Reviews

Beautifully Unexpected by Lily Morton

evethingiread's review

2.0

I just finished Beautifully Unexpected by Lily Morton, and my overall experience was a bit disappointing. The characters, Magnus and Laurie, are mature individuals in their 40s and 50s, with Magnus being a barrister and Laurie an artist. The initial attraction between them is intriguing, and their banter suggests a connection. However, the prolonged secrecy around Laurie's mysterious (thing) felt unnecessary and made it challenging to connect with the characters.

While the concept of the story was promising, the execution fell short. The revelation of Laurie's secret came too late, and when it was finally unveiled, it didn't carry the weight I expected. The characters' communication felt lacking for mature individuals, and I struggled to feel a genuine connection with them. Even with Magnus's Danish accent and Laurie's British accent, I found it difficult to immerse myself in their story or know who’s who while listening to the audiobook.

Lily Morton seemed to aim for profundity but missed the mark, making the narrative feel forced. Despite the potential for an incredible story, the book failed to deliver, leaving me frustrated. The epilogue, unfortunately, didn't redeem the overall experience for me. Regrettably, I'm inclined to give this book a two-star rating.

rhiandroid_'s review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

jankben's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Dnf'd the first time because I wasn't connecting with the characters. Almost Dnf'd the 2nd try, but pushed through and ended up enjoying it.

mistressgrimm's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

j_wdn's review

emotional funny lighthearted

4.5

mamabears_fabulous_book_finds's review against another edition

5.0

Beautifully unexpected delight

Anything this woman writes is golden, and this story is no exception. This story moves so effortlessly between strangers, to acquaintances, to friends to lovers, is a gorgeous thing. Steam, laughter, a little angst, and an HEA to sigh over.

casadilla12's review

emotional funny inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ravenk28's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A really funny book with such beautiful development between both of the main characters. This is definitely a book I will read again. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Sexual content

Moderate: Medical trauma and Medical content

Minor: Alcohol

oviyabalan's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

lindseymiddlemiss's review against another edition

5.0

Charming MM romance

Charming gay romance with older (40s/50s) MCs.

The characterisation is excellent and I loved both the main characters, Magnus and Laurie, and their family and friends.