Lily Morton - Oz

What happens when temporary becomes forever?
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it.
However, when he gets there he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met. An earl belonging to a family whose roots go back hundreds of years, Silas is the living embodiment of duty and sacrifice. Two things that Oz has never wanted. He's also warm and funny and he draws Oz to him like a magnet.
Oz banks on the fact that they're from two very different worlds to stop himself falling for Silas. But what will he do when he realises that these differences are actually part of the pull to one another? Will falling in love be enough to make him stop moving at last and realise that he's finally home?
From bestselling author, Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy about two very different men and one very dilapidated house.

Comment: I had read and liked other books by this author and then saw some positive reviews about this book, so that was pretty much why I added it to my TBR.

In this story we meet Oz, a young man whose luck on romance has been null, When the story begins Oz is just finding out that his boyfriend cheats and he catches him in the act. While ranting and talking to his best friend, he decides to apply to a job as a way to change scenery but when he arrives for the interview, he can't help feeling he is out of place. Although he tries to have fun by bombing the interview, somehow he is still offered the job. When he arrives in Cornwall, at the estate he will be responsible for to organize, so that the historical house can be open to he public, he starts falling in love... and not only with the house. Silas is the heir to an earldom but he cannot pay the fees of maintaining such an estate, thus why he and his younger brother decided transforming the house into public tours could be the solution. He and Oz should not have anything in common, but it is impossible to ignore the connection. Will they take a bet on a possible relationship?

This is described as a romantic comedy of sorts and I'd say the label might be apt if one thinks that most of the narrative is told in a supposedly cute or funny way. I cannot say I had this impression all the time and, as a matter of fact, I missed having a bit more balance in the story when it comes to the mix between the fun and the serious situations. Still, taking that into consideration, I still think this was an enjoyable read for me.

Like I said, this is not the first book I try by the author either and I knew what to expect in terms of style, which helped me to want to keep reading. I say this because I was not a fan of the beginning of the story, when Oz finds out his boyfriend was cheating. I think this scene was so cliche and it seemed to be included so that we could understand Oz' state of mind and decision to move on, especially geographically, so he could start anew, but I really don't think this would be that necessary.

The tone is definitely one of comedy. I knew to expect that, but I was still a little disappointed that most of the scenes where characters interacted had to be made to be vibrant and bubbly or funny. I would not say the comedy factor was over the top or silly, but I think it could have been toned down without losing interest. That doesn't mean there are no serious or more dramatic situations happening or being discussed, but to me it felt things weren't deepened on purpose, the subjects are there, are mentioned and developed, but clearly not the actual focus.

The characters are the heavy force driving the novel. Oz, in particular, is the main character and most of the story is told from his POV, although there are also sections we see through Silas'.

Oz is out and proud, didn't have many opportunities and lives in modest place with his mother, who is Irish and when she got pregnant, her parents disowned her. She had Oz and they are a strong family unit, which means we can understand that Oz might have gone into a different path but the support system of his mother and some friends helped him out.

Silas had more advantages financially and socially growing up but his parents weren't loving like Oz's mother. Silas and his brother had to be united and strong to grow up and still be good people. Silas is now a veterinarian and he loves what he does, but he also loves the estate and would feel bad letting it go, so he is trying to do the right thing.

I think the demonstration that the main characters are genuine and good people, even Oz under all the brave and loud persona, and that makes it easier to root for them and to want to see them happy. I think the character development and personal issues were dealt with with enough skill to make things seem appealing and for the reader to grasp that there was some kind of evolution between the main couple, and even an inner growth. Was this as well done as it could? Perhaps not, but I think the lighter tone of story is justified when adding this proportionally light development.

As one would imagine, Oz is not only a funny guy who conquers pretty much everyone, but he is also a lot more skilled than what he would think, and he does a brilliant work with what he has. I think this was a little too sugary, clearly a set up for why he might decide to stay there instead of returning to London as he planned early on, for he thought the job would be for six months. I don't really mind this tactic, it's certainly supposed to make him look even more admirable, but it does make the plot seem rather flimsy.

