Gambit has been one of my favorite Marvel characters over the years and the relationship between him and Rogue has always been one that is fun to read. So a novel featuring the two characters was a no-brainer, the only thing that made me weary about reading Rogue x Gambit was the billing of An X-Men Love Story. Not a real big fan of romance stories, but damn what Louangie Bou-Montes & Aabria Iyengar crafted was a wonderful X-Men that only braises the romance genre and does some in a wonderful way.
Rogue is a hero. But when her bare touch can steal someone’s memories, their powers, even their life—she feels monstrous. Yet no part of her feels more dangerous than the part that wants. Remy is a born thief. Even if he’s turned a new leaf as Gambit, when he sees Rogue’s walls, he wants to slip behind them. If she only trusted herself the way he does, he’d gladly lay every bit of his power at her feet.
When Remy has a sinking feeling that New Orleans needs him, it’s time to finally go home. He’s just afraid of how much has changed; how much he has changed. What if returning as some big-league hero isn’t what his friends and family need? But he’s not alone—Rogue is at his side. As their easy friendship simmers with temptation, can they gamble with getting closer?
And there’s no time to waste. In the wake of a devastating hurricane, bloodsuckers are lapping at the wounds of New Orleans, buying up the city in pieces and unleashing a threat even older than corporate greed: vampires. As Rogue and Remy uncover the sinister plot threatening the lifeblood of his hometown, they’ll unearth their own issues they can’t keep running from. It’s easy to be the hero, but it can be much harder to let yourself be saved.
For two people who could destroy everything they touch, love is a dangerous thing.
I have always been fascinated with how Rogue could have a serious romantic relationship with anyone, including Gambit, with the inability to touch them. I know it’s possible to have romance without touching, but just seemed so far fetched in the pages of a Marvel comic. Bou-Montes and Iyengar have convinced me. A romantic relationship that not only features the touchy-feeling side, but also the trials and tribulations that come along with having feelings for someone special.
What might have seem to be a story that would only feature Rogue, Gambit and a few miscellaneous characters actually starred more well-known heroes and villains than I expected. Rogue x Gambit was a true X-Men story. Not just a love story however. Bottom line, it’s a story of X-Men heroes fighting for what’s right and how it hits home for Remy. Bou-Montes and Iyengar weave together a story of love, family, home, and vampires. A great mashup of stories that works well together.
In addition to the story feeling like an X-Men tale, the authors here did a fantastic job setting this story deep in New Orleans where we as the reader feel immersed in the strong culture of Remy’s hometown and the love, care, and attention those who live there feel. It’s deep in their roots and when someone comes in and tries to stir the pot, those residents will have to fight back, this time with Gambit and Rogue at the top.
What stories such as Rogue x Gambit have the ability to do more in novel format opposed to comics is explore the characters on a much deeper level. We truly get to see the ups and downs of our titular characters relationship and how it grows throughout. This happens in front of our eyes, all while having to try and protect New Orleans and its people from evil doers. It can be hard enough to be in a loving relationship, let alone while always having to try and save the day.
Rogue x Gambit is much more than just an X-Men love story, and that’s what made it work so well. Louangie Bou-Montes and Aabria Iyengar have crafted a story that truly balances romance, action, and the importance of family and home while telling a compelling X-Men tale. Rogue x Gambit is a story where sometimes the greatest battle isn’t against the villains, but allowing yourself to love and be loved.
Rogue x Gambit hits bookstores everywhere on February 9, 2027 from Random House Worlds/Marvel. The audiobook is available via Libro.fm!
