BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Beautifully Unexpected by Lily Morton

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
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.

Universal Link

Goodreads

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Beautifully Unexpected is a great romance by Lily Morton. 

Laurie and Mags are temporary neighbors who end up with an intense attraction between them. 

First, I have to say that they meet under unusual circumstances, which fully sets the tone for all that follows. 

It doesn't take long for these two to agree to a no strings attached relationship. But things get complicated when their feelings become involved. 

Omg. I just love this story. The men are fabulous. I can't get enough of the wit, sarcasm, and humor throughout. But, omg, their actions are everything. The little things they do for each other. Swoon. Just swoon. 

The characters had me charmed throughout. I love that they're a little older. I love the way they connect and interact. And I love when they can't avoid what's happening between them. The progression of feelings between them is amazingly well done. 

As with what I'm come to expect from this author, the characters are deep and their storyline is multi-layered, The writing is great, with plenty to keep you quickly devouring this story. Add in some interesting secondary characters, and there's more than just the romance to keep you entertained. 

Beautifully Unexpected is a fantastic read. Lily Morton takes the readers on a wonderful journey with the emotions jumping off the pages. Just read it. 

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He smiles cheerfully at me. “Are you ready?”

I blink. “I beg your pardon?”

“Are you ready for our walk?”

I rack my brain, trying to remember making plans. Then I realise that I didn’t. “Why would I be ready for a walk, Laurie?”

His expression is sympathetic but still somehow manages to look like he’s taking the piss. It seems to be a character trait of his. “For fresh air,” he says, slowly enunciating every word.

I roll my eyes. “I’ll open a window if I require that,” I inform him. Normally, I’d shut the door in his face. I have no problem with being rude. Today, for some unknown reason, I just stand here looking at him.

His mouth quirks and he claps his hands together. “Come on then, Mags. The day’s a wasting.”

“I’m not sure that my day was wasting in any form.”

“Were you working?”

I nod.

“It’s a Saturday. Your day was definitely being wasted. Come on,” he says. “Grab a jacket and your pension book and let’s go for a walk. It’s a lovely day”

“I do not possess a pension book,” I state. “Because I am only a few years older than you.”

“It’s not the age. It’s the mileage,” he says happily. “And those twinks of yours look like they could take a lot out of a person’s tank.”

I want to be angry, and indeed I open my mouth to blast him, but what comes out, to my amazement, is a huge laugh. He watches me, smiling, and when

I’ve finished chuckling, I wink at him. “I have a tank with a great capacity,” I inform him.

“Those who don’t, brag. Get your stuff and hurry up.”

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Lily's new release, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Lily’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57232/?

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Lily writes contemporary romance novels, and specialises in hot love stories with a good dose of humour.

Lily 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 bought her first 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 could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

Connect with Lily:
Facebook | Lily's Snark Squad Facebook Group
Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Website | Newsletter
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Beautifully Unexpected by Lily Morton

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
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.

Universal Link

Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Beautifully Unexpected is a great romance by Lily Morton. 

Laurie and Mags are temporary neighbors who end up with an intense attraction between them. 

First, I have to say that they meet under unusual circumstances, which fully sets the tone for all that follows. 

It doesn't take long for these two to agree to a no strings attached relationship. But things get complicated when their feelings become involved. 

Omg. I just love this story. The men are fabulous. I can't get enough of the wit, sarcasm, and humor throughout. But, omg, their actions are everything. The little things they do for each other. Swoon. Just swoon. 

The characters had me charmed throughout. I love that they're a little older. I love the way they connect and interact. And I love when they can't avoid what's happening between them. The progression of feelings between them is amazingly well done. 

As with what I'm come to expect from this author, the characters are deep and their storyline is multi-layered, The writing is great, with plenty to keep you quickly devouring this story. Add in some interesting secondary characters, and there's more than just the romance to keep you entertained. 

Beautifully Unexpected is a fantastic read. Lily Morton takes the readers on a wonderful journey with the emotions jumping off the pages. Just read it. 

Bright Horizon (Pine Cove #4) by H.J. Welch

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Ben Turner is besotted with the handsome older man who’s always in his bakery. They have nothing in common…until one day Ben discovers he’s an overnight millionaire, and his customer could become his protector. But they hardly know each other. He’d be crazy to accept his help, right?

Lawyer Elias Solomon knows his crush on the beautiful young baker is ridiculous, but when he suspects Ben is being taken advantage of, he can’t help but step in. Elias’s upcoming fortieth birthday has made him adventurous, but he never imagined he’d accompany Ben all the way to England.

Ben has never even heard of Great Aunt Nancy, his corrupt and bitter English family, their enormous home and orchard grounds, or the business they run from it. All of which he now apparently owns. It’s up to Ben to save the estate with Elias’s help, but does he want the responsibility? All he really wants is to fall into Elias’s bed and never leave, and soon the chemistry is too much to ignore. Elias can’t see how they’ll make it work when they’re from different generations. But when old rivalries take a dangerous turn, he soon realizes he’ll do anything to keep Ben safe from harm…and in his arms.

