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The Cuckoo's Call
Can a summer romance last forever?
Wren Roberts thought he’d found his fairy tale when he met Mateo Rossi on holiday in Majorca. The wealthy and successful older man swept him off his feet, and before he knew it, he’d thrown caution to the wind and was living in Mateo’s waterside apartment in Venice. It’s a far cry from his harsh upbringing and crummy flat in London.
But as the summer turns to autumn, cracks begin to show. Mateo’s family aren’t welcoming, and there doesn’t seem to be a place for Wren in Mateo’s world. He could have coped with all of that, but Mateo himself seems like a different person away from the sunshine island.
Should Wren have been more cautious in riding off into the sunset when he wasn’t sure what lay over the horizon?
From best-selling author Lily Morton comes a romance about two men who find that sometimes happily ever after doesn’t end there.
Wren Roberts thought he’d found his fairy tale when he met Mateo Rossi on holiday in Majorca. The wealthy and successful older man swept him off his feet, and before he knew it, he’d thrown caution to the wind and was living in Mateo’s waterside apartment in Venice. It’s a far cry from his harsh upbringing and crummy flat in London.
But as the summer turns to autumn, cracks begin to show. Mateo’s family aren’t welcoming, and there doesn’t seem to be a place for Wren in Mateo’s world. He could have coped with all of that, but Mateo himself seems like a different person away from the sunshine island.
Should Wren have been more cautious in riding off into the sunset when he wasn’t sure what lay over the horizon?
From best-selling author Lily Morton comes a romance about two men who find that sometimes happily ever after doesn’t end there.
Audible Audio
First published November 20, 2021
179 people are currently reading
1638 people want to read
About the author
Lily Morton
79 books3,314 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 Under Gorse and Stone, which is a magical Christmas story about a centuries-old dragon and his human mate.
https://getbook.at/UnderGorseAndStone
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 Under Gorse and Stone, which is a magical Christmas story about a centuries-old dragon and his human mate.
https://getbook.at/UnderGorseAndStone
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 526 reviews
November 20, 2021
4.5 “You’re like my lighthouse, Wren. You show me the way, and your light is so clear and warm.” stars
I love you. I love the way you hug me so tightly. I’ve never had that before, so I didn’t know how it would make me feel so safe. I have felt more alive with you than at any time in my life. I love you for the way you make me laugh and the way you listen to me. No one has ever really done that before, so it’s a bigger gift than you know.
Note to self, reading a Lily Morton book at 4 am is a bad idea unless you want to wake up everyone in your house because you’re laughing too much.
But I couldn’t put this book down. The prologue of this book, let me tell you, I was hooked. And then I never was able to stop reading and read most of it in one sitting.
I don’t know what's with me with books that are meant to be lower angst and feel-good stories because I spent half of this book crying my eyes out. I really got invested in the characters and their lives and I just felt so sad for them because of what they were going through.
As we will come back to later, this book wasn’t a perfect book for me, but I rate books 5 stars based on how I felt when I read them, and this book made me feel all the feels. I had one of the best reading experiences I have ever had in my life.
Brief Summary
In the first half of the book, Wren, who’s 22, is on vacation in Majorca. He goes to the hotel’s restaurant, and he is invited to have dinner with a good-looking older man, Mateo. Turns out that Mateo is the owner of the hotel, and he invites Wren to help him buy new hotels in Majorca. They do that together for the rest of the week. Mateo lives in Venice and Wren drops everything to join him there so that they can spend more time together. But will it truly be a happy ever after for them? Mateo does not want to be in love. And Mateo is very rich while Wren is not and Mateo’s family is very disapproving of Wren, which is what the second half of the book focuses on.
First, I always love the humour Lily Morton puts in her books, but the snark, banter, and self-deprecating humour really were on point in this book. I spent half the book laughing at the comments made by the characters even when we were in sad moments in the book where I should have been doing anything but laughing.
Also, special mention to all the comments this book made about how having money isn’t always the key to happiness and how having money can be deceiving sometimes, I loved them very much. A lot of this book focuses on money, as Wren doesn’t have much, and Mateo is rich and from a rich family. I loved how this book highlighted how life can be very different for people, in the same situation, depending on your financial situation.
Second, I loved how this book was split. I loved that we got to see how they met and their connection before we got to the part where things weren’t going that well in their relationship, it really helped me understand why they were fighting for their relationship and why they were good together.
Third, Wren was so lovely. I absolutely adored him. He was such a strong character and I loved how he wasn’t scared of standing up for himself, he never let anyone walk over him and it was lovely to see. Plus, he was just a very well-rounded character, he sounded like someone I would have loved to be friends with. Mateo was also a very good character and I loved him. I liked reading about how Mateo was very bored with his life and trying to find a way to get out of the rut he was in, it was very well done and was very nice to read about.
Fourth, I really liked these two together. They were a really nicely suited couple and I loved how they complimented each other so nicely, Wren was sunshine personified, and he always seemed to make Mateo the happiest he has ever been, it was very lovely to read about. Also, Wren was such the perfect balance for Mateo.
“You’ve given me so much you’ll never understand, and I want you to know in your soul how grateful I am and that I’ll never regret meeting you and having this wild adventure. Always remember that.”
Fifth, you know what I love in books? A romance where one of the characters is reluctant and believes that he will never fall in love because he’s scared of being in love. This was Mateo’s case, who feared being in love after seeing his parents relationships. I loved how he was so outspoken about never wanting to be in love while clearly falling in love with Wren. I liked how he realized that he was in love only after he was because his love for Wren just hit him out of the blue, that feels so real compared to my own life experiences and I loved reading about it. I liked how Mateo was super attentive to Wren and clearly broke a lot of his barriers for him, even when he didn’t want to fall for him. It was just so sweet to read about.
Sixth, the sex scenes in this book, were just so good. I loved them very much. I loved how they were long and descriptive and full of all the tender feelings they were trying to not feel for each other. The sex scenes really served as a perfect showcase of the love they feel for each other.
Seventh, the scenery was lovely. I loved how it felt like I was traveling to Majorca and Venice with the main characters of the book due to how well everything was described, and I really loved it. Also, I liked how the settings had different effects on the characters and their moods, it’s very realistic that some places just make you feel better than other places and I loved how the book showed that.
Eight, the narration really worked for me. It had both of their point of view, but we got more chapters in Wren’s head than we did in Mateo’s head. Wren was just an awesome narrator, I loved being in his head, it was just the best. I liked how the Mateo chapters were always used to highlight a big point in the books or to show his feelings for Wren, it created a very nice balance while I was reading the book.
Ninth, Wren is an avid reader, and this book was filled with references to books and I appreciated reading them so much. I loved how much this book was dedicated to Wren's love of books, it really worked for me.
Tenth, just a quick rundown of the things I liked a little less in the book, they never really impaired my enjoyment of the book, but I just want to mention them. There is a part of this book that is told from Wren’s point of view, and we get to see him be sad because Mateo is pulling away from him and not really spending time with him. And Mateo was working so it’s understandable, but I was reading through Wren’s head how sad he was about it so it made me really sad for Wren. Wren had lived his life going from family to family in the foster care system and he never felt like he belonged anywhere. All he wanted was someone to call his. So, it broke my heart when he was saying how he knew that Mateo would never be that for him. Also, I don’t like the idea of someone showering you in gifts as a way of making up for not being present, it doesn’t fill the void of the person not being there. Spending time with someone will always beat out gifts for me, so I wish that Mateo made more time for Wren instead of buying him so many presents. Also, why were most of their friends and most of Mateo's family the meanest characters I have ever had the chance of reading about? Most of them were just so mean and not worthy of their friendships or time. Also, these two didn't have the best communication ever but I could understand it in this context, so it never really bothered me.
Side note I really appreciated all the little references to other Lily Morton characters. I absolutely loved reading this book, the reading experience was wonderful.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I love you. I love the way you hug me so tightly. I’ve never had that before, so I didn’t know how it would make me feel so safe. I have felt more alive with you than at any time in my life. I love you for the way you make me laugh and the way you listen to me. No one has ever really done that before, so it’s a bigger gift than you know.
Note to self, reading a Lily Morton book at 4 am is a bad idea unless you want to wake up everyone in your house because you’re laughing too much.
But I couldn’t put this book down. The prologue of this book, let me tell you, I was hooked. And then I never was able to stop reading and read most of it in one sitting.
