21 Days with the Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World

The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Shana Galen

A desperate heiress. A jaded former soldier. They’ve got twenty-one days to fall in love…or risk losing everything.

Twenty-one days. A measly three weeks. That’s all the time Bianca Featherswallow is allowed to convince Theo Filliol to marry her. If she doesn’t marry in three weeks, Bianca will once again be prey to fortune hunters who are eager to abduct her for her dowry. Theo was hired as her protector, and somehow she needs to convince the man to consider her for his wife. If only he wasn’t so attractive. How is she supposed to woo him when she’s tongue-tied and her heart thunders every time he’s near?

Theophile Filliol, younger son of an earl, doesn’t think he can protect anyone—least of all an heiress. He’s literally been gambling and drinking for weeks to forget the failures of his past. Considering the debt he’s racked up, he can’t ignore Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s orders to play bodyguard to Bianca Featherswallow. At least the Black Widow isn’t trying to marry him off. The lovely Bianca would make any man a happy groom, but Theo isn’t the kind of man she needs.

As dangers abound, from storms to fortune hunters to the pair’s own sensual desires, will twenty-one days be enough time to fall in love? And even if Theo falls for Bianca, can he trust himself with her heart?

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Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Novella

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2025

About the author

Shana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.

Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three times poor Bianca had avoided being kidnapped by fortune hunters for her dowry.
Owing money for gambling depts . Theo agreed to protect Bianca for 21 days. Not knowing that she wanted him for a husband, so she could be safe.
Nice short story.

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outlandish set of circumstances brought Theo and Bianca together and proximity and the threat of danger took care of the rest of their feeble resistance.

I had a lot of thoughts running through my brain after reading the first few pages. What on earth was happening? How big was this woman's dowry? What was wrong with her sister? Well, never fear, all these questions were answered, eventually. It was a lot of fun piecing together the puzzle that was Bianca and her enormous fortune.

It was easy to peg Bianca as a pushover initially, but she certainly stood her ground when dealing with Theo. I enjoyed the humorous writing style, especially Theo's clever quips and inner thoughts and Bianca's ineffectual efforts at flirting. They had great chemistry and Theo turned out to be a true hero.

I loved everything about this story and can highly recommend it if you like a steamy historical romance novella. This book is part of The Lyon's Den Connected World, but each book stands perfectly well on its own.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This review is also on Hooked By That Book.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

We met Bianca in the authors short story in A Duke by Any Other Name her story that was a taming of the shrew (10 things I hate about you) retelling. We did not know much about Bianca in that story other than men wanted her dowery and were willing to do anything to get it. We see Kitty and Edmund from that story in this novella as well, and I like Kitty a lot more with this added color. Edmund adds some unexpected OM drama but I eat that UP! So thank you Edmund. Bianca was really quite delightful. She is the supposed to be opposite of Kitty but really I think they were both very similar just expressed themselves differently. While Kitty was loud, Bianca did it quietly. Cause really Bianca didn't do anything she didn't want to she just did without raising her voice. Her dog, also very cute.. Theo poor him honestly. He has a lot of guilt and anger at himself over events that happened during his time in the army and after. He has been taking it on himself and he hasn't found it in himself to forgive himself. I do think he was easier to "love" than the men in Misfortune's Favorites series. The story of his friend and his son, very sad. I shed a few tears ( I am a crier so I don't judge myself).

I also like that the bedroom scenes did not feel forced in this short story, they made sense where they were placed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Melinda Greathouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a treat for historical romance lovers! With a unique premise, sizzling chemistry, and a dash of adventure, it keeps you hooked from the very first page. Bianca Featherswallow is a refreshing heroine—determined, vulnerable, and utterly charming as she navigates her predicament. Theo Filliol, the reluctant hero with a wounded heart, is the perfect balance of brooding and honorable, making their dynamic irresistible.

The tension between them crackles as they battle fortune hunters, external threats, and their own growing feelings. The countdown of twenty-one days adds a sense of urgency to their romance, making each stolen glance and heartfelt moment even more meaningful. The setting is richly detailed.

For fans of forced proximity, wounded heroes, and swoon-worthy slow-burn romances, this book delivers in every way. It’s a captivating mix of passion, danger, and emotional depth, one you won’t want to put down.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca Featherswallow is prey to fortune hunters who are eager to abduct her for her dowry. So along with her father they visit The Lyon’s & Bianca’s given three weeks to persuade her bodyguard to marry her Theophile Filliol, younger son of an earl is hired as her protector. He’s literally been gambling and drinking for weeks to forget the failures of his past. Considering the debt he’s racked up, he can’t ignore Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s orders to play bodyguard to Bianca.
Another delightful novella in this connected series. I loved the shy Bianca & Theo who had lost his self esteem, they were perfect for each other. I loved their journey to a HEA, their chemistry sizzled, the banter was witty & there were unexpected twists & turns. I devoured it in a sitting
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca has a problem. She is the youngest daughter of Viscount Featherswallow with a sweet disposition and a substantial dowry. Three times she's almost been abducted for a quick trip to Gretna Green. Out of desperation, her father goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to arrange a marriage. For only if Bianca is married will she be safe. Theo Filliol has run up considerable debt at the Lyon's Den and his father has cut him off. The only choice he has is to be Bianca's protector for twenty-one days at the families country home. Bianca thinks she's safe in the country, but Theo isn't going to let anything happen to her even though he feels he is a failure. Bianca won't give up on the man she loves. Sweet with painful memories.
Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

After three abduction attempts, Bianca Featherswallow’s father, Viscount Featherswallow decides enough is enough and determines the only way to protect his younger daughter is to marry her off. With that decision made, he takes Bianca to meet Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, owner of the infamous Lyon’s Den Gambling den and well-known matchmaker. Mrs. Dove-Lyon has the perfect groom in mind for Bianca, but she has conditions, first the viscount will have to pay off the groom’s debt to her and pay a handsome matchmaker fee, second he cannot know that the ultimate goal is for him to marry Bianca, he will be told he is to be her bodyguard for three weeks and third, Bianca will have to propose to him. Bianca agrees and the next morning they set out for her father’s estate. But things don’t go as planned when Theo doesn’t fall at her feet like most men do, and the more time she spends with him, the more she likes him and the more she realizes that he is in pain and that pain is from grief, something she knows all too well. She will have to convince Theo that he is worthy of love if she ever hopes to find her happily ever after with him.

Theophile “Theo” Filliol, the fourth and youngest son of the Earl of Huntingdonshire, has sunk into a deep pool of grief and self-loathing, a pool that he is now drowning in, thanks to the incredible debt that he has racked up at the Lyon’s Den. A debt he couldn’t pay even if his father hadn’t cut off his allowance. So, when Bessie Dove-Lyon tells him he has to do a job for her working as a bodyguard, he is in no position to refuse her, even if he believes he is incapable of doing the job. He is immediately drawn to Bianca and marvels at her ability to manage her grief without letting it overwhelm her. When she suggests marriage, he would like nothing more than to spend his life with her, but he can’t because he knows he will fail her like he has others that he loved. And when Bianca’s life is in peril, he blames himself and is convinced that it proves that he is unworthy of her love. Will he let his grief prevent him from accepting the love of a lifetime?

This was a very emotional story with wonderful characters who have both been given more than their fair share of loss. I enjoyed this story and while it was not a light, fluffy read, there were moments of levity that kept it from becoming dark, most notability, Bianca’s attempts at flirtation and seduction. Overall, this was a lovely story of healing, forgiveness and love and a book that I would happily recommend.

4.5 Stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Lyons Den Connected World
Publication Date: 2/12/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 141

The besieged heiress and the lost gentleman. 😊 Bianca Featherswallow has a huge dowry which makes her a prime target for young lordlings with pockets-to-let. She’s managed to thwart three abductions so far – but sooner or later one will succeed. What is a concerned father to do? Why, take her to The Lyon’s Den for the matchmaking services of Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon. To their surprise, Mrs. Dove-Lyon already has the perfect match in mind for Bianca, but he is the pig-headed and stubborn sort who likes to feel he’s made his own choices rather than being prodded into it. So, with a plan to give them twenty-one days to get to know each other, Bianca will have to use her feminine wiles to convince him that he wants to marry her.

Theophile “Theo” Filliol is mired deep in grief and self-loathing. Because of that, he has been gambling and drinking at the Lyon’s Den and is deeply in debt – a debt he cannot pay. His lack of self-worth and his self-loathing are so ingrained that he hesitates to take up Mrs. Dove-Lyon's offer to wipe his debt clean if he will protect a young heiress who has been besieged by not-so-honorable suitors. Protect the girl for 21 days and his debt is clear.

I loved these characters and was cheering for them to overcome their deep grief and emotional issues to find love and their own HEA. Can they heal each other? Can Theo learn to forgive himself? It is a lovely story of emotional growth and understanding.

We also meet Bianca’s sister Kitty in this story and she is a lively termagant. If you love her, you can find her story in the anthology A Duke By Any Other Name . While this book was more serious than frivolous, I found a few spots of humor – most notably Bianca’s attempts at seduction and Theo’s reactions to them. I also found the character names a tad humorous and kept chortling at the idea of them using hyphenated names – Featherswallow-Filliol. 😊 I also had to wonder why the father didn’t just drastically reduce the dowry until he saw a suitor he could agree to – but then – we wouldn’t have this lovely story.

I always enjoy this author’s stories and this was certainly no exception.

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

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

REGENCY 5 STARS HISTORICAL LYON'S DEN

Shana Galen offers up this exciting & wonderful 5 STARS storyline to the multi-author contributed Series: The Lyon's Den Connected World plus provides a great BLURB. The characters are well defined & interesting. In this read Bessie Dove-Lyon's only makes her appearance at the beginning & only for a few short times, this isn't one of the reads where she is prominent throughout.

A very rich Viscount with 2 daughters had delayed bringing them to London for their coming outs; because his wife & their mother whom he had loved very much had gotten sick & passed away. His oldest daughter had been extremely close to her mother & they had all grieved very hard not being interested in London, new clothes, meeting new people, parties, balls, & the operas. Not to mention, parading around in park where the Ton went to ride in their carriages & gossip, some rode their horses, & others would promenade the walks by the river.

Now however, while trying to get his oldest daughter of 26 out in the season the Viscount finds himself busy having to ward off kidnapping attempts of his youngest daughter of 22. Improvised Lords keep trying to kidnap her & he at his wits end has decided to turn to Bessie Dove-Lyon.

Bessie decided on putting a war veteran who had returned home wounded but had healed, owes her a fortune & is the youngest son of an Earl, but he is stubborn & will fight back at being told what to do. Her plan is for the Viscount's daughter & the young veteran, who will be told he is her personal protector be sent to the country home of the Viscount. Give them 21 days & on the last day for Bianca to ask her protector to marry her.

Of course none of this goes off smoothly. These 2 young people are akward. He doesn't believe he is deserving of anyone as sweet, kind, & beautiful as she is. She doesn't want to force him. Oh my, these two have a mess.

This is a great read. I keep hoping for a book about her sister getting married it would be a really rousing read.

RECOMMEND

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca has had enough. A beautiful young heiress, she has endured three attempted abductions by fortune hunters desperate for her dowry. After the most recent attempt, Bianca and her father visit Mrs. Dove-Lyon for assistance in finding Bianca a husband. Mrs. Dove-Lyon knows exactly who she wants for Bianca's husband but also knows he won't respond to her usual methods.

Theo is the youngest son of an earl and a former soldier. Since returning from the war, he has spent his time drinking and gambling to forget past failures he blames himself for. He owes the Lyon's Den a vast amount of money, so he cannot refuse Mrs. Dove-Lyon's order to act as a bodyguard for Bianca for three weeks.

This is not the usual setup of a rich woman needing a husband and Mrs. Dove-Lyon manipulating an impoverished man into an immediate marriage. Theo knows nothing about the widow's endgame. He believes he is only there to protect Bianca. On the other hand, she has three weeks to convince him that he wants to marry her.

The development of their relationship was interesting. Theo doesn't believe he can protect her, but he will do his best. Bianca makes it difficult because once they arrive at her country estate, she believes there is no danger and continues wandering off on her own. Theo's frustration with her stubbornness is evident. He is stunned when, after her failed attempts at flirting with him, she lets slip that she is supposed to get him to marry her. He would like nothing more than to do so but has no confidence in his ability to keep her safe.

The more time Bianca spends with Theo, the more she likes him. Theo feels the same way about her, and it isn't long before attraction joins the mix. But when Bianca's life is in danger again, he blames himself, certain it proves that he is unworthy of her. The scenes during her recovery are heartbreaking, and I ached for Theo and his pain. The ending was terrific, with a nice twist.

[Jessica White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read many books in the Lyon’s Den series, but of the ones I have, they’re fun and fast paced novellas. 21 Days with the Lyon is no different, and I absolutely loved Shana Galen’s nod to Shakespearean characters. This is Bianca’s story, the beloved beautiful younger sister that because of her sister’s lateness with having a season, has been kept from having her own. As heiress to a large dowry, Bianca is susceptible to fortune hunters seeking to kidnap her to Gretna Green. This is where Bianca’s world merges with that of the Lyon’s Den. Theo is the younger son of an Earl who has found himself at the mercy of Mrs. Dove-Lyon in order to keep him out of her debts. Theo is to be Bianca’s protector and unbeknownst to him, Bianca must convince Theo to marry her within 21 days to save Bianca from marriage abductors and Theo from his overwhelming debts.

This was a quick and fun read. The forced proximity of Bianca’s father’s country house combined with the seriousness Theo takes his job makes their interactions highly entertaining. If you love caretaking and sick-bed comfort scenes this has a great one as well. Good thing these two are highly attractive because there is an element of insta-attraction seeing as the book is fairly short. But that attraction works as the catalyst for Bianca sharing her true intentions of attracting Theo as a husband. This book made me interested to read Kitty’s book and we are introduced to a character most likely to court her. There are limited “bedroom” scenes, but they felt perfect for how Theo and Bianca become acquainted in such a quick way. Shana Galen delivered a perfect addition to the Lyon’s Den series. I received an early copy, all opinions are my own.

4.5 🌟

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

21 Days with the Lyon by Shana Galen is an entertaining story about a young man who owes Mrs. Dove-Lyon a great deal of money, and a young woman, Bianca, who has such a large dowry that men attempt abductions in order to be married to her. Her father just wants her safe and so approaches Mrs. Dove-Lyon who suggests that Mr Theofile Filliol accompany her to their country home as a body guard for the next twenty-one days and at the end of that time she could propose to him. This, in an attempt to not coerce her into marriage. So he did. They got along well, but Bianca had no idea how to attract or seduce a man, so she embarrassed herself and took her her room. One thing happened after another and believing her to be safe, one morning she took a walk, on her own property, and was grabbed by another man wanting a rich wife. He lost hold of her and she fell and hit her head and broke her arm. Then, Theo arrived, just in time to carry her home. It took a while for the doctor to arrive as the bridge had been washed out. When he arrived he said head injuries were hard and she may or may not wake up. He wrote to her father.

When she was asleep, he spilled his heart out to her, believing her unable to hear him. It was cleansing, but she was kind when she awoke and tried to reassure him. They were both nice people, neither one had any particular outstanding traits, but they were written to be likable. The plot was a little different and so that made it an enjoyable read. Always love Mrs. Dove-Lyon. A fun read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read 21 Days With The Lyon by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #ShanaGalen #21DaysWithTheLyon

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca is having trouble finding a husband. First, her older sister just can’t find a suitable match so the marriage mart frowns upon her looking for a husband now. Second, men keep trying to kidnap Bianca for her inheritance. In a fit of desperation, her father takes her to the Lyon’s Den and asks the Black Widow to make a good match. Theo owes the Black Widow a good deal of money. He is told that he will act as Bianca’s bodyguard for 21 days. What he doesn’t know is that Bianca must ask him to marry her by the end of the 21 days or they will go their separate ways.

Bianca could have been a sad and ridiculous character. Instead, the author gave her depth. She is intelligent, well read and willing to learn new things. My one issue with her is that Theo keeps having to tell her not to leave the house alone. I understand that she feels safe in her family’s country estate but the fortune hunters are clearly dangerous and willing to do anything to force her into marriage. She could almost have been deemed “too stupid to live” if the book had been any longer. Theo starts out the book drunk and broke. The author does a good job explaining why Theo is down on his luck. This was not a redemption story for Theo since he was already a good guy. The story is more than a little ludicrous but by the end I was rooting for them to get together and be happy.

The author decided to create a catchy little stuck together romance set in England during a time when women were property and the Ton ruled relationships. This is part of a much larger series but is a totally standalone book. I will read more from this author in the future.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of Shana Galen’s Twenty-One Days with the Lyon and the views expressed are my honest opinions. It is part of a connected world but can be read as a standalone.
After Bianca Featherswallow was saved by her elder sister Kitty from yet another kidnapping attempt, her father Viscount Featherswallow decides to visit Mrs Bessie Dove-Lyons with the hopes that he could find his daughter a husband immediately. Mrs Dove-Lyons strikes a deal to help the heiress by giving Bianca twenty-one days in which he could court her potential future husband. Should she fail, at least Bianca would not be trapped in a loveless marriage.
Theophile Filliol, younger son to the Earl of Huntingdoneshire and former soldier, had been existing on his return from war. Drinking himself to oblivion and gambling more than he owned didn’t help keep the demons at bay. Under the rouse of being appointed as Bianca’s bodyguard whilst travelling to her father’s country estate, Theo does his utmost to avoid the beautiful Bianca as he deemed himself as unworthy of many things, especially the heiress. Nevertheless, Bianca manages to touch Theo’s heart. When danger follows Bianca to Godwin Priory, will Theo manage to overcome the demons that still plague him and protect Bianca or was he too damaged from the war and its aftermath?
This novella is easy to read and can be finished quickly. Bianca’s elder sister Katherine, who appears briefly in some parts of the novella, will be having her own novella.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful Regency romance packed with danger, wit, and heart-thumping chemistry. The story brings together a refreshingly determined heroine and a brooding, reluctant hero in a classic forced-proximity setup that never feels stale. Bianca Featherswallow is no damsel in distress—she’s sharp, desperate, and painfully endearing as she tries to secure a husband before time runs out. Theo Filliol, a disgraced soldier with more demons than coin, is the perfect foil: rugged, cynical, and absolutely the last man Bianca should fall for… which, of course, makes him irresistible.
Their journey—from stiff civility to smoldering tension to something tender—feels natural and deeply earned. The stakes are real, the villains suitably dastardly, and the emotional payoff is just right. There’s enough banter and longing looks to satisfy diehard romance fans, while the ticking clock adds a delicious layer of urgency.
This story blends heartfelt emotion with a dash of adventure. A satisfying, warm read that proves twenty-one days can be enough… if your heart’s in the right place.
The perfect read if you're looking for a protective hero, a spunky heroine, and just the right amount of slow-burn heat.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

I really enjoyed the short story and it reminded me of Shakespeare's "Taming Of The Shrew", but it is a variation about the younger sister who initially can't marry until the older one is married. The plot is well written and lighthearted with very likeable protagonists, hardly any twists, a touch of suspense and a little spice.
Overall, an entertaining quick read and a nice addition to the Lyon's Den Connected World that I am happy to recommend.

After several failed kidnapping attempts, the rich heiress Bianca Featherswallow and her father have had enough and ask the Black Widow of Whitehall for help in finding a suitable husband for Bianca. She wasn't supposed to marry until after her shrewish sister, but since Bianca doesn't want to be forced into marriage by an unknown, this is the only option. Mrs Dove-Lyon's suggests Theophile "Theo" Filliol, the younger son of an earl who is heavily in debt to her. But Theo must not find out that he is to be set up, so she coerces him to be Bianca's guard for 21 days. During this time, Bianca has time to make him fall in love with her and propose to him at the end...

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Elspeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Shana Galen and am currently finishing up her Survivors series. I hadn't heard of this "Lyon's Den connected world" before and it has 71 books! I may read others because I like some of the other authors, and I like novellas.

In this story, Bianca, the younger of two wealthy sisters, has been almost kidnapped 3 times by poor peers who want her for her money. I really wonder if this soft of thing really happened back then and/or if the guardian would really be required to pay someone her dowry even if she was kidnapped and didn't necessarily agree to marry the person. But I digress.

Bianca and her father go to a matchmaker who pairs her with Theo, a former soldier who has lost lots of money gambling. The plan is that Theo will protect Bianca for 21 days, and over that time she'll end up proposing to him because he isn't likely to do the same. Theo is tormented by the war and how he had let his friend down before he died.

It's a short story and a lot happens along the way. I liked the characters and the story but the "instalove" part of it seemed too rushed. That being said, I will read almost anything by Shana Galen so I was not disappointed.

I received a promotional copy and am giving an honest review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 3 out of 5]

21 Days with the Lyon by Shana Galen

Short quick easy to read romance that has Bessie the Black Widow finding the perfect man and woman to marry and live happily ever after together.

What I liked:
* Bianca: beautiful, kind, generous, hounded by fortune hunters, survived more than one kidnapping attempt, wants to leave the city and settle down with a husband
* Theophile Filliol: 4th son, ex-soldier, depressed, in dept, feels he’s a failure, guarding Bianca, protective, caring, falls for Bianca
* Kitty: Biana’s older sister, abrasive, scares men off, might have a future with her neighbor
* Bianca’s father: loving, kind, wants what is best for his daughters
* Bessie: owns the Lyons Den, matchmaker, wise, intriguing
* That it was an easy read without too much drama
* The plot was simple and easy to read
* That the couple did find happiness with one another

What I didn’t like:
* The numpties that wanted to kidnap and force marriage on Bianca
* That there wasn’t a little bit more depth to the story

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Perhaps

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy whatever this author writes because it is always engaging, well-written, and entertaining whether the novel is long or short. I loved the characters in this book as Bessie Dove-Lyon orchestrates yet another match between two people who need one another. Bianca needs to leave London if she is to escape unwanted attention from desperate men who want the dowry, but not the bride on offer, namely her volatile sister. The Black Widow comes up with a plan to send the reluctant Theo Filliol as Bianca's protector when she returns home to her family's estate. The attraction is instant, but condemnation sits on Theo's shoulder, constantly goading him and telling him how worthless he is. When Bianca is attacked yet again with disastrous results, Theo sits at her bedside and whispers her secrets to her, not realizing she has heard every word. Ultimately, the choice is Bianca's and she chooses Theo. The problem is whether or not he will accept what is being offered to him. The novel is a standalone and comes to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this heartwarming book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sportochick · Rating 4 out of 5]

21 Days with the Lyon by Shana Galen is a delightful fulfilling quick read storyline that will charm the reader.

Bianca Featherswallow is a heiress that keeps getting abducted for her large dowry so her poor father comes up with a plan to get her married and protect her. I love how the story explains the accounting of the deal from Bianca’s view and Theo’s view which are not quite the same. It does make a very interesting storyline and the various abductors add the drama to the story.

Theo is broken from experiences in the war and later after he got back from the war so choosing him to protect Bianca was an interesting choice by Mrs. Dove-Lyon. I have read another book which included the character Mrs. Dove-Lyon and I really enjoyed it so I was very excited to read this one as well.

This book is fun, lively, and dramatic and I recommend it to all reader’s.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca Featherswallow needs to find a husband, since fortune hunters have tried to abduct her numerous times thinking they can force her to marry them. She’d rather have some choice in the matter, so she accepts the suggestion of Mrs. Dove-Lyon to convince Theo Filliol to marry her, while he is told he is to be her protector at her family’s country estate. Theo, the younger son of an earl, is deep in debt to Mrs. Dove-Lyon so he doesn’t have much of a choice, he must accept the job of protecting Bianca. He’s been running from his failures during the war, so he doesn’t feel he’s a match for anyone, let alone the beautiful, sweet Bianca. I loved this couple, the shy, Bianca who desperately needs a protector, and the war weary Theo, battling the demons of his past - I was rooting for them both, I thought they made a perfect couple!

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only one giving her a choice....

Is Mrs. Dove-:Lyon. Who gives Bianca 21 one days to choose to propose to Theo. Bianca is meek, obedient, accommodating, hence her being almost abducted three times for her dowry. Her older sister, Kitty is a shrew (as in The Taming of the Shrew), Kitty and Theo would have been a much better match, as Kitty is tough and Theo is drowning in his guilt, happy to drink and gamble his cares away instead of dealing with PTSD. He needed a stronger partner than Bianca, who, pleasant is boring and agrees with everyone around her. She can barely make her own choice, much less propose to Theo. He needed strength and not weakness and Bianca is brimming with weakness and obedience. Yawn. I did like the Taming of the Shrew angle and that Mrs. Dove-Lyon is the one to give Bianca the only power she has over her own life.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: marriage wager; MMC is a bodyguard for MFC
Steam level: 3
Part of a series but works on its own.

3.25 stars. I like Shana Galen's writing style but this wasn't for me. The characters lacked depth and the set-up was just too far-fetched. The tone was overall modern rom-comish and lightweight, although I did feel some sympathy for the wounded-warrior MMC toward the end. The MFC was just too sheltered and TSTL in places for me to take her seriously. The scenes with the sister Kitty are OTT, but I think I might have liked a book with her and the MMC instead.

The steam felt a bit shoehorned in.

If you are looking for an entry in this series that is modern and lightweight in tone you might like this one.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary opinion. Thanks to the author, Dragon Blade, and Net Galley.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.

This was a short and sweet story about finding love where you least expect it. Bianca is young beautiful and rich, so naturally she's constantly fending off fortune hunters who want to abduct her. She wants nothing more than to return to her family's home in the country, so she and her father visit a matchmaker who hatches a scheme to pair her up with a son of an Earl who's down on his luck.

Under the guise of being Bianca's bodyguard, Theo accompanies her to the country where he's to stay with her for 21 days. At the end of those 21 days, Bianca needs to decide whether she wants to ask him to marry her or not. Their time together is lovely, and of course they end up falling in love - despite a few pitfalls.

It was very enjoyable to read, and the spice was hot as always. I highly recommend this book.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca Featherswallow needs just 21 days to convince Theo Filliol, to marry her. If she doesn’t marry in three weeks, Bianca will once again be prey to fortune hunters who are eager to abduct her for her dowry. Theo was hired by her father to protect her, but he is only doing so as he has racked up debt to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Little does he know that Bianca’s father and Mrs Dove-Lyon have him as their plan to marry Bianca if she is agreeable to the arrangement.
A sweet and fast paced novella with two characters who fall in love at first sight. However, Theo just needs some or little convincing by Bianca, as he is trying to do the right thing by her. Theo is an honorable man, and Bianca is a lovely young girl, making for a lovely romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting the Heiress

Fortune hunters keep attempting to abduct Bianca for her dowry. In desperation, her father seeks the help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon. She has made seemingly impossible matches. Could she help his daughter?

Theo owed Mrs. Dove-Lyon a great deal of money. To drown his sorrows, he drank and gambled. Now, it was time to pay the piper. Theo must protect Bianca for twenty-one days. They would go to the country to hide from fortune hunters. What Theo did not know was that Bianca must propose by the end of the twenty-one days.

Theo did not think he deserved happiness. Bianca did not know how she would propose to a man who left her tongue-tied. Could love help these two people conquer their fears? For the answers, you would want to read this entertaining tale. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Short Delightful Romance Story"
This story for me was an enjoyable, emotional short read that could have been outstanding.
Bianca and Theo were delightful characters. Their desire for one another was simmering
The plot shows just how desperate men can be to marry for money.
There is a very heartfelt confession from Theo that grabbed at my heart.
For a Lyons' Den story this one seemed fairly low key for me. Oh, there is one good scene of passion but when the ending came it really fizzled out and left me somewhat disappointed. A ho-hum ending when it could have been terrific.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Book Rating 3.5 round up to 4.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different Lyon. Usually in the Lyons Den they get married first then try to fall in love. However, the ground rule for this stubbed gent is different. you must protect the girl for 21 days. Unless you want your markers due. So he complies. She is needing a husband because she has been almost abducted by cashless peers. As they spend time together he finally realizes the scam the Mrs. Dove-Lyon has pushed him into.
I have enjoyed seeing his unique story unfold. I have always enjoyed The Lyons Den Series but this book especially so. I think because it was a different take at the same thing.
I received a complementary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion I have given is my own. I am disclosing this according to the guidelines.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great edition to The Lyon's Den. We have Bianca, who's an heiress and keeps getting abducted by fortune hunters. Theo is an ex-soldier who lately has been drinking too much and gambling. As usual, Mrs Dove Lyon sees the potential in both people and sets up a test of Theo protecting Bianca for 21 days.

Both are lovely characters who just need someone to believe in them. Bianca's attempt at flirting was cute. I always enjoy when a character keeps saying someone's name wrong. Theo kept stumbling over her long last name. Great chemistry.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. Bianca is in London for the season with her father and older sister. Young men keep trying to abduct her but they are stopped each time. Her father goes to the Lyon's Den trying to find her a husband and thinking these young men will leave her alone then. Theo owes the Lyon's Den money and his father has thrown him out. He is to take Bianca back to the country for 21 days and be her protector. That works for awhile. Theo has things from the war that keeps him from being the person he should be.