angst, which i liked.
the ending was a tad abrupt, but still a great fun read

again, just plain fun. no tears, no anxiety, j...more

11 likes · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Terry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Abigail Roux has definitely got the knack of grabbing you by the short and curlies and drawing you into the story and will not let you go until you have finished. I found this book "unputdownable" as the story of the Gravediggers bar unfolded and the characters were superb - Ash, Wyatt, Noah, Caleb and all the other minor players were great. My only disappointment was in the speed of the denouement, maybe it was because I was unhappy to leave the company of such great characters or maybe the boo...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Tina by: Macky, Mark, Bev. My FFs <3

Shelves: mm-romance

I bought the book because my lovely friends Macky, Mark and Bev recommended it to me (thx sweethearts

). That it's written by Abigail Roux helped my decision significantly. I have to admit I'm not exactly a fan of ghost books. To my great joy this one turned out to be a wonderful surprise!

The Gravedigger's Brawl is a dark story, perfect for those who like things getting creepy. Reading this right before going to bed is probably a bad idea. :)

Wyatt is the director at the local history museum. He...more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 19, 2012 Jenn rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: cozy-mysteries, i-own, m-m, paperback

So, I"m struggling with how to rate this one. If I go by my actual enjoyment of this, I'd give it 1 star, but at the same time I can see why some people could like this so maybe a 2? Right now I'll go with 1. I"m in the minority, obviously, so maybe check out some reviews of people that like this sort of thing.

The Positives
I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous so props to Reese Dante.

I really, really loved Noah and Caleb. I think the gruff but kind Caleb paired with the quick, caring Noah w...more

13 likes · like · see review

Nov 21, 2012 Sophia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr-uf

When I think of a story with atmosphere, this would be one of them. While on one level it is a good ol' satisfying ghost story reading experience that gave me goosebumps and seeing things move out of the corner of my eye, it is also a suspenseful 'cat and mouse' thriller and romance all rolled up into one. And just as an aside might I add that I am a whimp and this would have scared the bejeebers out of me if I read it on a dark night with a wind and dry rustling leaves for added sound effect (y...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Sas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-faves, mm

Fave Quote: "You don't like Wyatt?" he said to the empty room. "Well go fuck yourself. I'm keeping him."'

- Storyline - 10/10
- Hero - 10/10
- Hero - 10/10
- Chemistry - 10/10
- Steaminess - 10/10
- Sweetness - 8/10
- Secondary Characters - 10/10
- Setting - 10/10
- Details/Quirks - 9/10
- Banter/Humor - 8/10
- Ending - 10/10
- Ridiculousness - 0/10
- Annoying the shit out of me factor - 0/10
- This book described in one word/phrase - Magic

What an awesome surprise this turned out to be! I didn't really like t...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, paranormal-urban-fantasy, 4-and-a-half-stars, amazing, awesome-couples, on-kindle

4.5 stars. I've read a few ghost related books lately, but this one is by far my favourite.

I'm going to just quickly go over what makes me give this 4.5 stars rating and not a 5 stars one so I can get to the good stuff. Some parts seemed to be a bit long, like the history and backstory bits. But, that's just a personal issue because I get easily bored, but some people do like to read about all the history so those parts might not seem long to other people at all.

Now, on to everything that made t...more 4.5 stars. I've read a few ghost related books lately, but this one is by far my favourite.

I'm going to just quickly go over what makes me give this 4.5 stars rating and not a 5 stars one so I can get to the good stuff. Some parts seemed to be a bit long, like the history and backstory bits. But, that's just a personal issue because I get easily bored, but some people do like to read about all the history so those parts might not seem long to other people at all.

Now, on to everything that made this book so great...

The setting: LOVED IT! The pub was such a great place, cozy and friendly (when you take away the paranormal stuff that was going on). It had a historical vibe to it, but still remained contemporary, which was so so great. Caleb really did an amazing job with his pub, and honestly if I could chose to have a part time-job anywhere it would be in a place like that... without the ghosts of course.

The characters: Loved every single one of the main characters and I loved especially the friendship they had together; great group of friends! They were funny and witty and their interactions were great. Kind of sad this book is a stand-alone book (if I'm not wrong?), because I'm going to miss them. Truly enjoyed reading about them!

The romances: I could almost touch the chemistry between all the couples. Yes, the book is focused on Ash and Wyatt's romance, but you do get a few glimpses at Caleb and Noah's and Delilah and Ryan's relationships, which pleased me a lot. And to be honest, I wouldn't mind having a book focused on Caleb and Noah's relationship alone, because they were so great and sweet together. So I'm very glad we had a bit of Ryan's POV near the end, it permitted to see a bit more of his interaction with Caleb.

(view spoiler)

Overall, this book had everything I was looking for, especially for the month of October, with Halloween approaching. The spooky ambiance was there, but it was also a great book friendship and romance wise.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 Shirley Frances rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-read, 2012

I have been a fan of Abigail Roux since I first read Cut & Run last year. I even consider myself one of her faithful minions! So when I heard her new book was available to pre-order I didn’t hesitate and I am happy to say that I was not disappointed.

This is the story of Dr. Wyatt Case, a head museum curator, who loves history and keeps to himself or as Noah so eloquently put it: “Wyatt’s been oblivious to all things sex-related for like fifteen years…” when he meets Ash Lucroix. A bar keep a...more I have been a fan of Abigail Roux since I first read Cut & Run last year. I even consider myself one of her faithful minions! So when I heard her new book was available to pre-order I didn’t hesitate and I am happy to say that I was not disappointed.

This is the story of Dr. Wyatt Case, a head museum curator, who loves history and keeps to himself or as Noah so eloquently put it: “Wyatt’s been oblivious to all things sex-related for like fifteen years…” when he meets Ash Lucroix. A bar keep at Gravedigger’s Brawl, Ash has a penchant for suspenders and is scared of ghosts. He is also very funny and I found him to be extremely adorable. That’s not to say that Wyatt wasn’t adorable or funny, but he was more closed off and his humor was more on the sarcastic side. Anyway, these two were amazing characters to read and their dialog alone was worth my all-through-the night reading.

I could feel the connection between these two immediately. I am not a fan of the ‘insta-love’ and I was glad that Abi didn’t go that route with these two. It would have taken a lot from their story. Wyatt’s doubts and Ash’s hesitation was what made their finally getting together all the more worthwhile for me. Abi made sure that I could understand where each of them was coming from and what they were feeling, so that when they each took that step into relationship territory I believed it and cheered them on for good measure.

Their chemistry was very palpable and I knew that the moment they got together the passion would be off the charts. And dear Lord, I was not disappointed. That has got to be one of the hottest, most sensual scenes I have read lately. Not only that, it was filled with an array of emotions that had me gripping my tablet as if by doing so I could ease the tension. There was sizzling passion, unquenchable lust then came the anxiety, followed by the fear and ending with the disappointment. By the end I was misty-eyed and ready to beat the shit out of someone who shall remain nameless.

The ghost story that Abi brought to the page was amazing. It was filled with a lot of history which is very different from any ghost story I have ever read. The events that she described in regards to the ghost were very creepy and very detailed. She managed to constantly keep me in suspense throughout the story, which is another reason that I read the book in one sitting. I could not put it down. Literally! I was so worried about Ash and what he was going through and of course I wanted to know how it all played out.

I enjoyed all the characters and their interactions with each other. Noah, Wyatt’s best friend, was hilarious. I enjoyed him a lot. He was funny, sarcastic and totally out there. His interaction with Wyatt was very enlightening in the sense that it really showed me a side of Wyatt that he usually kept hidden from others. I also enjoyed Ash’s friends – Caleb, Delilah and Ryan. I liked how he interacted with them. They were like a family and since he felt so comfortable with them he tended to be more himself which really helped in me connecting with him.

The writing was excellent – with well developed characters, great dialog filled with humor and emotion and a story full of mystery and suspense. The resolution to the main plot was handled very well and the confrontations with the ghost were very spooky to say the least. All the paranormal aspects of the story were brought forward in a way that made it very interesting and easy to read.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed an Abigail Roux book and/or likes ghost stories.(less)

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Oct 27, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, read-in-2012, review

Full review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/23/...

I’m not a big fan of ghost stories. I like my paranormal to be all out – witches, vampires, shapeshifters. But ghosts…. ghosts freak me out! However, Roux is one of my favorite authors, so after much humming and hawing, I gave it a shot.

Wyatt loves all things history, but his job as curator at the museum is in jeopardy if he can’t drum up more business. When he meets Ash and the staff at The Gravediggers Tavern, he’s cha...more Full review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/23/...

I’m not a big fan of ghost stories. I like my paranormal to be all out – witches, vampires, shapeshifters. But ghosts…. ghosts freak me out! However, Roux is one of my favorite authors, so after much humming and hawing, I gave it a shot.

Wyatt loves all things history, but his job as curator at the museum is in jeopardy if he can’t drum up more business. When he meets Ash and the staff at The Gravediggers Tavern, he’s charmed and inspired by their Victorian flair. The constant ghost stories and Halloween themes inspires Wyatt to do a ghost story theme at the museum and he digs into local myths and history.

Ash never really believed in ghosts, until he is suddenly haunted by one. Day and night, at the bar and at home, Ash is being stalked by a ghost who obviously wants something from him, although he had no idea what. With Wyatt and Noah doing research and the folks at the Tavern behind him, Ash hopes he can get through… alive.

Again, I’m not a big fan of ghost stories, and I have to admit that this one freaked me out! Roux did such an amazing job of showcasing the mystery of the past through Wyatt and Noah’s research it gave the story an added tingle of truth. While the author admits to taking liberties with history, she presented it so clearly, so graphically that I was sucked in and enthralled by the story. Despite the fact that it gave me the heebies-geebies.

Unlike the Cut & Run series, the romance between Ash and Wyatt took a more secondary tole in the overall story. While they definitely developed their relationship throughout the story (and started off their acquaintance with a sexy bang), they weren’t the main focus of the book. A lot of page time was sent with Wyatt and his best friend Noah and their involvement with the museum. There was also a lot of time spent with Ash, Caleb, Ryan and Delilah at the bar. So while the romance was constantly on everyone’s mind, it did seem to really get pushed to the background time and time again.

That being said, I felt like Roux was able to give us enough that I fell for Ash and Wyatt right away. The beginning of the book has some wonderfully hilarious and sexy moments that had me laughing out loud while fanning myself. It also seemed to take awhile for the ghost portion of the story to really kick-in, so we did get to spend a lot of page time just getting to know our two heroes.

The cast of secondary characters was wonderful as well. I loved the snippets we got with Noah and Caleb. I would have liked to see more of them, but understand why we didn’t get that treat. I also loved Ryan and Delilah as well as Wyatt’s mentor at the museum. Roux does such an incredible job of bringing life to characters who play a supporting role in the story and frequently make me want a story for each and every person who steps onto the page.

Just as a final FYI to all of you who freak out easily with ghost stories. Do NOT read this one alone at night in the dark. Especially the end. You’ve been warned!

All in all I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this ghost/love story. With the budding romance and time spent with developing friendships, Roux did a wonderful job of breaking up the scary and suspenseful with the real everyday world. Granted, for me, that just intensified the freaky ghost aspects. With the extra creepy ending, I recommend everyone reads this book in the middle of the day, preferably in the sun!
I give The Gravedigger’s Brawl a B-(less)

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Nov 05, 2012 Amy *Sussudio* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormals

Lots of fun and Thank you baby Jebus Ms. Roux didn't add more information concerning the LaLaurie family, cause those people were sick sick sick. Just mentioning them, if you have any idea who they are and what they did, adds to the creep factor. Great read right before Halloween. I just love Abigail Roux and her writing/humor.

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: autobuy-authors, ebooks, male-male, netgalley-first-reads-arcs, paranormal, 4-and-a-half-stars, magic-witches-wizards, romance, secondary-romances, steamy-reads, reviewed-on-blog, stand-alone, ghosts

I just started reading Abigail Roux's male/male romances this year and am so glad I discovered her. Like most readers, I began with the sexy Cut & Run series (who can deny Ty and Zane?), but have slowly been making my way through her other stories. Therefore, when I saw The Gravedigger's Brawl on Netgalley, I knew I had to read it especially when I figured out that there was a ghost story component!

What I Liked
1. Both Ash and Wyatt were great characters. One of my favorite parts of Ms. Roux'...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was SO MUCH FUN to read!

There’s no doubt this is an Abi Roux book. It had some really humorous banter and random one-liners that had me cracking up. The side character of Noah even reminded me a tiny bit of Ty from her Cut & Run series with his dry, hilarious remarks.

The relationship between Wyatt, a shy, academic museum curator, and Ash, a “Gaslight” flair bartender, was sweet and I’m hoping this is just the beginning of their journey. I’d also love to read more about Noah and Ca...more

25 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-abigail-roux, m-m, by-george-thats-awesome, come-here-baby-so-i-can-lick-you, ebooks-kindle, half-star-ratings, in-my-harem, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, secondary-love-plots-make-me-swoon, 5-stars

4.5 stars

I went into The Gravedigger's Brawl expecting the best simply because Abigail Roux wrote it. She is, quite simply, fabulous. However, it exceeded my expectations. It was even better than I was hoping. Color me surprised!

The main characters were wonderfully developed, and I think I'm a little in love with Ash. He charmed me from the beginning with his adorable smile (chipped tooth and all), quirky clothes, the kohl around his eyes, and the constantly changing tongue rings. Yep, I am def...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Macky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: faves, keepers-never-to-be-deleted

Best Abigail Roux story I've read up to now ( aside from 'cut n run' series which I love) and I've read most. What a brilliant concept and done with flair and panache. This is not just a m/m romance, but is a book of many parts - it's funny and snarky, full of witty banter,sexy, sizzling, suspenseful and creepy with a capital C! Every character is interesting and quirky, in their own right and each one integral to the story, I grew to love everyone of them. Ash and Wyatt are fabulous together -...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Togainunochi(Jude) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, favorites

This was such an enjoyable read , made better with a great cast of characters. Nice history lesson punctuated with great sex. I'll have to read again when Halloween comes around again.

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Apr 22, 2013 Octobercountry rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ah, I always enjoy a good spooky story, and this one provided a few genuine chills as the best ghost stories should. Though, it should be noted that the book in no way would be classified as “horror”---the eerie atmosphere, while effective, is still on the mild side and well balanced by the growing relationship between Wyatt and Ash.

The pair of protagonists is quite likable and these two are amply supported by a set of well-drawn supporting characters. You get the feeling that Gravedigger’s woul...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Vittoria Corella rated it 2 of 5 stars

Plot: Wyatt is the curator of the Richmond Museum. Ash is an acrobatic barman, who's a little goth, and works at Gravedigger0s, an alternative hangout in a Victorian style house with a dark secret. They'0ve got nothing in common, yet they know each other, like each other and fall hopelessly in love with each other. It's such a pity that Gravedigger's is haunted and the worst just can't stand Ash.
Review: Gravedigger's Brawl is uncertain whether to be an M/M romance or a ghost story, but then it d...more Plot: Wyatt is the curator of the Richmond Museum. Ash is an acrobatic barman, who's a little goth, and works at Gravedigger0s, an alternative hangout in a Victorian style house with a dark secret. They'0ve got nothing in common, yet they know each other, like each other and fall hopelessly in love with each other. It's such a pity that Gravedigger's is haunted and the worst just can't stand Ash.
Review: Gravedigger's Brawl is uncertain whether to be an M/M romance or a ghost story, but then it decides it's the former theme and not the latter. Therefore, we've got a him, Wyatt, who is the caricature of the clumsy professor, who is very educated, scholarly and extremely boring. However, he is really, really ridiculously good looking. Let's match him with the other him, Ash, otherwise it isn't an M/M romance, is it?
The author then takes our Wyatt, and she photocopies him, retouches the photocopy with eyeliner, a couple of piercings to get the other him, Ash, who is also really, really ridiculously good looking too. You can only tell them apart from their clothes, like Japanese manga heroes. Wyatt and Ash move in a world populated by hunks, in which one stands out. Noah, Wyatt's friend-collegue, is not only really, really ridiculously good looking, he's also a super graduate working in a super American university – Princeton, Harvard, you choose, it's not important, and I just can't remember – and is a champion in martial arts with more black belts than a goth model. Maybe, if you smell him, he perfumes of lily and sainthood.
It's an artificial paradise for wannabes with a credibility coefficient of -11.
Such a diffusion of physical perfection is maybe more disturbing that the author herself. Mindfull of the non spoken rule that readers normally can't stand perfect characters and maybe you not exactly Alain Delon, so why not give Ash a physical defect like a chipped tooth?
Ok, now I feel better, thank you Abigail.
Let me continue: thanks to Noah, Wyatt meets Ash. They fall in Love, the kind with a capital letter. Opposites attract and they screw each other entusiastically. Wyatt is surely a copy of Sgarbi (a notoriously rude TV personality in Italy) but he sure know what to do under the coves. It's such a pity that he has a never ending dilemma: what do I do with this guy? Me, the serious scholar, and him the decadent rock star? Yes, for Ash is a wretched bastard with a PIERCING in his tongue! He uses a condom, never drives while drunk, serves beer without alcohol but he is too outrè. My goodness, a piercing!! Sodom and Gomorrah!
Wyatt and Ash bicker for silly reasons, they break up and get back together for about 60% of the book. Then someone moves a fridge at Gravedigger's and calls forth an evil spirit, who is also gay and charming, and starts stalking Ash. It seems that piercings don't bother ghosts at all. Operation Salvation Museum-Pub dream team springs to action to rip Ash, the Damned Acrobat Barman from the claws of the terrible ghost. Action! Shivers! Emotions” It's such a pity that the book is almost finished.
Will Wyatt save Ash? And in the meantime, shall he become use to the delight and torment of piercings? To learn all this you must read Gravedigger's Brawl!
Sure, it's readable. The narration is fluid with some repetition here and there. The dialogue is quick, very made in the USA. Personally, due to the adolescent characterization of the characters and the sleepy plot that only wakes up at the end, I can't give it more than a 2 out of 5.(less)

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Mar 21, 2013 Ralph rated it 1 of 5 stars

When I read the 'basic description' of this book, I was interested in the modern-day ghost story it promised. But after only getting less than a third through it, there was a scene. A sex scene. Between two guys.

Now, I am not homophobic, but same sex relationships are not new to this day and age (regardless of my beliefs). But that there was several [ebook] pages of descriptive sex between two males, I was a bit put off. Not being totally against male-male sex, I would be just as repulsed with...more

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Mar 07, 2013 K rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to start by saying that Abigail Roux is one of my very favorite authors, regardless of genre. I love her big, bold, slightly flawed and quirky characters, the humor she injects into a story and the tension and thrill she can generate

So, what shall I say sbout The Gravedigger's Brawl specifically? if you like subtle ghost stories that make you think you see something out if the corner of your eye and scared to walk through your house in the dark then this is the book for you. If you like y...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Marlene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Originally published at Reading Reality

The Gravedigger's Brawl is a massive Halloween bash that takes place in Gravedigger's Tavern. Where is that, you might ask? The historic district in downtown Richmond, Virginia.

