We know that Magnus spends his time with nothing but younger men, thinking them easy and uncomplicated. We so rarely get older heroes in romance novels, let alone two older men falling for one another. Beautifully Unexpected encompassed all three, along with a swoony romance that I just adored. Morton has a way of combining warmth, sexiness, and humor that just totally works for me. I have made no secret of my adoration for Lily Morton’s writing, so I am always excited when I hear she has a new book releasing. But now Magnus and Laurie may find that love has come into their lives when they least expect it, if they have the courage to embrace the opportunity. It was supposed to be casual, and it was supposed to be just for the summer. But as the summer moves on, Laurie and Magnus begin to act on the attraction they have for one another. At first, it is nothing more than a friendship between two men with seemingly nothing in common. The two men strike up a friendship, both challenging one another, but also laughing together and finding a real connection. He is also vibrant, messy, impulsive, and not the least bit intimidated by Magnus. Laurie is almost the same age as Magnus, and similarly not looking for any kind of serious relationship. Laurie is house sitting for his brother in the apartment across the hall from Magnus, and Laurie gets quite a kick out of Magnus’ absurd predicament. When one of Magnus’ carefully nudged out the door one-night stands shows back up in a bit of a spectacle, Magnus meets Laurie Gentry. No clutter, no entanglements, and no real need to open himself up to anyone. Magnus spends his days hard at work as a successful barrister and his nights with an endless stream of twenty-something twinks. Magnus Carlsen is smart, confident, a bit arrogant, and at fifty-two, not interested in settling down.

Beautifully unexpected by lily morton