Member Reviews
I loved this book. The storyline is interesting and amusing. The H is caring and romantic and the h is loyal and fierce. The ending is so entertaining and fun.
Sometimes what you perceive is not actually reality. Jenny is not who she says she is and Cheyne feels his attraction to her a sin as a result. Secrets, scandal and entertaining hijinks ensue.
Thank you Meara Platt, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
So somewhere it is mentioned that this is the combination of a number of shorter stories, and that really shows. I’d have loved to see more backstory for Jenny and Lyon but in the place of development Platt just tells us the characters are in love. There is definite potential here - but the book should be longer to give more backstory/internal monologue to the characters
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
Loved the story line of this book as Jenny is on the run from an arranged marriage and caring for her friends baby while trying to pass herself off as the friend. Cheyne, a duke, is the uncle of the baby and believes that Jenny is his sister-in-law and fights the attraction between them.
Fun read that has a great HEA, and while there was mention of the Black Widow Lyon, the book was not too focused on that aspect so I liked it probably more than the other one from this "world!"
Some action along with a growing attraction that both are fighting against and add in the nasty ex-fiance and you have an entertaining book.
A Charming Tale of Love and Deception
Jenny has secrets. Is she really who she claims? She says she is married to his brother, but something seems wrong. Cheyne is falling for Jenny, a sin, to be sure. What happens when Cheyne finds out the truth? What are Jenny’s secrets? Cheyne cannot tolerate lies, but could Jenny have a good reason for hiding the truth? I enjoyed this entertaining story and would recommend it to those who like a Regency romance with secrets and intrigue. There are even braw Scotts to tempt you.
This is a tale of two Jenny's who are best friends. One Jenny helps the other and hides the truth.
Jenny Bramwell and a baby show up on the doorstep of the Duke of Mar, Cheyne Lyon. Jenny is on the run, and trying to protect her best friends baby until the parents are able to care for it. Cheyne Lyon is given a letter from Jenny written by his brother describing his wife and telling him of his baby son. Cheyne promises to help Jenny and his nephew, but says he values honesty above all else. Cheyne does not realize that Jenny B. is not his sister-in-law.
There are several good twists to the story to keep your attention. Loved the length, the story moved right along, and really enjoyed Cheyne and Jenny's story.
4.5 stars
A quick read and linked to the match maker Mrs Dove-Lyon of the Lyon's den. Jenny turns up at the Duke of Mar's house with Cheyne's nephew and a letter explaining her presence as his younger brother's wife. The big clue is that John says his wife's eyes are blue and Cheyne thinks Jenny is like a Selkie with green eyes. He is attracted to her and to think that John has just dumper her at the family home is even more disapointed in his estranged brother. Jenny is a friend of the wife and in hiding from her uncle. The mystery is solved, the estrangement repaired and in all things Cheyne saves the day. There was a little too much "och the noo" for me. I understood that Cheyne was all things scottish but apart from that the romance was lovely.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Lyon's Surprise by Meara Platt is quite good, certainly no exception for Platt. It is part of the Lyon's Den extended universe. It is raining when Jenny and the babe arrive at Castle Lyon. Cheyne Lyon, the Duke of Mar was beyond confused. He didn't spend a lot of time recognizing his distant relationship with Bessie Dove-Lyon and could not comprehend why she would send this woman to his door. She had a letter of explanation. It seems she is the wife of his brother, John, and he would come and retrieve his small family at Yuletide. Well! Meanwhile Jenny and Johnny have been placed in the care of Mairi, a young maid. One of the many pieces of information she imparts is that despite his demeanor, the duke is a kind man and will care for the tow of them; also, the duke will not abide being lied to. That put Jenny in a stew, as she was not Jenny, John's wife, but Jenny their friend, although Johnny is indeed his son. This Jenny is running from a greedy uncle and a worse man to whom he has betrothed her in an effort to steal the books she has brought with her from her father's library. It all turns into quite a to do.
Cheyne does appear to be quite the curmudgeon although Jenny, of course, feels herself falling in love with him. He is kind and he is so good with Johnny. How can she resist? Cheyne fears something is amiss. For one, his brother's letter described Jenny's eyes as blue. Jenny's eyes are definitely green. But he carries on. The reader sees where this is going, but not what is going to happen along the way. That is what makes reading romance so much fun! This is a fun book: the misunderstandings; the personalities, especially the other woman; the brothers. Yes, Cheyne has two in addition to John. Many years earlier he had driven John away. Now it knew why John had done what it had done and not only forgiven him, but was prepared to thank him. It was an excellent story with all the necessary elements: a man, a woman, misunderstandings, surprises, a baby, interfering brothers. Quite extraordinary. I loved it! I recommend it!
I was invited to read an e-ARC of The Lyon's Surprise by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. #netgalley #thelyonssurprise
I received an ARC of this book and honestly enjoyed it. A short but sweet read, it was a complete and developed story (although enjoyable enough that I wouldn’t have minded if it was longer). It was not too steamy, the sex was mostly implied, and nothing was terribly explicit.
Cheyne, the Duke of Mar, is surprised by the arrival at his doorstep in a storm (of course) of a young woman with a baby. Jenny claims to be the wife of his estranged younger brother, and presents the baby as his nephew.
The baby has a distinctive birthmark, so Cheyne doesn’t doubt the baby’s identity, but unfortunately he finds himself falling for his brother’s wife. Jenny is keeping a secret from Cheyne—apparently his brother is actually married to a completely different Jenny, and she left with brother John on an adventure, abandoning the baby to her best friend’s care.
The story is about Cheyne and Jenny’s attraction to one another and Jenny’s turmoil over keeping her identity from Cheyne. There’s a little drama thrown in, but overall it’s a sweet story of two people falling in love. I don’t think I’ve read any stories about the other Lyons, but I will be looking for them, since I enjoyed this one.
Cheyne Lyon, Duke of Mar finds a young woman and her son on his door step claiming to be John his brother’s wife and son. Cheyne doesn’t quite know what to make of the extremely beautiful woman, she definitely doesn’t seem to be his brother’s type. Jenny arrives with little John to find the Duke much more pleasant than she expected, but she learned to never lie to him. A captivating novella with enjoyable characters who find themselves drawn to each, but what will Cheyne do when he finds out she’s hiding a secret that could their lives and of his family? I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent book filled romance.
Castle Lyon, Stonehaven Scotland 1816
"The Black Widow of Whitehall sent ye here?" "Cheyne Lyon, Duke or Mar, ran a hand through his hair and stifled an oath as he started down at the bedraggled young woman seated in the visitor's parlor holding a bairn in her arms."
Jenny was soaked to the skin and holding the wee bairn that she claimed was his brother's. He had yet to determine if he believed her. But there was an ethereal quality about her with her enormous green eyes, the color of the Irish Sea.
Cheyne took the letter from Jenny and as their fingers touched he felt a spark.. Of yes a very romantic story, even though Cheyne, the Duke of Lyon, was a little gruff and was not sure if she was telling the truth that she was his brother's wife and the bairn was his nephew. Or so she claimed.
Of course Jenny had a secret but she felt like she had come home at Castle Lyon. Such a sigh worthy story that Meara always creates that will take you on a journey to happiness.
The Lyon's Surprise is part of The Lyon's Den world. It's a charming and engaging short regency romance.
Cheyne Lyon, Duke of Mar and Jenny are lovable characters. Not all is as seems and Jenny is not all she claims to be. It starts with a lie, luckily love wins through.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Cheyne Lyon, the Duke of Mar is shocked to be presented with his brother's wife and son on his doorstep. His feelings will run from furious at his brother to a deep love for his nephew.
Jenny is on the run ,but must make sure the baby is safe. She would give her life to protect him. Telling a lie to his uncle could be the worst thing to do.
This is an exciting addition to the Lyon's Den world. The characters are fabulous. I don't know if the Lyon brothers in this story have their own series, but if they have I want to read it.
Lots of fun.
This is my first book by author Meara Platt and I enjoyed the storyline and trope of a forbidden relationship or falling for brothers wife. The story moved along swiftly and was easy to read. The characters especially Cheyne Lyon were a bit OTT, he had a very grand sense of self importance. Meanwhile the female MC Jenny was very weepy and a bit overly dramatic. Despite this these two characters worked well together.
The romance in this story is pretty sparse. The MC go from having to stay apart to suddenly declaring their love for each other and getting married. We don’t get to see the wedding ceremony or hand-fasting and the wedding night is not portrayed in much detail. So, not a lot of heat or romance.
What this book does have is two MC who do everything they can to protect the littlest Lyon and along the way they end up falling in love. Overall, a good read and I was able to enjoy without reading any other books in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars / 🔥🔥 2 Flames
In the midst of a horrible storm, Cheyne Lyon, Duke of Mar, is surprised and a bit suspicious when he finds a young woman and baby at his door. Jenny claims to be his brother John’s wife and to have been sent by Bessie Dove-Lyon, the matchmaking owner of the Lyon’s Den in London. He becomes even more suspicious when the letter she produces from John describes a Jenny with beautiful blue eyes. The Jenny at his door has beautiful green eyes. What happens now? Jenny has secrets and is running from danger. What will happen when that danger finds her and Cheyne finds out that she lied to him?
This is a lovely story with loveable (except the villains, of course) characters. Cheyne is a grumpy, but sweet and caring hero. Jenny is beautiful, intelligent, and brave, if a little secretive (at first). I love the way Lyon’s household welcome Jenny and all three Lyon uncles fall instantly in love with little Johnny. The story has some drama, danger, and uncertainty. There is also some humor, reconciliation, and a wonderful HEA. A nice quick read. I recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Jenny was afraid. She was afraid of the Duke of Mar and she was afraid of what awaited her at home. Arriving at the Duke’s home, assuming the role of his brother’s wife and presenting his nephew was imperative to her safety. Cheyne Lyon, the Duke, was perplexed when his sister in law appeared. She wasn’t anything like the women his brother would normally have chosen. His biggest issue: he was attracted to her! But the Lyon has one rule, he cannot abide a liar and Jenny has just implied, a lie by omission, that she is the Jenny mentioned in the letter of introduction.
But toss in an almost fiancé for both Jenny and Cheyne-the plot thickens. When Jenny is abducted, will it be the enemy on her side or his?
This was a fast paced, fun read in the ongoing Lyon’s Den Saga.
An English lass shows up at Castle Lyon with a baby. Once more Bessie Dove-Lyon has a hand in manipulation. This time it is the Duke of Mar, Cheyne Lyon. There is no doubt the bairn is a Lyon, but the lass has green eyes and the letter from his brother says his wife's are blue. There is the mystery. Jenny is keeping secrets, but her one priority is the safety and care of Johnny. Her biggest fear is Cheyne's reaction to her lies. Falling in love creates problems, especially when one of her lies shows up at the castle. Always enjoy reading a book by Platt, especially another Lyon. Two more Lyon brothers may meet Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
The Lyon's Surprise by Meara Platt is a pleasant surprise! It is a quick read full of romance, mystery, drama, and some very sexy Lyons. Cheyne Lyon, the Duke of Mar, values honesty above all else, but when Jenny shows up with his nephew she knows she must lie to him. This book tugs at your heart strings with the use of the baby Johnny and his misadventures. Who doesn't like to see grown men caring for a child? There is also a great deal of imagery in the book that puts you right there at the cliffs with the waves pounding. I loved every minute of this book. It was definitely one of the best in the series.
I would like to thank Dragonblade publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review it.
Absolutely love the Lyon's Den series!!! It can be read by itself, because each book is about a different person and they are only loosely connected to each other, there are a few different authors writing these books but they flow so fluidly you wouldn't notice reading them. They are pretty quick books that I read in one or two sittings.
Duke Lyon Mar experiences love at first sight when he finds Jenny at his doorstep with an infant during a horrible storm. She claims to be his brother's wife and child and although a detail in his brother's note doesn't match up he blows it off as a joke on him. So at every turn he reminds himself he can not have her, even though the urge is overwhelming; and he has glimpsed hints at the feeling being mutual. Jenny is afraid of being found out by him or her guardian who has promised her hand to another. Jenny is just trying to be a good friend after being thrust a child; so her best friend, Jenny, could chase her husband, Lyon's brother. When everything is revealed they will have to look past all of the half truths/lies to capture their happily ever after!
Meet the Duke Lyon Mar, supposedly someone with a horrible temper, and not a nice person, like an angry Duke, boy was Jenny wrong. A case mixups! Jenny, and his brothers' wife were both named Jenny. Jenny brought the Duke's nephew to the castle, and was falling in love with him. But the Duke thought Jenny was his brother's wife, so of course he couldn't act on his desires. When Jenny's uncle comes looking for her with her supposedly fiancee It was the Duke who protected her and the truth finally came out.
It's a very sweet Scottish romance, and very innocent. It doesn't have the intensity of others when ti comes to the story and it's very straight forward. I probable wouldn't buy it for myself but I might borrow it when I need a book to read. Its a sweet feel good book. I just felt there was so much potential for a more intense story line, it just seemed like a rushed ending. Ladies if your expected romantic scenes, this one has very few and very brief.
It does have a epilogue which is always important to me in a book. Mind you even thought this book is part of a series, the books don't entwine with each other and can easily be read as a stand alone books.
I received this book as a ARC from Netgalley and all of my views/opinions are entirely my own.