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For fans of Rosemary Rogers and Janelle Taylor, a sweeping New Orleans romance of wild passion, dark secrets and forbidden love...

Returning home to his beloved New Orleans after months in Jamaica, Bastien Thibodeaux reluctantly agrees to take two passengers on board his ship—an older English gentleman tending his ailing younger wife, Lily. That’s their story, at least. But as Bastien uses his skills as a Cajun healer to help Lily, he becomes convinced of two things: She is not who she claims to be. And though she may be out of bounds for the illegitimate son of a bayou priestess, their attraction is decidedly mutual.

When Lily’s father bequeathed her his entire estate, he unwittingly made her a target. She barely escaped England alive, aided by her godfather. New Orleans holds both temptation and danger as she convalesces in Bastien’s lavish residence. A single night together is all she dares allow. But once they succumb, there can be no denying this desire, or how much they’ll risk in its name...

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2021

2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Kathleen Bittner Roth

10 books191 followers
Kathleen Bittner Roth creates passionate stories featuring characters faced with difficult choices, and who are forced to draw on their strength of spirit to overcome adversity and find unending love. Her own fairy tale wedding in a Scottish castle led her to her current residence in Budapest, Hungary, considered one of Europe’s most romantic cities. However, she still keeps one boot firmly in Texas and the other in her home state of Minnesota. A PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, she was a 2012 Golden Heart® finalist.

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5 stars
33 (73%)
4 stars
9 (20%)
3 stars
2 (4%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
6 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2021
Starting Lily is like getting back with old friends and family. I loved the way this story weaves together past history with that beloved Thibodeaux family. Kathleen Bittner Roth always brings history alive with her page-turning stories, but with Lily you cannot believe what comes next!! You will love this story!

I received an advance readers copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1,439 reviews
June 21, 2021
Having started this great series, it is so wonderful to read about Bastien, the 2nd Thibodeaux brother. The book begins with Bastien returning home to New Orleans having been away in Jamaica. He reluctantly agrees to take two passengers on board his ship, which includes an older English gentleman and his sick younger wife, Lily. However, Bastien is not convinced that the couple is who they say they are, and he doesn’t believe that they are married. Yet Lily is gravely ill and so Bastien uses his skills as a Cajun healer to help Lily. The more time they spend together, the more their attraction to each other grows. Yet Lily’s past is threatening to catch up with her and prevent any future between the couple.
Lily and Bastien are two great characters. As Lily recovered, her determination and personality also strengthen, and she is truly someone who knew her own mind. Bastien is intense but also not as strong as he purports to be, at times, reflecting on his illegitimacy as a reason not to be with Lily. I so enjoyed reading about Felice and Rene again, having read about them in Book 1 (Felice). This book has it all with romance, mystery and drama, altogether with the magic of New Orleans as the backdrop.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
136 reviews
April 27, 2021
Bastien has no desire to take on passengers, but these two are willing to pay extra and insistent. His first glimpse of Lilly is ethereal beauty, but she is another man's wife. Lilly is also very sick and literally feints into his arms. Bastien takes on Lilly and her husband as passengers on his cargo ship back to New Orleans, and takes on her care as a healer. During the crossing Bastien realizes that Lilly has secrets, that she is running from something. As Bastien and Lilly fight their attraction to each other, secrets are revealed.
Bastien Thibbidoux is the third story in the Bayou Bad Boys trilogy. Lilly is a character worthy of the driven Bastien, who fights his insecurities while being a lovable scoundrel. As in the other books my Ms. Roth there are twists and turns that are hard to see coming. The characters and scenes, supporting characters help the story move quickly and smoothly. I found this book hard to put down. I absolutely loved it! I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
1 review
May 23, 2021
Very engaging. Lily is a strong heroine and the story of her meeting and falling in love with Bastien is fascinating. Without giving away plot details, Ms. Roth's colorful descriptions of antebellum New Orleans culture and practices vividly illustrate her knowledge of that era. I found myself anxiously awaiting Lily's and Bastien's first kiss and their subsequent romance. I practically read the book in one session, not wanting to put it down. I found myself sobbing, laughing out loud, and anxious to turn the next page to the very end. I have received a copy of LILY from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kate.
86 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2021
Thanks for the ARC book. I really enjoyed this romance. I had a great time trying to figure out where the story was going to go next.
I really like the slow relationship development between the two main characters. It was hot.

