On Circus Lane: The Wright Brothers, Book 1

The Wright Brothers #1

by Lily Morton, Joel Leslie (Narrator)

The first time Bee Bannister met Tom Wright, he couldn’t stand him.

Everything about the man aggravated him—his perfect hair and body, his confident arrogance, and the way he looked straight through Bee.

Which is why it’s such an unpleasant shock to find that he’ll be sharing space with him while on a Christmas holiday with friends in Scotland.

However, as the days fly by and snowy Edinburgh begins to work its magic on him, Bee discovers that sometimes first impressions can be very misleading. Tom is kind and funny, and somehow, rather than looking through Bee, he actually sees and likes all of him.

The two men grow closer, but will Bee follow his heart or his head when the holiday ends? And can relationships that start so badly ever lead to love?

From best-selling author Lily Morton comes a festive romantic comedy about enemies to lovers and the magic of Christmas.

This is the first book in the Wright Brothers series.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Holiday, LGBT, Enemies To Lovers

Audible Audio

First published December 17, 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 4 out of 5]

Re-read 12/2025: 4.5 stars Enjoyed it even more this time around. Love Tom. He is so romantic.

******
3.75 stars

I'm surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book, considering I read the sample when it came out and didn't care for it at the time. But I was in the mood for something light and fun, and I picked this one up because I love Edinburgh and wanted to spend some time there, even if only through the pages of the book. This author is so good at describing places, it makes you feel like you're actually there.

Obviously, I loved the setting and all the places they visited. I loved the winter vibes and snow. It felt magical. The idea of visiting Edinburgh with a group of friends sounds very appealing to me at the moment, so I really enjoyed that aspect of the story, too. So much so, that even Steven couldn't ruin my mood. 😅

I found the romance really sweet, but I have mixed feelings about the characters. I loved Tom. He is so wonderful and caring. Bee is a very contradicting character and there are a lot of little things we learn about him that somehow don't fit together. I didn't dislike him, but I disliked how he behaved at times. The misunderstanding at the beginning felt odd, because Tom didn't do anything to earn Bee's animosity. Luckily, it didn't last long. The other thing I didn't like was Bee flirting and trying to seduce Tom from day two.

Dispite my few niggles, I found the story really heartwarming and funny at times. I liked that the setting and the side characters got as much attention as the main characters. It totally worked for me here and made the story better. Now I'll have to give Merry Measure another try. I dnf-ed it four years ago. 🙈

[Drusilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fluffy, ridiculous, funny, amusing, with somewhat idiotic characters?
First of all, I really enjoyed the book, it made me laugh several times and overall I think it really is a light jolly book that fits well into the Christmas season.
Then, I haven't read the second book in this series, so I can't weigh in when it comes to comparing these two stories.
Then I'm a bit biased, because a lot of the story is set in Edinburgh and has some tourist exploration included as a plot framework. My husband is an absolute lover of Edinburgh, and it must be rubbing off on me a bit even if I'm not too keen on it. But this story made me see the city in a different light and reminded me of some of the things that are actually there, which was very entertaining.
So I liked things about this story that may seem annoying to some readers.
Honestly, the “plot” is really quite lame. Then there are all the friends of this group of supporting characters who don't really play a role, but are there all the time and create a lot of background noise.
I think it's the kind of story that only works when you're already in the Christmas spirit and maybe a little distracted and intoxicated by delicious food and nice drinks?
Anyway, the foundation of this story is a misunderstanding and thus an exuberant dislike of the main characters for each other ... well yawn.
That's pretty bad when I think about it. When I read it a few days ago, I shrugged it off, but the more I think about it, the stupider I realize this thing is.
Bee and Tom are quite amusing to watch. I liked the two main characters, but I can't say I loved them. The story just scratches the surface too much for that. What depth there is to the characters is unfortunately not well developed. It's therefore a Christmas story that doesn't necessarily call for depth.
At any other time of the year I might have been super annoyed, so I can say these are just two idiots who fit together well, even if the author didn't give them the chance to really make an impression on the reader.
Geez, I really wanted to write a reasonably good sounding review but somehow all that comes out of my head is unpleasant things.
I hope my rating reflects that I really had a good time reading it. I think you're just not supposed to think about the book but leave it as a simple entertaining silly story.

