Beautifully Unexpected

by Lily Morton

Sometimes love comes when you least expect or want it.

Magnus Carlsen is determined to grow old disgracefully. At fifty-two, he doesn’t believe in keeping anything. Men, sofas, books—everything gets jettisoned, eventually. He’s divided his life into happy compartments. A successful trial lawyer, he spends his days lecturing jurors, exasperating judges, and striding arrogantly around courtrooms. He fills his nights with a parade of handsome young men who want to make him happy. Why date someone his own age to discuss back pain, retirement-planning, and corns, when he can date men who don’t care to discuss anything at all?

However, when one of these sunny young men shows an inclination for dramatic scenes, Magnus meets his new neighbour. And his whole world implodes.

Laurie Gentry is nearly the same age as Magnus, but that’s where the similarity ends. He’s messy and creative and nosy and mysterious. He’s everything that Magnus has spent a lifetime avoiding. So, why can’t he get Laurie out of his head?

Luckily, Laurie is only in London for the summer. Magnus can uncover Laurie’s mysteries and indulge their annoyingly hot attraction, and Laurie will be gone before complications arise. A few months isn’t long enough to lose his heart. Is it?

From bestselling author, Lily Morton comes a romantic comedy about two footloose older men and how one summer in London brings something quite beautifully unexpected into their lives.

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

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 27, 2021

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

[Florence . · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “I’ve never felt this free before with anyone” stars



“I’m not sure where, but maybe you’ll find someone better, Laurie.” […] “But he wouldn’t be me. And I think you need me.” “Why?”“To make sure you eat something other than biscuits and noodles. To let you put your cold feet on me in bed, to do your accounts, to watch over you and make sure no one takes advantage of your far too kind disposition. Someone to challenge you.” […] “Someone to love you. The real you.”

This is basically a miracle! I haven’t had a 5 stars book in the last 25 books I have read. But i’m happy to say that this is the easiest 5 stars I have given to a book in a very long time.

I haven’t read a book I loved in so long that I kind of forgotten what it is to love a book. Everything I used to love in books doesn’t work for me anymore, so I thought that Lily Morton might not work for me anymore. But when I saw that this book is about a main character in his 40s and a main character in his 50s, I just had to read it. I am a sucker for older main characters, they’re my favourites. This book proved my every doubts wrong. I fell in love with this book. I can’t remember the last time I had such a good time reading a book.

This book had everything I want in a book:
▪️older main characters
▪️sarcastic humour and lovely banter
▪️grumpy and set in their ways main characters
It was kind of a sure thing I would enjoy this book, I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.

Side note, I blame Lily Morton for making me picture Mads Mikkelson the entire time I was reading this book. One of the main character, Mags, is Danish and I couldn’t help myself from picture him as Mads Mikkelson the entire book, but i’m not mad about it, at all.



Brief summary
Mags (AKA Magnus) is 52 years old and he’s a Queen’s Counsel. Laurie is 48 years old and he’s a painter. Mags and Laurie are both set in their ways and not interested in a relationship. Laurie moves in the place beside Mags’ and he sees Mags and a naked one night stand on his doorstep and they form a friendship from there, which slowly turns into love.

First, I just adore grumpy and set in their ways main characters. So the fact that the main characters in this book were on the grumpy side and set in their ways, was so perfect to me. Mads was really grumpy and set in his ways and Laurie was less grumpy but very set in his ways. I love a grumpy main character, so much. I also love when a grumpy character only has a soft spot for his man and it was the case here, so I was very happy. It really annoys me when a guy starts grumpy and then is not grumpy by the end of the book. It’s fine when someone is grumpy because they’re unhappy and then are not grumpy anymore because they are happy. But it annoys me when someone’s personality is them being grumpy and then they stop being grumpy, it’s not believable to me. I loved how Mads started the book on the grumpy side and ended the book on the grumpy side, just smiling a little bit more.

Second, Lily Morton’s brand of snark has always worked for me, but it was just so fantastic here. This book had me in tears, because I was laughing too much, quite a few times. And I really needed that. As expected with a Lily Morton book, the banter between the two main characters was perfect. I just loved it, so much. I loved how Laurie kept making jokes about Mags’ age. I loved how Mags kept complaining that is name is Magnus and not Mags and how Laurie always called him Mags to rile him up. I loved how they kept lovely picking on the other, it was just wonderful.

“You’d make a lovely nurse,” he says. I laugh again. “I would be the worst nurse in existence.” He hums, a smile playing on his lips. “You’re probably right. Nurse Ratched would send you fan mail.”

Third, I really loved the relationship progression in this book. Their first interactions were really awkward and it took time before they were comfortable with the other and thats one my favourite thing in romance. I like when everything isn’t too easy. I really enjoyed how their relationship built up. They were awkward with each other at first, then they starting crushing on the other and they were oops, that wasn’t supposed to happen, then they had sex together, then they realized that they are in love with each other, how could that have hapened? then they slowly fell into a relationship. It was so lovely to read about. I really loved how they developed a friendship and got to know each other before deciding on getting together. That friendship was a perfect foundation for things to come. Also, I loved how Mags was super clueless about his feelings. I loved how he was like, oh I think i’m catching feelings, we can analyze this later, lets just enjoy enjoy the moment now. It was lovely. I really loved how Mags was the one night stand guy but he never exitated or had doubts about doing things with Laurie. I also loved how Mags was super possessive about Laurie. It just came naturally to him, because he wanted to be doing these things with Laurie and I loved that. I really loved how these two fell in love, it was so lovely. Also, they both never had serious relationships before and put their work first. It was lovely to see them change their priority and make place in their lives for each other.



