Sometimes you just have to embrace your muse, but what if your muse embraces you back? Willa Okati’s A-Muse-Ing introduces us to Harper, who is a scriptwriter for a popular soap opera. Harper has been working to develop a promising new concept in daytime drama, but he is suffering from writers’ block so badly that he is in danger of losing his job. If anyone needs a little creative assistance, it would be him. Just when Harper thinks he has reached his lowest point, he receives a visit from his personal muse. Or at least that’s who the naked man in his kitchen eating all his jam on toast says he is, anyway.

Rory is a muse on probation. He has already failed twice to suitably inspire his last two assignments, and with the “three strikes you’re out” policy that his handler has adopted, he is under a lot of pressure to perform. Luckily for him, Rory’s wacky brand of inspiration is just the kind of help that Harper needs, and they soon become inseparable – both creatively and personally. Rory’s time with Harper is limited no matter how they might feel about each other, however, and once Harper’s artistic block is cleared, Rory will be sent away to complete other assignments. But Harper has no intentions of letting Rory go, and he is willing to work the system and break all the rules to hang on to the one he loves.

Willa Okati’s A-Muse-Ing is a wild and wonderful ride that will keep the reader breathless with laugher and thoroughly entertained. It is populated with an offbeat cast of characters that are impossible not to adore – all the way from our two heroes down to the supporting roles and even to the villain. Harper may be a little uptight, but his quirks such as wearing a Mickey Mouse watch and mismatched Converse tennis shoes and allowing his pet turtle free range of his home betray his artistic and creative soul. The muse, Rory, is a quick-witted dynamo with a sugar addiction and a wise mouth. Throughout the story, the repartee between Harper and Rory flows nonstop. They trade quips, insults, and witticisms whether they are collaborating on a script or getting busy in the bedroom (or on the floor or in the closet). The story is fast paced but not rushed, and it is interesting as well as being extremely clever. Ms. Okati does a great job of grabbing the reader from the very beginning and holding them entranced and amused to the end, and I heartily endorse A-Muse-Ing as a Recommended Read for those looking for a laugh as well as a good read.

Reviewed by: Whitney