My Own Private Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World

The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Katherine Bone

Mr. Quinton Prendergast meets an enchanting young woman whilst walking in Hyde Park, and wishes he could find such a girl to be his wife. But since ladies of the ton refuse to give him a second glance, he decides to employ the matchmaking skills of his distant cousin, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon—otherwise known as the Black Widow of Whitehall, owner of the Lyon’s Den. Happily, Bess comes through, swiftly hatching a possible match to one of the Misses Steere.

When their elder sister’s reputation appears tarnished, Miss Augusta Steere and her twin sister, Delphi, must seek husbands posthaste. Being the eldest by mere minutes, Augusta is far from inspired by the list her father acquires from an unnamed source. If only she could be introduced to someone like the handsome man she encountered in Hyde Park.

Shock registers when Quin realizes Miss Augusta Steere is the girl in the park, and he hardly minds when she kisses him at Delphi’s entreaty, an act which forces a declaration of engagement and a hasty marriage. Nevertheless, Augusta’s feet grow cold when she’s whisked away to Kent and the man she’s dreamed of, hardly has time for her in reality.

Could it be that she compromised him into marrying her to skirt her elder sister’s scandal because he’s wealthy but untitled, and he married her because she’s the daughter of a viscount?

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Genres: Historical Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2024

About the author

Addicted to history and romance, Katherine spent the better part of her childhood roaming the globe as an Army brat. Then while attending college, she was swept off her feet by a military officer. Yes, reader she married him, and they continued traveling the world. Four children, two Labradors and three cats later, Katherine put down roots in the south. Where, at last, she pursued her lifelong passion of creating vivid stories that came calling with abandon. Adventure. Mayhem. Swashbuckling heroes. Her books are pure escapism at heart.

If you'd like to follow Katherine's adventures on the literary seas, sign up for her Rogues, Rebels & Rakes Newsletter at: http://www.katherinebone.com/contact/

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Reviews

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Own Private Lyon by Katherine Bone

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC. It’s now published and you can read it on kindle unlimited. This book was amazing! Such a fun historical romance, it was a quick read only about 200 pages. If you like romance and not spice then this book is definitely for you. It was very easy to read for me, I find the Bridgeton series hard to read.

This story is about the Steere family who’s already gone through scandal and wants to make sure their twin daughters are able to be wed. Mr. Quinn Prendergast is the handsome candidate in this story who’s looking for a wife and because of fate he’s infatuated by one of the twins and seeks help from the Lyons den.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr.Quinton Prendergast is in want of a wife. He has wealth and prospects, but no title. It must be fate that he meets the young lady in Hyde Park that grabs his attention, but it's only a brief moment and no names are exchanged. Miss Augusta Steere and her twin sister Delphi are in the middle of a scandal. To marry quickly is their only choice. Augusta hasn't stopped thinking about the gentleman she briefly met in Hyde Park. Enter Mrs. Dove-Lyon with her matchmaking skills. Secrets of her past will play a part in Quin and Augusta's future.
Not a 100% clean romance, but almost.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Own Private Lyon by Katherine Bone is another of the Lyon’s Den Connected World books and of course, features Bessie Dove-Lyon. It turns out Mr. Quinton Prendergast is her cousin and he is going to her for help after the ton has shut him out of the marriage mart. He had come to town for a wife and was making no headway. To be honest, the only woman who had attracted him was one he had met for a short moment in the park. He didn’t even know her name. Bessie could find anyone, though, and this wasn’t even difficult. She arranged from them to meet at a ball and for him to be introduced and let nature take its course. That was before it all got very complicated and he almost lost her because he had left out some important details, not about himself, but about his family, and hers.

Quin seemed like a nice guy. He had earned his money honestly and was willing to be a good husband. He would prefer love, but he could settle. One Bessie was involved, he didn’t need to settle. They were both very young and Bone portrayed that perfectly. She also did a nice job with Bessie Dove-Lyon, a character who stays mostly in the shadows. It was a charming story of true love, just as readers have come to expect from the Lyon’s Den books. I always look forward to a new one, no matter the author. Thanks, Katherine Bone, for an enjoyable afternoon!