Despite the issues I might have had with the novel, this was still easy and fluid to read.

I'll probably read the next one in the series at some point, Milo is a secondary character here, he doesn't seem very intriguing, but who knows... I'm hoping the author's writing style will remain good enough to keep me interested in reading, as it ended up happening with this story.

Grade: 7/10

Lily Morton - Risk Taker

Being in love with your best friend is hard.
Henry’s the odd man out. All his friends are settling down, and his reputation as the Hook-Up King of London seems more like a curse than a blessing these days. Especially when it keeps photojournalist Ivo, his best friend and the brilliant man he’s loved since they were fifteen, at arm’s length. But that’s where Ivo wants him, right? Putting aside his feelings, Henry decides to give up casual sex and look for the real deal. After all, he has no chance with Ivo - or does he?
Henry is everything to Ivo. Best friend, soul mate, the one person who has never let him down. The one person he is loyal to above everything and everyone. But Henry’s in a box marked best friend and that’s where Ivo’s kept him for nearly twenty years, despite steadily falling in love with the gentle man. And besides, why would Henry want to date Ivo? Burned out and injured, he’s the walking embodiment of damaged.
Distance has helped Henry and Ivo keep a lid on their attraction, but when they find themselves in the same city for a change—Ivo hurt and needing assistance, and Henry more than willing to provide it—the two best friends grow closer than ever, forcing a realization, and a decision. Risk their friendship for their hearts? Or can they have both?
From the bestselling author of Rule Breaker and Deal Maker comes a tender love story about two best friends who are perfect for each other, and always have been - if only they knew it. 

Comment: This is the last book of the Mixed Messages trilogy by author Lily Morton. After enjoying the books #1 and number #2, I had good expectations about this one but despite still being an enjoyable rad, I don't think this one was as well achieved as the previous ones.

In this third story we have Henry's HEA at last. 

Henry has been a good professional throughout his career but his love life is not as steady. Now that his close friends Gabriel and Jude are in solid relationships with guys they love immensely, Henry feels his loneliness even more and decides it's time to start looking for someone to really care and love. However, there's still the little problem of Ivo, the son of one of his father's exes he simply can't forget about...

Ivo returns from one of his journalism assignments and, as usual, he comes to rest and recover in the house he shared in the will with Henry. This time, however, Ivo is finally ready to let go of such a nomadic life and is thinking about settling down and will try to see if Henry might develop feelings for him too...

The way things are, what will these two decide to do when they finally admit their feelings? And what about when Ivo recovers from his wounds, will he return to his dangerous work anyway?

Like I said, this is the third book and Henry has been a secondary character in the other two books. Of course there was something fascinating about him and I was glad he also deserved a story from the author.

What I think wasn't as interesting was the trope used to develop his romance. After the "lovers reunited" and the "second chance" ones, I'd say "friends to lovers" is one of those I sometimes struggle to look for. I mean, of course when well done, any trope can be interesting to see happen, but often or the trope is filled with clichés or the trope is the excuse for the plot and that can be a little boring to appreciate.

Anyway, in this book we have the friends to lovers trope featuring Henry and his step brother Ivo. While teenagers, both of them bonded over their common dislike for their parent's attitude towards life and eventually Henry's father and Ivo's mother separated. During the years they shared together, though, they developed a good connection and Henry fell for Ivo but one awkward scene in college left Henry thinking Ivo would never return his feelings.

Now, years later and at a time where his life is changing, Ivo wants to give in to the attraction he feels for Henry after one day finally acknowledging it to himself.

I just didn't like that much how Ivo just "saw the light" when it came to Henry one day. Their relationship as friends and brothers felt amazing and the messages exchanged by them while living with their parents (thus the trilogy title) prove that but for them to be a couple just felt like too convenient. I'd have preferred to see Henry fall in love on the page with someone new and not go over his wishes, his feelings, his deliberating of every move while regarding Ivo. I don't think the relationship was as balanced as it should, mainly because of Ivo's choices in the past, how could Henry trust him 100%?

