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.

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.

This is an excellent story of a strong woman who overcomes the hardships inflicted on her, with the support of her staff. It is also the story of a caring and protective man who recognizes her worth even as society has discounted her. I also like the part about sibling and maternal support and the military like strategy to navigate society. Enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

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.

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.

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

I love when a book grips me and guides you on an heart-stopping journey filled with unexpected twists that holds your full attention to the very end and Into the Lyon of Fire does just that!
Abigail Bridges has written a story woven from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, mystery, suspense and love. 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.

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.

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.

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.