Into the Lyon of Fire

The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Abigail Bridges

Being indebted to the Black Widow of Whitehall could be a catastrophe in the making—or a path to salvation.

Sarah Montague Ainsworth has tucked away the darkest of her secrets. A widow who never wants to marry again, Sarah is relieved her abusive husband died but is struggling to keep her household solvent. She bought her current home with a loan from Mrs. Dove-Lyon, owner of the infamous Lyon’s Den, and makes her payments by gambling on the ladies’ side of the notorious hell. Sarah also never plans show her face again in Society—for good reason. One of her husband’s last acts was to shove her into a fireplace. Sarah survived but is scarred over the right side of her body—including her face. The Lyon’s Den—and a black veil—are the perfect places to hide.

Matthew Rydell, the newly invested Duke of Embleton, is in a hurry. A colonel under Wellington, Matthew has been at war—and prefers his life in that arena. But his father’s unexpected death changed all that. Back in England to settle the estate and accept his rank, he acquiesces to his mother’s insistence that he marry before returning Wellington’s side. With no patience for Society balls and soirees, he turns to the Lyon’s Den for help.

When Matthew proposes a sum Mrs. Dove-Lyon cannot resist—and chooses Sarah as his potential mate—the proprietor of the Lyon’s Den calls in Sarah’s loan.

Desperate, Sarah agrees to marry the duke—only to discover she is not the only one hiding dark secrets.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency Romance, Regency, Marriage Of Convenience

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2022

About the author

Abigail Bridges wrote her first historical romance, titled The Belle of the Ball, when she was thirteen. It was, of course, horrid. But it firmly established her love of all things Regency, a mild obsession with Georgette Heyer, and a determination to become a writer.

After a master’s degree in English and years of being paid to write and edit other types of material, she has returned to her first love. She is busily binge-reading all her favorite authors, resuming her study of the history and culture of the Regency era, and plotting like a madwoman. She does all this in a small cottage near Birmingham, Alabama.

Reviews

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-wrenching tale of a woman who has been used and abused, but even after her degenerate husband dies, the lies and slander continue. Avowed to never be under the controlling hand of a man again, Sarah charts her own course, starting by making a deal with Bessie Dove-Lyon, the Black Widow of Whitechapel. At the Dowager Duchess of Embleton's insistence that he get married, Matthew Rydell approaches the Black Widow to procure a bride. Love has no place in his decision, however, he does want a frugal, capable woman who will take over the running of his estates whilst he goes back to join Wellington in the battle against Napoleon. I love the main characters in this novel and Matthew makes a wonderful hero especially when he begins to see the inner beauty of the scarred widow, whilst Sarah has to be the bravest of women standing up again society and her belligerent stepson. However, I think that Phyllida, the Dower Duchess, really stole the show with her sharp tongue and acerbic wit. The novel came to something of an abrupt conclusion, but the epilogue filled in all the missing bits. The story is well written and absorbing and although part of the Lyon's Den series, is nevertheless a standalone. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this book is exactly why.
Matthew is the new Duke of Embleton, not what he wanted, but his father died unexpectedly. He needs the right wife to manage the estate when he goes back to aid Wellington. Hope is that Napoleon does not escape Elba. On his brother Mark's suggestion, Matthew goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Once again she brokers the perfect lady for a wife. Sarah Ainsworth has physical and emotional scars from her marriage. A widow for two years, Mrs. Dove-Lyon calls in her loan. Accepting the marriage is her only choice.
I love a book with subtle humor, romance and some steam.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Enjoyable and fun read, I adore this series centring on the hell of The Lyon’s Den, and the proprietress Bessie.

Her games are inventive , her clients singular and unique in their own ways.
These stories are all different but relate to marriage and relationships.
Good read and great writing

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

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah had been married to such a horrid man. Now she is relieved that her abusive husband is dead. Matthew, the new Duke of Embleton, wants to go back to Wellington, but his mother insists that he gets married before he leaves. So he calls on Mrs Dove-Lyon and selects Sarah for his wife. Sarah agrees to marry the Duke. However, there are secrets to be found.
I found this story very engaging. I really couldn't put it down. Loved reading this story. 5☆

[Melinda Greathouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by Sarah and Matthew's story. I especially enjoyed reading about a physically scarred heroine, as I myself am physically scarred as well. There were a couple parts of the storyline that just disappeared with no explanation, but overall I really enjoyed this book!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Lyon of Fire by Abigail Bridges
The Lyon’s Den Connected World

My first foray into The Lyon’s Den World did more than whet my appetite…it made me wish I had read more than the one book in this collection while introducing me to an author I immediately doing an online search to see what other books she might have written and whether Matthew’s many siblings might have books of their own now or in the future. I do love sinking my teeth into a well-seasoned sensual story that leaves me satisfied while wanting more!

What I liked:
* Sarah: intelligent, strong, enduring, compassionate, steadfast, responsible, abused, scarred, practical, deserved so much more than her life provided before she became a widow
* Matthew: capable, protective, military background, recently invested as Duke of Emberton after his father died unexpectedly, eldest of many children, in for a surprise as he sets his future course to include Sarah
* Mark: brother to Matthew and heir to the duchy, more lighthearted than his brother, in the know, has a great idea to help Matthew back to his military career
* Phyllida: mother of a brood that includes Matthew and Mark, bold, intrepid, strategist keen, puts her family first, misses her husband, someone I would like as a friend and not as an enemy.
* That a novella could pack so much into so few pages
* Being drawn into the story, getting to know and care about the characters, and hoping that a happily ever after would occur for the couple
* That in spite of all that Sarah had suffered and endured, she was able to find the strength to move forward and do so in a positive way – she reminds me of a piece of Kintsugi porcelain repaired with gold…perhaps broken but stronger and more beautiful in the aftermath

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to – Owen the horrific husband and the couple that came after him
* Thinking about how difficult Sarah’s life must have been

Did I enjoy this book? YES!
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Would I read more in this series/World? Eagerly

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Montague Ainsworth is a widow who never wants to marry again & is relieved her abusive husband died. She bought her current home with a loan from Mrs. Dove-Lyon, owner of the infamous Lyon’s Den, and makes her payments by gambling on the ladies’ side of the notorious hell. Sarah also never plans show her face again in Society as one of her husband’s last acts was to push her into a fireplace. Sarah survived but is scarred over the right side of her body including her face. Matthew Rydell, the newly minted Duke of Embleton has been a colonel under Wellington, he's eager to return to Wellingtons. But his father’s unexpected death changed all that. Back in England to settle the estate and accept his rank, he acquiesces to his mother’s insistence that he marry before returning Wellington’s side. With no patience for Society balls and soirees, he turns to the Lyon’s Den for help.
I love this series of novellas & this is one of the best. I loved both Matthew & Sarah who were perfect for each other but each carry lots of emotional & some physical baggage. I was drawn in from the start & loved every page. I loved the Rydell family & sincerely hope that the author features Matthew's siblings in a future series. A lovely mix of mystery, romance & humour. The characters had depth & the chemistry between Matthew & Sarah just got hotter & hotter. My only quibble was that I wanted the Crewoods to have had their comeuppance.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Great story. Sarah has a sad back story. Her older husband abused her and pushed her into a fire. She has burn scars and because he died shortly afterwards the heir acuses her of poisoning the abuser. Matthew is a newly mnted Duke one of nine whose mother believes he should marry and provide an heir. This is crucial as Matthew and his brother are to return to Wellington's staff.
Sarah is paying her mortgage to Mrs Dove by winning in the gambling den. Mrs Dove realises she needs to pressurise Sarah into looking for a marriage for Sarah's future happiness.. She calls in the mortgage

Lovely interaction between the two leads and Sarah regains her self esteem and finds her HEA. . With so many siblings I did wonder if this is to be the start of a series.

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

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one

I've read almost all of the books in this series. Some exciting, some funny and some sweet. This one touched my heart not o my because our heroine overcame a horrific first marriage but made herself into a brave and smart person. Our hero has scars too and together they find a better version of themselves.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Nevertheless, another entertaining tale in the Lyon’s Den Connected World!

Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story.

Thos author is new to me, but I enjoyed reading this Story.

Sarah h Matthew were wonderful characters.

I am looking forward to reading "The Courage of a Lyon" The next book in this series.

[DENISE I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn

There were moments when “I” wanted to smack the crap out of the dead husband! And the heroine’s father and anyone who allowed that man to live. Never mind the new “heir”.
Another great addition to the “Lyons Den Connected World”.
I have been introduced to several authors who I may have not connected with otherwise.
This particular story was just the right length. A nice slow burn into the love part of the relationship. Just a good story. I do hope Mark gets his own story - he may have one. I’ll have to check it out.
5+ Stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this novella and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a short story in the Lyon's Den world and it packed a lot into it that I loved. I think this may also be the first time I am reading something from this author and this has me wanting to try more of her work (so many books - so little time!).

Sarah Ainsworth is an impoverished widow, despite being a Countess. She had just moved into her own household in London, with her few trusted servant, after years of an intolerable marriage to an abusive husband. She carries serious scars from that marriage, literal and figurative, and has no plans to ever put herself in the situation of being dependent on a man again. Because of her poor widow's portion, she went to Mrs. Dove-Lyons of the Lyon's Den to procure a loan to help purchase her home, to be paid in two years. She has a prior inheritance from her family which she would come into when she turns 30, which she would use to pay off the loan.

Except that the loan is called in early by Dove-Lyons, and Sarah finds this out when she is called into the office, and given the new terms.

Matthew Rydell has recently inherited his father's title, the Duke of Embleton, and he was forced to return from his military duties to English soil to take up the reins of his title. He is harried by his mother to do his duty to the dukedom and find a wife to sire an heir. However, he has many younger brothers, and does not feel doing the pretty at balls and soirees is needed. His brother offers the special services of the Lyon's Den as an option to avoid the Marriage Mart, and after being given options, he selects Sarah as a potential spouse who could manage his estates, and his family, while being able to stand up to his mother. It is a pure marriage of convenience. But Matthew is intrigued by the strength and fortitude of the woman he meets.

Sarah had no interest in marrying or being a part of Society again, especially with her injuries from her prior husband, and her reputation being torn to shreds by the current Earl and his wife, for their own greedy purposes. But she agrees to his courting, and it gives them time to learn about each other and for her to decide her future. This escalates the schemes of the Earl, and this threatens Sarah's freedom and life, provoking Matthew's protective instincts for her.

My only complaint about this story was that it was too short. I loved the MCs and the side characters such as Matthew's brother, and mother, and Sarah's servants, and I just wish there was more. Also more justice meted out against her in-laws, for the conniving liars they were.

4.75 stars out of 5

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Lyon of Fire by Abigail Bridges is a motivating story of a young man who doesn’t care to get married, really he doesn’t care to go through the endless balls and formalities of courtship so he seeks the services of Mrs. Dove-Lyon. She gives him three names, and he selects one. By the time he does he has thoroughly researched her and there are no surprises. Sarah, Lady Crewood, is a widow who had been badly burned through the actions of her husband. The entire side of he body had scars, including facial, but she was managing. She had paid off her father’s debts, and her husband’s and had, perhaps unwisely, taken a mortgage from Mrs. Dove-Lyon, believing she had two years to pay it off. Mrs. Dove-Lyon changed the terms when she found the perfect husband for Sarah: Matthew Rydell, the Duke of Embleton. They met and on the walk home from the Lyon’s Den, they discussed what each of them were looking for and decided to continue the courtship, for now. He even convinced her to lift her veil, discovering that the burn marks were not as bad as they could have been. He had the first bann read that Sunday. Of course, his mother found out and insisted on meeting Sarah. Prepared for a fight, Matthew was surprised to learn his mother approved and would even help.

This is a wonderful story about looking past the superficial into another’s heart. Neither were looking for love but grabbed it when it was offered. Sarah had been stoic, as one might be when hurst so badly, both physically and emotionally. She had loyal servants, mostly because she was good to them. He first husband had died and now there were whisper she had poisoned him. She had been sedated with laudanum and bed-ridden at the time. Had her loyal servants done it for her? She is a terrific character, the likes of which we rarely seen in Regency novels, as different was not condoned at the time. Matthew was a hero, on the battlefield and off. He didn’t care for society but he loved his family, including Sarah. She was a strong woman who could stand up to his mother. One of the traits he was most looking for. Once again Mrs. Dove-Lyon was right about two people. It was a lovely story, with strong characters, and just enough personal angst to keep it going. I liked it.

I was invited to read Into the Lyon of Fire by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AbagailBridges #IntoTheLyonOfFire

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Matthew Rydell’s father passes away unexpectedly, he finds himself the newly minted Duke of Embleton. Wanting nothing more than to go back to the front line alongside the Duke of Wellington, Matthew knows the only thing which will put his mother’s mind at ease is to find himself a wife. Enter Sarah Ainsworth. Sarah has just been trying to survive after her late husband left her with a mountain of debt and wounds which go more than just skin deep. After borrowing money from a gambling hell it’s time to pay up. Matthew needs a wife and Sarah needs the financial security being his duchess would provide. But Sarah has been burned before (both literally and figuratively) and doesn’t accept Matthew merely at face value. Both Matthew and Sarah have seen the darker side of life but perhaps together they could find some happiness after the traumas of their pasts.

There’s something quite refreshing about characters who are exactly as they present themselves to be. Sarah wants nothing more than honesty from Matthew and is candid and forthright in return. This is not a story where the drama thrives on misunderstandings or miscommunications. Matthew and Sarah both know what they want (even if they don’t know themselves what they need) from a marriage and partnership.

And it was a pleasure getting to witness them find each other. They both have ghosts from their pasts haunting them and those demons do make an impact on their present day lives and relationships. Sarah is a woman who has been through so much yet she has emerged on the other side. She might be bruised and scarred but she’s not broken and she’s still determined to fight for those she cares for and wants to protect. I also liked Matthew. He’s a somewhat modern man who doesn’t believe that a wife is his property and from the start is open to learning about Sarah and her thoughts and feelings. He’s so very respectful. But the kind of respectful where he can still give her a wedding night she’ll never forget. I think it’s a tricky thing for an author to tackle more intimate scenes when a character has had a traumatic sexual history but I thought it was handled well.

Overall this was a great story about finding love with characters who are refreshingly practical. It works as a standalone story within a much bigger world and delivers a thoughtful and romantic love story.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Into the Lyon of Fire, by Abigail Bridges. Guys if you love reading marriage’s of convenience then you are sure to love Robert Mathew and Sarah’s very interesting love story. I want to first put out a plea to the writer, I hope that there will be more books coming from the Rydell family. Mathew and his eight brothers and one sister are sure to add some of their rather intriguing experiences among the ton to some upcoming irresistible novels. While reading this wonderful book, the second brother Mark is a Rakel who embodies a little bit of mischief, a little bit of danger and a whole lot of sexiness.
Yes ladies, Mark’s story should be delicious. Back to the older brother Mathew and his future love to be. I could not get enough of the intoxicating love story between the two main characters, Sarah and Mathew. I loved that the writer introduced Mathew to the story as a man of honor. His loyalty and his kind heart was shown in so many ways throughout the book.
Sarah was truly a lady who all woman of the ton should inspire to be. I will say this though, how dare you let Lady Catherine get away with slapping you Sarah. I mean I know that the victim of the slap is suppose to take the high road, but come on. Sometimes a lady has got to do what a lady has got to do. All I’m saying is this.
Silk gowns, taffeta, sashes, and tiaras would have been scattered all over that ballroom floor. B**chs get stitches if you know what I mean man. Don’t let that hellion get away with that! Ok you devoted reader you, I must say that I loved that the story of Mathew and Sarah was an exciting page turner. Their story shares with you a number of entertaining mishaps and a good mystery to solve.
Let’s not forget the beautiful love story that blossoms in between. The book was very easy for me to read and enjoy. This writer is a new writer for me and I look forward to reading more from her. I give this two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 bumped up to 4. This novella has a lot of emotional bang for the buck. I really liked the relationship between the MC's, how they learned to trust each other, and in particular how Matthew showed his solidarity and admiration for Sarah. They have similarities: Matthew is a colonel psychologically scarred from his stint during wartime (although he covers it up well) and Sarah is physically scarred due to her late husband's cruelty. In a couple full-length books I've read using the "scarred MFC" trope, you feel like MMC is marrying MFC even though she's physically unattractive; he's kind enough to overlook her imperfections. In this novella, you feel like Matthew truly cherishes Sarah, both her body and spirit, and respects her for what she's gone through.

Further, the author does an excellent job with world building and the dialog is frequently sharp and witty. The secondary characters are fun (I liked Matthew's brother Mark but not so sure I'm on board with the implications that he sleeps around and has fathered at least one child out of wedlock). Matthew's mother, Phyllida, is an absolute scene stealer.

BUT, this book ends before key questions are answered. How is the situation with the magistrate resolved? What about the nasty Crewoods? I really wanted a final scene in which they were humiliated and driven off by Matthew's family. Also, there are contradictory details that hang over the characters. Sarah's dad is alternately a gambling fool who ruined his daughter's life, and a person she looked up to; a man who was good friends with Dove-Lyon, but went into deep debt at her establishment, with her knowledge, and Sarah is kept accountable for his debts after his death. I know sometimes you have to be "cruel to be kind" but felt that Dove-Lyon was overly cruel at the beginning, considering what Sarah had faced.

Overall, though, I found this to be a very enjoyable entry in this long-running series.

[Susan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Simply stunning!

I started this novella and couldn’t put it down until the last page. It is gripping from the first sentence and carries the reader along.

The story has depth and darkness, both Sarah and Matthew have scars from their pasts and each has a previous history to overcome, but the story also has humorous and romantic elements. There is just one sex scene, after Matthew and Sarah’s marriage towards the end of the book, with a middling heat score but is delicately and sensitively written.

Matthew, Sarah and Mark are beautifully drawn characters, as is the Duchess, Phyllida, and all the secondary characters. Sarah’s experiences with her first husband and, following his death, her in-laws, are harrowing. She has been physically and emotionally damaged; however, she is more concerned for her staff - ensuring their welfare and comfort.

Matthew is fascinated by Sarah’s courage and strength of character and is attracted to her resilience and self sufficiency recognising early on that she is his perfect partner. Over time Sarah falls in love with Matthew’s kindness, loyalty and gentle disposition.

I can’t praise this story highly enough. Sarah and Matthew are both beautiful souls and deserve their happily ever after.

The novella is part of a series; however, each book in the series is standalone and written by a different writer. I love the style of this well written novella, I will attempt to read a few more books in this series because the characters intrigue me. In the meantime, I’m so happy to have found a new writer to enjoy in Abigail Bridges.

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

Wow just wow
This story is one of triumph, love and looking past outward appearances!
Sarah and Matthew are more alike than different! Matthew is the newly minted Duke after a freak accident killed his father! His parents had 9 boys and 1 daughter? Just prolific breeders!
Sarah was pushed twice against a fire and into the fire with the technology of that day it is a true miracle she survived!
Sarah scars are outward and Mathew’s are inward! Each has waged a different war and survived to fight another day!
Matthew wants to do his duty wed and return to war! Even though Napoleon is on the island of Elba that could all change!
Mark is the second brother and only 10 months younger than Matthew and needs his own story next? But a trip to the Lyons den and Matthew overhears Sarah story and conversation with Bessie Lyon he is intrigued.
When vicious rumors start up again about Sarah being a murderer so her brother-in-law can fry their hands on her upcoming money well all bets are off!
The new battleground is Almacks and the Ton but in its own way quite fierce!
Bessie Lyon gives Sarah a choice to marry or pay off her loan immediately!
Sarah is more afraid of marriage than her scars! But as she bravely faces her future well Matthew must also confront his youthful error of falling in love and move onward to a bright future!
These two fight hard for happiness after a brief but meaningful time at the Lyons den!!
Bravo!!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I know if you have read my previous reviews of books from this series I sound like a broken record, but I love the creativity and overall concept behind this series. Each author brings their own style while existing within the same world. This book is a great read from page one. I loved Matthew and his family, especially his brother (who I am really hoping we get to see in his own book in the near future). And how could I not love a character like Sarah? She has overcome a terrible marriage and found a way to survive in a world that was not kind to women in her situation. The author does a great job of balancing the darker, more serious parts of the story with the humor brought about by Mark. Their mother is a tough one, but she knows what's she about and I loved that she realized how amazing Sarah is pretty much right away. I would have liked just one more scene with Matthew and Sarah putting her former BIL and his wife in their place (but that's just my vindictive side talking). I may not always like Mrs. Dove-Lyon's methods, but I can't complain with her results. Two big thumbs up with this book.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of The Lyon's Den Connected World series and is yet another brilliant addition. Matthew has become the new Duke of Embleton after his father's unexpected death. He was not ready for this, but he knows what his responsibilities are. He is now in search of the right lady to become his wife so that she can manage the estate when he returns to Wellington. Matthew pays a visit to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for assistance in finding the right bride. She introduces him to Sarah, a widow. Sarah had endured much pain and abuse in her married life and carries those physical and emotional scars with her. Matthew is not looking to find a love match, only someone capable enough to manage things while he is gone. As he comes to know Sarah, he sees her inner beauty and bravery and courage as she stands up to the ton against lies and slander society throws her way. The two form a heartwarming bond and it was lovely to see their romance grow.
The story was well-written and the characters were wonderful. I fell in love with them from the start. The story completely captivated me from start to finish and kept me engrossed till the end. A lovely addition to a fabulous series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eunice Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel most readers won't want to skip a single sentence of this short but sweet novella of historical fiction. The narrative has been set during the early 1800's in London when Napoleon was stirring up strife in Russia. Matthew Rydell, soldier par excellence-cum-Duke becomes the most eligible and handsome bachelor but reluctant marriage candidate. His fine aristocratic mother insists on it, so he goes about it in his own way with the help of his brother Mark. This creates some humor and let's not forget to mention the complications which arise from it. I did appreciate Matthew's philosophy on how to treat a woman.

I'm chuckling about it as I type and want to say I really liked this story and was sorry when it ended. There is one caution, however, as some readers may take exception to the more intimate bedroom activity details. All things considered, it was a pleasing read.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

November 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, SCARS, ACCUSED OF MURDER, LOVE

5 STARS for Abigail Bridges: Into the Lying of Fire: The Lyon's Den Connected World. She offers up a delightful tale of a military Colonel who is a new Duke & just wants to get back to the military & A Countless whose dead husband was a mean & abusive man to anyone that came within his reach. The Countless had burns down her body from her hairline on one side, her arm, plus hip where her vicious husband had pushed her into the fireplace & her clothing caught on fire. It took her months to recover, then he died of opium injection. The new Lord & wife accused Sara of poisoning him with arsenic, while she was totally bedridden & often incoherent.

So, Mathew needs a quick marriage & Mrs Dove-Lyons helps him meet Sara. They are bombarded with terrible gossip on walks in Hyde Park, until his mother gets involved.

A great Blurb is provided. This storyline is well written and has a wonderful flow. The relationship that develops between two people who both have had awful forays into love and really need each other is exciting to read.
WARNING: SEXUAL ACTIVITY
RECOMMEND

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Beautiful Story

Sarah Ainsworth had been an abused wife and now due to the scars she carried always wore a veil. She had managed to survive on her own away from her husband’s family. She had borrowed money from Mrs Dove-Lyon to purchase her own home and to pay the loan back monthly until she called in the loan in the form of a marriage to the new Duke of Embleton.

Matthew Rydell was sick of his mother going on about him finding a wife, his brother was his heir and he was happy to go ahead with his life and return back to Wellington. When his brother suggested a wife via Mrs Dove-Lyon, he jumped at the chance for a marriage based on business. His wife could stay at home while he went to support Wellington.

A beautiful tender written love story with a HEA! I loved the way Matthew’s character was written and how caring and patient he was with Sarah, building up her confidence and how his family fully supported her. Well worth a read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest entry in the world of the Lyon's Den. I have read some, but not all, of the previous entries and it is lovely how so many different authors can write within this universe. Here, FMC Sarah is a widow. Her violently abusive husband died almost 2 years ago. Sarah never wants to marry again. However, she is indebted to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, who calls in the debt so that Sarah will agree to marry Matthew, newly minted Duke of Embleton. Matthew has turned to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find him someone suitable quickly so he can return to the military on the continent.

