The Lyon and the Bluestocking by E.L. Johnson is a wonderful Regency mash-up of romance and mystery. The mystery is convoluted with lies and misunderstandings. The romance is constrained by societal mores as well as financial prejudices. It is nicely written and enjoyable.

Elizabeth loves history and current events but lives in a world that isn't not acceptable for a woman. This Lyon's story is a e different from the others and that makes it all the more worthwhile. It takes three time to look at the prejudices of the time, the cruelty of gossip and the viciousness of people lead by jealousy. Well written with great character depth and insight. A quick but powerful story.

The amout of gossip in this book made it feel like high school, but a subset of society. Apparently the Lyons Den is the place to meet people, but not all are honorable.

I felt like this was maybe too short to develop much of a plot. I liked the theme tie in, but it was just too much social dialog for me.

I liked Elizabeth and her more bluestocking ways and how she got to know people to find their inner truth, Mr. James in particular. The romance was a bit abrupt too. I wonder where the author would have taken this if it was a bit longer.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

A heart wrenching story of Elizabeth, a lovely bluestocking who just adores history, which only causes problems as far a suitors go. I did have issues with her supreme nativity believing someone who showed themselves to be unreliable. I thought Mr. James was MORE than patient with her, but I guess love does that to people! Elizabeth’s mom gets a big thumbs down for the way she treated her daughter throughout this whole affair. The love that blossomed was delicious, but would have loved to see more . The story seemed to end like it fell off a cliff. This story does illicit a lot of emotions, which a story should do. The H/h were adorable.

I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions

I have been greatly enjoying the Dove-Lyon Connected World novels, and The Lyon and the Bluestocking by E.L. Johnson is no exception. I have received an ARC from Net Galley for an unbiased review.

Elizabeth Denham has been labelled a bluestocking, to the utter horror of her family and friends. Men of the ton would rather discuss fashion and music rather than ancient history and current world events. Her mother is determined she marry; therefore, to her dismay has enlisted the help of Mrs. Dove Lyon, proprietor of the Lyon's Den Gaming Den and noteworthy matchmaker. At the Lyon's Den, she meets Mr. James, a purported rakehell and seducer, who has taken a liking to Elizabeth. As the two grow closer, will vicious prejudices tear them apart, or will they dismiss the gossips and trust each other?

What I enjoyed about this book:
- Mr. James is a lovable hero, from jump street. At no point did I believe him to be the rake he had been painted to be. He seemed genuinely interested and protective of Elizabeth from the moment their eyes meet. He also follow the rules of 'society' where those around him with more 'sterling' reputations do not.
- Elizabeth's mother. She reminded me a bit of Mrs. Bennett. She encapsulated that character of the regency era society mother with a passel of daughters needed to be married off to gentlemen of good standing. She also loves Elizabeth quite a lot despite her "failings" in society's eyes; taking it upon herself to enter into a business arrangement with Mrs. Dove-Lyon for the betterment of her daughter. It's not so much that she wants her married off to just anyone, she wants it to be a love match or at least close enough to one.

What I didn't care for as much:
- The plot is a bit repetitive. I understand that Elizabeth is very intelligent, however, I question her common sense by the number of times she believes the lies of certain characters. Many times I found myself asking "didn't you learn the first time?"
- Certain aspects of the storyline seemed a bit anachronistic, or not quite believable. I'm not exactly sure that young debutantes would be permitted to frequent a gaming hell, even Mrs. Dove-Lyon's upstanding establishment. Plus, I'm not exactly sure as to the frequency they would be attending events - Elizabeth and her mother constantly end up at the Lyon's Den, what seems to be, every day.

Overall, it's a short fast paced charming novella that is nice entry into the Dove-Lyon Connected World Series.

Bluestocking was a term I was unfamiliarly with but I am proud to say I am one! A Victorian era novel checking all the boxes. Parents trying to marry off daughters, a doesn't fit the mold heroin, a mystery to solve, and a rake that just might help our heroine save the day. A short easy to read in one setting sets up a series with great characters from the author.

I have loved E.L. Johnson's Perfect Poison Mystery series and was really excited to see her take on the Lyon's Den. Her take on Mrs. Dove-Lyon was a little different than some others - I thought she wasn't quite as imposing as in some previous books. Case in point - she didn't boot Mr. Hickson and Miss Rowley after the whole debacle with the missing necklace. On a side note, I liked the little detective moments between Elizabeth and James. I really liked Elizabeth, but also found her so frustrating. She is the poster child for book smart, street dumb. She repeatedly believes the things Miss Rowley tells her even though she knows this woman is out to get her and is telling lies about her to others. And she never just confronts James to find out if what she is hearing is true or gives him opportunities to defend himself. I do understand why she would be a little shaken by James given that she has never received attention from any males, but for someone who is all about learning and facts she didn't seem to be all that interested in gathering any from him. All of that being said, I did actually really like this book. I found myself wanting just one more chapter as I felt it ended a little abruptly.

4 stars

A quick read. In my notes I had that this author, imo was great for young adults.

I prefer writing that is more sophisticated.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Suspenseful, delightful, loved every page!! There are so many wonderful things I can say about this book, but it would not do it justice. You just need to read it to see what I mean!! The author kept me enchanted by her imagination and humorous writing with characters that where lovable and witty.

A great novella on the love between. James and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is a bit coddled, not by her family, but by her knowledge in history and other "bluestocking" matters. A lot of the story focuses on her growing awareness, of both other people and herself. She is rather naive and overtime grows out of it and realizes all that she hears is not all true.

James is falesly maligned by others in this story and works hard to build Elizabeth trust and live for him. He is in short quite groovy.

Fast paced and a great read.

A novella with a complete storyline, where a smart woman who knows all about history and current events needs to be able to discern which of the people she knows is sincere and not propagating falsehoods. Wonderful and patient hero is perfect for the innocent bluestocking.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

Another fantastic story from Lyon's Den series. Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the most notorious gambling den in London, is busy making another match through her match making service in The Lyon and the Bluestocking that will keep you captivated all the way through. E. L. Johnson has a of writing style with flawed characters who manage to grow and yet retain their personalities which captivates you from the beginning until the very end, passion, false friendships, underhanded deception, treachery and Elizabeth and James treading a bumpy path before accepting their attraction for each other.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion