Review: "Blue-Eyed Stranger" by Alex Beecroft (Trowchester Blues #2)


Note: This ARC was provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Martin Deng loves two things: teaching history to his students and historical re-enactment. The kind of history he teaches is based on facts, not on what's believed as fact simply because it's been perpetuated for far too long. The same goes for re-enactment, inspiring him to create his own group called Bretwalda, focused on re-enacting Viking-related scenarios. He knows what it's like to be in a minority, what with being black, so he isn't ready to share with the rest of the world that he's gay. Maybe someday, when the right guy comes along and makes him realize it's time to come clean. And then he meets Billy Wright.

Billy Wright is used to being invisible--people interrupting or talking over him, people forgetting that he's around, and so on. He knows what it's like to go unnoticed or not acknowledged, but then he isn't exactly anyone special, or so his mind tells him on a painfully regular basis. He doesn't really hold down a regular job, thanks to his income as a landlord, so he's able to have the time to spend on the re-enactment troupe he's part of, Stomping Griffins. He's the best dancer the group has and it's when he's out performing that he feels most comfortable. He doesn't crave attention but he more than welcomes it from Martin Deng.

Martin and Billy's first meeting is a memorable one, with both their groups being double-booked during an event and Martin's group aggressively rushing in and pushing Billy's aside. From that misunderstanding, an attraction is ignited, but Martin's being in the proverbial closet and Billy's depression are obstacles. Martin's inability to be public with his relationship with him is difficult for Billy to deal with, but he does anyway. Billy's depression has him drowning in self-loathing and insecurity, paralyzing him with unfounded fear. Will they be able to overcome their hurdles to find happiness?

Blue-Eyed Stranger is the second novel in the Trowchester Blues series by Alex Beecroft, and as always, the author's ability to beautifully put together words that create a wonderful story of two men who help each other on their respective journeys of self-discovery is in full view here. Both men are crippled with certain fears that are eating away at them, preventing them from truly enjoying what they have together. Billy's depression broke my heart because he truly was such a loving and lovable character, but never felt he was truly worthy of Martin's love or attention. I seriously wanted to give the guy much needed hugs.

Both Martin and Billy were interesting characters and I understood where Martin was coming from regarding his hesitance in being open about his sexuality. It took losing and nearly losing those that matter most for him to realize what truly is important to him. Billy was so lost and while his capacity to love Martin was immeasurable, he needed to have the capacity to love himself as well. They were such a great and inspiring couple and I enjoyed their love story. Blue-Eyed Stranger can be read independently from the first book, Trowchester Blues, though I do recommend you check them both out. This gets 4.5 stars! ♥

Release Date: 06 April 2015

Date Read: 04 April 2015

Learn more about Alex Beecroft here.

Pre-order Blue-Eyed Stranger on Amazon | B&N.

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