Something Borrowed

Confetti Hitched #2

by Lily Morton

Stan has never let his blindness hold him back, but he’s beginning to realise his love life is keeping him from moving forward.

He can’t remember a time when he wasn’t in love with his best friend. Rafferty is everything to him—his partner in crime, his confidante, and the person who understands him best. But Rafferty is incapable of reciprocating Stan’s feelings.

As a successful wedding planner, Rafferty is passionately committed to helping newlyweds begin their happily-ever-afters, but after a rootless childhood he’s equally determined not to seek his own. How can he trust in love and marriage when so many of his brides and grooms are repeat customers?

Stan is the glue that keeps the pieces of Rafferty’s life together, and as such Rafferty has always kept Stan safely in the friend box where he can’t lose him. However, lately that conviction has wavered and now Rafferty is bursting with complicated feelings for his best friend. The timing couldn’t be worse because Rafferty has realised he’s in love with Stan just as Stan is moving on.

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a friends-to-lovers story about realising you have the perfect man when you’re on the brink of losing him.

This is the second book in the bestselling Confetti Hitched series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Disability, LGBT, Humor

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2024

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 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I really wish I enjoyed this book more, because I genuinely liked Rafferty and Stan as characters and I found their connection and friendship believable. But there were too many things that affected my enjoyment of the story.

The relationship development didn’t work for me at all. Maybe that’s all me and my false expectations, but I thought they were just best friends who live together and secretly have feelings for each other, so I was very surprised and disappointed when I learned that they used to hook up for like two months. We learn about that in flashbacks. If you give me two people who have been best friends for most of their life, live together, and they start hooking up all of a sudden with no actual communication, I won’t find it believable. And then they stop because Stan decides to start a relationship with someone else and they’re back to being friends. Yeah, I don’t think so.

Which brings me to Bennett, the typical silly character this author likes to recycle and that I can’t take seriously. Everything about him and his relationship with Stan is ridiculous. He is with Stan for like 2 months, sleeps around, asks Stan to marry him, asks Stan to fake their engagement when Stan turns him down and then goes to Rafferty to secretly arrange their wedding. Because he hates losing. LOL Obviously, I couldn’t see him as a threat, but it did annoy me that Stan was technically in a ‘relationship’ with him for most of the book.

Bennett wasn’t enough, so we also have Chris, Stan’s ex. He conveniently shows up at the same place as Stan and Rafferty, goes on the same hike, just to tell Rafferty how Stan feels about him. This happens late in the story, so yes, by that point Rafferty had no idea that Stan was in love with him and it comes as a total surprise.

This is another thing that was so frustrating. The miscommunication between them goes so far that they need other people to tell them how they feel about each other. And they need other people to bring them in close proximity, even though they literally live together.

I get why Rafferty would be hesitant to have a relationship, but how could he not know that he already is in one with Stan?

A couple more things that annoyed me here: constant name dropping and various movie and tv show references that are supposed to be funny, and having to read about sexual life of completely random people, Rafferty’s parents included. And I really didn't like how both Rafferty and Stan sleep with other people after they've been together.

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

~2.5~

I had two main issues with this story:

- Complete absence of communication between two men who've been besties for twenty years, share a flat, and know each other inside and out.

- Stan has a boyfriend for the duration of the story. Stan's boyfriend is a complete twat, but Stan stays in the relationship even though he's in love with Rafferty. It takes Rafferty making a Grand Gesture in the last chapter for the boyfriend to fuck off.

So the MCs aren't together (and continue shagging other people) until the epilogue, even though they've:

A. already slept together
B. love each other (but Raff doesn't realize it and Stan does but isn't willing to say anything?? LOL WHAT?)

I found this enormously frustrating.

I also found it difficult to believe that optimistic, cheerful Rafferty would be scared of commitment because his parents screwed it all up and are on their fourth or fifth marriage. Mind you, he was essentially raised by Stan's parents, who have been happily hitched for decades.

The "scared to commit" trope is tired and overdone, and I'm sick of reading about it.

I applaud the disability rep. Stan is legally blind but doesn't let that stop him. He owns a record shop and gets on just fine with a little help from his guide dog, Hump (an unfortunate nickname for Humphrey).

I liked the secondary characters too, especially Leo and Richard, the grooms whose wedding Raff is planning.

Lily Morton's writing is always engaging and good for a laugh, although some of the banter feels recycled by now.

P.S. I don't remember reading about Leo & Richard. Do they have a book?

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have missed Lily Morton's humour so much! The absolute best at British snark and sarcasm that I've read.

Rafferty and Stan are so exasperating but completely meant to be together. I love the journey they go on through this book and I just felt ridiculously happy reading this - there were definitely a few tears as well. I wanted to punch Bennett in the face too, stupid smug bastard that he was, so I totally was cheering Rafferty on whenever he was getting mouthy 😂😂

What I love most about Lily Morton is the way she writes dialogue. It makes you feel like you're part of the conversation every time and not just reading a book - or at least it does for me because the snark level in my family gatherings is so similar 😂

I also loved how Stan's blindness was portrayed as just part of who he is not the entirety of his identity. His independence was so refreshing to read because so often disabled characters have their disability become their entire personality!

Hump, Stan's Guide Dog just stole my heart too. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is something really close to the heart of my family because my mum has housed breeding dogs for them since I was a teenager, and we were always surrounded by super cute puppies!

As always I can't wait for the next book!

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.5 stars ✰

​ “​​All I can see is him, because, really, he’s all I ever really see.”​

Yes, I know the irony in the statement, but it describes Stan and Raff's relationship so perfectly, doesn't it? 😊
​
Very classic Lily Morton - and I mean that in the best of ways. 👍🏻 It also features one of my favorite tropes childhood best friends to lovers; well, here it is best friends to friends with benefits till one of them finds someone special and finally lovers. But, it had the usual snarky engaging banter, sweet fun-loving friendships, light-hearted humor, and a fine balance of spice and nice, with the typical spiteful and over the top villainy that made Something Borrowed worth my while. 😊

​“​I don’t know when or how it started. It was as simple as breathing to me, and one day I looked at him, and I knew he had the whole of my heart, and that would never change.”​

At twenty-six, Raff and Stan have known each other since they were six-year-olds. Best friends for more than two decades, they live together and know each other better than anyone. They were both sweethearts - oblivious sweethearts who are lovable idiots who live together, but can't get over their own personal issues and concerns to address the ever-present elephant in the room - that they simply can't go back to being just friends, once they've had a chance to feel what its like to be together. 🥺 'Until I hugged him, I hadn’t realised how empty I’ve been—starved of his touch.'Their dynamic had all the ingredients of classic childhood friends to lovers - unrequited mutual pining, knowing each other inside out, protective and considerate, while also too afraid to cross that blurry line of when love is more than just friendship. 💜💛

'Funny, kind, and the best kind of wild', I liked how dedicated Raff was to his job as a wedding planner. He took his duties very seriously and I chuckled at how far he would go to complete his duties; it's a painful irony at how he loves bringing joy to others' lives, when he, himself is so afraid of commitment, due to his own parents' jarring influence. 😞 I also understood his feelings of pining for his best friend all too well; 'pretty but not awfully bright, Rafferty Kendrick' was still a loyal bff. His respect and concern for him with every caring interaction and gesture showed how much he knew and supported Stan better than anyone - 'he’s my safe place—the one person I turn to when I need comfort.' ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

I admired Stan; a staunch music lover, a proud record shop owner, someone who is 'loyal, kind, clever, and funny', he did not allow his loss of vision to affect his life any more than it should. I appreciated the portrayal of how Stan dealt with his blindness; it was touched upon sincerely and vividly and it made me feel more self-conscious and conscientious of how I should be more thoughtful and respectful, as well. He was smart and snarky, but still very friendly and considerate - 'he's everything good;; which really does make him the perfect package for others to be drawn to him, hence Rafferty's jealousy of how Stan could have anyone else than him. 🥲 Hump, his dear of a guide dog was loyal and supportive and a great source of comfort to have around.

“I’m having such a good night.”
“Me too,” I say softly. “I always do with you.”

...

“This is why I like being with you.”
“Because you let me be me.”



Worse than an ex is a current boyfriend - someone imposing himself into a relationship and that was dear ole twat of a character Bennett - an absolute manipulative douche who who should have been kicked where it hurts a long time ago. I do feel bad that it was not quite possible for Stan to share a spark with someone other than his best friend, but Bennett had no redeemable quality to him. 😕 He behaved rather stupidly and rudely - although the way his departure handled wasn't ideal either, but honestly, his time in the sun had run his course. 😮‍💨 I mean, even being in a one-sided open relationship willingly, Stan really deserved better; the coerced secret was short-lived, I'll give it that - ah, that's the problem! 🫰🏻 The conflict was too forced to feel impactful - it just came across as ridiculous, hence their final get-together wasn't as romantic as it could have been. 😕 I guess I would be more forgiving if Bennett's storyline had been spared.

'Miscommunication is a terrible plot device in romance novels' Raff jokes - so in a way, it was kind of an inside jab at the own framework of its plot! Maybe, rather than a flashback of when they were actually together to the eventual break-off of their set-up, it would have been nice if the focus had actually been about them realizing how long they have always been in love with each other. Here, we jump right into where the two of them have to do decide where do we go from there that which we never thought would mean something more?? 😟 'That’s how pathetic I am—in love with my best friend who will never know if I have anything to do with it.' For there is something so bittersweet about figuring out that the perfect person for you has always been right beside you all along. How perfectly the two can complement each other, but don't quite know it. And it was an endearing romance, despite the contrived lack of voicing their true feelings. But is it really when it is their own doubts and uncertainties that make them afraid to voice that what they feel for each other is more than just friends? Especially when falling in love is such a scary feeling, itself? 😔

“I take a breath and step off the edge I’ve hovered near all my life. I’ve avoided it for so long, but now I have to wonder why.”

I adored the Joe and Raff moments; their repartee and friendship made made me laugh without reason because it really is smooth how the author so easily flings out the sharp comebacks. 😄 I liked Wolfie, although he was a bit too smart and formal for a six-year-old, but he was a dear. I am curious to see how Jed and Artie's dynamic will unfold and I liked Stan's family and how very different they were to Raff's so-called parents.

Despite ​the flaws and predictability of what makes Lily Morton's reads so easy to read, she writes romance with a lot of feeling.​ ​It was sweet and heartwarming​ - they weren't honest, but their love was honest - does that make sense?​ 🩷🩷​ And I don't deny that​ I do highlight the confessions and the moment the wave of realization hits that we've been in love all along - we were just the two who did not know it​. 'You’re my something borrowed, I let him borrow you for a little while because I never dared to face what I really knew inside me.' It stirs a little something in my heart, and that is why I always enjoy treating myself to a monthly read of hers.​ 🥰

And two notes to the author: Thank you for sharing the Author's Note; I sincerely hope everything goes well for your family. And Leo really grew on me. I'm not sure if there is a book for Leo and Richard, but if not, I would ​not mind​ getting a glimpse into how they both eventually fell into each other's orbit and​ happily in love. 🤍☺️

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't really my cuppa tea. There were some humorous parts, but I was mostly frustrated by the two main characters. There lack of Communication drove me batty. I didn't care for the evil boyfriend plot, too. I love her books, but this one wasn't for me. I did not hate it, but i did not really like it as i have her other books in the past. If you are interested in it, I'd give it a shot.

As you see, I am clearly in the minority...lol.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has gone right into the top five of my favourite Lily Morton stories.

It's such a gorgeous narrative, at times it's hilarious, others you want to punch people, and then there's moments that bring tears to the eyes because you can feel the emotion being expressed on the page.

Stanley Mortimer is definitely one of my favourite characters Lily has written. He's such a snark but his heart is made of gold and it's been beating for his best friend Rafferty since he was old enough to know what love was.

Rafferty we already met in Confetti Hearts and he's a complete delight with a fear of commitment that's got roots heading deep into the centre of the Earth which, when you find out about his upbringing, becomes absolutely obvious.

He's also had a pretty sharp wake-up call that he's in love with Stan just as it looks like he might be about to lose him to one of the biggest dicks on the planet, Bennett.

The pair of them are pining to the nth degree, which leads to plenty of funny moments, a few flashbacks into their past where we get to see the times they broke the bro code and got all down and dirty and a bunch of well-meaning friends who are doing their best to make them both open their eyes and see what's obvious to everyone else!

