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The Lyon's Den Connected World
The Devilish Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World
Mrs. Dove-Lyon, proprietor of the Lyon’s Den, London’s notorious gaming hell, has recently had dealings with three new
Miss Harriet Hurst, who cannot see a thing without her spectacles and who has an unfortunate aversion to strong perfume, is in search of a husband. Her proposal, however, is a little unorthodox.
Ambrose Crossley, fifth Earl of Pendlewood, an upstanding and respected member of the ton, is in search of a wife. His quest, however, is not quite as straightforward as it seems.
Edward Fortescue, Viscount Eskdale, aka the Fallen Angel of Mayfair, has no desire to marry at all. His request is somewhat unusual.
Being a shrewd business woman, Mrs. Dove-Lyon reckons she can satisfy all their needs in one fell swoop. It will require a little bit of subterfuge, a fair amount of manipulation, and a whole heap of good intentions. But, if the gamble pays off, a happy ending for all is assured. The game starts out well, with everything going exactly as planned. But, just as things seem to be reaching a satisfactory conclusion, a tragic secret emerges from the past. The consequences are heartbreaking. The game, it seems, is up.
Or is it?
True love never surrenders without a fight. And time, it is said, heals all wounds. Maybe there’s still a chance for happiness, after all.
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Miss Harriet Hurst, who cannot see a thing without her spectacles and who has an unfortunate aversion to strong perfume, is in search of a husband. Her proposal, however, is a little unorthodox.
Ambrose Crossley, fifth Earl of Pendlewood, an upstanding and respected member of the ton, is in search of a wife. His quest, however, is not quite as straightforward as it seems.
Edward Fortescue, Viscount Eskdale, aka the Fallen Angel of Mayfair, has no desire to marry at all. His request is somewhat unusual.
Being a shrewd business woman, Mrs. Dove-Lyon reckons she can satisfy all their needs in one fell swoop. It will require a little bit of subterfuge, a fair amount of manipulation, and a whole heap of good intentions. But, if the gamble pays off, a happy ending for all is assured. The game starts out well, with everything going exactly as planned. But, just as things seem to be reaching a satisfactory conclusion, a tragic secret emerges from the past. The consequences are heartbreaking. The game, it seems, is up.
Or is it?
True love never surrenders without a fight. And time, it is said, heals all wounds. Maybe there’s still a chance for happiness, after all.
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2021
251 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Wren
12 books17 followersAuthor of Victorian and Regency romances. Charlotte is also the alter-ego for author Avril Borthiry, who writes medieval and fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 3, 2022
Harriet is looking for a husband, and she has a questionnaire! After seeing Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, the matchmaker, Harriet leaves. She takes a wrong turn and bumps into Viscount Eskdale, who was her late brother's friend, and which she had an infatuation for.
Basically, Eskdale teams up with Mrs. D.L. to find Harriet a husband. Oh, how I love the deviousness of Mrs. D.L. - Now she is using a decoy to make Eskdale jealous.....and it's working.
A HEA for everyone. I love these Dove-Lyon stories. 5☆
Basically, Eskdale teams up with Mrs. D.L. to find Harriet a husband. Oh, how I love the deviousness of Mrs. D.L. - Now she is using a decoy to make Eskdale jealous.....and it's working.
A HEA for everyone. I love these Dove-Lyon stories. 5☆
October 24, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Probably the best written and best thought out Lyon’s Den book that I’ve read.
I was totally addicted to this story, finally putting it down when I finished it at 1am.
Brilliant characters with great chemistry, and so entertaining.
The story was so good it kept me glued.
Can’t wait to read more of Charlotte’s books.
💋💋
Probably the best written and best thought out Lyon’s Den book that I’ve read.
I was totally addicted to this story, finally putting it down when I finished it at 1am.
Brilliant characters with great chemistry, and so entertaining.
The story was so good it kept me glued.
Can’t wait to read more of Charlotte’s books.
April 7, 2022
Fans of the Lyon’s Den connected world will enjoy this latest addition as Mrs. Dove-Lyon works her magic.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 16, 2022
Cocky hero, forgettable miss, and sleepwalking. No real drama or villains so the whole thing lacked any real passion for me.
October 24, 2021
All roads lead to love
Edward was a perverse creature so he had to be set up as a rescuer and in his arrogance demand his way! Harriet does not see her worth bad eyesight included! Edward was a child hood friend of Harriet who she was infatuated with! Harriet and Edward have history but it takes a while for Edward to resolve his past and present.
Edward carries a lot of guilt and most unnecessary, but he is handsome and wealthy and spends several nights with women at Bessie Lyons place. When Edward sees Harriet again something is already changing and he's not even aware of them. Pendleton his best friend and Bessie Lyons conspire to bring him a satisfactory end to some of his arrogance and restlessness. Edward does not take kindly to truth exposed and it is months before he can gather the courage to bury his past and face his future...
There are two exposures at the end dare I say their stories will be told in a future Lyons den story?
Edward was a perverse creature so he had to be set up as a rescuer and in his arrogance demand his way! Harriet does not see her worth bad eyesight included! Edward was a child hood friend of Harriet who she was infatuated with! Harriet and Edward have history but it takes a while for Edward to resolve his past and present.
Edward carries a lot of guilt and most unnecessary, but he is handsome and wealthy and spends several nights with women at Bessie Lyons place. When Edward sees Harriet again something is already changing and he's not even aware of them. Pendleton his best friend and Bessie Lyons conspire to bring him a satisfactory end to some of his arrogance and restlessness. Edward does not take kindly to truth exposed and it is months before he can gather the courage to bury his past and face his future...
There are two exposures at the end dare I say their stories will be told in a future Lyons den story?
November 1, 2021
I thought this was well-written enough, but the first 20% was build-up to the machinations of bringing H/h together, then the next 40% or so was H getting jealous and basically stalking the h and her pretend beau. Then the 25% after that was H ignoring h. Their relationship seemed based merely on a crush h had on H from their childhood, and he had barely known she was alive then. His current interest in her just seemed based on lust and him trying to assuage his ego. What were their common interests? Common values? It was impossible to tell.
December 18, 2021
Harriet has a hard time with the Ton and she feels they don't care for her either. She goes to the Lyon's Den looking for a husband. In the hallway she sees a friend of her brother who she really likes.
Edward needs a wife. His friend also is trying to set him up with Harriet. Edward has much to overcome before he is ready to marry. The story takes us through his process.
Edward needs a wife. His friend also is trying to set him up with Harriet. Edward has much to overcome before he is ready to marry. The story takes us through his process.
December 4, 2021
Pride?
The meaning of love? How to find love? Then give love in return makes life worth living! Love is life.🤓
The meaning of love? How to find love? Then give love in return makes life worth living! Love is life.🤓
June 17, 2023
Maybe 2.5 stars. I just didn't feel like the hero and heroine got to know each other at all. The beginning was very promising but then the story quickly petered out. The characters became meh and their actions and reactions more extreme and less believable, especially for the time period. I want to say he should have apologized more and there should have been more groveling but honestly I didn't even really believe he loved her with all their limited interactions so his lack of groveling makes sense. Also when he did sit her down and apologize she acted like she already knew all the original details of his wife and child story and just had to adjust to the new ones he shared. But again, they. Never. Talked.
September 25, 2025
Harriett Hurst wants a husband and family. She's had several unsuccessful seasons so she goes to the Bessie Dove Lyon for help. While there she bumps into Edward Fortescue, a viscount, and a friend of her deceased brother. She's had a crush on him since he stayed with her family several years ago.
Edward lost his wife to suicide years ago and has yet to move on from his grief.
His best friend, Pen, thinks it's time for Edward to find a new wife and get on with his life. Mrs. Lyon thinks the two would make a good match.
There's lots of twists and betrayals in this story and that made it a very good read. I didn't give it five stars because of Edward's behavior.
Edward lost his wife to suicide years ago and has yet to move on from his grief.
His best friend, Pen, thinks it's time for Edward to find a new wife and get on with his life. Mrs. Lyon thinks the two would make a good match.
There's lots of twists and betrayals in this story and that made it a very good read. I didn't give it five stars because of Edward's behavior.
August 26, 2023
U TURNED ARROGANCE INTO AN ART FORM
Yes, that comment alone is enough energy that carries the reader into this tantalizing 5 STARS read. A great Blurb as with most of the Lyons Den Series provides the readers. It is a very interesting story with plenty of drama.
Edward & Harriet, are two completely opposite people as you can look at. However, you can't ever predict who you are going to fall in love with. Also as Mrs Dove-Lyons always says & believes, there are no such things as coincidences.
RECOMMEND
Yes, that comment alone is enough energy that carries the reader into this tantalizing 5 STARS read. A great Blurb as with most of the Lyons Den Series provides the readers. It is a very interesting story with plenty of drama.
Edward & Harriet, are two completely opposite people as you can look at. However, you can't ever predict who you are going to fall in love with. Also as Mrs Dove-Lyons always says & believes, there are no such things as coincidences.
RECOMMEND
May 29, 2024
Loved it! Enjoyed Thoroughly! So Glad for HEA!
I did not like the subterfuge by well meaning friend who was blackmailing a fellow acquaintance to be the bait for the Hero. Glad all was exposed in the end including the hero's painful, haunting past. Did not the Hero's unkindness in leaving heroine waiting for months to have heart's desire in the end. Was surprised that there seems a continuation with a couple of secondary characters in the end in another book. And overjoyed the Hero got his wish to be a father to twins!
I did not like the subterfuge by well meaning friend who was blackmailing a fellow acquaintance to be the bait for the Hero. Glad all was exposed in the end including the hero's painful, haunting past. Did not the Hero's unkindness in leaving heroine waiting for months to have heart's desire in the end. Was surprised that there seems a continuation with a couple of secondary characters in the end in another book. And overjoyed the Hero got his wish to be a father to twins!
November 3, 2025
The Devilish Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World Charlotte Wren
True love will find a way to heal a battered heart, when Edward learns that his first wife had lied to him about about her daughters true father. The child was stillborn, and Edward grieved the loss of his pursued daughters death. He found that he could fall in love with even though his friend matched him up with an old friend, and was made to feel jealous of another man wanting to marry his lady love. Everything works out in the end even though trials and tribulations.
True love will find a way to heal a battered heart, when Edward learns that his first wife had lied to him about about her daughters true father. The child was stillborn, and Edward grieved the loss of his pursued daughters death. He found that he could fall in love with even though his friend matched him up with an old friend, and was made to feel jealous of another man wanting to marry his lady love. Everything works out in the end even though trials and tribulations.
May 28, 2024
Unique but the hero perplexed
The heroine was bold and determined. The hero was a bit of a mess. His connection to his emotions were a little strange to me. Arrogance leads to being a rake and sleeping with an innocent. Guilt leads to sleep walking and sleeping with prostitutes. Betrayal leads to hiding in a house for four months with NO alcohol. And the proposal seemed a little torturous. She deserved better…maybe a letter a month prior for heaven’s sake.
The heroine was bold and determined. The hero was a bit of a mess. His connection to his emotions were a little strange to me. Arrogance leads to being a rake and sleeping with an innocent. Guilt leads to sleep walking and sleeping with prostitutes. Betrayal leads to hiding in a house for four months with NO alcohol. And the proposal seemed a little torturous. She deserved better…maybe a letter a month prior for heaven’s sake.
May 2, 2025
The devil and the angel…………
I liked this story of a childhood love realized. Two people that bumped into one another not realizing that their lives would change. The characters were all well written and relatable. I would have liked the happy ending to come a little sooner, but some growth was required. This was a sweet, clean novella with a second chance, romance, childhood love, and a HEA.
I liked this story of a childhood love realized. Two people that bumped into one another not realizing that their lives would change. The characters were all well written and relatable. I would have liked the happy ending to come a little sooner, but some growth was required. This was a sweet, clean novella with a second chance, romance, childhood love, and a HEA.
July 10, 2023
A bit dark but very sweet
I enjoyed this sweet little romance. I love the characters. A little mystery mixed with sneaky subterfuge and a conspiracy to boot. The only complaint I have is it's very short. I would have liked to have a bit more of the details. Nice ending. Hints at another installment.
I enjoyed this sweet little romance. I love the characters. A little mystery mixed with sneaky subterfuge and a conspiracy to boot. The only complaint I have is it's very short. I would have liked to have a bit more of the details. Nice ending. Hints at another installment.
October 5, 2024
Good but….
There are instances of mistakes, many overwritten paragraphs, and a touch of purple prose here & there.
I loved Harriet’s personality and feel she caved in too quickly at the end.
Edward was an arse & his whole ‘demons’ angst was overwritten.
Now, that said, I liked the story, so I recommend you read it.
There are instances of mistakes, many overwritten paragraphs, and a touch of purple prose here & there.
I loved Harriet’s personality and feel she caved in too quickly at the end.
Edward was an arse & his whole ‘demons’ angst was overwritten.
Now, that said, I liked the story, so I recommend you read it.
January 23, 2025
Excellent romance!
The Devilish Lyon has an interesting plot that kept me engaged from first page to last. There are a few surprises but a marvelous HEA. Of course, I expected nothing less from the Lyon’s Den Connected World series! I highly recommend it and now I’m hurrying to get the next book in this series. Enjoy!
Kindle Unlimited
The Devilish Lyon has an interesting plot that kept me engaged from first page to last. There are a few surprises but a marvelous HEA. Of course, I expected nothing less from the Lyon’s Den Connected World series! I highly recommend it and now I’m hurrying to get the next book in this series. Enjoy!
Kindle Unlimited
August 9, 2023
Very Very Good Story!
I absolutely loved reading this one. I loved the characters and storyline so much. I loved the faith that Pendlewood and Bessie had in Edward to fall in love. How it all came together was great. On to the next one “Pretty Little Lyon“. 💜💜💜💜💜🥰
I absolutely loved reading this one. I loved the characters and storyline so much. I loved the faith that Pendlewood and Bessie had in Edward to fall in love. How it all came together was great. On to the next one “Pretty Little Lyon“. 💜💜💜💜💜🥰
June 4, 2024
Awesome!
I love the Lyon’s Den stories, they are small enough that I can read them on my lunch break. Mrs Dove-Lyon has a scheme afoot to bring together Edward and Harriet. These stories are so well written and the characters come alive.
I love the Lyon’s Den stories, they are small enough that I can read them on my lunch break. Mrs Dove-Lyon has a scheme afoot to bring together Edward and Harriet. These stories are so well written and the characters come alive.
June 23, 2025
Oh wow this book has so many twists and turns with sleep walking, guilt, manipulation, matchmaking, jealousy, betrayal, affection, disappointment andjoy - yikes but it kept this reader hooked from the start. Harriet's friend Joanna is a live wire, so fun.
October 9, 2025
Different but enjoyable story.
The Story was Wonderful but a bit different from what I am used to reading. This is the first time I have read any book of Charlotte Wren.
Harriet and Edward were Wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
The Story was Wonderful but a bit different from what I am used to reading. This is the first time I have read any book of Charlotte Wren.
Harriet and Edward were Wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 21, 2023
A sweet tale. I am not a fan of the heroine chasing the hero, but there were some good bits, a plain (though confident) heroine, and a nice, if brief, dash of angst.
October 24, 2023
The Devilish Lyon
A tangled web of games and deceit... Some are innocent, some were malicious. Interesting, sympathetic characters. A fairly quick read.
A tangled web of games and deceit... Some are innocent, some were malicious. Interesting, sympathetic characters. A fairly quick read.
April 4, 2024
The Devilish Lyon
A fun read that keeps you wanting to see what was coming next and enjoying the read to the last page.
A fun read that keeps you wanting to see what was coming next and enjoying the read to the last page.
April 18, 2024
Good, but I felt the H was too understanding of the selfish h.
March 31, 2022
I loved reading this soft and gentle romantic story of Harriet and Edward. Harriet was in her mid-twenties, wore spectacles and lost her father, mother then her brother. She was an orphan. But she had the best of friend in Joanna, Lady Shipley. She was an intelligent, loving, encouraging person. She always hoped the best for others. After several seasons without one proposal, she decided to contact Bessie Dove Lyon, the notorious matchmaker. After her appointment she ran into an old friend of her brother, Edward, Viscount Eskdale.
Edward had several realistic issues plaguing his life. It was not until he was reintroduced to Harriet that he began to feel things about himself that made him uncomfortable. Edward realized what Harriet was doing that day at the Lyon’s Den, she was there looking for a husband. That bothered him for some unknown reason. Through the machinations of his best friend and Mrs. Dove-Lyon they hoped Edward would come to see his real feelings for Harriet.
When Edward did declare himself to Harriet, the machinations were exposed and he left town that very day back to his home. He never gave a reason or sent a note. Harriet was crushed.
A few months later, Harriet saw Edward at the park in the company of a young lady. Again, she was crushed. Late that evening Edward appeared on her doorstep as a courtesy to let her know he was to be married. Well Harriet had had it. She felt angry and just so. But Edward was not finished talking to her. This led to her happiness being fulfilled.
The epilogue was just beautiful and it was just the cherry on top. I do recommend this book. This is filled with a lot of emotion and feeling. A sweet story to be sure. I do recommend this.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Inspirational
Romantic
Realistic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
Edward had several realistic issues plaguing his life. It was not until he was reintroduced to Harriet that he began to feel things about himself that made him uncomfortable. Edward realized what Harriet was doing that day at the Lyon’s Den, she was there looking for a husband. That bothered him for some unknown reason. Through the machinations of his best friend and Mrs. Dove-Lyon they hoped Edward would come to see his real feelings for Harriet.
When Edward did declare himself to Harriet, the machinations were exposed and he left town that very day back to his home. He never gave a reason or sent a note. Harriet was crushed.
A few months later, Harriet saw Edward at the park in the company of a young lady. Again, she was crushed. Late that evening Edward appeared on her doorstep as a courtesy to let her know he was to be married. Well Harriet had had it. She felt angry and just so. But Edward was not finished talking to her. This led to her happiness being fulfilled.
The epilogue was just beautiful and it was just the cherry on top. I do recommend this book. This is filled with a lot of emotion and feeling. A sweet story to be sure. I do recommend this.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Inspirational
Romantic
Realistic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
November 1, 2021
3.25 STARS
The beginning with the H will tug on your heart. It was the most emotion I truly felt from the H until near the end.
The h and H were acquainted 15 years ago because he was a friend of her brother's. The way he dismissed her when they meet up again showed his arrogance. The h is intelligent, bookish, wears glasses, sneezes a lot when near fragrances and has no shape. She can not find a husband so she enlists the aid of Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
I've said many times, I love this series written by different authors. The common thread is the lady owner of a gambling den. She is also somewhat of a matchmaker. These stories are all stand alone.
Our couple are not together very much so hard to say it was romantic. When the H leaves for almost 4 months I wanted the h to find someone else, at least make him court her. He's been in town for a week and doesn't contact her. She gave in to easily. It did improve the last chapter and we are given two epilogues (don't have to download them).
Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 2 if that out of 5. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance and a very small tad of spice. Lord's name used in vain once. (ljb)
The beginning with the H will tug on your heart. It was the most emotion I truly felt from the H until near the end.
The h and H were acquainted 15 years ago because he was a friend of her brother's. The way he dismissed her when they meet up again showed his arrogance. The h is intelligent, bookish, wears glasses, sneezes a lot when near fragrances and has no shape. She can not find a husband so she enlists the aid of Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
I've said many times, I love this series written by different authors. The common thread is the lady owner of a gambling den. She is also somewhat of a matchmaker. These stories are all stand alone.
Our couple are not together very much so hard to say it was romantic. When the H leaves for almost 4 months I wanted the h to find someone else, at least make him court her. He's been in town for a week and doesn't contact her. She gave in to easily. It did improve the last chapter and we are given two epilogues (don't have to download them).
Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 2 if that out of 5. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance and a very small tad of spice. Lord's name used in vain once. (ljb)
July 26, 2022
Another fantastic matchmaking romance by Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the most notorious gambling den in London, The Lyon's Den. Mrs. Dove-Lyon match making again! This time Harriet, who is soon to become a spinster and Edward Fortescue, Viscount Eskdale, but his dark past still has ghosts that still haunt him. But with help of a good friend to Edward as Ambrose Crossley, fifth Earl of Pendlewood, wants to help Edward find a wife and hopefully put Edwards past behind him. When it comes to the game of love it can become a tangled wed of feelings and uncertainties for Harriet and Edward as Mrs. Dove-Lyon and Ambrose conspires to bring them together.
Charlotte Wren has given readers a book that is well-written, with suspenseful twist, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, passion, a secret from the past with be discovered and with a strong plot that bring this read together perfectly!
Charlotte Wren has given readers a book that is well-written, with suspenseful twist, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, passion, a secret from the past with be discovered and with a strong plot that bring this read together perfectly!
October 28, 2021
Harriet Hurst is on the shelf and alone, but longs for a husband and children. Hearing about Mrs. Dove-Lyon's success, she decides to make an appointment to enlist her help. Edward Fortescue, Lord Eskdale isn't looking for a wife. The memories of his dead wife and child bring him nightmares and isolation. His best friend thinks otherwise and visits Mrs. Dove-Lyon. A chance encounter renews the acquaintance of Harriet and Edward. Unfortunately as their friendship grows to love, manipulation and a revelation force Edward to retreat. Harriet decides to follow her heart. If only Edward would return her affection. The is a touching second chance that had me in tears. It's always a pleasure to read a new book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews