Lady Luck and the Lyon

The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Chasity Bowlin

Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made... unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.

Kissing her had been a terrible miscalculation on his part. But laughing with her, finding something to enjoy about being in her company, that could well be an unmitigated disaster.

Welcome to the next Lyon's Den book by USA Today Bestselling author Chasity Bowlin!

Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, is in dire need of both a wife and a fortune. He thought he’d found the perfect woman to fulfill both very nicely. But just days before they were to marry, she fled to Scotland in the arms of her younger brother’s tutor. Left high and dry, there’s only one option—Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, London’s most notorious matchmaker. With desperation as his constant companion, Garrick informs her that any young lady will do…so long as she has the appropriate accompanying fortune.

Miss Ellis Lockhart is in a terrible situation. Embarking on her fourth season with not a prospect in sight, her sisters are beginning to turn on her. Her infamously tightfisted father has refused to have more than one daughter launched in society at any given time. Until she makes a match, her sisters must hover in the background—waiting as spinsterhood looms over them all. Out of desperation, she reaches out to Mrs. Dove-Lyon and begs for her assistance…anyone will do, so long as he is a gentleman of rank.

There’s really only one problem and it becomes apparent when the duo meet at the church for their wedding—Garrick and Ellis are not unknown to one another. In fact, they rather hate one another.

But with the help of a little luck, and the meddling of Mrs. Dove-Lyon, they might soon realize that the line between love and hate is a fine one, and a fiery one, indeed.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Marriage Of Convenience

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2022

About the author

USA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.

Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sort of enemies to lovers story, but so much more. Garrick, Viscount Lynley, is in dire need of a wife with a fortune. He goes to see Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find a wife. Miss Ellis Lockhart has been trying to find a husband for 4 years, to no avail. They each meet at their wedding without knowing who they are marrying. Both of them are not pleased, to say the least, but they still marry. Phillip Dorchester, cousin and heir to Garrick, together with Winston Lockhart (Ellis's father), plan to break up the newlyweds. I loved this story, lots of ups and downs and nefarious goings on - and a lovely HEA.
Loved it! 5☆

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books where I found myself cheering the heroine on as she faced insults and disparagement at the hands of those who should have been supporting her. In desperate need of a husband, Ellis Lockhart takes the road least traveled and approaches The Black Widow of Whitehall to assist her in finding a husband. Likewise, with his wedding date looming on the horizon and no bride, and his grandfather's ultimatum around the corner, Viscount Lynley lays down very basic requirements before Bessie Dove-Lyon, one of which his wife needs to have a pulse. Meeting at the altar, sight unseen is an unmitigated disaster as Ellis and Garrick come face to face with their worst nightmare. Whilst the couple embark on a rocky road, it is not without benefits to both of them, and in the process, they discover an attraction in spite of their misgivings. Unfortunately, there are those who would do anything to destroy their marriage, not realizing that they are giving Ellis and Garrick even more reason to make their union work. The novel comes to a very satisfactory conclusion, although I would have liked to see the perpetrators receive a harsher punishment. I received a copy of this entertaining novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been greatly enjoying this saga of stories all of which are interconnected via The Black Widow of Whitehall and her unique methods of matching members of the ton to their perfect counterpart which of course leads to a HEA. 😉

Ellis Lockhart needs to be married. She and her two sisters are at the mercy of their miserly yet wealthy father, Winston Lockhart. Only when they are married will each of the sisters inherit their portion of their grandfather’s bequest.

Lord Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, needs a wealthy wife to claim his inheritance, due to some cumbersome requirements in his grandfather’s will. He has only a few days to meet the deadline.

These two head into a marriage of convenience without meeting each other until they meet at the alter, guess what … they already know each other. The devious Black Widow strikes again ❤️‍🔥 I adored Garrick & Ellis and loved the perfect blend of marriage of convenience with opposites attract. The chemistry between these two was perfect but didn’t take over the story.

As with all of Chasity Bowlin’s stories there is a lot of heartfelt emotion included in the story, along with humor, some mystery and intrigue, and a great HEA. However Bowlin makes her characters work for their HEA so don’t expect a story full of smooth sailing.

Another wonderfully entertaining story from the Lyon’s Den World.

4.5 Stars ⭐️ | Heat 4 Flames 🔥

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Jerrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, needs a replacement bride. He does not care who she is as long as she has a certain amount of money for her dowry and can marry him in less than three days.
Miss Ellis Lockhart needs a husband. She does not care who it is as long as he has a respectable title. Mrs. Dove-Lyon has made her selection, but the bride and groom do not know who they are marrying until the bride walks down the aisle. There is a strong dislike between them from a previous incident, which was all a misunderstanding.
As they get to know each other, their feelings start to change. Then someone tries to kidnap Ellis.
STEAMY!!!
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, is in dire need of both a wife and a fortune, in order to fulfill his grandfather’s will. He thought he’d found the perfect woman to fulfill both very nicely. But just days before they were to marry, she fled to Scotland in the arms of her younger brother’s tutor. Left high and dry, there’s only one option—Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, London’s most notorious matchmaker. Miss Ellis Lockhart is in embarking on her fourth season with not a prospect in sight, her three sisters are beginning to turn on her. Her infamously tightfisted father has refused to have more than one daughter launched in society at any given time. Out of desperation, she reaches out to Mrs. Dove-Lyon and begs for her assistance anyone will do, so long as he is a nobleman. There’s really only one problem and it becomes apparent when the duo meet at the church for their wedding—Garrick and Ellis are not unknown to one another. In fact, they rather hate one another.
This was SO good & I devoured it on a stormy afternoon. I loved Ellis who had suffered abuse from all sides not least from her despicable father, she’s shy which makes her clumsy, she’s not svelte & has had to dress in unbecoming refurbished dresses, so I was routing for her to be loved & protected. I also grew to love Garrick who’d been put in an untenable situation by his father & grandfather but he came through I adored how he came to love Ellis. I wasn’t keen on her sisters but Leighton did redeem herself & it will be interesting to see how the other two are redeemed. A very well written engrossing read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply delightful!!
He needed a bride right away. The one he was to marry had run over with a tudor. He was going to be humiliated and he was desperate to obtain funds for the estate his father had left in a mess.

She needed a husband, the sooner the better. If she did not marry first, her father would not allow her sisters to have their chance! The money she would have as her dowry was from her grandfather and her father could not touch it.

Solution? Mrs Bessie Dove-Lyons! She sets things in motion and they meet and marry the next morning. But she never expected to see dislike in both of their faces?

Oh yes, they had met before and now they were stuck with each other. But could they get to know each other and be happy? Unfortunately, there are villains behind the scenes that do not want their marriage to work.... Hopefully they can find their way!! Loved it!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellis is a fantastic heroine and I love a dastardly villian! I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't had a chance to read it yet but it is without a doubt one of the best installments in the Lyon connected world I have seen yet!

[Jultri · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3. Average read. Average writing. A matchmaker organises a MOC between a heiress on the shelf in desperate need of a husband and a viscount in need of a well-dowered wife. Once at the altar, the bridal pair realises too late that they are already acquainted and not on the best of the terms. Determined to make the best of a difficult situation, they decided to bury the past animosity. Love inexplicably followed within days. Slow-burn it isn't. Insipid heroine who was everyone's doormat - her nasty younger sisters, even the butler. These never got their comeuppance and the heroine never really grew in character.

My first book by the author and likely my last.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasing read!

Delightful story that in true Lyon’s Den style has an “all’s well that ends we’ll” conclusion, if a little rocky at the beginning. Mixing the tropes of Marriage of Convenience, with a touch of Enemies to Lovers and a smidgeon of the Ugly Duckling, the plot is nicely, if not extensively executed.
Ellis Lockhart needs to be married. She and her two sisters are at the mercy of their miserly yet wealthy father, Winston Lockhart. Only when they are married will each of the sisters inherit their portion of their grandfather’s bequest.
Lord Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, needs a wealthy wife to claim his inheritance, due to some cumbersome requirements in his grandfather’s will. He has only a few days to meet the deadline.
What can I say? After all, this a Lyon’s Den offering!
After various, nefarious plots are executed, and thwarted, an HEA blooms.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️1/2. r-up
💋💋

Very enjoyable and entertaining read.
This was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed it, such brilliant characters and descriptions of places or items.

Loved Garrick the Viscount, a slightly moody man but he has a wonderful heart.
Ellis was sweet and stronger than she’s first depicted which was great. I also loved that she was a bigger lady, not the catwalk type at all, that set this book apart for me, and made it special to me.

Can’t wait to see what happens with the sisters and Lord Ramsden, I’d love to see Miss Acres get a happy ending too.
Great read

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[travelbug74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't rewrite the synopsis since several other reviews have done already. I will say this is such a lovely read. Great for a rainy day curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea. I love both MC's and thought that they had great communication in what they both wanted. I did not love Ellis's sisters. They were selfish and made her the sacrificial lamb. It all turned out well of course!

I received and eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Luck and the Lyon by Chasity Bowlin is another of the Lyon's Den Connected World and deal with two people in a hurry. They don't care who their intended mate is, they just want it to happen fast. Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, has a deadline imposed by his very conservative grandfather in his will. He must marry within a years of his grandfather's death and his new wife must carry 5,000 pounds annually or 12,000. He had had a betrothed, in fact the wedding was scheduled for several days from now, but the bride had run away with her brother's tutor, leaving him high and dry. He was not one to visit gambling dens but in this case he must approach Mrs. Dove-Lyon and request her assistance. Ellis Lockhart was a bit old to be looking for a husband, particularly after four failed seasons. Her father would not let another of his four daughters make their debut until Ellis was married. He had plenty of problems, this was the least of them from his daughters' perspectives but off to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for assistance. Mrs. Dove-Lyon even provided her with a wedding dress. When they met at the altar, all either of them could see was a person that had run into before, unsuccessfully. The ceremony went forward.

This was a fun, different sort of story, although all of the Lyon's Den stories tend to be different as they portray people who are desperate. There were people, relatives of each, who didn't want this marriage to take, place, much less last. These people took steps to make sure nothing came of the marriage. Both of these people were stubborn and refused to give in to the wishes of others. Garrick was very buttoned-up and very conservative, but realistic. Ellis was a good person at heart, despite her father's best efforts. It was a fun plot, which Bowlin wrote well, and kept light, given the situation. I enjoyed and look forward to the others which will be forthcoming.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Lady Luck and the Lyon by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #ladyluckandthelyon #chasitybowlin

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, was just days short of fulfilling his grandfather’s requirement for acquiring his inheritance when his betrothed ran away with another man. Desperate, he turns to Bessie Dove-Lyon, owner of the Lyon’s Den gambling establishment and matchmaker extraordinaire. His request was for a bride who would meet his grandfather’s ultimatum, and Garrick added that a pulse would be nice.

Miss Ellis Lockhart has failed in four seasons to interest a gentleman. Her sisters implore her to do something, find someone to marry, so that miserly father will allow them seasons. Desperate, there’s that word again, she turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Her requirements are as simple as Garrick’s. She would like a husband who is not cruel, and a title would be nice as it would help her sisters’ entry to Society easier.

The match is made and the wedding is underway. Unfortunately, the bride and groom did not meet before the wedding. It seems they have a rather unpleasant history and don’t like each other very much. Our story takes off with a grumpy groom, a somewhat shy, clumsy bride, and a father and a cousin determined to ruin everything. It’s touchy at first, but they agree on a truce. As soon as they relax, they realize this might be such a disaster after all. Unfortunately, the father and cousin take steps (attempted kidnapping, attempted murder) to destroy their marriage before it has a good start. There is a lot of emotion in the story, some danger, and a good bit of humor. Ellis’s maid is hilarious. I love Garrick and Ellis. Opposites truly attract in this one. As the story winds down, the villains are dealt with, some secrets are revealed, and there is a wonderful surprise. Another wonderfully entertaining story from the Lyon’s Den World.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love blooms from discord steeped in desperation!!!

LADY LUCK AND THE LYON is an emotionally engaging and fun read that fits perfectly within the matchmaking world of Mrs Dove-Lyon. It was just so easy to love Garrick and Ellis despite, and in many cases because of, their misplaced animosity and magnetic draw towards each other.
I literally cheered and cried along with Ellis as she battled against greed, selfishness, tyranny and a constant barrage of insults. To discover love can grow and blossom from the most unlikeliest of circumstances.
Sheer desperation, sibling love and, most surprisingly of all, conflict caused from an array of misunderstandings that instantly sprouted into a loathing humming with tension - thanks to a series of unfortunate mishaps - sees our pair delightfully thrown together. These two had me instantly rooting for them and fighting right alongside them. Perhaps even more so because of the fact they really needed someone so badly to rely on. Making me hope, so intently, that their marriage of convenience would spark a connection, right misperceptions and ultimately shift into fulfilment and much needed happiness and love.
Together I just loved the mix of edgy chemistry, sharp wit, honesty and the depth of caring that seeped through the underlining moments of awkwardness, vulnerability and deep rooted insecurities. Topped off with the heated passion that flared as they grew toward each other.
A really statisfying read with well drawn characters that effortlessly pulled me in and tugged at my heartstrings. Whilst the plot provided a barrel load of torment, bittersweet romance and scheming to make this one fulfilling tale!!
With the added bonus of more to come with the promise of future bumpy journeys to HEAs for Miss Acres, Lord Ramsden and hopefully Ellis' sister, Leighton too.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrick & Ellis. After 4 seasons, her 3 sisters are getting irritated with her not making a match and marrying. Their father (excessive cheapskate) will only allow one daughter out in society at a time. Being the sacrificial lamb, she goes to Bessie to make her a match. He needs a wife partly to save his bankrupting estates but mostly as a covenant in his grandfather's will. He must marry within 1 year of his death to a worthy woman (5K a year or 12K lump sum). He was set to marry but his fiancée ran off with her brother's tutor (come to find out she was kidnapped to prevent the marriage from happening). He goes to Bessie to find a replacement wife; his only criteria are the covenants in his grandfather's will. Bessie matches Garrick and Ellis not realizing that they have a not so great history (she dumped lemonade off a balcony onto his GF that he was planning on proposing to and he got blamed for it, and he gave her a most epic set down when her aunt went to introduce them after the lemonade incident). We have a married at first sight (at the wedding) but both feeling trapped and needing a marriage they proceed. Their marriage starts off rocky (they can't stand each other) but try to make peace enough to make their marriage tolerable. After finding out that her dad was going to try and annul their marriage (so he didn't have to give away her interest bearing dowry) they are forced to consummate their marriage and shockingly they start getting the feels for each other. After a failed kidnapping (by his cousin who would've inherited everything if he didn't meet his grandfathers covenants) her father attempts to kill them (just to keep $$$ even though he's loaded already). It fails and they give him the option to ship off to America in lieu of prison.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book!!! Ellis takes the cake. She is misunderstood and looked upon as a tragic mistake of human nature. Garrick is gruff and unyielding in his attitude and personality. But when the day of the arranged marriage came, they were so surprised to see each other. They disliked each other immensely. Ellis was impeding the opportunity of her sisters coming out. Her skinflint father was worse than scrooge. In the end he admitted he had no love for his useless daughters. It was horrible how he made them live in substandard conditions. So, when a desperate Ellis and Garrick separately came to Mrs. Dove Lyon requesting a match, they had no idea it would be to each other. Now they had to try and make the best of it. Little did they know there were two people who were working against them because of their greediness. In the meantime, Garrick begins to understand Ellis much better and starts to like her. I also liked the fact that Ellis was a BBB. Big, Beautiful and Brilliant. She was so self-conscious of her body for the layers and dimples would disgust Garrick. Instead, he found himself quite fond of her bounty and softness. He loved it. Things just got better and better. When Ellis's life was in danger Garrick was surprised by his reaction. He knew he was falling in love and would do anything to keep her safe. The two villains were uncovered, shocking secrets exposed and a just penalty dealt. Great story. I highly recommend.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hate turns to love

Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, is in dire need of both a wife and a fortune. He thought he’d found the perfect woman to fulfill both very nicely. But just days before they were to marry, she fled to Scotland in the arms of her younger brother’s tutor. Left high and dry, there’s only one option—Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, London’s most notorious matchmaker. With desperation as his constant companion, Garrick informs her that any young lady will do…so long as she has the appropriate accompanying fortune.
Miss Ellis Lockhart is in a terrible situation. Embarking on her fourth season with not a prospect in sight, her sisters are beginning to turn on her. Her infamously tightfisted father has refused to have more than one daughter launched in society at any given time. Until she makes a match, her sisters must hover in the background—waiting as spinsterhood looms over them all. Out of desperation, she reaches out to Mrs. Dove-Lyon and begs for her assistance…anyone will do, so long as he is a gentleman of rank.
There’s really only one problem and it becomes apparent when the duo meet at the church for their wedding—Garrick and Ellis are not unknown to one another. In fact, they rather hate one another.
Ellis is a chubby girl who no one wants. Garrick is desperate for a wife. Together they overcome their own problems.
It seems that they have an ultimate hate for each other.
That hate turns to an everlasting love.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
Chasity Bowlin has written a great story.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

This is the perfect book for a rainy or snowy day. Grab a blanket and some hot chocolate and sit back and enjoy! I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and read it pretty much in one sitting. And how great is it to see a female romantic lead with a normal body? I loved Ellis from page one and kind of really hated her sisters and father (Leighton redeems herself, but initially I was not a fan). I liked Garrick because he quickly came to realize what a treasure he had in Ellis and started to open up to her. I especially liked when his reaction when Ellis voices her fear that he had something to do with her almost abduction - he's upset (and for good reason) but doesn't totally shut her out, more just tells her to give him some time to nurse his wounded pride. Of course it helps that he quickly gets over that need and goes to his wife. Ellis and Garrick really are perfect for one another and you know they've got what it takes to make it. I felt so bad for Miss Acres when it's discovered what really happened to her, I'm glad she is going to get her own story and I can't wait to read it! We get a tease at the end that Leighton's story will also get its own book so I'm looking forward to that too (like I said, she does redeem herself from her early selfish behavior toward Ellis). a

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own many books by this author and she is a favorite of mine. I like how her character's are flawed and not cookie cutter's.

I mentioned before how this is one of my favorite series - about the Lyon's Den and the owner Mrs. Dove-Lyon. This series, is written by different author's some have contributed more than one story. They are all stand alone, even though part of a big series. Only common thread is our Mrs. Dove-Lyon. In this story she has more of a part than in some of the other stories. She realizes she may have blundered in putting the H/h together and shows heart in trying to remedy the situation. Unknown to her, the couple were already finding their way to their HEA. It was a nice set up at the Masked Ball for the sister of the h.

I felt the romance in this story shinning through and at a perfect pace. I did have a soft spot for the h and how she endured not being perfect. The H and she had a misunderstanding and I didn't hold it against him. He was in a desperate situation because of his grandfather's will and at times came across as rude and cold. But, I understood his reason and when the h tried to explain what truly happened you could see him ponder her words and started to warm to their situation.

Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and filled with passion.

No cheating. no cliffhanger, bumpy road to HEA, romance, suspense, bad villains, twist at the end and steam. Perfect combination for a great read. (ljb)

[Anonymous 5]

I have recently started reading this series and I can tell you I have definitely become addicted! This was a wonderful addition to the series with a great marriage of convenience trope. Ellis needs to marry in order to be able to get access to her inheritance left by her grandfather. She's not really picky, as long as he has a respectable title. So she enlists the help of non other than London's most infamous matchmaker, The Black Widow of Whitehall. Garrick also needs to marry in haste. He is looking for a wife with a fortune to fulfill his grandfather's will, and also approaches The Black Widow for help. They both agree to marry without meeting and when they face each other at the alter, both are shocked, as they have certainly met before, and now it appears they are stuck with each other. But as the two get to know each other, they definitely start growing closer, but also need to beware of villains wanting to break them apart. An entertaining and well-developed story that captured my attention from the start and kept my interest till the end, and great characters that had me rooting for them the whole time. This was my first book by Ms. Bowlin and I definitely intend to read more. Really enjoyed the story!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most women would wish for more requirements in a bride than “a pulse would be nice”, but aside from a particular amount of money, that was all Viscount Linley required. Though her requirements weren’t much better. Simply someone who would remove her from her fathers house, nothing else mattered. This made for an interesting wedding morning, finding your future spouse was someone you detested. Many things to overcome, and many obstacles on the path to happiness. Chastity Bowlin writes an intriguing love story as instead of a love leading up to a marriage, we find ourselves immersed in the reverse story. A wedding leading to love, if they can get past their pride and stubbornness Lon enough to truly see each other. I loved the fact that we see Ellis’ insecurities, not in a way of self-hatred, but in her acceptance that she is not your typical London Miss. She has flaws, has never been dressed to flatter and she’s stubborn. Ellis is prepared to sacrifice her happiness to give her sisters a chance at theirs. It is nice to see someone step up to put her first. The characters are well written and you can not help but fall in love with them.

[Judith Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet slow burn romance.
Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, is in dire need of both a wife and a fortune and there’s only one option—Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, London’s most notorious matchmaker. Miss Ellis Lockhart is embarking on her fourth season with not a prospect in sight. Her infamously tightfisted father has refused to have more than one daughter launched in society and until she makes a match, her sisters must hover in the background. Out of desperation, she reaches out to Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
There’s really only one problem and it becomes apparent when the duo meets at the church for their wedding—Garrick and Ellis are not unknown to one another. In fact, they rather hate one another.
This love story is easy to read and engaging. The main characters are well developed and likeable. Garrick is an absolutely rule follower, and Ellis is clumsy and awkward with people she doesn´t know. The are two villains, her father and his cousin, and many sweet moments with other sexy ones. I enjoyed it a lot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says all heroines should be blonde, blue-eyed, and a perfect figure? Chasity Bowlin has just shown that ladies with a little extra have it going on too! Lady Luck and the Lyon is a wonderfully entertaining story of mishaps and mayhem. Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley, needs a wife right now! His fiancee' eloped with her brother's tutor just days before the wedding so he is desperate for a stand-in. He visits Mrs. Dove-Lyon to ask for help. Miss Ellis Lockhart is the eldest daughter of four sisters and their father treats them like slaves instead of the nobility they are. Ellis will make the sacrifice to marry someone unknown to her so that her sisters can make a good match and get out from under their father's house. She asks for Mrs. Dove-Lyon's assistance. With no time to spare both parties meet at the wedding and realize they already know and despise each other. This book is funny, romantic, steamy, and anger provoking. I loved this book! I cannot wait to read the stories for the other sisters as Mrs. Bowlin alluded to at the end of the book. Maybe a new series?

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER GREAT BY CHASITY BOWLIN!!! Lady Luck and the Lyon by Chasity Bowlin was a terrific read and I could not put this book down. Chasity has such an amazing way of writing that they are easy to read, original and gives the real feel of the regency era. I also found this book to be quite witty as our heroine of the story is a tad clumsy and finds herself being humiliated serval times. Poor thing… but I can totally relate. I found the banter in the beginning fantastic and the romance between Garrick and Ellis to sizzle. This slow burn romance will keep you on the edge of your seat. This story has a 4 daughters who’s father only cares about money, a Viscount that needs to marry for money, a matchmaker who doesn’t know the couple despised each other before the wedding, evil, a jealous cousin, an attempted kidnapping, learning to trust and falling in love. This book has it all and I am highly recommending it!!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrick Bancroft, Viscount Lynley is desperate for a bride because of the terms of his grandfather's will. There's only one place he knows that can help him. 

Miss Ellis Lockheart has been out in society for four years,  but nobody has ever been interested in her. Living with a father who pinches every penny and insists that only the first one of the four sisters can even look for a husband is making all of them miserable. As she is of age there's only one person who can help her find a husband who is as desperate as she is.  

This historical romance is linked to the "Lyon's Den World" where unlikely matches are made. 

Our characters find that first impressions are not always the indicators of what a person is really like.  This makes for a very amusing story. 

A light hearted addition to a very good "world".

Good fun. 

[DENISE I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed how the series “The Lyons Den” has introduced me to so many authors that I would have otherwise overlooked. I’ve been reading historical romance novels for the past 2 years, stumbling over and into each one and each author.

Initially, I really disliked the hero. He was pompous, unfeeling, snotty and mistreated the heroine based on looks and impressions when she was in actuality saving his fat free the fire!

While I felt somewhat sorry for the heroine, I wanted her to grow a spine! Slap crap out of the butler! Poison mean cheap daddy! And toss that sorry butt cousin into the street! Okay, that’s the bloodthirsty me, but I really did want a little more punishment for the daddy!!

I am thrilled to know that this is the beginning of a new series. My problem is I hate waiting for them to come out!! 😀

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Good story, Garrick needs a wife to gain his grandfather's inheritance after his father has spent the estates assest. .Ellis needs to wed because her skin flint father won't let the other sisters wed until she's spliced. He really doesn't want any of them to marry because he wants to keep the interest from their dowries. They both go to see Bessie at the Lyon and she sets them up not realising that they don't like each other.
There's other baddies that try to kidnap Ellis (not keen on her name nor her sisters)

The Passion is well written and I was happy to see the HEA for not just Ellis but her sister Leighton (probably detailed in another book?)

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

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Luck and the Lion
Chasity Bowlin

The Lion's Den is known as a notorious gambling den and where marriage matches are made. Some for better and this time it seems that it is for the worst. The Black Widow could not believe that it could be as bad as it turned out. The Viscount Lynley, Garrick Bancroft, needed a wife before he loses his inheritance. Miss Ellis Lockhart, needed to be married before any of her sisters could attend the Marriage Mart. So, they sought help. Of course, a match was made and until the bride walked down the aisle, the groom realized he could not stand her. He knew her and believed she was appalling. Chasity has given us an interesting read, that keeps your attention and wondering just how the marriage could or would work out.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Least likely to marry

Ellis has the most tight fisted miser of a father who lets her and her sisters go out in public is patched clothes 20 years old! Garrick has to marry an heiress to fulfill parts of a will and of course keep it out of the hands of his evil heir!
Ellis is like a bit of sunshine she is honest to a fault some things about Garrick I do not like even when he is nice he seems a bit cold! There are more than 1 villain and many moving parts! Ellis is not fat or plump she’s voluptuous!
I would like to think Leighton Ellis sister also has a story to be told in the Lyons den! If you like attempted abductions, steamy love scenes, humor, and after marriage intervention of Mrs Betsy Lyon then prepare to stay up way late after another trip to the Lyons den!

[MrsMascara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasity Bowlin is a fab writer, and this latest installment in the Lyon's den series features some of my favourite old school tropes, the Ugly Duckling - the downtrodden and honorable woman, pushed into an untenable situation, forced into a Marriage of Convenience, and they blossoming once her initially oblivious and uncaring husband realises what a gem she is.

Miss Ellis Lockhart is the eldest daughter of a nasty and penny pinching member of the gentry. Her notoriously tight fisted father has refused to sponsor more than one daughter at a time for a season, and poor Ellis is clumsy, socially awkward and unfashionbly plump. Her sisters are demanding she get on with finding any match, so they can escape their dreadful home and father. She has also queered Viscount Lynley's pitch with a beautiful heiress, accidentally, so they dislike each other intensely. Garrick, the Viscount is in immediate need to a bride with a fortune to save his inheritance passing to a feckless cousin.

Prepared to sacrifice her own happiness for any match, Ellis approaches Bessie Doves Lyon, and desperate for any woman with money, so does Garrick. When they meet at church, they are both horrified. How can they get past the misunderstandings and dislike? Garrick was a bit of a piece of work intially, however, he soon comes to see that Ellis is shy and downtrodden, rather than stupid and clumsy, and he soon cant do wityhout her.

Deliciously done developemnt of the relationship between the hero and heroine, and although the sisters were a little unlikeable, Leighton came through at the end, and I hope the others will improve on further acquaintance.

Highly recommended.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and all opinions are my own.