Lots of this book reminded me of the very excellent Nick Hornby's High Fidelity as Stan's taken over his eccentric Uncle Pat's small record shop but he often spends more time taking the vinyl home to listen to than he does trying to sell them!

Stan's family are pure delight. They're encouraging of his independence and yet you know there's a wealth of support just floating on the surface waiting to wrap him up if he ever needs them.

Which leads me to Stan's blindness and how this is handled so beautifully by the writing. It's never over-egged, we get to see though Stan's eyes and his life and how he's managed to reach his equilibrium, all the while knowing eventually he'll lose all his vision.

You can tell, even before the Author Note, that this book has deep meaning and it makes it even the more special to see Stan thriving in his world.

Now, please give me Jed and Arthur next, thank you very much Lily!

#ARC kindly received from GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review

[.Lili. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is challenging to rate.

1. If you are familiar with Lily Morton's writing style and enjoy it, you will likely appreciate this book as well.

2. The book offers humorous moments, engaging banter, and heartfelt pining, among other positive elements.

3. I particularly enjoyed the friendship between Rafferty and Stan.

However, the excessive use of miscommunication as a plot device becomes tiresome and detracts from the overall enjoyment of the book. While miscommunication can sometimes add a little razzle dazzle, its prolonged use throughout the entire book becomes tedious.

Additionally, the character of Bennett falls into a familiar trope of villainous characters in Lily Morton's books, leaving readers questioning why the protagonist would have ever been interested in such a twat.

Furthermore, the plotline involving Bennett's proposal and Stan's subsequent decision to conceal the truth from everyone was ridiculous. There was some serious eye roll from me.

While I have cherished some of Lily Morton's previous works, including "After Felix" as a personal favorite comfort read, the recent books, unfortunately, have not resonated with me in the same manner. It is possible that my reading preferences have evolved over time.

3.25 It's Me Not the Book Stars

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know how Lily usually does a caricature villain in her books? She cranked it up to 11 with this one. It was so unbelievably ridiculous that I continued to roll my eyes multiple times.

I really wish she’d stop because I always love all the other parts.

[Ben Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Rafferty and Stan. Their banter and friendship was so fun to read. They're perfect for one another, even if the road to their romance was a rocky one.

Something Borrowed should have been a 5 star read. It had the humour that I love, a main couple that I rooted for, and an interesting cast of secondary characters. But I wasn't a fan of the over reliance on flashbacks, and the biggest detractor for me was everything to do with Bennett. That plotline really put a damper on my enjoyment. It was a frustrating use of the miscommunication trope.

Other that that I still enjoyed this read, and loved when Rafferty and Stan were finally together.

[Evelyn220 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Update: I went back and finished — it did not get better.

DNF at 60% — I think this is the only time I’ve had to DNF one of Lily’s books. The story structure is just not working for me at all. All the good parts that I like to read about in a romance book took place off page or before the story begins. Bits and pieces are revealed in flashbacks but the current timeline is so boring—mostly filled with side characters and pop culture jokes. Raff and Stan are barely ever together. There’s no drama or flirting or tension or chemistry.

[Verdelite · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really wanted to like this as I'm usually a big fan of pining and friends-to-lovers, but unfortunately, Something Borrowed was badly missing a coherent plot.
Scenes felt aimlessly strung together, making it a slow (in a bad way, I love a good slow-burn) and uninteresting read.
The conflict and conflict resolution also felt rather half-baked, resulting in me not really getting invested in the two MC's relationship and their stakes.

[French_fry · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a character claims halfway through the book that the big misunderstanding is the worst plot device in a romance, I felt I was being trolled. There is nothing keeping these characters apart except for a lack of communication. Infuriating. I would have much rather read about Leo and Richard. Not Lily Morton’s best.

[Sandy Kay]

Sadly I have to skip this Lily book. I LOVE this author, but, knowing that Stan knows he's in love w Raff (just can't admit it) but he's still sleeping w someone else (who sounds like a frustratingly awful character, not even worthy of it on a good-person front) and the two MCs aren't together due to this dating situation for nearly the entire book (plus the MCs have already been intimate w each in the backstory, so, they've been together, and then Raff gets cold feet and breaks it off, and Stan still starts dating/sleeping w this other awful character and is still dating him in the present, and Raff starts sleeping with anything that moves) I have to pass on this one. It would be too icky-squirmy Nope for my gut. I'm sure many will love it though! I am weird.

