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She's a former courtesan. He was once her favorite client. Will a conniving earl thwart a matchmaker's efforts to see them reunited?

Newly widowed viscountess and mother to a young boy, Annabelle reluctantly returns to London in the hopes of securing invitations to Society events. Although she’s more than able to run the Burwick viscountcy on behalf of her son, Benton is in need of a titled father to help him along in life. Worried someone will recognize her—she was one of the ladies of The Elegant Courtesan before Burwick made her his viscountess and took her off to his country estate—Annabelle soon realizes she can’t hide her identity when one of her former clients confronts her. Embarrassed and angered by his overtures, Annabelle decides to leave her fate in the hands of matchmaker Bessie Dove-Lyon.

As a lieutenant colonel in the British Army and the second son of an earl, Jeffrey never expected to inherit an earldom and have to marry. Now he's in a quandary. He’s in desperate need of funds, for the Year of No Summer has left the earldom’s coffers empty. When he spies his favorite flame-haired courtesan in a tailor’s shop with a young boy, Jeffrey doesn’t realize she’s become a respectable lady. His comment about her son is mistaken as an insult, and he fears he may have missed his opportunity with the woman he still finds irresistible.

Learning he can win a wealthy woman in a game of chance at The Lyon’s Den, Jeffrey agrees to the Black Widow of Whitehall’s matchmaking method.

When he discovers Annabelle is the prize, the stakes may be more than he can afford, for if she ends up in the arms of a man he trusts, his heart—and a friendship—will surely be broken.

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246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2024

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About the author

Linda Rae Sande

126 books427 followers
A self-described nerd and lover of science, Linda Rae spent many years as a published technical writer specializing in 3D graphics workstations, software and 3D animation (her movie credits include SHREK and SHREK 2). An interest in genealogy led to years of research on the Regency era and a desire to write fiction based in that time.

A fan of action-adventure movies, she can frequently be found at the local cinema. Although she no longer has any fish, she follows the San Jose Sharks. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming. More information about her books can be found at www.lindaraesande.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Janet.
5,195 reviews66 followers
January 31, 2024
Newly widowed viscountess and mother to a young boy, Annabelle reluctantly returns to London in the hopes of securing invitations to Society events. Although she’s more than able to run the Burwick viscountcy on behalf of her son, Benton is in need of a titled father to help him along in life. Once one of the ladies of The Elegant Courtesan before Burwick made her his viscountess Annabelle soon realizes she can’t hide her identity when one of her former clients confronts her. As a lieutenant colonel in the British Army and the second son of an earl, Jeffrey never expected to inherit an earldom and have to marry. Now he's in a quandary. He’s in desperate need of funds, for the Year of No Summer has left the earldom’s coffers empty. Learning he can win a wealthy woman in a game of chance at The Lyon’s Den, Jeffrey agrees to the Black Widow of Whitehall’s matchmaking method.
A well written charming romance with the bonus of secondary romances. I really liked both Jeffrey & Annabelle & even though they knew each other in the past & their first meeting didn’t go well! They eventually found their HEA. Benton was a delight. There are some surprises, overall a fun & entertaining romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,499 reviews91 followers
March 21, 2024
I do love the Lyon's Den stories (there are so many). There seemed to be lots more characters in this story. Enjoyable reading as always with the Lyon's Den. 4☆
1,124 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2024
Well I really enjoyed this book, partly as I recognised Natalies agency next to the solicitors office from the authors Aristocracy series, and partially as the main characters were well drawn and believable.

Daughter of a courtesan, and a former courtesan herself, although now newly widowed Annabelle has returned to London for her young sons sake. On her first outing she bumps into her first and probably favourite client, and is worried her whole world will come crashing down.
Jeffrey has just unexpectedly inherited the the Earldom of Tidworth,having been a soldier all his life. Now he finds the Earldom nearly bankrupt, and his only way to fix it is to marry a lady with a fortune.
As is frequent with this author there is a second relationship running along side the main one, in this case we have three.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,220 reviews33 followers
February 1, 2024
Bessie, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, is in the middle of organizing a tournament for Jeffery Murray-Hicks, Earl of Tidworth, to win a wife, but she's not exactly managing everything in her usual manner. Annabelle, Viscountess Burwick, needs a husband and also makes an arrangement with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Jeffrey and Annabelle know each other from years before and pick up where they left off. Unfortunately, it's too late and to expensive to back out of Bessie's plan. It's a family tree with a lot of branches filled with humor, romance and lots of bedroom play. Very entertaining!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,380 reviews28 followers
January 28, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for another fun read about the Lyon's Den. In this story there are two ladies who renew their life with two men that they had seen for years and one who is getting to know each other for the first time. The most important thing is they are all related in some way to each other which makes for a happy life. Annabella, her mother and her half-brother all find happiness with spouses and each other.
Profile Image for Mary Hart.
1,121 reviews28 followers
January 30, 2024
4.5 stars

A very busy romance. At one point our hero seems quite rude to our heroine & her son. Annabelle, an ex courtesan, gets out of the business when the property/brothel is being sold. She marries and has a son Benton. Recently she's been widowed and realises that she needs to remarry so that her husband can tutor her son in his duties to his estate. Her mother, Lucy, a mistress, is mourning her lover who was Annabelle's father. His son visits to ensure that Lucy realises she will retain the house and a stipend. Anthony is keen to meet Annabelle and Benton. Anthony's father didn't acknowledge Annabelle but Anthony is willing to do so. Our hero, Jeffrey, having inherited a title is told by his solicitor that he should marry. He goes to Bessie to see if she can arrange it. Annabelle, seperately also seeks out Bessie to have her find her new husband who won't treat her badly because of her history. Money for rescpectability.. There's an aristocratic lady who supplies Nanny's and Maids. This lady is the daughter of Lucy's former lover and he is a famous swordsmen., It gets very convolouted but by the end there are three matches made !! Quite a bit of passion towards the end. It's nice to see the hero, brother build up a relationship with the young boy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,810 reviews126 followers
March 2, 2024
Terrific addition to the Lyon's Den series. Annabelle is recently widowed and has a five-year-old son. She needs another husband so that her son has someone to teach him what he needs to know. But as a former courtesan, Annabelle worries that her past will come back to haunt her. That fear is realized when a former client recognizes her, and she is concerned that he may reveal her secret. Annabelle takes her mother's advice and goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help securing a match.

Jeffrey needs help. Due to the deaths of his father and older brother, Jeffrey has inherited the earldom. Unfortunately, the estate's coffers are empty, leaving him needing a wealthy wife. Upon the advice of his lawyer, he appeals to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help in finding a rich woman to marry. Having just encountered his former favorite courtesan and inadvertently insulted her, his preferences for a wife are pretty specific.

The first meeting between Jeffrey and Annabelle was quite awkward. Annabelle's fear of being recognized was realized and by the man she has never forgotten. Jeffrey's comment was insulting, and he earned her reaction. I liked his immediate regret and attempted to apologize. He doesn't give up trying to make amends, and his visit the next day has much better results. It doesn't take long for them to reconnect and discover their feelings are as strong as ever. I enjoyed watching their developing relationship. Both quickly regret their arrangements with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, but they are committed and must follow through. The tension mounted as the contest for her hand drew near, as there was another contender for the top spot. The match was intense, with a twist I didn't see coming. I loved how it ended.

Besides the relationship between Jeffrey and Annabelle, there were a couple of secondary romances and some surprise family developments. Annabelle's mother, Lucy, is mourning the loss of her longtime protector and Annabelle's father. Then, a man from her past reappears, showing interest in resuming where he left off many years earlier. I enjoyed watching the development of this later-in-life romance. Lucy also receives a visit from her late protector's legitimate son.

Upon his father's death, Anthony was shocked to learn of his longtime mistress and the existence of a half-sister. I loved his acceptance of Lucy in his father's life and his excitement at discovering he had a sister. Having thought he was now alone in the world, he is thrilled to have a sister and a nephew. I loved the first meeting between Anthony and Annabelle and their immediate ease with each other. Anthony also meets a young woman who knocks him for a loop. I loved Natalie.

I also adored Annabelle's son, Benton. I loved his seriousness as he fulfilled his role as the new viscount, especially when he was introduced to women. His fascination with the toy soldiers was fun, especially when he and Jeffrey got together.

The book finished with an epilogue that took place six years later. I loved catching up with the various characters.

#netgalley
4,199 reviews22 followers
March 6, 2024
Another creative and fun addition to the Lyon's Den series! Annabelle is a recently widowed viscountess and has returned to London in hopes of finding a suitable husband who can serve as a good role model for her young son and guide him in his life so that he may successfully take over the viscountcy when he comes of age. But as a former courtesan, Annabelle fears her past life may come back to haunt her if someone recognizes her and hinder her chances at finding a good husband. She enlists the help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon in helping her secure a good match. Jeffrey has also come to the Lyon's Den for matrimonial help. He has recently inherited an earldom, which is in dire need of money leaving him no choice but to find a wealthy wife. Jeffrey was once one of Annabelle's clients, and when she returns to London, she inadvertently bumps into him, and he immediately recognizes her, but the meeting does not go well. Jeffrey immediately regrets his behavior and attempted to apologize, and didn't give up until he succeeded. As time passes, they reconnect and grow closer, but they each still have their arrangement with Mrs. Dove-Lyon looming between them. But when Jeffrey learns that Annabelle is the prize in Mrs.Dove-Lyon's game of chance, he realizes he may really be in danger of losing the woman that he loves.
The story was well-written and engaging and kept my attention from start to finish. There was plenty of intrigue, drama , and a touch of mystery to keep me glued and the plot twists had me turning the pages, anxious to see how things would turn out. A delightfully entertaining addition to the series!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Fernando.
428 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2024
Jeffery Murray-Hicks, the Earl of Tidworth who has recently inherited his title following the tragic death of his father and older brother, urgently needs to wed a wealthy woman to inject some much-needed funds into his estate. Upon the recommendation of a friend, he approaches Mrs Dove-Lyon.

Young wealthy widow, Annabelle, Viscountess Burwick, plans to find her own husband, a member of the ton, to help raise Benson, her young son. Annabelle, a former courtesan, married Viscount Burwick six years ago and has lived at his country estate since then.

While in London, she goes to the tailor to get Benson measured for some new clothes. It is here that she bumps into Jeffrey, her former client who recognises her instantly. This sends her running to her mother, who suggests she use the services of Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon to assist in her search for a suitable husband.

Her mother was the former mistress of the recently demised Baron Convington, Annabelle’s father. The new Baron Covington, Anthony, chooses to meet and establish a connection with both Annabelle, his half-sister, and her mother. All these secondary characters have their own HEA, which was nice.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it as it kept me engaged throughout.

I was invited to read The Lady of a Lyon by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #LindaRaeSande #TheLadyOfALyon
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,566 reviews88 followers
January 26, 2024
I love the way in which this author always manages to bring about parallel plots with interconnected characters, all of which come with their own happy endings. From the cover of this novel to the last words of the author, I found this romance engaging, enticing and so romantic. Annabelle and Jeffrey started off badly but fortunately, the shocked military man quickly comes to his senses and sets matters straight. Annabelle's meeting with her half-brother goes a lot better than she could have expected and I appreciated Anthony's gentle disposition and generosity towards Annabelle and her mother. The bonus in this entertaining and well-written novel is that Lucy, Annabelle's mother, also finally finds happiness. The only person left a bit disgruntled is Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon when she finds herself outsmarted by the contestants of her matchmaking. Even the gentle Anthony manages to upset her. I received a copy of this heartwarming romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,471 reviews28 followers
February 4, 2024
This story has 3 couples all assisted in some way by events leading to or finalizing in the Lyons den!
The title is for Annabelle prev Anne a Courtesan but now a Viscountess!
Neither of the men appear especially intelligent of these couples!
The hero with the least common sense! Jeffrey Murray-Hicks the Earl of Tidworth literally puts his whole foot on his mouth!
If you saw someone you hadn’t seen in years why would you immediately call her child a bastard? That took brains!
Annabelle forgave him much to quickly! Jeffrey does try to gain forgiveness but he was a soldier previously so that could explain a lot!
We have Jeffrey and Annabelle, Annabelle and her half brother Baron Anthony Covington! Lucy (Annabelle mother) and Albert (Bertie) Earl of Habberly!
The Earl is Lucy’s father!
These relationships were confusing at first I had to go back and get them straight!
If you like multiple couples who all have a trip or two in the Lyons Den then this one will definitely keep you guessing! Bravo
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,107 reviews19 followers
January 27, 2024
Challenges, Siblings, Deception:
A story that is filled with many shocking situations.
We follow two wonderful characters Anna and Jeffery through their turbulent journey of rediscovering what they thought was a long-lost love.
A delightful story that includes the help from Lady Dove Lyon the famous matchmaker.
I have not read anything by this author before and I was delighted see that she wrote the story with just the right amount of intrigue, heat, and a small bit of mystery. The story is quite interesting with the many characters that are intertwined through, husbands, sons, daughters and mistresses.
Never a dull moment and a wonderful ending that really wasn't that big of a surprise.
✔Special Mention: Benton, the charming young boy captured my heart.
✔Mature Advisory:🌶🌶🌶
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
3,286 reviews37 followers
February 8, 2024
The Lady of a Lyon by Linda Rae Sande is a complicated story of the Lyon’s Den and Mrs. Dove Lyon. I am not going to try to outline it, you’ll need to read the book, let it must be said that the relationships are complicated and people are married to people that would never happen. Mrs Dove-Lyon was sort of involved but they managed to get around even her.

It was a fun story with a variety of characters who were a little confusing at first, but all became clear. It was a cute plot, almost like a merry-go-round of people getting on and off. It involved ladies of the night, although not your common variety of them, and plenty of nobility. Some with money, some without. It was a very fun read and I recommend it highly.

I was invited to read The Lady of a Lyon by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #LindaRaeSande #TheLadyOfALyon
Profile Image for Mystica.
1,763 reviews33 followers
January 28, 2024
A light hearted read set in Regency times. Annabelle recently widowed with an adorable four year old boy is now looking for a partner. She has a chequered past having worked in a brothel before being rescued by her Lord. She wants protection and a guide and father for her son and is directed to a match maker.

At the same time we have an impoverished Lord also looking for a rich wife and very coincidentally, this is the former army colonel now elevated to being a Lord, who was Annabelle's lover years before.
Add to the story Annabelle’s mother missing from Annabelle’s life for years, also a courtesan and mistress of a Lord for decades, many people from the gentry all unusual, and we have a rollicking, fun filled, slightly unrealistic novel.
Profile Image for Cheryl McTyre.
312 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2024
The Lyon's Den series is one of my favorites. This one was different: so easy to read, wonderful characters, unpredictable storylines and I could not put it down. We got more insight into the past life of our matchmaker/gambling den owner, Bessie Dove Lyon. I hope we get more in the series from LRS.

Annabelle needs a titled husband to train her young son and Jeffrey needs a rich wife. She's now a Lady, but was a courtesan and he was a client. Jeffrey was her "first" and he wants to be her last. Wonderful story of second chances, old friends, new loves, finding family and everyone gets an HEA.

Every time I thought I had everything figured out there was a new storyline. Sande keeps her reader engaged and I'll be adding her titles to my TBR list.
1,956 reviews18 followers
January 25, 2024
Mrs. Dove-Lyon is working her magic again but the ending was a major surprise I wasn’t expecting. As a second son of an Earl, Jeffrey never expected to inherit but he did and now he needs an heir and money to save his estate. A second chance may give him the only woman he has ever cared for, Annabelle but there are complications. It’s a great story and I love how after years apart they reconnect. It’s well written and entertaining. There are several surprises at the end of the story, some I was not expecting.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebekah Carulli Hanson.
988 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2024
Outstanding!

This is an amazing story of three families who are touched by 6 degrees of separation.
Linda Rae does an incredible job of weaving together the lives of three women and three men who in the end turn out to be related to each other. I don’t want to give away the plot so I won’t say anything else but that this is a great book.
The Widow of Whitehall engineers another battle for the honor of winning a heiress’s hand in marriage. I love that everyone ends up with who they are meant to be with and that there is not a villain killing or kidnapping someone. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🌶️🌶️
137 reviews
February 2, 2024
If you are a fan of the Lyon's Den Series, you definitely want to read this story. I have each and every Lyon's Den story writen by a group of amazing and talented authors. Their creativity in their writing is unbelievable. Linda Rae Sande has put a unique twist or spin to this story that just draws you in from the very beginning.
The main characters. Annabelle and Jeffrey have known each other before, and are hoping for their own second chance at love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, compliments of Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley.
994 reviews10 followers
April 15, 2024
5 STARS, HISTORICAL ROMANCE DRAMA

Linda Rae Sande earns 5 STARS with her well written & very interesting read of the Series: The Lyon's Den. A great BLURB is provided. I love the characters & how they interact with each other, as the reader I enjoy receiving that the characters are actually feeling joy, laughter, & happiness with each other & it is such a brilliant author that can give that gift.

Fast paced with plenty of action placed in all the right places makes this delicious delightful read lip smacking good.

WARNING: SEXUAL ACTIVITY INSIDE
RECOMMEND
Profile Image for Petula.
3,091 reviews87 followers
February 1, 2024
We are back at the Lyon's Den for this historical romance.  It is a tangle of relationships.  A much loved mistress, a widowed mother, a neglected son and a misunderstood daughter all have problems to solve. Maybe one gamble can bring closure to them all. 

As usual in this series you read each book on its own. They are only connected by the Black Widow herself. The characters have lots of changes to come. Really good entertainment.  
Profile Image for Mindy.
2,162 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2024
Great Story!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. I loved the characters and storyline so much. I guessed about Benton. Annabelle was a strong woman. Natalie was as well. Lucy and Albert were so in love. Anthony and Natalie were both so quick to fall for each other. Jeffrey and Annabelle were great together. Can’t wait to read the next Lyon’s Den Story. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
Profile Image for Cindy C..
1,142 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2024
A thoroughly enjoying reading The Lady of a Lyon!
It's a second chance at love and Mrs. Dove-Lyon has everything arranged for one of her famous matches.

Linda Rae Sande has a writing style that I really enjoy, she's filled the story with a great cast of characters, passion, a story that is well-written, an enjoyable plot and great dialogue bring this read together perfectly.
Profile Image for Suzette Edwards.
249 reviews
February 6, 2024
The Lady of a! Lyon

This storyline jumped around a bit. It told of three different couples all related one or other. I was confused by how author was telling your story, but in the end it ended okay
10 reviews
February 8, 2024
What a delightful...

Tangled web of characters! The story moved right along, and I found that I looked forward to picking it back up after life forced me to put it aside for a little bit. A new favorite.
1,344 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2024
Good Story

Fast paced good story, well written. A second chance story with all the characters intertwined with one another. As usual Bessie has her pay day. Another great addition to the Lyon’s Den.
237 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2024
Reaction

I loved this story. Annabelle and Jeffry's matchmaking exploits at the Lyon's Den is a frothy confection with a wrench or two and ends up with 3 happy couples. A delight to read.
88 reviews
February 25, 2024
Excellent read

I have read numerous stories in this series. This is one of the best I have read. So much going on in so many directions and coming together perfectly at the end. I enjoyed the whole book, but especially the last chapter. Well done.
1,156 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2024
This is a wonderful book. The banter is wonderful. The situations that the characters find themselves in is hilarious. The characters are wonderfully endearing. I love how connected and satisfying the relationships turn out to be. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly recommend it!
158 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2024
The Best of the Lyons!

Ms. Rae has given us three romances in one great book. She also portrayed the world of the Lyon's
Den perfectly. Just the way I always pictured it.
I loved all the couples and how they're stories unfolded.

Profile Image for AmazingJ.
1,003 reviews7 followers
December 19, 2025
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story.

A good story even though there were at least 6 characters portrayed in the story.

Annabelle & Jeffrey were wonderful characters.

I am looking forward to reading "Hook Lyon And Sinker: by Jude Knight in the next book in this series.
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