If you read any of the Lyons den historical novels, I recommend this one. The characters are interesting and extremely likable, which makes this book a pleasure to read. I really like all of the Lyons books, this one just struck me as particularly intriguing. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Lyon’s Gambit by Ruth A Casie is a little different than most of the Lyon’s Den stories. Nathaniel is a marquess but very much a republican. He has been in discussion with his cousin and a friend over whether true connections can be made outside of one’s social strata. He proposes to Bessie Dove-Lyon that she help him to design an experiment to test his hypothesis. She readily agrees and has already selected the other participant in the experiment. Both are to use only first names, wear masks, and make no references to their place in society as the four scenarios are played out. She has drafted a seamstress who works for her modiste. Since Mrs. Pembroke was planning on taking a holiday, Bess invited Louise to stay at her house to finish some dresses she was working on and redo some others she had in her wardrobe. When approached with the experiment, Louise agreed.

This was a very entertaining book. Since it is a romance we all know the conclusion. There were some highly entertaining roadblocks along the way, however. Ones Louise never saw coming. She did not really believe in the premise of the book, but enjoyed participating, along with Nathaniel, in the four situations laid before them. They were both good characters, and although everything about their relationship was highly unlikely as is the entire premise of the Lyon’s Den, is was an entertaining way to spend the afternoon. There were several interesting road blocks thrown in their way as some compelling personalities that popped up. It was a terrific read. Thanks Ruth A Casie!

I was invited to read The Lyon’s Gambit by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #RuthACasie #TheLyonsGambit

Over the past few years, I’ve seen a number of historical romances published under the Lyon’s Den Connected World banner; they don’t seem to be quite a continuity as genre romance readers know them from the world of category romances, but more stories by multiple authors set in a shared “Wallpaper Regency” universe.

I requested the ARC mainly because the author posted about it on Mastodon, and it reminded me I’ve been intrigued by the series’ premise.

The Lyon’s Den is a gambling house, managed by the widowed Bessie Dove-Lyon; rumored to have been a courtesan before marrying her (much older) late husband, she opened the club after his death, which, natch, left her next to penniless.

When Nathaniel, an old acquaintance, comes to see her about a wager between him and his friends, to prove that people can make “meaningful connections” across classes, his aim is two-fold: one, since the club is basically a neutral space where people of different classes rub elbows without compunction, they would like her expertise in setting up the “social experiment”; and two, that at the end of a predetermined period, she be the one to judge its success.

This is, mind you, not a courtesy between equals; Bessie will be well-compensated for her trouble. It is also not a specially difficult thing for her to arrange; we are told, in tiresome detail, that the purpose of the club is, in fact, to “connect people who’ll suit”–essentially, a matchmaking service. The main difference here is that supposedly marriage is not the end goal, but ‘meaningful, lasting connnections’, which the characters are free to infer means true friendships.

Of course, this being a romance novel, the reader knows to take this as a wink and a nudge.

Bessie, for reasons of her own, decides that her modiste’s seamstress (singular, one), Louise, must be a part of the experiment. As such, she manipulates Louise into staying with her for three weeks, purportedly to work on a whole new wardrobe for Bessie while the modiste is off visiting her family elsewhere in the country.

And here comes the first real stumble for me, worldbuilding-wise.

The author takes pains to explain that Louise’s employer is the most sought-after modiste in Regency London. For such a claim to hold water, her shop would need to produce a lot of clothing; while her clients would undoutedly already own some of the innermost layers (chemise, corset, drawers, some of the petticoats), everything else would have had to be done by hand–for every gown. Handsewing, even for seasoned professionals, takes a long time. I will confidently state that it would be impossible for two people to design, drape, mockup, pattern, sew and fit “a whole wardrobe” (at least half a dozen gowns, in this case) in three weeks. I will also posit that a shop that only dresses one person every three weeks cannot be the most fashionable in any season, nor even the most exclusive. Just small.

But okay, let us pretend this makes sense, and move on.

Soon thereafter, the widow Dove-Lyon tells Louise about the “social experiment” and convinces her to participate.

“Aren’t you the least bit curious about what it would be like if the ridiculous rules of the ton were done away with? It would be liberating, everyone on an equal footing.” (Bessie, chapter 3)

The parameters of the challenge, as given to Louise and Nathaniel, are as follows: wear a mask at all times and address each other only by given names. Otherwise, “you are making the rules as you both see fit.” (Bessie to Louise and Nathaniel, chapter 4)

Both Nathaniel and Louise come across as adolescents, even though he’s supposed to be around thirty and she likely in her early twenties. Given she’s been earning a living and paying for her sister’s education (even though her parents are alive and have their own house and so forth), one would think Louise would have developed some world savvy, but no. For his part, Nathaniel had been once engaged to a woman who jilted him to marry for money and has supposedly spent the four years since determined never to open his heart to a woman again–so of course, he falls for Louise almost immediately.

“The rhythmic click of his polished leather boots echoed against the worn cobbles and created a cadence that matched his anxious heartbeat.” (Nathaniel approaching the club for the second challenge, chapter 5)

Bessie has an outsized role on the story; rather than being a behind-the-scenes manipulator, she’s on page with Louise and Nathaniel for long scenes, and her dialogue is often just exposition, such as when she describes the track and history of the horse race that is the backdrop for the fourth challenge. There are other various other characters coming and going, from Nathaniel’s friends to Prinny, all as unconvincing as the next.

There is no point trying to describe the plot, because there is really none; the two main characters fall in love after two meetings and declare their feelings at the end of the third, with a few contrivances thrown in for another few chapters, including Nathaniel’s former fiancée –who is cold, conniving and mercenary, because of course she is–showing up against to try to make trouble for him and to humiliate Louise.

In summary, the worldbuilding is perfunctory, the writing just serviceable, the characters bland, and the story as a whole entirely forgettable. In fact, this book brought to mind nothing as much as Barbara Cartland’s ouvre, both in style and execution: a frothy fantasy, no substance whatsoever.

The Lyon’s Gambit gets a 6.00 out of 10

I liked this lovely story very much. It’s well written with a nice storyline including class difference and secret identity tropes, beautiful descriptions, a few twists, sensual but not steamy scenes and very likable characters.

Nathaniel, Marquess of St John, is disappointed by the restrictive rules of society. He wants to prove that social barriers can be transcended by fostering human relationships in a neutral environment and in anonymity.

When his friends and cousin propose a wager to prove him wrong, Nathaniel agrees and asks Mrs Dove-Lyons for help as a juror. She is a friend and distant relative and agrees to orchestrate and judge four challenges in which the participants are not allowed to reveal their identity.

Mrs Dove-Lyons partners Nathaniel together with Louise Hartfield, her talented seamstress, who is herself disappointed by society's rules.

Nathaniel and Louise are immediately attracted to each other and form a strong bond from the start. But will that be enough to overcome their class difference?

If you are Lyon‘s Den fan, you will certainly enjoy this new installment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This story was a unique one- different classes, a wager and more than one villain. A Marquess, a seamstress, and the challenge to move beyond the rules that hem them in. I enjoyed Louise Hartfield, Nathaniel, Marquess of St. John, and Mrs. Dove-Lyon and their adventures. I highly recommend!

Ruth Casie is a new writer to the Lyon;s Den series and she did a fabulous job from incorporating employees of the den to descriptions of the property and new insight into Bessie Dove-Lyon. This is the 2nd time Bessie wasn't requested in the role of matchmaker, but as a judge for Nathaniel, Marquess of St John and his social experiment. Can people make connections from all walks of life and ignore society's class rules?
Not necessarrily a love match, but form strong bonds outside of the peerage. Will you still be acceptable once the experiment is over? Louise Hartfield, a dressmaker, lives outside the Ton but her parents still have expectatins of a good match before her younger sister can "come out."

So this is what happens when people of different classes are brought together with no expectations for four invite-only, social gatherings.
Nathaniel and Louise meet initially outside the Lyon's Den when he bumps into her and sends her designs for BDL flying. Their eyes meet and "BOOM," connection. The story has a few twists involving Nathaniel's cousin Richard, and an old flame reappears to wreak some havoc. Can their inital attraction beat social convention? This is the Lyon's Den so you know there is a HEA, but getting there makes for a fun, fast read.

A new Dove-Lyon's story that doesn't fail in being entertaining, engaging and encouraging! Louise is a seamstress while Nathaniel is a Marquess. He wants to change society and goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for assistance. What ensures is a series of interesting challenges that being others from different walks of live together based not on status but on just being human. A beautiful story of enlightenedment, one that in today's world is so sorely necessary. Well written, full of beautiful detail and descriptions of rooms, scenery and more.

4 stars

It wasn't bad but often I've noticed that this author has quite complicated story lines =, some of which don't seem to go very far. I found the idea of a wager to see if people of different classes could get on a bit contrived. Of course they could but society often precludes the continuation of these romances due to its prejudices and the folk involved find that fighting against the tide is hard work.

It does highlight one issue@ with multiple authors the character and back story of Bessie is often rode over rough shod and IMO she seemed to have altered again with this tale.

Nice Cover

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

A social experiment turns into something far more compelling, especially with Bessie Dove-Lyon's influence. Wanting to prove a point, Nathaniel invites his friends to take a wager on whether or not he will be successful in his endeavors. Louise is under pressure from her parents to find a husband before they allow her younger sister to marry, but as a hardworking seamstress, albeit a very talented one, she has little chance of meeting a suitable spouse. She therefore accepts the challenge put to her by Nathaniel, and although she is completely out of her depth, they make a fine team indeed. I enjoyed the interaction between Nathaniel and Louise and although they faced some risky situations, they nevertheless found what they were both looking for. I received a copy of this warmhearted romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

A ton experiment.

Nathaniel, once jilted and now a happy bachelor (with all that entails) is betting on an experiment.
Can romantic feelings transcend class? Enter Mrs. Dove-Lyon and seamstress Louise. Louise is a working girl, no, not that kind, but one who earns her money laboring sewing. Is marriage an experiment? A fun, fast paced read.

Mrs. Dove-Lyon plays a major role in Nathaniel, Marquess St.John's experiment in breaking the rules of society. With members of all classes participating, faces covered, Mrs. Dove-Lyon sets the games and rules. It's the ultimate finish to find that trust and love have no boundaries. Mrs. Dove-Lyon is still the matchmaker.
A novella with passionate kisses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lyons Gambit! This time Mrs Dove-Lyon is helping a good friend, Nathaniel Marquess of St. John, with an experiment whether love can be overcome between class. This is the first time I read a book written by Ruth A. Cassie and it doesn't disappoint. She has a story has a writing style that I really enjoy, she's filled the story with a great cast of characters, sensual passion, a story that is well-written, with enjoyable plot and great dialogue bring this read together perfectly.

I received a ARC copy from NetGalley and this is

What a truly original storyline ! Louise is a seamstress. Nathaniel is a Marquess who wants to start a social experiment about love between social status. I found the idea to be very intriguing and enjoyed how our Mrs. Bessie put it to the test. Watching them both learn from the exercise and find each other in the process was just precious. Some of the discussions were a bit confusing and had to be re-read to get a better read on it. Louise’s waffling over what she was going to do was a bit frustrating, but after reading the whole story, I understood what the author was trying to convey. All in all, a very entertaining and original story, very different from most of the Lyon’s Den series. Loved it!

I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.

One of the reasons I loved this story was because Bessie played a large part throughout the story. She is a wonderful character and always adds so much to a story. The two main characters, Louise and Nathaniel were such opposites and yet, at the same time they had the same values and morals. It’s a wonderful story that’s worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

I liked that this book went back to the wagers aspect of some of the earlier books in the series and added a twist to it. I also really liked that Mrs. Dove-Lyon was given a little more to do than just be a matchmaker - it's always fun to see her getting out and about. The wager/experiment was interesting and made perfect sense given Nathaniel's past. I would have liked to have gotten to know more about Louise's family, she talks about her mother and sister but we don't really get to see much of them. And I wasn't even sure she had a father until he showed up at the wedding at the end. I loved following Nathaniel and Louise's journey primarily because they got to connect on more than a physical level and actually got to know one another and to learn how well they worked as a team. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the part involving the reappearance of Nathaniel's first "love". Rather than do what often is done and have Louise give up or think the worst of Nathaniel she actually kept an open mind and sought to learn more about what was going on - and when the time came she stood up to the woman. I'm sure in the real world it never would have been accepted for a future duke to marry a seamstress, but I don't read romance to know what would happen in the real world. This is a new author for me and I'll definitely be keeping a look out for more of her work!

Nathaniel, Marquis of St. John, learned the hard way that playing by the rules doesn't always guarantee a happy ending. Jilted by a woman chosen for him by his father, Nathaniel swore off marriage and embraced the life of a steadfast bachelor. Louise Hartfield is a talented seamstress with a disdain for the ton's rigid expectations. Trapped by her mother's antiquated insistence that as the elder daughter she must wed before her younger sister, Louise scoffs at the idea of conforming to such a preposterous rule. When Nathaniel has the idea that if there was somewhere where people could meet without knowing their backgrounds & statins in life they could make friends. So Nathaniel & his friends bet on whether love can transcend class & they turn to Mrs Bessie Dove-Lyon, whose Lyon’s Den hosts their daring experiment.
Another well written novella in the connected series. I really liked both Nathaniel & Louise who met in different settings, their connection was immediate & I loved the chemistry between them. There was some drama with Nathaniel’s look alike cousin & the reappearance of Nathaniel’s former betrothed. An easy to read book which I enjoyed
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Se lee muy rápido, no hay drama entre los protagonistas y desde el incio sabes que tendrá un hea.


Louise y Nathaniel tienen que vivir bajo las costumbres de la sociedad, ella al ser la mayor tiene que casarse antes que su hermana y él tiene que casarse con alguien de su mismo estatus.

Nahaniel quiere demostrar que la gente puede ser amigos o enamorarse sin importar sus posiciones sociales y para eso hace un experimento invitando invitando a hombres y mujeres, los cuales deben utilizar máscaras, deberán realizar ciertas actividades, platicaran, al final se quitaran las mascaras y verán si quieren seguir viéndose. En el experimento él conoce a Louise y termina enamorándose de ella, pero ella tiene miedo de que al final no la acepte por se una simple costurera. ¿Nathaniel realmente aceptara su amor por alguien que la sociedad probablemente no aceptara como su esposa? ¿La aparición de la ex prometida cambiara sus sentimientos por Louise?


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for and honest review.

Thank you NetGalley. Nathaniel has an idea that if people would meeting not knowing their background they could be friends and meet on the same level. Since he is related to Bessie he thought she might help him. At the same time she has the seamstress working on some clothes and staying at the Lyon's Den. They are masked and enjoy each other's company very much. They find there are so pros and cons with the experiment.

This was a quick but enticing read, but you wouldn’t notice from all it has to offer. I enjoyed it very much and hope to read more from the author of this engaging book..