Lily

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. :)

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.

Wow! I've just reread this novel,and incredibly it reads better the second time around. It puts me in the mind of the Bronte gothic romances, but indulges us a bit more, of course. The hero, Devon, is almost unbearably dark and tormented, but that is precisely what makes the story so gripping. It is easy to be put off his multiple mishandlings of his one true love, but Gaffney, the rare quality romance writer, explores his tortured soul carefully. She does not cross the line of unacceptable cruelty, as I believe she did with To Love and to Honor, which was intriguing but too disturbing (now that's abuse!). Lily has her proper revenge and her own moments of cruelty, yet a higher forgiveness overwhelms this tallying of warring hearts, which is the ultimate indulgence. I love the fact that the last segment is not predictable and boring, as 99% of romances are apt to be. The romantic tension is kept up until the last scene, an achievement in itself. One thing I loved about this story was the clear and vivid sense of place, the seascapes and flora of the wild and unique Cornish coast really adds to the romantic (and Romantic) atmosphere. Literary readers will surely enjoys this love story...

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!

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.