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Fated for Love #1
Mine, All Mine
This book was previously published under the pen name D.L. Rose. It has been revised and given a beautiful new cover.
A steamy historical romance novel. Fated for Love Series.
Lillian St. James is a privileged and beautiful duke’s daughter whose world is turned upside down when her widowed mother marries a seedy merchant.
After her mother suddenly dies as well, Lilly has no one to turn to when scandal erupts over her stepfather’s treason. As her world falls apart Lilly is forced to go into hiding with the help of her loyal staff. She finds work as a cook’s assistant in the kitchen of a wealthy but mysterious aristocrat.
Dominic Coel, Earl of Redwick, is a spy on the cusp of retirement. He is ordered to complete one last mission. He must track down a young girl who disappeared with stolen royal jewels. Dominic is desperate to complete his task and begin a normal life without murder and lies. While he must focus on his duties he can’t help but be distracted by the mysterious beauty who has just joined his kitchen staff. The girl is innocent to say the least, but her elusive nature and cultured speech drives him to wonder who the real Miss Millie James is.
A steamy historical romance novel. Fated for Love Series.
Lillian St. James is a privileged and beautiful duke’s daughter whose world is turned upside down when her widowed mother marries a seedy merchant.
After her mother suddenly dies as well, Lilly has no one to turn to when scandal erupts over her stepfather’s treason. As her world falls apart Lilly is forced to go into hiding with the help of her loyal staff. She finds work as a cook’s assistant in the kitchen of a wealthy but mysterious aristocrat.
Dominic Coel, Earl of Redwick, is a spy on the cusp of retirement. He is ordered to complete one last mission. He must track down a young girl who disappeared with stolen royal jewels. Dominic is desperate to complete his task and begin a normal life without murder and lies. While he must focus on his duties he can’t help but be distracted by the mysterious beauty who has just joined his kitchen staff. The girl is innocent to say the least, but her elusive nature and cultured speech drives him to wonder who the real Miss Millie James is.
188 pages, ebook
First published January 22, 2013
665 people are currently reading
1507 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 27, 2022
2.75*
Has its moments.
Not all bad.
Some parts of the mystery are good.
Some anachronisms.
A daughter, unmarried is called Lady-first name not Lady-last name!
Overall - an okayish read.
That's all I remember 6 weeks after reading it.
Has its moments.
Not all bad.
Some parts of the mystery are good.
Some anachronisms.
A daughter, unmarried is called Lady-first name not Lady-last name!
Overall - an okayish read.
That's all I remember 6 weeks after reading it.
December 31, 2017
Found this languishing on my kindle and checked it out. There is a lot of info dumping at the beginning. Just when the pace smoothed out and I was enjoying the storytelling style, the hero became a total creeper and the book descended into a lust book with no character development. Lost interest at 30%...just not to my taste.
April 30, 2014
The Hero You'll Enjoy Hating & the Heroine That Deserves Him.
The hero's best friend says: "Being a rake requires a lot of work and is entirely too fashionable right now. Mothers have taken it into their heads that a reformed rake makes the best husband." If you substitute Writers/Readrs for Mothers - you have the theme of this book. It isn't handed to you on a lace doily surrounded by china figurines either. [you can read the popcorn & iced tea version of this review at Page Traveler]
I do not read Romance Books for the political correctness. Colloquialisms can be ignored up to a point. Bending the proprieties for the sake of plot is tolerable. Historical accuracy - ok, there are some things I can't handle without exceptionally well drawn characters to compensate. I'm all for a good abduction and whisking away to the dark and stormy castle with disturbing relatives. Secrets in the cupboards [not in a teddy bear] and villains that are convenient and easily disposed of roll off my radar. The Big Misunderstanding is only a small peeve of mine that I often hand wave. Hero and heroine come in many fashions, they appeal to some, trigger others and somewhere in between is generally what they might really have been in the author's mind before crazed readers got hold of them. I read romance for FUN, for laughter, to distract myself from Real Life as it IS [you know, bills, laundry, work, blah blah blah]. Even, or especially the lovely angsty ones - my precious chocolate without calories!
I read this book while storms and tornadoes were raging through our state. I read parts out loud to my daughters. We had a BLAST acting out scenes, making commentary, re-writing things in our front room instead of fretting about living in a mobile home during a tornado warning with no place to go.
I am sure the author never intended her book to be used in this manner but like Dominic, I won't apologize. It would be a lie. I thoroughly enjoyed despising Dominic. He never transformed for me, all he did was lose villainous dimensions and become a cut-out of the "new earl" that I didn't believe. Lilly became the most pathetic heroine I've encountered in years despite a pretty decent start because she didn't have the common damn sense to ask her friends for a loan to get to her obscure aunt. And she *had* friends, obviously, that didn't give beans about The Rules. Her martyrdom was as false as her willingness to resist a good kisser.
Strangely enough, I enjoyed every minute of this. Letting go of my general devotion to Look Only for the Good in any book, I could embrace my inner Realist and just wallow in the fact that as soon as Lilly gets pregnant, she's going to worry herself in to a nagging harpy imagining Dominic chasing kitchen maids and parlor maids and nursery maids. He's going to spend about fifteen minutes putting up with that before proving her right and then - then the real fun begins because there's no divorce for another what ... fifty, sixty years?
:::mwaaaa haaaa haaaa::: Get the book, it's worth the read, seriously! I intend to read ALL of the Fated for Love Series just to see if my predictions come true.
