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Surfing the Waves #2
Dipped in Sunshine
Shortlisted for Best LGBT/Contemporary in the PRG Reviewers Choice Awards.
You think you can do the jiggy with my baby brother, without wooing him for approximately three years first? Hah! I hope you weren’t too attached to your toenails.”
Fifty is a simple man. He doesn’t know much, but he knows this: to stay well clear of Otto Eggebraaten. The nineteen-year-old is cute, blond, and trouble. His overprotective big brother, Eggy, hounds Otto’s every move.
Outwardly, Fifty’s life is good. He surfs, teaches other folks to surf, drinks beer, and hangs with his friends. But with his thirtieth birthday on the horizon, he’s hoarding a secret he’s too ashamed to confide in anyone, even his best friend, Eggy. When Otto accidentally discovers it, Fifty finds his ordered existence unraveling in a way he never expected.
Dipped In Sunshine is an age gap, best friend’s brother romance, featuring a cinnamon roll demisexual surfer and a determined blond fluffball.
It can be read as a standalone.
You think you can do the jiggy with my baby brother, without wooing him for approximately three years first? Hah! I hope you weren’t too attached to your toenails.”
Fifty is a simple man. He doesn’t know much, but he knows this: to stay well clear of Otto Eggebraaten. The nineteen-year-old is cute, blond, and trouble. His overprotective big brother, Eggy, hounds Otto’s every move.
Outwardly, Fifty’s life is good. He surfs, teaches other folks to surf, drinks beer, and hangs with his friends. But with his thirtieth birthday on the horizon, he’s hoarding a secret he’s too ashamed to confide in anyone, even his best friend, Eggy. When Otto accidentally discovers it, Fifty finds his ordered existence unraveling in a way he never expected.
Dipped In Sunshine is an age gap, best friend’s brother romance, featuring a cinnamon roll demisexual surfer and a determined blond fluffball.
It can be read as a standalone.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2022
65 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Fearne Hill
28 books355 followersFearne Hill resides far from the madding crowds in the county of Dorset, deep in the British countryside. She likes it that way.
Her novel, Oyster, is a 2025 Lambda Literary Award winner. Two Tribes is a 2023 Lambda Literary Award finalist..
Her popular Rossingley series was nominated in nine separate categories of the 2021 Goodreads M/M Romance awards and received an Honourable Mention in the 2021 Rainbow Awards.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest sales and releases! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/fearn...
Join her Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11724...
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearnehill_...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/FearneHill
She also writes very brief and not especially insightful book reviews here on GR...
Finally, she also writes straight contemporary romance under the pseudonym Coco Chambers.
Her novel, Oyster, is a 2025 Lambda Literary Award winner. Two Tribes is a 2023 Lambda Literary Award finalist..
Her popular Rossingley series was nominated in nine separate categories of the 2021 Goodreads M/M Romance awards and received an Honourable Mention in the 2021 Rainbow Awards.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest sales and releases! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/fearn...
Join her Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11724...
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearnehill_...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/FearneHill
She also writes very brief and not especially insightful book reviews here on GR...
Finally, she also writes straight contemporary romance under the pseudonym Coco Chambers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
May 13, 2023
This is a tough one. I loved Brushed With Love. Dipped? Not so much.
I love Fifty. He is so damn sweet. He and Otto make a very cute couple. Fifty is a genuine and vulnerable narrator. The reader truly develops an even softer spot for him. He really puts it out there, and he's a brave guy. It's cool how he and Otto are able to deal with their concurrent health issues together, without letting these issues define them.
Fifty and Otto do have decent chemistry. It is touching that they are able to experience so many "firsts" together. Fifty takes care of Otto, but still respects his agency and independence.
I also, of course, enjoy the heavy involvement of Eggy and Clem. They are a fascinating couple.
But this book is plagued by continuity issues. The timeline is completely confusing. We are led to believe that these events occur as soon as Otto arrives - which is also when Clem arrived in Fuerteventura. Then there are mentions of Eggy and Clem having done things six months ago, but this does not jive with the timeline. Later on, there is a mention of them having been together for a year. (???)
Furthermore, when did Fifty gain all of this weight? In Brushed, he's described as a total stud -- not as hot as Eggy, but sure sounded swoon-worthy. Out of nowhere, he has a dad bod and is worried about his gut? Bizarre.
When did Eggy get so hairy? The author, at multiple points in Brushed, describes him being smooth-chested. Suddenly he is super hairy?
Why no mention of the book Clem wrote? It was only supposed to be based on Eggy. This also left me scratching my head.
There is no mention of anything remotely relevant in The Epilogue To Nowhere. I guess them still being together is the surprise? But knowing this is a HEA story, again, not exactly a shocker or spoiler. I won't spoil anything, but I was left with a plethora of unanswered questions about both couples. The Epilogue only served to further obscure any possible answers that could have been gleaned.
Fifty is an empathetic narrator, but the material does not do his character justice. Most, if not all, of the narrative issues could have been avoided. This story had a ton of potential, but it does not stick its landing in a manner that is anything close to convincing.
I love Fifty. He is so damn sweet. He and Otto make a very cute couple. Fifty is a genuine and vulnerable narrator. The reader truly develops an even softer spot for him. He really puts it out there, and he's a brave guy. It's cool how he and Otto are able to deal with their concurrent health issues together, without letting these issues define them.
Fifty and Otto do have decent chemistry. It is touching that they are able to experience so many "firsts" together. Fifty takes care of Otto, but still respects his agency and independence.
I also, of course, enjoy the heavy involvement of Eggy and Clem. They are a fascinating couple.
But this book is plagued by continuity issues. The timeline is completely confusing. We are led to believe that these events occur as soon as Otto arrives - which is also when Clem arrived in Fuerteventura. Then there are mentions of Eggy and Clem having done things six months ago, but this does not jive with the timeline. Later on, there is a mention of them having been together for a year. (???)
Furthermore, when did Fifty gain all of this weight? In Brushed, he's described as a total stud -- not as hot as Eggy, but sure sounded swoon-worthy. Out of nowhere, he has a dad bod and is worried about his gut? Bizarre.
When did Eggy get so hairy? The author, at multiple points in Brushed, describes him being smooth-chested. Suddenly he is super hairy?
Why no mention of the book Clem wrote? It was only supposed to be based on Eggy. This also left me scratching my head.
There is no mention of anything remotely relevant in The Epilogue To Nowhere. I guess them still being together is the surprise? But knowing this is a HEA story, again, not exactly a shocker or spoiler. I won't spoil anything, but I was left with a plethora of unanswered questions about both couples. The Epilogue only served to further obscure any possible answers that could have been gleaned.
Fifty is an empathetic narrator, but the material does not do his character justice. Most, if not all, of the narrative issues could have been avoided. This story had a ton of potential, but it does not stick its landing in a manner that is anything close to convincing.
December 30, 2022
I adored Brushed With Love by Fearne Hill, but, impossibly, I loved Dipped in Sunshine even more. It was the virgin-MC, age-gap, forbidden romance, demisexual MC book of my dreams. It really doesn't get much better than this.
I have a few weaknesses, and this book pretty much covered all of my catnip tropes. I love book with MCs with chronic illnesses or disabilities (here, one of the MCs has epilepsy and heart issues) and books with characters on the asexuality spectrum. However, it's one thing to just include these things in a romance book, but the trick is to make it a banger and Fearne Hill did just that. This is my second book from her and my second 5-star rating, so I think she has earned auto-buy status from me from here on out.
These MCs just totally stole my heart. There were no silly misunderstandings, so twisty-twist plot elements that made me roll my eyes, just good, old-fashioned chemistry. There is an age gap, but it felt natural, especially due to both of their dating inexperience. Plus - you know I went gaga for that. But, these two just really meshed together well, and their slow-burn-y romance just worked for me in every single way.
This book is sweetness and tender emotions through and through *but make it interesting*. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend you read the first book also, just as a companion to this one (it is also fabulous). Dipped in Sunshine was such an amazing way to cap off my 2022 reading year that I don't even want to move on from it. Book hangover, commence.
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I have a few weaknesses, and this book pretty much covered all of my catnip tropes. I love book with MCs with chronic illnesses or disabilities (here, one of the MCs has epilepsy and heart issues) and books with characters on the asexuality spectrum. However, it's one thing to just include these things in a romance book, but the trick is to make it a banger and Fearne Hill did just that. This is my second book from her and my second 5-star rating, so I think she has earned auto-buy status from me from here on out.
These MCs just totally stole my heart. There were no silly misunderstandings, so twisty-twist plot elements that made me roll my eyes, just good, old-fashioned chemistry. There is an age gap, but it felt natural, especially due to both of their dating inexperience. Plus - you know I went gaga for that. But, these two just really meshed together well, and their slow-burn-y romance just worked for me in every single way.
