Oliver Carlyle, Marquess of Ambrose, discovers a scandalous diary filled with erotic fantasies in his mother's garden and becomes determined to find the mysterious author. As he embarks on a search to uncover the identity of the woman behind the diary, he finds himself entangled in steamy encounters with Lily Layton, a widow and companion to his mother, without realizing her true identity. The story unfolds with a mix of scorching romance, sensual love scenes, and a theme of fear of infertility in the 19th century, all delicately addressed by Stacy Reid's eloquent prose and compelling storytelling. The plot is driven by the mystery of the diary, the blossoming attraction between Oliver and Lily, and the challenges they face in pursuing their desires in a society bound by strict rules and expectations.

Stacy Reid skillfully weaves a tale of passion, romance, and intrigue in "The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton," blending eroticism with heartfelt emotions and a touch of mystery. The characters of Oliver and Lily are well-defined, with compelling backstories and undeniable chemistry that leads to steamy yet tastefully written love scenes. The book is praised for its seamless flow, engaging dialogues, and the balance between eroticism and romance, making it a captivating and unforgettable read that transports readers to the Regency era with its authenticity and sensuality.

Characters:

The characters are well-defined and likable, showcasing a mix of propriety and hidden desires.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is eloquent and lively, characterized by sensuality and emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a twist on Cinderella with a focus on secret desires, romance, and societal challenges.

Setting:

The setting is a Regency-era society, primarily during a house party that creates opportunities for romance.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, though some readers note issues near the conclusion.

The small, dark brown leather book appeared quite innocuous until one dared to fold back the worn cover and skim the first few pages. Oliver Simon Carlyle, the ninth Marquess of Ambrose, had been read...

Notes:

The book is a twist on Cinderella, featuring a proper widow with a secret sensual side.

Lily and Oliver, the main characters, have a mutual attraction but are hesitant to act on it due to societal norms.

The romance is between an aristocrat, Oliver, and a commoner, Lily, making it a compelling class-crossing love story.

The narrative includes a diary filled with Lily's naughty fantasies, which Oliver discovers.

The story features multiple steamy scenes right from the beginning, making it very erotic and sensual.

Lily's character is multifaceted; she's sweet yet desires adventure and expresses this in her diary.

Oliver has a romantic side but is also adventurous, showcasing his gentlemanly behavior during intimate moments.

The plot involves some mystery and comedy alongside romance and drama.

Oliver is on a quest to marry while struggling to find someone who shares his sexual desires heard through the diary.

The book features a mix of vignettes set in the dark and in secret places, adding to the intrigue of their romance.

There are themes of infertility anxiety and societal expectations impacting the characters' relationship.

The story has high steam levels with various sexual scenes, including voyeurism.

Some readers felt that while the book was very hot, the story weakened towards the end, especially in the resolution of the couple's issues.

Lily's development through the story revolves around embracing her sensuality after being shamed in her previous marriage.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of infertility and explicit sexual content.

Has Romance?

The romance between Oliver and Lily is intensely developed, making romance a significant feature of the story.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

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 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.

Ratings (2)

Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (3)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)

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About the Author:

Stacy Reid is an author with a deep passion for writing. She specializes in romances and loves writing about people who fall in love. When not writing, she enjoys playing video games and watching The Walking Dead and Japanese anime.

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The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton

Stacy Reid

Book 1 in the series:Sweetest Taboo