The hero's best friend says: "Being a rake requires a lot of work and is entirely too fashionable right now. Mothers have taken it into their heads that a reformed rake makes the best husband." If you substitute Writers/Readrs for Mothers - you have the theme of this book. It isn't handed to you on a lace doily surrounded by china figurines either. [you can read the popcorn & iced tea version of this review at Page Traveler]
I do not read Romance Books for the political correctness. Colloquialisms can be ignored up to a point. Bending the proprieties for the sake of plot is tolerable. Historical accuracy - ok, there are some things I can't handle without exceptionally well drawn characters to compensate. I'm all for a good abduction and whisking away to the dark and stormy castle with disturbing relatives. Secrets in the cupboards [not in a teddy bear] and villains that are convenient and easily disposed of roll off my radar. The Big Misunderstanding is only a small peeve of mine that I often hand wave. Hero and heroine come in many fashions, they appeal to some, trigger others and somewhere in between is generally what they might really have been in the author's mind before crazed readers got hold of them. I read romance for FUN, for laughter, to distract myself from Real Life as it IS [you know, bills, laundry, work, blah blah blah]. Even, or especially the lovely angsty ones - my precious chocolate without calories!
I read this book while storms and tornadoes were raging through our state. I read parts out loud to my daughters. We had a BLAST acting out scenes, making commentary, re-writing things in our front room instead of fretting about living in a mobile home during a tornado warning with no place to go.
I am sure the author never intended her book to be used in this manner but like Dominic, I won't apologize. It would be a lie. I thoroughly enjoyed despising Dominic. He never transformed for me, all he did was lose villainous dimensions and become a cut-out of the "new earl" that I didn't believe. Lilly became the most pathetic heroine I've encountered in years despite a pretty decent start because she didn't have the common damn sense to ask her friends for a loan to get to her obscure aunt. And she *had* friends, obviously, that didn't give beans about The Rules. Her martyrdom was as false as her willingness to resist a good kisser.
Strangely enough, I enjoyed every minute of this. Letting go of my general devotion to Look Only for the Good in any book, I could embrace my inner Realist and just wallow in the fact that as soon as Lilly gets pregnant, she's going to worry herself in to a nagging harpy imagining Dominic chasing kitchen maids and parlor maids and nursery maids. He's going to spend about fifteen minutes putting up with that before proving her right and then - then the real fun begins because there's no divorce for another what ... fifty, sixty years?
:::mwaaaa haaaa haaaa::: Get the book, it's worth the read, seriously! I intend to read ALL of the Fated for Love Series just to see if my predictions come true.
Want to read
October 19, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/5/2019)! 🎁
September 27, 2013
Really Enjoyed it...Looking Forward to the Next in the Series!
If I understand correctly this is the first book for this author and was I really impressed. The characters were well developed and likable. It was fast paced with just enough strife to make the book interesting. I didn't find any lagging parts and any editing errors were few and far in between. She did a good job of getting you interested in the secondary characters, and what their stories might be.
***I noticed some reviews saying that this book is not historically accurate. That has never been something that bothered me. Sometimes I find historical romance novels that are so stuffed with the historical chagrin or historical facts to be stiff and flowery. Don't get me wrong I like to transferred to that specfic time period, but small historical inconsistencies do not bother me. Some people can not over look those things and that is perfectly fine. If you are one of those people this story may not be one you will enjoy. Even though there are very few hiccups in this particular story.
I am looking forward to Devon's story which is next in the series. This a GREAT, light, quick read and I definitely recommend checking this new author out!
Happy Reading!!!
If I understand correctly this is the first book for this author and was I really impressed. The characters were well developed and likable. It was fast paced with just enough strife to make the book interesting. I didn't find any lagging parts and any editing errors were few and far in between. She did a good job of getting you interested in the secondary characters, and what their stories might be.
***I noticed some reviews saying that this book is not historically accurate. That has never been something that bothered me. Sometimes I find historical romance novels that are so stuffed with the historical chagrin or historical facts to be stiff and flowery. Don't get me wrong I like to transferred to that specfic time period, but small historical inconsistencies do not bother me. Some people can not over look those things and that is perfectly fine. If you are one of those people this story may not be one you will enjoy. Even though there are very few hiccups in this particular story.
I am looking forward to Devon's story which is next in the series. This a GREAT, light, quick read and I definitely recommend checking this new author out!
Happy Reading!!!
November 15, 2021
It started out interesting and Dominic was kind of dry and sassy, really liked it.
But slowly it ended up being meh. Dom was annoying pushy and pressing, not carring what Lilly had gone through, and what she wanted. Plus she suddenly ended up accsepting and wanting him. Meh. pass. The writing was nice though.
But slowly it ended up being meh. Dom was annoying pushy and pressing, not carring what Lilly had gone through, and what she wanted. Plus she suddenly ended up accsepting and wanting him. Meh. pass. The writing was nice though.
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars
September 17, 2017
Lillian St. James, daughter of the Earl of Cranston, goes into hiding as a cook's assistant when her step-father steals a valuable diamond necklace that belongs to the crown. (In Regency England, a scandal extends to all famly members, so Lilly is "tainted" by her step-father's actions.)
Problem is that she ironically joins the household of the man the government has engaged to find her. Despite her best efforts to blend in, her upper-class upbringing sets her apart from her co-workers and brings her to the attention of Dominic Coel, the new Earl of Redwick. (Dominic was the "spare" and only inherited the title and estate after his brother died.) Dominic can't resist Lilly and finds ways to get her alone to attempt to seduce her.
