Raffety is trying to learn to play the violin. He's awful, but his teacher seems to think he has promise and arranges a free stay at a summer camp. His mother is thrilled. Raffety's father died when he was a baby, and his mother has been struggling to give him things. Camp is bewildering. All of the other kids seem strange, and the staff even more peculiar. The only bright spot is Jonah. He doesn't want to be there either. When Jonah realizes Raffety is overwhelmed by the truth of what he and the other kids are, he resolves to help Raffety run away. Years and circumstances separate the two, but when they're reunited, will the budding relationship they had bloom again?
“Double Trouble” is set in a world where faeries, werewolves, vampires, and assorted other mythical beings are real. It's a popular universe for ‘MM’ fantasy fiction these days, but this author has their own take on it, using this familiar world and focusing on the characters.
Raffety is a very endearing character. His reactions to finding out about his nature are entirely understandable and relatable. Raffety's true nature and origin are revealed bit by bit throughout the story, and we're right there with him. His journey could be described as a coming-of-age story, but this book doesn't quite fit into that narrative.
Jonah is an interesting contrast to Raffety. Jonah has been raised by his birth parents and has always known what he was, or at least he thinks he knows. He's a bad boy whose smart mouth and impulsive behavior keep getting him into trouble. At least, that is, until he and Raffety are reunited.
Together the two have quite an adventure as Jonah works to get Raffety away from the werewolves holding him and take him someplace safe. It proves much harder than he thought since it seems that not only the wolves but also the vampires want Raffety. As if being on the run wasn't enough, there's an undeniable attraction between the two that won't be ignored. It's quite a sexy wild ride, and even when they reach relative safety, there are more surprises in store.
“Double Trouble” is available from Amazon.