So we have an eerily named bar in a historic preservation district on the spookiest night of the year. And did I mention that everyone who works in the bar has started seeing ghosts? That's right, ghosts. Poltergeists aren't just thumping the walls, they have started screwing with th...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Mimi Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 stars

If it's somethin' weird an' it don't look good
Who ya gonna call?
(Ghostbusters!)

I ain't afraid o' no ghost
I ain't afraid o' no ghost

If you're seein' things runnin' through your head
Who can you call?
(Ghostbusters!)

An invisible man sleepin' in your bed
Oh who ya gonna call?
(Ghostbusters!)

Oh, oh, oh, Ghostbusters! I had that song running through my head at the end of this book. It conjured up the same feeling of a good, fun time. Only with the added m/m loving, hot/cute/unique history buffs a...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Jody rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 carefreene...more 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!(less)

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Oct 25, 2012 Emmy rated it 5 of 5 stars

What do suspenders, tongue piercings, history museums, ghosts and taverns have in common? All combined, they make a great freaking book!

Wyatt is the head curator at a history museum. Having just finished construction on a new wing, the museum needs a fantastic new exhibit to bring in the masses. Can you say stress? Luckily, one of the fellow historians at the museum is his best friend. Noah helps Wyatt get his mind off of things, even if Noah does have ulterior motives.

Enter The Garvedigger's Ta...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, ebook, m-m, net-galley, request

The Gravedigger’s Brawl has an impressive mix of urban legend, hauntings, and mysterious happenings that makes it a perfect Halloween read. The adorably sweet romance that has been woven into this tale is an added bonus. There are some mild paranormal elements, but all of the characters are very human.

I just loved Ash. He is one of the bartenders at The Gravedigger’s Tavern. He is totally into his work. He has mixed bartending with flair (think the bottle tossing from Cocktail minus all the che...more The Gravedigger’s Brawl has an impressive mix of urban legend, hauntings, and mysterious happenings that makes it a perfect Halloween read. The adorably sweet romance that has been woven into this tale is an added bonus. There are some mild paranormal elements, but all of the characters are very human.

I just loved Ash. He is one of the bartenders at The Gravedigger’s Tavern. He is totally into his work. He has mixed bartending with flair (think the bottle tossing from Cocktail minus all the cheese.) The gaslight atmosphere of the location compliments his wardrobe and sexy kohl lined eyes. I loved the tongue rings and Wyatt’s reactions to them. Ash has an air intrigue that grabs the attention of all that is around him.

Wyatt is the head curator of a museum. He studies and analyzes everything. His curiosity about all things new to him makes him fun to read. This also makes him a great match for Ash. I wouldn’t describe their relationship as an opposites attract, but their numerous differences make them work and it also builds the attraction and desire.

Wyatt must come up with a new exhibit to draw in a large number of people and he must do this quickly. His job is one the line. With Halloween approaching quickly and haunted tours being very popular Wyatt runs with this idea. His research into local ghost stories unearths some facts right out of nightmares about the bar that his love interest works at. The fact that Ash has started experiencing some odd things around work really plays into the season. The oddities keep happening and the threats they create continuously escalate.

The ghost story, the history of the building that now houses The Gravedigger’s Tavern, and all the strange things that are happening around the bar make this a very interesting read. Roux has also created a phenomenal cast of secondary characters. All of the employees at Gravedigger’s are interesting and well developed. Roux is a remarkable story teller. I look forward to reading more from this author.
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Oct 17, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, glbt, m-m-romance, ghosts, paranormal

“The more enlightened our houses are, the more their walls ooze ghosts.” – Italo Calvino

Gravedigger’s Tavern wasn’t always a tavern. At one time it was simply a Victorian home that has, since its origin, become a house of horrors, a place enlightened by a darkness so evil that the spirits of the long-suffering dead haunt the in-between realms, searching for escape. It is a place where things go bump in the night, a place where Ash Lucroix and his co-workers begin experiencing strange phenomena t...more “The more enlightened our houses are, the more their walls ooze ghosts.” – Italo Calvino

Gravedigger’s Tavern wasn’t always a tavern. At one time it was simply a Victorian home that has, since its origin, become a house of horrors, a place enlightened by a darkness so evil that the spirits of the long-suffering dead haunt the in-between realms, searching for escape. It is a place where things go bump in the night, a place where Ash Lucroix and his co-workers begin experiencing strange phenomena that, at first glance, seem easily explained away. But Gravedigger’s is a something wicked this way comes sort of place; a double, double toil and trouble, fire burn and caldron bubble sort of place. A you’d best start believin’ in ghost stories, Dr. Case. You’re in one kind of place. It is a place where a long-dead evil seeks out the lost, and yearns to drag them into his own special brand of hell.

And Ash could very well have a one way ticket there.

Wyatt Case is the head curator for the Virginia Historical Society, whose job is on the line if he can’t come up with an exhibit to draw crowds to the museum. Ash is a flair bartender at Gravedigger’s, a man who is unlike anyone Wyatt has ever met—or wanted—but their attraction to each other is immediate and undeniable. Their first meeting leads to a bout of hot, drunken sex; though in a display of oops-I-totally-effed –up, Wyatt sneaks out afterwards without a word or backward glance, unsure of himself, of what had just happened, or of what to do about a man to whom he shouldn’t have been attracted in the first place. Wyatt treats Ash like a one-and-done but quickly comes to regret it, because it seems Ash Lucroix is a man Wyatt won’t soon or easily forget.

The trick is they both need to survive long enough to discover if there will be a future for them to look forward to.

The countdown to the Gravedigger’s Brawl is filled with creepies and crawlies and spooks and shivers, and the very distinct possibility that Ash may well be losing his mind as things get stranger and more macabre, not to mention more malevolent. Wyatt and his best friend Noah Drake begin digging into the very sordid history of the house, and the deeper they dig, the more frightening the house’s history becomes, as they unearth the crimes of a vicious and sadistic man who has managed to cross the thin barrier between the physical world and his purgatory.

The Gravedigger’s Brawl is a spooky/sexy/sublime ghoulies and ghosties story that throws in a little romance on the side. Or maybe it’s a spooky/sexy/sublime romance that throws in the ghoulies and ghosties on the side? Either way, Abigail Roux has delivered. I was going to go on there, but that’s really all there is to say. Seems to be my opinion of all the books I’ve read by this author, which is why she remains a favorite.

TNA (less)

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Mar 28, 2013 Juls rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: grl-2013, mm, pnr

I have to say, I'm not much for history but holy hell! This one gets high praise from me!

Things start off a bit slow. Wyatt is about to lose his job as the curator of a museum. Kinda seemed boring but then shit hits the fan and everything is turned upside down!

A ghost on seeking his next victim has targeted Ash and he can only do some much to get over the fact that he's got a bulls eye on his back. He's got way too much to think about than worry about a troubled ghost. A new beau is in his life...more

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About Abigail Roux

Abigail Roux was born and raised in North Carolina. A past volleyball star who specializes in sarcasm and painful historical accuracy, she currently spends her time coaching high school volleyball and investigating the mysteries of single motherhood. Any spare time is spent living and dying with every Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers game of the year. Abigail has a daughter, Little Roux, who i...more

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Quotes from The Gravedigger's Brawl

“Wyatt slowed to a stop. Noah continued on for a few feet before he realized Wyatt had dropped back, and he turned to look at him questioningly.

“I don’t think I can do this,” Wyatt said. Noah nodded in understanding and walked back beside him. He reached up and smacked Wyatt on the side of the head.

“Did you leave your balls in his toilet too?”

" Ow! What? No!”

“Then get the lead out, Case,” Noah said as he grabbed Wyatt’s elbow and began pulling him along.

“I hate you.” — 9 people liked it

“Aw, they’re all cuddly. It’s like watching grizzlies mate.”
Ash from The Gravedigger's Brawl” — 7 people liked it

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