Pride of Lyons

The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Jenna Jaxon

Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made... unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.

What’s a young lady to do when a powerful lord tries to abscond with her and make her his mistress?

When you’re Miss Honoria Quinn, you leap from his carriage and run like the wind to find some place to hide. Trouble is, Honoria mistakenly chooses The Lyon’s Den, a disreputable gambling house as her sanctuary, a move that ends up with her having to make another choice at the hands of the Den’s match-making proprietor Mrs. Dove-Lyons: wed a complete stranger or become the lord’s mistress.

No good deed goes unpunished…

Thomas, Lord Braeton agrees to attend a wager at The Lyon’s Den only to keep his brother-in-law out of trouble. What he doesn’t count on is becoming embroiled in one of Mrs. Dove-Lyons’s schemes to marry him off. But when he tries to come to the aid of another peer, Thomas finds the only honorable thing he can do to save Miss Quinn’s reputation is put aside his hopes for a love match for himself and instead offer to marry her.

As Thomas and Honoria set out on a wary journey to matrimony, can they learn to live together and hope love will grow between them? Or are they doomed to a loveless marriage of convenience from which one or both will want to escape?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2022

About the author

Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic
herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to
incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and
a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre,
working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their
own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t
stop.

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

More from the Lyon’s Den with all its idiosyncrasies and games, it’s a place that ladies can go to find a match, care of Bessie the proprietress.

Fun and entertaining, enjoyable and satisfying read.
These books are great for when you don’t have hours.
Quick read novella’s with sweet stories and from great authors.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Honoria Quinn’s employer’s husband Lord Danford wants her to be his mistress so she leaps from his carriage to find some place to hide. Trouble is, Honoria mistakenly chooses The Lyon’s Den, a disreputable gambling house as her sanctuary, a move that ends up with her having to make another choice at the hands of the Den’s match-making proprietor Mrs. Dove-Lyons: wed a complete stranger or become the lord’s mistress. Thomas, Lord Braeton agrees to attend a wager at The Lyon’s Den only to keep his brother-in-law out of trouble. What he doesn’t count on is becoming embroiled in one of Mrs. Dove-Lyons’s schemes to marry him off. So Thomas and Honoria set out on a wary journey to matrimony.
Another delightful novella in the series, the pace is good & the characters have depth. I really liked both Thomas & Honoria & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA, it isn't easy but it is entertaining plus it’s a novella so easily read in a spare couple of hours
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honoria Quinn needs a hero. Abducted and attacked by her employer's husband, Lord Danford, she manages to find shelter in the Lyon's Den. The man is totally obsessed and delusional that he can convince her to be his mistress. Mrs. Dove-Lyon always the manipulator, convinces Thomas, Lord Braeton, to be her knight and offer her marriage. What choice does Honoria have except to say yes! Her reputation is already ruined by Lord Danford continually pleading and yelling her name in the Lyon's Den. Two strangers in a marriage of convenience can only hope for the best. But Lord Danford won't give up until Honoria is his. Thomas makes a decision on his next move. Can a man be too noble?
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and romantic, this is a further novella in the Lyon's Den series, but as with all the others, is a standalone. Honoria Quinn, a companion to an elderly lady, has been careful to avoid Lord Danford whose obsession with her has become more than a nuisance. Taking a well-deserved break with a walk in the park, she is abducted by his lordship but manages to escape, little realizing that taking refuge in the Lyon's Den may take her from the fat and into the fire. Intent on ruining Honoria's name and thereby forcing her to fall in with his plans, Danford follows her. Fortunately, Lord Braeton and his friends are present and there is no way that Braeton will allow any man to bring down the reputation of a gently bred lady. Left with very few options, Honoria accepts his spontaneous marriage proposal. Although Danford continues with his intent to bring Honoria into submission, he does not count on the couple actually falling in love. The novel comes to a happy conclusion bringing both justice and new beginnings. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed another Lyon's Den. Lovely main characters and storyline was fab. Love this series from a super collection of authors.
I always wonder why Mrs Dove-Lyons doesn't show her face - is her face scarred, or does she just want anonymity?
Smashing story. 5☆

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

At the right place

Honoria is a Vicar daughter and paid companion for several months. She doesn't think of herself a beauty but intelligent over all. I didn't like some of the great fear she showed but definitely had reason!
Her employers husband Lord Danford was obsessed with her like a maniac. Accosted by Lord Danford she ran from him into the Lyons den. Honoria did have the money for the fee but as Lord Danford yelled and chased her into the Lyons den calling attention to her to ruin her name to force her to loose her reputation. What a horrible toad!
Lord Braeton aka Thomas was repulsed by the vile man who was backing an innocent woman into a corner to ruin her all for his own dark obsession! Woman truly had little hope back then but to be a kept woman or prostitute once a woman's reputation was ruined!
Thomas saw something in Honoria and married her just when they were settled into possible wedded bliss danger rears its ugly head again! When Thomas does step again to protect her his life is on the line. Can they save their new found love?
Only in the Lyons den is there second chances and a chance to help another destitute young lady escape an awful fate! Bravo and read on! I hope the next story is about Thomas best friend! He certainly deserves love!

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride of Lyons is another witty and daring story from “The Lyon’s Den” interconnected world - Mrs. Dove-Lyon out does herself over and over as she makes love matches amongst the bon ton. When an innocent lady, Miss Honoria Quinn, thwarted her attempted abduction and forced into being a mistress little did she know she was running for help straight into the world of one of London’s master matchmaker’s and her world is about to change. Now she finds herself being maneuvered to make another choice at the hands of the Den’s match-making proprietor Mrs. Dove-Lyons: wed a complete stranger or become the lord’s mistress. Thomas, Lord Braeton, is literally at the wrong place at the wrong time, He quickly finds himself in a no win situation—the only honorable thing he can do to save Miss Quinn’s reputation is put aside his hopes for a love match for himself and instead offer to marry her. Are these two destined to be just another couple trapped in a miserable marriage of convenience or will their joining turn into a love match?

As usual with The Lyon’s Den stories there is a happy ever after for our couple…of course they just have to work for it! 😉

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 3 Flames 🔥🔥🔥

📚I received a review copy of this book from the Dragonblade Publishing - all opinions and thoughts are freely given and unbiased. 🦄

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: rape attempt, infidelity, duel with guns, injuries, blood, violence.

I was so surprised in this little novel that I read in less than 24 hours. I needed some escapism, and historical romance means escapism for me.
I honestly have never read anything by Jenna Jaxon in the past, but now I'm more than eager.

Pride of Lyons is part of a series taken place in the same den in London, but every novel can be read as a standalone and it's even written by a different author.
I was drawn to this one because it features the "marriage of convenience" trope, that in historical romances, especially set in this period of time, is one of my favourites.

The romance between Honoria and Thomas was honestly very believable, and I bought into it even if the novel was only a little bit more than 150 pages.

I will for sure check out something else by this author.

[Brinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! I'll admit, I finished it in the middle of the night a few days ago, so most of the details have slipped my mind. What I do remember is loving the atmosphere and plot of this one. It's hard to find historical romances that feel new, and this one had so many fun elements I hadn't seen before. I'd recommend it!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

“Pride of Lyons” is another spectacular addition to the Lyon’s Den Connected World. Honoria and Thomas are extraordinary people in extenuating circumstances who manage to pull a love match out of the situation.

Read full review in the 2022 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride of Lyons is the most recent addition to the Lyon' Den book series. It can be a stand alone read. The story begins with Miss Honoria Quinn. The daughter of a vicar is the paid companion to Mrs. Edwards, Lord Danford's mother-in-law. Unfortunately for Honoria, Lord Danford seems to be obsessed with her. While she is enjoying her afternoon off, she hears someone calling for her. James, the family's groom, alerts her that Mrs. Edwards has suddenly become ill and needs her right away, so she follows him to the carriage. On the way to the house, she notices they are not going in the right direction. They stop and pick up Lord Danford, who has ulterior motives in mind. As he attempts to have his way with her, he tells her she has no choice she will be ruined no matter what happens, he will make sure of it. She decides to take matters into her own hands and breaks away from Danford and jumps from the moving carriage. Unharmed she runs to the closest building not knowing if it is a business or a home, she tries to gain entry but is told to go around the back for help. She is admitted entry to the Lyon's Den and asked of she knows Mrs. Dove-Lyon, which of course she does not, but she asks for help and is taken to a small parlor to wait.

Meanwhile, Thomas, Lord Braeton agrees to attend a wager at The Lyon’s Den only to keep his brother-in-law out of trouble. What he doesn’t know is that he will become quickly involved in one of Mrs. Dove-Lyons’s schemes to marry him off. Lord Danford arrives searching for Honoria and accuses Mrs. Dove-Lyon of hiding her from him. After listening to Danford talk about how he is going to compromise Honoria, Thomas finds himself doing the only honorable thing he can do to save Miss Quinn’s reputation. He offers to marry her and promptly takes her to her family who resides out of London to explain her predicament.

This is a wonderful romance for an entertaining afternoon read. The characters are very likeable as well as interesting. It is well written and easy to follow without having to go back to figure out who is who. I will be adding this series to my want to read list.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride of Lyons by Jenna Jaxon is another of Dragonblade’s Lyons Den Connected World multi- author series. It was such a misogynistic world then, even worse than now. All her employer’s husband had to do was suggest he wanted her and she was little more than a fallen woman. She believed the driver when he appeared at the park to tell her the lady she cared for had taken ill, and she got in, only to have Lord Danford appear from nowhere. His stated intent was to take her to a house he had ostensibly rented for her and make her his mistress. She had no interest and was immediately figuring a way out. When the carriage slowed down, she jumped and ran. He followed, shouting. She finally gained admittance to the Lyon’s Den lady’s entrance, having no idea where she was. He came through the gambling den’s from door, shouting her name. That was it for her reputation. She had many fewer choices now, especially combined with his threats. Lord Thomas Braeton was present and as much as he had no desire to marry at this time, he did the honorable thing and offered for her.

One thing Danford had been right about, she was irresistible. He was in lust, if not love, almost immediately. He took her to her parents’ house in a nearby community and there her father, a vicar, married them. They went back to London for the night where he left her at her bedroom door. The next morning they left for his country estate, before the gossip took hold. There life fell into a pattern. This was a very cute story. Very predictable, which is fine. I often use these stories as a mental break from more serious reading. Thomas was nothing if not honorable, but mess with something of his and one would pay the price. Honoria knew little of the world and a very small amount about what would happen in the marriage bed, but as they got to know one another and based on their kisses, she was ready to find out. They were both good characters, rounded as well as possible in such a short book. It was a fun read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Pride of Lyons by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #jennajexon #prideoflyons

[Winnifred D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warning: attempted rape and stalking.

3 1/2 stars. I have enjoyed this series overall as it allows readers of the genre to sample authors they may not have read before; it introduced me to the excellent Mary Lancaster. I have read a couple of books by Jenna Jaxon before so knew a bit of what to expect (for example, she is American and her Regencies do tend to contain Americanisms). Had mixed feelings about the plot and characters here, but found myself liking the book more toward the end. The relationship between the MC's is very much old-school sweet romance, for better or for worse, with some steam worked in. In fact, much of this book has an old-schoolness about it. If you're looking for a kick-butt heroine, for example, that is not this MFC. The MMC is stalwart, kind, compassionate, but slightly lacking in dimension. (There was a mention at the beginning of the book that Dove-Lyons had tried to coerce him to marry one of her clients before but maybe I missed the details about that later in the book?)

The baddie is quite over the top and is definitely addicted to the sexual act, but his wife seems unaware. I'm not sure I've read a Regency in recent years with a villain so fixated on solely having his way with the h and making her his mistress. There is a bit of a creepy vibe when the MMC seems rather fixated on her as well in the days after their marriage, and I felt this could have been done with a bit more nuance. I did enjoy the final confrontation scene at the party, though.

Looking forward to the next installment in this eclectic series.

Note: If you insist on "sweet and clean" be aware that this book contains post-marital sex. The baddie attempts to force the MFC, but relations between the MC's is consensual.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Her employer's husband is obsessed with her. So much that he tries to force her.
What’s a young lady to do when a powerful lord tries to abscond with her and make her his mistress?
When you’re Miss Honoria Quinn, you leap from his carriage and run like the wind to find some place to hide. Trouble is, Honoria mistakenly chooses The Lyon’s Den, a disreputable gambling house as her sanctuary, a move that ends up with her having to make another choice at the hands of the Den’s match-making proprietor Mrs. Dove-Lyons: wed a complete stranger or become the lord’s mistress.
No good deed goes unpunished.
Thomas, Lord Braeton agrees to attend a wager at The Lyon’s Den only to keep his brother-in-law out of trouble. What he doesn’t count on is becoming embroiled in one of Mrs. Dove-Lyons’s schemes to marry him off. But when he tries to come to the aid of another peer, Thomas finds the only honorable thing he can do to save Miss Quinn’s reputation is put aside his hopes for a love match for himself and instead offer to marry her.
As Thomas and Honoria set out on a wary journey to matrimony, can they learn to live together and hope love will grow between them? Or are they doomed to a loveless marriage of convenience from which one or both will want to escape?
Jenna Jaxon writes a good book.
I own a copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas & Honoria. She was working as a companion to the Danford's MIL. Lord Danford formed an obsession for her and had to have her. Having the heebies for him, she avoided him at all costs. While taking the afternoon off and taking a walk, she was picked up in the family's carriage and later Lord Danford climbed in. He offered to make her his mistress but she declined. When he tried to force the suggestion, she ran from the carriage straight to the Lyon's Den. When Danford entered, looking for her, Bessie called Danford and Thomas (knowing he was an honorable man that would step up for a damsel in distress; and she previously tried to match him). When Danford starts threatening to ruin her and her family, Thomas stepped up and offered to marry her to get her out of becoming Danford's mistress. Despite him being a stranger she accepted. He obliges her when she suggests holding off on consummating their marriage until they get to know each other. At his country estate, he is called away on business and Danford shows up and accosts her. Thomas shows up just in time to save her and challenges him to a duel for his and her honor. Despite Danford trying everything to get out of the duel (like Thomas he hadn't beget an heir) the duel is still on. Thomas and Honoria consummate in hopes of getting her preggo (just in case he dies in the duel). Danford shots off to the side and Thomas shoots him in the leg as a constant reminder to not obsess over his wife.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lyon's Den has once again given us a captivating and engaging story with this latest addition, Pride of Lyons. Each one is written by a different author and while writing styles are different, they all capture the essence of the Lyon's Den and its purpose. This one was no different.
Honoria escapes the lustful clutches of her employer's husband and falls straight into the Lyon's Den. Lord Braeton, Thomas, comes to her rescue and in order to save her reputation, she has no choice but to accept his marriage proposal. Will this marriage of convenience end in another one of Mrs. Dove-Lyon's successful matches of love?
The story was well-written and entertaining and fully kept my interest all the way through. I enjoyed Honoria and Thomas' interactions and watching them get to know each other and inevitably grow closer. A match made in heaven, but certainly not without its challenges along the way. A wonderful story I am happy to have had the chance to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions*

I've read other books from the Lyon's Den series and this publisher, but this was the first from this author. I have to say, I was not at all disappointed and will be looking for more from Jenna Jaxon in the future! The circumstances surrounding the marriage between Honoria and Thomas was a little more contrived than in others, mainly because it didn't involve a wager and Thomas offering to wed her to escape Danbury felt like it came out of the blue. That being said, I didn't mind one bit. I liked seeing how the romance and love unfolded between our two lead characters - it was easy to see why they fell for one another. The situation with Danbury may have been what brought them together and what solidified their bond, but it's clear that they were meant for one another. Another great addition to this anthology!

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping beginning starts another great Lyons Den story. The first chapter draws you in like no other, setting up a story of anguish, despair and hopelessness. Honoria is a simple ladies companion, she did not set out to be a temptress. But that is exactly what the Lord of the house sees her as. Lord Danford is not used to being denied, so he pursues his attraction to Honoria in the least honorable ways. Seeking refuge, Honoria land in the Lyons Den where Mrs.Dove-Lyon enlists the help of the honorable Lord Braeton. Thus begins the story of an unlikely match, leading to a great love.
Thomas is perhaps the most honorable of men, compassionate and with a world of love to give. Honoria is kind-hearted, and becomes a Lady of great character. The story is well-written and holds your attention well. I loved the care Thomas shows with Honoria, the way he protects her in all things. I enjoyed this story.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, HISTORICAL VICTORIAN ROMANCE DRAMA, DUEL, ATTACK, LOVE

Jenna Jaxon earned 5 STARS for her wonderful well written addition to the well known & popular Series: The Lyon's Den Connected World. A great BLURB is provided. Good character development with a terrific reading word pace that allows the reader to just zoom through the story like a driver in a wonderful classic sports car going for a long drive on a deserted coastline right before & during sunset, in the perfect weather plus temperature. Yes I enjoyed. this read & read it all in one sitting.

A man of honor & a vicar's daughter get thrown together by fate. This is Lord Braeton, Thomas & Honoria Quinn's story. Follow their story from before they meet, just prior to roughly 1 year an exciting endearing endeavor.

RECOMMEND
WARNING : SEXUAL ACTIVITY INSIDE

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Honoria is a paid companion that is until the lord who is her employer takes a salacious interest in her. While running from him she ends up in the Lyon’s Den.
Thomas finds himself unfortunately at the Lyon’s Den standing up for his brother-in-law in a challenge. He winds up coming to a young ladies aid.
The only way to safeguard Honoria is to marry her and being a man of honor he does.
This is a lovely story of two people finding themselves in a love match against all odds.
Will Honoria be safe from the lecherous lord by marrying Thomas? Come along on another adventure of the Black Widow of Whitehall’s matchmaking series. Jenna is just one of the amazingly talented authoresses who craft these great stories and characters.

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just cannot wait until the next Lyons Den book is published. This one did not disappoint me at all. Keeping with the theme of the stories; Mrs. Dove-Lyons makes another match. This one begins with a different strategy of a proper gentleman wanting to claim an employee of his mother-in-law. Miss Honoria Quinn is not at all receptive to his attentions and runs into the Lyons Den for protection. So, the plot is formed, and a hero is needed. A marriage of convenience is necessary to protect Honoria’s character and a solution is needed to defend her. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to the next Lyons Den adventure.

[Always Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read. The story started off with a bang with Honoria, but then dropped drastically when Thomas was introduced and remained that way until after they married.

Honoria was basically being stalked by her employers mother. Thomas (Lord Braeton), an Earl steps in to save the day. I wish we had more insight to his point of view, he was entirely indifferent about the situation. While I appreciate the logical thinking he had, it felt very robotic and it felt as if he was just doing a small favor like lending his carriage, not getting married and spending the rest of his life with someone.



No cheating or OW drama so that's always a plus in my book.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to evade her obsessed employer, Honoria enters the Lyon’s Den and runs straight into the arms of Bessie Dove-Lyon. On hand to watch his brother-in-law participate in a silly bet, Thomas intercepts the man as he pursues Honoria. Mrs. Dove-Lyon sees a solution to the problem and a match (she’s good at those), Thomas and Honoria. This is another enjoyable visit to the Lyon’s Den. This is a touching story with a sweet heroine and an honorable hero. Good stuff.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Mary Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I spotted quite a few Americanisms mainly to do with architecture; the ubiquous Stoop and I'm not convinced we have Brownstone buildings in the Uk. My main gripe is that the storyline seems to be all staged to get to the marital sex. The hero had relatives that the distressed heroine could have lived with and the villain was quite 2 dimensional. He almost twirled his moustache while he was gloating over getting her in his power. Attempted rape is not a good theme IMO

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story. It had great potential and good characters. I think a few situations in the story could have been better. The story flows along quickly, almost too quick. The manner in which the proposal comes is odd, but odder still was the person that caused the whole situation. He was quite crazed and not at all sane. Lust driven I suppose. The book is interesting enough that I am wanting to read Geoffrey's story and will possibly check out other work by this author.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time Enough for Love revisited... Sort of...

I loved this book. The story is good. Jenna Jaxon is a master at writing this time period. But the first of her books that I ever read was set in a much earlier time in history. I liked that book so much, I read the entire series. Pride of Lyons gives a nod to that earlier series by having the descendents of two of the main characters in Time Enough to Love in this story. Wonderful storytelling!

[Belinda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story!

Such a delightful story! Thomas is a man of integrity to the point he would wed a stranger, just to salvage her reputation. Honoria is a gentle woman who by no means encourages Danforth. The plot is interesting and the story engages the reader. It was hard to put down and I read this piece in an afternoon. A wonderful, insightful addition to the Lyon’s Den Connected World.

[Catherine Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bad deal gone good!

What an excellent example of how to fix the problem of the future. This is a very intriguing story that grips you instantly. It is an excellent example of a great book. I highly recommend it. Jenna Jaxon does not deserve anything but accolades for her great writing.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming tale in true Lyon’s Den style, involving a vile and determined debaucher, a truly innocent young woman, and the absolutely honourable man who saves her. It’s a super story that will hold the reader and theres a potentially deadly duel just to make things gripping.
Highly recommended

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining, enjoyable and satisfying quick read. The character's are likeable and the story speeds along and so drags you in can't wait for Lord Longbury to eat his words. I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book.