Of course eventually he does, or this wouldn't be a romance. It was nice that Ivo finally decided to be brave and admit he wanted to share his life with Henry but the way this happened and the moment of the plot where it happened felt a little too quick and silly (in relation to the scene itself, since he was in an airplane).

The main goal here was to portray how years of knowing someone can "help" in discovering hidden parts of the other person and knowing you re with someone you not only have romantic feelings for but who you also respect. I can understand this tactic but I wish Henry could have had an even more romantic experience with the person he was in love with.

Grade: 6/10

Lily Morton - Deal Maker

Sometimes your mouth makes deals that your heart can’t honour.
Jude is a highly successful model, but a very reluctant one. His life is full of casual hook-ups with pretty men in glamorous locations, but it’s still empty. However, circumstances decreed a long time ago that this was his path, so he’s resolutely stayed on it and accepted his fate with good grace. He made a deal with himself and his hook-ups. Get in, get out and no ties with anyone.
However, an accident at home one night leads to him making a new deal and accepting the offer of help from an unlikely source. It leads to an unexpected summer of falling in love with a larger than life man and his child.
But by the end of the summer his reasons for not staying are still valid. Will he turn away? Can he?
Asa is a talented actor who has spent time away from the scene to look after his son. But now he’s back, and the last thing he needs are complications from the gorgeous man who is staying with him. Scarred from too many betrayals, he has no intention of forming a lasting tie with anyone. However, he can’t resist the beautiful man with secrets, and to his horror he develops feelings.
But a deal’s a deal and they said it was just for the summer. What can Asa do with a man who has forever in his eyes and goodbye on his lips?

Comment: This is the second installment in the Missed Messages trilogy by author Lily Morton. I liked the first book a lot and it was no problem find the will to try this one as well, therefore I added it to my reading list of September.

In this story we focus on Jude, he is a close friend of one of the protagonists of the first book. Jude works as a model and is known by those who don't really know him personally as being fickle in his relationships and careless about his surroundings. 

That is why that he decides to play a trick on someone. Due to a problem in his apartment he is told of a possible place to stay in the house of the stepbrother of his on an off lover Dean. Jude then goes to the house of Asa Jacobs (apparently a famous actor) and is immediately considered vain and silly after saying he works as a model. He decides to play that part while staying to help Asa as a PA to cover his staying there. 

Of course this only happens because he feels attracted to Asa and doesn't want to look like he is a doormat. What he didn't cont on was not only that Asa might be attracted to him to and that the house feels more like home than anything else ever...

Perhaps my little summary isn't very informative but let me tell you that this plot makes all sense and the story develops in a very believable pace. Yes, there are a few scenes/situations I wasn't very fond of because they felt like they were a little too sugary but it's not that annoying overall.

The real beauty of this novel is the slightly slow burn romance (it felt like so to me) and the cute relationships developed between Jude and the other members of Asa's house.

From the beginning we learn that Jude has something he hides and that often he uses as tool to not let anyone coming to close emotionally. He obviously had a bad experience in the past and now judges all by that. One might say this is unfair but it's quite realistic even for those who don't act like this aware of it. However, despite understanding the issue I think it wasn't reason for such secrecy and it's only "acceptable" because of Jude's profession and the expectations met with it. I'm glad, though, that the romance only tackled this more towards the end because, honestly, the end was way too sugary in this regard.

Asa is an interesting character, very quirky in his way but with baggage too, quite serious. I liked how devoted he was to his son and those who were loyal to him. He had a serious relationship that didn't end well and I can understand the difficulties of dealing with it, especially when someone very close in looks and apparent lifestyle comes along. This allowed for interesting scenes between him and Jude but ll things considered I expected a little more thought to things. I'm definitely glad with the fact they only became intimate closer to the last part of the book - for me this is a good way for the sex to not be used as a tool to fill up pages.