“It’s going to get colder. They’re forecasting snow, and that jacket of yours isn’t fit for purpose.”
“I bought it to make me look good and make my eyes look pretty. I’d say it’s done its job.”
He stares at me intently, his hot expression making my pulse race. “Those pretty eyes don’t need any help,” he finally says.
He moves away, and I stare after him. Did he just say my eyes were pretty? I hasten to follow. 🙄💞🙄

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

~2.5~

For some inexplicable reason, I gave the second book in this series, which is actually the FIRST book published back in 2020, 5 stars but don't recall a single thing about it.

I remember in technicolor books I read two decades ago, so I was either blackout drunk (doubtful), body snatched by aliens (probably not), OR the story was fun & merry but utterly forgettable.

On Circus Lane is just this side of mundane.

I was so over reading about Jack and his douchey boyfriend Steven and what the entire friend group is doing during their holiday in Scotland. The secondary characters completely take over the story, and huge chunks of the plot read like a tourist guidebook to Edinburgh.

The animosity between Tom and Bee is one-sided and lasts like five minutes, so I have no idea why that was even a thing.

The MCs have romantic moments here and there. The dialogue is well done. The writing is solid. I even LOLed a few times.

But the entire book, including the epilogue, feels like a setup for Merry Measure.

Also, there's so much winking! Everyone winks all the time (60 times to be precise). SIXTY winks! I don't think people in real life wink, do they? I know I can't. My face contorts into a grimace, my eye twitches, and it looks like I'm having a stroke.

Reluctantly rounding up because happy holidays or whatever.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody brilliant.

I fell in love with Tom & Bee when they first appeared in Lily's 2020 release Merry Measure which is the story of Tom's younger brother Arlo and his wonderful romance with Tom's best friend Jack.

They were an established couple then and, like many others, I was intrigued by them and wanted to know their story, as we watched Arlo and Jack fall for each other as Tom tried to find the right moment to propose to Bee on a friends' trip to Amsterdam.

Now I have it, and it's everything I wanted and then some, because Lily's also given me a homage to my second favourite city in the world - Edinburgh and I loved walking through the streets with Tom and Bee as they too slowly fell in love.

From their less than auspicious first meeting, when Tom ignored Bee because he was so angry at Jack's irritating and obnoxious boyfriend Stephen, to the Epic Epilogue, we get to see just what makes someone fall for another person.

In this case, Bee's a certified genius, but his peopling skills are less polished, he's conscious of how he can come over as being quite aloof or distracted, but this just draws Tom to him and, once they've sorted out their initial misconception, he becomes ever more intrigued.

Now, obviously having read Merry Measure, I know they're going to get together and be deliriously and hilariously snark ever after, but it truly was wonderful to see that journey from hesitant first steps to the knowledge that they've met their person.

This has all you'd expect from Lily, banter and snark, a compelling and interesting set of secondary characters that those who've read Merry Measure already know, a wonderful setting that comes alive as Tom and Bee explore, a delicious slowburn-y vibe that turns into the most explosive and emotion-driven intimacy, and a HEA that is glorious.

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

[Kathleen in Oslo · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

I protest this gratuitous watering down of the once proud enemies-to-lovers trope. This is "mildly annoying and quickly rectified first impression"-to-lovers, at best. Do words not have meaning anymore? Can anyone just claim anything these days? I think we need a moratorium on enemies-to-lovers until we figure out what the hell is going on.

But first, a philosophical enquiry: Can something be extraordinarily mid? Mind-blowingly average? Harrowingly mediocre? I leave it to you, dear reader, to draw your own conclusions.

My first (?!) Lily Morton, which is kind of a feat given how ubiquitous she is. And it was fine. Not good. Not awful. Sort of cringe, but not, like, offensively so. The very definition of "meh." The literary embodiment of 2.5 stars.

I don't know, maybe I'm being unfair. This was very polished and easy to whoosh through. The writing wasn't bad. But I kept thinking of this long-ago tweet or blogpost by KJ Charles where she was taking a poke at (m/f) romance where the main character is just SO perfect, physically and personality-wise, with an impeccable CV and an effortlessly hot bod, and whatever flaws they are given are more like adorable quirks that we, the reader, are primed to admire. (Or as the legendary wasteland baby once put it, "she boobed boobily down the staircase." Wrap those boobs around a Harvard degree and a weakness for fostering shelter dogs, and you know the type.) And -- bracketing the boobs -- that's what this is. There was one villain who might as well have been twirling his mustachio while stroking a hairless cat and cackling madly, while the rest of the characters were just! So! Perfect! All! The! Time! And if that's your sweet spot, more power to you! You will probably enjoy this significantly more than I did. Seriously, I have a 960-page Stucky PTSD fic and (embarrassingly/ gratifyingly) many hrpf bio D/s's on my kindle, who am I to judge?? Your kink is not my kink, and that's okay!

I did laugh out loud at "sexy veins," though [insert "that's what she said!" as I stare at my legs in the mirror].

I got an ARC from GRR, disclaimer disclaimer

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

​✰ 2.75 stars ✰

“Do you want to get to know me? Do you want to fall in love with me?”

'𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣...'



Pretty much the definition of my two-fold reaction when I found out that there was a new Lily Morton releasing in December, just when I had resolutely ended my readings of one Lily Morton book a month back in October, rounding off nicely at a solid ten. 🤦🏻‍♀️😭

Now, I regret not reading book 2 of the Wright Brothers in November. Maybe I can cheat the algorithm and make it look like I've read it already. 😅

And in my defense, the Godfather reference is relevant, so it merited a mention. 🙆🏻‍♀️

Such is my life. 😇

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I don't know if it is any fault of the writing that when I was reading the sex scenes I was falling asleep. In my defense, I had been up since 4 in the morning and after an exhausting day, I pretty much was fighting sleep at 10pm, but I kept jerking awake because the last thing I needed was to fall asleep with my reader open to this particular scene. 🙈

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Random rambles aside, I was not troubled by On Circus Lane, so it doesn't really fall into that particular category reserved by books that well, y'know trouble me. So, there is that.​ 👍🏻 Hmmm... I think what maybe stood out for me more was the lack of what I kinda normally expect in a formulaic Lily Morton - the annoying ex, the insta-fest, the repartee - it was missing those vibes, and still, it wasn't that bad??​ 🤔

“I liked the creatures in it. They’re so beautiful but hidden unless you take the time to look close.”

Our gazes catch and hold. “Some people are like that.​”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It's a sweet ​and comforting, lighthearted angst-free read where 'tetchy, quirky, and absent​-minded', but perfectly delectable Bee Bannister, one who usually only wants a good time in the sheets and nothing more discovers that he can care for someone beyond the bedroom, and kind and friendly Tom Wright, one who normally doesn't hesitate to make his move, takes his time this time around, simply to make the other realize that he is for keeps. 🤍 🥺 'I don’t know what it is about him that fascinates me.' That set-up definitely defies the norm of relationship dynamics I've seen from LM, so maybe I seem to be in a more forgiving state.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ After an inauspicious first meeting where Bee is a bit put off that adorably charming Tom is not immediately charmed by him, he is reluctant to warm up to his best friend's friend's older brother, despite how he and their rather high-maintenance group of friends will be spending the festive holidays in Edinburgh together - shopping, touring, exploring culture, the works. But, Bee slowly discovers that he may have been too quick to assume the worst of sweet and friendly Tom - who's so warm and considerate that having a quick shag isn't a choice this time. 🥺 'I want to so badly, but I want to be different to him' - a choice that brings about some heartfelt moments and sincere longing, laced with the usual sexual energy radiating from both parties, but firmly fighting the pull to make the inevitable count.

“Unpeeling his layers is proving to be a surprisingly entertaining exercise, and since I’d like to keep doing it, I’m not going to let him use sex to keep my interest at bay.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ A reveal into Bee's childhood did catch me off-guard; I'm not sure why it was necessary for him to have such a traumatic past, nor was I able to connect how that was relevant to his inclination against monogamy, so ​that was odd​...​ 😕 Tom was a likeable decent fellow, who went out of his way to make Bee feel as comfortable and as welcome as possible, to be openly vulnerable with him, too.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Having never traveled out of Pakistan, LM always leaves me feeling the sting of wanderlust through fiction; and Tom and Bee certainly had some unfortunate adventures in their attempts for sight-seeing, but just the time spent together in each other's company made up for the lack thereof. 'I’ve never had to work so hard for a bloke before.' 😍 *sighs wistfully* Reading makes it sound so picturesque, always leaving me with envy of what I'm missing out on. 😔

