A scarred duke. His bluestocking bride. Love that changes everything.
After a devastating fire burned half his body, the reclusive Hugh Westfield, the Duke of Somerset, has dedicated himself to raising his young sister. But he must have a wife to sponsor her in Society, so he approaches the infamous widow proprietress of the Lyon’s Den to find him a bride.
Miss Christiana Nightingale wants nothing more than to dedicate herself to her education, but when Mrs. Dove-Lyon calls in her father’s debts, she finds she is the one expected to pay them—with her hand in marriage. Furious, she vows to free herself from the arrangement, until she meets the mysterious, masked duke who promises her freedom.
Hugh knows his scars make him undesirable, and Christiana was her socialite mother’s greatest disappointment. Their plan is to separate once his sister married—but faced with scheming servants, a matchmaking sister, and unexpected desire, they discover marriage is not as merely convenient as they once thought.
To find happiness, they must accept they are worthy of love… But for Hugh and Christiana, nothing has ever felt more out of reach.
Tropes you'll Scarred heroBeauty and the beastPlain heroineMarriage of convenienceBluestocking heroineArranged marriageSlow burn Read in Kindle Unlimited!
A long-time lover of historical romance, Terri Mackenzie knew from an early age that she wanted to write romance, and from a slighter older age that she wanted them spicy. Now she’s a ghostwriter and author of steamy historical romances, and has never once looked back.
In her books, you will find witty, often wilful heroines, and emotionally complex heroes*. Love always wins out—though sometimes it’s a rocky journey to get there.
*That or an emotionally stunted rake with commitment issues. Take your pick.
Pledged to the Lyon by Terri MacKenzie is a story about a disfigured man who sees himself as beyond redemption, despite the fact he that he acquired the burns trying to rescue his parents from the fire. Hugh was now the Duke of Somerset and feeling the need for a wife, a wife who could chaperone his sister through the season as he obviously could not. Mrs. Dove-Lyon seemed to have found an appropriate candidate so he was off to London, telling his sister he had business. Miss Christiana Nightingale had been a skivvy for her father for years. He was ill and penniless. Penniless because of gambling and drinking. Now, in order to pay his debts he was sending Chris to Mrs Dove-Lyon in lieu of payment. Chris was less than happy. When the duke made it clear it was to be a marriage of convenience, she reluctantly agreed and they were married; his sister was thrilled; some of the servants were not.
Chris was not a beauty, but she was intelligent. Amongst her first chores was to review the household expenses. There she discovered discrepancies. Eventually they added up to quite a bit and she dismissed the housekeeper and the butler. Hugh was becoming more and more impressed. Chris had never thought she would be in love and so was surprised when she discovered she was. Hugh thought he was so badly disfigured that no one would ever be interesting in him. He was surprised to discover that to be not the case. Through some trials, they came together as a couple, with the assistance of Hugh’s sister. All thre excellent charcters. Good read.
I was invited to read Pledged to the Lyon by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #TerriMackenzie #PledgedByTheLyon
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I've seen the Lyons series all over NetGalley and never felt a compulsion to read them. Until now, that is. I love a mask-wearing MMC, especially when they're hiding a big sexy scar under there. Pledged to the Lyon is the marriage of convenience between a woman who agrees to marry a scarred duke to pay off her father's gambling debts. Those darn deadbeat dads are always losing the family fortune but at least that means no shortage of MOCs for me to read. Christiana was a lil’ spectacled bluestocking, but a bit too mouthy for me. I love both glasses girlies and marked men, but something didn't quite click for me in this book. I was expecting more as it took a long while for them to get closer. I can't say I'm fully sold on the Lyon series, but hey it takes all kinds. I'm grateful for this opportunity as I've never met a historical face covering I didn't like.
Terri Mackenzie is a fairly new author for me. This is only my 8th book by her. She was recommended from one of steamy FB groups. I have really been loving her writing.
I really liked this book a lot. I loved Christiana and Hugh and their personalities. As much as Hugh went through he had such a great soul. Yes he was angry at times. Who wouldn't be but maybe because of the fire, it made him who he was. I loved that Christiana "Chris" was just herself and that's the way she was and wasn't changing. I loved how she did what she had to do and always had Hugh's support no matter how difficult for him. Really, really good read. She is becoming a quick favorite author for me. I have loved all her books so far. I would definitely recommend.
Christiana is a proud plain country bluestocking emotionally abused and manipulated by both her parents for years. So, when her father sells her off to cover his debts, is it any wonder she rebels? But the Widow of Whitehall won’t budge. Once a dashing rake, Hugh’s life dramatically changed after a devastating fire left him a severely scarred monster. In the 7 years he hid away his little sister Amilia became a Lady ready to make her debut – and for that he needs a wife. They both agree to an amicable marriage of convenience with a few demands and low expectations, certainly not love. Luckily Amilia happily takes over where the widow left off...
This was an emotional slow burn, beautifully written and just perfect for these two wounded souls – and Amilia added just the right dose of levity (and mischief) for a bit of action. He is a supportive husband from the get-go which takes her off-guard. He admires her hunger for knowledge, her lack of artifice and her no-nonsense approach to his household. She in return (with a little nudge from Amilia) is intrigued by not-so-monstrous husband, and challenges herself to draw him out of his lair. Neither she nor he sees themselves clearly, but they do see the best in each other – and put in the work to bring that out. It’s a bumpy process, but it also means gorgeous growth for the both of them.
While captivating, their story sort of ambles along without real highs or lows. All in all, it was a satisfying, relaxing read. Not great, but really really good! The biggest surprises for me were Christiana’s “scientific curiosity” – didn’t know she had it in her, and neither did she I’m guessing – and the way Amilia stands up to her brother – she’s a little spitfire and I would love to attend her Season in London!
Review of Pledged to the Lyon by Terri Mackenzie Audited by Nwabueze FearGod The narrative arc of Pledged to the Lyon delivers a strong and logical conclusion that justifies the high stakes set in the opening chapters. As a Narrative Auditor, I paid close attention to how the author resolved the financial and emotional debts that drove Miss Christiana Nightingale to the Lyon’s Den in the first place. The growth in Christiana is impressive. She remains a capable and intelligent protagonist until the very last page. Seeing her move from the desperation of her father’s gambling debts to a position of genuine authority and love at the Somerset estate is satisfying. The Duke of Somerset also has a meaningful transformation. His journey from hiding in the shadows to accepting a future with Christiana is handled with a grounded and realistic touch. The pacing across the full story remains consistent. The resolution of the family's financial crisis feels earned rather than forced, and the chemistry between the leads stays central to the plot. It is a well-constructed story that rewards the reader for following the intricate details of the initial marriage contract. For those who enjoy historical fiction with smart characters and a plot built on resilience, this is a highly recommended read. The structural logic holds up from the first meeting at the Den to the final resolution of their shared future.
This was a beautiful and moving book. I like that both Hugh and Christiana were not perfect. They had both been shunned by society (for different reasons,) and they were thrust together by our notorious Mrs. Dove Lyon. Hugh held many scars from being burned in a fire, He also carried many emotional scars from all the fallout from how he got those burns and the aftermath - being labeled a Beast. Christiana wasn’t scarred physically, but she was just plain and a blue stocking. She had spent her childhood shunned by both her mother and father. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed a book with two non-beauties finding love. Most books are filled with stunning people, but this one gives hope and credence to normal and/or scarred people finding lasting love together. Seeing their story unfold and these two find love, acceptance, and peace was just moving.
It was certainly a slow burn, but it was worth it. This was such a book of natural revelation and trust building instead of flash lust and insta love. Is appreciate these types of stories.
This is one of my favorite authors. She knows how to write with depth and feeling. Her stories are always engaging and anything but surface level. This book is another example of her wonderful talent.
Pledged to the Lyon Series: The Lyon's Den Connected World Rating: 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC provided for review. All opinions are my own.
I've always been a huge fan of historical romance and lately the ones I've read for the past year have not been a 5 star read for me, but this one hit all the right spots in what I like to read in HR.
This story was amazing!! I loved it from start to finish. It had many of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience, slow burn, yearning and angst. I especially loved the slow burn because Chris and Hugh really started off with a mutual agreement of their marriage not really aiming to be romantic one, but of course once they got to know one another things changed.
I really liked that Chris never backed down in standing up to Hugh and protecting what was theirs. She was a force to be reckoned with. Hugh had suffered a horrible accident that left him like a lion with a thorn in his paw, but Chris slowly removed it and they both learned that they were both allowed to fall in love.
I really look forward to reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a very poignant and heart wrenching story of two people dragged down by life and yet found the light of love in each other. Christiana has a father who has been nothing but a nasty tyrant. She has no idea what love really is as even her mother turned her back. Hugh’s whole life went up in smoke, literally, and he is left with painful memories and a sister to care for. My emotions were well “played” throughout the story-tears, joy, laughter, pain, angst and love. The author weaves a wonderful story that will stay with me. The love scenes were tastefully done, the ‘angry’ scenes very believable , the climax was very endearing and even the epilogue left me the sense of real life . I would LOVE to see a story about Hugh’s sister and to get to revisit with Hugh and Chris. A beautiful story, with no crass language (thank you Author!) and a sense of real life where even the HEA has some reality built in. Lovely read!
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
After a devastating fire burned half his body, the reclusive Hugh Westfield, the Duke of Somerset, has dedicated himself to raising his young sister. But he must have a wife to sponsor her in Society, so he approaches Bessie Dove-Lyon to find him a bride. Miss Christiana Nightingale wants nothing more than to dedicate herself to her education, but when Mrs. Dove-Lyon calls in her father’s debts, she finds she is the one expected to pay them—with her hand in marriage. Another very good addition to the connected world. I really like both Hugh & Christiana, their chemistry sizzled & their banter was a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA & was left feeling satisfied as to how things worked out I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
We have Hugh Westfield, Duke of Somerset horribly burned in a fire trying to save his parents. I originally thought it was going have sinister implications but it does not! Hugh has a sister Amelia who will need assistance with her London debut! So he travels to London to secure a bride at the famous/infamous Lyons Den. He encounters one very angry Miss Christina Nightingale. Her father owes a huge debt to the Lyons den and is literally dying and using her as collateral! Christina aka Chris options are few! Reluctantly she marries Hugh but he is so much more than his appearance! They are both starved for affection! Hugh finds something that he thinks is horrible but Chris’s explanation will have to wait until after another crisis! These two need to get out of their own way long enough to have a HEA! I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion from Netgalley.
Hugh and Chris enter into marriage for reasons of their own, with little expectation that it will become anything meaningful. But as they begin to share their lives, they discover unexpected common ground. Both have been shaped by a society that hasn’t treated them kindly, leaving them isolated and guarded. In each other, they find not just companionship, but a chance at something deeper.
What makes their story compelling is how real they feel—flawed, imperfect, and human. Their connection doesn’t spark instantly; instead, it grows, built on understanding and quiet moments, making their eventual love all the more genuine and satisfying.
Chattel, Duty, Deal of a Lifetime This is a marvelous love story from beginning to the very surprising end. What a journey this story took me on. I couldn't put it down. Very in-depth characters that Mrs. Dove Lyon brings together through her match making skills once more. Hugh a scared man with issues and Chris the lady that helps him discover what love is all about. I truly enjoyed this extremely emotional love story. Mature Advisory:2/5 Favorite Character> Laura whose advice got this story moving Cover⭐
Thank you NetGalley. Hugh tried to save his parents from a fire but was not successful. He has burns down one side of his body. He goes to Mrs Dove-Lyon needing a bride to take his sister for her first season. Chris has been called to the Lyon's Den to over her father's debt by getting married, They came to an agreement for getting married. Chris and Hugh find they get along better as time goes by. She gets him to go out in public. She is not afraid of him or put out by looking at him with his burns. They eventually become a real family.
Hugh the Duke of Somerset was injured in a fire that killed his parents but is,looking for a wife who will accept his scars but who is able to chaperone his sister during the social season so approaches Mrs Dove Lyon. Christina has run her reprobate of a fathers household for years and discovers he has used her as payment for debts to the Lyons Club. This is a story of two damaged people finding love. It was a lovely cozy read.. Of course Mrs Dove-Lyon Lyons match was successful Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
ARC recieved from Dragonblade Publishing through Netgalley for honest review. No monetary gain.
I quite enjoyed this one. It is a little beauty and the beast /phantom of the opera but softer. The MMC is not as harsh as previous stories told. I enjoyed Hugh and Christiana's interactions from the beginning and how they evolved. I think they complemented each other very well before they even knew. I really liked Amelia! She was just the perfect sister for Hugh. Definitely recommend this one!
Sold to Bessie Dove-Lyon in lieu of her father’s gambling debts, Christiana finds herself wed to a badly scarred Duke who needs a wife to launch his sister in the marriage mart next season. Neither expect to start having feelings for the other, though there are some bumps along the way to their HEA. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A scarred duke needing a wife to sponsor his sister during her season and a plain lady bluestocking, are joined together by Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Christina is just the lady to bring Hugh, the Duke of Somerset, into the light. Some humor and tears. Descriptive sex. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
Enjoyed the story. Mrs Dove-Lyon made a match between Christiana and Hugh that allowed each of them to obtain what they presently wanted and in the end they got more than either had dreamed. I loved Amelia and her take no prisoner attitude. It’s a good story that was well written and entertaining. I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really enjoyable book to read. I liked the slow burn of their relationship. Christiana has a lot of courage even though she has a horrible father. Hugh struggles with his self worth while over compensating with his prideful spirit. Their relationship is complex and slowly builds to something deep. It is a great addition to the series!
Two of my favorite tropes (marriage of convenience and scarred hero). I am a sucker for a scarred hero. This slow burn romance was so sweet and touching and heart breaking and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
This is the first book I’ve read by Terri and I can honestly say that I will look forward to reading more by her! What an affirmation of love when two imperfectly perfect people find each other!
This was my first time reading Terri Mackenzie and it will definitely not be the last! I love the scarred hero and the fact that the heroine is not a beauty herself. I love The Lyon's Den World of books!