The Burnt Toast B&B (Bluewater Bay #5) in Riptide Publishing

Jan 15, 2015 Jody rated it really liked it

The Bluewater Bay series continues with this intriguing, heartwarming, and endearing tale of two very different men finding solace and a sense of family with each other. Theirs is a rocky road to HEA though as they're both very strong-willed with complications from within themselves and the outside world weighing on their burgeoning relationship. It's an immensely satisfying journey dealing with issues of sexuality and living up to expectations that takes readers on an intensely emotional ride t The Bluewater Bay series continues with this intriguing, heartwarming, and endearing tale of two very different men finding solace and a sense of family with each other. Theirs is a rocky road to HEA though as they're both very strong-willed with complications from within themselves and the outside world weighing on their burgeoning relationship. It's an immensely satisfying journey dealing with issues of sexuality and living up to expectations that takes readers on an intensely emotional ride that makes us stronger too.

Derrick hated growing up and working at his family's B&B as it felt stifling and embarrassing. The moment he could leave he did but after losing his dream job he was left crawling back home with only the B&B to support himself. The loss of his parents soon after made working there even more oppressive and it's led to anger at what he could've been and loneliness as he feels lost with no one to support him. Derrick just doesn't care anymore and it's clear through the simmering rage hiding behind his quietness and belligerence. He desperately wants to leave it all behind but doesn't want to be a disappointment yet again. I ached for Derrick's loss, loss of his dreams and of himself. His sadness was palpable and radiated off him at the start. Upon meeting the perky Ginsberg though his outer shell begins to crack and he finally crawls out of the standstill his life's become as the sparks and fireworks start flying.

Ginsberg is one of the most unique characters I've come across in a long time. He's exceptionally positive considering all the hardships he's gone through. After being tossed out by his family for his transgender identity he's flitted from one place to another just trying to eke out an existence. A broken arm leads him to Derrick's crumbling B&B and for the first time he finally feels at home. As he and Derrick morph from friends to lovers the B&B is resurrected too in an uplifting juxtaposition. Ginsberg was an endearing and admirable character quite comfortable in his skin and lives by his own expectations, undefined by others. His being transgender is never made out to be a big deal, it just is and this acceptance was refreshing. I adored his positivity and for being the impetus to Derrick's coming back to life.

The romance between Derrick and Ginsberg was slow to develop, there wasn't much steaminess to their relationship but rather a comfortable warmth as they bathed in mutual acceptance. There were rocky times too though, especially at the end where I felt Ginsberg was a bit too hard on Derrick. Luckily a grand gesture has them reaching a well-deserved HEA and left me smiling. Along with these two compelling main characters that we get to know through alternating POVs is a cast of colorful and supportive secondary characters that left their indelible mark. From start to finish I was completely immersed in this sweetly romantic battle between the bearish Derrick and the perpetually perky Ginsberg. I ached when they ached and cheered for them finally finding each other and I recommend this tale for its message of love and acceptance. ...more

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Dec 14, 2014 Claudia the Night Owl marked it as add-strikes-again

I hate not finishing ARCs but I just couldn't do it, not because it was bad or anything but the whole trans thing is new to me and I guess I need some time to get my head around it. ...more

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Jun 02, 2015 Elisa Rolle rated it it was amazing

The Burnt Toast B&B (A Bluewater Bay Story) by Heidi Belleau and Rachel Haimowitz: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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Jun 06, 2020 ElaineY rated it liked it

Shelves: mission-aborted, mm, romance-contemporary

This could have been okay but I had to abort after chapter 1 because Dorian Bane's voice was so scratchy my own throat began to hurt just listening to him! ...more

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