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Another boon may also have been that while an annoying supposedly-ex was featured, it wasn't one that was intimately involved with either MC, so that was also a rarefied boon. The friends dynamic was rather high-maintenance, a cheery ​motley crew that just had those feel-good vibes of soaking in the pleasantries and warmth of Edinburgh's delights, without hurting anyone, so who am I to hurt them for living the good life?​ 😊

“Thank you for showing me you.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The kisses were sweet, the sex - the description was a bit too technical for my taste; it lacked lustre to it - or maybe, my sleep-deprived state had dulled my senses, or maybe to keep in time with the cozy Christmas buttery feels where abstinence is sexy, it didn't turn up the heat too much, just keep it simmering at a decent temperature... Yes, this is me trying to be kind to justify it.​ 🥰 Although the otherwise- gratuitous way in which both of them thirsted over each other would be annoying, but I seem to have numbed myself to it. 😌

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But, if anything, the author makes me believe in love, or better said 'it’s never too early for lurve'. Tom and Bee were taking a chance on something different - 'it makes the game all the better' - and seeing that just by enjoying each other's company, their feelings developed more so. The final scene was touching, if not sentimental for them, which I felt captured their personalities and their uncertainty perfectly. 🥹 It's the challenge of defying their own expectations that made reaping the benefits of a meaningful connection all that more rewarding. A friendship fueled by mutual attraction, but an equally mutual attempt to be friends really first - to enjoy each other- to be happy and content around one another - before taking a leap of faith of admitting that life would be better by having them in their lives and their hearts for always. 🫶🏻

Inquiring minds do want to know 🙋🏻‍♀️- does Ted Jared Alfred have his own book? 😆

[ivy]

DNF @ 41% - in this case it’s really not the books fault. My attention span is just non-existent right now. Blame Christmas

[Ken W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

Ok, full disclaimer, was this as good as Merry Measure? No. Absolutely not. All through this one I was thinking this was “good but not great.” Through 80% my rating probably would have been a 3.5. The last couple of chapters were much better and brought it up to a 4 star rating.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

And, yes, it has the caricature douchebag like every single one of her books.

[Sandy Kay]

UGH. Dangit. I have been looking so forward to this book. I do adore Lily Morton's voice and story telling, so much! But of course, the opening is one MC meeting the other MC, it going not well, and the first MC taking some rando hookup home (hookup off page) and waking up with Rando the next morning. Blech. This just doesn't set the stage for romance, and I'll have to come back to this book later, even though the rando-encounter happens early enough that it won't put me off forever. But I just...eww. Need to shower now.

I'll say one thing about this author--she really puts me in touch with how not-sex-positive I am. LOL. Foiled again by other-person action!

Sigh. I'll try again later, I swear. I bet the rest is really fun.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

B- / 3.5 stars

On Circus Lane is the prequel to 2020’s Merry Measure , in which the central romance unfolded against the backdrop of a trip to Amsterdam in order to celebrate the engagement of Tom Wright (older brother of primary school teacher Arlo) and his boyfriend, Bee Bannister. Readers were captivated by the pair – so obviously happy and in love – and have asking for Tom and Bee’s origin story - and here it is. I’ve been on a break from Lily Morton’s books for the last few years; having read most of them more or less upon release, I was finding them same-y and stale, and this is the first one I’ve read since 2021’s On a Midnight Clear , which bored me silly.

But the break seems to have paid off, because I enjoyed On Circus Lane, a typically light-hearted bundle of undemanding, festive fun featuring engaging (if slightly too perfect) characters whose love language is snark.

Bee Bannister is a certified genius. Matriculated to Oxford at the age of fourteen, he has degrees in mathematics, physics, ancient history (to relax) and art history (just for fun!) and is now taking a DPhil in mathematics. He’s not interested in relationships – he doesn’t have time and prefers to keep his work, study and men in separate boxes – and is very happy with the string of one-and-done hook-ups that make up his love life. Bee has agreed to go on a short break to Edinburgh with a small group of friends to support his bestie, Ivy, who is a bit nervous because she only knows one other person in the group, her colleague, Sal. When the book begins, Bee and Ivy are meeting up with some of the others when Bee's attention is caught by the most beautiful man he’s ever seen – tall and broad-shouldered with thick, wavy hair and a chiselled face - and he’s walking towards their table. Bee gives the guy an encouraging, flirty smile, but he just looks straight through him and fixes his attention on the guy called Steven (whom readers of Merry Measure will recall as Jack's awful boyfriend), whom he accuses of stealing his house keys. This must be Sal's brother, Tom, and from the way he acts and speaks, Bee immediately pegs him as an arrogant wanker and decides to ignore him.

The next morning when Tom arrives at Bee’s place to collect him for the trip, he doesn’t remember meeting him the night before, which makes the hostility radiating off Bee very puzzling. It’s not until they stop for a loo-break and snacks that Tom realises what happened; he was so focused on his Steven-induced fury that he didn’t register Bee at all – which is surprising seeing as how the man is stunning enough to stop traffic.

Thankfully, Tom and Bee are adults about the whole thing, and the misunderstanding is very quickly cleared up, which leaves them the bulk of the book to spend time sight-seeing in Edinburgh, getting to know each other and falling in love.

Tom is smitten with Bee fairly quickly, and senses there’s the potential for something real and lasting between them – but he just as quickly realises that Bee’s revolving door of bed partners is a form of self-protection and that falling into bed with Bee will put paid to any hope of building a relationship. So despite Bee’s flirtatiousness and obvious desire to seduce him, Tom makes it clear that’s not happening, no matter that it’s killing him to keep turning Bee down.

But over the days they spend traipsing around Edinburgh with Tom playing tour guide because Bee didn’t pay attention in the group chat when they talked about needing to book tickets in advance for the main attractions they want to visit, Bee starts to realise just how much he likes Tom and that maybe – just maybe – he might want things to be different with him. Which is really scary considering he’s made avoiding commitment into an art form. Can Bee get past his insecurities to take a chance on what might be the best thing ever to happen to him?

Tom and Bee are likeable and charming, but with differences that complement each other. Bee isn’t especially social; he’s not big on social cues and often finds his mind wandering to whatever project he’s working on instead of paying attention to what people are saying, but he’s loyal to his friends, he’s funny and clever and intriguing. And where Bee is scarily bright, but sucks at people-ing, Tom is warm, kind and emotionally astute, and I loved that he spent time listening to Bee, working out what he liked and then made a point of finding places to visit he knew he would enjoy.

A few things brought my final grade down a bit. Tom is warm and lovely, but Bee isn’t all that well fleshed-out as a character; we know he’s gorgeous and brilliant and eschews relationships, and there are hints of a sad backstory but they aren’t followed up. The blurb seems to promise an enemies/antagonists-to-lovers romance but what we actually get is more of a huffily-and-temporarily-affronted-because-of-personal-baggage-to-lovers one – and even then, the misconceptions disappear so quickly they might as well not have existed at all. Then there’s sneering, supercillious arsehole Steven, who takes up far too much page time considering his actions don’t have anything to do with the main plotline.

Despite those reservations, I’m giving On Circus Lane a qualified recommendation. It’s sweet and sexy, with moments of genuine longing and heartfelt emotion, and I’m sure the author’s many fans will love it.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bee & Tom
Rating: 3.6⭐

- Opposites Attract
- Christmas Time
- Banter
- One Sided Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Edinburgh Vacation
- Contractor's Quantity Surveyor

I have an unhealthy obsession with Book 2, Merry Measure, which came out first and then Lily went back and wrote this story so we could all see how Bee and Tom got together. I love that I got to see how Tom wooed Bee into a relationship, but I didn't' like it as much as Arlo and Jack's book.

It's still a cute holiday read and if you've never read the other book this will flow well into Arlo's story. There's a great group of friends here, that of course comes from the other book, going on holiday together. Bee is an academic that typically keeps his head in a book instead of experiencing things outside. We get to see his wonder at seeing new things and learning from Tom's impromptu tour guiding. There are some sweet moments between these two as they end up spending most of the trip with just the two of them doing their own thing. There's also a cute epilogue that leads into Arlo's book, where Bee and Tom's story continues.

My one major beef was that Bee has a hookup the night he meets Tom, which happens to be the night before the group goes on holiday. So they're going into the trip with Bee just having been with an irrelevant man. That's just me, but wanted to address it for those that have a similar peeve.

Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions of parental abandonment (past, off-page)

I received a free copy of this book via author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes, they're apart for a short period but they weren't a couple at that point
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No, but Bee does have that hookup the night he meets Tom
Ages: Unknown, seemed like late 20's to early 30's

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
My first time reading this author and it won't be the last. I loved the dynamic between Bee and Tom. What started as a misunderstanding and a bit of harsh judgement on Bee's part before a holiday go Edinburgh, became an exercise in getting to know someone after erroneous first impressions. Tom is such a lovely character, understanding and caring. And Bee is just a baby. It was filled with lovely 'dates' and there was a third act breakup that didn't bother me (much 🙄). But it was cute and hot and sweet. Loved it.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the cheeky humour in this book. This is my first book by the author but it definitely won’t be the last. It’s compelling and a complete page turner. So beautifully written, I could hardly put it down. It feels genuine and sweet and real, and right from the get go you get a real feel for these endearing characters (as well as the not so endearing ones - looking at you Steven). It’s a great start to a series and I absolutely loved Bee and Tom. I wonder if Jack and Arlo are next?

Tom and Bee don’t have the very best of first meetings what with Tom never even noticing Bee (gasp) but that turns around in a bit and he is adamantly clear he wants to be something more than the genius Bee’s revolving door of men he keeps at an arms length. Tom is insanely kind and so very swoony and Bee is absentminded and sweet and they get on like a house on fire once the dust settles from their first meeting, even with Bee trying his level best to keep things casual. That ending was truly epic.. completely sigh worthy!

I throughly enjoyed this slow build up to friendship and then crackling attraction and lovely romance… all the way to love. If you want o read an awesome holiday romance, read this one!

Expect:
* Slow burn
* Christmas time
* Opposites attract
* Brilliant banter

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I especially loved Tom, Ivy and Freddy. They were all wonderful characters. Bee wasn’t my favorite character. I really wanted for Bee and Tom to get together. However, sometimes Bee’s personality was a complete turn off. I was surprised Tom even gave him the time of day after the way he behaved in the car. Anyway, it’s a typical Lily Morton book. By that I mean it’s a sweet low angst story.

For some reason I read the second book first. It didn’t matter except Jack was still with Stephen in this book.

[NitaBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas romance between Bee and Tom.

Bee and Toms first meeting does not go well. Tom seems dismissive of Bee, which in turn makes Bee judgemental of Tom.

Not such a great start , especially as they are part of a friend group off to Scotland.

Tom’s best friend Jack is dating an absolute wanker and hopefully they break up and that Tom has a hot brother hiding somewhere for a book 2.

Ok first impression of Bee is he’s a bit of a flirt- nothing wrong with being single and ready to mingle - , a tad dramatic and a whole lot of fun.

“He winks at me. “It’s a novel morning after. Usually, it’s tears or a headache.” “Sounds like the title of the film they’ll make about my life,” I say gloomily.”

Awkward - Tom doesn’t even remember meeting Bee!! But now he’s seen him - actually seen him , Tom is interested.

Hmm Tom does have a brother that Jack is also close to … interesting…

Tom and Bee manage to accidentally get to second base at a service station then talk through their misunderstandings. There’s definitely an attraction there.

The group arrive in Edinburgh and room assignments given out. Tom, Bee and some other male friends are sharing one apartment.

Tom is such a sweetheart and definitely smitten with Bee. Bee is noticing how wonderful he is.

“I pat my pockets for my inhaler just in case, but my breathlessness seems to be Tom-generated rather than asthma.”

Tom is caring, protective of people he cares about and the perfect guy for Bee. Except Tom seems to be a relationship guy and Bee doesn’t do feelings. Messy complicated feelings. Bee is shamelessly flirting but Tom isn’t picking up what he’s dropping.

Haha oh Bee is intelligent but Tom is clever too. And he knows if he has the sexy times with Bee then it’s game over.

“You’re it, I think. And then I quickly think, What the hell?”

Tom is understanding and patient. He just gets Bee. Swoon.

Oh wow, Bee’s childhood is so sad.

Oh please Jack , for the love of god BREAK UP WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND!!

I am enjoying the rest of the friend group on this holiday though.

Finally, Tom gives in and sexy times happen plus cuddles. It gets a bit too intimate for Bee.

“Shit, this isn’t good. I really don’t need to go home with a bad case of feelings.”

The holiday ends and Bee and Tom arrive back to reality with an awkward parting.

Tom, in a drunken moment if clarity decides to get his man back. It’s a Christmas magical moment and they have their happily ever after.

This book made me laugh out loud. It made me want to travel to Scotland with all the sightseeing described. Fabulous friend group apart from Jacks boyfriend. A lovely Christmas romance that will have you cheering for the main couple as they fall in love.

But…

The only problem with this book is that I feel a lot of focus is on Jack and his shitty boyfriend, and I find it distracting. Infuriating even. I just want to read a book where Jack falls in love with a great guy then come back to this book. Is it setting up the love interests for book two?

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way more my speed and enthusiasm level for a Christmas romance!

I loved getting to know Tom and Bee because I read Merry Measure two years ago and always wanted to know more about how they met.

Tom is so swoony with the way he makes everything special for Bee, and the way he makes sure Bee is happy 😍 Bee is a bit of a disaster, but I really loved him!

Loved seeing Jack pre-Arlo also, although there was far too much of snotty Steven, so now I need to re-read Merry Measure to cleanse my mind of him!

[Elisa Glendenning (mostly off-line) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ✨

[Peggy · Rating 1 out of 5]

There used to be a time I was looking forward to new releases from this author. Unfortunately her books have become all the same at some point. The plot is always similar, the snark is too much, there’s often much name dropping of expensive brands, the most beautiful homes and places in the world. MC’s are always extremely handsome or rich, so unfortunately these book have become boring, predictable and unrealistic.
I get it people still like it. I was very charmed as well a couple of years ago, but it’s a shame she’s not trying out new things with her talent…. I’m afraid it’s just not for me anymore.

[Amy Aislin · Rating 4 out of 5]

super cute!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point, I'm convinced that Lily is just incapable of writing a book I don't love with all my heart. There's just something about the way she writes, the way she brings us characters and stories with so much heart and her hilarious brand of snark that just does it for me. On Circus Lane was, to nobody's surprise, another winner.

I met Tom and Bee for the first time back when I first read Merry Measure. And ever since, I have been dying to get their story. So to say I was looking forward to this one is a massive understatement. I just love these two so much. Tom is so sweet and caring. He has such a big heart and he's such a romantic soul! He had me swooning all over the place. Bee is really smart, snarky, adorably absentminded at times, and also oblivious in a way that just makes him more precious. They're so perfect for each other, it's ridiculous. I was just happy sighing and swooning and laughing my way through their journey. My heart is so very full right now.

I also loved all the side characters, obviously. Except Steven. Still hate him with the fiery passion of a thousand suns. But one of the things I loved most was how the romance played out. It starts with a wrong first impression and then over the course of the holiday, they get to know each other. And Tom knows from the start that this is his person and he's determined not to be like the other guys Bee has been with. He's determined to woo him and win him over. He just goes for it, and I love that.

If I had to sum up On Circus Lane in one word, it would be beautiful. Because it is. It's a beautiful story about finding your person, set in beautiful Edinburgh. Highly recommend it! And now I obviously have to go re-read Merry Measure.

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

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet characters, lovely setting and so very dull.

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute, no angst story between two very different people, who started on the wrong foot, but found themselves spending some time together and catching feelings. It was very sweet and it made me want to go back to Edinburgh and visit all the places they did. Both characters were really likeable and you just couldn't not cheered for them.
They start something during vacation and usually that means when reality hits again, maybe everything will fall apart. But they just were too sweet for that to happen, they just needed a bit of Christmas magic and meddling friends!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

On Circus Lane is officially book one in Lily Morton’s Wright Brothers series, though it is releasing four years after book two, Merry Measure. That book features Tom’s brother, Arlo, as he falls for Tom’s best friend, Jack.

This one is a light enemies-to-lovers, as the guys start off on the wrong foot.

Bee and Tom are so lovely together and it is such a comfort read of a story. I enjoyed reconnecting with this group of friends/family and am so glad that Morton decided to go back and give us a book for Tom and Bee. This one is definitely recommended.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Anna🌖 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Sherry F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Enough with everyone winking all the time, though.

[haletostilinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐︎ 4.5 stars rounded up! ⭐︎

It took me until the very end of this to realize that I'd seen Tom and Bee before, in Arlo and Jack's story, which came out 4 years ago. I mean...no wonder I forgot that detail and also didn't realize I'd read the now second book in this series before.

I checked my review from that book and I expressed interest in Tom and Bee and thought they were cute and interesting.

Thankfully that feeling from 4 years ago reading the second book translated into the "prequel" of sorts with Tom and Bee's story.

Overall I loved this more than Arlo and Jack's story and felt the chemistry much more with these two. Tom and Bee just clicked from the beginning, and the chemistry was great. I loved these two.

This takes place a year before the events of the second book, with Tom and Bee having just met each other at the start of this. There was a bit of a misunderstanding at first, and Bee thought Tom was intentionally dismissive and rude to him, but Tom was more preoccupied with something else at the time, something understandable.

After an initial sort of anger from Bee toward Tom, and Bee realizing he might have jumped to conclusions a bit, he apologizes to Tom, and instead of disliking each other, they like each other a lot. They take to each other very quickly, and spend the holiday with all their friends wanting to spend it all with just each other, basically.

Bee has used sex as a way to push people way - meaning he has sex, loses interest, and kicks that guy out, never to see or hear him again.

Tom realizes this pretty early on - it helps that he could overhear Bee and his best friend, Ivy, talking about it on the drive to Scotland for their holiday - and holds off on sex with Bee so they can get to know each other more. Tom likes Bee too much to be one of the men he just tosses aside after one time together.

Of course, as the week goes on, Tom eventually gives in and they have sex, and it's wonderfully done. The chemistry is great and intense, and of course Bee wants more. He's never had sex like this in his life. Where it feels so good and is so intimate and passionate, taking their time instead of rushing to the finish line.

This was a fun holiday romp, and definitely had that Morton charm to it that admittedly has been kind of missing from a few of her later works.

My only reason for .5 stars is that this was a bit slow at times. I mean, all they're doing the whole book is doing stuff one would do as a tourist on vacation. There isn't a ton of actual plot outside the relationship. Which, the relationship was so good I didn't mind too much at all about that fact. Also the other characters and interactions were fun as well. This had quintessential Morton humor that we all know and love.

It just made it, at times, a tiny bit slower for me than I would have liked. Yes, it was the holidays and all so that cut into reading time a bit, but I didn't have a terribly busy Christmas so I feel I could have finished this much quicker than the 3 days it took.

So yeah, this was really great overall and I adored Tom and Bee as I apparently hoped I might 4 years ago when reading Arlo and Jack's story.

This is a great Christmas story with a great romance at its center, and holds more of that Morton charm, if you've been missing it in her works lately.

So definitely 2 thumbs up from me. Also wouldn't mind seeing Freddy realize he might be into men as well and fall for someone too *hint hint* 😉

Can't wait for more! 😘

My ratings for The Wright Brothers Series:

✨ On Circus Lane: 4.5 stars
✨ Merry Measure: 4 stars (my review)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very sweet and the characters were lovely. I didn’t totally get the enemies part bc that was such a brief moment. But as always the humor and romance were on point.

[Megan Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooo cute!!!! 🥰 Perfect holiday vibes.

[Viki]

Strike 1 - instantly introducing a gaggle of side characters I don't have a reason (yet) to care about and expecting me to remember them
Strike 2 - Bee, getting a bee in his bonnet... sorry, about Tom not being bowled over by his good looks/smile and defending the guy who literally stole his house key instead, then excusing it with Trauma - because the ridiculous, absurd first interaction needed an even worse reason to make sense
Strike 3 - getting in a little accident when he tries to "apologise"
Strike 4 - lying about something super silly and crossing his fingers behind his book while doing it - can this get any more ridiculous (nay childish?)

I think there should be a special sticker for books that dare to use the enemies-to-lovers trope when they have absolutely no right to do so. I did not come here because of the trope, even, but making their introduction so unreasonable, emotional over something so little just to turn around and start the normal getting to know him dance like nothing happened? Gosh. First impressions are actually important for a book, I should have been out of here after that angsty drama of a beginning - can't believe this is the author who wrote The Billionaire Brotherhood and that goodwill will only get you so far!

Well, this time, it was enough for me to finish the book but I still missed that something that made the other books so nice. The holiday cheer, the particular characters and their specific problems and hang-ups and the setting... it reached okay but I think I only finished because it was an audiobook. I don't have the patience to spare for books that aggravate me instead of make me smile and this was a close call at the beginning.