Rating: 
Summary: 3.5 Reading
Review: GREAT descriptions of how hard life was for the servants during this time period in history. I loved the realistic descriptions and portrayals of work life, and the struggle for existence. It made the reader feel as if they were truly living during that time.
In addition, I also liked the book's storyline, but I got very frustrated with Lily's wimpiness when it came to Devon's brutish treatment and mistrust of her. Instead of the turbulent love story, where the hero and heroine fight against the odds to be together, they actually fight each other's foibles to be together (Devon's lack of trust and mistreatment of her, and Lily's constant attempts to see past his brutish ways).
This is a dysfunctional relationship, if I ever saw one. The book had my attention enough to get to the end (good ending), but how much did Lily have to go through to get there?? And, was it worth it?? Would Devon's lack of remorse for his bad behavior truly mean a "Happily Ever After Ending"?
I've read many romantic novels in my time, and after this one, I know I have read better.
Rating: 
Summary: ALMOST PERFECT . . . DEFINITELY A KEEPER!!!
Review: I just finished reading the TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH trilogy and LILY. Even though LILY is an earlier work, it is by far my favorite. It has all the elements that I love in a romance and the writing is superb! I wish Ms. Gaffney's backlist was more extensive.
Rating:
Summary: WORTH READING
Review: I read a lot of romance books...a lot. As a classical Literature major in college, however, I have come to demand quality in the books that I read. I am tired of characters that fall in love with a lustful glance, or dialog that make the hero/heroine seem ingenuine, false, and complete idiots. I want real people -- compelling storylines, and writing that leaves me riveted and craving more. Not many authors can do this, but Patricia Gaffney can. "Lily" kept me riveted to the very end. The characters were well sketched out and thier dialog was emotional and believable. The story was great (although I might have written the ending a little differently). I won't bore you with a synopsis, but this book was one the best reads I had this summer. Buy this book -- you won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Gaffney's Very Best Book. Don't Know Why It's Not More Known
Review: I seldom read any book more than once but this book I have read over and over. In the tradtion of Rebecca, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, Gaffney has created a classic gothic romance, with extremely well-drawn lead and secondary characters. Excellent book. Even if Gothic is not your taste, if you're a Gaffney fan you will love it.
Rating:
Summary: Something wasn't right...
Review: I should preface this by saying that by the end of this book I loved both Devon and Lily. Lily was never a doormat, and I respected her for the choices she made. Devon was a mysterious, troubled man who obviously had baggage and was taking that out on Lily. And they both had to overcome some mighty big hurdles to be together.But, still, something about this book bothered me. The guy - Devon - has all this history that makes him behave badly. The girl - Lily - gets treated badly (*uncomfortably* bad, I might add). So Lily holds a grudge. Now up to here, I was fine. But somewhere along the way it seemed that Devon got off too easy. Of course, I wanted both characters to end up together, and I did like the ending. But it just seemed as though Devon acted horrifically and didn't really repent much. (Query - how different is a forcible rape from a "seduction" rape where the guy gets the girl all hot and bothered then has his way with her regardless of what she wants? I guess I'm not comfortable with concluding that the "seduction" type isn't that big of a deal - it's more an abuse of trust if not obvious physical abuse). I guess I just don't like stories that seem to say that, regardless of the *size* of the character flaw, if each character has to pay a little for his flaw, all is hunky dory. The punishment should fit the crime in my book.
Rating:
Summary: This book got me out of a reading slump!
Review: I've been in a reading slump lately . . . picking up and discarding several books/genres that couldn't hold my interest. But "Lily" has me back on track again! Yes, Dev (the hero) is tortured and sometimes cruel, and yes, sometimes Lily is a bit too trusting, but, wow!, this is one luscious love story! Truthfully, it made me cry a bit, and there's only been a few others have ever accomplished that. This is definitely a dark, violent romance with the heroine misused by several secondary characters. But no matter how they try, they can't break her spirit. Lily always holds out hope that Dev will admit his love for her and avenge her wrongs. (Oh, how trivial my troubles seems when stacked up next to hers!) And Devon is tortured and confused but eventually redeems himself (or does Lily redeem him)? What a tome; what a tale - just a really excellent book by one of the most talented historical romance authors to ever draw breath! (Glad to share your name, Ms. Gaffney.) What more can I say? Read this book! Another favorite Gaffney is Wild at Heart, whose story has a really fresh premise. Now, how will I find another book to read that won't feel stale by comparison? I know, I believe I have "Sweet Everlasting" on my TBR pile. Sweet victory!
Rating:
Summary: This book got me out of a reading slump!
Review: I've been in a reading slump lately . . . picking up and discarding several books/genres that couldn't hold my interest. But "Lily" has me back on track again! Yes, Dev (the hero) is tortured and sometimes cruel, and yes, sometimes Lily is a bit too trusting, but, wow!, this is one luscious love story! Truthfully, it made me cry a bit, and there's only been a few others have ever accomplished that. This is definitely a dark, violent romance with the heroine misused by several secondary characters. But no matter how they try, they can't break her spirit. Lily always holds out hope that Dev will admit his love for her and avenge her wrongs. (Oh, how trivial my troubles seems when stacked up next to hers!) And Devon is tortured and confused but eventually redeems himself (or does Lily redeem him)? What a tome; what a tale - just a really excellent book by one of the most talented historical romance authors to ever draw breath! (Glad to share your name, Ms. Gaffney.) What more can I say? Read this book! Another favorite Gaffney is Wild at Heart, whose story has a really fresh premise. Now, how will I find another book to read that won't feel stale by comparison? I know, I believe I have "Sweet Everlasting" on my TBR pile. Sweet victory!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best romances I've ever read!
Review: I've read hundreds of romance books and consider myself a very critical reader. I've thrown many against the wall rather than finish one that I consider unworthy. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed Lily. I had a very hard time putting it down. Patricia Gaffney has a wonderful talent. I intend to read all of her books. I'm keeping this one though I usually get rid of a book as soon as I finish it. Please keep writing Patricia Gaffney!
Rating: 
Summary: A book of substance; very satisfying read.
Review: Lily and Devon find love against all odds. In spite of the personal secrets and tragedies that would keep them apart, not to mention misjudgments, mistrust, mistakes, and human flaw, their impossible but obsessive love won't let them be apart. Devon is a passionate and impulsive man, much like his younger brother, but, where the latter's youthful impulsivity leads him into a reckless, happy-go-lucky existence, Devon's painful past colors his personality with a dark, brooding and almost self-loathing quality, creating a hero with great capacity for love, but in much need of redemption. Devon's propensity to mistrust and believe the worst of Lily almost destroys both of their lives, but he reforms and his soul is (suitably) tortured by his near-obsessive love of Lily and the knowledge that he, himself, drove her away and nearly ruined her life. The passion which ignites between Devon and Lily is all the more powerful for the fact that they, very humanly, make mistakes and face enormous obstacles, much of their own making, but overcome all for the sake of love, which makes their love richer, stronger, much more poignant, and more deeply satisfying in the end. I found this novel gripping, wonderfully written, with very real characters. Though the sub-plot of the nefarious housekeeper and her lecherous son seemed to dangle, and in spite of a cheesey skinny-dipping scene in the beginning, I rated this book based solely on my enjoyment of it, and enjoy it I did.
Rating:
Summary: Patricia Gaffney does it again!
Review: Lily is one of Patricia Gaffney's first books not that you could tell. It is as original and as well-written as any of her later efforts. It is, however, in the style of those eighties and early nineties romances. What I mean by this is that it is melodramatic and sometimes a little over the top with an ever-suffering heroine and a dark tormented sometimes cruel hero. But never fear Gaffney makes that tired formula work and does so brilliantly. Lily has been orphaned and left at the mercy of an uncle who's a religious fanatic. This uncle claims Lily must marry his son (equally fanatic) because of a religious vision he's had. Lily refuses and an altercation ensues where the uncle ends up bleeding and unconcious. Thinking she's killed him Lily flees and eventually ends up at Darkstone Manor working as a maid. Devon Darkwell is the lord and master of this manor. Devon is a dark extremely tortured hero with a painful past. Because of this he can't trust and is seemingly incapable of love until he lays eyes on Lily. He eventually seduces her and ends up getting more than he bargained for because sweet, innocent Lily somehow finds her way into his black heart. What's a dark, tortured hero to do when faced with the horrible prospect of falling in love? Well, fight back, of course. He puts poor Lily through all kinds of hell before the requisite HEA ending. I gobbled up this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. It is a great read. There lots of cliches but like I said in the hands of this brilliant author it works and wonderfully. Give this book a try, you will not regret it. :)
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