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For The Love of Lily: The steamy, friends-to-lovers triangle that you won't want to miss!
346 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2024
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Lockhart
6 books20 followersOlivia Lockhart (Livvie to her friends) is an English author who can't quite decide if she wants to write contemporary romance or paranormal romance. Either way, it HAS to be romance.
She loves to write about the underdog, the one who got away, the bits of love stories we can all relate to.
When not writing she can be found drinking wine, cuddling her beloved pooch or with her head buried in a book.
She loves to write about the underdog, the one who got away, the bits of love stories we can all relate to.
When not writing she can be found drinking wine, cuddling her beloved pooch or with her head buried in a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 27, 2024
First of all, happy publication day to the wonderful lady who is @livvieharts and a huge thank you for gifting me an ARC of this book.
The first thing that drew me in was the cover. Excuse me? How gorgeous is that?
What I expected was a romcom. What I got was absolute tears! Lily has been single for a while after being treated terribly in a past relationship, she has her best friends Cassie and Luke and a great job, until Cassie sets her up on a blind date and meets Zack. This book was packed with humour and times I sniggered into the pages and had a few weird looks, but you know me, I don't care 🤣👌
Everything is going amazing with Zack, and she moves forward in her life with him. Then Luke returns from a trip and decides to CONFESS how long he's been in love with her?!?! What a way to throw the spanner in the works.
The characters were completely real, authentic, and developed incredibly. As a reader, I literally felt EVERY SINGLE emotion possible as I was tugged this way and that way.
Tropes such as friends to lovers, love triangle, insta-love bit of me that is 🙌
Lily isn't your standard FMC who has a happy ever after and the ending of sunshine and rainbows, she's real, and she falls in love with two men who are equally as important in her life, and their dreams and aspirations are to make her happy, who would you choose?
First-person narrative, so that clearly made us feel more involved as it was like reading a diary, and I truly felt I knew which way the book was going to go. How wrong was I?!
For the smut lovers, there was some spice, but I'd say a 1/2 🌟 as it was more of a making love scenario, real authentic and deep. Which is a nice portrayal of the book in general.
If you need a good cry, go for this book, realistic, true, and painful. Lily's decision at the end infuriated me, which I also expressed to the author that I need a SEQUEL AND NOW.
Overall, what a book. Devoured it in less than a day, and I'm sure I'd do the same for Lily Unwritten that should be coming soon
The first thing that drew me in was the cover. Excuse me? How gorgeous is that?
What I expected was a romcom. What I got was absolute tears! Lily has been single for a while after being treated terribly in a past relationship, she has her best friends Cassie and Luke and a great job, until Cassie sets her up on a blind date and meets Zack. This book was packed with humour and times I sniggered into the pages and had a few weird looks, but you know me, I don't care 🤣👌
Everything is going amazing with Zack, and she moves forward in her life with him. Then Luke returns from a trip and decides to CONFESS how long he's been in love with her?!?! What a way to throw the spanner in the works.
The characters were completely real, authentic, and developed incredibly. As a reader, I literally felt EVERY SINGLE emotion possible as I was tugged this way and that way.
Tropes such as friends to lovers, love triangle, insta-love bit of me that is 🙌
Lily isn't your standard FMC who has a happy ever after and the ending of sunshine and rainbows, she's real, and she falls in love with two men who are equally as important in her life, and their dreams and aspirations are to make her happy, who would you choose?
First-person narrative, so that clearly made us feel more involved as it was like reading a diary, and I truly felt I knew which way the book was going to go. How wrong was I?!
For the smut lovers, there was some spice, but I'd say a 1/2 🌟 as it was more of a making love scenario, real authentic and deep. Which is a nice portrayal of the book in general.
If you need a good cry, go for this book, realistic, true, and painful. Lily's decision at the end infuriated me, which I also expressed to the author that I need a SEQUEL AND NOW.
Overall, what a book. Devoured it in less than a day, and I'm sure I'd do the same for Lily Unwritten that should be coming soon
August 20, 2024
Reading a novel from someone you've met through social media always hits a bit different, and I very much appreciate being able to get my hands on a copy of For the Love of Lily from the author herself. The main premise is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine, a love triangle but specifically one between both new to their lives and someone who has been around for a while. Does the center of the triangle look forward to all the possibilities with someone new, or do they respect all the history shared with someone who already fits into their life?
At first, some of the colloquialisms threw me because I didn't realize the setting of the novel. Once I was reading with the right lens though, I found the overall tone charming and quirky, just like the main love interest at the center of the triangle. I liked the character herself, even if sometimes her actions (or lack of action) annoyed me. Like many romances, I also think I liked her best friend just a tad bit more and found her a scene stealer.
On paper, the two suitors for the titular Lily appear almost to possess equal potential as romantic partners. Incredibly high potential to the point realism does cave to romantic fiction a bit, a trope of the genre. However, both suitors aren't perfect, and even show traits that border on some hallmarks of toxic masculinity. On one hand, we have manipulation and the seed of an idea that nice guys who put in the time as a friend earn the upgrade to more than friend by default. On the other, we have someone for the propensity to destroy or break objects when they are angry. The protagonist does call out some of those traits with the first but seems to just sweep the other under the rug (in both this novel and the sequel). Considering why Lily wasn't wanting to date for so long, I found her lack of acknowledgement regarding the latter behavior even more problematic. It's my own personal bias showing through, but it was hard to respect the difficulty of Lily's decision because of how much a dealbreaker one suitor's actions would have been for me.