**addition, also, someone included this quote in their review, cementing my Nope: "You’re my something borrowed, I let him borrow you for a little while because I never dared to face what I really knew inside me." --I LET him BORROW you? That's definitely not for me. Squirmy icky gross ew. (But if you follow me, you know I'm a big baby about Others.)

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this well enough BUUUUUT, the horrible boyfriend and Stan's placating him was so far over the top it actually took something away from this otherwise lovely story.

[Em Jay]

DNF @ 33%

I love Lily’s books, but this one is just not for me. She does friends-to-lovers very well so I’m disappointed this turned out to be a miss. Once it was revealed the 2 MCs (who were friends for 20+ years) were already having a sexual relationship for what sounds like months I knew this was never going to work for me. I cannot buy two people being lifelong friends AND roommates AND having a months long sexual relationship still being like “my feelings are a secret he can’t know!” Plus Stan, one of the MCs, has a boyfriend everyone seems to hate and said boyfriend is also why the sexual relationship I’m guessing ended with Rafferty his bff and love of his life. Like again…I will never be able to buy this so I’m tapping out. Welp, on to the next!

PS- it also bugged me the first kiss and sex scenes happen as flashbacks to reveal their previous sexual relationship. Like what a buzz kill lol

[Mir · Rating 2 out of 5]

It pains me to rate this so low because Lily Morton is one of my most favourite authors, but this book is an exception that proves the rule.

The problem wasn’t that Raff or Stan weren’t great characters with great chemistry, but rather how their story was told. The relationship development from friends to lovers was told in flashbacks, which I despised. The MCs are sleeping with other people/in a relationship with others for almost the full book. The miscommunication trope lasts THE ENTIRE FUCKING STORY!!! The only time we really see them in a true relationship is in the epilogue!! There was nowhere near enough of Hump, the guide dog. There were too many pop culture references.

I am so sad. I loved the first book in this series so much. I am not a huge fan of friends to lovers but Lily Morton always does it well. Her great humour is definitely present in this book, but this one wasn’t a win for me unfortunately.

I sure did love the blindness rep, though!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm starting to think that it's impossible for Lily to write a book that I won't absolutely adore. I fell in love with Rafferty in the previous book, however brief he appeared in it, and that love only grew in this one. His and Stan's story is so beautiful and sweet and a great example of a friends-to-lovers romance done perfectly.

I also loved seeing Joe again, because he's amazing. And I loved Stan's attitude towards life in general and how he didn't let being blind stop him from wanting to live life to the fullest. He's so sweet and kind and he deserved the best. But so did Rafferty. He has such a big heart that he likes to hide away to keep from getting hurt and I just wanted to wrap him in blankets and cuddle him. He and Stan are absolutely perfect for each other, without a doubt.

If I had to nitpick, I'd say that I'd have liked to see more of Rafferty and Stan actually being together as a couple. The situation with Bennett dragged on a tad too long. But it's really just a nitpick.

Another amazing book by the fabulous Lily Morton. No doubt I'll revisit it many times in the future just like I have with all the others.

I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.

[mich ⚘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something Borrowed was every bit of delicious I was hoping for. You have two best friends who are pining so ridiculously hard for one another — one newer to the realizing his feelings than the other. And, oh but of course that happens when one is trying to move on. Thus getting the most perfect blend of miscommunication, hilarious moments and so many tropes I adore wrapped into a beautiful package. I devoured this in one sitting and absolutely loved it.

If you’re in the mood for a best friends to lovers dramatically finding their way to their happy ever after in a romantic and comedic way — you’re going to love this.

I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Lily Morton, and I love so many things about this book. The banter - top notch, the sarcastic humor - stellar. I like both characters too. The communication on the other hand - it was frustratingly ridiculous and naive. How they handled the Bennett situation was embarrassingly stupid. And Bennett planning a surprise wedding and nothing comes of that? I understand the characters and their motivations but how this was handled was a bridge too far.

[AliciaJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute story from Lily Morton, but unfortunately, it just felt like the "will they, won't they" between the two MCs went on for way too long. And as for Stan continuing to date the idiot even while he knew he was in love with someone else didn't really work for me. Especially since he knew how much of an asshole he was. So this one isn't really among my favorites, but still, the characters were charming and as always, there was plenty of humor throughout the book.

[Amani · Rating 2 out of 5]

the miscommunication/lack of communication in this went from cute to frustrating to enraging really quick.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have been a 5-star read for sure if not for that big miscommunication bomb at the 60% mark that made absolutely no sense.
But this is Lily Morton and I love her books, so nothing less than 4 stars for her exceptional writing.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Something Borrowed by Lily Morton is the second book in the Confetti Hitched series following a group of wedding planners. We met Rafferty in the first book, Confetti Hearts, and Joe makes an appearance here as Raff’s good friend and co-worker, but this story stands alone fine if you want to start here. This book is a super sweet, friends-to-lovers story of two men who are obviously meant for one another, yet they are the only ones who don’t realize it. Morton does a great job of showcasing the comfortable familiarity Stan and Rafferty have with one another. Their emotional bond is clear and it is obvious how much they support and love one another.

I am enjoying this group of wedding planners and finding this series a lot of fun. If you are fans of friends-to-lovers stories, this one is really a standout.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Megan Gustafson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I always love Lily Morton’s humor, and this was no exception. Both Stan And Raff were a delight, and I enjoyed how they loved and cared for each other. The other highlight for me was learning about Stan’s experience living with a degenerative eye disease.

Weak points were overall plot. I’m still unclear why Bennett was forcing their engagement, tried to trick Raff into planning the secret wedding, and wanted the wedding ASAP. And then nothing happened with all that build up. I was on edge trying to figure out his angle and what he was attempting to orchestrate… but we never found out and then he just gave up? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Anyway- would recommend this book for the vibes but know plot is weak. 😬

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is classic Lily Morton, packed with humor, wit, and emotional depth. Stan and Raff find a sweet, satisfying happily ever after in this messy best friends-to-lovers, it’s always been you romance that includes some of my favorite tropes like only one bed and forced proximity.

Not to be spoilery, but this is the kind of book where everyone realizes the MMCs are in love but them. Stan and Raff are childhood best friends who’re everything to each other, and there’s never a doubt each is the most important person in the other’s life. It’s a complicated journey to get them on the same page, but once they are, it’s everything.

If you’re the kind of reader who’s easily frustrated when MCs communicate about everything but their feelings, this might be a hard book at times. The same goes for readers who don’t enjoy an MC who avoids relationships based on the experience of others.

While we’re introduced to Stan and Raff in the present, this story uses flashbacks to provide glimpses of their life together. We see how real their feelings are in those moments, and I love the powerful way it builds their connection while also conveying a sense of longing in the present.

I love Raff, but Stan’s the star of this one for me. He’s one of the best, fiercest, most balanced characters with a disability I’ve read in a while. I appreciate how Lily Morton calls out the ableism that’s so rampant in society; it’s one of the things I find most challenging about the world. I wish there were more depictions of people like him — people who just want to live their lives without being treated differently and as if they’re a spectacle, a burden, or a responsibility to be managed.

Which brings me to Stan’s boyfriend, Bennett. I’m not sure there are words for how strongly I dislike him. Lily Morton is terrific at writing villainous characters like him who’re aloof, superior, slightly shifty, and untrustworthy despite their self-proclaimed moral high ground. Was he ever good enough for Stan? No, although he served a purpose. He just turned out to be an arse who’s more trouble than he’s worth.

When I finished Something Borrowed, I was a bit of an emotional mess. I’m so very happy for them - tears of joy and all that - but also overwhelmed by the reminder that life is precious and nothing is guaranteed. We are on this path in life with many unknowns, obstacles, and triumphs along the way. Truly one of the only things we control is who we choose to share it with. ❤️

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Miss S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My need for him is like my need for air. The desperation of it should make me pull away. But I don’t.

❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Best Friends to Lovers
❥ Childhood Friends
❥ Banter
❥ Two Oblivious Idiots
❥ Disability Rep (Blind MC)
❥ Found Family

This is the first book I've read by Lily Morton, and while this is a part of a series, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, so it can be read as a standalone. With that being said, I'm going to read the first book ASAP!

Something Borrowed is such a sweet and funny read, and I truly enjoyed it. I've seen negative reviews based on the fact that a book is British English, so let me just add that this book is all the delicious British banter and bickering. The banter and pop culture references made me laugh out loud a lot, but sometimes it was a little too much for me, like I imagined myself standing there turning my head like at a tennis match, but in ultra speed, I also didn't understand all of the references, but there can be a lot of reasons for that, age or country maybe.

Anyhow. This book is about Stan and Rafferty, who are best friends and flatmates. Stan is in a relationship with Bennett, while Rafferty likes to share his gifts around London, all the while their friends and family are waiting for these two oblivious idiots to find out what they already know, that Stan and Rafferty are madly in love with each other.

Rafferty is hilarious, and he was definitely a character. He's impossible not to love, unless you're dating Stan, because somehow all of Stan's dates have something in common, they can't stand Rafferty. I wonder why. Rafferty's childhood is the reason why he's not willing to commit and settle down, since his parents have shown him how terrible relationships can be.

I adored Stan, truly. He's almost fully blind, and had a hard time accepting his situation, but has come to a place where he's independent but also knows who he can rely on and when. He does not like to be coddled. He also has a very cute service dog, and I think it's pretty great that it's added in the book, how service dogs are not to be petted when they're at work.

Rafferty and Stan together were amazing, how they were bantering and bickering in the most funny ways, how well they knew each other from knowing each other since childhood made them so comfortable around each other and it showed on the pages. Well, until that happened.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.

[Papie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning felt like I was thrown in the middle of the story, and I didn’t like that. But I decided to push through. And I’m happy I did.

I adored Stan. I loved Raff although his personality is very “intense Lily Morton twink”, iykyk. Overall I had lots of fun!

The end

Wait. Not the end. I have to say that my brain thought Jed was Jesse from Close proximity. And I kept being sad he lost his husband. Apparently Jesse and Zeb merged and became Jed. Am I the only weirdo? Thank god my stupid brain was wrong.

[Axalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stan et Raf avec un Culomètre à 🍑🍆

Heureusement que c'est écrit par Lily Morton, parce que les best-friends to lovers, ça ne fonctionne pas avec moi normalement ~

Raf s'épanouie totalement dans son travail de wedding planner, mais, côté amour, ce n'est pas ça, surtout quand on a des sentiments pour son meilleur ami, qui est en couple depuis plusieurs mois. Mais les sentiments partagés finissent toujours par gagner !

J'ai toujours eu du mal avec les romances dans lesquels les deux protagonistes sont déjà amoureux l'un de l'autre, je ne comprends pas vraiment le principe... MAIS, il suffit d'une plume agréable, un humour à la con ou de bons retournements de situation pour que ça marche tout de même avec moi.

Stan est l'ami discret, aveugle depuis jeune, il vit sa vie paisible de disquaire, avec ses collègues, mais, surtout, grâce à Raf, qui ne le voit pas juste par sa maladie, mais par ce qu'il est. On comprend direct qu'ils ont des sentiments l'un pour l'autre, mais que Raf est le gars typique qui ne veut pas se poser et qui ne permet pas à Stan d'y aller franchement, surtout que Stan est un couple (avec un mec détestable d'ailleurs).

J'avoue que l'histoire a réussi à m'avoir, par le comportement de Raf, complètement fou, mais toujours au petit soin avec Stan, ils ont vraiment des comportements adorables l'un envers l'autre. C'est dur de les voir refuser se mettre en couple ou donner du crédit à leurs sentiments, mais on comprend le pourquoi du comment et on ne peut que les encourager à aller plus loin !

Bref, la plume de Lily Morton, c'est vraiment quelque chose, pleine d'humour et de punchlines incroyables, qui nous permet d'apprécier cette romance best-friends to lovers !

[Showarst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to see book 2 in the Confetti Hitched series because I read Confetti Hearts multiple times. I do have to admit that I was a little disappointed with Rafferty and Stan’s story. I really, really hate miscommunication in a story and this one was just full of it. I know if these two had been honest with each other there wouldn’t have been a story, but I just wanted them to get with it.

Rafferty and Stan were stinking sweet once they got their act together and it was good to see Joe and Lachlan again. I cannot wait for Jed and Archie’s story. I want that one so bad.

I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Lily.
Precious, sexy, swoony.
Not her best work, though.