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The Model Agency #2
French Fancy
Pip Simmonds is the twinkiest twink in London. He’s loud, proud, and packed to the brim with sass. But when he’s laid low by illness, even his hotpants lose their sparkle and his worried boss sends him to the South of France to recuperate in his holiday home.
Cap Ferrat is beautiful, and the periwinkle-blue villa is luxurious, but the real draw for Pip is the villa’s other resident—his boss’s younger brother, Olivier Durand.
Olivier owns a perfume empire and has spent his whole life running from any other form of commitment. He’s worldly, carefree, wild, and the perfect choice for a holiday fling.
Drawn together by proximity, the two men become lovers and friends and then something more. Something special. But will their special bond hold true after summer’s end, when they both must return to their real lives?
This is the second book in the bestselling Model Agency series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Cap Ferrat is beautiful, and the periwinkle-blue villa is luxurious, but the real draw for Pip is the villa’s other resident—his boss’s younger brother, Olivier Durand.
Olivier owns a perfume empire and has spent his whole life running from any other form of commitment. He’s worldly, carefree, wild, and the perfect choice for a holiday fling.
Drawn together by proximity, the two men become lovers and friends and then something more. Something special. But will their special bond hold true after summer’s end, when they both must return to their real lives?
This is the second book in the bestselling Model Agency series, but it can be read as a standalone.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2023
325 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
About the author
Lily Morton
78 books3,339 followersLily 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
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/SnarkSquad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10000...
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lilymortonauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilymortonauthor
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/LilyAuthor
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/lily-morton
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
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/SnarkSquad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10000...
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lilymortonauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilymortonauthor
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/LilyAuthor
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/lily-morton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
August 26, 2023
Likes:
The French setting. It's my favourite part of the book. This author's descriptions of places, food, weather and scents are so vivid that it felt like I was there. I loved reading about Pip and Olivier exploring the countryside.
Pip. I liked him more than I expected. Underneath all the sass is a very caring person. I also really liked his relationship with his grandma.
Pip and Olivier. When they were getting to know each other and becoming friends. Mixed feelings about the humor, though. I liked some of it, but not the constant sexual innuendos.
Dislikes:
Olivier. No feelings towards him. I didn't dislike him, I just didn't feel he was fully developed as a character.
Olivier's party. Not what I like reading about.
The first kiss. There were so many lovely almost-kiss moments between Pip and Olivier, but when it finally happened I found it so disappointing because of the circumstances.
Olivier's mum. I didn't care about all the drama involving her. I didn't find her character convincing, nor the storyline in the second part of the book. And there was too much meaningless banter.
Overall, it was pretty much as most of this author's books with the same characters and snark, but the setting stood out for me here. It felt very summery.
Not sure if the author plans to write a book about Ezra and Bowie, but I'd be interested in reading their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
Closer to 2.5 stars, rounded up because Lily Morton can certainly write. I just haven't enjoyed her recent work.
Pip and Olivier have a one-off in a bathroom in Paris during a fancy costume party. They meet again a year later in the South of France, where Jonas, Pip's boss and Olivier's brother, sends Pip to recuperate following Pip's long battle with pneumonia.
When Olivier finds a naked Pip in his swimming pool, he's pleased. The men don't realize they've fucked before, and Olivier takes it upon himself to show Pip the charms of his hometown.
Because I am far less enamored of the lifestyle of the rich and famous than Pip (and, apparently, the author), I found the numerous descriptions of yachts, villas, and servants less than interesting and more than a little infuriating.
Lavish displays of wealth are gross and ostentatious. Nearly 800 MILLION people worldwide are destitute and live in poverty, and I'm supposed to oooh and ahhh over a fucking yacht with a swimming pool? Nah, mate.
The story trajectory is predictable:
The MCs enjoy hanging out and eating French food (who doesn't?);
there's banter (so much banter, TOO much banter);
they have sexual chemistry (tbh, I wasn't really feeling their connection though);
feelings happen and are firmly shoved aside;
Pip returns to England;
Olivier tries to get over Pip but can't, so he shows up and begs for anther chance;
Pip is an attention whore so it's all good in the end.
In the second half, there's drama with Olivier's and Jonas's mom that was just why?? That self-centered woman did not deserve a redemption storyline.
I loved Pip's sassy grandma and his murderous cat, and the epilogue is hilarious and romantic. I just couldn't really get into the story and was bored for at least half the book.
Pip and Olivier have a one-off in a bathroom in Paris during a fancy costume party. They meet again a year later in the South of France, where Jonas, Pip's boss and Olivier's brother, sends Pip to recuperate following Pip's long battle with pneumonia.
When Olivier finds a naked Pip in his swimming pool, he's pleased. The men don't realize they've fucked before, and Olivier takes it upon himself to show Pip the charms of his hometown.
Because I am far less enamored of the lifestyle of the rich and famous than Pip (and, apparently, the author), I found the numerous descriptions of yachts, villas, and servants less than interesting and more than a little infuriating.
Lavish displays of wealth are gross and ostentatious. Nearly 800 MILLION people worldwide are destitute and live in poverty, and I'm supposed to oooh and ahhh over a fucking yacht with a swimming pool? Nah, mate.
The story trajectory is predictable:
The MCs enjoy hanging out and eating French food (who doesn't?);
there's banter (so much banter, TOO much banter);
they have sexual chemistry (tbh, I wasn't really feeling their connection though);
feelings happen and are firmly shoved aside;
Pip returns to England;
Olivier tries to get over Pip but can't, so he shows up and begs for anther chance;
Pip is an attention whore so it's all good in the end.
In the second half, there's drama with Olivier's and Jonas's mom that was just why?? That self-centered woman did not deserve a redemption storyline.
