Confetti Hearts

Confetti Hitched #1

by Lily Morton

Joe Bagshaw doesn’t believe in love or marriage anymore, which is rather a hindrance for a wedding planner.

His own marriage was a whirlwind affair that ended before the ink could dry on the wedding certificate. Nevertheless, even with his divorce pending, he’s getting by. Or at least he was until he finds himself snowed in at a remote Scottish hotel with the wedding party from hell, a terrible ABBA tribute band, and his soon-to-be ex-husband.

Lachlan has missed Joe from the second his husband walked away. He wants Joe back and is prepared to do anything to get him. Being snowed in together seems to offer the chance Lachlan needs, but does he have what it takes to get Joe to trust in love and their marriage again?

From bestselling author Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy about love, matrimony, and the best of second chances.

This is the first book in the Confetti Hitched series.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, LGBT, Humor

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author.

She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven't had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

Her latest release is Under Gorse and Stone, which is a magical Christmas story about a centuries-old dragon and his human mate.

https://getbook.at/UnderGorseAndStone

You can keep up with Lily's latest releases and read the exclusive short stories '3 Dates' and ‘Best Love’ by subscribing to her newsletter: https://bit.ly/LilyMorton-Newsletter

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Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I enjoyed this story so much. I love a good second chance romance, even more so if it's about a married couple. The latter is kind of a new-to-me thing, thanks to a couple of books I read previously.

From the moment I started reading this, I didn't want to put it down. I loved Joe. He was such a memorable character in Vow Maker, and he was even better here. I found his connection with Lachlan believable from the start. Everything about their relationship worked for me here. The sad parts were done so well. But I loved their funny moments just as much.

My only niggle? I wish the banter in combination with name-dropping was a bit toned down in the second part. Without that in the way, I loved Joe and Lachlan's conversations, both when they were serious and when they were affectionate. This author is really good at writing stories that have more serious and even heartbreaking scenes. I wish she did that more often.

I liked the side characters in this story, even the ones at the weddings. I admit that I'm mostly looking forward to Raff's story. Fingers crossed.

*******
Re-read 7/2024: Lovely. 🥰

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Utter shambles.

Half filler about weddings, evil mothers of the bride, Saint Joe stepping up, long-winded conversations between Joe and his friends, snowstorms, and Lachlan cooking breakfast.

Half non-romance about two blokes who get drunk-married in Vegas, only to separate four months later because of noncommucation but mostly because Lachlan is a complete twat.

This book is so very terrible, I skimmed most of it and still got a headache.

Lachlan has no redeeming qualities.

Too many secondary characters. Who the fuck are all these people and why should I care?

I don't give a rat's ass about Erica's wedding, her insane mother, or her maid of honor doing cartwheels in red panties - make it stop!

Too much chaos, tired banter, and everything but relationship building.

If someone doesn't want to be kissed, it's rather obvious they don't want to be kissed.

By the time Joe stopped, stared, turned around, and dropped the passport, Lachlan would have been pushing his assailant away.

The story wasn't cute or charming or funny.

It was an exercise in frustration and possibly the worst thing Lily Morton's written.

I feel compelled to give it an extra star because I usually love Lily's work.

[Mila · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 rating***

Summary:

Confetti Hearts is the first book from the new series by LM. It follows the story of Joe Bagshaw, the charismatic wedding planner whom we met in the Vow Maker. In the Vow Maker, Joe seemed heartbroken over his relationship with his husband. LM had hinted that Joe would get his own story and well here we are. The story is divided into two parts, the past, and the present. In Part 1 (the Past), we witness how Joe met his estranged husband, Lachlan, an older gentleman who happens to be a forensic accountant. Lachlan is captivated by the intriguing wedding planner who is also the peacemaker for the many weddings he plans. The attraction is mutual and the two hookup. One hookup leads to many other rendezvous. Joe starts to catch feelings for Lachlan and against better judgment the two end up getting married on a drunken night in Vegas. A marriage done out of impulsivity and drunkenness is of course missing something, love, and logic. However, regardless Joe takes his marriage with Lachlan seriously. But the illusion can only last for so long when the two move in together and things do not go as planned. A misunderstanding and miscommunication occur and Joe decides it is better to get divorced than be stuck in a loveless marriage.

Months pass (Part 2-Present), and Joe goes on about his life and attends one of the weddings he planned in Scotland. Unbeknownst to Joe, Lachlan is also attending the wedding. What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything haha. Given this new predicament, and the wonderful snowstorm that forces Lachlan and Joe to be stuck in the same place for several days, seems like the perfect opportunity for Joe to finally get the closure he needs to move on with his life, or could it be something more that can reconcile the estranged couple?

Confetti Hearts is a second-chance romance with a hint of romantic comedy centering around Joe and his estranged hubby, if you like forced proximity and second-chance romance this might be for you!

Thoughts on Confetti Hearts

This is your classic LM book with its charming British humor and banter, however, it is missing the charm that I loved from LM's previous books. While the story itself feels lighthearted and is at times funny, it felt predictable and as a reader, you can't help but feel bored. Joe is charming and charismatic and Lachlan is misunderstood and still in love with his husband. The romance itself is sweet and cute but that is as far as it goes. It's not captivating or enamoring. It's just alright and that is it. I don't have much else to say. I guess if you enjoy all of LM's books this will be a win for you regardless. So if that is the case happy reading and don't mind my review.




I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*** stars

“Remember—love him tender, and never have suspicious minds or you’ll end up in heartbreak hotel.”

⇢ Alexa, play "Pocketful of Rainbows" by Elvis

I would’ve loved to give this lovely second chance romance at least four stars because I enjoyed the hell out of the first half of the story but I was honestly too bored with the second and I skimmed my way through it. Seems like snowed in is not one of my fav tropes after all.

Halfway through the book, when Joe was talking to Gabe I had the sudden urge to revisit him and Dylan in Rule Breaker and was a little sad I missed out on their wedding. I assume that’s where we meet Joe for the first time.

I really adored the whirlwind romance of Joe and Lachlan, I was full on heart-eyes, especially with their Vegas wedding. But sadly the whole book lacked a lot of depth for me overall and there was something missing for me throughout. Pity.

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.5 stars ✰

“Remember—love him tender, and never have suspicious minds or you’ll end up in heartbreak hotel.”

If Elvis only knew just how true his words would hit home...

When Dylan and Gabe hired Joe to be their wedding planner, they couldn't help but notice how forlorn he was - a tinge of sadness that lingered in his eyes, despite the fact that he was in charge of one of the happiest days in a couple's lives. And it is not until later do we get to learn the reason behind that ache - a heartbreak from someone who sent his heart-a-racing, a relationship he compares to that of Confetti Hearts - 'always kisses and hearts between us at other people’s weddings, but our own marriage is counterfeit, Lachlan. It’s lies on paper, and it’ll be gone as soon as a fierce wind blows through.' Until that fortuitous wind blows in their favors - giving them both a second chance - one last chance to prove to both of them that they belong together. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

For it is a story that begins when Joe catches the eye of one attractive and older businessman, Lachlan, at a wedding. The heat is on for both of them and they're perfectly happy to keep it just physical - explosive and sizzling sex with plans to hook-up - a setup convenient enough for them whenever their traveling plans may align. But, with passion and desire as fierce as theirs, it's only plausible that feelings for more are going to follow through. 💟💟 So, who's really at fault when a vacation at Las Vegas ends with an impromptu drunken wedding and Joe following Lachlan back home to his residence - all set to enjoy marital bliss. But, it's only then do the walls unravel and the veneer of attraction fades into the realization of how little they know of each other and may not be as compatible as when there is no clothing barrier between them. And throw in a very very very very misguided reason for their break-up, it'll take serious planning and willingness on both sides to make this marriage work, and for the two of them to realize just how much they belong together. ☺️

“Just one more date?”
He smiles crookedly. “Let’s not call it that.”

“What should I call it?” I brighten. “An assignation?”
He smiles, but his gaze is very intent. “One more meeting?”

I hold my breath for a moment, and when I exhale, my doubts leave me too. “You’re on.”

There's something about their dynamic that was both different and annoying - one that managed to sway my romantic heart, while also aggravating me in how it went about doing so. Because it starts off so very different from the norm that I'm used to with LM's books - of how Lachlan is so adamant in his pursuit of Joe - so very forward in expressing how he desires to sleep with him - even if it is just a one-night-stand. 🩵🩵 And for Joe, twenty-six, underpaid and overworked and who is impulsive and loud, it is nice to do something different - 'to be a quiet man dancing with a handsome stranger of my own' someone who is 'fascinating and gorgeous, but I bet he’s bloody deadly on the old heart.'. And little did he know how right he would be; for as much as their time together is well-spent, Lachlan never really opens up to him - never gives him a glimpse into his wants, his fears, his desires, his past - anything that can give him a better picture of the person that he is. Is he fine with that? 😥 'But I find myself wanting more with Joe, and it unnerves me a great deal.' Is it enough to feel that irresistible pull to this man that has shaken his already impulsive, happy-go-lucky nature, when he is all about decorum and structure?

So imagine how surprising it must have been for the strict and restrictive Lachlan to cash upon his ever-growing, ever-alarming infatuation with this young man - one who's toppling all natures of his stern policies and principles he's sworn by - who makes him act out of control. Lachlan certainly is a man of mystery at first, unbelievably cool, but he can't explain, can't understand why he wants to woo Joe. Why, to him, it feels like something more is lurking in his heart - that makes him jealous of others' attention to him - that wants to keep him as close as possible - a threat he is willing to hold fast to. 😟 'This man challenges me in a strange way, and I both like it and am nervous about it.' All he knows is that he loves - no, too soon, or is it? Is it too soon to say that you're head over heels, even if there's no sense or sensibility to it? Is it enough to keep Joe close to suggest a drunken pact of forever union, because he can't bear the thought of leaving him - 'this strange effect on his world, and it's not entirely comfortable'? Are these not reasonable questions one must ponder before sealing one's fate to another - unaware if what you know of them is enough?

It is this perplexing nature of their relationship that kept me invested; along with their enticing banter, smoking-hot chemistry and - I wouldn't say, relaxing, but I was really charmed by their moments together. I'm not fond of casual hook-ups either, but there was something very fond and endearing about their connection - this invisible tug they both felt, but weren't quite able to express what it was. 😥 To not realize that what they shared was, in fact, love may have been the obvious build-up to a potentially disastrous end, yet I wasn't quite sure how that tumble into reality would happen.

And, oh boy, when it did! 😫😫



“The whole relationship was a mistake from the beginning anyway,” I say firmly to shut the conversation down. “We were a hook-up that shouldn’t have lasted. He never felt he was married, and he never really loved me.”

Believe me, when I reached that scene that led to their eventual split, I was ready to bash my head against my phone and then fling it across the room - for of all reasons, why on earth does it have to be that!!! 😩 The most dreaded one that I despise more than anything! It was absolutely preposterous - totally idiotic - simply moronic, so much so that I was ready to give this book a lower rating than initially planned! 😤😤 But, what eventually won me over - aside from Lachlan's reluctance to cave into Joe's demands of divorce - aside from how I wanted to smack some sense into Joe for making such a rash and invalid decision - it was how their second chance at making their relationship work - worked. 🥲

And it was really sweet, if not endearingly frustrating to see just how much they really wanted each other, but kept making so many ill-timed mistakes and decisions that forced them to keep their distance. Even if it was the most opportune of circumstances that led them to be snowed in together to talk about their feelings, perhaps, it was the best thing that could have happened to them to rekindle the flame that had once burned so very brightly. 🥺 So much affection and want was expressed in their longing of seeing just how much they want each other - a pull so powerful, that it scares them. And yet it is in the pursuit of rekindling and saving what they have is what saved this for me.

“I think there’s a lot we don’t know about each other.”
“Everyone thinks I leap before I look.”

“You do, baby, but it’s born out of kindness and joy in life. More people should be like that. I just realised too late that I wanted—” He falls silent.

“What?” I say breathlessly.
“I wanted to be the one at your back to catch you when you fell.”

🥺🥺

I loved that they both realized just how wrong and hasty they had been in their actions and judgments leading to decisions that could have been handled differently; the gradual change they both sought in each other wasn't forced - it was accepted and understood. Joe may be impulsive and quick-thinking, but it was him realizing that his foolish mistake led to so much time being lost and that maybe he can change was something I appreciated. 🤍🤍 It’s wonderful because it’s finally real and not the make- believe we’ve been making.' I liked that Lachlan saw how he had been pushing Joe away by forcing him into things that may not have suited him - that he went from being 'a man who doesn’t want to tell him personal details because he’s shit-scared of intimacy'. - to wanting to never be away from him - devoting his heart and his life to fulfill all his wishes and desires. It's that pivotal dawning from both of them that really clicked with me. 👍🏻👍🏻

I adored their final confession - the romantic in me was singing! I loved that Lachlan fought for Joe. He didn't just cave, he didn't just lie down in defeat or accept that this was their end, even when he admitted that he may have been in the wrong, even with the scheming hurdles and clever tactics he took to win his affection back - he tried. And that's what really hit home with me - that they both saw through their initial lust and fascination for each other to want to make it something worth keeping. 🥹 That they skipped the stage of being friends and knowing each other that proved disastrous results. Even if it took for them to realize that they had fallen in love with each other during their time apart - that made me feel their love and remind each other that 'he's everything to me' for 'I am, you see, always yours'- for me to wholeheartedly root for their second chance. 🥰

“I love you. I have from the first moment I met you.”
“How can that be true?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been able to work it out, but there’s something about you that is just…” I hesitate. “Mine,” I finally say.

In two strides he’s on me, drawing me into his arms and holding me impossibly tight.

“All of me is yours,” he says fiercely. “All of me.”



I do hope this series will continue in the future; Joe's fellow co-workers were a delightful crowd, and I am curious to know what future awaits them. It's a shame I can't ignore how much the cause of their split was such a ridiculous one, otherwise it would have been a much more pleasant read. It's funny how many of these tropes are ones I'm not particularly drawn to, but I was still so very much invested in it. I enjoyed their distinctive narrations, I liked seeing their relationship develop, I felt my anger and frustration over their stupidity, and yet, I wished for their happiness. The writing was heartwarming and humorous, but I'll never forget the visceral weary sigh that I let out when that misunderstanding took place, dooming myself to an unsatisfying ending. 😭😭 But, they surprised me; their emotional growth and their own personal discoveries about themselves won me over. It convinced me that some second chances are worth it. That two confetti hearts don't have to be ephemeral - that with time apart and then, in time - it can be everlasting. 💕

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE AND THIS ONE IS BEAUTIFUL

Second chance romance is one of my favourite tropes to read and when it’s coupled with Lily’s deft hand at snarky men and their patient older lovers it turns into gold.

This is a beautifully quiet romance. By that, I mean that there’s no over the top extravagant gestures, no huge declarations of love in front of dozens of people.

Instead we get a man who knows he messed up, who takes determined action to enable his ability to get in the same space as his separated husband and try to make things right.

As with Lily’s wonderful After Felix we get to see the falling in love part of this romance before we hit the painful separation. I won’t be giving anything away here, only I will say my heart broke as badly as Joe’s did when things went wrong.

Having seen the after effects of this split in Gabe and Dylan’s wedding book Vow Maker it’s even worse when you know how perfect Joe and Lachlan were for each other.

But, with the consummate skill she possesses for putting the broken pieces back together, Lily delivers a gorgeous forced proximity, only one bed snowed in romance set on the shores of Loch Lomond with a battle-axe mother-of-the-bride, a kind happily married couple and a plot for getting your husband back that almost descends into chaos.

Watching Joe realise he’d been wrong months before is painful, but then seeing these two men reconnecting, firstly as friends, and then into the powerfully connected sexual relationship they once had, really is a joyful experience.

With this being the start of a new series, there’s plenty of potential in Joe’s workmates for new stories and I’m really hoping first up is his boss Jed and his younger assistant Arthur but I suspect we may get Joe’s best mate and work colleague Rafferty first and I’m definitely up for that too as he’s a peach!

This is a real feel good romance guaranteed to warm the heart and put a smile on your face.

[Elisa Glendenning (on hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

26 yo Wedding Planner, Joe vs 40+? Forensic Accountant, Lachlan
Second chances
Forced Proximity

3.5 Stars

Surprisingly, I quite liked it, BUT, it’s not without its issues!

For someone who loathes instant hook ups, the fact that I enjoyed how the MC’s got together, speaks volumes. The chemistry was undeniable. I REALLY like these two together!

My problem was the misunderstanding/miscommunication, which is not my favourite in the first place, but, it was weakly executed imho. Best not to scrutinise too much for maximum pleasure!

Overall, it was an amusing, cute, rom com (sans evil ex 👍), but the banter needed to be dialled down just a tad (never use the Titanic in a gag - it’s just not funny) and the evil 1D stereotypes are still present 🙄 (although it was more bearable here). Also, if you’re hoping for Gabe/Dylan cameos, you’ll be disappointed. Only one brief telephone conversation with Gabe in the entire book.

IF, the next instalment is Jed’s/Arthur’s, I will definitely give it a chance, because I’m a sucker for hurt/comfort and Boss/PA tropes, but I doubt it will ever be as good as Rule Breaker!

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Morton is back, and finally (mostly) breaks her cycle of similar plots.

Yes, there’s a quirky, pretty, younger “sunshine” mc. His name is Joe, and he’s a wedding planner. And yes, the other mc is older, and the grump in the story. That would be Lachlan, a man Joe meets at one of the weddings he organised.

The main break from her usual pattern is that the MCs hook up right away, and get married in Vegas, mainly because - even if they’re both VERY into each other - Joe isn’t fully happy, and Lachlan is afraid to lose him - so what better way to keep him than to marry while being drunk?

Definitely a recipe that has disaster written all over it, so the dreaded separation plot twist that we usually get at precisely 80% in Lily’s books happens a lot earlier here.

And I admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the book until it happened. What made me love it was everything happening after that: Lachlan showing up at one of Joe’s weddings, and trying everything to win his husband back. That was so sweet, so romantic, that I couldn’t help but swoon, and I loved that we didn’t get any more miscommunication.

Their banter throughout the book was on point, and while some of the characters were OTT, I still laughed and even cried a bit towards the end.

4 well deserved, swoony stars from me, and a fistful of heart shaped confetti for good measure.

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf 85%. 2,25 stars.
I was prepared for a fluffy, low angst romance and was looking forward to some silly banter and a sweet second chance romance set in snowy Scotland.
Most of this didn't work for me, though.

The MCs were one dimensional (at times they even seemed to lack any character), the secondary characters were even worse, everyone only had their role to fulfill and wasn't fleshed out at all.
I didn't get the humour, the plot was not only simple but uninspired.
So many things felt overly constructed, people acted like chess pieces.

I seem to be the only one who couldn't click with anything, and had mostly enjoyed other books by this author, but this one wasn't for me.

[Papie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, sweet and funny second chance romance. Nothing new. In fact, it felt so much like every other Lily Morton book out there that I kept thinking I’ve read it before. The banter. The sarcastic younger smaller pretty guy. The older rich dark and handsome who doesn’t believe in love. An evil female character. An evil male character. The countryside.

I got a little bored. I really liked Joe. Lachlan? Not so much. I had a hard time believing him. Trusting his 180 turn. Why did he marry Joe, to then be a jerk once they married? And then boohoo, poor me, my husband left? SHUTUP YOU DONT DESERVE HIM.

The epilogue was cringy and I just couldn’t read the whole thing.

2.5 stars rounded up.

[Mir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread August 2024:

Infuse that romance right into my cells 😩

Reread April 2024:

Good lord I love this book. It’s so fucking romantic. Such a fantastic reread.

Original Review March 2023:

Well HELLO what an incredible return to form for Lily Morton!!
I would definitely call this author one of my favourites, but the most recent few books by her were let downs. Not this one, it was incredible! I am literally weak in the knees.

I didn’t read any synopsis or anything before starting this, so I went in blind, only knowing this was about Joe who planned Gabe and Dylan’s wedding and was absolutely wonderful.

I fully went on Joe’s journey with him, from loving Lachlan to hating him back to loving him. I was worried that Lily Morton had somehow convinced me to read a plot line I absolutely despise, but I pushed forward and I’m so happy I did because I was wrong. I felt so many feelings and definitely fell in love with Joe. My god was this ever warm and lovely and passionate. Seriously, the passion! The fight for love that goes on in this book, it’s so wonderful. We romance readers talk about a good grovel scene…this is a good grovel book. The sex scenes are hot and really accentuate how the characters feel about each other. They are tailored to the characters. The banter was fantastic. There was no evil ex. Let me repeat that:
THERE WAS NO EVIL EX IN A LILY MORTON BOOK!!

I can’t explain how much I enjoyed this but I did tear up several times at love proclamations and affections and I just had a grand time!

The short story in the authors newsletter is also a delight to read after this book.

[Ben Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Lily Morton and her humour, and Confetti Hearts delivers on all fronts. It's a second chance romance which did make me nervous as I wasn't sure if that was something I'd like. However, it was done really well here and had me rooting for the couple from the start, while also understanding why it's a second-chance.

I think what makes this so successful is that we get to see Joe and Lachlan meet and get together. The plot then jumps a few months after they've split and the second-chance romance begins.

Joe's a wedding planner, and Lachlan's a guest at one of his weddings. They have a connection and hook-up, but it's nothing serious. Until they keep running into each other at weddings Joe has planned, and they wind up married themselves. The whirlwind marriage doesn't last long.

"Britney Spears had a lengthier first go at matrimony."

Present day, Joe's in Scotland for a job where after the ceremony they're snowed in. Which wouldn't be too bad except Lachlan turned up on the guest list to win Joe back.

I loved this book from the start, but this is where it completely had me smitten. It was so fun and unique. I just love Joe and Lachlan.

This has to be one of my favourite romances from this author! I next book in this series can't come soon enough.

[Achim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into Confetti Hearts I was like “Hm, it's the usual Lily Morton with its story a canvas for dry humor and no dialog if it's not witty. So let's wait for the evil ex.” I was pleasantly surprised that the evil ex didn't make an appearance. We only get a quick side dish of a Mrs. Danvers far from Manderley but aside from that it was as expected and I don't remember much of the story until the fabricated break.

I recognized the Lily Morton I loved from her first series in the 2nd part where Lachlan fights for his 2nd chance. Here it's not only about the humor and not everything had to lead into banter and the guys get a chance to show who they are. There were even some quiet and intimate moments that made me believe that they care about each other but then there were also a lot of support characters who were only there to either let the kind and competent attributes of the MCs shine or to create a caricature target for humorous sarcasm. So I suppose for the real Morton feeling I still have to go back to her beginning.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually a fan of second chance stories, but I never should have doubted Lily Morton. I will admit, it did take me a few chapters to get into it, especially the time jump, but it had to be done so we would know the full story of how Joe and Lachlan met.

Both MC, Joe and Lachlan, were very likeable characters. Joe tended to be OTT at times, while Lachlan was always the rock. You could tell from the start they were made for each other and really wanted them to make it.

I’m so happy to start off 2025 with winner!!

[NicoleR.M.M.]

No rating. Time of death: 9%. I’m sorry, but Joe is too cliché and what’s supposed to be funny, isn’t. It’s a sad thing when characters start to have conversations with their cat. I can’t do that.
And so here’s another Lily Morton book I’m dnf’ing. I think it’s time this author and me said our goodbyes 😭

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light, sweet story with some emotional scenes about a married couple that are great together but have a lot of work to do before they can remain together and happy.

Joe was a happy, friendly character. He didn't like everyone around him but was good at his job and could put his personal opinions aside in order to deal with any kind of client. In his relationship with Lachlan, he was the one trying the most but he was also holding back in fear of being hurt.

Lachlan was a more reserved character. He kept plenty of things close to his heart and I don't actually think that we got to know him very much. It was clear that he loved Joe though and he did everything in his power to get a second chance.

I liked their story and I rocommend it for a fun, low angst read.


* I read an ARC of this book. *

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Say what now?!
I was so confused when I started this book. I actually stopped reading and read the blurb...twice. Then I opened up my GR app and looked for a couple of friends' thoughts on this book.
Because I didn't know what I was reading! This was not the book I thought I signed up for.
I almost quit.
It was feeling very much like a 2-star read...or worse.
But I held on.
And...it got better.
I loved Joe. I'm glad Joe got his HEA...he deserved it.
I'm not a fan of the whole 'wake up married' storyline but I do enjoy second chances.
It came in with shaky 3 stars by the end.
I would only recommend it with caution.
But hey, this was completely different than the usual Morton recipe.

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Yummy relationship angst.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Joe! I want to see more of his friendship with Gabe and Dylan though.

This was a really cute story and I'm looking forward to more in this series, it's definitely less snarky than her other books but I do love this established story world and I'm always happy to read more.

[Ed Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance. I was a little hesitant about reading this because I didn’t care for the Black and Blue series. I’m so glad I did. I actually laughed out loud at some of the humor, and cried so hard that I had to put down the book for a moment. If you’re a Lily Morton fan or just love sweet mm romance I highly recommend this book.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 giddy with happiness⭐

From the first time I read one of her books, Lily Morton was, and remains, one of my favourite authors. Her books never fail to make giddy, just completely giddy with happiness. They are like crack for my soul and Joe's book was absolutely no exception. If I could give it 100 ⭐I would

I was beside myself for this one because, Joe... Joe the drunk wedding planner 😂 from Vow Maker who managed to tame Gabe for the wedding and was just too fascinating to not get his own book.

If you've read Vow Maker (and you don't need to, at all. But you should because the whole Mixed Messages series ending with Vow Maker will make you smile), you may remember Joe was divorcing his husband and we knew he was just heartbroken over whatever had gone so terribly wrong.

We find out Joe and Lachlan's history. How they sort of dated and then got drunk married in Vegas and we see what went so awfully, horribly wrong for them. And my poor ❤ 🥺. It just broke into a million pieces 😭😭😭. But Lachlan tries; he tries for months to talk with Joe and finally after signing the divorce papers tries one last ditch effort to see him again. And its a doozy!

As is the Lily Morton way, we have so much snappy banter with the usual literature / pop culture etc references (making me go back and re-check some of my Greek mythology knowledge 😂).There are hilarious wedding situations and its all so terribly English it makes me yearn for London!

Lachlan trying to woo Joe, their honest conversations and both of them actually 'owning' their share of the blame (whilst both in their own ways being hilariously super sneaky) was both adorable and refreshing. These two were so meant for each other. it was a joy to read (and I snuck a day off work to do it!)

And let us not forget the 🔥 factor. There was enough to make me 🥵 and not so much it got overwhelming.

This is a terrific start to a brand new, addictive LM series and I am here for it all the way!

ARC received for my honest review

[Jinx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lachlan and Joe aren’t good MC’s. They were giving real side-characters. They lacked an intensity that drives people to stick around and watch their love story unravel. I didn’t feel invested in their reconnection. The misunderstanding was thin at best and cliched at most. I mean come on, the PA?! I’ll never understand how people can work in such close proximity to each other and be absolutely oblivious to someone’s feelings🫣. The reasons for Lachlan’s secrecy regarding his privacy were just stupid. Why marry someone if you don’t want to be truly vulnerable with them? Fearing a loss of control from the transparency that should exist within a healthy relationship should be re-examined with a maybe I don’t really want to be with this person instead of saying to yourself what the hell I’m going to marry them cos the sex is🔥🔥This book wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good either

[haletostilinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I very much enjoyed this.

This is definitely a second chance romance, so if you don't like that trope, then this book is not for you at all.

I enjoyed Joe, the wedding planner from the short story about Gabe and Dylan's wedding, and his husband, Lachlan.

They start out casual, having really great sex together. Lachlan, for reasons this didn't quite go as in depth as it probably should have, hasn't had a serious relationship in his 40 odd years of life. He's just been casual, casual, casual, and married to his work more than anything.

Joe, 26, has had some boyfriends in the past, but nothing super serious.

But then these two meet at a wedding Joe is planning and Lachlan is attending, and from then on they can't stay away from each other.

Months go by, and while Joe tells Lachlan basically everything there is to know about him, Lachlan is sealed up as tight as a drum.

Then one night after a wedding where, again, Joe is the planner and Lachlan a guest, they get super drunk in Vegas and get married in a chapel by an Elvis impersonator.

It's safe to say, this wasn't a marriage born out of love, exactly. Although it's clear, at least on Joe's side, that he's been falling for Lachlan.

Lachlan is the one who asks, but it isn't for the right reasons.

Flash forward 4 months later, and these two are at their breaking point already. Lachlan is determined to keep Joe at arms length, and Joe is tired of it.

And then Joe seemingly walks in on Lachlan and his assistant kissing and that's the end of it all for Joe.

We later learn that that wasn't what was happening and that Lachlan pushed his assistant away right after Joey ran away, but of course Joe is too devastated and he doesn't talk to Lachlan for 6 or so months, determined to get a divorce from him, which Lachlan has been refusing.

Look, I do wish we had gotten more from Lachlan's side of things. How they end up driven a part was making sense at first, but the misunderstanding about the kiss felt manufactured to me just to get Joe to leave, which he was already on the verge of doing anyway, so it felt melodramatic to speed up the process of their separation that was already well under way.

So I gave a star off for that. It felt like more time could have been spent in Lachlan's head so we could understand what it was exactly that made him scared of commitment, why he pushed Joe away at every turn, but then why exactly he realized he was in love with Joe just as Joe left, and what exactly made him change his whole tune.

Was it just the prospect of losing Joe for good? Or did Lachlan realize his love just before he lost him? We didn't really get those answers. Just a better transition on Lachlan's side would have been nice. Maybe more time spent showing what was going on in their marriage the first time.

Instead it felt rushed, with the added misunderstanding and miscommunication to really rush it forward.

But, before the marriage, with them starting to fall for each other, and after, I enjoyed a lot. I really loved seeing these two reconnect. They get snowed in at a, you guessed it, wedding of all places, and the few days they're snowed in their reconnect. It seemed necessary to do it that way, though, because Joe seemed determined not to listen to anything Lachlan had to say or give them a second chance.

I do wish we had gotten to see like...a renewal of their vows after they got together. After their drunken first time, it would have been nice to see them sober and kind of re-entering their marriage but for the right reasons, with their hearts 100% in it.

They're happy at the end and we get out HEA, I just felt like it would have been a great full circle moment to have a wedding again, for them, and with their friends and family there too to celebrate this time.

So, this wasn't perfect. Their break up could have been handled better and Lachlan's feelings and motivations could have been expanded on more, I feel. We had too many Joe POV chapters when what this needed was more Lachlan POV chapters.

But at the end of the day, I enjoyed these two a lot and the sex was properly steamy, and I love second chance romances myself. Screwing it up the first time, but then fixing what went wrong, growing and learning from their mistakes, to come back stronger than before, pretty much unbreakable that time...I just love it.

So this definitely gets a thumbs up from me. It needed improvements, but overall was a fun read.

I can't wait for more from this series. Will the next be about Joe's best friend? Or what about Joe's boss and his assistant? I'll be excited for either one!

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story, it is alive with colour and vivid descriptions of its setting in Scottish countryside covered in snow, a place I love. The book has the perfect blend of romance, heartache, friendship, tears, laughs and finding one’s self. It was like being taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions, which I really enjoyed. It had me utterly captivated and hooked from the very beginning. The characters in this read are real, relatable, the connection between Joe and Lachlan is palpable, each one has a connection to the other in a different way. After meeting up with Lachlan again, Joe didn't expect to be hit with so many memories and feelings, does he sign the divorce papers or not, that is the question? It's such a sweet romance. Their story was great, there's lots of snark (of course !), and lots of comical moments, along with some quiet contemplation by both of our guys . It shows Joe's and Lachlan's growth and healing. It’s more than a simple get back together story, the remorse and actions of both characters demonstrate a true desire to earn a second chance at a love that's gonna last forever. Oh, and there's an appearance by my favourite Lily character ever, made my day 😅 ❤️ 😍

[layla is a picky reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

* 2 stars *

sweet joe deserved so much better, im so sad he behaved like a total doormat when it came to lachlan.

also, wtf why were all his 'friends' judging joe for booting lachlan out when he was utterly miserable in their marriage? even his mother and gabe? yikes.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting premise, especially how the story was structured, and excellent execution. Fabulous!

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

I love Lily. And her past characters. I loved Joe. And I thik he needed a much better story and partner instead of this and have to stuck with the twat that is Lachlan.
Yeah, sure, they married drunk and all, some clichés, I'm okay with that.
But that didn't end well with how ignorance Lachlan to Joe's feeling while they're married. He left to the club with friends instead of getting to know Joe better? And what about not staying too close to his assistant since he's already knew about his feelings?
That's some stupid move. And also there're some plot holes in the story.
I mean, ignoring their plans and going to businesses trip just like that? That's cold bloded twat of a husband over there, Joe!
Not to mention, I was bored reading about the weddings and people I don't care about. There's no romance. This story could be ended half of the book, and there's still no romance.
I feel sorry for Joe.
He deserved better.
I'll still be reading Lily's book in the future, but this one failed me miserably.
Not my cuppa, a romance with no romance.
My two stars are just for mentioning Agatha Christie's book.
I'm so sad this didn't work for me.

[Bekka]

I went into this without reading the blurb and didn't quite know where it would take me until ofc I said out loud "they're gonna get snowed in together with one bed and have to work on themselves" - yup :D
Enjoyed this whirlwind romance, the importance of opening up and communicating, marriage does not fix everything, talking is amazing and British banter.

NSFW infos:
- two white British MCs
- one is 26
- the other undisclosed about 40?
- caretaking shower
- I think strict top/bottom?

[vesperreads (slow updates) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️

- second chance romance

the premise was there but not really executed well. 25-40% of the story were spent ng flashbacks which i admit needed for the story but i pretty much like the chase of getting back together to be put more focus on

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Confetti Hearts is the first book in Lily Morton’s new Confetti Hitched series. Those of you who read Vow Maker may remember Joe as Gabe and Dillon’s wedding planner, and Gabe makes a teeny cameo, but this story stands totally alone from that one other than the shared world. I really loved this story and found Joe and Lachlan so much fun together. The book opens in the past as the men meet, have some initial hookups, and then get drunk married. We then jump ahead to see things as they are falling apart between them and Joe ends up eventually leaving. Morton does a nice job here setting all this up in a relatively short portion of the book. I could feel the emotion as these guys fall for each other, as well as Joe’s sadness and frustration as he realizes he doesn’t know Lachlan the way he hoped, and worse, that Lachlan doesn’t seem to care. Morton plants enough little seeds throughout their early interactions that I could feel both their affection for each other, but also those signs of trouble.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.