I don’t know what's with me with books that are meant to be lower angst and feel-good stories because I spent half of this book crying my eyes out. I really got invested in the characters and their lives and I just felt so sad for them because of what they were going through.
As we will come back to later, this book wasn’t a perfect book for me, but I rate books 5 stars based on how I felt when I read them, and this book made me feel all the feels. I had one of the best reading experiences I have ever had in my life.
Brief Summary
In the first half of the book, Wren, who’s 22, is on vacation in Majorca. He goes to the hotel’s restaurant, and he is invited to have dinner with a good-looking older man, Mateo. Turns out that Mateo is the owner of the hotel, and he invites Wren to help him buy new hotels in Majorca. They do that together for the rest of the week. Mateo lives in Venice and Wren drops everything to join him there so that they can spend more time together. But will it truly be a happy ever after for them? Mateo does not want to be in love. And Mateo is very rich while Wren is not and Mateo’s family is very disapproving of Wren, which is what the second half of the book focuses on.
First, I always love the humour Lily Morton puts in her books, but the snark, banter, and self-deprecating humour really were on point in this book. I spent half the book laughing at the comments made by the characters even when we were in sad moments in the book where I should have been doing anything but laughing.
Also, special mention to all the comments this book made about how having money isn’t always the key to happiness and how having money can be deceiving sometimes, I loved them very much. A lot of this book focuses on money, as Wren doesn’t have much, and Mateo is rich and from a rich family. I loved how this book highlighted how life can be very different for people, in the same situation, depending on your financial situation.
Second, I loved how this book was split. I loved that we got to see how they met and their connection before we got to the part where things weren’t going that well in their relationship, it really helped me understand why they were fighting for their relationship and why they were good together.
Third, Wren was so lovely. I absolutely adored him. He was such a strong character and I loved how he wasn’t scared of standing up for himself, he never let anyone walk over him and it was lovely to see. Plus, he was just a very well-rounded character, he sounded like someone I would have loved to be friends with. Mateo was also a very good character and I loved him. I liked reading about how Mateo was very bored with his life and trying to find a way to get out of the rut he was in, it was very well done and was very nice to read about.
Fourth, I really liked these two together. They were a really nicely suited couple and I loved how they complimented each other so nicely, Wren was sunshine personified, and he always seemed to make Mateo the happiest he has ever been, it was very lovely to read about. Also, Wren was such the perfect balance for Mateo.
“You’ve given me so much you’ll never understand, and I want you to know in your soul how grateful I am and that I’ll never regret meeting you and having this wild adventure. Always remember that.”
Fifth, you know what I love in books? A romance where one of the characters is reluctant and believes that he will never fall in love because he’s scared of being in love. This was Mateo’s case, who feared being in love after seeing his parents relationships. I loved how he was so outspoken about never wanting to be in love while clearly falling in love with Wren. I liked how he realized that he was in love only after he was because his love for Wren just hit him out of the blue, that feels so real compared to my own life experiences and I loved reading about it. I liked how Mateo was super attentive to Wren and clearly broke a lot of his barriers for him, even when he didn’t want to fall for him. It was just so sweet to read about.
Sixth, the sex scenes in this book, were just so good. I loved them very much. I loved how they were long and descriptive and full of all the tender feelings they were trying to not feel for each other. The sex scenes really served as a perfect showcase of the love they feel for each other.
Seventh, the scenery was lovely. I loved how it felt like I was traveling to Majorca and Venice with the main characters of the book due to how well everything was described, and I really loved it. Also, I liked how the settings had different effects on the characters and their moods, it’s very realistic that some places just make you feel better than other places and I loved how the book showed that.
Eight, the narration really worked for me. It had both of their point of view, but we got more chapters in Wren’s head than we did in Mateo’s head. Wren was just an awesome narrator, I loved being in his head, it was just the best. I liked how the Mateo chapters were always used to highlight a big point in the books or to show his feelings for Wren, it created a very nice balance while I was reading the book.
Ninth, Wren is an avid reader, and this book was filled with references to books and I appreciated reading them so much. I loved how much this book was dedicated to Wren's love of books, it really worked for me.
Tenth, just a quick rundown of the things I liked a little less in the book, they never really impaired my enjoyment of the book, but I just want to mention them. There is a part of this book that is told from Wren’s point of view, and we get to see him be sad because Mateo is pulling away from him and not really spending time with him. And Mateo was working so it’s understandable, but I was reading through Wren’s head how sad he was about it so it made me really sad for Wren. Wren had lived his life going from family to family in the foster care system and he never felt like he belonged anywhere. All he wanted was someone to call his. So, it broke my heart when he was saying how he knew that Mateo would never be that for him. Also, I don’t like the idea of someone showering you in gifts as a way of making up for not being present, it doesn’t fill the void of the person not being there. Spending time with someone will always beat out gifts for me, so I wish that Mateo made more time for Wren instead of buying him so many presents. Also, why were most of their friends and most of Mateo's family the meanest characters I have ever had the chance of reading about? Most of them were just so mean and not worthy of their friendships or time. Also, these two didn't have the best communication ever but I could understand it in this context, so it never really bothered me.
Side note I really appreciated all the little references to other Lily Morton characters. I absolutely loved reading this book, the reading experience was wonderful.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
March 11, 2022
Lily Morton is an extremely popular gay romance author, but I'll make a confession... I sort of don't like her writing style.
I know, I know, sacrilege!, but I've never given one of her books over three stars... until now.
The Cuckoo's Call is a hard book not to enjoy. There is a sexy Spanish uber-rich guy who swoops in and saves the adorable, loveable MC from a terrible vacation and shitty friends. You are rooting for these two every step of the way, and I thought it was sweet how Wren tried to maintain his independence in the face of Mateo's wealth and obvious enjoyment of giving gifts (I would be bathing in designer duds, just saying...).
I'll admit, it was a little OTT and a little schmaltzy, but it was a fabulous escapism vacation read, and it made me realize that there are *some* Lily Morton books that work for me. Who knew?
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
I know, I know, sacrilege!, but I've never given one of her books over three stars... until now.
The Cuckoo's Call is a hard book not to enjoy. There is a sexy Spanish uber-rich guy who swoops in and saves the adorable, loveable MC from a terrible vacation and shitty friends. You are rooting for these two every step of the way, and I thought it was sweet how Wren tried to maintain his independence in the face of Mateo's wealth and obvious enjoyment of giving gifts (I would be bathing in designer duds, just saying...).
I'll admit, it was a little OTT and a little schmaltzy, but it was a fabulous escapism vacation read, and it made me realize that there are *some* Lily Morton books that work for me. Who knew?
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
November 16, 2021
Officially second only to my grumpy rare breeds farmer and his model on the list of staggeringly good Lily Morton books I never wanted to end.
As with everything Lily writes, the depth of feeling her romances invoke is almost limitless. Here we have two men who couldn't be more different if they tried.
Wren, wonderful and wondering, ever curious and kind, a gentle soul who's never let his background pull him down.
And Mateo, Teo, rich scion of a multi million hotel chain business, jaded, closed off and searching for purpose.
Their meeting is a perfect storm of circumstances which leads into a truly beautiful exploration of how two souls can connect and recognise their mate even when the hearts attached to them are oblivious or fighting it.
The settings in this book are as much a character as the physical people. Both Majorca and Venice leap off the page in all their sunny and elegant glory.
It's funny as all Lily's books are. Wren has a wry sense of humour and self-awareness that occasionally bursts out into sharp reminders that money doesn't equal class.
Mateo's family are a disparate bunch, his mother and grandfather both wonderful people, his half-sister and stepmother poisonous and deceitful. I felt sorry for his father but he was the architect of his own fate.
A couple of utterly delightful Easter Eggs help link into Lily's wider book world and I'm seriously hoping there's at least one, if not two more books to come, although I'd be perfectly happy with an Alfie/Enzo match up #JustSaying
As ever, it's steaming hot, the Epilogue is gorgeous and I had a smile as wide as the Mersey Tunnel on my face while reading 😁
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.
As with everything Lily writes, the depth of feeling her romances invoke is almost limitless. Here we have two men who couldn't be more different if they tried.
Wren, wonderful and wondering, ever curious and kind, a gentle soul who's never let his background pull him down.
And Mateo, Teo, rich scion of a multi million hotel chain business, jaded, closed off and searching for purpose.
Their meeting is a perfect storm of circumstances which leads into a truly beautiful exploration of how two souls can connect and recognise their mate even when the hearts attached to them are oblivious or fighting it.
The settings in this book are as much a character as the physical people. Both Majorca and Venice leap off the page in all their sunny and elegant glory.
It's funny as all Lily's books are. Wren has a wry sense of humour and self-awareness that occasionally bursts out into sharp reminders that money doesn't equal class.
Mateo's family are a disparate bunch, his mother and grandfather both wonderful people, his half-sister and stepmother poisonous and deceitful. I felt sorry for his father but he was the architect of his own fate.
A couple of utterly delightful Easter Eggs help link into Lily's wider book world and I'm seriously hoping there's at least one, if not two more books to come, although I'd be perfectly happy with an Alfie/Enzo match up #JustSaying
As ever, it's steaming hot, the Epilogue is gorgeous and I had a smile as wide as the Mersey Tunnel on my face while reading 😁
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 1, 2023
~4.5~
This story doesn't have as much banter as most of Lily Morton's books, and that's a good thing. Banter is great, but it doesn't always lend itself to deeper emotions.
Wren is funny and quick-witted. Mateo can't get enough of his sharp mind and keen eye. Mateo is more serious and subdued, but also warm and protective.
Mateo hires Wren to be his assistant for the week. They have real conversations as Mateo shows Wren his beloved island. The MCs go undercover at a couple of hotels Mateo owns to discover what's really going on.
I laughed many times, but it's the undercurrent of poignancy and loneliness that did me in.
Wren doesn't want Mateo's money. He wants Mateo. But Mateo doesn't want to lose himself to passion and so keeps Wren at arm's length.
Fortunately, Mateo is no fool and brings his cuckoo home.
Summary: beautiful Majorcan setting (paradise on earth!), age gap, Cinderfella theme, virgin/first time, not without angst, HEA.
P.S. That cover nails it! The model is a perfect Wren, tousled brown hair, lean body, beak nose and all.
This story doesn't have as much banter as most of Lily Morton's books, and that's a good thing. Banter is great, but it doesn't always lend itself to deeper emotions.
Wren is funny and quick-witted. Mateo can't get enough of his sharp mind and keen eye. Mateo is more serious and subdued, but also warm and protective.
Mateo hires Wren to be his assistant for the week. They have real conversations as Mateo shows Wren his beloved island. The MCs go undercover at a couple of hotels Mateo owns to discover what's really going on.
I laughed many times, but it's the undercurrent of poignancy and loneliness that did me in.
Wren doesn't want Mateo's money. He wants Mateo. But Mateo doesn't want to lose himself to passion and so keeps Wren at arm's length.
Fortunately, Mateo is no fool and brings his cuckoo home.
"I know you're thinking of Mateo," my companion says ....
"How?" I ask ....
"You're breathing, and there's a 'y' in the name of the day."
Summary: beautiful Majorcan setting (paradise on earth!), age gap, Cinderfella theme, virgin/first time, not without angst, HEA.
P.S. That cover nails it! The model is a perfect Wren, tousled brown hair, lean body, beak nose and all.
October 9, 2023
Reread - September 2023
3.5 cute, I want a Mateo stars
3.5 cute, I want a Mateo stars
January 1, 2022
3.25 Stars
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. Recently what I read by Lily Morton is a miss. I can’t say what was wrong with this one, it just fell flat for me. I liked both characters. For someone who has nothing and no one, Wren is sure of himself but he feels like a cuckoo, he never really has his own home. Mateo is usually warm and his manner welcoming and he’s also a guarded person. The story is a slow burn, low on angst and there is an age gap. I got a bit bored for the first half but the second half got a bit better. Overall, it was an OK read, and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. Recently what I read by Lily Morton is a miss. I can’t say what was wrong with this one, it just fell flat for me. I liked both characters. For someone who has nothing and no one, Wren is sure of himself but he feels like a cuckoo, he never really has his own home. Mateo is usually warm and his manner welcoming and he’s also a guarded person. The story is a slow burn, low on angst and there is an age gap. I got a bit bored for the first half but the second half got a bit better. Overall, it was an OK read, and hope you enjoy it more than me!
November 26, 2021
4.5 Stars!
Loved this one!
These were some of my favorite Lily Morton characters to date. Especially Wren.
Yes maybe it is “classic” Lily Morton and somewhat formulaic but hey the formula works for me. I never seem to tire of her books.
As the saying goes….“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” 🤷🏻♀️
Loved this one!
These were some of my favorite Lily Morton characters to date. Especially Wren.
Yes maybe it is “classic” Lily Morton and somewhat formulaic but hey the formula works for me. I never seem to tire of her books.
As the saying goes….“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” 🤷🏻♀️
November 22, 2021
4.5 stars!
This was a classic Lily Morton book for me. Loved the angst.
I can do without the caricature villains, which is pretty typical for her. Do normal people have this many mean people in their lives? Maybe it’s just me that doesn’t?
Otherwise, I read in one sitting and loved it.
This was a classic Lily Morton book for me. Loved the angst.
I can do without the caricature villains, which is pretty typical for her. Do normal people have this many mean people in their lives? Maybe it’s just me that doesn’t?
Otherwise, I read in one sitting and loved it.
December 10, 2021
❛The Cuckoo's Call❜ was … fine. Wren was fine, Mateo was there, and Majorca was pretty. There. End of review.
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November 11, 2021
4.5 stars!
In true Lily fashion, she has written a book that just enamors the reader and completely transports him to wherever the story is set.
Q&A!!!
Q: We all know you're a Lily fan and you'll basically read everything she writes. So what makes this one special?
A: Well, apart from the trademark snark, the thing that made me fall for this book is the setting. Lily always excels in them. The settings of her books are always like a main character in the book and as important as the MCs. In this book, the description of Majorca and Venice and everything in between was vibrant and beautiful and real.
Q: This sounds lovely. I love that she branched out, its not in Britain too! What about the tropes?
A: This has tropey goodness! Age Gap, Opposites attract, Rich/poor, Close Proximity and Hurt Comfort to name a few.
Q: That's quite a list! What about the characters?
A: Wren stole the show for me... his outlook of life, how free and unconcerned he is, how he accepts his life and lives it to the best of his capabilities. He's such a powerful character wo doesn't take sh!t from anyone. #PowerHouse
Teo on the other hand seemed lost between worlds, between what society and his family wants him to be, and what he wants to be. That passionate headstrong man buried under his CEO responsibilities. It was heartwarming to see Wren pick up on this and help Toe grow into his own. #JustWhatINeeded
Q: They sound like amazing characters! Where there any cameos? We know Lily like them in her books.
A: Oh yeah there are a couple of cameos that I will not spoil! #InsertEvilLaughHere
Q: Baaahhhh! Fine! Ok what about the angst-o-meter?
A: Low angst. Most of the book is sass and snark. #BeHappy
Q: That sounds nice! What about the steam-o-meter?
A: Medium Steam with scorching hot scenes.
Well, I'm certainly reading this! HEA?
A: Of course! And it's so romantic and fulfilling.
In true Lily fashion, she has written a book that just enamors the reader and completely transports him to wherever the story is set.
Q&A!!!
Q: We all know you're a Lily fan and you'll basically read everything she writes. So what makes this one special?
A: Well, apart from the trademark snark, the thing that made me fall for this book is the setting. Lily always excels in them. The settings of her books are always like a main character in the book and as important as the MCs. In this book, the description of Majorca and Venice and everything in between was vibrant and beautiful and real.
Q: This sounds lovely. I love that she branched out, its not in Britain too! What about the tropes?
A: This has tropey goodness! Age Gap, Opposites attract, Rich/poor, Close Proximity and Hurt Comfort to name a few.
Q: That's quite a list! What about the characters?
A: Wren stole the show for me... his outlook of life, how free and unconcerned he is, how he accepts his life and lives it to the best of his capabilities. He's such a powerful character wo doesn't take sh!t from anyone. #PowerHouse
Teo on the other hand seemed lost between worlds, between what society and his family wants him to be, and what he wants to be. That passionate headstrong man buried under his CEO responsibilities. It was heartwarming to see Wren pick up on this and help Toe grow into his own. #JustWhatINeeded
Q: They sound like amazing characters! Where there any cameos? We know Lily like them in her books.
