Member Reviews
This book was another great addition to the Lyon's Den series. My only complaint is that it was not long enough! Beatrice and Rowan got the happy ending that they deserved but the villain was still out there being villainous when the book ended. I am hoping that Tabetha Waite will be writing a non-Lyon's Den book as a follow up.
The set up for this book was quite good. Beatrice had spent her young adulthood taking care of her ailing father. The moment he died, the rest of the family turned on Beatrice. Her evil stepbrother actually had her sent to a mental institution. Mrs. Dove-Lyons bought Beatrice's freedom in exchange for her agreement to marry an unknown gentleman. It sounded like a crazy plan, but Beatrice had absolutely nothing to left to lose. Of course, the man in question was rich, handsome and rather lonely. Definitely a win-win!
Due to its length, the plot was rather simple. However, it more than made up for it with witty dialog and plenty of steam. I really do hope that there is a follow up novel where we have the opportunity to see more of Rowan and Beatrice.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
Another great Lyon's Den addition that does not disappoint. Waite includes references to characters and descriptions of the Lyon's Den from previous books that allows the reader some insight into the series, Always fun to see new details for Bessie Dove-Lyon and keys to her past. I loved Rowan and Beatrice, how they were brought together and finally falling in love. A quick, easy read with steam, compassion and lots of heart.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book needed to be longer (and that is not something I usually say about books). Because of the short length there wasn't really enough time to establish the growing relationship between Beatrice and Rowan - there is an instant attraction between the two, but most of the story seemed to focus more on their sexual relationship than allowing us as the reader to learn more about how they were connecting on a deeper level. Their growing attachment is mentioned, but I would have liked to have been more a part of that aspect of their love story. The part involving her stepbrother and friend was just kind of thrown in there with little warning and absolutely no resolution (I'm not sure if they will play a part in a later novel by this author). And I hated that Benjamin basically got away with everything he had done - I still don't get why Rowan paid off the man's debt rather than getting Beatrice what Benjamin had taken from her. This was an enjoyable read, but could have been better had it just been a little longer.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the most notorious gambling den in London, is busy making another match through her match making service in Lyons Roar that will keep you captivated all the way through. Tabetha Waite has a writing style that I really enjoy, she's filled the story with a great cast of characters, sizzling passion, a story that is well-written, an enjoyable plot and great dialogue bring this read together perfectly.
I received a ARC copy from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Rowan Scott, Laird of Garrison, is a nine-and-forty-year-old ex-soldier and Beatrice Bookbinder is a seven-and-thirty-year-old spinster who has been committed to an asylum by her horrible stepbrother. They are brought together by Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, the owner of a notorious gambling den and a renowned matchmaker, who offers them a chance to escape their unhappy situations. Rowan and Beatrice agree to a hasty marriage in Gretna Green, but their troubles are not over yet; they have to face the dangers of the road, the secrets of their pasts, and the doubts of their hearts.
The novella is full of obstacles for Rowan and Beatrice as they make their way to Scotland, but there was the thrill of getting to know one another and the building of passion between them and then add in her evil brother for a little tension. The author, Tabetha Waite, creates a vivid and captivating world of the Lyon’s Den, a place where anything can happen. The characters are well-developed and engaging, with a strong chemistry and a sweet romance. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Interesting Lyon’s Den story. Good characters and background on them. The connection between the two builds quite rapidly with no pushback from either one. A definite addition to add to your Lyon’s Den series.
Lyon’s Roar by Tabetha Waite is another totally absurd tale about the matchmaking of Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, notorious for both that and her gaming hell. Rowan Scott, the Laird of Garrison responded immediately when Mrs. Dove-Lyon contacted him. He had greatly admired her husband, but could not imagine what she wanted from him. It turns out she wants him to marry a woman he has never seen, Miss Beatrice Bookbinder. Miss Bookbinder had recently been released, at the behest of Mrs. Dove-Lyon, from an insane asylum. It seems her brother had tired of paying for her to stay there. Whatever he paid, it was too much as the conditions were horrendous. She was thirty-seven years old and hadn’t much to look forward to. Rowan, forty-nine, agreed to meet her and when he did he decided instantly that she was the one that could banish the hurt he had been carrying for so long.
Rowan was a strong, charismatic man who knew his own mind. Beatrice had been ill-treated by her stepmother and stepbrother, her father having only married for the betterment of her life, it had not turned out so well. The minute he died she was off to the asylum. She was a pleasant woman, abused beyond having expectations. The carriage ride to Scotland and her marriage turned out to be so much more than she had ever expected. There were some twists and turns and one thing that appears to be a dropped plot line since there are not sequels with the Lyon’s Den, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of this lively little book.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Lyon’s Roar by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #TabethaWaite #LyonsRoar
4 stars
Not a bad romance. Rowan is asked by Bessie Dove-Lyons to marry Beatrice. Both are more mature protaganists. Beatrice had been placed in an asylum by her step brother., who Rowan suspects has embezzled her money. Beatrice only has one female friend who she hopes has gone to Paris to enter a convent. Beatrice agrees to marry Rowan and they start on a road trip to Gretna Green. Interestingly the author says they stop at Milton Kenes. I was surprised about this as perhaps the author was using a contemporary map and isn't aware that the greater part of Milton Keynes was built in the 1960s. Wikipedia tells me that the original settlement is called Milton Keynes Village to distance it from the modern City. "The village was originally known as Middeltone (11th century); then later as Middelton Kaynes or Caynes (13th century); Milton Keynes (15th century); and Milton alias Middelton Gaynes (17th century)"
There's a bit of insta passion and eventually having consumated the union they arrive at Gretna only to find a surprising couple before them....
I like that the couple are more mature, though at nearly 50 in those days I'm not sure that Rowan would have many more years left!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A likable enough novella. I like the world of the Lyon's Den but struggle sometimes with the tales feeling too instalove and somewhat rushed. "Lyon's Roar" unfortunately suffered from both issues. Rowan goes from super reluctant to raring to go and Beatrice goes from simple willingness to gamble that Rowan is better than an asylum to wanting to bed him in a carriage within the span of a few pages. The story overall felt short, even for a novella, and the characters did not really get a chance to make real impressions. I also remain confused by how easy it was to remove Beatrice from the asylum, given the time period and Rowan's lack of connection to her.
2.5 stars rounded to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of Lyon's Roar written by the amazing Tabetha Waite via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Rowan Scott, the Laird of Garrison has been asked to visit the widow of someone he highly regarded. Upon meeting,this widow, Bessie, suggests to him that he should marry and that she has the perfect lady in mind. Beatrice Bookbinder, has been forced into an asylum by her wicked step brother. She too is asked by Bessie if she would like to leave this horrid asylum and be wed instead. Both Rowan and Beatrice had given the same answer which was if they could meet first to decide and determine if they would suit. This is a beautifully written story of a developing affection between two people in an arranged marriage. It reminds us of how love can come about in an instance and that as long as we try our best, love will conquer all.
I always love a good regency romance but this had so much more. A short but very sweet tale of two opposites souls finally finding their true love in each other. Everything tied up nice and neat with a cherry on top. Predictable happy ending.
Lyon’s Den novella.
More a novella than anything else. I’ve got to say I was disappointed in the unrealised potential of this story.
It had so much going for it, but all we ended up with was more an outline, a cursory tale.
Let me see, Scottish Lord is persuaded by Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon to take a wife. Said intended is in an asylum due to machinations of wicked step brother and unfeeling stepmother. (See plenty to go on with!) The trip to beyond Glasgow via Gretna Green had some action, but again fell short.
There was little or no meat on the bones. The work didn’t live up to the title.
Disappointing because this story had real promise. It just felt rushed.
A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
An enjoyable regency romance novella. Mrs Dove-Lyon weaves her matchmaking skills yet again in The Lyon's Den world. Rowan and Beatrice meet out of honour and desperation, but they soon settle into an easy friendship. The story flowed quickly and the genuine desire with a few steamy scenes and hope for a future developed nicely. Rowan and Beatrice are mature age and I'm so glad they found their happiness, a new life and love in Scotland.