Lyon's Roar - Tabetha Waite (Dragonblade Pub - Dec 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 50)
 
Rowan Scott, the Laird of Garrison wasn’t in the market for a wife, but when he received a summons from the widow of a man he’d long admired, he wasn’t about to deny her. If nothing else, he owed it to the colonel’s memory. However, when he made the journey from Scotland to London, he hadn’t been prepared for the gaming hell owner and matchmaker to approach him with a proposition. He considered leaving right then, but he wondered if it was time to put the ghosts of his past to rest and listen to what she had to say.
 
Miss Beatrice Bookbinder was a woman long past the blush of youth. She had devoted her life to taking care of her ailing father while dealing with a stepfamily who cared nothing for her. On the heels of a devastating loss, Beatrice is sent to a private asylum by her stepbrother who is determined to get rid of her. She feels as though her fate is sealed, until Mrs. Dove-Lyon offers her a choice—continue the path that has been set before her or embark on a marriage to a complete stranger.
 
She chooses the latter, not knowing that it might just be the best thing that has ever happened to her.
 
Good book. Once again, Mrs. Dove-Lyon brings together two people who need each other. Forty-nine-year-old Rowan has led a somewhat lonely life after losing the woman he loved many years earlier, but he isn't interested in risking his heart again. He's surprised to receive a letter from the widow of an old mentor, asking him to come to London. The last thing he expected was a request for him to marry a woman in desperate circumstances. He's wary but listens to what she has to say.
 
Beatrice spent most of her thirty-seven years taking care of her ailing father while doing her best to avoid her obnoxious stepmother and stepbrother. When her father dies, her stepbrother wastes no time sending Beatrice to a private asylum to get rid of her. She feels hopeless about her future until Mrs. Dove-Lyon offers her a way out - marriage to a stranger.
 
Bessie Dove-Lyon has incredible insight when it comes to finding the perfect mates for her customers. She somehow knew that Beatrice's plight would arouse Rowan's protectiveness and that her strength of will would stand up to his occasionally overbearing nature. I liked that both insisted on meeting before making a final decision. When they did, Beatrice's beauty and something in her eyes made Rowan believe they would suit, but the kiss he requested sealed the deal. Beatrice was also profoundly affected by it and thought their marriage wouldn't be terrible after all.
 
And so they set off on the trip to Scotland via Gretna Green. Their constant proximity over the long days of carriage travel gave them time to get to know each other. I loved how well they connected, finding it unexpectedly easy to talk to each other. Neither expected the growing attraction that made it increasingly difficult to keep their hand off each other. Rowan and Beatrice are wary of the speed of their growing feelings, uncertain if the other feels the same. They have some obstacles to overcome on their journey, including an unexpected encounter with Beatrice's nasty stepbrother, but they face them all with humor, teamwork, and passion. I loved the ending and the romantic way Rowan welcomed her to his home.
 
My only disappointment was that her stepbrother did not get the comeuppance he deserved. Hopefully, that will happen at some point in the future.

The Duke's Saber - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade Publ - Dec 2023)

 

Series: Duke's Guard (Book 7)
 
“Let me be the man who loves ye, and makes love to ye, for the rest of our days. Say yes, lass.”
 
The Duke's Guard: The men in black who have sworn an oath to protect the Duke of Wyndmere and his family from enemies that would stop at nothing to discredit and destroy him!
 
Ryan Garahan has given his vow to the Duke of Wyndmere, and nothing will deter him from his duty.
 
Fate has other plans the day Ryan reacts instantly to a cry for help. He races to the ancient oak at the edge of the village, glances up and notices two things at once: a pair of scuffed half boots and shapely stocking-clad legs dangling directly above him.
 
He quickly averts his gaze but cannot forget the heavenly sight of long, lithe legs adorned with white silk stockings -- tied with scarlet ribbon garters -- nor the curve of her delectable derrière!! He nearly swallows his tongue.
 
Prudence Barstow has been sent to the Borderlands as governess to her young twin cousins.
 
Prudence's love of the outdoors and her rambunctious young cousins' constantly flaunting danger, has the trio being rescued more than once by Ryan. This time he fears he is too late, when he sees the lass slipping under the water as he sets the twin beside his brother on the bank of the pond.
 
Danger stalks in the night, but it will have to challenge The Duke's Saber before he will let harm come to those he has sworn to protect with his strength, his honor, and his heart.
 
This is another terrific entry into the Duke's Guard series. In this book, we move to the home of Baron Summerfield and his wife. The Baron is the Duke's cousin, and his wife is the Duke's sister. This puts them firmly under the Duke of Wyndmere's umbrella of protection and is why members of the Duke's Guard are stationed at their estate.
 
Ryan Garahan is one of those Guards, and as the story opens, he hears calls for help while on patrol. There, he finds Prudence stuck in a tree and is overcome by the sight that greets him. I loved the vision of Prudence in his life that immediately came to him. Like his brothers and cousins in earlier books, Fate has shown him his future, and there is no denying it.
 
Prudence is no meek and petite Society flower. Unusually tall and statuesque, Prudence's horrible mother sent her away so she wouldn't detract from her more conventionally pretty sisters. Prudence is now the unpaid and cruelly treated governess for her twin cousins, Percy and Phineas. She adores the boys, and they can be found outdoors whenever possible. But Prudence's aunt is even worse than her mother, and her treatment is abusive at best.
 
Ryan being who he is, his chivalrous treatment of Prudence is no surprise. I also loved how he connected with the two boys, who reminded him of his cousins, Thomas and Eamon, at the same age. Ryan can't get Prudence out of his mind, but he also worries about neglecting his duties at the same time. Matters become more complicated when Ryan comes to their rescue again, saving Prudence and Percy from drowning. Expedience has him taking them to the Baroness, who is closer, instead of to their home.
 
I loved the quick connection between Phoebe and Prudence and Prudence's surprise at how kindly she is treated. This is something she is unaccustomed to and not sure how to deal with. I ached for Prudence and the love that has been denied to her for so long. Her aunt and uncle's treatment of her at this point was criminal. After overhearing their parents' plans for Prudence, I cheered as Percy and Phineas took matters into their own hands to save their beloved cousin. I adored the following chapters, as Ryan's protectiveness is fully aroused.
 
I loved Prudence. The cruel treatment she has received from those who should love her has impacted the way she sees herself. It hurt to see how she accepted how she was treated. But once Ryan comes into her life, things begin to change. His obvious appreciation for her looks, kindness, and intelligence helped her see herself in a new light. However, Ryan still has a hard time convincing her they belong together. I loved seeing him finally overcome the fears that kept them apart. But Fate isn't quite finished with them.
 
At the same time Ryan is handling his unexpected love life, the Duke's Guard has a mystery to solve. The horrifying rumors that circulated about Lady Phoebe in The Duke's Hammer and were thought to be resolved have resurfaced in their village. The men of the Guard have a great deal of trouble uncovering the source of the problem. Complicating matters, there are also rumors about Ryan that go against everything he stands for. I had a good idea of the problem's origins, but getting the proof was the issue.
 
I was glued to the pages as new trouble for Prudence coincided with further information on the source of the rumors. I loved how Prudence's newfound self-confidence helped her until Ryan arrived. At the same time, the resolution of the rumor scheme had me on the edge of my seat as Phoebe rushed off to confront the one responsible. I laughed, cheered, gasped, and cried at the twists during the final confrontation.
 
I can't end the review without commenting on Phineas and Percy. I was amazed that they had such good hearts with the poor examples they had in their parents. I was thrilled to see how close they were to Prudence. I enjoyed their intelligence, enthusiasm, and joy in their activities with her. I laughed out loud at their awestruck reaction to meeting Ryan and the other Guards. And I was very impressed by their determination to help Prudence.
 
The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the book. I liked seeing what the future held for Ryan and Prudence. I can't wait to see who is next to fall.

Falling for His Pretend Countess - Lauri Robinson (HH #1721 - May 2023)

Series: Southern Belles in London (Book 3)
 
An intriguing encounter…
with the lady next door
 
Henry, Earl of Beaufort, was London's most eligible bachelor. Only now someone is trying to frame him for murder! He finds an unexpected ally in his enchanting neighbor, Suzanne, who, after fleeing the American Civil War, also finds herself on the fringes of society. She agrees to help prove his innocence, and a fake engagement provides the perfect cover. Until his real feelings threaten their charade…
 
Terrific conclusion to the series. I've loved these books about three Southern American women who escaped the Civil War privations by going to England. Suzanne's friends found love and are now happily married. Suzanne has no such aspirations. All she wants is to find a publisher for the book she wrote about her experiences during the war and earn enough money to support herself. While living in the London townhome of her friend, Suzanne learns that her next-door neighbor, Henry, Earl of Beaufort, owns a publishing house. Her attempt to get the editor to read her manuscript goes nowhere, so she plans to ask Henry to intervene.
 
Henry is one of London's most eligible bachelors, but that may not last long. Someone is trying to frame him for murder, and his reputation is on the line. He has taken to sneaking out of various Society functions to investigate on his own before returning to pretend he's been there all along. However, he isn't making any progress, and his absences are being noticed.
 
I enjoyed the first meeting between Suzanne and Henry. She has little regard for her reputation and follows Henry into a garden to present him with her request for help. Instead, they are caught by one of the ton's worst gossips. I liked Henry's need to protect Suzanne and her desire to help him. After some thought and a few unexpected twists, they agree to fake an engagement to cover their partnership - she'll help with his investigation, and he will ensure that the editor reads her story.
 
Neither one expects the feelings that stir between them. Henry resists the idea of love and marriage, influenced by his father's infidelity. But he can't deny his fascination with Suzanne, her bravery, outlook on life, and how she charms him with everything she says. Suzanne feels Henry is too far above her for that dream to come true. She is an American with no dowry and a questionable pedigree. She also has trust issues with men because of the aunt who raised her. But the more time they spend together, the closer they become and the deeper their feelings grow. Some terrific scenes between Henry and Suzanne show how right they are for each other. But in the end, can Henry convince Suzanne that she belongs in his life, and can Suzanne overcome the insecurities holding her back?
 
I also enjoyed the mystery of the murders and who has it in for Henry. The first death was that of his illegitimate half-sister, whom he was hoping to help. Before he could do so, she was murdered, and an incriminating piece of evidence was found near her body. Two more young women are also killed, and Scotland Yard begins to close in on him. An unexpected twist sent his investigation in a different direction. While I wasn't surprised by who was behind it, some details surprised me. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved Suzanne's part.
 
I liked the secondary characters. Suzanne's friends (the heroines of the first two books) were steadfast in their support of her and determined to find a way to keep her in England. I also liked their husbands and their friendship with Henry. Seeing them talk about their American wives and how they never expected to be so thoroughly besotted was amusing. I loved Henry's sisters and how they took to Suzanne right away. It took me a little longer to like his mother, but in the end, she was terrific.

Knockout - Sarah MacLean (Harper Collins - Aug 2023)

Series: Hell's Bells (Book 3)
 
With her headful of wild curls and wilder ideas and an unabashed love of experiments and explosives, society has labeled Lady Imogen Loveless peculiar…and doesn't know she's one of the Hell's Belles -- a group of vigilantes operating outside the notice of most of London.
 
Thomas Peck is not most of London. The brilliant detective fought his way off the streets and into a promising career through sheer force of will and a keen ability to see things others miss, like the fact that Imogen isn't peculiar…she's pandemonium. If you ask him, she requires a keeper. When her powerful family discovers her late-night activities, they couldn't agree more…and they know just the man for the task.
 
Thomas wants nothing to do with guarding Imogen. He is a grown man with a proper job and no time for the lady's incendiary chaos, no matter how lushly it is packaged. But some assignments are too explosive to pass up, and the gruff detective is soon caught up in Imogen's world, full of her bold smiles and burning secrets…and a fiery passion that threatens to consume them both.
 
I have been looking forward to Imogen and Tommy's story since their first clash early in the series, and I was not disappointed. Word of advice: read the first two books in the series before diving into this one, or you will miss out on the buildup, and that would be a shame. It is easy to be intrigued by a Victorian lady with a penchant for explosives and chaos. Pair her with a by-the-book Scotland Yard Detective Inspector, and you have an explosive combination.
 
Imogen is incredibly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and utterly fearless. She also has deep-seated insecurities that affect how she sees herself and her appeal to others. In fact, she has written off the possibility of finding the same happiness as her friends. She is determined to get to the bottom of the suspicious explosions that seem to be targeted at specific businesses.
 
