Purgatory Playhouse

A M/M Fantasy Rom-Com

By: E.J. Russell

Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux

Staging a musical in Purgatory can be absolute hell.

Lonnie Coleridge last saw the sun in 1968. Since then, he’s been consigned to Limbo, still wearing the same tie-dyed T-shirt and bell-bottomed jeans he had on when he left his life behind. He and others like him have one chance each year at redemption: produce a show for the Greek pantheon. Whoever pleases this very specific - and temperamental - fan group could earn the right to move on.

But after a literal act of god (*cough* Hermes *cough*) destroys their sets, lights, and costumes, the company needs emergency help to rebuild. Without it, all of them could poof out of existence forever.

Out-of-work theater technician TD Baylor has precisely three things on his cosmic wish list: a job, a place to stay, and a boyfriend who isn’t a total tool. He thinks he’s got the first two nailed when he gets a line on a two-week gig that includes room and board. So what if the job tip came from a guy who was leaning way too hard into the LOTR cosplay at a sketchy Halloween pop-up? At this point, TD doesn’t have anything more to lose, so he figures…what the hell.

He didn’t realize hell was the operative word.

When Lonnie greets him at the theater door, though...whoa. TD fantasizes that item number three could be within his reach. But then Lonnie gives him the bad news: This is Purgatory Playhouse, aka Theater of the Darned. In two weeks - if they’re lucky and can successfully mount a musical version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream - the company will return to Limbo after the curtain falls. If they’re not lucky?

Remember that part about hell?

Purgatory Playhouse is part of the multi-author Magic Emporium Series. Each book stands alone, but each one features an appearance by Marden’s Magic Emporium, a shop that can appear anywhere, but only once and only when someone’s in dire need. This book contains a theater techie who’s one couch surf away from homeless, a production assistant who’s sort of, um, not alive, Greek gods behaving very badly indeed, and a guaranteed HEA.

©2021 Ellen J Russell (P)2021 Ellen J Russell

Love that transcends

Heartwarming story +reader Greg Boudreaux= a lovely bubble where autumn rain and chill cannot touch you.

Hilarious!!

This was a sweet cute, over the top, whimsical romantic comedy.

I had so much fun with this one!!

The author's writing style was absolutely hilarious and had me engaged.

The dialogue was witty and whimsical at the same time.

The narration was enjoyable as well

Theater. Gods being badly. Sweet romance. FANTASTIC.

I have to start by saying I have a ridiculous over-the-top love for this book. The authors experience and love of theater, a deep knowledge and hilarious skepticism about Greek mythology, and an absolute social justice warrior hero of a technical designer come together to create a thoroughly delightful story.

Smart, very funny, clever, charming, and immensely creative - totally on brand for EJ Russell. Her best book, I think, which is saying a lot.

I fell in love with this book when I read it, but it is no surprise that Greg Boudreaux, who is a wonderful, versatile, and often hilarious narrator, brings great color and dimension to it. His comic timing, passion, and talent for characterization are on full display here.

Good story but ending was abrupt

I loved the story over all. The characters were entertaining and well fleshed out and the story was engaging. However, the ending was a bit unsatisfactory as we don’t actually get to see the end of the play house and just see the aftermath. The story switches perspectives throughout so I’m not sure why it couldn’t switch to see the final play.

Intriguing Story

This book is reminiscent of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. I really liked the premise and the way the main character got into the theater. The end is a tearjerker but I love those anyway. Highly Recommended.

Cute & Clever! 😍

This was a fun read/listen!

There was little angst, crazy gods, interesting humans, and sweet love.

Great narration by Greg Boudreaux ❤️❤️

Brilliant comedic play on the Greek mythology!

I loved that this author did this comedy!! The play on the transgressions of the gods and goddesses tickled my funny bone! The main characters are sweet and their path was fraught with obstacles. I absolutely adored the beautiful narration! The narrator did an excellent job of each individual character!

Greek mythology and theater

I really enjoyed the book a lot. The very end felt a bit rushed but overall it was so much fun to listen to. I really liked the characters and their interactions with each other. It was also a fun take on Greek myths and the theater elements made it even more fun. It was a sweet and fun story.

Highly enjoyable

A very engaging story read by a really awesome narrator. He really managed to bring the story to life. A must listen.

Loved it

What happens when "the darned" are forced to put on a play for the gods of Olympus and the gides destroy the set? They get a "quickie" to build sets for them. These characters are great and I loved the whole concept of this tale. EJ Russell never fails to provide an awesome story. And Greg Boudreaux is ALWAYS amazing.