I loved Pip's sassy grandma and his murderous cat, and the epilogue is hilarious and romantic. I just couldn't really get into the story and was bored for at least half the book.
August 22, 2023
PIPKIN STOLE MY HEART JUST LIKE HE CAPTURED OLIVIER’S
I already knew that Pip was going to be a firecracker from the brief glimpses we’ve got of him in Lily’s Model Clinic newsletter series, I just didn’t think I was going to have him steal my heart so easily.
Pip is unashamedly himself but, as you slowly discover bit by bit how his life has had some pretty major upheavals to deal with, it becomes clear that this outwardly confident and occasionally brash exterior is hiding a deep rooted feeling of being less than.
He finds it difficult to accept genuine complements, his sassy nature covers up his insecurities and even his sex-positive attitude hides hurts from past boyfriends cheating on him.
His friendships with the models at Jonas’ agency are one of the things he treasures, as well as driving his boss mad, and he has a fierce love for his Nan and his Aunt. After he’s laid low with a hospital trip suffering from pneumonia, Jonas sends him to his villa in the South of France to recover.
Which is where Olivier comes into view. He’s Jonas’ younger brother, he’s night to Jonas’ day, dark and brooding, beautiful and enigmatic.
But, like Pip, he also stores an ocean of pain deep inside himself relating to his dysfunctional family (which you can read all about in Lily’s The Sunny Side where Jonas falls in love with model Dean Jacobs.
Without going into any spoilers, Lily takes the reader on a journey through the beautiful countryside of southern France, to Monaco, and the playgrounds of the rich and famous, but along the way, Pip and Olive connect deeply, both on a friendship level but also with the insane chemistry that sparks between them.
While a brief holiday fling sounds like a great idea, both men find themselves slipping further into something that might be a relationship, if they have the guts to grab it.
What I adored the most about this book is the absolute lack of ridiculous dramady thrown in just to cause the Third Act conflict. There’s nothing here with stupid misunderstandings, or even miscommunication.
Tension comes from Olivier’s business dealings and his mother, the twists are genuinely earned and Pip’s bravery in putting himself out there and telling his Olive just how he feels about him made me teary.
If my Cadan and Mal hadn’t been on hand – see Spring Strings – then I think Pipkin and Olive could have stolen the number one spot as my all time favourite Lily pairing.
As it goes though, Pip’s sassing his way into second place with a witty quip and a twirl of his twinky hips as Olive looks on with blazing desire and French savoir faire.
There’s also so much potential for more books in this series and I am dying to find out Armand’s story as I’m pretty sure Bowie & Ezra, Reuben & Xavier are already shouting loud in Lily’s ears for their time in the sun!
I already knew that Pip was going to be a firecracker from the brief glimpses we’ve got of him in Lily’s Model Clinic newsletter series, I just didn’t think I was going to have him steal my heart so easily.
Pip is unashamedly himself but, as you slowly discover bit by bit how his life has had some pretty major upheavals to deal with, it becomes clear that this outwardly confident and occasionally brash exterior is hiding a deep rooted feeling of being less than.
He finds it difficult to accept genuine complements, his sassy nature covers up his insecurities and even his sex-positive attitude hides hurts from past boyfriends cheating on him.
His friendships with the models at Jonas’ agency are one of the things he treasures, as well as driving his boss mad, and he has a fierce love for his Nan and his Aunt. After he’s laid low with a hospital trip suffering from pneumonia, Jonas sends him to his villa in the South of France to recover.
Which is where Olivier comes into view. He’s Jonas’ younger brother, he’s night to Jonas’ day, dark and brooding, beautiful and enigmatic.
But, like Pip, he also stores an ocean of pain deep inside himself relating to his dysfunctional family (which you can read all about in Lily’s The Sunny Side where Jonas falls in love with model Dean Jacobs.
Without going into any spoilers, Lily takes the reader on a journey through the beautiful countryside of southern France, to Monaco, and the playgrounds of the rich and famous, but along the way, Pip and Olive connect deeply, both on a friendship level but also with the insane chemistry that sparks between them.
While a brief holiday fling sounds like a great idea, both men find themselves slipping further into something that might be a relationship, if they have the guts to grab it.
What I adored the most about this book is the absolute lack of ridiculous dramady thrown in just to cause the Third Act conflict. There’s nothing here with stupid misunderstandings, or even miscommunication.
Tension comes from Olivier’s business dealings and his mother, the twists are genuinely earned and Pip’s bravery in putting himself out there and telling his Olive just how he feels about him made me teary.
If my Cadan and Mal hadn’t been on hand – see Spring Strings – then I think Pipkin and Olive could have stolen the number one spot as my all time favourite Lily pairing.
As it goes though, Pip’s sassing his way into second place with a witty quip and a twirl of his twinky hips as Olive looks on with blazing desire and French savoir faire.
There’s also so much potential for more books in this series and I am dying to find out Armand’s story as I’m pretty sure Bowie & Ezra, Reuben & Xavier are already shouting loud in Lily’s ears for their time in the sun!
August 24, 2023
Very similar to the authors other books. I skimmed through parts and just wasn’t invested in the characters or the story.
The snark and banter got tiring pretty quickly and I found the constant sexual comments more tacky than funny. The token villainous characters are both one dimensional with that whole arc being terribly predicable. The relationship was the same as other books I’ve read by this author, just set in France. I wanted to like the characters but was bored by them. Snarky insecure twink vs wealthy, older, emotionally unavailable sex god turned clueless cinnamon scroll just felt like a rinse and repeat. Pip has the whole poor boy background but he assimilates mighty easily into the wealth and riches of Olivier’s elite lifestyle. The third act drama pained me. The epilogue was generic.
