Kiss of the Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World

The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Meara Platt

He was only supposed to win the high stakes game of chance, not a bride along with it.

Lord Matthew Lyon is often called upon by the Crown because of his mathematical brilliance, and participating in a high stakes game of chance at the notorious Lyon’s Den should have been the easy part of his assignment...only it goes terribly wrong. He wins the pot, as expected since his probability calculations never fail. But no one calculated on his winning the hand of Lady Danielle Haverfield, daughter of the Earl of Haverfield, the prime suspect in a treason plot against the Crown and the very man he is assigned to bring down.

She was only trying to stop her brother from gambling his life away.

Lady Danielle Haverfield knew she did not belong in the Lyon’s Den, but she had to stop her brother before he gambled away his entire inheritance. Not only did she fail to stop him, but she’s ruined her life as well. Lady Dove-Lyon will not allow her brother to go unpunished, even though the handsome Scottish lord who’s wiped him out is willing to forgive the debt. But the Black Widow of Whitehall has a fearsome reputation to maintain. Someone is going to have to pay for her brother’s inability to pay up, and she’s decided it is to be Danielle. Well, the handsome Scot could have asked for her only for the one night, but he’s proposed marriage instead.

Can their love survive his secrets and her father’s betrayal?

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Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Historical, Regency, Ebooks

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2021

About the author

Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Mathew Lyon is a distant relative of Bessie Dove Lyon, proprietor of the Lyon’s Den.
He’s a smooth, passionate and very satisfying character to read, he full-fills all those needs that you didn’t realise you needed filling.
He’s the owner of one of those romantic, deep and spine tingling brogues.

Danielle is the lady who lands him, wether she means to or not.
The two are made for each other and set the pages alive with their chemistry and passionate glances.

With tense moments and a satisfying group of characters, a brilliant story unfolds, penned brilliantly as only Meara Platt can.
She brings these characters to life in a way that makes sure you remember them long after the book is done.

Highly recommend reading!

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

[Olga 🌺 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Meara Platt and I can't say I am disappointed.

Have to say though, that given it is a novella, everything was rushed in fast forward. They fell in love in 2.5 days.

The MMC, Mathew, is an agent of the Crown, but also a Mathmatics Professor at the university of Edinburgh.
He is on a secret mission to uncover an act of treason, of which the MFC's father is suspected to be part of.

In a twist of fate, Mathew ends up forced to marry Danielle, the MFC. He takes advantage of the situation to get closer to her brother and father only to fall hopelessly and unexpectedly in love with her.
These two are just perfect for each other.
The novella had:
✨️ The right amount of mystery.
✨️ A beautiful brother- sister relationship (Danielle and her brother Simon).
✨️ A head over heels in love MMC.
✨️ And a very sweet HEA.

Ticking another Fall/Winter 🍁❄️ Bingo square:
27) "One character is spiritual or religious" He refused to sleep with her until they were married first 🥰

🔴 | 05 | 30 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 20
🔴 | 09 | 31 | 04 | 25 | 🔴
19 | 08 | 13 | 🔴 | 17 | 35
🔴 | 🔴 | 12 | 🔴 | 04 | 🔴
🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 11
🔴 | 33 | 18 | 32 | 🔴 | 🔴

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss of the Lyon
The Lyon's Den Connected World Series #12
Meara Platt
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMearaP...
Release Date 01/27/2021
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

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.

He was only supposed to win the high stakes game of chance, not a bride along with it.

Lord Matthew Lyon is often called upon by the Crown because of his mathematical brilliance, and participating in a high stakes game of chance at the notorious Lyon’s Den should have been the easy part of his assignment...only it goes terribly wrong. He wins the pot, as expected since his probability calculations never fail. But no one calculated on his winning the hand of Lady Danielle Haverfield, daughter of the Earl of Haverfield, the prime suspect in a treason plot against the Crown and the very man he is assigned to bring down.

She was only trying to stop her brother from gambling his life away.

Lady Danielle Haverfield knew she did not belong in the Lyon’s Den, but she had to stop her brother before he gambled away his entire inheritance. Not only did she fail to stop him, but she’s ruined her life as well. Lady Dove-Lyon will not allow her brother to go unpunished, even though the handsome Scottish lord who’s wiped him out is willing to forgive the debt. But the Black Widow of Whitehall has a fearsome reputation to maintain. Someone is going to have to pay for her brother’s inability to pay up, and she’s decided it is to be Danielle. Well, the handsome Scot could have asked for her only for the one night, but he’s proposed marriage instead.

Can their love survive his secrets and her father’s betrayal?

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will his new assignment lead to a happy ending or some heartache...

While it is marked as a novella, at no moment did it fall short. This fun addition to the series is packed with romance, an alpha hero, a sweet lady and some actions.
While it begins as a romantic suspense, with the storyline mostly focused on Mathew’s investigation. At half mark, the romance part takes a new leaf, Danielle coming in the light as more than the hero’s romantic interest.
Matthew is a kind, caring and very clever fellow, why he finds himself in many assignations to help the crown. And while his new appointment is not different than his previous ones, he did not expect to fall for his prey’s daughter. Why he is torn between his heart and his duty. Fearing one will interfere with the other.
I thought very chivalrous of him to try to keep the heroine family’s name out of harm way when her father was a scheming careless unfeeling brute and did not deserve any redeeming.
Danielle while just a shadow at the beginning, shows a streak of stubbornness and strength when she refuses to stay in the background when Matthew and her brother fight for her safety. And even if she is no warrior, she does not fall apart when she understands in which dire straits are her relatives.
In all it is an entertaining read with sweet and loving characters and a villain who deserved no clemency.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 one onscreen detailed lovemaking scene.

On a last note, I loved the reference to Lily Farthingales.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and captivating read, Kiss of the Lyon is a swoon-worthy historical romance with great characters and a wonderful love story. Danielle and Matthew, the main couple in the novel, fall in love almost at first sight, and their feelings only deepen as the story progresses.

Matthew and Danielle have a fantastic romance! Though riddled with obstacles that include a forced betrothal, betrayal, and secrets, their attraction and connection to each other is strong. I particularly like how deeply Matthew cares for Danielle. His actions and attitude throughout the story show how much he cares for Danielle and that he’ll do whatever he can to protect her.

I also love that Matthew is an intellectual. A professor of mathematics, Matthew proves that intelligence is sexy, and it is beneficial when trying to uncover a secret plot against the government. The mystery surrounding Danielle’s father and his nefarious involvement in a plan to disrupt the government is also very intriguing. However, it makes the relationship between Matthew and Danielle more complicated, as she doesn’t know that Matthew is tasked with investigating her father.

In addition to the fantastic romance, the other strength of the novel is the compelling characters. Danielle and Matthew are intriguing and well developed, as is Danielle’s brother Simon. He begins the novel at a low point, torn between his duty to his family and doing what is ethically right. I’m curious to find out what happens to Simon and feel like there was some foreshadowing that suggested his story might be next in The Lyon’s Den series. Now that he is free from his overbearing and abusive father, Simon has the ability to turn himself around, and I’m hoping that we’ll see it as the series continues. There are also hints about Matthew’s younger, single brother, and I suspect his story might be in a future book as well. Here’s hoping!

