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Campo Royale #1
The Viking and the Drag Queen
Who will emerge the victor on the battlefield of love?
Tyr Hemmingsen had his life mapped out at a young age. The only son of the late Danish hockey great, Elias Hemmingsen, Tyr has always done his best to follow the plans his father had laid out for him. Finish school, make it into the pros, become team captain, find a biddable young lady to marry, and win a championship so the Hemmingsen name lived on eternally on the side of a massive silver cup. Like the good son he is, Tyr has done as his father wished, no matter how it peeled away layers of his true self. Then, all the neatly placed supports that hold up his so-called life come crashing down during a night on the town. Tyr might be known as the “War God of Wilmington” on the ice, but there’s no battling the effect Gigi Patel LeBay has on him.
Elijah McBride lives for the spotlight. As Gigi, he bewitches and bedazzles the crowds at the Campo Royale Club. His vibrant stage persona is the face he presents to the world. Underneath the rouge, eyeliner, and lipstick is a young man who still feels the sting of his parents’ disapproval and rejection of the son who wears wigs and dates other men. With his drag family and older brother in his corner, he’s finally found peace in his life. Until the fateful night a massive hockey player shows up at the club. There’s a world of hurt in Tyr’s soft brown eyes, and Eli finds himself falling for the big man, despite all the barriers he’s built around his tender heart.
The Viking and the Drag Queen is an opposites attract gay romance with heavy checking, lipstick worship, an out and proud queen, a closeted athlete, family lost and found, twink/jock, a new beginning, and a well-cinched happy ending.
Tyr Hemmingsen had his life mapped out at a young age. The only son of the late Danish hockey great, Elias Hemmingsen, Tyr has always done his best to follow the plans his father had laid out for him. Finish school, make it into the pros, become team captain, find a biddable young lady to marry, and win a championship so the Hemmingsen name lived on eternally on the side of a massive silver cup. Like the good son he is, Tyr has done as his father wished, no matter how it peeled away layers of his true self. Then, all the neatly placed supports that hold up his so-called life come crashing down during a night on the town. Tyr might be known as the “War God of Wilmington” on the ice, but there’s no battling the effect Gigi Patel LeBay has on him.
Elijah McBride lives for the spotlight. As Gigi, he bewitches and bedazzles the crowds at the Campo Royale Club. His vibrant stage persona is the face he presents to the world. Underneath the rouge, eyeliner, and lipstick is a young man who still feels the sting of his parents’ disapproval and rejection of the son who wears wigs and dates other men. With his drag family and older brother in his corner, he’s finally found peace in his life. Until the fateful night a massive hockey player shows up at the club. There’s a world of hurt in Tyr’s soft brown eyes, and Eli finds himself falling for the big man, despite all the barriers he’s built around his tender heart.
The Viking and the Drag Queen is an opposites attract gay romance with heavy checking, lipstick worship, an out and proud queen, a closeted athlete, family lost and found, twink/jock, a new beginning, and a well-cinched happy ending.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2022
66 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Locey
211 books726 followersV.L. Locey loves worn jeans, Dr. Who, Torchwood, belly laughs, yoga, reading and writing lusty tales, walking, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 11, 2022
i... liked it as a whole. the story might be tropey at best but i highly appreciate this authors inclusion of certain new materials. it was a good time i swear.
December 15, 2021
This was a fabulous introduction to Vicki's new series featuring a Drag Queen bar and its inhabitants.
Book one has a touch of the familiar as well, it includes a closeted ice hockey player in the minor leagues, and the utterly delightful Gigi Patel LeBay aka Elijah McBride, the sweetest and sassiest Queen to grace the stage of the Campo Royale.
There is a very strong sense of family in this book, not only from the found family at the club, but also from Elijah's brother Hank, who has championed him in the face of parental disapproval which forced Elijah to leave home when he was just 16.
Hank, once he left the Marines, went searching for his baby brother and has had his back ever since and I really loved their strong bond. Before Hank found him, Elijah found his home with Mother Patel and the rest of the gang at Campo Royale.
I loved Mother (and cannot wait for book two, which is her story), she is fiercely protective of her girls and wary of the motives for why ice hockey giant Tyr Hemmingsen is coming back to the club. Closeted jocks only bring heartache she warns Gigi.
But Tyr's different. The attraction between the two is off the charts hot. He's under insane personal pressure due to a promise he made to his dying father and this drives a lot of the narrative.
For me, Vicki pitches this perfectly, he doesn't want to hide Gigi or Elijah, but he's afraid he'll fail his promise if he comes out and his ice hockey career implodes. I liked the way the narrative unfolds with this plotline and it felt genuine.
This book just gave me a big smile the whole way through, even with the troubles on the way and I firmly believed in their long term future!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Book one has a touch of the familiar as well, it includes a closeted ice hockey player in the minor leagues, and the utterly delightful Gigi Patel LeBay aka Elijah McBride, the sweetest and sassiest Queen to grace the stage of the Campo Royale.
There is a very strong sense of family in this book, not only from the found family at the club, but also from Elijah's brother Hank, who has championed him in the face of parental disapproval which forced Elijah to leave home when he was just 16.
Hank, once he left the Marines, went searching for his baby brother and has had his back ever since and I really loved their strong bond. Before Hank found him, Elijah found his home with Mother Patel and the rest of the gang at Campo Royale.
I loved Mother (and cannot wait for book two, which is her story), she is fiercely protective of her girls and wary of the motives for why ice hockey giant Tyr Hemmingsen is coming back to the club. Closeted jocks only bring heartache she warns Gigi.
But Tyr's different. The attraction between the two is off the charts hot. He's under insane personal pressure due to a promise he made to his dying father and this drives a lot of the narrative.
For me, Vicki pitches this perfectly, he doesn't want to hide Gigi or Elijah, but he's afraid he'll fail his promise if he comes out and his ice hockey career implodes. I liked the way the narrative unfolds with this plotline and it felt genuine.
This book just gave me a big smile the whole way through, even with the troubles on the way and I firmly believed in their long term future!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
January 7, 2022
This is an opposites attract book, but if the kind that works!
On one corner, we have Tyr. He's the rough, buff, masc hockey player who wouldn't be seen within meters of a sequin, on the outside at least. On the other corner, we have Eli, who is also the very glam Gigi, who is never caught without a sparkle, and whom has never had interest in sport and those who do sport. That is, on the outside.
Deep inside they have a lot in common, and that's what makes them work. I love them, their dynamic, their issues... this was very well written, but then again, I trust VL to do great. She's done it before after all.
