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dutchtreat's review against another edition
5.0
Yup. Everything everyone else has said… one of my best reads this year.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love Lily Morton anyway, her style, pacing, snark…
Mature characters that still have a vitality about them that makes the romance more plausible and real…(except too many uber-successful/famous characters, but
Love Lily Morton anyway, her style, pacing, snark…
Mature characters that still have a vitality about them that makes the romance more plausible and real…(except too many uber-successful/famous characters, but
kaitlin_durante's review against another edition
5.0
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Beautifully Unexpected in the new standalone contemporary romance by Lily Morton. Magnus Carlsen has reached “middle age” by living his life according to him and him alone. As a successful QA with a solid group of friends he doesn’t mind not having someone to warm his bed, that is his preference actually. When one of his not-overnight guests doesn’t understand Magnus’ no dating rule Laurie Gentry is there to mock him unmercifully and that begins a new friendship. Magnus and Laurie find comfort in each other that they struggle to find in younger men and an intense and important friendship grows between them. Chemistry is hard to ignore though and the men find themselves trying to keep their expectations of each other low but as time passes and feelings become involved will they truly be able to.
Magnus “Mags” Carlsen wears his intelligence and charisma like a shield. It keeps people flocking to him out of interest but he wields his sharp words to keep them from ever getting too close. That is until Laurie. Laurie blows every past experience away because he not only refuses to bow down to Magnus he outright challenges him. Although Magnus doesn’t change he is able to grow through his friendship with Laurie, opening his mind to the idea that there is more to life than working and one-night stands. When Magnus stops ignoring or pushing away his feelings he immediately becomes a character you sympathize with and want to hug. Magnus and Laurie are able to balance their friendship with heated moments that go an extra step by becoming extremely intimate and heartwarming.
“He’s a stunning man. It’s not so much his looks, as the way he carries himself. Like he’s a downed wire full of crackling sparks and electricity. There’s an air of mischief about him and a palpable confidence that says he’s unconcerned by the way people view him.”
Laurie Gentry has many layers. As an artist he can be flighty, not always taking proper care of himself when really deep into a project. As a man he keeps people at a distance knowing that time is fleeting and that emotional bonds can stifle freedom to be who you want. He is immediately drawn to his Mags when he witnesses the one-night stand bedfellow not getting the hint. He uses humor to protect himself from Mags because he knows he can fall deeply for the man slowly becoming a huge part of his world. He also can be prickly and in being prickly hurts Mags either directly through targeted barbs or through misdirection when questions come up he’s not ready to answer. Laurie is able to acknowledge that his struggle to open up puts up hurdles that they have a hard time getting over.
“I like everything about him. He’s clever and funny and doesn’t let me get away with anything. But I also sense that he'd be incredibly loyal to anyone he loves.”
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Mags and Laurie’s friendship develop into more. They allowed themselves to get to know each other first and grow into intimacy even with the chemistry being there from the beginning. Their adventures through London getting each other to look at the world through a different lens had me reading deep into the night and not being able to stop. Morton manages a wonderful balance of sweet and funny moments, heated encounters and tear-worthy fights.
5 stars for Mags and Laurie proving that sometimes you meet the right person and everything shifts unexpectedly.
Beautifully Unexpected in the new standalone contemporary romance by Lily Morton. Magnus Carlsen has reached “middle age” by living his life according to him and him alone. As a successful QA with a solid group of friends he doesn’t mind not having someone to warm his bed, that is his preference actually. When one of his not-overnight guests doesn’t understand Magnus’ no dating rule Laurie Gentry is there to mock him unmercifully and that begins a new friendship. Magnus and Laurie find comfort in each other that they struggle to find in younger men and an intense and important friendship grows between them. Chemistry is hard to ignore though and the men find themselves trying to keep their expectations of each other low but as time passes and feelings become involved will they truly be able to.
Magnus “Mags” Carlsen wears his intelligence and charisma like a shield. It keeps people flocking to him out of interest but he wields his sharp words to keep them from ever getting too close. That is until Laurie. Laurie blows every past experience away because he not only refuses to bow down to Magnus he outright challenges him. Although Magnus doesn’t change he is able to grow through his friendship with Laurie, opening his mind to the idea that there is more to life than working and one-night stands. When Magnus stops ignoring or pushing away his feelings he immediately becomes a character you sympathize with and want to hug. Magnus and Laurie are able to balance their friendship with heated moments that go an extra step by becoming extremely intimate and heartwarming.
“He’s a stunning man. It’s not so much his looks, as the way he carries himself. Like he’s a downed wire full of crackling sparks and electricity. There’s an air of mischief about him and a palpable confidence that says he’s unconcerned by the way people view him.”
Laurie Gentry has many layers. As an artist he can be flighty, not always taking proper care of himself when really deep into a project. As a man he keeps people at a distance knowing that time is fleeting and that emotional bonds can stifle freedom to be who you want. He is immediately drawn to his Mags when he witnesses the one-night stand bedfellow not getting the hint. He uses humor to protect himself from Mags because he knows he can fall deeply for the man slowly becoming a huge part of his world. He also can be prickly and in being prickly hurts Mags either directly through targeted barbs or through misdirection when questions come up he’s not ready to answer. Laurie is able to acknowledge that his struggle to open up puts up hurdles that they have a hard time getting over.
“I like everything about him. He’s clever and funny and doesn’t let me get away with anything. But I also sense that he'd be incredibly loyal to anyone he loves.”
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Mags and Laurie’s friendship develop into more. They allowed themselves to get to know each other first and grow into intimacy even with the chemistry being there from the beginning. Their adventures through London getting each other to look at the world through a different lens had me reading deep into the night and not being able to stop. Morton manages a wonderful balance of sweet and funny moments, heated encounters and tear-worthy fights.
5 stars for Mags and Laurie proving that sometimes you meet the right person and everything shifts unexpectedly.
valerieullmerauthor's review against another edition
5.0
The book starts off with a bang and and the two men quickly develop a friendship. Although they both feel they are looking for casual hookups, something about Laurie draws Magnus to him, and vice versa. With both men being older, they feel they are set in their ways and they don't want to change for anyone. But as their friendship grows, so do their feelings. This is a sweet, snarky, slow-burn romance with characters who are flawed but come to accept who they are and what they want. Both men shine in this book. I also appreciated a story about two older men who fell in love and shared a connection neither of them could find before. Wonderful and highly recommended!
ofbooksandromance's review against another edition
5.0
5 “I’ve never felt this free before with anyone” stars
“I’m not sure where, but maybe you’ll find someone better, Laurie.” […] “But he wouldn’t be me. And I think you need me.” “Why?”“To make sure you eat something other than biscuits and noodles. To let you put your cold feet on me in bed, to do your accounts, to watch over you and make sure no one takes advantage of your far too kind disposition. Someone to challenge you.” […] “Someone to love you. The real you.”
This is basically a miracle! I haven’t had a 5 stars book in the last 25 books I have read. But i’m happy to say that this is the easiest 5 stars I have given to a book in a very long time.
I haven’t read a book I loved in so long that I kind of forgotten what it is to love a book. Everything I used to love in books doesn’t work for me anymore, so I thought that Lily Morton might not work for me anymore. But when I saw that this book is about a main character in his 40s and a main character in his 50s, I just had to read it. I am a sucker for older main characters, they’re my favourites. This book proved my every doubts wrong. I fell in love with this book. I can’t remember the last time I had such a good time reading a book.
This book had everything I want in a book:
▪️older main characters
▪️sarcastic humour and lovely banter
▪️grumpy and set in their ways main characters
It was kind of a sure thing I would enjoy this book, I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.
Side note, I blame Lily Morton for making me picture Mads Mikkelson the entire time I was reading this book. One of the main character, Mags, is Danish and I couldn’t help myself from picture him as Mads Mikkelson the entire book, but i’m not mad about it, at all.