My enjoyment of this would probably be 2 stars but I usually reserve that for poor writing or something problematic and this is professionally written and well edited without major issues so I’m giving it 3.
The snark and banter got tiring pretty quickly and I found the constant sexual comments more tacky than funny. The token villainous characters are both one dimensional with that whole arc being terribly predicable. The relationship was the same as other books I’ve read by this author, just set in France. I wanted to like the characters but was bored by them. Snarky insecure twink vs wealthy, older, emotionally unavailable sex god turned clueless cinnamon scroll just felt like a rinse and repeat. Pip has the whole poor boy background but he assimilates mighty easily into the wealth and riches of Olivier’s elite lifestyle. The third act drama pained me. The epilogue was generic.
My enjoyment of this would probably be 2 stars but I usually reserve that for poor writing or something problematic and this is professionally written and well edited without major issues so I’m giving it 3.
May 6, 2025
I’m twinky! You’re wild!
But we both have hidden depths!
And cocks! Perfect match!
2.5 rounded down, because I'm feeling stingy and I definitely read this one before, and it was better the last time.
But we both have hidden depths!
And cocks! Perfect match!
2.5 rounded down, because I'm feeling stingy and I definitely read this one before, and it was better the last time.
Read
September 3, 2023DNF @ 38%. I can't get into it. Ugh.
October 27, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“I don’t think everyone is lucky enough to get love, but I hope I do.”
I wish there could have been more of the modeling agency itself. Pip's exuberance was the highlight of his time with the models and Jonas, and I felt that severely lacking here. It does not hurt that he is recuperating from a bad bout of scarlet fever, so the ever-gracious Jonas sends him away to the French Riviera to heal in peace and seclusion.🍃 Someone should have warned him that Jonas' very smooth, very charming, devilishly handsome, perfume extraordinaire and thriving playboy Oliver would also be joining him for a few weeks at their family villa. And what starts off as an earnest friendship slowly and steadily blossoms into a holiday fling, and then something else that neither are willing to part from - as long as they can help it. 🙃
Pip won me over in his first appearance and I was anxiously optimistic that he would live up to my expectations. He certainly did - his romance - not so much. Maybe I just felt that he deserved someone a little more than Oliver. While I do think it is a nice example of opposites attract and that Pip's own fun and vibrant side was an interesting contrast to Oliver's own amorous flippant side, I just felt that Oliver was a bit lacking in the charm. Yes, he was one smooth talker, but I don't think he was quite that appealing as he was portrayed. True, he's besotted with his own fair share of anxiety and troubles, but, there was something about him that made him feel a little too dull, despite his proclivities, for Pip. 🫤
“Goodness, I feel so special,” I say lightly.
“I think you are. More than you know.”
I liked that Oliver made Pip feel more assured of himself - made him feel deserving of being treated with love and kindness and that every compliment and praise showered on him - was rightfully so. He may be six foot hunk-a-hunk to Pip's own average five foot five, but Pip was 'a teasing fragrance I crave to know everything about and keep close at all times', for how he brought out the jovial side of himself he kept buried. For all that Pip is sassy and bold, he, too, is weighing himself down, and to see him slowly love himself - for himself was a precious and well-deserved feeling. 🫂
He reminded me of myself, sometimes; well, not all that sass, though, but gosh, I wish I could run my mouth as carefree as he did - but, how he was just hoping for finding love - to be 'the most important person in their world' for that lucky someone. 😢 His sincere kindness that even when he was witty and clever, he always had such a good heart. Especially with how brave and bold he is of his emotions and for baring his own feelings about Oliver. He was so caring and so considerate of Oliver's well-being, always looking out for his health and mental state. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
But, y'know what I liked most? That while Oliver is not exactly subtle in hiding his attraction with his lethal and smooth flirtations - neither is Pip. They both liked each other from the start, but chose not to act upon it from the start, to actually build a friendship of trust and longing - that made it even more intense and deserved when they finally did ignite the sparks - literally, of course. 🥰 How their personalities fit each other so well - an attuned balance that spoke volumes of more than just a forgettable fling. I liked that laid-back charm that came from Pip; how he never hid how in awe he was of the riches or Oliver's business. He never shied away from being himself and that him that more delectable to a 'charming, dark-haired, wild daredevil with a limp, a sexy French accent, and a nice line in sarcasm'. His complete opposite, of course. 😊
“It takes a lot of courage to love.”
“Yes, it does. Immense courage to give your heart to another person.”
If anything, French Fancy is the definition of a romantic comedy where it is easy come - easy go money that never is an issue with the characters - fairy-tale fiction that we all dream of, but only the fortunate few are able to have. From friends to lovers with a bit of a seductive past neither them were aware of. 'It never occurred to me that I’d fall for him.' To the intimate moments through the riches and lushes of the French countryside, to the family drama that both tests their strength in mind and in heart, to the fierce realization that they both were the missing parts of their lives - connected with such a close bond of understanding and palpable synergy that it was inevitable that they both change their lives - for each other - for the better. 💞
I will never not deny that her writing is very easy to read; as fantastically idyllic her premises her, they make me wish I could be in their situation. C'mon, who wouldn't?! And then to see romance discovered and uncovered in the most unexpected of ways - it's heartwarming. 🤍🩵 I like the supporting cast - new and old. I still do think that there was something going on between Jonas and Pip. The bonus scene was a hoot! Things had a way of working out - not too much ex-related chaos; felt the mother story-line was resolved a tad too conveniently so, and well, y'know, they're happy. Love wins! Why can't I just be happy for them? 🥹
“That’s love. It’s responsibility, care, sleepless nights, and the feeling that you carry your heart outside your body. But it’s still wonderfully love.”
And with that I am done! All Lily Morton books I wished to read - we are in the clear! 🥳 10 books a month - what a trip! The rules I impose on myself. 😆 But, no regrets - loved some, forgot some - but, always a celebration of love. 🥰
And now, Ms.Morton - inquiring minds would like to know 🙋🏻 - when will we get Bowie & Ezra's story? Reuben and Xavier? What's Armand's deal? Don't leave us waiting too long... 👉🏻👈🏻
“I don’t think everyone is lucky enough to get love, but I hope I do.”
I wish there could have been more of the modeling agency itself. Pip's exuberance was the highlight of his time with the models and Jonas, and I felt that severely lacking here. It does not hurt that he is recuperating from a bad bout of scarlet fever, so the ever-gracious Jonas sends him away to the French Riviera to heal in peace and seclusion.🍃 Someone should have warned him that Jonas' very smooth, very charming, devilishly handsome, perfume extraordinaire and thriving playboy Oliver would also be joining him for a few weeks at their family villa. And what starts off as an earnest friendship slowly and steadily blossoms into a holiday fling, and then something else that neither are willing to part from - as long as they can help it. 🙃
Pip won me over in his first appearance and I was anxiously optimistic that he would live up to my expectations. He certainly did - his romance - not so much. Maybe I just felt that he deserved someone a little more than Oliver. While I do think it is a nice example of opposites attract and that Pip's own fun and vibrant side was an interesting contrast to Oliver's own amorous flippant side, I just felt that Oliver was a bit lacking in the charm. Yes, he was one smooth talker, but I don't think he was quite that appealing as he was portrayed. True, he's besotted with his own fair share of anxiety and troubles, but, there was something about him that made him feel a little too dull, despite his proclivities, for Pip. 🫤
“Goodness, I feel so special,” I say lightly.
“I think you are. More than you know.”
I liked that Oliver made Pip feel more assured of himself - made him feel deserving of being treated with love and kindness and that every compliment and praise showered on him - was rightfully so. He may be six foot hunk-a-hunk to Pip's own average five foot five, but Pip was 'a teasing fragrance I crave to know everything about and keep close at all times', for how he brought out the jovial side of himself he kept buried. For all that Pip is sassy and bold, he, too, is weighing himself down, and to see him slowly love himself - for himself was a precious and well-deserved feeling. 🫂
He reminded me of myself, sometimes; well, not all that sass, though, but gosh, I wish I could run my mouth as carefree as he did - but, how he was just hoping for finding love - to be 'the most important person in their world' for that lucky someone. 😢 His sincere kindness that even when he was witty and clever, he always had such a good heart. Especially with how brave and bold he is of his emotions and for baring his own feelings about Oliver. He was so caring and so considerate of Oliver's well-being, always looking out for his health and mental state. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
But, y'know what I liked most? That while Oliver is not exactly subtle in hiding his attraction with his lethal and smooth flirtations - neither is Pip. They both liked each other from the start, but chose not to act upon it from the start, to actually build a friendship of trust and longing - that made it even more intense and deserved when they finally did ignite the sparks - literally, of course. 🥰 How their personalities fit each other so well - an attuned balance that spoke volumes of more than just a forgettable fling. I liked that laid-back charm that came from Pip; how he never hid how in awe he was of the riches or Oliver's business. He never shied away from being himself and that him that more delectable to a 'charming, dark-haired, wild daredevil with a limp, a sexy French accent, and a nice line in sarcasm'. His complete opposite, of course. 😊
“It takes a lot of courage to love.”
“Yes, it does. Immense courage to give your heart to another person.”
If anything, French Fancy is the definition of a romantic comedy where it is easy come - easy go money that never is an issue with the characters - fairy-tale fiction that we all dream of, but only the fortunate few are able to have. From friends to lovers with a bit of a seductive past neither them were aware of. 'It never occurred to me that I’d fall for him.' To the intimate moments through the riches and lushes of the French countryside, to the family drama that both tests their strength in mind and in heart, to the fierce realization that they both were the missing parts of their lives - connected with such a close bond of understanding and palpable synergy that it was inevitable that they both change their lives - for each other - for the better. 💞
I will never not deny that her writing is very easy to read; as fantastically idyllic her premises her, they make me wish I could be in their situation. C'mon, who wouldn't?! And then to see romance discovered and uncovered in the most unexpected of ways - it's heartwarming. 🤍🩵 I like the supporting cast - new and old. I still do think that there was something going on between Jonas and Pip. The bonus scene was a hoot! Things had a way of working out - not too much ex-related chaos; felt the mother story-line was resolved a tad too conveniently so, and well, y'know, they're happy. Love wins! Why can't I just be happy for them? 🥹
“That’s love. It’s responsibility, care, sleepless nights, and the feeling that you carry your heart outside your body. But it’s still wonderfully love.”
And with that I am done! All Lily Morton books I wished to read - we are in the clear! 🥳 10 books a month - what a trip! The rules I impose on myself. 😆 But, no regrets - loved some, forgot some - but, always a celebration of love. 🥰
And now, Ms.Morton - inquiring minds would like to know 🙋🏻 - when will we get Bowie & Ezra's story? Reuben and Xavier? What's Armand's deal? Don't leave us waiting too long... 👉🏻👈🏻
October 9, 2023
A+ banter, quick, witty conversations. Pip is amazing, we first meet him in book one, The Sunny Side, where he practically steals the show with snarky, sassy banter and observations. As the only person who can handle the boss of the modeling agency, he’s given a great deal of latitude which is filled in with his huge personality. For a full accounting of Pip’s awesomeness, I would recommend reading The Sunny Side first. There are quite a few characters from book one and an unresolved parental story line that lingers and resolves in book 2.
This is book number two in The Model Agency series, also connected to Spring Strings which is not part of The Modeling Agency but is a sort of prequel where we meet one of the model friends. In this book we even run into Magnus and Laurie, the artist/lawyer couple from Beautifully Unexpected, which has no tie whatsoever-so-ever to this book. Ms. Morton is trying so hard to provide cameos of beloved characters, but it falls flat when the books are not officially linked in any reading order and only truely works if you’ve read ALL of her books. Time and again I felt like i was missing something as other characters make cameo appearances in this book and the first one.
All that book-linking cameo business aside, this is a fantastic story with fantastic characters in a setting that is lushly described and very enjoyable. This book literally starts out with a bang, lol. Sexy and spicy, fun, flirty and heartwarming.
Rich/poor-ish, personal assistant, perfumer, series, m/m, lace, spicy, snarky, HEA, bosses brother.
This is book number two in The Model Agency series, also connected to Spring Strings which is not part of The Modeling Agency but is a sort of prequel where we meet one of the model friends. In this book we even run into Magnus and Laurie, the artist/lawyer couple from Beautifully Unexpected, which has no tie whatsoever-so-ever to this book. Ms. Morton is trying so hard to provide cameos of beloved characters, but it falls flat when the books are not officially linked in any reading order and only truely works if you’ve read ALL of her books. Time and again I felt like i was missing something as other characters make cameo appearances in this book and the first one.
All that book-linking cameo business aside, this is a fantastic story with fantastic characters in a setting that is lushly described and very enjoyable. This book literally starts out with a bang, lol. Sexy and spicy, fun, flirty and heartwarming.
Rich/poor-ish, personal assistant, perfumer, series, m/m, lace, spicy, snarky, HEA, bosses brother.
August 29, 2023
Not a bad book, I just disliked almost everyone and everything in it. No, that's unfair. I just really disliked Pip, but he's the main character, so where does that leave us? I found Pip grating and unfunny. Everything out of his mouth is a quip or a random, unnecessary story. All the characters in the book loved his sassy mouthiness, but I wasn't charmed by it in the least.
Pip is recovering from an illness and gets sent away to convalesce in his boss's villa in the South of France like a Victorian consumption patient. There he ends up striking a friendship with Olivier, Jonas's brother. Olivier, written as a suave but unattainable playboy, makes it very clear that he does not do relationships. But this is a romance, feelings ensue! I honestly felt nothing. I wasn't invested in their relationship and the sex was boring.
I really enjoyed the south of France setting, that was beautifully evocative, but overall this felt a bit lacklustre and formulaic to me.
Pip is recovering from an illness and gets sent away to convalesce in his boss's villa in the South of France like a Victorian consumption patient. There he ends up striking a friendship with Olivier, Jonas's brother. Olivier, written as a suave but unattainable playboy, makes it very clear that he does not do relationships. But this is a romance, feelings ensue! I honestly felt nothing. I wasn't invested in their relationship and the sex was boring.
I really enjoyed the south of France setting, that was beautifully evocative, but overall this felt a bit lacklustre and formulaic to me.
September 6, 2023
DNFing at 40%
The blatant display of wealth was over done and it got boring and repetitive really fast. It's a shame because Oliver and Pip individually felt like interesting characters in the previous book and I was excited to read about them. But here its like the only personality trade Oliver has is being rich and Pip still feels like a supporting cast.
The blatant display of wealth was over done and it got boring and repetitive really fast. It's a shame because Oliver and Pip individually felt like interesting characters in the previous book and I was excited to read about them. But here its like the only personality trade Oliver has is being rich and Pip still feels like a supporting cast.
September 19, 2023
⭐︎
4.5 Stars Rounded Up!
⭐︎
This was absolutely adorable.
Pip or Phillipe, as Olivier likes to call him, finally gets his love story.
The small spitfire PA of Jonas', after spending awhile in the hospital because of having scarlet fever and the pneumonia, tries to come back to work, but still needs to recover. So Jonas sends him to his and his brother's villa in France near the ocean to fully recover.
Olivier isn't supposed to be there until later in the summer, but a few weeks into Pip's stay and Olivier turns up.
They don't know it yet, but at a masked party the year before, they had anonymous sex, so there's already a bit of a connection there that they both can't quite place.
But aside from that, and hearing Olivier's voice over the phone a few times over the years, Pip and Olivier have never officially met.
Their first meeting is one for the books, and it's so Pip that you just gotta love it.
We really get to see so much more to him in this one than just a sassy, promiscuous PA. Olivier really brings that out of him, and Pip brings Olivier to open up more than he ever really has.
They shouldn't work, but they do, so well. Their chemistry was so very good together, I loved it.
I did give .5 stars off, for being a little slow at times - not much happens for the longest time. Apart for them getting to know each other, which was good, but plot wise, nothing much happens for awhile.
Also, I wanted more spice. We get a great first time and then the first time where they know it's the other one, and then some hot 69'ing, but then that's it. Like they get to telling others about the other and say things like "we've been shagging" and I'm like...you've only had sex twice. Once since you really got to know each other. I wanted more time with them being together.
I felt like once we got to the climax, we needed more them just...being together that way.
I know it didn't fully make sense with Olivier being so anti-relationship, but still. He so clearly was having all the feelings for Pip and didn't want anyone else. I guess I expected more of them being "casual" before realizing "oh we practically have a relationship going on here anyway" but it it was it is.
In the end it wasn't too big a deal, and while I would have liked a little more of Olivier's thought process of going from "no relationships" to being ready to be with Pip for good, what we did was good.
Overall, this was so good and lived up to my expectations for Pip and Oliver's love story. Just wish the plot had picked up at times and that we had gotten more sex scenes between these two.
Definitely worth a read. I can't wait for the next Model Agency book - I bet it'll be about the photographer and another model we're introduced to in this. There's definitely history there.
Can't wait! 😍
My Ratings for The Model Agency series:
🔆 The Sunny Side: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 French Fancy: 4.5 stars
This was absolutely adorable.
Pip or Phillipe, as Olivier likes to call him, finally gets his love story.
The small spitfire PA of Jonas', after spending awhile in the hospital because of having scarlet fever and the pneumonia, tries to come back to work, but still needs to recover. So Jonas sends him to his and his brother's villa in France near the ocean to fully recover.
Olivier isn't supposed to be there until later in the summer, but a few weeks into Pip's stay and Olivier turns up.
They don't know it yet, but at a masked party the year before, they had anonymous sex, so there's already a bit of a connection there that they both can't quite place.
But aside from that, and hearing Olivier's voice over the phone a few times over the years, Pip and Olivier have never officially met.
Their first meeting is one for the books, and it's so Pip that you just gotta love it.
We really get to see so much more to him in this one than just a sassy, promiscuous PA. Olivier really brings that out of him, and Pip brings Olivier to open up more than he ever really has.
They shouldn't work, but they do, so well. Their chemistry was so very good together, I loved it.
I did give .5 stars off, for being a little slow at times - not much happens for the longest time. Apart for them getting to know each other, which was good, but plot wise, nothing much happens for awhile.
Also, I wanted more spice. We get a great first time and then the first time where they know it's the other one, and then some hot 69'ing, but then that's it. Like they get to telling others about the other and say things like "we've been shagging" and I'm like...you've only had sex twice. Once since you really got to know each other. I wanted more time with them being together.
I felt like once we got to the climax, we needed more them just...being together that way.
I know it didn't fully make sense with Olivier being so anti-relationship, but still. He so clearly was having all the feelings for Pip and didn't want anyone else. I guess I expected more of them being "casual" before realizing "oh we practically have a relationship going on here anyway" but it it was it is.
In the end it wasn't too big a deal, and while I would have liked a little more of Olivier's thought process of going from "no relationships" to being ready to be with Pip for good, what we did was good.
Overall, this was so good and lived up to my expectations for Pip and Oliver's love story. Just wish the plot had picked up at times and that we had gotten more sex scenes between these two.
Definitely worth a read. I can't wait for the next Model Agency book - I bet it'll be about the photographer and another model we're introduced to in this. There's definitely history there.
Can't wait! 😍
My Ratings for The Model Agency series:
🔆 The Sunny Side: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 French Fancy: 4.5 stars
August 23, 2023
Pip is one of my favourite Lily Morton characters and I'm so happy he has his own book!!
The Model Clinic podcast with Pip, Mal and Dean is something I look forward to with every newsletter too, there just needs to be a way to get snarkmaster Dylan involved too and it'll be perfect.
This book was exactly what I had expected for Pip's love story. I absolutely loved his sense of humour throughout and I laughed so much. I'm always happy to see British humour and sarcasm highlighted so well too because I feel like I don't see it often for the amount I read!
As usual the descriptions of the interiors and the general locations were all so detailed that it was easy to visualise - which I'm not usually that interested in when reading other authors but Lily Morton is just so good at this aspect of world building in every single book that I look forward to 'seeing' the spaces for each character.
My only real complaints are how oblivious/in denial both Pip and Olivier were for so long, and the whole Michel thing seemed to resolve too easily.
Definitely excited for more to come in this story universe though.
The Model Clinic podcast with Pip, Mal and Dean is something I look forward to with every newsletter too, there just needs to be a way to get snarkmaster Dylan involved too and it'll be perfect.
This book was exactly what I had expected for Pip's love story. I absolutely loved his sense of humour throughout and I laughed so much. I'm always happy to see British humour and sarcasm highlighted so well too because I feel like I don't see it often for the amount I read!
As usual the descriptions of the interiors and the general locations were all so detailed that it was easy to visualise - which I'm not usually that interested in when reading other authors but Lily Morton is just so good at this aspect of world building in every single book that I look forward to 'seeing' the spaces for each character.
My only real complaints are how oblivious/in denial both Pip and Olivier were for so long, and the whole Michel thing seemed to resolve too easily.
Definitely excited for more to come in this story universe though.
August 27, 2023
It was a bit unrealistic considering the personalities of these two, but I appreciated it for what it was. I always enjoy this author.
December 15, 2023
3.5 stars
Pip Simmonds is TOO MUCH and NOT ENOUGH at the same time. 😂
Olivier Durand though? Mon Dieu! That man is highly recommended. Sweet, wild, fun, and hot. 🥵😍
Pip Simmonds is TOO MUCH and NOT ENOUGH at the same time. 😂
I thought love would come later when I was ready for it—when I was older and had my life in order. Instead, it’s come on the heels of the closest friendship I’ve ever had with a man who shouldn’t match me but somehow does.
Olivier Durand though? Mon Dieu! That man is highly recommended. Sweet, wild, fun, and hot. 🥵😍
I am in love with a sparkly boy who knits jumpers for his ridiculously homicidal cat. Life is rather strange.
My father always said that knowing when to stop was important, and now I know what he meant. My final destination is this wild boy with a kind heart and sharp tongue. He’s my home. I step over the threshold and into my future.
August 25, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Pip was too much as a secondary character, and I wasn't sure if I like him as an MC. But there was unexpected depth to him, and I ended up enjoying his and Olivier story. Getting to know each other, becoming friends, and falling in love along the way was an organic and engaging journey. I also appreciated that there was no misunderstanding/miscommunication trope. And I loved the way Pip and Olive were totally oblivious to what's going on between them, while it was totally obvious to others 😀
I still adore Dean and Mal, and their cameos were on point.
And yes, it is similar to other Lily Morton books, and I roll my eyes every time, "my best friend, my partner in crime" sentence is repeated in the epilogue. But I enjoy those books regardless and look forward to Xavier/Reuben story. I also hope Armand, Finn and Ilya will get books too.
I still adore Dean and Mal, and their cameos were on point.
And yes, it is similar to other Lily Morton books, and I roll my eyes every time, "my best friend, my partner in crime" sentence is repeated in the epilogue. But I enjoy those books regardless and look forward to Xavier/Reuben story. I also hope Armand, Finn and Ilya will get books too.
August 19, 2023
Love this book! It’s an incredibly sweet and hot story about how Pip and Olivier fall in love❤️❤️ The banter is sooo good! Made me chuckle through the book❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 29, 2023
4.5 Loved it Stars!! ❤️❤️❤️
Loved the French setting, loved the MCs; Pip was adorable and sassy and quite similar to other MCs in the world of Lily Morton.. 😉 But I still loved him. Olivier was a tad bit harder to understand and relate to, but with a mother like that who wouldn’t get jaded 🙄. Overall the story was kinda sweet and sentimental. I enjoyed the cameos of MCs from other books. Since I’m a big fan of LM and her writing, although this felt a little like deja vu from many of her other stories.. I still enjoyed it. ❤️❤️
Highly recommended to fans of LM👍🏻👍🏻
September 11, 2023
Exactly what I have come to expect from Lily Morton and more than I could have hoped for our Pip, I liked it quite a bit.
I loved the scenery and the recovery. I loved the friendship and the longing. I loved the banter and just the all around fun feel.
Olivier was a great character and was more that he seemed. I loved him for Pip and I LOVED Pip for him.
Good stuff and I can't wait for what is to come! There were some nice teasing setups here!
I loved the scenery and the recovery. I loved the friendship and the longing. I loved the banter and just the all around fun feel.
Olivier was a great character and was more that he seemed. I loved him for Pip and I LOVED Pip for him.
Good stuff and I can't wait for what is to come! There were some nice teasing setups here!
August 7, 2024
I am truly disappointed. it felt like an old and outdated and I didn't like a single thing here.
Everyone was so nice, always so sweet, saying the right thing, doing the right thing, being so wonderful and caring, I just wanted to scream.
Nothing really happened outside of walking on beaches and parks and it all felt just mellow.
Everyone was so nice, always so sweet, saying the right thing, doing the right thing, being so wonderful and caring, I just wanted to scream.
Nothing really happened outside of walking on beaches and parks and it all felt just mellow.
August 23, 2023
Does Lily Morton just keep writing the same book over and over again? Yes. Do I care? No! I like this book in all its variations. I’ll read everything she writes. On release day. Pip is a delight.
December 17, 2025
I was bummed I didn’t like this more! Kind of like we saw with Dean who started as a side character who was high 24/7 and silly and not too bright but then became a generic Lily Morton twink when he got his own book, this was a defanged Pip.
Sure he referenced all sorts of past crazy shenanigans, but he did zero shenanigans the whole book because he was recovering from pneumonia and lost his individuality in the wash.
It set up the two horniest free sex orgy loving side characters in the Lily Morton universe to not so much as flirt with or kiss anyone else the entire book, let alone crash a yacht or get arrested or whatever else.
I liked their “you work for my brother so we shouldn’t bang” building friendship without sex for a month and half, but they both fall head over heels so fast that both are completely abstinent for that entire time when they’ve been set up to rail anything that moves?
Generally I’m less interested in stories where two characters fall totally in love very quickly at the same speed, but it’s particular disappointing when I’ve been given two sex fiends with unlimited wealth and an orgy, and they do absolutely nothing. While I enjoyed French man having a bit of jealousy at the orgy, it felt implausible that neither of them would’ve pursued any flirting with people at some point in the first 60%. Any hint at angst was resolved within a chapter, with characters flying between countries the same day twice to be reunited.
I also tend to top off at 1 side character smiling knowingly that the two MCs are falling for each other, yet we have everyone at the modeling agency, everyone in France, evil French relatives, and Pip’s relatives who have never met the man all swearing they are in love. 8 characters is too many to spout identical platitudes about them being Meant to Be.
This could’ve been a fun sex farce with shenanigans and a jail break but it’s not particularly unique from any other of her stories. I was looking forward to Pip but he was de-Pip’d.
Lots of funny banter but to the point of detracting from the story.
Example of one of the many mysterious wisdom statements from every other named character in the book:
78%
“He needs you.”
“Does he?”
“Of course.” He tugs Dean into his side. “Everyone needs someone they care about at times like this.”
I consider asking him what he means but decide against it.
Sure he referenced all sorts of past crazy shenanigans, but he did zero shenanigans the whole book because he was recovering from pneumonia and lost his individuality in the wash.
It set up the two horniest free sex orgy loving side characters in the Lily Morton universe to not so much as flirt with or kiss anyone else the entire book, let alone crash a yacht or get arrested or whatever else.
I liked their “you work for my brother so we shouldn’t bang” building friendship without sex for a month and half, but they both fall head over heels so fast that both are completely abstinent for that entire time when they’ve been set up to rail anything that moves?
Generally I’m less interested in stories where two characters fall totally in love very quickly at the same speed, but it’s particular disappointing when I’ve been given two sex fiends with unlimited wealth and an orgy, and they do absolutely nothing. While I enjoyed French man having a bit of jealousy at the orgy, it felt implausible that neither of them would’ve pursued any flirting with people at some point in the first 60%. Any hint at angst was resolved within a chapter, with characters flying between countries the same day twice to be reunited.
I also tend to top off at 1 side character smiling knowingly that the two MCs are falling for each other, yet we have everyone at the modeling agency, everyone in France, evil French relatives, and Pip’s relatives who have never met the man all swearing they are in love. 8 characters is too many to spout identical platitudes about them being Meant to Be.
This could’ve been a fun sex farce with shenanigans and a jail break but it’s not particularly unique from any other of her stories. I was looking forward to Pip but he was de-Pip’d.
Lots of funny banter but to the point of detracting from the story.
Example of one of the many mysterious wisdom statements from every other named character in the book:
78%
“He needs you.”
“Does he?”
“Of course.” He tugs Dean into his side. “Everyone needs someone they care about at times like this.”
I consider asking him what he means but decide against it.
November 7, 2023
Es “ it was ok” y se deja leer. Sé que a much@s os gustará, pero es que yo siento que esto ya lo he leído, me resulta tan similar a otros de sus libros que a pesar de haberlo terminado relativamente rápido me he acabado aburriendo y leyendo en diagonal alguna que otra escena.
Últimamente no tengo suerte con Morton pero lo seguiré intentando.
Últimamente no tengo suerte con Morton pero lo seguiré intentando.
August 23, 2023
I was glad that we could finally meet the enigmatic Pip. And I think Olivier is his absolute perfect match for him. Lily has outdone herself as a professional matchmaker.
And she brought us to the south of French. A dreamy Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
Both were naughty in the past, Olivier and Pip learned that to love someone is just that. Love them.
There's one dialog with Jonas that was really deep.
"It takes a lot of courage to love,” I say as though the words were forced out of me. “Yes, it does. Immense courage to give your heart to another person.”“And what happens when they die?” He doesn’t blanch. Anyone else would, but not the boy who shared my childhood— my closest friend. My heart. “Then they die,” he says evenly . “There is nothing you, me, or anyone on this earth can do about that.”
This hit me harder than I expected, I lost some people I have loved for the past two years, and Jonas got me thinking that to let go is part of loving someone.
I loved this one, probably as much as I loved Jonas and Dean's story.
Recommended.
Note to author:
Lily, I think it's your fault introducing us to Reuben, Ezra, Xavier, Bowie and Armand! Now I want you to to get busy 😂 (Your words not mine)🤣🤣
And she brought us to the south of French. A dreamy Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
Both were naughty in the past, Olivier and Pip learned that to love someone is just that. Love them.
There's one dialog with Jonas that was really deep.
"It takes a lot of courage to love,” I say as though the words were forced out of me. “Yes, it does. Immense courage to give your heart to another person.”“And what happens when they die?” He doesn’t blanch. Anyone else would, but not the boy who shared my childhood— my closest friend. My heart. “Then they die,” he says evenly . “There is nothing you, me, or anyone on this earth can do about that.”
This hit me harder than I expected, I lost some people I have loved for the past two years, and Jonas got me thinking that to let go is part of loving someone.
I loved this one, probably as much as I loved Jonas and Dean's story.
Recommended.
Note to author:
Lily, I think it's your fault introducing us to Reuben, Ezra, Xavier, Bowie and Armand! Now I want you to to get busy 😂 (Your words not mine)🤣🤣
February 19, 2024
3 generous stars.
This one is better than book 1 at least.
I just didn't like the mom drama . It felt unnecessary.
I also didn't warm up to Olivier as a character by himself.
I did like both of them together.
Also that party/orgy shtick was... not my thing.
Finally. I think Lily should change up the fact that one of her MCs is ALWAYS rich and well-off while the other one is poor or gets by... This formula is a bit icky because the couple seem to connect over extravagance instead of themselves.
what if both MCs were working class where one of them can't get the other expensive gifts? Would they not fall in love that way?
I really think Lily is talented but along the way, her formula has limited her creativity and her stories have lost their spark.
This one is better than book 1 at least.
I just didn't like the mom drama . It felt unnecessary.
I also didn't warm up to Olivier as a character by himself.
I did like both of them together.
Also that party/orgy shtick was... not my thing.
Finally. I think Lily should change up the fact that one of her MCs is ALWAYS rich and well-off while the other one is poor or gets by... This formula is a bit icky because the couple seem to connect over extravagance instead of themselves.
what if both MCs were working class where one of them can't get the other expensive gifts? Would they not fall in love that way?
I really think Lily is talented but along the way, her formula has limited her creativity and her stories have lost their spark.
January 7, 2025
I actually read this book last month and forgot to review it. I loved Pip. I sometimes find out proud, pretty and sassy characters get on my nerves. Pip somehow carries it off with style. I loved the first book in this series as well. I was afraid a whole book of Pip was going to be too much. I found him just as delightful the second time around. Oliver was the perfect person for Pip to fall for.
August 24, 2023
So lovely, so funny, so warm. I love the emotions I get when Lily Morton nails it, and she certainly did with this book. I loved it so much. I rarely feel so complete after a romance but I feel like I got everything I needed and wanted from Pip and Olivier!
September 7, 2023
It was entertaining. If you love Lily Morton, you'll enjoy this book.
-Slow build
-Snark
-Chemistry
-Some steam
-Loveable characters
-HEA
Read
September 4, 20233.5 stars
I got most of what I expect and enjoy in a Lily Morton story. I liked the MCs and their relationship, the banter, the cameos and I really enjoyed the setting. I was a bit disappointed with the family drama with Olivier's mother played out though. It felt a bit meandering at times but a good read overall.
I got most of what I expect and enjoy in a Lily Morton story. I liked the MCs and their relationship, the banter, the cameos and I really enjoyed the setting. I was a bit disappointed with the family drama with Olivier's mother played out though. It felt a bit meandering at times but a good read overall.
May 25, 2025
Very similar to everything she writes. Pip seemed like any number of sassy characters she wrote before and I wasn't much interested in Olivier. It was okay but it didn't stand out as anything special to me.
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