This is a fun and quick historical romance, and a wonderful addition to The Lyon’s Den series. That being said, you don’t need to read the other books in the series to follow this one. Each book can be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to NetGalley, the author, and Dragonblade Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lyon’s Den shenanigans! ________ 3.5 stars

I really liked the two main proponents in this addition to the Lyon’s Den pantheon. Lord Mathew Lyon (note the surname!) a sometime intelligence operative for the crown and Danielle Haverfield, a young woman intent on saving her brother. Each in their own way gorgeous, loyal and swoon worthy. I must say that Danielle is really quite a bold young thing underneath the biddable young debutante exterior. But then, she has many reasons for her actions—and it seems curiosity is one! Of course they meet at the gambling tables in the Lyon’s Den! Of course things go pear shaped! The storyline demonstrates just how much can be packed into an historical romance; pulling in an arranged marriage, spy craft, an abusive father, and traitors—all in the shadows of high society, and in the blink of an eye.
I guess that’s what spread this story a little thin for me. Although my liking for the lead characters took the story from a 3 to a 3.5 star read.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been privileged to read most of the books in this series and the one thing that stands out for me is that all the stories are initiated as a result of unfortunate circumstances but without exception end on a wonderfully happy note. Despite Mrs. Dove-Lyon's sway in society and the fear that she engenders, somewhere deep inside she has a good heart and an eye for the perfect match. Lord Matthew Lyon is a university professor who has an uncanny ability with mathematics and science that takes him into the world of spies and espionage. Winning at a game of cards means that he not only achieves his initial goal, but he also wins the hand of Miss Danielle Haverfield, a young lady with a caring heart who has been unmercifully disciplined by her father. If for no other reason, Matthew will do whatever is necessary to take her out of his lordship's sphere. I love the main characters in this novel, Matthew with his protective nature and ability to love, Danielle with her loyalty to her brother, and Simon, who despite his errors, is in fact a caring and ethical brother, who will take the ultimate step to prevent a crime being carried out. The plot of this novel is suspenseful and yet deeply romantic as Matthew struggles to come to a compromise that will save the woman he loves from scorn. The story is well written and although fairly short, has an excellent plot that kept my interest throughout. As with all other stories in this series, this one closes on a happy note, leaving everyone with a smile on their faces, except of course the rotten apple in the family barrel. I received a copy of this novella as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Meara Platt.
Oh my, this is one of my favourite stories in this series. Such a brilliant storyline. I loved both the two main characters - Matthew and Danielle. The ending was perfect. 5☆

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

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Such a superb romantic novella! Despite its short length, this tale is completely fulfilling!

Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 STARS

I really enjoy this series and especially Mrs. Dove-Lyon. She is a women ahead of her time and is mysterious. When she plays match maker she is in rare form. Her main business is owning and running a gambling den. But, in this story I didn't care for a rule that was revealed. You are aware from other novella's that her rule is golden. What is told in this story, if you can't pay you will be killed? WHAT? Didn't care for that at all. Hope, that isn't part of other stories in the series.

So many suspenseful moments from spies, treason, forced marriage. killing and so many secrets. Most is solved/revealed, but not about the hold the uncle had.

When one truth is revealed about the H to the h, thankfully she didn't throw a major fit. She acted appropriately and endeared her more to me. She was loving, caring and loyal, as is the H. The brother started out not a character I liked, but slowly we understand why he behaved the way he did and the strife it caused the h.

There is lovemaking within marriage, heat level 3 out of 5 if that. Romance does build slowly and I felt a connection to them.

I wanted the ending of what prompted the treason and the secrets the brother had to uncovered be explained in more detail.

No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, HEA, romance and a tad of spice. I can't improve on the blurb so not trying. Just recommending this novella, author and series. (ljb)

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shenanigans at the Lyon's Den and this time with Matthew Lyon, a swoon worthy Scot, who is a mathematics professor (yes, yes he is...) but also an agent of the crown. Must I say more? Well it I must.. he is sweet, protective and seemed to fall right into love with our heroine, Danielle.. "Ye're the loveliest lass I've ever set set eyes upon, and I want ye." Sigh

But all was not as it seemed. Matthew was out to expose Danielle's father as a traitor to the crown and by asking her to marry him, in order to forgive her brother's gambling debt to him (yes Mrs Dove Lyon was involved) it would work to his advantage.

You never know though, when pretense becomes reality and loves winds it's way around the heart, there is also the wonderful Kiss of the Lyon that will never be forgotten! Sigh.

[DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete novel packed into a short book. My only criticism is it's too short.
Unbeknownst to Danielle her father and uncle are caught up in an assassination plot, but she knows something is bothering her beloved brother, so follows him to a gambling den to try stop his run of self destruction. There she meets Matthew, and finds herself betrothed all within a matter of hours. But Matthew isn't all he seems.

Not quite sure where this fits into the Grayson series, but a good read.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Publication Date: 1/27/21
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 138

Lord Matthew Lyon, a mathematical genius and brother to the Duke of Mar, often takes on assignments for the Crown. His current assignment is to ferret out a treasonous plot and bring the culprits to justice. In pursuit of that goal, he went to the Lyons Den to become acquainted with the suspected traitor’s son. Little did he know what was about to transpire and that he would leave betrothed to a suspected traitor’s daughter.

Lady Daniella Haverfield, daughter of the Earl of Haverfield, lives with a monster who just happens to be her father – and perhaps a traitor. The only thing that makes it remotely bearable is that her brother Simon was there as well. She adored him and would go to the ends of the earth to protect him. Unfortunately, that is exactly what she does. In trying to protect Simon she ends up disgraced, ruined, and betrothed all in the space of a few hours.

I really liked both Matthew and Daniella because they were both caring, giving, honorable, and loving people. I wasn’t a fan of Simon even though the author tried to redeem him – I guess there just wasn’t enough pages for that. The story was exciting with betrayal, murder, and treachery as well as a heartwarming love story complete with an Epilogue.

I hope you’ll give this quick, fast-paced story a try. If you want to try out new-to-you authors, this series has some good ones. The stories are all quick reads with lovely HEAs and plenty of excitement – and each book is by a different author. So – give the series a try and try out a new author.
w

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started with a kiss…………

I loved this story of Matthew and Danielle. Matthew was familiar from the previous book in the series about the Lyon brothers. He was a lovable hero that was protective and loving. Danielle was a lovable heroine that needed love in her life after the treatment from her father. She was kind, strong, and protective as well. The characters were well written, even the ones you didn’t like, and entertaining, from the main characters to the Bow Street runners. The dialogues were engaging, and the plot was original and interesting. There was soft steam after marriage, but this was a sweet love story with mystery, family relationship issues, and a HEA.

[Danette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A handsome, sexy Scot falls for a Sassenach woman in this story, written as only Meara Platt can. Matthew and Danielle are thrown together in the midst of her brother Simon's gambling losses and Matthew's investigation on behalf of the Crown. The story is fast-paced and contains lots of humor (as do all of Meara's books), and the romance between the hero and heroine is sweet.

I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end. It has romance and intrigue all in one. Plus, there were cameo appearances by Lily Farthingale and the Duke of Lotheil, who appear in other Meara Platt books. I highly recommend this one. Now, I am off to see if Meara wrote Danielle's brother's story!

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was different from most of the others in this series. It is a love story but there's also a plot to overthrow the government.
Our hero, Matthew, and heroine, Danielle, with the help of Danielle's brother Simon must figure out the plot their father and uncle are using to overthrow the plans of the English government. Matthew and Danielle didn't plan on falling in love with each other but they do and Matthew needs o find a way to bring down her father and uncle without losing her to the scandal.
The plot made the story so interesting and there's more intrigue. Matthew is Matthew Lyon. Yes! He and Bessie Dove Lyon are related and that hints at other stories and more to be revealed about this family, especially since Mathew has four brothers.
There is much more in this story that I haven't mentioned here. You won't be able to put it down once you start reading.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh…

The story is a good one, it’s sadly ruined by two things:
1) an abundance of purple prose such as “a light trill reminiscent of the feather-soft flutter of a butterfly’s wings” which a description of Danielle’s laugh of all things.
2) tedious repetition. Both Danielle and Matthew keep pondering at length over the same things. He/she will never love me; I’ve ruined his/her life; etc etc.
if you aren’t irritated by these things great, but even if you are, it’s worth given this book a try.

[Tera Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars, 2 spice. Minor spoilers -This is the start of a new series. Matthew is trying to stop a treasonous plot. To do the he becomes betrothed to Danny after beating her brother Simon in a gambling hall. Their love blooms as the secret plot threatens to tear them apart. This is an instalove tale, but the spy thriller kept the reader engaged. I hope we get Lucas and Simon’s stories. I also hope Lily the bluestocking makes a reappearance. It’s a fast regency read. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kiss of the Lyon: The Lyons Den Connected World

This was a good story with an interesting plot involving espionage. Yet, it was slow in getting through the plot and giving the reader a fair conclusion. Though, I enjoyed the verbal battle of wits between the H and h, Lord Matthew Lyon and Lady Danielle Haverfield. I would recommend the author Meara Platt for historical fiction reading.


2/13/2023.

[Belinda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing tale!

Another excellent addition to the Lyon’s Connected World! The way Matthew and Danielle become betrothed is absolutely delightful! Matthew is astounding as a professor and as a man of the crown. The plot is convoluted and keeps the reader guessing as to what is going to happen next. Josiah, the uncle, is evil personified and he gets his just desserts, as does Danielle’s father. An incredible story, it cannot be put down until the last page is turned.

[SynergyQuest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scottish Lord to the Rescue

The Lyon brothers are a tempting lot of men! This installment finds a Lyon who is both professor and agent for the crown. He meets his ladyblove with a plan to ist her, and falls so hard and so fast, it's almost funny. I loved reading them turn a pretty dire situation into a love worth enjoying.

[Angela Harriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I really enjoyed this lovely little story. Well told. Great characters. Nice even pace, great flow. The action keeps you right there and routing for the hero all the way. I like how the villain suffered in the climax but it did leave me with a few unanswered questions. Nice lead into the next story. I intend to read more of this series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is suspenseful, sweet and romantic. Danielle is bold, brave and determined. Matthew is smart, caring and amusing. They may have been forced to become betrothed, but what they feel is much different than resentment. I loved the interactions between them and the whole storyline. It's a page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding!

Danielle and Matthew are forced into a betrothal by the mysterious Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Meara does a masterful job of weaving intrigue, mystery and love into this story. Will Danielle and Matthew come to find their true love in each other? Will Matthew foil the treasonous plot of the Haverfields? You don’t want to miss this first book of The Lyon’s Den!

[Ashley Lundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not another simpering regency romance. Kiss of a Lyon is an adventure with undercurrents of treason and despair. The author weaves passion and lust with devoted love and the rawness of true humanity. Her characters though swiftly developed are dynamic and robust. This story immediately had me online looking for more by the same author.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in The Lyon's Den Connected World series was an exciting and engaging historical romance. It had drama, qvtion, intrigue, espionage, suspense, secrets, false identity, and emotional issues and twists. The main characters were interesting, and their chemistry strong. I highly recommend reading!

[Lwalalba · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction the Lyon's Den

This short book was a great introduction to the Lyon's Den. I enjoy Meera's writing and this proved to be another interesting story and p!ot. Looking forward to the next one.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The offspring of the Earl of Haverfield become embroiled in discovering their father’s dangerous secrets. Can Lord Lyon keep them both safe and ensure that Lady Danielle doesn’t hate him when she discovers his initial reason for making her acquaintance?

[Linda R. Foit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hone Sweet Home?

Although this book was more sexual than I usually read, the intrigue was fascinating and I enjoyed finding out who the characters were and what their plans/plots were in the story.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, intrigue, romance

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting, the romance hot and sweet, and the characters were well developed.

This author holds my attention and I enjoy her books very much.

[Marialice Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was a wonderful read. The main characters were real and loveable. I would recommend this book for a great read.