Spring Strings

by Lily Morton

Malachi Booth is a supermodel. He’s used to moving about the world, sleeping with whoever takes his fancy and watching the money roll in. The last place he expects to find himself is on a run-down farm in Cornwall, but a bad bout of bronchitis means that he’s stuck there. The only compensation for this dismal state of affairs is that the farmer is very good looking, even if he’s the grumpiest person that Malachi has ever met.

 Cadan Landry’s farm has been in his family for hundreds of years but that doesn’t make it any easier to make ends meet. As a consequence, Cadan could be called grumpy. Most men would consider a supermodel collapsing at their feet while dressed in the skimpiest pair of briefs ever made to be a sign of good fortune. Cadan just resents the fact that the young man is taking up space in his cow field.

 These two men are from different worlds, but can they ever meet in the middle? 

 From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a novella about snarky models, misconceptions, and finding a home in the most unlikely of places.


Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Humor

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2020

About the author

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author.

She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven't had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

Her latest release is 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

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Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.5~

This is the best of Lily Morton!

There's just so much goodness packed into this 160 page story: sharp-tongued model, lonely farmer, comfort/healing, snark and more snark, sheep (so many sheep), cute doggo, slow burn, kitchen disasters, heartache (but not for long), and a smashing HEA.

If you've read Jude and Asa's story, you may remember Malachi. He's mentioned only in passing and appears to be another vapid, gorgeous creature whose job is to stand around in underpants and look pretty.

But Mal is much more than that, and Cadan recognizes Mal's wit and kindness almost immediately.

I adored Cadan's mom Constance and Mal's agent Maisy. I giggled at the cameo appearance by Silas and swooned at the glorious epilogue.

This is such a charming, sexy, feel good story! I'm still smiling.

[Imme van Gorp · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| 3.5 stars ||

➛First read: February 2022 | ★5.0 stars
➛Second read: September 2023 | ★3.5 stars

Edit after my re-read:
While I still thought this book was rather lovely, I can’t describe it as anything close to resembling perfection. It’s simply too rushed and doesn’t have nearly enough depth to claim that title.
I was also more annoyed with the third-act break up this time around, since it made me feel like Cadan didn’t appreciate Malachi enough. This made me a little sad considering Malachi was genuinely amazing and truly deserved all the love in the world.

Original Review:
This was fun, heart-warming, romantic, and absolutely hilarious. It enthralled me completely and never felt even remotely boring.

I was entirely in love with the two main characters, Malachi and Cadan. They are both incredibly likeable, and have very distinct personalities.
They also match really well and have amazing chemistry together. Their interactions either cracked me up or made me swoon. It was always a win-win situation. I couldn't get enough of them.
The love they had for each other also felt incredibly genuine. Their relationship was definitely slow-burn, and it was done amazingly. We really get to see them grow towards each other from a distinct dislike to a sense of appreciation to a comforting friendship to a heart-stopping romance.
The best part about that is that the growth in their relationship never comes out of nowhere. It makes perfect sense that they eventually fall for each other, as they are truly on the same wave-length: intellectually, emotionally and humorously.
Their banter was amazing and their love was pure. I laughed out loud plenty of times, while also adoring their sweet moments.

The plotline of this short novel was really quite fun.
Nothing showstopping happens, but I really liked the idea of a snarky model meeting a grumpy farmer, not quite getting off on the right foot until said model gets sick and said farmer has to take care of him. It also doesn't hurt that this dynamic was executed flawlessly.
The farm was described in such a warm way that I could understand Malachi falling in love with it, and it truly began to feel like home to both of them. I just loved all the little things they did together, not only on the farm but also in the house. They honestly felt like a real couple and true partners, living together in harmony.

There was also just the right amount of drama and angst here. There is definitely one moment when everything seems to have gone haywire, but it's done quite tastefully, and the eventual 'getting back together' was very cute and warmed my heart by more than a few degrees.

Long story short, this book is well-written and full of sarcastic/dry humour, while also serving all the sweetness and romance. It's perfect.


Lily Morton books:
‘Mixed Messages’ series - var. ratings
Spring Strings - 3.5 stars
Merry Measure - 1.5 stars

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection.

I came >< close to crying when I saw the dedication, then I laughed like a drain, sighed a wee little sigh and felt like my heart was going to burst with all the happiness this novella (which is actually almost full book length) gave me.

See, I've been (jokingly) teasing (she might say bugging the Hell out of) Lily that one of the love interests in her books should be a Cornish rare breeds farmer.

And then she gave me one, and it was Cadan, and he was bloody brilliant.

Not only was he bloody brilliant, but he was utterly different from supermodel Malachi, who she also knew I'd been dying to get more from after his wee appearance when he bumped into Jude in Dublin in another of her short stories.

So when they met, I knew it would end up with another couple gazing at the glories of a Cornish sunset and living their best, snarky British lives together.

And I was right.

Lily Morton, I love you and your wit, your amazing humour, and your fabulous men, but most of all, I love your kindness and your friendship ❤

PS It was supposed to be Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs 🐖🐷😉

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well! Wasn't that just a whole lot of Lily Morton fabulousness that I needed right now, and after a serious slump of DNF after DNF this was a total breath of fresh air.

Opposites sure do attract, and this is what LM does best. Loved both characters, loved the snark and banter and loved watching them fall in love. 💖

Thanks to the author for this awesome freebie which I inhaled in one sitting

[D.L. Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

BR with the always delightful Cassandra.

This is everything I’ve come to love about Lily’s stories. They’re adorably sweet, full of sarcastic humor, characters that are self deprecating and give the best banter.

Oh my, they’re all so incredibly cute and sarcastic. I’ve never wished to be on a farm more. As long as I’m on Cadan’s farm.

Oh my lord, Mal trying to cook for the first time had way too much in common with Rachel’s (from Friends) trifle.

Ross: It tastes like feet!
Joey: I like it!
Ross: Are you serious?
Joey: What's not to like? Custard, good. Jam, good. Beef, GOOD!

Experiencing Mal’s defrosting, learning his curious nature, his need to learn and help and his loyal heart is the best. Then watching them finally realize that they can’t hold back another second was the greatest combustion of desire. Can you say red hot?!

My only complaint is we didn’t get to experience Mal’s character growth. One day he was a diva and the next he was anything but. I also wasn’t a fan of all the time jumps at the beginning. I’m all for getting to the point but we could’ve slowed down a little and experienced the nuances of the before and after of the boy’s relationship.

I loved every second of this and I hated to see it end. Not only will I miss these adorable boys, but I’ll miss all the lovely side characters (Constance & Maisy), Pip the Border Collie and last but certainly not least the farm.

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Loved this one.

Banter for days. I laughed out loud so many times. Loved Malachi's snark. And Caden's for that matter.

I would've rounded up to 5 stars but Caden made an idiot move.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this classic Lily Morton romance – lots of excellent banter, a heart-warming story, some good steam and (for the length of a novella) even quite well-rounded side characters.

Gruff Cadan and long-haired, snarky Malachi do remind of other Lily Morton characters, but it is so much fun I couldn’t care less. It was nice to ‘place’ these two characters in the same world as the Mixed Messages and Finding Home series with mentions of Jude (Mal's former fling), Asa and a cameo from Silas!

A very entertaining and pleasurable afternoon read!
And the fact that it's free (check the Spring Fling Giveaway on prolific) makes it even sweeter!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy. There are some authors that I run to when I need a dose of angst, and others I turn to for a mystical ride through fantasyland, and then there are those that are like a sunny promise. Guaranteed to bring me book joy…every single time. Morton is my go-to book hugger. The blueprint might be similar and perhaps even comparable character ingredients but it doesn’t matter. I’m sucked in, smiling and chuckling from the first page to the very last. Her books make me happy. Spring Strings is the essence of why I am such a fan and continue to come back for more.

What's to like: Cornwall seems like such a delightful place, I adored slipping into its landscape again. It screams romance with its passion and purity. Supermodel Malachi Booth pretends the country doesn’t sing to his soul but the reality tells a different story. Cadan, the owner of the farm used for the shoot, does some pretending of his own. He claims indifference to the cheeky model but is drawn to him with a force he can’t ignore. Their flirting becomes a fling but they agree it stops there. No forever for them. Nope. This affair has a timestamp. Maybe. They just don’t work. I mean, a farmer and a model? This is just until Mal is better. They could never settle together. Or…could they?

What's to love: Dreams change and that’s okay. Makes no sense to hold onto desires that no longer have the same appeal. Both Mal and Cadan are thrown off track when they are thrown together and neither know how to navigate their new curvy path. Life has shown Mal that loving someone is useless…unless it’s yourself. Cadan wears his heart on his sleeve and can’t hold back when he wants something. Unfortunately, he is keenly aware of betrayal and can’t take the risk. They soon discover life is full of risks but if you never take the chance you’ll never reap the rewards. The stakes are high but luck is on their side. Between the pull of the stunning land and meddling friends and family, they drop their defenses and relent. Suddenly it’s crystal clear, they do fit. Love is never wrong. Let’s just hope it’s not too late!

Beware of: Short and sweet with a dash of sass. Familiar faces and names appear but their history isn’t pivotal, this one truly stands on its own. A major blunder nearly destroys it all but a stiletto strutting chain smoker puts things back in their proper place.

This book is for: If you need a lively and lovely couple to pull you out of real life, Mal and Cadan should do the trick nicely. I hope this isn’t the last we see of them!

Book UNfunk

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 3 out of 5]

***overall 3.5 Stars***

1% -20% = hmmm...
21% = my ears perked up...
30% - 80% = yep, me likey...
81% - 100% = toothache material

[Vanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!! 💞 😍 🤩 💘 Absolutely loved it!! Read it in one day 😍 it was that good. Although a novella it was not too short but did leave me wanting more of Malachi and Caden.. 💘 💝
This had all the lovable tropes from a typical Lily Morton book..; strong willed MC with a little baggage(Caden) ✅ , smart sassy MC with a heart of gold(Malachi) ✅, Witty banter ✅ , slow-burn that turns into sizzling steamy sex ✅ , a little bit of angst with lots of sweetness thrown in ✅ , great side characters (Maisy, Constance) ✅✅ , a wonderful epilogue with a super satisfying and sweet HEA ✅✅✅
Loved everything! 😍. Highly recommended!! 👍👍

[Elisa Glendenning (mostly off-line) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read 10/23

Wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this, as ratings amongst GR friends ranged anything from DNF’s-5 stars. However, I enjoyed this opposites attract novella even more second time around.

Sparks fly when snarky supermodel, Malachi meets his match, hot AF farmer, Cadan. LOVED Malachi’s razor sharp wit. Loved the Cornish farm setting. LOVED how Cadan came to Malachi’s rescue. LOVED how Malachi rescues him right back. Like before, the rushed third act conflict still bothers me. Considering the timing, a low blow for Malachi; Cadan you dipstick! Fortunately, it wasn’t drawn out, but I do wish Cadan hadn’t needed prompting from a third party.

I didn’t get the resolution I’d hoped for with Malachi’s mum, but overall, a fun low angst read. One that I’ll revisit again!

[Snjez]

dnf @ 80%

[haletostilinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! This felt like a full length novel of Morton's, even though it was about 80ish pages shy of that. But the connection, the chemistry, the passion, the love, it was all there between Malachi (Who just makes me think of Queen Barrel's henchmen from Sailor Moon all the time, so I loved when Caden started calling him Mal lol) and Caden.

Malachi is the supermodel we met briefly in Jude's book from Mixed Messages (so long ago now) and briefly in Jude and Asa's short story afterward. Malachi seemed shallow and bitchy, but in this we see that he is much more than that.