A: Oh yeah there are a couple of cameos that I will not spoil! #InsertEvilLaughHere
Q: Baaahhhh! Fine! Ok what about the angst-o-meter?
A: Low angst. Most of the book is sass and snark. #BeHappy
Q: That sounds nice! What about the steam-o-meter?
A: Medium Steam with scorching hot scenes.
Well, I'm certainly reading this! HEA?
A: Of course! And it's so romantic and fulfilling.
November 25, 2021
I really liked the Majorcan/Venetian setting but it was quite heavy on the clichés with unrealistic/one dimensional secondary characters. Wren’s anecdotes, which were no doubt meant to tug on my heartstrings, actually had the opposite effect and Mateo went from being quite perceptive in the first half to totally unobservant in the second. Sadly, I was a little underwhelmed or may be I’ve just become far too cynical in my old age. 🤷🏻♀️😥
November 28, 2021
Just what I needed... Laughed my ass off!! Thanks Wren ;)
Read
January 1, 2022I've started this ages ago and I am finally giving up at 53%.
November 23, 2021
“You do things for me far too quickly, Mateo. It’s a problem.” “I don’t think I do. I think the problem is that fewer people do the same.”
My love affair with Lily is back on. Ok so it wasn’t off. But I wasn’t a big fan of the last one. Which for me is unheard of. So I was a little nervous to read this. But here we are. I’m content and letting out a happy sigh.
Now onto the good stuff. Which will be done in list form because that’s how I’m feeling today.
✅ The guys. The dynamics were not unique if you’ve read a few Lily books but the characters themselves were delightful. Wren was pure sunshine but not in your face about it. He was optimistic and had a warm heart, despite what life had thrown at him. Then there’s Mateo or Teo who wanted to give Wren the world but still fought against loving him.
✅ The writing. Lily writes such beautiful descriptions of places. She makes you feel like you are there in Majorca or Venice. Everything was incredibly vivid and lush. I could almost taste the yummy food, see the jade water and touch the sparkling blown glass. It made me want to pack a bag and travel. Till I remembered that’s not in my budget and there’s covid and that book people are better than actual people. (Rational me can be a real Debbie Downer.)
✅ The romance. I was swept away and invested from the beginning. Slowish burn. Medium steam.
✅ The cameos. They were very minor and didn’t at all overtake the story. More like they were dropped in like tiny gems to let you know some of your Lily guys are still doing well. 😉
✅ This is a weird thing to mention but I love how all of Lily’s guys have a certain smell. I wonder if she has some spreadsheet with them. I wonder if she will run out of individual scents one day. I hope not.
✅ The humor. I especially loved when the pair played Undercover Boss at Mateo’s hotels. 😂
I’m going to say that the relationship dynamics in this are not…new for a Lily book. She doesn’t use them in every book but she does frequently use them. You have a kind of snarky, coltish twink paired with an older, rich, serious man who doesn’t want to fall in love. So if you’re looking for something groundbreaking, this may not be for you. But if you don’t mind the slightly familiar elements and want a lovely romance, look no further.
Now can we get a book for Alfie and Enzo?
My love affair with Lily is back on. Ok so it wasn’t off. But I wasn’t a big fan of the last one. Which for me is unheard of. So I was a little nervous to read this. But here we are. I’m content and letting out a happy sigh.
Now onto the good stuff. Which will be done in list form because that’s how I’m feeling today.
✅ The guys. The dynamics were not unique if you’ve read a few Lily books but the characters themselves were delightful. Wren was pure sunshine but not in your face about it. He was optimistic and had a warm heart, despite what life had thrown at him. Then there’s Mateo or Teo who wanted to give Wren the world but still fought against loving him.
✅ The writing. Lily writes such beautiful descriptions of places. She makes you feel like you are there in Majorca or Venice. Everything was incredibly vivid and lush. I could almost taste the yummy food, see the jade water and touch the sparkling blown glass. It made me want to pack a bag and travel. Till I remembered that’s not in my budget and there’s covid and that book people are better than actual people. (Rational me can be a real Debbie Downer.)
✅ The romance. I was swept away and invested from the beginning. Slowish burn. Medium steam.
✅ The cameos. They were very minor and didn’t at all overtake the story. More like they were dropped in like tiny gems to let you know some of your Lily guys are still doing well. 😉
✅ This is a weird thing to mention but I love how all of Lily’s guys have a certain smell. I wonder if she has some spreadsheet with them. I wonder if she will run out of individual scents one day. I hope not.
✅ The humor. I especially loved when the pair played Undercover Boss at Mateo’s hotels. 😂
I’m going to say that the relationship dynamics in this are not…new for a Lily book. She doesn’t use them in every book but she does frequently use them. You have a kind of snarky, coltish twink paired with an older, rich, serious man who doesn’t want to fall in love. So if you’re looking for something groundbreaking, this may not be for you. But if you don’t mind the slightly familiar elements and want a lovely romance, look no further.
Now can we get a book for Alfie and Enzo?
November 22, 2021
3,75 stars
I guess there are two ways of looking at this book:
A) Leave the real world behind you and ride the wave of this ‘classic’ romance, reminiscent of those Mills and Boon novels Wren talks about so often, just more expertly written.
The themes are all so familiar, and the way the plot develops is surely meant as a nod to the above genre:
Orphaned and penniless Wren meets super rich Mateo and not only shows him what life should really be about, but also reminds him what love and kindness are.
Black and white characterization of many secondary characters, the deflowering of a virgin and ‘a grand scene at the end’ we have come across plenty of times in romance all fit into the picture, too.
Throw in a stray kitten, kind servants, a vile stepmother and stepsister and you'll get the idea.
Funnily, little old romantic me was quite happy with this fairy tale story where everything works out super neatly, and the HEA is studded with rainbows and happy hearts.
B) Read this as a contemporary romance and you might scratch your head quite repeatedly.
While I really liked both men, they are *sigh* undoubtedly only slightly different versions of other Lily Morton characters. (One snarky and a happy soul, one older and difficult to convince of love.)
There are too many little things that irked me or felt way over the top like the constant emphasis of how poor Wren was, juxtaposing it to Mateo’s wealth, or how very one-dimensional some characters are drawn.
I also wondered why Mateo’s English was so good for quite a wee while, but the author offers an explanation for that, at least.
I was a bit surprised to find quite a few editing errors, most notably a mix-up between ‘baldly’ and ‘boldy’ a couple of times. Surely someone, somewhere should have seen this?
To be honest, I have been swaying wildly between views A and B, leaving me in a huge conundrum how to rate this.
In a perfect rating world this is probably a solid 3,5, but as I don’t have that option, I have to go with how the book made me feel overall.
Somehow reading this was almost nostalgic. I was captivated just like a was as a young girl, reading about poor maidens falling in love with stunning princes, orphans finding true love with rich heroes, and good winning over evil.
And that definitely warrants 4 stars, with a little chipped off for too many clichés all around.
I guess there are two ways of looking at this book:
A) Leave the real world behind you and ride the wave of this ‘classic’ romance, reminiscent of those Mills and Boon novels Wren talks about so often, just more expertly written.
The themes are all so familiar, and the way the plot develops is surely meant as a nod to the above genre:
Orphaned and penniless Wren meets super rich Mateo and not only shows him what life should really be about, but also reminds him what love and kindness are.
Black and white characterization of many secondary characters, the deflowering of a virgin and ‘a grand scene at the end’ we have come across plenty of times in romance all fit into the picture, too.
Throw in a stray kitten, kind servants, a vile stepmother and stepsister and you'll get the idea.
Funnily, little old romantic me was quite happy with this fairy tale story where everything works out super neatly, and the HEA is studded with rainbows and happy hearts.
B) Read this as a contemporary romance and you might scratch your head quite repeatedly.
While I really liked both men, they are *sigh* undoubtedly only slightly different versions of other Lily Morton characters. (One snarky and a happy soul, one older and difficult to convince of love.)
There are too many little things that irked me or felt way over the top like the constant emphasis of how poor Wren was, juxtaposing it to Mateo’s wealth, or how very one-dimensional some characters are drawn.
I also wondered why Mateo’s English was so good for quite a wee while, but the author offers an explanation for that, at least.
I was a bit surprised to find quite a few editing errors, most notably a mix-up between ‘baldly’ and ‘boldy’ a couple of times. Surely someone, somewhere should have seen this?
To be honest, I have been swaying wildly between views A and B, leaving me in a huge conundrum how to rate this.
In a perfect rating world this is probably a solid 3,5, but as I don’t have that option, I have to go with how the book made me feel overall.
Somehow reading this was almost nostalgic. I was captivated just like a was as a young girl, reading about poor maidens falling in love with stunning princes, orphans finding true love with rich heroes, and good winning over evil.
And that definitely warrants 4 stars, with a little chipped off for too many clichés all around.
November 23, 2021
2.5 stars. This was cute and funny, and I have no doubts that many fans of Lily Morton will love it. I enjoyed reading it, but I skimmed a bit and rolled my eyes a lot. I just wish the characters were a little less cliché and a little more realistic.
The list of clichés here is ridiculous:
- Wren. Poor innocent clever virgin orphan with a sharp tongue.
- Mateo. Incredibly rich player. Doesn’t believe in love because his father is a womanizer. Dates a series of identical robot men.
- Father. Womanizer. Divorced multiple times. Cheats on all his wives.
- Evil stepmother and stepsister. Think Cinderella’s family.
- Evil best friend in love with Mateo.
It’s just too much. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Wren was letting everyone walk all over him most of the time. Mateo was too oblivious. The grandfather was too kind and knowing. Also, how old was he? That bothered me. If Mateo is 40, his grandfather must have been at least 85-90? That didn’t quite add up with the story.
And as often with her books, her super detailed epilogue nearly bored me to death. I just need to know they are happy, I don’t need every single detail about their life. 🤷♀️
But I smiled a lot and enjoyed myself nonetheless, so I rounded up.
The list of clichés here is ridiculous:
- Wren. Poor innocent clever virgin orphan with a sharp tongue.
- Mateo. Incredibly rich player. Doesn’t believe in love because his father is a womanizer. Dates a series of identical robot men.
- Father. Womanizer. Divorced multiple times. Cheats on all his wives.
- Evil stepmother and stepsister. Think Cinderella’s family.
- Evil best friend in love with Mateo.
It’s just too much. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Wren was letting everyone walk all over him most of the time. Mateo was too oblivious. The grandfather was too kind and knowing. Also, how old was he? That bothered me. If Mateo is 40, his grandfather must have been at least 85-90? That didn’t quite add up with the story.
And as often with her books, her super detailed epilogue nearly bored me to death. I just need to know they are happy, I don’t need every single detail about their life. 🤷♀️
But I smiled a lot and enjoyed myself nonetheless, so I rounded up.
November 22, 2021
3.0 Rating
Not sure what is going on with me and Lily Morton's books these days💔 I hope you enjoy it more than I did😔.
Not sure what is going on with me and Lily Morton's books these days💔 I hope you enjoy it more than I did😔.
November 20, 2021
You know, I have some mixed feelings.
Some thoughts:
The good:
1. The main characters, of course, are loveable and endearing.
2. Lily Morton's signature snark.
3. Chemistry
4. Feels
BUT I couldn't help but get a little bored because while reading the book, it felt predictable because I've read it before. There's always a snobby ex/friend or family member(s), the well-established character, and the other with a sap story. It's all very formulaic, which sometimes doesn't bother me, but it did in this case for some reason. Admittedly, some moments pulled at my heartstrings, but other times, reading felt like going through the motions.
I just wish she would switch up a little. Not every ex is a jerk, not every rich person looks down their nose at people, not everyone has a sad background. Idk; maybe I'm just overthinking it.
I'll be in the minority on this one- it was just ok. I think I'll always look forward to a Lily Morton book; this one just wasn't my favorite.
3.5 Stars
Some thoughts:
The good:
1. The main characters, of course, are loveable and endearing.
2. Lily Morton's signature snark.
3. Chemistry
4. Feels
BUT I couldn't help but get a little bored because while reading the book, it felt predictable because I've read it before. There's always a snobby ex/friend or family member(s), the well-established character, and the other with a sap story. It's all very formulaic, which sometimes doesn't bother me, but it did in this case for some reason. Admittedly, some moments pulled at my heartstrings, but other times, reading felt like going through the motions.
I just wish she would switch up a little. Not every ex is a jerk, not every rich person looks down their nose at people, not everyone has a sad background. Idk; maybe I'm just overthinking it.
I'll be in the minority on this one- it was just ok. I think I'll always look forward to a Lily Morton book; this one just wasn't my favorite.
3.5 Stars
February 20, 2022
but just for once, I would like someone to want me to stay. I want someone to miss me when I go.
I have to say. I reeealllyyy liked the plot. It had so much potential, it could’ve been something amazing. But some part of the book didn’t click for me which seems to be a trend with Lily Morton for me. There’s always some aspect of her book that doesn’t hit and I never know what.
But the plot of Wren and Mateo going to hotels and inspecting whilst pretending to be a couple was genius and well done. The second half: of them going to meet Mateo’s family was both frustrating and painful.
Wren was just my favorite character. I absolutely adore him and his way of always looking at the bright side and laughing it off. His personality is one that I genuinely admire in people and the author, imo, managed to make him very realistic in a way that she showed how exactly his past has affected him.
I’m not sure if I recommend this but I still enjoyed it.
I have to say. I reeealllyyy liked the plot. It had so much potential, it could’ve been something amazing. But some part of the book didn’t click for me which seems to be a trend with Lily Morton for me. There’s always some aspect of her book that doesn’t hit and I never know what.
But the plot of Wren and Mateo going to hotels and inspecting whilst pretending to be a couple was genius and well done. The second half: of them going to meet Mateo’s family was both frustrating and painful.
Wren was just my favorite character. I absolutely adore him and his way of always looking at the bright side and laughing it off. His personality is one that I genuinely admire in people and the author, imo, managed to make him very realistic in a way that she showed how exactly his past has affected him.
I’m not sure if I recommend this but I still enjoyed it.
February 14, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“I hope you do fall in love one day, even if it isn’t with me. I want you to have someone at your back protecting you the way you do everyone else. I would love to see you happy and fulfilled with the realisation that love isn’t always chaos, and if it is, then it’s the best sort of chaos that always brings brilliant things into your life.”
If I were to describe why I start off my month with a Lily Morton book, it would be akin to the expression - 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'; in the sense that there is a certain inner satisfaction in knowing what you're getting into and being okay with it. For even with the usual formula that her books tend to follow, at least I know The Cuckoo's Call will be grammatically written well, it is an editing boon I take great comfort and trust in. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 Even with the obvious expectation of fluffy cliche storylines that will come my way. It may have not been on the same level as the previous books I've read of hers, but this was a heart-warming Cinderella-esque age gap romance of two people searching for their happily ever after and true home is where the heart is really is for the both of them. 🤍🤍
“It’s just that I was always a cuckoo.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, bewildered.
“I was like a cuckoo. They never really have their own homes, do they? They’re left in someone else’s nest. I remember reading about them in primary school and thinking, ‘That's me. I’m a cuckoo, and there is nowhere that is really my home.’”
I mean, who wouldn't want to live the dream of being whisked away to exotic places and indulge yourself in beautiful sceneries, simply on the merit that you have a keen eye of scoping out what needs to be taken care of in hotel management. 🤭 Well, Wren Roberts certainly never knew how that felt - almost always at the mercy of his limited fiscal status - till his luck suddenly takes a surprising turn when he unexpectedly draws the desirable attention of the much-older and strikingly handsome 'Majorcan-born multi-millionaire hotel empire heir', Mateo Rossi. With his discerning keen eye, he is instantly employed to assist him in joining him in stealth hotel-hopping to check and see who and what needs to be taken care of to bring about the right kind of change.
And it was a sweet setup, because of who they are. 🥹 Wren, who has never had a real home - who knows this is just a little excitement he can bring into his little life, 'something I can remember when I’m back in gloomy London working my grey little job in my tiny office cubicle. But, for Mateo, this twenty-two year old 'eases me for some strange reason' - allows him to be 'open in a bizarre way with him' that he is not usually with other people, and opens his eyes to the endless possible dream of a lifelong happiness that he had never envisioned with anyone. 😟
“I wish so much for him. I want him to find love and make his own family. I wish him
to see the world and all its glories.
But at some point, that wish has shifted to include me in those visions.”
