The Lion's Lady

I listened to this on audiobook but wanted to add my 5 star review. I absolutely loved, loved this story. I made the mistake of not really listening to the prologue, so readers, don't make that mistake, it is very important to the story. Its a lovely story of two strong characters moving along their bumpy road to true love.

After my first two Garwood books, Secret and Ransom, the background to this book was a surprise but Ms Garwood’s characters are endlessly delightful and her narrative style one of the best. A great read with the added benefit of her typical humor.

Julie Garwood is my favorite author. Her books are charmingly funny and quite amusing.

Christina Bennett has come to London to avenge her mother's death. She uses her European title of Princess Christina when she is presented to London society. Christina hides many secrets - particularly that she was raised by American Native Indians. At times, her presentation to and acceptance by London society seems a little stretched but it is such a great story that you overlook those little bits of non-reality.Lyon, The Marquis of Lyonwood, is a cynical and hard man. He has the usually rakish views of English historical romance in that he does not believe in love or even expect to meet a woman that could mean more to him than the physical side of a relationship.Christina and Lyon meet at a party and from the first glimpse, they know their attraction to each other is certainly unique. Although Lyon doesn't want a relationship with a woman beyond a mistress, he finds himself seeking out Christina again and again. Christina is unlike any woman he has ever met, she is rather blunt and does not fear or hide her fierce attraction to Lyon. Since Lyon has a lot of experience solving mysteries, through his secretive work for the English government, he senses when something is not truthful. And he senses Christina is not being entirely truthful when answering questions about her past. Lyon becomes almost obsessed with finding out about Christina's past and finds himself wildly attracted to her. Christina, in turn, is very attracted to Lyon but will not tell him her secrets because she must maintain her Princess front and knows she will return to America eventually.This is my third Garwood book. I would have rated them all 5 stars but this is the best one yet. The humor is subtle but at times makes you laugh out loud. The story lines were interesting - even the secondary characters and the mysteries! I usually get easily bored with the mystery portion of a romance novel. More times than not, the mystery is poorly written and is an obvious ploy to extend the novel. But the two mysteries written in The Lion's Lady are just right. They take a page or two here and there but aren't boring when they appear.The hero, Lyon, as usual, was a hero to dream about. There are never men like this. If there were, their wives would leave them. Dominance in personality is not a favored trait in a husband today. But this image that Lyon exudes is handsome, dominant, protective, yet very caring as a husband AND it is one of fairy tales. Romance writing certainly contains some aspects of a fairy tale and I think that is one reason I love reading well-written romance novels. I can enjoy Lyon just as he is written! He is a well-rounded romance hero with an appreciation for humor and a definite flair for being in charge.Christina is a very likable heroine. She is a little too sweet at times but I have found that this is typical for Garwood's heroines. But Christina was so ornery and stubborn to boot! She lied - constantly - to Lyon. Fortunately, he considered it endearing beca

"Lion's Lady" is my favorite Julie Garwood novel, and I have read them all. The love story is great, the sensuality is charmingly warm, and the various characters just seem to come alive on the page. The humor which constantly arises due the the contrasting cultures made me laugh all through the book. Christina and Lyon are both intelligent, likeable and strong. The lurking sense of danger which threads through the book makes the plot satisfying, and Christina's mother's journal entries (which start each chapter) are very poignant. I just love this book and would encourage anyone who loves the Regency genre to read it.

My first book by Julie Garwood turned out to be one of my favourite romances of all time (that includes books by Woodiwiss and Lindsey. The best thing about the book was its unique storyline, with Christina starting off as a child in the Indian territories of America and ending up a star in London's high society. The book was both amusing and moving, with fast paced dialogue between the characters. I have since read nearly all of Julie Garwood's books. This one is for keeps.

This is my 2nd most favorite of Ms. Garwood's novels. The Bride will always be the best. I loved Christina. She is independent, strong and very resourceful. I think I like her even better than Jamie (The Bride). Lyon is the perfect match for the beautiful and headstrong Christina. He is not the typical brutish, insensitive hero who tries to bend her will (not as much anyway). I laughed so hard when he think she constantly falls out of their bed and the fact that everytime she is upset with him, she cuts her hair. I recommend this book and the trilogy of The Gift, The Castles and Guardian Angel also. Julie: Keep on writing.