The Sunny Side, The Model Agency, Book 1 By: Lily Morton Narrated by: Joel Leslie

The Sunny Side is a real enjoyable audio. Joel Leslie makes it easy to listen to and understand. The story is emotional. Successful model who has a touch of low esteem has been crushing on his modeling agency owner forever but gets no sense that the feelings are returned. Model agency owner is a few years older than Dean, the model, and can't see where he would ever fit in with this famous guy. Throw in a daughter and ex-wife and there is plenty of entertainment.

From the blurb:

Jonas Durand is successful, rich, and controlled. He owns a prestigious modelling agency and has the world at his fingertips, but a turbulent childhood has taught him to be focused and never deviate from a plan.

Dean Jacobs threatens that stance. He’s one of the world’s most sought-after supermodels, but he’s also laidback, lighthearted, and free in a way that Jonas has never quite managed.

Dean has always been interested in Jonas, and has never made any secret of his admiration, but from the beginning, Jonas put him in a neat little box labelled, “Don’t touch,” turned the key, and never looked back.

However, the universe seems determined to thwart Jonas’s plans. Over the course of one hot summer, the two men come together, and Jonas’s well-ordered life becomes something a whole lot wilder.

Moving from the glamorous worlds of London and Paris Fashion Weeks to the sleepy South of France, Jonas finds himself liberating partridges, chasing his supermodel, and falling in love.

From best-selling author Lily Morton comes a romantic comedy set in the fast-paced and snarky world of modelling. This is the first book in the Model Agency series.

Reedkaye's Review:

The Sunny Side is one of the best audio books I’ve listened to. The narration by Joel Leslie brings individuality to the characters and the tone and pace makes the story come alive.

Jonas is owner of a model agency. He is focused and successful. He is very protective of his models and has an attraction to Dean. Jonas sees Dean as a guy to keep in a professional relationship and nothing more.  

Dean has always been attracted to Jonas but doesn’t seem to feel anything in return. There is a difference in age and that enters into Jonas’s decision to remain professional only. Dean decides to take things further and makes Jonas admit his attraction.  

How this story follows their daily lives and relationship is entertaining. There is such emotion over Dean’s level of intelligence. He seems to believe it lowers his attractiveness and his suitability for Jonas. Jonas on the other hand sees Dean as too out his league.  

This is entertaining how these two decide how their relationship should go. It also adds with Jonas having an ex-wife and a daughter. I love the character Dean and his big heart. I really enjoyed this audio.

Rating: 5 Stars

Jacquie's Review:

The Sunny Side is quintessential Lily Morton, with Jonas, the older man, being closed off until ray of sunshine, Dean, decides to take over his life and fix everything. I think it's a really sweet story, even when I wanted to shake my head at Jonas for drinking coffee and using Rennies with a stomach ulcer!

I really liked Dean and Jonas together. I think that they had a lot to offer each other despite their many differences. Dean brought happiness and love to Jonas' life. His daughter, Ruby, was a delight!

Some characters from previous series pop up, with Mal spending a lot of time on page as Dean's best friend. I loved the mentions of the Model Clinic pod cast.

Narrator, Joel Leslie, does a great job of Jonas' French accent and Dean's sunshine personality. Was lovely hearing Jude and Asa again.

Rating: 4 Stars

Lesetiger's Review:

I have already listened to several audio books by Lily Morten, because I like her humor. And she didn't disappoint me here either. I liked her story and I liked Jonas from the beginning, although he is more the grumpy type. Jonas has a modeling agency, was married and has a really cute kid.

I also found Dean very likeable, he is a model and starts working for Jonas. He is the opposite of Jonas, always friendly and he takes care of those he loves.

The story is emotional and I highly recommend it!

Joel Lesly did a brilliant job bringing the book to life. I could tell all the characters apart very well and feel every emotion.

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(⭐️) 4,5

Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Sunny Side is available to buy from Audible and is Whispersynced