Love According to Lily

Can This Be Love #1

by Julianne MacLean

Return to the glittering world of Julianne MacLean’s popular American Heiress Trilogy with this romantic, emotionally powerful spin-off series—Can This Be Love

Being raised in a strict, humorless household did nothing to dampen Lady Lily Langdon’s wildly romantic nature—nor cool her lifelong affection for Edward Wallis, Earl of Whitby, her elder brother’s oldest, dearest friend. But Edward cannot see the lovely woman she’s become for the young schoolgirl she once was. So, with lessons in flirtation from her American sister-in-law, Duchess Sophia, Lily means to open Edward’s eyes and win his heart.

But just when her seduction begins to take hold, a shocking twist of fate forces Edward to take stock of the reckless life he has lived. Flirtation with his best friend’s younger sister is the last thing he wants, but Lily cannot give up the dream of rapture that surely awaits her, if only she can prove to the handsome, haunted earl that it is never too late to fall in love.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Amazon, Regency Romance

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2005

About the author

Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the contemporary women’s fiction Color of Heaven Series. Readers have described her books as “breathtaking,” “soulful” and “uplifting.” MacLean is a four-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in over a dozen languages.

MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.

For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).

Reviews

[new_user · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love According to Lily was an interesting read and not at all as I was expecting. In a historical romance, readers expect a certain bit of contrivance and melodrama, but Julianne MacLean's Lily was instead subdued and muted compared to the usual HR. No characters reacted in an unlikely way to exacerbate poor circumstances, no tantrums or misunderstandings. All characters reacted in realistic fashion and their conveyance of their displeasure was subtle.

Lily and co. were plausible characters but a little flat. Nothing appeals to the reader about the hero, since we saw little of him before the marriage and afterward he was distant with the heroine with only superficial introspection about himself. If there was anything to endear him, it was his apparent enjoyment playing with children. Otherwise, we know little except his one fear, though his flaws, visible, for example, in his behavior with Magnus, lend him some dimension.

The plot is not new, but MacLean's research of Victorian medicine (e.g. Hodgkin's disease, Cesarean-section, sedation in labor, and implement sterilization) is laudable and her delivery of Lily and Whitby's medical emergencies realistic. I appreciated that the heroine didn't shimmy over roofs or escape into London or some other hi-jinks for "spice," and I liked the realistic treatment of family conflict. As a result, however, there seemed little urgency to the novel. I wasn't riveted to my seat.

I would recommend Lily's subtle but leisurely-paced narrative for waiting room reading, heat index low, probably most similar to Julia Quinn without the humor and Margaret Mallory. I may read the sequel since Magnus seems more troubled and passionate than Mr. Tight-laced Whitby, LOL.

[Alba Turunen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Estrellas. Al final le he subido más nota de la que esperaba porque he podido disfrutarlo, pero me ha costado mucho empatizar con esta historia y sus personajes. Me da algo de rabia, porque esperaba mucho de ellos, pero han sido realmente cansinos.

Por los libros anteriores sabemos que Lily, la hermana menor de James, siempre estuvo enamorada de Edward Wallis, conde de Whitby, el mejor amigo de su hermano. Por desgracia para ella, Whitby siempre la vio como una niña, o como una hermana. Whitby está acostumbrado a hacer su voluntad, a ir de mujer en mujer y correrse sus juergas, no tiene por qué cambiar su vida.

Así que ¿Qué ocurre aquí para que puedan tener su historia? James y Sofía celebran una cacería de otoño en su residencia del campo. Han invitado a varios familiares y amigos, y entre ellos su madre ha invitado a algunos pretendientes para que Lily pueda encontrar marido. Pero Lily no está interesada, si has leído el libro de James y Sofía, sabrás que Lily tuvo un desafortunado incidente con un hombre, y se recluyó para evitar las habladurías, pero han pasado unos años y Lily necesita un marido.

Whitby acaba de volver de la India, pero no está en su mejor momento, al revés, está hecho polvo y se le nota, una misteriosa y muy peligrosa enfermedad le hará replantearse lo que ha hecho en su vida, y lo que puede dejar tras de sí; una hacienda arruinada, una hermanastra desamparada, y lo peor, que su título recaiga sobre su peor enemigo, su primo Magnus, de quien se dice mató al hermano de Whitby.

