This has been such an entertaining series to read, and this latest addition is no different. Add to that, the fact that this installment is written by one of my favorite authors, this is a win-win situation! When Serafina became a widow, it should have freed her to live her life peacefully with her children. But her brother-in-law is a vile man and takes possession of her children and tells anyone who will listen that she is a loose woman. Desperate to get her children back, Serafina turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. She agrees to help, but Serafina will owe her a favor, when the time comes.
Lord Lancelot is a reputable gentleman, but he finds himself in debt to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Always one to pay his debts, he pays a visit to her to settle the debt, but she has another payment method in mind. She asks him to escort Serafina into her re-entry into Society. He is not too happy to be seen with Serafina, due to her reputation, but once he spends time with her and gets to know her, he realizes she is not the woman he suspected her to be.
This is yet another lovely addition to the series. The characters were well-developed and interesting, and I enjoyed getting to know them. As always, Ms. Knight has penned an enjoyable and entertaining read!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The Talons of a lyon
By Jude Knight

I have always enjoyed ALL of the Lyon's Den Connected World Stories, and the amazing authors who write them. Jude Knight is a wonderful addition abd having Bessie, The Black Widow Whitehall, asking for a future promise of help or asking for an unspecified favor in the future instead of money payment is a great addition.
This is a well written romantic story. Characters were well-developed. I enjoyed how smart Serafina's girls were, and that they were able to rebel in their own way against Serafina's nasty brother-in-law. Good triumped over the wrong against Serafina thanks to the romantic knight of Lance, Lord Versey

Who doesn't need a knight in shining armour?! And boy does Jude Knight deliver. Vile villains that terrorize our heroine (who has a backbone of steel but is a woman in a male dominated era). Enter our hero who is ONLY helping her back into society and take back what is rightfully hers (sorry, you'll have to read the story to find out what that is. wink,wink). Of course those are the famous last words ... "only helping". Grab your copy, a few hankies and sit back to enjoy this delightful 5+ star read.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this e-novella, and this is my freely given opinion.

This is another short story related to the Lyon's Den world, where the mysterious Mrs. Dove Lyon manipulates another match through her gaming hell.

Serafina, Lady Frogmore is a widow truly ill-used. She was married off to a middle aged baron to save his impoverished estates, as a young girl, by her wealthy merchant father, who essentially sold her off to get a title in the family. After several years of being hidden away in the country while her husband enjoyed his new wealth in London, while taking care of the estate, and having his three children, she is suddenly widowed. Her father looked out for her and her children's interests by setting up trusts to ensure their wealth was protected and looked after. But he had passed on and the trustees set up were men who were easily cozened by her deceptive and manipulative in-laws. Because her husband had painted her as a coarse, uneducated woman, and Society never got a chance to know her as she was hidden in the country, it was easy for the trustees to believe the lies her in-laws spread, and she was literally tossed off of her home, and her children wrested away from her. Her monies, property, and children were taken from her and put into the care of her brother in law and his wife, who proceeded to control everything, in order to gain control of the monies.

Serafina goes off to London to try to gain back custody, but getting a good solicitor costs money, and she needs to repair her reputation. In desperation, she goes to the Black Widow, and strikes a bargain.

Lancelot Vesey is a younger son of a ducal family, and has a spotless reputation as a perfect gentleman, from a perfect Society family that wields a lot of social clout. He had made the error months prior of wagering against Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and lost, owing her a favour. For Serafina to repair her reputation and gain some social clout of her own, he is drawn in to be her escort, and entree into Society. Initially he is put off by her, knowing only the lies and rumours, but soon enough realizes that she is not as her family painted her, and draws on his family resources to help the poor woman.

This is a rather sweet, slow romance, where the more interesting story, to me anyways, is the fight that Serafina has against her evil in-laws, to gain back her children. I enjoyed reading about Serafina and her David vs. Goliath fight against the patriarchy who was too willing to believe the lies about a poor woman. Otherwise, it felt like the romance took a back seat to the family drama, and despite the fact that his name was Lancelot, the MMC was the romantic hero, and helped set things in motion, but it was all about the family.

Cute romance, good family drama where good trumps evil, and a family gets reunited in the end.

3.5 stars out of 5

Lovely Regency Romance

Mrs. Dove-Lyon, also known as the Black Widow of Whitehall, is a mysterious woman. Some might consider her licentious. She does own a gaming hell, after all. However, she has brought many couples together—couples that might have otherwise found it difficult to find one another.

In this story, we have a woman, persecuted by her brother-in-law. When her husband died, he threw her out of the house and took away her children. She had no one to stand with her, until Mrs. Dove-Lyon introduced her to Lance. With her reputation in tatters, Lance was not sure he could or should help her. However, he owed the Black Widow of Whitehall a debt, and he was obligated to help. When he got to know Serafina, he wanted to be her champion. Soon, his entire family stood with her. A friendless woman suddenly found justice, with love and friendship on her side. This story was delightful, especially because wrong did not prevail. How did love and justice win the day? The evil brother-in-law had all sorts of evidence, untrue though it might have been against Serafina. He also found a way to get people to his side. For the answers, you might want to read this delightfully entertaining tale.

I have always enjoyed ALL of the Lyon's Den Connected World Stories, and the amazing authors who write them. Having Bessie, The Black Widow Whitehall, asking for a future promise of help or asking for an unspecified favor in the future instead of money payment is a great addition.
This is a well written romantic story. Characters were well-developed. I enjoyed how smart Serafina's girls were, and that they were able to rebel in their own way against Serafina's nasty brother-in-law. Good triumped over the wrong against Serafina thanks to the romantic knight of Lance, Lord Versey.

The Talons of a Lyon by Jude Knight is a wonderful addition to the Lyons Den Series. Lance & Seraphina meet by the design of Mrs. Dove Lyon. Seraphina's life is turned upside down by her brother-in-law. She goes to Mrs. Dove Lyon for help. She offers a favor to be filled by her at the ladys request. Through the help of Lance Versey she improves her situation.

Thank you NetGalley. Lord Lance has lost a bet to Mrs Dove Lyon and has to pay up when she asks for a favor. He is a perfect gentleman and his reputation is impeccable. Though he has his moments his family and the ton does not know about.
Mrs. Frogmore who is widowed has had her brother-in-law kick her out of her home, took her trust and her children left her with only her widow clothing to take with her. He was not in his brother's will because he didn't trust him. But now he has spread vicious lies about her that until she can prove they aren't true she cannot right all the wrongs done to her and her children.
Mrs. Dove Lyon request that he help her show how respectable she is. He ask the help of his family which As Lance helps her he finds out what a truly lovely person she is and falls in love with her. Her children know him from coming to the park with their mother to watch them each day. When he kidnaps them they are not worried at all. The happy ever after is there for all of the family but how they get there is the interesting part'

Terrific book with a sympathetic heroine and a fantastic hero who thinks he's anything but. The story opens with our introduction to Lord Lancelot, who has made a name for himself as "the perfect gentleman." He doesn't do anything to excess (other than occasionally drinking too much), makes nice with the ladies, dances with wallflowers, keeps his word, etc. His one fall from grace led to him losing a bet to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, resulting in him owing her a favor she could call in at any time.

Next, we meet Seraphina Frogmore. Her much-older husband had died a few months earlier, freeing her from his neglect and unfaithfulness. Unfortunately, her horrible brother-in-law swooped in, took custody of her three children, and threw her out of her home. He then told all of Society that she was a crude, vulgar shopkeeper's daughter with loose morals. She is reduced to living n a cheap boarding house, mending clothes to make enough money for food, and watching her children walk in the park from a spot hidden in the bushes. Desperate to find a way to restore her reputation and regain custody of her children, she goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. She, too, will owe the lady a future favor.

After speaking with Seraphina, Mrs. Dove-Lyon calls in her favor from Lance. She wants him to introduce Seraphina into Society, escorting her to events and showing that she isn't the monster her BIL has portrayed her to be. Lance isn't too happy, but a promise is a promise, and he arranges to meet Seraphina in the park. He witnesses her heartbreak there as she watches her children and suspects the rumors are wrong. I loved how he apologized for his initial judgment, showed a willingness to listen to her story, and realized he would need help.

Lance immediately took her to see his sister Elaine, Viscountess Barker. After some awkwardness, Elaine was entirely on board with helping and bolstered by her husband when he arrived. I loved how Barker already knew the truth about Seraphina and added several good ideas to the process. I loved seeing the entire Versey family take Seraphina into their hearts, determined to help her achieve her goal.

The redemption process got off to a fantastic start with the gang's attendance at the opera. Seraphina's nerves were relatable and fortunately calmed by Lance's presence. Having such a well-respected family at her back made Seraphina's entry into Society almost trouble-free. The only downside was the appearance of her BIL Marcus. I laughed out loud at seeing him so thoroughly vanquished. The campaign continued with a visit to the trustees of her husband's estate, accompanied by the duke, the viscount, Lance, and Seraphina's chaperone. I cheered to see the duke eviscerate the trustees. I loved watching the progress of restoring Seraphina's good name, finishing with an outstanding depiction of the custody hearing.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Lance and Seraphina develop. Neither has any interest in marriage, but there is no denying the sparks of attraction that flare between them - though it took Seraphina a little while to figure out that's what she felt. Lance was amusing with his frequent reminders that he was NOT developing feelings for her, though he fell for her quickly. Seraphina thought about Lance all the time but believed he was way out of her league. He won my heart with his attention and support, especially when he acted regarding the children. I felt terrible for him when he muffed his declaration - twice! - and cheered when he finally got it right. He had to fight past Seraphina's insecurities, but the ending was worth it.

I adored Seraphina's children. We only get glimpses of them at the beginning of the book, but they get a more significant role later. I loved the interactions between the children and Lance, who is completely charmed by them. I loved getting their take on events.

Lance's family was wonderful. Their complete support of Seraphina was heartwarming, and I loved how she blossomed under their care. I enjoyed seeing how their opinions of Lance changed throughout the book as they saw the hero in him emerge.

The Talons of a Lyon by Jude Knight is embracing a new trope for the Lyons Den: instead of paying Mrs. Dove-Lyon, one agrees to one favor, her choice, sometime in the future. A lovely take-off on the Frog Prince wherein the favor promised by Lord Lancelot Versey is to help Lady Frogmore, a lady with a very bad reputation, regain her reputation and fortune, her place in the ton, and her children. It doesn’t take too long for him to discover that what is being said about her is untrue. And he knows just who can help him fight back: his family, starting with his sister, Elaine. It doesn’t take long before she has the entire family involved. Appearing in the duke’s party and on the arm of a duke goes a long way to restoring her place. Then there is the behavior of her brother-in-law, who doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut. Appearing before a magistrate, it is helpful to have a duke on your side, not to mention being certain liar’s lies are believable. They were not.

Lance gets sucked right into this who project. He falls in love almost immediately. He has been the family bad boy, but Seraphina Frogmore sees him as a hero. Soon his family seems him that way as well. Good characters, especially Seraphina’s daughters who had seen her the entire time she was watching them. They recognized Lance as the man that drove her past them so she could see into the baby carriage. They both had plenty of personality. They were fun. Seraphina won this battle, but one was left wondering how many other woman had lost similar battles in this time of male dominance. Good characters, good story. Fun personalities.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Talons of a Lyon by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JudeKnight #TheTalonsOfALyon

She needs a Knight in shining armor and it seems she might just have found one with Lancelot (sigh)

When Lady Seraphina finds her children taken away by her deceased husband's brother, she is desperate to get them back.. She goes to Mrs. Dove Lyon at the Lyon's Den for help. Of course one stipulation if granting a favor to Mrs Lyon whenever she is asked.

Lord Lancelot finds himself in the debt of that same lady and is paired with Seraphina. As he spends time with her and sees her predicament, he grows in his affection.

Another wonderful addition to this fun series as only Jude can write!!

Having to watch her children in secret, hiding behind bushes in the park, Seraphina, Lady Frogmore finally turns to Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon. Mrs. Dove-Lyon agrees to help Seraphina in return for a favor, of her choice and time of choosing. Lord Lancelot Versey tries to be a gentleman, and most of the time succeeds, but he had a bad moment and as a consequence owes Mr. Dove-Lyon a favor. His task is to reestablish Seraphina in Society so that she has a better chance of regaining custody of her children. Her unscrupulous brother-in-law has taken the children, tossed their mother out, and slandered her reputation. This won’t be easy. Lance is not only handsome and upright; he is also smart and has some powerful, and familiar, friends. His friends and family soon surround Seraphina with support. Will it be enough? This is a beautifully written story full of emotion, courage, and love, in which the knight wins his lady (and more) and a couple of vile villains get what’s coming to them. And as Lance and Seraphina move toward their happily ever after, Mrs. Dove-Lyon calls in Seraphina’s favor. What is it? That’s a story for another day. Great story!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Well-written and emotive with a romantic knight in shining armor, this novel had me rooting for Lady Seraphina Frogmore as she pined and watched over her children from a distance. Sir Lancelot prides himself on his good reputation and one slip was all it took for Bessie Dove-Lyon to capitalize on it and extract a promise from him. When the day of reckoning comes, Lancelot is skeptical at first, until he sees Seraphina hiding in the bushes to catch a glimpse of her precious children. Being fond of his own nieces and nephews, Lancelot knows exactly who can best give the distraught lady the help she needs. As always The Black Widow of Whitehall has the answers every person needs, and Seraphina and Lancelot gain far more than they originally bargained for. I received a copy of this beautiful love story as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Mrs Dove-Lyon is at it again but this time the cost of her services is a favor when she asks for it. What will the favor be and will it effect Seraphina and Lance's relationship? Jude Knight has filled her story with unexpected twists that holds your full attention to the very end, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their tale, a story that is well-written, and a enjoyable plot.

The death of Lady Frogmore’s neglectful and disloyal husband should have been a relief. But then her nasty brother-in-law seizes her three children and turns her out, telling the whole of Society that she is a crude, vulgar, and loose woman. Without allies or friends, Serafina, Lady Frogmore, turns to Mrs. Dove Lyon, also known as the Black Widow of Whitehall for help, paying her by promising to perform an unspecified favour at a time of the Mrs. Dove Lyon’s choice. Lance Versey also owes Mrs. Dove Lyon a favour after losing a wager & she asks that he escorts a notorious widow into Society. But Lady Frogmore is not what he expects, and helping her becomes a quest worthy of the knight for whom he was named.
Another lovely addition to the series & an engrossing read. The characters have depth whether you love them or hate them, the pace flows effortlessly & it’s a wonderful romance. I loved Serfina & my heart ached for her & all she'd suffered. Lance was a delight & a true hero. I loved their journey to a HEA. However it was the secondary characters who made this something special. Lance’s family were supportive & loving & rallied round Serafina, a highlight of the book was Percy's annihilation of the trustees – priceless also characters from some of the author’s other books made cameo appearances including Anthony, one of my all time favourite characters
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is only my second book by Jude. She has such a way with words! I haven't read her previous books containing this family but did not feel lost. What a wonderful retelling of the princess and the frog. Wonderful depiction and characters. This was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon , or two,, reading.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

More adventurous dealings at the dwelling of Bessie Dove Lyon, and more games to play in the hope of acquiring a bride.

One of my favourite series, this is a very good read by Jude Knight, one that gives you all you favourite characters and more besides.

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

Sent from my iPhone

Once again we enter the world of Mrs. Dove-Lyon and her machinations to solve problems and bring couples together. This time Seraphina, Lady Frogmore, has a plan to hopefully gain custody of her children, taken by her nasty brother-in-law spreading nasty lies. She goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. Lord Lancelot Versey is considered a perfect gentleman. He finds himself owing a debt to Mrs. Dove-Lyon and he always pays his debts. His is to escort Lady Frogmore to society events to disprove the nasty rumors and help gain custody of her children. Lance and his family give their full support, but to her, Lance is her hero. Yet, there is still the debt Seraphina owes Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Always a pleasure to read another book in the Lyon's Den series.
Kisses and some descriptive pleasure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This is a great story that has well developed characters and is entertaining throughout although it does have it's sad parts with Seraphina being treated so poorly by all and the sadness of loosing her children. The payment Mrs Dove Lyon asks is very mild however compared to some story's. Well worth reading in my opinion. I received a free advanced copy of this book and are voluntarily leaving a review.

Emotional Tender Read

So much emotion and a real to life situation that Mrs Dove Lyon gets involved with to right the wrongs that had been dealt to Serafina, Lady Frogmore.

It just goes to prove how some people are bullies and thieves in every walk of life and every woman needs a hero. In this storyline the author gives us Lord Lancelot Versey who comes to Serafina’s rescues with the help of Mrs Dove Lyon.

You just have to read this wonderful storyline with wonderful characters but be prepared for tears and a wonderful HEA.

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