Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Lily Mine

by Annabel Joseph (Goodreads Author)

3.77 of 5 stars 3.77 · rating details · 326 ratings · 33 reviews

When Lily wends her way down the country lane to Lilyvale Manor, she hopes the coincidence of names bodes well, for she is in dire straits. She's been disowned by her London family and finds herself desperately in need of a job.

Lord Ashbourne is equally at ends, his fiance having jilted him for a commoner and run off to the Continent. Her powerful society family is determi...more

ebook, 1st, 165 pages

Published June 30th 2011 by Scarlet Rose Press

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Historical BDSM Romance

4th out of 25 books — 32 voters

Best M/F Erotic Romance like Fifty Shades of Grey (not paranormal, high school, gay or sci-fi)

426th out of 766 books — 4,572 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 668)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 19, 2013 Mila rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE

BDSM in the early 1800'S ? hmm...you'll be surprised!, March 27, 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lily Mine: A Historical Fantasy (Kindle Edition)
I have read quite a lot of historical books, as a matter of fact that's how I got started and got hooked in reading historical romance and Gothic novels written by such as great authors as the likes of Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, Daphne Du Maurier just to name a few and they all vary in story plots and are equally great. But this, this...more

like · see review

Jun 22, 2012 Milena Benini rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicals, romance

I've put this on my historicals shelf even though, in all honesty, it shouldn't sit there. I've read quite a few wallpaper-historicals in my time, but this isn't even wallpaper; it's stick-a-piece-of-scotch-tape-over-that-giant-hole-in-the-wall-and-hope-nobody-notices-historical, but that's too long for a shelf name. Not even dress descriptions give an idea of the period, the modes of thinking, behaviour and address are so off-mark my daughter would have got more stuff right just by accident, an...more

like · see review

Jun 01, 2012 Min rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

LOL. this book was so bad it made me laugh. the author couldn't even keep track of whether or not the H was abandoned by his fiancee or his wife. first, the woman ran away weeks BEFORE the actual wedding. then, there was an actual marriage that got annulled (which seems to imply the secret is no longer a secret). she's referred to as "Lady Ashbourne" by the servants and there are constant reminders that she might return at any minute to take her place as his wife. and if she did run away before...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2011 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 3-stars, fiction, historical-romance

After spending years assisting her father as a gardener, Lily is kicked out of her home and away from her family for having the misfortune of being raped by the son of her family's employer. She trudges through the countryside, alone and desperate, searching for gardening work, until she's drawn by the name Lilyvale Manor. Its owner, Lord Ashbourne, is the one left gobsmacked, however, because it turns out this humble young woman looking for work bears more than a striking resemblance to his wif...more After spending years assisting her father as a gardener, Lily is kicked out of her home and away from her family for having the misfortune of being raped by the son of her family's employer. She trudges through the countryside, alone and desperate, searching for gardening work, until she's drawn by the name Lilyvale Manor. Its owner, Lord Ashbourne, is the one left gobsmacked, however, because it turns out this humble young woman looking for work bears more than a striking resemblance to his wife. The wife he recently married. The wife who actually had already secretly married her secret lover and just absconded off to the continent with said secret lover. Or husband. Real husband. At any rate, James wants to avoid too much scandal, seeing that his wife's younger sister is trying to have a successful season, and he thinks that hiring Lily to impersonate his wife might be a way out of this scandal. Of course, this being a romance, neither Lily nor James counted on falling in love...

There was a lot I liked about this novel. The writing is smooth and professional, with nice details and some lovely thematic aspects. (Having trudged through too many self-pubbed books, this is not exactly a frequent occurrence, and so while it kind of sounds condescending to point to a book and say, "This one, unlike many others, is professionally done!"...I'm doing exactly that.) Lily and James were both very likeable, and their relationship was believable. Both were competent and genuinely nice people caught in unpleasant circumstances. I enjoyed that there was nothing melodramatic or overwrought about the BDSM quotient to their relationship; it was just something they both liked, something that they both liked in each other, something that worked for them and their relationship. (And, really, the BDSM is pretty mild, and more sweet than spicy.)

However, compared to the down-to-earth-ness of the characters, the plot was a bit high-drama and heavy-handed for my tastes. The contrast was just too much. The whole impersonation plot is ridiculous, but I can buy desperate people going for it. It just sometimes got in the way and added angst that didn't work too well for me. I never had a "How in the world are they going to pull off this romance?" moment reading this book, so all that angst and the high-drama plot felt unwelcome amid the low-key characters. The climax of the book relies on a stupid assumption/misunderstanding, which I didn't appreciate. Also, I was jarred at something small in the content, jarred enough to say "WTF?" (view spoiler)

Other than the BDSM-lite aspect, there wasn't much exciting or new to this book (like, if you've ever read a commoner/aristocracy historical romance, I bet you can guess the ~BIG TWIST~ that comes near the end of the book, and I called the connected smaller twist based on an obvious, unsubtle, shoehorned hint near the beginning of the book), but I quite liked the characters, and they made the book a pleasurable, though not groundbreaking, one for me. And I'm a sucker for romances where the heroine learns to read. (I like my romances to be empowerment stories, and including the empowerment of literacy makes it even better.)(less)

like 1 like · see review

Jul 06, 2011 ൠSinful rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, full-novel, good-first-bdsm-choice, historical, mistaken-identity, romance, suspense, sweet, light-bdsm-not-a-focus

I read a lot of romance. Historical isn't typically my thang at all. It's the rare book that stands up and captures my interest, setting itself apart as something unique and intriguing.

Lily Mine by Annabel Joseph does just that.

Lily disgraced her family and had been cast out. She'd run out of money and strength to walk when she saw a sign. Literally. A sign.... for Lilyvale Manor.
Okay. If I was out of money, had walked farther than my legs were actually capable of carrying me and I saw a sign...more I read a lot of romance. Historical isn't typically my thang at all. It's the rare book that stands up and captures my interest, setting itself apart as something unique and intriguing.

Lily Mine by Annabel Joseph does just that.

Lily disgraced her family and had been cast out. She'd run out of money and strength to walk when she saw a sign. Literally. A sign.... for Lilyvale Manor.
Okay. If I was out of money, had walked farther than my legs were actually capable of carrying me and I saw a sign that said "Michelle's Manor," you'd bet I'd see it as a sign from the heavens above. I'd drag myself down that path if I had to.

When Lord Ashbourne steps into his parlor to meet the female looking for a job, he is stunned to find his wife's doppelganger. This would be the same wife that married him and ran away leaving her family and husband to cover for her absence in order to prevent widespread disgrace. With opportunity presenting itself, Ashbourne makes quite the proposal to Lily. Act like my wife until we find her.

Let's see. Out of money? Check. Can't move another muscle to even leave? Check. Being offered money to be pampered like high society? Check. Who in their right mind would turn him down? Not me. Not Lily either.

Of course he finds in Lily the looks that attracted him to his own short term wife, but he finds the fiery personality he'd expected to marry as well. The attraction between the two boils hot. The forbidden attraction compels them to cross the line society has drawn between their two classes.

And to cap it all off, there is a twist of an ending to explain everything that will leave you mouthing, "No Way! How did I not see that coming?"

Oh and let me not forget to add for all my alpha loving friends out there who like a bit of bondage and spanking, Annabel will not let you down. James doesn't identify himself as a Dom. He isn't a member of any Dommy organization or even clue into what he is doing. It's just part of him. Just the way he likes to make love with her. And she certainly responds positively to having her wrists pinned to the bed while he drives her crazy. It's all pretty light and on the side, so big time BDSM fans, don't go expecting a Lifestyle read. The play seemed exactly right for the times, and gentle enough for historical fans to still enjoy the ride.

Enjoy! (less)

like 3 likes · see review

Jul 23, 2011 ♆ BookAddict ~ La Crimson Femme rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, historical-romance, deviant-diva, sugarkink, bdsm

I'm not a huge fan of historical erotic romances. This one is by an author I do like, Ms. Joseph. I think this is my favourite book of hers that I have read so far to date. I really liked BOTH characters. Lily was so sweet and innocent. She worked against all odds and never really gave up. I liked that about her. She wasn't super strong or even super intelligent. She did have perseverance which I admire.