When Malachi is at a farm in Cornwall for a photoshoot, he has bronchitis but tries to go through with it, and the people around him don't exactly express worry for him too much.

Except for the grumpy owner of the farm, Caden, who doesn't seem to like anyone being on his property, but has rented it out for those doing the photoshoot.

When Malachi collapses in the middle of the photoshoot, Caden is there to help him and look after him. Thus, Malachi stays long after his colleagues have left, resting and recuperating from his illness, but along the way Caden and Mal start to fall for each other, with Mal letting down his walls and Caden letting go of some of his grumpiness.

I absolutely loved this and these two were honestly one of my favorite couples from all of Morton's books, so it was well done for being shorter than normal, not a full length novel.

I HIGHLY recommend this, and it's a freebie too on prolific works, so definitely worth it! Two massive thumbs up from me!

[Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this short, sweet, uncomplicated romance.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Top Farm, Cornwall, UK.
Malachi and his crass crew are on Caden's farm for a photo shoot, where our London model collapses. Doc says he's got bronchitis, dehydration and malnutrition. He'll be staying.
Our two men are both smart and exchange sassy banter, plus each puts aside the attraction, because it's a temporary situation.
Malachi is a tall thin model, with long dark hair,

green eyes and a jaded attitude, but a soft center.
Caden is the owner of the farm, tall, muscled,

messy brown/blonde hair and has a sexy stubbles on his face. He's been burned by his ex, and works to keep his family farm afloat.

Caden's Mom took care of Malachi, while Caden kept working. Malachi gets better and helps with the work, because he has experience gained on his grandad's place.
The men do give in and have super hot, sizzling sex, which in turn gives us insight into how badly Malachi has been treated in his past.

I liked each man, each is different, but meld well as a team.



When Malachi leaves for a photo shoot, both are so miserable without the other. Decisions are made and we find out how they will make their way back together.

Fun and heartwarming.
ENJOY !
=======
(P.S.) I know I have read this story previously, right down to the recipe book pages incident. But, I can't prove it. I DO know I have read this story a few years back. I liked it then, too.)

=======

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I picked this one because I needed it to fit a challenge category and I can see why this Lily is one of Shannon's favorite authors.

For a novella, this story packs quite the punch. We get ridiculous levels of characterization and a wonderfully detailed setting. It made my heart go UwU more times than I expected given how vicious Mal could be and how crotchety Cadan typically was. But their edges fit and made for a never boring romance.

Often I complain that shorter books just don't have the space to create a realistically quick "in love" arc, but there was a quote that made me smile: "...sometimes you fall in love first and then add the liking later." Lily took this one quite literally: You could feel the attraction and emotion, and then see them slowly learn to like each other more. I am also not a fan of the jump-cuts (time gaps) but other than wanting to see those moments portrayed in the book (like, really really wanting that), using them didn't get in the way of the story.

I've got a lot of LM's books on my TBR - looks like I need to get to them more quickly!

[NicoleR.M.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read on audio

I love Joel Leslie’s excellent ability to do all kinds of accents. He sounds like a posh English man when he needs to, as well as a plain farmer from Cornwall. He performs them all! So, yes, I enjoyed listening to Malachi’s and Cadan’s story.
One tiny bit of negativity: when he needs to give voice to a woman, they all sound a bit like they are well in their 80’s instead of a young thirty-something. But that might be a me-thing 🤷🏻‍♀️


A typical Lily Morton story, this book is all sweet and fun with lots of humor. I enjoyed Malachi and Cadan, loved their chemistry.
Though Malachi seems kind of superficial at first, as the story develops you get to know him a lot better and see there’s a lot more to him than just being a popular model for underwear. That’s exactly what Cadan started to realise himself, when his first thoughts about Malachi were not very flattering, other than that he was gorgeous to look at.
This was a nice, though predictable read, told from both pov’s. But I love just about everything Lily writes, and this was no exception to that!

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✰ 3.75 stars ✰

“Ah, I see the spring strings are still powerful.”

I smile at her. “Spring strings?”

“It’s this place in the spring. It has strings that tie you to the land, so you never want to leave.”

I think Lily Morton delivers better romances when she writes novellas. I mean this had all the typical ingredients you would expect from a predictable LM romance, but, somehow, it worked well here and you wanna know why? Because everything was mentioned in passing. 👌🏻 The horrid ex, the bad parental influence, the 3rd act break up, it all played its parts, but in such small detail, that it barely made it to the surface, thus, allowing us to simply bask in the lush countryside of Cornwall. 🌱💟

It doesn't help though that Malachi seriously disliked Cardan upon first sight. I mean, to think that the first thing you would call your true love was that he was a Wanker, it does strike the question at how it would be even conceivable that he would be so smitten with his current modeling shoot location. 🙃 'It’s the sweetest feeling, which is alarming enough in itself to have me pull back.' Yet, even the hardest of hearts of one the country's top models can be tempted and caught by the magical charms of the Spring Strings; especially, when Malachi's own health fails to a bad case of bronchitis, so much so that a little country air and a little bit of hard work is exactly what the doctor ordered. 🥺

And despite all their painstaking attempts to avoid any desires of flirtation or attraction, sometimes the chemistry is too tempting to ignore. 🫠💓

“I want you so much, and I give up trying to keep my hands off you. I can’t even remember the ridiculous reason for why we’re staying away from each other.

Can you?”

I liked Cardan and I liked Malachi. They made me laugh and they made me smile. I loved that they got off on the wrong foot, till they both showed each other how despite how different they were, they were in fact, quite perfect for each other. Malachi may appear like a vapid footloose and flippant model only good enough to strike a pose or render a photoshoot speechless - 'I put the super in the model' - but he's worth so much more than just his pretty face. For underneath that beautiful composure, beat the mind of someone who genuinely cared enough to express concern and interest in others' passions and ideas, who was smart and funny and had a whole other side to him that the modeling world failed to see and never got to appreciate.

He was never one to expect anything from anyone, so even Cardan caring for him with such patience and attention hit a nerve with him at how strange it was to be on the receiving side, rather than always giving. That he was developing feelings for someone, regardless of how hard he fights to keep others at bay. I love that he made Cardan loosen up and smile - how it warmed him to see him have that impression on another. 💕💕 Cardan was kind and patient and you could see how deeply he cared for his farm and was dedicated to his way of life that was his entire being - 'who hides his kindness and fierce intelligence and loyalty under an uncaring, grumpy exterior. He's nursing his own demons - financial loans and painful heartbreaks - but Malachi's presence, somehow, soothes the hurt that he's been carrying for so long. So much so that as much as they both fight off the temptation of attraction, sometimes chemistry is inevitable. 😊

Lame, I know... 😊 🙂‍↕️

“You could have nothing, and I would still be by your side. You do know that, don’t you?”

“I do know that,” I say softly. “It’s something I hold in my heart every day.”

LM balanced their alternating perspectives well enough that we got to see both sides of their emotions and how they were changing each other - for the better. She delivers all the usual spice and sweet moments of fun-loving and teasing banter and delicious make-out sessions that capture their intimacy well. 🥰 I loved how they opened up to each other, showing their vulnerable sides, how Malachi felt comfortable working on the farm, and enjoying being part of a workforce that did not expect perfection from him. 'Mal isn’t much of a one for poetry and romance, but he has a way of levelling you with the heartfelt nature of his feelings sometimes.' Even when they agreed about no chance of commitment, it was nice to see them abandon the barriers they had put up against others that allowed them to talk about their past histories of trauma and bad decisions, thus leading to Malachi wanting to be of some help to Cardan for his troubles; hence the 3rd act break-up, which as per the norm, happens with its usual air of annoyances, but, somehow, it felt alright, this time. 🥺

It felt alright because the reasons made sense, and so too, was the groveling that followed after. The sense of understanding the limitations, as well as the expectations on both sides that showed how they understood each other - even in the few months they shared together - was enough to realize their love for each other. 🫶🏻👍🏻

“You’ll have half of the farm because you’re the other half of me. The part I never thought I’d find.”



And I'm not anything if not a romantic, and it was sweet and heartwarming to see how their relationship blossomed into something beautiful. How they were both searching for a home to belong to and they found it with each other. Finding joy and peace and a new way of life in the farm that they come to share in the pleasures and delights in. 🫂🌸 The epilogue was ridiculously sweet and cheesy, but oh so wholesome, that it just gives me the warm fuzzies seeing two of the least expected people find love and happiness together in the most unexpected of places. 🥹🤍 I could pick at it more, but just seeing the restraint in ludicrosity that could have marred this lighthearted and lovable read made me appreciate the smaller things that shined in their absence.

Oh, and shout out to Camille, a fabulous agent who deserves heaps of praise, and Cardan's mother, Constance, who was an angelic dear and sweetheart to Malachi, compared to his own mother, who we won't bother mentioning, for she doesn't deserve it. 🙅🏻‍♀️

It is a shame, though, that the cover did not bless us with Malachi's luscious chocolate locks; the way Cardan gushed over it, I would have liked to have seen that in its rich splendor... 🥲 Although, if that model is the image of Cardan, then, I don't blame Malachi choosing to dedicate his life to the farmer that first cared for his health and then cared for his heart. 🩵😍

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy Mal got his HEA with Cadan! I absolutely loved his snark 😂

[Claude · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars! LOVE this.


Meet Cadan , (PS: HE is the model on the book cover) the owner of a farm and a totally hottie.

«  He’s tall and broad-shouldered with a head of messy brown-blond hair. His long legs are showed to their best advantage in a pair of very faded jeans, and he has the perfect ratio of stubble »

Two worlds collide.


And Malachi , a "supermodel" who's traveling all around the world.

These two met when Malachi had to do some shooting in Cadan's farm. No love at first sight.
Totally Opposites.
Then Malachi got sick. Cadan took care of him even if they were just strangers to each other. Days after days these two started to fall slowly in love with each other, working together, laughing together (PS: there are some hilarious parts in this, like when Malachi tried to cook for Cadan haha, EPIC). It took weeks but when these two got together in the physical part: it's FIRE

I love it! My favorite character was clearly Malachi aka the snarky model. He has a big heart. I love the way he helped (and continue to help) his lover. He's not afraid to work hard, he's so kind. He loves HARD and it's an amazing thing to see.

LOVE THIS.

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread/1st Listen: May 2024

Lily Morton and Joel Leslie apparently have become my duo to help me out when a book is going to put me in a slump or if a book didn't work for me and I need a palate cleanser haha.

I enjoyed this as much as the first time I read this 3 years ago. It makes me want to pick up another Lily Morton book to keep this good time going! So maybe that is what I will do haha!

Original Read: March 2021
Book: 4 stars

For a novella this was adorable. I love the banter between Malachi (who if you’ve read “Deal Maker” you’d have heard about him) and Caden was perfect. I also could feel the chemistry between the main characters which was great for a novella, didn’t feel rushed to me.

This book was great and low angst, this compared to the last book I read were like night and day.

So happy to go back to the English countryside when I read Lily Morton’s books, sounds like a breathtaking place to live.

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing about Lily Morton is that although all of the couples across her are very similar, with same snarky humor, I can't seem to get enough. The characters may be similar but the settings and their backgrounds are different and the stories have interesting plots. I guess the very selfish part of me wishes she was a bit more prolific but, of course, I would never want to rush her. I did take issue with a couple of her books but I am still a major fan and can't see myself not reading everything she writes.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single second of this and can't find one single thing I did not like.

Excellent!

[Elsbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great 180 pages punch of emotions. Loved it. I'm always a big fan of Lily Morton's banter. It makes her characters wonderful people.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A book with the true Lily Morton formula. And while I really like the banter and her books always make me laugh, I do always feel like something is missing.

I liked this one, but somehow I did miss a little more connection between Malachi and Cadan.

I really liked the hurt/comfort when Malachi fainted on Cadan’s farm and Cadan had to nurse Malachi back to health. I also liked the banter between these guys and it was wonderful to see Malachi transform from a prima donna to the real him.

But somehow I was still missing something. I can’t even put my finger on it, just that I feel this way with all Lily Morton books I’ve read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I could have read about this couple for another 50k words, absolutely adorable. Lily can't write quick enough for me :)

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachi + Cadan 🖤
Grumpy farmer | Snarky supermodel | Banter


My first book from Lily. I'm hoping the things I like in this book are true to the author and not just these specific characters. Such as the snark, banter and humor. I definitely will be reading more from her.


⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists






Tropes/content:
Grumpy farmer
Snarky supermodel
They meet when Malachi's team pays to do a shoot in Cadan's field
Sharp back and forth banter, playful shit talking
Hurt comfort - helps nurse him back to health
Opposites attract
Cadan's mom is sweet and supportive
Mr "I dont cuddle or do relationships"
Pierced 🍆
Surprises him by paying off his loan to his shitty ex step dad
Strict roles
Relatively low spice - no kiss or contact until after 50% and only a couple on page sex scenes
Epilogue 3 years later - they live on the farm, Mal still models but just when he wants money to do projects on the farm. They started a potato vodka business and Mal and Cadan's mom run cottage rentals. Cadan proposes and wants to give half the farm to Mal as a wedding present.


Warnings:
Discussions of food and body weight in a model setting
Unhealthy weight loss
Malachi loses consciousness and passes out from being overworked while sick, ends up in other Cadan's bed for days to rest
Bronchitis
Dead dad
Third act breakup - they never admit being together and both always expect there to be a time limit. But Cadan called it quits out of fear based on how things went down with his ex and Mal leaves for awhile before Cadan goes to his house to try to win him back

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down. Appropriate length for the simple plot. Not enough sexy times. Some angst but not all that much.

Good but not great.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Morton is a guaranteed 5 star author for me, so I shouldn't be surprised that she was able to craft such a marvelous story in under 200 pages. Beautifully drawn characters, fabulous chemistry, lush and vivid descriptions of the gorgeous English countryside. Plus the bonus of all that charming Lily Morton wit and humor.

The audio version is performed by Joel Leslie.

an audiobook copy of Spring Strings was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly delightful.

It's the rare novella that can offer all the things this one does - off-the-charts chemistry, a well-developed romance, interesting backstories and strong secondary characters - so to find all that here was a very welcome surprise. (Although at 162 pages, this is more of a short novel; there are books billed as novels that come in at a similar page count!)

Spring Strngs is an opposites-attract romance between a Cornish farmer and a supermodel, a pairing that absolutely Should Not Work. When beautiful Malachi Booth meets hunky but grumpy Cadan Landry, it's snark-at-first sight (this is Lily Morton, queen of snark after all!) and sparks fly. When Malachi ends up staying at Cadan's farm to recuperate following an illness, the pair gradually start to re-assess their preconceptions about each other and a cautious friendship develops, albeit a sexually-charged one.

Malachi is brilliantly written; he's cynical and closed off and comes across as a total diva to start with, but the thing is that he knows he's demanding and difficult and looks on it as part of his job, which makes it easy to like him in spite of it. Ms. Morton makes a number of very pertinent and serious observations about the world he moves in beneath the banter, and also gives him a backstory that completely explains the choices he's made. And Cadan is a genuinely good man but is struggling and pretty much working himself into the ground because of a poor choice he made in the past (although that doesn't make the situation he's in his fault).

Watching the pair of them gradually letting down their guards and allowing the other to know him was just lovely, and I especially loved that Malachi had, at long last found somewhere and someone with whom he could really be himself.

Short, sweet and snarky, but with plenty of depth to make it more than a simple piece of fluff, and just the ticket if you're looking for a pick-me-up in book form.