Book Four of Pine Cove. Bright Horizon is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cliffhanger.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

HJ Welch's Bright Horizon is the fourth book in the Pine Cove series. It's easily read as a standalone, so jump right into this one even if you haven't read the previous books.

There is something special about this book. It truly resonated with me and impressed the hell out of me. 

At the start, Ben discovers he's inherited $65 million. Next thing he knows, he's off to England with Elias to meet the family he never even knew about. As a man who desperately wants a family, it is heart-breaking the way he is treated by them. This story is full of family issues, as greed makes everything get ugly. 

As for Elias, this part is outlandish and yet absolutely perfect. Elias and Ben has both been crushing on one another from afar. When Elias offers to help Ben legally, the two find out they are meant to be more than acquaintances. 

Ben and Elias make a phenomenal couple. They each have their issues, especially doubts and fears, but the way they come together slowly is amazing. With a large age gap, and a health issue, there is plenty to keep them from fighting their intense attraction and chemistry. But through it all, a real friendship develops through concern and caring. And, wow, I just love Elias. Absolutely love him. He has a huge heart, and it's beautiful that only Ben is able to crack through it.

This book is so much more that I could have ever expected. The family issues are intriguing and completely riveting. It's so well written, with some great twists and turns. And, omg, there's a loveable kitten. 

It's full of angst and humor, as well as one serious health issue. Personally, I don't want to give anything away, but this part of the story is impressively written, as it delves into some serious and importance issues. 

Bright Horizons is a superb story. As an avid fan of HJ Welch, I am not surprised. But, seriously, just read this book. 

The Twelve Dates Of Christmas by Andi James & Lila Wilde

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

One lonely lawyer. Twelve blind dates. Finding his special someone will take a Christmas miracle. 

Aiden would rather eat an entire fruitcake than face his ex and his ex’s new boyfriend at their company holiday party — especially by himself. So when his best friend suggests he find some arm candy, Aiden reluctantly agrees to a few blind dates.

Aiden doesn’t expect a dozen perfect matches, but one disastrous night after another is killing his Christmas spirit, and time is running out. There has to be a special guy out there Aiden can kiss under the mistletoe. Right?

The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a 31,000-word MM romance featuring five horny singles, four garlic cheese fries, three IPAs, two naked trees, and a jingle bell head injury. This feel-good story is filled with humor, heart, and a happy ever after perfect for the holidays.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Twelve Dates of Christmas is an amazing holiday romance by Andi James and Lila Wilde.

This is the story of Aidan, who's set up on blind dates by his best friend. Along the way, he forms a close friendship with the bartender/bar owner Liam who happens to observe all of the dates.

It's a beautiful tale of not seeing what's in front of you. It's a great story of  finding love in a place you're not looking for it. 

And I love it all. Aidan and Liam are fantastic as friends, and even better as a couple. They are perfect for one another. Absolutely perfect. There's plenty of humor, plenty of charm, and plenty of sweetness. But seriously, be prepared to laugh out loud, because you will. A lot. And often.

It's no surprise that this writing duo combines so much into this short story. The characters and storyline are well developed,  never feeling like something is missing. And from the very first "date" you'll be sucked into by these men.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas is the perfect light-hearted, quick read for this time of year. Grab it, cuddle up under a blanket, and enjoy every second of this precious gem. You won't regret it.

One More by Daisy May

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

"My husband and I have been happy for so long. Can our relationship handle one more?"

Reuben has a law degree, dammit. He shouldn't be slinging coffee for annoying customers. Determined to find a better job, he contacts an attorney on a networking website. As soon as he and Jasper meet, Reuben develops a crush on the distinguished older man - but he's also well aware of the ring on Jasper's finger.

Online, Jasper was intrigued by the newly-minted lawyer's innocent face. In person, he's entranced by Reuben's passion and idealism. Yes, Jasper's been happily married for fifteen years... but he and his husband also have an "arrangement," and he knows Charlie's weakness for sweet young twinks.

When Jasper suggests the three of them get together, Reuben nervously agrees. A threesome with two mature men will be the wildest thing he's ever done. Jasper's just so irresistible, and Reuben is sure Jasper's husband is just as good-looking. He doesn't realize Charlie is his least favorite regular from the coffee shop.

Will Jasper and Charlie be able to spend a hot night with Reuben? And if they do, could three-way passion become a love to last a lifetime?

(One More is a 225-page M/M/M menage romance, with a HEA and no cliffhanger.)

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Omg. I seriously loved One More from the start. This Daisy May romance is just spectacular.

Reuben's a twink who catches the eye of a married man. Next thing he knows, he's being invited into Jasper and his husband Charlie's bed. It's definitely not your typical threesome though, as it starts with hate sex, as Reuben and Charlie hate one another. And it's hot.

The writing is wonderful, with non-stop intrigue, a great pace, and hot sex. The author kept my attention throughout, with a storyline that I love. The angst is realistic and relatable. Overall, the whole story is well done and full of emotion.

