Between a Lyon and Ruin: The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Amanda Mariel

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2026

About the author

Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.

A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.

To delve deeper into Amanda's captivating world visit www.amandamariel.com. While there, an invitation to join her newsletter promises a gateway to the latest from Amanda Mariel's literary treasury, and an opportunity to claim a complimentary eBook.

Amanda's passion extends to her readers, welcoming their voices and stories into her narrative realm. Engage with her through email at amanda@amandamariel.com, or connect via her social Media channels.

Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMarie1
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Amidst the prose and parchment, Amanda Mariel etches a profound connection, bridging eras, hearts, and minds, creating a legacy that resonates through the corridors of time.

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between a Lyon and Ruin is the next book in The Lyon's Den Connected World series. Each book as is this one is a stand-alone read.

When Lady Victoria Richmond receives a note from her friend Sarah stating that her dress is torn and needs her help, nothing can stand in the way of her helping her friend. But what she finds is Lord Sterling who compromises her and lies that it was Victoria who pursued him. And when he refused, she tore her own gown to make it look like he had forced himself on her. With no other choice presented for her, she meets with Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon for her matchmaking assistance.

Rees Harcourt accepts a wager at The Lyon’s Den drunk and without fully understanding the terms. When he fails to answer all three riddles, he finds out that he wagered his freedom and not money. Furious to be forced into anything, agrees but tells Victoria this will be no happy marriage. She will want for nothing but refuses to forgive her for her role. Unfortunately for her, he believes the lies about her.

In time Rees sees Victoria for the real person she is. Bright, talented and likely a better person than he deserves, he softens toward her. But the rumors grow again when Lord Sterling becomes desperate, Rees and Victoria come up with a plan to take down Sterling at the next ball. But will the ton believe the truth when they hear it or prefer to choose the gossip of lies?

This was a wonderful addition to the series. I loved Rees and Victoria. This was not your typical perfect romance. Being thrown together by a lie, is never an easy place to build something special. But they managed to find love despite their auspicious rough beginning.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 39th book by Amanda Mariel. I have been reading her since 2020. She is not KU and her books are usually short reads. She writes a lot of anthologies which makes those books even shorter reads and aren't my favorite but I really do like her writing so keep getting her books.

So I have to say, I really like the Lyon's Den series and have read many, many books within the series but this is by far my favorite. Not sure what it was about this story in particular that made it so but I just loved Victoria and Rees. I loved their personalities and just the way they were with each other. They just seemed so real with each other. I loved the storyline and although it's been written many times, this one was so good. I feel this was Bessie Dove-Lyon's best matched couple. There was no sex in this book which I thought Amanda usually has some in her books but it was so good I didn't really realize until late in the book. Definitely adding it to my favorite books read list for March, 2026.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the Lyon's Den Connected World series was an engaging slowburn marriage of convenience historical romance. A despicable compromise led to social ruin and the need for Mrs. Dove Lyons help, and a drunken wager led to life changing consequences. The characters were likable and honest, and despite misunderstanding, anger, resentment, lies, societal judgment, and despicable rumors spread by a dastardly unscrupulous aristocrat they find a way to come together. I found this emotional and dramatic love story convincing and sweet. I enjoyed how their courage helped victims. The ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Victoria Richmond was lured into becoming the next victim of a lord's evil game. Her reputation is in tatters. Her only solution is marriage to a reputable man with the help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Rees Harcourt is a very successful business man. One evening he ends up at the Lyon's Den having had too much to drink. He's intrigued by the game of riddles and the prize. Tricked by the widow, Rees finds himself married to London's latest scandal, Victoria. A heartbreaking marriage that may never be successful. A very emotional rollercoaster. Kisses only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book by Netgalley.