I teetered between this rating and a lower one largely because of two things. Love triangles inherently come with a choice, made by the main love interest. Stay with one, end things with the other, or even just all three getting together in some form or fashion are how things usually play out. I don't want to spoil anything, but that doesn't really come into play here, and it cements some of the issues I had with Lily. Indecisive almost to the point of flighty, she swings almost constantly between crying or euphoric. The other thing that impacted rating the most is ease of reading. British and American standards of English differ substantially on the use of commas, and for readers venturing beyond their borders, it can take some getting used to. However, it was the sometimes frequent missing words that detracted from the reading experience a bit, especially since it seemed to occur more in linchpin or highly emotional scenes.
Romance fans that enjoy love triangles that see-saw to the very end should take a chance on For the Love of Lily, especially those with a soft spot for golden retriever personalities in their men.
At first, some of the colloquialisms threw me because I didn't realize the setting of the novel. Once I was reading with the right lens though, I found the overall tone charming and quirky, just like the main love interest at the center of the triangle. I liked the character herself, even if sometimes her actions (or lack of action) annoyed me. Like many romances, I also think I liked her best friend just a tad bit more and found her a scene stealer.
On paper, the two suitors for the titular Lily appear almost to possess equal potential as romantic partners. Incredibly high potential to the point realism does cave to romantic fiction a bit, a trope of the genre. However, both suitors aren't perfect, and even show traits that border on some hallmarks of toxic masculinity. On one hand, we have manipulation and the seed of an idea that nice guys who put in the time as a friend earn the upgrade to more than friend by default. On the other, we have someone for the propensity to destroy or break objects when they are angry. The protagonist does call out some of those traits with the first but seems to just sweep the other under the rug (in both this novel and the sequel). Considering why Lily wasn't wanting to date for so long, I found her lack of acknowledgement regarding the latter behavior even more problematic. It's my own personal bias showing through, but it was hard to respect the difficulty of Lily's decision because of how much a dealbreaker one suitor's actions would have been for me.
I teetered between this rating and a lower one largely because of two things. Love triangles inherently come with a choice, made by the main love interest. Stay with one, end things with the other, or even just all three getting together in some form or fashion are how things usually play out. I don't want to spoil anything, but that doesn't really come into play here, and it cements some of the issues I had with Lily. Indecisive almost to the point of flighty, she swings almost constantly between crying or euphoric. The other thing that impacted rating the most is ease of reading. British and American standards of English differ substantially on the use of commas, and for readers venturing beyond their borders, it can take some getting used to. However, it was the sometimes frequent missing words that detracted from the reading experience a bit, especially since it seemed to occur more in linchpin or highly emotional scenes.
Romance fans that enjoy love triangles that see-saw to the very end should take a chance on For the Love of Lily, especially those with a soft spot for golden retriever personalities in their men.
June 13, 2024
I have never wanted to throw a book across the room more in my life!! (But obviously I didn't because I'd never damage a book.) I was so utterly infuriated by the ending, and I'm so glad I have book two to go into in the hope that the correct outcome happens!!
This book immediately grabbed me as it opened on a 'blind' date which is an amazing start to a book. It was also the perfect first chapter to introduce you to a great cast of characters.
Insta-love isn't my favourite trope and I did find this incredibly fast-paced at first but I had a theory as to what I thought was going to happen and was eager to find out if I was right. I did love the banter between Lily and Zack though, at first. And when it got past all that immediate rush of feelings, I really got into the story. I wasn't a massive Lily, Zack or Cassie fan though but I did adore Luke. Lily infuriated me SO much as the story progressed (and even more at the end! Grr!)
This does also have a great trope - best friends to lovers, a love triangle, and a tiny bit of grumpy/sunshine.
It's interesting to read that people have different perceptions of what the word 'cheating' means though... And I am SO sick of drug references in romance novels; definitely spoilt the book for me.
For all the smut lovers, there was some spice; brief glimpses but spice nonetheless. Including a touching scene where two characters actually make love.
I also love the cover of this book so much. Gorgeous.
This book immediately grabbed me as it opened on a 'blind' date which is an amazing start to a book. It was also the perfect first chapter to introduce you to a great cast of characters.
Insta-love isn't my favourite trope and I did find this incredibly fast-paced at first but I had a theory as to what I thought was going to happen and was eager to find out if I was right. I did love the banter between Lily and Zack though, at first. And when it got past all that immediate rush of feelings, I really got into the story. I wasn't a massive Lily, Zack or Cassie fan though but I did adore Luke. Lily infuriated me SO much as the story progressed (and even more at the end! Grr!)
This does also have a great trope - best friends to lovers, a love triangle, and a tiny bit of grumpy/sunshine.
It's interesting to read that people have different perceptions of what the word 'cheating' means though... And I am SO sick of drug references in romance novels; definitely spoilt the book for me.
For all the smut lovers, there was some spice; brief glimpses but spice nonetheless. Including a touching scene where two characters actually make love.
I also love the cover of this book so much. Gorgeous.
June 11, 2024
Lily has been single for a while and is happy being single after her previous relationship ended badly. She has her best friends Cassie and Luke, a job as a legal secretary and a flat above her office that she calls home. When Cassie set’s Lily up with Zack they immediately hit it off. One date turns into two before they officially start dating. When Lily’s best friend Luke returns from a long trip and confesses to Lily he likes her more than just friends, Lily’s world as she knows it changes. With whom will Lily find her happily ever after? Who will Lily choose, Zack or Luke?
I can honestly say I loved this book from start to finish and can’t sing the author’s praise enough. I was in a reading slump before starting this book and as soon as I read the first few chapters I couldn’t stop reading. The storyline was captivating, compelling and an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed and cried with Lily in equal parts. There were real tears because the way the story is written it was hard not to be swept away with the characters and all the emotion expressed. The characters were real and likeable and it was clear that they were conflicted about their feelings and which path to choose. As for Lily’s dilemma as to who she should pick it was a tough decision and I’m glad it’s one I didn’t have to make. In most romance novels there are always characters you like, dislike and route for. However, I couldn’t make a decision on which one of Lily’s prospective love interests I wanted her to end up with. They were both lovely and amazing. I had no idea who Lily would choose and the ending was a bit of a shock for me. I really can’t wait to read the second book to see what happens to Lily so I am eagerly waiting for the sequel after reading a sneak peak of the next book.
If you love romance novels that will pull at your heart strings then I would highly recommend this book. It’s a book you won’t want to miss out on!
I can honestly say I loved this book from start to finish and can’t sing the author’s praise enough. I was in a reading slump before starting this book and as soon as I read the first few chapters I couldn’t stop reading. The storyline was captivating, compelling and an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed and cried with Lily in equal parts. There were real tears because the way the story is written it was hard not to be swept away with the characters and all the emotion expressed. The characters were real and likeable and it was clear that they were conflicted about their feelings and which path to choose. As for Lily’s dilemma as to who she should pick it was a tough decision and I’m glad it’s one I didn’t have to make. In most romance novels there are always characters you like, dislike and route for. However, I couldn’t make a decision on which one of Lily’s prospective love interests I wanted her to end up with. They were both lovely and amazing. I had no idea who Lily would choose and the ending was a bit of a shock for me. I really can’t wait to read the second book to see what happens to Lily so I am eagerly waiting for the sequel after reading a sneak peak of the next book.
If you love romance novels that will pull at your heart strings then I would highly recommend this book. It’s a book you won’t want to miss out on!
September 17, 2024
For The Love of Lily is a captivating, powerful, and emotional contemporary romance. Starring two different guys and one confused girl, For The Love of Lily will take the reader on a rollercoaster of a ride. Lily hasn't been in a relationship for several years after the previous one left her emotionally damaged. Her bestie, Cassie, takes it upon herself to set Lily up on a date. When she meets handsome and polite Zack, their connection in instant. However, there is another that's been waiting in the wings that throws everything Lily thought she knew right out the window.
Tough choices, irresponsible decisions, and actions that would have had me walking away from both men, fill the pages of this book. Lily does some pretty questionable things in For The Love of Lily. Things that kind of turned me off on her characters. She is maddening and I'm amazed both men didn't just walk away from her. On that note, however, she's what makes this book tick.
Lily can't help who she loves, however the revelation that springs up after she meets and falls for Zack, is a game changer. One she wasn't expecting and one that well and truly started the derailment. After reading about her love life, I'm truly grateful I've never been caught up in a love triangle. They are messy and, inevitably, someone gets hurt.
The author does a spectacular job setting up For The Love of Lily. The writing style is dynamic and pulled me right into the story. There is so much emotion on the pages - good, bad, ugly - it's all there. The characters displayed a rich assortment of feelings, personality, and history. The world building was spectacular and I felt like I was right in the middle of the book.
This story is so beautifully written, perfectly executed, and wonderfully paced.
The ending wasn't exactly what I'd hoped so I'll read the next book, Lily, Unwritten, and see how Lily's story ends.
Tough choices, irresponsible decisions, and actions that would have had me walking away from both men, fill the pages of this book. Lily does some pretty questionable things in For The Love of Lily. Things that kind of turned me off on her characters. She is maddening and I'm amazed both men didn't just walk away from her. On that note, however, she's what makes this book tick.
Lily can't help who she loves, however the revelation that springs up after she meets and falls for Zack, is a game changer. One she wasn't expecting and one that well and truly started the derailment. After reading about her love life, I'm truly grateful I've never been caught up in a love triangle. They are messy and, inevitably, someone gets hurt.
The author does a spectacular job setting up For The Love of Lily. The writing style is dynamic and pulled me right into the story. There is so much emotion on the pages - good, bad, ugly - it's all there. The characters displayed a rich assortment of feelings, personality, and history. The world building was spectacular and I felt like I was right in the middle of the book.
This story is so beautifully written, perfectly executed, and wonderfully paced.
The ending wasn't exactly what I'd hoped so I'll read the next book, Lily, Unwritten, and see how Lily's story ends.
July 27, 2024
3.5 Stars
Romance is not my typical genre, but I do enjoy them occasionally. For the Love of Lily was an engaging read and I read it very quickly. I initially found the story very sweet, and I went into it not knowing what it was about, so I didn't realize some of the storyline.
I was not a fan of the Lily, the main character. I found her whiny and set up in a victim mode. For instance, she'd blame one man for his jealousy all while she was in love with the other guy - so of course he was jealous. She seemed to want to set up Guy #1 as the bad guy without owning her role in what was going on. She was also constantly crying, and I found myself rolling my eyes constantly.
I believe I am in the minority with which guy I was rooting for and which one I found manipulative.
There was a side storyline thrown in from her female best friend that I found odd. It is a major topic in and of itself and would need more exploration and deserved more than just being a plot filler.
There was some spice, but it was not super explicit. Some sexy scenes without being crude.
There is a sequel that continues exploring whether Lily made the right choice. I am looking forward to reading more about Lily’s choices.
Overall, For the Love of Lily is an engaging romance novel. It is not light and explores some deep and potentially upsetting themes. If you are a fan of light spice and love triangles you should definitely give this one a go.
Romance is not my typical genre, but I do enjoy them occasionally. For the Love of Lily was an engaging read and I read it very quickly. I initially found the story very sweet, and I went into it not knowing what it was about, so I didn't realize some of the storyline.
I was not a fan of the Lily, the main character. I found her whiny and set up in a victim mode. For instance, she'd blame one man for his jealousy all while she was in love with the other guy - so of course he was jealous. She seemed to want to set up Guy #1 as the bad guy without owning her role in what was going on. She was also constantly crying, and I found myself rolling my eyes constantly.
I believe I am in the minority with which guy I was rooting for and which one I found manipulative.
There was a side storyline thrown in from her female best friend that I found odd. It is a major topic in and of itself and would need more exploration and deserved more than just being a plot filler.
There was some spice, but it was not super explicit. Some sexy scenes without being crude.
There is a sequel that continues exploring whether Lily made the right choice. I am looking forward to reading more about Lily’s choices.
Overall, For the Love of Lily is an engaging romance novel. It is not light and explores some deep and potentially upsetting themes. If you are a fan of light spice and love triangles you should definitely give this one a go.
June 12, 2024
I read this relatively quickly and, upon starting it, really enjoyed the friendship between Lily and Cassie. Love triangles are a fave trope of mine, so I was excited to see how the author was going to do it.
Having said this, I was not a fan of the way the friendship - or the love triangle - progressed. When it first started, I was so sure that no one else could live up to a friendship like the one Lily and Luke had. However, after she met Zack I changed my view on this, and decided that no one could put their life on hold for someone who had held their silence for four years.
By the end of the book, I could not stand the back-and-forthing Lily was doing between the two men and I hated all of the characters. In my opinion, it was dragged out too long.
As for Cassie, I am unsure why her story arc included infertility - unless it was to show how awful a friend Lily became? It was never resolved and, apart from seeing her drinking heavily in response to it, she didn't really discuss how it made her feel. I felt the issue of the egg donation was handled very poorly.
There were several grammatical errors and spelling mistakes in the text which, although understandable, are irritating as a reader.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Having said this, I was not a fan of the way the friendship - or the love triangle - progressed. When it first started, I was so sure that no one else could live up to a friendship like the one Lily and Luke had. However, after she met Zack I changed my view on this, and decided that no one could put their life on hold for someone who had held their silence for four years.
By the end of the book, I could not stand the back-and-forthing Lily was doing between the two men and I hated all of the characters. In my opinion, it was dragged out too long.
As for Cassie, I am unsure why her story arc included infertility - unless it was to show how awful a friend Lily became? It was never resolved and, apart from seeing her drinking heavily in response to it, she didn't really discuss how it made her feel. I felt the issue of the egg donation was handled very poorly.
There were several grammatical errors and spelling mistakes in the text which, although understandable, are irritating as a reader.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2024
I spotted this last night on twitter and I am so glad I did as its instantly become one of my favourite books of the year.
Lily doesn't date. She had a bad relationship and doesn't bother. But her best friend Cassie sets her up on a coffee date with Zach, and reluctantly Lily goes along, not expecting what happens next.
It's so hard to review this without giving spoilers but I want people to be able to read this and be surprised by just what this novel holds in store for them.
I was hooked after only a few pages and I'm so glad that most of the Internet was down last night as I was able to focus entirely on this.
Lily has qualities I connected to straight away. She has her fears and is scared to trust after being hurt.
Zach is such a lovely guy. The scenes between him and Lily are beautifully written and I rooted for this pair so much.
Then we have Luke. Oh my gosh Luke 😍 Saying too much about him leads to spoilers but let's just say I am definitely team luke. ( Although I do like Zach alot too)
This book hit me with so many feelings and emotions. I was abit emotional by the end and I am so glad book 2 is out soon so I don't have to wait long to find out what happens in the characters lives.
If you like romance with some hot scenes then check this out now. You will not be disappointed.
Lily doesn't date. She had a bad relationship and doesn't bother. But her best friend Cassie sets her up on a coffee date with Zach, and reluctantly Lily goes along, not expecting what happens next.
It's so hard to review this without giving spoilers but I want people to be able to read this and be surprised by just what this novel holds in store for them.
I was hooked after only a few pages and I'm so glad that most of the Internet was down last night as I was able to focus entirely on this.
Lily has qualities I connected to straight away. She has her fears and is scared to trust after being hurt.
Zach is such a lovely guy. The scenes between him and Lily are beautifully written and I rooted for this pair so much.
Then we have Luke. Oh my gosh Luke 😍 Saying too much about him leads to spoilers but let's just say I am definitely team luke. ( Although I do like Zach alot too)
This book hit me with so many feelings and emotions. I was abit emotional by the end and I am so glad book 2 is out soon so I don't have to wait long to find out what happens in the characters lives.
If you like romance with some hot scenes then check this out now. You will not be disappointed.
July 28, 2024
For The Love of Lily by Olivia Lockhart
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Lily Forshaw loves her life, her job, and her best friends. Romance? Not on her radar. So, when a blind date with Zack leaves her unexpectedly smitten, she’s completely caught off guard.
But Zack isn’t the only one vying for her affection. As her heart becomes entangled between two very different men, Lily tumbles into an emotional whirlwind.
Lily hasn’t found ‘The One’, she’s found ‘The Two’.
With a troubled past haunting her, friendships hanging in the balance, and two passions pulling her in opposite directions, which future will Lily choose?
Can she truly have it all, or will she be forced to make an impossible decision?
Get ready to fall in love…
My Opinion
Last year I read The Bridesmaid's Brother by Olivia Lockhart and I really enjoyed the writing so I was excited when I read about this book.
Lily has a troubled past and when she finally decides to take a chance on love again not everything is straightforward. I enjoyed reading about Lily's dilemma. I finished this book in a few hours, it was just so easy to read one more chapter. Within pages I was hooked and I am already looking forward to reading Lily Unwritten.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Lily Forshaw loves her life, her job, and her best friends. Romance? Not on her radar. So, when a blind date with Zack leaves her unexpectedly smitten, she’s completely caught off guard.
But Zack isn’t the only one vying for her affection. As her heart becomes entangled between two very different men, Lily tumbles into an emotional whirlwind.
Lily hasn’t found ‘The One’, she’s found ‘The Two’.
With a troubled past haunting her, friendships hanging in the balance, and two passions pulling her in opposite directions, which future will Lily choose?
Can she truly have it all, or will she be forced to make an impossible decision?
Get ready to fall in love…
My Opinion
Last year I read The Bridesmaid's Brother by Olivia Lockhart and I really enjoyed the writing so I was excited when I read about this book.
Lily has a troubled past and when she finally decides to take a chance on love again not everything is straightforward. I enjoyed reading about Lily's dilemma. I finished this book in a few hours, it was just so easy to read one more chapter. Within pages I was hooked and I am already looking forward to reading Lily Unwritten.
Rating 4/5
July 1, 2024
For the Love of Lily - the story of a woman torn between her boyfriend and her closest male friend - drew me in with its thoughtful narrative voice, and I was excited to read this deep exploration a choice between two loves.
The writing is great and I was definitely rooting for the main character. But by the midpoint I was frustrated. Both of Lily's love interests were possessive and jealous but otherwise somewhat indistinguishably perfect. That made it hard for me to really feel her dilemma; sometimes, as she went back and forth spending time with both men, I would actually forget who she was with.
Toward the end, as Lily started to pull back from her feelings and actually make a decision, her internal monologue - the element that drew me to the story in the first place - started to shed some light on the differences between her two prospective partners. That made the choice between them feel more interesting and, even though she ultimately picked a guy, the book has a sequel coming soon, and she could definitely change her mind. Now that I have a better sense of what this decision means, I'm curious if she'll regret it.
[I received a complimentary review copy from BookSirens. Opinions are my own.]
The writing is great and I was definitely rooting for the main character. But by the midpoint I was frustrated. Both of Lily's love interests were possessive and jealous but otherwise somewhat indistinguishably perfect. That made it hard for me to really feel her dilemma; sometimes, as she went back and forth spending time with both men, I would actually forget who she was with.
Toward the end, as Lily started to pull back from her feelings and actually make a decision, her internal monologue - the element that drew me to the story in the first place - started to shed some light on the differences between her two prospective partners. That made the choice between them feel more interesting and, even though she ultimately picked a guy, the book has a sequel coming soon, and she could definitely change her mind. Now that I have a better sense of what this decision means, I'm curious if she'll regret it.
[I received a complimentary review copy from BookSirens. Opinions are my own.]
June 27, 2024
✨My Thoughts✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly say that I was engrossed in this story from the very first page.
We’ve all been Lily, when our friends are settled down and you feel the odd one out and every relationship you’ve ever had has ended badly. So you force yourself to go on a blind date or a tinder date just to get out into the world and give it a chance even though you’ve been hurt terribly in the past.
How can you even pick between your best friend Luke who literally picked you up off the floor when you was at your lowest or your new love Zach who’s shown you that not all men are the same and love can exist.
Lily had me screaming at the pages so many times it was unreal but I could see that she had her reasons and life changing decisions to make her own way.
I’m firmly Team Luke, he’s the absolute dream but I can’t believe what happened with that email??.
I’m absolutely desperate to read book 2, this lovely author deserves her books to be a huge hit.
The storyline does touch on fertility issues which I know some readers may find triggering.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly say that I was engrossed in this story from the very first page.
We’ve all been Lily, when our friends are settled down and you feel the odd one out and every relationship you’ve ever had has ended badly. So you force yourself to go on a blind date or a tinder date just to get out into the world and give it a chance even though you’ve been hurt terribly in the past.
How can you even pick between your best friend Luke who literally picked you up off the floor when you was at your lowest or your new love Zach who’s shown you that not all men are the same and love can exist.
Lily had me screaming at the pages so many times it was unreal but I could see that she had her reasons and life changing decisions to make her own way.
I’m firmly Team Luke, he’s the absolute dream but I can’t believe what happened with that email??.
I’m absolutely desperate to read book 2, this lovely author deserves her books to be a huge hit.
The storyline does touch on fertility issues which I know some readers may find triggering.
June 19, 2024
Lily’s friend Cassie sets her up with a date after searching the internet for a perfect partner.
Lily is reluctant to go and meet him, as she has been alone for four years, after being treated badly by her previous boyfriend, but when she meets Zach, a handsome lawyer, she has second thoughts.
Cassie’s brother Luke is Lily’s best friend, who helped her to disentangle herself from the abusive ex.
Luke is a handsome Lawyer too, who works at the same firm as Lily does, but is away in Uganda, working as a Volunteer.
On his return, he has something important to tell Lily, which is when things take a turn for the worst.
I enjoyed this story, and how Lily dealt with Luke’s news, and ultimately had to make a choice.
Lily’s family, her workmates, Luke’s family, as well as Zach’s family, all played a role in the well written background, which added depth to the story. I became really invested in the storyline, but do not want to give any spoilers away, so will let readers decide…
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Lily is reluctant to go and meet him, as she has been alone for four years, after being treated badly by her previous boyfriend, but when she meets Zach, a handsome lawyer, she has second thoughts.
Cassie’s brother Luke is Lily’s best friend, who helped her to disentangle herself from the abusive ex.
Luke is a handsome Lawyer too, who works at the same firm as Lily does, but is away in Uganda, working as a Volunteer.
On his return, he has something important to tell Lily, which is when things take a turn for the worst.
I enjoyed this story, and how Lily dealt with Luke’s news, and ultimately had to make a choice.
Lily’s family, her workmates, Luke’s family, as well as Zach’s family, all played a role in the well written background, which added depth to the story. I became really invested in the storyline, but do not want to give any spoilers away, so will let readers decide…
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
June 27, 2024
Any book by Olivia Lockhart is like eating Revels and Pringles with a large glass of White Rioja. You never know what’s coming next and you are compelled to continue while the heady satisfaction of emotions course through your body. This book is just that. Seriously dealing with modern relationships and contemporary romance - without the gory details - this novel takes you through mistakes made by everyone creating a tangled mess of who and why. Elegantly you are the innocent bystander wanting to scream your advice to help but you can’t. So you read on hoping friendships are mended, having been broken apart. There are twists and unexpected events along the way that spur you on to the next page and then the next. As you take the last sip of wine and the novel reaches its conclusion you understand more about true love than perhaps you did before (but I am not giving it away - you read it for yourselves). Well done Livvie, proud to have been luck enough to get an ARC and to have read you once more. Keep going please!
July 4, 2024
This is book 1 in Lockhart's new series Lily and I'm trying to form coherent words for this review. I loved it but...I have to have book 2 like yesterday. Lockhart captivates from the very beginning and has a quick but smooth flow to the storyline. Lily meets Zack and the two connect but then Lily's bestie Luke returns home and confesses his feelings are more than just friendship and of course there is chemistry and history there. Oh, the choices! While we do get a happily every after - for now, I'm so eager to find out what comes next for Lily.
I felt this book was so well written and as I mentioned previously captivating from the start but carries throughout. I loved our main characters but also our secondary characters too. Great banter and written to draw all the feels from us as readers. I highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt this book was so well written and as I mentioned previously captivating from the start but carries throughout. I loved our main characters but also our secondary characters too. Great banter and written to draw all the feels from us as readers. I highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2024
I received an advanced review copy of this book, to review as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
From the start, I found that this book made me smile. I related to the protagonist, Lily, and her best friend, Cassie, in different ways. I also related to their friendship, and some of the exchanges between them.
As I carried on reading, I found that this book played with my emotions a little bit, and I connected with Lily on a deeper level than I initially expected. I think there were times when I questioned her choices or her behaviour, and wanted her to choose what was right for her. Easier said than done, perhaps.
I think I know what I might have chosen in Lily's place, but of course, it's her story, not mine. If you are a romance reader, you might like this.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, the opportunity to read and review this.
From the start, I found that this book made me smile. I related to the protagonist, Lily, and her best friend, Cassie, in different ways. I also related to their friendship, and some of the exchanges between them.
As I carried on reading, I found that this book played with my emotions a little bit, and I connected with Lily on a deeper level than I initially expected. I think there were times when I questioned her choices or her behaviour, and wanted her to choose what was right for her. Easier said than done, perhaps.
I think I know what I might have chosen in Lily's place, but of course, it's her story, not mine. If you are a romance reader, you might like this.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, the opportunity to read and review this.
July 26, 2024
I was so eager to read this book, I loved the cover and I once I read the description I was sold!
I loved Lily, I found her to be so relatable and likeable. After a bad experience in a previous relationship she was reluctant to get involved with anyone else. Well until Zack comes along. They immediately hit it off.
Then Lily’s best friend Luke returns from holiday and confesses he wants to be more than friends. So now Lily has a huge problem and two men in her life and there is only room for one.
I am firmly in the Team Luke category and I was getting very frustrated with Lily at times. That ending! The email! I was in tears. My heart will never be the same I’m sure. I need to read book two asap.
Tropes
💜Love Triangle
💜Friends to Lovers
💜Spicy
💜Workplace Romance
💜Sexy Shoes
💜Lawyers
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour and to the author for my gifted ebook.
I loved Lily, I found her to be so relatable and likeable. After a bad experience in a previous relationship she was reluctant to get involved with anyone else. Well until Zack comes along. They immediately hit it off.
Then Lily’s best friend Luke returns from holiday and confesses he wants to be more than friends. So now Lily has a huge problem and two men in her life and there is only room for one.
I am firmly in the Team Luke category and I was getting very frustrated with Lily at times. That ending! The email! I was in tears. My heart will never be the same I’m sure. I need to read book two asap.
Tropes
💜Love Triangle
💜Friends to Lovers
💜Spicy
💜Workplace Romance
💜Sexy Shoes
💜Lawyers
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour and to the author for my gifted ebook.
June 10, 2024
Lily doesn’t have romance on her radar, so when she goes on a blind date she becomes quickly smitten with him. And he is smitten with her too. Zack is everything she could want and more.
When her best friend Luke returns, tension rises. He admits to Lily he loves her.
Two amazing men. What will Lily do?
The love Lily had for both Zach and Luke was deep and powerful, and trying to work out who to choose wouldn’t be easy. The emotions she was experiencing were well expressed in the story, and we could see and feel her feelings.
This is the first romance I’ve read that has cheating and whilst it didn’t sit well with me, I could understand it in the context of the story.
The are some sweet moments in this story and I want to read more about how things pan out for all the characters. Overall, a good read.
Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the e-ARC
3.75 stars
When her best friend Luke returns, tension rises. He admits to Lily he loves her.
Two amazing men. What will Lily do?
The love Lily had for both Zach and Luke was deep and powerful, and trying to work out who to choose wouldn’t be easy. The emotions she was experiencing were well expressed in the story, and we could see and feel her feelings.
This is the first romance I’ve read that has cheating and whilst it didn’t sit well with me, I could understand it in the context of the story.
The are some sweet moments in this story and I want to read more about how things pan out for all the characters. Overall, a good read.
Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the e-ARC
3.75 stars
June 13, 2024
From the first page I was drawn into Lily’s story, liked her and believed in her character, with a wonderful depth that meant I felt like I knew her already. She’s her own worst enemy at times, and in the real World I think I’d have far less sympathy for someone who acts as she does, but this is the heightened realm of the Romance, so I was rooting for her to find happiness and pick the right man (no spoilers on the outcome here). The two male leads verge a little on the ‘too perfect’ side for me too, but as this is told from Lily’s perspective and in the thrall of love they might well seem perfect to her, and we just don’t hear about their flaws, so I’ll forgive that.
I'm really looking forward to the sequel (and this from someone who isn't a usual 'Romance' reader.
I'm really looking forward to the sequel (and this from someone who isn't a usual 'Romance' reader.
June 11, 2024
I was hooked from the very beginning. Lily is so relatable & real & even though Cassie is a side character, I really connected with her too. Zack & Luke are very different yet I was somehow rooting for both of them. Beautifully written, perfect pacing & amazing, well-developed characters. The perfect romance to curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine. Loved it! Hats off to the author & I can’t wait for more.
June 11, 2024
This is absolute perfection. Read in 1 sitting.
Lily's story had me hooked from the off and I was fully invested in her, her backstory and her lovely friend Cassie. Relatable, warm and fresh characterisation.
A love triangle that really does attack all angles and one that Lily gets more confused with.
I felt very invested and as the story progresses got caught up completely in that world.
I need the sequel asap as I know there's much more to come with this.
Lily's story had me hooked from the off and I was fully invested in her, her backstory and her lovely friend Cassie. Relatable, warm and fresh characterisation.
A love triangle that really does attack all angles and one that Lily gets more confused with.
I felt very invested and as the story progresses got caught up completely in that world.
I need the sequel asap as I know there's much more to come with this.
June 22, 2024
This book is an easy 5 star read for me. It was a whirlwind of emotion between Lily and Zach and Lily and Luke. I must say I do like Zach but in my heart I will always be team Luke. It was written beautifully and the dynamics of workplace romance, friends to lovers, spicy scenes and in my opinion touches of trauma and grief. This book has a little bit of everything and I can’t wait to read the next one!
June 24, 2024
An absolutely delicious read! This author is amazing. I have read her other writings, and she’s so real and brilliant! For the Love of Lily is sexy, smart, funny, and to die for. These men are sex on a stick! I want Lily to be my best friend. She’s totally inspiring, has a wicked sense of humor, heart of gold, and is endless trouble. She’s perfect, and, oh, her shoes! Just loved it!
June 12, 2024
Really enjoyed this novel. Well written and interesting, if not frustrating, characters. Wanted to give Lily a kick up the backside at times. That shows the strength of the writing that the reader engages fully with the characters. Look forward to reading more of this author's work.
June 13, 2024
I was totally drawn into Lily's world in this well written book. It's engaging storyline kept me guessing as to who she'd end up with. I was unsure who I was going to pick but definitely Luke by the end. Looking forward to the sequel.
June 20, 2024
The traditional love triangle is explored in painful, glorious detail in this romantic page-turner. Expertly crafted, the story tugs on the heart strings and has you changing your allegiance as the characters develop. Highly recommend!
June 26, 2024
I loved everything about this book. I can’t wait to see where this series will go from here and after the bonus chapter I am team Luke all the way!
June 30, 2024
A steamy, well-written rom com, with a relatable heroine who loves coffee & shoes! That said, I did feel a certain frustration towards Lily for getting herself into the middle of a love triangle. In my honest opinion, the two men were not hugely different (only in looks) which is probably why Lily found it so difficult to choose between them. I also enjoyed the friendship with Cassie & lily's family relationships, and found all the other characters relatable & believable. Lovely descriptive & often steamy prose, written in an engaging style that I love to read. I feel like Lily is a real friend & I can't wait for the sequel to see what happens next.
July 22, 2024
For the Love of Lily
This book is not a romcom. It’s a truly a complex view of what happens when best friends become more and a heart gets torn in two. The characters weren’t always easy to love because they had real emotions and complex thoughts that were not always easy to agree with but were definitely engaging.
Lily isn’t a lighthearted MFC who just falls in love and lives happily ever after. She’s realistic, and complicated. She’s hard to love but harder to forget. Her past makes it difficult for her to trust but when she lets someone in she gives them her heart. And as dangerous as that is, she falls for two men who want nothing but the best for her.
Zach is the picture perfect boyfriend, he’s kind and caring, sweet and funny. He lets Lily take her time and become ready for him and his love on her terms.
Luke is the best friend Lily could ever have. He’s her protector, both literally and metaphorically. He has always and will always put Lily’s feelings first.
Even though the story is only told from Lily’s point of view, it’s written in a way where you can still understand the other feelings involved. Words are chosen carefully and quickly create a connection between the reader and the characters.
This was easily a 5 star read. 2 1/2 to 3 spice level depending on your scale. It was very well written and affectionately described while still leaving things to the reader’s imagination.
I cannot wait for the sequel and I’m sure I’ll devour it just as quickly.
This book is not a romcom. It’s a truly a complex view of what happens when best friends become more and a heart gets torn in two. The characters weren’t always easy to love because they had real emotions and complex thoughts that were not always easy to agree with but were definitely engaging.
Lily isn’t a lighthearted MFC who just falls in love and lives happily ever after. She’s realistic, and complicated. She’s hard to love but harder to forget. Her past makes it difficult for her to trust but when she lets someone in she gives them her heart. And as dangerous as that is, she falls for two men who want nothing but the best for her.
Zach is the picture perfect boyfriend, he’s kind and caring, sweet and funny. He lets Lily take her time and become ready for him and his love on her terms.
Luke is the best friend Lily could ever have. He’s her protector, both literally and metaphorically. He has always and will always put Lily’s feelings first.
Even though the story is only told from Lily’s point of view, it’s written in a way where you can still understand the other feelings involved. Words are chosen carefully and quickly create a connection between the reader and the characters.
This was easily a 5 star read. 2 1/2 to 3 spice level depending on your scale. It was very well written and affectionately described while still leaving things to the reader’s imagination.
I cannot wait for the sequel and I’m sure I’ll devour it just as quickly.
July 2, 2024
You destroyed me with this book. Very emotional, I had to stop and put it down sometimes because it was getting too much. I cried and screamed at it. Often found myself screaming no, how is this possible it’s so unfair.
Livvie, if I could have given it more than 5, I would have
Livvie, if I could have given it more than 5, I would have
May 27, 2025
I loved, loved, loved this. I loved Lily; I loved Luke, and I almost loved Zack. Too much happened and I don’t want to give any spoilers, but if you love romance, then you absolutely must read this. The story does sort of end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but that’s good. I can’t wait to read the next one and thankfully I won’t have long to wait.
Few books make me cry, but Olivia got me good and proper with this one. OMG, soul-searching and heart-wrenching is an understatement. That email.....! It ripped my heart apart, mangled it all up and shoved it back into my chest! A book that does that to me will always be a winner. Thank you Olivia, for giving us Lily, Luke and Zack!
Thank you to Olivia Lockhart and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review For the Love of Lily.
Few books make me cry, but Olivia got me good and proper with this one. OMG, soul-searching and heart-wrenching is an understatement. That email.....! It ripped my heart apart, mangled it all up and shoved it back into my chest! A book that does that to me will always be a winner. Thank you Olivia, for giving us Lily, Luke and Zack!
Thank you to Olivia Lockhart and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review For the Love of Lily.
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