Hook, Lyon and Sinker

The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Jude Knight

When Laurel jilts her fiancé will it bring her scandal? Or everything she has ever wanted?

When Lady Laureline Barker asks Mrs. Dove Lyons to find her a husband, she does not expect one of her choices to be the man she admired years ago, when she was still a schoolgirl—the man who rescued her from drowning. He is also a war hero, famed for trading his own freedom and health for the safety of others.

Laurel is committed to a contest, with the winner taking her and her dowry. Can she back out? And will he still want her if she does?

Angelico Warrington doesn’t expect Laurel to remember him. Even if she does, why should she favor him over other suitors? She is the respected sister to an earl, with only one flaw on her reputation—she refused to marry a cad who had been putting off their wedding date for five years.

Angel is a musician in a gambling den, unable to walk without crutches, and with no place in the Society to which Laurel belongs.

This apparently ill-assorted couple are a perfect match, but history must repeat itself and secrets be revealed before they can win their happy ending.

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Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2024

About the author

Have you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was me ten years ago.

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.

But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.

As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.

Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.

So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.

My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.

I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.

Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Laureline Barker has been betrothed for years but her fiancé keeps delaying, then one day she over hears him saying he only really wants her dowry – so she breaks the engagement & asks Mrs. Dove Lyons to find her a husband, she does not expect one of her choices to be the man she admired years ago, when she was still a schoolgirl & who rescued her from drowning. He is also a war hero, famed for trading his own freedom and health for the safety of others. Angelico Warrington doesn’t expect Laurel to remember him. Even if she does, why should she favour him over other suitors? She is the respected sister to an earl. Angel is a musician in the Lyon’s Den den, unable to walk without crutches, and with no place in the Society to which Laurel belongs.
Another wonderful romance by the author. Angel is one of the loveliest heroes you could find, he’s a hero, unassuming, caring & loves Laurel for herself. Laurel is intelligent & knows her own mind, she’s also attracted to Angel. I was really routing for him in the tests set by Mrs Dove Lyons & was cheering when good fortune at last went his way. The characters were brilliant, the pace never lagged & I was hooked from cover to cover. I also loved both Bertram & Benjamin & look forward to the latter’s story
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. This is obviously a Lyon's Den story, and I loved it. 5☆

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angelico Warrington (Angel) rescued Lady Laureline Barker eight years ago from a sinking ship and lost his heart to the lady. He sustained injuries in the war from an explosion, torture from the French and lives in pain. Laureline broke the engagement to a man who cares nothing for her and only wants her dowry. She approaches the matchmaker Mrs. Dove-Lyon to arrange a marriage. Angel takes the one chance of winning her in Mrs. Dove-Lyon's competitions. A very sweet clean romance. One of my favorite series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

FREE today (November 4, 2024) on Amazon.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A very enjoyable and well written story, “Hook, Lyon and Sinker”, by Jude Knight, features a compelling wounded hero, who dares to admit and show the longing for the heroine.
I liked how Angel’s desire and yearning for Laurel was depicted and how the attraction in the past was rekindled in the present.
The description of the hero’s injuries and the torture he was inflicted is matter-of-fact and dispassionate, almost neutral in its tone.
The strategy enhances its devastating effects and Angel’s bravery.
Angel is bitter about his condition but doesn’t really wallow on it and tries to make the best with what he has.
Laureline is strong-minded, smart and determined, and I appreciated how these traits blend with her compassion and tender heart.
I also enjoyed the siblings (Laurel/Benjamim) tentative relationship and how the affection gradually grows.
I liked the author’s restrained writing style, more showing and suggesting than telling. I would have liked more development of certain features although I understand that the story is short.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

I think Jude Knight has quickly become a must read for me; I found I have enjoyed so many of her books that I have recently read. This is part of the large, multi-author series around the Lyon's Den and mysterious owner, the widow Mrs Dove-Lyon, who also sets up a discreet and very unusual matchmaking service for women in need.

Lady Laureline Barker has finally broken off her long-time betrothal with her fairweather fiance, after he has put off their wedding too many times, and she has caught him out for the rogue that he is. After waiting and being taken for granted for so long, she is sick and tired of waiting, and when she finds out that he has no intention of being faithful, but will use her bountiful dowry to finance his mistress and other personal pleasures, Laureline decided she will have none of that. Unfortunately when she does this, she finds out from her brother that the rules of her inheritance are that she must be wed by her 25th birthday or her funds will go to their father's old college.

Regardless of this new impediment, Laureline is not willing to return to her former betrothed, but instead decides to seek out the help of the Lyon's Den to help seek a better option for her husband.

Working as a musician at the Den is one Angel Warrington, an injured ex-soldier of British and Italian lineage. He meets up with his past when he sees Laureline arrive at the Den. Years prior, they had met when she was very young and they were travelling. After an accident, Laureline and others were saved by a Angel, a brave young man and strong swimmer, when the the ship they were on broke down and many were at risk of drowning. They crossed paths a few times during their travels and Angel had developed a bit of a tendre for the young Laureline. But, because of their differing social and cultural backgrounds, including being renounced by his father's British family, he tamped down his yearnings and tried to forgot about her.

Over the years, he had joined the British military and made a name for himself and moved ahead in the rankings. Unfortunately his military career ended when he was severely injured after being pinned under a collapsing bridge, causing him to have maimed feet, a great deal of pain, and eventually learn to move with walking sticks. Over time, he ended up back in London, choosing to work as a musician at the Den. When he finds out what Laureline is there for, he is conflicted considering their differences and his current circumstances, but ends up throwing his name into the lot of gentlemen chosen by Dove-Lyons to compete for marriage to Laureline.

Laureline is not immune to Angel, and remembers the brave, and talented young man who saved her and so many others so many years ago and as he competes for a chance at her hand, she learns to appreciate his honor and honesty as well.

A sweet second chance at love, and differing social class romance. It is a short read and a sweet one, where Laureline and Angel first connect years before, and always deep in their hearts carried memories of each other with fondness, that had a chance to rekindle and develop into something more when they meet again. It also is a story of snobbery and prejudice, and despite being born into a noble background, some people truly are not noble nor gentlemen.

Enjoyable story, and it seemed to lay some interesting groundwork for other future stories with some secondary characters like Laureline's rather taciturn and mysterious brother.

3.75 stars out of 5

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book. I liked both Laurel and Angel. The story opens as Laurel overhears her fiancé of five years telling her brother he wants to postpone their wedding for the sixth time. He admits he doesn't want to marry her but needs her dowry. Furious, Laurel dumps him on the spot. She also discovers that if she isn't married by her twenty-fifth birthday (in three months), she will have no dowry at all. Rather than start the husband hunt all over, Laurel goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help making a suitable match. She collides with a man on the way to the office but doesn't recognize him at first.

Angelico Warrington first met Laurel eight years earlier when a ship they were on foundered off the coast of Portugal. Angel saved Laurel, her father, and many others. From there, he joined the army. Angel's backstory is heartbreaking, but he doesn't let it hold him down. He has never forgotten Laurel and recognizes her right away. When he learns of her reason for being there, he becomes one of the contestants for her hand.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Angel and Laurel. As they renew their acquaintance, Laurel realizes that Angel is the man she wants. He is brave and honorable and wants her for herself, not her dowry. The twists and turns of this story were entertaining and kept me turning the pages. I loved Laurel's independence and strength of will, as well as Angel's determination. Each had obstacles to overcome, but their feelings never wavered. The ending was fantastic, with intense suspense as Angel competed for the hand of the woman he loved.

The secondary characters were great. The rejected suitors were appropriately detestable and added obstacles to our couple's hope of a future together. There were appearances by other couples brought together by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, giving Laurel support in her quest. I liked Angel's newly discovered cousin, Bertram, and the unexpected part he plays in Angel's life. I loved Laurel's brother Benjamin. His support of Laurel was unexpected, and I enjoyed seeing him back her up. I look forward to his story and wish I didn't have to wait until October to read it!

#netgalley

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hook, Lyon, and Sinker by Jude Knight is part of the Lyon’s Den Connected World of Dragonblade. Lady Lauraline Barker has just dumped her betrothed. It seems he wants to postpone the wedding yet again. It would be the sixth time. They have had the longest betrothal in the history of the ton. The truth is, he doesn’t want her, he wants her dowry, and apparently he doesn’t want that enough to do the deed. She has also just discovered that she has no dowry if she isn’t married within three months, her twenty-fifth birthday. She decides to take care of this herself and presents herself and her situation to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the matchmaker at the Lyon’s Den. Angelico Warrington had seen her many years before, when he rescued her and many others from a sinking ship. He had been working as a musician at the Lyon’s Den, but had money and a possible family within the ton. He spoke to his friend, Titan, Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s most trusted guard, and got himself a part in the contest for Laura’s hand. The only problem is that he as damaged feet and cannot walk without crutches. Can he compete?

Laura is strong-willed, part of what made her fiance not want her. She explains to her brother what she is doing and he insists on accompanying her. After the initial interviews, Laura eliminates two of the four suitors, leaving Angel, and another perfectly acceptable man. The games begin. Angel has retrieved some of his money from his man, visited the home of the man he assumed to be his uncle, and seen a tailor, all in an effort to make himself an acceptable candidate. He is a handsome man, unassuming and loyal. He has a great many friends among the staff at the Lyon’s Den. They are all cheering for him. It is a cheerful and pleasant book. The outcome is assured and all that is left is the journey. It was fun. Thanks Jude Knight!

I was invited to read Hook, Lyon, and Sinker by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JudeKnight #HookLyonAndSinker

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those authors that I can pick up their books without even knowing what it is about, but knowing that I will inevitably love it, and this book also did not disappoint. Laureline has been stuck in an engagement where her betrothed just seems to be stringing her along. When she learns he only wants her for her dowry, she breaks it off and hoping the scandal won't cause too much harm, she goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help in finding a husband. The last person she expected to be one of the candidates was Angel, a man she had admired years ago after he had rescued her from drowning. Angel is a famed war hero with an injury and doesn't expect Laureline to remember him even though he fell for her all those years ago and never forgot her. She is the daughter of an earl and Angel doesn't think himself worthy of her, but he takes his chance and enters the competition for her hand. Laureline most definitely has not forgotten him and soon realizes he is the man that she wants.
This was a well-written, sweet story featuring two people of different social classes and finding love with each other. I was captivated from the very beginning and remained engaged till the end. The characters were well-crafted and endearing and I really enjoyed getting to know them and following their story. Angel's backstory was heartbreaking, but it was lovely to see his world turned around once he found Laureline. A lovely addition to the series. Really enjoyed the story! Ms. Knight, you've done it again! 🙂
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Laureline Barker asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a husband because her betrothed (of more than five years) doesn't want her, but wants her dowry.

Laureline has another constraint; she has only three months until her twenty-fifth birthday. If she is not married by then, her dowry is willed to one of the colleges in Oxford. However, she does not want the cad who has strung her along for so many years, even though he now decides he will marry Laureline (for her dowry).

Laureline remembers with fondness a young man who saved her from drowning years ago. Angelico Warrington is now an injured war veteran who has always admired Laureline. However, in his present circumstances, he knows he would be a poor choice for the lovely and wealthy Laureline.

Angel works as a musician in Lyon's Den. Although Mrs. Dove-Lyon promises Laureline three possible candidates for her hand, she is presented with four, because Angel asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to give him a chance for Laureline's hand.

"Hook, Lyon and Sinker" and "Thrown to the Lyon" are about Lord Somerford and his half-sister, Lady Laureline Barker. The contests and intercession by Mrs. Dove-Lyon are commonplace aspects of all of the ninety-plus stories in the Lyon's Den Connected World series. What makes them interesting is the author's skill in creating drama and an engaging story within this framework.

Lyon's Den Connected World  
The Talons of a Lyon (2023) 
**   Hook, Lyon and Sinker (2024) 
 Thrown to the Lyon (2024)   
The Lyon's Dilemma (2025)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I have loved Jude Knight's series based on classic fairy tales and this is no exception! It's basically a retelling of Little Mermaid (with Angel being the Ariel character). It also fits in nicely with the Lyon's Den series as a whole and kind of brings that series back to its original concept of wagers and contests - which I really appreciated. I loved Angel and Laurel upon meeting both of them and that there was a little backstory for them. Laurel standing up to her brother and her fickle fiancé established her right away as someone willing fight for herself and not do something just because society expects it of her. The part with Laurel getting thrown into the river was a little over-the-top but actually fit in with the rest of the story - and I really wanted to know what happened to Hastings as a consequence for his actions. Laurel's brother was an interesting character and not quite what was expected after his initial introduction into the story (I am very much looking forward to the next book about him). It was also nice to see some characters from Jude Knight's previous novels (I always like to know what happened to couples after their own story ended). My only complaint with the book was that the author kept calling the Lyon's Den owner Mrs. Lyons (it's Lyon), you would think an editor would have caught that. Other than that, this was a pretty perfect story.

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story is a lovely addition to the series, the plot is nice and the characters are very likable. I look forward to read Benjamin‘s story, a very sympathetic side character.

When Lady Laureline learns that her fiancé intends to postpone their marriage once again and only wants her dowry, she jilts him, but is forced by her father's will to marry before her 25th birthday, otherwise she will lose the money. She therefore decides to have a marriage brokered by Mrs Dove Lyons.
Among the competitors is Angelico, a man she met years ago and who saved her from drowning. Since then, he has been her crush and she has never been able to forget him.

Angelico has loved Laurel since the day they first met, but he joined the army against Napoleon and was seriously wounded, captured and tortured. He has only been able to walk with crutches ever since.
Since his return, he leads a modest life and works as a violinist in Mrs Dove Lyons' Lyons Den. When he hears about the contest for Laurel's hand, he decides to take part, because he has nothing to lose and a lot to gain...

If you like quick-to-read historical romances with cinnamon roll heroes and strong heroines, you'll enjoy this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Laureline (Laurel) Barclay, betrothed for an eternity, finally overhears her dawdling fiancé's true colors – he's after her money, not her heart. So, she calls it quits and enlists Mrs. Dove Lyons to play matchmaker. Imagine her surprise when one of the candidates is her childhood crush, the dashing hero who saved her from a watery grave. Angelico (Angel) Warrington, war hero turned musician, hobbling on crutches, doesn't think Laurel remembers him. And even if she does, he's just a tune-spinner in the Lyon’s Den, not a high society swain.

Cue another heart-fluttering romance from the author's quill. Angel, the unsung hero with a heart of gold, loves Laurel for who she is, not her title. Laurel, brainy and bold, can't help but be drawn to him. I found myself rooting for Angel through Mrs. Lyons' Herculean tasks and doing a victory dance when luck finally tipped his hat to him. The characters sparkled, the story zipped along, and I was spellbound from start to finish. Can't wait to see what's in store for Benjamin.

[Beverly Manring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swept into this book immediately and it kept me captiured until the very end LOVE, LOVE, LOVED it! Main characters, Laurel&Angel meet when the ship Laurel and her father were traveling capsized off the coast of Portugal. Angel pulled them both from the waters and set them on shore. He arranges for them to be returned to England. He, however, was in the military and ran into life changing trauma. The military would blow up a bridge which fell on Angel’s feet, which left his feet mangled. He had immediately fallen in love with Laurel when he pulled her out. He hoped to one day find her....The book left me wanting more about other characters and sounds like that it is coming in October, 2024. I can hardly wait. Sincere thanks to the following for allowing me to read early and to give my own honest opinion:
#NetGalley,
#DragonbladePublishing
#JudeKnight
Publication Date: March 20, 2024
Go and get it as soon as you can!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bessie Dove-Lyon comes to the rescue when Lady Laureline discovers that her reluctant groom once again tries to delay their wedding and that there is a looming deadline. Needless to say, the Black Widow discovers the connection between Laurel and Angel, who is currently entertaining her guests as a musician, a man who has been to hell and back, and struggling to find his feet both literally and figuratively. Despite his wounds, Laurel is still attracted to the man who rescued her so many years ago, but she has to first overcome the dastardly attempts of her suitors to discredit her. Angel is everything Laurel needs in a man, honorable, kind, and brave, but first, he has to win the challenges set by the Black Widow if he is to win her hand. Fortunately, the novel comes to a sweet conclusion, bringing hope for the future. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

She only wants a husband who wants her for her. Not her dowry. Her father and eldest brother were only looking out for themselves and not for her. She know how to fix this. Mrs. Dove-Lyon to the rescue. A musician who wants to marry a wealthy heiress. Will he be able to contend with all that has happen to him physically and mentally?
I really enjoyed seeing another side to Titan who is briefly mentioned in almost every other Lyon book. This was a different way to look at the Lyons Den. I really enjoyed this fresh perspective from different point of view. Once secrets were revealed the ending was not hard to figure out.. I really enjoyed the romance that was budding between the musician and the heiress. (Although, the musician is not just that he is a hero too)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

[Cindy Woltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

first love always love

This is a beautiful sweet story. Lauraline and Angelo had met at a young age but separated by life events. After a many years betrothal and several postponed weddings she broke the betrothal finding he never wanted to marry but needed her dowry. Angelo a crippled war hero was now playing violin at the Lyon’s Den. A chance hallway collision brings them together. Lauraline seeking Mrs. Dove Lyon’s assistance in finding a match.
The selection of the competitors was interesting allowing Lauraline to narrow the field to only 2 men. The competition was interestingly a narrow match. Along the way Angelo discovers his family as Lauraline bonds with her brother.
The story is will written and fun with a bit of drama. As always I enjoyed the Lyon’s Den stories.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a slow burn. It keeps you entertained as there are unscrupulous people about!
Angel has secrets and he holding to like cards to the chest!
Several adventures await these two and of course they are within the Lyons den! Angel is a hero and injured in both feet for his bravery in war time!
Lady Laurel sister of an Earl has cast off her fiancé of 5 years like an old dress! She finds out he is enamored with her dowry and wants to spend it on his mistress. Benjamin her stepbrother is definitely onboard but has serious doubts about the Lyon’s den being a solution for Laurel! Laurel needs a husband soon so she doesn’t loose her inheritance!
There are a series of tests can Angel possibly win with his injuries?
Angel has a secret about his birth that definitely tips the scales in his favor!
Expect the unexpected in the Lyons den! Bravo

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up. Short and easy reading. Solid writing and research by the author, as usual. I liked the MMC, a wounded war hero with quite an amazing backstory; thought the MFC was ok but nothing special. Unfortunately there's a lack of chemistry; although I knew this would be low steam, based on the author's past books, I wished there had been at least a spark between the MC's. The only mention of passion or "naughty bits" is at the very beginning. Also felt that were a few too many villains and no on-page comeuppance. MFC's brother ended up being my favorite secondary character; on the flip side, the mother was unpleasant and I felt her character arc toward the end was too abrupt.

These are mostly just personal preferences/pet peeves, though. This is one of the better books in this series that I've read recently.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savior, Competition, Heartfelt Romance:
A shocking eye raising revelation sets Laurel into action which will change her future starting right now.
On her way to confer with the infamous Mrs. Lady Dove Lyon Laurels runs smack dab into Angel a war veteran on crutches who is a musician that works at the Lyon's Den. Unbeknownst to Laurel she didn't recognize Angel who she had met a long time ago in a land far away. Fate has just arrived for both Angel and Laurel and let the romance begin, or does it?
I couldn't help but be highly disappointed with the way the author ended this lovely tale of two people finding love, or did they?
👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
😠Rating 3.5 Star rounded up to 4

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick easy read. Always an HEA with this series, Hook, Lyon and Sinker includes visits from Sherry Ewings' "To Claim A Lyon's Heart" and Knights' "Talons Of The Lyon." I loved how she wove the happy couples into the story, not just references, but roles to play.

Angel and Laurel met several years earlier when he saved her from drowning after their ship went down. Instant like for both of them, but different classes, or so they thought. Now, Laurel just jilted her suiter after five years of waiting, and Angel is violinist at the Lyon's Den. Their story has some fun, unexpected turns on the way to their happily ever after, and it's a good read. I was surprised as to how the title would fit until the last few chapters. Read this in almost one sitting, and it was really worth my time.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Quite a clean read....I like a bit more passion but it was a good story.
Angelico had saved our heroine from downing. In the military he was referred to as The MerKing as he was very brave, honorable but had sacrificed his own health to save others. He was working incognito at Mrs Dove-Lyons establishment and sees that the heroine has asked for a match. Laurel has decided to stop relying on the men in her life and sort out a marriage of her own. Her mother was the main impediment.

I would recommend. Interesting to see the author hints at Titan's story to come as well as Laurel's brother.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

After discovering what her fiance of five years really thought of her, and discovering her dowry was only available for a few more months, Lady Laurel approached Mrs Dove-Lyon to arrange a match for herself. Whilst at the Den Laurel bumps into a much changed man who rescued her from the sea many years earlier.
Angel Warrington, ex soldier, ex prisoner of war,now still badly injured is making his living playing violin at Lyons Den, until his investments mature enough for him to live on. He's intrigued to see Laurel again, and surprised shes still single, so when he finds she's looking for a husband he throws his hat on the ring.
A very likeable couple as is Laurels brother Benjamin, it helps when one likes the main characters, the book is more enjoyable.

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect match was obvious………

This second chance marriage brokered through the Lyon’s Den was special. The childhood connection that they shared was an added step to showing their feelings for one another. The hero and heroine were both good characters who deserved a happy ending. The relationship that developed between siblings and reunited family was touching and genuine. I really liked the relationship between Titan and Angel. It was nice to see that side of Titan because there is definitely a story with his decision to work at the Den. This story was a sweet clean class difference, jilted fiancé, sour revengeful villains, family reunions, an inured war hero, a strong heroine, and a HEA.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this engaging read very much. I loved the characters of Laurel and Angel. I enjoyed Laurel becoming more confident and standing up for what she wanted. Also, her growing relationship with her brother, as they got to know each other better. Angel had suffered in the past and was still suffering as a result of his injuries. He was a brave and independent man. Laurel and Angel has met many years ago but had not forgotten each other. There are a few surprises in this story, a few horrid people who need a comeuppance and although this story does have a happy ending, it seems as though more will be written about them. I look forward to reading it.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, sweet and genuinely beautiful story. Long ago Angel had saved Laureline and never forgotten her. Years later they met again and with the help of the awe inspiring Lady Dove-Lyon found life full of surprises. My favorite parts of the Dove-Lyon series is always the competition. They are both uniquely written and a challenge to understand how they are weighted in the heros favor. The characters in this book are both strong and know their own minds as they are equally matched. A wonderfully clean romantic story that anyone can read and enjoy. I would recommend this particular one for anyone under the adult age.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the tenacity of the h. Oh, how my heartache for the H and all he went through. Even though there was another strong contender for the h's hand, I was rooting for our H. These two people seemed made for each other.

This is a clean story with only a kiss after marriage. I can't wait for Oct. 2024 for the h's brother's story.

All the Lyon's Den stories are standalone, written by different authors. I did enjoy how this author portrayed Mrs. Dove-Lyon.

I wish we had info on one of the nasty villains, otherwise I liked how the story ended.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, nasty villains, HEA, little on romance and clean. (ljb)

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful read. Finished it in one day, partly because I wanted to find out if Angel would win the hand of the lady he had loved for so long and partly because it's less than 200 pages.
The writing was excellent, the plot held my attention, and I rooted for the two main characters as the villains got their comeuppance.
I don't know much about this series but there seem to be almost 200 books written by different writers who keep it going. If the others are as good as this one, and many are free, I'll not run out of reading material for a very long time.
On to the next matchmaking adventure of the Lyon's Den!

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

When Laureline was a young girl she was saved from drowning by a handsome young man. Angelico never got over the love he had for the young woman he saved.
Years later Angel is a wounded soldier and pow working as a violinist at the Lyon’s Den.
Laurel was engaged to a man for 5 years before finding out that he is a scoundrel so she jilts him.
Will Angel succeed in winning the hand of his love? Will Laurel finally get the man of her dreams?
Come along on another journey to HEA in the Lyon’s Den!
Jude is just one of the many talented authors who write the books in this series. Pick up one and you will be hooked!

[Sydney S]

DNF p.66.
This was a freebie a couple days ago. Apparently this is part of an extended universe a bunch of authors write in, which has me excited. I love connected worlds. Maybe a different author will work for me.

So this has a plot I would normally love and a very interesting disabled MMC who plays the violin. But the execution wasn’t great. Lots of pointless scenes that made the story have soooo many lulls, which made this overall boring. I’m still going to try another book in this series because the idea of a lady matchmaker who runs a gambling den in the 1800s sounds like something I would love, in the right author's hands.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Angel and Laureline are interesting, complex, intriguing, relatable, entertaining, fun characters. I enjoyed them as individuals and as a couple. Their romance has interesting and entertaining twists and turns. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. I especially love the family and friends aspect. The story is easy to get inro and read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.