The Lyon's Sweet Temptation: The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Sara Adrien

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2026

About the author

Sara Adrien is the new voice in Historical Fiction and the best-selling author of the Infiltrating the Ton Series. She writes hot and heart-melting Regency Romance with a Jewish twist. Sign up for her VIP newsletter to get special perks and updates at http://saradrien.com

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one thing I love about Sara Adrien's stories is that she doesn't shy away from the fact that there has always been prejudice and hatred for the Jewish community.

Rosine and Sander both came to London after their families were killed in raids, and the one person who helps them is Bessie Lyon, Rosine is a baker and Sander is a wolf who guards everything to do with the den, and they will do anything for not only each other when danger comes knocking at the Lyons door to try and take them and the rest of the Jewish community down but they will protect Bessie Lyon at all cost.

With her baking and his chess skills.. they are a pair that is unmatched..

This story is filled with laughter, sadness, and a very beautiful happily ever after..

I can't wait to read the next book in Lyons Den series.

I can't wait to see what Sara Adrien has in store next.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lyon’s Sweet Temptation is part of the Lyon’s Den series, a collaborative collection by multiple authors. In this installment, readers are drawn into the intricate workings of the Lyon’s Den, where loyalty, love, and danger intersect.

The story follows Rosine Cassis, a Jewish baker crafting exquisite pastries while concealing her true identity. Her dream is to one day open her own bakery, but her ambitions are threatened by those who seek to undermine her. Enter Sander, a trusted confidante of the formidable Mrs. Dove-Lyon and a gifted chess master. His devotion to Rosine forces him to balance strategy and sacrifice, as protecting her may mean letting her go.

The threats to Rosine and the Lyon’s Den are steeped in prejudice, with enemies scheming to destroy not only the establishment but its Jewish members. Rosine’s courage and Sander’s steadfast love turn the tide as they navigate danger, heartache, and the shadows of intolerance. By the story’s end, Sander becomes her true knight in shining armor, and their love proves resilient enough to survive the trials they face.

This book stands out from others in the series by delving into the struggles faced by the Jewish community during this historical period. I appreciated the educational aspect, as it shed light on events and challenges I had not fully understood before. While the historical focus occasionally distanced me from fully bonding with Sander and Rosine, their perseverance and emotional journey were still compelling.

Overall, The Lyon’s Sweet Temptation is a unique and engaging addition to the Lyon’s Den series. It offers an insightful blend of romance and historical depth, with characters whose resilience leaves a lasting impression. Fans of the series and readers interested in stories of love tested by adversity will find this book both moving and memorable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lyon’s Sweet Temptation by Sara Adrien is a story about Mrs. Dove-Lyon and her values as much as it is about the lovers. In her forward, Adrien writes that this is not about being Jewish, and it really isn’t. It’s about being a minority and about prejudice. It is also about having to prove one’s worth as opposed to just being accepted. It’s a good story with far more of Mrs. Dove-Lyon than we normally see. But it is also about Sander, who is one of the Lyon’s Den wolves, and Rosine, who is a baker. They are both Jewish. It has never been an issue in London, but now because of a foreigner, who believes himself to have power, the Lyon’s Den is coming under scrutiny. Nothing Mrs. Dove-Lyon cannot manage. This man does not know whom he has pitted himself against.

Sander plays chess and always wins. Do people bet on the outcome of these games. Yes, it is a gaming parlor. Rosine makes divine baked goods to be served to the guests. Mrs. Dove-Lyon only hires the best. It is Rosine’s dream to have her own bakery, with her name above the door. The question is: will she choose Sander or will she choose the bakery. An interesting book, especially in these times when anti-Semitism seems to be on the rise. Good characters. Both torn about where their futures lie. So, it is less about being Jewish and more about being human. And it was fun to read, although I felt as if I were seeing the story through fog, sometimes. It was fun.

I was invited to read The Lyon’s Sweet Temptation by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SaraAdrien #TheLyonsSweetTemptation

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story fascinated me in that we got to see Bessie interact with her staff more. Sander is one of her wolves, with a horrific past that no child should live through. Rosine has a similar past, yet they came out of that emotionally different than the other. I enjoyed how the author was able to show their differences and how they worked through them. As always, with her stories, I get angry at the bias involved, even though I am not Jewish. To punish people for their origins instead of their character is beyond the pale. I did find some of the conversations rather confusing. I am not sure if it was because I am not part of their world or if I was just tired reading it. I failed to comprehend what Bessie and Sander said or did that caused Rosine to get so angry. I re-read it and still am not sure, but the result was beautifully plotted out. I canNOT imagine how anyone can do what Sander did to save the Den. It surprises me that a foreign national would have so much clout in England and how Bessie could have lost her Den. But it is fiction with some truth wrapped in it and i loved it!

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

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosine Cassis has mastered the art of blending in. As a Jewish baker in Regency London, her survival depends on her unparalleled skill in creating pastries that are the talk of the ton. Safe within the kitchen of the Lyon’s Den, she works toward her dream of opening her own bakery and living freely—until a hateful enemy threatens to shatter the world she has carefully built. Sander is more than just a staff member at the Lyon's Den; he is a chess master with a brilliant strategic mind, and the Den's silent guardian.
Another very good addition to the connected world & after over one hundred books this one is very different & features the staff at the Den. I liked both Sander & Rosine & my heart went out to them for all they had suffered. There’s danger as well as romance & Bessie could have lost everything. Sander was a true hero. The book highlights Jewish life in the early nineteenth century & the author’s notes were the icing on the cake
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lyon’s Sweet Temptation stands out as one of the most unique entries in the Lyon’s Den universe. Instead of focusing on clients or patrons, this story turns inward, spotlighting the Den’s own staff—particularly Rosine, a gifted Jewish baker, and Sander, a Jewish chess master and quiet guardian. The historical depth is one of the book’s greatest strengths.

The opening chapters felt a bit confusing, and it took me some time to settle into the rhythm of the story. But once it clicked, the narrative became far more engaging. Of the two leads, Sander was the character who truly captured my attention—steady, selfless, and willing to risk everything for Rosine and the Den.

This installment is different from the typical Lyon’s Den formula, with a heavier cultural and historical focus, but that’s exactly what makes it memorable. A solid, distinctive addition to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC; this review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.

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

4.5
We have Rosine Cassis has mastered the art of blending in. As a Jewish baker in Regency London, her survival depends on her unparalleled skill in creating pastries that are the talk of the ton, and her ability to conceal her true identity. But there are enemies who would shut down the Lyons Den just because the workers are Jewish! Sander is part of security at the Lyons Den he is also Jewish and a Master Chess player! He is so gifted and talented he is challenged to play for the Lyons den safety and security! Nagy is an evil bully who would see the Lyons Den closed if he can’t exploit her secrets! Sander and Rosine have fallen in love and Bessie offers them a future in London but if they fail they must travel to Boston! Sander can’t fail! This is a page turner and testament to faith and love! Bravo I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!

[BB · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating is: 4.5⭐

I read this in one sitting on my day off. It’s a unique story, and overall a very decent read.

A major focus of the book is the Jewish experience during the Regency period. While I found this historical aspect interesting, it takes up a very significant portion of the narrative. If you aren't specifically looking for that heavy cultural focus, it might feel like a bit too much for you. But it is what makes the story, so I would definitely give it a go, just be aware of that.

The writing is good. The romance itself is well done and eventually leads to a welcome bit of spice.

Overall, a solid book. If you are interested in its subject or want a unique Lyon's Den book, I would definitely give it a shot.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.5
Of all the Lyon’s stories that I have read, this one had a unique storyline. It was well written but it did not catch my attention until is was half over. Of the two main characters, I liked Sander best. He put Rosine before everything and sometimes I didn’t feel like she appreciated what it might cost him. The story picked up somewhat afterwards. I thought this story showed Mrs. Dove-Lyon at her best, being the highly intelligent woman that she is. What really got my attention and interested me most were the author’s notes after the story ended.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. This story is about a man and woman who both work for the Lyon's Den. Rosine and Sander are both Jewish. There is a man who wants to ruin the Lyon's Den for hiring Jews. He keeps harassing Mrs Dove-Lyon for telling him who are foreigners who work for her. Rosie is an excellent baker who dreams of having her own bakery. Sander besides being a security person is also an excellent chess player. Sander guards Rosine beside his regular work as he is in love with her but she is thinking about her bakery more than anything. The story explains the restrictions on Jews at that time. It is a really different story.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

a light, charming Regency romance with a playful edge. It pairs a determined, big‑hearted heroine with a guarded Lyon’s Den hero whose cool exterior hides a surprisingly tender core. Their chemistry builds with an easy, flirtatious warmth, and the story leans into sweetness, emotional vulnerability, and a touch of mischief rather than heavy angst.

A quick, feel‑good read if you enjoy gentle tension, character‑driven romance, and the cozy escapism of the Lyon’s Den world.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy, regency romance!

I started my reading adventure with historical romance, but I tend toward the grittier stories now. For the angst!

Ms. Adrien delivers a wonderful mixture of tropes I love set in a time period I adore!

A slow-burn romance that will keep you engaged until the very end!

Are you ready to join Rosine and Sander, staff of the Den?
I loved my time spent with them!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoy the variety of the Lyon's Den stories, and this one didn't disappoint. This author's work is always very educational, which I appreciate. Her understanding and highlighting of the prejudice Jewish people have faced throughout history is truly amazing. Plus, she is able to do it in a love story with sensitivity and finesse. I applaud her courage to continue to break down injustice and prejudice one book at a time!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosine and Sander are two Jewish workers who have separately found their way to the Lyon's Den. Rosine is a master baker, and Sander is a master chess player. Both of them are important to the running of the Lyon's Den, so when enemies come they need to band together to fight them. I found this book to have too many chess similies and references. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the story of prejudice and love.
Sander and Rosine both work at the Lyons Den and are Jewish at a time when jews are not treated well.
Mrs Dove-Lyon values them for their skills and when Mr Nagy threatens both them and her club finds a way to thwart him.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in The Lyon's Den Connected World series was an engaging slowburn secret identity historical romance with a Jewish twist. The characters were intelligent and interesting. I really enjoyed this heartwarming, diverse love story. I recommend reading!