This book is sweetness and tender emotions through and through *but make it interesting*. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend you read the first book also, just as a companion to this one (it is also fabulous). Dipped in Sunshine was such an amazing way to cap off my 2022 reading year that I don't even want to move on from it. Book hangover, commence.
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May 2, 2022
I just had the best of time reading this book. It was so sweet and so romantic. I just couldn’t help but swoon the entire time I read the book. It just was so sweet and it really worked for me. And this humour in this book was great and I absolutely loved it.
I also really loved the setting of this book, it just gave the entire book such a nice and peaceful vibe.
This book was just like a ray of sunshine in my day when I read it and I really appreciated the reading experience.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
I also really loved the setting of this book, it just gave the entire book such a nice and peaceful vibe.
This book was just like a ray of sunshine in my day when I read it and I really appreciated the reading experience.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
April 6, 2023
Sadly didn't love this one. I think I needed a bit more to make the relationship believable. The fifty in this book seemed pretty different than book 1 also.
edit to add, can't believe I forgot to include this, gotta stop writing reviews so early in the morning😂 :
So, I don't mind age gaps in books at all, so its not that - and even more than that, I don't even consider 10 years to be an age gap. But what bothered me about this book is that Otto, 19, is written like a 14 year old. If the author hadn't mentioned his age 100 times you would think you are reading about a kid.
They spend the beginning of the book calling him a kid and treating him like he is 10, including not letting him take a bath without supervision (I know this is explained medically, but still- he is 19). Then they have the whole "he has no filter he always blurts out exactly what is in his head" I think by 19 most people know what is and isn't appropriate to say out loud and what thoughts to keep in your head. All of that could be easy to overlook but what really got me was:
edit to add, can't believe I forgot to include this, gotta stop writing reviews so early in the morning😂 :
So, I don't mind age gaps in books at all, so its not that - and even more than that, I don't even consider 10 years to be an age gap. But what bothered me about this book is that Otto, 19, is written like a 14 year old. If the author hadn't mentioned his age 100 times you would think you are reading about a kid.
They spend the beginning of the book calling him a kid and treating him like he is 10, including not letting him take a bath without supervision (I know this is explained medically, but still- he is 19). Then they have the whole "he has no filter he always blurts out exactly what is in his head" I think by 19 most people know what is and isn't appropriate to say out loud and what thoughts to keep in your head. All of that could be easy to overlook but what really got me was:
November 13, 2022
~4.5~
The second book is as good as the first!
When Eggy's 19-year-old cherished baby brother arrives on the island, Christian (aka, Fifty because his real name is Christian Grey) dubs him the "fluffball."
Otto has a wild mane of wavy blond hair, a motor mouth that goes a mile a minute, a sweet grin, and killer dance moves.
Still smarting from Eggy's rejection (but happy for his friend and Clem, who are absolutely perfect for each other), Christian vows to stay away from Otto, but the fluffball has other plans.
Cue Operation Seduce Christian Grey.
I love tropical islands, and Fuerteventura just jumped to the top of my destination list. The food is amazing (Christian has the lightly padded belly to prove it). The locals are friendly (and handsy). Gorgeous gay men are everywhere (this could be the author taking literary liberties, but I, for one, choose to believe).
There's no better backdrop for two men (both virgins) to fall in love. So what if Christian is ten years older than Otto - Christian is more innocent than the fluffball and twice as shy. He also has a little issue with his dick, which doesn't want to cooperate with Christian's romantic plans (such despair for the Felipes of the world).
Otto wisely determines that Christian is demisexual, which makes oh so much sense.
The sex between the MCs is gloriously awkward and real. Otto doesn't care about Christian's ED; he's too busy humping Christian's leg and coming in ten seconds flat.
The only problem? The overprotective Eggy (and the four other equally scary Viking brothers in Norway).
I was there for the sweetness and the sorrow too. Eggy had that punch coming, but it's Christian who paid the price.
Not to worry because the epilogue is pure sunshine. I loved this duology to the moon and back!
The second book is as good as the first!
When Eggy's 19-year-old cherished baby brother arrives on the island, Christian (aka, Fifty because his real name is Christian Grey) dubs him the "fluffball."
Otto has a wild mane of wavy blond hair, a motor mouth that goes a mile a minute, a sweet grin, and killer dance moves.
Still smarting from Eggy's rejection (but happy for his friend and Clem, who are absolutely perfect for each other), Christian vows to stay away from Otto, but the fluffball has other plans.
Cue Operation Seduce Christian Grey.
I love tropical islands, and Fuerteventura just jumped to the top of my destination list. The food is amazing (Christian has the lightly padded belly to prove it). The locals are friendly (and handsy). Gorgeous gay men are everywhere (this could be the author taking literary liberties, but I, for one, choose to believe).
There's no better backdrop for two men (both virgins) to fall in love. So what if Christian is ten years older than Otto - Christian is more innocent than the fluffball and twice as shy. He also has a little issue with his dick, which doesn't want to cooperate with Christian's romantic plans (such despair for the Felipes of the world).
Otto wisely determines that Christian is demisexual, which makes oh so much sense.
The sex between the MCs is gloriously awkward and real. Otto doesn't care about Christian's ED; he's too busy humping Christian's leg and coming in ten seconds flat.
The only problem? The overprotective Eggy (and the four other equally scary Viking brothers in Norway).
I was there for the sweetness and the sorrow too. Eggy had that punch coming, but it's Christian who paid the price.
Not to worry because the epilogue is pure sunshine. I loved this duology to the moon and back!
April 27, 2022
So, here we are, a few days after actually finishing the book and Fifty and Otto are still taking up a lot of space in my head. Often that spot is reserved for tragic anti heroes, the ones who have been dealt the worst cards in the universe and who have been punched by life itself a time too many.
But none of that happened to Fifty nor Otto. Yes, they both had their struggles and the roads they navigated weren’t always paved with roses and sunshine - it hadn’t always been smooth sailing, but they were never the tragic characters that often stay with me the longest. And yet, here we are and I can’t stop thinking about them, about how much I loved them both, separately as well as together. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Fearne Hill is a genius. The way she, so seemingly effortlessly, writes this story, weaves it into something beautiful and unforgettable without creating unnecessary drama but something fun and clever and witty instead, is totally extraordinary. I’m a fan of her writing from the first time I read one of her books and I will read everything she writes in the future because she’s such a unique, extremely talented author. She creates characters that are real - insecure but confident too, funny and quirky, facing real life problems and dealing with them. She manages to make me laugh and cry, to warm me inside and make me swoon, pulling me in from that very first page, smiling like a fool from the very beginning and highlighting like crazy throughout the book. Not many authors manage to do that like the way she does.
So on to Fifty’s (which has got to be the very best nickname ever!) and Otto’s story. We met Fifty in the first book as Eggy’s best friend, secretly head over heels in love with him, though he’d hidden those feelings extra carefully after a disastrous attempt to kiss Eggy. He’s a sweet cinnamon roll, a surfer dude almost turning thirty, and longing for a special someone in his life, specially since Eggy found Clem. In contrast to Eggy’s active sex life before settling down with Clem, Fifty has never really fooled around that much, wasting years waiting for Eggy to love him back, something that wasn’t going to happen.
And even though that alone could have turned him into a bitter, unlovable figure, he happened to accept things went differently and he even loved Clem as his best friends boyfriend. But something is missing in his life, and that something might be someone like Otto, Eggy’s younger, 19-years old brother.
Otto suffers from epilepsy and due to his fragile health, all his Eggebraaten brothers have been overly protective and he’s kind of tired of it. He doesn’t want his epilepsy to define him and determine the rest of his life.
I loved how Fifty, without realising at first, opened up to Otto so easily. I loved how he even didn’t keep himself from being vulnerable in front of Otto and how Otto took charge of Fifty’s embarrassing secret in a way only innocently confident youth can do. I loved how Otto sometimes seemed the worldly, wiser man despite his age and overprotective upbringing. They bonded over FIFA and Otto’s need to escape from Eggy’s and Clem’s overactive sexdrive and the banter and dialogues between them was just absolute perfection.
Their friendship turns into something more, but it’s a slow burn and their first kiss is so all Otto, and everything that comes after that is so sweet and swoon worthy without it being too fluffy and overly sugary.
Eggy and Clem are a great part of this story as well, specially since Eggy is still the over protective older brother, driving Otto insane. And when he finds out that Otto and his best friend Fifty have been up to something more than being two friends who like to play FIFA, well, let’s say he doesn’t take it too well.
Writing this review, I notice how hard it is to really explain how much I loved this book and why. It was such a joyful experience, and maybe that’s because all I really need from a book is to touch my heart, whether it’s with an angsty story and a hard fought for happy ever after, or with a sweet and beautiful one that makes me smile all the way. Where the extraordinary writing is a huge part of that experience, because it’s the words that eventually find their way to my heart. This story is told from Fifty’s pov only, but I loved being inside his head and Otto is such a transparant, present guy that you don’t miss his pov.
I can hardly wait to see what Fearne comes up with next. I have come to the conclusion that I need story’s like the ones she writes on a regular basis. The humour is real, and so are the characters, and those are part of the reasons she manages to capture my heart time and time again. Despite the fact she’s fairly new to writing mm romance, she has fully deserved a spot on top of the list with this genres best authors. I can only hope there will be a lot more story’s she wants to share because I will always look forward to them.
I was kindly given an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review
But none of that happened to Fifty nor Otto. Yes, they both had their struggles and the roads they navigated weren’t always paved with roses and sunshine - it hadn’t always been smooth sailing, but they were never the tragic characters that often stay with me the longest. And yet, here we are and I can’t stop thinking about them, about how much I loved them both, separately as well as together. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Fearne Hill is a genius. The way she, so seemingly effortlessly, writes this story, weaves it into something beautiful and unforgettable without creating unnecessary drama but something fun and clever and witty instead, is totally extraordinary. I’m a fan of her writing from the first time I read one of her books and I will read everything she writes in the future because she’s such a unique, extremely talented author. She creates characters that are real - insecure but confident too, funny and quirky, facing real life problems and dealing with them. She manages to make me laugh and cry, to warm me inside and make me swoon, pulling me in from that very first page, smiling like a fool from the very beginning and highlighting like crazy throughout the book. Not many authors manage to do that like the way she does.
So on to Fifty’s (which has got to be the very best nickname ever!) and Otto’s story. We met Fifty in the first book as Eggy’s best friend, secretly head over heels in love with him, though he’d hidden those feelings extra carefully after a disastrous attempt to kiss Eggy. He’s a sweet cinnamon roll, a surfer dude almost turning thirty, and longing for a special someone in his life, specially since Eggy found Clem. In contrast to Eggy’s active sex life before settling down with Clem, Fifty has never really fooled around that much, wasting years waiting for Eggy to love him back, something that wasn’t going to happen.
And even though that alone could have turned him into a bitter, unlovable figure, he happened to accept things went differently and he even loved Clem as his best friends boyfriend. But something is missing in his life, and that something might be someone like Otto, Eggy’s younger, 19-years old brother.
Otto suffers from epilepsy and due to his fragile health, all his Eggebraaten brothers have been overly protective and he’s kind of tired of it. He doesn’t want his epilepsy to define him and determine the rest of his life.
I loved how Fifty, without realising at first, opened up to Otto so easily. I loved how he even didn’t keep himself from being vulnerable in front of Otto and how Otto took charge of Fifty’s embarrassing secret in a way only innocently confident youth can do. I loved how Otto sometimes seemed the worldly, wiser man despite his age and overprotective upbringing. They bonded over FIFA and Otto’s need to escape from Eggy’s and Clem’s overactive sexdrive and the banter and dialogues between them was just absolute perfection.
Their friendship turns into something more, but it’s a slow burn and their first kiss is so all Otto, and everything that comes after that is so sweet and swoon worthy without it being too fluffy and overly sugary.
Eggy and Clem are a great part of this story as well, specially since Eggy is still the over protective older brother, driving Otto insane. And when he finds out that Otto and his best friend Fifty have been up to something more than being two friends who like to play FIFA, well, let’s say he doesn’t take it too well.
Writing this review, I notice how hard it is to really explain how much I loved this book and why. It was such a joyful experience, and maybe that’s because all I really need from a book is to touch my heart, whether it’s with an angsty story and a hard fought for happy ever after, or with a sweet and beautiful one that makes me smile all the way. Where the extraordinary writing is a huge part of that experience, because it’s the words that eventually find their way to my heart. This story is told from Fifty’s pov only, but I loved being inside his head and Otto is such a transparant, present guy that you don’t miss his pov.
I can hardly wait to see what Fearne comes up with next. I have come to the conclusion that I need story’s like the ones she writes on a regular basis. The humour is real, and so are the characters, and those are part of the reasons she manages to capture my heart time and time again. Despite the fact she’s fairly new to writing mm romance, she has fully deserved a spot on top of the list with this genres best authors. I can only hope there will be a lot more story’s she wants to share because I will always look forward to them.
I was kindly given an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review
April 11, 2023
[3.75] a very cute, fluffy read! i only wish we had Otto’s pov. i need to know what else he’s been reading 😂
April 29, 2022
3.75 stars
Fifty is a 29 year old virgin who used to be in love with his best friend, Eggy. After Eggy finding and falling in love with Clem, Fifty has moved passed those feelings. However, a new problem has popped up in his life. He's suffering from ED and can't figure out why. He has gone on dates but his friend downstairs just doesn't seem interested in the men interested in him. One trip to the doctors office where he runs into his best friend's younger brother Otto turns things around.
Otto is a ball of energy at 19. He left his home land to live with his brother Eggy. He wants to attend nursing school and live his life on his own terms but his epilepsy has always been somthing preventing him from doing many things. It doesn't help he has five older brothers constantly worrying about him. His move to Fuerteventura was a way of escaping the constant worry but his brother Eggy doesn't make it easy.
Spending time with Fifty becomes an escape from it all and there is something about Otto that can't keep Fifty away. The two seem to hit it off and the more they spend time together the closer they become. Sharing secrets turns into sharing more. Having a relationship with his best friend's little brother does come with consequences but Fifty knows Otto is worth it.
I really enjoyed the story. It was a sweet romance with a 10 year age gap and a HEA.
Fifty is a 29 year old virgin who used to be in love with his best friend, Eggy. After Eggy finding and falling in love with Clem, Fifty has moved passed those feelings. However, a new problem has popped up in his life. He's suffering from ED and can't figure out why. He has gone on dates but his friend downstairs just doesn't seem interested in the men interested in him. One trip to the doctors office where he runs into his best friend's younger brother Otto turns things around.
Otto is a ball of energy at 19. He left his home land to live with his brother Eggy. He wants to attend nursing school and live his life on his own terms but his epilepsy has always been somthing preventing him from doing many things. It doesn't help he has five older brothers constantly worrying about him. His move to Fuerteventura was a way of escaping the constant worry but his brother Eggy doesn't make it easy.
Spending time with Fifty becomes an escape from it all and there is something about Otto that can't keep Fifty away. The two seem to hit it off and the more they spend time together the closer they become. Sharing secrets turns into sharing more. Having a relationship with his best friend's little brother does come with consequences but Fifty knows Otto is worth it.
I really enjoyed the story. It was a sweet romance with a 10 year age gap and a HEA.
August 5, 2023
4 stars
Lovely, lovely, lovely. Dipped in sunshine, indeed.
Supremely endearing characters: a twinky Viking fluffball with epilepsy and a demisexual English surfer who's a bit soft around the middle and has anxiety. Very much a chaos/stoic pairing that I thought was successful; they fell into a really sweet and comfortable domesticity without any pressure being put on the other to act any differently to how they naturally would.
I also thought the sex scenes were perfect and very in-character. They're awkward, they fumble, one MC struggles with performance anxiety and the other is completely unbothered by his hair-trigger orgasms. I also liked that they don't both miraculously come at the same time every time, and the author managed to flip the "expected" roles up a bit.
The health-related things were well-developed and not just an afterthought. It was nice that they both had moments to care for the other and it wasn't an entirely one-sided caretaking relationship.
The one thing that put a damper on my enjoyment of this was that the climax was way too dramatic for my liking. That being said, I did appreciate the fallout from it and overall I did enjoy the resolution. I was relieved when I turned what I thought was the last page only to find an epilogue, but the epilogue didn't quite hit the spot either. I just wanted a little bit more.
Oh and on a more personal level I would be absolutely mortified if my partner shared the kinds of details that Otto shared with his family, but since Fifty didn't seem to mind I guess that's ok?
Lovely, lovely, lovely. Dipped in sunshine, indeed.
Supremely endearing characters: a twinky Viking fluffball with epilepsy and a demisexual English surfer who's a bit soft around the middle and has anxiety. Very much a chaos/stoic pairing that I thought was successful; they fell into a really sweet and comfortable domesticity without any pressure being put on the other to act any differently to how they naturally would.
I also thought the sex scenes were perfect and very in-character. They're awkward, they fumble, one MC struggles with performance anxiety and the other is completely unbothered by his hair-trigger orgasms. I also liked that they don't both miraculously come at the same time every time, and the author managed to flip the "expected" roles up a bit.
The health-related things were well-developed and not just an afterthought. It was nice that they both had moments to care for the other and it wasn't an entirely one-sided caretaking relationship.
The one thing that put a damper on my enjoyment of this was that the climax was way too dramatic for my liking. That being said, I did appreciate the fallout from it and overall I did enjoy the resolution. I was relieved when I turned what I thought was the last page only to find an epilogue, but the epilogue didn't quite hit the spot either. I just wanted a little bit more.
Oh and on a more personal level I would be absolutely mortified if my partner shared the kinds of details that Otto shared with his family, but since Fifty didn't seem to mind I guess that's ok?
May 5, 2022
Delightful!! Even better than the first one! I loved loved Otto, he’s simply adorable. Light and fun and with very good writing and delicious humor. I love this author’s books.
April 24, 2022
Ferne Hill came out of nowhere and jumped right to the top of my one-click, must-read authors. Her dry British wit and quirky, relatable characters draw me into her stories quickly and I have a hard time wanting to leave the worlds she so carefully builds. Dipped in Sunshine is a prime example - I didn't want to put it down. This age gap (10 years, but it's 19-29) brother's best friend romance between Fifty, from Brushed with Love, and Eggy's younger brother Otto is equal parts laughter, love, and heat. Both are virgins, and the sex is every bit as awkward and fumbling as it should be, but sweet and hot at the same time. It's set in Corralejo in the Canary Islands, and the setting feels so much a part of the book I want to visit there. You can read it as a standalone, but don't - Brushed with Love is just as good, so extend your reading pleasure by starting with it.
Note - it is first person, single POV from Fifty - Christian - but I didn't miss Otto's POV because he's as transparent as Saran Wrap and expresses himself clearly in the dialogue.
Note - it is first person, single POV from Fifty - Christian - but I didn't miss Otto's POV because he's as transparent as Saran Wrap and expresses himself clearly in the dialogue.
June 6, 2022
Ahhhhh. I. Love. This.
Fifty is nicknamed such because his real name is Christian Grey. I kid you not. And Otto. He is, as the writer wrote, a fluffball. Just so adorable. And he knows what he wants. Together, they are just so perfect and lovely. This book made me happy and joyful.
I really, really, love them together. And also Eggy and Clem in the previous book.
Fifty is nicknamed such because his real name is Christian Grey. I kid you not. And Otto. He is, as the writer wrote, a fluffball. Just so adorable. And he knows what he wants. Together, they are just so perfect and lovely. This book made me happy and joyful.
I really, really, love them together. And also Eggy and Clem in the previous book.
April 30, 2022
Loved this!
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I think this one was even better. I laughed so often! There were some poignant moments as well, and I just loved it all around!
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I think this one was even better. I laughed so often! There were some poignant moments as well, and I just loved it all around!
January 2, 2023
Fifty stole the show for me in the first novel of this series and I’ve really enjoyed his story. I’m glad we got plenty of Clem and Eggy though too as I don’t know if these characters would have been strong enough to carry this story all on their own. Together the four of them are a delight.
However I did feel like the timeline didn’t fit, this starts days after the last book finishes but then everything that’s said and done makes it seem they have been there for maybe a year already?? Clem supposedly just arrived at the same time as Otto for the great relationship reunion but then they are talking about the house they are have been doing up and how well the book did like it’s old news…surely i must have missed something here?? Happy to be enlightened by other readers if I’ve misread this.
Another thing that was weird was Fifty’s appearance - he was frequently described as being fit and gorgeous with his pro-surfer body in the first book but then a few weeks later has this hairy dad bod with a podgy belly? I know he has been gorging on the patatas bravas but every time this was mentioned I felt a bit thrown out of the story.
Otherwise I really enjoyed the aspects around Otto’s epilepsy and I preferred this one in that there is no big miscommunication or long separation between the main characters. I’m content that this was just Fifty’s POV and didn’t feel like we missed Otto’s voice, except maybe at the 88% mark, that would been nice to get his perspective. There is lots of British humour here, demisexual representation and a slightly more serious tone to this one.
However I did feel like the timeline didn’t fit, this starts days after the last book finishes but then everything that’s said and done makes it seem they have been there for maybe a year already?? Clem supposedly just arrived at the same time as Otto for the great relationship reunion but then they are talking about the house they are have been doing up and how well the book did like it’s old news…surely i must have missed something here?? Happy to be enlightened by other readers if I’ve misread this.
Another thing that was weird was Fifty’s appearance - he was frequently described as being fit and gorgeous with his pro-surfer body in the first book but then a few weeks later has this hairy dad bod with a podgy belly? I know he has been gorging on the patatas bravas but every time this was mentioned I felt a bit thrown out of the story.
Otherwise I really enjoyed the aspects around Otto’s epilepsy and I preferred this one in that there is no big miscommunication or long separation between the main characters. I’m content that this was just Fifty’s POV and didn’t feel like we missed Otto’s voice, except maybe at the 88% mark, that would been nice to get his perspective. There is lots of British humour here, demisexual representation and a slightly more serious tone to this one.
April 29, 2022
Nineteen years old Otto Eggebraaten ran from Norway and his overprotective brothers, to his big brother Eggy in the Canary Islands. Ha! If he only knew, his big brother is even worse.
Fifty/Christian is twenty-nine, he and Eggy are best friends for years and years. Surfing classes and running their shop are what they do for a living and loved the most.
Eggy has the love of his life Clem (please read Brushed with Love to know their story), and now his brother Otto lives with them. Fifty feels lonely and yearns for a relationship.
Before he starts one there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
Otto is growing on Fifty “Who needed weed to relax, when they could listen to one of Otto’s monologues?”
Somehow Otto ends up as Fifty’s self-appointed minder. Fifty learns he’s demisexual, he’s so endearingly vulnerable and adorable. Otto has the best bits of advice. Otto spends a lot of time with Christian. Overprotective Eggy is thrilled Christian keeps an eye on Otto and his health, just another big brother looking out for him. Omfg, if he only knew!!
“How could I admit keeping him safe and happy had become my number-one priority in life”
Otto is hilarious, the situations are at times so freaking comical, I couldn’t stop laughing, it was so much fun! He’s persuasive, endearingly intrusive, determined, focused, and in love.
What a precious story, a must-read, there’s so much story I can’t spoil about. I adored Otto, he was vibrant, quirky, and extremely lovable. I can say the same about Christian who made himself vulnerable and opened his heart and home to Otto.
The content and the way it was pictured and developed were just marvelously done! Bow to the author who entwined humor, seriousness, and issues seamlessly, and revealed their story with sweet humor, love, and sparkle.
There’s an age gap of ten years, the narrative made it seem bigger than it was in reality, it was a tiny bit annoying, maybe because it made me feel old ha!
I super enjoyed this story. The writing style is positive, kind, and sweet, with a good dose of humor, sensuality and sexiness. The story is wonderfully developed and the characters layered and extremely lovable.
From the very first book (seven books ago) I read from this author she ranked herself up in my top ten.
Yes, this is a winner!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Fifty/Christian is twenty-nine, he and Eggy are best friends for years and years. Surfing classes and running their shop are what they do for a living and loved the most.
Eggy has the love of his life Clem (please read Brushed with Love to know their story), and now his brother Otto lives with them. Fifty feels lonely and yearns for a relationship.
Before he starts one there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
Otto is growing on Fifty “Who needed weed to relax, when they could listen to one of Otto’s monologues?”
Somehow Otto ends up as Fifty’s self-appointed minder. Fifty learns he’s demisexual, he’s so endearingly vulnerable and adorable. Otto has the best bits of advice. Otto spends a lot of time with Christian. Overprotective Eggy is thrilled Christian keeps an eye on Otto and his health, just another big brother looking out for him. Omfg, if he only knew!!
“How could I admit keeping him safe and happy had become my number-one priority in life”
Otto is hilarious, the situations are at times so freaking comical, I couldn’t stop laughing, it was so much fun! He’s persuasive, endearingly intrusive, determined, focused, and in love.
What a precious story, a must-read, there’s so much story I can’t spoil about. I adored Otto, he was vibrant, quirky, and extremely lovable. I can say the same about Christian who made himself vulnerable and opened his heart and home to Otto.
The content and the way it was pictured and developed were just marvelously done! Bow to the author who entwined humor, seriousness, and issues seamlessly, and revealed their story with sweet humor, love, and sparkle.
There’s an age gap of ten years, the narrative made it seem bigger than it was in reality, it was a tiny bit annoying, maybe because it made me feel old ha!
I super enjoyed this story. The writing style is positive, kind, and sweet, with a good dose of humor, sensuality and sexiness. The story is wonderfully developed and the characters layered and extremely lovable.
From the very first book (seven books ago) I read from this author she ranked herself up in my top ten.
Yes, this is a winner!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
June 10, 2022
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars
Fearne Hill’s Dipped in Sunshine is a fun, sexy/sweet age-gap romance with a lot of humour and an endearing grumpy/sunshine pairing. It picks up right after the previous book – Brushed With Love – ended, and although it’s not essential to read that book before this, I’d recommend it because a) it’s a great read and b) it introduces the main players in this story and readers will benefit from knowing a bit about them in advance.
Ragnar Eggebraaten – Eggy – and his boyfriend Clem have relocated to the Spanish island of Fuerteventura where Eggy and his best friend Fifty have set up a surfing business. Right at the end of Brushed With Love, Eggy meets his youngest brother, nineteen-year-old Otto, at the airport, believing him to have come for a short visit. When Dipped in Sunshine begins Otto is quick to disabuse Eggy of that notion and tells him he’s not there for a holiday, he’s there for good and intends to fulfil his ambition of going to nursing school. Fifty and Clem look on somewhat dumbfounded as the six-foot-five, muscle-bound Eggy is pretty much put in his place by the slight, stroppy elf with the shock of blond hair – who clearly shares his brother’s stubbornness and self-confidence, if not his imposing physique. Otto is determined that he’s going to take charge of his own life from now on and wants to fully embrace his identity as an out, gay man, something which just wasn’t possible in his small home-town – or something he could do living with the homophobic father who threw Eggy out when he was a teenager. Owing to his health issues (he has epilepsy and also had heart surgery when he was a baby), his large – in both senses of the word (the other Eggebraaten brothers are all six-foot plus Vikings) – and overprotective family have kept him wrapped up in cotton wool all his life and he’s had enough of that, too. He’s aware of his limits and all the dos and don’ts relating to his condition and he wants to spread his wings and have some fun.
Fifty – so called because his real name is Christian Grey – and Eggy have been friends ever since he picked up a cold, hungry and homeless seventeen-year-old Norwegian boy at a motorway service station one night. They’ve spent the intervening years surfing and doing seasonal work back in England, but opening the surf school in Fuerteventura has been their dream for years – and now, they’re living it. Well, mostly. Fifty is over his very inconvenient crush on Eggy, and seeing his old friend so happy with Clem makes him long for something similar, someone to build a life with – or at least, someone to go on dates and have fun with. But it’s just not happening for him; crippling anxiety relating to ‘performance’ issues and dating expectations have dogged him for a while now, so here he is, almost thirty, still single and likely to remain so. He’s miserable and he’s lonely – in his own words, “Fifty Shades of fucked-up.”
Fifty and Otto (whom he nicknames “fluffball”) strike up an unlikely friendship, and it’s not long before Fifty starts finding it increasingly difficult not to notice how attractive his best friend’s little brother is. But he knows he shouldn’t go there; Eggy is just as protective of Otto as all the brothers back in Norway and Fifty knows full well his friend would have his balls if he started something with Otto. But Otto is a force of nature – small, but every bit as mighty and determined as any six-foot Viking – and every bit as irresistible.
Dipped in Sunshine is light-hearted and funny with loveable, deftly realised characters, and breezy, confident and immensely readable prose, but the book is not without its more serious moments. The author does a good job of depicting Otto’s epilepsy, not only of describing an episode, but of showing how it affects his friends and loved ones; you can feel Fifty’s panic when he witnesses one of Otto’s fits for the first time. Fifty’s issues are handled sensitively and with good-humour; erectile dysfunction isn’t a common theme in romance novels (although I’ve read it a few times) and Fifty’s anxieties and insecurities feel very realistic. Fortunately for him, Otto bursts into his life like a whirlwind and blows all that out of the water with his matter-of-fact acceptance of the situation and his willingness to listen and offer Fifty a non-judgmental space to be able to try new things and find what works for him. In return, Fifty treats Otto like the adult he is, looking out for him but not suffocating him with concern and, in one lovely scene, finding a way for him to experience something he’s never been able to do before.
The ten year age-gap between Otto and Fifty is addressed in a realistic way; as Clem rightly points out, ten years isn’t huge, but the difference between nineteen and twenty-nine is somehow much bigger than that between twenty-nine and thirty-nine (and I agree – it’s something I always say, too!) Otto is a very believable nineteen and while he’s sometimes adorably innocent, at others, he’s wise beyond his years, and it’s clear he knows his own mind and knows what he wants. Once he figures out what he wants is Fifty, he’s all in, and I rather liked that he’s the one leading the way in their relationship; neither of them is very experienced so they’re on that voyage of sexual exploration together, and some of the book’s funniest moments arise as a result:
Had me almost spitting out my tea. They’re tender, sweet and hilarious together, and best of all, they’re good for each other, the cinnamon roll and the ray of sunshine.
Dipped in Sunshine is one of those books you finish with a smile on your face. I had a couple of small quibbles but nothing that spoiled my enjoyment, and although I’m not the biggest fan of epilogues, this one is perfect.
Grab a copy, then just sit back and enjoy the sunshine, the laughs and the feels.
Fearne Hill’s Dipped in Sunshine is a fun, sexy/sweet age-gap romance with a lot of humour and an endearing grumpy/sunshine pairing. It picks up right after the previous book – Brushed With Love – ended, and although it’s not essential to read that book before this, I’d recommend it because a) it’s a great read and b) it introduces the main players in this story and readers will benefit from knowing a bit about them in advance.
Ragnar Eggebraaten – Eggy – and his boyfriend Clem have relocated to the Spanish island of Fuerteventura where Eggy and his best friend Fifty have set up a surfing business. Right at the end of Brushed With Love, Eggy meets his youngest brother, nineteen-year-old Otto, at the airport, believing him to have come for a short visit. When Dipped in Sunshine begins Otto is quick to disabuse Eggy of that notion and tells him he’s not there for a holiday, he’s there for good and intends to fulfil his ambition of going to nursing school. Fifty and Clem look on somewhat dumbfounded as the six-foot-five, muscle-bound Eggy is pretty much put in his place by the slight, stroppy elf with the shock of blond hair – who clearly shares his brother’s stubbornness and self-confidence, if not his imposing physique. Otto is determined that he’s going to take charge of his own life from now on and wants to fully embrace his identity as an out, gay man, something which just wasn’t possible in his small home-town – or something he could do living with the homophobic father who threw Eggy out when he was a teenager. Owing to his health issues (he has epilepsy and also had heart surgery when he was a baby), his large – in both senses of the word (the other Eggebraaten brothers are all six-foot plus Vikings) – and overprotective family have kept him wrapped up in cotton wool all his life and he’s had enough of that, too. He’s aware of his limits and all the dos and don’ts relating to his condition and he wants to spread his wings and have some fun.
Fifty – so called because his real name is Christian Grey – and Eggy have been friends ever since he picked up a cold, hungry and homeless seventeen-year-old Norwegian boy at a motorway service station one night. They’ve spent the intervening years surfing and doing seasonal work back in England, but opening the surf school in Fuerteventura has been their dream for years – and now, they’re living it. Well, mostly. Fifty is over his very inconvenient crush on Eggy, and seeing his old friend so happy with Clem makes him long for something similar, someone to build a life with – or at least, someone to go on dates and have fun with. But it’s just not happening for him; crippling anxiety relating to ‘performance’ issues and dating expectations have dogged him for a while now, so here he is, almost thirty, still single and likely to remain so. He’s miserable and he’s lonely – in his own words, “Fifty Shades of fucked-up.”
Fifty and Otto (whom he nicknames “fluffball”) strike up an unlikely friendship, and it’s not long before Fifty starts finding it increasingly difficult not to notice how attractive his best friend’s little brother is. But he knows he shouldn’t go there; Eggy is just as protective of Otto as all the brothers back in Norway and Fifty knows full well his friend would have his balls if he started something with Otto. But Otto is a force of nature – small, but every bit as mighty and determined as any six-foot Viking – and every bit as irresistible.
Dipped in Sunshine is light-hearted and funny with loveable, deftly realised characters, and breezy, confident and immensely readable prose, but the book is not without its more serious moments. The author does a good job of depicting Otto’s epilepsy, not only of describing an episode, but of showing how it affects his friends and loved ones; you can feel Fifty’s panic when he witnesses one of Otto’s fits for the first time. Fifty’s issues are handled sensitively and with good-humour; erectile dysfunction isn’t a common theme in romance novels (although I’ve read it a few times) and Fifty’s anxieties and insecurities feel very realistic. Fortunately for him, Otto bursts into his life like a whirlwind and blows all that out of the water with his matter-of-fact acceptance of the situation and his willingness to listen and offer Fifty a non-judgmental space to be able to try new things and find what works for him. In return, Fifty treats Otto like the adult he is, looking out for him but not suffocating him with concern and, in one lovely scene, finding a way for him to experience something he’s never been able to do before.
The ten year age-gap between Otto and Fifty is addressed in a realistic way; as Clem rightly points out, ten years isn’t huge, but the difference between nineteen and twenty-nine is somehow much bigger than that between twenty-nine and thirty-nine (and I agree – it’s something I always say, too!) Otto is a very believable nineteen and while he’s sometimes adorably innocent, at others, he’s wise beyond his years, and it’s clear he knows his own mind and knows what he wants. Once he figures out what he wants is Fifty, he’s all in, and I rather liked that he’s the one leading the way in their relationship; neither of them is very experienced so they’re on that voyage of sexual exploration together, and some of the book’s funniest moments arise as a result:
“You know what edging is, right?”
“Dude, I’ve been a painter and decorator since I left school. Of course I know what edging is. But Eggy certainly never had the patience for it. He always left the hard bits, like window frames, to me.”
Had me almost spitting out my tea. They’re tender, sweet and hilarious together, and best of all, they’re good for each other, the cinnamon roll and the ray of sunshine.
Dipped in Sunshine is one of those books you finish with a smile on your face. I had a couple of small quibbles but nothing that spoiled my enjoyment, and although I’m not the biggest fan of epilogues, this one is perfect.
Grab a copy, then just sit back and enjoy the sunshine, the laughs and the feels.
May 24, 2022
Slow start, fast finish.
Great sense of people, place, food.
Size/age (not sex) gap.
Great sense of people, place, food.
Size/age (not sex) gap.
January 16, 2023
4.5 stars
I loved this book! Otto is such a fantastic character.
I loved this book! Otto is such a fantastic character.
April 19, 2022
Hands down this has been my favorite book so far this year! I smiled and laughed so much it hurt this Entire book! The humor is so exaggerated funny yet so realistic and relatable. Especially when it comes to the speak with no filter of young Otto! Fifty is such a cinnamon roll of a surfer dude. His demisexuality is handled beautifully! Despite having a demisexual character this book had hot chemistry in spades as these too grew close! Fifty is our POV and he is so delightfully awkward! His inner thoughts along with how he completely responded to Otto was delightful! Otto has epilepsy and he is just such an earnest and honest guy even when it is totally inappropriate to be! There are so many hilarious thoughts, expressions and one liner jokes packed in here! And one of my favorite things ever. "I love your Chest Rug" I received an ARC and I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to happily fall in love with two men and just feel good and worn out from laughing! The Epilogue is everything too! I would still love to read more books about these two though!
August 26, 2022
Sadly, it wasn't as good as the first book. I was really super excited to read the story about Otto. Maybe I was too excited. Otto is a wonderful character and I was so super curious to look deeper into him. Unfortunately, you don't get his POV. And the shedding on his personality from the other perspectives was a bit superficial, unfortunately.
Well, and the other characters honestly just annoyed me.
The book has very good elements and it would have great potential. Unfortunately, it feels more like something half-heartedly thrown together just to generate yet another book.
Well, and the other characters honestly just annoyed me.
The book has very good elements and it would have great potential. Unfortunately, it feels more like something half-heartedly thrown together just to generate yet another book.
November 27, 2022
My 3rd 5 star book in a row and a completely different one - warm, bright, feel good, romantic, funny and sweet.
Loved both MCs: Otto, the "fluffball", living with epilepsy, open and confident and never quiet. Christian, aka Fifty, big surfer dude on the outside and a shy marshmallow on the inside. Both adorable and real and fully fleshed out, despite the story being told solely from Christian POV.
Two virgins falling in love, demisexual representation, best friend little brother, 10 years age gap (19 to 29), found family, excellent writing and lovely sense of humor. And the best epilogue. Recommended from the bottom of my heart ❤️
Loved both MCs: Otto, the "fluffball", living with epilepsy, open and confident and never quiet. Christian, aka Fifty, big surfer dude on the outside and a shy marshmallow on the inside. Both adorable and real and fully fleshed out, despite the story being told solely from Christian POV.
Two virgins falling in love, demisexual representation, best friend little brother, 10 years age gap (19 to 29), found family, excellent writing and lovely sense of humor. And the best epilogue. Recommended from the bottom of my heart ❤️
April 28, 2022
If you are looking for funny, quirky characters (especially of the Viking variety) and a story that is pure sunshine, then this is your book.
This is the second book in this series, you’ll be in for more of the same humorous, slightly over-the-top characters that you loved in the first one. Fifty is an almost 30-year-old virgin and demisexual, who has found himself in the sights of Otto, the youngest, 19, of the Viking brothers. While Fifty is laid back and happy to just chill, Otto is bold and filterless, blurting out every thought along the way, and pretty much unable to sit still. Together they make an adorable odd couple.
Of course, the characters from the previous book haven’t gone far…Eggy, BFF, and older brother who is always looming nearby, with Clem quietly reigning him back in. Along with some other lively local characters, you’ll find you’ve got yourself a very pleasant read.
This is the second book in this series, you’ll be in for more of the same humorous, slightly over-the-top characters that you loved in the first one. Fifty is an almost 30-year-old virgin and demisexual, who has found himself in the sights of Otto, the youngest, 19, of the Viking brothers. While Fifty is laid back and happy to just chill, Otto is bold and filterless, blurting out every thought along the way, and pretty much unable to sit still. Together they make an adorable odd couple.
Of course, the characters from the previous book haven’t gone far…Eggy, BFF, and older brother who is always looming nearby, with Clem quietly reigning him back in. Along with some other lively local characters, you’ll find you’ve got yourself a very pleasant read.
January 5, 2023
The perfect romance novel doesn’t exi….
Omg I never wanted this to end. It reminded me of the feeling I got rewatching my favourite romcom over and over again as a kid. I feel all warm and fuzzy, and I already know I’m going to miss these characters for a long time. I already do and I just turned the last page.
Fifty is such a sweet guy. Kind of a sad version of the golden retriever archetype (?) but just a thoroughly good guy. I really felt for him at the beginning with his health and mental health struggles, and loved watching his journey to happiness with Otto. It was just so heartwarming.
I also adored Otto. I often find this sort of manic chatterbox character to be annoying - but they way Otto was I found endearing. And particularly, the way Otto and Fifty were together was very endearing.
Fearne Hill is an auto-read for me now. I love the effortlessness of these characters and how real and immersive it felt. It felt like I was watching a good old fashioned romcom - which I mean as an overwhelming complement. These two will definitely be comfort rereads in my future. I feel like I’ve just been wrapped in a warm blanket by the love of my life and handed a hot tea on a rainy day. I, embarrassingly, have tears in my eyes writing this. This is why I love reading romance. This is always how I want to feel at the end, and Fearne has done that 2 for 2.
I loved the first book in this series, Brushed With Love, and this one really brought it home beautifully. I can honestly say I have no complaints - other than that I will miss this foursome something shocking
Omg I never wanted this to end. It reminded me of the feeling I got rewatching my favourite romcom over and over again as a kid. I feel all warm and fuzzy, and I already know I’m going to miss these characters for a long time. I already do and I just turned the last page.
Fifty is such a sweet guy. Kind of a sad version of the golden retriever archetype (?) but just a thoroughly good guy. I really felt for him at the beginning with his health and mental health struggles, and loved watching his journey to happiness with Otto. It was just so heartwarming.
I also adored Otto. I often find this sort of manic chatterbox character to be annoying - but they way Otto was I found endearing. And particularly, the way Otto and Fifty were together was very endearing.
Fearne Hill is an auto-read for me now. I love the effortlessness of these characters and how real and immersive it felt. It felt like I was watching a good old fashioned romcom - which I mean as an overwhelming complement. These two will definitely be comfort rereads in my future. I feel like I’ve just been wrapped in a warm blanket by the love of my life and handed a hot tea on a rainy day. I, embarrassingly, have tears in my eyes writing this. This is why I love reading romance. This is always how I want to feel at the end, and Fearne has done that 2 for 2.
I loved the first book in this series, Brushed With Love, and this one really brought it home beautifully. I can honestly say I have no complaints - other than that I will miss this foursome something shocking
June 17, 2022
Wow, this was an unexpected treat! I'm tempted to give it 4,5 stars. I don't usually enjoy age gap romances, am not a fan of virgin MCs, nor do I particularly like twinky characters. Yet, this story story had all the above and somehow worked so well! There were so many really funny and sweet moments and Fifty and Otto just worked and as a reader I couldn't help but love them together and root for them. Really great, light and refreshing read! And since it's taking place in a vacation island dipped in sunshine (ahem), the whole thing makes for a perfect summer story!