Brief summary
Mags (AKA Magnus) is 52 years old and he’s a Queen’s Counsel. Laurie is 48 years old and he’s a painter. Mags and Laurie are both set in their ways and not interested in a relationship. Laurie moves in the place beside Mags’ and he sees Mags and a naked one night stand on his doorstep and they form a friendship from there, which slowly turns into love.
First, I just adore grumpy and set in their ways main characters. So the fact that the main characters in this book were on the grumpy side and set in their ways, was so perfect to me. Mads was really grumpy and set in his ways and Laurie was less grumpy but very set in his ways. I love a grumpy main character, so much. I also love when a grumpy character only has a soft spot for his man and it was the case here, so I was very happy. It really annoys me when a guy starts grumpy and then is not grumpy by the end of the book. It’s fine when someone is grumpy because they’re unhappy and then are not grumpy anymore because they are happy. But it annoys me when someone’s personality is them being grumpy and then they stop being grumpy, it’s not believable to me. I loved how Mads started the book on the grumpy side and ended the book on the grumpy side, just smiling a little bit more.
Second, Lily Morton’s brand of snark has always worked for me, but it was just so fantastic here. This book had me in tears, because I was laughing too much, quite a few times. And I really needed that. As expected with a Lily Morton book, the banter between the two main characters was perfect. I just loved it, so much. I loved how Laurie kept making jokes about Mags’ age. I loved how Mags kept complaining that is name is Magnus and not Mags and how Laurie always called him Mags to rile him up. I loved how they kept lovely picking on the other, it was just wonderful.
“You’d make a lovely nurse,” he says. I laugh again. “I would be the worst nurse in existence.” He hums, a smile playing on his lips. “You’re probably right. Nurse Ratched would send you fan mail.”
Third, I really loved the relationship progression in this book. Their first interactions were really awkward and it took time before they were comfortable with the other and thats one my favourite thing in romance. I like when everything isn’t too easy. I really enjoyed how their relationship built up. They were awkward with each other at first, then they starting crushing on the other and they were oops, that wasn’t supposed to happen, then they had sex together, then they realized that they are in love with each other, how could that have hapened? then they slowly fell into a relationship. It was so lovely to read about. I really loved how they developed a friendship and got to know each other before deciding on getting together. That friendship was a perfect foundation for things to come. Also, I loved how Mags was super clueless about his feelings. I loved how he was like, oh I think i’m catching feelings, we can analyze this later, lets just enjoy enjoy the moment now. It was lovely. I really loved how Mags was the one night stand guy but he never exitated or had doubts about doing things with Laurie. I also loved how Mags was super possessive about Laurie. It just came naturally to him, because he wanted to be doing these things with Laurie and I loved that. I really loved how these two fell in love, it was so lovely. Also, they both never had serious relationships before and put their work first. It was lovely to see them change their priority and make place in their lives for each other.
I nod and slide down next to him, but as we eat dinner in the wreck of the bed and trade quips and kisses sweetened by the chocolate cheesecake, something warm comes to rest in my chest. Something warm and worrying. I examine it later while he lies asleep curled into me, the moonlight on his face. Typically, this kind of emotion would send me running a hundred miles in the other direction, but now I just move closer to him and fall asleep.
Fourth, I actually really enjoyed spending this with Mags while he was at trials. The law parts were really nice to read about and fascinating. I’m not the biggest fan of when there is things happening outside of the relationship but I really enjoyed it because it made sense and showed us who Mags is as a person.
Fifth, I loved both of these main characters so much. They were so nicely described and fleshed out. I liked how they both kept their personality traits the entire book and didn’t change tol much. Both of these guys felt like real people I was watching interact. They were just so lovely. And they were so good together. They were a perfect match for the other and they complimented each other. And together they were the pure definition of bringing out the best in the other. I loved how they did the smallest thing for the other and took care of each other. It was just so sweet to read about. I really liked these guys’ interactions with each other. They really seemed to enjoy the other’s company and it was such a joy to read about. I really liked how Mads described Laurie as not being his usual type but how Laurie still worked for him and how he loved everything about him. I also adored seeing Mags, who normally was only into one night stand become super possesive about Laurie and how he didn’t understand why but he wanted to spend all of his time with Laurie.
You see, that’s the thing. He may have settled with me, but Mags Carlsen is still the same forthright grumpy bastard who I met in the hallway that fateful day. The only difference is that he’s my grumpy bastard, and as such, I know that he’s a hidden softie, and he loves me deeply and more than I ever expected. His love humbles me. It’s fierce and uncompromising and impossibly loyal, like having a giant wolfhound at your back. And I love him in return.
Sixth, Laurie was in a car accident a couple of months ago and he has migraines and a limp. I really enjoyed how the books didn’t shy away from describing his issues and how they were an important part of his life. I also have migraines so those descriptions were way too relatable for me.
Seventh, I have been complaining about how I don’t think I enjoy slower books anymore but Lily Morton’s brand of slow burn where not much happens but it’s a beautiful character study filled with snark apparently still really works for me. The pacing in this book was slow and it took them ages to get together, but it really worked for me, I was just enjoying the ride and the time they spent getting to know each other
Eight, I absolutely adored all the references in this. I prefer older movies, I really enjoy older music and I love classic books, so I really enjoyed all the references to older pieces of media.
“You coming in?” I eye him warily. “Why?”“So I can eat your liver with a nice shot of vodka.”
Ninth, I really loved how mature these characters felt and how their love was portrayed as a more mature feeling, with thing like being there for someone when they need you, of doing something that you do not really want to do because it will make your partner happy, of being the bigger man and taking the first step, even if you were wounded. I really like this more than the typical love made up of big things and big moments. I loved how the love was shown in the little things these two did for the others.
“You’re everything, Laurie. You’re funny and clever and kind. You’re like sunshine to be with, and only a tiny portion of that is connected with your art. Without your art, you’re still you. Laurie. And he is a man worth knowing.”
Tenth, I really loved how there was no drama coming from outside sources in this book. I loved how there was no ex drama and no family drama. I much prefer when my books only focus on the main characters and their developing relationship and it was the case in this book. Everything happening in the book served a purpose in developing who the characters are and their relationship.
Eleventh, The last 15% of this book was so perfect and so satisfying, I just had the biggest smile on my face while reading it.
Special mention to Endof the dog and the really hot sex scenes. They were both very lovely and very appreciated by me.
I don’t think I will be able to stop thinking about this book anytime soon, I fell in love with both Laurie and Mags. I loved them and I loved their love story, so much.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
“I’m not sure where, but maybe you’ll find someone better, Laurie.” […] “But he wouldn’t be me. And I think you need me.” “Why?”“To make sure you eat something other than biscuits and noodles. To let you put your cold feet on me in bed, to do your accounts, to watch over you and make sure no one takes advantage of your far too kind disposition. Someone to challenge you.” […] “Someone to love you. The real you.”
This is basically a miracle! I haven’t had a 5 stars book in the last 25 books I have read. But i’m happy to say that this is the easiest 5 stars I have given to a book in a very long time.
I haven’t read a book I loved in so long that I kind of forgotten what it is to love a book. Everything I used to love in books doesn’t work for me anymore, so I thought that Lily Morton might not work for me anymore. But when I saw that this book is about a main character in his 40s and a main character in his 50s, I just had to read it. I am a sucker for older main characters, they’re my favourites. This book proved my every doubts wrong. I fell in love with this book. I can’t remember the last time I had such a good time reading a book.
This book had everything I want in a book:
▪️older main characters
▪️sarcastic humour and lovely banter
▪️grumpy and set in their ways main characters
It was kind of a sure thing I would enjoy this book, I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.
Side note, I blame Lily Morton for making me picture Mads Mikkelson the entire time I was reading this book. One of the main character, Mags, is Danish and I couldn’t help myself from picture him as Mads Mikkelson the entire book, but i’m not mad about it, at all.
Brief summary
Mags (AKA Magnus) is 52 years old and he’s a Queen’s Counsel. Laurie is 48 years old and he’s a painter. Mags and Laurie are both set in their ways and not interested in a relationship. Laurie moves in the place beside Mags’ and he sees Mags and a naked one night stand on his doorstep and they form a friendship from there, which slowly turns into love.