The beauty of this tale is that it's not just the struggle of a married couple adding a third, but also the struggle of being a third in an already established, loving relationship. It's full of confusion, jealousy, doubts, and a whole lot of lust and chemistry.

One More is a riveting and compelling romance. Daisy May has captured my attention with this scorching hot tale. I definitely want to check out more from this author.

Mismatched (Matchmakers #1) by Declan Rhodes

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Hot-shot lawyer Hank Donovan and motorcycle maintenance man Lucas Dean were hopelessly mismatched until a lakeside kiss, a death in the family, and a little girl named Jasmine turned their world upside down.

Lucas Dean, owner of Cycle Shift, a motorcycle maintenance and second-hand shop, wants a match who’s as much of a free-spirit as he is, and someday he wants to be a father. His business partner, Jerry, thinks Match Made is the perfect way to find the dream partner.

Hank Donovan, one of the hottest names on the local legal scene, is lonely, although he’s the last to admit it. He buries his fears that he’ll never find a man in courtroom success and a stunning view of Lake Michigan from his living room window. Kids are out of the question, but there must be a single man out there who can bring Hank his happily ever after.

When Daniel and Blake match up Hank and Luke, it’s a guaranteed success. Or it was supposed to be, if it weren’t for the computer error that put the mismatched pair together for a disastrous first date.

A last-ditch second-chance outing puts the wheels of fate into motion, and they just might cure Hank’s loneliness, make Luke a dad, and give a precocious little girl named Jasmine a permanent home.

Mismatched is a 53,000-word gay romance. It’s the first book in the Matchmakers series. The book includes steamy scenes and a guaranteed happily-ever-after ending. 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Declan Rhodes's Mismatched is a fabulous read! I was drawn into this story immediately. The writing is smooth, calming, and extra comforting. 

Hank and Luke meet as they are paired up by a dating app service. In a unique twist, we get to learn about the men who run the service, leading to some cute and funny moments.

This book includes an awkward and boring first date. The lawyer and biker certainly have nothing to talk about. Both are too nervous and skeptical to be themselves, and neither acts as themselves. But after trying a second date, with a more open mind, the walls come down, and they get quickly become close. 


Theirs is a story of interruptions, doubts, priorities, and family. There's a cute kid and a custody fight. Their tale includes the complications of attorney/client conflict of interest, trying to do what's best for everyone, and the re-evaluation of ones' priorities. The storyline is carried out at an excellent pace, and the characters are all extremely likeable. And don't forget Hank's co-worker Hazel, who's fantastic, with fun banter and wise-cracks.

Told in dual 1st person pov, I feel like I'm sitting down catching up with a good friend. The whole story is downright enjoyable, as it's riveting, compelling, and a truly delightful read.  

Mismatched is a wonderful story of two men who are great together, but have some obstacles to face. I love this Declan Rhodes book and am excited for more of this series. And, omg I love the epilogue!

Survive and Conquer by Andrew Grey

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Newton DeSantis was on the ground when the towers collapsed on 9/11. Though he still carries the scars on his body and his heart, he’s determined to ease some of the world’s suffering. Now a social worker and father to two children with special needs, he’s doing his best. But when one of his cases needs a good lawyer, Newton turns to Chase for help.

Family law attorney Chase Matthews is a rising star, and he’s in high demand. Still, Newton is very persuasive, and Chase takes his case pro bono. Everything about the other man appeals to Chase, but he’s determined to keep the relationship professional—even though, after meeting Newton’s kids, he wants to be a part of their lives.

Chase’s job doesn’t always allow him to pick his clients, though, and a case that could make him partner will put him on the opposite side of the courtroom from Newton—along with everything he believes in and the future they could build together.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Andrew Grey's Survive and Conquer is a compelling and riveting romance. Classic Andrew Grey, it's wonderfully written, with a great storyline and fantastic characters.

This is a story of priorities and goals. It's a story of two men on opposite sides of the fight for people's rights. Chase, a lawyer, who can't always fight for what he wants, and who can't always fight the way he wants. And Newton, a social worker for families, who's only interest is helping people.

Together they're a fantastic couple. I adore Chase. Definitely confused and frustrated with his career, he's loving and fully aware that he needs to include Newton's kids in his time with Newton. And Newton is as loveable as it gets. A man who's heart is as big as can be, he's raising two special needs kids with endless amounts of patience, love, and care.

Including flashbacks to 9/11, beware if this is a trigger for you. Having been injured during the 9/11 attacks, Newton still suffers from the effects of that day and it's truly molded who he is. Meeting Chase helps him to improve his way of life, and move forward. 

There's so much to love about this story. Both men are fantastic, troubled characters and the children are both sweet and lovable. Both the men and the children are survivors. Theirs is a beautiful story of healing. It's an amazing tale of finding that there's more to life than survival. A tale of opening up one's heart to living.

Their story involves some tough triggers. In addition to 9/11, it includes  homophobia, custody cases, and abuse.  

With just the right amount of angst, Survive and Conquer delivers a wonderful message to everyone. I highly recommend this book. It's the perfect book when you're looking for a poignant tale of putting the past behind you and of moving forward and embracing happiness.