Review: Beautifully Unexpected by Lily Morton


Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews Tours & Promo.

"You could do better." 
"Undoubtedly," he says serenely. 
I glare at him. "I'm not sure where, but maybe you'll find someone better, Laurie." I think of that nebulous figure and feel rage towards him. "But he wouldn't be me. And I think you need me."

Beautifully Unexpected by Lily Morton is as beautiful as I expected it to be. This is an author whose work I'm very much familiar with, and I swear, she has yet to disappoint. (Knock on wood!) This new novel is a complete standalone, and it's got two wonderfully endearing mature (yay!) main characters with undeniable chemistry and a lovely story that brings together slow burn deliciousness, witty banter, and a dash of angst. If you've never read anything by Morton before (seriously?!), this book is a great jump-off point for new readers far and wide, especially if you adore great M/M romances with lots of heart.

Fifty-two-year-old Magnus Carlsen is a respected and top-notch Queen's Counsel who knows just how good of a barrister he is. He doesn't see himself as much of a keeper--whether that be someone who keeps things (or people) or as someone to be kept. He's quite content with his life being as free of entanglements as possible. Then he meets Laurie Gentry, and the forty-eight-year-old renowned artist is like no other person Magnus has ever encountered. He persists in calling Magnus "Mags" and has a sunny disposition that gives Mary Poppins a run for her money. The summer they share may prove to be a life-changing one, but will they easily embrace the beautifully unexpected?

Le sigh. This was such a wonderful read! I loved getting to know both Mags and Laurie, who may have come off as the odd couple, but they truly fit each other in all the best ways. Lily Morton pens the best kind of slow burn romance because it's never frustratimg, more of allowing her readers to get to know the main characters and create a foundation to build upon just as her MCs have their lives entwine. There isn't any unnecessary drama and the supporting characters were memorable yet never became scene-stealers. Well, maybe Endof was, but I mean, come on, how could he not be? Aside from the actual full-length novel, I highly recommend checking out the extras Morton has for Beautifully Unexpected because they were rightly sweet and poignant. Five-plus stars.

Release Date: 27 June 2021

Date Read: 26 June 2021

Learn more about Lily Morton.

Purchase Beautifully Unexpected on Amazon.

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