First, I just adore grumpy and set in their ways main characters. So the fact that the main characters in this book were on the grumpy side and set in their ways, was so perfect to me. Mads was really grumpy and set in his ways and Laurie was less grumpy but very set in his ways. I love a grumpy main character, so much. I also love when a grumpy character only has a soft spot for his man and it was the case here, so I was very happy. It really annoys me when a guy starts grumpy and then is not grumpy by the end of the book. It’s fine when someone is grumpy because they’re unhappy and then are not grumpy anymore because they are happy. But it annoys me when someone’s personality is them being grumpy and then they stop being grumpy, it’s not believable to me. I loved how Mads started the book on the grumpy side and ended the book on the grumpy side, just smiling a little bit more.
Second, Lily Morton’s brand of snark has always worked for me, but it was just so fantastic here. This book had me in tears, because I was laughing too much, quite a few times. And I really needed that. As expected with a Lily Morton book, the banter between the two main characters was perfect. I just loved it, so much. I loved how Laurie kept making jokes about Mags’ age. I loved how Mags kept complaining that is name is Magnus and not Mags and how Laurie always called him Mags to rile him up. I loved how they kept lovely picking on the other, it was just wonderful.
“You’d make a lovely nurse,” he says. I laugh again. “I would be the worst nurse in existence.” He hums, a smile playing on his lips. “You’re probably right. Nurse Ratched would send you fan mail.”
Third, I really loved the relationship progression in this book. Their first interactions were really awkward and it took time before they were comfortable with the other and thats one my favourite thing in romance. I like when everything isn’t too easy. I really enjoyed how their relationship built up. They were awkward with each other at first, then they starting crushing on the other and they were oops, that wasn’t supposed to happen, then they had sex together, then they realized that they are in love with each other, how could that have hapened? then they slowly fell into a relationship. It was so lovely to read about. I really loved how they developed a friendship and got to know each other before deciding on getting together. That friendship was a perfect foundation for things to come. Also, I loved how Mags was super clueless about his feelings. I loved how he was like, oh I think i’m catching feelings, we can analyze this later, lets just enjoy enjoy the moment now. It was lovely. I really loved how Mags was the one night stand guy but he never exitated or had doubts about doing things with Laurie. I also loved how Mags was super possessive about Laurie. It just came naturally to him, because he wanted to be doing these things with Laurie and I loved that. I really loved how these two fell in love, it was so lovely. Also, they both never had serious relationships before and put their work first. It was lovely to see them change their priority and make place in their lives for each other.
I nod and slide down next to him, but as we eat dinner in the wreck of the bed and trade quips and kisses sweetened by the chocolate cheesecake, something warm comes to rest in my chest. Something warm and worrying. I examine it later while he lies asleep curled into me, the moonlight on his face. Typically, this kind of emotion would send me running a hundred miles in the other direction, but now I just move closer to him and fall asleep.
Fourth, I actually really enjoyed spending this with Mags while he was at trials. The law parts were really nice to read about and fascinating. I’m not the biggest fan of when there is things happening outside of the relationship but I really enjoyed it because it made sense and showed us who Mags is as a person.
Fifth, I loved both of these main characters so much. They were so nicely described and fleshed out. I liked how they both kept their personality traits the entire book and didn’t change tol much. Both of these guys felt like real people I was watching interact. They were just so lovely. And they were so good together. They were a perfect match for the other and they complimented each other. And together they were the pure definition of bringing out the best in the other. I loved how they did the smallest thing for the other and took care of each other. It was just so sweet to read about. I really liked these guys’ interactions with each other. They really seemed to enjoy the other’s company and it was such a joy to read about. I really liked how Mads described Laurie as not being his usual type but how Laurie still worked for him and how he loved everything about him. I also adored seeing Mags, who normally was only into one night stand become super possesive about Laurie and how he didn’t understand why but he wanted to spend all of his time with Laurie.
You see, that’s the thing. He may have settled with me, but Mags Carlsen is still the same forthright grumpy bastard who I met in the hallway that fateful day. The only difference is that he’s my grumpy bastard, and as such, I know that he’s a hidden softie, and he loves me deeply and more than I ever expected. His love humbles me. It’s fierce and uncompromising and impossibly loyal, like having a giant wolfhound at your back. And I love him in return.
Sixth, Laurie was in a car accident a couple of months ago and he has migraines and a limp. I really enjoyed how the books didn’t shy away from describing his issues and how they were an important part of his life. I also have migraines so those descriptions were way too relatable for me.
Seventh, I have been complaining about how I don’t think I enjoy slower books anymore but Lily Morton’s brand of slow burn where not much happens but it’s a beautiful character study filled with snark apparently still really works for me. The pacing in this book was slow and it took them ages to get together, but it really worked for me, I was just enjoying the ride and the time they spent getting to know each other
Eight, I absolutely adored all the references in this. I prefer older movies, I really enjoy older music and I love classic books, so I really enjoyed all the references to older pieces of media.
“You coming in?” I eye him warily. “Why?”“So I can eat your liver with a nice shot of vodka.”
Ninth, I really loved how mature these characters felt and how their love was portrayed as a more mature feeling, with thing like being there for someone when they need you, of doing something that you do not really want to do because it will make your partner happy, of being the bigger man and taking the first step, even if you were wounded. I really like this more than the typical love made up of big things and big moments. I loved how the love was shown in the little things these two did for the others.
“You’re everything, Laurie. You’re funny and clever and kind. You’re like sunshine to be with, and only a tiny portion of that is connected with your art. Without your art, you’re still you. Laurie. And he is a man worth knowing.”
Tenth, I really loved how there was no drama coming from outside sources in this book. I loved how there was no ex drama and no family drama. I much prefer when my books only focus on the main characters and their developing relationship and it was the case in this book. Everything happening in the book served a purpose in developing who the characters are and their relationship.
Eleventh, The last 15% of this book was so perfect and so satisfying, I just had the biggest smile on my face while reading it.
Special mention to Endof the dog and the really hot sex scenes. They were both very lovely and very appreciated by me.
I don’t think I will be able to stop thinking about this book anytime soon, I fell in love with both Laurie and Mags. I loved them and I loved their love story, so much.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
geminienergy's review against another edition
5.0
I'm literally in love with Mags, such a brilliant character. I love how self assured he is, competency kink overload, but even though he's a no strings attached person, he is still friendly to his friends and coworkers.
Laurie is another loveable character, he is enigmatic, and the prototypical example of someone who carries a sunny disposition to hide their inner turmoil. The way he throws Magnus who is so used to being sure of himself off balance is great.
This book extremely excels at writing banter. Their banter is very funny. I'm not even someone who really likes friends to lovers stories because you think that without the lack of tension the story fizzles out.
But this story is an absolute exception to that. Even though they become quite friendly very quickly, they are both so afraid of commitment and getting close and so good at CONTROLLING themselves that things progress very slowly for them. It's almost frustrating how well they constrain themselves but it makes the inevitable release so much better.
I loved the pacing of the story. I like how whimsical Laurie is and how he drags Magnus out of his comfort zone again and again. This story also does a great job of writing middle aged, mature MCs. They've both been single of their own volition, so they have no commitments, just their work and casual flings.
The tension of the story in Laurie's secret was rather interesting. I found the confrontation to be quite emotional though I wasn't fond of some of the dialogue in that scene.
Overall, I am not someone who gives a lot of 5 stars but I was always rushing to continue where I left off with this story and absolutely loved each individual character and also their dynamics with each other. It avoided a lot of pitfalls that I expected of a friends to lovers story.
Summary:
Despite being a friends to lovers story, it does not drag at all.
Legitimately funny witty banter
Well written characters who work independent of each other and also work even better together
Side characters are used sparingly but not in a way that feels contrived to drive the MMCs to certain plot points
Cons:
Although the jokes are funny, there is quite a bit of repetition particularly with the twink jokes and ribbon jokes.
Because these two have such amazing chemistry together, there is a lot of laughter. But the word choice becomes quite repetitive, and you start noticing a lot of phrases being recycled. Laughing, excessive winking, "rich and warm". It's a minor quip but it was noticeable to me
I wasn't fond of Lauries dialogue during the confrontation. It felt out of character. In fact, there were a few points where I felt the dialogue/characterization suffered towards the end in their HEA moments. I still think the novel as a whole ended strong with a satisfying conclusion, but I somehow believe the ending was the weaker writing of the story.
Laurie is another loveable character, he is enigmatic, and the prototypical example of someone who carries a sunny disposition to hide their inner turmoil. The way he throws Magnus who is so used to being sure of himself off balance is great.
This book extremely excels at writing banter. Their banter is very funny. I'm not even someone who really likes friends to lovers stories because you think that without the lack of tension the story fizzles out.
But this story is an absolute exception to that. Even though they become quite friendly very quickly, they are both so afraid of commitment and getting close and so good at CONTROLLING themselves that things progress very slowly for them. It's almost frustrating how well they constrain themselves but it makes the inevitable release so much better.
I loved the pacing of the story. I like how whimsical Laurie is and how he drags Magnus out of his comfort zone again and again. This story also does a great job of writing middle aged, mature MCs. They've both been single of their own volition, so they have no commitments, just their work and casual flings.
The tension of the story in Laurie's secret was rather interesting. I found the confrontation to be quite emotional though I wasn't fond of some of the dialogue in that scene.
Overall, I am not someone who gives a lot of 5 stars but I was always rushing to continue where I left off with this story and absolutely loved each individual character and also their dynamics with each other. It avoided a lot of pitfalls that I expected of a friends to lovers story.
Summary:
Despite being a friends to lovers story, it does not drag at all.
Legitimately funny witty banter
Well written characters who work independent of each other and also work even better together
Side characters are used sparingly but not in a way that feels contrived to drive the MMCs to certain plot points
Cons:
Although the jokes are funny, there is quite a bit of repetition particularly with the twink jokes and ribbon jokes.
Because these two have such amazing chemistry together, there is a lot of laughter. But the word choice becomes quite repetitive, and you start noticing a lot of phrases being recycled. Laughing, excessive winking, "rich and warm". It's a minor quip but it was noticeable to me
I wasn't fond of Lauries dialogue during the confrontation. It felt out of character. In fact, there were a few points where I felt the dialogue/characterization suffered towards the end in their HEA moments. I still think the novel as a whole ended strong with a satisfying conclusion, but I somehow believe the ending was the weaker writing of the story.
youvegotwings's review
4.0
The perfect break between two heavy reads. This was lovely and moving, finally a romance between people over 40. Both Magnus and Laurie are very set in their ways and very funny, but the way they realise how they fit together is lovely.
“I’m sure there’ll be times when it’s the other way around, and you’ll need him more, but that’s not now.”
“I’m sure there’ll be times when it’s the other way around, and you’ll need him more, but that’s not now.”
robazizo's review
3.0
Lily Morton is usually one of my favourite writers, but her latest books miss the mark for me. It happened with Playground Games, with Merry Measure and again with this one. Objectively there's nothing wrong with them, but they miss the usual spark. I never got attached to Mags and Laurie, so my connection to the book stayed superficial. I was afraid of the dog issue because of the reviews, but somehow that didn't bother me. I thought Endof was actually good for Mags. Fingers crossed the next one will gel more with me.
jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review
5.0
Beautifully Unexpected sums up exactly what this book is. It's a book about two older confirmed bachelors whom meet under the most unexpected and hilarious circumstances. Neither ever expected to find someone to settle down with. In fact, they were each against it for their own reasons. This book, like the love between the two MCs, snuck up on me. With the British humour and most proper snark ever, I spent much of the book smiling. I honestly couldn't put it down because it was just one of those reads you enjoy. There is minimal angst and much of the book is spent reading about these two well off men taking the piss out each other. Who can keep a straight face when reading about men who place ribbons on their genitals? I certainly can't and I dare you to read this book and try for yourself not to smile. I assure you, unless you are a robot, it's impossible.
ju_51's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0