As one can imagine, most of the interactions between the protagonists were cute and funny and later on, romantic and poignant. It was also amazing to see how Jude felt with Asa'a son and the people who worked in Asa's house. We also see the previous protagonists make appearances and there a few more secondary characters playing an important part. It does sound as if the story is too crowded but I think the author did a good job exploiting several issues in relation to several different people. It all makes sense.

Like I said, the end is a little too much for me. Too detailed in terms of sugar effect... I mean things happen in a very unlikely way in my opinion, no matter how sweet. But it's quite heartwarming to read about, yes. I liked this anyway and will read the last book too.

Grade: 8/10

Lily Morton - Rule Breaker

Is it really wrong to want to murder your boss?
Dylan has worked for Gabe for two years. Two long years of sarcastic comments. Two long years of insults, and having to redo the coffee pot four times in the mornings to meet his exacting standards.
Not surprisingly he has devoted a lot of time to increasingly inventive ways to murder Gabe. From stabbing him with a cake fork, to garrotting him with his expensive tie, Dylan has thought of everything.
However, a chance encounter opens his eyes to the attraction that has always lain between them, concealed by the layers of antipathy. There are only two problems - Gabe is still a bastard, and he makes wedding planners look like hardened pessimists.
But what happens when Dylan starts to see the real Gabe? What happens when he starts to fall in love with the warm, wary man that he sees glimpses of as the days pass?
Because Gabe is still the same commitment shy, cold man that he’s always been, or is he? Has Dylan had the same effect on Gabe, and has his solid gold rule of no commitment finally been broken? With his heart taken Dylan desperately needs to know, but will he get hurt trying to find the answers?

Comment: With such a long blurb I don't think I need to add anything else to try to explain this story. I got interested in it mostly because the following 2nd book, whose premise seemed intriguing but I like reading things in order if i manage it so after reading the blurb to this first story in the Mixed Messages trilogy, I liked the idea of starting the books in order.

Basically, this is the story of Dylan, he is the first person narrator, and he works for a very demanding boss, Gabe, who doesn't seem to have any problems saying things like they are. Still, Dylan is attracted to him and tries to be a good employer even if that means dealing with the boss' boyfriend the annoying Fletcher.

As one would expect in these stories, a sudden happening in their lives makes them start seeing each other differently and the romance develops from there...

I really liked this story, especially because I have this almost dislike for first person narrators in romance, which I tend to find impossibly limitative. However, the author has managed to characterize Dylan in a way that makes him engaging and interesting to follow or to sympathize with. I liked knowing his thoughts and I especially liked being able to understand his state of mind in certain situations.

The romance, as we can imagine, takes center stage and it's the main focus of this. Yes, there are several clichés (the boss-employer relationship is one but I sort of like these when well done) and I'd say that the one that stands out is the one where, of course, Gabe has a not so happy past which influences his behavior now and then Dylan comes from a happy and supporting family and that explains in part why he is so down to earth but emotionally stable.

It can be so easy to let this go into unlikely drama territory ut I think the emotional baggage both of them dealt with was well done, not exaggerated and still allowed me to think about certain issues and shed one or two tears...

The sexual content was not over the top, it was on the page but not in every two pages, sex. I liked how these scenes seemed to have been an extension of the plot and not there just to gives a view to that side of them. I bet others would say differently, though.

I also liked Dylan's friends and family (very obvious they contrasted with those more often surrounding Gabe) and his relationship with his parents was great. There is some conflict in all this but the author did it tastefully. 

The professional situations were also done well for the most part (in one or two situations I don't think everyday people would behave like that) and I liked how the pace was. 

It was very easy to just keep reading and I mut say that, since this is the first book I read by Lily Morton, her writing style felt great and it's with good perspectives I'll read the rest of this trilogy.

Grade: 8/10