Lyon’s Roar by Tabetha Waite
Delightful way to spend my afternoon ~ Loved reading Rowan and Beatrice’s story ~ Great addition to the Lyon’s Den Connected World Series written by a variety of authors.
* Bessie Dove-Lyon: matchmaker, widow, owner of The Lyon’s Den, also known as The Black Widow of Whitehall, financially well off, creative ideas, so far has never had a match go awry…at least not that I have read about
* Rowan Scott, Laird of Garrison: Scottish, retired, knew and admired Colonel Sandstrom T. Lyons, nearly fifty, intrigued by the offer presented by The Black Widow, protective, caring, kind, a good match for Beatrice
* Miss Beatrice Bookbinder: daughter and healthcare giver to her father, put into an asylum by her stepbrother, reminded me a bit of Cinderella, stronger than she appeared at first, a good match with Rowan
* The supporting characters: Smythe/carriage driver, Mrs. Parks/innkeepers wife, thought there were more but…perhaps not
* That Beatrice was saved from a fate probably worse from death by being taken from the asylum
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That I was able to escape the dreary rain and cold of the village for a few hours and live vicariously reading this charming story
* Thinking about what the future holds for Bessie and Rowan as they are older – will they fill the castle with children as their love grows?
* Who and what I was meant not to like – specifically Beatrice’s stepbrother and stepmother
* Thinking about how horrible asylums were and how easy it was for those in power to put family members “away” against their will and often without cause
Did I enjoy this story? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
Rowan Scott, the Laird of Garrison wasn't in the market for a wife, but when he received a summons from the widow of a man he'd long admired, he wasn't about to deny her. If nothing else, he owed it to the colonel's memory. However, when he made the journey from Scotland to London, he hadn't been prepared for the gaming hell owner and matchmaker to approach him with a proposition. He considered leaving right then, but he wondered if it was time to put the ghosts of his past to rest and listen to what she had to say.
Miss Beatrice Bookbinder was a woman long past the blush of youth. She had devoted her life to taking care of her ailing father while dealing with a stepfamily who cared nothing for her. On the heels of a devastating loss, Beatrice is sent to a private asylum by her stepbrother who is determined to get rid of her. She feels as though her fate is sealed, until Mrs. Dove-Lyon offers her a choice-continue the path that has been set before her or embark on a marriage to a complete stranger.
She chooses the latter, not knowing that it might just be the best thing that has ever happened to her.
