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In Like a Lyon

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Vengeance and Duty. Lust and Love.

After a tragic loss, Charlotte Dickson arrives in London seeking revenge. Requiring a wealthy and powerful husband, she accepts assistance from a notorious matchmaker. But the Black Widow of Whitehall has plans of her own for the bold and fierce young woman.

Ralston Fairchild, Marquess of Redington is devoted to his family and its noble legacy. Obligation and duty rule his life until the night he is honor bound to pay a debt and finds himself on his knees before a fearsome mistress who stirs his darkest desires.

In the eyes of London’s glittering elite society, Charlotte cannot possibly possess the necessary requirements of a proper match to the greatly coveted marquess. But in a private upper room of the exclusive Lyon’s Den gambling club, she is more than qualified to show the arrogant Lord Redington who truly holds the power between them…as, with bated breath, he awaits her every command.

Tropes You'll Love:
Secret identity/disguised heroine
Revenge
New in town
Hate to love you
Matchmaker
Noble/Arrogant Lord
Heroine with a mysterious past

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199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2026

26 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Amy Sandas

114 books352 followers
My love of romance began one summer when I was thirteen and complained of boredom. I ended up with one of my mother's Barbara Cartland books and an obsessive interest that expanded from there. My affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities.

I love pizza, wine, and dark brooding heroes! With a husband, three kids, and two dogs at home, it can be difficult to find the time (and the motivation!) to write. But somehow the words keep showing up on the page. I am endlessly grateful to the many wonderful readers who enjoy my books and ask for more!

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5 stars
108 (72%)
4 stars
34 (22%)
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5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,895 reviews147 followers
March 16, 2026
This is my 17th book by Amy Sandas. I started reading her in June, 2020. I'm sad that this is her first book out since March, 2024. I love that some of her books have "off the chain hot" sex scenes. Looking at my personal notes, there are so many of her books I see I wrote LOVED next to them. I really liked her writing.

I really liked this book a lot. I loved Charlotte and Ralston and their personalities. I loved this storyline. It was weird, in a good way, that it was Lyon's Den book but didn't really feel like it. It read like it was it's own story. Really good read. I hope this mean, Amy will be writing more books in the future. So good!!
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,303 reviews33 followers
March 5, 2026
Charlotte Dickson is seeking revenge against Lord and Lady Eastleigh. Mrs. Dove-Lyon's help to find her a husband is the important part of her plan. Ralston Fairchild, Marquess of Redington, is the heir to the second richest dukedom. He is on Charlotte's list of eligible husbands. A brief contact and comments to Charlotte at a ball, takes him off her list, but he needs to be punished. What better place to implement his punishment than at the Lyon's Den.
VERY EROTIC!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,857 reviews17 followers
March 8, 2026
Mixed Feelings

Feel this story does not fit in with the theme of the other books in the Lyon’s Den. Too much of the beginning of the book (46%) spent in a room with very provocative things going on. Prefer more of a story delving into the plot without all the sexual fantasies.
1,351 reviews16 followers
April 20, 2026
Seducing the Marquess
Charlotte arrives in London with a singular purpose—revenge. Her mother was rejected by her grandparents for marrying beneath her, and Charlotte is determined to make them regret it. The plan she lands on is as calculated as it is dangerous: secure a powerful husband who can help her carry it out. To find such a match, she turns to the notorious Mrs. Dove-Lyon, whose matchmaking comes with its own risks.
But Charlotte’s carefully laid intentions begin to blur the moment she meets Ralston Fairchild, Marquess of Redington. Their first encounter leaves her furious and humiliated, and she quickly decides he will not be her husband—he will be made to pay instead. She makes this clear to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, setting in motion a scheme that places Ralston at her mercy in the infamous Lyon’s Den… kneeling before a masked woman whose identity he does not know.
Outside the gambling club, however, Charlotte and Ralston cross paths again. Stripped of masks and titles, he is nothing like the man she thought she met, and their dynamic shifts in ways she never anticipated. The longer she knows him, the harder it becomes to keep revenge in the driver’s seat. But secrets have a way of surfacing—and when Ralston discovers who his mysterious seductress truly is, both of their carefully built assumptions are put to the test.
This is an engaging story of revenge, mistaken identity, and a slow shift from vengeance to something far more complicated. I enjoyed the tension between Charlotte and Ralston, especially the contrast between their masked encounters and their real-world interactions. I recommend it to readers who enjoy historical romance with a touch of intrigue, secret identities, and emotional conflict. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last.
3,439 reviews34 followers
March 10, 2026
In Like a Lyon by Amy Sandas is a different type of Lyon’s Den story, although totally make sense. Charlotte Dickson had arrived at her aunt’s house and both were looking forward to the season and the marriage mart. Charlotte needed a husband and she had requirements. She was really after revenge, against her grandparents, of all things and she needed someone powerful. Her mother had died and Charlotte was after the people who had cut her off years earlier. She decided the most expeditious was to find the right one, one who was on his list, was to visit the Lyon’s Den and Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Before that happened, she was treated rudely by a man at a ball: Ralston Fairchild, Heir to the Duke of Lindley and at the top of her list. When she told Mrs. Dove-Lyon that he was no longer acceptable, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, knowing about her penchant for revenge, offered a way to avenge the mistreatment by this man. Charlotte decided to try it, having no idea what was to happen, and when she found out, was not at all sure she could accomplish it.

Both fabulous characters, Ral had depths no one had every bothered to search, except for possibly his sister. He was the family’s “fixer.” His relationship with Charlotte started off poorly, in fact, he hadn’t even noticed. But the woman at the Lyon’s Den intrigued him and allowed himself to do things he had never expected. Charlotte eventually forgot about revenge and chose love. Ral, who by all rights should have married to a lady high up in the peerage, went ahead and did something for himself for a change. It was an intriguing story, the first I have read by this author. Highly recommend.

I was invited to read In Like A Lyon by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are min e. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AmySandas #InLikeALyon
396 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2026
Charlotte Dickson returned to England after the death of her beloved mother in France determined to get revenge on her maternal grandparents for not allowing her mother to return to England in her final days. In order to enact her revenge, Charlotte needed a marriage to a highly placed aristocrat who would enable her to cast our her grandparents from the society they endeared. After meeting with Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the Lyon's Den to obtain a list of eligible bachelors, she is pushed into a collision with the Marquess of Redington at a ball. Of course, Ralston, the Marquess, thought she did it on purpose and she overhead his comments to that effect and it clinched her decision to teach him a lesson. Charlotte confides in desire to get back at Ralston to Mrs. Dove-Lyon and she assists her in luring Ralston to her Hell where she meets with him in a costume and speaking with a French accent. After a couple of meetings in secret and also in ton events as herself, Ralston eventually figures out that Charlotte and his French dominatrix are the same person. Ralston has to figure out a way to get Charlotte to admit to him that she is the same person and also he has doubts that a relationship between the two of them could happen given their difference in social class. Thankfully, the couple are able to overcome their differences and realize they love each other and find their HEA.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,386 reviews25 followers
May 3, 2026
This story was a mix of revenge, romance, and power dynamics set in a dramatic London society backdrop—and it definitely kept my attention.
Charlotte is not your typical heroine. She arrives in London driven by grief and a clear goal: revenge. I liked that she was bold, determined, and willing to step outside the rules of society to get what she wants. Her connection with the mysterious matchmaker adds an extra layer of intrigue, and it feels like there are bigger forces at play guiding her journey.
Ralston, on the other hand, starts off as the classic duty-bound nobleman. He’s all about honor, family, and reputation—until he meets Charlotte. Their dynamic is where the story really shines. There’s a strong push-and-pull between control and vulnerability, and the shift in power between them makes their relationship feel intense and unpredictable.
The setting of high society London mixed with secretive, darker spaces like the gambling club creates a nice contrast. It highlights the double lives the characters lead—polished on the outside, complicated underneath.
Overall, this is a steamy, dramatic romance with a strong heroine and a compelling power struggle. If you enjoy stories with revenge plots, and a bit of scandal in historical settings, this one is worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review. 
Profile Image for Janet.
5,334 reviews68 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 2, 2026
After losing her mother, Charlotte Dickson arrives in London seeking revenge. Requiring a wealthy and powerful husband, she accepts assistance from the Black Widow of Whitehall but Bessie has plans of her own for the bold and fierce young woman. Ralston Fairchild, Marquis of Redington is devoted to his family and its noble legacy. Obligation and duty rule his life until the night he is honour bound to pay a debt for his cousin and finds himself on his knees before a fearsome mistress who stirs his darkest desires.
Another great addition to the connected world. A lovely romance with strong characters, wonderful chemistry & sexual tension. I loved both Ralston & Charlotte & loved how their relationship changed from their first meeting. The highlight was that Charlotte saw underneath the title to the person Ralston really was. I loved their journey to a HEA & read this engrossing book in a sitting. Some of Ralston’s relatives were intriguing & I’d love for them to have their stories too
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Cassandra.
3,060 reviews27 followers
March 7, 2026
Note: this story does contain Dom/Sub relationship with the woman as the Dom. If you really dislike that, this may not be for you but it was for me.

I always think that these men who have to take so much control in their lives all they really want is to be in control in some aspect in their lives and in my mind it is always related to bedroom sport. They want their partners to tell them what to do and how to do and constrict their actions so that they can finally give up control and just relax. This isn't sh/m in anyway. I loved their dynamic because they were equals. What they gave to each other was a place to express themselves and acknowledgement that they were justified in their feelings. This story never felt repetitive or tired, I was captivated to the very end. Charlotte was a wonderful character. She was confident, brazen, and sultry. Ralston was caring, determined, and trustworthy.

Honestly I want more! I would have loved to see his father's reaction and I hope we get his sister's story. I am going to have to move this author up on my TBR.
Profile Image for ChasingLeslie.
477 reviews112 followers
March 11, 2026
Charlotte Dickson arrives in London bent on revenge, accepting assistance from notorious matchmaker, the Black Widow of Whitehall. Ralston Fairchild, the Marquess of Redington's devotion to family duty and legacy rule his life. One night he is honor bound to pay a debt and finds himself on his knees before a mysterious mistress.

This is a standalone novella in the Lyon's Den connected universe. Charlotte is pained over the death of her mother, who was cast out by her parents for marrying for love. She vows to find a husband with the highest status, who can help her force her grandparents out of the society they hold so dear. While Charlotte claims that she doesn't want Redington after he is rude to her at a ball, she has a chance to turn the tables behind the veil of dominatrix in the Lyon Club. This story was a little skinny on the romance but packed with sexual anticipation. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Tropes: Class Difference-ish, Disguised Character, Revenge

Steam: 2

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
645 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2026
I give this book 3.5 stars. It had an original plot with a heroine looking to marry for vengeance. She wanted to marry wealth and power so she could exact revenge for the hurt done to her deceased mother. The hero was a man of great power that needed to find freedom through relinquishing control and the confines of his life of duty. The story had witty banter as well as meaningful conversations. He fell first and his feelings felt more genuine than the heroine. Her character was so angry that her level of vengeance took away from her likability for me. Her actions seemed manipulative. It was hard to relate to her motivation all the time. She did finally have a pivotal moment that changed her perspective on what was important in life so she was able to get the HEA. I wasn’t a fan of all the dominatrix intimate scenes while there were bad intentions and secrets involved.

I received a copy of this from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Winnifred D..
972 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 2, 2026
Tropes: MFC with a past, looking for vengeance; mild reverse power exchange
Steam level: a very sultry 3
Part of a long-running series but is a standalone.

4.5 stars I had to bump up. Amy Sandas knows exactly how to create character chemistry that's through the roof, while still allowing the reader to become immersed in the main characters' emotional worlds. And that's less common today in romance than it should be. Although there isn't much plot here (there's no detailed revenge plan and the grandparents have a tiny role) I was so wrapped up in the MC's I was never bored.

This novella is delicious.

Bottom line: a prime example of an author who absolutely understands the assignment.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, Dragon Blade, and Net Galley for this opportunity.
197 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 28, 2026
I loved this story from the start it was full of passion and anticipation.
The intensity between the two characters is great.
Charlotte has come to Britain voting revenge for the way her grandparents treated her mother to do that she needs someone of very high social standing so she approaches Mrs,Dove-Lyon to help.
Ralston has had to go to the Lyons - Den to rescue a cousin who has got into debt again. His payment is to join with Charlotte at first she is hurt by his reaction to her at a ball and wants only to see him on his knees in front of her but as their meetings progress it becomes something more for both of them.
This was a great read
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,405 reviews28 followers
April 19, 2026
Thank you NetGalley. Charlotte arrives in London with a plan fr revenge to help her feelings about her mother dying, Her mother wrote to her family wanting to make up with them but she didn't get the peace of mind before her death. Charlotte goes to her father's sister who she does not really know.. Mrs Dove-Lyon will help her as she knew of her mother thought they didn't know each other. She was very famous on the stage all over Europe. Lord Redington begins meeting her in a room at the Lyon's Den. She is she is masked and he does not know who she is. It is an interesting time for her. How they get there and what happens from that point is interesting.
284 reviews
March 8, 2026
I love the Lyon’s Den series with many of my favourite authors. This is the first book from this author that I have read but was very pleased with it. Charlotte returns to England after the death of her mother with revenge in her heart but needs a powerful peer to assist with said revenge. A visit to the Lyon’s Den is needed and a deal is struck. Not it seems as the one Charlotte intended. A strait laced Lord confined by his many duties meets a free spoken Charlotte and the result is who will win a war of emotions. Very steamy but enjoyable. Great characters and very good read xxx
2,493 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 28, 2026
Anticipation and personality tension and sexual tension. Amy is one of the best at writing these types of stories. I was on the edge of my seat during every scene and was gobbling it up. The emotions of Ralston and Charlotte are so intense but also such fun to read. If you have not read Amy’s stories, try one, any one, and see what I mean especially if you love edging.

I can see where this is probably (hopefully) going to start a new series about family which is a favorite of mine.
Profile Image for Seher.
802 reviews32 followers
March 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this.

I feel like while this book was short and fun, there were a few glaring mistakes that broke my immersion in the story. I know this is regency romance and you can do whatever, but when a character speaks in a very modern way that kinda ruins things for me.

Also there is a big emphasis on her speaking French and having a French accent, and then she says “tu comprendes” which is Spanish
Profile Image for Lyn D Rose .
1,402 reviews21 followers
April 2, 2026
This book in the Lyon's Den Connected World series was an intriguing secret identity historical romance. A need for revenge led to Mrs. Dove Lyon for her assistance. Anonymous stimulating encounters had sexual tension and anticipation. I enjoyed it when the characters' intense emotions led to an unexpected love with delicious passion and a delightful ending. I highly recommend reading!
Profile Image for AmazingJ.
1,055 reviews8 followers
April 6, 2026
Another Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Story.


This Story was  Wonderful.  A hero who takes his responsibilities seriously & a heroine set on revenge find one another in a different way.

Charolotte & Ralston were wonderfu characters.

I am looking forward to reading "Temptress& The Lyon" by Tanya Wilde in the next book in this series.
115 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2026
Excellent!

I haven’t read anything by this author before, and this book was excellent! I kept turning pages and finished this book in one day. I’ll definitely search out more books by this author.
Profile Image for JXR.
4,632 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 1, 2026
I like the Lyon's Den series, and this one was really fun and interestingly done. the romance was great, too. 5 stars. tysm for the arc, would recommend.
Profile Image for Rebekah Carulli Hanson.
1,056 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2026
Awesome!

This is another chapter in the Lyon’s Den that will rock your world! I love this series each unique and interesting.
34 reviews
March 23, 2026
Great

Great read, I enjoyed it, I shall look forward to reading more books written by Amy Sandra’s. Thanks for sharing your story with me.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews