The Lyon books are so amazing! This one, although somewhat different than the others I have read thus far, was no exception. If you're looking for wonderful spicy stories in a series that can also be read as stand alone books this is a great option!

I had so much fun reading this! It's a shame it's such a short story, I would have love to know more about this couple. I hope to read more from you!

I do enjoy this series by E L Johnson and this one was no exception. However, I thought that the romance element was a bit quick and almost merited a couple more chapters to truly develop the theme. A good story and I liked the main characters. It might be advisable to read the first of this series to get the context, I bought the first one to do just that. Otherwise they can be read as stand alone books. Thanks to Dragonblade and Netgalley for an ARC of The Lyon and the Bluestocking.

This was either written by, or for, middle schoolers. Absolutely ridiculous characters and story. A shame to be part of the Lyon's Den connected world.

I have read a number of the Lyon's Den Connected World series books, but this is my first time reading something by this particular author. I thought the writing was well done and followed well with the general gist of the series. Elizabeth is about a pure a bluestocking as they come, therefore always being shunned by polite society for her love of history and literature. Her mother worries she will forever remain a spinster, and so she seeks the help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Elizabeth meets the infamous rake, Mr. James, and is instantly smitten. James, in fact, is an honorable man, only to be a victim of unforgiving gossip. He never expected to find a lady of any appeal to him, as all they typically focus on is dancing and other frivolous activities. But Elizabeth is quite unique and different, and he is intrigued by her. They begin to form a bond and grow closer, but rumors and gossip threaten to break them apart.
Yet another lovely addition to the series! The storyline was interesting and enjoyable and flowed smoothly and the characters were likable and well-developed. I liked the author's writing style and look forward to reading more of their work.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I had not heard of this author before, but decided to take a chance.

There was a lot of dialogue in this short read, it felt as if the author did not have enough time to fully develop the plot. Perhaps if it had been a longer book.

The FMC was likeable, but the romance was too abrupt, it came from nowhere. I wish the book had been longer in order to fully develop this plot, as I think it could have been a fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

It's one of the best books I've read this year! What's not to love! It has a little bit of everything! Don't miss this gem!

I was a bit confused and bemused by this novel as it did not follow the concept that had been established for Bessie Dove-Lyon. I also found the malicious gossip and false spread of information rather unpleasant. There were parts of the novel that were pretty far-fetched and I had difficulty believing the plot, not to mention relating to Elizabeth Denham being an intelligent young woman. The novel did come to a good conclusion, but there were far too many questions left unanswered. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I felt that the novel's premise was good, but the story development was lacking. The ending was too abrupt; I would have wanted more regarding James and Elizabeth's relationship. There were too many unanswered questions (for me), and not enough details given to the deserving couple.

Mrs. Denham is concerned about her daughter Elizabeth's future. Her hope is Mrs. Dove-Lyon will have the answer. One gentleman in particular is interested in Elizabeth, even though she is a bluestocking. Rumors and lies are all she hears about him. Are they true? Elizabeth's heart says "Yes," to trust him, but her head says, "No." Mrs. Dove-Lyon is always wise and speaks the truth. The Lyons Den once again works it's magic. I love this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I enjoy reading the Lyon’s Den stories, and this one is no exception. It’s a bit different than most of the other stories in the series. While the romance begins at the Lyon’s Den, Mrs. Dove-Lyon did not deliberately bring Mr. James and Elizabeth with a marriage between them in mind. Elizabeth’s mother asked Mrs. Dove-Lyon to help find a suitable husband for her, no one specific. Mr. James is a mystery all through the story. He is not the only potential suitor, and gossip almost took him off the list. There are some twists and turns, a bit of danger, surprise kisses (welcomed and not), rumors and gossip (spread by two villainous cousins). A short interesting story, strong characters, and another happy ending at the Lyon’s Den.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Good addition to the series. This one is a little different than most, as the heroine is the daughter of a wealthy tradesman, not a member of the ton. Unlike the rest of her family, Elizabeth prefers her interest in history over the typical female pursuits of fashion and gossip. This puts her at odds with her mother and makes her the butt of jokes at society functions. Mrs. Denham decides to enlist the help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon in finding a suitable husband for Elizabeth.

I found Mrs. Dove-Lyons' solution rather interesting. The first steps are logical - updating Elizabeth's look with better clothing and hairstyles. The next step is teaching her to talk to men without descending into historical lectures. She recruits Mr. James, who has expressed interest in learning more about history and will exchange history lessons for teaching Elizabeth how to converse with gentlemen.

Mr. James is a man with a reputation as a rake with an infamous past. As soon as he meets her, he is intrigued by Elizabeth, and her wit and intelligence fascinate him. It is very easy for him to spend time with her.

I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship, though it had its ups and downs. Elizabeth may be intelligent and well-read, but she is also perilously naïve. She and Mr. James spend much time together, and their conversations are thoughtful and satisfying for both. Their meetings at the Lyon's Den go well also until she runs into a young woman who has a lot to say about Mr. James - and none of it is good. I wanted to shake Elizabeth for believing everything she said, especially as she knew that the woman wasn't trustworthy. I felt terrible for Mr. James, who clearly cares about Elizabeth and is hurt by her lack of trust.

Matters are complicated when another man shows interest in Elizabeth. She is flattered by his attention and is encouraged by her mother's approval. Elizabeth is torn between her attraction to Mr. James and the courtship actions of Mr. Lewis. But not everything is as it appears, and Elizabeth is soon faced with betrayal from several sides. I thought she was quite lucky that Mr. James's love was strong enough to forgive her lack of trust in him. The ending was good.

I enjoyed this book as it gave us a different look into the happenings of the Lyon's Den, and more of Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
Miss Elizabeth Denham is a bluestocking and loves history. Her father is a very successful business man in trade. Her family (especially her Mother) is worried about her marriage prospects, so her Mother takes her to the Lyon's Den. Elizabeth and her Mother go almost nightly to give Elizabeth a chance to meet eligible men.
The story also included a pair of cousins that like to cause trouble for Elizabeth and others. I enjoyed Mr. James character, but thought Elizabeth should have challenged the lies she was told. However, Elizabeth was naive and mostly read history, without a clear understanding of life around her.
I encourage you to read a look into the Lyon's Den in this book.
I received an ARC and this is my opinion.

A Bluestocking Led Astray

Elizabeth and her Mr. James met at the Lyon’s Den, and they worked to solve a mystery together. Since solving this mystery meant that there were guilty people involved, that made a malicious woman incredibly angry. Her mission was to sabotage Elizabeth and Mr. James. I could not believe Elizabeth's naivety. For a bluestocking, she should have been more intelligent. She let a vindictive woman cause much havoc. I did enjoy the story, but I was not too fond of the main characters. They needed to communicate better, and Elizabeth needed to use the mind God gave her, much more wisely.

Another well written novella in this connected series. Both James & Elizabeth were likeable character's and well suited. This was a slightly different take on the Lyon's Den in that it was made to seem more like a meeting place for the marriage mart and Mrs Dove Lyons seemed much more laid back than in other books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really like Historical Romance but this was a little too silly for me. Elizabeth is not like other girls, she reads!! and this is pointed out to us multiple times in the beginning of this novella. so her mom takes her to a gambling den??? Then someone is robbed and the FMC is asked to solve the mystery because "she's smart" ? and then she solves it right away. I can see there are a lot of glowing reviews so maybe I just wasn't in the right mental head space for this novella, but I DNFed at this mystery-solving scene. I usually really like a bluestocking romance but something was missing for me here.

Miss Elizabeth Denham is a disappointment to her family as her every word is about history and literature. When her mother brings her to the Lyon’s Den, she meets Mr. James, a rake with an infamous past, who instantly catches her eye. Mr. James did not expect to find anyone of interest, as so many of today’s ladies focus only on dancing and frivolities. But when he meets Elizabeth, a bluestocking with a penchant for saying the wrong thing, he is intrigued. As the unlikely pair grow close, false friends try to drive them apart
Another well written novella in this connected series. I really liked both James & Elizabeth & liked how their relationship developed even though there were those who tried to drive them apart. I really disliked those who maligned them & I must admit I was surprised Mrs Dove-Lyon wasn't far more forceful with them, to me she acted out of character. The story flowed well & I read it in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Mr. James is a honorable man given a bad name because of gossip.. That is what he and Miss Elizabeth Denham have in common although they don't know it. False friends and gossip still surround and swirl around these two, until they can find each other as steady.
This is my first novel by this author.
The only thing I did not like about this book is that Mrs Dove-Lyon is depicted as a little aloof. She is involved and caring. Just aloof. The rest of the book is genuinely unique and interesting.
I have given my honest review for a complimentary copy.

This is a well written and entertaining story. A Bluestocking is not usually the first choice for a spouse in the 1800’s but I love that Mr. James sees Elizabeth as an intelligent young lady worthy of his love. I loved the story and how they were able to overcome all of the negative rumors to their HEA. Mrs. Dove-Lyon has another successful winning match. This is definitely worth reading.

This was a very quick and enjoyable read. This was my first book from EL Johnson, but she did justice to her view of The Lyon's Den. James, a bit of a mystery and Elizabeth, a true Blustocking meet at the Lyon's Den, resist their feeling, run into resistance from outside forces and finally get to their HEA. There are a few twists along the way that made me wonder if an HEA was possible, but the story wraps up in a nice bow.