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Liberating Lily

Lily was trapped in a web . . .

Until Harvey Gallagher forcibly freed her.
Only to place her into another cage of his making. Harvey’s cage was pleasure and pain.
He might have brought her back to life, but she knew she couldn’t remain there forever.

However, she comes to find that freedom isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And maybe she liked being caught by him.

Oh, and apparently, no one says no to Harvey Gallagher . . .
At least not without consequences.

459 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2026

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About the author

Laylah Roberts

151 books1,887 followers
Laylah loves reading, but she particularly loves a good romance with some seriously alpha men. Protective, possessive men with large hearts. Writing has become her passion and she hopes her readers enjoy her stories as much as she does writing them.

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5 stars
195 (64%)
4 stars
69 (22%)
3 stars
32 (10%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Cécile.
1,587 reviews291 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 14, 2026
Haven,Texas is the place where a big part of the Malone family lives,and i adore that family.
Jaret Malone ended up making Clem St.Clary happy after she’d recovered from cancer in Mending a Malone.
And her sister Lily was the one that ended up being forced to marry Clem’s creepy ex,Rick.
Their mother made sure she couldn’t,wouldn’t,refuse……
But there was one man that didn’t agree,and that man was Harvey Gallagher.
I don’t know if you already met the New Orleans Malones,but i can tell you if you like them,you’ll love the Gallagher family.
Harvey is the family lawyer and he’d pretended to be Rick’s friend to investigate his activities.
But while doing that,he kept his eye on Lily….and made plans for her.
Because she deserved so much more,so much better,than that douchebag Rick.
And he would be the one to give her everything,right after his family destroyed Rick’s life.
But once he had Lily where he wanted her,he found there was something wrong.
She wasn’t acting the way he expected,and clearly wasn’t well….
Finding out exactly what had been done to his sweet Lily,by the one person she should’ve been able to trust was devastating.
Finding out exactly why,and how far the abuse went,was even worse.
And he was determined to make sure the ones involved were going to pay for the rest of their miserable lives!
But most of all,he was going to make sure Lily was going to lead the happiest life she could have,even if it killed him.
Keeping everything that happened from her proved difficult,though…..and it hurt him to see what it did to her.
Would he be able to help Lily find the way to recovery??

Lily knew her mother was a difficult person,and she knew she had to protect her sister Clem from her.
But she never expected her mother to go this far in getting what she wanted…..
And she never knew the doctor her mother insisted she go to would do this much harm.
Being kidnapped by Harvey ended up being the best thing that ever happened to her.
That man was FINE,and not only that,he took such good care of her.
Everything he did,he did with her best interest at heart,and she’d never had that….
And after the effects of the drugs her mother had forced her to take finally wore off,she started to feel alive again.
Until she heard the details of what had really happened while she took them….
That was a blow she wasn’t sure she’d ever recover from.
And…..even though Harvey had been nothing but supportive,and even though he’d told her why he’d kidnapped her,she wasn’t sure she would ever be good enough for him.
If he wasn’t going to regret being with her,especially knowing he could do so much better than her….

Lily and Harvey’s story ended up being an emotional rollercoaster.
What she went through would be so very hard to come back from for most,but she was stronger than she thought,and slowly found a way to get back onto her feet.
She was caring,and wanted to make things right with her sister.
And she loved Harvey more than life itself,wanted the very best for him.
Even if that meant leaving him…..and breaking her own heart in the process.
Harvey may have thought that after kidnapping Lily,she would simply fall in love with him.
But he adapted every time a new detail came to light,and stood strong for her.
He was her rock,he took care of her in every way she needed him to,and did it with his whole heart.
When she disappeared,he was devastated,but he didn’t give up on her.
And when he found her,he made véry sure she knew exactly how he felt about her!

Lily’s mother was an evil,cold bitch and i hated her,and the doctor with a vengeance.
What they did to Lily was beyond belief,and i was glad to see they got what they deserved.

Sidenote….i loved Clem’s animals,each and every one of them,and i’m sure you will too.
Just you wait until you meet them…..lol
Profile Image for Cat H.
2,076 reviews224 followers
September 18, 2026
4.7 stars.
I really loved how she ended up just accepting his care. Even with it coming in the form of kinda, sorta kidnapping..😂
Profile Image for Louise Car.
244 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2026
I feel it would be beneficial to read Clem and Jaret’s story first, as it gives a better understanding of how Lily and Harvey’s journey began and the repercussions of them crashing Lily and Rick’s pre-wedding lunch. Because things are definitely not what they seem.

Yes, Lily is now engaged to Rick after he broke off his engagement to Clem while she was undergoing cancer treatment, but there is so much more going on behind the scenes. Mummy dearest and Lily’s doctor were behind an evil scheme that had Lily following their orders without question. The one good thing to come out of that day was Harvey, who had been pretending to be friends with Rick, finally deciding enough was enough and whisking Lily away. It was probably a good thing too, considering she was practically comatose. Her mother had convinced Lily that she was dangerous and needed medication, but the medication was definitely not what it seemed.

Harvey was my ideal anti-hero. I loved how much he cared for Lily, both emotionally and physically. Yes, he was protective and kept her captive while she regained her strength, but he also helped her start to believe in herself and break free from her mother’s control.

While Lily sees herself as broken, Harvey only sees a few cracks. She couldn’t decide whether he was her knight in shining armour or the villain. Yes, she was his captive, but he helped her find her confidence and, more importantly, her voice. I loved watching her go from being so broken and insecure to finally standing up for herself. It took time for Lily to appreciate Harvey and stop running from her feelings for him, but their journey was worth it.

One of the standout aspects of this book by Ms. Roberts is its ability to evoke such a range of emotions. From wanting to throttle Lily’s mother to the tender moments between Lily and Harvey, this story put my heart through the wringer more than once. Their journey was an emotional experience in more ways than one.

I have a soft spot for anyone who feels uncomfortable in their own skin, especially when they feel like they don’t fit in, and this is how I relate to Lily. She was caught up in her mother and doctor’s evil web, and it was almost painful to watch the manipulation and suffering she endured at the hands of a woman who would never win any Mother of the Year awards!

What an emotional roller coaster this book was. It was heartbreaking at times, but there was also plenty of humour, especially with Clem and her collection of animals with their very unusual names. Ms. Roberts’ writing style is vivid and engaging, bringing the different settings and the emotional highs and lows of the story to life.
153 reviews
September 16, 2026
Wonderful Wonderful

Harvey Gallagher is definitely not what he seems to be. He is a complex man who has one obsession Lily and even though he is supposedly her Fiancé’s best friend he knows that he is going to be the one to get her away from both her sleezebag fiancé and her manipulative mother
Lilly‘s mother is a cold, selfish manipulative woman Instead of being a supportive, loving mother, she will do anything to maintain her lifestyle.. including, forcing her daughter to marry a man she does not want.
Lilly has retreated from life. She has done everything that her mother has wanted of her to gain her mother’s love but as the time got closer to her wedding, she just became an automaton. She finds herself in places she doesn’t remember going to. She has large gaps of memory loss and a total feeling of just doing what she is told to do.
days before her wedding, Harvey kidnaps her and helps Lily become the person she was always meant to be.Harvey’s love is all encompassing, but so very gentle. He just encourages her to be who she was always meant to be. It is the rebuilding of herself and the way that Harvey is always there for her that she falls in love with him.
There are definitely many more twists and turns that I do not want to reveal but I can say that I laughed and I cried
we definitely see a lot of Clem and Jarrett and a few other Malones.plus we meet Harvy’s interesting Family
This book was all consuming from the moment that I started it till I finished. It was a wonderful book.❤️
Profile Image for Rara Loves to Read.
553 reviews25 followers
September 22, 2026
So much emotion in one book

This is the 17th book in the Haven series, and there was absolutely nothing stale about it. In fact, this one felt a little different from what I’ve come to expect from a Laylah Roberts book, but in the best possible way.

Lily has been through so much, and you can really feel her pain and everything she’s struggling with. My heart actually hurt for her. There is so much emotion in this book, and I loved that the focus was really on Lily, what she had been through, and the healing she needed.

And Harvey? He was the perfect morally gray hero who would absolutely kill for you if necessary. I loved him with Lily and how protective he was without taking the focus away from her story.

Because this is part of the Haven series, we also get to revisit some unforgettable characters, which is always one of my favorite parts of coming back to this world.

Definitely read the trigger warnings because Lily deals with some really hard things. This one can be emotional and heavy at times. But don’t worry, you will absolutely get the happy ending that Lily, Harvey, and the reader deserve.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,294 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2026
I loved it!

Lily had come from a screwed up family, she knew it. Most days she just wanted to do everything her Mother wanted her to do, or say. Anything to win her approval. Then she did it to draw attention off her sister Clementine, but Calm thought she did it to be better than her. Finding out that she was being drugged by her Mother, losing time and memories was disturbing. Then learning what else was being done to her, and not remembering caused a break down. Harvey had been assigned to get close to Alex, who somehow Lilly finds herself engaged to, but he was Clem's boyfriend. So many lies, so much deception, and Harvey had had enough. He sweeps Lily up and carried her away from the confrontation between two families who appeared to be rich, but were, unbeknownst to the other, were broke. Great story and we get to visit the Malone bunch in Haven, Texas. I love that whole family, the New Orleans branch, too. Harvey was perfect for Lily. I loved the HEA ending.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,483 reviews29 followers
September 17, 2026
What a fantastic story this was to read, and Omgosh, i would definately call it emotional as well. I certainly felt for Lilly for what she had been though. And Harvey well he certainly was amoured of her . To go to all those lenghts to protect her, to help her though detox, and getting her away from her Mother!!!
Also there were some lol moments in the book especially when it came to Lily going out to her sisters farm, haha those animals, and the names were precious and honestly getting back to all things Review. This book has been an absolute blast to read, and Clems story would be better to read first if im honest(which i have read..so good as well)

This love story is one not to be missed i really recommend it
Profile Image for Diane.
51 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2026
Wow what an emotional ride this story was. If you read Mending A Malone this story picks up where that one leaves off. Harvey picks Lily up and carries her out of her Mother's house and takes her to a remote cabin. When she gets really sick he has a Dr come out and I do not want to give out spoilers but what that poor girl has gone through is horrifying and heartbreaking. Thank goodness Harvey's love is fierce and strong. We get to take a trip back to Haven and catch with Clem, Jaret, her animals and the rest of the crazy Malones before Harvey comes and Takes her back to Boston with a plus 1. I loved this story but I went through all the feels. I cried, I got angry, and I laughed. Highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Savage  Reader.
37 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2026
The unhinged men are my favorite

I loved Harvey. Laylah's more unhinged men are my favorite of them and he really was. The very beginning starts off with a bang and you know he is down bad for our girl and is going to do anything for her. No guessing, no fighting it. He just knows and figures out how to take what he wants. Her journey was a little rough to read but she stayed sweet and was completely redeemed from Clem's story. I loved their interactions as well and getting to see the Malones again. 100% loved this one. Another banger I will need to buy a paperback of for my trophy shelf.
142 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2026
Lily’s story is worth the wait!

I love this series, everything she writes is such an excellent escape. Lily is Clem’s sister, who you may recognize Clem and Jaret Malone from Haven Texas. Lily is dealing with more than anyone knew, but Harvey saw that something was not quite right. He informs her she belongs to/with him. Then she starts to get sick, and we find out the truth: she has been miserable, terrified and heavily medicated. There are plot twists and surprises that aren’t really the happy kind, but love, and real family win in the end. Honestly, it is an excellent metaphor for the world and crud we all deal with. If you stay brave, and really try, it will work out. If you haven’t received your happily ever after, it just isn’t the end, yet. Read this book!
Profile Image for Trish.
1,347 reviews34 followers
September 16, 2026
Another amazing book by Laylah Roberts that will absolutely pull at your heartstrings! I couldn’t wait for Lily’s story, and it did not disappoint!

I absolutely loved Lily. She was sweet and gentle, but she was also so much stronger than she realized. My heart hurt for everything she had been through, and I loved watching her find that strength.

And Harvey? I’m so glad he was completely obsessed with Lily! He knew she needed him, and he did whatever was necessary to get her out of the situation she was in. His protective and possessive side had me swooning!

This book had all the emotions, and I loved every minute of Lily and Harvey’s story!
2,105 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy
September 14, 2026
I loved this story. The storyline is well thought out and the writing is great. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. There is a lot going on and a lot that has happened to Lily that is not good. But there are many places in this story where I laughed out loud and tears flowed. Harvey would be Lily’s knight in shining armor and saves the day. There are so many surprises in this story and not all of them are good but Harvey is always there. I loved that Lily’s sister Clem and her husband Jared Malone played large secondary roles and with the Malone’s you just never know what might happen next. Crackling is adorable. It’s a great story that is worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and are voluntarily leaving a review.
125 reviews
September 17, 2026
Lilly and Harvey

Oh my goodness! This story of Harvey and Lilly really pulled at my heartstrings. If you really want to get a better understanding where this story lands in the series then read Jarret and Clems story.
Harvey saved Lilly from her abusive mother who only cared about herself. She would go at any lengths to achieve her goal, even harm her child. Harvey rescued Lilly and had to rehabilitate her from the mother. There’s a ton of new characters that are introduced to us and I’m looking forward to reading them.
135 reviews
September 17, 2026
loved Lily & Harvey!

What a great follow up to Mending a Malone! We were introduced to both Harvey & Lily in that book & I was so excited to see this one! The story between the two of them progressed perfectly. The villains in this story were, well let’s just say that I did a lot of yelling at my kindle while I was reading this. Plot twists I did not see coming.
A very definite must read & if I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
3,012 reviews
September 25, 2026
I loved this story. I didn't want it to end. I loved the interactions between Lily and Harvey. Harvey has loved Lily for a while and when the chance came to finally claim her, he wasn't going to think twice. He didn't realize that how much Lily was needing him. Lily doesn't know what is going on and just floats through life. When they finally realize what is going on, will they be able to still find happiness together?
2,115 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 15, 2026
What happened to Lily was appalling and that it was her mother who orchestrated it all was doubly despicable. Harvey was checking on Rick and thank goodness he was, he may technically have kidnapped Lily, I prefer to think he rescued her. This is an amazing story and full of both sadness and laughter. Lily at Jaret and Clem’s farm was hilarious as were the names Clem gave her her animals. Alec and Ronan have a lot in common it was an interesting comparison. There are a lot of dark moments in this story, but they are offset by lighter moments and the ending brings it all to a lovely conclusion.
101 reviews
September 21, 2026
As always perfect

I have yet to read a Laylah Roberts book that I didn't love. There was a lot of dark things to get through and messed up stuff to unpack but who could not get through anything with Harvey by your side. Not going to say more and spoil the plot but wooh your gonna love it if you love Lalah's books and if this is your first then Sadie up and jump in for great time and get completely lost in the story and enjoy your welcome ha.
174 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2026
You will love Lily's book. Poor thing needed help to pull her away from her horrible mother. So much family drama. Exciting drama. But you will love Harvey. He is scrumptious. If anyone can save Lily its Harvey. Kudos!
Profile Image for Mystisith.
798 reviews15 followers
September 22, 2026
3.25 ⭐ A bit long for the story it had to tell & I like my heroines a little less helpless (she was a dead weight for 95%). Mommy Meanest deserved to RIP.
One thing I never thought I would say: "Justice for the worms!" 💀
Profile Image for Angela.
3,949 reviews17 followers
September 17, 2026
I appreciate how Harvey was smart enough to figure out what was going on and made provisions to help Lily become the strong woman he knew she could be. Lily's mother is a lady I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,747 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2026
I really need a shelf for the daddies, but I refuse to acknowledge that I read them. IYKYK. This was more Haven adjacent. It was Clem's sister Lily and Harvey Gallagher. This poor girl.
Profile Image for Maegan.
70 reviews
September 22, 2026
Oh gosh I love a darker man. Loved him kidnapping her and healing her and letting her grow. Cannot WAIT for Ronan’s book!! I just loooove a dark daddy 😍
5,202 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2026
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful stories. Thank you
Profile Image for ghislaine belair.
382 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2026
Excellent read. I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the characters and the story..
3,509 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 12, 2026
This is a simply riveting read from start to finish, characters are so captivating from the off
I have to say that Lily is in a very difficult situation and it seems that she is obviously in a very difficult situation and she needs help but it seems that no one but one person has any inclination to help her.
Harvey Gallagher is aware that something is obviously not at all right with Lily, she is at times almost in a trance and she is simply not eating and is obviously underweight. He can see that something seems very off and he knows that time is running if he is going to help her.
Lily is rescued by Havey and he starts to find out what has been going on in his beautiful girls life, to discover the tablets she has been taken were actually laced with Devils Breath has left him wanting to kill whoever is responsible for this.
Now Harvey has been trying to help her but is aware that he has to also allow her to be responsible for her self but she is determined to do as well as she can. Harvey has been treating her well but he does not stand any nonsense and it is essential that she listens to what he tells her and that she is obviously seen to be taking care of herself.
This is a captivating read and it is a book that will hold you riveted from start to finish.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
217 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2026
Decent book, but too much repetition in the writing for me. this book could’ve been about 100 pages shorter.
I think that the bad guy trying to get Lily in the story from Clem‘s place was wrong with the timing. I thought it was poor placement by the author and waiting until after she got back together with Harvey. I think it would’ve been more realistic if the bad guy found her before Harvey got there and then he had to rescue her with the brothers. Now that would’ve been a fun twist.
I would have enjoyed more of her struggles and her time spent with Clem.
Not my favorite in the series, but definitely a good one. In addition, I would’ve liked a longer epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
330 reviews
October 4, 2026
3.5

I enjoyed this book for the most part. The return of Clem the Malones made this story. It was the redeeming factor for me of this particular book. I loved reading about Clem and her funny farm, the Malone family lunches and their shenanigans. That part of the story felt like coming home. ❤️

I am a huge Laylah Roberts fan, unfortunately this book wasn't my favourite. Not all stories can be bangers and that's okay.

Whomever edited this book needs to go back and correct all the errors. A few mistakes here and there, no problem. But this story was laced with them.

I will say, that I am looking forward to reading more about the Gallaghers, especially Ronan.
6 reviews
October 10, 2026
Liberating Lily by Laylah Roberts

Lily’s story really touched my heart. Laylah Roberts touched on a subject that is often overlooked about someone being drugged without their knowledge and abused in many ways. It takes a strong person to overcome these circumstances and challenges and to realize that there are so many people who will fight for you and with you to help you along the way to recovery. So glad that Lily was able to rebuild a relationship with her sister. Harvey is a hero even though he did kidnap her but it was for the best. Love hearing from those Malones and I look forward to hearing more from Harvey’s family.
Profile Image for ju.
51 reviews
October 3, 2026
this book was very weird, i had to stop reading at least twice to see if this was really a Laylah Roberts book, because I usually love everything she writes. But this one is absurd.

Every single "villain" in this story confessed their crimes and evil plan as soon as harvey asked a question, explaining details they weren't even asked about, like “Yes, I did it. Here is exactly what I did, why I did it, and here is my entire plan.”. There was no conflict, the whole book was just waiting for the villain to sit down and explain the entire plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews