Levi Black is at a crossroads. After suffering a loss and breaking up a long-term relationship, he’s looking for a change. When he receives the news he’s inherited a house in York, he seizes the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life.However, when he gets there, he finds a house that has never kept its occupants for very long. Either through death or disinclination, no one stays there, … stays there, and after a few days of living in the place, Levi can understand why. Strange noises can be heard at all hours of the day and night, and disturbing and scary things begin to happen to him. He never believed in ghosts before, but when events take a sinister turn, he knows he must look for help. He finds it in the unlikely form of the blue-haired leader of a ghost tour.
Blue Billings is edgy, beautiful, and lost. Utterly lost. He conceals so many secrets that some days it’s a miracle he remembers his own name. He knows that he should ignore Levi because he threatens the tenuous grip Blue has on survival. But there’s something about the kind-eyed man that draws Blue to him. Something that demands he stay and fight for him when he would normally run in the opposite direction.
As the two men investigate the shocking truth behind Levi’s house, they also discover a deep connection that defies the short length of time they’ve known each other. But when events escalate and his life is on the line, Levi has to wonder if it was wise to trust the Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings.
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I wasn’t sure about this book but I liked the synopsis and the cover so I thought I would give it a whirl. And I’m so glad that I did! It was such a fun mystery that I wanted to see how the story unfolded. Read it is a day because I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happens to both Blue and who did the crimes. So much fun! I was sad to see that there is only one book in the series, but I have hopes that more will be coming for their next adventure. 🙂
4 Stars
This was a pleasant surprise…Something very different from Lily Morton. Ghosts, things that go bump in the night, a plot that had me guessing and hanging on every word to get to the end and a blossoming romance between two highly likable men.
Levi is ready for a fresh start after the end of a long term relationship. Moving from London to a new house in York he’s inherited seems like the perfect solution. The house is in serious need of renovation and straight away the reader is pulled into its mystery and secrets.
The city of York is the perfect setting here, let me tell you. It’s a beautiful city, steeped in history with wonderful old buildings, it’s quirky and quaint with loads of character. The city has secrets which are used for many ghost tours( these tours actually do take place in York-in fact York is known as the world’s most haunted city!). One such ghost tour has the enigmatic and rather flamboyant character, Blue in charge. Levi is drawn to him by his appearances initially but it’s soon apparent that Blue is no ordinary tour guide…
Without giving too much away Levi and Blue join forces to try and uncover the secrets that surround Levi’s house and along the way develop a lovely friendship that turns to so much more.
This is a slow burn and I loved the progression of their relationship. Some great supporting characters( even the ghosts!), and I’m hoping for more from some of them in upcoming books.
Thoroughly enjoyable and one I would recommend!
DBO~Review by Judith~
Romance + suspense? Sign me up!
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings is everything you would expect from a Lily Morton book – romantic, sassy, funny, sarcastic. And now – full of suspense! Full disclosure: there are some outright scary parts in this book, but I loved every single moment. If you’re not yelling into the room as Levi and Blue get up their shenanigans, then you might not be reading the same book.
Note to anyone easily scared: you might want to read this during the daytime.
From page one, I was sucked into the story and needed to know exactly what was going on in the house. And the characters were so intriguing as well! It’s a wild ride, but the ending is such a good wrap up, and the HEA especially satisfying. There are also some fun side characters and I hope we learn more about them later.
This book is the start to an exciting series and I can’t wait to read more. I’m hoping future books are just as full of mystery and suspense! I grew up on horror, mystery and suspense novels and I love it when romance books cross into these subgenres.
This book is a departure from what Lily Morton has previously written and I LOVED IT! I’m such a huge fan of hers I would read the phone book if she wrote it. This story is full of wonderful characters that are funny, snarky and amazing. This book will grab you and won’t let go until the very last page. There is so much action and suspense. What a ride! I want more!!!!
I quite liked this book. It’s a bit different than a typical Lily Morton book but still quality writing. This one has an intriguing and spooky ghost story and mysterious plot. It kept me engaged and occasionally creeped out. And you also get a nice little love story with some steam heat that you expect of this author.
I absolutely love this book! Ms. Morton has brought us a ghost story filled with wit, warmth, and most importantly unconditional love. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I’m not surprised I enjoyed The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings because I always gobble up this author’s works. Even still, this book ended up catching me off guard. It’s definitely one of my very favorites from this author, if not my new favorite, and without doubt one of my top reads of the year.
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings is different than this author’s other works. Not only is the paranormal world central to the story, but the plot also has more of a dark, quiet edge to it. That said, there still were plenty of Miss Morton’s hallmarks- intriguing characters, invigorating banter, and a romance that’s as sweet as it is sexy. The characters in The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings were fantastic. Blue and Levi have a quiet, slow burn romance with palpable chemistry and I loved getting to know them individually and as a couple. I really liked that each man provided the other with a steadying presence which gave weight to their connection even though they took time establishing a romantic relationship.
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings had it all, offering up an incredibly interesting storyline while advancing the romance in a balanced way that never left one area overshadowing the other. This is an easy recommendation and I’m so excited to see what’s next in store in the series.
*eARC received via LesCourt Author Services*
This book had me at the edge of my seat and hooked from beginning to end. A romance story with suspense, hot romance, and mystery. And we can’t forget the snark and humor Ms. Lily Morton is known for. This book had a little bit of everything. I simply loved it and now want more
Sprites & Butterflies
I am so, so happy that Lily Morton ventured into the paranormal! It’s my favorite genre and I will never turn down more of her snark, humor and cleverness. Mystery surrounds Levi’s new house and strange, creepy things keep happening to him. I can only imagine his surprise and disbelief when he discovers the history behind it from Blue. I would have a serious case of buyer’s remorse. Ohmygosh, what a memorable and eye-opening meeting they had. By the way, I really enjoyed all of the ghost stories in this book.
While I wouldn’t consider Levi sprite-like (ha), he is very resilient and determined. He’s a good match to Blue, who’s sarcastic and stubborn. Blue’s also fairly mesmerizing with his tales and reminds me of an elf or fae. I liked how at first Levi was skeptical in believing what Blue can do. It adds to the realistic and spooky atmosphere that builds in this book. Levi’s awkward word deluges are funny and his actions are touching. With Blue, I just want to hug his prickly person. He breaks my heart. Levi and Blue have a strong albeit oddly wonderful connection.
I love those types of bookshops. They smell so good and I could live in one. I’m also fond of the owner, Tom, and hope we will see him again. When he and Blue get together, they’re a riot, and I am a fan of butterflies. Just an FYI, I’m for any ritual that requires Levi and Blue to be naked and their witching-hour conversation about it makes me laugh.
“You never have to perform for me. I like you just the way you are.” There were so many intimate and heartwarming moments in this book. My favorite being the morning kitchen scene in chapter 11, happy sighs. Blue is very insightful. Plus, wonderful, wonderful things happen when Levi stops talking, but they’re both also good at muddling matters. Sometimes ghosts can be very handy to have as company.
I am so glad I didn’t read this book at night. There are parts of it that are downright scary and almost made my heart jump out of my chest. The mystery behind the evil is chilling and I enjoyed the historical aspect. I just have to say that Blue is fraking amazing and brave. He astonishes me. What I love most about Blue and Levi is how they alternate being a caretaker and how seamlessly they work together. “I’ve never had anything that was just mine before.” *swoon* They have a magic all their own and are simply delightful. I cannot wait for the next book. I want it now.
I loved this book. It is much different from Lily Morton’s other works but I think this might be my favourite. Blue completely stole my heart.
I love ghost stories and the mystery and the reveal was stunning. Blue and Levi are so domestic. I love them so much. Tom is another one of my favourite characters. Cranky old man being rude to customers but has a heart of gold? Absolute favourite! I really want to go visit York now. I love the mystery and suspense but this story is much more than that. Rosalind, the friendly ghost, is amazing.
Lily creates really vivid secondary characters and their backstories and I can’t help want a book for Will, Blue’s bestie.
This book has all the things I love in her books, be it snark or humour or how British it is! Absolutely recommended!
*ARC provided by the author via Vibrant Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Gahhhh, I absolutely loved this book! The author’s venture into the paranormal in this story was done phenomenally, with all the banter, humour and heart-fluttering romance still heavily present. From the first day Levi steps foot into his new home, he’s faced with a malevolent presence and from here, I was already hooked. Then we had the introduction of the aptly named ‘Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings’, and like Levi, I was done for. Under his snarky attitude, Levi is the picture of vulnerability and my heart broke for him and all he’d been through in his life. Levi is instantly drawn to Blue and is so adorably perfect in his fierce desire to help Blue feel safe and happy. Blue gives as good as he gets, and despite his self-doubt, he throws everything he has into helping to protect Levi from the darkness threatening him in his home.
The build up of the relationship between Levi and Blue, and especially the intimacy and tenderness they shared, was outstanding. I think my heart was actually bursting whenever they so much as looked at each other. That to me is exactly what I crave in a book!
Finally, the paranormal element and the mystery itself was incredibly suspenseful and intriguing. It was well-written and gave me just enough of a fright to keep feverishly turning pages. I also liked how Blue, too, was still discovering things about himself and his capabilities. It kept the story and mystery flowing nicely as Blue and Levi worked together to solve it and keep each other safe. Now all I need is more of them and their next adventure!