Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Great story, typical Feehan storytelling
This is a great variation on the beauty and the beast story, except it takes Isabella a long time to see the beast in Nicholai. Its really everyone else who needs to see beyond the beast....To save her brother, Isabelle tavels to Don Nicholai DeMarco to ask for his help, even though she's heard the myth that his land is cursed and those who venture into his territory rarely return. She willingly agrees to marry Nicholai, who needs a bride from outside his land, in order to obtain Nicholai's help. But once she has ageed to stay, she becomes intwined in the castle and the lives of the people who live there-- which is good and bad. Overall, this is a great book to read on a nice relaxing weekend. Even though the hero and heroine fall in love rather quickly, the story is entertaining and engrossing. The main problem I have with the story is the same problem I have with most of Feehan's books; she creates original characters in an original setting with orginial problems, then she repeats the problem, and repeats the problem, and repeats the problem until you want to skip to the end to find out what finally happens. But you know you can't skip around because while she is repeating the problem for the twelth time, you know she's also adding some details that lead up to the end. If it weren't for the repitition, I'd have given this story five stars.
Rating: - It's Feehan, of course I like it
As I said, it's Feehan so I'll read it and like it because she tells her stories so well. A few problems though. Right from the start I was thinking, "Didn't I already read this book? Except it was called The Scarletti Curse." Similar base storyline: girl comes to haunted castle, feels evil, falls in love with master and vice versa, brings laughter to the caster, gets into lots of trouble, saves the day. But there were enough differences that I didn't feel like I was reading about palazzo del morte again.
The story also got a little repetitious. Most of the time page limitations make stories too short, but this one was too long. As another reader said, you begin a chapter and automatically think "what trouble is Isabella going to get into this time?" Sometimes the characters were also a little thickheaded and you just want to yell "Duh! Don't you get it yet??!!"
But after the story dragged on too long, the ending was rushed into about 4 paragraphs. Problem solved in a snap, end of story, thanks for reading. It's like a roller coaster with a really really long uphill, a 5 foot downhill and then the ride's over. A little better use of pages next time, huh??!! I always like a chapter or an epilogue about what happened afterward. Also really wanted to hear more about Lucca and Francesca.
Overall, this was a good story. It keeps you reading to find out what will happen next and how it will end. You have to admire Isabella's strength in facing the entity, love for Nicolai, and determination to have others see him as she does. A good read, give it a try!
Rating: - Haunting, Erotic, Memorable Gothic Romance!
"Lair of the Lion" by Christine Feehan is a compelling gothic romance perfect for curling up with on a cold winter night. I became utterly absorbed in the story right from the start, and Feehan's passionate storytelling kept me turning pages well into the night. The main characters are intriguing and well matched, and Feehan's take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale becomes something original and wickedly enticing under her talented hand. "Lair of the Lion" is an all-around solid effort that is sure to be enjoyed by a wide range of romance readers.Isabella Vernaducci is a courageous young aristocrat who has had everything that once belonged to her family stolen away by the ruthless and power-hungry Don Rivellio. On top of that, the pitiless Don has imprisoned her brother Lucca and sentenced him to death. Desperate to save her brother, Isabella makes the treacherous journey to the home of the powerful and mysterious Don Nicolai DeMarco in the Italian Alps. Don DeMarco is the only man who can save Lucca's life, but no outsider has ever survived the journey to his palazzo. Supposedly the victim of a terrible curse, Don DeMarco is rumoured to have the ability to control the heavens and to make the beasts on earth do his bidding. But when Isabella arrives at the palazzo of Don DeMarco, she meets a man unlike any other she has ever met. His intense tawny eyes, flowing mane of hair, and devilishly handsome face make her heart pound double time. Though his commanding presence fills Isabella with fear, she is undeniably drawn to Don Nicolai. And she does not see the monstrous and heartless beast of legend when she looks at Nicolai, but a dedicated and compassionate man who has worked tirelessly for his people. Don Nicolai DeMarco promises to save Isabella's brother on one condition, that she becomes his wife. Though the palazzo is a less than hospitable place, with huge lions roaming all around and permeated by a dark and malevolent presence, Isabella is captivated by Nicolai. But she soon finds out that the DeMarco curse is no legend, but a grim reality. Though she can see Nicolai as a handsome man, all others see him as a beast, a beast that is destined to destroy the woman he loves. But Isabella won't give up so easily on the man she has fallen in love with, and resolves to find a way to break the curse. Nicolai and Isabella's romance is portrayed in typical Feehan fashion, it's incredibly erotic, passionate and beautifully tender (and you may need to open a window to cool off while reading the love scenes). Unfortunately, danger awaits Isabella at every turn and she's going to need every ounce of courage she possesses to save both herself and the man she loves. Unexplainable "accidents" occur almost daily, and they're all directed at Isabella. Feehan builds the suspense very effectively, and Isabella and Nicolai must stand together against the evil that seeks to destroy them, and hope that their love will be strong enough to triumph. Will Isabella find a way to defeat the curse and banish the evil that haunts the valley? Or will she end up sacrificing her life and Nicolai's soul? "Lair of the Lion" is a wonderful historical romance filled with passion, thrills, chills, and intrigue. The atmosphere is unabashedly dark, brooding, and, well, gothic, so if you are not a fan of gothic fiction this isn't going to be your cup of tea. Personally, I thought it was great and I thoroughly enjoyed the gothic flavour of it all. Feehan has created a fascinating cast of rich and vivid characters, from the irresistible and charismatic hero, Nicolai, to his misunderstood and charming sister, Fransesca. The palazzo itself is a fabulous labyrinth of hidden passageways and shadowy corridors, providing the perfect setting for this riveting tale. "Lair of the Lion" is a tantalizing and suspenseful tale of first-rate gothic romance, and I recommend it whole-heartedly.
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