I was invited to read My Own Private Lyon by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #KatherineBone #MyOwnPrivateLyon

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistrust, Insecurities And Prejudices

I enjoyed this new installment of the series which tells the story of the next Ms. Steere who is set up by Mrs. Dove-Lyon. The plot is nice with themes of class disparity and love at first sight, likable characters, more insight into Mrs Dove-Lyon's character and a bit of steam.

Quinton Prendergast has come to London to find a respectable young woman from society, but unfortunately he is ostracised because of his low birth. Whilst walking in Hyde Park, he meets a young lady and is instantly smitten with her, but he doesn't know her name or whether he will see her again. He decides to ask his distant cousin Bessie Dove-Lyon for help, and indeed she succeeds in finding the woman.

Due to their older sister's scandal, Augusta Steere and her twin sister Delphi must marry as soon as possible. Augusta is afraid to leave her twin sister, especially as Delphi is not well.
She dreams of the young man from the park who immediately captivated her, and when they meet again at a meeting organised by Bessie, they find themselves in a compromising situation while tending to her sick sister and are forced to marry immediately but misunderstandings, insecurities, past lies and mistrust threaten a happily ever after…

Overall, a charming addition to the series!

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

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS MARRIAGE MARKET STRESS & DRAMA

This 5 STARS interesting well written storyline by Katherine Bone is her latest contribution to the wildly successful multi-author Series: The Lyon's Den Connected World plus provides a great BLURB This exciting & fast paced book is also hard to put down.

We are shown how people have various different stressors & ideas about the famed Ton affair called the Marriage Mart. A twin & a woman whose father is a titled peer is extremely stressed about finding a husband & getting that proposal before her older sister's scandal ostracizes both of the twins this Season. The scandal is just manufactured by a beau who was spruned. This is Augusta who had actually had a small event caused by a dropped cane by Quin. Quin is also looking for a wife in the same marriage mart. He isn't titled but is a spectacular who has gotten rich. He is a gentleman in all areas except he does not have a title, but he has a loving cousin who is a match maker.

Yes, his cousin is Bessie Dove- Lyon & owner of the Lyons Den in London. What an amazing placement of events & a joy to follow both of these characters in the act of looking for marriage but really also secretly hoping for love.

You will not regret getting this wonderful tale of looking for a potential mate to marry & love.

RECOMMENDED

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 STARS

This is a series, written by different author's - all standalone. This story took a more personal role for Mrs. Dove-Lyon and a secret exposed that was shocking, if you have read this series.

I felt the characters needed more work. We are not privy to what the h's twin suffers from, so that is left hanging. The MC, meet by chance in the park and then it is orchestrated they meet at a ball. The H/h are not alone, but the reaction of the hosts and her parents was baffling - like some major scandal- again.

The h came across as a snob in the beginning and I liked her twin better.

Then we have the H who doesn't consummate the marriage right away. Lovemaking - finally - within marriage - heat level 2 out of 5 if that.

No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, HEA, little on romance, and a tad of spice. In one part of the story Greg (secondary character) was accompanying the twin, then he is in the room, confusing. An epilogue 4 years in the future that was nice but again only the service was touched on for everyone. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Lyon's Den series where Mrs. Dove-Lyon uses her unparalleled matchmaking skills to help match the most unlikely pairs. In this installment she helps her distant cousin Quinn, a gentleman with wealth and prospects, but alas, no title to his name in which to tempt the members of the ton. He meets a young lady in Hyde Park and is thoroughly enchanted with her, and wishes he could find someone like her to marry. Augusta and her sister are desperate to escape from under a scandal caused by their elder sister. They enlist the help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon in finding husbands, and as fate would have it this brings Quinn and Augusta, the very lady Quinn encountered in Hyde Park, together. Despite their union and attraction to each other., things get complicated between them because Quinn had not been upfront with her from the start about himself and his family.
The story was well-written with interesting characters and I was engrossed all the way through. This was a charming and engaging romance and a lovely addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an enjoyable read. Mr Prendergast has come to London looking for a bride but isn't sure about how to meet one. When out walking in Hyde Park he meets a young lady who stops to pick up his cane and immediately he is attracted to her. He decides to see his distant cousin Bessie who though they haven't seen each other in years he was once close to and has heard she can he him.
The young lady and her twin are looking to marry quickly. Augusta cannot not think about the man she met in the park. They make a list of men who might be of interest to Augusta and since she did not know Quinton's name she is not aware his name was added to the list. They find themselves in a position where they have to marry at a ball. On the one hand Augusta is happy but she has never left her twin. Now they will be apart. Augusta and Quinton have an interest in horses and that will bring them closer together.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quin Prendergast is handsome, friendly, wealthy. Why then is he having a hard time finding a wife. He has no title, a must among the Ton. On a walk through Hyde Park, he meets a young woman he is quite taken with. Just before he gives up and decides to go home, he thinks of someone who might help. Bessie-Dove Lyon is his cousin, and she is a great match-maker. Will she be able to help Quin find the woman of his dreams? This story is a bit different than other Lyon’s Den tales. This one doesn’t have a wager or a couple chosen to match, no contests or wagers. In this one, Bessie is doing a favor for a favorite cousin. I love it when Quin and Augusta meet at the ball. They are a little unsure of each other even after they marry, but with fate and a mutual love of horses, things will come as they should. This story also revealed several secrets of Bessie Dove-Lyon. Interesting.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Carole Burant · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a chance encounter in Hyde Park between Quinton and Augusta occurs, neither of them realize just how much their lives will become entangled. He is wealthy but has no title and she is a lady from a titled family so they really are not suited and even though Quinton is looking for a wife, he knows he has no chance with Augusta. Why then can they not forget that encounter?!! With the help of his cousin, owner of the Lyon's Den and matchmaker extraordinaire, he meets Augusta again and is stunned when his betrothal is accepted. He worries, though, that secrets he has kept, will ruin his new marriage.

This really is a great addition to the Lyon's Den Connected World series and I've always enjoyed Katherine Bone's books, especially her pirate themed ones. Not too much drama in this one and I found it an easy read and delightful love story.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance encounter in the park, leaves both Quin and Augusta mourning that they don’t know the other’s name and will probably never see each other again. However Quin’s talent for drawing the unusual brooch worn by the lady who has captured his interest, enables Bessie Dove-Lyon to arrange a second, introduced meeting. Both Augusta and her twin Delphi need to be betrothed to avoid their sister’s scandal affecting their reputations but just like her sister before her, an indiscreet kiss leads to a whirlwind marriage and two strangers, one with secrets, attempting a new life together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to The Lyon’s Den Connected World Series. Anytime Mrs. Dove-Lyon is involved, love and happiness follows but this time it’s not that simple. Augusta and Quin have a chance meeting and an instant connection was made, but it takes planning and a little luck that brings them back to each other. All along their journey there are unexpected surprises that adds to the story and that makes it worth reading. One thing I really enjoyed about this story is the fact that Mrs. Dove-Lyon plays a larger role than in most of the others and more is learned about her. I loved the story and highly recommend it as a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Own Private Lyon
thoroughly enjoyed reading My Own Private Lyon! This time Mrs Dove-Lyon is helping her cousin, Mr. Pendergast find a bride.
It's a confusing web Augusta and her twin sister weaves when the they must find husbands quickly. It will keep you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Augusta and Mr. Pendergast until the very end! Katherine Bone's story is filled with characters that come off the pages and pulled me into their tale, surprising secrets are reviewed, and that is well-written.

Note: Pretty Little Lyon as by Katherine Bone is about the Steere's eldest daughter Charlotta and Lord Grey's story.

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

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

How does a untitled, wealthy man find a well bred wife among the ton? That's the pickle our hero is in. He wants a "lady" for a wife but those in the ton ignore him, even though he has more money and education than many of them. The infamous Bessie Dove Lyon, the owner of the Lyons Den and his cousin, may be his savior. While walking to pay her a visit he drops his cane and it's retrieved by a lovely young woman whose blue eyes and beauty he can't forget. He wants to meet her but will need Bessie's help to find her. All he remembers is the broach she wore. So he draws a picture of it and takes it to Bessie who recognizes it and that's where our story begins.
Lots of secrets are revealed and plot lines from other stories are tied together in this one so it's a good one to read.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Quinton Prendergast Is looking for a wife but although he makes more per year than a majority of the ton no one will even think about him. Unitl….
Thee second eldest girl is stuck to fix the rumor mill that her eldest sister started. Which helps Mrs. Dove-Lyon do what she does best….. Match make.
A wonderfully intriguing book that will keep you on your toes and of course Bessie wouldn’t accept anything less than romantic too.
I received a complementary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.. the opinion I have given is my own. I am disclosing this according to the guidelines..

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A chance meeting in Hyde Park sparks an attraction between the main characters in this novel. However, I found the plot a little convoluted with all the twists and turns in the relationship between the various characters, although Quinton and Augusta are clearly meant for each other. However, I was disappointed that they seemed to have second thoughts upon meeting one another again and their betrothal came about in an awkward way. Nevertheless, this romance comes to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good Story But too Short!!

I enjoyed reading this one. It all came full circle. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Always great reads for the Lion’s Den. Never a dull story has been written and I don’t think there ever will be. They keep you entertained from start to finish. The Steere’s had so much going on. With 3 daughters and a niece to raise. I just wanted more story and felt like so much was crammed into the epilogue. Like it was rushed. I wasn’t thrilled to see it like that. It is what it is!! 🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜😊😊😊

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A commoner comes to London to find a wife. He wants one from the ton, yet even with his fortune made and all the correct education, clothes, etc., he is shunned by the ton. After meeting a young woman in the park, he turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. This isn't the usual Lyons story with gambling and opportunities of chance. Instead it's a story of family, honor and secrets. Nicely written, yet for me entirely too much rhetoric and not enough interaction between people.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Chance Encounter

They met, by chance, while walking in Hyde Park. They both felt instant attraction. However, there was no chance they would meet again, or was there? They never exchanged names, but one should never underestimate Mrs. Dove-Lyon. She turned out to be Quin’s cousin. How did she find Augusta, and what happened when the two met again? For the answers, you would want to read this entertaining historical romance. Love often strikes when you least expect it.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quin and Augusta

Katherine Bone has written a wonderful story and addition of the Lyons Den. .
I love a story with twins and handsome hardworking men.
Mr. Pendergast, New to the upper crust searching for a wife .
Augusta Steere and sister Delphi must find husbands because of scandal with older sister. The Black Widow of Whitehall has secrets and I hope you read the book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinton Prendergast arrives at the Lyon's Den to see Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, his distant cousin, to find a wife. Bess finds a possible match.
I love these Lyon's Den stories. They are usually almost the same regarding Bess finding a lady for a gentleman, but the stories are wonderful to read. 5☆

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy this series well most of it, my main criticism is that the books are too short. This particular family has been fun to follow, Lottie then Parthenia, and now Augusta, and I hope Delphi will get her story too at some point. Starts very slowly but does pick up.
Apparently horses whine so wish spell check was used before publishing. Lots of spelling issues. 3.5*

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Quin and Augusta meet by accident in the park, sparks fly. When Mrs. Dove-Lyon matches them, they are convinced it is a right match. However they both must get over their insecurities to make the marriage work. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Pat Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Person of Value

Enjoyed the Aesop sayings that I hadn't heard on ages . Augusta fell in love the first time she saw Mr P. In the park His lack of a title did not matter. Problems came but their love thrived

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

This is a great story. There’s so many twists and turns into the Steere family and the Doves. A lot of secrets come out into the light. The love story is ❤️‍🔥 and 🌶️! This is just another example of the outstanding books in the Lyon’s Den series.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book in the wonderful series

Another book in the wonderful series The Lyon's Den this ones called My Own Private Lyon. Love this story you find more out about Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Characters are heroine is an intelligent, kind and fierce woman. His feelings make him human.

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Story

For me the beginning of the story slow and wordy. But, once I read past the first chapter the story became interesting and I was all in.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading from this author. I was not very impressed over all and towards the end, although I wouldn't call it 'steamy', it was still not discreet enough for my tastes.

[Chris]

DNF 5%