This is the latest Lyon's Den story featuring the great match maker, Mrs Dove-Lyon. Caroline needs a husband because she needs a house to build a women's shelter. Mrs Dove-Lyon finds some men who are willing to wager for a bride with a game of riddles. Felix is one of the candidates and he used to be close with Caroline when they were younger.

I like the author's writing style of how we are privy to the characters' thoughts. It also feels authentic and approachable. The romance was very real and hot.

Thank you to Charlie Lane and Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

The Lyon Loves Last is my first book by Charlie Lane and after reading it I've added her to my favorite authors list. Set in the fascinating world of the Lyon's Den, I was absorbed in Felix & Caroline's story from beginning to end. Both Felix & Caroline seek Mrs. Dove-Lyon's matchmaking services, but for different reasons. Caroline wants a marriage of convenience and a home to run as a refuge for women in crisis. Felix wants to please his grandfather by marrying. If the contract stipulates giving a house to the bride all the better. He's happy to give away his childhood home as it brings him nothing but pain and nightmares.

Felix & Caroline are horrified when the game of riddles results in a betrothal agreement. They were close childhood friends, but became estranged and haven't spoken in many years. Mrs. Dove-Lyon's betrothal contracts are iron-clad, so they go on with the wedding with Caroline leaving for her new home and Felix remaining in London. Felix believes that will be the status-quo until a surprise visit from his grandfather who is quite angry. Hawthorne House isn't fit for habitation, how dare Felix send Caroline there before it was restored! Felix was to pack his bags and travel there immediately. Not wanting to upset Grandfather any further, and not realizing how bad Hawthorne House had fallen into disrepair Felix sets off as soon as he can pack his valise and saddle his horse.

From there it's a heart-gripping story of Felix & Caroline repairing the rift between them as they repair Hawthorne House. It's filled with spicy sweetness, humor, grief and closure, painful honesty that leads to necessary healing, and a deep and abiding love. It was a happily ever after that makes you smile.

Thank you Dragonblade publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. My opinions are unsolicited and my own viewpoint on what I have read.

Charlie Lane has once again stolen my heart with her beautifully written story of friends-to-lovers in "Felix Canterbury, Viscount Foxton." Felix never planned to return to his haunted childhood home, but in a bold move to appease his grandfather’s marriage demands, he gambles the house at the Lyon’s Den—only to win himself a bride: his estranged childhood friend, Caroline Maxwell.

Caroline’s not looking for love—she just needs a house for her women’s refuge, even if it comes with a husband. After Felix broke her heart years ago, she’s long given up on romance. But with the Widow of Whitehall’s aid, she secures both the house and a husband with ease. The house? Perfect. The husband? Arrogant, infuriating, and irresistibly Felix.

Their marriage of convenience quickly unravels as buried desires ignite. As Caroline helps Felix confront the ghosts of his past, both literal and emotional, we get swept up in their heartfelt journey toward healing and true happiness.

What I adore about Lane’s writing is the depth she gives her characters. Felix carries the heavy weight of loss, silently suffering beneath a veneer of charm, while Caroline’s heart of gold drives her fierce determination to help women in need. Their dynamic is electric—especially when Caroline moves into Hawthorne House while Felix stays in London, only for his meddling grandfather to guilt-trip him into visiting. That’s when the real drama begins.

The angst, the ghosts, the secrets—all of it melts away under the undeniable pull of their love. Felix’s tender declaration, "Caro. Mine." had me swooning every time. Their journey is raw, tender, and passionate, filled with moments that tugged at my heartstrings.

Another outstanding read by the incredible Charlie Lane. I have purchased this book but thank NetGalley for providing an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Take my favorite series, give it to one of my favorite authors and you have a terrific story. Caro has a plan and Felix isn't it. He has a risked filled life and Caro isn't part of it either. So how do these two old friends pair up after years of ignoring each other? The beauty of Mrs. Dove-Lyon is back in action. Fun riddles, a bit heavier pasts, but not a drag into depression. Add a strong woman who believes that stubbornness is a virtue not an insult. Great characters, love Polly's role and sassiness. Overall, a wonderful story to relax with a cup of tea.

A decade ago they were friends, but then he pushed her away and broke her heart.
Now, she’s won him in a game of riddles at the Lyon’s Den, and there’s no escaping.

Caroline & Felix
She’s the stubborn spinster, raised to stand up for what’s right, organised, never without a plan, now looking for the freedom that comes with a husband’s name, but not his attentions – and, of course, the country house he never visits. Ever.
He’s the spontaneous carefree rogue agreeing to find a wife to please the man who raised him, his beloved grandfather. A marriage of convenience without kids sounds perfect, and she can have his house. Any woman will do. Any woman but her.

They marry, nearly kiss and part ways. She’s off to build her women’s shelter, and he can go back to taking stupid risks.
Enter the wily Widow of Whitehall and his nifty grandfather. Neither of them too shy to manoeuvre the pair into their happily after. Even if it means guilt-tripping Felix into finding Caro alone with only a feisty maid stuck in his rundown childhood home, and no man in sight to protect them. But that home comes with ghosts, survivors’ guilt and debilitating nightmares...

While neither Caro’s cause nor Felix’s past is very lighthearted, this story never felt heavy.
For him love is just around the corner; if only he could turn it. And she’s very set on building her dream; if only she could share it with him. Eventually they do find common ground – after all, they’ve loved each other all their lives – but it’s a witty and enthralling uphill battle with a few sharp edges. A war of wills, house renovations, reverse seduction tactics, steamy folly frolicking, honesty, grief, and a foe with his own idea of justice.
Never a dull moment; that’s for sure!
Well-written, devourable and entertaining with an emotional touch, this was a great quick read!

This was a cute add to the Lyons matrimonial roster. Felix lands his childhood friend Caroline as his match. What starts as a marriage in name, soon becomes more as Caroline unlocks Felixs bad experiences and offers him support and love to overcome his past.

As with most Charlie Lanes books the romance was sweet, and the story well thought out with good pacing.

#netgalley #TheLyonLovesLast

Felix's story is so touching. You just want to hold him and love him, even if he refuses. I enjoyed Caro's boldness and her desire to help others. She is a fighter! The fact that Caro and Felix knew each other as children just adds to the sweetness of the story. A wonderful story that I couldn't put down until I finished it.

Felix Canterbury, Viscount Foxton will never return to his childhood home as there’s nothing but nightmares there. He’s happy to gamble the house away to win a bride at the Lyon’s Den. Especially since his beloved grandfather is demanding he marry… and soon. Felix never expects the prize bride to be his childhood friend. Miss Caroline Maxwell needs a house for the women's refuge she’s building. Even if it means landing a husband along with it. She doesn’t need love, after all. She already gave her heart away to Felix, who promptly dropped it. With the Widow of Whitehall’s help, she snags a husband and a house with ease.
Another lovely addition to this connected world. I really liked both Felix & Caroline, once close childhood friends until he mucked it up & now they’re married but living apart until Felix’s grandfather guilt trips him. So Felix goes to the country house that holds such traumatic memories for him. A well written engrossing romance with strong characters, a well paced story, secrets & sizzling chemistry. I loved their journey to a HEA which had some angst, some humour but most of all two people destined to be together
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Hauntings, Secrets, Discovering Love:
An interesting beginning takes a very troubled Viscount Foxton (Felix) to Mrs. Dove Lyon for her matchmaking skills.
Felix of course wins the game of riddles, and his life has now forever changed along with the bride he just won who turns out to be Caroline
his old childhood friend.
This emotional story is filled with secret plans, recurring intrusive thoughts, angst, emotionless passion which eventually leads to a HEA.
I have enjoyed many Lyons Den stories, and I must say that I found this relationship a bit trying.
😢The title says it all. The Lyon was last as far as Caroline was concerned.
Adult Advisory🔥🔥+

Another ASTOUNDING book for Charlie Lane! This one fits perfectly in the Lyon world and the Widow plays a big part in the HEA. The angst is palpable, but not overwhelming and I loved Caroline with her plans (I saw myself in her!), but especially Felix with his silent suffering. The side characters also are a pleasant addiction to the story. Lane never ever disappoints!

The storyline is well though out and presented in a way that made for enjoyable reading. A second chance is in store for Felix and Caroline once they each overcome the fear that is holding them back. Emotions run high and I love how she was able to banish the nightmares that had haunted him since he was a child. They finally get their happy ending even if there were a few bumps along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

An emotionally charged Lyon’s Den wager by Caroline who is seeking a husband and a house.
Felix is her childhood friend but they have been at a distance over the years.
Unknowingly to both of them, he takes part in the wager.
The story of their relationship and the emotional toll is engaging and at times sad.
My heart fell in love with Felix and his demons.
Wonderful characters with tender and steamy kisses.

Every Lyon's universe book keeps getting better. Felix and Caroline have my heart forever. A sweet romance with a dash of dangerous suspense- absolutely stunning.