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Marked as a Lyon's Marchioness: The Lyon's Den Connected World
She sought marriage.
He sought pleasure.
Love had other plans.
When scandal threatens to force her sister into a disastrous marriage, Miss Eliza Wainwright makes a desperate, daring nighttime visit to the Black Widow, owner of London's most notorious gaming hall. All Eliza needs is a respectable husband to restore her family's standing—instead, she finds herself drawn to the arrogant yet enigmatic Marquess of Redver, who comes to know her only as The Blackbird.
Redver’s carefully crafted façade hides explosive family secrets. But during a masked encounter with The Blackbird, he discovers not only pleasure and passion, but unexpected solace. When she refuses to see him again, him being of the same ilk that ruined her sister, his walls begin to crumble.
As hidden truths emerge and disguises fall away, will Redver and Eliza be destroyed? Or can Redver convince his perfect match he is worthy of her heart?
Enemies to LoversFake courtshipMistaken Identity
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
He sought pleasure.
Love had other plans.
When scandal threatens to force her sister into a disastrous marriage, Miss Eliza Wainwright makes a desperate, daring nighttime visit to the Black Widow, owner of London's most notorious gaming hall. All Eliza needs is a respectable husband to restore her family's standing—instead, she finds herself drawn to the arrogant yet enigmatic Marquess of Redver, who comes to know her only as The Blackbird.
Redver’s carefully crafted façade hides explosive family secrets. But during a masked encounter with The Blackbird, he discovers not only pleasure and passion, but unexpected solace. When she refuses to see him again, him being of the same ilk that ruined her sister, his walls begin to crumble.
As hidden truths emerge and disguises fall away, will Redver and Eliza be destroyed? Or can Redver convince his perfect match he is worthy of her heart?
Enemies to LoversFake courtshipMistaken Identity
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
53 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Wendy LaCapra
20 books368 followersWendy writes Historical Romance with a touch of intrigue & suspense. Her debut series, a trilogy about three Ladies who refuse to play by society's rules, was released by Entangled Scandalous in 2015. Her first indie, Her Duke at Daybreak, finaled in Romance Writers of America®'s RITA® contest.
Wendy was born a Jersey Girl, though most of her extended family lives in Maine. Trekking up and down the Northeast coast in the backseat of a car gave her plenty of opportunity not only to fight with her sister, but to read, to listen to her dad tell stories from history, and to dream up stories of her own.
She lives in NYC with her husband. Things she loves besides writing and reading and being an aunt to seven nieces and nephews include travel (50 states and all 7 continents), old things, pine trees, wine and pasta.
If you'd like to join her infrequent, never-shared mailing list for freebies and new-release information, sign up here: http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews
Wendy was born a Jersey Girl, though most of her extended family lives in Maine. Trekking up and down the Northeast coast in the backseat of a car gave her plenty of opportunity not only to fight with her sister, but to read, to listen to her dad tell stories from history, and to dream up stories of her own.
She lives in NYC with her husband. Things she loves besides writing and reading and being an aunt to seven nieces and nephews include travel (50 states and all 7 continents), old things, pine trees, wine and pasta.
If you'd like to join her infrequent, never-shared mailing list for freebies and new-release information, sign up here: http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 17, 2026
Marked as a Lyon’s Marchioness by Wendy LaCapra has a little different beginning, although much of it takes place at the Lyon’s Den and at Bessie Dove-Lyon’s behest. She is such a great character who sees everything and knows everyone. Miss Elizabeth Wainwright has fled to the Lyon’s Den for help after her sister was tricked into offending the patronesses of Almack’s, thereby instigating a scandal that would ruin any chances of a decent marriage for the five sisters. When reading her mother’s letters, she had come across a note sending her to the Lyon’s Den if she ever needed help. Not knowing what to say or where to go, she got herself into the wrong room; a room where a man waited, naked. She was aghast and ran. After talking to Mrs. Dove-Lyon she determined to return to the room to learn what she could learn. Mrs. Dove-Lyon preceded her and laid down the rules. Adrian, the Marquess of Redvern was the man and he regularly used the woman he expected to cure his every woe...distract him. Eliza put him in his place and then enjoyed what he had to offer. He was blindfolded; she was not.
