Book Review: Pretty Little Lyon by Katherine Bone

Katherine Bone married a military officer and traveled the world. Her about page even says she has four kids, three cats, and two labs! The characters in her books have inherited her love of travel and adventure, Especially in  Pretty Little Lyon, which is part of the multi-author regency romance series, the Lyons Den.

Summary of The Pretty Little Lyon

Page Count: 133

Series: Lyons Den

Release Date: April 20, 2022

Publisher: Dragons Blade

Pretty Little Lyon is part of the ever-expanding Lyons Den series that encompasses multiple authors and is put out by the Dragons Blade publishing company. Pretty Little Lyon has some astounding characters in them that seem a little plain Jane on the surface. For example, it features Miss. Charlotta Walcot, the daughter of a researcher and professor at Cambridge University. Her mother is no longer in her life, or is she?

The hero of this story is Lord Septimus Grey, who doubles as the henchman “Peregrine Frost” in the night. He is like a nighttime vagility trying to make the world a better place and give himself purpose. Ironically enough, a connection between the hero and the heroine predates the book. Lord Septimus Grey is one of the processor’s old students, and he fell in love with the processor’s daughter when he was at Cambridge. Unfortunately, one thing led to another, and he had to go away without Miss. Walcot in toe.

So imagine her surprise when he shows back up in her life, right when she needs him. Throughout this riveting tale, Lottie (Miss. Charlotta Walcot) is blackmailed by someone unknown to her. She must marry to protect her father, or they will both go down in scandal. This is a regency romance tale, so Lord grey is classically her hero. He swoops in, saves the day, and marries the heroine.

If Pretty Little Lyon seems like a book you would like, go ahead and read the first chapter for free!

Noteworthy Moments from the Regency Romance Novel

This romance novel took on an air of life wisdom and a slightly political edge. It came full circle, comparing regency life to the present day. It is sort of expected by a bluestocking book now days though. Lottie was a bluestocking at heart. One quote that emanates with the bluestocking vibe is:

“When would women come to understand their lives had meaning with or without the marriage bed?” 

 Katherine Bone, The Pretty Little Lyon, page 12

One other tangent on the culture that is worth noting is when Lottie breaks the rules and goes to the Lyons Den. She claims that it is not like her to break the rules and so on and so forth. However, The text says,

“Rules were in place to control the masses and prevent hysteria. Nothing good ever came from breaking societal guidelines. Rules must be followed if one desired to live without scorn in society. Etiquette preserved civilization, the upper classes. Although males dominated her known world-a world where women learned [domestic arts].”

Katherine Bone, The Pretty Little Lyon, page 13

There are quite a few domestic arts listed out, things like birth, raising children, embroidery, etc. Statements like these hidden within regency romance novels offer an interesting voice and take on culture. Authors are often slipping in views, political, cultural, life, or otherwise, into their books. It usually goes above and beyond what is needed to portray the characters.

Five Stars for Pretty Little Lyon

Pretty Little Lyon is a “pretty” pivotal book in the Lyons Den series as a whole. If a book could mic drop or shut the front door, it would be this book. The details hidden within the pages contain secrets and scandals galore that come out of the infamous Lyons Den and the Black Widow of White Hall. Ms. Bess Dove-Lyon is wrapped up in them more than she ever has been in the past. If you are looking for an astounding book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then Pretty Little Lyon is that book. I cannot get over the bombshell announcement about the Widow herself. Forget all the other characters being great! I would even wager it was the most compelling read to hit the regency romance genre this spring. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Do you want to read another review for this book? Check out the Buried Under Romance Blog.

Clean and Wholesome Romance

Not all of the Lyons Den series is labeled as “clean and wholesome,” but Pretty Little Lyon is a very clean book. It gets once flaming heart on the steaminess meter because though it has pivotal points and an air of romance, there is hardly a kiss scene in sight.

Where can you get this book?

You can get this book in ebook and paperback format through Amazon. It is available through the Kindle Unlimited program at the time of writing this post too. The Kindle Unlimited program is a book subscription service you can get through Amazon to read over 2 million books and counting. Many are historical and regency romances, just like Pretty Little Lyon. If you want to read this book and more on Kindle Unlimited, and don’t have a subscription, check out these excellent discounts:

• 5% off a 6 month pre-paid plan
• 10% off a 12 month pre-paid plan
• 20% off a 24 month pre-paid plan

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