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

When a Wager Leads to Marriage—Can Love Follow?
Everything starts with a scandal that feels almost too calculated to be random. Victoria is lured into a garden, her reputation destroyed in an instant, and when she turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help, she ends up tied to a wager at the Den that changes everything. Rees Harcourt loses—and with that loss comes a marriage neither of them truly understands at first.
From the beginning, they’re living in two completely different versions of the truth. Rees believes he’s been trapped into a marriage he never agreed to in spirit, so he keeps Victoria at a distance, cold and controlled. Victoria, on the other hand, thinks he entered the arrangement willingly and responds to that perceived rejection with quiet strength rather than anger. That gap in understanding shapes every interaction between them.
What worked really well for me was watching that tension slowly shift. Even through all the pride and misunderstanding, there are small cracks—moments of decency, restraint, and unexpected softness—that hint at something deeper trying to form. Still, I found myself frustrated at times, wishing they could look past their assumptions sooner and unite against the man who actually set everything in motion.
But I also understood why they couldn’t. Neither of them is just reacting to the scandal—they’re reacting to a life that’s been completely redirected overnight. And sometimes it takes longer than you expect for the fog to lift.
In the end, I really enjoyed the story. I liked how the slow build of trust turned into something real over time, even if I wanted to shake them both a little along the way.

[Rady Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.
Lady Victoria Richmond had been called to a dress emergency, though the pretence wasn´t her best friend´s doing, but the depravity of Lord Sterling, Damian Herfort. His plan to find them in a compromising position succeeded, and Victoria´s reputation was destroyed. The only chance of escape from the social ruin of her whole family would be to marry a gentleman with a clean reputation. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so Victoria seeks help from the owner of Lion´s Den - a gambling establishment. The widow Mrs. Dove-Lyon lures Mr. Rees Harcourt to an Ancient Riddle challenge, yet if he fails, he has to accept non-negotiable and binding terms that aren´t traditional stakes. Rees´s loss is Victoria´s gain as he has to marry her due to the lost wager.
Both are trapped in an unwanted, sad marriage. Though both want to try at least to be on friendly terms. Slowly, they discover each other´s strengths and attraction to each other. They peel their skins like onion skin, and when they finally fall for each other, Victoria hears Rees´s conversation with his best friend about being trapped in the wager under the influence of alcohol.
Victoria wants to try to get the marriage reversed, yet she has already fallen for her husband. When they sort out their guilty trip, other problems with Lord Sterling occur.
Will they find themselves finally free from Lord Sterling´s false accusations and tons´ disapproval to live a happy life?
I enjoyed the writing of this author and could recommend reading for those who love clean, entertaining stories.

[Nicole]

Another amazing story in the world of Lyon's Den and from Amanda Mariel.

Victoria's reputation is in ruins because of a man who just likes to victimizes women for sport so she turns to none other than Bessie Lyon for help to secure a marriage of convenience but what she didn't expect was that her husband would be so cold towards her then he would turn her world upside down, by not only loving her but standing up for her to the man who ruined her. And he gave her, her courage back.

Rees goes to Lyon's Den just for a bit of fun but what he definitely didn't expect was to wager his freedom away and end up married.. with a rigged riddle nonetheless but what he thought was a disaster turned into being the best thing to happen in his life.. His wife of least convenient turns out to be the biggest blessing in the world, for she helps him with his investments etc but she fills his world with more than just gambling and investments.. she fills his world with love and so much more.

My heart really went out to Victoria and some of the other women in this book.. because men could do and say anything to ruin a woman and no one would believe her unless another man stood up for her..

This story has some funny moments some heartbreaking moments and definitely some very heart lifting moments.

I can't wait to read the next book on the Lyon's Den series and I can't wait to see what Amanda Mariel has up her sleeve next.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Victoria Richmond is publicly compromised by Lord Sterling because she rebuffed his advances. She is left with no choice other than seek the help of Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon and her matchmaking services.

Rees Harcourt accepts a wager at The Lyon’s Den without fully understanding the terms. When he fails to answers all three riddles he finds out that he wager his freedom and not money.

As Victoria and Rees navigate a marriage that they were both forced into they slowly begin to form a friendship and Rees realizes that Victoria was telling the truth about what happened in the garden. Will a marriage that two people were forced into lead to love in the end?

I absolutely loved this book and thought it was fabulous!! It was very heartfelt, truly delightful and so very sweet. I thought both Rees and Victoria were very likable characters and I felt everything both of them were going through. I loved how they both decided to make the best of the situation they found themselves in by developing a friendship that turned into love. I liked how Rees realized that Victoria was telling the truth and stood up for her when others were turning their back on her. I also enjoyed how they both worked together to bring down Lord Sterling. I thought their love story was beautifully written and loved how they got their HEA together!! I highly recommend this book!!

[Angelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received this book as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy)*

This book was a decent read. I don't think it wow-ed me, but the characters were ok, all of the plot points were wrapped up well, and the overall premise was good.

However, it all felt too perfect to me. Everything wrapped up too neatly at the end and the stakes seemed high but also easily surmountable by the main characters.

Additionally, I think the two main characters adjusted to one another too quickly. It only took a few weeks for them to realize they were "perfect" for each other. I would have liked to see more differences and disagreements between them, given the circumstances of their match.

For the main male character, Rees, I felt that there was not enough substance for him. He mostly seemed to be in the story to progress Victoria's story. He mostly served as a character to support her by being the rival of the man who harmed her and also to stand up for her. It is mentioned several times that he "gave up his wants / plans for the future" when he and Victoria got together, but I don't think there are any sign of them. They don't seem to be discussed in any detail.

Overall, this book felt too "cookie cutter" perfect for me. I think higher stakes and more interesting main characters would have increased my enjoyment of it.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have a very unlikely couple in Mr Rees Harcourt a wealthy business, handsome and methodical. He is celebrating a business venture with friends at the Lyons Den and is invited to solve three riddles that will turn his life in its axle!
Lady Victoria Richmond is ruined thru no fault of her own. She has been lured to the garden under false pretenses. She has told the cad that she is not interested so he will have his revenge!
He has spread vicious gossip and lies and her reputation is forfeit and he refuses to wed her! Saying she pursued and attempted to trap him!
This seems a simple case of one’s word against the other! But women were treated as chattel and a man’s word especially a Lords carried all the weight!
Rees lost the wager and has to marry Victoria but he is resentful and angry and treats her horribly!
When Rees friends finally get him to see Victoria in a whole new light they start to work together!
But can a relationship born out of deceit and treachery yield a lasting love!
Bravo for Rees when he finally stood up and protected Victoria! Victoria for finding ways to assist Rees in clearing her name and reputation!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lady Victoria Richmond is lured into a garden and publicly compromised by Damian Herford, Lord Sterling, she becomes a pariah. So she seeks the one woman who deals in impossible salvations: Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon. A riddle challenge, a signature on aged parchment—and a gentleman’s honour will pay the price. Rees Harcourt never meant to wager his freedom. One "unanswerable" riddle later, he owes a medieval marriage debt to the very lady at the centre of his rival's newest scandal.
Another addition to the connected world, it was slightly different. I felt Bessie acted out of character as she’s usually open about her ‘tests’. I really liked both Rees & Victoria & I liked how their relationship grew & deepened. I was definitely on team Victoria & wanted to shake some of the ton’s madams who believed a rake rather than a woman, so I was wanting Damian to get his comeuppance & was cheering when he did. There were misunderstandings & misassumptions before the couple finally talked about the elephant in the room
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the Lyon and Ruin by Amanda Mariel featured Lady Victoria Richmond and Mr Rees Harcourt. Lady Victoria had been “set up” by a vicious rake at a ball and now her reputation was ruined. She had done nothing but her life was over and so was that of her sisters is they didn’t do something quickly. So off to the Lyon’s Den she went. There a young bachelor who normally didn’t gamble was there and got trapped into a wager assuming losing would cost him some money. Rather, it ended up costing him his freedom. Victoria saw the look on his face and knew what she had done, but there was no undoing it. Rees was an honorable man and would follow through and Victoria would be saved.

Both good characters, they came to know one another and eventually love each other. They went on to exact retribution from the guilty man, a situation that would never have happened in Regency England but made for a good story. Mariel writes a good character and an imaginative story. It was worth the read. Mrs. Dove-Lyon always is.

I was invited to read Between the Lyon and Ruin by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AmandaMariel #BetweenTheLyonAndRuin

[Tiffany P · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story didn’t feel like the usual Lyon’s Den match. It was all based on manipulations and traps for both parties. Usually Bessie Dove-Lyon is a true advocate for the female clients and she is honest and upfront about most of her plans. The writing was repetitive and somewhat confusing at times. It seemed things were resolved, then there was guilt again over something that had already been addressed. It felt as though I was reading the same paragraphs over and over. I liked the main couple well enough. They had a great friendship, but the romance just didn’t move me. There was not any implied intimacy. You don’t need steam to give longing and a slow burn feel with love. This story just lacked romance until the very end.

I received a copy of this from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different and original story from the Lyon’s Den. It always amazes me how men of that time could get away with so much and the woman be ostracized . Victoria is caught in a scandal she didn’t create. Rees is caught in the scandal by drinking. I enjoyed how the author gave both characters the opportunity to deal with their feelings. I could FEEL the coldness of the first few weeks, the hesitant hope of the next few and the severe pain that came with truth. Seeing the villain get his due in a very spectacular way was very satisfying . What upset me was we don’t get to know the outcome of the epilogue! Very intriguing story, totally enjoyed it.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. This book was so good I would have liked to see more stars available. Victoria Hamilton received a note from her friend to meet her in the garden to help her with a problem. When she got there Damien Sterling was waiting for her. He causes a situation where she was found by people who he made her look like she was the person attacking him. This was on the way to ruining her and causing problems for her family. She goes to Mrs Dove-Lyon for help. Sterling has made people think she caused it. Rees Harcourt gets involved not knowing exactly what he is getting into. He finds himself married to Victoria. You have to find out how they learn to get along with each other. They learn to deal with Sterling. This is such a good story in how they learn about each other.

[Marcia Shew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Memorable Read

This is the first novel written by Amanda Mariel but won’t be my last. This is a well-crafted story of a Woman and Man who are guests in the Lynn’s Den of necessity and for perhaps greed or boredom on the man’s part. It is an exciting story of entrapment, betrayal, rejection, the power of the ton, the power of the rich and more importantly the power of truth and love. It keeps you anxiously turning pages as ur emotions are torn this way then that. The prose is beautiful enough to save to be reread again. The truth and strength of love, family, win while evil greed falsehood eventually fail. A great book!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice cozy read two people forced to marry one from ruin the other from a wager taken when he was drunk and unaware of the consequences. Victoria ruined by Lord Sterling, Rees took part in a wager at the Lyons Club not aware of the true significance of the end result. They are married and as the live together find that they are drawn to each other and it becomes love. Lord sterling angry that's he is happy tries to ruin her again with forged letters but Rees support Victoria and they expose Sterling for the true rogue he is.
I found this a nice pleasant read with nice characters
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy

[Christy Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always appreciate a fresh take on the "ruined and must be married" and I enjoyed this take involving genteel poverty and betting through the Lyon's Den. I also liked how the main characters had specific interests and capabilities, not just the generic "rake" and "society lady."

After a great many tears, their love story was convincing. However, then the whole last part of the book turned into a revenge trope, which is not my favorite. I do like it when the love interests come together to work towards something else, so I enjoyed seeing them trusting each other and working together.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Victoria is found in the garden with a man, she is instantly ruined. Desperate, she goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to arrange a marriage. A drunken Rees plays a game in the Lyon's Den thinking it is for money but, he is tricked by Mrs. Dove-Lyon into having to marry Victoria. Resentful, Rees initially decides to ignore his wife. He later comes to admire her. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful & Romantic Story.


This Story was  Wonderful. The hero was angry & bitter at his wife for weeks until the heroine was vindicated from the lies Lord Stirling spread about. They go in search of evidence to get Stirling lis ousted to gain the peace they want.

Victoria & Rees  were wonderful characters.

I am looking forward to reading "For The Love Of A Lyon" by Charlotte Wren in the next book in this series.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is so full of emotions that it made me feel as if the scenes were developing before my very eyes. The development of the two main characters, Rees and Victoria brought the story to life and that is the sign of a very talented writer. I loved everything about this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda S Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Beautiful Story!

I love Lyon Den stories. Some are better than others. This one is fantastic. Amanda's stories get better and better. She is one of my favorite authors. I have been reading her for years.

Please read this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Janiece Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entrancencing

A great author Amanda Mariel succeeded in writing another great novel. Her characters are written to tell an exciting and romantic story.
I will recommend this book to others.
Read and Enjoy!

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Bessie Dove-Lyon is at it again! This time she manipulates a couple into marriage and the sparks fly. Can Harcourt and Victoria find their way amidst the chaos? You’ll have to read it to find out.

[Jean H. Kromeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. Love all the books in Lyon's Den series.