Ante semejante situación, a la que probablemente Whitby no sobreviva debido a su peligrosa enfermedad, Lily le hará una oferta que no podrá rechazar, su mano y darle un hijo y heredero, para que el título no lo herede Magnus. De haber estado en sus cabales, probablemente Whitby no hubiera aceptado, pero se le agota el tiempo, y desde que volvió, Whitby está empezando a ver a Lily como una mujer.

No puedo contar mucho más, porque no puedo destripar la novela, ni lo que pasará con Whitby y su enfermedad, a pesar de que estamos ante una novela romántica y sabemos que muy mal esto no puede acabar.

La historia prometía mucho, pero a medida que pasaba los capítulos, me daba cuenta de lo irracionales que eran los personajes. En Lily no he visto más que a una cría mema, caprichosa y egoísta, que sólo ha pensado en sí misma y que iría al infierno con tal de tener a Whitby para ella. Whitby ha sido quien más ha querido cambiar debido a la situación que tiene, y si podría hacer las cosas bien, si tuviera una segunda oportunidad; pero la respuesta de Whitby a Lily le llegó más porque pensaba con su minga que con la cabeza... quizás comprensible, siendo como está enfermo de muerte.

A pesar de los pesares, ¿esto ha acabado bien? Sí, pero me ha parecido que había demasiado melodrama, o drama gratuito. La historia ha funcionado, pero no ha sido lo que esperaba. Creo que con el libro de Annabelle y Magnus no esperaré gran cosa, sobre todo porque él es el malo de la historia, así que ya veremos más adelante cómo acaba eso.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME LOVE STORY!! A PAGE TURNER!!

Oh My!! "Love According to Lily" is the 1st book in the Spinoff series of American Heiress. We meet Lily in Bk 1 "To Marry the Duke" Lily's brother James the Duke of Wentworth and Sophia Wilson the American Heiress. We also meet James best friend Edward Peter Willis the Earl of Whitby.

Lily has been in love with Whitby her brothers best friend since she was 9 years old. He would play Hide and Seek tirelessly with her. But as Lily got older childish games had to stop as Whitby is 12 years older then Lily.

Whitby Thought he never felt more then brotherly love for Lily until he became very sick. Whitby thinks he is dying from Hodgkin's disease just like his father. He shows up at James hunting party with a Sore throat that has been nagging him for weeks.

Lily is still is love with James and she helps nurse him through his fevers. She comes up with a plan to have his baby. James needs an heir to prevent is despicable cousin Magnus from inheriting his title and fortune. She seduces him.

Whitby marries Lily and Lily works hard to make Whitby love her. But what Whitby doesn't realize is he has always loved Lily in a much more passionate and sensual way then he thought.

This is a Marvelous Love Story!! We learn about how Mononucleosis back in the 1800's was not know and misdiagnose with Hodgkin's disease.

This is a must Read!! Brilliantly written, with wonderful characters and a wonderful storyline!! (less)

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME LOVE STORY!! A PAGE TURNER!!

Oh My!! "Love According to Lily" is the 1st book in the Spinoff series of American Heiress. We meet Lily in Bk 1 "To Marry the Duke" Lily's brother James the Duke of Wentworth and Sophia Wilson the American Heiress. We also meet James best friend Edward Peter Willis the Earl of Whitby.

Lily has been in love with Whitby her brothers best friend since she was 9 years old. He would play Hide and Seek tirelessly with her. But as Lily got older childish games had to stop as Whitby is 12 years older then Lily.

Whitby Thought he never felt more then brotherly love for Lily until he became very sick. Whitby thinks he is dying from Hodgkin's disease just like his father. He shows up at James hunting party with a Sore throat that has been nagging him for weeks.

Lily is still is love with James and she helps nurse him through his fevers. She comes up with a plan to have his baby. James needs an heir to prevent is despicable cousin Magnus from inheriting his title and fortune. She seduces him.

Whitby marries Lily and Lily works hard to make Whitby love her. But what Whitby doesn't realize is he has always loved Lily in a much more passionate and sensual way then he thought.

This is a Marvelous Love Story!! We learn about how Mononucleosis back in the 1800's was not know and misdiagnose with Hodgkin's disease.

This is a must Read!! Brilliantly written, with wonderful characters and a wonderful storyline!!

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armed only with the knowledge that the hero was the heroine's brother's BFF, I was expecting something less emotionally taxing. This was much more intense than I expected, mostly because Whitby was seriously sick for most of the book. And when he wasn't, it seemed like Lily was going to be seriously sick. And then there were times when Whitby was not as emotionally invested in Lily, so there was that insecurity.

Basically, its the type of book you read when you want a heroine who suffers from unrequited love and marries the hero, who doesn't know if he's even capable of love and everything kinda exists in bittersweet mode, until bad things happen, then something really scary, followed by the requisite HEA.

I liked both characters, they were nicely fleshed out, with fault and insecurities. The story was slow (meaning, no witty banter), but it was satisfying. There was an unexpected pregnancy plot, but it was also done well. JM nicely includes medical detail and procedures, which adds a lot to the story. (Also scared the shit out of me, since I know how 19th c doctors are).

overall, a good read and i recommend it for those who want something emotional.

[Bona Caballero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Lily Langdon (21) está enamorada de Edward Peter Wallis, conde de Whitby (33) de toda la vida. Pero como es el mejor amigo de su hermano James, Whitby la ve como si fuera su propia hermanita. Cuando Whitby va de visita a casa de su hermano James, Lily se da cuenta de que sigue queriéndolo, pero está más decidida que nunca a superarlo. Como él está en una situación un poco rara, parece enfermo, Lily aprovecha su debilidad de él para, en cierto sentido, hacerlo suyo, solo para descubrir que no es tan fácil que la gente cambie.
Es romántico, y además tiene alguna escena sensual, pero siempre con sentido dentro de la historia. De nuevo, una novela más de personajes, que de argumento, en la que éstos evolucionan. Empiezan de una manera y al final han cambiado, han madurado, y esto lo han conseguido, en buena medida, por la relación con el otro. Me lo he pasado pipa con ella.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.

[♥ℳelody · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Kind of stuck on how to rate this. I kept wavering as the story progressed. First half? Really enjoyed it. The set up was intriguing and unique. Plus the sexual tension between the hero and heroine was so palpable and angsty. Loved the tropes deployed in here. I can't remember the last time I read a HR book where one of the leads has a mysterious illness and thinks they are dying and there isn't an easy fix or clear prognosis for it. And no it's not some made up illness to push the plot along. Which I found very refreshing and a nice change of pace. Thanks to the author's note at the end of the book, the illness in question actually exists and it helped to frame why the doctor's couldn't pin point what was making Whitby sick and the fact that it's contagious through kissing. I thought this was a clever approach cause as the reader you are certainly left guessing and stumped. And I like that that the hero's family health history was a playing factor as well. You surely are left thinking this poor guy is doomed. And what can I say, the more dire the situation, the more exciting the story is for me. lol 😅

I have to give MacLean points for originality with this and actually doing her research and using something real to plug into her story. I was going to give this a 3 star because the second half the pacing slowed down to the point I was getting bored but the last quarter of the book she kept throwing some curve balls in there that I was not expecting. At one point I didn't even think their baby would make it. And that's a rarity since this is Romance after all. lol And that adorable epilogue was really sweet and a nice full circle for the hero and heroine.

Only thing I wish this author would ease off from is having her heroines veer into dramatic histrionics and self-doubting constantly. It's a little bit much. There were definitely moments in here I wanted to bop the heroine Lily over the head. And I personally would have liked to see Lily and Whitby have more meaningful conversations outside of the "does he love me or not?" angst.

[Aneca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book although not as much as To Marry a Duke. This is it’s sequel, the story of James’s sister Lily and his friend Whitby. Actually there are 2 sequels to TMTD because it’s the first book in 2 different series even if it doesn’t appear as the first book in the Lover series.

Being raised in a strict, humorless household did nothing to dampen Lady Lily Langdon's romantic nature -- nor cool her lifelong affection for Edward Wallis, Earl of Whitby, her elder brother's oldest, dearest friend. But Edward cannot see the lovely woman she's become for the wild schoolgirl she once was. So with lessons in flirtation from her American sister-in-law, Duchess Sophia, Lily means to open Edward's eyes and win his heart.

But just when her seduction begins to take hold, tragedy strikes. Edward has lived a rakish life, believing he would never grow old -- and a terrible twist of fate threatens to prove him right. Yet adversity only strengthens Lily's resolve to find the ecstasy she knows is waiting in Edward's arms -- and to prove to the handsome, haunted earl that it is never too late to fall desperately in love.

Lily has been in love with Whitby for most of her life but she is fully resigned to marry someone else. He has always treated her as a little sister and she has been on the shelf for quite sometime now so she decides to use her brother’s hunting party to get closer to the suitor her mother as chosen for her.

