Lady Melissa Thumbridge knows how to move through high society but refuses to play by its rules. When she’s summoned as the Prince Regent’s mistress, she finds herself trapped in a world of luxury and duty. Yet, her heart beats for another—John Stonebridge, who’s everything she’s ever wanted. Loving him, though, could cost them both everything. With her sister’s duchess title and the survival of the dukedom on the line, Melissa must summon all her strength to break free, with a little help from the infamous matchmaker Mrs. Dove-Lyon...and a meddlesome kitten named Angus.
Can Mrs. Dove-Lyon help her win her heart’s desire?
John Stonebridge thought he’d lost everything. Once the presumed heir to a dukedom, he’s been reduced to watching someone else wear the title, all while carrying the weight of his family’s legacy. After the loss of his first wife, John swore that he’d never allow his heart to hope again. But Melissa changes everything. She awakens something in him—a fire he can’t control and a future he yearns to grasp. The problem? Claiming her could ruin everything he’s sworn to protect.
But what use was love if it burned all else to ash around him?
When fate and duty threaten to keep them apart, Melissa and John must risk everything for a second chance at an impossible love they were always meant to find. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a castle, their steamy romance is a passionate blend of courage, scandal, and the ultimate test of devotion.
Discover this spicy, second-chance Regency romance where a smart heroine, a sexy hero, and a little cat conspire to defy all odds.
Buy The Lyon's Legacy today and indulge in a story that will steal your heart!
Sara Adrien is the new voice in Historical Fiction and the best-selling author of the Infiltrating the Ton Series. She writes hot and heart-melting Regency Romance with a Jewish twist. Sign up for her VIP newsletter to get special perks and updates at http://saradrien.com
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Readability: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (the language was pretty light) Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 Humor: A bit Perspective: third person from both the heroine and hero More character focused or plot focused? character How did the speed of the story feel? medium When mains are first on page together: take a little bit, about 12% in (chapter 2 of 26) Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after Epilogue: Yes, 5 years later Format: read an e-book version through kindle unlimited Why I chose this book: I saw it posted in Upturned Petticoats and was curious about the steam level Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine (Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order? This is fine alone but Adrien does include some info in the preface about where the character’s fall within her stories.
Basic plot: Melissa makes a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon to win her unrequited love.
Give this a try if you want: - Regency – 1818 - widowed heroine / widower hero - single dad hero – his son is 13 - some unrequited longing from both - pet – a kitten is a strong side character - similar height mains – he’s about 3 inches taller than her - matchmaking elements – heroine goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for a match - lower steam – I have one full scene but there was another scene with light language that I couldn’t really tell the details so it might be a bit hotter to you. There’s also a number of kisses!
Ages: - heroine is 24, hero is ‘nearly 30’
First line: No woman should feel so apprehensive before the act.
My thoughts: I am a bit conflicted about this book – I loved Adrien’s writing but a lot about the book wasn’t my favorite.
Overall it felt a bit slow and I didn’t love the hero’s child – it pulled from the main couple for me, which is just a personal pet peeve. The steam was a bit lower than what I was expecting.
But Adrien’s writing was great and I fell into the story pretty easy. The characters felt real and I loved their unrequited longing for each other. I also appreciated the historical tidbits about the dental word of the 1800s! That is not something I find often in HR books so that was interesting.
Few random reading stats for this author # of books read: 2 Average rating: 3 stars Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here: Overall: How I felt about it everything considered! Readability: How ‘readable’ was the book? Did I fly through it? Did I have to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly? Were any passages confusing? (I will probably score like (1) is literally unreadable due to formatting/typing errors, etc (2) There were lots of errors that made it difficult to read OR It was extremely confusing and I had to reread passages to make sense of it OR I disliked it so much I had to bribe myself to keep reading (3) I didn’t really want to keep reading and would have preferred to abandon the read and start something else OR some minor continuity issues/confusion (4) I liked it fine, maybe a minor error or 2. I was happy to pick it up when I had time. (5) I never wanted to put this down. I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. I hid in the bathroom from my kids to read. I threw inappropriate food at my children for dinner so I could read instead.) Feels: Totally subjective to each person but did the book give me any tingles? Any butterflies? Did it rip my heart out (in a good way?) Emotional depth: How well do I feel I know the characters at the end? How much did I feel their emotions throughout the story? Sexual tension: Again, subjective, but how strong was the wanting and longing to me between the characters? A book might have strong sexual tension without a single touch. Romance: Was there romance? Did romantic things happen? This can be actions/words/thoughts of the characters and again is subjective. Sensuality: This is how the intimate scenes are written. Kisses and sexual scenes – how sensual were they? Were they on the mechanical side? Was there emotional pull tied in? Were the details explicit or flowery? These are subjective but generally (1) too short to get a good judgement (2) not all what I'm looking for - very vague or flowery prose (3) either not explicit enough or not enough emotional pull (too mechanical/physically descriptive without the emotions) (4) what I love in a scene (5) absolute perfection - perfect balance of emotional longing and explicit descriptions Sex Scene Length: How long the bedroom scenes are (generally (1) is 1-3 sentences (2) is a few paragraphs to a page-ish (3) is about average, a few pages (4) more well developed scenes, quite a few pages with descriptions (4) the majority of the book takes place in the bedroom. This is always hard to tell for me on audio! Steam Scale: Generally, each flame is a scene. If scenes are super close together I sometimes combine them. If a scene is super short or so vague I don’t know what’s happening, I don’t count it. There’s some levels of grey but generally the number of flames is how many sex scenes there are (I max out at 5 so I’ll put a + after if there’s more than that)
3.5 but I’m bumping it up cause the cat is not just in the story but in the cover. I like this authors stories, the characters do feel real. And compared to the other books I’ve read by this author, the main characters in this book do not have the juvenile feeling those other characters can have. I liked seeing our doctors from her other series mentioned here, the cross over was unexpected to me. I liked it. Neither MC were overly stubborn nor had anything that was really uncomfortable or aggregating about them from a story telling perspective. However, I do think that book had repetitiveness that wasn’t needed, we understood that the issue was her relations with Prinny and the main plot lion would be how they over come to make their love match. I purchased this book and I did also get it as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lady Melissa Thumbridge is caught in a precarious position. With her dead husband leaving her with tremendous debt, she has no choice when Prinny promises to clear the debt if she becomes his mistress. Only Mrs. Dove-Lyon can help her to break free from Prinny to marry the man she loves. John Stonebridge may no longer be the Duke of Duncan, but he is still devoted to the estate. He never thought he would love again until he met Melissa. His only hope for a life with her hangs in the balance with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Mrs. Dove-Lyon isn't that prominent in the story, but plays a vital role. A very low key love story with angst and descriptive sex. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.l
This is a sizzling Regency tale of defiance, and desire. The story has everything I look for in a historical romance: sharp banter, smoldering chemistry, impossible choices—and just enough scandal to keep the pages turning late into the night. Lady Melissa Thumbridge is no simpering debutante. She knows the rules of high society and just how to break them. When she’s summoned to become the Prince Regent’s mistress, it feels less like an honor and more like a trap. Caught between a gilded prison and her growing love for John Stonebridge, she’s forced to choose between comfort and true freedom. Melissa is fierce, witty, and refreshingly modern in her refusal to be controlled by power or propriety. John Stonebridge, once heir to a dukedom and now stripped of everything, is a man marked by grief and duty. Enter Melissa, who reignites a fire in him he believed long extinguished. Their relationship unfolds slowly but intensely, full of longing, restraint, and those irresistible moments where emotions slip through the cracks. His inner conflict—between loyalty to a crumbling legacy and the pull of real love—feels heartbreakingly authentic. The story has just the right blend of tenderness, tension, and a hint of playfulness, courtesy of the always-enchanting Mrs. Dove-Lyon and a meddlesome kitten named Angus. These additions add lightness to a story steeped in heavy decisions and high emotional stakes. If I have one complaint, it’s that some plot points—particularly surrounding the dukedom’s future—resolve a bit too neatly, considering how layered the emotional setup is. But that doesn’t diminish the impact of the story’s central love arc, which burns bright and true. This is a passionate, character-driven romance that leans into the best elements of the genre: personal sacrifice, social defiance, and a love worth fighting for. You’ll root for Melissa and John every step of the way. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I really enjoyed this heartfelt second chance, forbidden love romance that is emotive with humorous moments, intrigue, a little steam and a heartwarming happy ending, and features very likable characters with great chemistry and a mischievous, matchmaking kitten that stole my heart from the start. I already knew John and Melissa from the previous book. For me, John is kind of a tragic cinnamon roll hero and I really felt for him. He lost his beloved wife, spent years believing he was the Duke of Duncan, spruced up the indebted family estate, raised his son to be heir, only to be reduced to be a steward when his cousin Dustin returns and takes the title without showing any interest in running the estate, John‘s son wants to follow in Dustin's footsteps and become a doctor and the woman he's in love with lives at court as Prinny's mistress and is therefore off-limits if he doesn't want to jeopardise the family. But despite everything, he is loyal, honorable and supportive. Melissa is a strong, compassionate and caring heroine. For years she strived for perfection, entered into a suitable marriage, soon became a widow without a child of her own, but inherited her late husband's debts and must live with the danger of the estate reverting to the Crown. Now she is reluctantly Prinny's mistress, without having shared his bed so far and her reputation is ruined. Melissa has fallen in love with John, but the relationship would be dangerous because John, her brother-in-law Dustin, her sister Lexi and the doctors of Harley Street could lose everything because of her. Only the Black Widow of Whitehall might be able to save them all and help Melissa find happiness with John...
If you like forbidden love stories with meddling animals and happy endings against all odds, this book is for you!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Good addition to the Lyon's Den series. Melissa is a beautiful young widow who caught the Prince Regent's eye. He summoned her to be one of his mistresses, an honor she did not want. Unfortunately, she can't say no without risking the livelihood and reputation of her family. Her love for another man complicates matters. She appeals to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help in untangling her life.
John Stonebridge was the Duke of Duncan until his missing cousin, Dustin, returned to London (The Lyon's Golden Touch) and married Lexi, Melissa's sister. He spent years repairing the estate's finances and caring for the property. Now, he attempts to teach his cousin what he needs to know to take his place as Duke. Dustin would rather continue his work as a dentist than deal with estate matters.
Melissa flees to her sister's country home to visit Lexi and stay out of Prinny's way while Mrs. Dove-Lyon works her magic. I enjoyed watching John and Melissa's relationship develop. When Dustin and Lexi depart for London, John and Melissa step up to keep things going at the estate. Spending time together intensifies their feelings for each other, but until Melissa is free, they can't do anything about it. John and Melissa each have insecurities that make their situation more complicated. There are several deeply emotional scenes involving John's son, Herbert, that hammer home Melissa's fears. In the end, Mrs. Dove-Lyon comes up with an interesting solution. The epilogue was good, with a look at a unique future.
I enjoyed the story of John and Melissa, but I freely confess that my favorite character was Angus, the kitten. His appearance emphasized John and Dustin's challenges in handling their duties. Angus's antics were adorable and lightened some of the more intense scenes. I especially enjoyed the scene with the yarn.
The Lyon’s Legacy by Sara Adrien is part of the Lyon’s Den Connected World and loosely related to the medics on Harley Street. Lady Melissa Thumbridge is the sister to the new Duchess of Duncan, married to Dustin Fitzwater, who is a dentist. He is also the duke after avoiding the title for five years. In his stead, his cousin, John Stonebridge, had been duke. They now balanced the duties of duke so Dustin could continue his practice and because John was better at managing the estate. Lady Melissa is a widow and has been made mistress to Prinny, the Regent. That is not to say she has ever been in his bed. There were a legion of mistresses. The one time they met they discussed the fillings in her teeth and how they came about. A little convoluted, I know. Melissa has visited Bessie Dove-Lyon to engage her to 1) figure out a way to relieve her of of obligations to Prinny, and 2) to arrange something with John Stonebridge who was the man she wanted to marry. He didn’t know it yet. She went to visit her sister and was able to spend some time with John, and soon he was just just as enchanted as she. Now, to get past the problems.
These are both excellent, well-written characters and a blind person could see they belonged together. They both know their obligations and weren’t anxious to anger the Regent. They danced around one another until they were no longer able to resist temptation. Mrs. Dove-Lyon, true to her word, made it all work out but watching the journey was entertainment enough. Adrien put a different spin on Mrs Dove-Lyon’s talents and as always, the lady came through. What a fun book: decent enough plot and good characters. I recommend it.
I was invited to read the Lyon’s Legacy by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SaraAdrien #TheLyonsLegacy
This captivating Regency romance will transport readers to a world of opulent ballrooms, dazzling high-society events, and breathtaking estates. The story follows a strong, independent heroine who defies societal expectations and a dashing hero haunted by his past. Their paths collide amidst a whirlwind of passion, secrets, and second chances.
As they navigate the complexities of love and duty, they must confront their deepest desires and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. With its vibrant cast of characters, witty dialogue, and richly detailed setting, this novel is a must-read for fans of historical romance who crave a story that is both passionate and empowering.
The heroine's unwavering spirit and the hero's hidden vulnerabilities will resonate with readers, leaving them breathless and yearning for more. Against the backdrop of a society where appearances can be deceiving, their love story unfolds with a touch of whimsy and a dash of intrigue.
Readers will be captivated by the simmering tension, the stolen glances, and the unspoken desires that bind the protagonists together. As they navigate the treacherous waters of high society, they must confront their own insecurities and make choices that will have far-reaching consequences.
Ultimately, this novel is a celebration of love's transformative power, reminding us that even in the most restrictive of times, the heart can find a way. With its blend of passion, wit, and historical detail, this book is sure to delight readers who are searching for a Regency romance that is both timeless and unforgettable.
I liked the kitten\cat. But found the rest quite hard going and nearly out book down on at least two occasions. It feels chaotic and doesn't flow, in places a series of statements, littered with errors (a mare being referred to as he), and the time line doesn't quite work. John is described as having both blond hair and having silver streaks in his dark locks. 'The weight of the years' just before wedding dress fitting.... Levi has only been married three or four months, hardly years.
Melissa is widowed, she's in debt, and mistress to the Prince of Wales, 'Prinny' (who writes to her and signs himself as king). But Melissa wants John, cousin to her recently married sister's husband. But she can't leave Prinny as he may force her to repay her husband's debts, so she visits Mrs Dove-Lyon and pays her extortionate fee (where does she get the money from?) To extricate her from Prinny.
But Mrs Dove-Lyon is the widow of a lowly soldier who left her nothing but her blue building, so how has she know, let alone have influenced over Prinny?
As I said I loved the kitten, but most of the rest makes no sense.
The Lyon’s Den Connected World is an absolute gem! From the first page, I was drawn into a world of intrigue, romance, and richly developed characters. The story is beautifully crafted, blending historical detail with emotional depth, making it impossible to put down.
The protagonist’s journey is inspiring and relatable, filled with challenges, growth, and unexpected twists. Adrien’s writing is elegant and immersive, transporting readers to a vividly depicted world that feels alive. The romance is tender yet passionate, and the connections between the characters are so authentic that you can’t help but root for them.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to balance heartwarming moments with gripping drama. The legacy, love, and resilience themes resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression. If you’re a fan of historical romance with a touch of mystery and a lot of heart, The Lyon’s Legacy is a must-read. I can’t recommend it enough—Sara Adrien has outdone herself with this one!
I do so love this author’s way of writing. The research she puts into it, the notes she leaves at the end help you understand what life was like in Regency England. Returning to the Duke of Duncan’s house to see Melissa get her HEA was something not to be missed. I felt for John, losing everything in his life; his wife, his dukedom, the affection of his son. Yet he kept a kind and loving attitude even when faced with more loss. I cannot even imagine having been ‘chosen’ by Prinny and losing the life you always dreamed of and I understood what Melissa did to get out of it. It was a tad confusing why John was not told what was going on, but it made for some very heart wrenching moments. I absolutely adored Angus, and laughed out loud with some of his antics….especially the one in her bedroom. At times, it felt like the story dragged a bit, but overall a wonderful read!
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
This was a thoroughly delightful book which I very much enjoyed reading. I just loved the main characters, John and Melissa, so right for each other and yet it's a forbidden love. They do try their mightiest to resist but one can only resist for so long!!
Melissa, would be mistress to the Prince Regent, has hired the Lyon's Den famous matchmaker, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, asking her to help her gain her freedom from the prince and to match her up with the man she truly loves....John! As for John, having been stripped of his title when his cousin showed up, he thinks he has nothing to offer to Melissa and will forever only be able to love her from afar. Enter Angus...the adorable kitten who ends up helping things along:)
This story has a lot of heart and wonderful characters, it's well written and now that I've read my first Sara Adrien novel, I'm looking forward to reading her other books! Well done!
Can Love Beat the Odds? When the Prince Regent demands Melissa as his mistress in exchange for clearing her late husband’s debts, she feels she has no choice but to agree. Yet her heart belongs to John, a widower who has recently lost his dukedom to a long-lost cousin. In desperation, Melissa turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help—but what can even the famed matchmaker do when a royal stands in the way? Though Melissa doesn’t realize it right away, John is in love with her too. Still, he dares not act on it, fearing Prinny’s wrath could bring ruin upon his family. As Melissa’s sister is married to John’s cousin, the families are already intertwined—and when John’s son proves openly hostile toward Melissa, the challenges grow even greater. Can she win over his child—and can Mrs. Dove-Lyon find a way to free her from the Prince Regent’s grasp? With love, duty, and scandal colliding, this entertaining story delivers a mix of high-stakes romance, family ties, and the hope of a second chance.
5 STARS for another wonderful storyline in the popular Series: The Lyon's Den Connected World. A good BLURB is provided. This is the following book for the 2 Dukes of Dunstan & a wonderful tale it is, too.
Mrs. Dove-Lyons works her magic with the Dentist at Harley Street to release Lexi's sister as a mistress of the Prince. It isn't an easy task but it seems to come down to portraits.
A great book where both men who were Duke of Dunstan at some point decide it takes them both to run what is left of the Estate & castle. The Duke & Lexi with twin daughters have his cousin's son, Herbert as an heir and are happy if they never have a son. It looks like John & Lexi's sister may have a future.
I thought this books was surprisingly thought provoking for a historical novella. Melissa is a young widow, 24, with debts and is a mistress in waiting to Priny. But he owes her a favor. She sees out Mrs. Dove-Lyon for a chance at a match with John Stonebridge, the no longer presumptive duke's heir. But merely a cousin to a duke. He's looking for his place in the world. .Melissa is looking for a chance at love before she's a prince's mistress. Plus, there's dentistry in the prologue. Recommend.
This book is so very good that I highly recommend it. This story is smart and stimulating. It brings you in a different world and really honors the sense of escapism many people seek these days.It is very well written easily to follow,interesting,romantic and easy to follow in one read.I liked it from the first to the last page till the very last.I give 5 stars because it is worth at least that much! Just buy and enjoy it, it's such a sweet story at a great bargain.Better than a movie 👍👏👏👏
This heartfelt and captivating second chance addition to The Lyons Den Connected World was full of drama, intrigue, suspense, mystery, blackmail, scandal, kidnapping, and so many emotional issues that kept me very entertained. I enjoyed the courage, determination, and strength it took to overcome all obstacles to find a deliciously passionate and true love. The mischievous little kitten was an added bonus. I highly recommend reading!
This is a rather complicated historical romance. Our widowed heroine is trying to get out of her present arrangement and hopes the Black Widow from the Lyon's Den can help.
There does seem to be some inconsistency in the timing of things happening. It's a little chaotic. There are quite a few giggles, mainly because of the cat. There are also some highly emotional moments.
The heroine, Melissa is in a sticky situation, the hero, John, has lost everything, his title, his wife and his sense of self. The book focuses on how Melissa can get out of being the prince's mistress with jeopardizing her sisters position as a duchess. Mrs. Lyon comes to the rescue.
This book was choppy, chaotic and just okay with contrived angst.
Thank you NetGalley. Melissa has agreed to be the mistress of the Prince Regent to be forgiven of her dead husband's debts. She goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to help her be released from the Prince as she is in love with John. John has held the title and now his cousin has returned and he is a dentist on Harley Street who isn't that interested in running the estate but they learn to do it together.
Love does not always come easy and this story tells of the struggles and obstacles that John and Melissa have to overcome for their HEA. The story is well written, with some great characters, and very entertaining. I loved everything about this story and would highly recommend it as a great read. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
A heartfelt romance with beautiful characters and writing that kept me engaged. Melissa and John fight against the odds with help from Mrs Dove-Lyon and Angus, the little cat. Courage, scandal and devotion leads them to their happily ever after.