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Lair of the Lion
The Beast . . .
Rumor said the powerful Nicolai DeMarco could command the heavens, that the beasts below did his bidding . . . and that he was doomed to destroy the woman he took as wife. It was whispered he was not wholly human—as untamed as his tawny mane and slashing amber eyes.
The Beauty . . .
Impoverished aristocrat Isabella Vernaducci would defy death itself to rescue her imprisoned brother. She’d even brave the haunted, accursed lair of the lion—the menacing palace of legendary, lethal Don Nicolai DeMarco.
The Bargain . . .
Then Isabella met a man whose growl was velvet, purring heat, whose eyes held dark, all-consuming desire. And when the don commanded her to become his bride, she went willingly into his muscled arms, praying she’d save his tortured soul . . . not sacrifice her life.
Rumor said the powerful Nicolai DeMarco could command the heavens, that the beasts below did his bidding . . . and that he was doomed to destroy the woman he took as wife. It was whispered he was not wholly human—as untamed as his tawny mane and slashing amber eyes.
The Beauty . . .
Impoverished aristocrat Isabella Vernaducci would defy death itself to rescue her imprisoned brother. She’d even brave the haunted, accursed lair of the lion—the menacing palace of legendary, lethal Don Nicolai DeMarco.
The Bargain . . .
Then Isabella met a man whose growl was velvet, purring heat, whose eyes held dark, all-consuming desire. And when the don commanded her to become his bride, she went willingly into his muscled arms, praying she’d save his tortured soul . . . not sacrifice her life.
366 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2002
342 people are currently reading
3436 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
178 books52.7k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
March 13, 2023
This is my new standard for fantasy romance five-star. It flowed seamlessly.
I loved Isabella right from the first page. She was a vibrant character with a worthy goal of saving her brother, but the only help was in a perilous land full of lions and a potent old curse. It did not deter her from embarking on the journey. In the end, she got what she wanted and found new people and new love.
What’s not to like? Five stars.
I loved Isabella right from the first page. She was a vibrant character with a worthy goal of saving her brother, but the only help was in a perilous land full of lions and a potent old curse. It did not deter her from embarking on the journey. In the end, she got what she wanted and found new people and new love.
What’s not to like? Five stars.
August 16, 2017
Finally. Oh don't get me wrong , this was not a bad read . It is good but during reading sometimes you suffer boredom which is a problem.
In general , it is a good one.
In general , it is a good one.
April 12, 2010
Lair of the Lion is the first historical I've read by Christine Feehan. It's hard to believe I read my first Feehan book last January. Since then, I've glommed her backlist. She's one of my favorite authors now. This isn't one of my favorites, but it was a good, enjoyable book. I think my problem is, I really don't care for gothic romance, in general. I think too much time is built on going into the mystery and the dark forces out to get the heroine. I like my romance to focus on the attraction and the unfolding relationship between the hero and the heroine. If the story can do that and have some tension and suspense at the same time, I'm all for it. I think Anne Stuart does this better than any other author, so I usually love her gothic romances. But I digress.
There were elements to this story I really enjoyed. I liked that Ms. Feehan wrote a historical that was set in Italy, not the usual UK setting. I liked that her characters were Italian and had the aspects of this culture. I think she did a great job of establishing the scene: the ever-present air of menace, a remote occasion, a heroine who doesn't know who she can truly trust because danger is all around her. I also liked the medieval setting.
As usual, I love her heroes and heroines. In this story, Isabella really shines. What a strong heroine she is. She was brave enough to go to the beast's lair to get help for her brother from their enemy. Several times, she put herself in danger to protect others, her selfless love for Nicolai. But she also showed a lot of pluck, telling this big, scary guy off with no qualms, when he deserved a good tongue-lashing. Nicolai was as scrumptious as most of Feehan's heroes. Tortured to boot. I almost felt like he could have been in this book more, because he was usually hiding in the shadows or dealing with threats. But when he was in the book, and interacting with Isabella, it was great. Oh, yes. And the passion. Check. That's always there in a Christine Feehan book. Well-done in that regard. And the secondary characters were well-drawn and added significantly to the story. Ms. Feehan kept me guessing who was behind the sabotage that was occuring. I didn't guess the right people, and that's always nice when it happens.
So, I won't go on and on about this book. I don't have that much to say. It was an interesting premise, with the curse that destroyed generation after generation of marriages and wives, because of a terrible event in the past. That dark legacy hanging over the people in Don De Marco's holding. Isabella being the key to their salvation. I didn't quite get all the nuances of Nicolai's condition, but it was interesting, nonetheless. And I love cats, so it was very nice to see all the lions and how dangerous they were. Very unique spin on the Beauty and the Beast story, without trashing the essential elements of this tale. Not my favorite by Ms. Feehan, but a very good book. I'll keep this one and add it to the collection.
There were elements to this story I really enjoyed. I liked that Ms. Feehan wrote a historical that was set in Italy, not the usual UK setting. I liked that her characters were Italian and had the aspects of this culture. I think she did a great job of establishing the scene: the ever-present air of menace, a remote occasion, a heroine who doesn't know who she can truly trust because danger is all around her. I also liked the medieval setting.
As usual, I love her heroes and heroines. In this story, Isabella really shines. What a strong heroine she is. She was brave enough to go to the beast's lair to get help for her brother from their enemy. Several times, she put herself in danger to protect others, her selfless love for Nicolai. But she also showed a lot of pluck, telling this big, scary guy off with no qualms, when he deserved a good tongue-lashing. Nicolai was as scrumptious as most of Feehan's heroes. Tortured to boot. I almost felt like he could have been in this book more, because he was usually hiding in the shadows or dealing with threats. But when he was in the book, and interacting with Isabella, it was great. Oh, yes. And the passion. Check. That's always there in a Christine Feehan book. Well-done in that regard. And the secondary characters were well-drawn and added significantly to the story. Ms. Feehan kept me guessing who was behind the sabotage that was occuring. I didn't guess the right people, and that's always nice when it happens.
So, I won't go on and on about this book. I don't have that much to say. It was an interesting premise, with the curse that destroyed generation after generation of marriages and wives, because of a terrible event in the past. That dark legacy hanging over the people in Don De Marco's holding. Isabella being the key to their salvation. I didn't quite get all the nuances of Nicolai's condition, but it was interesting, nonetheless. And I love cats, so it was very nice to see all the lions and how dangerous they were. Very unique spin on the Beauty and the Beast story, without trashing the essential elements of this tale. Not my favorite by Ms. Feehan, but a very good book. I'll keep this one and add it to the collection.
October 10, 2012
I would have probably skimmed through to the end if it was an e-book, but as it's audio, I just can't take the awkward phrasing and repetition. WE GET IT - he's TAWNY and CATLIKE. Like a LION. (Or pseudo-Italian: leone!) Tawny tawny tawny. I want to claw my OWN eyes out at this point.
And then she gets a whiff of a sickly-evil-malevolent spirit that makes her sick with its evil malevolence. See also: hearing a ring ringing in your ears, seeing with your eyes, etc. So many words wording around wordily. Also, sometimes Isabella is brave and bright, other times she randomly talks to a teenager in the middle of the night in her room and thinks nothing of it. See also: continually getting scratched by your tawny leonine fiance's "ring". ~thud~
And then she gets a whiff of a sickly-evil-malevolent spirit that makes her sick with its evil malevolence. See also: hearing a ring ringing in your ears, seeing with your eyes, etc. So many words wording around wordily. Also, sometimes Isabella is brave and bright, other times she randomly talks to a teenager in the middle of the night in her room and thinks nothing of it. See also: continually getting scratched by your tawny leonine fiance's "ring". ~thud~
March 21, 2017
A beauty and the beast tale set in the Italian mountainside and an indeterminate era, with the expected gothic, PNR and fantasy elements.
The h takes a long and arduous journey through icy mountain passes to reach the lands of the fabled and feared Don Nikolai DeMarco, who she feels is the only one capable of rescuing her beloved brother from the dungeons of an evil and avaricious neighbor. She has heard a lot of rumors about the H and his land, but nothing prepares her for the horrifying reality of who or what he really is, and the terrible curse that bedevils him and his land. But it has to be said she takes everything in her stride and is barely bothered by the mightily strange events that unfold.
There is an ancient malevolent entity that plagues the otherwise prosperous valley, and has set many tragic events in motion over many centuries and generations. It provoked a curse from a DeMarco wife, that makes turns the DeMarco Dons into killer beasts capable of killing their own beloveds. The present Don feels the only way to keep the curse at bay is to keep his heart inviolate. But then the h arrives, and the lions that roam and guard the valley seem to recognize and welcome her as the one who can overturn the curse.
He meets her in the shadows and she offers to be his servant for life in lieu of him rescuing her brother, but the mysterious Don wants more from her (despite himself). He tells her they would be wed, and she agrees despite her misgivings about the mysterious Don and his eerie palazzo.
There was an insta attraction and connection between the two, which was sweet and is always welcome in a romance. They are barely apart after that, and the physical intimacy begins soon enough and grows gradually but surely, a constant thread throughout the book. These scenes alternate with the unraveling of the facts and fables around the curse that besets the land and its Don. It was really interesting and gripping to begin with, but slowly the plot and the tension was lost with repetitive behavior, predictability and the tame-ish ending.
The h, though sweet and steadfast in her love and commitment to the H, had a few smackable moments. Her constant tendency to walk thoughtlessly into trouble was reminiscent of the hs of UF/horror movies who just have to open the door! Then her belated doubts were annoying as well.
The H was likable as the tortured beast-man, whose goodness shines through. So it was somewhat inconceivable how his own people feared him and also feared looking at him, when it’s stated again and again how loyal and devoted they were to him. Especially the old servant couple who were like his foster parents, but who too feared him on some level.
Perhaps that’s where the strength of the story lies – in the message that how evil can play on our own doubts and fears to make love and loyalty a casualty.
The h takes a long and arduous journey through icy mountain passes to reach the lands of the fabled and feared Don Nikolai DeMarco, who she feels is the only one capable of rescuing her beloved brother from the dungeons of an evil and avaricious neighbor. She has heard a lot of rumors about the H and his land, but nothing prepares her for the horrifying reality of who or what he really is, and the terrible curse that bedevils him and his land. But it has to be said she takes everything in her stride and is barely bothered by the mightily strange events that unfold.
There is an ancient malevolent entity that plagues the otherwise prosperous valley, and has set many tragic events in motion over many centuries and generations. It provoked a curse from a DeMarco wife, that makes turns the DeMarco Dons into killer beasts capable of killing their own beloveds. The present Don feels the only way to keep the curse at bay is to keep his heart inviolate. But then the h arrives, and the lions that roam and guard the valley seem to recognize and welcome her as the one who can overturn the curse.
He meets her in the shadows and she offers to be his servant for life in lieu of him rescuing her brother, but the mysterious Don wants more from her (despite himself). He tells her they would be wed, and she agrees despite her misgivings about the mysterious Don and his eerie palazzo.
There was an insta attraction and connection between the two, which was sweet and is always welcome in a romance. They are barely apart after that, and the physical intimacy begins soon enough and grows gradually but surely, a constant thread throughout the book. These scenes alternate with the unraveling of the facts and fables around the curse that besets the land and its Don. It was really interesting and gripping to begin with, but slowly the plot and the tension was lost with repetitive behavior, predictability and the tame-ish ending.
The h, though sweet and steadfast in her love and commitment to the H, had a few smackable moments. Her constant tendency to walk thoughtlessly into trouble was reminiscent of the hs of UF/horror movies who just have to open the door! Then her belated doubts were annoying as well.
The H was likable as the tortured beast-man, whose goodness shines through. So it was somewhat inconceivable how his own people feared him and also feared looking at him, when it’s stated again and again how loyal and devoted they were to him. Especially the old servant couple who were like his foster parents, but who too feared him on some level.
Perhaps that’s where the strength of the story lies – in the message that how evil can play on our own doubts and fears to make love and loyalty a casualty.
March 10, 2016
3 1/2 ESTRELLAS
Hacía bastante tiempo que no leía una novela de Christine Feehan (y las última que leí pertenecía a su serie de soldados fantasmas) y me ha gustado reencontrarme con ella. "La guarida del león" es una buena novela romántica, es sensual, engancha y la pareja protagonista, principalmente él, Nicolai DeMarco, están muy bien construidos. Elegí esta novela porque tras leer la contraportada vi que se trataba de una "versión" de La Bella y la Bestia y siento debilidad por este argumento. "La guarida del león" tiene efectivamente muchas similitudes con "La bella y la bestia", aunque también tiene diferencias y son esas diferencias las que la hacen interesante. El elemento paranormal me ha parecido confuso y es el motivo por el que no la he puntuado con cuatro estrellas, creo que el tema de los hombres-león (no lo explico para no desvelar nada de la novela) podría haberse solucionado de mejor manera. De hecho, Feehan tiene libros donde soluciona esta problemática de un modo distinto y, en mi opinión, más satisfactorio.
Hacía bastante tiempo que no leía una novela de Christine Feehan (y las última que leí pertenecía a su serie de soldados fantasmas) y me ha gustado reencontrarme con ella. "La guarida del león" es una buena novela romántica, es sensual, engancha y la pareja protagonista, principalmente él, Nicolai DeMarco, están muy bien construidos. Elegí esta novela porque tras leer la contraportada vi que se trataba de una "versión" de La Bella y la Bestia y siento debilidad por este argumento. "La guarida del león" tiene efectivamente muchas similitudes con "La bella y la bestia", aunque también tiene diferencias y son esas diferencias las que la hacen interesante. El elemento paranormal me ha parecido confuso y es el motivo por el que no la he puntuado con cuatro estrellas, creo que el tema de los hombres-león (no lo explico para no desvelar nada de la novela) podría haberse solucionado de mejor manera. De hecho, Feehan tiene libros donde soluciona esta problemática de un modo distinto y, en mi opinión, más satisfactorio.
February 18, 2011
I was excited to begin this book for my local romance readers group because I'd heard many positive things about author Christine Feehan and the book appeared to be a new twist on the beauty and the beast theme (one of my personal favorites). Sadly, things didn't work out between me and author Christine Feehan (too much melodrama for me) and now I'm weary of beginning her vampire series (most of which I already own). Somebody please tell me this book was a fluke!
Isabella is a beautiful, headstrong young maiden who sets out on adventure to save her brother from the clutches of a very Eeevil man. The one man who Isabella believes can help her is Don DeMarco but, most unfortunately, he is reputed to be a cursed man and is apparently feared by all. Undaunted, our brave little heroine makes the treacherous trip to Don DeMarco's lair, a trip that has felled many a stronger man before her. Safe at the lair she meets Don DeMarco and can't figure out what the fuss about him is all about. So what if he's a bit broody, he's gorgeous! He agrees to help her with conditions attached which I won't reveal because I don't want to spoil anyone's fun She then takes up residence in his home. At night she hears spooky, ominous sounds in the night. She wanders about and makes dense decisions and faces down deadly lions (which seem to roam the home freely) while the people surrounding her begin to act all nutty. As the story advances lots of spooky and ominous stuff happens. Over and over again! None of it going anywhere or advancing the plot. During all of this repetitive madness Isabella and the cursed man (or is he?) begin to fall in love. Or that's what we're supposed to believe. Personally, I didn't buy it.
Initially I was hooked by the setup of the story, despite what I thought was an abundance of overly flowerly descriptive prose, a tendency towards the melodramatic and an annoying smattering of Italian words. But by page 70 my patience and excitement to turn the pages quickly began to wane. Extreme lack of character development (not to mention the over-the-top writing) did me in. I never felt like I knew any of these characters and when several of them acted oddly it didn't seem all that weird to me because for all I knew this was how they acted normally. The love story is also weakened by the lack of character development. The couple bounce back and forth between trusting each other wholly, falling into bed, having hot sex and then, when it's all over, they're back to distrusting each other. Ahhhhhh! I have no patience for this sort of thing and was soon bored of these two. Sadly, all of these problems continued until the anti-climatic end.
So, folks, are the vampire books similar in style??
Isabella is a beautiful, headstrong young maiden who sets out on adventure to save her brother from the clutches of a very Eeevil man. The one man who Isabella believes can help her is Don DeMarco but, most unfortunately, he is reputed to be a cursed man and is apparently feared by all. Undaunted, our brave little heroine makes the treacherous trip to Don DeMarco's lair, a trip that has felled many a stronger man before her. Safe at the lair she meets Don DeMarco and can't figure out what the fuss about him is all about. So what if he's a bit broody, he's gorgeous! He agrees to help her with conditions attached which I won't reveal because I don't want to spoil anyone's fun She then takes up residence in his home. At night she hears spooky, ominous sounds in the night. She wanders about and makes dense decisions and faces down deadly lions (which seem to roam the home freely) while the people surrounding her begin to act all nutty. As the story advances lots of spooky and ominous stuff happens. Over and over again! None of it going anywhere or advancing the plot. During all of this repetitive madness Isabella and the cursed man (or is he?) begin to fall in love. Or that's what we're supposed to believe. Personally, I didn't buy it.
Initially I was hooked by the setup of the story, despite what I thought was an abundance of overly flowerly descriptive prose, a tendency towards the melodramatic and an annoying smattering of Italian words. But by page 70 my patience and excitement to turn the pages quickly began to wane. Extreme lack of character development (not to mention the over-the-top writing) did me in. I never felt like I knew any of these characters and when several of them acted oddly it didn't seem all that weird to me because for all I knew this was how they acted normally. The love story is also weakened by the lack of character development. The couple bounce back and forth between trusting each other wholly, falling into bed, having hot sex and then, when it's all over, they're back to distrusting each other. Ahhhhhh! I have no patience for this sort of thing and was soon bored of these two. Sadly, all of these problems continued until the anti-climatic end.
So, folks, are the vampire books similar in style??
April 2, 2016
Hacia mucho tiempo que no leía a esta autora, escogí este libro por su sinopsis, por ser una "versión" de la bella y la bestia, tengo debilidad por este cuento, y reconociendo el estilo de la autora con los primeros libros que leí de ella de su saga oscura, me encontré una novela bien planeada, sensual,entretenida y que me hizo de nuevo rememorar, con sus diferencias,claro, este precioso cuento
November 20, 2020
Christine Feehan is an author I discovered in the past year. I have read a couple of them and loved the mysterious elements that keeps me engrossed. Lair of The Lion popped up as a recommendation of the tag ‘Beauty and The Beast’ and whoa, realized that I have read a lot of adapted retellings of the fairy tale.
Liar of the Lion is set in Italy and as such gave me joy coz the gothic element of the castle definitely adds to the menacing and intriguing aura in the story. Isabella is a strong heroine character who braves every hurdle in her path to meet the only DON, Don Nicolai DeMarco who can save her brother from the clutches of the evil man. Every emissary sent to meet the elusive don has had no success as the mountain passes are impossible to cross and Isabella has no choice but to take the arduous journey herself. Her arrival definitely causes a stir as Isabella senses the churning dread underneath the surface of all castle dwellers.
The erotic and sensuous romance was effectively done and the mystifying aspect of the lions inside the castle adds to the thrill factor. It was interesting to see the dilemma faced by Nicolai but the courage with which Isabella faces her destiny was impressive. All the supporting characters were wonderfully portrayed even though the whole heroine facing a danger and the hero rushing to save the day kept going on and on and I was waiting of the unravelling to happen soon coz the middle part of the book felt repetitious.
The culprit when revealed came out of nowhere and I was pleasantly surprised.
A solid read in the paranormal romance genre that was entertaining at best and I am going with 4 stars.
Liar of the Lion is set in Italy and as such gave me joy coz the gothic element of the castle definitely adds to the menacing and intriguing aura in the story. Isabella is a strong heroine character who braves every hurdle in her path to meet the only DON, Don Nicolai DeMarco who can save her brother from the clutches of the evil man. Every emissary sent to meet the elusive don has had no success as the mountain passes are impossible to cross and Isabella has no choice but to take the arduous journey herself. Her arrival definitely causes a stir as Isabella senses the churning dread underneath the surface of all castle dwellers.
The erotic and sensuous romance was effectively done and the mystifying aspect of the lions inside the castle adds to the thrill factor. It was interesting to see the dilemma faced by Nicolai but the courage with which Isabella faces her destiny was impressive. All the supporting characters were wonderfully portrayed even though the whole heroine facing a danger and the hero rushing to save the day kept going on and on and I was waiting of the unravelling to happen soon coz the middle part of the book felt repetitious.
The culprit when revealed came out of nowhere and I was pleasantly surprised.
A solid read in the paranormal romance genre that was entertaining at best and I am going with 4 stars.
January 10, 2023
Een paar dagen geleden heb ik The Scarletti Curse van deze schrijfster uitgelezen en die vond ik zo goed dat ik meteen deze erachteraan wilde lezen . Lair of the Lion is ook een gothic romance maar nu komt er ook nog shape shifting bij en het verhaal speelt zich ongeveer in dezelfde regionen af : ergens in italie nabij oostenrijk . Het is een mysterieus , spannend en sexy verhaal .
August 13, 2008
Lair of the Lion is a Beauty and the Beast story and one of my all time favorites! Christine Feehan is well known for her paranormal romance novels, but this book isn't part of any of her series.
This is a Gothic tale of a man cursed and the woman he traps in his castle.
I love this book very much and highly recommend it!
This is a Gothic tale of a man cursed and the woman he traps in his castle.
I love this book very much and highly recommend it!
February 11, 2012
Lair of the Lion is a fascinating paranormal romance rerelease by Christine Feehan.
As with most of Feehan’s books, Lair of the Lion is filled with lust, betrayal, rejection, mystery, enemies and jealousy. Would we have it any other way?
Isabella Vernaducci escaped a hunting party that was searching for her brother, and with only his help did she manage to elude the soldiers. Spending every cent, she desperately sought Nicholai DeMarco, the one man whom all other dons feared.
The curse that plagues their valley, and the gossip that whispers thoroughly the villages and hallways, leave little to be imagined. Other Dons and villagers believe that the valley and lands from the DeMarco were cursed, protected by exotic and dangerous animals…More importantly, that the animals were controlled by Don DeMarco himself.
Nicholai DeMarco is an interesting character, although a bit overdone. A man suffering from a curse that has survived throughout the generations of his family. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Wielding armies with commanding confidence, his successful protection that he has continuously offered his family, friends and servants, goes unappreciated due to his hideous appearance. Self-isolation was the only protection he could promise.
Striving for revenge to punish the man who rapes innocent women and children, secrets go unnoticed and that’s where the misunderstandings and betrayals start. And all along, he tries to send her away.
“I know the lions refused to let me leave through the pass. I know I’m supposed to be with you.” Isabella wrapped her arms around herslef to keep from shaking. “It is the only thing I know for certain, Nicholai.” She looked up at him with her big, innocent eyes. “You’re the breath in my body, the warmth and joy in my heart. Wherever you sent me, I would wither and die. If not my body, at least my spirit. Better to have joy burning hot and bright, if only for a short time, than to die a long endless death.”
This book was okay…I suppose. Add a few twists, and I would say that it is virtually identical to the Scarletti Curse.
I recommend this book to Feehan fans and anyone with a paranormal romance fancy. Strong descriptive violent content as well as moderate sexual content .. the scenes are yummy in a subtle and not nearly enough to make me smile kinda way.
I am glad that I purchased this book, but unfortunately, I have NO room on my bookshelves! They are filled, stacked and double filled (Rows covering other rows) .. In need of bookcase donations! Ha!
~happy reading!
As with most of Feehan’s books, Lair of the Lion is filled with lust, betrayal, rejection, mystery, enemies and jealousy. Would we have it any other way?
Isabella Vernaducci escaped a hunting party that was searching for her brother, and with only his help did she manage to elude the soldiers. Spending every cent, she desperately sought Nicholai DeMarco, the one man whom all other dons feared.
The curse that plagues their valley, and the gossip that whispers thoroughly the villages and hallways, leave little to be imagined. Other Dons and villagers believe that the valley and lands from the DeMarco were cursed, protected by exotic and dangerous animals…More importantly, that the animals were controlled by Don DeMarco himself.
Nicholai DeMarco is an interesting character, although a bit overdone. A man suffering from a curse that has survived throughout the generations of his family. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Wielding armies with commanding confidence, his successful protection that he has continuously offered his family, friends and servants, goes unappreciated due to his hideous appearance. Self-isolation was the only protection he could promise.
Striving for revenge to punish the man who rapes innocent women and children, secrets go unnoticed and that’s where the misunderstandings and betrayals start. And all along, he tries to send her away.
“I know the lions refused to let me leave through the pass. I know I’m supposed to be with you.” Isabella wrapped her arms around herslef to keep from shaking. “It is the only thing I know for certain, Nicholai.” She looked up at him with her big, innocent eyes. “You’re the breath in my body, the warmth and joy in my heart. Wherever you sent me, I would wither and die. If not my body, at least my spirit. Better to have joy burning hot and bright, if only for a short time, than to die a long endless death.”
This book was okay…I suppose. Add a few twists, and I would say that it is virtually identical to the Scarletti Curse.
I recommend this book to Feehan fans and anyone with a paranormal romance fancy. Strong descriptive violent content as well as moderate sexual content .. the scenes are yummy in a subtle and not nearly enough to make me smile kinda way.
I am glad that I purchased this book, but unfortunately, I have NO room on my bookshelves! They are filled, stacked and double filled (Rows covering other rows) .. In need of bookcase donations! Ha!
~happy reading!
September 24, 2023
Isabella is in desperate need to save her brother who has been captured and tortured, and goes to the only Don she knows that is powerful enough to help her. Full of courage and strength she heads up to his valley, rumored to be ridden with lions, she knows she could very well perish, but desperation and fear for her brother keeps her going forward until she makes it to his home...his lair. After meeting the rumored beast, Don Nicolaie DeMarco, she makes a pact with him, his help in rescuing her brother in exchange to marriage with Nicolae. Isabella knowing that she doesn't have much choice, other than letting her brother die, she agrees and with that agreement a desire is awakened in them both. Although Nicolae is lethal, Isabella, even though she fears him at times, starts to see the good parts of him, and slowly starts to fall in love with him, and put all her trust in him despite the danger that he poses to her....in her mind Love is powerful enough to conquer any curse that could destroy them....Lair Of The Lion is a single title by Christine Feehan, and as this is probably my favorite paranormal author, I couldn't resist reading it, even though its not a part of any of her wonderful series, this still had the same ring of sensuality, danger and intriguing plot....and having just finished it, was a bit disappointed to see it end. I could hardly keep myself away from this one and read it in only a few hours. Lair of the Lion is a story that takes place in the Italian Alps, and is mixed with folklore and definitely goes under the category of "Beauty and the Beast" where two people are consumed by a inflaming passion that turns into a powerful love...such a remarkable read and I am so glad that I was able to read this one. Definitely gets a score of 5 for me...there was nothing about this story that I didn't like....Feehan definitely held me captivated from beginning to end!!!
My Favorite Quote
"You haven't forgiven me yet, " he observed thoughtfully. "I thought we had dispensed with your unfavorable opinion of me,"
She managed her haughtiest tone "I see nothing in my behavior that would lead you to believe that. I was merely polite, as good breeding commands,"
"Really," His voice low, one eyebrow shooting up. Nicolai simply reached out, almost in slow motion, his palm curling slowly around the nape of her neck. Fire raced through her body at the touch of his lips on hers. Every muscle clenched tightly. His lips moved against hers, a slow teasing of senses, awakening her to a world of sensuality.
My Favorite Quote
"You haven't forgiven me yet, " he observed thoughtfully. "I thought we had dispensed with your unfavorable opinion of me,"
She managed her haughtiest tone "I see nothing in my behavior that would lead you to believe that. I was merely polite, as good breeding commands,"
"Really," His voice low, one eyebrow shooting up. Nicolai simply reached out, almost in slow motion, his palm curling slowly around the nape of her neck. Fire raced through her body at the touch of his lips on hers. Every muscle clenched tightly. His lips moved against hers, a slow teasing of senses, awakening her to a world of sensuality.
December 18, 2023
A Beauty and the Beast retelling from the historical romance powerhouse author Christine Feehan.
I went into this one with pretty low expectations after trying to get lost in Feehan's repetitious Dark series more than a decade ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the way that she approached this one.
I liked Isabella and her role as Beauty. I wish there were a bit more personality from Nicolai, but I loved a lot of the ancillary characters.
There isn't a lot of mystery as to the order of events, with this being a retelling, but the Italian setting and the pride of lions gave it an exciting shifter quality.
Overall an entertaining 3.5-4 star read.
I went into this one with pretty low expectations after trying to get lost in Feehan's repetitious Dark series more than a decade ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the way that she approached this one.
I liked Isabella and her role as Beauty. I wish there were a bit more personality from Nicolai, but I loved a lot of the ancillary characters.
There isn't a lot of mystery as to the order of events, with this being a retelling, but the Italian setting and the pride of lions gave it an exciting shifter quality.
Overall an entertaining 3.5-4 star read.
October 19, 2019
Isabella ha emprendido un duro viaje hasta el castillo del don DeMarco en busca de la salvación de su hermano. Ella ha escuchado todas las historias sobre el don, las maldiciones y las muertes. Ella siempre ha tenido un sexto sentido que la ayudará a descubrir cómo salvar a Nicolai y a todos los del castillo.
Me ha encantado la historia incluso en esta segunda lectura. Es verdad que ya no me acordaba de nada así que ha sido como leerla por primera vez.
El personaje de Isabella es perfecto. Tiene un poco de todo lo que la hace estupenda: es luchadora y dura pero también es amable y dulce. Los autores suelen tirar hacia un lado o al otro pero esta es la mezcla perfecta y justa.
Nicolai, a pesar de que casi todo el libro es desde el punto de vista de Isabella, te hace sufrir y sentir con él. El miedo, la frustración y el peso de la culpa sobre sus hombros.
Los únicos fallos que puedo encontrarle, es que realmente la historia es lenta, pero leeeeeeenta y en cambio el final es tan rápido y apresurado. Me decepcionó eso, aunque acaba bien y todo lo demás.
En cuanto a Francesca, he de decir que por momentos llegué a pensar que ella también era una fantasma 😂 y jo, me habría gustado saber si al final ella y Lucca tenían algo. Me hacían super buena pareja.
Recomiendo esta historia, es de época, castillo, leones y fantasmas. No sé puede pedir nada más verdad??? Te da que pensar para adivinar las traiciones y que mal vendrá después.
Me ha encantado la historia incluso en esta segunda lectura. Es verdad que ya no me acordaba de nada así que ha sido como leerla por primera vez.
El personaje de Isabella es perfecto. Tiene un poco de todo lo que la hace estupenda: es luchadora y dura pero también es amable y dulce. Los autores suelen tirar hacia un lado o al otro pero esta es la mezcla perfecta y justa.
Nicolai, a pesar de que casi todo el libro es desde el punto de vista de Isabella, te hace sufrir y sentir con él. El miedo, la frustración y el peso de la culpa sobre sus hombros.
Los únicos fallos que puedo encontrarle, es que realmente la historia es lenta, pero leeeeeeenta y en cambio el final es tan rápido y apresurado. Me decepcionó eso, aunque acaba bien y todo lo demás.
En cuanto a Francesca, he de decir que por momentos llegué a pensar que ella también era una fantasma 😂 y jo, me habría gustado saber si al final ella y Lucca tenían algo. Me hacían super buena pareja.
Recomiendo esta historia, es de época, castillo, leones y fantasmas. No sé puede pedir nada más verdad??? Te da que pensar para adivinar las traiciones y que mal vendrá después.
January 14, 2017
El libro me ha gustado pero sobre todo la primera mitad pues en la segunda mitad todo me parece un tanto repetitivo y el desenlace tampoco es maravilloso, aun así me ha gustado.
Aunque hay un detalle de la autora (supongo que es de ella) que me parece molesto y es el de repetir constantemente una serie de palabras en italiano como para que sepas donde pasan lo hechos y a mi no me ayudaba en la lectura, me parece un fallo garrafal, me parece bien que sean italianos pero si el libro esta en un idioma déjalo todo así no metas palabras en otro idioma (o tan solo unas pocas de vez en vez), es raro, al principio es graciosa la tontada pero al final me sacaba de quicio.
Aunque hay un detalle de la autora (supongo que es de ella) que me parece molesto y es el de repetir constantemente una serie de palabras en italiano como para que sepas donde pasan lo hechos y a mi no me ayudaba en la lectura, me parece un fallo garrafal, me parece bien que sean italianos pero si el libro esta en un idioma déjalo todo así no metas palabras en otro idioma (o tan solo unas pocas de vez en vez), es raro, al principio es graciosa la tontada pero al final me sacaba de quicio.
April 30, 2018
I've read this book 5 years ago and gave it 5 stars. Yesterday I decided to re-read, because I'm in a strange reading slump, thinking this will get me over it.
Oh man, was I wrong. I don't know why I ever gave it 5 stars. This story was utterly boring. The characters were one dimensional. The hero was pushing the heroine away all the time, then he changed his mind. The heroine was a goody-two shoes, always nice and smiling and beautiful and she had such a big heart. She couldn't say no to the hero. He seduced her befor their wedding, then changed his mind about it. Wanted her to be his mistress, because of her safety. And heroine got a bit angry at that, but the very next day she was found in his arms again. Because she loved him. And he loved her. But even as he said it, I didn't really believe him. He just had his urges and used her all the time. He couldn't keep it in his pants.
The ending was so underwhelming, all finished in a few pages. I don't really know what the problem was, how they solved the curse. Oh well. And we didn't get to have a wedding, or children or an epilogue. The story just stopped.
One thing good in this book was that there was no OW/OM drama, no cheating. Both were faithful to each other since the beginning, even if the hero pushed her away.
My new raiting is 2 OK stars.
Oh man, was I wrong. I don't know why I ever gave it 5 stars. This story was utterly boring. The characters were one dimensional. The hero was pushing the heroine away all the time, then he changed his mind. The heroine was a goody-two shoes, always nice and smiling and beautiful and she had such a big heart. She couldn't say no to the hero. He seduced her befor their wedding, then changed his mind about it. Wanted her to be his mistress, because of her safety. And heroine got a bit angry at that, but the very next day she was found in his arms again. Because she loved him. And he loved her. But even as he said it, I didn't really believe him. He just had his urges and used her all the time. He couldn't keep it in his pants.
The ending was so underwhelming, all finished in a few pages. I don't really know what the problem was, how they solved the curse. Oh well. And we didn't get to have a wedding, or children or an epilogue. The story just stopped.
One thing good in this book was that there was no OW/OM drama, no cheating. Both were faithful to each other since the beginning, even if the hero pushed her away.
My new raiting is 2 OK stars.
abandonados
December 11, 2017Abandonado 25%
La Bella y La Bestia es una de mis historias favoritas, porque el modo en el que se desarrolla la relación de los protagonistas es preciosa, se conocen y después, con el tiempo, se enamoran, ambos evolucionan como personas para amarse.
Este retelling no supo abordar el romance, al 20% ya se promesan amor eterno.
NO, GRACIAS, PASO.
La Bella y La Bestia es una de mis historias favoritas, porque el modo en el que se desarrolla la relación de los protagonistas es preciosa, se conocen y después, con el tiempo, se enamoran, ambos evolucionan como personas para amarse.
Este retelling no supo abordar el romance, al 20% ya se promesan amor eterno.
NO, GRACIAS, PASO.
August 15, 2016
La historia me ha encantado. Es una versión bastante fiel y a la vez original de la bella y la bestia. Los personajes están muy bien perfilados y la relación de amor me ha convencido y cautivado totalmente. Sencillamente una buena historia, que te mantiene enganchada, con una buena relación amorosa y tramas de acción, misterio...Muy recomendada
March 30, 2018
yeah..... that was dumb.
Couldn't connect with the characters, the writing wasn't the best, it was beyond cheesy and I don't mean the good cheese. I'm thinking moldy, stinky, maggot cheese.
It was super lame.
I'm not sure how I finished it, but I did.
blah.
Couldn't connect with the characters, the writing wasn't the best, it was beyond cheesy and I don't mean the good cheese. I'm thinking moldy, stinky, maggot cheese.
It was super lame.
I'm not sure how I finished it, but I did.
blah.
August 1, 2013
i loved this book. I have always adored fairytales and Beauty and the Beast has to be one of my favourites. I loved this gothic and darkly sensual twist that Christine Feehan spun. From the very first sentence I was captivated by her amazing style of writing. This is my first, and certainly not my last of her books.
Everything about this book. The writing style. The characters. The history. The love. Everything was just amazing. I haven't read anything this good in a long while. Not only is it a very compelling storyline, but it is also very well written. And the italian underlying theme was lovely.
The Catello or Castle - see I'm learning new Italian words :) I always picture it to look like this. A very typical gothic castle, captured in all it's haunting beauty. Somewhere along these lines...
Another thing I adore about this book are the characters. More often than not I can read through a book with a terrible plot as long as there are good heroes/heroines. But if the story is amazing but the heroes/heroines are rubbish, then I won't read it. Luckily, this book has both a great plot and lovely characters. I actually felt transported to the time era this is set in, right inside the castle and after reading this I was reeling because the description was so real I was almost in two places at one time.
The fairytale aspect of this is beautiful and the author goes into great detail about the curse on the houses. It is really the saddest thing I have read, but the romance is so real and pure. I find it refershing that it isn't completely lusty and crude, and it has a certain finesse and elegance, but instead of being cold and perfect, their (Isabella and Nicholai's) romance is heated and loving
Nicholai
Well, ladies. You're in for a treat let me tell you. Nicholai is delicious. So nice to read and quite the alpha male. He is always thinking of her safety and everytime he gives her an italian endearment I am swooning. I my eyes literally roll back into my head and I just sigh. Urgg, he's too much. "Cara mia" and "piccola" and "bellezza". Melting. I'm melting.
Cara Mia = my dear, beloved, darling
Piccolla = honey, sweetheart, baby
Bellezza = beauty
I mean, imagine getting called these things in english. That's enough to make me sigh. But then ItAlIaN. I'm sorry but...wow.
Whilst being physically scarred, he's still handsome and beautiful inside as well. Lovely :)I always did have a weakness for tormented imperfect heroes. Swooning Ladies and envious Gents, here is my Nicholai :
"You have nothing to worry about. Sleep, piccola. I'll watch over you"
Isabella
First up, what a lucky girl. Anyway, hehe, I loved Isabella. She was such a strong, courageous woman and everything right in a heroine. She loved and stood by her man and she did't falter when the odds where against them. She was a brave and awesome heroine, as well as stubborn, but all things I loved. She was flawless, but not annoyingly so. Her thoughts etc. were much like a normal woman and I was connecting to her all throughout the book. She wasn't a weak willed heroine yay! And she wasn't a Mary-Sue ish heroine. She wasn't nauseatingly perfect. She was real and likeable. And here she is:
I hope you guys all like and appreciate the gorgeous models I've chosen. They're just how I imagine them to look like, so I hope it helps you guys if you are visualising anyone when reading :)
The book is so amazing and tender and sweet. I connect with and it whirls you into another dimension. I hope you all give it a chance because it is really deserving.
5 SOLID AMAZING SEXY DELCIOUS RAWWR HOT HOT HOT STARS!!!!
And on that note, I'll leave you to it... enjoy x
Everything about this book. The writing style. The characters. The history. The love. Everything was just amazing. I haven't read anything this good in a long while. Not only is it a very compelling storyline, but it is also very well written. And the italian underlying theme was lovely.
The Catello or Castle - see I'm learning new Italian words :) I always picture it to look like this. A very typical gothic castle, captured in all it's haunting beauty. Somewhere along these lines...
Another thing I adore about this book are the characters. More often than not I can read through a book with a terrible plot as long as there are good heroes/heroines. But if the story is amazing but the heroes/heroines are rubbish, then I won't read it. Luckily, this book has both a great plot and lovely characters. I actually felt transported to the time era this is set in, right inside the castle and after reading this I was reeling because the description was so real I was almost in two places at one time.
The fairytale aspect of this is beautiful and the author goes into great detail about the curse on the houses. It is really the saddest thing I have read, but the romance is so real and pure. I find it refershing that it isn't completely lusty and crude, and it has a certain finesse and elegance, but instead of being cold and perfect, their (Isabella and Nicholai's) romance is heated and loving
Nicholai
Well, ladies. You're in for a treat let me tell you. Nicholai is delicious. So nice to read and quite the alpha male. He is always thinking of her safety and everytime he gives her an italian endearment I am swooning. I my eyes literally roll back into my head and I just sigh. Urgg, he's too much. "Cara mia" and "piccola" and "bellezza". Melting. I'm melting.
Cara Mia = my dear, beloved, darling
Piccolla = honey, sweetheart, baby
Bellezza = beauty
I mean, imagine getting called these things in english. That's enough to make me sigh. But then ItAlIaN. I'm sorry but...wow.
Whilst being physically scarred, he's still handsome and beautiful inside as well. Lovely :)I always did have a weakness for tormented imperfect heroes. Swooning Ladies and envious Gents, here is my Nicholai :
"You have nothing to worry about. Sleep, piccola. I'll watch over you"
Isabella
First up, what a lucky girl. Anyway, hehe, I loved Isabella. She was such a strong, courageous woman and everything right in a heroine. She loved and stood by her man and she did't falter when the odds where against them. She was a brave and awesome heroine, as well as stubborn, but all things I loved. She was flawless, but not annoyingly so. Her thoughts etc. were much like a normal woman and I was connecting to her all throughout the book. She wasn't a weak willed heroine yay! And she wasn't a Mary-Sue ish heroine. She wasn't nauseatingly perfect. She was real and likeable. And here she is:
I hope you guys all like and appreciate the gorgeous models I've chosen. They're just how I imagine them to look like, so I hope it helps you guys if you are visualising anyone when reading :)
The book is so amazing and tender and sweet. I connect with and it whirls you into another dimension. I hope you all give it a chance because it is really deserving.
5 SOLID AMAZING SEXY DELCIOUS RAWWR HOT HOT HOT STARS!!!!
And on that note, I'll leave you to it... enjoy x
August 20, 2019
Lair of the Lion has a painfully slow, meandering plot. I stayed with it for the creepy, gothic-like atmosphere that Ms. Feehan did quite well, as well as the sensual scenes. The slow pace was torture—not recommending.
June 14, 2019
I cannot with this book. I cannot. I cannot. I cannot. I CANNOT. I CANNOT.
I tried so hard to read this book in it's entirety and I physically cannot. I decided to take a chance on this book because of some good reviews saying the main character was strong and that this was an interesting take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. Oh yes... it's definitely interesting . This book is just ughh. There is no character development. The main character acts like she's got priorities but one look from De Marco and she's all hot and heavy and forgets everything important in the world. He straight up tells her he doesn't want to marry her after taking advantage of her and he wants to keep her as his concubine after he had led her to believe from the beginning she would be his wife. Do you think the anger of betrayal lasts more than the amount of time it takes for some more sexual tension to build up for them to get back at it?
This story is literally just a tennis ball match of fighting, sex, fighting, sex, fighting, sex. I can't do it anymore it's just ridiculous, and in all honesty quite disgustingly toxic. During what the author referred to more than once as their 'mating' moments he even begins to turn into an animal. Literally, turning into an animal, taking the whole beast thing overboard. I get it, it isn't a Disney book but damn! NO JUST NO. This book has no substance to it, no tangible story. I care nothing for the characters, and I truly can't go on with this book. I've wasted enough time as it is fighting the urge to fling it across the room. This is the first book in YEARS I have been unable to finish. I don't even have a 'did not finish shelf' because in all my life I have only been unable to finish now 3 books. I have an obsessive complex that forces me to finish any and every book that I begin reading no matter how horrible. It literally stresses me out a great deal if I do not finish books I begin, and I tried so very hard not to give up on this book, but I just cannot.
November 10, 2022
I still don’t understand what the purpose of the evil entity was and why it was there and who was this evil entity and why did it target the DeMarco family for centuries. Weird huh, make it make sense.
But the story was nice, I liked the gothic atmosphere, the romance and I liked the suspense built up but the ending was abrupt and underwhelming. I still have a lot of questions but no answers.
The passion between the H and h was really strong. I liked the part where the h completely loved the H despite the doubts and fears.
However, there is no epilogue, there should have been one. When I read the last page, my thoughts were: that’s it?
But the story was nice, I liked the gothic atmosphere, the romance and I liked the suspense built up but the ending was abrupt and underwhelming. I still have a lot of questions but no answers.
The passion between the H and h was really strong. I liked the part where the h completely loved the H despite the doubts and fears.
However, there is no epilogue, there should have been one. When I read the last page, my thoughts were: that’s it?
May 16, 2012
I really enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
I'd previously been a bit of a hit and miss with Feehan's writing. Mostly miss. See, I have this thing about men who are too controlling in books (in my opinion anyway, which sometimes differs greatly from that of others of the female persuasion). I know, for some, it makes their toes curl to be dominated and told what to do yada yada yada. But for me, it just makes me want to hurl something.
But in this book, although the male lead character (Nikolai) was very male and alpha and all that jazz, it didn't bother me nearly as much. He was the Don of the castle so she (the female lead- Isabella) was technically supposed to do as he said anyway- but she never did, which I just thought was awesome. Who doesn't like a little rebellion, hmm? And also the fact that he tried to protect her, tried to send her away to save her even knowing she was the only one who could help break the curse, gave him big brownie points with me too.
As you'd expect, a lot of the plot was familiar and predictable since it is a fairy tale retelling, but it still managed to remain mysterious in many ways. I really like what Feehan did with the curse, what it meant for the castle's inhabitants etc. It was (and always has been) a very good story and I enjoyed this version of it immensely.
And there were a lot of hot smexy times which were quite tastefully done as well, I thought. That never hurts either, does it?
So, even though I may never get invited to a Carpathian reunion party, I'm glad to know that there are other works in Ms Feehan's extensive back- catalogue that I can rummage through and enjoy, like this one.
4 magical stars.
I'd previously been a bit of a hit and miss with Feehan's writing. Mostly miss. See, I have this thing about men who are too controlling in books (in my opinion anyway, which sometimes differs greatly from that of others of the female persuasion). I know, for some, it makes their toes curl to be dominated and told what to do yada yada yada. But for me, it just makes me want to hurl something.
But in this book, although the male lead character (Nikolai) was very male and alpha and all that jazz, it didn't bother me nearly as much. He was the Don of the castle so she (the female lead- Isabella) was technically supposed to do as he said anyway- but she never did, which I just thought was awesome. Who doesn't like a little rebellion, hmm? And also the fact that he tried to protect her, tried to send her away to save her even knowing she was the only one who could help break the curse, gave him big brownie points with me too.
As you'd expect, a lot of the plot was familiar and predictable since it is a fairy tale retelling, but it still managed to remain mysterious in many ways. I really like what Feehan did with the curse, what it meant for the castle's inhabitants etc. It was (and always has been) a very good story and I enjoyed this version of it immensely.
And there were a lot of hot smexy times which were quite tastefully done as well, I thought. That never hurts either, does it?
So, even though I may never get invited to a Carpathian reunion party, I'm glad to know that there are other works in Ms Feehan's extensive back- catalogue that I can rummage through and enjoy, like this one.
4 magical stars.
August 24, 2010
This is the story of Isabella, a beauty, who had no home. Her life as she had known was gone. She had traveled to the Alps to see the mysterious and elusive Don Nikolai DeMarco. She intends to ask him to save her brother Lucca. A curse lives on; whereas everyone sees a lion- the Beast- she sees a man. Nikolai agrees to help Isabella if she stays with him and becomes his wife.
From the start, the mixing of two languages is everywhere: palazzo, castillo, padre, fratillo, cara mia, ... while it appears to be creative it grated on my nerves after awhile. Descriptions of Isabella's goodness and beauty seem to be written on every other page. Nikolai's nocturnal darkness and lust for her are everywhere. Because of this, the overall style of the narrative is lacking, the characters are flat. It was enough to disturb my enjoyment of the story.
Nikolai's every gesture and movement is an attempt to seduce her- she is perfect for him. He continually tells her, "I'm with you, Isabella. Have no fear." I can't for the life of me understand how such a boring remake have such wonderful reviews. Sure, the sex is hot but everything else is monotonous. I tended to skip paragraphs because it was the same-old, same-old. If you like to read burning sexual scenes within a narrative that is dull, then this is the book for you.
From the start, the mixing of two languages is everywhere: palazzo, castillo, padre, fratillo, cara mia, ... while it appears to be creative it grated on my nerves after awhile. Descriptions of Isabella's goodness and beauty seem to be written on every other page. Nikolai's nocturnal darkness and lust for her are everywhere. Because of this, the overall style of the narrative is lacking, the characters are flat. It was enough to disturb my enjoyment of the story.
Nikolai's every gesture and movement is an attempt to seduce her- she is perfect for him. He continually tells her, "I'm with you, Isabella. Have no fear." I can't for the life of me understand how such a boring remake have such wonderful reviews. Sure, the sex is hot but everything else is monotonous. I tended to skip paragraphs because it was the same-old, same-old. If you like to read burning sexual scenes within a narrative that is dull, then this is the book for you.
November 25, 2015
3.5 stars
This book confused me right up until the end. I spent too much time trying to figure out if the hero was a shifter or just a man with a bad reputation. It was a strange book.
The heroine was likable and heroic. Too forgiving at the end, but I guess that was the point of the story. The hero was also likable, but a bit of a cold jerk at times. Yea I get that he is scared of the curse, but come on, you do not need to be the king of mixed signals. The shit he pulled after they first slept together? Yep - NFW would I put up with that. She should have given him the cold shoulder, at the VERY least.
I had some trouble with the way it was written. It was heroine only POV, but occasionally you would get the hero's (or some other random character's) thoughts. That threw me every time. Usually because I would want more, but it was only for a brief sentence or two.
This is a different kind of book than I am used to from Christine Feehan and that is a good thing. But I will be happy to get back to GhostWalkers soon!
Safety gang safe
Ok there is one thing that REALLY bothered me. If this guy was seen as a beast since he was a child and no one would even look at him, how in the hell did he become so proficient at sex? It was never discussed but it bugged the heck out of me the entire time I was reading the sex scenes.
This book confused me right up until the end. I spent too much time trying to figure out if the hero was a shifter or just a man with a bad reputation. It was a strange book.
The heroine was likable and heroic. Too forgiving at the end, but I guess that was the point of the story. The hero was also likable, but a bit of a cold jerk at times. Yea I get that he is scared of the curse, but come on, you do not need to be the king of mixed signals. The shit he pulled after they first slept together? Yep - NFW would I put up with that. She should have given him the cold shoulder, at the VERY least.
I had some trouble with the way it was written. It was heroine only POV, but occasionally you would get the hero's (or some other random character's) thoughts. That threw me every time. Usually because I would want more, but it was only for a brief sentence or two.
This is a different kind of book than I am used to from Christine Feehan and that is a good thing. But I will be happy to get back to GhostWalkers soon!
Safety gang safe
Ok there is one thing that REALLY bothered me. If this guy was seen as a beast since he was a child and no one would even look at him, how in the hell did he become so proficient at sex? It was never discussed but it bugged the heck out of me the entire time I was reading the sex scenes.
March 14, 2015
It's a 2.65 stars book I guess? The historical details in the story are quite good (I'm not an expert, though), the main characters are pretty much okay and they behave in a way which suits their positions and their backgrounds, I'm not too fond of the female lead but she's agreeable so I'm okay with her. But I was annoyed by the endless angst by the end of the book, and the tortured male lead "I'm dangerous! Stay away from me! I can't marry you because I am going to hurt you!" routine is not endearing neither.
Plus, can anyone tell me why although all the women in the male lead's holding are supposed to be too afraid of him (and the 'beast' within him) to even look him in the eyes, left alone going anywhere near him; but somehow this 'fearsome' male lead still manages to know all the right things to do to pleasure a lady when he first 'gets it on' with the heroine? Shouldn't this guy be as inexperienced as the virginal heroine is when it comes to sex, given the fact that all the other women are so afraid of him?
Plus, can anyone tell me why although all the women in the male lead's holding are supposed to be too afraid of him (and the 'beast' within him) to even look him in the eyes, left alone going anywhere near him; but somehow this 'fearsome' male lead still manages to know all the right things to do to pleasure a lady when he first 'gets it on' with the heroine? Shouldn't this guy be as inexperienced as the virginal heroine is when it comes to sex, given the fact that all the other women are so afraid of him?
February 4, 2016
Reseña completa--- http://bit.ly/RGL_TdL
En resumen “La Guarida del León” es un libro romántico que toma el cueto de “La Bella y la Bestia” y lo vuelve a contar de una forma espectacular, con un ritmo ágil que hace que la lectura sea muy fluida y las paginas pasen rápidamente, personajes bien trazados y situaciones tanto dramáticas, románticas e hilarantes, a pesar de un final un tanto apresurado y un caso grave de amor instantáneo recomiendo esta novela para todos los amantes de los retellings y la novela romántica-histórica.
En resumen “La Guarida del León” es un libro romántico que toma el cueto de “La Bella y la Bestia” y lo vuelve a contar de una forma espectacular, con un ritmo ágil que hace que la lectura sea muy fluida y las paginas pasen rápidamente, personajes bien trazados y situaciones tanto dramáticas, románticas e hilarantes, a pesar de un final un tanto apresurado y un caso grave de amor instantáneo recomiendo esta novela para todos los amantes de los retellings y la novela romántica-histórica.
March 17, 2022
La historia ha sido muy interesante.
Los protagonistas han sido fuertes y algo diferentes, pero algunas veces se me hacían insoportables.
La lectura también se hace algo densa en muchas ocasiones. La autora describe las cosas algunas veces con demasiadas florituras y, creo, que este libro no necesitaba que la narración fuera tan así.
La trama del libro era super interesante porque había mucho misterio alrededor de los protagonistas, pero como ya he dicho, algunas veces se hacía algo pesado.
Me han gustado mucho algunos personajes secundarios que hacen de la historia más rica.
Y, por último, el desenlace ha sido bonito pero me ha faltado un epílogo para saber algo más.
Los protagonistas han sido fuertes y algo diferentes, pero algunas veces se me hacían insoportables.
La lectura también se hace algo densa en muchas ocasiones. La autora describe las cosas algunas veces con demasiadas florituras y, creo, que este libro no necesitaba que la narración fuera tan así.
La trama del libro era super interesante porque había mucho misterio alrededor de los protagonistas, pero como ya he dicho, algunas veces se hacía algo pesado.
Me han gustado mucho algunos personajes secundarios que hacen de la historia más rica.
Y, por último, el desenlace ha sido bonito pero me ha faltado un epílogo para saber algo más.
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