My only concern about this novel is about the references to Voodoo. Did the author make up what she wrote? Are there endnotes about the religion?Or where her information came from? I would not be able to recommend this novel via LA or readers RA without further information. 2 stars w/o information on Voodoo. 4 stars with information.
Profile Image for Sarah Fisher.
50 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2021
Loved this story of Lily and Bastien. At the beginning I wasn’t sure where this was going so I had to keep reading and I’m glad I did. Throughly a good entrancing book. Kept me wondering with all the little twist and turns, almost like a mystery with a twist or two of romance which was perfect! Now I have to read the other in this series. I have received a copy of Lily from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melody.
17 reviews
June 11, 2021
Lily is book three in the Bayou Bad Boys series. I love Bastien and Lily’s story! The Author’s descriptive writing never fails to entertain and capture my imagination. I always feel like I’m part of the story and this book was no exception. I sincerely hope this is not the last we see of the Bad Boys from the Bayou! Well done!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
907 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2021
First time reading this author and really enjoyed her writing style. Definitely get immersed in the story with the descriptive writing and a real feel for the characters and the places. Enjoyed the bit of mystery and twists as well. Definitely worth reading. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review
6 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2021
I loved this story. The mystery hooked me and took me on an enjoyable ride. Setting setting made me dream of times in the past and the romance gave me hope for the future. I would recommend this book for your summus read!💕
4 reviews
May 23, 2021
Another exceptional story by this talented author. She keeps you page turning with every book she writes. Lily is a 5 star book.
Profile Image for StephieFrost.
140 reviews18 followers
August 15, 2021
I received this novel as a promotion, I give my willing opinion. I very much enjoyed this romance, love the characters! I highly recommend this story.
2 reviews
June 1, 2021
I couldn't wait to start Lily and catch up with the Thibodeaux brother's and the excitement in N'awlins. Don'cha know! Lily is both a mystery and challenge to Bastien that keeps you turning the pages long after you should be turning off the lights for bed. This is a mystery that you can't put down.

I received an advance readers copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1 review
July 15, 2021
Very entertaining with romance, history and a bit of suspense. Keep asking what is next and who is next. Loved the book. I have received a copy of LILY from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1 review1 follower
June 29, 2021
Another fabulous Bayou Bad Boys selection from Kathleen. Intrigue, romance, and dynamic plot lines with every turn of the page. It’s great to get updates on the characters from the previous books, but this is also a stand alone in case you didn’t read the first books in the series....but I recommend that you do!
The character portrayals are fascinating, rounded, and well-crafted, while the narrative moves along with snippets of historical bits that take you back in time. The setting is lush, steamy Louisiana heat, perfect for this classic romance. You will thoroughly enjoy this quick-paced romance.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,499 reviews46 followers
May 24, 2021
Bastien saves Lily's life when he deduced that she has been poisoned through the clothing she is wearing.
This is a story of forbidden love, wild passions and dark secrets.
Bastien loves Lily with all his heart and she loves him with her whole being. Can this forbidden love last?
Kathleen Bittner Roth writes an interesting and entertaining story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
June 19, 2021
📜 Lily 📜
Bayou Bad Boys Book 3
✒️ Kathleen Bittner Roth
https://www.facebook.com/Kathleen.bit...
Release Date 06/29/2021
Publisher Kensington Books / Zébra
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KKM36VQ/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Returning home to his beloved New Orleans after months in Jamaica, Bastien Thibodeaux reluctantly agrees to take two passengers on board his ship—an older English gentleman tending his ailing younger wife, Lily. That’s their story, at least. But as Bastien uses his skills as a Cajun healer to help Lily, he becomes convinced of two things: She is not who she claims to be. And though she may be out of bounds for the illegitimate son of a bayou priestess, their attraction is decidedly mutual.
 
When Lily’s father bequeathed her his entire estate, he unwittingly made her a target. She barely escaped England alive, aided by her godfather. New Orleans holds both temptation and danger as she convalesces in Bastien’s lavish residence. A single night together is all she dares allow. But once they succumb, there can be no denying this desire, or how much they’ll risk in its name . . .

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will their differences be their undoing…

I discovered the author’s work with her previous release in this series.
It is not often I read tales set in New Orleans without a paranormal’s element. Here it is a historical romance in the pure meaning of the genre.
So now it is Bastien’s story, a man who raised himself from the slums of the city. Yet, when he could be only proud of what he has done of himself, he is full of prejudices against those born in a different station.
He does not see the man who conquered all the hurdles life threw on his path, he always feels in his skin he still this shoes less starving boy, disliking his sire and everything he represents. When he is a kind and caring man, with dreams and hopes he has muzzled his whole life, because of a childhood oath between two bothers who have known nothing else than hunger and distress.
Now he has everything to built a good life, if only he can open the gates of his heart to let it feels and beats without reservations.
Lily when introduced, had first to survive a life altering trial. And thanks to a sea captain turned healer, she gets a second chance. Still, she is running from a death sentence, which hold her from sharing more about herself when her rescuer is everything she never dreamed to see in a man.
She is a mix of cleverness, naivety and stubbornness. Once she recovered from her ordeal, she is instantly smitten by Bastien’s charms, but they both play hot and cold as none is certain if they can trust the other, and when the truth come out what will there be to salvage between them as they are from two very different world.

A lovely tale demonstrating love has no frontier and cares nothing about someone’s birth or past mistakes.
Special mention for thé ever so lovely epilogue.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
6 reviews
June 7, 2021
Kathleen Bittner Roth mesmerizes the reader with intricately detailed character development and a compelling storyline that makes this 3rd Bayou Bad Boys book difficult to put aside. Fans of Kathleen Bittner Roth will be treated to a revisiting of several characters from previous books in the series, as well as an introduction to new and ever so endearing ones. A heartwarming read of family connection and commitment to those you love and those you hardly know. The addition of an unpredictable surprise epilogue leaves you with the hint of another series and a longing for more!

I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,505 reviews27 followers
June 10, 2022
Lily is a very strong-willed woman, but right now she may be dying. She left England with her god father and are headed to New Orleans to an old friend who can help them. Bastien takes them from Jamaica to New Orleans reluctantly. When he sees how sick Lily is, the healer in him can't let her die. Once in New Orleans, Bastien knows that Lily isn't the wife of the man traveling with her, but they are close mouthed about their situation. Lily doesn't know who she can trust with her secrets and danger is around every corner. Can a lady be interested in a street rat? Bastien grew up in the bayou and knows he isn't worthy, but his heart is saying something different.
2,133 reviews38 followers
April 29, 2024
Time Changes Everything

Lily is a beautiful story, filled with new experiences and life changing events for Lily. Our story begins with Lily and her husband running for their lives and Lily deathly ill. Needing a way to get to New Orleans, they get passage on a ship with Bastien, who also is a healer. He discovers that Lily has been poisoned, which only could been done by her evil cousin. There is a bond and attraction between Lily and Bastien, which will change the course of both of their lives. Wonderful story and characters that will touch your heart.
7 reviews
June 7, 2021
From the heart and pen of Kathleen Bittner Roth comes Lily. Filled with desire, loss, innocence and with a myriad of twists so beguiling, you will not want to put it down. Kathleen’s characters leap from the page into your concern. Becoming people you cannot but care about. You want more even after the last page. Written by a lady who has most definitely known great love. Bravo, Kathleen!

I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katie Chapman.
549 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2022
Fabulous

Sucked me in on page one and couldn't put it down. Lots of action and intrigue kept me reading. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Shellfish.
222 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2021
Lily by Kathleen Bittner Roth is the the 3rd book in the Bayou Bad Boys series. I couldn’t wait for bastien Thibodeaux’s story and it didn’t disappoint. Bastien was finally headed home to New Orleans from being in Jamaica overseeing one of their shipping offices. Lily and her Godfather pretend to be married and get passage on Bastiens ship. Poor Lily she has to over come so many things in her life. When she gets on Bastiens ship she is very sick but Bastien helps heal her. They become close but they are from different worlds. The End really got me, I cried the whole epilogue. This story was filled with so much heart and suspense it had me on edge throughout. Kathleen’s words always pulls me into the world she creates and doesn’t let me go till the very end. I received this book through NetGalley for an honest review.

Merged review:

Lily by Kathleen Bittner Roth is the the 3rd book in the Bayou Bad Boys series. I couldn’t wait for bastien Thibodeaux’s story and it didn’t disappoint. Bastien was finally headed home to New Orleans from being in Jamaica overseeing one of their shipping offices. Lily and her Godfather pretend to be married and get passage on Bastiens ship. Poor Lily she has to over come so many things in her life. When she gets on Bastiens ship she is very sick but Bastien helps heal her. They become close but they are from different worlds. The End really got me, I cried the whole epilogue. This story was filled with so much heart and suspense it had me on edge throughout. Kathleen’s words always pulls me into the world she creates and doesn’t let me go till the very end. I received this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Frelick.
Author 12 books118 followers
January 24, 2022
This series by Kathleen Bittner Roth just keeps getting better and better. The author sets the scene in steamy New Orleans so you can feel the heat and smell the honeysuckle. Her hero is dark and sexy; her heroine mysterious and vulnerable. A great read to add to the others in this great series!
Profile Image for Heather.
1,374 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Story was cute and an easy read. I would read from this author again. The cover is pretty also.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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