James is nice and dreamy, just how I like my historical heroes. He's much sweeter than I ant...more

like 1 like · see review

Oct 09, 2011 Sue Lyndon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, erotic, historical-romance, spanking, read-more-than-once, forced-consent-rape

This is one of the best books I've read in a while. After reading it, I immediately bought a few more titles by this author, that's how much I liked it. Lily Mine held my interest from the first page to the very last. I've never read a historical romance with BDSM in it before, and I must say, I really liked how it was portrayed in such a loving way. Lily and James are thrown together into convienent but challenging circumstances and must fight the immediate attraction they feel towards one anot...more

like · see review

Aug 09, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: abused-heroine, genre-historical

Raised as a gardeners daughter, Lily was thrown out of her family when the families son took liberties she had not wished upon herself but had no choice in the matter. Finding herself on the road to Lilyvale Manor, Lily is hoping to find a position as a gardener with goals in mind to live her life proudly instead of a less desirable path.

Lord Ashbourne is not sure what to think of the woman before him, her uncanny resemblance to the woman who was supposed to be his wife disturbs him, but their i...more

like · see review

Jul 15, 2011 LoveRomance rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm-light, historical

Annabel Joseph is an "auto-buy" author for me. My favorite book of hers is Comfort Object, a very hot D/s contemporary romance. If that is what you are expecting when you start reading Lily Mine, you will be disappointed or confused. Joseph's newest release is first and foremost a sweet historical romance. Yes, the character Lily is naturally submissive and quickly learns to enjoy mild bondage and discipline, but that is all very secondary to the primary story about two lost souls finding each o...more

like · see review

Jul 09, 2011 Diana Leigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Reviewed at Book of Secrets:

Poor Lily was down on her luck. In the eyes of her father, she had disgraced the family and was cast out on her own. She was a gardener's apprentice by trade, and Lily had hopes of finding like work at a manor. Exhausted and broke, she makes her way to Lilyvale Manor. Thinking that it is a good sign this place shares her name, she knocks on the door hoping to find work.

Lord Ashbourne is stunned when his servant brings Lily into his parlor. She looks almost identical t...more Reviewed at Book of Secrets:

Poor Lily was down on her luck. In the eyes of her father, she had disgraced the family and was cast out on her own. She was a gardener's apprentice by trade, and Lily had hopes of finding like work at a manor. Exhausted and broke, she makes her way to Lilyvale Manor. Thinking that it is a good sign this place shares her name, she knocks on the door hoping to find work.

Lord Ashbourne is stunned when his servant brings Lily into his parlor. She looks almost identical to his fiancee who ran away with her lover (right before they were to wed). To prevent a scandal, he comes up with a devious plan: Lily will play the part of his absent "wife" while they search for the real one.

To Lily, his proposal is a dream come true. She can experience all the perks of life as a highborn lady, and when she's no longer needed, James has promised to gift her a flower shop and greenhouse of her own. The plan seemed perfect, except James and Lily did not count on falling in love.

This book is labeled as BDSM erotica, however the BDSM is mild. A little light spanking and bondage is as far as they go. Still, this was a very hot book! James and Lily's kinky play blended nicely into the story. James was simply an alpha male-type wanting to dominate in the bedroom, and Lily very much enjoyed letting him take charge. It's nice to find dominance and submission stories without the "lifestyle" fuss. I thought it was cute when Lily would sneak away to read James' erotica collection when she thought he wasn't looking. And I loved the reason why Lily wanted to call James "sir" even after she was pretending to be his wife.

Lily Mine is a sweet and sexy Regency romance. I thought Lily was charming. She was smart, tough and very likable. She and James had wonderful chemistry. An English lord and a poor botanist who refused to deny their attraction despite being separated by class. I'm rather fond of the forbidden love storyline. And James? Let's just say that Prince Charming has arrived! Lily Mine was a captivating, well crafted story with a very nice surprise twist at the end. I would recommend this book to any fan of erotic historical romance.(less)

like · see review

Nov 19, 2011 .þµŋψà. [Punya Reviews...] rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: annabel-joseph, brilliant-cover, oh-honey-shag-me-silly, i-wanna-have-your-babies, sweetnsexy-beta, erotica-bdsm, no-no-no-noooo

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

My 1st Annabel Joseph book but it left me conflicted about the rating. It was a pretty uneven read for me. There were some scenes I really loved, love scenes I found intense and real but there were some other things, I found, were either unbelievable or just plain boring. One was the dialogue between the H/h of this book; I had a lot of problem with those. They were too sweet, sugary sweet... Just sappy to TBH....more My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

My 1st Annabel Joseph book but it left me conflicted about the rating. It was a pretty uneven read for me. There were some scenes I really loved, love scenes I found intense and real but there were some other things, I found, were either unbelievable or just plain boring. One was the dialogue between the H/h of this book; I had a lot of problem with those. They were too sweet, sugary sweet... Just sappy to TBH. I didn’t really like it. I mean it’s lovely to hear endearments but how many times of ‘dearest’ you can take? But, I did love James a lot and how crazy he was about Lily. I also had some troubles with Lily and her immature behaviors. No, I wasn’t annoyed with her and yet, not very impressed either.

