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Pretty Mess
Kiss him, sleep with him, but don’t ever fall in love with him.
The first time Wes Archer steps into Jack of Clubs, an exclusive London pleasure club, he’s completely confident he can heed the tried-and-true advice about becoming an escort. Wes gives himself away for free with casual hookups all the time. Why not make some cash doing what he already loves? And cash is something he desperately needs. His brother’s gambling addiction has taken their family’s home, saddled Wes with insurmountable debts, and compromised his chances for finishing his degree.
Accepting an offer to spend a few hours of fun with a rich bloke will be a simple business transaction, right?
Wrong.
Wes’s first client is Cormac Reilly. The handsome billionaire is grumpy, funny, and commanding in a way that unlocks desires Wes never knew he had. Cormac is icily determined to keep their arrangement strictly business, but that doesn’t stop Wes from finding him fascinating.
As their one-night contract becomes something much more, Wes can’t deny he’s falling for his client. He knows he’s flouting all the rules, but breaking down Cormac’s barriers is an irresistible challenge, and his reward might be the best prize of all — love.
From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a passionate love story set in London and Paris about two astonishingly different men and one very pretty mess.
Please see the disclaimer at the beginning of the book for content some readers may find triggering.
The first time Wes Archer steps into Jack of Clubs, an exclusive London pleasure club, he’s completely confident he can heed the tried-and-true advice about becoming an escort. Wes gives himself away for free with casual hookups all the time. Why not make some cash doing what he already loves? And cash is something he desperately needs. His brother’s gambling addiction has taken their family’s home, saddled Wes with insurmountable debts, and compromised his chances for finishing his degree.
Accepting an offer to spend a few hours of fun with a rich bloke will be a simple business transaction, right?
Wrong.
Wes’s first client is Cormac Reilly. The handsome billionaire is grumpy, funny, and commanding in a way that unlocks desires Wes never knew he had. Cormac is icily determined to keep their arrangement strictly business, but that doesn’t stop Wes from finding him fascinating.
As their one-night contract becomes something much more, Wes can’t deny he’s falling for his client. He knows he’s flouting all the rules, but breaking down Cormac’s barriers is an irresistible challenge, and his reward might be the best prize of all — love.
From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a passionate love story set in London and Paris about two astonishingly different men and one very pretty mess.
Please see the disclaimer at the beginning of the book for content some readers may find triggering.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2025
280 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Lily Morton
71 books3,250 followersLily 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 Pretty Mess - a contemporary romance about an escort who falls for his first client. .
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 Pretty Mess - a contemporary romance about an escort who falls for his first client.
https://getbook.at/PaperRoses
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
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/SnarkSquad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10000...
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lilymortonauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilymortonauthor
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/LilyAuthor
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/lily-morton
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 Pretty Mess - a contemporary romance about an escort who falls for his first client. .
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 Pretty Mess - a contemporary romance about an escort who falls for his first client.
https://getbook.at/PaperRoses
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
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/SnarkSquad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10000...
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lilymortonauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilymortonauthor
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/LilyAuthor
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/lily-morton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
September 2, 2025
This was a mixed bag for me. The trope is not my favourite, but I liked that the setup was different from this author's other books, and I was interested to see how everything would play out.
Wes and Mac are typical LM's characters – one older and serious, and the other younger and sassy. I liked them well enough, but at times they reminded me too much of her other characters, especially their banter which often missed the mark for me. I also didn't enjoy the brother subplot and some silly unrealistic situations created only to conveniently serve a purpose - like grandpa's house, getting hurt multiple times so that they have to spend the night together, the visit from Wes's brother and their conversation, to name just a few. I prefer things to develop more organically.
There are scenes that I liked, mostly the more romantic ones, and I did enjoy some of their conversations. I liked how Wes was gradually wearing Mac down with his text messages and questions. Since the story is told only from Wes's POV, we know how smitten he is with Mac from the start and there's a lot of pining on his side, which is something that always works for me.
There are a lot of sex scenes (some readers will be happy), but my favourite part of the story was their break-up, or rather the end of their arrangement, and what comes afterwards. I really like how LM writes break-ups and the second chance romance of sorts that follows. She did it so well in her books After Felix and Confetti Hearts, and I enjoyed it here, as well. Including the epilogue.
What else did I like? Oh, the friendship between Wes and Julian. That was unexpected. It's a pity that Julian wasn't present throughout most of the story, but I hope he and certain someone will get their own book. And Paris! I liked the trip to Paris. It was lovely.
One more thing. This story is compared to Pretty Woman, which totally makes sense based on their arrangement. However, Mac reminded me a lot more of Christian Grey. Unbelievably rich, pays for stuff for Wes and takes care of him in every possible way, flies in a private plane to other countries, childhood trauma, hides his feelings behind thick walls, Brandon's character who is identical to that girl Christian was with before Ana. Anyone?
Wes and Mac are typical LM's characters – one older and serious, and the other younger and sassy. I liked them well enough, but at times they reminded me too much of her other characters, especially their banter which often missed the mark for me. I also didn't enjoy the brother subplot and some silly unrealistic situations created only to conveniently serve a purpose - like grandpa's house, getting hurt multiple times so that they have to spend the night together, the visit from Wes's brother and their conversation, to name just a few. I prefer things to develop more organically.
There are scenes that I liked, mostly the more romantic ones, and I did enjoy some of their conversations. I liked how Wes was gradually wearing Mac down with his text messages and questions. Since the story is told only from Wes's POV, we know how smitten he is with Mac from the start and there's a lot of pining on his side, which is something that always works for me.
There are a lot of sex scenes (some readers will be happy), but my favourite part of the story was their break-up, or rather the end of their arrangement, and what comes afterwards. I really like how LM writes break-ups and the second chance romance of sorts that follows. She did it so well in her books After Felix and Confetti Hearts, and I enjoyed it here, as well. Including the epilogue.
What else did I like? Oh, the friendship between Wes and Julian. That was unexpected. It's a pity that Julian wasn't present throughout most of the story, but I hope he and certain someone will get their own book. And Paris! I liked the trip to Paris. It was lovely.
One more thing. This story is compared to Pretty Woman, which totally makes sense based on their arrangement. However, Mac reminded me a lot more of Christian Grey. Unbelievably rich, pays for stuff for Wes and takes care of him in every possible way, flies in a private plane to other countries, childhood trauma, hides his feelings behind thick walls, Brandon's character who is identical to that girl Christian was with before Ana. Anyone?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
4**** stars
Dang! I had a blast. The story setup, the witty banter, the characters… fabulous.
I was a tiny bit disappointed by the second half of the book as it somehow lost its pace and intrigue but overall it was still a great read.
(The word throbbing is used a whooping 17 times in the first half of book and that was roughly fourteen times too often if you ask me.)
I have no idea if Lily Morton intends to make this a series but there is def potential. I’d love to get a book for Wes’ best friend and fellow hooker, Julian, and Fox, the owner of the club that provides the platform for the arrangements made there.
Dang! I had a blast. The story setup, the witty banter, the characters… fabulous.
“Let’s start the way we did before. Take your clothes off, Wes.” I start to take off my jumper, and he says, “Slowly, please. I vividly remember how, last time, you tried to break the sound barrier with the speed of your disrobing.” “Funny. You try being a new hooker. It’s not easy, you know.”“Sometimes I think my attraction to you stems from your incredibly varied vocabulary.” “You lie. It’s my anus.” He laughs. “True. It’s the prettiest anus in town and rarely speaks back, unlike its owner.”
I was a tiny bit disappointed by the second half of the book as it somehow lost its pace and intrigue but overall it was still a great read.
(The word throbbing is used a whooping 17 times in the first half of book and that was roughly fourteen times too often if you ask me.)
I have no idea if Lily Morton intends to make this a series but there is def potential. I’d love to get a book for Wes’ best friend and fellow hooker, Julian, and Fox, the owner of the club that provides the platform for the arrangements made there.
August 16, 2025
I LOVED this book. I’m so in love with it. I literally called out of work one day, so I could finish it (do not tell anyone that). This was one of those “just one more chapter before bed” books for me. It was wonderful, and I enjoyed it so much.
So the premise here is that Wes’s older brother has a gambling addiction. A bad one. Bad enough that when Wes was walking home one day, he found a bunch of men taking his family’s objects out of his house because his brother bet their house, and lost. So here Wes is homeless and broke with no idea what to do. He needs money for school so he can graduate and have a good job to get out of this cycle. He happens to run into his academic rival, Julian, on the street, who lets him come and stay with him and talks him into becoming an escort, like him, essentially. That is how Wes meets Cormac.
