Beneath Lily Layton’s sweet and charming exterior beats the heart of a vixen–one with shocking and scandalous secrets and desires. But as a genteel lady, she confines her forbidden fantasies, like those about her employer’s devastatingly handsome son, to her diary…until she loses it. Oliver Carlyle, Marquess of Ambrose, has finally found the perfect wife, a woman who will not hide from his … from his dark, carnal cravings. He just needs to figure out who she is. When he has a secret rendezvous with a mysterious stranger, suddenly he starts to believe she might be the author of the diary.
He’s determined to find out who his mystery woman is…
His biggest fear–and deepest fantasy–is she may be the one woman he cannot have.
Each book in the Sweetest Taboo series is STANDALONE:
* Sin and Ink by Naima Simone
* Passion and Ink by Naima Simone
* The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton by Stacy Reid
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Wowzers, I think I melted a few times while reading this book….it’s HOT, HOT, HOT!!! This is what I love about this author, she’s not scared of pushing the limits in her historical romance stories. Oliver Carlyle, Marquess of Ambrose, finds a diary and out of curiosity starts to read it. Lo and behold, it includes a woman’s deepest sexual fantasies and he wants to find whose diary it is because the fantasies are ones he has himself! Lily Layton, companion to Oliver’s mother, is in a panic, wondering where her diary went to and searches all over for it. She and Oliver end up meeting in a dark, secret tunnel that she mentions in her diary but neither of them knows who the other is because they disguise their voices and it’s so dark, they can barely see. There and then, he starts to give her the fantasies that she secretly wishes for…..I’m telling you, folks, it’s HOT! lol I really loved Oliver and Lily’s story and give this a solid 5 stars.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is not my usual read, I’m not really in erotica romance, I read some but most were like a pile of sex scenes with nothing short to a story to bring them together, while here and despite all the steamy scenes, I didn’t felt like I was reading an erotica, it has scorching moments but they were part of the plot, not overrated and so perfectly crafted to fit in Lily and Oliver’s story.
I do loved both characters, they stayed true to themselves in spite of hurts from their past.
Lily is such a refreshing character, behind a prim and proper exterior she hides an ardent personality, one she dares not to show but voices in a diary, a diary she has now misplaced.
Oliver Carlyle, Marquess Of Ambrose longs for something else, his wealth and status can’t fill the void he fells in him, he has released his last mistress some time ago, and although he has needs, no one appears to be able to meet them, it was, until he finds a mysterious diary and can’t stop thinking about the woman behind it.
It was an awesome story, like two romances in parallel, the mysterious diary writer and the stranger meeting her in the dark secret passageways and the Marquess becoming aware of his mother’s companion other than a servant but a very attractive woman.
I do loved to see Lily grows in her skin, accepts her sensuality as part of her and not a sin, becomes the woman she would have been if not shunned by her late husband.
Oliver is a kind man, if he has an instant attraction to the strange lady because of her writings, then to Mrs Lily Layton but she is a paid employee and he has rules to never dally with those under his care.
There is no vilain in this story, just two peoples who will have to overcome their differences outside the bedchamber to find after what and whom they are looking for.
It was a read with some twist and turn and heartbreaking moments, Mrs Reid outdid herself with this awesome tale of two lovers finding themselves despite status and society’s expectations.
Oliver Carlyle, the marquess of Ambrose, has finally decided it is time he got married. To this purpose, his mother has organised a house party where he might find a suitable bride. Oliver is a romantic at heart, but dispairs of ever finding a wife who would accept his preferred type of bedsport. When he reads a diary filled with naughty entries, Oliver’s hopes rise. Is it possible that his dream woman is attending the house party? Who is she? How to find her without compromising her? Mrs. Lily Layton is beyond distraught! If anyone came to know that she, a proper widow and companion to the marquess’ mother, is the author of such a diary she would be humiliated!
THE SCANDALOUS DIARY OF LILY LAYTON is an ingenious and sexy twist on Cinderella, and it is so very, very well done! I love that Stacy Reid does not waste any time and that we get to the heart of the matter right away. While neither realises it, Lily and Oliver are secretly lusting after each other, they have no intention of acting on it; it just isn’t done! And how beautifully Ms. Reid makes it possible for them to come together; this is one of the most convincing romances I have ever read between an aristocrat and a commoner. Even though this is a very, very sexy story, it is subtly done and felt genuine, not to mention the numerous delightful touches throughout. Lily is a wonderful character; apart from her long-suppressed sensual nature, she is very proper but she speaks her mind; she also has talents that she wants to exploit in the future. Oliver is lovely; he’s a red-blooded male but respectful of women and the institution of marriage; his lustful nature does not preclude him being a gentleman at all times.
Stacy Reid writes splendid dialogues, her prose is eloquent and lively, the sex scenes are super hot yet done very tastefully. The story flows smoothly, every action is carefully planned; nothing is convoluted or left to chance. Both characters are beautifully defined, with compelling backstories, and their attraction and affection are undeniable. While the eroticism is intrinsic to the plot, it is also a very romantic and surprisingly touching story. With THE SCANDALOUS DIARY OF LILY LAYTON, Stacy Reid demonstrates that it is possible to write a novel that is erotic, romantic, moving, and still remain faithful to the Regency era.
Holy cow, fan needed! First let me say that I rarely ever talk about how sensual a book is but this book – debauched, hot, yes please – all words to describe this story. Now onto what I really liked about the story. Ms. Reid’s writing is always engaging and romantic. The unconventional story drew me into the lives of Oliver and Lily. It flowed well and was a fast read. If you want a steamy read with loads of love and some tears, then try this story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
This is not the first I’ve read of Stacy Reid’s work so I was happy to receive an advance copy via NetGalley. I really liked this. Well done. Good dialog. Quite steamy and the attraction between Lily and Oliver developed both day and night.
The reader just has to “ignore” the fact the intimacies between Lily and Oliver are in such darkness they do not recognize each other. They are able to disguise their voices throughout. Also, in spite of the nighttime intimacies, there is no recognition during the day.
Oh, this was sooo good! I loved the whole idea of a lost diary that held scandalous secrets and desires, one that is found by a man who longs for a woman to share his own darkest yearnings. Add to that the fact that these two meet in anonymity and neither knows the other. It was quite delicious.
Lily was a wonderful heroine. She had dreams for her future and even though she was a lady’s companion she was fierce and strong. Having been widowed twice in marriages that lacked passion, she did not desire to remarry. However, that did not stop her from fantasizing about the carnal things she longed for. When the opportunity to indulge those fantasies arises she yields to the dark stranger.
Oliver is ready to marry but having watched his parent’s relationship he knows exactly what he wants in his future marchioness. He wants everything. Companionship, love and a passion with his lady that is equal to his own dark urges. When he stumbles across a lascivious diary he is intrigued and determined to find the author of such open wants. And yet, even as he seeks a bride and hungers for the diary owner, he is drawn to his mother’s companion.
I loved how this story unfolds. It was unpredictable and not at all how I thought they would discover each other. Their identities is not the conflict, although they certainly had to travel an unfavorable road to get to a place where they could be together. The true conflict is much more painful and my heart wept for Lily as she carries her burden alone. Once Oliver becomes aware of the situation I felt his own anguish. But holy heck! When he sets out to make things right with her it is one of the most beautiful statements of love I’ve ever read. Ever!
This is a fast paced book and the chemistry between this hero and heroine was scorching as was the smexy times between them. They were perfect for each other! Full disclosure and a bit of a spoiler here that I won’t hide – they partake in two scenes of voyeurism, one where they are being watched and another where they watch. I would rather the hero not want anyone to see his lady or even hear her, but that is my own personal preference. The hero does take a “mine” stance during their scene but it wasn’t enough for me.
Overall, this was a wonderful read that I will reread in the future as it had the perfect amount of wit, steam, angst, romance and one amazing epilogue.
Dual POV
Loved the story. It is well written, entertaining and highly sensual. The love between Oliver and Lily is not the norm for the ton but they have found a love that is rare in that day and time. Lily’s station in life is below the Marquess’ but love won out. There is a surprise at the end and it is worth reading to find out what happens. If you like steamy and sensual readings, you will love this book. I would highly recommend it as a great read.