Blue Eyed Stranger

So lost in history they can't focus on the present.

Billy Wright has a problem: he’s only visible when he’s wearing a mask. That’s fine when he’s performing at country fairs with the rest of his morris dancing troupe. But when he takes the paint off, his life is empty, and he struggles with crippling depression.

Martin Deng stands out from the crowd. There aren’t many black Vikings on the living history circuit. But as the founder of a fledgling historical re-enactment society, he’s lonely and harried. It’s stressful enough being one minority without telling the hard men of his group he’s also gay.

When Billy’s and Martin’s societies are double-booked at a packed county show, they know at once they are kindred spirits. But they’re both hiding in their different ways. Can they ever be brave enough to take the masks off, to let each other see who they really are inside?



“I love Alex Beecroft's writing, and I love this book....This is a very English book in the best possible way, with ancient tradition meeting the modern mixed society, all underpinning a lovely touching romance.” --K.J. Charles

“Beecroft’s very English contemporary romance, a standalone linked with Trowchester Blues, is note perfect from start to finish.” Publisher’s Weekly starred review of Blue Eyed Stranger
Voted among the best novels of 2015 by Romance Novels For Feminists

• "Beecroft's very English contemporary romance, a standalone linked with Trowchester Blues, is note perfect from start to finish."
  - Publisher's Weekly

• "I am a huge fan of history, and of the distinctive and gorgeous writing consistently delivered by this author. Reading 'Blue Eyed Stranger' was a slice of heaven. I found myself transported smack into the scenes via Beecroft's colorful, lively and oh so vivid portrayal of characters and settings." - It's About The Book

• "This is a brilliant story... If you enjoy music, dancing, Vikings, history, healing, and, of course, happy endings, then you may like 'The Blue-Eyed Stranger'. Thank you, Alex, for the lovely history lesson and for giving Martin and Billy their happy ending." - Rainbow Book Reviews

• "I fell whole heartedly in love with the layered characterizations, and richly textured story set within a fictional town so memorable and believable that I never wanted to leave. I knew another story was coming but wondered if it could possibly live up to the story that preceded it.  I shouldn't have worried. Blue Eyed Stranger is just as moving and rich as the first, perhaps even more." - Scattered Thoughts And Rogue Words

• "Here is what I loved about this story: its absolutely fearless description of Billy's crushing depression...What I didn't love: Martin is very selfish for most of the book...All that said, the end was as spectacular as I wanted with an HEA that rivals any tender romance." - Joyfully Jay