Matthew is just so good for Sarah and she for him. He accepts her almost at once, and becomes her champion almost without thought. Their love develops somewhat quickly, but interestingly, is not quickly declared, even as they both acknowledge how much they care for the other. I loved Sarah's staff and Matthew's family (I will be watching for Mark's story!) and the biting wit displayed by Sarah and Matthew's mother was fabulous. Highly recommend this quick read.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When his father died in an accident Matthew Rydell was called home from France to take his responsibility as the newly invested Dule of Embleton. He wants to find a bride before he returns to France and service under Wellington. At his brother’s suggestion, he consults with Bessie Dove-Lyon to help in his search. Sarah Ainsworth owed money to the Black Widow, and was given a choice, pay her debt or agree to marry. She believed the pair was a good match and arranges the marriage between Matthew and Sarah. Sarah bears the scars of an abusive marriage, but Matthew sees them as proof of courage and survival. There is some trouble during the courtship, a new introduction to society, and a dowager who handles it all. An emotional heartwarming story with a brave heroine and a patient, caring hero and a wonderful epilogue.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Gayle Fairless · Rating 5 out of 5]

From destroying fire 🔥 to ❤ Love's fire that rebuilds

Steamy romance; marriage consummation extended and embellished description only one time, Matthew wants a practical marriage to return to war. Sarah has survived an extremely abusive marriage. The dove owner of the gambling den orders Sarah to marry Matthew who has chosen Sarah out of three. Sarah is understandably apprehensive. Sarah is also due to inherit 50 000 pounds at age 30 that the current Earl wants. Matthew is a duke. The Dowager Duchess is a nice character. Matthew wins the heart ❤ of Sarah and shows her ❤. The HEA is quite nice. The plot is reasonably complex but lightly sketched. The main characters are well developed and sympathetic. Villains are somewhat sketchy. An enjoyable and somewhat quality and quick read. 👌

[Diana Aden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, the first time I have read anything by this author and it won’t be the last. I sincerely liked Into the Lyon of Fire. It had a good premise, interesting characters, and a great writing style with a good flow. Sarah Montague Ainsworth is a scarred widow, and Matthew Rydell, a former colonel under Wellington, is now the new Duke of Embleton. They both go to Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon for help. Though Sarah didn’t want to remarry, she has no choice. Matthew needs someone capable of managing his estate if he goes back to war. I fell in love with their slow-burn romance. It was patient, emotional, and touching, I loved his mother, Phyllida, and how she stood up for Sarah. I also loved Mark, his brother, and hope he gets his own story sometime. Heartily recommend this read. Worthy of 5 stars with a 3 ½ heat level.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic!

Sarah is the widow of the beast her father sold her to at a very early age. Matthew is a Duke but doesn’t want to be and a soldier in Wellington’s army. Sarah is horribly burned when her beast husband pushes her into a lit fireplace. She has been wearing a veil to hide the scars on her face.
Matthew only wants to get back to the continent but his mother is pushing him to get married and sire an heir before he leaves. They are brought together by Mrs. Dove-Lyon in a marriage of convenience.
Can Sarah heal from her abusive marriage? Will she find the courage to open herself up to love again? Can Matthew get past a heartbreak in his past? Come on the journey with these two wounded people you won’t be disappointed. Abigail does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Her writing draws you in and makes you a part of the story.

[L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lyon's Den stories get better and better! The more of them I read the more I want to read. Even though there are different authors, most I've never read before, the quality of the writing is consistently good. I'm so happy I stumbled upon the series.
In "The Lyon of Fire" Abigail Bridges gives us Matthew and Sarah, two people who have given up on marriage, don't expect to find it and don't want it. One because he was betrayed and the other because of her first husband's cruelty. Yet they need what the other has to offer and the famous Den's match maker suggest their union when Matthew seeks a bride. The two are surprised to find they not only enjoy each other's company but begin to fall in love.
This Lyon story would have been a great one to turn into a full novel instead of a novella. There were several threads that I wanted to have explored, explained and expanded.