DSP Advent Calendar Review: Trapped in the Valley of the Kings by Blue Jones

Title: Trapped in the Valley of the Kings
Author: Blue Jones
Category: Holiday, Advent
Pages: 24

Dreamspinner Press


Rival archaeologists Will and Jude slept together a year ago, on the night of the Summer Solstice at a dig in Stonehenge. But they were both wearing masks, so Jude has no idea it was Will he slept with, and Will’s been harboring a powerful, one-sided crush ever since.

Now they’re in Egypt, competing to find the lost tomb of Queen Nefertiti. Jude falls through a crack in the cave floor, and when Will reluctantly climbs down to help him, they find themselves in Nefertiti's tomb, surrounded by archaeological treasures—where they must spend Christmas stranded by a sandstorm.

Will a few sultry hours stripped almost bare from the heat and sharing a bottle of whiskey sort out who should get credit for the discovery—and the real reason for the tension between them?

3.5 Stars!

This short story features rival archaeologists Will and Jude. They worked together at Stonehenge a year prior, and hooked up. Will has been carrying a torch for Jude since then, but thinks that Jude wasn't aware who he was since they were both wearing masks.

It was a cute story. I wasn't too sure why Jude was in Egypt initially. Will definitely is a prepared guy. I loved how he took care of Jude even when he seemed annoyed with his presence. I liked that they were willing to open up about their past hurts to each other even when it seemed that neither was happy to see the other.

I enjoyed this story and would've been happy to read more about these two characters.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

4 Stars

This was a cute quick read that had me oohing and awing from page one. I loved the banter between both guys and the shyness from Will and playfulness from Jude.

The setting was awesome since I’ve watched a lot of documentaries about Egypt and Nefertiti so it was an automatic “Yes Please” after reading the synopsis.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***