Cormac Reilly. Our grumpy, gorgeous, older billionaire. There were a few times that I got so mad at him. I couldn’t understand how he could remain so aloof when he is in the vicinity of our sunshine angel Wes. His attitude makes sense the more you read, but at the time I was like dude!!!! Chill out!!!! But speaking of Wes, I love that man with my whole heart. He’s probably one of my favorite characters I have ever read. He is so funny. I was constantly laughing throughout this book. His humor is my brand of humor. It was amazing. Cormac fell for the same things about Wes that I did. Cormac and Wes’s arrangement was supposed to be a one time thing, that’s usually Cormac’s MO. But he couldn’t help developing a contract or feelings for that matter for Wes. He’s just beautiful and sweet and a darling angel. Ugh I loved him. I really loved Cormac towards the end when he got over himself and let himself love and be loved. It was beautiful.
Also another thing to love about Cormac is his bedroom skills. The sex scenes were so top notch. And there was soooooo many of them, but in a good way. The plot is still plotting and the sex is abundant. I was in heaven.
The only thing I would change about this book is that I would’ve killed for at least one chapter in Cormac’s POV. All the chapters are strictly in Wes’s POV. I would’ve loved to be in Cormac’s head, at least once. But that’s all. Everything else was perfect.
I’m curious to see if the author writes about some other characters in this book. I’m left with questions that I would love answered someday. In the meantime, I must check out more of this author’s books. This was my first book by her and she just blew it out of the water for me. Thank you madame, I salute you. Cheers.
P.S. (This is kinda spoilery, but you must know.) In the content warnings in the beginning of the book, the author mentions that in chapter 15, there is a detailed, on page, SA scene. I was really worried to read this. Like I was dreading the whole book for the chapter. I just want you to know it does not go far. I hate to say it like that because any SA is bad, but this one was not graphic in my opinion. What essentially happens is that Wes gets locked in a bathroom with a gross human being. The man hits Wes a few times, tears his shirt, and pulls his pants down. He 100% had plans to SA him. He says it in this scene. That is as far as it gets. Cormac kicks the door down and beats the man up, and then he goes to Wes to comfort him. The man is pulled out of the bathroom then, and another character says he will take great joy in destroying his life. That’s all. It’s a terrible scene, but I just want you to know that it’s not as extreme as the content warning makes it sound. Honestly I was preparing myself for the worst of the worst the whole book. I was relieved that it was not that, but upset that I was stressed out the whole book. But please take care of your mental health and skim this chapter if you need to. I just want you to know what happens.
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
So the premise here is that Wes’s older brother has a gambling addiction. A bad one. Bad enough that when Wes was walking home one day, he found a bunch of men taking his family’s objects out of his house because his brother bet their house, and lost. So here Wes is homeless and broke with no idea what to do. He needs money for school so he can graduate and have a good job to get out of this cycle. He happens to run into his academic rival, Julian, on the street, who lets him come and stay with him and talks him into becoming an escort, like him, essentially. That is how Wes meets Cormac.
Cormac Reilly. Our grumpy, gorgeous, older billionaire. There were a few times that I got so mad at him. I couldn’t understand how he could remain so aloof when he is in the vicinity of our sunshine angel Wes. His attitude makes sense the more you read, but at the time I was like dude!!!! Chill out!!!! But speaking of Wes, I love that man with my whole heart. He’s probably one of my favorite characters I have ever read. He is so funny. I was constantly laughing throughout this book. His humor is my brand of humor. It was amazing. Cormac fell for the same things about Wes that I did. Cormac and Wes’s arrangement was supposed to be a one time thing, that’s usually Cormac’s MO. But he couldn’t help developing a contract or feelings for that matter for Wes. He’s just beautiful and sweet and a darling angel. Ugh I loved him. I really loved Cormac towards the end when he got over himself and let himself love and be loved. It was beautiful.
Also another thing to love about Cormac is his bedroom skills. The sex scenes were so top notch. And there was soooooo many of them, but in a good way. The plot is still plotting and the sex is abundant. I was in heaven.
The only thing I would change about this book is that I would’ve killed for at least one chapter in Cormac’s POV. All the chapters are strictly in Wes’s POV. I would’ve loved to be in Cormac’s head, at least once. But that’s all. Everything else was perfect.
I’m curious to see if the author writes about some other characters in this book. I’m left with questions that I would love answered someday. In the meantime, I must check out more of this author’s books. This was my first book by her and she just blew it out of the water for me. Thank you madame, I salute you. Cheers.
P.S. (This is kinda spoilery, but you must know.) In the content warnings in the beginning of the book, the author mentions that in chapter 15, there is a detailed, on page, SA scene. I was really worried to read this. Like I was dreading the whole book for the chapter. I just want you to know it does not go far. I hate to say it like that because any SA is bad, but this one was not graphic in my opinion. What essentially happens is that Wes gets locked in a bathroom with a gross human being. The man hits Wes a few times, tears his shirt, and pulls his pants down. He 100% had plans to SA him. He says it in this scene. That is as far as it gets. Cormac kicks the door down and beats the man up, and then he goes to Wes to comfort him. The man is pulled out of the bathroom then, and another character says he will take great joy in destroying his life. That’s all. It’s a terrible scene, but I just want you to know that it’s not as extreme as the content warning makes it sound. Honestly I was preparing myself for the worst of the worst the whole book. I was relieved that it was not that, but upset that I was stressed out the whole book. But please take care of your mental health and skim this chapter if you need to. I just want you to know what happens.
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
August 17, 2025
I’m the keeper of his cock, existing to service him and bring him pleasure and then disappear back into the cupboard until he needs me again.
In the words of Wes, “That was so far beyond epic, I’m lost for words.” I thoroughly enjoyed this book- one of my top reads for 2025! Wes and Cormac's love story is messy and chaotic, but all the sweeter for it. They meet at a gentleman's club, when Cormac buys Wes's 'full services' for the night. Wes manages to capture Cormac's attention and they enter into a sugar daddy/sugar baby type of temporary arrangement. But when Cormac finds out why Wes became an escort in the first place, can he overcome his guilt to make the relationship permanent?
I’ve been alone a long time, Wes, and I was always comfortable with it before.” “Before what?” His face is wry but shockingly gentle. “Before you, of course. Somewhere along the line, you made solitary start to look a lot more like loneliness."
Wes turns to escorting after finding himself suddenly homeless and penniless at no fault of his own. He's a champ for rallying and staying positive in spite of everything. I’m such a sucker for a character who is able to maneuver themselves out of a difficult situation while staying true to themselves. Lily writes such amazing characters and I can't decide if I loved Wes's irreverent charm or Cormac's steady loyalty more. If I had one complaint about the book, it would be that I'd have liked to read more from Cormac's POV. He's like a rock for a lot of the book, but I'm sure there was lots going on under the surface that I'd like to have been able to explore. Lily warned us that this book was a bit different than anything she's written lately, and I personally LOVED it! I hope we get more in the series.
Rating: 5
Angst: 3/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 17, 2025
There was some yummy angst in this one but guess what??? This is the first Morton book in a while that had no caricature asshole that one of the MCs was inexplicably putting up with. There was an asshole, but no one liked him. So yay!
August 25, 2025
Absolute perfection.
This is the best Lily Morton book in a hot minute. Or at least since the third Blue Billings book.
I loved that she did something a bit different than her usual with this, but not so different that it didn't work. We still have a sweetie pie of a character with Wes, but she tried something a bit different with a more closed off, perhaps sometimes a bit of an asshole in that he pushes people away, in Cormac, or Mac as Wes calls him.
And it was more angsty than what this author is known for. Also in my memory the author has never done a scene like this, but there is a scene where another character tries to rape Wes and sexually assaults him and the author does warn for this, but just know it's not between the MCs but it's well into the book in Chapter 15, and Wes fights the guy as much as he can before Mac gets there and breaks down the door.
If he hadn't come, though, Wes would have fought but not have been able to ultimately stop it and that's so dark and grim to think about. And aside from the Blue Billings books that deal with murder and spooky ghosts and such, that kind of scene is not this author's MO, so it was definitely something new, and the author handled it very well.
Plus, this is also about Wes having a brother who is a gambling addict, who does horribly shitty things to Wes and others around him but at the same time Wes loves his brother who has always been there for him, so it's hard for Wes to deal with, being angry and hating his brother at the same time he loves him and wants to help him.
But his brother hurts Wes financially too, who is finishing up University and is set to go into a Master's program after, but his brother loses their house as collateral and all Wes' savings and more. It's awful, but Wes has a friend, Julian, who is a sex worker to very rich men, so a high end escort, and says Wes could do that too, as he could make a LOT of money (and pay off the debts his brother has accrued - some even in Wes' name.)
His first client is Cormac, and Cormac is quite closed off at first, and for awhile into their "arrangement", only Cormac doesn't get emotionally attached to anyone, least of all the escorts he has sex with, but of course with Wes that is not the case.
Wes has grown up on the edge of poor his whole life, and he's a sweetie pie who also is a bit of a talker and doesn't quite know how to curb that as a "professional escort" and all, but that's what endears him to Mac, in the end. Wes might not be the usual escort, but that's exactly how Mac falls for him.
For Wes, he's not really cut out to be a sex worker, and he's wildly attracted to Mac, and it doesn't take long for him to become attached to Mac, against all of his friend Julian's warnings and advice.
But when Mac forgets himself and lets his guard down at times, Wes can see the man behind the walls he's erected up. Mac always seems to remember himself and put them back up as much as he can, but it never really works all that well where Wes is concerned.
I absolutely loved their chemistry together and this was some of the best sex Ms. Morton has ever written. I just love, love, loved them together. Their chemistry was fire and their passion and eventual love was so immense.
Mac is a tough nut to crack and we don't get his POV in this - I would have LOVED it so much, but it wasn't detrimental to knowing his feelings, because as closed off as Mac was at first, his feelings started to come through loud and clear, even as he tried to fight them and Wes tried to tell himself Mac didn't feel that way about him.
Hell, Mac tried to tell himself he didn't feel that way about Wes either. But by the end his love is shining through and it's so obvious his POV wasn't needed - even as I longed for it! I wanted to get him crashing out over Wes in his mind, it would have been glorious.
As it is, we do get him crashing out over Wes anyway. All the times he says Wes is beautiful or gorgeous? SWOON. He is so enamored from the get go. And all the times he forgets himself and laughs full body laughs with Wes - the reactions of others around them who know Mac were always so stunned when he did, which tells us all we need to know. Mac being happy and carefree and laughing with Wes is not his usual, ever.
I also loved how this starts out with Mac not wanting Wes to call him "Mac" to then at the end him never wanting Wes to call him "Cormac" as he's just Mac to Wes 🥰
So while we don't get Mac's POV, I wasn't all that mad at it. It was quite obvious how Mac was starting to feel throughout this, despite all his attempts to keep Wes at arms length.
Wes, the sweetheart, is gone for Mac almost right off the bat. He is GONE for this man and it's so completely sweet and adorable. He lives for Mac letting his guard down and laughing with him, and for Mac's epic sarcasm. He never really thinks of himself as a sex worker and never really thinks of Mac as a client. He's just...Mac. From the start. His Mac.
And they were perfect together. And all Mac does for Wes too, without Wes having to ask, was beautiful too.
It was understandable, the more we learned about Mac and his past, why he was the way he was as well. Why he was so scared of feelings and getting attached to someone. So if you feel he's frustrating at first, don't worry, it all makes sense as his past comes to light.
I definitely HIGHLY recommend this, it fired on all cylinders and I zoomed through reading it, I couldn't get enough of it. Even as these two got their well deserved HEA, I wanted more of them! And this author writers a lot of shorts of her couples so I only hope these two get shorts in the future as well.
Also, I don't know if this will become a series, but there were several possibilities for future books. Namely Julian, Wes' best friend. I could totally see him (and potentially Fox?) getting a book. If we do get future books in this setting and with more characters, I absolutely can't wait for them.
As it is, if this is a standalone, Wes and Mac were everything and I couldn't get enough of them.
I absolutely can't wait for more from Ms. Morton, this was amazing! 😍
Until then!
This is the best Lily Morton book in a hot minute. Or at least since the third Blue Billings book.
I loved that she did something a bit different than her usual with this, but not so different that it didn't work. We still have a sweetie pie of a character with Wes, but she tried something a bit different with a more closed off, perhaps sometimes a bit of an asshole in that he pushes people away, in Cormac, or Mac as Wes calls him.
And it was more angsty than what this author is known for. Also in my memory the author has never done a scene like this, but there is a scene where another character tries to rape Wes and sexually assaults him and the author does warn for this, but just know it's not between the MCs but it's well into the book in Chapter 15, and Wes fights the guy as much as he can before Mac gets there and breaks down the door.
If he hadn't come, though, Wes would have fought but not have been able to ultimately stop it and that's so dark and grim to think about. And aside from the Blue Billings books that deal with murder and spooky ghosts and such, that kind of scene is not this author's MO, so it was definitely something new, and the author handled it very well.
Plus, this is also about Wes having a brother who is a gambling addict, who does horribly shitty things to Wes and others around him but at the same time Wes loves his brother who has always been there for him, so it's hard for Wes to deal with, being angry and hating his brother at the same time he loves him and wants to help him.
But his brother hurts Wes financially too, who is finishing up University and is set to go into a Master's program after, but his brother loses their house as collateral and all Wes' savings and more. It's awful, but Wes has a friend, Julian, who is a sex worker to very rich men, so a high end escort, and says Wes could do that too, as he could make a LOT of money (and pay off the debts his brother has accrued - some even in Wes' name.)
His first client is Cormac, and Cormac is quite closed off at first, and for awhile into their "arrangement", only Cormac doesn't get emotionally attached to anyone, least of all the escorts he has sex with, but of course with Wes that is not the case.
Wes has grown up on the edge of poor his whole life, and he's a sweetie pie who also is a bit of a talker and doesn't quite know how to curb that as a "professional escort" and all, but that's what endears him to Mac, in the end. Wes might not be the usual escort, but that's exactly how Mac falls for him.
For Wes, he's not really cut out to be a sex worker, and he's wildly attracted to Mac, and it doesn't take long for him to become attached to Mac, against all of his friend Julian's warnings and advice.
But when Mac forgets himself and lets his guard down at times, Wes can see the man behind the walls he's erected up. Mac always seems to remember himself and put them back up as much as he can, but it never really works all that well where Wes is concerned.
I absolutely loved their chemistry together and this was some of the best sex Ms. Morton has ever written. I just love, love, loved them together. Their chemistry was fire and their passion and eventual love was so immense.
Mac is a tough nut to crack and we don't get his POV in this - I would have LOVED it so much, but it wasn't detrimental to knowing his feelings, because as closed off as Mac was at first, his feelings started to come through loud and clear, even as he tried to fight them and Wes tried to tell himself Mac didn't feel that way about him.
Hell, Mac tried to tell himself he didn't feel that way about Wes either. But by the end his love is shining through and it's so obvious his POV wasn't needed - even as I longed for it! I wanted to get him crashing out over Wes in his mind, it would have been glorious.
As it is, we do get him crashing out over Wes anyway. All the times he says Wes is beautiful or gorgeous? SWOON. He is so enamored from the get go. And all the times he forgets himself and laughs full body laughs with Wes - the reactions of others around them who know Mac were always so stunned when he did, which tells us all we need to know. Mac being happy and carefree and laughing with Wes is not his usual, ever.
I also loved how this starts out with Mac not wanting Wes to call him "Mac" to then at the end him never wanting Wes to call him "Cormac" as he's just Mac to Wes 🥰
So while we don't get Mac's POV, I wasn't all that mad at it. It was quite obvious how Mac was starting to feel throughout this, despite all his attempts to keep Wes at arms length.
Wes, the sweetheart, is gone for Mac almost right off the bat. He is GONE for this man and it's so completely sweet and adorable. He lives for Mac letting his guard down and laughing with him, and for Mac's epic sarcasm. He never really thinks of himself as a sex worker and never really thinks of Mac as a client. He's just...Mac. From the start. His Mac.
And they were perfect together. And all Mac does for Wes too, without Wes having to ask, was beautiful too.
It was understandable, the more we learned about Mac and his past, why he was the way he was as well. Why he was so scared of feelings and getting attached to someone. So if you feel he's frustrating at first, don't worry, it all makes sense as his past comes to light.
I definitely HIGHLY recommend this, it fired on all cylinders and I zoomed through reading it, I couldn't get enough of it. Even as these two got their well deserved HEA, I wanted more of them! And this author writers a lot of shorts of her couples so I only hope these two get shorts in the future as well.
