Review: A Bridge to Love by Lee Colgin

Everyone knows a proper troll must never leave his post. Arlo is thrilled to have his own bridge to guard, though it’s a lonely job. A troll should enjoy being alone, but Arlo has never been very good at being a troll. He longs for companionship, but guards that secret like he guards his bridge.

Toby, a cheerful wolf shifter, serves as a messenger between villages. When his route is suddenly blocked by a fearsome troll, he must charm his way across the bridge. Little does he know, he’s charming his way into Arlo’s heart as well. But Toby has his own secrets he dare not reveal.

As the season’s fly by and the holidays approach, their friendship blooms and begins to flourish into something more. But can Toby risk his heart for a troll bound so tight to duty? Will Arlo leave his bridge for love?

Admittedly, the thought of a troll and a wolf shifter caught my eye, and I was pleasantly surprised by this sweet holiday story.

Yes, Arlo is a troll. Convention tells him he must stand guard and diligently take care of his newly designated bridge, never to leave it until he’s ready to start his own family. He’s an assumed solitary sort, and despite his love of bantering for tributes, deep down Arlo is lonely.

When wolf shifter Toby, traverses Arlo’s bridge, a friendly connection is created. Toby’s a runner between his family’s packs, and he soon finds himself meeting up with Arlo on the regular. This is a slow burn and over months, Toby and Arlo form a friendship that becomes more and more meaningful with each encounter.

However, each is held back by not wanting to ruin the friendship but each also yearns for so much more. How can two very different beings, with two very different life goals and expectations, ever find a middle ground?

Look, this breaks no extraordinary literary barriers. However, it’s different because who has ever read a troll as a main protagonist? Not I! Arlo is quite the gentle giant. He’s uncomplicated, guileless, and earnest in his desire to be loved and accepted. Toby, in turn, is friendly and full of generosity and thoughtfulness and is ready to work with Arlo to get their happy ending just in time for Christmas!

Overall, if you want a slight fantasy/supernatural twist with a seriously sweet (albeit seriously simple) love story, then this will satisfy! Cheers!