Damaged, but good, characters, populated this story. Interesting the marks parents and childhood can leave. Adrian took a look at himself and didn’t like what he saw. Eliza was embarrassed, but intrigued. She needed a husband, but would she find one that could make her feel the way she had felt that night? A very small world is London society and there were interesting family ties exposed. Also, many emotional problems that needed to be solved. Bessie always knows what to do. Good story. Different. Interesting. Very sensual.
I was invited to read Marked as a Lyon’s Marchioness by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #WendyLaCapra #MarkedAsALyonsMarchioness
Damaged, but good, characters, populated this story. Interesting the marks parents and childhood can leave. Adrian took a look at himself and didn’t like what he saw. Eliza was embarrassed, but intrigued. She needed a husband, but would she find one that could make her feel the way she had felt that night? A very small world is London society and there were interesting family ties exposed. Also, many emotional problems that needed to be solved. Bessie always knows what to do. Good story. Different. Interesting. Very sensual.
I was invited to read Marked as a Lyon’s Marchioness by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #WendyLaCapra #MarkedAsALyonsMarchioness
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tropes: enemies to lovers to friends; hidden identity; fake courtship; MC's haunted by the past
Steam level: 2 (a nice dose of spice in the first half, none in the second)
Standalone
3.75 stars rounded up. This is an intriguing, sexy/sweet, slightly twisty entry in the long-running Lyon's Den series. I liked the fact that it didn't completely adhere to the usual HR beats, particularly the standard patterns in this series (although, as with all books that hinge on hidden identity, I was skeptical that the truth didn't come out sooner). Bessie, the infamous Lyon's Den owner, plays a pivotal role; in fact this is one of my favorite entries featuring her. Honestly this could have been a full-size novel with everything going on. I wouldn't have minded another scene or two of the MC's getting to know each other and definitely wanted more steam in the last couple of chapters.
The writing is surprisingly good for the most part, especially in terms of nuance, although there are some editing errors that took me out of the story (I had a feeling the writer was working up against a deadline). I think I've read a book or two of hers in the past, and would definitely read another, especially regarding the characters in this novella. I have a feeling the sister Cassie will get a Lyon's Den entry of her own, as there are aspects of her marriage of convenience that leave the reader with questions.
Bottom line: one of the better entries in the series in terms of intrigue and spice in the early chapters and use of the Lyon's Den owner in the plot.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley.
Steam level: 2 (a nice dose of spice in the first half, none in the second)
Standalone
3.75 stars rounded up. This is an intriguing, sexy/sweet, slightly twisty entry in the long-running Lyon's Den series. I liked the fact that it didn't completely adhere to the usual HR beats, particularly the standard patterns in this series (although, as with all books that hinge on hidden identity, I was skeptical that the truth didn't come out sooner). Bessie, the infamous Lyon's Den owner, plays a pivotal role; in fact this is one of my favorite entries featuring her. Honestly this could have been a full-size novel with everything going on. I wouldn't have minded another scene or two of the MC's getting to know each other and definitely wanted more steam in the last couple of chapters.
The writing is surprisingly good for the most part, especially in terms of nuance, although there are some editing errors that took me out of the story (I had a feeling the writer was working up against a deadline). I think I've read a book or two of hers in the past, and would definitely read another, especially regarding the characters in this novella. I have a feeling the sister Cassie will get a Lyon's Den entry of her own, as there are aspects of her marriage of convenience that leave the reader with questions.
Bottom line: one of the better entries in the series in terms of intrigue and spice in the early chapters and use of the Lyon's Den owner in the plot.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley.
January 15, 2026
So, there are apparently 100+ books, written by multiple authors, in the Lyon's Den Connected World. This was my first. Jumping in at this point did not diminish my enjoyment of Eliza's and Adrian's journey at all. Much of the credit for that is due to Wendy LaCapra's fully developed, multi-layered characters as well as her flowing, nuanced storytelling. She never disappoints.
At 249 pages, this is a quick read that still packs a punch. The spice - which also includes a bit of mystery and hidden identity - is in the opening pages of the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. I found the pace to be a bit slow in those early chapters but once the layers of Eliza and Adrian - especially Adrian - began to slowly peel away, I really got into their characters and their bumpy journey from adversaries to friends to lasting love. The story picked up pace and I was happily flipping pages, eager to discover what would happen next.
Secondary characters played pivotal roles in the book, including Eliza's four sisters, Adrian's friends and family, and a mysterious woman (at the center of this fictional world) who owns a gaming house and apparently meddles in the romantic lives of her clients. At least, she does in this romantic journey.
I hope LaCapra has plans to write stories for at least some of Eliza's sisters because I'm nowhere near ready to say goodbye to these characters.
At 249 pages, this is a quick read that still packs a punch. The spice - which also includes a bit of mystery and hidden identity - is in the opening pages of the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. I found the pace to be a bit slow in those early chapters but once the layers of Eliza and Adrian - especially Adrian - began to slowly peel away, I really got into their characters and their bumpy journey from adversaries to friends to lasting love. The story picked up pace and I was happily flipping pages, eager to discover what would happen next.
Secondary characters played pivotal roles in the book, including Eliza's four sisters, Adrian's friends and family, and a mysterious woman (at the center of this fictional world) who owns a gaming house and apparently meddles in the romantic lives of her clients. At least, she does in this romantic journey.
I hope LaCapra has plans to write stories for at least some of Eliza's sisters because I'm nowhere near ready to say goodbye to these characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When scandal threatens to force her twin sister, Cassandra into a disastrous marriage, Miss Eliza Wainwright makes a desperate, daring night time visit to the Black Widow, owner of London's most notorious gaming hall. All Eliza needs is a respectable husband to restore her family's standing—instead, she finds herself drawn to the arrogant yet enigmatic Marquis of Redver, who comes to know her only as The Blackbird. Adrian’s carefully crafted façade hides explosive family secrets. But during a masked encounter with The Blackbird, he discovers not only pleasure and passion, but unexpected solace. When she refuses to see him again, him being of the same ilk that ruined her sister, his walls begin to crumble.
Another great addition to the connected world. It took me a while to get into the book but the more I read the more I enjoyed it. I really liked the feisty Eliza & grew to like Adrian. There first encounter was different! I loved how they became friends whilst all the time falling in love. There were a couple of twists & surprises I wasn’t expecting. Bessie played a lovely part in the book & a softer side to her was revealed. There were also secondary romances, I’d have loved to have known what happened or even better to be able to read their stories
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Another great addition to the connected world. It took me a while to get into the book but the more I read the more I enjoyed it. I really liked the feisty Eliza & grew to like Adrian. There first encounter was different! I loved how they became friends whilst all the time falling in love. There were a couple of twists & surprises I wasn’t expecting. Bessie played a lovely part in the book & a softer side to her was revealed. There were also secondary romances, I’d have loved to have known what happened or even better to be able to read their stories
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
Hero: The Marquess of Redver - A polished aristocrat with enough buried family drama to fuel a three‑book series. He meets a masked mystery woman and suddenly his perfectly controlled world starts wobbling, and he does not handle it gracefully.
Heroine: Miss Eliza Wainwright (aka The Blackbird) - A devoted sister on a mission to save her family’s reputation. She goes looking for a respectable husband and instead trips over a dangerously charming marquess, who is absolutely the wrong choice… which of course makes him irresistible.
Plot (No Spoilers) - A desperate midnight visit leads to a masked encounter that sparks chemistry neither of them planned for. Eliza wants stability. Redver wants solace. Both are hiding truths sharp enough to cut. When the masks come off, so do the excuses, and the real question becomes whether trust can survive the fallout.
Conclusion - A delicious mix of scandal, secrets, and slow‑crumbling emotional walls. If you like your Regency romance with masked tension, messy family baggage, and a couple who fights their feelings every step of the way, this one delivers. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hero: The Marquess of Redver - A polished aristocrat with enough buried family drama to fuel a three‑book series. He meets a masked mystery woman and suddenly his perfectly controlled world starts wobbling, and he does not handle it gracefully.
Heroine: Miss Eliza Wainwright (aka The Blackbird) - A devoted sister on a mission to save her family’s reputation. She goes looking for a respectable husband and instead trips over a dangerously charming marquess, who is absolutely the wrong choice… which of course makes him irresistible.
Plot (No Spoilers) - A desperate midnight visit leads to a masked encounter that sparks chemistry neither of them planned for. Eliza wants stability. Redver wants solace. Both are hiding truths sharp enough to cut. When the masks come off, so do the excuses, and the real question becomes whether trust can survive the fallout.
Conclusion - A delicious mix of scandal, secrets, and slow‑crumbling emotional walls. If you like your Regency romance with masked tension, messy family baggage, and a couple who fights their feelings every step of the way, this one delivers. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 10, 2026
What Lies Beneath the Masks?
Eliza wants a husband; she finds Adrian — a man she desires and despises in equal measure. But was he really as bad as she believed? He was the friend of the man connected to her sister’s scandal, but does guilt by association make him a villain? Her mind might think so, but her heart is far less convinced.
When Adrian meets Eliza at Lyon’s Den, a misunderstanding puts them on entirely the wrong footing. He assumes one thing; the truth is quite another. Once the mistake is uncovered, Mrs. Dove-Lyon — the clever and devious Black Widow of Whitehall — sets events in motion with a bold, secretive plan that keeps Eliza’s identity hidden. What begins behind disguise refuses to stay there, and fate keeps placing them in each other’s path beyond the Den.
Feelings grow, assumptions are challenged, and the risk of discovery lingers in the background. What happens when Adrian realizes that the woman he cannot forget is the very one he misjudged from the start?
This story is a delight. It’s my first book by this author, and now I want to read everything she wrote.
Eliza wants a husband; she finds Adrian — a man she desires and despises in equal measure. But was he really as bad as she believed? He was the friend of the man connected to her sister’s scandal, but does guilt by association make him a villain? Her mind might think so, but her heart is far less convinced.
When Adrian meets Eliza at Lyon’s Den, a misunderstanding puts them on entirely the wrong footing. He assumes one thing; the truth is quite another. Once the mistake is uncovered, Mrs. Dove-Lyon — the clever and devious Black Widow of Whitehall — sets events in motion with a bold, secretive plan that keeps Eliza’s identity hidden. What begins behind disguise refuses to stay there, and fate keeps placing them in each other’s path beyond the Den.
Feelings grow, assumptions are challenged, and the risk of discovery lingers in the background. What happens when Adrian realizes that the woman he cannot forget is the very one he misjudged from the start?
This story is a delight. It’s my first book by this author, and now I want to read everything she wrote.
January 17, 2026
4.5
We have Eliza Wainwright armed with letters she seeks assistance from Bessie Lyon! In a case of mistaken identity she encounters Adrian Philip Rande, the Marquess of Redver.
Adrian has a case of what modern day science is exema caused by agitation! He used concubines arrangement with a certain woman at the Lyons Den! Except this night he has a substitute “Blackbird” she teaches him a valuable lesson about women and himself!
After a sensuous encounter she no longer wants to see him again!
But Adrian is drawn into pursuing respectability for the sake of his sister who is soon to be presented to society!
Adrian is drawn to Eliza who is a twin! Eliza’s twin Cassandra is being courted by Harbury Adrian’s best friend!
They both are keeping secrets and what will happen if they are exposed?
Exposure can only bring a HEA if they first go through the Lyons Den! Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!
We have Eliza Wainwright armed with letters she seeks assistance from Bessie Lyon! In a case of mistaken identity she encounters Adrian Philip Rande, the Marquess of Redver.
Adrian has a case of what modern day science is exema caused by agitation! He used concubines arrangement with a certain woman at the Lyons Den! Except this night he has a substitute “Blackbird” she teaches him a valuable lesson about women and himself!
After a sensuous encounter she no longer wants to see him again!
But Adrian is drawn into pursuing respectability for the sake of his sister who is soon to be presented to society!
Adrian is drawn to Eliza who is a twin! Eliza’s twin Cassandra is being courted by Harbury Adrian’s best friend!
They both are keeping secrets and what will happen if they are exposed?
Exposure can only bring a HEA if they first go through the Lyons Den! Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!
January 28, 2026
As always, Bessie Dove-Lyon knows best when it comes to linking two people. I loved the way in which the Black Widow showed her gentler side in this novel, especially her show of compassion. Thus, when Miss Eliza Wainwright accidentally ends up as the Marquess of Redver's lady of the night, things take an interesting turn. For the first time in many years, Adrian finds a measure of peace mixed with intrigue when in Eliza's presence. However, they are both hiding behind a facade, and Adrian, in particular, carries a heavy weight of guilt on his shoulders. Nevertheless, the novel comes to the perfect conclusion, bringing Adrian and Eliza back to the Lyon's Den for the final installment. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This historical romance is a little naughty. Our heroine is the eldest of five siblings left orphans but luckily with a small inheritance and the sponsorship of their godmother.
She and her twin had a disastrous entry into society. Now it's up to her to fix it.
The Black Widow of the Lyon's Den plays quite a large part of the story for these characters.
The personality of our hero under goes quite a change in the story. I definitely found myself rooting for our heroine.
I assume this book is also part of another series by the author. I hope so, because I want to read about the other sisters.
Great fun.
She and her twin had a disastrous entry into society. Now it's up to her to fix it.
The Black Widow of the Lyon's Den plays quite a large part of the story for these characters.
The personality of our hero under goes quite a change in the story. I definitely found myself rooting for our heroine.
I assume this book is also part of another series by the author. I hope so, because I want to read about the other sisters.
Great fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first foray into what is apparently a huge multiauthor interconnected world of the Lyon’s Den - The Black Widow of Whitehall. I enjoyed the idea of the FMC, Eliza, being out for revenge on the sorts of men who ruined her sister’s reputation and really enjoyed the interactions between Redver and Eliza. Honestly, I wished she’d made him work even harder to win her over!
An intriguing quick read, I enjoyed the cast of characters and would happily read more about her sisters in the future.
Thanks Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC
An intriguing quick read, I enjoyed the cast of characters and would happily read more about her sisters in the future.
Thanks Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC
January 17, 2026
Vengeance and Best Laid Plans.
Eliza’s take charge attitude in the face of scandal places her in a situation that could have had even graver consequences, when she ends up in a bedroom with a naked man! However she gets the upper hand and escapes, more or less unscathed but a lot less innocent. But how is she to keep her alter ego from him, when she keeps being in his company?
Despite the editing issues this was a thoroughly enjoyable book and is recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Eliza’s take charge attitude in the face of scandal places her in a situation that could have had even graver consequences, when she ends up in a bedroom with a naked man! However she gets the upper hand and escapes, more or less unscathed but a lot less innocent. But how is she to keep her alter ego from him, when she keeps being in his company?
Despite the editing issues this was a thoroughly enjoyable book and is recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 17, 2026
some of Ms. Capra's writing is quirky and distinct. However, there is too much explicit sexual scenes, Also the writer either has a poor editor, or English is not her first language--this makes for odd phrasing or word choice, Additionally women of this period in history would not be alone with men and would not be touched by them in public--even those who are married--unless perhaps she is of the demimondaine. It has been said before but the sexual escapades are those of 20 and 21st century heroines parachuting into Regency and Victorian times.
January 14, 2026
Secrets, Family's, Waltz, Ruination, Romance
This Lyons den story was quite intense in many ways. Mrs. Dove Lyon was very much involved in this plot
along with some interesting characters that actually took me into the Lyons den upstairs area.
Eliza and Adrian had many issues to overcome before they reached their HEA.
This story was interesting with many different personalities that all had a part in making this an interesting story
This Lyons den story was quite intense in many ways. Mrs. Dove Lyon was very much involved in this plot
along with some interesting characters that actually took me into the Lyons den upstairs area.
Eliza and Adrian had many issues to overcome before they reached their HEA.
This story was interesting with many different personalities that all had a part in making this an interesting story
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fabulous historical romance! Marked As A Lyon's Marchioness by Wendy LaCapra is a fast paced read with an awesome cast of characters. Elizabeth and Adrian's story is packed with cover to cover humor, sizzle and a little suspense. I totally loved this book.
I read an ARC version of this book provided to me by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read an ARC version of this book provided to me by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 29, 2026
Good story
Very good story but very poorly edited. Missing words sometimes the wrong word And terrible misuse of pronouns. I found this to be distracting from the Story.
Very good story but very poorly edited. Missing words sometimes the wrong word And terrible misuse of pronouns. I found this to be distracting from the Story.
February 12, 2026
Another great book in this series.
January 18, 2026
Excellent!
This book and all the other books in this series are excellent! Every time a new one comes out, I’m excited! Definitely give this series a try!
This book and all the other books in this series are excellent! Every time a new one comes out, I’m excited! Definitely give this series a try!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews