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Lily Morton
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Best Man (Close Proximity Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Lily Morton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,900 ratings
See all formats and editions
Zeb Evans doesn’t do messy. 


The product of a disorganised and chaotic childhood, Zeb likes order and control, and as the boss of his own employment agency he can give that to himself. Life runs along strict lines and he never mixes business with pleasure. Everything in his life lives in neat, alphabetized boxes. Until Jesse.


Jesse Reed is Zeb’s complete opposite. He’s chaos personified. A whirling cyclone of disorder. He’s also charming and funny and a very unwanted distraction.
 Which is why it comes as a complete surprise to Zeb to find himself asking Jesse to pose as his boyfriend for a few days in the country at a wedding. 


Zeb doesn’t do impulsive, but as the time away progresses, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the merry and irreverent Jesse. But can he bring himself to break the hard-won lessons he’s learnt in life? And even if he can, how could Jesse be attracted to him anyway? He’s so much older than Jesse, not to mention being his boss.


From the bestselling author of the Mixed Messages and Finding Home series comes a warm and funny romance about one man’s fight for control and another man’s determination to circumvent it.


This is the first book in the Close Proximity series, but it can be read as a standalone.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Close Proximity
  2. Print length
    234 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 3, 2019
  5. File size
    4.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07YKNQKHY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lily Morton (October 3, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 3, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 234 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,900 ratings

About the author

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Lily Morton

Lily Morton

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Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.

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.

Lily 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?

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations - Chocolate Baileys!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,900 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book's romance, humor, and readability. They found the characters charming and relatable, with realistic emotions and exuberant personalities. The storyline was described as a great start to a new series with glimpses of their favorite characters from previous books.

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RomanceHumorReadabilityCharacter developmentPlot
58 customers mention "Romance"58 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find it sweet, heartwarming, and challenging. The characters are charming and relatable, with sexy moments and profound stories that readers never want to end.

"...fool, laughing out loud, gave me that fluttery tug in my tummy, and made me cry. Not every romance can pull me in like this one did. I mean Jesse?!?!..." Read more

"...A sweet romance with challenge s because life throws them your way. MM romance" Read more

"...And yeah, I adored Zeb too, isn't he just such a lovely MC? That heart! That backstory! That butt 😍 What? Marcus?..." Read more

"...I loved their story and the journey they took me on and I am very much looking forward to Max and Felix's story and Charlie and Misha's story...." Read more

56 customers mention "Humor"56 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the snarky and witty banter engaging, with many laugh-out-loud moments. The writing style is described as sweet and funny, drawing them in.

"...This book had me smiling like a fool, laughing out loud, gave me that fluttery tug in my tummy, and made me cry...." Read more

"...Ok, so you're back. What did you think? Pretty effing funny, right?..." Read more

"The two main characters, Zeb and Jesse, are written so well I wish that they were real...." Read more

"...I think my favorite part was Jesse's humor, I laughed out loud multiple times!" Read more

55 customers mention "Readability"55 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They describe it as sweet, funny, tender, and sexy. The story is well-written and the characters are relatable.

"I enjoyed this so freaking much! This book had me smiling like a fool, laughing out loud, gave me that fluttery tug in my tummy, and made..." Read more

"...If you like funny, romantic and sweet you need to get this book." Read more

"...She has a wonderful way of writing that's sweet and funny and draws you in to her characters and their lives...." Read more

"Overall- really enjoyable. Funny and romantic with a good deal of UST, and a fake boyfriend/forced proximity trope that I love, this was a fun read...." Read more

31 customers mention "Character development"31 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters' emotions realistic and appreciate their exuberant personalities.

"...It makes it that much more worth it! I love the supporting characters and the set up for the next books in the series...." Read more

"...Actually all the characters are really well written and add to the whole story...." Read more

"...I appreciated the references to characters in some of her other books, like running into old friends...." Read more

"...I love how she really makes these characters believable and us care about them in such a small amount of time...." Read more

11 customers mention "Plot"9 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the plot. They find it a good start to a new series with glimpses of their favorite characters from previous books. The premise and humor are well-received, and the storyline is different from many gay romance novels.

"...out loud moments with this book, but my favorite one was very early on in Chapter One, "I am not quite sure you understand the way of the workplace...." Read more

"Whitty banter and quirky characters abound. Great start to another wonderful series. I can't wait to read about Felix, Max, Charlie and Micha." Read more

"Well versed, fun story . Enjoyed the premise and the humor...." Read more

"...Wonderful start to a new series with a few glimpses of our favorite characters from other series too!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kera Marie
    5.0 out of 5 stars A sexy romance that runs the full gamut of emotions.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this so freaking much!

    This book had me smiling like a fool, laughing out loud, gave me that fluttery tug in my tummy, and made me cry. Not every romance can pull me in like this one did. I mean Jesse?!?! Is there anyone sweeter than his adorable soul? And what better to balance him out than the strong and honorable Zeb?

    This had everything I love in a great romance. The immediate connection, but the fact they are both unattainable in each other’s eyes. They are drawn to one another from their introductions, but life has other plans. Then, we have that juicy “jealous ex” trope that I can’t get enough of (when done properly, as Lily has definitely done here). Something about an ex that won’t let go makes the romance that much better in the end. It makes it that much more worth it!

    I love the supporting characters and the set up for the next books in the series. Charlie Sunshine is one I am immediately starting, followed by an arc of After Felix, which I am so pumped to have gotten my hands on!!

    To sum up this review, nobody does a romance like Lily Morton does!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great book about ensure your relationship is as good for you as you are for your partner!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Sen is giving & providing, and protecting all but no one looking out for him. Jesse is a people person and has been floundering until he finds his perfect fit. A health relationship provides for each other so safety to be you is with them to support you. A sweet romance with challenge s because life throws them your way. MM romance
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  • Miareadsbooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars HILARIOUS
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    So you're thinking about trying a Lily Morton book but you're not quite sure if British humour is really your jam?
    You've been told she's kinda funny but is she really? Really, really?
    You've noticed some of her fans seem a little rabid, a little *cough* enthusiastic about certain characters, but surely that's because those readers are a little "touched"...

    Stop right now! Stop reading this review! Get your perky butt over to Amazon and start using that pointer finger of yours for the love of Freddie Mercury! What are you doing? No, I said get ye to Amazon right now! Off you go, shoo, SHOO 😐... go click on Best Man... I'll wait right here for you to return so I can bask in your gratitude...⏳

    Ok, so you're back. What did you think? Pretty effing funny, right? Did your furkids stop and look at you in unison at one point as if you were demented because you were laughing so hard? Yeah? Mine too... you haven't lived til you've had two cats and the dog all judging you!

    And yeah, I adored Zeb too, isn't he just such a lovely MC? That heart! That backstory! That butt 😍

    What? Marcus? Oh gods, I hope we get his story next too!!! We totally need to find out what's going on there! He and Felix! What. A. Mystery!!🧐

    Oh. Em. Gee!!! Jesse had me in hysterics too! And when he did the thing that caused the other thing with the mum and dad and the snark? LOVED IT! He's the literal best!

    5/5 stars? Totally my rating too - oh you copycat you! But I'll forgive you because you totally listened to me. Right? Love you too Boo!
    48 people found this helpful
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  • Elysa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and romantic...
    Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The two main characters, Zeb and Jesse, are written so well I wish that they were real. Actually all the characters are really well written and add to the whole story. I had quite a few laugh out loud moments with this book, but my favorite one was very early on in Chapter One, "I am not quite sure you understand the way of the workplace. I don't spring appraisals on people at eight o'clock at night. What do you think happens? That I shin up a drainpipe and shout through their bedroom window?". Even now, I am giggling b/c I can totally picture Zeb saying that to Jesse and their whole rapport is just fantastic. I loved their story and the journey they took me on and I am very much looking forward to Max and Felix's story and Charlie and Misha's story. If you like funny, romantic and sweet you need to get this book.
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Blake Webb
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love the connection between
    the two characters, a tad too much "misunderstanding" between the two. I think my favorite part was Jesse's humor, I laughed out loud multiple times!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Cjmforfun
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve read everything available by Lilly Morton, so I’m not surprised that I loved this book, but it might be one of my favorites. Zeb and Jesse really came alive for me.. I cheered them on in my mind, felt for their confusion, and just could not close my Kindle until the end. This story has some snark, some amazing dialogue, and great supporting characters. I appreciated the references to characters in some of her other books, like running into old friends.
    One small criticism, if I may.. There is a scene between Patrick and Zeb, that Jesse witnessed, at Patrick’s wedding, that didn’t seem to fit, at least for me. I don’t want to spoil anything, but that particular trope seemed out of place with where, at least I thought, Zeb and Jesse were in their relationship.
    I don’t know what direction the authors next effort will be. I hope it will be either about Charlie, or Max and Fritz, either or preferably both will put a very large smile on my face! It’s one of Lily Morton’s particular talents that she has made me care about what happens to the 'people' in her books.
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  • Deb's reviews
    3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, not her best
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book but not as much as others by the same author.
    For one you can only mention an age gap so many times before it gets old and exhausting.
    Despite the backstory, I failed to understand how anyone would ever agree to be a best man for their ex who cheated for the wedding with that person.
    Making a promise while under a false impression is not binding and no sane person would think it was.
    There was a huge gap between Zeb's description and self image that never made sense to me.
    The book seemed to lose steam half way through and the ending was very contrived.
    I'll still continue the series
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • nishtha dixit
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully warm
    Reviewed in India on August 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The book was funny, charming, warm and gooey. I loved the quirky banter and the place settings were vivid enough for me to imagine them without getting overwhelmed by details. I would have liked more back story and emotional understanding of the characters, especially Jesse’s relationship with his family and Zeb’s with his step family... but that’s just me wanting more of this goodness.
    Report
  • nat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Man , written by the best writer!
    Reviewed in Germany on May 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I thought this would be just another " fake boyfriend" novel but of course lily has the ability to amaze me. It makes me laugh, cry and hope my relationship will be like the characters in her books.
    Report
  • Aryea Hunt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh out loud goodness
    Reviewed in Canada on November 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I loved everything about this book. The characters ( ok maybe not Patrick and his mother) but the others absolutely. I laughed out loud so many times I went back to read it I over again. Along with the laughter was just the sweetest poignant moments, not sappy because I hate sappy, just sweet and moving and real. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Just wow! And my favorite scene funny scene was when they were outside the travel book shop, I could just feel poor Zeb's embarrassment and resignation. Brilliant!!
    Report
  • FIFI
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sassy, snarky, chaotic and utterly enthralling.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely love everything by this author which means when she publishes a new book, my expectations are very high. So far, each book of hers has been an absolute pleasure to read and Best man is no exception. On the contrary, I loved it.

    Jesse is such a fab character. He’s a little bit sassy; a little bit soppy and totally sexy! He barrels through life on a cloud of fun times and happy moments and he brings a unique joy to whatever situation he finds himself in. The owner of the agency he works for, Zeb, is older, stuffier but definitely full on phwoarrrrrr! Or so Jesse thinks, but the man is aloof and contained and convinced he’s much too old for the young lad that trails chaos wherever he treads. In truth, Zeb is attracted to Jesse however, he’d never admit it to himself of anyone else.

    So the growly, gorgeous Zeb finds himself in a situation that requires Jesse to pretend to be his boyfriend. Zeb’s ex is getting married to a woman and somehow Zeb ended up being best man and the entire situation is hideously cringey but he’s nto a man to back down from his promises so he drags Jesse into the mess which only becomes more tangled when Zeb and Jesse end up having sexual shenanigans and falling for one another. All the predicable inevitables ensue with Zeb having a huge case of doubts leading to misunderstandings and achy angsty moments. Jesse, bless him, simply gets snarkier and more devious leaving Zeb red-faced and lacking the confidence he’s well known for. His ordered, organised life is sent into a tail spin by Jesse and Zeb both loves and hates it.

    The book is a riot. It’s hilariously funny and properly sad. The characters are brilliant with a supporting cast that obviously deserve their own stories to be told. I was particularly keen on Zeb’s pa, Felix. Lily Morton’s ability to write an engaging, enthralling and deeply satisfying romantic book is never more evident than with Best Man. I highly recommend it and look forward to the rest of the series.
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  • la
    4.0 out of 5 stars sweet and so funny
    Reviewed in Japan on February 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is the so good.
    It’s sweet, funny and hot!
    Love Zeb and Jesse dearly
    Report

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