Also, I don't know if this will become a series, but there were several possibilities for future books. Namely Julian, Wes' best friend. I could totally see him (and potentially Fox?) getting a book. If we do get future books in this setting and with more characters, I absolutely can't wait for them.
As it is, if this is a standalone, Wes and Mac were everything and I couldn't get enough of them.
I absolutely can't wait for more from Ms. Morton, this was amazing! 😍
Until then!
August 11, 2025
So, I don't usually go for Billionaire romances because they're just so utterly unrelatable, but I had a suprisingly fun time reading this! It was a tad too long and it did feel like there were a couple too many plates spinning in the air, but overall I enjoyed the relationship development between Mac and Wes. The locations all sounded absolutely beautiful, but I definitely wanted to go and wander around the house on the island!
Wes made me laugh so much. We have a very similar sense of humour, although my culinary choices aren't quite as questionable... I really liked his friendship with Julian, but he is a much better person than me when it came to the mess his brother got them into. I for sure would not have gone to anywhere near the same amount of effort after what his brother did to him! I also really liked that he didn't just give up his life to become a trophy partner to a rich man, he knew what he wanted to achieve and he went for it and I loved the results scene and the graduation.
Mac was very reminiscient of Richard Gere in Pretty Woman 😂 I couldn't stop picturing him, just with darker hair! He truly was an idiot in love and it was both entertaining and frustrating that he and Wes couldn't seem to have any important conversations for the absolute longest time! I did enjoy their banter and the way Wes treats Mac like he's just any other guy, but my god, miscommunication drives me nuts 😂😂
I also kept thinking that Julian would be excellent friends with Mal and Pip, and Wes would probably get on really well with Dylan, Jude and Dean. I really like how all of these books are in the same story universe and I loved that sneaky little cameo at the end...
I am now desperately hoping we're going to be getting a book for Julian and Fox?! I am already overly invested in their 'relationship' and I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Wes made me laugh so much. We have a very similar sense of humour, although my culinary choices aren't quite as questionable... I really liked his friendship with Julian, but he is a much better person than me when it came to the mess his brother got them into. I for sure would not have gone to anywhere near the same amount of effort after what his brother did to him! I also really liked that he didn't just give up his life to become a trophy partner to a rich man, he knew what he wanted to achieve and he went for it and I loved the results scene and the graduation.
Mac was very reminiscient of Richard Gere in Pretty Woman 😂 I couldn't stop picturing him, just with darker hair! He truly was an idiot in love and it was both entertaining and frustrating that he and Wes couldn't seem to have any important conversations for the absolute longest time! I did enjoy their banter and the way Wes treats Mac like he's just any other guy, but my god, miscommunication drives me nuts 😂😂
I also kept thinking that Julian would be excellent friends with Mal and Pip, and Wes would probably get on really well with Dylan, Jude and Dean. I really like how all of these books are in the same story universe and I loved that sneaky little cameo at the end...
I am now desperately hoping we're going to be getting a book for Julian and Fox?! I am already overly invested in their 'relationship' and I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
August 9, 2025
Heaped with his brother’s gambling debts, Wes turns to escorting at the suggestion of a friend.
At Jack of Clubs he meets Cormac, a grumpy billionaire that instantly intrigues him from the moment Wes lays eyes on him.
Their relationship is supposed to be purely transactional, but the more Wes gets to know Cormac the more he wants to crack the man’s icy exterior.
Wes and Mac are total opposites in so many ways, but I instantly loved them. The chemistry and snarky banter between them was *chefs kiss* and I devoured Pretty Mess in one sitting.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- escort + client
- age gap
- billionaire
- hurt x comfort
- grumpy x sunshine
- banter
CW: family member with addiction, on page graphic SA (Ch 15)
At Jack of Clubs he meets Cormac, a grumpy billionaire that instantly intrigues him from the moment Wes lays eyes on him.
Their relationship is supposed to be purely transactional, but the more Wes gets to know Cormac the more he wants to crack the man’s icy exterior.
Wes and Mac are total opposites in so many ways, but I instantly loved them. The chemistry and snarky banter between them was *chefs kiss* and I devoured Pretty Mess in one sitting.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- escort + client
- age gap
- billionaire
- hurt x comfort
- grumpy x sunshine
- banter
CW: family member with addiction, on page graphic SA (Ch 15)
August 18, 2025
4.75✨
I can't deny I loved this story. A gorgeous addition to Lily Morton's world.
A beautiful sexy novice sex worker (Wes) - billionaire client (Mac) reluctant romance. There is and has only ever been one client so it's like a paid relationship where feelings bloom. Beautifuly and playfully written to the point I couldn't put the book down. Having Cormac being a brooding, secretive billionaire and Wes a gorgeous, messy ray of sunshine makes this a great read.
Very very British. Very British sarcasm, hiding feelings, awkward deception and avoiding truths and feelings.
(PISSY VENT) SPOILER ALERT:
🙄
🙄
🙄
🙄
Be warned, the end gets dragged out so long it almost ruins the moments🙄. Momentum is everything in a HEA, and dragging things out like this waters it down and makes it feel old. Points off for that🤔
I can't deny I loved this story. A gorgeous addition to Lily Morton's world.
A beautiful sexy novice sex worker (Wes) - billionaire client (Mac) reluctant romance. There is and has only ever been one client so it's like a paid relationship where feelings bloom. Beautifuly and playfully written to the point I couldn't put the book down. Having Cormac being a brooding, secretive billionaire and Wes a gorgeous, messy ray of sunshine makes this a great read.
Very very British. Very British sarcasm, hiding feelings, awkward deception and avoiding truths and feelings.
(PISSY VENT) SPOILER ALERT:
🙄
🙄
🙄
🙄
Be warned, the end gets dragged out so long it almost ruins the moments🙄. Momentum is everything in a HEA, and dragging things out like this waters it down and makes it feel old. Points off for that🤔
August 9, 2025
When I read the Blurb for this one I was eager to see just how Lily would deal with the disparity in wealth between Wes and Cormac and how it would impact on the whole idea of a Pretty Woman scenario story.
Well, of course, she nails it, because Wes not only doesn't care about the wealth, he's actively doing his best to not accept more than he needs to pay off his brother's debts, without letting the man he calls Mac realise he's falling for him.
Mac's an enigma, while he's obscenely wealthy, he also lives a fairly simple life (for a billionaire!) and doesn't flaunt anything about his advantages.
The meet/cute for this one is obviously the foundation of the story's plotline, Wes ends up desperately needing cash after his brother's gambling addiction leaves him and his sister-in-law homeless and with a pile of credit card debts in his name from cards Tyler took out without his knowledge.
His arch rival at university, Julian (his story next please Lily!), turns out to not only be a true friend, but also his avenue for recouping the cash, as Julian works as an escort at a secret club and has been living as a kept man for more than a year.
Lily doesn't shy away from the fact these two young men are selling themselves for money, but it's perhaps got a touch more to the sex work due to the nature of where they go to meet potential clients.
Jack of Clubs is exclusive, filled with rich men seeking a no strings transactional arrangement. There are rules in place to keep the escorts safe and Fox Walker, who owns the club, is presented very clearly as a man you don't want to cross. His rules put the escorts first always and there's clearly something there with him and Julian, hence why his book next please!
The narrative itself winds slowly from the initial encounter through Mac wanting to see this young man who challenges him at every turn,
Wes is like the most snarky and engaging parts of Lily's other characters Oz and Mal (Spring Strings) got married and had a baby.
He's dealing with his feelings of betrayal and hurt because of his brother's actions, but his brother was also the one who made sure Wes stayed with him when their mum died when they were younger.
His fascination with Mac isn't just because of the insane chemistry between them, or the bone-numbing sex they have, he wants to know why he's closed off, what caused the scar on his lower abdomen, why he clearly hates the man he's trying a buy a house off on a small river island outside the City.
The pacing in this book is beautifully crafted, there's a growing sense of a collision on the way as Wes falls more in love and Mac starts to pull back emotionally, while at the same time, offering up more and more opportunities for Wes to spend time with him.
There's a looming sense of dread as you can see the angst building the more time they spend together and the more chances for conversations go begging.
I loved the way Wes' irrepressible nature just kept him moving forward into the danger zone, he knows he's fallen for Mac, he knows that nothing can come of it, he knows his heart is going to be broken, but he keeps straight on the path anyway.
You can see that Mac's opened up more to Wes than anyone else before, he has no other friends, there's only business for him, he doesn't have a confidant, unlike Wes, who breaks more of the rules Julian's tried to instil in him because he knows a broken heart is on the cards.
The fall out comes, as it must, through an element of miscommunication, however, it's not an irritating one, it's not something that a conversation could have easily avoided, it arises due to a traumatic event (trigger warnings are given for this clearly as well as chapter indication that I very much appreciated) at Jack of Clubs.
It's a painful part of the book, but it's a necessary one, for both Wes and Mac need to be honest not only with each other, but with themselves.
Of course, it's a Lily Morton book, so we know there'll be a HEA and the way they reach out and come back into each other's lives is beautifully done.
I also have to shout out to Mac's driver Robert, another wonderfully created secondary character who helps lift up the narrative and probably the closest thing to a friend Mac has. I loved it every time he appeared on the page, he's got a wry sense of humour and a strong sense of loyalty.
Everything about this story worked for me, it doesn't have that element of disbelief that Pretty Woman does imho.
The wealth aspect of Mac's character is only a part of his story, not the driving factor, making him falling for Wes absolutely understandable. Wes breaks down his walls, makes him see that the solitary life he thought he was comfortable with, is actually pretty lonely.
And Wes wants his independence, he doesn't want to be kept once his brother's debts are cleared, he got a First with Honours in his accountancy degree and he's got himself a job (loved the guest appearance here, won't spoil it!) and is standing on his own two feet.
His love for Mac isn't contingent on the money, it's the man himself, the lonely child who turned into a closed-off man, who he loves, and that's as clear as night and day.
Loved this pair enough to stick them behind Caden & Mal as my absolute favourite Lily creations and I will always have my rare breeds farmer and his smart mouthed supermodel as my top pair because their book was written for me 😘😍
I really hope we get Julian's story next, I've a feeling his will be another one that hits hard.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Well, of course, she nails it, because Wes not only doesn't care about the wealth, he's actively doing his best to not accept more than he needs to pay off his brother's debts, without letting the man he calls Mac realise he's falling for him.
Mac's an enigma, while he's obscenely wealthy, he also lives a fairly simple life (for a billionaire!) and doesn't flaunt anything about his advantages.
The meet/cute for this one is obviously the foundation of the story's plotline, Wes ends up desperately needing cash after his brother's gambling addiction leaves him and his sister-in-law homeless and with a pile of credit card debts in his name from cards Tyler took out without his knowledge.
His arch rival at university, Julian (his story next please Lily!), turns out to not only be a true friend, but also his avenue for recouping the cash, as Julian works as an escort at a secret club and has been living as a kept man for more than a year.
Lily doesn't shy away from the fact these two young men are selling themselves for money, but it's perhaps got a touch more to the sex work due to the nature of where they go to meet potential clients.
Jack of Clubs is exclusive, filled with rich men seeking a no strings transactional arrangement. There are rules in place to keep the escorts safe and Fox Walker, who owns the club, is presented very clearly as a man you don't want to cross. His rules put the escorts first always and there's clearly something there with him and Julian, hence why his book next please!
The narrative itself winds slowly from the initial encounter through Mac wanting to see this young man who challenges him at every turn,
Wes is like the most snarky and engaging parts of Lily's other characters Oz and Mal (Spring Strings) got married and had a baby.
He's dealing with his feelings of betrayal and hurt because of his brother's actions, but his brother was also the one who made sure Wes stayed with him when their mum died when they were younger.
His fascination with Mac isn't just because of the insane chemistry between them, or the bone-numbing sex they have, he wants to know why he's closed off, what caused the scar on his lower abdomen, why he clearly hates the man he's trying a buy a house off on a small river island outside the City.
The pacing in this book is beautifully crafted, there's a growing sense of a collision on the way as Wes falls more in love and Mac starts to pull back emotionally, while at the same time, offering up more and more opportunities for Wes to spend time with him.
There's a looming sense of dread as you can see the angst building the more time they spend together and the more chances for conversations go begging.
I loved the way Wes' irrepressible nature just kept him moving forward into the danger zone, he knows he's fallen for Mac, he knows that nothing can come of it, he knows his heart is going to be broken, but he keeps straight on the path anyway.
You can see that Mac's opened up more to Wes than anyone else before, he has no other friends, there's only business for him, he doesn't have a confidant, unlike Wes, who breaks more of the rules Julian's tried to instil in him because he knows a broken heart is on the cards.
The fall out comes, as it must, through an element of miscommunication, however, it's not an irritating one, it's not something that a conversation could have easily avoided, it arises due to a traumatic event (trigger warnings are given for this clearly as well as chapter indication that I very much appreciated) at Jack of Clubs.
It's a painful part of the book, but it's a necessary one, for both Wes and Mac need to be honest not only with each other, but with themselves.
Of course, it's a Lily Morton book, so we know there'll be a HEA and the way they reach out and come back into each other's lives is beautifully done.
I also have to shout out to Mac's driver Robert, another wonderfully created secondary character who helps lift up the narrative and probably the closest thing to a friend Mac has. I loved it every time he appeared on the page, he's got a wry sense of humour and a strong sense of loyalty.
Everything about this story worked for me, it doesn't have that element of disbelief that Pretty Woman does imho.
The wealth aspect of Mac's character is only a part of his story, not the driving factor, making him falling for Wes absolutely understandable. Wes breaks down his walls, makes him see that the solitary life he thought he was comfortable with, is actually pretty lonely.
And Wes wants his independence, he doesn't want to be kept once his brother's debts are cleared, he got a First with Honours in his accountancy degree and he's got himself a job (loved the guest appearance here, won't spoil it!) and is standing on his own two feet.
His love for Mac isn't contingent on the money, it's the man himself, the lonely child who turned into a closed-off man, who he loves, and that's as clear as night and day.
Loved this pair enough to stick them behind Caden & Mal as my absolute favourite Lily creations and I will always have my rare breeds farmer and his smart mouthed supermodel as my top pair because their book was written for me 😘😍
I really hope we get Julian's story next, I've a feeling his will be another one that hits hard.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review
August 19, 2025
There's a plot. It's not original, it's not convincing, but it's there.
There's witty banter, descriptions of clothes, at least three highly desirable residences, several meta-references to Pretty Woman and a romantic getaway in Paris.
Only a churl would ask for more.
The cover design, of an anguished young man discovering a zit, is by Natasha Snow Designs.
There's witty banter, descriptions of clothes, at least three highly desirable residences, several meta-references to Pretty Woman and a romantic getaway in Paris.
Only a churl would ask for more.
The cover design, of an anguished young man discovering a zit, is by Natasha Snow Designs.
August 17, 2025
few things are as good as the banter in this book.
it’s literally amazing.
i genuinely LOVED their relationship, how it started and how it evolved.
unfortunately, for me mac acted a little too much like an asshole and didn’t grovel enough for my liking.
but that’s just me being a bitch.
now, i would like to talk about the trigger warning for a detailed sa scene.
SPOILERS AHEAD
every kind of sa is terrible, and there isn’t something like being “more” or “less” sexually assaulted.
however, i almost didn’t read this because i felt like there would be a full on, detailed, rape scene.
there isn’t.
there was a plan, however it ends at a non consensual kiss, clothes being torn and the mc getting hit.
i wanted to reassure other readers about what actually goes on in the book, so they can make an informed decision about whether reading this or not, but i really don’t want anyone to take this as me not considering what happens in this book sexual assault.
it is 100% sexual assault and you’re actually legally allowed to punch in the face whoever says otherwise.
that being said, take care and read whatever you’re comfortable with🫶🏻
it’s literally amazing.
i genuinely LOVED their relationship, how it started and how it evolved.
unfortunately, for me mac acted a little too much like an asshole and didn’t grovel enough for my liking.
but that’s just me being a bitch.
now, i would like to talk about the trigger warning for a detailed sa scene.
SPOILERS AHEAD
every kind of sa is terrible, and there isn’t something like being “more” or “less” sexually assaulted.
however, i almost didn’t read this because i felt like there would be a full on, detailed, rape scene.
there isn’t.
there was a plan, however it ends at a non consensual kiss, clothes being torn and the mc getting hit.
i wanted to reassure other readers about what actually goes on in the book, so they can make an informed decision about whether reading this or not, but i really don’t want anyone to take this as me not considering what happens in this book sexual assault.
it is 100% sexual assault and you’re actually legally allowed to punch in the face whoever says otherwise.
that being said, take care and read whatever you’re comfortable with🫶🏻
August 15, 2025
This was such a sweet story and I enjoyed it. Wes is very funny and I love how he brings out the best in everyone around him. Mac could have been a one dimensional character but Morton did a great job at showing more of him through Wes’s eyes.