I nod and slide down next to him, but as we eat dinner in the wreck of the bed and trade quips and kisses sweetened by the chocolate cheesecake, something warm comes to rest in my chest. Something warm and worrying. I examine it later while he lies asleep curled into me, the moonlight on his face. Typically, this kind of emotion would send me running a hundred miles in the other direction, but now I just move closer to him and fall asleep.

Fourth, I actually really enjoyed spending this with Mags while he was at trials. The law parts were really nice to read about and fascinating. I’m not the biggest fan of when there is things happening outside of the relationship but I really enjoyed it because it made sense and showed us who Mags is as a person.

Fifth, I loved both of these main characters so much. They were so nicely described and fleshed out. I liked how they both kept their personality traits the entire book and didn’t change tol much. Both of these guys felt like real people I was watching interact. They were just so lovely. And they were so good together. They were a perfect match for the other and they complimented each other. And together they were the pure definition of bringing out the best in the other. I loved how they did the smallest thing for the other and took care of each other. It was just so sweet to read about. I really liked these guys’ interactions with each other. They really seemed to enjoy the other’s company and it was such a joy to read about. I really liked how Mads described Laurie as not being his usual type but how Laurie still worked for him and how he loved everything about him. I also adored seeing Mags, who normally was only into one night stand become super possesive about Laurie and how he didn’t understand why but he wanted to spend all of his time with Laurie.



You see, that’s the thing. He may have settled with me, but Mags Carlsen is still the same forthright grumpy bastard who I met in the hallway that fateful day. The only difference is that he’s my grumpy bastard, and as such, I know that he’s a hidden softie, and he loves me deeply and more than I ever expected. His love humbles me. It’s fierce and uncompromising and impossibly loyal, like having a giant wolfhound at your back. And I love him in return.

Sixth, Laurie was in a car accident a couple of months ago and he has migraines and a limp. I really enjoyed how the books didn’t shy away from describing his issues and how they were an important part of his life. I also have migraines so those descriptions were way too relatable for me.

Seventh, I have been complaining about how I don’t think I enjoy slower books anymore but Lily Morton’s brand of slow burn where not much happens but it’s a beautiful character study filled with snark apparently still really works for me. The pacing in this book was slow and it took them ages to get together, but it really worked for me, I was just enjoying the ride and the time they spent getting to know each other

Eight, I absolutely adored all the references in this. I prefer older movies, I really enjoy older music and I love classic books, so I really enjoyed all the references to older pieces of media.

“You coming in?” I eye him warily. “Why?”“So I can eat your liver with a nice shot of vodka.”

Ninth, I really loved how mature these characters felt and how their love was portrayed as a more mature feeling, with thing like being there for someone when they need you, of doing something that you do not really want to do because it will make your partner happy, of being the bigger man and taking the first step, even if you were wounded. I really like this more than the typical love made up of big things and big moments. I loved how the love was shown in the little things these two did for the others.



“You’re everything, Laurie. You’re funny and clever and kind. You’re like sunshine to be with, and only a tiny portion of that is connected with your art. Without your art, you’re still you. Laurie. And he is a man worth knowing.”

Tenth, I really loved how there was no drama coming from outside sources in this book. I loved how there was no ex drama and no family drama. I much prefer when my books only focus on the main characters and their developing relationship and it was the case in this book. Everything happening in the book served a purpose in developing who the characters are and their relationship.

Eleventh, The last 15% of this book was so perfect and so satisfying, I just had the biggest smile on my face while reading it.

Special mention to Endof the dog and the really hot sex scenes. They were both very lovely and very appreciated by me.

I don’t think I will be able to stop thinking about this book anytime soon, I fell in love with both Laurie and Mags. I loved them and I loved their love story, so much.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something utterly satisfying about picking up a Lily Morton book because I know it will bring me into the lives of people I so desperately wish were real.

In Beautifully Unexpected she takes it onto another level with two men in my own age bracket.

Men who I've known similar versions of, those who are either determined they don't need anyone else or who spend their time bringing happiness into other's lives, while neglecting their own.

Mags and Laurie are just gorgeously written, they're vividly real, their experiences and the absolute determination that it'll just be a fling as they give in to the attraction that's been shimmering between them since they met.

And can I just say that the initial meeting between them is not only one of the most hilarious ones Lily's written, but also stands as a perfect introduction into how the rest of the narrative will grow.

Laurie's wit and charm captivates Mags from the start. Mags' arrogance and confidence, as well as the kind heart he tries to hide, are an inescapable draw for an artistic soul like Laurie's.

The humour you'd expect from Lily is all present, this time combined with the sharp intelligence of a QC at the top of his game.

They're surrounded by a bunch of fabulous side characters, and I have to say, I half expected an Easter Egg appearance from our other lawyerly types Gabe and John at some point!

Alas, it wasn't to be, not that the other people didn't make up for it.

Mags senior partner in his Chambers Jane, Laurie's twin sister Lennie and her husband Chris, who've been best mates with Mags since uni, even down to Laurie's stepfather Judge, a bane of Mags' courtroom trials, they all bring a richness to the story.

Best of all though is a mad Red Setter, who truly lives up to his changing names - Armageddon aka Don when first encountered at the shelter - and then, once adopted by Mags having been utterly railroaded into it by Laurie Endof. Short for End of Days 😁

He brings chaos and joy and it's needed when there are hiccups on the way to happiness.

But you know that they'll only be temporary bumps on the road which connects these brilliant men and I loved how quickly both realised they needed to own up that the no strings had turned into ties that bind forever.

Throw in 80s nostalgia, mix tapes, and lists of London's hidden gems, and this book took me on a hell of a ride, no hands on the wheel and only a slight side eye at Laurie's dissing of the genius that is Pink Floyd 🥳

#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be a GIF review because #Reasons

Me... finding out that Lily was giving us book with TWO mature MCs.


Me... staying up WAY TOO LATE to finish this book


Let's start with what I loved:
1. The characters:


Mags, the QC i.e. attorney, is 52, unattached with a revolving door of twinks and very anti-commitment.


Laurie, the artist, is 48 and is house-sitting for his brother who happens to be Mags' neighbor.


2. The Plot:
Two footloose men who don't want to commit, become friends, then friends with benefits.
Mags gets a friend who makes him laugh, doesn't take his shit and surprises him at every turn. #FriendsFirst






But Laurie is hiding something...


3. The Romance:
Gradually, these two men who don't wat to fall for each other, do. The pacing here worked out great for me. We watch them date without actually dating... go on walks, eating together, sightseeing and meeting the family... all as friends but underneath it all, they were dating and just didn't acknowledge it. #Unexpected


4. The Snark:
Which was, for me, on point and so very British!
Needless to say, the banter is strong with this one. #HaFreakingHa


5. Steam-o-meter:
The UST and then the sex scenes... #OnFire
PS I appreciated the fact that their sex life was realistic.








6. Angst-o-meter: Low angst... This basically a Romcom. It has a bit of angst surrounding Laurie's secret bot it get resolved fairly quickly. #LiveLoveLaugh

7. The HEA:
Mags and Laurie are in love and supportive of each other. #NoMatterWhat

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

I love Lily Morton. I love mature MCs. I jumped in with both feet and a big grin on my face.

Sadly, a few chapters in I suspected this book was going to be a bust. I simply could not engage with the characters or the relationship.

The banter was exhausting. I've heard it all before. The MCs laughed, chuckled, and snorted multiple times on every page, but I didn't see the humor in the constant quips.

How many references to a ribbon around a dick can be made before it stops being amusing and becomes annoying?

It was tired and lacked affection, just like the relationship lacked emotional depth.

The MCs weren't particularly likeable, and I was bored out of my mind by the 40 percent mark, which is when I started skimming.

I finally gave up around 70 percent, skipping to the epilogue (which, to be fair, was quite lovely).

Unfortunately, this book was a fail for me.

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Welp, this was boring, disappointing and the MCs felt like they were teenagers instead of guys over 40. 😣🤧

[oshiiy · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 62%. But I can give a rating and write a review of what I read so far in the book.
2 stars ⭐️ IT'S ME NOT THE BOOK!!
I tried so hard to hang on with the story. Otherwise, I wouldn't reach that much of it.

I was a bit hesitant to read this book at first. However, the amicable way the book started off gave me something more solid to rooted with the story. The story gave you a comfortable vibe, and while I was somewhere in the first few chapters, I found myself really adoring the story and its characters.

This is a slow-burn romance story of two middle-aged men finding their HEA.

Magnus (52) was one of the few successful barristers in England, and everything in his life was orderly, tidy, and neatly. He didn't do relationship things, and surprisingly, he never had a boyfriend in his whole life.

Laurie (48) was an artist, and he came to housesitting in the apartment which belonged to his brother Luke across from Magnus. The moment how they met and that incident was really unforgettable for both of them. They became good friends thereafter, and Magnus and Laurie kept appearing on separate occasions both of their lives constantly. Their friendship was progressing beautifully. Slowly, they started to care and concern about each other, but the thought itself was frightened both of them incredibly.


What I disliked:
I was bored to death in the middle of the book. The first few chapters were really promising which is why I even assumed this would be one of my favorite mm. However, it was so hard to affix to the book no matter how much I tried to put on myself.
This book has so many positive reviews already, so certainly, there is something really wrong with my sense of humor. Their banter felt flat and off to me. I didn't even know I should laugh or grimace at those sarcastic humor.

I think every review is encouraging. Friends, don't really mind my review to refrain from reading the book, and I precisely believe this is not my jam.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,75 stars

Darn. I had high hopes for this one.

It’s still rare that we get a book with two MCs in the ‘mature’ category (Magnus is 52, Laurie 48), so of course I was immediately interested!