However her intentions change when he seems to show some interest in her, even if the non commitment kind, and eventually falls ill to what is at first assumed to be Hodgkins disease. Faced with the possibility of death and knowing that if Whitby dies without an heir his home and fortune will be left to his estranged cousin who can’t be relied upon to take care of Whitby’s sister Lily thinks of a plan to provide an heir and at the same time to be with him in the last months of his life – marriage. She manages to convince him and after the marriage they spend some time together thinking to make the best of what time they have. However the results of the exams came back showing Whitby isn’t dying.

Lily and Whitby’s reaction to knowing he wasn’t dying were negative and that’s when their relationship faces some problems. Lily’s afraid Whitby is feeling imprisoned in a marriage he doesn’t want now that he knows he isn’t dying. I could understand those feeling especially because they weren’t talking with each other but I felt she should have confronted him with it. And Whitby actually feels imprisoned for a while which really annoyed. He was at first attracted to Lily but he didn’t wan’t to assume it, then he lets himself be convinced to marry her and even behaves as he has fallen in love with her, and suddenly when he knows he isn’t dying anymore he just closes himself up and let’s her believe he is regretting their marriage. Even if it was so she married him to give him an heir and maintain his sister with a home, he should be at least thankful.

Then Lily becames ill also and Whitby is forced to confront his feelings for her. I felt he came across as a very weak hero who first lets himself be convinced to marry Lily and then suffers too many doubts about his situation. Lily is too romantic and that colours the way she sees life but she is also a lot younger than he is and so I didn’t feel as annoyed by her actions. Despite that I still found it a nice read even if very inferior to To Marry The Duke. Now I have great expectations for Whitby’s (adopted) sister and his cousin story which is Portrait of a Lover.

Grade: B-

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞💞
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 🔥🔥
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑– sex scenes are on the shorter side and not explicitly descriptive
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆🍆🍆

Safety warnings attached at end.

1884

Lily has loved Whitby for as long as she can remember. He thinks of her as a sister, but she’s sure if she could get him to see her as a woman he would want her too. He visits for a house party and she attempts to show him that she’s now a woman.

Give this book a try if you like
- Age gap – hero is 12 years older than the heroine
- Friends to lovers – these two have been friends since heroine was in pigtails. Hero doesn’t think of her sexually until the story takes place though
- Victorian era
- Siblings best friend – the hero and heroine’s brother are friends
- Unrequited love – lots of pining for the hero from the heroine, she has loved him for many years
- Minimal villain action – there’s an unsavory character but it’s not a large part of a story and it doesn’t culminate in a kidnapping or murder in the end like many books
-Light to medium steam – there’s a number of sex scenes but they are mostly on the brief side and not overly explicit, though they are open door.

Now, this could totally be my mood because I have been so so sooooo picky this year. But I wasn’t a huge fan on this story. I guess I found it a little slow? Maybe if I read this another time I would have enjoyed it more. I was just rather bored.

Whitby can be kind of a borderline jerk. He’s not awful, but he is hurtful to Lily. Lily wasn’t my favorite either because she says she’s okay with certain aspects of her relationship with Whitby and then basically changes her mind and wants more. Which is understandable in the circumstances but you kind of knew as a reader how it was going to go.

I found the author’s notes absolutely fascinating. I was wondering about Whitby’s diagnosis the whole time reading. It was one of the main things that kept me reading. I won’t spoil it, but my husband actually had this in college and he was misdiagnosed with possible cancer. His story is almost identical to Whitby’s story. Just crazy.

I think I would have liked this more with a bit longer and more explicit sex scenes. Just one or two really developed scenes. But without them, I just got bored for the most part. Still it’s a very very sweet story. And probably emotional to anyone with a heart, which is sadly not me anymore.

Safety warnings (possible spoilers)
.
.
.
.
.

Heavy medical diagnoses, discussion of cancer, alcoholism, stressful birth, adoption

[The Labyrinth Literary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es la historia de lily, una chica que esta perdidamente enamorada de Whitby el mejor amigo de su hermano al que conoce desde pequeña, a pesar de saber que el jamas fijaría su atención en ella, ya que no la ve como otra cosa que la hermanita de su gran amigo, ella sigue aferrada a la ilusión que le ha acompañado toda la vida.

Aunque el sentimiento de ser ignorada le sea familiar, pues la relación entre ella y su madre es desalentadora, ya que Marion es una mujer estricta y sin sentido del humor, y Lily no cubre sus expectativas de obediencia.

Por su parte Whitby siempre ha llevado una vida de juerga, sin tomar un mínimo de atención a su salud terminando con un tipo de enfermedad que no esta muy en claro cual es, esperando el peor desenlace y aumentando la preocupación por no tener un heredero, su titulo y posesiones irán a parar en manos de Magnus, su primo al que le tiene un gran odio por seducir a su hermana Anabelle para vengarse.

El acercamiento entre Lily y Whitby aparece cuando al verse enfermo el confiesa sus miedos y ella ofreciéndole casarse con el fin de darle un heredero y vivir juntos lo que le queda de vida. Pero, ¿aceptara Whitby su propuesta?

Este libro es el cuarto de cinco libros de una saga llamada "Herederas Americanas" no he leído los anteriores pero les diré que me pareció esta historia.

La verdad es que la historia me parece un poco triste, por todas las andanzas de Lily, el ver al "amor de su vida" sufrir por su enfermedad y preocupación por el futuro de su hermana, todo lo que vive y soporta por la negación de su madre en las decisiones que toma, en fin, se vuelve todo un caos. Y llegue a un punto donde dije "Dios, iluminala!" pero esta historia también tiene momentos maravillosos, intensos y seductores que te hacen querer seguir leyendo hasta llegar a la ultima pagina, lo cual personalmente yo ame.

La lectura es muy fresca y sencilla, no es nada pesada y el libro es pequeño, lo termine en prácticamente un día y me dejo un gran "sabor de boca" por decirlo asi, y bueno ahora soy gran fan de la autora, espero poder conseguir mas titulos de ella porque hasta ahora no he tenido mucha suerte

[FlibBityFLooB · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. So, I chose to read this when I saw NU was reading it and mentioned one of my favorite plot devices -- girl in love with her brother's friend. Thought to myself how can I resist? The beginning of the book showed a lot of promise, and I was really starting to feel for the characters. I loved the meloncholy feel in the first few chapters of the book, but it eventually slid more into malaise for me.

As the book progressed, I lost my connection with the hero and heroine and their feelings for each other. I didn't feel like they really were in love with one another. What started as a very realistic story turned into an unbelievable one. It also started to grow more boring for me as the story progressed.

So, to sum up... It definitely was a story that had a lot of potential. I would read another one by the author, but I was left feeling slightly disappointed in the end.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Lily Langdon has always been in love with her older brother’s best friend, Edward Wallis, Earl of Whitby. Lily has one last chance to try to make Whitby see her as the woman she’s become. But, when Whitby falls ill at the Langdon’s house party, he has to make some decisions about his future.


This is a frequent reread for me. It's one of those books I probably shouldn’t like (because I don't care for big age gaps and the hero definitely has some jerk moments), but I really like it a lot. I love that the characters have an established history and the book takes place over the course of months, not days. There’s good sex, angst, and characters that go through an emotional ringer. I also really appreciate it when authors include notes at the end of a book with historical context about a plot point or incident in the story.

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

A much better showing from MacLean. I genuinely liked Lily and Whitby (at least in this book), and their angst, while sometimes overwrought, was believable and relatable. Still, MacLean's writing leaves something to be desired for me. Her dialogue is unrealistic and melodramatic, and every book is basically the same story with slightly different characters and back stories. Reading them becomes a bit of a chore.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily has loved Lord Whitby since she was a child. He has been around as her brother's best friend and always took time for her. Now she is an adult and still loves him. He does not seem to be the marrying type. He is attending a house party at her brother's home when he becomes ill. He thinks he is dying. Lily takes care of him and seduces him. They marry and go to his home. Can she teach him about love and not being afraid to love? Many things get in their way but love wins out.

[Janis Lauzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victorian romance

A well written love story. It's not the usual "glance from across the room" story. There are real problems to work thru and the author does a fine job of balancing the angst between the main characters. The prologue really helps set the context of the story and I always love an epilogue. This is a HEA and can be read on It's own but you will want to read all the rest of the series.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Book I have read by by Julianne MacLean, Will defo be reading more. Lovely story. Kept me interested from the start, Tissues needed.

[Mary Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Había conseguido el libro a ciegas sin saber lo que me iba a esperar, ya que lo había conseguido por medio de canje y, en ese momento, no tenía mucha idea acerca del libro - en concreto si era una saga o autoconclusivo - o de la autora. Resulta que al final descubrí que era una saga, lo cual metí la pata en haber elegido el libro, y que la editorial ya había publicado los libros anteriores a este en cuestión; tampoco no sería la primera vez que haya caído en la misma trampa más de una vez - me ha pasado con Quinn, Kleypas y Caskie - pero no por eso iba a dejar el libro de lado y no leerlo. Total, me afrenté a las consecuencias de comerme posibles spoilers.

En cuanto al libro me ha gustado y sorprendido en partes iguales. Al principio todo transcurre de manera tan normal, como era de esperarse de cualquier libro de este genero, pero llega un momento que realmente no me esperaba y terminé anonada de la impresión. Aunque bueno, después había capítulos en donde la historia transcurría de manera calmada y otras en donde de golpe se da el acto de presencia el drama. Así que en ocasiones, no esperaba si las cosas iban a terminar bien o no. Lo único que me echo en falta era que la autora hubiera mostrado un poco más acerca del tema de Magnus con la familia de Whitby o que algunos personajes hubieran participado un poco más en el libro y que no hubieran quedado un poco relegados - al menos en el caso de Marion.

Lily y Whitby se ganaron mi cariño desde el primer momento en que los vi juntos. Lily es una joven romántica que, a pesar de los obstáculos o de sus intentos en olvidar al hombre que desea y ama - no pierde las esperanzas en ser correspondida y también es muy valiente cuando se enfrenta a sus miedos; especialmente al haber vivido una infancia sin recibir el amor y el afecto de sus padres. Withby es un hombre que ha sufrido perdidas y que, a pesar de que lo tildan como un canalla, en el fondo es alguien que tiene un corazón de oro y haría lo que fuera con tal de proteger a las personas que ama. Me gusto mucho la relación que han forjado entre ellos dos desde el principio y ver como evoluciona a lo largo de las páginas. Sinceramente no he visto un amor tan dulce como el de Lily y Withby. Sin duda se merecen estar juntos.

En fin, para ser el primer libro que leo de Julianne MacLean no me ha decepcionado para nada. Espero poder leer pronto los libros anteriores de la saga.

[Letschat1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)

Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).

I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.

3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.

Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).

Read it once and that is enough for me.

However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.

I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is a bit underrated on Goodreads. I've read a few books I was close to bailing on recently, but I enjoyed this one. Apparently it's a re-issue from 2005 so maybe that's why I haven't read it before. One of the better KU bargains I've run across and ended up buying it for nothing.

Anyway, I thought this would be your typical historical romance. Honestly, the story's one everyone's seen many times before: Young girl has a crush on older rake, and attempts to snag him once she's grown and beautiful, but then has to deal with the insecurities of whether he truly loves her or not. Except, this H isn't simply a heartless rake, he has some actual reasons for dealing with life the way he has, and there is a twist in the first third that turns the story into something more. At first I thought things were going in a bit of a tasteless direction, and I do think I would have been more comfortable if the H/h didn't have the age difference, but the author manages to redeem the storyline and turn it into something quite emotional. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll leave my plot summary at that.

Interesting research into medical history (which i enjoy, nerd that I am) and I appreciated the themes of redemption and never taking life for granted.

The only reason this is 4 stars from me was the section of the book when the H finds out the truth about his situation. This is where the plot slowed for a while, and both H/h spend too much time going back and forth about their relationship. The h comes across as immature and too demanding toward H (he is good guy and truly, he leveled with her many times early on in the story, she just didn't listen), while the H's emotional distancing starts to get old and weakens him as a character. It's the typical drama created when characters simply don't talk things over.

Note: this book does have sex scenes. I wouldn't call them graphic, but if you are looking for "sweet and clean", you'll have to skip those scenes or avoid this book. Also, though this writer's prose flows smoothly, there are a couple cases of missing words/punctuation and some anachronistic language. This didn't detract overly from my enjoyment of the book.

Comparing this book to most of what's available on KU or for free, it's a solid, compelling read.

[Jimena Bermolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

#reseñaunlibro #regencia #romancehistórico
Los amores de Lily- Julianne Maclean
Aquí en Argentina, está es una autora difícil de hallar y este es el cuarto libro de la saga de herederas americanas, pero es el único que conseguí -por ahora. Se lee perfectamente, hay referencias a episodios pasados; pero básicamente está todo aquí.
Es una historia que parece corta, el tiempo que pasa de principio a fin es menos de un año. En la superficie no pasa gran cosa pero lo destacable es la evolución de los sentimientos de los personajes. Por momentos está evolución es arrolladora.
Ella, Lily, ha amado desde la tierna infancia a Whitby -conde y mejor amigo de su hermano. Pero Whitby-un conocido rake, 10 años mayor- la ve como una niña, aún hoy, en la fiesta de caza en la que se encuentran cuando ella tiene la avanzada edad de 21! Años. Y es que ella no se ha casado aún, porque se le acusa de un desliz cuando era adolescente, y ha tenido que estar un tiempo fuera de la sociedad.
Whitby es el clásico calavera que en realidad tiene un terrible temor a comprometerse; pero cuando en medio de la fiesta se descompone y piensa que está al borde de la muerte, cree o siente que puede dejarse ir (amar y morir) en los brazos de ella. Ella realmente desea vivir para y por él y se empeña en ello. Se casan a pesar de todas las advertencias.
Finalmente, él sobrevive (no era tan mortal su enfermedad) y tiene que enfrentarse a la realidad: realmente desea la vida de casado? Amó realmente a Lily? Puede amarla sin condiciones?
Lo que no entiendo es el título: " los amores de Lily" porque Lily se entrega por completo y sin condiciones sólo a Whitby-; su amor es puro y sólido. En inglés el título es " love according to Lily" lo cual es mucho más acertado (algo así como *el amor de acuerdo/según Lily.
Lo recomiendo.!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars. First of all, the blurb for this book does not reflect the story in any way at all! This drives me nuts - Lily does not chase Whitby for convenience at all... Unfortunately my gripes with the book don't end with it's exterior....

There were some interesting elements that made me really want to like this story, but the execution just couldn't cut it.
The dialogue often featured completely inappropriate speech for the time, and the plot is based on an odd combination of completely implausible interactions/behaviors (both in terms of appropriate behavior for the period and just plain character motivation 101 - where are they coming from.)

In some romantic novels the author will push you to suspend your disbelief for the sake of a plot twist. There are a whole bunch here, and they don't so much work together as they do clash instead. Combine this all together? It's too much to get past.

Picked up the book on a rec for some strong near death angst but it wasn't very powerful - really just a dash near the finish.

In the end, I don't think I'll be reading any other books by Julianne MacLean anytime soon.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars.

This was not a regular historical romance story.
The hero was sick, thin (but he's not always like that - and only in the beginning of the story) so don't get turned off yet. He's not so much the alpha hero, more like the ultimate rake.

In my mind, Whitby - being ill and on the thin side - although handsome still, playboy-ish, drank himself to oblivion to drown the pain away ... I couldn't help but think of Cillian Murphy.

Whitby aka Edward


Lily
Beautiful, innocent, young, kind hearted


Unfortunately, I could not feel the chemistry between the main characters. I loved them - only because I knew their history (previous book). Otherwise, I didn't think I would even like this one.
It's a bit peculiar ... no passionate lust but more of a surrender - soft wave of giving in to passion -> appreciation of one's caring and kindness and trying to reciprocate out of ... guilt? Duty?
But it was a lovely read nevertheless.

[Lore Mona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fue lo que esperaba. Lily nunca ha sido una chica demasiado lista. No soy muy fan de las historias donde la protagonista está enamorada de forma unilateral y hace todo lo posible para llamar la atención del hombre que le interesa.

Lily ha estado largos años enamorada del mejor amigo de su hermano mayor. Pero Withby solo la ve como una hermanita pequeña con la que solía jugar. Ella sabe que no tiene oportunidad. Withby es un libertino que nunca ha deseado madurar y casarse. Le gusta disfrutar de la vida y los placeres sin compromiso.

Su hermano James ha organizado una cacería de otoño y la madre de ambos invitó algunos jóvenes con el objetivo de que Lily encuentre marido. Desde que ella cometió un error el pasado, al confiar en un hombre incorrecto, es mas cautelosa a la hora de escoger pareja. Pero no puede sacar de su corazón a Withby. Intenta hacer un último esfuerzo para llamar su atención y que la vea como la mujer en la que se ha convertido.

Withby no se siente bien desde hace algún tiempo. Piensa que tiene la enfermedad que mató a su padre y que él también va a morir. Por eso se arrepiente de no haber buscado una esposa antes, para haber tenido un heredero. Si muere todo pasará a manos de su primo, Magnus. Es uno de sus peores enemigos, del cual se piensa que tuvo algo que ver con la muerte de su hermano mayor. También dejará desamparada a su hermanastra, que fue engañada y lastimada por su primo. Todos estos pensamientos lo atormentan tanto como su enfermedad, entonces Lily aprovecha la oportunidad para hacerle una propuesta.

Las decisiones que se toman en momentos desesperados no son una buena idea. Si la situación cambia, luego vienen las dudas, inseguridades y arrepentimientos.

No puedo empatizar con Lily. Ella sabía muy bien donde se estaba metiendo, aprovechó una oportunidad para obtener al hombre que quería. En circunstancias normales las cosas podría haber sido diferentes. Ella lo conoce mejor que nadie. Cada acto tiene su consecuencia y el drama está demás.

Otra cosa que no me gusta es la etapa del embarazo y el parto . Es algo personal, pero no me parece agradable todo ese proceso. Me dan ganas de saltarlo.

No era una lectura para mi. Está bien para pasar el rato, mientras hago otras cosas. Por eso lo escuché en audiolibro.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read the GR book description. What the heck?? Not the description I read on a different site and doesn't fit the book.

This is the first Julieanne MacLean book for me and it was good! The story begins with a house party at Lily's brother's home. She has had a crush on Whitby, her brothers best friend since childhood and Lily's SIL decides to try and help. Turns out Whitby is very ill although he has been hiding it and he rejects her. She is heartbroken. Whitby collapses at the party, a doctor is called and everyone thinks he is dying. Etc, Etc, HEA

This story had a very unique feel and caught my interest quickly. Some familiar tropes (childhood friends, unrequited love, marriage of convenience), but felt very different. Lots of angst,but with hope because it felt like they both really wanted it to work. I did not expect to like this book so much.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

what Lily wants, is what Lily gets…but At what cost?

What an interesting tale of a woman in love with her brother’s best friend when all he can see is a little girl. I loved how the author showed the ups and downs of her journey through this love she had for Whitby and the strength she showed standing up to her Mother. It was very satisfying to see her mother grow as well, finally understanding what Lily was trying to say. Whitby’s journey was painful to read and such a joy to see the ending done so beautifully. I really thought the problems they would face in their marriage would go one way and was totally surprised when it went a different avenue. Magnum seemed to be a big let down as I kept waiting for the fight of all fights and was confused as to what happens, until I saw the next book’s blurb. Can’t wait to read that one!

[Tim Covell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings. Well written friends-to-lovers story, driven by Edward's impending death, and Lily is a strong female character who is not about to let his poor health stop her from getting what she wants. On the other hand, all she has ever wanted is to be with him and bear his children, which I found a touch shallow. For much of the book I was trying to figure out the medical issue. It was obvious in hindsight, and the author's note provides some of the context for the realistically handled medical issues in the story.

[June Calvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected.

Love according to Lily is not the usual sort of book I read. I thought it would be a sweet, upbeat story. It begins with a child to woman love story in which her hero finally notices her, but it quickly descends (or rises) into melodrama as he seems to be terminally ill, and their hasty marriage is followed by months of varying degrees of psychological discomfort before reaching its happy-ever-after. There is lots of sex, explicit sex. It is well-written. So if you like sex and melodrama, you may love it.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily decided that she was going to marry Whitby when she was a child. As she grew up, they drifted apart. Whitby arrives at Lily's brother home for a week of shooting but is I'll. Lily helps to take care of him and they did get married. After marriage, they had to deal with Whitby cousin who wants the property, Lily's mother who didn't approve of the marriage and Lily coming down with the same disease that Whitby had.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compared to other steamy regency books I've read, this one was better than most. I generally read proper romances and so reading this really helped me see generally how well developed other aspects are when there is more substance to focus on in a book. It just usually seems like the steamier the romance the more feeble the general plot, characters and relationship development are...much less satisfying in the end.

[Rachel Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Victorian Era Romance

A very inventive story line powers this book to it's HEA. The lovers are delightful characters and Lily, especially, is an original. I would only mention the scene where she seduces Whitby on what was assumed to be his deathbed.
Some passages are overlong and tedious when the author goes into exhaustive detail about a character's ruminations. But these are tolerable.