Most of Morton’s books follow the same formula and I think I’d be put off by that but she somehow can take the poor boy rich man story and make it brand new. I especially loved the visit to a Paris. Her locations are always written so well.
I am so intrigued by Justin and Fox. I hope we get their story!!!!
ARC provided for review all thoughts and opinions are my own
Most of Morton’s books follow the same formula and I think I’d be put off by that but she somehow can take the poor boy rich man story and make it brand new. I especially loved the visit to a Paris. Her locations are always written so well.
I am so intrigued by Justin and Fox. I hope we get their story!!!!
ARC provided for review all thoughts and opinions are my own
August 21, 2025
4.5⭐️ Lily Morton is an auto-buy for me. Her British humor and angst is always on point. This was by far her spiciest book to date. Sex worker stories are hit or miss for me but I was completely hooked by the angst, drama, and pining in this story. Really enjoyed it.
August 25, 2025
I guess I'm a Lily Morton stan now?
I LOVED this book - like could not put it down, went to bed late and woke up early to finish it. Wes + Mac were the best. Their sarcastic banter from the start had me hooked. A perfect grumpy/sunshine duo.
The story itself is pretty standard. Wes, in order to support himself and his family becomes an escort and catches the eye of Mac at party. But the way the characters are written and developed? UGH SO GOOD. I was screaming reading this "YOU IDIOTS JUST SAY YOU LOVE HIM!" multiple times.
Morton also did a great job with all the side characters. They all played an important part in the story and I hope Julian gets his own book!
A steamy, swoony, idiots to lovers romance I want to read again and again. Adding to my comfort read list.
I LOVED this book - like could not put it down, went to bed late and woke up early to finish it. Wes + Mac were the best. Their sarcastic banter from the start had me hooked. A perfect grumpy/sunshine duo.
The story itself is pretty standard. Wes, in order to support himself and his family becomes an escort and catches the eye of Mac at party. But the way the characters are written and developed? UGH SO GOOD. I was screaming reading this "YOU IDIOTS JUST SAY YOU LOVE HIM!" multiple times.
Morton also did a great job with all the side characters. They all played an important part in the story and I hope Julian gets his own book!
A steamy, swoony, idiots to lovers romance I want to read again and again. Adding to my comfort read list.
September 3, 2025
2.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just an OK read for me 🤷🏻♀️ I was entertained but the plot had holes you could drive through. I also wasn’t a fan of the singular POV. The conclusion felt wobbly and Mac remained an enigma until the end. My biggest issue, and one I’ve had for a while, is all of Morton’s books recently feel like a rinse-and-repeat of her previous books. Not only does that get dull, but when the newer books aren’t as well written it feels like more of a letdown.
Idk take my opinion with a grain of salt 😆
Just an OK read for me 🤷🏻♀️ I was entertained but the plot had holes you could drive through. I also wasn’t a fan of the singular POV. The conclusion felt wobbly and Mac remained an enigma until the end. My biggest issue, and one I’ve had for a while, is all of Morton’s books recently feel like a rinse-and-repeat of her previous books. Not only does that get dull, but when the newer books aren’t as well written it feels like more of a letdown.
Idk take my opinion with a grain of salt 😆
August 21, 2025
Lily Morton remains one of the safest auto-buy authors for me, and she almost never misses! This plot seemed like it was something a little different from her, but I absolutely adored it (and selfishly hope that this might turn into a series? please?)! Definitely heed the trigger warnings, as they are accurate. I am a fiend for hurt/comfort and angst, so this book pushed all the right buttons for me. I am already excited to reread it again soon.
August 21, 2025
This book was something! The opening was sad , Wes losing his childhood home, his savings, and finding out his brother’s betrayal and gambling problem. And he is given a way to get some cash by being an escort in a private club Wes is honestly one of the purest characters I’ve met. Forgiving, soft, strong when it matters. Smart and super funny.
Then there’s Cormac. Deep sigh. I wanted to love him the whole way through, and at times I did. The beginning? Sure, he’s an arrogant but it’s expected of his character , so that’s forgivable. The end? He’s in love, finally open, and I adored him there. But the middle? That’s where my issue s with him started . Because while Wes was falling hard, taking every crumb of affection like it was gold, Cormac stayed too locked up in his own world. I needed him to break that icy shell sooner, to make Wes feel special in a way no money ever could. Instead, we had too many moments where my poor boy was hurting and doubting his worth. His insistence on distance (arm’s length policy) makes sense for his character arc, but as a reader, I craved that protective Alpha energy to kick in sooner.
Wes’s escorting wasn’t about greed but survival, and later, love, which makes every heartbreak or cold moment sting harder.
And that party? That whole disaster. Taking Wes back to that club, letting him stand there being looked over like merchandise, while he was with other club members, no. Just no. Just cause he was scared and wanted to remind them both about their arrangements ( client and escort) Then Brandon swooping in with the emotional wrecking ball? Breaking his heart that he was Cormac’s ex arrangement and the damn near rape part was so upsetting , I know it was not on Cormac but he should have been standing with Wes not abandoning him in a party they had no business being there to begin with.
By the end, we get the love, the commitment, and yes, Cormac comes through in his way, but I needed more redemption. I wanted groveling, fireworks, something that screamed, “I want to rip my own heart out for treating you in this way!” What we got was sweet, but it wasn’t that grand slam moment I was waiting for. And that’s the only reason this is a five-star and not a six-star reread for me.
Still, this story is addictive, emotional, and Wes owns my heart forever. Cormac? He’s… complicated.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sexy Scene Frequency: 🍑🍑🍑 🍑
Sexy Scene Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Wes: 💙💙💙💙💙 (my precious baby)
Cormac: 💙 💙 💙💙 (loved him… but he could’ve been legendary)
Angst Level: 💔💔💔 (and then some)
The writing style is amazing 👌👌
Then there’s Cormac. Deep sigh. I wanted to love him the whole way through, and at times I did. The beginning? Sure, he’s an arrogant but it’s expected of his character , so that’s forgivable. The end? He’s in love, finally open, and I adored him there. But the middle? That’s where my issue s with him started . Because while Wes was falling hard, taking every crumb of affection like it was gold, Cormac stayed too locked up in his own world. I needed him to break that icy shell sooner, to make Wes feel special in a way no money ever could. Instead, we had too many moments where my poor boy was hurting and doubting his worth. His insistence on distance (arm’s length policy) makes sense for his character arc, but as a reader, I craved that protective Alpha energy to kick in sooner.
Wes’s escorting wasn’t about greed but survival, and later, love, which makes every heartbreak or cold moment sting harder.
And that party? That whole disaster. Taking Wes back to that club, letting him stand there being looked over like merchandise, while he was with other club members, no. Just no. Just cause he was scared and wanted to remind them both about their arrangements ( client and escort) Then Brandon swooping in with the emotional wrecking ball? Breaking his heart that he was Cormac’s ex arrangement and the damn near rape part was so upsetting , I know it was not on Cormac but he should have been standing with Wes not abandoning him in a party they had no business being there to begin with.
By the end, we get the love, the commitment, and yes, Cormac comes through in his way, but I needed more redemption. I wanted groveling, fireworks, something that screamed, “I want to rip my own heart out for treating you in this way!” What we got was sweet, but it wasn’t that grand slam moment I was waiting for. And that’s the only reason this is a five-star and not a six-star reread for me.
Still, this story is addictive, emotional, and Wes owns my heart forever. Cormac? He’s… complicated.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sexy Scene Frequency: 🍑🍑🍑 🍑
Sexy Scene Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Wes: 💙💙💙💙💙 (my precious baby)
Cormac: 💙 💙 💙💙 (loved him… but he could’ve been legendary)
Angst Level: 💔💔💔 (and then some)
The writing style is amazing 👌👌
September 1, 2025
This was such a good read omg!! I absolutely adored Wes. He was so charismatic and funny and just a true delight of a character. He truly was just so *himself* that I knew Mac was going to be powerless to fall for him.
I thought the pace of this book was well done - it left enough time at the end after the incident for both Mac and Wes to come back together and sort of work through their issues and in Wes’ case to believe that Mac really did have feelings for him.
Wes’ tendency to just say whatever is on his mind was truly no match for Mac’s high walls and protectiveness of his feelings. I wish we had gotten just a tiny bit more about Mac throughout the book so that we could have seen what quirks Wes really fell for. I did like how Mac let himself go when he was trying to win Wes back, and he really did put effort into making himself vulnerable.