And it’s not that the book is a total disaster as such, there are some things to enjoy:
.) the banter is - as always with this author – cheeky and inventive (but, I had the impression that about 85% of the writing consisted of it, and as we know there can be too much of a good thing!)
.) I quite liked both, Magnus and Laurie, and their journey from friends to lovers to a relationship was fine, but I think much more could have been made of it.

Mainly …
.) I didn’t feel as much as I would have liked. I was never emotionally grabbed and never fretted over the MCs.
.) I missed more depth all around.
.) The plot often borders on totally unrealistic, with quite a few events raising my eyebrows whilst thinking ‘this would never happen in real life”.
.) All the antics around the dog are not funny. Sorry.
.) I’m not sure how accurate Laurie’s health problems are my partner had the same eye issue, but possible blindness was never ever mentioned,. Saying that, cases can probably be different.

Tbh, as much as I love some of Lily Morton’s earlier books, I haven’t enjoyed some of her more recent books to the same extent. They seem to be very similar in tone and writing.
It’s a blooming shame.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring doesn't even begin to describe it. Lily Morton's books just don't work for me.

DNF

[Eugenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yawn 🥱….

A case where the author is trying too hard & fails.

But first….

What went right:
Two mature MC’s
Cultural references from my generation
Epilogue

What fell flat:
Constant snark with little real conversation. It was too much. All sarcasm and zero substance.
OTT opening that seemed to try the hilarious opening scene from her book Oz, but which failed miserably due to its complete incredulity.
I FELT NO FEELS!!
Sex, sex, sex and I didn’t care about what went where. This is what happens when you don’t care about the characters because you don’t know who they really are because all that’s thrown at you is freaking banter and sarcasm!!
The “secret” one MC had wasn’t all that “horrible”—we were set up for worse, instead of a punch to the kidney, we got a pinch on the arm.
Boring

Lily’s usual magic in creating characters which are real despite the comedy was sorely lacking. I found this also to be true in the second Blue Billings book.

I’m not a novelist, but I have acted in the past and I know that pushing for a result you want never leads to magic on the stage. Maybe that was the case here.

My rec? Skip it.

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

3 ‘Ack’ Stars 😓

It was okay, but I wasn’t overly wowed! The OTT opening scene did nothing to whet my appetite and apart from a few one liners, the subsequent excess of comedic banter fell flat. Whilst I appreciated older MC’s, nostalgic pop culture references, and enjoyed a few heartwarming moments, I was a little bored at times. It’s probably me, not the book. I just prefer a little more angst 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Bev]

DNF at 15%

I had such high hopes for this with it being about a mature couple and written by Lily Morton, except after that opening scene (cue the bow tied penis) and all the freaking "Acks" on repeat, I was done.

I'm British so get British humour and snark, this wasn't that and instead was a tad cringy. Add to that I really didn't care much for Magnus and I'm out. 😒

[Susan]

DNF at 10%

Lily Morton's books have always been hit or miss for me. While I've loved her last few books, I can already tell this one is not my cup of tea.

I'm not liking the characters and I'm annoyed at the 'funny' parts. Time to accept defeat.

[Preeti]

Dnf-25%
I would have given more time to another book but after my 4th failed attempt with Lily Morton, it's official. Her writing style and my reading tastes do not gel together.
I was wary of reading a book by Lily Morton again still, I gave it a try because of the plot with matured MCs. I tried hard but I am not feeling the characters and it seems I could never associate with her brand of humour.
It's going to be my last Lily Morton's book for a very long time.😏😏

[~✿ Tala✿~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers can sometimes be tricky to execute, either authors will write characters that move to quickly or way too slow but I seriously feel like Goldilocks because the pacing for this one was just right.

When I tell you I DEVOURED this book ❤️ While I rarely understand all the British references (I often end up googling things), Lily Morton books always manage to make me laugh. Her snarky characters and writing style is very unique and particular so I understand why it doesn't work for everyone but I'm a big fan! I always have lots of fun reading her books and this one was no different.

Loved seeing an older couple discover new parts of themselves and find love at the most unexpected time. Mags and Laurie were such interesting characters, I adored their banter and their development together. Even though I kind of guessed the conflict before it happened, it still made me cry and gave me all the feels ~

My one niggle was that there was maybe just a (tiny) smidge too many jokes during heartfelt moments but that's a me thing because sometimes I just want characters to have a serious conversation without deflecting with inappropriate humour!

Will definitely be rereading this and will be awaiting Lily Morton's next work !!!

[Leslie]

This is the first time my Lily Blinders (patent pending) haven’t done their job. It took me till almost 40% to even get into it. Prior to that I actually contemplated not finishing. Did I accidentally get transported to an alternate, bizarro world? Did I get taken over by a pod person? I’m so confused.

All of that being said, once I did get into it, I enjoyed it quite a bit. It made me smile and laugh and I felt that familiar cozy feeling I get when sinking into a Lily book.

However, at the end I didn’t feel the way I usually feel. I was happy but I wasn’t sighing and clutching my iPad.

🤷🏻‍♀️

I don’t know. I need to ponder this for a little bit. Three stars feels too low but four feels too high. But I really loved things about it. Longer review and rating to come. I am out of sorts and conflicted.

[Vanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Freaking LOVED it Stars!!😍 🤩. I'll start by saying that I sat on this book for a long time, due to all the mixed reviews and DNFs from friends 😳. I love LM's books typically, but I have had a few disappointments so I was a little wary at first when I finally picked it up, but once I started... I just couldn't put it down 😍. It was a roller-coaster of a story.. simple in its concept but with so much depth and emotion. It was way past midnight when I finished the book; there were tissues strewn around my bed and I was left with red eyes, pink nose😭, and a big smile ❤️
It was probably the age and maturity of the MCs that I liked initially, it's rare to find a mature love story in the M/M world without the whole daddy/bear tropes. Here both are middle-aged, Magnus (or Mags) is 52 and Laurie is 48, both are established and successful in their professions and have a certain defined life-styles or "comfort-zones". Yes, their introduction was a tad inauspicious but after that small bump, the story really took off . The friendship that builds between them through jokes, dares and bets made me laugh a lot. There are stark differences between the two and yet there's also a distinct bond which they initially define as friendship, which slowly grows into a huge and undeniable attraction. They both try to suppress their growing feelings since Laurie is in London only temporarily but the irresistible pull brings them closer and closer until lust takes over💘. Despite Mags's obvious disdain for anything mature or long-term, for some reason he doesn't quite like the transitory nature of his and Laurie's relationship. And despite Laurie's happy-go-lucky attitude, he too has been keeping some secrets from Mags. With neither willing to call each other's bluff, will the relationship end when Laurie leaves town? Or will Mags have the guts to stop him? What is Laurie hiding? And what is holding him back from divulging it all to Mags?

“I think you try to forget people who aren’t going to stay, but sometimes one sneaks through.”

Just like the title Beautifully Unexpected the story was uniquely unexpected. It was funny and yet melancholy just like life itself. As we grow older I think we don't regret the things we did, but the things we didn't do, the chances and risks we didn't take. This story is like that, it makes one question the bubbles we live in, our very own so-called comfort zones; what will we find if we just stepped out of it, something beautifully unexpected I suppose.
Highly recommended!!! 👍 👍

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Lots of mixed reviews on this one but I really enjoyed it. Maybe it was a timing thing as my last few reads were a bit blah.

We of course got LMs snark and humor, which personally didn’t feel forced or OTT.

I really liked Mags and Laurie and enjoyed their interactions and the development of their friendship and then more. Loved all of the various interactions between everyone - Mags, Laurie, Lennie, Chris, Jane, the judge.

Glad I gave this one a go, I was certainly on the fence.

[Ele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took ages for me to finish. I had great trouble connecting to the romance and there was minimal relationship development. It also read like a travel guide at times.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was very enjoyable overall. The relationship building was going great. But then we got to one, single chapter where the "like" turned into "love", and I wasn't prepared. I need more buildup to that. Before and after that point were good.

[juli✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ 𝟰.𝟮𝟱

♫♪ Yours is the cloth, mine is the hand that sews time
His is the force that lies within
Ours is the fire, all the warmth we can find
He is a feather in the wind, oh… ♫♪

♥ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗤𝗨𝗢𝗧𝗘… perfectly sums up MagsLaurie as a couple in one hilarious sentence.

❝Mags suits you. It’s quirky. It says, ❛I am a strange Danish man who shags twinks who like to accessorise with penis decorations.❜❞

enough said ✨

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Lily Morton and a big fan of stories with older MCs so this should have been a major hit for me. It had the typical Lily Morton banter, grumpy-sunshine characters and humor, but I think that formula was part of the problem for me. Laurie and Mags didn't feel like older MCs (and I say older, but I'm the same age as Mags so...). Other than a couple of 80s references and the occasional complaint of a knee popping. they could have been any of her other couples. Maybe my expectations were off, but either way, if they didn't mention their ages they could have been in their late 20's or early 30's for all I would know.

The story started off great for me, but I was bored at times in the middle, wanting to see a little more depth to the story and the buildup of the relationship. I enjoyed them touring the city and I liked both characters but I didn't feel the emotional connection to the couple that I have in the author's other books. The ending and the big ILY felt rushed through after waiting to really connect with them. And the whole story with the dog was a bit too OTT and just annoyed me. So it didn't knock my socks off, but I seem to be in the minority

[Ana Nimity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think I've read my favorite Lily Morton book ever, she writes a new one, and it become my favorite.
With Beautifully Unexpected, a rare standalone - at least so far - Lily gives us two of her best characters ever. They're older, 48 and 52, and they're not model-beautiful (Sorry, Jude, and Malachi, no offense - I still love you both.) Magnus and Laurie wear their ages, but to each other, they're irresistible.
I loved the way the story bloomed and the relationship grew at just the right pace. There's some angst in the true meaning of the word - anxiety and dread ratchets up the tension as we watch Laurie struggle with his fears and Magnus struggle with his self-imposed emotional isolation. Lily's deft hand with these storylines, and her comedic timing, keeps the book from tipping over into melodrama.
I often like to read Lily's work slowly, savoring it, taking breaks to stretch out the experience, but with this one, I pretty much gave up being productive from about 30% on and just read the book. All of her books feature humor, er...humour, but in Beautifully Unexpected, it's softer, not as acerbic as in other books, as if it, too, wears the smooth patina of age.
As usual, the book's sense of place makes me want to visit London again and see the sights described in the book. But mostly, I want to read this book again really soon, because it's like a big hug from an old friend, comforting and warm, and at the same time, a sexy, sensual romance.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars

Beautifully Unexpected is typical Lily Morton – and I mean that in a good way.  It’s well-written, warm, funny and sexy, boasting two intensely likeable leads with terrific chemistry, plenty of her trademark snark – and a real punch in the feels towards the end.

Magnus Carlsen QC is one of the most successful barristers in the country – and is well aware of that fact; modesty isn’t one of his defining qualities.  He’s the sort of man who commands attention whether he’s in a courtroom or a dining room; he’s attractive, intelligent and supremely confident, likes his life ‘just so’, his men young and the sex casual.

The book opens as Magnus is going through his morning routine – pleased to discover that last night’s bed partner has had the good manners to take himself off – and answers the door only to discover said bedmate clearly hadn’t got the message that the night before was a one off.  Worse, he’s standing naked on the doorstep insisting they’re in a relationship, wearing only a blue bow tied around his tackle.  As Magnus irritatedly attempts to put him straight, he notices a man getting out of the lift pulling a suitcase and watches as he stops outside the apartment opposite and seems to be looking for his keys.  Magnus doesn’t recognise the man, but he certainly seems to be quietly amused by the drama unfolding on Magnus’ doorstep.  The beribboned twink flounces off just as the other man manages to unlock his door and with a Parthian shot worthy of Magnus himself, goes inside.

Following a morning in court – and having chalked up another win – Magnus is at lunch with a colleague when he sees his new neighbour at another table, and goes over to introduce himself properly.  He’s surprised when the man tells him he’s having dinner with Judge Bannister– the very Judge whose courtroom Magnus had been in that morning – and Magnus commiserates with him over having lunch with such a frightful bore.  And then falls - metaphorically - flat on his face when the man tells him the judge is his stepfather.  Oops.

Renowned artist Laurie Gentry is around the same age as Magnus (he’s forty-eight to Magnus’ fifty-two), but that’s about the only thing they seem to have in common.  Laurie is creative, messy, witty, irreverent, something of a free spirit and just a little bit mysterious – and he’s absolutely not Magnus’ type.

And yet.

Well, it’s a romance novel, so we know where it’s going, but the getting there is a lot of fun! I enjoyed reading these two characters who believe themselves to be completely set in their ways circling each other, working out that maybe a no-strings fling is in order, and then falling hard for each other, no matter that that’s not what they intended at all. I loved how Laurie is completely up to Mags’ (he insists on calling him Mags) weight and won’t let him get away with any crap; he knows how to burst his bubble when he’s being a bit too arrogant and he’s overflowing with the sort of warmth and laughter Mags’ somewhat sterile life and environment has long been missing. Watching Mags open up and let him in was just lovely; but what really shines through is the way these two come to truly know, understand and care for one another, and how they take care of one another, working out what the other needs and providing it. Their romance unfolds at a perfect pace; it’s tender and funny and sexy, and the depth of their affection for each other is palpable. These two really do bring out the best in each other as they come to realise how much better life can be when you have someone to share it with.

The one incongruous note in the book is the dog. Laurie decides Mags should get a dog (“You don’t have to have a good personality for a dog to love you. Just a pulse.”) and for some strange reason Mags, a man who values order and tidiness, lives in a beautiful apartment with, no doubt, expensive furniture and fittings, chooses a dog who will almost certainly chew all of it to bits. For one thing, I was surprised that an exclusive apartment block would actually allow animals, and for another, his decision was so completely out of character that it threw me out of the story. If it was supposed to show me that Mags was unbending due to Laurie’s influence – it didn’t. It just felt off.

And my other niggle is the overuse of the phrase “Ack!” by Magnus. Maybe a Danish thing (Magnus is Danish but has lived most of his life in the UK), but it appears a lot and I found it rather irritating.

The fact that Magnus and Laurie are in mid-life kind of permeates the book insofar as these are men who’ve been around the block a few times, have plenty of life experience under their belts and know who they are, and that confidence and knowledge is present on the page. That’s not to say things are smooth sailing; there is clearly something worrying Laurie, while Magnus is struggling to reconcile his previously uncomplicated existence with his emerging feelings – and I really appreciated that by the time we reach the end, they’re essentially the same men they always were – they’re just better together than they were apart.

The deadpan humour is spot on, the steam factor is just right and the moments of poignancy are superbly judged – I don’t think I’ve ever teared up reading a Lily Morton book before, but this one had me sniffling. Despite my criticisms, I enjoyed Beautifully Unexpected very much and definitely recommend it to fans of the author’s or anyone looking for a heartfelt, superbly developed romance between a mature couple.

[NicoleR.M.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately I have been having some struggles to enjoy the warm, fluffy, low angst romances, where actually nothing happens. They have to offer something extra in order to keep me interested. But I think as much as anyone else who reads romance, I use books as an escape from the real world, and often the low angst stories provide the good feelings I am looking for. However, I think, through the years, my taste has shifted a bit. One thing romance does is give you that happy ending. That's a promise not up for negotiation. Because that's why we read this genre in the first place. But I have discovered that I like it when the mc's have to fight for it. Like, really struggle. Apparently some hidden masochistic has decided to rear its ugly head, because I love it when blood, sweat and tears have to be shed in order to get to that promised hea. The roads have to be bumpy and paved with thorns.
For me it comes down to this: there are mainly two categories in which I divide the majority of the books I read: the fluffy, low angst ones, and the angsty, emotional, tissue-box-required ones.
But, then I went and read this book, and I thought of a new to be added category, namely the Brilliance disguised as (false) simplicity one. There's where this books fits perfectly, together with only a handful of others.
And I will tell you why.
When looking at the title of this book, we know something beautiful is going to happen. And something unexpected as well. Whether that is directed to a person or an event, we don't know that yet. But, when you read the blurb, and you take this title, it's quite safe to assume this will be a low angst, endearing story, probably with a layer of Hallmark sugarcoated sweetness. Which made me both excited (because, a new Lily Morton, duh!) and hesitant to dive in.
Here we have these two older men, with a no strings attached life, because that's how they lived their lives and that's exactly what they want. And when they accidentally meet, it's nice to befriend each other, it's even nice to have sex, but it's temporarily and good while it lasts. Because neither wants more out of it. Quite simple, in fact.
But...this is where we add the secret weapon that makes this story a perfect fit for my new category: that secret weapon is Lily Morton's unique sense of humor.
Really, when you just take the basics of the story, there isn't much exciting going on. Mags and Laurie attend a bingo together with Laurie's relatives. They take a walk in the park. Mags gets a dog and sometimes we see him at his work as a barrister. And yes, there is a small hurdle to take. These men need to have some conversations, like most mc's when the UNEXPECTED happens. But underneath that simplicity hides Lily's brilliance. Even the most simple event turns into a comedy because of her humor. The dialogues are exceptionally quirky and witty and their banter is just top notch. I couldn't stop highlighting all those funny phrases. Mags and Laurie are so great together, they fit so perfectly. Their love grows naturally, and I wanted to keep spending time with them, see what they were up to, even if it was just a bingo they attended, or a walk in the park. But just Mags and Laurie together, that's where the true magic of this story really lies.

"Is it worthwhile to tell you that my name is Magnus? It's a perfectly serviceable name and one I've answered to for many years."
"Nope," I say cheerfully. "Mags suits you. It's quirky, it says. 'I am a strange, Danish man who shags twinks who like to accessories with penis decorations.'"

While I was reading I must have looked like a fool to the people around me, because I could never have been able to swipe that wide smile off my face for the life of me. I was laughing, smiling and grinning throughout the book. Until yes, around 80%, wow...that moment was sneaking up on me and of course I did not have tissues when tears started rolling. Because this was a HAPPY book, and then it wasn't, and still...at the chance I might sound like a broken record, it still was perfect. Those last chapters were so, so well done!! I'm not a cryer while reading, maybe a few glancing eyes at best, but Lily did manage to tear me up UNEXPECTEDLY!!Because of course it's not all just laughter and fun. There's some seriousness too. And it's exactly that balance that makes this book the brilliant story it is.

"I had a lot of people in my childhood expressing very vigorous fondness for each other. I didn't believe in any of it. It makes me uncomfortable."
"And now?"
I run my hands through his soft hair, loving the way he tilts towards me and the fine lines at the corner of his stunning pale green eyes. "Now I do." His face is so dear to me, so warm, and I reluctantly decide to opt for honesty. "You could do better."
"Undoubtedly," he says serenely.
I glare at him. "I'm not sure where, but maybe you'll find someone better, Laurie." I think of that nebulous figure and feel rage towards him. "But he wouldn't be me. And I think you need me."

I haven't read all Lily's books yet, but I know this is going to be my favorite. I can't stop thinking about it, can't stop loving Mags and Laurie. They're special.
This book is simply brilliant.
Read it.

ARC kindly given to me by GayRomanceReviews and this is my honest, unbiased review

[alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

[3.8] GENITAL RIBBONS

*ahem* Now that I have your attention 🤣🤣🤣

If you've come seeking Lily Morton's iconic snarky banter, you're at the right place! Be prepared for quips and sarcasm in *excess* .


Me @ the whole lot of them

I kid you not, every other word that came out of their mouths (yes, even you Chris, even though nobody asked about your gorilla weewee 🙄) was a HOOT.

Did it go a little too far for my personal tastes? A teensy little bit 🤏 but don't mind me, I'm just a Grinch.

What I loved :

- Of course the unexpectedly hilarious running joke from the very first chapter: accessorized genitalia 🎀🍆 I rest my case.

- How unforgiving everyone is in throwing burns at each other left and right. I love a couple that can simultaneously insult and love each other with no hard feelings 😆

- The organic friendship/relationship development! CUTE

- Magnus: Danish, in his fifties, Laurie's nickname for him "Mags," coupled with lines like "So I can eat your liver with a nice shot of vodka" WELL OBVIOUSLY MY MIND WENT IN THIS DIRECTION:


🥵😳💦💦

Watching Mags's transition from grumpy commitment-phobe to grumpy heart-eyes was a treat too:

Realising that I'm stroking a sleeping man's hair, I give an exclamation of disgust and leave the flat quickly, shutting the front door behind me with a decisive snap.

Ugh feelings, am I right? 🤢

My baby niggles :

- Was it just me or did it feel like Laurie's leg injury was disregarded in the second half of the book? Not that I need his leg pain or limping to be mentioned at every opportunity, but I wish there was some consideration to his injury when they were doing the do 'cause seeing him shuffling around in bed, maneuvering into positions like he didn't just survive a car accident a few months ago took me out of the scene a little 😅

- A lack of communication and a period of separation due to said lack of communication:

⚠️ INCOMING OUT-OF-CONTEXT SPOILERS REGARDING THE CONFLICT ⚠️
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.
.

"I thought we were more, and that's my fault, Laurie."

And I know that he was just lashing out at me. I had done something unforgivable and read a secret that wasn't mind, and I would have felt exactly the same. I forgave him immediately for his anger. I'd been in the wrong too—making our argument all about myself. But what I cannot get over is the utter incredulity on his face when I said that I would be there for him. And that hurt, because I would have put him first, ahead of everything and everyone.

But it's not like you said anything to him though???

Like I'm glad Mags is self-aware that their argument was senseless, but too caught up in his head, he still locks himself up in his flat and ignores Laurie's attempts to talk until Laurie leaves for France. Meh.

For a guy with a reputation for having a revolving door of twinks, it'll take some extra verbalization of feelings to convince that special someone that the bond is more than just temporary, especially after they both openly agreed to a more friends with benefit arrangement with zero ties at the start and the other guy has some personal stuff weighing him down. I direct most of my attention at Mags because we're in his head majority of the time, but the "making assumptions" thing applies to both MCs.

The common issue I run into with dual POVs is, yes, we understand where a character's feelings are at and how they play into the overall narrative, but if I'm only seeing professions of love and affection in their heads alone, it tends to frustrate me tenfold. I need characters to speak up so their counterpart can at least get a glimpse at the presently unshared lovey-dovey thoughts that we readers are aware of, and there's less guessing of feelings. But then again, we wouldn’t get any drama so it’s probably just me LOL


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⚠️ END OF SPOILERS ⚠️

- Not really a niggle, but the name dropping in the first few chapters had me ready to pull out a pen and paper and draw out a family tree LOL. We really only needed to know like four key people but too many names at once makes me hella anxious 😂

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On the whole, I got plenty of laughs and giggles from this and adored the epilogue! I recommend this to anyone looking for a funny, relatively low angst romance between two older, snarky men. This has also solidified the fact that I'm falling in love with books with older MCs, so if anyone has any recs, please send them over my way 😊

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated for audiobook: November 2022

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Lily Morton definitely outdone herself with this one. I was extremely excited when I learned that she is writing a book about two matured MC in their 40s and 50s. What a charming and delightful read, is like the title itself "beautifully unexpected".
Magnus is a bigger than life character, so very charming and accomplished in his career. He is all highbrow sophistication, whereas Laurie is an artist. Laurie is a chaotic mess and he is adamant to disturb Magnus's organized life.
As usual, we get to enjoy Lily Morton's sarcastic British humor. The banter is always witty and humorous. I enjoy the places Laurie made Magnus visited with him. I've never been to London and now I wish to see all the places that were described.
Magnus and Laurie developed a friendship with their common love for 80s music and honestly I think Magnus is just glad he found someone who he can actually talk to instead of the twinks he usually bedded and leave. Laurie is definitely an unexpected surprise that came into his life.
I've been eager to discover what is this secret that Laurie seems to keep about himself. Magnus knew Laurie is hiding something, but never dare to push to know because he rather not get personal or attach to someone for the first time.
This is a must read for those who enjoy a slow burn romance with two matured well rounded character with witty humor and low angst.

[Tiash .]

(DNF-ed, so no rating)

I really tried but It's just not for me. The starting from the introduction scene, followed by some yawn inducing sequences, i just couldn’t take it after 40% mark. Snarky remarks and almost no context in conversation It's obvious Lily Morton tried but also failed to make it engaging (for me, ik Most of the readers loved it)

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

For older 'wiser' guys, this pair were so frustrating!!! I saw Laurie's issue coming a mile off, but then it was so rushed. The majority of the book was leading up to that reveal but then it was just over and into an epilogue! Just frustrating 🤷🏼‍♀���

[Charlize M]

DNF

[Maygirl7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not her best.

I liked the idea of older MCs, but these guys didn’t really do it for me. The lawyer one was not nearly as cool and interesting as Morton kept saying he was. I liked the artist one but that made for movie nonsense that he was in danger of losing his sight blergh at least it wasn’t that he miraculously recovered from a terminal disease which is where I thought the foreshadowing was going. aggravated me from the mood of not my favorite to annoyed at the laziness of that kind of plotting to create feels. I think she needs to get away from her formula of the zany free-spirit MC and the uptight hot one for older MCs to feel more natural.

YMMV