Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made… unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON’S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives… and loves.Can an earl put aside the ghosts of the past and accept a future with his scandal-plagued wife?On the night of her come-out, Lady Emma Spencer learns her … come-out, Lady Emma Spencer learns her father has bilked numerous peers. Not only is she humiliated, but her father flees England, leaving Emma penniless and homeless. She finds work as a companion and years later, she winds up with a fortune. All she lacks now is the children she so desperately desires. That means finding a husband—and she turns to The Black Widow of Whitehall, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, who pairs women touched by scandal with men in desperate need of money.
Upon his father’s death, Marcus becomes the Earl of Rutherford and finds he’s bankrupt, thanks to his father losing the family fortune to poor investments and gambling. Though Marcus had wanted to wed for love, he turns to an infamous matchmaker, who arranges a marriage for him. Lady Emma Spencer is everything he dreamed of in a woman, and Marcus gallantly refuses to discuss her past, telling Emma he is her future.
But secrets have a way of coming out and Marcus learns he’s married to the one woman he never would have chosen.
Can Marcus put aside the ghosts of the past and accept a future with his wife?
Find the answer in bestselling author Alexa Aston’s The Lyon’s Lady Love, a part of the new Dragonblade Publishing’s The Lyon’s Den series.
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Lady Emma Spenser’s life was turned upside down on the night of her come-out when her traitorous father flees the country after having bilked hundreds of peers out of their fortunes. Left destitute, Emma has no choice but to go into service. She’s been a companion for 5 years, but she longs for children. Her only option is to go the infamous Black Widow of Whitehall who pairs scandalous women with bankrupt lords. When she is paired with Marcus, Earl of Rutherford, she is overjoyed to have such a wonderful husband. They begin their life together, but their happiness is cut short when Marcus learns of Emma’s secret. Will she ever be able to win her husband’s trust back?
This was the first book I’ve read by Ms. Aston and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the unusual premise of the book and how the H and h are introduced. The characters are nicely fleshed out and the plot moves along at a good pace. I’ll definitely look for more books by this author.
I voluntarily read this book and all opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a story that I thoroughly enjoyed. There were times when I felt so awful for Emma. She endured a great deal because of her father and his treachery. The plot was wonderful and I read far into the early morning hours hoping to finish the last two chapters before realizing that I had no clue as to the what I was reading. Serves me right for starting this late in the evening.
While this is a part of a series, you really don’t have to read the others to enjoy this one. I do have to look into the other books by this author though to see if some of the other couples have their stories there.
I enjoyed the dual POV format getting that glimpse into the characters’ thoughts really helped me to connect to the characters especially during some of the more intense scenes.
This story is a very sexy one so I would not be able to recommend this to anyone over the age of 18. If you do enjoy historical romances, then I would definitely suggest this one. Can true love conquer all, including the sins of the father? You have to read this to find out!
This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed reading this rather sensuous regency romance although I would have liked more ‘meat’ to the story. I liked Emma’s character. After being dealt with a life altering experience, she proved herself resilient and practical. I liked Marcus until his blow up. But thankfully he got his head on straight and saved the girl!
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
What a great book. I did not know what to expect. This is my first book by this author and I was excited to read it. I found the subject matter of a father who abandons his only child and his parting words were that she was worthless and he never loved her. He was guilty of many crimes and absconded to the continent. Even though Emma had nothing to do with her father’s misdeeds the ton scorned her and turned their backs to her. On top of that her cousin who was heir to her father would not take her in and told her she deserved her fate. No home, no income, she found a job as a companion. Emma was a kind thoughtful young lady; always putting others before herself. She was intelligent, well-educated and well read. She had no hope of ever marrying and having children. Then the woman she worked for Mrs. Blackwell took Emma to an unconventional matchmaker. There she met Marcus and they hit it off. Marcus was in dun territory and needed a wealthy bride but none of the debutantes caught his interest. But meeting Emma did. He wanted them to not speak of their past but marry and forge a new future together. Marcus was a gentle man in every way. He was honest, loyal, thoughtful and caring. The first several weeks of marriage were heaven until the sky fell down and he drove Emma away. I thought it was awful how he treated her. She did not deserve it. She left him. When Marcus’s mother revealed something about his father he was in denial. He then realized how unfair he was to Emma and sought her out only to find her gone. I am unclear whether he forgave her because he was in the wrong or wanted her forgiveness because he too could have been stigmatized by the ton and he realized there was no difference between them. They should not have to bear the sins of their fathers. I am not sure I liked that part. I could not decide why he wanted Emma back. I wished it was clear that he wanted her back because he loved her period. When Marcus did find Emma, she almost died. If she had he felt he could not live without her. Marcus made me think twice about his intentions. If I had been Emma, I’m not sure I would ever trust him again. The ending of course was idyllic. An interesting read. Worth the time.
Great short read!
If you feel like treating yourself to a quiet afternoon w/a good book, look no further. What a sweet, romantic story, with wonderful characters and a great storyline. Always enjoy this author.
Wow! What a Magnificent story, it takes you on a rollercoaster ride of love swirling down into a vortex of dispair. The Lyon’s Lady Love will keep you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Marcus and Lady Emma until the very end! Alexa Aston has a writing style that I thoroughly enjoy; she’s filled this story with characters that come off the pages and pulled me into their tale, a story that is well-written, strong plot and great dialogue, with setting descriptions and action sequences are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly. On Lady Emma’s night for her come-out she learns a heartbreaking truth which leaves emotional scars that leaves her believing she will never find happiness. Going to The Black Widow of Whitehall asking her to help match her with a husband. There she meets Marcus who needs to marry a lady with a large dowery to get his family out of dept. It’s a heart felt story filled with drama, angst, uncertainties, sensual passion, trials and tribulations, make this an outstanding read!
Lyon’s Lady Love is the fourth book in the Lyon’s Den Connected World. It is the only one I have read in the series and I don’t think I missed anything by hopping into the middle of the series. The series is based on a widow who turns her home into Lyon’s Den, a gambling den. It is known for having unique gambling and Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon’s, the Black Widow, matchmaking between men desperate for money and heiresses that have some scandal attached to their names. The book was short, so it was fast and easy to read. The characters are charming, and the storyline is unique.
The night Lady Emma Spencer was to have her come-out her life changed for the worse. Her father, Lord Seton, had swindled money from other peers and deserted Emma in London. No family would take her in and so she had to seek employment. She was lucky and found a job as a companion to Mrs. Blackwell, who treated Emma as the daughter she never had. Unbeknownst to Emma, her father had remarried and then passed away in the five years since he left her. Emma was surprised when the new Lady Seton visited her and turned over the fortune her father had at the time of his death. Emma had always dreamed of getting married and having children and with a dowry that was a possibility. Mrs. Blackwell introduced Emma to the Black Widow so she could find a husband. She knew Marcus was the man for her as soon as she saw him.
Marcus Powell, the Earl of Rutherford, had lost his father and found himself almost bankrupt. He had tried to improve things but finally came to realize he needed to marry an heiress if he ever wanted to repair the estates. In desperation, he applies to the Black Widow to find him a rich wife. He was delighted when he meets Emma and he insisted that they not tell each other their pasts. Unfortunately, Emma’s secret gets disposed and Marcus is devasted to learn that Emma’s dad was Lord Seton. Can Marcus let go of the pain and realize Emma was innocent in Lord Seton’s dealings?
I received an ARC but am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Emma Spencer is abandoned by her corrupt father who fled the country the night of her coming out. Penniless, she finds work as a companion to a army widow, who happens to be the sister of the Black Widows the Lyon’s Den!
I found myself drawn to the heroine, Lady Emma Spencer, as she was dealt a crippling blow, and yet courageously made a new future for herself. Similarly, Lord Rutherford had to make his way forward for his mother, sister and himself, after the sudden death of his father left the family in dire financial straights. As the 2 are brought together, the reader knows it is inevitable that the truth of the relationship between their fathers will come out. In the meantime, we enjoy a delightful, and clean, love story unfold.
The Lyon’s Lady Love by Alexa Aston is part of the The Lyon’s Den Connected World Series. This is the story of Marcus, the Earl of Rutherford and Emma Spencer. Emma is left in dire straits when her father takes off with everything they have and with other peoples money too. Emma has no choice but to go into the workforce as a companion. Later in their present day she learns she has inherited money and now all she needs is to create a family for herself. So she goes to the Matchmaker who helps those with scandal attracted to their name find men that are in need of money. This leads her to Marcus. Marcus inherited the family title but learns that it has lost the money to it. So he needs to marry a wealthy women which leads him to the matchmaker. Emma and Marcus find that they are strongly attracted to each other and decided to move forward leaving the past behind them. But sometimes that past comes back all to quickly. Enjoyed their story.
I own 24 stories by this author and I would encourage you to read her St. Clair series, which I adore.
This series called Lyon’s Den is written by different author’s. I enjoy the premise, because you may find author’s that will be new to you. These are all stand alone stories with a common thread of a women who runs a gambling hall. She also is a match maker and people come to her for her services. Someone down on their luck and matches to someone of scandal – mostly not through their fault.
What was enjoyable on this one, we are treated to cross over character’s from her St. Clair series. You will not be lost if you haven’t read them. Just nice welcoming old friends to a party.
My heart ached for the h. She had to postpone her coming out, because of her mother’s death. She is really looking forward to the first night of the Season, since her mourning period is over. She has reminded her father three times not to be late so he could escort her to her come out. Things don’t go as planned and I felt the pain and anguish the h felt.
Then we are treated to the H. His is not a simple entry to the start of the story either. His father dies suddenly and he discovers they are poor. So our H/h (separately) make a trip to the Lyon’s Den and that is where the story makes you feel a connection to the h/H. The road certainly isn’t smooth and the road to HEA had a few hiccup’s to be sure.
There is something that happens and words are exchanged and everything comes crashing down. Thankfully, it doesn’t last forever.
We are treated to a sweet epilogue, 5 years in the future. I wished the author added what happened to the H’s mother and the h’s friend.
There is lovemaking, within marriage, heat level 4 out of 5. Since I felt a connection to them it was filled with passion.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some twists that surprised me, romance and a tad of spice. This didn’t read like a novella and that is because the author is so talented. (ljb)
A story of extreme loss in family and fortune for two people, who fate circles round and gathers them together. Emma lost her chance to come out into society and her father the same night as he left her with nothing, trying to outrun those he had taken from.
Marcus had admired his father so much. But upon his sudden death, he finds the estate bankrupt and tries to manage what is left, but it is almost impossible. He knows he must marry for money, although he had always hoped to marry for love and have children.
Several years, after Emma had been a companion to earn her kept, she finds out she has come into some money. But who would want her after the scandal her father made?
They both turn to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, known as the Black Widow of Whitehall who is know to match people together who are desperate. She brings these two together and it seems they may have a chance.
Alas, it can never be that simple as hidden secrets from the past try to pull them apart. I adore this series and Alexa Aston always pulls me in to her marvelous stories! I highly recommend!
Two souls crushed by circumstances beyond their control – can they come together and be healed?
Lady Emma Spencer suddenly found herself with wealth but a horrible history that society would not accept. Marcus, the Earl of Rutherford is in desperate need of funds to salvage his estate. Both turn to the Back Widow of Whitehall for their greatest wish. For Emma she wants someone to marry and to have children. For Marcus he needs the monetary means to bring life back to his crippled estate.
Alexa Aston has written a beautiful love story that will pull at your heartstrings and show you what true forgiveness can be like.
The Lyon’s Lady Love by Alexa Aston is part of the Lyon’s Den Connected World series of books and was a lovely book with overtones of a modern-day Bernie Madoff. Lady Emma Spencer was dressed and ready for her come-out when her father rushed in, grabbed a few items, and informed her that he was leaving and she was not a son and therefore, not his problem. As he left he ripped the jewelry she was wearing from around her neck and off her ears. He was a criminal and he was gone. Marcus Powell, Viscount Aubrey, has spent his time trying to recoup the losses his father incurred through bad investments but he has come to realize the only way that can happen is if he marries a woman with a huge dowry. He can’t seem to find one he thinks her can stand for the rest of his life. At this point Emma has been working as a companion to a wonderful older lady, Mrs. Blackwell, and was happy with her new life, until the day she learned her father had died and left her very well off. Enough money for a dowry but where would she find a man willing to marry the daughter of a thief. She would return the money but she had no idea to whom she would return it.
This was a terrific plot, bringing a modern day problem into a historic setting. Mrs. Dove-Lyon is an interesting character, another woman who has to make her own way. It is always good to see her pop up in a book. As always this was pretty much a character driven book and the two leads were both strong and loving characters. Marcus was a good man who didn’t always think things through before he made a move, but it usually caught up with him before things could go too haywire. Emma was a strong, creative woman, who continued to put others first. The combination made for an excellent story, on of Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s best. I recommend it to all readers of historical romance.
I received a free ARC of The Lyon’s Lady Love from Dragonblade through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #thelyonsladylove
This was such an enjoyable read and I just loved Marcus and Emma’s characters. My heart went out to them at the mess their fathers left behind but a trip to THE LYON’S DEN makes everything right again! Emma has a horrible secret, though, and knows that once Marcus finds out about it, he will turn against her. In the meanwhile, theirs is a blossoming romance that is so sweet and filled with hope, you can’t help but smile as you read the words:)
Alexa Aston’s style of writing is so wonderful and keeps your interest throughout the story. It’s fast paced and her description of the surroundings is so well written, you can picture it all in your mind. I definitely do recommend this book!!\
I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Emma Seaton on the night of her come out to society was supposed to be the best night of her life, but her father ruined that for her. He stole money from the ton and ran leaving Emma alone and destitute with no one. Growing up quick Emma became a companion to a wonderful lady that didn’t move in around in high society. Years later when Emma’s father died she suddenly was a very rich woman with a Chance at her dream to become a wife and mother. When Emma turns to Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon at the infamous Lyons Den to find her a husband.
Lord Marcus Rutherford is trying to pick up the pieces after his father died. Leaving mountains of debt after he was swindled out of his money and gambled the rest away. His only choice is to marry a wealthy heiress. Where in lists the services of the famous matchmaker Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyons.
Another saga from the Lyons Den! I loved it. I have read all of them and they are each wonderful! You definitely won’t be disappointed. Marcus and Emma are perfect for each other, but will both have to overcome Emma’s secrets. Definitely recommend reading this book!
This if my first foray into Ms. Aston’s stories and I have to say I wonder what took me so long. This story is just fun. Not too much conflict (although I do love conflict) until the end of the story and that is the part I really enjoyed. Marcus finds out who Emma really is and he cannot deal with it until he realizes…love! This definitely will not be my only read by this author (in fact I have already downloaded another story of hers).
I received a complimentary copy from publisher through NetGalley.
The sins of the fathers are visited on the children in this sad romance that fortunately does have a happy ending. Lady Emma is devastated to learn about her father’s treacherous dealings, and even worse that he left her destitute to save his own skin. Lord Marcus discovers that upon the death of his father, he has been left with a bankrupt estate and after doing everything in his power to turn the family finances around, he finds that it still not enough. Marriage is the only answer, preferably to a bride with the resources he needs. Emma unexpectedly comes into a fortune but knows that marriage will be almost impossible through the usual channels and instead she visits The Black Widow of Whitehall to arrange a match for her. The Black Widow may have a shady reputation, but she does recognise a good match when she sees one and pairs, Emma and Marcus, together, with the advice that the past should stay there. There is always a fly in the ointment and when a malicious troublemaker stirs the pot, the truth surfaces, and Marcus is devastated. I love the main characters in this book and Marcus and Emma really did need each other to becomes whole again. Getting over the hurdle thrown in their path could be the thing that destroys them, but ultimately this standalone romance does come to a delightful conclusion. The story is well written and emotive, drawing one’s sympathies for the characters in their distress. I received a copy of this book as a gift from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks goes to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of The Lyon’s Lady Love by Alexa Aston for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.
The Lyon’s Lady Love is a well-written novella with compelling characters and a plot that will pull at your heartstrings. The pacing is excellent keeping me enmeshed from the first page to the last.
Lady Emma Spencer’s character is endearing, and her backstory is heartbreaking. From the time she lost her mother, she had no one to watch out for her. On the night of her come-out, her father returns and grabs his belonging and rips her mother’s jewels from her neck, leaving her to face the men who arrive to capture her father. My heart ached for her bewilderment and fear.
Marcus, the Earl of Rutherford is a fantastic hero. When his father dies, he discovers he’s inherited nothing other than the entailed estate and London townhouse. He must find a wife with a generous dowry. While he’d dreamed of a union with a woman he loves, that must be put aside. I could feel the pain and loss, and the fear of providing for his mother and tenants. When he meets the heroine, he’s relieved to find such a charming young woman through the matchmaker. His optimism for the future touched me.
The romance between Emma and Marcus is sweet and fulfilling, perfect for a Regency historical. Each have suffered through no fault of their own. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy historical romances set in the glittering Regency period with engaging characters and a heartfelt plot, then you will love The Lyon’s Lady Love as much as I did. I look forward to reading the next book in this delightful series. Happy reading!
The Lyon’s Lady Love
The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Alexa Aston
https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaaston/
Release date 05/14/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made… unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON’S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives… and loves.
Can an earl put aside the ghosts of the past and accept a future with his scandal-plagued wife?
On the night of her come-out, Lady Emma Spencer learns her father has bilked numerous peers. Not only is she humiliated, but her father flees England, leaving Emma penniless and homeless. She finds work as a companion and years later, she winds up with a fortune. All she lacks now is the children she so desperately desires. That means finding a husband—and she turns to The Black Widow of Whitehall, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, who pairs women touched by scandal with men in desperate need of money.
Upon his father’s death, Marcus becomes the Earl of Rutherford and finds he’s bankrupt, thanks to his father losing the family fortune to poor investments and gambling. Though Marcus had wanted to wed for love, he turns to an infamous matchmaker, who arranges a marriage for him. Lady Emma Spencer is everything he dreamed of in a woman, and Marcus gallantly refuses to discuss her past, telling Emma he is her future.
But secrets have a way of coming out and Marcus learns he’s married to the one woman he never would have chosen.
Can Marcus put aside the ghosts of the past and accept a future with his wife?
My review :
Will her past catch up with her and destroy her future …
What a lovely read this one was, a moving tale of being one’s self, and refusing to let society dictates whom one must be.
From the nightmare’s night Emma learned her father’s sins, she also learned she had became tainted by his deeds when she is innocent of everything. To her now to pay for her father’s felony.
Why she resigned herself to a life of servitude with no other joyous prospect.
When coming in an unexpected inheritance, making her a very wealthy woman, but still marked by her father’s name, she dreams again of a family of own, except who will marry the daughter of a thief.
Marcus thought too he had everything mapped out, to find an agreeable young woman to settle with and produce the next generation. Until his own world comes crashing and he is left with only bills and debts to pay.
Now, the urgency is to find said expected wife, with only one requirement, a heavy dowry.
Why both where caught unaware when on their first meeting, attraction instantly blooms.
As long as both keep silent about their father’s faults, their romance is one of chemistry but patience too.
Yet, reality always comes back like a boomerang, with its hurt and disappointment in its wake.
How I was upset at Marcus, he deserved a bit more groveling and a longer chase. He told her such ugly things, truly disavowing his own words.
4.5 stars for this lovely tale of seing past one’s own grief and forgiveness .
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Marcus, Lord Rutherford is broke. His father died and left him in debt. What property not entailed was sold including all the furnishings, horses and carriage, etc. He needs a rich wife….now. Desperate, he goes to the Black Widow for help. Lady Emma Spencer has inherited money, enough to find a husband, but the scandal of her father’s thievery prohibits her from having a season. Besides she’s too old. So her friend and employer suggests The Black Widow of Whitehall for a match.
Lady Emma Spencer and Marcus Powell, Lord Rutherford are a well made match, or is it. A lie of omission is standing between them. A very emotional and gripping read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.