Dominic's best friend, Chance, is an old friend of Lilly's and he recognizes her immediately when visiting Dominic's estate. He promises Lilly that he'll help her keep her secret and escape to Scotland, but her step-father's thugs attack her while she's working and Dominic finds out the truth. He steps in to help and whisks her away to his country estate while plotting to draw out her step-father and force a confrontation.
I enjoyed the book and liked the characters. The "down sides" for me where (1) the Regency mentality wherein an innocent family member is treated as a pariah by society because of the misdeeds of another family member (and, yes, I get that this was the way it was in those days) and (2) once Dom and Lilly finally had sex, we had pages upon pages devoted to them doing it over and over. I'm not a prude; it was repetitive.
Problem is that she ironically joins the household of the man the government has engaged to find her. Despite her best efforts to blend in, her upper-class upbringing sets her apart from her co-workers and brings her to the attention of Dominic Coel, the new Earl of Redwick. (Dominic was the "spare" and only inherited the title and estate after his brother died.) Dominic can't resist Lilly and finds ways to get her alone to attempt to seduce her.
Dominic's best friend, Chance, is an old friend of Lilly's and he recognizes her immediately when visiting Dominic's estate. He promises Lilly that he'll help her keep her secret and escape to Scotland, but her step-father's thugs attack her while she's working and Dominic finds out the truth. He steps in to help and whisks her away to his country estate while plotting to draw out her step-father and force a confrontation.
I enjoyed the book and liked the characters. The "down sides" for me where (1) the Regency mentality wherein an innocent family member is treated as a pariah by society because of the misdeeds of another family member (and, yes, I get that this was the way it was in those days) and (2) once Dom and Lilly finally had sex, we had pages upon pages devoted to them doing it over and over. I'm not a prude; it was repetitive.
January 14, 2015
Genre: Romance/Historical
Author: Ella J Quince
Book: Mine, All Mine
My Star Rating: 3
Will I read I read it again? no
A Duke’s daughter of marriageable age and a necklace given by the King of Spain have gone missing. Where would Lady Lillian St James has gone to escape the scandal her Merchant husband was killed for Treason?
Dominic the new Earl of Redwick was ordered to find both Lady Lilliam St James and the necklace.
Lillian took the name of Millie James and was hired as a cook’s assistant. And whose house is she working in? You guessed it. But it was very funny when they met though!
I am an avid historical romance reader. There were a few things that irked me. But I am just a picky reader. It was a good read. I wish we had a little more for the characters though.
Author: Ella J Quince
Book: Mine, All Mine
My Star Rating: 3
Will I read I read it again? no
A Duke’s daughter of marriageable age and a necklace given by the King of Spain have gone missing. Where would Lady Lillian St James has gone to escape the scandal her Merchant husband was killed for Treason?
Dominic the new Earl of Redwick was ordered to find both Lady Lilliam St James and the necklace.
Lillian took the name of Millie James and was hired as a cook’s assistant. And whose house is she working in? You guessed it. But it was very funny when they met though!
I am an avid historical romance reader. There were a few things that irked me. But I am just a picky reader. It was a good read. I wish we had a little more for the characters though.
August 11, 2018
Perfect
I loved the suspense and budding romance. Be still my heart. I'll read the next book to be sure. Wonderful.
I loved the suspense and budding romance. Be still my heart. I'll read the next book to be sure. Wonderful.
July 26, 2022
Für mich gehören Historicals zu einem meiner Lieblingsgenres. Ich mag die Vorstellung, auch wenn sie manchmal weit entfernt von der Realität der damaligen Zeit sind. Als ich dann über „Mine, All Mine“ von Dayna Quinn stolperte, musste ich diesen unbedingt ausprobieren.
Ich war zuerst recht skeptisch und konnte mir nicht so richtig vorstellen, wie die Story durch die Autorin umgesetzt werden würde. Und sie hat sich für einen ungewöhnlichen Weg entschieden. Dieser ist sehr amüsant zu Beginn und zeigt deutlich, wie kreativ die Protagonistin werden kann, um ihr Überleben zu sichern. Das hätte ich von der Tochter eines Herzogs so nicht erwartet.
Lilly ist eine sympathische Protagonistin. Sie ist für ihre Verhältnisse selbstständig, bodenständig und dennoch sehr herzlich. Sie hat sehr liebenswerte Freunde und Freundinnen, die ihr zwar in ihrer Not zur Seite stehen, doch möchte sie sie nur ungern in ihre Probleme einbeziehen. Zufällig landet sie dann bei Dominic, dem Grafen von Redwick. Er gehört zwar ebenfalls zur Aristokratie, war aber stets nur der zweite Sohn, der sein Leben so leben konnte, wie er es wollte. Er ist viel gereist und hat als Spion für die Krone gearbeitet. Dabei hat er viel erlebt; Gutes und Schlechtes getan.
Von dem Moment an, an dem Lilly und Dominic aufeinandertreffen, sprühen regelrecht die Funken. Sie geraten aneinander und können doch kaum die Finger voneinander lassen. Gerade Dominic kann sich von Lilly kaum fernhalten. Obwohl er das aufgrund des angeblichen Standesunterschiedes tun sollte. Doch als er erfährt, wer Lilly ist, steht er ihr zur Seite, unterstützt sie und tut alles dafür, ihren Namen reinzuwaschen.
Es beginnt eine Odyssee, in die Lillys Freunde miteinbezogen werden. Die Dramatik um die Geschehnisse rund um Lillys Stiefvater und den Tod ihrer Mutter sind schon erschreckend genug. Da war mir persönlich dann die negative Einmischung von Dominics „Tante“ und ihrer zickigen Tochter doch etwas zu viel des Guten und hat der Geschichte etwas den Charme genommen.
Zum Ende hin gibt es noch einmal ordentlich Dramatik, wie man es aus vielen Historicals mit einem Happy End kennt.
Die Erzählung erfolgt abwechselnd aus der Perspektive von Dominic und Lilly. Gerade in Bezug auf Dominic finde ich das sehr schön. Ich mag es, wie er sich Gedanken darum macht, Lilly davon zu überzeugen, dass er sie liebt. Gleichzeitig versucht er sich selbst davon zu überzeugen, dass er nicht gut genug für sie ist. Dieser Zwiespalt in ihm ist es, der es sehr interessant macht, die weiteren Entwicklungen zu erleben. Für Lilly ist es etwas einfacher. Sie muss sich „nur“ ihren Gefühlen bewusst werden. Oh, und überleben. Einfacher gesagt als getan…
Insgesamt gesehen ein wirklich schöner Historical, der einem einen entspannten Lesenachmittag bereitet. Gern werde ich zukünftig mehr von der Autorin lesen. Denn der Auftakt dieser Reihe hat mir recht gut gefallen.
Ich war zuerst recht skeptisch und konnte mir nicht so richtig vorstellen, wie die Story durch die Autorin umgesetzt werden würde. Und sie hat sich für einen ungewöhnlichen Weg entschieden. Dieser ist sehr amüsant zu Beginn und zeigt deutlich, wie kreativ die Protagonistin werden kann, um ihr Überleben zu sichern. Das hätte ich von der Tochter eines Herzogs so nicht erwartet.
Lilly ist eine sympathische Protagonistin. Sie ist für ihre Verhältnisse selbstständig, bodenständig und dennoch sehr herzlich. Sie hat sehr liebenswerte Freunde und Freundinnen, die ihr zwar in ihrer Not zur Seite stehen, doch möchte sie sie nur ungern in ihre Probleme einbeziehen. Zufällig landet sie dann bei Dominic, dem Grafen von Redwick. Er gehört zwar ebenfalls zur Aristokratie, war aber stets nur der zweite Sohn, der sein Leben so leben konnte, wie er es wollte. Er ist viel gereist und hat als Spion für die Krone gearbeitet. Dabei hat er viel erlebt; Gutes und Schlechtes getan.
Von dem Moment an, an dem Lilly und Dominic aufeinandertreffen, sprühen regelrecht die Funken. Sie geraten aneinander und können doch kaum die Finger voneinander lassen. Gerade Dominic kann sich von Lilly kaum fernhalten. Obwohl er das aufgrund des angeblichen Standesunterschiedes tun sollte. Doch als er erfährt, wer Lilly ist, steht er ihr zur Seite, unterstützt sie und tut alles dafür, ihren Namen reinzuwaschen.
Es beginnt eine Odyssee, in die Lillys Freunde miteinbezogen werden. Die Dramatik um die Geschehnisse rund um Lillys Stiefvater und den Tod ihrer Mutter sind schon erschreckend genug. Da war mir persönlich dann die negative Einmischung von Dominics „Tante“ und ihrer zickigen Tochter doch etwas zu viel des Guten und hat der Geschichte etwas den Charme genommen.
Zum Ende hin gibt es noch einmal ordentlich Dramatik, wie man es aus vielen Historicals mit einem Happy End kennt.
Die Erzählung erfolgt abwechselnd aus der Perspektive von Dominic und Lilly. Gerade in Bezug auf Dominic finde ich das sehr schön. Ich mag es, wie er sich Gedanken darum macht, Lilly davon zu überzeugen, dass er sie liebt. Gleichzeitig versucht er sich selbst davon zu überzeugen, dass er nicht gut genug für sie ist. Dieser Zwiespalt in ihm ist es, der es sehr interessant macht, die weiteren Entwicklungen zu erleben. Für Lilly ist es etwas einfacher. Sie muss sich „nur“ ihren Gefühlen bewusst werden. Oh, und überleben. Einfacher gesagt als getan…
Insgesamt gesehen ein wirklich schöner Historical, der einem einen entspannten Lesenachmittag bereitet. Gern werde ich zukünftig mehr von der Autorin lesen. Denn der Auftakt dieser Reihe hat mir recht gut gefallen.
March 5, 2020
DNF: Needs research
I'm no expert in British aristocracy or the correct forms of address, but I know enough to know that this author hasn't the faintest clue. The heroine's mouthiness certainly would not be tolerated, even if she bothered to disguise her upper class speech. The story has potential, but as it stands, it's just silly and fails to suspend disbelief.
I'm no expert in British aristocracy or the correct forms of address, but I know enough to know that this author hasn't the faintest clue. The heroine's mouthiness certainly would not be tolerated, even if she bothered to disguise her upper class speech. The story has potential, but as it stands, it's just silly and fails to suspend disbelief.
April 3, 2025
"I can't stay with you forever. No one will believe you're just my guardian, you're too.......you." 😂
I liked this read it was fast paced and entertaining and sexy!
I liked this read it was fast paced and entertaining and sexy!