I loved the banter and teasing between Wes and Mac, and I loved their bedroom dynamic. I liked how any outside party when seeing how freely Wes made comments to Mac and how Mac really did treat Wes differently than he’d treated anyone else, they were all just in shock.
Overall, this was super fun, it had good dialogue, and was written in a way that made it easy to binge read.
Also loved Julian and very intrigued about his role/relationship with Fox????
I thought the pace of this book was well done - it left enough time at the end after the incident for both Mac and Wes to come back together and sort of work through their issues and in Wes’ case to believe that Mac really did have feelings for him.
Wes’ tendency to just say whatever is on his mind was truly no match for Mac’s high walls and protectiveness of his feelings. I wish we had gotten just a tiny bit more about Mac throughout the book so that we could have seen what quirks Wes really fell for. I did like how Mac let himself go when he was trying to win Wes back, and he really did put effort into making himself vulnerable.
I loved the banter and teasing between Wes and Mac, and I loved their bedroom dynamic. I liked how any outside party when seeing how freely Wes made comments to Mac and how Mac really did treat Wes differently than he’d treated anyone else, they were all just in shock.
Overall, this was super fun, it had good dialogue, and was written in a way that made it easy to binge read.
Also loved Julian and very intrigued about his role/relationship with Fox????
August 15, 2025
How absolutely brilliant! This swoony, romantic, ultra spicy love story with a sometimes dodgy, always snarky and wonderfully warm and lovable narrator, Wes just took my heart and turned it to mush.
I adore this author’s writing and this one is no exception. Wes and Mac are a joy to read. Even thought he story is entirely told from Wes’s POV in first person, Mac while sometimes stoic is a stubbornly loud character! I love the escort - client trope and I especially love when it’s a new dynamic for one of them and this delivers in spades - all the heat and reluctant attachment and perilously bonding situations you would expect with a fresh story to boot!
I liked the layers of sub plot lines like Tyler’s struggle and themes of found family like Julian and Robert. I am so curious about Julian and Fox’s story I hope we see them soon.
If you’re looking for an absolutely phenomenal romance full of cheeky banter, sweet lol moments, grumpy sunshine, but of kink and lots of chemistry swoon and charters with big hearts this is one you should definitely pick up.
I adore this author’s writing and this one is no exception. Wes and Mac are a joy to read. Even thought he story is entirely told from Wes’s POV in first person, Mac while sometimes stoic is a stubbornly loud character! I love the escort - client trope and I especially love when it’s a new dynamic for one of them and this delivers in spades - all the heat and reluctant attachment and perilously bonding situations you would expect with a fresh story to boot!
I liked the layers of sub plot lines like Tyler’s struggle and themes of found family like Julian and Robert. I am so curious about Julian and Fox’s story I hope we see them soon.
If you’re looking for an absolutely phenomenal romance full of cheeky banter, sweet lol moments, grumpy sunshine, but of kink and lots of chemistry swoon and charters with big hearts this is one you should definitely pick up.
August 26, 2025
4.5 stars. This was surprisingly good! I think I liked it so much because Wes was such a good guy. He reminded me a bit of Wren from The cuckoo's call in his optimism and kindness. Even though we only see Mac from Wes's pov, it was easy to see him fall in love and melt for Wes. I do wish the misunderstanding / going from a paid situation to a relationship had gone a bit smoother, but at least they were both smitten and there were no weird shenanigans like in Rule breaker. I also very much appreciated that their arrangement was exclusive.
I've complained in other reviews of Morton's book that she used way too many references to popular people, but that was toned down a lot in this one, luckily.
I've complained in other reviews of Morton's book that she used way too many references to popular people, but that was toned down a lot in this one, luckily.
August 31, 2025
This book wasn’t bad but the things that bothered me kind outweigh the things I found enjoyable.
Things I couldn’t get over;
the two mmc’s have zero chemistry, sexual chemistry? Yea. But like personality wise? I can’t be convinced either of these men are long-term compatible. The second thing was how Wes just kind of put things that were important to him aside to go play kept boy with his kajillionaire client. There is no way in hell you could miss almost a month’s worth of masters level classes and then graduate on time WITH a job lined up right away. Plus he dumped Julian to the side when he got picked up by Mac. Julian, the man who literally saved him from sleeping on the street and starving, was reduced to an afterthought until again Wes was down on his luck. AND HE NEVER ASKED JULIAN HOW HE WAS DOING. Frustrating 🙃
Things I couldn’t get over;
the two mmc’s have zero chemistry, sexual chemistry? Yea. But like personality wise? I can’t be convinced either of these men are long-term compatible. The second thing was how Wes just kind of put things that were important to him aside to go play kept boy with his kajillionaire client. There is no way in hell you could miss almost a month’s worth of masters level classes and then graduate on time WITH a job lined up right away. Plus he dumped Julian to the side when he got picked up by Mac. Julian, the man who literally saved him from sleeping on the street and starving, was reduced to an afterthought until again Wes was down on his luck. AND HE NEVER ASKED JULIAN HOW HE WAS DOING. Frustrating 🙃
September 1, 2025
Another delightfully snarky, passionate, and emotional read from Lily , as usual it explores themes of family, responsibility, and love. Wes, the snarky student, will do anything for his family. When he discovers his brother's heavily in debt and the collectors come visiting to call in said debt, he is persuaded by a friend to become an escort. He reasons that he enjoys sex, so why not get paid for it? Ergo earning money to clear his brother's debts. Easy, peasy💁
However, things take a turn when he meets his client, the complex, gorgeous, and intriguing Cormac who Wes finds himself increasingly drawn to. As the story progresses, Wes finds himself developing feelings for his client, which is a definite no no, in this world. The more drawn Wes is, the more Cormac attempts to keep him at bay. Wes accepts that Cormac will never love him but decides to look after and care for Mac while he can.
'I’m the keeper of his cock, existing to service him and bring him pleasure and then disappear back into the cupboard until he needs me again. "
It's quite intense in parts, but for all that, Wes' journey into the world of high-end escorts makes for a funny and engaging read at times. His sharp wit and sarcasm make him relatable and entertaining. He did make me smile 😃 Also, Lily skillfully explores unrequited love in a way that's both sweet and sad. Both main characters feel real, and their conversations are believable. The contrast between Wes' humour and Cormac's prickly exterior makes for an interesting dynamic.
Overall, "Pretty Mess" is a charming, offbeat romance. I love character-driven stories and witty banter. This has a bit of everything, it's lighthearted in places, humorous, with a little darkness, and a touch of romance, thrown in. It has 'Rule Breaker' vibes, a big favourite of mine (think Gorgeous Gabe 😍), so how could I not love it. If you enjoy Lily's storytelling, you'll adore this one.
"...I think sometimes you meet someone who’s meant for you. And Mac is that person for me. We started as a mess, albeit a very pretty one, and maybe a small part of us will always be that. But we’re our pretty mess, with all our sharp angles and edges that somehow mesh perfectly. And I would move the world to keep that safe..."
TW: This book contains a graphic scene of sexual assault in Chapter 15. It also addresses addiction in a family member.
However, things take a turn when he meets his client, the complex, gorgeous, and intriguing Cormac who Wes finds himself increasingly drawn to. As the story progresses, Wes finds himself developing feelings for his client, which is a definite no no, in this world. The more drawn Wes is, the more Cormac attempts to keep him at bay. Wes accepts that Cormac will never love him but decides to look after and care for Mac while he can.
'I’m the keeper of his cock, existing to service him and bring him pleasure and then disappear back into the cupboard until he needs me again. "
It's quite intense in parts, but for all that, Wes' journey into the world of high-end escorts makes for a funny and engaging read at times. His sharp wit and sarcasm make him relatable and entertaining. He did make me smile 😃 Also, Lily skillfully explores unrequited love in a way that's both sweet and sad. Both main characters feel real, and their conversations are believable. The contrast between Wes' humour and Cormac's prickly exterior makes for an interesting dynamic.
Overall, "Pretty Mess" is a charming, offbeat romance. I love character-driven stories and witty banter. This has a bit of everything, it's lighthearted in places, humorous, with a little darkness, and a touch of romance, thrown in. It has 'Rule Breaker' vibes, a big favourite of mine (think Gorgeous Gabe 😍), so how could I not love it. If you enjoy Lily's storytelling, you'll adore this one.