Thomas Peck started life as a street sweeper's son and has worked his way up the ladder at Scotland Yard. He's law and order and logic, and he's like a dog with a bone when he's investigating something.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Tommy and Imogen develop. They got under each other's skins from the moment they encountered each other at a crime scene. Imogen delights in teasing the man, and you can frequently feel the waves of frustration rolling off him. But after one too many publicly questionable actions bring her perilously close to ruin, Tommy ends up assigned to watch over her. With that much time spent together, the sparks of attraction continue to build. He fights his feelings for her, always conscious of the disparity between their worlds. At the same time, Imogen falls hard for him and doesn't give a hoot about their differences. One of my favorite things about Tommy is how he sees the vibrant, caring, wonderful woman that Imogen is behind the chaos that surrounds her. His tunnel vision about his worthiness nearly ended things between them, but fortunately, a kick in the pants opened his eyes to his mistake before it was too late. I loved the emotional ending.
 
The suspense of the story was great. Imogen and the other Belles are determined to discover who is behind the explosions endangering their plans. Because of who they are (women, and therefore easily overlooked) and their myriad of contacts, they have a good idea of who they are looking for, but they need more proof. Their methods of acquiring that proof are unusual and sometimes dangerous. Tommy is investigating the same explosions and is aware that they know things he doesn't, but he can't get them to share (they have their reasons). The danger intensifies when that trust is finally given, and Tommy and Imogen get closer to the truth. The scene at the river had me glued to the pages until it was all over, while the following scene at the brothel had me laughing out loud. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved how it all went down. I especially enjoyed seeing the resolution of the investigation.
 
I loved the secondary characters. The dinner with Tommy's family was terrific. I ached for Imogen and how welcome and accepted she felt by them. Her complete ease with them said much about who she was and what she found important. As always, I loved the other Belles. Their tight bond exhibits itself in many ways, from their unwavering support for each other to the teasing none of them can resist. I loved their inclusion in this book, not just as fellow conspirators but also as examples of the type of relationship that Imogen craves. The epilogue was terrific, and the lead in to Duchess's book has me champing at the bit to read it.

An Unlikely Match for the Governess - Lauri Robinson (HH #1765 - Dec 2023)

The most unlikely match…
might be the best fit!
 
After the young twins she cares for are orphaned, their governess, Aislinn, will do anything to stay with them. So when their maverick uncle -- aristocrat turned rancher -- Luke returns to England determined to gain guardianship, she proposes a convenient marriage! As an unexpected connection develops between them, Aislinn begins to long for a real future with Luke. But his home is in Montana… Could it be hers, too?
 
Terrific book about two people who come together to care for a pair of orphaned children. I loved seeing Luke and Aislinn bond over their love for Fern and Ivy and slowly fall in love.
 
Aislinn has been caring for children almost her entire life. Orphaned when she was eight, she was too old to be adopted, so she was put to work caring for the younger children. As she got older, she trained to be a governess, and the Duke and Duchess of Havenbrook hired her to care for their twin daughters. She was happy working for them and devastated when both died of food poisoning. The duke's next youngest brother inherited the title. Percy and his wife are not nice people and quickly force Aislinn out of her job. The way they booted her out with nothing was cruel. While walking off the estate, Aislinn encounters Luke Carlisle, the youngest brother.
 
Luke left home at eighteen, disgusted with the aristocratic lifestyle. Luke always had an acute case of wanderlust and spent the intervening years traveling around America. He has settled in Montana, where he owns a cattle ranch. Luke was distressed to hear of his brother's death and hurried back to England to fulfill Rowland's request - to become the guardian of Fern and Ivy. He is not looking forward to dealing with Percy. On his way to the manor house, he is surprised to encounter the young woman who was his nieces' governess.
 
I liked the first meeting between Luke and Aislinn. Luke is a gentleman to the bone, and his protective instincts are aroused when he hears her story. With quick thinking, he hires Aislinn to resume her job as the girls' governess, this time working for him. She's a little wary but is equally protective of Fern and Ivy, so she agrees. Their arrival at the manor house caused quite a scene, but Percy couldn't do anything about it. Though Luke thought the guardianship issue was a done deal, Percy creates doubt in his mind. Luke packs up the girls and Aislinn and heads to London to deal with the problems.
 
I liked how Luke enlisted Aislinn to be his partner in handling the problems that arose. When they visit the lawyer's office and discover the doubts Percy has raised about Luke's fitness as guardian, Luke is at a loss for how to counteract them. Aislinn states that she and Luke are planning to marry, making Luke's single status a moot point. Luke is stunned by the statement, as he has no plans to marry. But after thinking about it, Luke agrees it is a good plan. It also allows him to leave Aislinn and the girls in England while he returns to Montana. He believes they are better off in England rather than the harsh conditions of Montana.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Luke and Aislinn develop. To sell their marriage to the courts, they must appear like a couple in love, which entails attending many social events. Neither is happy about that because they detest the superficiality of society events. Luke believes that he must give up his life in Montana, which increases his stress and unhappiness. Aislinn sees his misery and wants him to be happy, so she pushes him toward leaving as soon as his guardianship is secured. The more time they spend together, the closer they become, and the sparks of attraction they experience grow stronger. Giving in deepens their connection but complicates their plans.
 
Just as those deepening feelings look like they will bring Luke and Aislinn to the happy future they both want, outside interference drives them apart. Luke says some hurtful things to Aislinn before leaving for Montana. I loved seeing Aislinn pull herself together and investigate what Luke accused her of. Once she had the truth, she took action. I loved the ending and seeing how she went after what she wanted. Luke's reaction was hilarious as Aislinn made a place for herself and the girls in his home and his heart. The epilogue was great and contained a couple of surprises. 

Silver Lady - Mary Jo Putney (Kensington - Dec 2023)

Series: Dangerous Gifts (Book 1)
 
A smoldering nobleman and a beautiful amnesiac with paranormal gifts discover they share a powerful passion, a unique legacy -- and a common enemy.
 
Together they faced the past . . .
 
A sense of duty sends Bran Tremayne to Cornwall to confront his heritage of British nobility. Abandoned at birth, Bran wants nothing to do with the embittered remains of his family. But as a special agent for the Home Office, he senses trouble brewing along the coast. And he can't turn away from the vulnerable woman he encounters in the Cornish countryside. Merryn's amnesia makes her past a mystery to them both, but with her life in danger, the only thing Bran knows for sure is that the beautiful stranger needs his protection . . .
 
But would they share a future?
 
Leaning into Bran is difficult enough, but can Merryn trust the strong bond -- and the powerful passion -- she feels for her rugged rescuer? She has no choice once Bran uncovers that she is at the center of a plot between French agents and Cornish smugglers. From misty woodlands to stormy shores, the two join forces with a band of loyal Cornishmen to bring down a common enemy. Yet will their growing love survive the coming peril?
 
This is the first book in a new series, Dangerous Gifts, about Regency-era men and women with paranormal abilities. I was enthralled with the story from the first pages, and I look forward to the rest of the series.
 
The book opens with Lord and Lady Tremayne discovering two young boys hiding in an alley in London. Their families had rejected Bran and Cade because they exhibited strange abilities. Taken in and raised by the Tremaynes, who also possess similar abilities, Bran and Cade learned to control and use their gifts for good. Both now work for the Home Office, doing what they can to protect their country. Bran's gifts lean towards investigation and being able to connect events to form an accurate picture of looming trouble.
 
Bran is shocked to return home one day and find a lawyer from Cornwall wanting to see him. It appears that the father who rejected him so cruelly years earlier now needs to find the only son he has left. Bran is not interested in Penhaligon's title, lands, or fortune, but his intuition tells him he must go to Cornwall. With another war with France looming, the Cornwall coast is a prime location for smugglers and spies.
 
Bran's arrival in Cornwall is just as awkward as he expected. While his mother and sister are welcoming and kind, his father is as dismissive and arrogant as Bran remembered. I loved Bran's ability to keep his cool, which riled his father more. Additionally, Bran feels a growing sense of danger as he spends time in the village and meets various people. There is also a sense that something else has drawn him there, but he doesn't yet know what it is.
 
Meanwhile, we meet a young woman simply called "Girl." She is being held captive by two people who appear to have nefarious intentions. One of her captors, Starling, has a gift for putting a mind block on Girl, keeping her subdued. But Girl has retained enough of a sense of self that she knows she must escape. I loved seeing her determination and how she worked to regain some of her control, eventually taking advantage of an opportunity to escape. My heart pounded as I followed her flight and how it led her straight to Bran.
 
I loved how Bran immediately recognized that Girl (who he calls Lady) is gifted. His protectiveness, patience, and kindness were balm to her soul as he helped her recover from her ordeal. The sparks between them are immediately noticeable. Bran has his work cut out to remember he's an honorable man, especially as she begins to recover her memories, such as her name, Merryn. There are some terrific scenes of them together as they get to know each other. Bran sends for Cade and his sister, Tamsyn, a healer, to help investigate the sense of danger and help Merryn. Seeing Bran struggle to resist Merryn's wiles while awaiting her complete recovery was fun. I especially enjoyed watching Bran attempt to explain the depth and reality of their connection to Merryn. The ending was great, and the epilogue was a perfect wrap-up for the book.
 
As the four of them delve deeper into the danger they feel, the twists and turns of discoveries and revelations kept them (and me) guessing about where and how the trouble would occur. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something would happen to complicate the situation. I never expected the particular gift that made Merryn so vital to the bad guys' plans and the danger it put her in. I was glued to the pages as everything came together, and they raced to prevent disaster. The resolution was well done.
 
The secondary characters were terrific and added extra depth to the story. I like the relationship between Cade and Bran, who have maintained their closeness into adulthood. Their love and respect for each other is evident throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing Cade confront part of his past. The surprise he discovered showed a little-known side of him, and I look forward to the possibility of seeing more of it. I loved their sister, Tamsyn, one of the three biological children of the Tremaynes. She is strong, independent, and gifted, and loves her family. The interactions between her and her brothers were fun. It was also evident that they respected her intelligence and abilities. I suspect that Cade and she will be the subjects of the next books in the series.
 
A secondary romance was going on between Bran's Penhaligon sister, Glynis, and the estate's lawyer, Matthew Davey. Her father forbids it, but she and Matthew find ways to be together. Matthew was a terrific man who loved her but wouldn't do anything that could hurt her. I liked Matthew's friendship with Bran and his willingness to assist with their investigations. Glynis was initially sweet and quiet, but her genuine personality began to show through as the book progressed. I loved her burgeoning friendship with Merryn and Tamsyn. I loved the twist at the end.

The Lyon, the Liar, and the Scandalous Wardrobe - Chasity Bowlin (Dragonblade Pub - Nov 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 49)
 
Being held in his arms had felt right. Perhaps for the first time in her life, she had felt she was where she belonged.
 
Miss Poppy Granville has a plan to save the fortune left to her and her sister by their grandfather. Perhaps it isn’t a very good plan. It’s certainly not a foolproof one. But with a bit of misdirection, a few lies, bending some rules while breaking others, along with the cooperation of a well-connected ally—none other than the Black Widow of White Hall—it just might work. All it will take is for one of them, more than likely Marigold as she was more content to be managed rather than to manage, to land themselves a husband. In eight days.
 
Julien knows that his cousin is facing an uphill battle in finding himself a wife—despite all that Phillip has to recommend him, the man’s own obsession with hunting and shooting might derail his plan and the considerable efforts of Mrs. Dove-Lyon. But Julien hadn’t expected that the prospective bride, sent by Bessie for Phillip, would be accompanied by the one woman in the world he was hopeless to resist. A woman he knows, at very first glance, will be his.
 
But the course of true love and matchmaking will never run smooth, and the Cressington house party is no exception. With plots, schemes, jealousy, and a scandalous wardrobe encounter all converging into one point of utter chaos, both Julien and Poppy discover that it doesn’t really matter what brought them together.
 
It only matters that they are together… and both of them mean to stay that way.
 
Good Cinderella-like book. Poppy and her older sister, Marigold, have had a rough time ever since her father remarried - a woman with two daughters of her own. Portia constantly puts her stepdaughters down and has convinced their father to split their dowries with her daughters. Poppy and Marigold desperately need husbands to get them out from under Portia's thumb. So, Poppy writes a letter to her mother's childhood friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyons, asking for her help. Within days, Mrs. Dove-Lyons has secured an invitation to a house party, a chaperone, and the name of a likely suitor for Marigold. Poppy is content to wait for Marigold to marry before looking for a husband.
 
Julien isn't looking forward to his mother's house party. She has been badgering him for years to find a wife and has resorted to decorative blackmail to achieve her goal (Julien's descriptions of his mother's efforts are hilarious). On the other hand, his cousin Phillip is ready to find a bride, but his social awkwardness makes his search an uphill battle. I loved the men's first sight of Poppy and Marigold. Phillip is nervous, and Julien feels like he's been hit by a bolt of lightning.
 
I ached for Marigold, whose high hopes are blasted by Phillip's apparent inability to talk about anything except shooting and hunting. She's ready to give up in despair but has a minor obstacle to making a clean escape. She wrote a letter to her prospective intended, to be delivered by Mrs. Dove-Lyons, that could easily be misconstrued if it falls into the wrong hands. Poppy, being the take-action woman she is, plots a way to retrieve the letter. Unfortunately, it goes sadly awry in a scene that had me laughing out loud.
 
Julien decides that no one but Poppy will do for him and is determined to court her immediately. He runs into a problem when Poppy doesn't believe he is serious. She is a young woman with generous curves whose self-confidence has been beaten down by her stepmother's jibes. She does not think a viscount like Julien would have any serious interest in her. That's not to say he hasn't drawn her attention. His good looks and charm stir feelings in her that she's never felt before. When her attempt to retrieve Marigold's letter puts her in a compromising position with Julien, it takes some effort for Julien to convince her of their need to marry.
 
But Julien's interest in Poppy has made two enemies that will do anything to get their way. A nasty plot puts Poppy in danger, and only Julien's quick action can save the day. I was on the edge of my seat as I watched the situation unfold, hoping Julien would be in time. The ending was terrific, and I was happy to see how things turned out for Julien and Poppy.
 
I also enjoyed the romance between Marigold and Phillip. He comes across as dull-witted at the beginning of the book, but as the story progresses, it appears there is more to him than meets the eye. His nervousness around Marigold exacerbates his awkwardness, and it takes a bit of advice from Julien to point him in the right direction. Marigold quickly writes him off, but as the days pass, her attitude changes. She, too, seemed somewhat air-headed initially, but a previously undemonstrated practicality came to the fore as she dealt with Phillip. I loved the twist to their romance at the end. 

 

Luck of the Lyon - Belle Ami (Dragonblade - Nov 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 48)
 
He doesn’t believe in love at first sight…
 
Phillip Villiers, a Cavalry officer who recently returned from the Napoleonic Wars, considers himself lucky he only lost an eye in battle, unlike many of his friends who lost so much more. Contemplating what to do with the rest of his life, Phillip is shocked to learn he’s inherited the title and estate of the late Duke of Buckingham, who passed away a year ago. Expecting the late duke’s widow to be an amiable and sedate elderly woman, Phillip is doubly shocked to discover the Duchess of Buckingham is young, beautiful, and the most vibrant woman he’s ever met.
 
She doesn’t believe in happily ever after…
 
Duchess Sarah Villiers, a widow of one year, considers herself a practical person, especially regarding life’s ups and downs. Coping with her new status, she’s determined to be supportive and welcoming of the new Duke of Buckingham, and that includes teaching him everything there is to know about managing a large and complex estate. Having no expectations about the new duke, Sarah is shocked to discover Phillip Villiers is charming, handsome, and the most compelling man she’s ever met.
 
An impossible situation or a tempting challenge…
 
As Phillip and Sarah work closely together managing the estate, they fight against a mutual attraction and struggle with their growing feelings. Society would never condone the widow of a duke marrying the heir. It could cause a scandal that could ruin the reputation of the entire Villiers family. Completely impossible! But sometimes the impossible is the greatest challenge of all to the most notorious matchmaker in London. Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the Black Widow of Whitehall and doyenne of the London gambling world, always has a card or two up her sleeve when it comes to true love.
 
Good story with minimal involvement of Mrs. Dove-Lyons and the Lyon's Den. The story opens after the funeral of the late Duke of Buckingham, as the Duke's daughters and his second wife, Sarah, console each other. Sarah's backstory is sad, having been orphaned and left destitute by her father's bad choices. However, his friend, the Duke, took her in and eventually married her. It was a marriage of convenience initially, but Sarah and the Duke grew to love and respect each other. Hen ensured that, upon his death, Sarah would be financially secure. He also stipulated that she remain at the estate to continue managing it and to instruct the new duke.
 
Phillip was a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, where he served as a cavalry officer and did other special assignments. After being injured, including losing an eye, he was discharged from the army. Without the military, Phillip is at a loss about what to do with the rest of his life. With little to his name and no apparent prospects, Phillip spends some of his time at the Lyon's Den gambling. He's stunned one evening when he comes home and finds his uncle's solicitor waiting for him, informing him that he is the new Duke of Buckingham. His father had caused a rift with his uncle, and Phillip had no idea he was the heir. He is grateful to learn that his uncle's widow will help him settle into his new role.
 
I loved the first meeting between Sarah and Phillip. He expects an older, motherly woman and, instead, gets a young, vibrant, and beautiful one. She stirs up sparks of attraction that he works hard to subdue. Likewise, Sarah thinks about the good-looking new duke far more than she is comfortable with. Each does their best to ignore the attraction over the next several months as they develop a deep friendship working together on estate matters. Then cards arrive, inviting them and Sarah's unmarried stepdaughter, Lizzie, to Mrs. Dove-Lyons's birthday ball.
 
The sparks of attraction flare up during the ball. Sarah, aware that society would not approve of a relationship between her and Phillip, decides to seek a new husband and a future for herself. She insists that Phillip seek a bride and secure his future and the ducal line. Phillip isn't interested in some vapid debutante and doesn't care about society's opinion. His unhappiness at Sarah's plan is evident as he watches Sarah dance with other men.
 
Things become more complicated when she discovers a letter from her father to the late duke. The contents stir Sarah's insecurities and add impetus to her need to escape her feelings for Phillip. I was irritated by Sarah's reaction and how she used it as a further barrier between her and Phillip. I liked Phillip's determination to break through her objections. A disaster at the estate brings them together to deal with it, but a near tragedy almost parts them forever. I felt Phillip's fear for Sarah. I loved his emotional declaration and wanted to shake Sarah for her stubbornness. Thank goodness for his persistence. I loved seeing her finally let go of her fears and believe in the possibility of a future together. The ending was terrific, and the epilogue was sweet.
 
There was a brief foray into a secondary romance between Sarah's stepdaughter, Lizzie, and Phillip's friend, Lucien. Their whole story is told in the anthology Night of the Lyons, in the tale Unmasked by the Lyon. 

The Lyon's Redemption - Sandra Sookoo (Dragonblade - Nov 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 47)
 
In need of redemption… Thomas Prestwick, Viscount of Ashbury, has left the thought of love and romance behind. Never again will he allow himself that vulnerability and has, instead, kept himself busy with various vices every fine gentleman of the beau monde indulges in. If only he’d stayed away from the tables at the famed Lyon’s Den gaming hell that night, he might not have been caught up in fate’s unfortunate web, which brought him face-to-face with the past.
 
In want of vengeance…Miss Olivia Rose Jameson wants nothing to do with men—whether related to her or not. With her parents dead and her worthless brother losing everything of value at the gambling tables, she’s incensed when her hand is bartered for his freedom. That complication will not help her cause of having revenge on the man who killed her best friend, until chance matches her with the object of her ire.
 
Forgiveness has a way of changing everything… With no choice but to wed at the order of the mysterious Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the pair ushers in the Christmastide season as a married couple. No matter that Ashbury’s heart is locked away and Olivia wishes to carve it from his chest, more than compassion and secrets are shared between the enemies-to-lovers one snowy evening in the viscount’s library. As desire gives way to romance, fate once more intervenes. For one terrible night, everything hangs in the balance, and nothing short of a miracle—or love—can save them.
 
Because doesn’t the house—and Mrs. Dove-Lyon—always win?
 
Good book with a different setup than other books from this series. Thomas was the winner, not the loser, in his game of chance, and Olivia was not looking for a husband of any kind, which is the opposite of most of Mrs. Dove-Lyons' matches.
 
Thomas is a man who has been mired in grief for seven years after his forbidden love died in childbirth. He has closed off his heart to any thought of love or romance. The Christmas season is the hardest, and to cope, he accompanies a friend to the Lyon's Den for an evening of gambling. But things take an unexpected turn when his opponent cannot pay his debt. Thomas doesn't want to marry, but if he doesn't, Mrs. Dove-Lyons threatens to reveal his closely guarded secret.
 
Conor Jameson foolishly wagered more than he could afford, and when the time came to pay, he offered his sister Olivia's hand in marriage. A consultation with Mrs. Dove-Lyons confirms the offer is legitimate. Conor doesn't look forward to telling Olivia, who has no interest in marriage either. She gives in to save her brother from debtor's prison. Olivia has spent years grieving the death of her best friend. When she learns that her groom-to-be is the man she holds responsible for Cynthia's death, she plots her revenge.
 
Olivia and Thomas enter this marriage with great anger and reluctance. I laughed out loud at the description of their wedding vows, vividly describing their feelings about the event. Things came to a head on their wedding night when Olivia attempted to stab him, and words were exchanged. The next morning, they confronted each other over her need for revenge. I ached for Thomas as he was forced to recount what happened to his beloved Cynthia. I also hurt for Olivia, who discovered her reasons were based on a misunderstanding of what happened. I liked seeing them acknowledge that each has some healing to do before they can expect a successful marriage. They decide to call a truce and continue in a marriage-in-name-only relationship while they get to know each other.
 
Neither expected the explosive chemistry between them. Olivia is no innocent virginal bride, and Thomas can't resist the sparks that fly between them. It isn't long before they can't keep their hands off each other, but what does that do to their attempts to get past the tragedies of the past? I liked seeing them learn to communicate with each other, slowly opening up about those things that have made them who they are. Their growing trust in each other made each revelation a little easier. My heart broke for Thomas when he told Olivia about Sally and his pain and guilt. Olivia, too, has a heartbreak to share with Thomas.
 
Though each has realized the depth of their feelings, both are wary of confessing them, fearing rejection. Just as both are ready to take a chance, a thoughtless comment and the harsh words lead to nearly result in tragedy. Of course, all ends well, as Thomas and Olivia finally break free of the chains that kept them tied to the past. I loved the epilogue and seeing what they've made of their lives. I also appreciated their realization that it takes work to make a successful relationship.
 
I liked the secondary characters of the Earl and Countess of Pennington, whose story I must read soon. I liked how Olivia and Lady Pennington connected and the advice she had for Olivia. I also liked Thomas's friend, Simon, and I hope he gets his story, too.

Never Wager With a Wallflower - Virginia Heath (St. Martin's - Nov 2023)

Series: Merriwell Sisters (Book 3)
 
Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is a selfless academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door.
 
For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn't just his life, it's in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather's knee in a tavern on the faraway banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He's spent five years making a success out of his gaming hall in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams -- and where better than in the capital's sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he's just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin's wife's youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago.
 
While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble -- and learn to love thy neighbor?
 
Fun book. Although I haven't (yet) read the first two books in the series, therefore missing some of the history of Venus and Galahad, there was enough information provided that I could understand their pasts.
 
Vee is a romantic at heart, but after years of relationship disappointments, she has given up on looking for love. She no longer trusts her heart or her judgment and has set her sights on a nobleman who is as much of an academic as she is. Unfortunately, he is also boring, judgmental, and oblivious to her interest, and no one in her family believes they belong together. Vee's happiest times are spent working at the Covent Garden orphanage she helps run. It is also very overcrowded and needs more space - such as the empty building next door - if only she had the funds to purchase it.
 
Galahad is the American-born cousin of Vee's brother-in-law, Giles. He owns a gambling den near the London docks and is looking to add a second location. When he hears of the perfect building in Covent Garden, he rushes to secure ownership of it. He then discovers that it is next door to Vee's orphanage and realizes that for the sake of family harmony, he needs to mend fences with her.
 
The story opens with a prologue that describes the first meeting between Vee and Gal and sets the tone for their relationship over the past five years - chilly at best and antagonistic at worst. As the daughter of a gambler who deserted his family, Vee has definite opinions about gamblers and doesn't hesitate to share them. They do their best to avoid each other when possible and keep their distance when it is not.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Vee and Gal develop. Their antagonism is overt, but underneath are sparks of attraction that neither will admit. They are, however, blazingly apparent to others. When Gal acquires the rest of the orphanage building, he decides to "make nice" with Vee and try to get on her good side before she finds out about his purchase. It's understandable but also slightly underhanded and has the likelihood of coming back to bite him in the future.
Vee isn't sure what to think when Gal stops being such a pain and turns on the charm. She doesn't trust him, but it doesn't take long before he begins to win her over.
 
There are some hilarious scenes between the two as they spend time together. One is the first card game they play against each other. Vee is undefeated in the family, Gal is a professional gambler, and the tension between them is palpable. Their second game, after she finds out about his purchase, is a lesson in distracting the other player, and Vee is masterful. There are other times when the banter between the two had me laughing out loud and wondering when they would see the light about their feelings for each other.
 
However, both have serious insecurities that they keep locked behind sturdy walls. Both lost their mothers at a young age, and both have fathers who are morally bankrupt. Vee's issues make her very judgmental toward Gal and make it difficult for her to trust him. After the loss of his mother and grandfather, Gal keeps his heart locked up and doesn't allow himself to get close to anyone. The more time they spend together, the more Gal and Vee begin to see past those walls and realize that their initial impressions of each other were inaccurate. But it still takes a near tragedy for the last bits of wall to crumble and for them to admit their feelings for each other. I loved the ending.
 
Some of the best scenes in the book involve Vee, Gal, and Vee's orphans. I loved Vee's devotion to them and desire to give them the best possible future. I enjoyed her surprise at how Gal connected with her three most troublesome boys. Gal won my heart by understanding what drove their actions and his practical methods of helping her with them. At the same time, the boys were very protective of Vee, and their desire to help her with the building issue created some memorable moments. I especially enjoyed the scene with the pigeons and its aftermath. There was also a heartwarming scene involving the three boys and their proposed apprenticeship at Gal's business.
 
The epilogue was terrific, and I enjoyed seeing the three couples a few years into the future.

Truth or Lyon - Katherine Bone (Dragonblade Pub - Oct 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 46)
 
An indiscretion, a scandalous game of truth or dare, and the prize -- a coveted kiss -- threaten her future, but this is one game she cannot quit.
 
Spencer Wright-Smythe, antiquities hunter and Baron of Kilverstone has something of a rakish reputation. So when he's introduced to Miss Porthenia Steere, she's instantly on her guard, even though the attraction she feels is almost overwhelming. She resists his impudence as she's determined to marry for love, to a man who's good and true.
 
If only things were that simple. For Thenie has already set the cat among the pigeons by spreading a scurrilous rumor about herself in order to avoid a betrothal, and it won't be long before all Society knows of her supposed indiscretion. Will her two younger sisters be hurt by her impulsiveness and prevented from marrying well too?
 
Then there's the temptation of Spencer, who's somehow always near. He challenges her to a game of truth or dare -- if she loses, he'll claim a kiss.
 
It's hard to say no since she's never been kissed before.
 
So far, this is my least favorite of the Lyon's Den books. My biggest complaint is that Mrs. Dove-Lyons barely makes an appearance, and the description of the Den is far off that of the other books. There was an unexpected revelation regarding her that I didn't see coming.
 
I also found the romance somewhat lacking. Thenie is unhappy with the suitor she has, and to discourage him, she implies she has kissed someone else. He responds by trashing her reputation. Thenie didn't think ahead to realize that her actions could affect her younger sisters' chances at a good marriage. Enter Spencer, a friend of her cousin Lottie, and her husband Grey.
 
Spencer is an antiquities hunter in Athens, dealing with the fallout from unscrupulous hunters like Lord Elgin. When his friends Lottie and Grey show up and ask him to return to England with them, he agrees.
 
Lottie and Grey clearly intend for Spencer to be Thenie's rescuer, but they neglect to fill her in on their plan. Spencer, who has a reputation as a rake, immediately gets on her wrong side with his overly charming ways and flirtatiousness. As a student of antiquities herself, she isn't sure what side of responsible hunting he falls on and doesn't bother to ask.
 
But Thenie can't avoid Spencer's company, and the more time she spends around him, the more her antagonism turns to attraction. Spencer's method of using a series of "truth or dare" questions is an interesting way of getting to know her. However, Thenie is strangely uncooperative, choosing dares instead of answering simple questions. I liked that Spencer was persistent, as he had already realized that Thenie was the one for him. But it seemed to take forever for her to realize that she loved him.
 
I liked the epilogue, which shows that they are truly happy and well-suited to each other. 

 
 

Miss Rose and the Vexing Viscount - Catherine Tinley (HH #1756 - Nov 2023)

Series: Triplet Orphans (Book 1)
 
An unsuitable match for the viscount
And not just because she vexes him!
 
Bookworm Rose Lennox has no interest in making her debut. She's only in London to discover the truth of her parentage. Her sponsor's nephew, James, the Viscount Ashbourne, is equally cynical about the marriage mart, yet they still rile each other every time they speak! But the sparks of animosity soon become flames of attraction. Still, Rose's unknown past means she can never be a viscount's wife…
 
Good start to an intriguing series. The book opens with a prologue about a pregnant woman running for her life. The narrative was so vivid I felt as though I was there, experiencing the woman's fear and her worry about the child she carries. The end of the prologue leaves many questions about the who and the why and leads into the story proper.
 
Twenty-one years later, the orphaned triplet daughters of the woman find out they are to be sent from their guardian's home in Scotland to his sister in London. There, she will present them to Society in hopes of finding husbands for all three. They are also tasked with discovering the truth of their parentage despite having little knowledge to go on.
 
Annabelle, the oldest and known for her practical nature, is tasked with finding out what led their mother to flee to Elgin, Scotland. Isobel, the middle triplet and adventurous one, is to discover their father's identity. Rosabelle, the youngest and quietest sister, is supposed to learn the true identity of their mother. This book focuses on Rose, her quest, and her experiences in London. Rose is the least interested in making her debut in London. She prefers books to people and plans to become a teacher at the school she and her sisters attended in Scotland.
 
Lady Ashbourne is a delightful woman who is excited to have three young girls to sponsor in Society. I laughed at her stunned surprise at having three identical girls and loved her plan to keep them secret until their Court presentation. She knew that their uniqueness would help counteract their unknown antecedents. The only fly in her ointment is her nephew, James, Viscount Ashbourne, who believes that no good will come of his aunt's plans.
 
James is very protective of his aunt and the family name. After the typical shenanigans of a young nobleman were cut short by his unexpected inheriting of the title, James became prudent and cautious in all his actions. He is cynical about the marriage mart and what he sees of the young women Society approves of. He is dismayed at having three young women underfoot and wary of their suitability. He acted as a wet blanket on his aunt's excitement.
 
Rose and James butt heads from the moment they meet. James is predisposed to distrust the triplets from the get-go, and his tendency to constantly warn them against making mistakes gets under Rose's skin. She finds him cold and judgmental and pushes back every time. They can't be in the same room for five minutes without coming to verbal blows. But underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that Rose doesn't understand and James doesn't want. They are thrown together often enough that the attraction continues to grow, and they discover that they aren't so different after all. But James is keenly aware of Rose's unknown parentage, and his sense of family honor resists looking at her as a potential bride.
 