November 6, 2013
Really 3.5 stars
I found this book enjoyable and for the most part well written - however, there were some major editing issues that really should have been addressed before this book was published.
I love this genre - historical & medieval romance is all I read - and I feel that I am a very generous reader, I do not nitpick over historical accuracy or even grammatical errors. But there are two things I cannot abide and both of those things happen in this book.
1 - Incorrect formal address of the characters - if you are going to write about the daughter of a duke, I expect you to know the proper form of address - Lady Lillian St. James would be referred to and addressed as Lady Lillian NOT Lady St. James. Her friend Olivia was referred to in this book as both Miss Brentton and Lady Brentton - having no idea what title her father has I don't know if she is Miss Brentton or should be Lady Olivia, but I do know she would never be Lady Brentton and nether is her brother Lord Brentton. Her other friend Lydia was also referred to as Miss Covvington and then later as Lady Lydia - which is it??
2 - Modern verbiage in a regency setting - in my mind this this the lesser of two evils and I can usually ignore it, but when combine with my first peeve - it becomes glaringly oblivious and takes away from my reading enjoyment.
If I could get past these two issues, I would have most likely given this book a 4.5 star rating. For the most part it is well written, the characters are likable, the love scenes are steamy and the plot was ok. I felt that a lot of backstory information was missing, which made it hard for the reader to fully understand the characters.
Would I read this book again? No. Would I read the next book in the series? Maybe leaning towards probably Would I recommend this book to my friends? Probably not - but I would tell them why and let them decide for themselves
I found this book enjoyable and for the most part well written - however, there were some major editing issues that really should have been addressed before this book was published.
I love this genre - historical & medieval romance is all I read - and I feel that I am a very generous reader, I do not nitpick over historical accuracy or even grammatical errors. But there are two things I cannot abide and both of those things happen in this book.
1 - Incorrect formal address of the characters - if you are going to write about the daughter of a duke, I expect you to know the proper form of address - Lady Lillian St. James would be referred to and addressed as Lady Lillian NOT Lady St. James. Her friend Olivia was referred to in this book as both Miss Brentton and Lady Brentton - having no idea what title her father has I don't know if she is Miss Brentton or should be Lady Olivia, but I do know she would never be Lady Brentton and nether is her brother Lord Brentton. Her other friend Lydia was also referred to as Miss Covvington and then later as Lady Lydia - which is it??
2 - Modern verbiage in a regency setting - in my mind this this the lesser of two evils and I can usually ignore it, but when combine with my first peeve - it becomes glaringly oblivious and takes away from my reading enjoyment.
If I could get past these two issues, I would have most likely given this book a 4.5 star rating. For the most part it is well written, the characters are likable, the love scenes are steamy and the plot was ok. I felt that a lot of backstory information was missing, which made it hard for the reader to fully understand the characters.
Would I read this book again? No. Would I read the next book in the series? Maybe leaning towards probably Would I recommend this book to my friends? Probably not - but I would tell them why and let them decide for themselves
February 21, 2013
This novel is a great bargain on Amazon. The story is about Lilly who is a daughter of a duke but unfortunately her stepfather's treason has isolated her and put her in great danger. She ends up hiding in the household of the very man who is a retired spy bought out of retirement to find her.
The writer does an excellent job with pacing and focussing on the main characters. She also provides a reasonable explanation of how Lilly could adapt from peer to cook's assistant.
The few things in the story that bothered me were minor like how Dominic could have believed Mille aka Lilly had worked for the previous duke for 11 years despite her cultured diction and I'm sure her hands would be a dead giveaway. Luckily, Dominic was smart enough to put the pieces together quickly.
Also, I'm not so sure how her friends would rally behind her when they didn't offer help in the beginning of the scandal. While it did make her friends endearing, not so sure that they would have helped her out as they are young members of the Ton as well as unmarried.
Luckily these elements were very minor ones in an otherwise engaging and focussed story.
The writer does an excellent job with pacing and focussing on the main characters. She also provides a reasonable explanation of how Lilly could adapt from peer to cook's assistant.
The few things in the story that bothered me were minor like how Dominic could have believed Mille aka Lilly had worked for the previous duke for 11 years despite her cultured diction and I'm sure her hands would be a dead giveaway. Luckily, Dominic was smart enough to put the pieces together quickly.
Also, I'm not so sure how her friends would rally behind her when they didn't offer help in the beginning of the scandal. While it did make her friends endearing, not so sure that they would have helped her out as they are young members of the Ton as well as unmarried.
Luckily these elements were very minor ones in an otherwise engaging and focussed story.
December 27, 2015
An atypical historical romance in which an heiress runs away from a scandal by hiring on as a cook's assistant. With both parents dead, Lilly/Millie is fleeing for her life from her evil stepfather and decides to hide in plain sight from the one man who is tasked with finding her.
Dominic, newly the Earl of Redwick, has been abroad for the past several years and doesn't recognize the woman who has been hired. He just realizes that he wants her. Moreover, he is best friends with the one man who does recognize Lilly...and could rat her out.
Will he? Will lust win out? Will love? Or will her stepfather catch her first?
WTT trends noticed: two green-eyed characters (in supporting roles), rich alpha male.
Some lingering questions remained that didn't seem to be addressed, and a rather abrupt ending to the romance, but since it was the first in a series, perhaps they will be answered in subsequent romances.
Dominic, newly the Earl of Redwick, has been abroad for the past several years and doesn't recognize the woman who has been hired. He just realizes that he wants her. Moreover, he is best friends with the one man who does recognize Lilly...and could rat her out.
Will he? Will lust win out? Will love? Or will her stepfather catch her first?
WTT trends noticed: two green-eyed characters (in supporting roles), rich alpha male.
Some lingering questions remained that didn't seem to be addressed, and a rather abrupt ending to the romance, but since it was the first in a series, perhaps they will be answered in subsequent romances.
May 28, 2014
Got this free from Amazon.
It appears that the author may be fairly new in the business so there's definitely room for growth.
The basic plot of the story was strong and promising. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot of supporting scenes to help with character insight and development. I read this in less than a day because there were many areas that were easy to skip (intimacy scenes). Such scenes should be used as garnish, not the main course.
Often there were descriptions or hints about Dominic's past but not much more. Childhood flashbacks could have helped. The same can be said about Lillian; there were references to her childhood and family but not much more.
The villain could also be improved by adding depth of character.
All the same, the story and author has potential.
It appears that the author may be fairly new in the business so there's definitely room for growth.
The basic plot of the story was strong and promising. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot of supporting scenes to help with character insight and development. I read this in less than a day because there were many areas that were easy to skip (intimacy scenes). Such scenes should be used as garnish, not the main course.
Often there were descriptions or hints about Dominic's past but not much more. Childhood flashbacks could have helped. The same can be said about Lillian; there were references to her childhood and family but not much more.
The villain could also be improved by adding depth of character.
All the same, the story and author has potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
DNF 30%
The hero is the worst. He says that he's not the type to consort with his servants and then literally stalks her and forces himself on a person that is not in a position to tell him no. I'm not a fan a r*pe to love stories and this book seems to be moving in that direction.
I also hate the whole "heroine loses all control of herself from the hero's kisses" trope. It strips her of any agency.
The story is very nonsensical. There's no logical reason for why she's in hiding. Where is her mother, I have no idea the book did not say. Why would she think she would go to newgate? That's not what would have happened. She probably would have been put under house arrest of some kind.
I've read much better heroine pretends to be a servant type stories.
The hero is the worst. He says that he's not the type to consort with his servants and then literally stalks her and forces himself on a person that is not in a position to tell him no. I'm not a fan a r*pe to love stories and this book seems to be moving in that direction.
I also hate the whole "heroine loses all control of herself from the hero's kisses" trope. It strips her of any agency.
The story is very nonsensical. There's no logical reason for why she's in hiding. Where is her mother, I have no idea the book did not say. Why would she think she would go to newgate? That's not what would have happened. She probably would have been put under house arrest of some kind.
I've read much better heroine pretends to be a servant type stories.
September 17, 2021
I think this would have been much better if it had been a full-length novel.
As it was, the plot ideas seemed silly as there wasn't enough time to play them all out appropriately.
The worst part for me, that kept me from giving it 4-5 stars was the timing of when they declared their love for each other. In a short story like this, I feel the declarations of love need to be at the end of the story. So ya, it felt like insta-love for me unfortunately.
But I did like how the author wrote the hero and heroine's personalities. interactions and dialogue overall and I plan on checking out her other books, hopefully full-length ones.
As it was, the plot ideas seemed silly as there wasn't enough time to play them all out appropriately.
The worst part for me, that kept me from giving it 4-5 stars was the timing of when they declared their love for each other. In a short story like this, I feel the declarations of love need to be at the end of the story. So ya, it felt like insta-love for me unfortunately.
But I did like how the author wrote the hero and heroine's personalities. interactions and dialogue overall and I plan on checking out her other books, hopefully full-length ones.
June 6, 2022
DNF at 50% literally couldn't take any more misogynistic alpha A-hole hypocrisy.
Dominic didn't give fig that she said no as a maid, he had her backed into every corner even though she constantly said no. Then as soon as he finds out she's a lady he acts like a gentleman and suddenly everything is fine?
Dominic didn't give fig that she said no as a maid, he had her backed into every corner even though she constantly said no. Then as soon as he finds out she's a lady he acts like a gentleman and suddenly everything is fine?
January 30, 2013
Great story! Romance, suspense, a sexy hero, and a great plot makes this an excellent read. I fell in love with these characters and couldn't get enough. I read the entire book in one day. Even though I received the book on Amazon for free, I definitely would have paid for it as well.
Want to read
January 25, 2013Amazon Freebie 01/25/2013
June 19, 2014
I really don't like "romances" where the guy forces himself on the girl and she ends up liking it. He takes way too many liberties with her before they have a real relationship.
March 18, 2022
I took on this book because I don’t read a lot of romance novels, and I wanted to see what sort of material was on the market and how I felt about it. Dayna Quince writes a good novel, of which this is the first in a series – Fated for Love – making the rest promising reading.
The story begins with Lillian St James running for her life from unknown government sources who are seeking her stepfather on charges of treason and by association her as well. However, she is also running from her stepfather, Mr Hollow, a wealthy merchant who married her widowed mother for her title, and does not seem to care for anything but his own plans and fortunes.
She has applied for work as a kitchen servant in the house of Dominic Coel, Lord Redwick, under the name of Millie James, and does well for herself, making friends amongst the servants until she comes to the eye of Lord Redwick himself. A renowned rake, he is accustomed to having beautiful women of all classes throw themselves at him, and while Millie does not exactly do this, she is trying to maintain a job in a household as her only way to earn enough money to escape to her aunt’s home in northern England.
In the meantime, one of Lord Redwick’s friends, Chance Willowton, recognises Millie as his childhood companion and friend and is honour-bound to help her in any way he can. While he is trying to put a plan in place to spirit her away somewhere safer, Millie is spotted by one of her stepfather’s men who attacks her, wanting her to bring him the very valuable necklace at the centre of the treason plot that put her in that predicament. When Dominic sees the bruises and questions Millie, and later overhears her talking with Chance about his plan, he begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together and forces Millie to admit her real identity. The problem is that he is part of the investigation that is trying to find out the truth about the treason committed by Mr Hollow and allegedly by Lilly.
Dominic takes charge and spirits Lilly away to his country estate until he can solve the problem. This creates problems of its own with the growing feelings between Dominic and Lilly, but Dominic, Lilly and Chance, with the help of Lilly and Chance’s other childhood friends, Olivia Brentton, Lydia Covington, and Devon Covington, embark on a daring plan to expose Mr Hollow, return the necklace, and restore Lilly’s name.
The rest of the books in the Fated for Love series deal with the adventures and misadventures of the other characters mentioned above. Sweet Torture (book 2) deals with Devon Brentton, Viscount Wilhelm, and Lydia Covington. Storm on the Horizon: Hot Historical Romance tells the story of Olivia Brentton and Captain Jeffrey Colton Darling (a character introduced late in the first book); and To Love, Honor, and Obey... tells of Chance Willowton’s journey to love with Obedience Wickenham, who grew up following him around devotedly and still loves and admires him in spite of her family’s machinations to see them both married to others.
Ms Quince has written a strong plot with a set of well-developed characters. The historical setting, while redolent of the era, is not entirely accurate in the way the characters behave or in some of the references, but taken as its own standard (think Bridgerton), it works. There were some wonderful moments of dialogue with verbal sparring and snark, which added to the readability of the book. The series is advertised as hot historical fiction, and on that score, it does not disappoint with a teasing build-up leading to some very steamy scenes. Personally, I’m not a fan of reading that kind of thing, but it’s there if the reader wants.
The story begins with Lillian St James running for her life from unknown government sources who are seeking her stepfather on charges of treason and by association her as well. However, she is also running from her stepfather, Mr Hollow, a wealthy merchant who married her widowed mother for her title, and does not seem to care for anything but his own plans and fortunes.
She has applied for work as a kitchen servant in the house of Dominic Coel, Lord Redwick, under the name of Millie James, and does well for herself, making friends amongst the servants until she comes to the eye of Lord Redwick himself. A renowned rake, he is accustomed to having beautiful women of all classes throw themselves at him, and while Millie does not exactly do this, she is trying to maintain a job in a household as her only way to earn enough money to escape to her aunt’s home in northern England.
In the meantime, one of Lord Redwick’s friends, Chance Willowton, recognises Millie as his childhood companion and friend and is honour-bound to help her in any way he can. While he is trying to put a plan in place to spirit her away somewhere safer, Millie is spotted by one of her stepfather’s men who attacks her, wanting her to bring him the very valuable necklace at the centre of the treason plot that put her in that predicament. When Dominic sees the bruises and questions Millie, and later overhears her talking with Chance about his plan, he begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together and forces Millie to admit her real identity. The problem is that he is part of the investigation that is trying to find out the truth about the treason committed by Mr Hollow and allegedly by Lilly.
Dominic takes charge and spirits Lilly away to his country estate until he can solve the problem. This creates problems of its own with the growing feelings between Dominic and Lilly, but Dominic, Lilly and Chance, with the help of Lilly and Chance’s other childhood friends, Olivia Brentton, Lydia Covington, and Devon Covington, embark on a daring plan to expose Mr Hollow, return the necklace, and restore Lilly’s name.
The rest of the books in the Fated for Love series deal with the adventures and misadventures of the other characters mentioned above. Sweet Torture (book 2) deals with Devon Brentton, Viscount Wilhelm, and Lydia Covington. Storm on the Horizon: Hot Historical Romance tells the story of Olivia Brentton and Captain Jeffrey Colton Darling (a character introduced late in the first book); and To Love, Honor, and Obey... tells of Chance Willowton’s journey to love with Obedience Wickenham, who grew up following him around devotedly and still loves and admires him in spite of her family’s machinations to see them both married to others.
Ms Quince has written a strong plot with a set of well-developed characters. The historical setting, while redolent of the era, is not entirely accurate in the way the characters behave or in some of the references, but taken as its own standard (think Bridgerton), it works. There were some wonderful moments of dialogue with verbal sparring and snark, which added to the readability of the book. The series is advertised as hot historical fiction, and on that score, it does not disappoint with a teasing build-up leading to some very steamy scenes. Personally, I’m not a fan of reading that kind of thing, but it’s there if the reader wants.
October 4, 2020
There was NO set up so everything just sort of… happened. It was messy and hard to follow and then they just sort of started kissing.
Also it wasn’t all that good of a plan on her part in the beginning. There was mention of a disguise but it was never explained (I assumed it was just a change in the type of clothing). Also they said it was reason but never explained. The big bad didn’t even show up until the end and then was just beaten easily. This was just a steaming pile of nonsense.
Also the ending was abrupt with no follow through on all the plot threads being solved like the “aunt” or her mother’s obvious murder. I could go on…
It was an interesting concept, but I hate how this story (like so many others) depict female characters as a slave to their hormones, like they live as slaves to their libido when in reality that’s not true. I’m sick of reading about women who say no and then jump the guys bones and then get all huffy like it was his fault for inciting her base urges when she’s the one who had the control in the first place. Same goes for the reverse when the guy blames the girl for being attractive to him. It’s old and getting older by the day. If you can’t think of another way besides alcohol or unconquerable hormones to get your two leads together then they SHOULDN’T BE TOGETHER!
Also it wasn’t all that good of a plan on her part in the beginning. There was mention of a disguise but it was never explained (I assumed it was just a change in the type of clothing). Also they said it was reason but never explained. The big bad didn’t even show up until the end and then was just beaten easily. This was just a steaming pile of nonsense.
Also the ending was abrupt with no follow through on all the plot threads being solved like the “aunt” or her mother’s obvious murder. I could go on…
It was an interesting concept, but I hate how this story (like so many others) depict female characters as a slave to their hormones, like they live as slaves to their libido when in reality that’s not true. I’m sick of reading about women who say no and then jump the guys bones and then get all huffy like it was his fault for inciting her base urges when she’s the one who had the control in the first place. Same goes for the reverse when the guy blames the girl for being attractive to him. It’s old and getting older by the day. If you can’t think of another way besides alcohol or unconquerable hormones to get your two leads together then they SHOULDN’T BE TOGETHER!
June 3, 2020
Mine, All Mine, by Ella J. Quince, was her debut book in 2012. It's been published under 3 different names, Ella J. Quince, Dayna Quince, & D.L. Rose. Confusing to say the least. Mine, All Mine is book 1 in the Fated For Love series, which I believe ran 4 books long. It's not a bad book but I'm jaded from many years of reading historical romance stories. Ms Quince writes well and the historical inaccuracies can be forgiven to a certain extent. A good editor might have made a big difference. I wasn't terribly interested in the main characters. The slow start with not enough background information did it for me. The hero went from tortured to lecher in about 60 seconds. Her smart mouth makes it impossible to believe she could hide in a kitchen as a cook. These 2 characters were ok but I couldn't get caught up in their problems. I did find 2 of the secondary characters interesting enough to check into their stories. Amazon provides this e-book as a freebie if you'd like to check it out.
September 15, 2025
In this compelling story, Lillie is cleverly disguised as an assistant cook within the Earl of Redwick's household. The new Earl, bound by his duty to the Crown, is actively pursuing Lillie's stepfather for treason. Despite his mission, the Earl finds himself captivated by his assistant cook, particularly her refined accent, and a mutual attraction blossoms between them. This burgeoning romance is complicated by significant obstacles: the Earl's loyalty to the Crown, and Lillie's precarious position, as she must remain hidden from both the Earl and her stepfather, who is desperately searching for jewels she took from him. As their love intensifies, Dominic (the Earl) becomes determined to aid Lillie while ensuring her stepfather faces justice. The characters are expertly crafted and profoundly emotional, and the plot unfolds beautifully, showcasing their struggle to uphold their principles without causing pain to one another.
November 22, 2017
The best part of the book is Olivia's line, “We must never let go of hope, otherwise we are already lost, and I refuse to give up.” Well, I gave up on this plot making a lot of sense early on and was happier for it. The daughter of a Duke hiding out as a servant is a great premise but it burned out too fast, and we never hear from the friends she's made then again. What?? And the cousin from Europe, I assume he's going to show up later in the series and marry one of the friends. So many stories to tell, and we get the improbable home wrecking non-aunt and the bit with the boats. Two stars because at least the grammar was mostly ok, the ending's setting was pretty dang unpredictable for a change, and it was entertaining. I might read it again, would recommend it to a friend in desperate need of a fluffy read, and would probably read the series if they were on sale.
October 29, 2021
This was my first read by Quince. I received a complimentary copy of this several years ago but only got around to reading it after I saw a second offer recently and found out that I had it on my Kindle. I loved it! I especially liked the characters who certainly weren't perfect. Dominic in particular who felt free to handle the beautiful assistant cook but hesitated ( briefly I know) when he found out she was a duke's daughter. (Then he decided he wanted to marry her.) Lilly is running for her life and has found a position, thanks to her beloved cook from her childhood home. Of course this is the house of the King's agent who is charged with finding her and the missing necklace her evil stepfather has stolen. The peripheral characters were appealing and I have purchased the second book of this series. Looking forward to reading it.
August 10, 2022
This was my first book by this author and I must say I enjoyed it.
The pace was fast. Our hero and heroine go from employer and employee to lovers in less than a few chapters.
I admit I would have liked it to slow down a bit and delve deeper into the characters. I felt there was so much more we could have learned about the hero Dominic.
I would have also liked a little more back story on Lillie and her family. i would have also liked to learn more about how she got into the mess she was in. The story opens with her on the run so I would have liked to have learned more.
Overall I enjoyed reading it and I like the overall storyline presented. It was a quick read so everything went fast but enjoyable.
The pace was fast. Our hero and heroine go from employer and employee to lovers in less than a few chapters.
I admit I would have liked it to slow down a bit and delve deeper into the characters. I felt there was so much more we could have learned about the hero Dominic.
I would have also liked a little more back story on Lillie and her family. i would have also liked to learn more about how she got into the mess she was in. The story opens with her on the run so I would have liked to have learned more.
Overall I enjoyed reading it and I like the overall storyline presented. It was a quick read so everything went fast but enjoyable.
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