"...I think sometimes you meet someone who’s meant for you. And Mac is that person for me. We started as a mess, albeit a very pretty one, and maybe a small part of us will always be that. But we’re our pretty mess, with all our sharp angles and edges that somehow mesh perfectly. And I would move the world to keep that safe..."
TW: This book contains a graphic scene of sexual assault in Chapter 15. It also addresses addiction in a family member.
August 18, 2025
the most important thing to know about this book is about the TW
in chapter 15 there is assoult but it doesn't go far, the disgusting sob wants to sexually assault Wes but he doesn't succeed, he hits him and tears his clothes.
that said is a nice book, some parts give a little dejà vu vibe and there is the customary third act break up
I hope there will be a book about Julian
in chapter 15 there is assoult but it doesn't go far, the disgusting sob wants to sexually assault Wes but he doesn't succeed, he hits him and tears his clothes.
that said is a nice book, some parts give a little dejà vu vibe and there is the customary third act break up
I hope there will be a book about Julian
August 15, 2025
Wes • Mac (Cormac) ♾️.
….
“It will always be hello.”
….
And this is how you awaken a heart. I don’t remember when I devoured a book in less than 24 hours. I went into this world so slowly as Lily is a new to me author but after just a few moments I didn’t want to come up for air, wanted to stay in it forever. That’s how much these characters and story captured me. From the first till the last word.
Reading the blurb and trope’s you might think - haven’t I read a story like this before? Let me tell you. In a world where you read a lot of books, it’s hard to make something that is everyone’s just yours. But Lily did just that.
This tale is told from Wes’s point of view but seeing Mac through his eyes he became one of the loudest characters - I felt I really got to see him.
I won’t summarize this book for you or the blurb. What I can say is - if you want to get lost in romance. This one is a phenomenal one. Full of cheeky banter, exceptional chemistry, hurt moments that pull at your heart and it hurts so good, little important moments and don’t you just want to get lost in some sublime simplicity?
That’s pretty mess for you <3.
“See you later, lover.”
….
Sleep Token - Take Aim
….
“Room Fifteen.” // “I find myself thinking of you when we are apart.” // “Even as the words leave my mouth, I know they’re a lie and have probably never been true.” // “Surely you know—” // “For some reason, I think it’s been waiting for you.” // “Good boy. I want you to watch.” // “You’ve been that before him. You’ll be that after him.” // “Sunflower 🌻.” // "I could love him for that alone, but he means so much more beyond that.” // “It’s funny that such a reserved man who believes he doesn’t feel anything can make me feel so much.” // “Who are you?” - ‘I’m Mac.” // “It was always that…” // “And I would move the world to keep that safe.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“It will always be hello.”
….
And this is how you awaken a heart. I don’t remember when I devoured a book in less than 24 hours. I went into this world so slowly as Lily is a new to me author but after just a few moments I didn’t want to come up for air, wanted to stay in it forever. That’s how much these characters and story captured me. From the first till the last word.
Reading the blurb and trope’s you might think - haven’t I read a story like this before? Let me tell you. In a world where you read a lot of books, it’s hard to make something that is everyone’s just yours. But Lily did just that.
This tale is told from Wes’s point of view but seeing Mac through his eyes he became one of the loudest characters - I felt I really got to see him.
I won’t summarize this book for you or the blurb. What I can say is - if you want to get lost in romance. This one is a phenomenal one. Full of cheeky banter, exceptional chemistry, hurt moments that pull at your heart and it hurts so good, little important moments and don’t you just want to get lost in some sublime simplicity?
That’s pretty mess for you <3.
“See you later, lover.”
….
Sleep Token - Take Aim
….
“Room Fifteen.” // “I find myself thinking of you when we are apart.” // “Even as the words leave my mouth, I know they’re a lie and have probably never been true.” // “Surely you know—” // “For some reason, I think it’s been waiting for you.” // “Good boy. I want you to watch.” // “You’ve been that before him. You’ll be that after him.” // “Sunflower 🌻.” // "I could love him for that alone, but he means so much more beyond that.” // “It’s funny that such a reserved man who believes he doesn’t feel anything can make me feel so much.” // “Who are you?” - ‘I’m Mac.” // “It was always that…” // “And I would move the world to keep that safe.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
August 21, 2025
I love Lily’s books. She’s a one click author for me. So, although this storyline would not ordinarily appeal to me, that wasn’t going to stop me.
Wes is left homeless, penniless and up to his eyeballs in debt after his brother gambles away everything he has. His acquaintance, Julian, suggests he attends a club and become a whore for rich men.
Cormac Reilly is a very rich, and very handsome man. He’s immediately attracted to the beautiful Wes so he not only buys him for the night, he offers him an arrangement that will clear his debts and put a roof over his head.
Wes has the snark and humour that I love in Lily’s characters. He’s just ace! Cormac is mysterious, but he has a clear soft spot just waiting to be uncovered. Great characters and wonderful locations. Paris and the Norfolk coast are two of my favourite places in the world. Throw in a fleshlight and I’m sold (got to love the use of a toy).
Loved the characters, love the snarky banter, love the locations. Just as an aside, it’s not that simple to repossess and sell a property, even if you are a big bad bookie! Tyler would have had to transfer the ownership, or said big bad bookie wouldn’t be able to sell it to get his money back.
There has to be a Julian and Fox book. I insist on it!
Wes is left homeless, penniless and up to his eyeballs in debt after his brother gambles away everything he has. His acquaintance, Julian, suggests he attends a club and become a whore for rich men.
Cormac Reilly is a very rich, and very handsome man. He’s immediately attracted to the beautiful Wes so he not only buys him for the night, he offers him an arrangement that will clear his debts and put a roof over his head.
Wes has the snark and humour that I love in Lily’s characters. He’s just ace! Cormac is mysterious, but he has a clear soft spot just waiting to be uncovered. Great characters and wonderful locations. Paris and the Norfolk coast are two of my favourite places in the world. Throw in a fleshlight and I’m sold (got to love the use of a toy).
Loved the characters, love the snarky banter, love the locations. Just as an aside, it’s not that simple to repossess and sell a property, even if you are a big bad bookie! Tyler would have had to transfer the ownership, or said big bad bookie wouldn’t be able to sell it to get his money back.
There has to be a Julian and Fox book. I insist on it!
September 10, 2025
5.0⭐️ | 4.5🌶️
-age gap
-escort x billionaire
-strict
-younger bottom, older top
-HEA
-single POV
One of my best reads this 2025. I really enjoyed following Wes and Cormac's story! It was sweet, funny, and endearing while being messy, sexy, and steamy at the same time. I wish the author had written Cormac's POV. I wanna see his POV every time he loses his mind with Wes's antiques. The start was slow at first. I took several attempts to actually start and get past 20%, but when the story really picks up, it got me so hooked I can't let go.
-age gap
-escort x billionaire
-strict
-younger bottom, older top
-HEA
-single POV
One of my best reads this 2025. I really enjoyed following Wes and Cormac's story! It was sweet, funny, and endearing while being messy, sexy, and steamy at the same time. I wish the author had written Cormac's POV. I wanna see his POV every time he loses his mind with Wes's antiques. The start was slow at first. I took several attempts to actually start and get past 20%, but when the story really picks up, it got me so hooked I can't let go.
August 22, 2025
New favorite
I loved this book! The characters are wonderful, it's funny, just the right amount of angst.
Lily Morton is a instabuy author for me, I've pretty much enjoyed everything she's ever written but this is definitely one of my favorites! It broke my 3 month reading slump , Mac and Wes's relationship is beautiful and evolves realistically , I really want to see more of Julian! I hope he appears again. A+ read.
I loved this book! The characters are wonderful, it's funny, just the right amount of angst.
Lily Morton is a instabuy author for me, I've pretty much enjoyed everything she's ever written but this is definitely one of my favorites! It broke my 3 month reading slump , Mac and Wes's relationship is beautiful and evolves realistically , I really want to see more of Julian! I hope he appears again. A+ read.
August 23, 2025
I really wanted to love this book and especially Wes and Julian are great characters! I hab so much fun reading about them and their friendship. The book is written in single POV from Wes perspective, therefore we don’t really get so know Mac and he is like an Enigma during most of the book. Only in the last 10-15% weeks get so know him better and I think this is the problem for me. I don’t get it why Wes is falling in love with Mac so quickly…
But I’m really looking forward to read Julian’s book ❤️🔥
But I’m really looking forward to read Julian’s book ❤️🔥
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