Lily’s family just abandoned her for a ‘crime’ she didn’t even commit. Her father, who was a head gardener to a Lord’s family, has just been robbed off his job because of Lily’s ‘questionable moral behavior’. Lily is the oldest of 5 sisters, all of whom are named after some flowers, goes to show their parents’ love for flowers. Her mother died giving birth to the youngest one and Lily has been taking care of her sisters as well as accompanying her father to work in that Lord something’s garden. But, a few days ago, one of the sons rapes her in a secluded area of the garden. Lily didn’t even know she was being raped because she thought even though she didn’t want it, she agreed to something when she went with him. I didn’t know what to think of it. She kinda blamed herself for this and hoped no one would know. Though she’s beautiful, at 21 and being a daughter of the commoner, Lily knew she had no real prospect of marriage to speak of. But somehow the words leaked, Lily’s father got fired. Then, in a rage, the coward threw her out of the house, telling her to earn her keep ‘on her back’. Lord but that made me sooo angry! Lily didn’t know what to do. The only trade she knew was of gardening, something she loved as well. So she tried to get a job somewhere far away from London. She scraped whatever little money she had with her and moved. This day, she was trying to sell her pots with seedlings but to no avail. She was tired, hungry and on the verge of tear when one woman showed her the manor house of a reclusive Earl, called ‘Lilyvale’. The name struck her and she was hoping that this little co-incidence would bring some positive results. When she knocked, the butler kind of went wide eyed seeing her and took her immediately to the Earl, though Lily kept saying it’d be ok to talk to the housekeeper only. The Earl isn’t anything she was hoping for or imagined. He’s young, maybe in his late twenties, very good-looking, kind and exceptionally polite to her. Lily felt some tensions arising when he gazed upon her but his face give nothing away. He not only bought her pots for an exuberant price but also asked after her and appointed her as his gardener. When Lily came out, she decided she had to save money so she detoured to the Earl’s stable, thinking to spend the night there.

James couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Lily. She looked like a twin of his erstwhile wife Lilliana, only Lilliana had no twins and her family is a noble one and not a commoner. He’s in a fix at the moment because his new wife jilted him for her lover and ran away. James doesn’t like scandal but he was also thinking of Lilliana’s younger sister Chloe, who is a very nice girl and not yet out for a season, doesn’t deserve what would befell them once this scandal is out. So, James was now living the life of a recluse, ‘showing’ the Ton that he’s enjoying his new life with his wife. He let go most of his servants except for the very trustworthy ones such as his longtime butler Hanover and his almost demented mother, Mrs. Gertrude, the cook. His life is boring, staid, he doesn’t like it but as I’ve mentioned before, James is the nicest guy on the block. He was never the rakish type, has always been the responsible son and wanted to be a responsible and loving husband as well. Lilliana was his choice; he thought he was in love with her, only to be slapped back with rejection. Oh, that was quite sad; I mean I totally thought Lilliana was a fool. Now, he’s quite shocked to see Lily but not sure how it’s possible that they look so alike! Then, a plan comes to James; a plan of deception, only for the time of Chloe’s season and the discovery of Lilliana’s whereabouts in the Continent. Lily would play Lilliana and in return, he’d recompense her nicely with the flower store she so wants to set up once she has enough money. Then Hanover informs him that she was sleeping in the stables. James brought Lily in and comes forth with his proposal. Lily was pretty confused and a bit suspicious of James at first (she was thinking was ‘ruined’ written on her face?) but soon, she knew that he’s harmless and agreed to this scheme. She was given a room but James asks her to move into the Countess’s room once he hires new servants so that no one gossips.

Like this, their new life starts. It was more of a narration of what they did than conversations, which is why I couldn’t believe it much when they started feeling something for each-other. I mean, you have to read some conversations between the two to understand where their new found friendship stands, rather than have it narrated. I got it that it was very pleasant. Lily was angry at Lilliana on James’s behalf because the woman did come off as vain, self-centered and an arrogant twit. What did James found in her in the 1st place I have no idea. But, now as he compared Lily to her, he saw his mistakes. Soon James felt he was falling for Lily. Lily was also very fond of James so they give into their mutual desire. It also helped that in Lilyvale, everyone except Hanover thinks they are married. James taught her to read and to write, among other things. I wasn’t much impressed with the 1st love scene. Lily wasn’t surprised when James wanted to bind her hands. Oh, huh? After what happened to her? And James was very happy with Lily and their sex life (his musings tell us that his taste made his earlier endeavors with his past lovers rather uncomfortable) that he’d do anything for her now. He was one insane SOB and couldn’t get enough of her. Lily reciprocated wholeheartedly. Their time was passing so nicely that I was bored soon. Er, well, sorry about that. I was hoping for much exciting stuff and that might’ve made my expectations high.

Then, throughout the book, I was very confused about the state of James and Lilliana’s marriage. The blurb said she was the fiancée. But in the book, I got that they got married and stayed for a very short while after which she ran away with her lover to the continent and married (?) him there. Then, in one scene, James reveals that the marriage was annulled afterwards. So was it consummated because I know a consummated marriage can’t be annulled? How long was she there before she ran away? If the marriage is annulled then why throughout the book James kept waiting for Lilliana to come back and ‘take’ her place (as his wife)? HOW? WHY? I understood his reason for the deception but I didn’t like it much because I knew it’s gonna make trouble, they both would end up hurting. Then again, the book was based on this deception thing and how his and Lily’s relationship grew in between. I already talked about the dialogue which annoyed me a lot, marred my fun, mostly after I got to learn of James’s taste for BDSM. It felt so out of place. Maybe it’s just me but it did. I was also amazed at how Lily had no problem with sex, given the fact that she was raped. It was James who made her understand that she was raped and it wasn’t her fault. I know James has been nice to her, except for in bed with some of those BDSM plays. I was pretty surprised that Lily never freaked out by James’s choices and bed plays. She just evolved into this siren (oh, puhleez!) who was doing anything and everything that James asked for! I gotta give you that the BDSM was rather tame by the measure of some other books out there but I couldn’t believe Lily just fit herself into James’s choices so easily. Lily did felt immature at times, when I compared her with James’s experience and with her thoughts and actions as well. Even when they had misunderstandings, I thought Lily was being immature. It was mainly because when I started the book, somehow I expected her to be a mature and level headed heroine. Another thing that bugged me was, Lily was illiterate when she first came to Lilyvale but in about 2/3 months, James taught her so well that she was reading Erotic books! Sorry but had me rolling my eyes more than once.

Their idyllic existence (or rather an existence based on falsehood) came to a halt when the season was upon them and they had to go to London. Lily didn’t know how she’s going to face Lilliana’s parents. When she finally did, it was embarrassing to say the least. They knew about James’s plans and what their daughter did, yet that didn’t stop Lilliana’s mother to try to humiliate Lily by insinuating that she’s greedy and whoring herself for money and position. Yes, both Lord and Lady Holt got the level of their intimacy from their looks and touches. James fought on Lily’s side but he hurt Lily nevertheless when he kept on inquiring about Lilliana. I mean this is what I thought immature. She knew the terms, she went to his bed knowing the consequences, yet she’s feeling mad and jealous, getting hurt, wanting that Lilliana would never return (she even said that to James once) etc. etc. James also felt vulnerable when Lily wanted to know about her own family, of how they’re faring. So, as nice as he was, James hired a detective to look after her family and bring news, secretly of course knowing that Lily’s father disowned her. The stress of London was taking a toll too. They have a fight over Lilliana and their impossible situation once. This is the part I thought was a bit exciting, as in something was happening finally! James’s words on how their relationship would go on after Lilliana’s return suggested that he wants to keep Lily as his mistress, which hurts her. Of course Lily wants marriage and she angrily tells him she won’t let it happen. Trust me, I believed in James’s feelings for her. I knew it was genuine because the way he begged her not to leave her no matter what did tug at my heart. I felt his desperation, which made me wanna hold him tight. And yet he couldn’t bring himself to break the society’s tradition. Then, after a week or so Lily decided WTH and they were together again and having sex. Well, whatever! These two never really had any kind of real conflict. It should’ve been great but considering their quite impossible situation, I found it hard to believe that they could be so lost in each-other.

Anyway, it was soon proven that the shy and apparently reserved Lily can’t match Lilliana’s vivacity, not to mention her so-called sophistication. After much confusions, thoughts and hurts, James finally decides that after Christmas they’d retire to Lilyvale once more and marry Lily ASAP, society be damned. James can’t think about Chloe or the Holts’ situation anymore. Lily knew nothing of his plans BTW. So on the Christmas day, they pay one last visit to the Holts when disasters, one after another, strike. First it was the singing. Lilliana was a great singer, while Lily can’t sing at all. This makes trouble for them when Lilliana’s grandmother pressures Lily to sing for them. And then, after that debacle, it had to be Lilliana to create the next piece of catastrophe by returning at the same moment. Now it was all out in the open because she didn’t care that her extended family members were present in the room when she burst in and start whining away about her ‘husband’ and all the misadventures in the Continent. James sent Lily home before he took care of this mess. Lily misunderstood James’s words, thinking later on he’d only to send her away. So she did the stupidest thing possible and left, just leaving a note. At the Holt’s place, the investigator who was looking into Lily’s family, comes to see James and gives him a very bad news that there was a fire and all of Lily’s family perished in one night. WOW! I was shocked and really saddened by this. Lily, when she left, at first goes to see her family and learns of tragedy. Since she had no communication with them and was living outside London, she never heard of the news. How she really coped with it afterwards was very conveniently left off or at least that’s how I felt. But later on, Lily surprised me with her reaction.

After taking care of the mess that is Lilliana, James comes back home to find his Lily gone. He takes the investigator with him and runs out to search for her. It takes more than a month for him to find her out but it was just a happenstance because James, beforehand, couldn’t trace Lily at all and went back to Lilyvale thinking he’ll never see her again. Lily, meanwhile, was still in London, working in a seedy area of the big city. But the inn she was working at was not that bad and the proprietress let her earn her food and stay. Anyway, you can guess James found her out, yada yada yada and all the misunderstandings were sorted out. But what surprised me the most was how cool Lily was about the fact that her whole family has perished. From her part, I saw no grief of that proportion and when she saw James, they had sex that very night... I mean I don’t know, 5 people of your family died at once in a horrible fire while you were having fun (no matter the circumstances). She may have learned of it 2 months after it happened but wasn’t it supposed to have the same horrible impact? Wasn’t she supposed to grieve a little? I felt NOTHING of the sort from her. She seemed so ‘ok’ with it all! I mean, you may have had trouble with your father but God, 4 of your sisters died too- the youngest being, I don’t know, 10 or something? This was so unbelievable that I was astonished! I didn’t care for the other more scintillating discovery on Lily’s birthright. I kept on thinking how easily she moved on even as I finished the book.

Even James thought (before she left) that she would be so distraught and because of it, he won’t propose to her right away, giving her time to grieve.

Simply unbelievable! 3.75 stars.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Dec 27, 2012 Maggie Frances rated it 3 of 5 stars

I became a quick fan of Annabel Joseph's after reading Odalisque. Now I can't get enough of her. This book, however, was hard for me to get through for no other reason than that I found the female lead incredibly annoying and hard to like. I got to the point where I was kind of hoping her doppelganger would show up and save us from Lily's whining. The story was interesting enough with a mild surprise twist at the end and a neatly wrapped ending. It didn't drag, so there's that. Of course, most i...more

like · see review

Jul 18, 2011 Monique rated it 4 of 5 stars

Annabel Joseph’s latest novel, Lily Mine is a historical fantasy that takes place in England during the mid 1820’s. Twenty-one year old, Lily Kendall has just been disowned by her father for an indiscretion that has caused him to lose his job. Lily makes her way from London to the English countryside to seek employment as a gardener. Her dream is to one day have her own greenhouse and flower shop. After turning down several offers of housekeeping work she is directed deeper into the countryside...more Annabel Joseph’s latest novel, Lily Mine is a historical fantasy that takes place in England during the mid 1820’s. Twenty-one year old, Lily Kendall has just been disowned by her father for an indiscretion that has caused him to lose his job. Lily makes her way from London to the English countryside to seek employment as a gardener. Her dream is to one day have her own greenhouse and flower shop. After turning down several offers of housekeeping work she is directed deeper into the countryside towards Lilyvale Manor to inquire about gardening work.

