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The Lyon's Proxy Duke: The Lyon's Den Connected World
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2026
41 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Mihwa Lee
21 books77 followersMihwa spent three decades as a medical expert witness specializing in brain injury. Then her young daughter developed an insatiable appetite for bedtime stories, and Mihwa discovered she could spin new ones on the spot, endlessly, a habit that hasn't stopped since.
She has published spicy historical romance novels, both through self-publishing and Dragonblade publishing. Her fans say they come for the uniqueness and humour but stay for the emotional resonance.
Mihwa also writes across genres and is represented by literary and film agents at Jabberwocky Literary Agency.
Despite all this, she is primarily known as Birth Giver who deep cleans, Birth Giver who counsels at 2 a.m., a short-order cook, and short.
She has published spicy historical romance novels, both through self-publishing and Dragonblade publishing. Her fans say they come for the uniqueness and humour but stay for the emotional resonance.
Mihwa also writes across genres and is represented by literary and film agents at Jabberwocky Literary Agency.
Despite all this, she is primarily known as Birth Giver who deep cleans, Birth Giver who counsels at 2 a.m., a short-order cook, and short.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 18, 2026
This book in The Lyon's Den Connected Word series was an entertaining and well written marriage of convenience historical romance. A marriage by proxy with a well blend of drama, intrigue, emotional issues, and other twists were engaging. I enjoyed the characters with their humor, wit, and their attempts at sabotage and tricks against one another. Their slowburn chemistry was strong, and it led to a steamy, all-encompassing love. I recommend reading!
April 29, 2026
Lots of twists and turns in thus marriage of convenience story. The main characters are strong, compassionate and caring. The pace was a bit slow here and there, and I felt a bit exasperated by their reluctance for Damien to just talk to Eleanor about him searching for his brother, and for Eleanor to speak openly to him about her fears and feelings. But I loved some of their banter and their wit, and the fact that Damien wasn’t ruffled by Eleanor’s (childish) pranks.
“You’re making assumptions about my presumptions. Rather unscientific for someone reading treatises on rational thinking.”
Eleanor regarded him with narrowed eyes. “You’re attempting to goad me into defending a position I haven’t actually taken.”
“Is it working?”
Another example is their discussion about morality among poor people and the so called nobility. “Honest selfishness versus dishonest altruism.” These kinds of talks were the highlights of the book, since I love a well developed discussion with depth. That’s why I loved that Damien liked Eleanor’s brilliant mind, her fierce independence and the way she stands her ground against him when most would yield. And I was so happy when Eleanor saw through Madame Rousseau’s manipulations and turned the tables on her!
That said, I was a bit disappointed with Dominic and Laura’s roles and actions. I’d expect more from my brother, and although I won’t spoil what happened with Laura, I didn’t like her history with Damien considering where the story was going. That is a big no-no for me, so unfortunately that tempers my rating for this book.
Content warning: There are several descriptive sexually intimate scenes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“You’re making assumptions about my presumptions. Rather unscientific for someone reading treatises on rational thinking.”
Eleanor regarded him with narrowed eyes. “You’re attempting to goad me into defending a position I haven’t actually taken.”
“Is it working?”
Another example is their discussion about morality among poor people and the so called nobility. “Honest selfishness versus dishonest altruism.” These kinds of talks were the highlights of the book, since I love a well developed discussion with depth. That’s why I loved that Damien liked Eleanor’s brilliant mind, her fierce independence and the way she stands her ground against him when most would yield. And I was so happy when Eleanor saw through Madame Rousseau’s manipulations and turned the tables on her!
That said, I was a bit disappointed with Dominic and Laura’s roles and actions. I’d expect more from my brother, and although I won’t spoil what happened with Laura, I didn’t like her history with Damien considering where the story was going. That is a big no-no for me, so unfortunately that tempers my rating for this book.
Content warning: There are several descriptive sexually intimate scenes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 18, 2026
The Lyon’s Proxy Duke by Minwa Lee is a Lyon’s Den Connected World book and portrays Mrs. Dove-Lyon in a different sort of transaction that she is normally involved in. Eleanor Sinclair’s problem is that her husband died and now an unscrupulous man is looking to bankrupt her. She goes to Bessie with this problem and Bessie suggests a husband who lives out of the country, unlikely to return, to whom she can be married by proxy, thereby protecting herself. It all worked out well until one evening she returned home to discover a man making himself at home in her library. It turns out he is her husband, returned to England and to her, the Damian Westmore, the Duke of Westmore. He had left England, first to pursue his addicted brother, then to aid in his recovery. Now he was back, again searching for his brother. He also, was beholden to Bessie Dove-Lyon, and moreover, trusted her.
This was an engaging story, very spicy, but full of love and romance, as well as intrigue, They end up having the same enemy: a criminal; a predator. It was an enticing chase as well as the story of two people falling in love. Excellent characters; complicated and compelling story, as well as interesting peripheral characters and intrigues. Eleanor was the consummate business woman, but compassionate and fair, as well. It turns out Damian was all of those things, but in the body of a gracious, attractive, and personable man; all positives in this ages. Quite good.
I was invited to read The Lyon’s Proxy Duke by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #MinwaLee #TheLyonsProxyDuke
This was an engaging story, very spicy, but full of love and romance, as well as intrigue, They end up having the same enemy: a criminal; a predator. It was an enticing chase as well as the story of two people falling in love. Excellent characters; complicated and compelling story, as well as interesting peripheral characters and intrigues. Eleanor was the consummate business woman, but compassionate and fair, as well. It turns out Damian was all of those things, but in the body of a gracious, attractive, and personable man; all positives in this ages. Quite good.
I was invited to read The Lyon’s Proxy Duke by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #MinwaLee #TheLyonsProxyDuke
April 20, 2026
This is a pretty new author for me. This is only my 3rd book by her. I love that she is published by Dragonblade Publishing, Flame division which I love so many authors from this publishing house. I am really loving this series. I've only read the books from the authors I normally read but as I am reading more new authors, I've been picking up their Lyon's Den books.
I really liked this story. I loved Eleanor and Damien and their personalities. This story got a lot of depth in both the characters as well as the storyline. I loved the intrigue of it and Damien's search for his brother. Would definitely recommend.
I really liked this story. I loved Eleanor and Damien and their personalities. This story got a lot of depth in both the characters as well as the storyline. I loved the intrigue of it and Damien's search for his brother. Would definitely recommend.
April 11, 2026
3.25⭐️ I wasn’t sure how I would like this since it’s my first historical period read in many years, but it was ok.
I loved how you started in the middle of the drama from the very first page. There was no 50 page build up before you finally got into the story. You were in it from the get go!
The plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing. The angst was on/ off with Damien and Eleanor, but i loved them finally coming together stronger than before.
*Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an ARC read.
I loved how you started in the middle of the drama from the very first page. There was no 50 page build up before you finally got into the story. You were in it from the get go!
The plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing. The angst was on/ off with Damien and Eleanor, but i loved them finally coming together stronger than before.
*Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an ARC read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall I rated the Lyon's Proxy Duke as a 4 star read. This story pairs a marriage of convenience, razor‑sharp banter, and two stubborn minds colliding. The Lyon’s Proxy Duke opens with a familiar yet irresistible premise: a widowed woman determined to protect her independence in a society that grants her little room to be recognized as a force of power. Practical, resourceful, and unapologetically intelligent, the FMC turns to her carefully cultivated connections—the Lyon’s Club and the Black Widow—to arrange a proxy marriage that will secure her place in society without costing her freedom. Her solution? Marry a Duke who isn’t even in London. While the MMC is half a world away in the East, searching for his drug- and alcohol-addicted brother, the arrangement is clean and mutually beneficial. The FMC provides financial support to the Duke’s estate, he stays out of her life, and she continues running the business ventures left behind by her first husband. Independence preserved. Problem solved. The proxy marriage seems to be the perfect solution, and is working out flawlessly, until the Duke unexpectedly returns to London. The carefully controlled arrangement collapses instantly. From their very first interaction, the chemistry crackles—sharp, witty banter layered with tension and clashing agendas. The FMC wants him gone again. The MMC, instantly attracted to the FMC and doesn't hold back in stating so, is determined to stay in London while he untangles his brother’s mess and secures his estate. What follows is a toe-curling, feet kicking, push-and-pull dynamic between a feisty, opinionated heroine and a confident, cocky, protective hero. I appreciated that the story wasted no time diving straight into the heart of the conflict. Thus keeping the momentum high as secrets unravel, alliances shift, and unexpected twists emerge—some predictable, others delightfully surprising. As the couple discovers they share a common enemy, they reluctantly begin working together for their own individual goals. In doing so, lines begin to blur and a tentative trust forms, leading for unexpected emotions for both our FMC and MMC. Now they must choose between fighting for their own interests— or fighting for each other and what they could have with one another. If you love strong, self-sufficient FMCs, combined with charmingly arrogant and protective MMCs, in a forced proximity romance fueled by sharp-tongued banter and emotional tension, then The Lyon’s Proxy Duke belongs on your TBR!
I was gifted an ARC of The Lyon's Proxy Duke and this is my honest review. Thank you to author Mihwa Lee, NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team.
#LyonsDen #TheLyonsProxyDuke #MihwaLee #NetGalley
I was gifted an ARC of The Lyon's Proxy Duke and this is my honest review. Thank you to author Mihwa Lee, NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team.
#LyonsDen #TheLyonsProxyDuke #MihwaLee #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes: marriage of (in)convenience; forced proximity; Big Secret
Steam level: 3
3.5 stars bumped up. What can I say, I like this author's writing style (warning to purists: it is fairly modern and American) and I thought the set-up was really well done. MFC Eleanor's husband by proxy, MMC Damien, pops into her life to ostensibly drive her crazy, but his ulterior motive is actually to locate his drug addicted brother, who he suspects is under the control of a ruthless peer who's decimated their coffers. You understand both sides of the situation and there's a nice dose of sexual tension and humor woven in. Mrs, Dove-Lyons plays a pivotal role in major plot points.
Also, the last 30% or so tied up everything fairly well. It was admittedly hard to believe a lesser peer could do so much to a duke and his family (the baddie would've likely been hanged), and I couldn't imagine a duke dropping everything for 3 years to travel the Far East to find his brother to begin with, but I was willing to suspend disbelief.
While I enjoyed the steam and Damien and Eleanor's connection, they were waffly emotionally in the middle chapters. Damien tells Eleanor the truth in a moving moment, and next he undermines her authority in a meeting. Eleanor deals with a rough situation like a boss, but then gives Damien the cold shoulder. Damien's groveling actual made him less fun, and Eleanor's obtuse behavior when she was usually a smart cookie caused a bit of an eye roll.
This is still a fun read in the series, though, with a sweet epilogue (and the author's final note made me lol) so I do recommend it.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley for this opportunity.
Steam level: 3
3.5 stars bumped up. What can I say, I like this author's writing style (warning to purists: it is fairly modern and American) and I thought the set-up was really well done. MFC Eleanor's husband by proxy, MMC Damien, pops into her life to ostensibly drive her crazy, but his ulterior motive is actually to locate his drug addicted brother, who he suspects is under the control of a ruthless peer who's decimated their coffers. You understand both sides of the situation and there's a nice dose of sexual tension and humor woven in. Mrs, Dove-Lyons plays a pivotal role in major plot points.
Also, the last 30% or so tied up everything fairly well. It was admittedly hard to believe a lesser peer could do so much to a duke and his family (the baddie would've likely been hanged), and I couldn't imagine a duke dropping everything for 3 years to travel the Far East to find his brother to begin with, but I was willing to suspend disbelief.
While I enjoyed the steam and Damien and Eleanor's connection, they were waffly emotionally in the middle chapters. Damien tells Eleanor the truth in a moving moment, and next he undermines her authority in a meeting. Eleanor deals with a rough situation like a boss, but then gives Damien the cold shoulder. Damien's groveling actual made him less fun, and Eleanor's obtuse behavior when she was usually a smart cookie caused a bit of an eye roll.
This is still a fun read in the series, though, with a sweet epilogue (and the author's final note made me lol) so I do recommend it.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley for this opportunity.
April 15, 2026
If you are looking for a Regency romance that perfectly balances sharp wit with profound emotional depth, The Proxy Duke is an absolute triumph. It isn't just a love story; it’s a celebration of partnership, respect, and the strength found in vulnerability.
A Heroine for the Ages
The heart of this novel is undoubtedly the protagonist. She is a breath of fresh air—sharp-witted, fiercely independent, and unapologetically herself. Unlike many heroines of the genre who find their power through a man, she begins the story already knowing her worth. She refuses to be sidelined or "tamed," and what makes this book truly special is that her relationship with the Duke never diminishes her. Instead, their bond acts as a catalyst that elevates her, highlighting her values and allowing her independence to shine even brighter.
Growth and Devotion
The Duke is equally compelling. Often, "powerful" male leads can lean into arrogance, but here we see a man deeply devoted to his family and burdened by responsibility. His character arc is beautifully handled; watching him learn how to drop his guard and actually ask for support was incredibly moving. His greatest strength, however, is his ability to recognize and honor the brilliance of the woman beside him. He doesn't just love her; he respects her as his equal.
Wit, Humor, and Heart
The writing is where this book truly sparkles. The narrative is driven by:
The Banter: The "enemies-to-lovers" energy is high, featuring sharp, fast-paced bickering that will have you laughing out loud. The chemistry is electric.
The Emotion: Just as you’re recovered from a laughing fit, the author hits you with an emotional declaration so raw and sincere it’ll have you reaching for the tissues.
A Heroine for the Ages
The heart of this novel is undoubtedly the protagonist. She is a breath of fresh air—sharp-witted, fiercely independent, and unapologetically herself. Unlike many heroines of the genre who find their power through a man, she begins the story already knowing her worth. She refuses to be sidelined or "tamed," and what makes this book truly special is that her relationship with the Duke never diminishes her. Instead, their bond acts as a catalyst that elevates her, highlighting her values and allowing her independence to shine even brighter.
Growth and Devotion
The Duke is equally compelling. Often, "powerful" male leads can lean into arrogance, but here we see a man deeply devoted to his family and burdened by responsibility. His character arc is beautifully handled; watching him learn how to drop his guard and actually ask for support was incredibly moving. His greatest strength, however, is his ability to recognize and honor the brilliance of the woman beside him. He doesn't just love her; he respects her as his equal.
Wit, Humor, and Heart
The writing is where this book truly sparkles. The narrative is driven by:
The Banter: The "enemies-to-lovers" energy is high, featuring sharp, fast-paced bickering that will have you laughing out loud. The chemistry is electric.
The Emotion: Just as you’re recovered from a laughing fit, the author hits you with an emotional declaration so raw and sincere it’ll have you reaching for the tissues.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.3 stars
We have “His Grace, Damien Westmore, Duke of Westmore, here in the flesh to serve my darling wife.” He is married by proxy to Eleanor a wealthy widow who needed someone to stop the thievery happening to her business!
Damien lived abroad for three years in pursuit of his younger brothers care! Keeping him sober and out of opium dens was definitely taxing and expensive!
Damien has seen the worst of humanity and survived it so none of the hijinks and shenanigans Eleanor devises to get him to leave work!
Eleanor for all of her business acumen has to be told several times that a Duke present will make sure she’s protected on all fronts. I tried to like her but there were several times I did not!
Damien has secrets and so does Eleanor but he protects her so they don’t ruin her charitable endeavors!
There are several appearances from Bessie Lyon and the Lyon den more than I remember from my previous reading! She gives practical sound advice to both parties but Damien is her favorite and mine! He puts up with a lot!
Damien and Eleanor have a common enemy who has been making plans for over two years! Will they combine their efforts and fight for love, family and restoration?
There is one more doubt that is placed by Lord Croft their nemesis and if true there is no way their new found love can survive! Bravo it will keep you turning pages far into the night!
We have “His Grace, Damien Westmore, Duke of Westmore, here in the flesh to serve my darling wife.” He is married by proxy to Eleanor a wealthy widow who needed someone to stop the thievery happening to her business!
Damien lived abroad for three years in pursuit of his younger brothers care! Keeping him sober and out of opium dens was definitely taxing and expensive!
Damien has seen the worst of humanity and survived it so none of the hijinks and shenanigans Eleanor devises to get him to leave work!
Eleanor for all of her business acumen has to be told several times that a Duke present will make sure she’s protected on all fronts. I tried to like her but there were several times I did not!
Damien has secrets and so does Eleanor but he protects her so they don’t ruin her charitable endeavors!
There are several appearances from Bessie Lyon and the Lyon den more than I remember from my previous reading! She gives practical sound advice to both parties but Damien is her favorite and mine! He puts up with a lot!
Damien and Eleanor have a common enemy who has been making plans for over two years! Will they combine their efforts and fight for love, family and restoration?
There is one more doubt that is placed by Lord Croft their nemesis and if true there is no way their new found love can survive! Bravo it will keep you turning pages far into the night!
April 15, 2026
This story had an original plot with a missing person, a manipulative villain, and lots of twists and turns. The main couple was cute with funny banter, battles of wit, attempted tricks and sabotage that provided humor and entertainment. This was a slow burn romance while the married couple was getting to know one another and build trust.
I did feel that it took a while for them to trust and confide in one another. The ultimate reveal of the secrets were forgiven a bit too easily for me. Some of the deceit just seemed misplaced and unnecessary and it caused hurt to people you were supposed to love. The betrayal was real that I think it should have been resolved in more detail considering all the drama it created. I am happy the main couple got a HEA because I did really like them together and the connection they shared once they were honest with one another.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I did feel that it took a while for them to trust and confide in one another. The ultimate reveal of the secrets were forgiven a bit too easily for me. Some of the deceit just seemed misplaced and unnecessary and it caused hurt to people you were supposed to love. The betrayal was real that I think it should have been resolved in more detail considering all the drama it created. I am happy the main couple got a HEA because I did really like them together and the connection they shared once they were honest with one another.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! A wonderful slow burn marriage by proxy. Several intimately seductive scenes as the characters fight their feelings for each other. It’s amazing how into the story and characters you get just with the subtle intimacies that take place. You truly feel the emotions yourself. While reading the book, I laughed, I cried, and I got my own shivers reading about the secret gentle touch of the shoulder at the dinner party. There are so many emotions when they are at the Westmore Estate and there’s a library scene like none other that I have read! So many twists and turns as Damien and Eleanor learn to trust each other as they fight against the same enemy. You definitely need to read this amazing story of Damien, the strong, caring and charming Duke and Eleanor, an intelligent, strong, and independent Duchess. Mihwa Lee does not disappoint!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Eleanor Sinclair is a wealthy independent widow. Her scheming executor is stealing her inheritance. The only way to stop him is marriage to a powerful peer. Mrs. Dove-Lyon to the rescue. It's marriage by proxy to Damian, the Duke of Westmore, who has no plans to return to England. But plans change. Eleanor finds herself dealing with a flesh and blood duke. The repartee between Damian and Eleanor is very entertaining. He treats her as much of an equal as he can, not always to her satisfaction. The real villain is the man responsible for the downfall and disappearance of Damian's brother and using underhanded methods to gain control of Eleanor's money. A united front for a new marriage will be their strength. A missing brother, an old flame and a dangerous villain.
A Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
A Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The proxy marriage trope is played out well in this new addition to the Lyon’s extended world. While it is unnecessary to read previous books, Mrs Dove-Lyons remains a manipulative matchmaker with fingers in many pies.
The balance of light humour in Eleanor’s pranks to drive her proxy husband away to the dark, opium addiction of Damien’s brother Dominic, and his search for his missing brother is fairly good but not as balanced as I would like, which brings down a star.
The intelligence of the lead FMC helps her to avoid misunderstanding pitfalls that other women fall into — but frankly I miss the angst.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy, and all of my opinions are my own
The balance of light humour in Eleanor’s pranks to drive her proxy husband away to the dark, opium addiction of Damien’s brother Dominic, and his search for his missing brother is fairly good but not as balanced as I would like, which brings down a star.
The intelligence of the lead FMC helps her to avoid misunderstanding pitfalls that other women fall into — but frankly I miss the angst.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy, and all of my opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley. Eleanor Sinclair has married the Duke Damien Westmore by proxy. This was to protect herself from Mr. Croft. He has tried to put her in a position where she has to marry him. Damien has been out looking for his brother who has a opioid problem. Croft wants to annul their marriage so he can marry her by showing the proxy is not legal, Eleanor gets in touch with Bessie to help her. Eleanor is a good business woman and Croft is trying to ruin her businesses. She does not trust her husband. He knows they need to trust each other and his past does not help. You will read the story and see for yourself whether they can work it out.
April 16, 2026
This was a slow burn with lots of laugh out loud banter. Eleanor and Damien were hilarious together. Their back and forth was a wild ride. I really enjoyed their conversations and how they tried to outdo one another. Damien’s floral outfit had me rolling.
Overall, I loved the whole set up and plot line. The middle became a little frustrating as we waited for things to start wrapping up, but I was happy to see it all come together.
There was lots of plot to this romance, and it was lovely. Lots of heart and touching moments were had. I loved the imagery that was painted while they were looking over Damien’s family estate.
An enjoyable read for sure!
Overall, I loved the whole set up and plot line. The middle became a little frustrating as we waited for things to start wrapping up, but I was happy to see it all come together.
There was lots of plot to this romance, and it was lovely. Lots of heart and touching moments were had. I loved the imagery that was painted while they were looking over Damien’s family estate.
An enjoyable read for sure!
Read
April 21, 2026Like the last book I read by this author, Most Peculiar Courtship, I loved the ending of this book. I prefer working together to resolve the issue in front of them but I also appreciate that they were both firm on what they would accept and the outcomes which might not benefit both. Madame Lyon plays a different role in this story, as she already matched them but it was a nice difference as she got to continue to be the cunning and intelligent woman we have seen in the past. I liked that we were thrown right into the mix, there is a lot of drama going on and the author doesn't wait to get it going.
5/6 stars
5/6 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was one of the most unusual stories I've read in the Lyons Den series which means it was very interesting! The story flows with ebbs and flows in their love story. The conflict kept my interest. I appreciated that it tied to some of the authors others stories. Eleanor is a strong, capable woman with more business acumen than most men of her era. And, on top of that, she cares tremendously for common people and wants to see them succeed. She is calm headed, precise and doesn't take lies or subterfuge well. I greatly enjoyed this story!
April 22, 2026
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story.
This Story was so Wonderful. A hero who cares so much he is in a whirlwind of despair & a heroine who instantly wanted him gone from her life. Damien goes as far as wearing a colorful wardrobe & act as if he doesn't have a care in the world. A heroine plotting to get rid of her proxy husband ASAP.
Eleanor & Damien were wonderful & Delightful characters.
I am looking forward to reading "The Lyon's Muse" by E.L. Johnson in the next book in this series.
This Story was so Wonderful. A hero who cares so much he is in a whirlwind of despair & a heroine who instantly wanted him gone from her life. Damien goes as far as wearing a colorful wardrobe & act as if he doesn't have a care in the world. A heroine plotting to get rid of her proxy husband ASAP.
Eleanor & Damien were wonderful & Delightful characters.
I am looking forward to reading "The Lyon's Muse" by E.L. Johnson in the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Independent widow, Eleanor, realizes she needs a husband to further her business ventures. Mrs. Dove-Lyon finds Damien, an absentee duke, who marries her by proxy. When he shows up from being abroad, he is shocked but Eleanor's intelligence and beauty. They find they have a common foe and must work together to defeat him. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A proxy marriage, a sinister villain, machinations, addiction, brotherly devotion and sacrifice and burgeoning feelings between the H and h. A thoroughly enjoyable and well-written story, though I would have loved to know whether the family ever got back any of the Westmore fortune that had been swindled from Dominic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 15, 2026
This was an excellent read. It involved Eleanor who had made a proxy marriage with the Duke of Westmore to protect her fortune from a corrupt solicitor he was supposed to be absent but has returned. Looking for his brother a recovering addict. The tale wends it's way through the trials as both try to find a way of dealing with each other and the problems that involves.
It was a very nice read with lots of drama and romance
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
It was a very nice read with lots of drama and romance
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2026
I enjoyed the story. I loved the heroine, Eleanor, a woman ahead of her time. I also liked Damien, the main male character, who respects Eleanor and her independence. I enjoyed this novel’s marriage-of-convenience trope and the sensual, slow-burning seduction that followed. This romance is a delightful and entertaining read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2026
There is definitely something about a strong and independent woman who fights for what is hers. Eleanor takes matters in her own hands and marries by proxy. She never thought the man she married would show up even though he was supposed to stay out of sight. The couple had mad chemistry, and I found myself laughing out loud. The characters were quite interesting, and I found this story entertaining. It was worth reading.
May 5, 2026
Another awesome romance by Mihwa Lee - loved the slow burn and banter! This was a great proxy marriage of convenience with a twist. Lots of fun pranks and a bit of a mystery/thriller in the mix. Couldn’t put it down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just loved it!! Straight in there with the story love that. The clever games these two pull. Just fall already was the chant in my head! Another amazing read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it was a light and easy read set in 1800s Mayfair, London. It definitely has Bridgerton vibes, though, to be fair, it's hard not to have those vibes when it's a historical romance set in Mayfair, which I absolutely love! You’ve got excellent banter, battles of wit, and forced proximity.
The characters, Eleanor and Damien, were fantastic. Eleanor is a strong, independent FMC who fiercely values her autonomy. However, after becoming a widow, her place in society becomes challenging without a husband, so she secures herself a distant one, Damien.
Damien is a charming, protective, and supportive (all green flags here!) MMC, who, upon returning to London, disrupts Eleanor's independent lifestyle and threatens her freedom. She is not pleased with his return; meanwhile, he has secret motives for coming back to London - he is searching for his brother.
As the story unfolds, they agree that their marriage of convenience can work to both of their benefits, and over the course of the story, they develop a strong attraction to each other that blossoms into romance.
The characters, Eleanor and Damien, were fantastic. Eleanor is a strong, independent FMC who fiercely values her autonomy. However, after becoming a widow, her place in society becomes challenging without a husband, so she secures herself a distant one, Damien.
Damien is a charming, protective, and supportive (all green flags here!) MMC, who, upon returning to London, disrupts Eleanor's independent lifestyle and threatens her freedom. She is not pleased with his return; meanwhile, he has secret motives for coming back to London - he is searching for his brother.
As the story unfolds, they agree that their marriage of convenience can work to both of their benefits, and over the course of the story, they develop a strong attraction to each other that blossoms into romance.
April 28, 2026
I LOVED this marriage-of-convenience story! Damian is my first book boyfriend this year. I loved his character, and his domestic dream of being a husband and father, that was really sweet. I was at times annoyed with Eleanor for pushing him away when she so obviously wanted him. His patience and loyalty were truly something. Overall, this is probably one of my favourite books by Mihwa.
May 9, 2026
Enjoyed this book. I love all the Lyon's Den series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank Netgalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
She married him to protect herself financially, knowing he would never come home. He comes back in order to save his brother. Fireworks ensue.
I loved the push and pull between them, but wasn’t a fan of him wanting financial control of her business and charity work. In a time when women had so little control this feels uncomfortable. He does redeem himself.
She married him to protect herself financially, knowing he would never come home. He comes back in order to save his brother. Fireworks ensue.
I loved the push and pull between them, but wasn’t a fan of him wanting financial control of her business and charity work. In a time when women had so little control this feels uncomfortable. He does redeem himself.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
She bought a husband to secure her freedom. He came to collect.
Proud cartographer’s daughter, she’s a very dry, practical, organised and grounded wealthy shipping magnate’s widow, a shrewd businesswoman who’d rather invest in the common man than line her grasping lawyer’s pockets.
He’s a think-on-your-feet kinda man, trusts his heart and his gut, an absent duke who sacrificed his standing, his wealth and his future chasing his younger brother across the globe to save him from an opium addiction.
Paired-up by proxy in a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience by the all-knowing Widow of Whitehall – Bessy is more manipulative than ever in this one – neither Eleanor nor Damien find what they expected when he waltzes into her neat and tidy life out of the blue.
She wants him gone. Presto! He needs to stay – for now.
Cue the creative eviction tactics, vivacious verbal sparring, and the most sensual slow burn seduction I’ve read in a while. There’s comedy in their self-inflicted misery; the sarcasm and taunting really makes their chemistry ooze off the page, and I loved how all their friction led to discovering common ground – and a cunning common enemy.
The romance was absolutely brilliant! I was, however, a little disappointed at the speedy wrap-up. I expected more after that slow build-up of the evil plotline – our villain definitely had a few more chapters in him – BUT, I also understand that Lyon’s Den novels are on the shorter side, and that choices had to be made.
So, all in all, I would say this was a very diverting and delicious read, very true to this author’s unique, socially engaged and slightly bonkers style which I adore!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
Proud cartographer’s daughter, she’s a very dry, practical, organised and grounded wealthy shipping magnate’s widow, a shrewd businesswoman who’d rather invest in the common man than line her grasping lawyer’s pockets.
He’s a think-on-your-feet kinda man, trusts his heart and his gut, an absent duke who sacrificed his standing, his wealth and his future chasing his younger brother across the globe to save him from an opium addiction.
Paired-up by proxy in a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience by the all-knowing Widow of Whitehall – Bessy is more manipulative than ever in this one – neither Eleanor nor Damien find what they expected when he waltzes into her neat and tidy life out of the blue.
She wants him gone. Presto! He needs to stay – for now.
Cue the creative eviction tactics, vivacious verbal sparring, and the most sensual slow burn seduction I’ve read in a while. There’s comedy in their self-inflicted misery; the sarcasm and taunting really makes their chemistry ooze off the page, and I loved how all their friction led to discovering common ground – and a cunning common enemy.
The romance was absolutely brilliant! I was, however, a little disappointed at the speedy wrap-up. I expected more after that slow build-up of the evil plotline – our villain definitely had a few more chapters in him – BUT, I also understand that Lyon’s Den novels are on the shorter side, and that choices had to be made.
So, all in all, I would say this was a very diverting and delicious read, very true to this author’s unique, socially engaged and slightly bonkers style which I adore!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
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