Suffering from depression, and going through a rough time because of it, Fizz's misery culminates in his parents throwing him out, leaving him with two bags, twenty pounds, and nowhere to go. Desperate, he calls his brother, who takes him to The Queen Anne's Revenge, where Fizz winds up living in a room that hasn't had a human habitant for more years than anyone can actually count—a room that seems to already have an occupant…

Fizz has just been tossed out of his house, has 20 pounds to his name, and nowhere to go. Fortunately his cousin Ginger works in a pub and happens to have a room for Fizz. It's a room that he'll have to himself. At least he's the only human occupant of the room.

Fizz is struggling with some serious mental illness, and it seems to make him an easy target for the nasty, evil ghost inhabiting the top floor of The Queen Anne's Revenge. The room Fizz ends up in. The ghost begins siphoning Fizz's energy, gaining strength and losing patience.

We're introduced to the other human occupants of the pub, Ginger, who happens to be Fizz's cousin. Ryan, another denizen of the pub who has a roaring crush on Ginger. Matt, the resident cook, and Sammy, the angry twink. We also meet Ash, lead singer of a punk band that meets up in the bar.

As the entity takes more and more control of Fizz, the haunting in other places of the pub get worse, until Fizz is possessed. And that's when all the horror comes to a head.

I can't really go into much more detail of the plot without giving everything away, but I enjoyed The Haunted Pub. It was a fun, queer novel, and had some good characters. I wasn't super keen on how Fizz was handled. In the beginning he was portrayed as being almost paralyzed by anxiety and fear, but after the encounter with the ghost, all his mental illness was gone. Life just doesn't work that way, and mental illness can't be flipped off like a switch. All the romances between everyone who lives in the pub was a little contrite, and completely unrealistic. It is a paranormal novel though, so I suppose in some other alt universe things like that could happen.

Anyway, I liked it, and I think that while it has a niche audience, it could be well received by that audience. Queer romance with ghost stories aren't for everyone, but you really should give The Haunted Pub a shot. 

In order to cheer him up, his friends give Alex Tatton, of 'Phoenix' by Melanie Tushmore, a tape of a popular rock band. Alex thinks he is only switching the style of music he enjoys, from Classical to Hard Rock, but he is also changing the course of his life. His new taste in music sets him in the path of Danny Death, a guitarist in the band which quickly becomes his favorite. Alex's heart’s desire is to be a famous artist, sharing his interpretation of the world through painting. Alex first meets his rock star heartthrob in person at a concert where he gives him a gift, a painting Alex created of Danny.  From that time on, Alex and Danny are linked, even if they don't yet realize how deeply.

Alex is an intelligent and gifted young man who has known he is gay for a long time. He's an orphan whose parents died in a car accident when he was young, consequently leaving him a large inheritance. This gives him more freedom than most people his age have. Being independently wealthy means he doesn't have to work and is still able to do almost anything he desires. Alex is also different from most young men in that he's not interested in drinking or drugs or sleeping around. He's also a virgin and in no hurry to lose that status. He's waiting for the right man to come along. Phoenix, a popular rock band, gives him inspiration, especially one member called Danny Death. His heart's desire is to be with Danny, but he also realizes that it's a near impossible dream. Alex knows how the world of drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll works and knows that he'd never have a chance with someone like Danny. Yet, he continues his hero worship of the man. He works for weeks on a portrait of Danny, the painting makes a big impression on Danny, and earns him a big thank you and a hug. Alex is elated, but then Danny is gone. Months later they met again and finally have sex. It's the fulfillment of Alex's wildest dreams, but he's also overwhelmed. When Danny declares his love for Alex, instead of being elated, he's terrified. It's too much too fast. As soon as Danny leaves his room, Alex has a full-fledged anxiety attack. He impulsively leaves without telling Danny. He goes home confused and completely lost, figuring if he ever had a chance, he'd completely blown it now.

Danny is my favorite character in this story. He is not like other rock stars. When he isn't onstage, he's quiet and private. He doesn't go in for all the glitz and glamor associated with his profession. He's friendly, but reserved, usually not giving in to the numerous advances of men and women alike. When he meets Alex, he's touched by this young man who doesn't act like a fan; Alex is someone who is considerate enough to make him something special, without wanting anything in return. Danny wants a lot more out of life than what he has and if he didn't love to play and perform so much, he, most likely would have chosen another profession. Danny remembers Alex fondly and knows his feelings are growing. After a few more meetings, Danny gets the opportunity to get closer to him, Danny takes it. He invites Alex to a German music festival and is delighted when he actually shows up. Still, he goes slowly and considers Alex's feelings the whole time. Even with all the care Danny takes Alex flees. Danny is hurt, but doesn't give up.

This is the beginning of, what I believe, is going to be a very enjoyable series. The main characters are not stereotyped, yet the ambiance of the rock star world still whorls around them. The thrill of performing on stage, the wild clothes, parties, interviews, paparazzi, fan girls and boys, and more are expected in a story about the rock scene; yet, Alex and Danny still have intimacy that rises beyond these elements. It's a good balance; one that allows them to do normal couple things without the bells and whistles and intrusion which comes with Danny's profession. I recommend this story to those who like rock music, performers and all the chaos and excitement surrounding them, with a sweet, well-paced love story mixed in. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to see where the guys go from here Thanks, Melanie. You rock!