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To Love a Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 19, 2026
Matilda Madison is a pretty new author to me. This is only my 12th book by her. She’s only been around since 2022. I have really liked all her books so far. I keep a list of favorite books read in each month and she has a few books on that list.
I liked Louisa and Rhys and their story. I thought they were a great couple. I liked the concept and find all these Lyon's Den books very interesting. Overall a good read.
I liked Louisa and Rhys and their story. I thought they were a great couple. I liked the concept and find all these Lyon's Den books very interesting. Overall a good read.
February 19, 2026
To Love a Lyon by Matilda Madison is part of the Lyon’s Den world created through Dragonblade Publishing, and once you are accustomed to these “Lyon” books, you begin to appreciate how quickly the promises begin and how high the stakes always are. This one is no different. An extremely innocent heroine enters the infamous gambling den one evening and leaves engaged to a man she has never met after he rescues her during a high-stakes game. Both characters are immediately admirable. He is a mostly deaf war hero, and she is a clever orphan whose loyalty shines throughout the story. There is a pointed line from the infamous Mrs. Dove-Lyon about the value of a poor girl with a good heart, and Madison weaves this message throughout with both success and precision. The plot moves very quickly and is satisfying to follow. And despite its immediate, dramatic premise, the romance itself unfolds as a slow burn, culminating in a beautifully affectionate love story.
I loved this hero, Rhys. He is infinitely patient with Louisa, who must learn both intimacy and how to step into the role of matriarch for an estate in need of leadership. Over the course of the story, Louisa also discovers the importance of passion and chemistry in marriage, and Madison allows that awakening to feel organic rather than cliché. Madison never reduces Louisa to naivety or breathless innocence. Instead, passion becomes part of her growth into confidence and self-possession. Rhys is protective without ever being overbearing or diminishing her power. I will always show up for a scarred war hero, and he embodies strength in the most expansive sense. Rather than seeking admiration in ballrooms, he is intent on building opportunity for others and creating community. The intimate scenes are beautifully done, and Madison builds toward them with expertise. My only small critique is that some of the plot threads are tied together rather quickly at the end, and because the romance is such a satisfying slow burn, I was eager for even more detail in Rhys and Louisa’s happy ending. That said, this is a novella, and the pacing is understandable. I would highly recommend this as an entry point into the Lyon world and to anyone seeking a fresh historical romance with genuinely admirable characters. I want to thank Matilda Madison for the beautiful story. A special thanks to NetGalley as well as to Dragonblade, who continues to prioritize historical romance when other publishers neglect it. Overall score: 4.5 stars–rounded up!
I loved this hero, Rhys. He is infinitely patient with Louisa, who must learn both intimacy and how to step into the role of matriarch for an estate in need of leadership. Over the course of the story, Louisa also discovers the importance of passion and chemistry in marriage, and Madison allows that awakening to feel organic rather than cliché. Madison never reduces Louisa to naivety or breathless innocence. Instead, passion becomes part of her growth into confidence and self-possession. Rhys is protective without ever being overbearing or diminishing her power. I will always show up for a scarred war hero, and he embodies strength in the most expansive sense. Rather than seeking admiration in ballrooms, he is intent on building opportunity for others and creating community. The intimate scenes are beautifully done, and Madison builds toward them with expertise. My only small critique is that some of the plot threads are tied together rather quickly at the end, and because the romance is such a satisfying slow burn, I was eager for even more detail in Rhys and Louisa’s happy ending. That said, this is a novella, and the pacing is understandable. I would highly recommend this as an entry point into the Lyon world and to anyone seeking a fresh historical romance with genuinely admirable characters. I want to thank Matilda Madison for the beautiful story. A special thanks to NetGalley as well as to Dragonblade, who continues to prioritize historical romance when other publishers neglect it. Overall score: 4.5 stars–rounded up!
February 19, 2026
Love is Always a Gamble
Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the formidable proprietor of London’s infamous Lyon’s Den gaming hell, is once again playing with peoples lives.
Louise Babcock is determined to return a brooch her grandmother stole years ago. Convinced the brooch is cursed, she believes that relinquishing it will finally allow her and her sister to find happiness. Her quest brings her to the Lyon’s Den, where she unexpectedly meets Lieutenant Rhys Carlyle—a recently returned war hero who has lost most of his hearing and now relies on reading lips to communicate.
Rhys has come to seek Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s help in arranging a marriage. Neither he nor Louisa expects that a chance meeting will alter their lives forever. Seeing sparks of character and compatibility between the two, the scheming Widow of Whitehall intervenes with a rigged game of chance, delivering Louisa into Rhys’s life as his unexpected bride.
What follows is an unlikely yet heartwarming alliance. Rhys, burdened with a crumbling estate, a wayward sister, and the shadows of war, finds in Louisa a partner who understands him. Louisa, shy but kind and practical, quickly adapts to the challenges of communicating with Rhys. Their relationship grows from mutual respect and quiet companionship into a tender affection that simmers with slow-burn chemistry. I particularly loved how patient Rhys was in their physical relationship—eager but willing to wait for Louisa to take the first step—making their eventual intimacy both sizzling and sweet.
As they navigate their whirlwind marriage, secret pining, and a few misguided assumptions—punctuated by the dramatic arrival of Louisa’s sister mid-elopement—their bond deepens into a comfortable, loving partnership. Both long for a peaceful life, filled with love and happiness and together they find it.
Rhys and Louisa’s story is a delightful blend of romance, true partnership, and mutual healing. Once again, Mrs. Dove-Lyon proves she knows how to bring the right hearts together, and I look forward to more of her meddling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the formidable proprietor of London’s infamous Lyon’s Den gaming hell, is once again playing with peoples lives.
Louise Babcock is determined to return a brooch her grandmother stole years ago. Convinced the brooch is cursed, she believes that relinquishing it will finally allow her and her sister to find happiness. Her quest brings her to the Lyon’s Den, where she unexpectedly meets Lieutenant Rhys Carlyle—a recently returned war hero who has lost most of his hearing and now relies on reading lips to communicate.
Rhys has come to seek Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s help in arranging a marriage. Neither he nor Louisa expects that a chance meeting will alter their lives forever. Seeing sparks of character and compatibility between the two, the scheming Widow of Whitehall intervenes with a rigged game of chance, delivering Louisa into Rhys’s life as his unexpected bride.
What follows is an unlikely yet heartwarming alliance. Rhys, burdened with a crumbling estate, a wayward sister, and the shadows of war, finds in Louisa a partner who understands him. Louisa, shy but kind and practical, quickly adapts to the challenges of communicating with Rhys. Their relationship grows from mutual respect and quiet companionship into a tender affection that simmers with slow-burn chemistry. I particularly loved how patient Rhys was in their physical relationship—eager but willing to wait for Louisa to take the first step—making their eventual intimacy both sizzling and sweet.
As they navigate their whirlwind marriage, secret pining, and a few misguided assumptions—punctuated by the dramatic arrival of Louisa’s sister mid-elopement—their bond deepens into a comfortable, loving partnership. Both long for a peaceful life, filled with love and happiness and together they find it.
Rhys and Louisa’s story is a delightful blend of romance, true partnership, and mutual healing. Once again, Mrs. Dove-Lyon proves she knows how to bring the right hearts together, and I look forward to more of her meddling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Louisa Babcock is determined to return a cursed brooch that has plagued her family for two generations. Having lost both her parents, she and her sister Kitty reside with their impoverished, albeit titled Uncle Malcom in London. And the Widow of Whitehall, touched by the young woman’s honest, knows just how to repay her. Lieutenant Rhys Carlyle must marry. Having returned to England as a hero from the Napoleonic wars, Rhys is set to be honoured with the Order of Bath. Thus, Rhys has come to the Lyon’s Den seeking to discuss what he wants in a spouse, but things quickly get out of hand. When the former solider wins a game of chance, he’s rewarded with the beautiful, impoverished Louisa as a wife.
This was a lovely slow burn romance with loveable characters. I really liked both Rhys & Louisa, he’s trying to renovate a dilapidated estate, she didn’t expect to be married after returning the brooch. I loved how their relationship grew & deepened & how they fell in love. There’s also a bit of drama with Louisa’s sister Kitty. A quick but very enjoyable romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
This was a lovely slow burn romance with loveable characters. I really liked both Rhys & Louisa, he’s trying to renovate a dilapidated estate, she didn’t expect to be married after returning the brooch. I loved how their relationship grew & deepened & how they fell in love. There’s also a bit of drama with Louisa’s sister Kitty. A quick but very enjoyable romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
To Love a Lyon is a short novel, as are most in the Lyon's Den world, so I'm guessing it's a requirement of the series. For the length, the book delivers a satisfying story, with good characterization and a well-developed romance. Decorated war hero Rhys and impoverished lady Louisa meet at Lyon's Den when Louisa arrives to return a brooch pilfered by her grandmother. Impressed by Louisa's character, the matchmaking widow Mrs. Dove-Lyon decides two honorable people would suit nicely and brings them together through one of her rigged games of chance. Rhys and Louisa feel safe and relaxed with each other from the beginning, and their dialogue is natural and engaging to read, which is no mean feat given the challenge of Rhys being nearly deaf and reliant on lip reading. The story is low angst and centered on the organically developing relationship, including the buildup of sexual chemistry that culminates in a very hot on-page encounter. Rhys and Louisa are both good, kind people, who are easy to root for. Overall, an enjoyable book that does what it set out to do very well. And last but not least, that cover! 🥵😍
February 20, 2026
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I liked that this book went back to some of the original plot points from the beginning of the Lyon's Den books, specifically the games of chance (that we all know full well are rigged by Mrs. Dove-Lyon). I really liked both Louisa and Rhys and enjoyed following their story from the events at the Lyon's Den to genuinely falling in love. I also appreciate a leading lady who is not put off by some hard work. Louisa's ability to just adjust to any new situation placed in front of her made her the perfect partner for Rhys. I appreciated that she confronted Rhys directly when he behaved poorly with Mr. Trench rather than letting the situation fester. So often characters do not just talk and instead keep a distance between themselves, so this change was quite refreshing. The parts with Louisa's sister were not necessary for the story, but did not take away from anything either. Overall, this was a very enjoyable entry in to the Lyon's Den series.
I liked that this book went back to some of the original plot points from the beginning of the Lyon's Den books, specifically the games of chance (that we all know full well are rigged by Mrs. Dove-Lyon). I really liked both Louisa and Rhys and enjoyed following their story from the events at the Lyon's Den to genuinely falling in love. I also appreciate a leading lady who is not put off by some hard work. Louisa's ability to just adjust to any new situation placed in front of her made her the perfect partner for Rhys. I appreciated that she confronted Rhys directly when he behaved poorly with Mr. Trench rather than letting the situation fester. So often characters do not just talk and instead keep a distance between themselves, so this change was quite refreshing. The parts with Louisa's sister were not necessary for the story, but did not take away from anything either. Overall, this was a very enjoyable entry in to the Lyon's Den series.
February 21, 2026
We have a novella about a most unlikely but adorable couple that meet of course in the Lyons Den.
Louisa Babcock believes a gold pinchbeck brooch belongs to Miss Bessie Lyons Grandmother and has been the source of curse on their lives for generations!
She is determined to return it and change the trajectory of her family for her and her sister!
Rhys Carlyle is a decorated war soldier from the Battle of Leipzig! He has been honored and gifted Fenwick Park for his service and he needs a wife hence his trip to the Lyons den.
Of course there is a game of chance involved with Bessie Lyons but of course the House always wins!
Little does he know he has already met her. This is a humorous yet steamy short story about two people who are both hardworking and practical and don’t believe in love!
There are adorable animals and acres of land and a home that needs transformed! We also have a sister to Louisa that believes lightening strikes twice?
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review on Netgalley! Bravo
Louisa Babcock believes a gold pinchbeck brooch belongs to Miss Bessie Lyons Grandmother and has been the source of curse on their lives for generations!
She is determined to return it and change the trajectory of her family for her and her sister!
Rhys Carlyle is a decorated war soldier from the Battle of Leipzig! He has been honored and gifted Fenwick Park for his service and he needs a wife hence his trip to the Lyons den.
Of course there is a game of chance involved with Bessie Lyons but of course the House always wins!
Little does he know he has already met her. This is a humorous yet steamy short story about two people who are both hardworking and practical and don’t believe in love!
There are adorable animals and acres of land and a home that needs transformed! We also have a sister to Louisa that believes lightening strikes twice?
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review on Netgalley! Bravo
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gently meandering small tale about unexpected love, acceptance and building a true home.
Louisa & Rhys
She a penniless Miss on the fringes of Society. He a nearly deaf decorated war hero under royal pressure to secure a bride. A serendipitous meeting in Bessy Dove-Lyon’s office, a throw of the dice, and their lives forevermore entwined. It’s not how either of them predicted things to go – but the Widow of Whitehall is never wrong, is she?
Both longing for a quiet life of peace, they decide to make the best of it. After a whirlwind wedding and quick goodbyes to her guardian uncle and sister, he whisks her away to his recently acquired country estate in dire need of improvement.
There’s kinship, mutual attraction, secret pining – and a few misguided assumptions.
She’s practical, unassuming and kind. He’s grounded and caring, but insecure.
She wants, but cannot voice it. He burns for her, but won’t move before she does.
And then her sister stops by mid-elopement...
Such a heartwarming read! I enjoyed the softness of this story so much! There was just a hint of drama, but otherwise it was fully focused on these two virtual strangers closing the distance. And yes, Bessy was most definitely right when she nudged destiny and paired these two up!
Louisa & Rhys
She a penniless Miss on the fringes of Society. He a nearly deaf decorated war hero under royal pressure to secure a bride. A serendipitous meeting in Bessy Dove-Lyon’s office, a throw of the dice, and their lives forevermore entwined. It’s not how either of them predicted things to go – but the Widow of Whitehall is never wrong, is she?
Both longing for a quiet life of peace, they decide to make the best of it. After a whirlwind wedding and quick goodbyes to her guardian uncle and sister, he whisks her away to his recently acquired country estate in dire need of improvement.
There’s kinship, mutual attraction, secret pining – and a few misguided assumptions.
She’s practical, unassuming and kind. He’s grounded and caring, but insecure.
She wants, but cannot voice it. He burns for her, but won’t move before she does.
And then her sister stops by mid-elopement...
Such a heartwarming read! I enjoyed the softness of this story so much! There was just a hint of drama, but otherwise it was fully focused on these two virtual strangers closing the distance. And yes, Bessy was most definitely right when she nudged destiny and paired these two up!
February 20, 2026
So I liked the tale of a hard working man who wins a wife in a gambling den and they turn out to be exactly what the other is looking for. She comes from a few households that do not know how to manage money which makes her finding a man that knows that any wealth he has is not forever and he must put in some work to maintain what he wants (home and family). I liked them working together and learning about each other. When they finally bond as husband and wife, love it! Oh and I liked that we were in the Den and it was games of chances and prices (manipulated I am sure). I love a good auction.
But i didn't love everything with her sister, it wasn't really until the very last part of it in Chapter 10. Prior to that, I liked it as it seeing him care about her sister made her heart grow fonder.
3.75
But i didn't love everything with her sister, it wasn't really until the very last part of it in Chapter 10. Prior to that, I liked it as it seeing him care about her sister made her heart grow fonder.
3.75
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Such a lovely story of a woman bent on getting something into the right person’s hands only to end up in Mrs. Dove=Lyon’s games. Louisa is done with this curse and wants the item gone.I loved her practicality and her willingness to take care of her sister, Kitty. Rhys is a war=torn soldier trying his best to get his house in order, literally. I loved his sense of protection for Louisa , even though he didn’t even know her. Their love story is sweet and it was fun watching them finally admit their desires. A quick read, with no crass language and enjoyable characters made this story enjoyable to read.
I received this story for free and these are my opinions.
I received this story for free and these are my opinions.
February 20, 2026
Louisa entered The Lyon's Den to return a long lost brooch to Mrs Dove-Lyon, and ends up married to Rhys, a former soldier. While that may sound improbable, it's not- for The Lyon's Den. If you're single, enter at your own risk! The Fates and Bessie Dove Lyon will pair you together!
Louisa and Rhys are two very good people and I enjoyed seeing them get some happiness. Rhys has a soft heart for animals, which makes him even more attractive, if possible. All around feel - good story, with Mrs Dove-Lyon being extra sneaky in her match making ways.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Louisa and Rhys are two very good people and I enjoyed seeing them get some happiness. Rhys has a soft heart for animals, which makes him even more attractive, if possible. All around feel - good story, with Mrs Dove-Lyon being extra sneaky in her match making ways.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
February 18, 2026
This was a short story and I felt it didn't really go anywhere
Louise goes to Lyons Den to return a broach that she feels has cursed her family and somehow it's not clear how she takes part in one of the dens games to win a husband Rhys how is somehow related to the owner steps in and becomes Louise husband.
The story ends with a confused bit about Louise sister running away with a Lord who's after her dowry and falling for the architect that Rhys is employing.
It's a harmless tale but not my favourite
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
Louise goes to Lyons Den to return a broach that she feels has cursed her family and somehow it's not clear how she takes part in one of the dens games to win a husband Rhys how is somehow related to the owner steps in and becomes Louise husband.
The story ends with a confused bit about Louise sister running away with a Lord who's after her dowry and falling for the architect that Rhys is employing.
It's a harmless tale but not my favourite
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Louisa is an impoverished miss who goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to return something to her. In order to thank her, she has her "won" by Rhys a returned war hero who only wants a wife to help him live his life in peace in the country. Having never met till just before marrying, their new life is made up of many adjustments. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the idea of the cursed broach and that there was a deaf hero. The rep seems well done, but I didn’t like that he had to prove it to the heroine. The writing was not up to the usual standard of the author.
I liked the idea of the cursed broach and that there was a deaf hero. The rep seems well done, but I didn’t like that he had to prove it to the heroine. The writing was not up to the usual standard of the author.
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