The Lyon's Paw

The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Jenna Jaxon

He’s not the type of man to forgive—but he’ll never forget her.

Geoffrey, Lord Longford is between a rock and a hard place. His estates are about to be sold to keep the earldom afloat so without a huge infusion of cash, his life is about to change for the worse. When his best friend suggests Geoffrey marry an heiress, he’s despondent but resigned. Despite his reservations, he seeks out Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den to find a suitable young lady with a suitable fortune.

Diana Edgerton sacrificed years of her life taking care of her uncle until he died, but that sacrifice is about to be rewarded handsomely. His will leaves Diana the sole heir to a vast fortune, but with one horrifying stipulation—she must be married in order to inherit it. Unfortunately, terrible rumors about Diana and her uncle have made her all but unmarriageable. In desperation, Diana’s aunt suggests she visit The Lyon’s Den and consult Mrs. Dove-Lyon to arrange a match to save her inheritance.

With two clients seemingly made for each other, a happy ending is all but assured.

Except Geoffrey and Diana have an unfortunate history—one that makes their union almost an impossibility. With so much hanging in the balance, can the two of them overcome the fact they despise one another long enough to secure the possibility of a future together?

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Genres: Historical Romance

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2024

About the author

Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic
herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to
incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and
a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre,
working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their
own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t
stop.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars
Geoffrey, Lord Longford is facing losing his estates & needs a huge infusion of cash. When his best friend suggests Geoffrey marry an heiress, he’s despondent but resigned. Despite his reservations, he seeks out Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den to find a suitable young lady with a suitable fortune. Diana Edgerton sacrificed years of her life taking care of her uncle until he died, but that sacrifice is about to be rewarded handsomely. His will leaves Diana the sole heir to a vast fortune, but with one horrifying stipulation, she must be married in order to inherit it. In desperation, Diana’s aunt suggests she visit The Lyon’s Den and consult Mrs. Dove-Lyon to arrange a match to save her inheritance. With two clients seemingly made for each other, a happy ending is all but assured. Except Geoffrey and Diana have an unfortunate history
A well written interesting romance. Geoffrey & Diana were attracted to each other the previous Spring but an unfortunate accident left Geoffrey in the Serpentine. I enjoyed their journey to a HEA, I liked both Geoffrey & Diana but I didn’t love them & I felt that whilst there was chemistry it was only lukewarm. I did love how protective Geoffrey was of his sister but that thread was left open, so I hope she has her story in a later book. I would have liked the book to have been longer for a more comprehensive storyline
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 23rd book by Jenna Jaxon. I started reading her in 2018. I really like this series.

I really liked Geoffrey and Diana's story. This was such a cute read. I enjoyed this story a lot. I enjoyed this couple and their personalities. It gave me such the good "feels". Sex was just the right amount and written well. Really enjoyed!!!!

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Another great addition to the collection of Lyon’s Den books. This one by Jenna Jaxon.

The Characters are very good, they are fully fleshed and very charming and charismatic.
A wonderful storyline too that keeps the reader engaged.
Very much enjoyed this book.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lyon’s Paw by Jenna Jaxon is an amusing story about an on-again, off-again romance, in which the gentleman in question, Lord Longford, unceremoniously falls into a pond in front of the ton. And is laughed at. Diana, who helped precipitate the accident is so embarrassed that she runs. So much for the budding relationship. Months later two things happen: Diana discovers she is a wealthy woman, if she is married by the end of the week; and Lord Longford discovers he is bankrupt and his steward kept it from him and then died. The only solution for either of them is Mrs. Dove-Lyon. They meet as each of them is going to speak to her and summarily refuse to marry one another. Diana considers other men and Longford discovers a less-than-reputable man has purchased his mortgages and will trade them for his sister’s hand in marriage. They meet again with Mrs. Dove-Lyon and with a little negotiating, agree to marry.

Diana is stubborn. That is her greatest flaw. She has never had a family before and finds she quite likes Longford’s, especially his sister. After an accident in which she was injured, she discovers that Longford is the kind man he had appeared to be months ago. The romance heats up. Longford has a quick temper and doesn’t always express himself well. This was a sweet romance wherein two people, when they slowed down, found they had much in common. The big string kept dangling was the man that wanted his sister, but no matter. He’ll never have her. This was a fun read with good characters and an entertaining plot, what there was of it. Another time, Mrs. Dove-Lyon chooses correctly, although this time there weren’t many choices. Thanks Jenna Jaxon, for a fun afternoon!

I was invited to read The Lyon’s Paw by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JennaJaxon #TheLyonsPaw

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's October and Lord Longford needs a rich heiress to pay off his debts. Miss Diana Edgerton needs a husband to claim her inheritance. What started as a promising match in June became a disaster. Mrs Dove-Lyon makes a match neither wants, but it's imperative to marry right away for Diana to claim the money. Can this marriage be saved? Very amusing. Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Always Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geoffrey and Diana were adorable. Both stubborn, hot headed and passionate.

Diana made a terrible first impression and panicked and retreated from society. Geoffrey, after said incident, let anyone willing to listen know how much he disliked her lol. However, circumstances forces them back together. They were both quite taken with each other from the start but then that quickly fizzled, but I loved watching them fall in love despite their little feud.

I love that Geoffrey cared so much about his family, especially his sister who was the reason he ended up marrying Diana, so he could afford to protect her. Diana became an heiress after her uncle passed and left her everything, with the stipulation that she wed within a week of the solicitor notifying her of the will.

One thing I was hanging onto that never happened was that at the beginning of the book and maybe mentioned one other time - Geoffrey apparently all but begged for an introduction with Diana. That's what led to their stroll in the park that ended terribly. I was waiting for more details surrounding that. Where did he see her? What were his first thoughts? I wanted to read about the first time he laid eyes on her, his thoughts and what drove him to go out of his way to meet her, who he spoke to to get an introduction. This is a big deal because at this point, she is not titled nor wealthy, while he's a an Earl with a lineage going back DECADES. We don't get any of that.

He was so hard on Mr. Danridge. At first I didn't trust the character, eventually my heart was aching for him. Geoffrey was so mean to him, I know he meant well ugh you feel Danridge's disappointment and hurt after what Geoffrey said to him to keep him from his sister Joanna. Another reason I wanted more insight on when he first laid eyes on Diana. He basically tells Danridge because of his past, his lack on title and lineage that he will never be good enough for Joanna no matter how wealthy he is. But Diana still caught his eye. Anyway, very excited to read Joanna's book.

Would've loved to see more of Alex and Honoria but the little update was still satisfying!

--

While I enjoyed the overall plot and idea of the story, I will call out that there are a lot of inconsistencies. If you read this as a standalone it's fine, you'll still catch some inconsistencies, typos, errors like names changing - but even if you read Pride of Lyon's you can still enjoy if you just go with the flow and not question continuity lol

I was initially confused at the beginning since we're introduced to Geoffrey in Thomas and Honoria's book (Pride of Lyons) and Geoffrey's sister was named "Alyse," while Thomas' sister is named Joanna. But in this the sister is "Alyce" and it seems the author decided to give him another one and call her Joanna as well. It's not unheard of to have the same names, but I wonder if it was on purpose? The spelling of the other sister could've easily been caught too.

Also in the previous book, it's stated that Geoffrey's father died when Geoffrey was 15 after being killed in a duel, but in this book he "died five years ago in a riding accident." Geoffrey is now 28, which would've put his father's death at 23.

On another random note, I noticed this author also has an unrelated series with characters that have the same exact names and titles as this one? Geoffrey, Lord Longford and Thomas, Lord Braeton, and Alyse (but she's a love interest, not sister). The Geoffrey in this book mentions his ancestors of the same name, and in Thomas' book he mentions how all the first men are named Thomas so I feel like that series is of their ancestors. I haven't read it so I can't be sure but how cool if it is!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Diana spent years taking care of her uncle while her cousins ignored him. When he died, she became the sole heir to his estate - provided she was married. She has one week to acquire a husband willing to meet her conditions. That is a difficult task when her cousins have spread scurrilous rumors about her, so she visits Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help.

Geoffrey discovers that his estates are nearly bankrupt and will have to be sold to raise the money needed to pay the debts. His best friend suggests that he ask Mrs. Dove-Lyon to assist him in finding a bride with a suitable fortune.

When Mrs. Dove-Lyon brings Geoffrey and Diana together, they are horrified. An unfortunate incident a few months earlier made them enemies, and neither is interested in marrying the other. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and they eventually negotiate a truce that allows each of them to get what they need. Will they follow through with their intention to part ways as soon as possible, or can they find a way to put the past behind them for a future together?

I liked watching the relationship between Geoffrey and Diana develop. Before the mishap that drove them apart, they were quite taken with each other, but neither reacted well to what happened. Once they were married and spending time together, those feelings began to overcome their antipathy. I enjoyed the scenes where they stopped sniping at each other. When Diana is injured in a fall, Geoffrey's protectiveness is aroused, and she begins to see more of the man she admired when they first met. I liked seeing them realize they belonged together. The epilogue is excellent.

There is a bit of suspense regarding a man who has set his eyes on gaining Geoffrey's sister, Joanna, as his wife. Initially, I agreed with Geoffrey's determination to keep them apart, as Mr. Dandridge appears very unsuitable. But by the end of the book, I began to suspect that there is more to Mr. Dandridge than Geoffrey knows. I also thought that Geoffrey's comments were unnecessarily harsh. This thread was left hanging, leading me to believe that we will see more of him in a later book.

#netgallley

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little romance. Geoffrey and Diana had a blossoming relationship when a humiliating accident drove them apart and made them enemies. Later, when Mrs. Dove-Lyons attempts to barter a marriage arrangement between them, they are horrified. A bit of time passes and the two of them become more desparate and agree to a marriage in name only.
Considering that this book is not dealing with the Capulets and Montagues, Geoffrey and Diana begin their marriage in a fairly civil manner. Eventually, they fell in love. Their initial conflict was really not serious enough to make them truly despise one another. I was rooting for this couple and I enjoyed their interactions.
On the downside, this book did have a bit of an incomplete feeling. I would have liked more of an epilogue. Also, the storyline of the villain was not fully developed. This particular villain is obviously going to be the hero of the author's next book. This is probably also the reason for the epilogue ending at the point that it does. I'm not going to call this a cliffhanger, but I'm definitely motivated to see what happens in the next book!
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Lyon's Den Connected World series. Geoffrey is in need of a large amount of cash to save his estate, otherwise he will be forced to sell it. He enlists the help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find him a suitable bride with a large fortune. Diana has dutifully taken care of her uncle for years, and when he dies, she is rewarded with quite a large inheritance. There is, however, one stipulation to receiving the inheritance, and that is that she must first marry. She and her uncle were the subject of terrible gossip, and because of that, it will make it difficult for Diana to find a suitable husband. The only choice she has is to go to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. At first, both were adamant about not marrying each other due to an incident a few months ago that made them enemies, but then they eventually agree. Although Geoffrey and Diana's marriage starts out with negotiations and is a marriage made of convenience, it's not long before their attraction for each other becomes apparent and things begin to heat up between them.
Another entertaining addition to the series! I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly enjoyable. I wasn't sure after the inauspicious start but built to a satisfying close.

Geoffrey, Lord Longford suddenly finds himself in need of cash after his late steward dies, and Geoffrey finds he'd been covering up losses for years. After a friend recommends Mrs Dove-Lyon may find him a lady with a fortune Geoffrey is hesitant,and after he meets his proposed wife, decides against marriage (odd as Mrs Dove-Lyon is not known for letting people renege on a deal).
Diana needs to marry quickly to gain her inheritance, but once she finds out that her proposed husband is a man who humiliated her a year earlier, she looks to find someone different.
Good main characters although Diana initially so strong quickly becomes a bit whiny, Geoffrey remains much a knight of old in his behaviour. I liked the constant references to pond life, it lightened both characters.
There are two sayings of not heard before so not sure if created for this book, each a little odd, but what happened with Joanna? I hate loose threads.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperation, Inheritance, Romance:
A lovely stroll through the park brings Geoffrey and Diana together with hopefully a future romance until a calamity happens and all future hopes fall apart and are completely out of the question; or is it?
This is where Mrs. Doves Lyons comes into the story. The infamous all time matchmaker. Can she help this couple who at the moment is glaring daggers at each other? This reunion did cause a few problems for Mrs. Dove Lyon but have faith that all will turn into a wonderful romance story with a very rewarding ending.
I wasn't a fan of Diana through most of the story, but she did garner my affection when she came to her senses and the passion kicked in and when it did Oh My sparks did take off.
The author is new to me, and I enjoyed this book and would look forward to reading more of her stories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

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

These two prove there is a thin line between love and loathing! Lord Geoffrey Longford is in need of an heiress because his steward kept some secrets and he is definitely in the red! Miss Diana Edgerton is an heiress but jealous relatives have spread nasty gossip about her and she may not inherit the labor of love she endured with her uncle! Enter the Lyons den with Mrs Bessie Lyon. This lovely couple have a long way to go to get to the altar and less than 48 hours to get there! If they can stop sniping at each other and taking cheap shots at one another they might find marital bliss! There are some odd phrases I am not familiar with? A lady spraining her ankle was all I knew it meant until today!? None the less it is a very humorous start to a HEA. There is a lot of laughter with these two and never a dull moment! There is intrigue with Joanna Geoffrey younger sister and I would like and update on her! Bravo a triumph I mean trip to the Lyons den.

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 STARS

Another addition to the Lyon's Den series and only connection is Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Stories are stand alone and written by different authors.

This story had our main characters at odds with each other. The H overreacted, and it caused the h to leave the season. I couldn't believe the name the "ton" gave an Earl.

The h was stubborn, and it took over 1/2 the story for her to soften. It got old fast for me how many times the H referred to her as My Dear, or My Love. I wished I'd counted because it ruined the flow for me.

There is a set up with the H's sister and a man with a nasty reputation, that is left hanging. That part of the story was interesting.

Lovemaking within marriage and not until the 85% mark and heat level 3 out of 5. Lord's name used in vain twice.

No villains, little on suspense and romance, HEA and a tad of spice. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know very few people who do not react to being publicly humiliated, and in this fairly short Lyon's Den romance, both Diana and Lord Geoffrey Longford feel the sting of the ton's ridicule. Malicious lies spread by her relatives ruin her reputation, and when her tormentors appear to be advancing on her, an accident results in Geoffrey becoming a victim. It is therefore with some glee that Bessie Dove-Lyon brings the two together in a perfect match. Both Diana and Geoffrey need something from each other, and it is only when they begin to properly communicate do they come to see that there is a chance for happiness. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion, although one does wonder whether a future book will emerge out of this novel. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embarrassed and humiliated by false rumors, Diana is happily surprised when Geoffrey calls on her. Then she knocks him into the lake. A year later Diana needs to marry in order to claim her inheritance, and Geoffrey needs a rich bride to pay off his debts. They both approach Bessie Dove-Lyon to seek help, and as luck would have it, she has matched them. Not thrilled, but in need, they come up with a marriage of convenience with an odd condition. How will it work out? The is a fun story, well-written and entertaining. The main two characters, Geoffrey and Dianna, both start out grumpy (for good reason), and work for sunshine. There is a bit of tension, some misunderstanding, and finally, a happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 2 out of 5]

The marriage of convenience trope is my jam, and I am familiar with the Lyon's Den universe so I was looking forward to this read. I was, unfortunately, left disappointed. This has one of the most unlikeable male main character I have read in a while. He legit calls someone a mongrel for not being noble-born in the last 10% of the book. And don't get me started on the reason that the main couple don't like each other in the first place. Both characters felt formal and stiff and the steamy scenes didn't work for me, either. I have read other Jenna Jaxon books and enjoyed them, but this one just wasn't for me.

1.5 stars, rounded to 2 for previous experience with Ms. Jaxon. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonsblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Cindy Woltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

a. marriage of necessity morphs into love

Necessity in spades. Diana needed to marry within a week or forfeit her inheritance. Geoffrey desperately needed too marry to secure his family wealth and protect his sister from a dubious man. In spite of an earlier incident they agree to marry planning a divorce in Pennsylvania within six months. As usual circumstances change and love follows.
As other Lyon’s Den stories this holds the reader’s attention. The characters are witty with good dialogue. Secondary characters are fairly well intertwined with the story.
I do wish all writers had similar descriptions of Bessie Dove-Lyon’s lair.

[L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another delightful Lyon's Den story. Two very stubborn people who can't forgive each other for imagined slights must marry if they each want to solve their financial problems. When faced with the fact that only by marring the other can they be successful they give in to what each believes will be a loveless marriage.
Of course things work out, and rather well, in the end.
My only complaint is toward the end of the story I got tired of reading the L calling her husband "my Lord". He had asked her to called him Godfrey, they were married, had been intimate, were now in love with each other yet she continued to call him "my Lord". It just became tiresome to read it in almost every sentence in the last 15 or 20 pages.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience is my jam. Even better when the couple doesn't like each other. I love it when a couple is thrown together and we get to see them first dethaw towards each other, then become friends, and finally fall in love. Geoffrey needs money to save his family. Diana inherits a lot of money but must marry in one week in order to keep it. A matchmaker, Mrs. Dove-Lyons sets them up. I haven't read the other Lyon's Den books yet, but she sounds like she probably is a recurring character.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this latest foray into the Lyon's Den two people who know, and don't like each other, fight every step of the way against the Black Widow's idea.

Our hero definitely knows how to hold a grudge. Our heroine has had more than her share of bad luck, its time that changed. 

They are strong and independent minded characters with problems to solve. We have a lot of fun with them.

This story is a stand alone  but reads as though it fits into another series. We at least need to follow up on two secondary characters.  There is a bit of mystery there. 

Good fun.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Diana and Geoffrey are enemies. Diana has the opportunity to receive a substantial inheritance but only if she marries.
Geoffrey is trying to save his earldom from creditors. After they both call on Mrs Bessie Dove-Lyon the fun begins.
Jenna does an amazing job of keeping your attention. The storyline is fresh and the characters relatable. You should check out the Lyon’s Den series you won’t be disappointed. The stories are fun and interesting and filled with outstanding authoresses

[Iris Blobel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Jenna Jaxon for generously gifting me a copy of The Lyon's Paw.

This was my first historical romance—aside from Effi Briest, which I had to read in Year 10. I've been enjoying Jenna's snippets on her blog for a couple of years now, so I've come to know her humour and wit. Both came through beautifully in this story. More than once, I found myself chuckling, and even pausing to look up unfamiliar words and traditions.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light-hearted, feel-good historical romance.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana had taken care of her uncle until his death. He left her a fortune but there was one stipulation that she had to marry in a week or lose it all. Mrs Dove-Lyon could help but the only man to be available had a bad experience with her the summer before and as much as he needed money he thought he could not marry her. They came to an understanding that worked for them both. But as they spend time with each other they grow to love each other. Thank you NetGalley for a fun story.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geoffrey is an impoverished lord and needs to marry an heiress. Diana must marry to receive a substantial inheritance. They both go to the Lyon’s den. When she realizes Geoffrey is her only choice, Diana agrees to marry him. Can they make this marriage work? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Jackie Carbonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaction

I loved this story. The reason for their marriage was different reasons for both and almost didn't happen. After the wedding, they're intending to divorce and begin to set a plan in motion. Because he has to put the plan on hold to protect his sister, they develop a relationship and fall in love.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such A Good Story!! 😊

I just loved this one too. I so enjoy each Lyon’s Den Story. This was such a wonderful story and I loved the characters and storyline so much. Diana and Geoffrey started off with a dance then hatred. Took a while but they managed to get it right. Loved the ending also. Little Tadpole. Back to my Lexi Post “Masque”. 🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰

[Cindy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the most notorious gambling den in London, is busy making another match through her match making service in Lyon's Paw. Jenna Jaxon has a enjoyable writing style, she's filled the story with likeable characters, passion, an enemy to lovers story, with enjoyable plot that brings this read together perfectly.

I received a ARC copy from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

[DENISE I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually 4.5

My first read of this author and I loved the entire story. The beginning - the build up. The development of the love story. The happily ever after. The only part that made me a little….incomplete was the potential of the story between the sister and the gambler…. Looking for and forward to the continuation of THAT story!

[Pansy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant read. A nice break from more intense reads. This was just shy of sweet but with a bit of excitement. I felt there could have been more about the sister and her admirer, but that could be another book. Otherwise, I liked the coming together of Diana and Geoffrey. Definite enemies to lovers it that is your favorite trope. Nice ending.

[Melanie Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Toad and his mate

After a disastrous beginning, Diana and Geoffrey, also known as the Toad, develop a charming relationship. Wonderful banter and great character growth round out this Lyon's Den tale.