On one corner, we have Tyr. He's the rough, buff, masc hockey player who wouldn't be seen within meters of a sequin, on the outside at least. On the other corner, we have Eli, who is also the very glam Gigi, who is never caught without a sparkle, and whom has never had interest in sport and those who do sport. That is, on the outside.
Deep inside they have a lot in common, and that's what makes them work. I love them, their dynamic, their issues... this was very well written, but then again, I trust VL to do great. She's done it before after all.
January 13, 2022
God, I have such a problem with the evaluation of this book!
In terms of genre, it's a very cute story with MCs that you can root for. A bit schematic and with very unrealistic, naive instant solutions, but to shorten the free time or (in my case) to train myself to read in English, this book is completely acceptable and enjoyable for that purpose.
BUT.
I have no idea how to deal with the following issues. Not holding it against the author but it's like a sore thumb. (Mild spoilers follow.)
1. MC states at the very beginning of the book that his father died when MC was 13 while his mother died a year later. This is the cornerstone of the book. And then, in three-quarters of the book, we read:
'“... You went to college. What was your major?”
“Creative writing.” God, I could still hear my father’s rage over that, but then my mother reminded him that what I studied wasn’t important.'
Did he go to university at the age of thirteen? Or did he already know what he would study at thirteen? Or were his parents' voices only in his head? Or are there ghosts in the book?
It threw me out of the story, and then I flicked through it for a while to see if I remembered it wrong or misunderstood it completely.
2. My next problem with the book was far more personal since I, for one, am from the Czech Republic. MC claims at the very beginning of the book that he studied at the University of Prague, Charles University (UK). We later learn that he studied his "major - creative writing" there.
Well, that's wrong on a lot of levels.
The main character is Danish. He studied and lived in Denmark till 18 (13?). Then he picks up and goes to university in the Czech Republic. Breaking news - the Czech language is spoken in the Czech Republic. And Czech grammar is really, really complicated and insidious. (You can say that Czech grammar is a vicious bitch and everyone will agree with you.) I can say that there is no foreigner who could study any literary field in the Czech language without several years of thorough preparation.
Another problem is that there are no sports teams and cheerleaders at Czech universities and such. (Not in an American style anyway.) Whoever wants to study, they study and their sports results are totally their personal affairs, which they can indulge in their free time. If you want to study sports, you can study at one of the specialized sport-schools. The students there only study sport-related things, sports nutrition, musculoskeletal system and the like.
The field of "creative writing" does not exist as a major in Charles University, because it all comes down to being not academic enough, and so this major, "creative writing" is classed as just fun and leisure courses. The University of Creative Writing in Prague obviously exists, but it is not the UK and it is a very intellectual and artistic affair. Even the whole idea of "major" does not exist in Czech universities as the system is completely different.
My last problem is that I absolutely don't understand why someone who wants to excel in ice hockey would go from Denmark to study in Prague. A big chunk of the best Czech players train in Czech until they are 18 and then they pack their bags and try to fit into some foreign junior team - in America, Canada, Russia, etc. Why he didn´t go from Denmark straight to America?
***
The more I looked at the book, the more its structure fell apart before my eyes - the main protagonist claims that he hasn't written anything since childhood - how for God's sake did he successfully graduate from a major in creative writing and never wrote anything???
***
And that´s what bothers me.
In terms of genre, it's a very cute story with MCs that you can root for. A bit schematic and with very unrealistic, naive instant solutions, but to shorten the free time or (in my case) to train myself to read in English, this book is completely acceptable and enjoyable for that purpose.
BUT.
I have no idea how to deal with the following issues. Not holding it against the author but it's like a sore thumb. (Mild spoilers follow.)
1. MC states at the very beginning of the book that his father died when MC was 13 while his mother died a year later. This is the cornerstone of the book. And then, in three-quarters of the book, we read:
'“... You went to college. What was your major?”
“Creative writing.” God, I could still hear my father’s rage over that, but then my mother reminded him that what I studied wasn’t important.'
Did he go to university at the age of thirteen? Or did he already know what he would study at thirteen? Or were his parents' voices only in his head? Or are there ghosts in the book?
It threw me out of the story, and then I flicked through it for a while to see if I remembered it wrong or misunderstood it completely.
2. My next problem with the book was far more personal since I, for one, am from the Czech Republic. MC claims at the very beginning of the book that he studied at the University of Prague, Charles University (UK). We later learn that he studied his "major - creative writing" there.
Well, that's wrong on a lot of levels.
The main character is Danish. He studied and lived in Denmark till 18 (13?). Then he picks up and goes to university in the Czech Republic. Breaking news - the Czech language is spoken in the Czech Republic. And Czech grammar is really, really complicated and insidious. (You can say that Czech grammar is a vicious bitch and everyone will agree with you.) I can say that there is no foreigner who could study any literary field in the Czech language without several years of thorough preparation.
Another problem is that there are no sports teams and cheerleaders at Czech universities and such. (Not in an American style anyway.) Whoever wants to study, they study and their sports results are totally their personal affairs, which they can indulge in their free time. If you want to study sports, you can study at one of the specialized sport-schools. The students there only study sport-related things, sports nutrition, musculoskeletal system and the like.
The field of "creative writing" does not exist as a major in Charles University, because it all comes down to being not academic enough, and so this major, "creative writing" is classed as just fun and leisure courses. The University of Creative Writing in Prague obviously exists, but it is not the UK and it is a very intellectual and artistic affair. Even the whole idea of "major" does not exist in Czech universities as the system is completely different.
My last problem is that I absolutely don't understand why someone who wants to excel in ice hockey would go from Denmark to study in Prague. A big chunk of the best Czech players train in Czech until they are 18 and then they pack their bags and try to fit into some foreign junior team - in America, Canada, Russia, etc. Why he didn´t go from Denmark straight to America?
***
The more I looked at the book, the more its structure fell apart before my eyes - the main protagonist claims that he hasn't written anything since childhood - how for God's sake did he successfully graduate from a major in creative writing and never wrote anything???
***
And that´s what bothers me.
January 6, 2022
This is the sweetest story about finding your acceptance in the family you make and taking a chance on love. Between Tyr's complicated relationship with his father and the way Elijah found his true self after being rejected by his family. I loved how their relationship develops, how both men find support and acceptance. A great read and highly recommended!
April 15, 2022
We open with a flashback of Tyr learning the legend of his name. Then we see Tyr today at the hockey award night, with his friends, a girl he dates, Janine, and afterward they decide on some fun to celebrate. That visit to a club changes Tyr's life.
Try, 25, from Denmark, is playing minor league hockey,
has a beard and thick dark hair, his nickname is the "war god of Wilmington." He's in the closet and is a writer.
Elijah/Eli/Gigi is a young drag queen, talented,
gorgeous, lives with his brother, Hank/Henry, who is ex-military Marine now doing security.
Gigi is all about make-up, sewing and performs elegantly
with a side of sass. Hank and Eli's folks hate Eli for being a flamboyant gay, but Hank's girlfriend is terrific.
Tyr's parents had issues, his Mom committed suicide and his Dad died shortly after. He was raised by an Aunt and Uncle who hadn't wanted kids.
We learn their pasts, issues, and how they are truly doing now. Tyr is stunned by Gigi/Eli and he goes back to the club, has small conversations, and their attraction is like electricity. When they end up at Gigi's place, the flirting turns into sparks and sizzles as their one night stand has firsts for Tyr. Ecstasy and passion fill their night...WOW !
Each expected it to satisfy them, but neither man can get the other out of their thoughts. They continue even though they must keep it a secret, and when Tyr gets called up to the majors, it's tough on them both.
Tyr has many realizations about his love of Eli/Gigi, so he comes home with decisions and plans.
Excellent characters, fun and serious times, that lead to an exciting epilogue.
ENJOY !
======
Try, 25, from Denmark, is playing minor league hockey,
has a beard and thick dark hair, his nickname is the "war god of Wilmington." He's in the closet and is a writer.
Elijah/Eli/Gigi is a young drag queen, talented,
gorgeous, lives with his brother, Hank/Henry, who is ex-military Marine now doing security.
Gigi is all about make-up, sewing and performs elegantly
with a side of sass. Hank and Eli's folks hate Eli for being a flamboyant gay, but Hank's girlfriend is terrific.
Tyr's parents had issues, his Mom committed suicide and his Dad died shortly after. He was raised by an Aunt and Uncle who hadn't wanted kids.
We learn their pasts, issues, and how they are truly doing now. Tyr is stunned by Gigi/Eli and he goes back to the club, has small conversations, and their attraction is like electricity. When they end up at Gigi's place, the flirting turns into sparks and sizzles as their one night stand has firsts for Tyr. Ecstasy and passion fill their night...WOW !
Each expected it to satisfy them, but neither man can get the other out of their thoughts. They continue even though they must keep it a secret, and when Tyr gets called up to the majors, it's tough on them both.
Tyr has many realizations about his love of Eli/Gigi, so he comes home with decisions and plans.
Excellent characters, fun and serious times, that lead to an exciting epilogue.
ENJOY !
======
March 17, 2022
The story itself was fine, so over all I'd say it was around 3.5. There's some stereotypical stuff included but that didn't disturb the flow a lot.
But there are some points in the story that confused me and didn't make sense and pulled me out of the story.
The father dies when Tyr is 13 years old. But still somehow he still managed to voice that he was against studying creative writing. That couldn't have happened much later after his death so that didn't make sense. The while I promised my father didn't work for me that much if we know he died that long ago.
It also confused me when it was said Tyr visited the University in Prague. He was from Denmark, how would he be able to study there? Different languages don't make that realistic at all.
So that was somehow disturbing while reading because it made no sense for me.
But there are some points in the story that confused me and didn't make sense and pulled me out of the story.
The father dies when Tyr is 13 years old. But still somehow he still managed to voice that he was against studying creative writing. That couldn't have happened much later after his death so that didn't make sense. The while I promised my father didn't work for me that much if we know he died that long ago.
It also confused me when it was said Tyr visited the University in Prague. He was from Denmark, how would he be able to study there? Different languages don't make that realistic at all.
So that was somehow disturbing while reading because it made no sense for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2022
Absolutely wonderful. Elijah is so Ru Pauly, he stole my heart from the very beginning. His dialogue is perfect throughout. Some parts of the story are sad but, on the whole, the story is a joyous one I absolutely loved. Tyr is so lovely, I just wanted to hug him. I adored how his love for Elijah catapulted him into being a better version of himself. This is Vicki Locey at her best. A beautiful story, wonderful MCs and secondary characters, and a gorgeous ending. Be still my beating heart. Loved it and highly recommend it. Le sigh 😍
January 7, 2022
This is a beautiful love story full of heart and snark! Tyr is the War God of Wilmington, formally of Denmark, whose is living his father's dream even as it strangles his soul. Eli is living his most fabulous life as Gigi Patel LeBay while with the help of his brother and his friends his heart heals from his parents rejection. Read how these two men fall in love despite the obstacles in their lives and find their way to the HEA they deserve!
April 28, 2022
Not bad.. not bad at all!!
The book pic is icky but ohh well..
Tyr is Danish and named for the Norse god of war. He plays hockey due to promise to this dad before his dad passed away... But ... Tyr likes the boys.. and that is difficult in the hyper masculine sports like hockey. But then he meets Eli.. and well.. he just can't stay away from the drag queen who brings this god to his knees...
The book pic is icky but ohh well..
Tyr is Danish and named for the Norse god of war. He plays hockey due to promise to this dad before his dad passed away... But ... Tyr likes the boys.. and that is difficult in the hyper masculine sports like hockey. But then he meets Eli.. and well.. he just can't stay away from the drag queen who brings this god to his knees...
January 6, 2022
Eli , otherwise known as Gigi is a drag queen. She catches closeted hockey player, Tyr's eye one night. Eli doesn't date fans. Tyr is persistent, he sees not just Gigi but Eli as well.
Low angst, some drama , this is an out for you, closeted sports romance. I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next one.
Low angst, some drama , this is an out for you, closeted sports romance. I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next one.
January 7, 2022
Tyr and Eli were amazingly well done characters! I am amazed at how vividly the author conveyed the world of catty drag queens in this story. All the personalities and witty banter were brilliantly written.
The relationship between the MCs had a bit of an insta love vibe, but it’s a great story and I loved Tyr’s backstory so much!
Cant wait to read the next story!
The relationship between the MCs had a bit of an insta love vibe, but it’s a great story and I loved Tyr’s backstory so much!
Cant wait to read the next story!
February 16, 2023
Just finished The Viking and the Drag Queen by V.L. Locey. It was cute! I enjoyed seeing gentle giant hockey playing Tyr grow as he learned that he could accept who he was and it was hilarious listening to Drag Queen Eli talk about the sportsing and how he hated the hockey players crunching each other. Same sports feels, Eli, hard same. Go Red Patriot Bruins! Dunk that soccer ball through the wicket! A sweet queer happily ever after was just what I needed.
April 24, 2022
It was a very sweet story. It was fairly predictable with a few twists, but still really enjoyable.
It was fairly low angst as far as closeted athletes go. I appreciated that. It was a nice change from some books where there's violence and blood and just horrible stuff that I don't want in a romance.
Tyr was great. He was pretty screwed up from his parents, but honestly, who isn't. I felt like I knew him after reading the book. He's a fairly simple guy, but there's a depth to him that we thankfully got to see. He really compliments Eli and Eli compliments him.
I did believe that he and Eli fell in love as quickly as they did. The author did such a wonderful job letting us know what they were feeling.
Eli was amazing. I envy his drive and determination. Learning to sew so he could make his own dresses? Letting his brother pay for everything had to be humbling, but it was done out of love and he knew it. He allowed himself to be vulnerable. He could have been a cold hearted bitch who was only looking out for number one, but he let Tyr into his life and shared it with him. Wonder what he's going to wear to the wedding.
The supporting characters were great too. Dante, Tyr's teammate, knew what was going on and didn't push. Ben was just a putz, but I think he'll come around. I already mentioned Eli's brother Hank. I hope a future book has Eli and Tyr spoiling Hank and Becky's kids. I'm so glad that the author didn't make Janine-Tyr's girlfriend or beard or whatever, into the woman scorned trope. It would be lazy for the author to have her to out him. I don't like lazy writing.
I highly recommend the book. The writing is good. I love the characters. The plot was pretty good. What else do you want from a book?
It was fairly low angst as far as closeted athletes go. I appreciated that. It was a nice change from some books where there's violence and blood and just horrible stuff that I don't want in a romance.
Tyr was great. He was pretty screwed up from his parents, but honestly, who isn't. I felt like I knew him after reading the book. He's a fairly simple guy, but there's a depth to him that we thankfully got to see. He really compliments Eli and Eli compliments him.
I did believe that he and Eli fell in love as quickly as they did. The author did such a wonderful job letting us know what they were feeling.
Eli was amazing. I envy his drive and determination. Learning to sew so he could make his own dresses? Letting his brother pay for everything had to be humbling, but it was done out of love and he knew it. He allowed himself to be vulnerable. He could have been a cold hearted bitch who was only looking out for number one, but he let Tyr into his life and shared it with him. Wonder what he's going to wear to the wedding.
The supporting characters were great too. Dante, Tyr's teammate, knew what was going on and didn't push. Ben was just a putz, but I think he'll come around. I already mentioned Eli's brother Hank. I hope a future book has Eli and Tyr spoiling Hank and Becky's kids. I'm so glad that the author didn't make Janine-Tyr's girlfriend or beard or whatever, into the woman scorned trope. It would be lazy for the author to have her to out him. I don't like lazy writing.
I highly recommend the book. The writing is good. I love the characters. The plot was pretty good. What else do you want from a book?
February 8, 2022
heartwarming and lovely
Rating: 4.5 🌈
The first in a series about a the people who are a found family in a drag club , The Viking and the Drag Queen by V. L. Locey is a wonderful read.
It has several things I look forward to seeing in a romance from this author. A hockey player with issues. In this case a huge Danish hockey player named after a god, Tyr Hemmingsen.
His issues stem from dark childhood, parental expectations that leave deep emotional damage, and their early deaths. Now he’s left with the childhood vows his father made him make about a future that’s here, and his own wants that’s he’s buried his entire life. Yes, this is a deeply conflicted, wounded man in need of a change.
Love those!
That change comes in the tiny form of one Gigi Patel LeBay, a Drag Queen who performs to packed crowds at the Campo Royale. Singing songs from the 40’s, sassy and glorious, he lights up the stage and overturns Tyr’s life.
He’s also Elijah McBride, a young man who’s parents all but disowned him for being not just gay but a man who dresses up. He’s had a lot of pain in a short period of time.
Naturally, Locey has great secondary characters who act as support for both men. It’s wonderful to see and having such a enjoyable family around each man when they struggle with the relationship and Tyr’s fears.
I wish we’d been more a part of Tyr’s thoughts and processes as he determined what finally became priority for him. Still that scene was heartwarming and so adorable.
I also wonder if this is the last we’ve seen of Ben…hmmmm. I even want more Morty! Surely we can find someone for Morty? Go, Warthogs!
Anyway, I adore Tyr and Eli, love the house of Patel, need more which is coming in The Batchelor and The Cherry. For the list of novels planned, see below. I’ll be there for each and every one!
I’m highly recommending this!
Campo Royale series:
- [x] The Viking and the Drag Queen #1
- [ ] The Batchelor and the Cherry #2 - coming April 20, 2022
- [ ] The Barkeep and the Bookseller #3 - coming August 5, 2022
- [ ] The Financier and the Sweetheart #4 - coming 2023
- [ ] The Chanteuse and the Soldier #5 - coming 2023
Rating: 4.5 🌈
The first in a series about a the people who are a found family in a drag club , The Viking and the Drag Queen by V. L. Locey is a wonderful read.
It has several things I look forward to seeing in a romance from this author. A hockey player with issues. In this case a huge Danish hockey player named after a god, Tyr Hemmingsen.
His issues stem from dark childhood, parental expectations that leave deep emotional damage, and their early deaths. Now he’s left with the childhood vows his father made him make about a future that’s here, and his own wants that’s he’s buried his entire life. Yes, this is a deeply conflicted, wounded man in need of a change.
Love those!
That change comes in the tiny form of one Gigi Patel LeBay, a Drag Queen who performs to packed crowds at the Campo Royale. Singing songs from the 40’s, sassy and glorious, he lights up the stage and overturns Tyr’s life.
He’s also Elijah McBride, a young man who’s parents all but disowned him for being not just gay but a man who dresses up. He’s had a lot of pain in a short period of time.
Naturally, Locey has great secondary characters who act as support for both men. It’s wonderful to see and having such a enjoyable family around each man when they struggle with the relationship and Tyr’s fears.
I wish we’d been more a part of Tyr’s thoughts and processes as he determined what finally became priority for him. Still that scene was heartwarming and so adorable.
I also wonder if this is the last we’ve seen of Ben…hmmmm. I even want more Morty! Surely we can find someone for Morty? Go, Warthogs!
Anyway, I adore Tyr and Eli, love the house of Patel, need more which is coming in The Batchelor and The Cherry. For the list of novels planned, see below. I’ll be there for each and every one!
I’m highly recommending this!
Campo Royale series:
- [x] The Viking and the Drag Queen #1
- [ ] The Batchelor and the Cherry #2 - coming April 20, 2022
- [ ] The Barkeep and the Bookseller #3 - coming August 5, 2022
- [ ] The Financier and the Sweetheart #4 - coming 2023
- [ ] The Chanteuse and the Soldier #5 - coming 2023
January 17, 2024
Tyr et Elijah avec un Culomètre à 🍑🍆
Un bon début de série avec un tome 1 à la hauteur de mes attentes, avec un grand et gentil hockeyeur et une drag Queen enflammée !
C'est vraiment deux univers opposés qui entrent en collision dans ce premier tome.
La vie de Tyr n'est pas toute rose : un père qui a tour mis sur les épaules de son fils sur son lit de mort et une mère qui se suicide un an après, toute sa vie ne tourne que du hockey. Dès le début, on sent qu'il se met une pression de fou à être le mec hétéro parfait qui accède à une équipe pro. Mais ce n'est qu'une illusion qui saute dès qu'il entre dans le Campo Royale Club et que ses yeux rencontrent ceux de la Queen Gigi et sa robe magnifique.
Je ne pensais pas que c'est Tyr qui allait faire le premier pas, mais que nenni, le grand gaillard ne peut pas faire autrement que de revenir voir Elijah et son numéro. Et pour celui-ci les règles sont claires : on ne sort pas avec les fans. Mais... Ahlala peut-on vraiment dire non au désir ? Ils étaient tellement adorables tous les deux, dans leur découverte de l'autre. Elijah m'a fait vraiment de la peine avec sa situation familiale et j'avais envie qu'ils se construisent ensemble une nouvelle famille.
Pas trop de drames mais assez pour que ce soit intéressant, le choix entre la carrière et la relation naissante, un bon mélange pour une romance sportive parfaitement équilibrée !
Hâte de découvrir le tome suivant !
Un bon début de série avec un tome 1 à la hauteur de mes attentes, avec un grand et gentil hockeyeur et une drag Queen enflammée !
C'est vraiment deux univers opposés qui entrent en collision dans ce premier tome.
La vie de Tyr n'est pas toute rose : un père qui a tour mis sur les épaules de son fils sur son lit de mort et une mère qui se suicide un an après, toute sa vie ne tourne que du hockey. Dès le début, on sent qu'il se met une pression de fou à être le mec hétéro parfait qui accède à une équipe pro. Mais ce n'est qu'une illusion qui saute dès qu'il entre dans le Campo Royale Club et que ses yeux rencontrent ceux de la Queen Gigi et sa robe magnifique.
Je ne pensais pas que c'est Tyr qui allait faire le premier pas, mais que nenni, le grand gaillard ne peut pas faire autrement que de revenir voir Elijah et son numéro. Et pour celui-ci les règles sont claires : on ne sort pas avec les fans. Mais... Ahlala peut-on vraiment dire non au désir ? Ils étaient tellement adorables tous les deux, dans leur découverte de l'autre. Elijah m'a fait vraiment de la peine avec sa situation familiale et j'avais envie qu'ils se construisent ensemble une nouvelle famille.
Pas trop de drames mais assez pour que ce soit intéressant, le choix entre la carrière et la relation naissante, un bon mélange pour une romance sportive parfaitement équilibrée !
Hâte de découvrir le tome suivant !
January 8, 2022
Fantastic start to a new series!
The Viking and the Drag Queen is classic V.L. Locey. It’s witty, snarky at times and full of heart and heat.
Tyr is a closeted hockey player and he falls hard when he sees Gigi perform at a drag club. He hates that he can’t live his life as his true self. He’s shackled by a promise he made to his dying father.
Gigi/Elijah also falls hard for Tyr even though he knows better than to fall for an athlete in the closet. His drag mother warned him against it but he has to follow his heart.
I loved everything about this story. It’s hot as fire 🔥🔥 but it’s also full of heart. I loved Elijah’s brother, Hank, and how supportive he is of his career as Gigi. Their parents are homophobic a-holes but Hank totally sticks by Elijah.
Tyr has decisions to make if he’s ever going to live his authentic self and I loved how V.L. Locey pulled it all off at the end so that Tyr and Elijah get their HEA.
There is a great cast of secondary characters in this story and I was happy to learn that Gigi’s drag mother, Sitka, will be the next one to get a book.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
The Viking and the Drag Queen is classic V.L. Locey. It’s witty, snarky at times and full of heart and heat.
Tyr is a closeted hockey player and he falls hard when he sees Gigi perform at a drag club. He hates that he can’t live his life as his true self. He’s shackled by a promise he made to his dying father.
Gigi/Elijah also falls hard for Tyr even though he knows better than to fall for an athlete in the closet. His drag mother warned him against it but he has to follow his heart.
I loved everything about this story. It’s hot as fire 🔥🔥 but it’s also full of heart. I loved Elijah’s brother, Hank, and how supportive he is of his career as Gigi. Their parents are homophobic a-holes but Hank totally sticks by Elijah.
Tyr has decisions to make if he’s ever going to live his authentic self and I loved how V.L. Locey pulled it all off at the end so that Tyr and Elijah get their HEA.
There is a great cast of secondary characters in this story and I was happy to learn that Gigi’s drag mother, Sitka, will be the next one to get a book.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
August 31, 2023
DNF (can’t remember exact %, but single digits)
So many weird phrasings and dialogue that was unnatural, stilted, and didn’t make sense with what others said before. Really annoying characterization of “women” treating them as a monolith who “all squealed” at hearing about a drag club and “ran out of the car before it stopped moving” like no. just no. How am I supposed to take you seriously when you have a character do that and she doesn’t trip or get hurt?? or is that supposed to be like, “I’m not a misogynist so I wouldn’t write a women getting hurt” or something??
It’d be one thing if the dialogue/POV had odd phrasings for the Danish character and it was a result of language differences, but the supposedly badass teammate says something about “jazz up the night” was this written to take place in the 60s (there were no indicators about time so I assumed within the last 10 years)? Did ppl even say that in the 60s?
tbh too annoying and the weirdness/inconsistency is too much so just done
I don’t mind weirdness usually, this is more like going to eat a food you know and love but suddenly it has an opposite texture—like you take a spoonful of ice cream and it’s somehow chewy(and also doesn’t really taste like ice cream)
So many weird phrasings and dialogue that was unnatural, stilted, and didn’t make sense with what others said before. Really annoying characterization of “women” treating them as a monolith who “all squealed” at hearing about a drag club and “ran out of the car before it stopped moving” like no. just no. How am I supposed to take you seriously when you have a character do that and she doesn’t trip or get hurt?? or is that supposed to be like, “I’m not a misogynist so I wouldn’t write a women getting hurt” or something??
It’d be one thing if the dialogue/POV had odd phrasings for the Danish character and it was a result of language differences, but the supposedly badass teammate says something about “jazz up the night” was this written to take place in the 60s (there were no indicators about time so I assumed within the last 10 years)? Did ppl even say that in the 60s?
tbh too annoying and the weirdness/inconsistency is too much so just done
I don’t mind weirdness usually, this is more like going to eat a food you know and love but suddenly it has an opposite texture—like you take a spoonful of ice cream and it’s somehow chewy(and also doesn’t really taste like ice cream)
January 5, 2022
A great new series set within the world of drag. I wasn't sure what to expect between a hockey player and a drag queen when I started reading but suffice it to say that I didn’t want to put it down! Locey has a writing style that grabs a reader and immerses them into the story with characters that have so much heart. Couple that with words that deliver the romantic feels that romance readers love. Tyr and Eli are the kind of characters that I want to know everything about and appreciated the dual POV to give me just that. Their love story was hard won, but spiced up with some heated sexy times as well as many smile-provoking moments. Eli's inner dialogue was especially comedic gold. I loved him to bits.
The Viking and The Drag Queen is an excellent start to a very promising series that I am here for. I would recommend this book to readers looking for something a little different but still a story filled with humor, heat, well-developed characters (main and side), beautiful found family and a supportive sibling relationship....yet full of romance.
The Viking and The Drag Queen is an excellent start to a very promising series that I am here for. I would recommend this book to readers looking for something a little different but still a story filled with humor, heat, well-developed characters (main and side), beautiful found family and a supportive sibling relationship....yet full of romance.
January 7, 2022
4.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed this story. Tyr and Eli are pretty much opposites, but fit together so well.
Tyr had so many expectations put on him as a child that it was amazing to watch him start to break free of the chains. While I think meeting Eli helped speed up the process, Tyr was definitely chaffing before then. His bravery towards the end of the book was legendary.
Eli is quite the character. I loved him and Gigi. He and his family at Campo Royale had a lot of great banter and comradery. His brother Henry and Henry's girlfriend were so supportive of Eli, and I was glad Eli had them in his corner too. I was so happy that he had patience with Tyr as he worked things out for himself.
I loved the supporting characters. Once Janine got over her hurt, she was incredibly helpful as well as insightful. Eli's brother was amazing, and Sitka was outstanding. I can't wait to read Sitka's story next.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
I really enjoyed this story. Tyr and Eli are pretty much opposites, but fit together so well.
Tyr had so many expectations put on him as a child that it was amazing to watch him start to break free of the chains. While I think meeting Eli helped speed up the process, Tyr was definitely chaffing before then. His bravery towards the end of the book was legendary.
Eli is quite the character. I loved him and Gigi. He and his family at Campo Royale had a lot of great banter and comradery. His brother Henry and Henry's girlfriend were so supportive of Eli, and I was glad Eli had them in his corner too. I was so happy that he had patience with Tyr as he worked things out for himself.
I loved the supporting characters. Once Janine got over her hurt, she was incredibly helpful as well as insightful. Eli's brother was amazing, and Sitka was outstanding. I can't wait to read Sitka's story next.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 11, 2022
There is everything to love about this book. Simply everything. The author has created a colorful world for Campo Royal. Catty queens, sparkling dresses, music, friendship, bickering and support... a family, really, with the best drag mama ever, Mother Patel.
Every single character is well crafted and interesting, and all important to the story. I adored every single one of them, from Elijah's brother to Tyr's best friend, and all the queens. And of course, the shining stars, Elijah and Tyr. Gods, they're precious and their connection was magical from the moment they set eyes on each other. It was the kind of sparkly, tunnel vision that meant they only saw and needed the other. Like I said, magical, and it continued to be so, even when they initially had doubts, and especially when they embraced their feelings for one another.
This is a fantastic story, has amazing characters and deep emotions. It's wonderfully written and I was riveted by every page. I loved it and I can't recommend it enough!
Every single character is well crafted and interesting, and all important to the story. I adored every single one of them, from Elijah's brother to Tyr's best friend, and all the queens. And of course, the shining stars, Elijah and Tyr. Gods, they're precious and their connection was magical from the moment they set eyes on each other. It was the kind of sparkly, tunnel vision that meant they only saw and needed the other. Like I said, magical, and it continued to be so, even when they initially had doubts, and especially when they embraced their feelings for one another.
This is a fantastic story, has amazing characters and deep emotions. It's wonderfully written and I was riveted by every page. I loved it and I can't recommend it enough!
January 6, 2022
I loved everything about The Viking and the Drag Queen!
What a great kickoff to the new series Campo Royale.
Elijah can give Ru Paul a run for his money. He stole my heart right from the start.
Tyr Hemmingsen certainly doesn't know what hit him when he sets his eyes on Elijah.
I loved how his love for Elijah leads him to being the best version of himself and living his authentic life!
The secondary characters add so much color to the story. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
As always, V.L. Locey creates a world full of characters that the reader instantly falls in love with!
What a great kickoff to the new series Campo Royale.
Elijah can give Ru Paul a run for his money. He stole my heart right from the start.
Tyr Hemmingsen certainly doesn't know what hit him when he sets his eyes on Elijah.
I loved how his love for Elijah leads him to being the best version of himself and living his authentic life!
The secondary characters add so much color to the story. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
As always, V.L. Locey creates a world full of characters that the reader instantly falls in love with!
March 8, 2024
I'm 30% in and I honestly think that the author's only exposure to drag is RuPaul's Drag Race. For example, no one says "henny" anymore yet there it is, 10000000 times. As a queer person who is in that community, this book is so far REALLY oogie. Very promising premise, but big yikes so far. I'm going to see if it gets better, but so far I'm inclined to DNF...
June 29, 2023
I was given this from BookBub a couple of months ago. I couldn't resist this! The title....the cover. Love it.
Here we follow Elijah and Tyr. Elijah loves the spotlight. As Gigi, his stage name, he bewitches and bedazzles the crowds at the Campo Royale Club. He is confident and vibrant! However, under the makeup, he is a young man who still feels the sting of his parents' disapproval of him being gay. Enter Tyr who walks into the Camp Royale Club and is dazzled right away. He has been battling his true self for his whole life. His parents may be gone, but he still has his father's voice in his head that he needs to hide himself. He is scared to lose his new career in hockey if the world finds out he is gay. When the two meet it is electric and they can't deny the lust and the love that sparkles there.
It's been a min since I've done this format. I am feeling lazy on this heavy rainy day so here it goes.
The Good
- Loved Elijah and Tyr. How can you not???? They are both so different but they complement each other very well.
- I can't remember ever reading a story about a Drag Queen. If I did they were not the main character that is for sure. Love the inclusion here.
- Hockey!!! Love the sport and love the men behind it
- The lust was instant and the love happens quick too, however, it oddly worked for these two.
- The drama was minimum. No terrible exes. No craziness. I loved just watching them battle together to find their piece of heaven.
The Bad and the Ugly
- This was too short. I needed more at the end. I want to see them get married and be happy! Maybe we will see them in all their bliss in the next book.
- There were some backstory issues here. Some things didn't make sense to me. For example, Tyr was 13 (14?) when his parents both passed. By the time he was ready for college at 18, he mentions that his dad was mad that he decided on Creative Writing as a major. But...isn't he dead? How could he disapprove? I would've liked more clarification on this.
Overall
I liked this. It was a nice romance between two men who truly deserve all the love in the world. They were perfect for each other even with all their differences! A little short and a couple of blimps on the backstory. Maybe it being longer would've cleared up the issues. In the end, I'll stamp this with 3 stars.
Here we follow Elijah and Tyr. Elijah loves the spotlight. As Gigi, his stage name, he bewitches and bedazzles the crowds at the Campo Royale Club. He is confident and vibrant! However, under the makeup, he is a young man who still feels the sting of his parents' disapproval of him being gay. Enter Tyr who walks into the Camp Royale Club and is dazzled right away. He has been battling his true self for his whole life. His parents may be gone, but he still has his father's voice in his head that he needs to hide himself. He is scared to lose his new career in hockey if the world finds out he is gay. When the two meet it is electric and they can't deny the lust and the love that sparkles there.
It's been a min since I've done this format. I am feeling lazy on this heavy rainy day so here it goes.
The Good
- Loved Elijah and Tyr. How can you not???? They are both so different but they complement each other very well.
- I can't remember ever reading a story about a Drag Queen. If I did they were not the main character that is for sure. Love the inclusion here.
- Hockey!!! Love the sport and love the men behind it
- The lust was instant and the love happens quick too, however, it oddly worked for these two.
- The drama was minimum. No terrible exes. No craziness. I loved just watching them battle together to find their piece of heaven.
The Bad and the Ugly
- This was too short. I needed more at the end. I want to see them get married and be happy! Maybe we will see them in all their bliss in the next book.
- There were some backstory issues here. Some things didn't make sense to me. For example, Tyr was 13 (14?) when his parents both passed. By the time he was ready for college at 18, he mentions that his dad was mad that he decided on Creative Writing as a major. But...isn't he dead? How could he disapprove? I would've liked more clarification on this.
Overall
I liked this. It was a nice romance between two men who truly deserve all the love in the world. They were perfect for each other even with all their differences! A little short and a couple of blimps on the backstory. Maybe it being longer would've cleared up the issues. In the end, I'll stamp this with 3 stars.
May 20, 2022
Vicki Locey!!!! Are you keeping a secret from us? Were you a drag queen in another life? How do you know so much of what goes on behind the scenes and as for the lingo, absolutely wonderful. Loved this book, so funny and yet at times so poignant.
So this is an opposites attract story and you can’t get more opposite than a bear of a man who plays hockey and is known as the war god and a tiny beautiful talented drag queen called Gigi Patel LeBay who has a love of all things 1940s and 50s.
Tyr is a lost and lonely soul so big and fierce on the ice but soft gentle and shy off the ice. He lost his parents tragically and at a young age and his father tried to live his life through young Tyr. All he knew or was allowed to do was play hockey and had to promise his father he would play pro hockey. He was so unhappy and hiding a huge secret, he was gay and in his world it was hard to come out and be yourself so he was in Narnia and even tried having a girlfriend.
Eli, I absolutely loved him. He was tiny, fierce, loved his career and was the ultimate professional on stage, he also had the funniest pottiest mouth and his inner monologues were hilarious. Behind his fierce exterior was a wounded soul, shunned by his parents but loved so much by his older brother he was insecure and protected his heart.
The night Tyr and some of his teammates and girlfriends found themselves at the Campo Royale Club changed Tyr and Eli’s lives forever.
They were so good together, adored each other and the chemistry was HOT 🔥 Eli made Tyr happy and made him want to be a better man, an honest man and damn the consequences.
All the other characters in the book were well written and fabulous and this was such a fun read.
I really recommend you read it.
So this is an opposites attract story and you can’t get more opposite than a bear of a man who plays hockey and is known as the war god and a tiny beautiful talented drag queen called Gigi Patel LeBay who has a love of all things 1940s and 50s.
Tyr is a lost and lonely soul so big and fierce on the ice but soft gentle and shy off the ice. He lost his parents tragically and at a young age and his father tried to live his life through young Tyr. All he knew or was allowed to do was play hockey and had to promise his father he would play pro hockey. He was so unhappy and hiding a huge secret, he was gay and in his world it was hard to come out and be yourself so he was in Narnia and even tried having a girlfriend.
Eli, I absolutely loved him. He was tiny, fierce, loved his career and was the ultimate professional on stage, he also had the funniest pottiest mouth and his inner monologues were hilarious. Behind his fierce exterior was a wounded soul, shunned by his parents but loved so much by his older brother he was insecure and protected his heart.
The night Tyr and some of his teammates and girlfriends found themselves at the Campo Royale Club changed Tyr and Eli’s lives forever.
They were so good together, adored each other and the chemistry was HOT 🔥 Eli made Tyr happy and made him want to be a better man, an honest man and damn the consequences.
All the other characters in the book were well written and fabulous and this was such a fun read.
I really recommend you read it.
February 28, 2023
Nope. A prologue and a chapter in I was like bitch I'm done.
What's with the caricatured portrayals of drag queens? Not all drag queens behave and talk as if they just walked off the latest season of whichever of the countless iterations of Drag Race out there, dropping catch-phrases or words like "hunty", "gagged" or "pussy on fire". It was a good thing she did not drop in a "yas gawd", or "yas queen" or even just a simple "yasss", or I would have run screaming as I am smashing my ereader with a hammer, whilst frantically searching a spot to bury said now dead ereader.
Honey, not all drag queens talk like that, and I personally know a few of 'em. AND, if the author even bothered to watch more of it, I'm sure that she will also then realise that THEY DON'T ALL ACTUALLY TALK LIKE THAT. That's the thing about straight women writing gay characters sometimes, they think that we are all reduced to certain ideals or caricatures that they had seen on a television show or movie, so from what I had read in that short hour or less, I don't have a good impression of this book, nor do I have a good feeling that it will get better.
Besides that, I just didn't like Tyr. I am sure he may have layers, but from the way he was portrayed this early on, I just can't relate to him, and I even dislike him. I cannot get on board with the whole "I am gay but I am actually lusting after a guy in full on drag". Erm, ok. Look, I am not shaming anyone here, but he comes across more like a queen chaser than an actual homosexual male. And all that while leading his date on with his heartless sweet nothings and comments, and although it may be a farce to cover up his secret, it all just seemed wrong.
so, Nope, Nah-uh, No Thank You, Nadah. I don't wanna waste anymore time.
Next please.
What's with the caricatured portrayals of drag queens? Not all drag queens behave and talk as if they just walked off the latest season of whichever of the countless iterations of Drag Race out there, dropping catch-phrases or words like "hunty", "gagged" or "pussy on fire". It was a good thing she did not drop in a "yas gawd", or "yas queen" or even just a simple "yasss", or I would have run screaming as I am smashing my ereader with a hammer, whilst frantically searching a spot to bury said now dead ereader.
Honey, not all drag queens talk like that, and I personally know a few of 'em. AND, if the author even bothered to watch more of it, I'm sure that she will also then realise that THEY DON'T ALL ACTUALLY TALK LIKE THAT. That's the thing about straight women writing gay characters sometimes, they think that we are all reduced to certain ideals or caricatures that they had seen on a television show or movie, so from what I had read in that short hour or less, I don't have a good impression of this book, nor do I have a good feeling that it will get better.
Besides that, I just didn't like Tyr. I am sure he may have layers, but from the way he was portrayed this early on, I just can't relate to him, and I even dislike him. I cannot get on board with the whole "I am gay but I am actually lusting after a guy in full on drag". Erm, ok. Look, I am not shaming anyone here, but he comes across more like a queen chaser than an actual homosexual male. And all that while leading his date on with his heartless sweet nothings and comments, and although it may be a farce to cover up his secret, it all just seemed wrong.
so, Nope, Nah-uh, No Thank You, Nadah. I don't wanna waste anymore time.
Next please.
July 16, 2023
I tried to like this story more than I did, but I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters; especially the MCs, Tyr and Eli/Gigi. While, overall, it got better in the latter half, I still found the storyline to be a bit clunky with enough oddities and inconsistencies to pull me out of the narrative. For example, when Tyr and his teammates first go to Campo Royale, they took an Uber and then all left him “to make payment.” Um, Uber is prepaid by an app, there are no payment transactions. Then inside the club, Tyr was amazed at all of the gay couples being openly affectionate with their public displays of “attention”. Hmm. But later on, when Tyr is telling Eli about himself, his parents, his schooling, etc., he tells Eli that his father was very angry about his college major - Creative Writing- but his mother smoothed things over. Interesting, considering he also clearly noted that his parents died a year apart when he was just 13/14 and he was raised thereafter by his aunt and uncle. He also tells Eli that he hadn’t written anything since he was a child and had to hide his books from his father. But, he was a creative writing major? Didn’t he have to write stories?
The author seemed to find her stride later in the story, and if it it were longer, I probably could’ve gone with a higher rating. But, as it stood, the ending felt a bit too rushed when things were starting to get really good.
The author seemed to find her stride later in the story, and if it it were longer, I probably could’ve gone with a higher rating. But, as it stood, the ending felt a bit too rushed when things were starting to get really good.
June 25, 2023
I really wish parents would never push their own dreams onto their children and leave them trying to fulfil them. I also wish everyone was accepted for who they are from the get-go. Alas, the world is not always like that, and Tyr has to struggle a lot with his father’s dreams and what society expects of a hockey player. I really liked that he found Eli and found enough of a reason to fight for what really makes him happy.
Amidst all the unsupportive people, there are some (sometimes surprising) friends and family who are awesome here, and I loved each of those moments. I liked how different Tyr and Eli were and yet how they just clicked with one another and tried to make it work even when it didn’t seem like the best plan in so many ways.
There was a bit of timeline slippage when it came to Tyr, his parents, and university, but I liked that Tyr had interests that weren’t solely hockey (even if they were repressed), as it made him a little more well-rounded. Eli is so irrepressibly himself that I can’t help but love him. I enjoyed how much these two cared for one another, and I was really rooting for their HEA.
Amidst all the unsupportive people, there are some (sometimes surprising) friends and family who are awesome here, and I loved each of those moments. I liked how different Tyr and Eli were and yet how they just clicked with one another and tried to make it work even when it didn’t seem like the best plan in so many ways.
There was a bit of timeline slippage when it came to Tyr, his parents, and university, but I liked that Tyr had interests that weren’t solely hockey (even if they were repressed), as it made him a little more well-rounded. Eli is so irrepressibly himself that I can’t help but love him. I enjoyed how much these two cared for one another, and I was really rooting for their HEA.
September 17, 2022
A Fairy Tale of the Viking and Gigi
Oh this was adorable.
Gigi when in drag and Eli when a man, spots a gorgeous hunk in the drag club Campo with a bunch of his friends.
The tall, bulky but polite man is Tyr, an ice hockey player in the minors and he's gay but not out.
What follows is Tyr discovering true family, Eli finding love and the ups and downs of an closeted relationship.
It's sweet, funny, the queens are wonderful characters and the battles both face are hard won.
Terrific stuff.
Oh this was adorable.
Gigi when in drag and Eli when a man, spots a gorgeous hunk in the drag club Campo with a bunch of his friends.
The tall, bulky but polite man is Tyr, an ice hockey player in the minors and he's gay but not out.
What follows is Tyr discovering true family, Eli finding love and the ups and downs of an closeted relationship.
It's sweet, funny, the queens are wonderful characters and the battles both face are hard won.
Terrific stuff.
June 16, 2023
Good
It’s not the fault of the author that I couldn’t get into this story. My head’s been in a weird space for a few weeks, and I hoped it would help me get back to normal (whatever that is!). Maybe it was the MC trapped by his single-minded dead father’s promise. And I had a hard time connecting with Gigi Patel. But, like I said, that’s all on me. It’s well-written, and traverses from the super-macho world of ice hockey to the fem world of drag queens without a hitch.
It’s as tough being a drag queen as it is a hockey player in the minor leagues!
It’s not the fault of the author that I couldn’t get into this story. My head’s been in a weird space for a few weeks, and I hoped it would help me get back to normal (whatever that is!). Maybe it was the MC trapped by his single-minded dead father’s promise. And I had a hard time connecting with Gigi Patel. But, like I said, that’s all on me. It’s well-written, and traverses from the super-macho world of ice hockey to the fem world of drag queens without a hitch.
It’s as tough being a drag queen as it is a hockey player in the minor leagues!
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