All his life, Wren has been jumping from foster home to foster home, he's never had a permanent place to call his home - his own - fleeting like a cuckoo bird. 'Wise beyond his years and a born observer' is just one of the reasons that drew him to Mateo. Along with that fierce desire to give him that feeling of safety was the driving force for Mateo - even above the growing attraction he felt for him -'then I’ll wish for you, Wren. I wish for you to have everything that you want'. 🥺 It's something more than just how Wren is completely different from the usual men he's had his previous relationships with - obviously being so much younger than him is one of those reasons. But just the fact that he's never held onto materialistic pleasure, that he's content with what he has despite his financial restraints and difficult upbringing, he was someone with so much heart and compassion, that Mateo had never met before. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
It didn't help matters either that Mateo was so jaded by his own father's squandering behavior that he always feared that he would be a victim of that kind of marital status - something that does hurt Wren, but he's not above simply - 'I will go with the flow and spend time with the most fascinating man I’ve ever met.' And it's through tender heartfelt confessions and emotional realizations, they slowly learn how much happier they are together than they are apart. 💟 That they were both trying so hard to deny the difference in their current lifestyles was exactly what they both needed - that was the breath of fresh air that they had both been holding in for so long and only now got a chance to release. The ending was a fluff fest that the hopeless romantic in me didn't quite mind. 🥰🥰
“Teo,” he says and the sound of my name on his lips makes feelings course through me that I have no intention of contemplating. Instead, I smile up at him.
“You have me in your power, Wren.”
Having never left my country, it's also always a pleasure visiting new tourist attractions through reading; Venice sounds like a beautiful city, and Mateo indulging Wren, while Wren adamantly refusing all his lavish gifts was really refreshing to see - how it didn't want to ever feel beholden to him - to never forget who he is. And if anything, I always envy the characters of her romances; who they are so easily blessed with the delight of richness and splendor they wouldn't normally be privy to. Must be nice going on 'A holiday from life - chasing a dream.' 🥺 *sighs dreamily*
Still, I wouldn't quite say it was the best of her works; the banter was very much low-key and chill in this one, and the mortal enemy wasn't much of a real threat that created much of a rift between the two of them. The spicy heat was on a moderate low flame, but the way Mateo untapped all of Wren's sensual points, awakened in him the feeling of being at his mercy and enjoying it was a nice touch - something that he felt honored to be trusted with. But still, it was still a good time pass - a fun kickstart to my monthly reads. 💌💌
And lest I forget, inquiring minds would very much like to know - when will we get our story for Alfie and Enzo?? I can't believe this is one set of supporting characters that hasn't earned their own spin-off story yet!! 😊
“I hope you do fall in love one day, even if it isn’t with me. I want you to have someone at your back protecting you the way you do everyone else. I would love to see you happy and fulfilled with the realisation that love isn’t always chaos, and if it is, then it’s the best sort of chaos that always brings brilliant things into your life.”
If I were to describe why I start off my month with a Lily Morton book, it would be akin to the expression - 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'; in the sense that there is a certain inner satisfaction in knowing what you're getting into and being okay with it. For even with the usual formula that her books tend to follow, at least I know The Cuckoo's Call will be grammatically written well, it is an editing boon I take great comfort and trust in. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 Even with the obvious expectation of fluffy cliche storylines that will come my way. It may have not been on the same level as the previous books I've read of hers, but this was a heart-warming Cinderella-esque age gap romance of two people searching for their happily ever after and true home is where the heart is really is for the both of them. 🤍🤍
“It’s just that I was always a cuckoo.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, bewildered.
“I was like a cuckoo. They never really have their own homes, do they? They’re left in someone else’s nest. I remember reading about them in primary school and thinking, ‘That's me. I’m a cuckoo, and there is nowhere that is really my home.’”
I mean, who wouldn't want to live the dream of being whisked away to exotic places and indulge yourself in beautiful sceneries, simply on the merit that you have a keen eye of scoping out what needs to be taken care of in hotel management. 🤭 Well, Wren Roberts certainly never knew how that felt - almost always at the mercy of his limited fiscal status - till his luck suddenly takes a surprising turn when he unexpectedly draws the desirable attention of the much-older and strikingly handsome 'Majorcan-born multi-millionaire hotel empire heir', Mateo Rossi. With his discerning keen eye, he is instantly employed to assist him in joining him in stealth hotel-hopping to check and see who and what needs to be taken care of to bring about the right kind of change.
And it was a sweet setup, because of who they are. 🥹 Wren, who has never had a real home - who knows this is just a little excitement he can bring into his little life, 'something I can remember when I’m back in gloomy London working my grey little job in my tiny office cubicle. But, for Mateo, this twenty-two year old 'eases me for some strange reason' - allows him to be 'open in a bizarre way with him' that he is not usually with other people, and opens his eyes to the endless possible dream of a lifelong happiness that he had never envisioned with anyone. 😟
“I wish so much for him. I want him to find love and make his own family. I wish him
to see the world and all its glories.
But at some point, that wish has shifted to include me in those visions.”
All his life, Wren has been jumping from foster home to foster home, he's never had a permanent place to call his home - his own - fleeting like a cuckoo bird. 'Wise beyond his years and a born observer' is just one of the reasons that drew him to Mateo. Along with that fierce desire to give him that feeling of safety was the driving force for Mateo - even above the growing attraction he felt for him -'then I’ll wish for you, Wren. I wish for you to have everything that you want'. 🥺 It's something more than just how Wren is completely different from the usual men he's had his previous relationships with - obviously being so much younger than him is one of those reasons. But just the fact that he's never held onto materialistic pleasure, that he's content with what he has despite his financial restraints and difficult upbringing, he was someone with so much heart and compassion, that Mateo had never met before. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
It didn't help matters either that Mateo was so jaded by his own father's squandering behavior that he always feared that he would be a victim of that kind of marital status - something that does hurt Wren, but he's not above simply - 'I will go with the flow and spend time with the most fascinating man I’ve ever met.' And it's through tender heartfelt confessions and emotional realizations, they slowly learn how much happier they are together than they are apart. 💟 That they were both trying so hard to deny the difference in their current lifestyles was exactly what they both needed - that was the breath of fresh air that they had both been holding in for so long and only now got a chance to release. The ending was a fluff fest that the hopeless romantic in me didn't quite mind. 🥰🥰
“Teo,” he says and the sound of my name on his lips makes feelings course through me that I have no intention of contemplating. Instead, I smile up at him.
“You have me in your power, Wren.”
Having never left my country, it's also always a pleasure visiting new tourist attractions through reading; Venice sounds like a beautiful city, and Mateo indulging Wren, while Wren adamantly refusing all his lavish gifts was really refreshing to see - how it didn't want to ever feel beholden to him - to never forget who he is. And if anything, I always envy the characters of her romances; who they are so easily blessed with the delight of richness and splendor they wouldn't normally be privy to. Must be nice going on 'A holiday from life - chasing a dream.' 🥺 *sighs dreamily*
Still, I wouldn't quite say it was the best of her works; the banter was very much low-key and chill in this one, and the mortal enemy wasn't much of a real threat that created much of a rift between the two of them. The spicy heat was on a moderate low flame, but the way Mateo untapped all of Wren's sensual points, awakened in him the feeling of being at his mercy and enjoying it was a nice touch - something that he felt honored to be trusted with. But still, it was still a good time pass - a fun kickstart to my monthly reads. 💌💌
And lest I forget, inquiring minds would very much like to know - when will we get our story for Alfie and Enzo?? I can't believe this is one set of supporting characters that hasn't earned their own spin-off story yet!! 😊
November 20, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up
Wren and Mateo meet when Wren is on holiday. Wren is younger than Mateo and also in a different social class. Mateo comes from a family who is well off. Wren comes from the foster system. To say these two have led different lives would be an understatement. Yet, somehow how Wren captures Mateo's attention and what was suppose to me a week of hanging out with one another turns in to more.
What can I say about this book? It is one of the stories where I didn't want it to end. There was just something about Wren that sucked me in. He was so lively and kind. He was just a great character and probably one of my new favorites of Lily's.
I would call this semi-dual POV because we see most of the story through Wren's eyes but just the right amount through Mateo's. I think the balance works perfectly of getting the emotions through.
Ughh!! Talk about emotions. From the very beginning of the relationship Mateo has been honest about not wanting love in his life. He has witnessed what "love" has done to his father and never wants to be that out of control. But Wren cannot help himself. The more he spends time with Mateo the more feelings develop. How does one handle falling in love with someone who doesn't want it? I think Lily hits the bit of angst just perfectly.
So...yes I loved this story. The one knock I have is the epilogue. I'm not sure what I was looking for there maybe more showing than telling me what has developed in their lives. I don't know...anyways still loved it and would recommend.
Side note: Loved the Easter eggs with other characters. Also, I know this is suppose to me a standalone but I NEED a story with Alfie and Enzo. You can't show me hints of them and not give me a full story. Please oh please🙏🏽🙏🏽Lily give me their story! 😆
*ARC provided by GRR, this is my honest review.*
Wren and Mateo meet when Wren is on holiday. Wren is younger than Mateo and also in a different social class. Mateo comes from a family who is well off. Wren comes from the foster system. To say these two have led different lives would be an understatement. Yet, somehow how Wren captures Mateo's attention and what was suppose to me a week of hanging out with one another turns in to more.
What can I say about this book? It is one of the stories where I didn't want it to end. There was just something about Wren that sucked me in. He was so lively and kind. He was just a great character and probably one of my new favorites of Lily's.
I would call this semi-dual POV because we see most of the story through Wren's eyes but just the right amount through Mateo's. I think the balance works perfectly of getting the emotions through.
Ughh!! Talk about emotions. From the very beginning of the relationship Mateo has been honest about not wanting love in his life. He has witnessed what "love" has done to his father and never wants to be that out of control. But Wren cannot help himself. The more he spends time with Mateo the more feelings develop. How does one handle falling in love with someone who doesn't want it? I think Lily hits the bit of angst just perfectly.
So...yes I loved this story. The one knock I have is the epilogue. I'm not sure what I was looking for there maybe more showing than telling me what has developed in their lives. I don't know...anyways still loved it and would recommend.
Side note: Loved the Easter eggs with other characters. Also, I know this is suppose to me a standalone but I NEED a story with Alfie and Enzo. You can't show me hints of them and not give me a full story. Please oh please🙏🏽🙏🏽Lily give me their story! 😆
*ARC provided by GRR, this is my honest review.*
July 8, 2023
THIS.
WAS.
BEAUTIFUL.
WAS.
BEAUTIFUL.
November 21, 2021
“You’re like my lighthouse, Wren. You show me the way, and your light is so clear and warm.”
[4.25] part one: 5++++ stars! i appreciate stories that give the mcs enough page time to allow a relationship to grow organically without any extraneous hopping into bed scenes that have little substance at that initial stage. Lily Morton’s characteristic snarky banter and sarcasm continues to be exquisite (i just love how much the characters make each other laugh 🥺), and i realized that i had to make an effort to control my laughter when reading into the late hours of the night 🤣 top it off with the gorgeous setting of Majorca (ignore me drowning in wanderlust, chasing the memories of long ago travels 😭) where they’re allowed to enjoy each other’s company without a care in the world and *chef’s kiss* ✨i had a blast✨
come part 2, Wren and Mateo are hit with a dose of reality, no longer able to run away from family obligations and digs at socioeconomic incompatibility. i would’ve absolutely hated being in Wren’s shoes, getting sneered at and looked down upon around every corner from the stepmom and half-sister to Mateo’s “friend” Leandro (quite an entitled bunch, aren’t they? 🙄).
obviously the whole premise of part two is to highlight the feeling within Wren that he can never be a part of Mateo’s world. but it was tiring to get one-dimensional rich person after another criticizing him in some way. the worst part is Mateo doesn’t share center stage with Wren anymore either due to work commitments, and his absence after their daily adventures from the first half left me bereft of some of that fun and joy i’d experienced. it got the job done in making me feel distraught over Wren’s situation though! i admired how he was never afraid of being true to himself and honest to a fault given his circumstances. being able to put your heart on your sleeve regardless of the result is so so brave.
we do have some characters who aren’t complete jerks. Wren strikes up a conversation with Mateo’s grandfather and they form a bond of their own, but Grandpa Rossi decides stepping back and letting the two dumbos work it out themselves was the smart choice (‘TWAS NOT LMAO). we also got the kind natured Enzo with his minimally discussed tragic backstory who i stood next to in the background shaking my head at these boys for being so blind 😂 in terms of the family relationship, i wish we had more of Mateo’s sassy mom to balance out how horrible the other family members were. she sorta disappeared at the end and that made me sad 😢
when they finally came to their senses, the ending scene didn’t have me feeling one way or another for some reason. fell a bit flat for me in the moment but the epilogue wrapped everything up nicely 😌
as for Mateo’s gift giving, at first i was like how many times does a guy need to say they don’t want your money or gifts before you stop showering them with money and gifts?? 😆 but stepping back, at least the gifts were meaningful and had a purpose, i’ll give him that.
“You do things for me far too quickly, Mateo. It’s a problem.”
“I don’t think I do. I think the problem is that fewer people do the same.”
fine, your sweet words have convinced me. i will happily allow you to be my sugar (book) daddy, Mateo 🤣
the most important question left unanswered though: were those library books ever returned?? 😲
in other news, i introduced an irl friend to the world of published m/m yesterday and this was the cover in my kindle library that first caught his eye before i showed him the synopsis. WILL I BE SUCCESSFUL IN BRINGING ANOTHER (VICTIM) MEMBER INTO THE FOLD?? TUNE IN NEXT TIME 👀👀
June 17, 2023
When I need a good laugh, I look for a Lily Morton book.
I can almost be guaranteed simple, sexy fun.
But I know the angst will be almost non-existent and I'll probably skim around the surface.
Which is not a bad thing by any means! Sometimes I just want to float and not have to work for it.
However, The Cuckoo's Call felt deeper.
My heart was tangled in the mix of the sweet snark.
I wanted to pull Wren through the pages and squeeze him with all my might.
I was just as enamored with Mateo. It's easy to see why Wren fell so fast. He might be filthy rich but his core isn't rotten. He wants to see how the other side lives. Experience what life is like when he's not "Mateo the heir to a grand hotel empire" and just Mateo.
With Wren by his side, he sheds his fancy suits and goes incognito. Kind of like Jasmine and Aladdin. Ha! Wren isn't quite a street rat but he's close. Having to work hard for every single thing, sometimes he scapes the bottom. Then Mateo appears and wants to secure his services as a consultant of sorts. And pay him to do it!
They visit his hotels to see what's really happening to his guests.
And when their time in Majorca is over, Mateo can't seem to let go. So, he convinces Wren to accompany him to Venice, to his main home. Or palazzo. You know, an Italian palace. It should be lovely.
But, his family is far from lovely. The only saving grace is his grandfather. He's absolutely splendid!
I wanted Wren to be pampered. I wanted him to be cherished. I wanted him to be loved.
Mateo was just the man for the job.
But they are from different worlds.
Can they bridge the gap?
Or is it too far?
You'll just have to discover for yourself.
It's not a hardship, I promise!!
*4.5*
I can almost be guaranteed simple, sexy fun.
But I know the angst will be almost non-existent and I'll probably skim around the surface.
Which is not a bad thing by any means! Sometimes I just want to float and not have to work for it.
However, The Cuckoo's Call felt deeper.
My heart was tangled in the mix of the sweet snark.
I wanted to pull Wren through the pages and squeeze him with all my might.
I was just as enamored with Mateo. It's easy to see why Wren fell so fast. He might be filthy rich but his core isn't rotten. He wants to see how the other side lives. Experience what life is like when he's not "Mateo the heir to a grand hotel empire" and just Mateo.
With Wren by his side, he sheds his fancy suits and goes incognito. Kind of like Jasmine and Aladdin. Ha! Wren isn't quite a street rat but he's close. Having to work hard for every single thing, sometimes he scapes the bottom. Then Mateo appears and wants to secure his services as a consultant of sorts. And pay him to do it!
They visit his hotels to see what's really happening to his guests.
And when their time in Majorca is over, Mateo can't seem to let go. So, he convinces Wren to accompany him to Venice, to his main home. Or palazzo. You know, an Italian palace. It should be lovely.
But, his family is far from lovely. The only saving grace is his grandfather. He's absolutely splendid!
I wanted Wren to be pampered. I wanted him to be cherished. I wanted him to be loved.
Mateo was just the man for the job.
But they are from different worlds.
Can they bridge the gap?
Or is it too far?
You'll just have to discover for yourself.
It's not a hardship, I promise!!
*4.5*
November 21, 2021
Lily Morton's books have become comfortable cliches for me, fluffy and empty. I don't like the age gap, I don't like the power imbalance, I don't like that the older, richer character is always the top... They are exactly the bodice - rippers she not so subtly mocks. This was a bit more melancholy than the rest, but not more real.
And the epilogue is supposed to be two years after, but it reads like at least ten. You cannot build a hotel empire in two years. You can barely make a renovation in this time. C'mon.
And the epilogue is supposed to be two years after, but it reads like at least ten. You cannot build a hotel empire in two years. You can barely make a renovation in this time. C'mon.
January 24, 2022
This is exactly why Lily Morton is one my favorite authors.
I loved, loved, loved this story. I mean, LOVED IT.
I never wanted it to end.
LOVE!
I loved, loved, loved this story. I mean, LOVED IT.
I never wanted it to end.
LOVE!
February 6, 2023
4-4.5 stars
This was a lovely surprise and made me want to go to a warm beach in Majorca, while also travel the alleys of Venice.
Mateo and Wren were great for each other the way that the brought out the best in one another was great to see.
I loved seeing Wren open up and see the world as well as keep his backbone and sassy nature. I also loved seeing Mateo get his head out of his ass and see he was in love with Wren.
I hope that there are more books in this world.. like Alfie and Enzo’s 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Joel Leslie also did a great job with the narrations, I love his accents and he didn’t disappoint!
This was a lovely surprise and made me want to go to a warm beach in Majorca, while also travel the alleys of Venice.
Mateo and Wren were great for each other the way that the brought out the best in one another was great to see.
I loved seeing Wren open up and see the world as well as keep his backbone and sassy nature. I also loved seeing Mateo get his head out of his ass and see he was in love with Wren.
I hope that there are more books in this world.. like Alfie and Enzo’s 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Joel Leslie also did a great job with the narrations, I love his accents and he didn’t disappoint!
November 20, 2021
Every time I think Lily Morton can't write a better book, she proves me wrong and does it.
The characters in The Cuckoo's Call will stay with me for a long while. I fell in love with them, and I fell in love with Majorca and Venice, where the book is set. Few authors are able to create a sense of place without overshadowing the story better than Lily does, I think because she allows us to see the places through the eyes of her characters.
As usual, there's plenty of humor in this book, but to me it's muted, softer. Not in a negative way, just where Felix and Oz have sharp tongues that would make Noel Coward smile, Wren's humor isoften self-deprecating and poignant.
The story is dual point of view, but as she's done in the past, Lily alternates viewpoint when the story dictates rather than a set back-and-forth trade, so the tension builds as Mateo is as much of a mystery to the reader as he is to Wren - then at just the right moment, we're in Teo's head and can breathe again.
The sex is, as usual, steamy and loving, and I loved the way the relationship unfolded, and the crisis point felt organic, rather than forced or farce as it sometimes is. It made sense to me, as did the resolution and denouement.
There are a couple of characters whom I hope to see again in the future, plus a couple of mentions of well-known characters. Despite those, you can read this book as a standalone, and I highly recommend that you schedule some time off to do so, because it's quite difficult to put down, or at least it was for me.
In the book, Wren refers to classic Victoria Holt novels and this has very much that same feel, but modern and gay and wonderful. I think it's right up there with Beautifully Unexpected and Merry Measure, and I can see myself reading it again soon.
The characters in The Cuckoo's Call will stay with me for a long while. I fell in love with them, and I fell in love with Majorca and Venice, where the book is set. Few authors are able to create a sense of place without overshadowing the story better than Lily does, I think because she allows us to see the places through the eyes of her characters.
As usual, there's plenty of humor in this book, but to me it's muted, softer. Not in a negative way, just where Felix and Oz have sharp tongues that would make Noel Coward smile, Wren's humor isoften self-deprecating and poignant.
The story is dual point of view, but as she's done in the past, Lily alternates viewpoint when the story dictates rather than a set back-and-forth trade, so the tension builds as Mateo is as much of a mystery to the reader as he is to Wren - then at just the right moment, we're in Teo's head and can breathe again.
The sex is, as usual, steamy and loving, and I loved the way the relationship unfolded, and the crisis point felt organic, rather than forced or farce as it sometimes is. It made sense to me, as did the resolution and denouement.
There are a couple of characters whom I hope to see again in the future, plus a couple of mentions of well-known characters. Despite those, you can read this book as a standalone, and I highly recommend that you schedule some time off to do so, because it's quite difficult to put down, or at least it was for me.
In the book, Wren refers to classic Victoria Holt novels and this has very much that same feel, but modern and gay and wonderful. I think it's right up there with Beautifully Unexpected and Merry Measure, and I can see myself reading it again soon.
December 1, 2021
Wren is absolutely wonderful, he’s this crazy mix of sadness but combined with optimism. For someone who has never had anything, he has the biggest, sweetest heart. Plus, he has the sharpest, most sarcastic wit. Just perfect really.
I just love him so much. It’s interesting that Teo would compare his life to Sisyphus because I would compare Wren’s to Job. Like can this guy catch a break?!
We’re given so many characters to love in the form of Teo, his mother, his grandfather and his best friend Enzo. But for every lovable character there’s at least one horrid one. It’s like no matter what Wren does, he’ll always be found wanting. And he’s too sweet, too prideful to let Teo know.
Teo believes that love makes you weak, makes your life chaotic. He prefers the calm in every aspect, so he compartmentalizes everything including the stepford men that quickly come in and out of his life.
Wren throws a wrench in all of his gears, he’s nothing like the men he typically fucks. So, it takes so much trial and error, plus the wisdom of his wonderful grandfather to show him that Wren is perfect for him. But is it too late?
I adored this book, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have finally read a book by this author. I can’t wait to tear into her whole catalog.
I just love him so much. It’s interesting that Teo would compare his life to Sisyphus because I would compare Wren’s to Job. Like can this guy catch a break?!
We’re given so many characters to love in the form of Teo, his mother, his grandfather and his best friend Enzo. But for every lovable character there’s at least one horrid one. It’s like no matter what Wren does, he’ll always be found wanting. And he’s too sweet, too prideful to let Teo know.
Teo believes that love makes you weak, makes your life chaotic. He prefers the calm in every aspect, so he compartmentalizes everything including the stepford men that quickly come in and out of his life.
Wren throws a wrench in all of his gears, he’s nothing like the men he typically fucks. So, it takes so much trial and error, plus the wisdom of his wonderful grandfather to show him that Wren is perfect for him. But is it too late?
I adored this book, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have finally read a book by this author. I can’t wait to tear into her whole catalog.
August 15, 2023
Omg okay so the trops did it for me: age gap ✅ virgin/first time✅ Angst but not too much angst✅ Cinderfella theme✅ undercover ✅ Majorcan/Venice setting✅
I really loved this book! Wren and Mateo had such an sweet and beautiful dynamic i enjoyed each scene with them. The relationship between them felt so pure and beautiful to me🥹.
Also Wren was so funny, sweet and a little bit sneaky but also was his character so well written! Mateo on the opposite is more serious and matured (and I hoped for that because he is definitely older than Wren) but he is also really pure and protective☺️💕.
I also loved that we got to know these two characters on a deeper level. The sex scenes between them weren’t that spicy (to me) but that was totally fine, otherwise it wouldn’t fit the ambiance that well!
Also I loved many many times and I’m glad I picked this book up because it definitely brought me the cozy sweetness I needed🥰💖
I really loved this book! Wren and Mateo had such an sweet and beautiful dynamic i enjoyed each scene with them. The relationship between them felt so pure and beautiful to me🥹.
Also Wren was so funny, sweet and a little bit sneaky but also was his character so well written! Mateo on the opposite is more serious and matured (and I hoped for that because he is definitely older than Wren) but he is also really pure and protective☺️💕.
I also loved that we got to know these two characters on a deeper level. The sex scenes between them weren’t that spicy (to me) but that was totally fine, otherwise it wouldn’t fit the ambiance that well!
Also I loved many many times and I’m glad I picked this book up because it definitely brought me the cozy sweetness I needed🥰💖
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