When James and Rose's attraction becomes a source of gossip, it puts the women's futures at risk. Rose and James face the reality of being parted forever if they allow Society's prejudices to dictate their lives. I loved James's awakening to the truth and strength of his feelings and watching him go after what he wanted. The reunion between him and Rose is sweet, emotional, and realistic in that they accept there will be scandal attached.
 
Rose's quest also takes up much of her time in London. I could feel Rose and her sisters' frustration and sadness as they ran into dead end after dead end. I loved the twist at the end that exposed a lie and revealed a truth. But there are still questions that need to be answered, and I can't wait for the next book to see what happens there.
 
There is a secondary romance between James's best friend, Robert, and Rose's new friend, Lady Mary. It was heartbreaking to see how awful Mary's mother was about her feelings for Robert while pursuing a title for her daughter. I liked James's attempt to help his friend and rooted for Robert's success. 

The Duchess Takes A Husband - Harper St. George (Penguin - May 2023)

Series: Gilded Age Heiresses (Book 4)
 
Despite her illustrious title, Camille, Duchess of Hereford, remains what she has always been -- a pariah. Though her title means she's technically accepted by London Society, the rebellious widow with her burgeoning interest in the suffrage movement and her American ways isn't exactly high on every hostess's guest list. But Camille starts to wonder if being an outcast is not without its perks when the tantalizing answer to her secret fear appears in the shape of Jacob Thorne, the illegitimate son of an earl and co-owner of London's infamous Montague Club.
 
Jacob is used to making deals with his club members -- he's just not accustomed to them being beautiful women. Nor have the terms ever been so sweetly seductive as Camille's shocking proposition. To finally buy his own club and gain the crucial backing of investors, Camille offers Jacob the respectability of a fake engagement with a duchess. In return, the tempting widow has one condition: she wants Jacob to show her if it's possible for her to experience pleasure in bed.
 
The lure of such a bargain proves too delicious to resist, drawing the enterprising rogue and the wallflower duchess into a scandalous game and an even more dangerous gamble of the heart.
 
Good conclusion to the series. We have seen Camille in the earlier books as a friend to the other heroines. She is trapped in a miserable marriage to the titled older man her social-climbing parents chose for her. When he dies, it releases her from the prison he kept her in with his disdain and emotional abuse. She's ready to spread her wings and search for the pleasure she's never experienced. Her chosen instructor is Jacob Thorne, the illegitimate son of an earl and one of the owners of the Montague Club.
 
Jacob is surprised at the proposition he receives from Camille. He is ready to deny her request until she offers to help him attain the project he's been working on. She offers him a fake engagement that will enable him to convince the investors he needs for a new club that he is ready to settle down and leave his womanizing ways behind him.
 
The development of their relationship is a slow burn as Camille has a lot of trauma to overcome. I loved Jacob's patience and understanding as he eased her way into the pleasures of the bedchamber. His sensitivity once he understood everything she'd been through was outstanding. I loved how his support helped her develop the courage to take control of her life. There is a period when Camille and Jacob pull away from each other, disturbed by their growing feelings for each other, but when Camille is in danger, Jacob comes through to rescue her. I liked seeing them embrace a new and exciting future together.
 
I also enjoyed seeing Camille use her experience to get involved in the Suffrage movement. Her work with them opened her eyes to the abuse she suffered and motivated her to make changes. I loved seeing her wrest control of her finances from her husband's equally obnoxious and controlling heir. I was also moved by how she put her experiences in writing as a release for her and to share with the broader world. I especially liked the effect it had on her mother. 

Lyon of the Ton - Emily Royal (Dragonblade Pub - Oct 2023)

Series: Lyon's Den (Book 45)
 
Divided by betrayal…united by need…redeemed by love
 
Wealthy widow Lady Betty Grey conceals a tragic history behind the façade of the glittering socialite. When her scandalous secret is exposed by the man who once broke her heart, she must act quickly before gossip brings about total ruination. Her old friend Mrs. Dove-Lyon offers, for a price, to secure Betty a titled husband willing to marry her sight unseen—then consummate the union within an hour of the ceremony to seal the deal.
 
Harcourt Martingale, fifth Duke of Pittchester, faces bankruptcy. Still bitter from past heartbreak, he has no wish for a wife. But needs must, and he enters the Lyon’s Den, where titled men sell themselves for a dowry. Unwilling to indulge in the drinking wagers best suited to the young, Harcourt enters a simple game of chance, and wins an anonymous bride who insists that they meet at the altar then proceed to the bedchamber.
 
Betty is horrified when her bridegroom is revealed to be the man who nearly destroyed her reputation, but when their consummation reignites long-dormant passions, she resolves to make the best of her situation, and Harcourt finds himself yearning for the forgiveness—and the heart—of the only woman he’s ever loved.
 
But when the full extent of Betty’s tragic past threatens to unravel, Harcourt must prove himself worthy of her trust, or risk losing her forever.
 
Good second chance romance. Betty has had a difficult life, from giving her heart to a man who didn't deserve it to the things she had to do to survive to the hard-won happiness she currently enjoys. Then, the man who broke her heart exposes a secret from her past, and she is left scrambling to save her reputation. Her friend Mrs. Dove-Lyons offers to find her the titled husband she needs, who will accept her conditions.
 
Harcourt is flat broke, with twin sons to raise and an estate to care for. Reluctantly, he goes to the Lyon's Den to acquire the wealthy wife he doesn't want but desperately needs.
 
He and Betty are stunned to realize that Mrs. Dove-Lyons has matched them despite their history. Harcourt is the man who took her innocence but refused to marry her because his father would disapprove. Instead, he married as he was told and had a short but unhappy marriage, leaving him with two sons to raise.
 
For better or worse, he and Betty are married. Both are surprised that their attraction still lives after all these years. As they begin their life together, Harcourt discovers he wants to earn her forgiveness and heart. Betty is wary of trusting him again, and it takes patience on his part to get past her walls. I liked seeing Betty connect with his sons, and it was amusing to see Harcourt's envy. I liked Harcourt's patience and determination to earn her trust. When he learns of another piece of her tragic past, he goes to great lengths to make it right for her. He won my heart with his actions and desire to make her happy.
 
I liked Harcourt's sons and how easily they connected with Betty. It was fun to see their interactions and how protective of her they became.