November 20, 2022
4,5 stars
Loved book 2 even more than the first instalment.
I felt really sorry for Fifty in book 1 and was looking forward to seeing someone make him happy.
And Otto is certainly the (very unexpected) man to do it.
What I appreciated here is:
.) age gap romance. It’s only ten years but feels somehow bigger because Otto is so young. However, even at 19 he does show signs of maturity again and again which makes the romance more believable. Glad to say that at other times he behaves totally age appropriate which is good fun to watch.
.) both men have issues. Otto’s illness and Fifty’s problems in the nether regions add a bit of angst and depth to their characters.
.) Otto is a fabulous character – his utter charm, zest for life and genuine warmth simply blow Fifty away.
.) Virgin meets virgin. Loved how ‘innocent’ Fifty is when it comes to sex, and how Otto has to clarify certain ‘terms’ to him. Cute and chuckle-worthy.
.) the Viking brothers- lol.
.) Despite their age difference and their vastly different life-experience each man offers just what the other needs.
This is exactly what I would hope for in a romance:
Two lovable characters who fall in love against all expectations and better judgement, evoking a whole range of feelings.
Loved book 2 even more than the first instalment.
I felt really sorry for Fifty in book 1 and was looking forward to seeing someone make him happy.
And Otto is certainly the (very unexpected) man to do it.
What I appreciated here is:
.) age gap romance. It’s only ten years but feels somehow bigger because Otto is so young. However, even at 19 he does show signs of maturity again and again which makes the romance more believable. Glad to say that at other times he behaves totally age appropriate which is good fun to watch.
.) both men have issues. Otto’s illness and Fifty’s problems in the nether regions add a bit of angst and depth to their characters.
.) Otto is a fabulous character – his utter charm, zest for life and genuine warmth simply blow Fifty away.
.) Virgin meets virgin. Loved how ‘innocent’ Fifty is when it comes to sex, and how Otto has to clarify certain ‘terms’ to him. Cute and chuckle-worthy.
.) the Viking brothers- lol.
.) Despite their age difference and their vastly different life-experience each man offers just what the other needs.
This is exactly what I would hope for in a romance:
Two lovable characters who fall in love against all expectations and better judgement, evoking a whole range of feelings.
April 29, 2022
Excellent May/December Romance 😂
Although I loved Eggy and Clem, Fifty is definitely my new favourite. He's sweet, broken, rough and just desperate to be loved. Add Otto to the mix and you've got a minefield. Otto is quirky, happy and bold, he's totally unique, and has to be one of my favourite characters ever written. He's spunky, funny and you just can’t help but like him. I loved both of these characters and their dynamic from the very beginning of the story was obvious. After reading the blurb, I was really looking forward to their book and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I was waiting with baited breath for things to fire up between them, and oh did it fire! I was rooting for them like their own personal cheerleader from the sidelines. The story is full of Fearne Hill's characteristic humour, Fifty's inner monologue and the fluff bunny's antics had me laughing out loud. “You know what edging is, right?” So this conversation had taken off at a tangent—I thought we’d been talking about Eggy’s sex life. “Dude, I’ve been a painter and decorator since I left school. Of course I know what edging is. But Eggy certainly never had the patience for it. He always left me to take care of the hard bits, like window frames, to me.” “Not that sort of edging, Christian! Odin’s teeth! I thought you were a sophisticated man of the world!" However, for all it made me smile, it's also an emotional read in parts, about family found and the issues many gay people face and the way in which these affect their lives. Excellent writing, I recommend also reading Eggy and Clem's story.
Although I loved Eggy and Clem, Fifty is definitely my new favourite. He's sweet, broken, rough and just desperate to be loved. Add Otto to the mix and you've got a minefield. Otto is quirky, happy and bold, he's totally unique, and has to be one of my favourite characters ever written. He's spunky, funny and you just can’t help but like him. I loved both of these characters and their dynamic from the very beginning of the story was obvious. After reading the blurb, I was really looking forward to their book and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I was waiting with baited breath for things to fire up between them, and oh did it fire! I was rooting for them like their own personal cheerleader from the sidelines. The story is full of Fearne Hill's characteristic humour, Fifty's inner monologue and the fluff bunny's antics had me laughing out loud. “You know what edging is, right?” So this conversation had taken off at a tangent—I thought we’d been talking about Eggy’s sex life. “Dude, I’ve been a painter and decorator since I left school. Of course I know what edging is. But Eggy certainly never had the patience for it. He always left me to take care of the hard bits, like window frames, to me.” “Not that sort of edging, Christian! Odin’s teeth! I thought you were a sophisticated man of the world!" However, for all it made me smile, it's also an emotional read in parts, about family found and the issues many gay people face and the way in which these affect their lives. Excellent writing, I recommend also reading Eggy and Clem's story.
April 25, 2022
I know I'm in the minority here when I say I wasn't blown away by this story, although I'm usually a fan of the author's work. I will say it nonetheless and tell you why.
The reason is the first half of the book.
I didn't recognize Fifty at all. In the first book he is this guy who mainly speaks in surfer movie quotes and in this book there is only like 1 quote at the end of the book. Instead, Fifty talks like a normal person.
I found Fifty a bit of a pushover who just went along with what everyone else wanted for him and not really knowing what he wanted himself. I guess that was kind of part of the story but it became frustrating to read both 'no' and 'yes' about the same things over and over again.
Somehow he was totally fine with Otto talking his ear off all the time and let me tell you: Otto has no filter. He blurts out so many things that made me squirm in my seat. There is a lot of talk about stuff you don't come across a lot in romance novels. Yes, it's original but I wouldn't have minded just a bit less.
In the first half of the book, Otto is like a brother to Fifty. Then suddenly Fifty sees Otto in a different way and Otto wants Fifty as well, and there was lack of building up to that moment. I mean, there are situations that build up to it but I didn't get a good feeling about Fifty's or Otto's feelings for each other. Like flustering, blushes, how they react to each other, all that stuff. It's never there.
But what I disliked most of all, was that during the first half of the book both Fifty and Otto are courting other men. And those other men are quite present in the story. Reading about it all made me so uncomfortable. I understand it was all part of the story and the character's developments but that is just not for me; I need the main characters to have only eyes for each other.
Around the 50% mark, Fifty and Otto are suddenly together. And I still couldn't get a grip on how Otto felt. But they instantly love each other. And it's a secret because the Eggy in this novel is someone who is only overprotective of his little brother (which is also super annoying) and he will not like Fifty and Otto being together...
Of course he finds out and what follows is actually my favorite part of the story because the author does know how to bring emotions to the page (and tears to my eyes). Suddenly Fifty, Otto and Eggy have much more depth to them. And finally something happens.
This not a bad book. It certainly isn't. I don't think Fearne Hill can write a bad book. It's original and thought-out. It just wasn't for me.
The reason is the first half of the book.
I didn't recognize Fifty at all. In the first book he is this guy who mainly speaks in surfer movie quotes and in this book there is only like 1 quote at the end of the book. Instead, Fifty talks like a normal person.
I found Fifty a bit of a pushover who just went along with what everyone else wanted for him and not really knowing what he wanted himself. I guess that was kind of part of the story but it became frustrating to read both 'no' and 'yes' about the same things over and over again.
Somehow he was totally fine with Otto talking his ear off all the time and let me tell you: Otto has no filter. He blurts out so many things that made me squirm in my seat. There is a lot of talk about stuff you don't come across a lot in romance novels. Yes, it's original but I wouldn't have minded just a bit less.
In the first half of the book, Otto is like a brother to Fifty. Then suddenly Fifty sees Otto in a different way and Otto wants Fifty as well, and there was lack of building up to that moment. I mean, there are situations that build up to it but I didn't get a good feeling about Fifty's or Otto's feelings for each other. Like flustering, blushes, how they react to each other, all that stuff. It's never there.
But what I disliked most of all, was that during the first half of the book both Fifty and Otto are courting other men. And those other men are quite present in the story. Reading about it all made me so uncomfortable. I understand it was all part of the story and the character's developments but that is just not for me; I need the main characters to have only eyes for each other.
Around the 50% mark, Fifty and Otto are suddenly together. And I still couldn't get a grip on how Otto felt. But they instantly love each other. And it's a secret because the Eggy in this novel is someone who is only overprotective of his little brother (which is also super annoying) and he will not like Fifty and Otto being together...
Of course he finds out and what follows is actually my favorite part of the story because the author does know how to bring emotions to the page (and tears to my eyes). Suddenly Fifty, Otto and Eggy have much more depth to them. And finally something happens.
This not a bad book. It certainly isn't. I don't think Fearne Hill can write a bad book. It's original and thought-out. It just wasn't for me.
April 21, 2022
Dipped in Sunshine was one I couldn’t wait to start reading! It was a quick, sweet read with lots of age gap, brother’s best friend and sexual discovery goodness between Fifty and Otto.
Christian Grey, aka Fifty (best nickname ever!), was such a memorable character in Brushed with Love - his unrequited love for Eggy, his sense of humor and his loneliness made him so interesting. But I feel like he’s a different character in this story. He’s full of anxiety and spends so much of his time second guessing things that his humor and funny personality didn’t shine through. He’s living out his dream of owning a surf shop in Fuerteventura but his personal life is basically nonexistent. Fifty was casually dating to get out of his rut and possibly find the love and companionship he’d been missing since Eggy and Clem got together.
Bjorn Otto Sigurdson Eggebraaten, aka Otto, is the sweetest and sneakiest little fluffball I’ve ever read. Being Eggy’s youngest brother, I expected nothing less. After being babied and stifled by the other Eggebraaten Vikings his whole life because of his epilepsy and heart condition, Otto decides to take his life into his own hands, move to Fuerteventura and do the things that make him happy. His personality was gold - I loved his sense of humor and the way he didn’t ask for permission for the things he wanted. He was determined to live a life he loved, even if it made things messy.
Fifty and Otto’s relationship was definitely a slow burn and was full of discovery. I loved that even though Otto was the younger of the two, he was the one leading the way and taking control of their relationship. Fifty was so nervous about ruining his friendship with Eggy that he held himself back until he couldn’t turn Otto down anymore. The accommodations Fifty made to give Otto new experiences warmed my heart and I liked how secure they were in their feelings for each other even though it was all new for both of them.
Eggy and Clem play a bit of a part in this story, but not as much as I anticipated. If anything, Eggy served to drive up the angst factor overall - he was overprotective of Otto and really wasn’t a great friend to Fifty once he and Clem settled down together. I did really enjoy the addition of Alejandro and Felipe to the story - they were fun characters to read and I liked how their relationship intersected with Fifty and Otto’s over and over.
I definitely got sucked into this world full of surfers, Vikings, tapas and secret relationships and wasn’t ready for it to end. I wish we got a little more of Fifty, Otto, Eggy and Clem all together before things wrapped up, but I enjoyed this one nonetheless.
Christian Grey, aka Fifty (best nickname ever!), was such a memorable character in Brushed with Love - his unrequited love for Eggy, his sense of humor and his loneliness made him so interesting. But I feel like he’s a different character in this story. He’s full of anxiety and spends so much of his time second guessing things that his humor and funny personality didn’t shine through. He’s living out his dream of owning a surf shop in Fuerteventura but his personal life is basically nonexistent. Fifty was casually dating to get out of his rut and possibly find the love and companionship he’d been missing since Eggy and Clem got together.
Bjorn Otto Sigurdson Eggebraaten, aka Otto, is the sweetest and sneakiest little fluffball I’ve ever read. Being Eggy’s youngest brother, I expected nothing less. After being babied and stifled by the other Eggebraaten Vikings his whole life because of his epilepsy and heart condition, Otto decides to take his life into his own hands, move to Fuerteventura and do the things that make him happy. His personality was gold - I loved his sense of humor and the way he didn’t ask for permission for the things he wanted. He was determined to live a life he loved, even if it made things messy.
Fifty and Otto’s relationship was definitely a slow burn and was full of discovery. I loved that even though Otto was the younger of the two, he was the one leading the way and taking control of their relationship. Fifty was so nervous about ruining his friendship with Eggy that he held himself back until he couldn’t turn Otto down anymore. The accommodations Fifty made to give Otto new experiences warmed my heart and I liked how secure they were in their feelings for each other even though it was all new for both of them.
Eggy and Clem play a bit of a part in this story, but not as much as I anticipated. If anything, Eggy served to drive up the angst factor overall - he was overprotective of Otto and really wasn’t a great friend to Fifty once he and Clem settled down together. I did really enjoy the addition of Alejandro and Felipe to the story - they were fun characters to read and I liked how their relationship intersected with Fifty and Otto’s over and over.
I definitely got sucked into this world full of surfers, Vikings, tapas and secret relationships and wasn’t ready for it to end. I wish we got a little more of Fifty, Otto, Eggy and Clem all together before things wrapped up, but I enjoyed this one nonetheless.
April 20, 2022
It’s been awhile since I cried while reading; I’m pretty sure the last one was To Hold A Hidden Pearl. Fearne Hill’s writing is so beautiful and emotional, and this book was stunning.
I knew from the little we saw of Otto in Brushed with Love that he’d be wonderful and I was totally right! The “fluffball” is full of energy, sunshine, and sweetness. He definitely has his struggles but he takes it all in stride, and manages to shed light everywhere he goes.
Fifty is reserved, quiet, and quite lonely. He has accepted that he might spend life alone, in a beautiful country with a great business. He makes some really important discoveries about himself, and he’s ready to end his lonely streak.
As his feeling develop for Otto, he knows it’s a terrible idea. He’s his best friends little brother, he’s just moved, he’s ten years younger. But from their first kiss (and the first time I cried!) Fifty knows this young, bouncy, shiny ball of Viking energy is the man for him.
Fifty and Otto’s relationship develops beautifully. They both have struggles and reservations, but the more time they spend together, the more you’ll watch them just make sense. Otto needs someone to care for him but not baby him, and Fifty needs more sunshine in his life.
I can’t stress enough how hilarious, sweet and fun Otto is. He’s definitely one of those characters that will stay with me forever.
Fearne Hill, I’m in for every book you write 💗
I knew from the little we saw of Otto in Brushed with Love that he’d be wonderful and I was totally right! The “fluffball” is full of energy, sunshine, and sweetness. He definitely has his struggles but he takes it all in stride, and manages to shed light everywhere he goes.
Fifty is reserved, quiet, and quite lonely. He has accepted that he might spend life alone, in a beautiful country with a great business. He makes some really important discoveries about himself, and he’s ready to end his lonely streak.
As his feeling develop for Otto, he knows it’s a terrible idea. He’s his best friends little brother, he’s just moved, he’s ten years younger. But from their first kiss (and the first time I cried!) Fifty knows this young, bouncy, shiny ball of Viking energy is the man for him.
Fifty and Otto’s relationship develops beautifully. They both have struggles and reservations, but the more time they spend together, the more you’ll watch them just make sense. Otto needs someone to care for him but not baby him, and Fifty needs more sunshine in his life.
I can’t stress enough how hilarious, sweet and fun Otto is. He’s definitely one of those characters that will stay with me forever.
Fearne Hill, I’m in for every book you write 💗
May 9, 2022
4.5 stars
Dipped in Sunshine is the second book in the Surfing the Waves series, and it completely swept me away. While this book definitely has a bit of a continuing plotline wherein longtime friends make a go of starting a surf company in Spain, it has enough of a distinct story and romance that it works as a standalone as well.
Aptly named, Dipped in Sunshine simply emanated happiness and warmth, even in the tense and serious moments. I loved the characters, enjoyed their sweet and relatively happy dispositions, and found the dialogue quite charming and often funny. I also really loved the romantic and sexual discovery aspect included in Dipped in Sunshine. With two virgins, a couple medical issues to navigate, plus a secretive relationship, it would have been easy for Fifty and Otto’s story to get lost to the details. However, I found this book to have a very well-balanced take on fun, flirting, sexy interactions, and serious moments, creating a really memorable and unique story.
I love getting lost in stories and this author’s ability to create beautifully vivid and intriguing settings coupled with great characters that draw me in has hooked me time and time again. Dipped in Sunshine is an easy recommendation, especially if you enjoy sexual discovery stories.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Dipped in Sunshine is the second book in the Surfing the Waves series, and it completely swept me away. While this book definitely has a bit of a continuing plotline wherein longtime friends make a go of starting a surf company in Spain, it has enough of a distinct story and romance that it works as a standalone as well.
Aptly named, Dipped in Sunshine simply emanated happiness and warmth, even in the tense and serious moments. I loved the characters, enjoyed their sweet and relatively happy dispositions, and found the dialogue quite charming and often funny. I also really loved the romantic and sexual discovery aspect included in Dipped in Sunshine. With two virgins, a couple medical issues to navigate, plus a secretive relationship, it would have been easy for Fifty and Otto’s story to get lost to the details. However, I found this book to have a very well-balanced take on fun, flirting, sexy interactions, and serious moments, creating a really memorable and unique story.
I love getting lost in stories and this author’s ability to create beautifully vivid and intriguing settings coupled with great characters that draw me in has hooked me time and time again. Dipped in Sunshine is an easy recommendation, especially if you enjoy sexual discovery stories.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
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