After asking to speak with the head gardener or mistress of the house she finds herself in the main parlor being introduced to James Atherton, Earl of Ashebourne. Lily feels an immediate attraction and James feels shocked at the uncanny resemblance to his wife that has been lost to him. James hires Lily to be his gardener, but after she leaves he decides to make another bolder proposal. As a doppelganger to his wife, Lilliana, he decides to ask Lily to act as his wife either until she returns or until the next year. In exchange he will set her up with her own greenhouse and flower shop. She agrees to this name only arrangement but soon the sexual tension between them becomes too great to ignore and James and Lily give in to their primal urges. There are scenes of bondage, spanking and cropping.

I really liked Lily’s honesty when she was able to articulate her feelings. And I really loved James’ quiet, calm but dominant personality. I thought he paced himself well. He wasn’t overpowering and didn’t push Lily beyond her comfort zone which surprisingly went further than he thought. The mind games were absent from this novel which was refreshing. But there were some external conflicts that had the potential to derail their love affair. And James taught Lily how to read and write which made me love him more. Once she learned how to read she would sneak up into the attic to read his “porn” collection. She was such a naughty girl.

Lily Mine was a really sweet love story with very light BDSM elements. I didn’t really like James at first because he seemed a little cold and calculating in the beginning. But as he opened up to Lily I saw him in a better light. I was rooting for Lily to get her happily ever after because she was such a deserving person. There was a nice twist of fate at the end of the book that really made this an enjoyable read. Lily Mine was a great historical romance that would appeal to any erotica romance junkie. (less)

like · see review

Nov 18, 2011 Lee Thao rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: regency-romance

[3.5 STARS]

The idea of the storyline is intriguing, but:
1) The length of the story is too short. There's not enough room to lead one event to the next. And definitely not enough room for any character development.

2) I had a hard time imaging the two characters, Lily and James, to fall in love since there were too much explaining instead of showing. I couldn't get into their characters and appreciate what could have been there.

3) The intimacies between Lily and James just didn't do it for me. To...more

like · see review

Nov 25, 2011 Kate Newburg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

It should be said that I typically do not read within the genre. However, the idea of a Regency erotic romance fit in nicely with my recent movie marathons. Lily Mine is very romantic and sweet with some kink. I read this book in three sittings -- the last half in one night. Way past my bedtime.

Lily herself is charming, naive about sexuality and upper class behavior while being experienced in working in a garden (from her father's business). The garden business is what ultimately brings her to J...more

like · see review

Apr 13, 2013 Isabel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, historical-erotic-romance, favorite

I'm a fan of historical erotic romances, and this one was a very good surprise. It has my favorite topics in erotic books: kinky sex, BDSM and love... The spankings and the kinky sex were very hot and exciting. James leads Lily for his erotic world, educating her in BDSM in a sweet and tender way. I really enjoy this book...

like 1 like · see review

May 06, 2013 Cyn Mistress Kitty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dirty-talking-hero, mild-bdsm, 4-star-smut, british-heroine, british-hotties, historical-smut, kinkaliscious, richer-than-god-hero, scared-hero, sex-in-the-woods

I really liked this BDSM historical story.
The hero was a little bit of a sadist but for the most part, he was a very kind, caring man.
This couple was perfect together however, this story was unrealistic and far fetched. I was able to overlook that and enjoy the book.

like 1 like · see review

Mar 31, 2013 Cozen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I wasn't all loving this book. I liked her other one but this fell short. I can't put my finger on it quiet yet but maybe the angst is with the husband/fiancé willingness to go on with the whole facade in the first place. This just wasn't as good as the other one.

like · see review

Feb 22, 2013 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pb-tbr, historical, spank-it

I was surprised, pleasantly so. You see, I had read Mercy and on some level I liked the story. However, I am not one for the name calling and harshness of the relationship left me wanting. I understand it is what those characters needed and wanted for their relationship it just kinda made me cringe a little.

So you see when I picked up Lily Mine I was unexpectedly surprised by the gentleness of this relationship. This story, Lily Mine was simply beautiful. The development of the relationship was...more

like · see review

Dec 14, 2011 Taisha rated it 4 of 5 stars

I didn't expect this book to have soo many sex scenes!! I thought they were done very tastefully. I simple love historical romances and this book was one of my favorites.

like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 ETA: soon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm-lite-or-d-s, 4-rom-historical

Hmmm, this one threw me off a bit...a historical from Annabel Joseph? Sign me up, baby! But turned out to be not quite what I had anticipated. But the cover is gorgeous.

like · see review

Feb 13, 2012 Teresa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, favorites, historical, hot

A WONDERFUL book! Usually the sex scenes in historicals are somehow to "weak" for me, but here they felt just right!!! I LOVED it!!!

like · see review

Feb 20, 2012 Leslie Colaco rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very well written, romantic, spicy, believable. Loved it!

like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 BITE ME rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, annabel-joseph, favorite-erotica

OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK IN EVERY WAY

LILY IS RUIND BY HER FORMER EMPLOYER SON I

WHEN HER FATHER IS FIRED FOR HIS DAUGHTER SUPPOSEDLY LET HIM HAVE HER AT HIS WILL HER FATHER IS DESECRATED SO HE THROWS HER OUT AND DES ONES HER SO SHE HEADS OFF TO THE COUNTRY SIDE OF LONDON TO FIND A JOB SHE SOON FINDS HER SELF IN LILYFIELD I THINK IT WAS CALD THAT IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN ANY WAY SHE DOSENT NOW THAT WHEN SHE ARIVES THERE LOOKING FOR WORK AS A GARDENER OF SORTS HER HOLE WORL CHANGES FOR THE GOOD THIS IS A M...more

like · see review

May 20, 2012 Sara rated it 1 of 5 stars

Annabel Joseph writes a historical romance. The hero and heroine were both way too passive, and the heroine to clueless. It dragged, and I didn't care about either of them. Didn't get very far, perhaps it improves later on.

like · see review

Oct 30, 2011 Marilicious rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

Not her typical book.

like · see review

Oct 29, 2011 Keri rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really appreciate when the hero and heroine admit their feelings for each other without all the posturing and denial drama. This couple met, grew fond of each other, became friends and then were able to admit their attraction for each other. I like that. They didn't lie and when asked a question they gave real answers. THANK YOU! This book wasn't too long but it developed nicely and boy can Ms. Joseph write a hot scene! Every book I've read by this author has been great.

like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Charlotte Gatto rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful read!

I don't usually enjoy romantic "I love you so much that I'll do anything for you and I can't live without you" stories, but I really got into this book. I love the way the characters were portrayed, how they spoke and reacted to each other and those around them. The sex scenes didn't turn me on or off probably because I'm really not into consensual BDSM, but the whole story was just so satisfying that I am very glad to have read this book.

like · see review

Aug 01, 2011 Chloe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another steamy book from Annabel Joseph. Delightful characters and a nice love story. Loved it!

like · see review

Aug 24, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved it..

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 22 23 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Romance > Historical Romance

37 users

Erotica > Bdsm

32 users

Romance

24 users

Adult Fiction > Erotica

16 users

Romance > Erotic Romance

9 users

Historical Romance > Regency Romance

3 users

Historical Fiction

2 users

Regency

2 users

Adult

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Annabel Joseph

Annabel Joseph is a multi-published BDSM erotic romance author. She writes mainly contemporary romance, although she has been known to dabble in the medieval and Regency eras. She is recognized for writing emotionally intense BDSM storylines, and strives to create characters that seem real--even flawed--so readers are better able to relate to them.

Annabel publishes with Ellora's Cave and Loose Id...more

More about Annabel Joseph...

Books by Annabel Joseph

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Lily Mine

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Lily Mine

“They stopped and bowed their heads close together as the revelers ate and danced and celebrated around the glow of the fire. Darkness was falling over Lilyvale, the pink horizon a glorious and unusual marvel.

Lily and James hardly noticed, lost as they were in the preciousness of the moment. "Lily mine," James whispered. "We're finally home.” — 1 person liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Lily Mine
avg rating	preview: Lily Mine Goodreads rating: 3.77 (326 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11921355-lily-mine?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309825496l/11921355.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11921355-lily-mine?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Lily Mine by Annabel Joseph[/url]

Lily Mine

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website