A well written and entertaining story of Blake and Rosilee, fleeting childhood friends who find love. Blake is complex, he's full of self loathing and walls so big that even a giant cannot look over. But his weakness aka sunshine is Rosilee. He adores her, he loves her, but is so scared of hurting her, that he needs some serious kick in the butt from the supporting cast to get him to offer for her. Rosalie is cheerful and her sunny attitude gets hers through some rough patches. Bishop was pretty amazing as well.

This book was romantic, thrilling and fun. However, bacause of its length, the writing pace is a bit off.

4 1/2*STARS*
Blake Faiththorne, Duke of Crane, is a recluse. Taking the weight of his father's sins, he refuses to expose himself to Society. A bond was established with Lady Rosilee Fairchild years ago as children. Only she doesn't remember him. Blake made it his mission to keep watch over her. When her brother is kidnapped by an unscrupulous scoundrel, his release depends on her marrying the scoundrel. She needs a husband fast. It's on to London to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Only Blake must confront his past to rescue the lady for himself. Blake is one of the most frustrating heroes. Thank goodness for Bishop adding some levity.
Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The story opens with a prologue where we see Blake, the future Duke of Crane, as a boy desperately trying to escape his abusive father. Just as he's certain his father will catch him and beat him, a young girl pulls him to safety and hides him. Though he never saw her again, he never forgot her.

Fast forward about fifteen years. Blake is now the Duke, but he is also a recluse. He is bitterly ashamed of his father and convinced that because of his "bad blood," he has the potential to be just as bad. His only option, in his opinion, is to avoid people altogether. His only friend is his butler/valet/man-of-all-work, Bishop. When he hears that the little girl, all grown up now, is in trouble, he vows to help her.

Rosilee is eternally optimistic and cheerful. But when her brother falls prey to an unscrupulous card player and loses everything, the rogue takes Leo prisoner. He attempts to coerce Rosilee into marrying him to set Leo free. Rosilee takes matters into her own hands and heads for London to ask Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a husband.

Blake decided to help Rosilee find a husband without involving Mrs. Dove-Lyon. The problem is that he loves her, and thinking of her with someone else is difficult. Though Rosilee doesn't recognize him at first, she instinctively trusts him. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. She senses his pain and doesn't push. Once she realizes who he is, she understands him much better. As her feelings for him grow, Rosilee wants him to marry her, but she can't get past his fears. When faced with his rejection, she again takes matters into her own hands. It takes a kick in the pants for Blake to realize what he is throwing away. The confrontation at the Lyon's Den was intense and emotional, and I loved how it worked out.

I loved Blake's friend and butler, Bishop. He is about the same age as Blake and takes it upon himself to break Blake free from his past. I loved their interactions. There is nothing servant-like about Bishop, and I loved watching him call Blake out on his stubbornness.

In an unexpected twist, Blake encounters one of seven illegitimate half-brothers. This man is determined to help Blake whether he wants it or not. There are some terrific scenes with him. The other brothers show up at a critical time. I hope these brothers will get their own stories.

The story was good, but it didn't keep me as engaged as other Lyon's Den stories have.

I recently finished reading this book, which was my first experience with the Lyon's Den series. Although I didn't have prior knowledge of the world, I found myself intrigued and am now interested in learning more about it and the brothers introduced in this book.

I particularly enjoyed Blake and Rosilee's grumpy sunshine romance. It was a perfect easy and quick read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC

He's no beast....

Blake, now a duke, was abused by his father and suffers the post trauma from being beaten by his own father. He does not like London and has been a recluse for years at his estate with his "butler" who is really his best friend. Blake keeps tabs on a Lady Rosilee, who once rescued him from one of his fathers rages. He thinks of her as an angel. Rosilee is in dire straights and she has a plan to rescue herself from being forced to wed Baston, a horrid man.

Blake rides off to London to rescue Rosilee from wedding whomever Mrs. Dove-Lyon chooses, but doesn't think he can ever wed due to his abusive upbringing. He has issues. He's a doll, though and Blake definitely deserves the bold Rosilee. She is his brave explorer.
Recommend.

Super easy read. I loved both characters. Roseilee is in her mid 20s and a little independent. Which I liked, I get tired of the very young women so its nice to see someone I would not consider a child in anyway. Blake is a recluse that is trying to avoid making the same mistakes his father made but he has been basically OBSESSED for years keeping an eye on her from a far. I also liked a lot of the side characters, his butler (I need more honestly), her maid (so wonderful), both her brother and his seven (I need more about them too). It was the right amount of suspense regarding our bad guy and growing their love. Its also nice that he was not a rake, I don't love the troupe of being in love with someone for years but bedding every woman in England.

This novel was easy to read and I did genuinely enjoy it. I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances, grumpy x sunshine, and anything Beauty and the Beast.

“Beauty and the Lyon” by Tanya Wilde is a Beauty and the Beast historical romance retelling novel featuring Rosilee Fairchild and Blake Crane. Rosilee’s brother, Leopold, has gambling problems that led to everything potentially being ruined. Baron, the man that Leopold owes to, proposed to have Rosilee be his in exchange for everything to be restored.

Blake Crane is the son of the infamous Duke of Crane. His father was abusive growing up and Rosilee was there for him as a child. Since his father passed, he became the Duke of Crane. Blake heard of Rosilee’s troubles and decided to aid her in finding a suitable husband.

This novel was a fun read and I loved how the plot included the side characters as well and how they actually had a role instead of blending in. Bishop, Blake’s butler, was extremely funny and the one who made Blake come to his senses numerous times throughout the novel. I loved how it was also a slow burn for Rosilee but at the same time it was a burn that was always there for Blake.

Now, there were some parts of the novel that made me question the plot, for example, one of the events didn’t seem quite realistic for the historical time period. This novel at times did feel a bit rushed. Blake was annoying at times but I also understand how he feels. He feels resentment, ashamed, and embarrassed for everything that his father has done and that unfortunately felt like he has to be the one to burden with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragon Blade Publishing for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book I The Lyon's Den Connected World series is an exciting, engaging, heartwrenching historical romance. When the past shows back up in the present due to extreme, a very entertaining story begins. I really enjoyed the characters' banter, the humor, and wit. Best of all was how it brought family together. The ending was good and very interesting. I highly recommend reading!

3.5 stars

This didn't really work for me... It's obviously a riff on beauty and the beast and the hero has had a horrendous time with his father. I wonder if its part of a series as mention was made over 7 step brothers. Some of the phraseology used sounded modern to my ear and the author, like others gave us a slightly different Bessie Dove-Lyons.

The Cover is pretty

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

This is the story of Rosilee and Blake, the duke of Crane. It is kind of an ‘beauty and the beast’ retelling, but a much improved version. Blake isn’t disfigured or something like that, just damaged emotionally by his abusive father. And Rosilee isn’t held captive in his castle but taking charge of her life, trying to fix her problems on her own by traveling to London. Not knowing Blake had been keeping tabs on her and thus knowing she needs his help. I loved that she was so optimistic and sunny in her view of life. I liked it a lot that early in the story she found out he was the little boy from eighteen years ago but wasn’t angry. Why would she, of course; but often books have the main characters feeling piqued in situations like this. I liked that she saw it for what it was and recognized Blake’s emotions.
The romance was sweet. I still found the lovemaking a little bit sudden but the story flowed well. The secondary characters were fabulous, especially his friend and righthand man/butler Bishop! He was the best! I laughed so much because of his dry remarks!

<i>“Speaking of optimism, what is our next course of action?”
A throat cleared from the door. “Good question.”
Blake nearly rolled his eyes at Bishop, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed.
“Mr. Bishop,” Lady Rosilee said with a smile. “Where did you go?”
Blake sighed at the light, enthusiastic tone that filled the dreary drawing room. Ah, I cannot win.
“I’m always around, Lady Rosilee,” Bishop replied smoothly. “Though it seems I missed a rather engaging discussion.”
“Not so engaging,” Blake muttered.
Lady Rosilee’s gaze swiveled to him.
Damn-bloody-nation. “That’s not what I meant.”
She arched a brow. “What did you mean?”
“Another good question,” Bishop supplied. “The lady is full of them. Please keep them coming.”
Lady Rosilee chuckled. Blake did not. “Shouldn’t you be guarding the door of residence?”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because you are a butler? Give Mr. Wiggins some rest.”
“Do you even know the extent of a butler’s duties?”
This blackguard. Always challenging him. “I do, and It’s certainly not meddling, nor is it lingering.”
“I beg to differ,” Bishop said with ease. “That is our exact job.”</i>

I liked the secret reading compartments in the coach, and I loved Mrs. Prune and Mr. Wiggins. I loved the addition of Blake’s half-brother Reaper. Six half-brothers! I’m curious about their stories; I will be looking out for books about them!
Overall a fun read with a brooding hero, a sunny, optimistic heroine and great characters. The ending is satisfying and the pace is good! I recommend this book and will definitely read the next installments in this series, if there will be a series.
Thank you Dragonblade Publishing, Netgalley and author for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I always enjoy The Lyon’s Den books and Tanya Wilde did a great job with Blake and Rosilee’s story. Blake, the Duke of Crane had a horrible childhood and it made him a hermit of sorts but Rosilee had unknowingly made a huge impact on him as a child. I loved the way the author brought them back together and how their attraction was just too big to deny. I know these are short stories but I wanted so much more of Blake. There’s so many questions about his brothers, his butler and his history. I just wanted more.

Beauty and the Lyon by Tanya Wilde is exactly what one would expect: Beauty and the Beast. And, it is pretty good. The Duke of Crane was a hermit. He had been abused as a child by bullies at school and his uncle who was his guardian. It had turned him inward. The only good memory he had was when a girl had helped him hide from his rampaging uncle once, who was intent on beating him. He was morose and depressed. He had one friend, his major domo, Giles Bishop, who kept him informed of goings on in the world and tried to get him to live. He now reported that Lady Rosilee Fairchild, the adult version of the girl who had saved him, was now on the run to London to find a husband. Her brother had gambled away everything and now the holder of his debt, a man called Baston, expected her to marry him. She would not. Her maid told her of a woman: Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, who helped people to wed. She was on her way. Sadly her coachman ran off and then the wheel on her coach, now driven by a twelve-year-old, shattered. Who should arrive to assist but Blake Faithorne, Duke of Crane. He even offered to marry her, knowing she would not.

This was a good story. It had the potential to be great but just missed the mark. Blake was a decent character, but his transformation could have been better described. Lady Rosilee was a good character, but she was not as stubborn as she might have been. The plot was pretty much fore-ordained but the pacing was good and the best character of all was Bishop, who was underused. Bessie only made a short appearance, although she more than did her job at that point. Baston was the villain, but could have been made so much worse, so much more threatening. A decent book that just missed the mark. Fun, though.

I was invited to read Beauty and the Lyon by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #TanyaWilde #BeautyAndTheLyon

I have always loved this series and still do. What I love most is Mrs. Dove-Lyon's interaction and manipulations, however this story had very little of her involved. That said, I still very much enjoyed the experience of Rosilee and Blake. A seriously different plot that was both extremely sweet as well as captivating. Blake must look beyond himself and his past, while Rosilee must rescue her brother, save the family estate and continue to move forward no matter what! I would absolutely love to have stories written about Bishop,.Reaper and the other brothers so I have my fingers crossed that this author is setting us up for a fantastic new series.

What a fabulous story by a new author to me! Tanya Wilde has also written a Lions Den story with a different twist to it.
Blake Faiththorne, Duke of Crane had an abusive childhood due to his father. When he was 10 years old an angel n the form of a 7 or 8 year old girl helped him escape one especially bad experience.
Blake has become a recluse with only Bishop, his Butler cum Man of Business, really seeing him as he is. Blake has never forgotten the young girl and when he learns she is in trouble, he vows to help her.
This story had it all for me, I would love to give more than 5 stars. I hope Tanya continues to write stories about the half brothers. She has drawn me in, and now I hope to read more stories by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley.

Eternal optimist Lady Rosilee Fairchild refuses to let fate—or scheming rogues—dictate her future. When her brother is tricked into gambling away their estate and held prisoner by a ruthless man determined to force her into marriage, she takes matters into her own hands. And there’s only one place daring enough to help her do it without question—Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s infamous matchmaking den. Hardened recluse Blake Faiththorne, Duke of Crane, has long been withdrawn from society but when he learns that the woman who once saved him is now in danger herself he cannot stand idly by.
Another delightful book in this connected series, a grumpy sunshine romance. I really liked both Blake & Rosilee & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA, I liked that he fell first, there was a road trip, a nasty villain, witty banter. My only real quibble was that I wanted it to be longer
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

A man cruelly abused as a child hides in the shadows, known by one and all as a recluse. Only one person sees him for what he is, his man-of-all-work named Bishop, who vows to stick to him until Blake comes out of the shadows. Hidden in the recesses of his mind, Blake has never forgotten the little girl who helped him escape on a particularly horrifying night, and when she is in trouble, with Bishop's assistance, he goes to her aid. A whisper of recognition registers in Rosilee's mind, but she cannot recall having ever met the huge man before her. She also immediately perceives his brokenness, but knows that she can trust him. When her brother's misdeeds catch up with Rosilee, Blake and his extended family intervene, and he finally comes to the realization that there is only one solution to their problem. I do so hope that this novel is the beginning of a new series and that we can discover what happens to Blake's brothers and, of course, Bishop. I received a copy of this beautiful romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This historical romance is part of the Lyon's Den world, but only slightly.
Our heroine intends to go there to find a husband. Her journey there is an amusing and fascinating one. Our hero struggles to move on from his past, and the damage caused by his father.
I think I would like to read the stories about the rest of our hero's brothers. They look like a fascinating group.
Good fun.

Beauty and the Lyon by Tanya Wilde is a delightful Regency romance with heart and humor. Lady Rosilee Fairchild is determined to save her family from ruin even if it means finding a husband at the scandalous Lyon’s Den. When Blake Faiththorne, Duke of Crane learns Rosilee, the woman who once saved him as a child, is in danger, he sets out to help even though he's been a hermit for years. Wilde’s witty writing, especially in Blake’s banter with his butler Bishop, adds levity to the emotional stakes. Rosilee’s courage and Blake’s silent devotion are a winning combo, supported by quirky side characters and a villain worth hating from all sides. Though Mrs. Dove-Lyon plays a smaller role here than she does in other Lyon's Den stories I've read, this story still feels connected to the larger world.

Lady Rosilee Fairchild refuses to let life, or anyone hold her back. The Duke of Crane, Blake Faiththorne, refuses to live life in the open. The two met when they were children, but only for a brief encounter. Rosilee helped Blake hide from his cruel father. It left an impact on Blake that he watched over her from afar for 18 years. When he gets news her brother is in trouble, he comes to the rescue. While thisis a Lyons Den book, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon is only briefly mentioned in the beginning of the book. We also get a different view of her from other books. She comes across as more controlling than firm, and a touch mean. She makes her appearance towards the end, but as always she plays a pivotal role. Wylde weaves a tale of unrequited love, trust and finding our own self-worth. Great leads for additional books on Blake's seven half-brothers, and I look forward to reading more. This book left me feeling grateful for my own loving father, and close family ties.

Tropes - (attempted) forced marriage, he falls first, found family and an unusual take on "beauty and the beast"
,
Favorite line "Life is only as dark as you let it be. Perhaps I just chose to see the light, even when it's hard to find."

A well written Beauty and the Beast themed romance, filled with wonderful characters and dialogue. Blake is a grumpy recluse and Rosilee is ever the optimist and they blended so well together. A road trip soon turns into a journey of trust, belonging and love.