Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: The Innkeeper’s Blues
AUTHOR: Jaime Samms
SERIES: Bed, Breakfast, and Beyond #2
PUBLISHER: Self Published
RELEASE DATE: December 27, 2020
BLURB:
A loving boyfriend, generous friendships, and a thriving business—Arnold Kreed should be ecstatic. So why does he feel like he’s standing on the edge of an abyss?
When Kreed took a chance on a thief—letting Lucky into his world, his life, his heart—he hardly imagined he would find the love and acceptance he didn’t dare dream of. Lucky draws people to him, and his extended found family embraces Kreed. Now in an established relationship, despite Kreed’s ex causing trouble again, Lucky and Kreed are working toward making a life together. But Kreed is unsettled, unable to find his bliss. He is getting grumpier, and he can feel his people, including his beloved self-aware house, Mildred, pulling away…
How can Kreed get back to the joy he so recently found if he has no idea what’s wrong?
REVIEW:
The Innkeeper’s Blues is a continuation of book one in the Bed, Breakfast, and Beyond series, Thief in the Light. This is an extension, not a standalone, that picks up shortly after the event of the first book. We return to Mildred (Millie), the sentient house where Kreed and Lucky reside and which houses Kreed’s bed and breakfast, The Oaks. In addition to helping Kreed operate the inn, Lucky is working to establish a shelter for troubled gay teens in an adjacent, also sensate, house. He and Kreed hire Ozzy, an old friend of Lucky’s, to renovate the house. Ozzy is living at The Oaks with the couple, which causes some turmoil and decreases the closeness between Lucky and Kreed somewhat, but not because of anyone’s actions or ill-intentions. Kreed’s ex-boyfriend, however, is back to cause trouble for Lucky.
The Innkeeper’s Blues refers to Kreed’s depressed state, but the blues could reference the general tone of the story. I didn’t find this book nearly are endearing as the first. The components that made Thief in the Light so magical are lacking; it’s missing the fun factor. Kreed and Lucky don’t possess the same charm and chemistry as a couple. Kreed, in particular, is flatter character, and in fact, unlikable at times. Millie’s antics – which added a great deal of humor previously – aren’t as predominant. She’s quieter and less opinionated this time around. Many of the compelling, supporting characters aren’t as prevalent, either, including Madeline, and Jake and his siblings, Steph and Steven who all play smaller roles. I particularly would’ve enjoyed more Jake. And I definitely would’ve enjoyed less Joe, but he does add a necessary conflict to the story.
Kreed’s state of mind contributes to the angst as he lashes out at Lucky and exhibits jealousy. He’s not as firm with Joe as he should be, initially. The intimacy issues with Lucky don’t progress much, and it all contributes to the disconnect between the men and throws off the equilibrium in their relationship.
On the positive side, Lucky is precious and pretty much loved by everyone. The townspeople have all stood by him after Joe aired all his dirty laundry in the previous book. There’s a small, side storyline involving Jake that’s really cute. Lucky and Kreed are still sweet together, but it’s all muted in comparison to the first book.
If you enjoyed Thief in the Light, I don’t want to discourage you from reading this installment of the series. You will likely want to catch up with Lucky, Kreed, Millie, and the other characters, and I believe you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
RATING: 
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