Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  The Cuckoo’s Call

AUTHOR:  Lily Morton

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  331 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 20, 2021

BLURB:

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?

REVIEW:

I’m profoundly lucky to have found Wren, and I’m very grateful to the old man who convinced me to listen to this particular cuckoo’s call. I found the deepest love and a home for myself in the warm boy lying next to me.”

Hot, sweaty, half-naked men lying poolside in the sun on the island of Majorca. A beautiful millionaire and the intriguing man eighteen years his junior. The gorgeous scenery of Venice and the Spanish island of Majorca. What’s not to love about Lily Morton’s gorgeous romance, The Cuckoo’s Call? I couldn’t find fault with anything in this lovely story about sweet, sweet Wren and Mateo finding true love.

Twenty-two year old Wren Roberts from London is on holiday in Majorca with a friend and his friend’s rich, snobby buddies. When the others leave the island and ditch him, Wren is left with little money and decides to head home. On his last night, he meets hotel magnate, Mateo Rossi, who becomes smitten with the younger man. Mateo convinces Wren to stay another week and they become close friends as they travel around the island checking on Mateo’s family’s hotels. By week’s end, they’re falling for each other and Mateo implores Wren to accompany him to his home in Venice for a month.

While he slowly falls for Mateo, he knows he could never fit into wealthy, worldly Mateo’s universe. How could the older man ever love him back when he could have his choice from a plethora of more suitable men? As the month progresses, Wren rationalizes that Mateo will never love him and he risks bringing shame and scandal to the family. After a life without love, Wren protects his heart by making a decision that hurts both of them.

Ms. Morton has created a beautiful love story between two very endearing men. This book represents the very best of a trope featuring an older millionaire caring for and spoiling his younger, humble lover, giving him an experience only money and privilege can buy. But Mateo’s appeal goes far beyond his wealth – in fact, Wren isn’t remotely interested in his money and is uncomfortable with his gifts. Wren is attracted to Mateo’s kindness, thoughtfulness, and calm demeanor. Wren is cute and awkward and makes Mateo smile with his delightful sense of humor. The men have a great camaraderie based on playful banter.

Once they arrive in Venice, however, Mateo becomes more businesslike and is no longer loose and relaxed. Venice is not the warm and welcoming destination Wren had hoped for. He desperately wants the Rossi family to receive him with open arms because he has no family of his own. While there are plenty of villains, helping with his discomfort is Mateo’s grandfather who blesses him with his kindness.

Mateo’s mother is highly likable, too, but the Oscar for supporting character goes to Alfie, the irreverent, irrepressible waiter in one of the hotels Wren and Mateo visit. His lack of filter and inability to be anything but brutally honest with the guests is a riot. He later becomes one of Wren’s closest friends. Word has it there’s a campaign for a book starring Alfie and Mateo’s best friend, Enzo.

With time spent in both Venice and Majorca, this book is visually stunning. My mind’s eye is filled with imagery that evokes a summertime romance. Enough can’t be said about the world building. Wren and Mateo indulge in all the pleasures of Majorca: the casual lifestyle on the beaches, the ever-present sunshine, the picturesque villages, sailing the azure sea, eating, drinking and sharing a bed. Venice is vastly different with its history, architecture, the charming canals and boats, and the cosmopolitan Italians.

I loved The Cuckoo’s Call. The clever prologue kept me thinking about the future for the entire book and the ending didn’t disappoint. The epilogue takes place two years in the future and provides a swoon-worthy conclusion. Ms. Morton’s fans will fall in love with Wren and Mateo and appreciate the delectable settings.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon