Ruthless, wealthy, social outsider Marcus Dandridge has fallen in love. Hard. So hard he’s already attempted to force marriage to Lady Joanna Longford by means of blackmail and failed utterly, gaining the eternal enmity of her brother. Now desperate, Marcus consults his friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den. Lady Joanna Longford, just out and already bored by the conventional gentlemen she’s met, is suddenly intrigued by the darkly handsome Mr. Dandridge.
Another lovely addition to this connected world, although Mrs Dove-Lyons offers advice rather than matchmaking in this book. I loved Marcus who had fallen for Joanna at first sight & he is determined to make her his wife but her brother is equally determined to stop him. I also like Joanna who also fell for Marcus. Their journey to a HEA wasn’t easy but it did make for a very good & enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Debts, Donations, Determination:
Ms. Jaxon is a new author for me and the story had interesting characters. Marcus was awesome in his patience, attraction and determination towards Joanna who was above Marcus in social society. Which caused her brother to make the most friction for a budding romance.
This Lyons Den book was a little off for me. The black widow really didn't take up much of a part of the match making like she usually does.
The story dragged a bit, but the last few chapters brought the romance story together for a very rewarding and passionate wedding night along with a HEA ending.

The Dandy Lyon is next book in The Lyon's Den Connected World series.

This book begins with Marcus Dandridge who is not of ton but has worked his way to become very wealthy. It is not so much that he wants to become one of them, more about that he saw Lady Joanna Longford and felt an instant connection to her unbeknownst to her. He tried to use methods that were not honorable and that failed miserably. It also did not endear him to Joanna's brother who is anxious to get her married and quickly. He consults with Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help, and she offers her advice.

Joanna's brother is a stuffed shirt believing men are born gentlemen by birth. Little does he know that Marcus is a better man than anyone he has ever known. It will be up to Marcus and Joanna to perceiver, if they want to be together.

This was a quick afternoon read. The characters are wonderful, and the story is entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this welcome addition to the series.

The love Marcus has for Joanna is beautiful. He knows when he first sees her that she is the one for him. Unfortunately he is not a member of the ton. He owns gambling clubs. Their story is one of instant attraction and fighting to be able to be together. An enjoyable read!

I loved everything about this story, especially Marcus and Joanna. The attraction is instant but forbidden by her brother and society at that time. I like that they were both strong enough to fight for what they want and not give up. It is a long, hard struggle to finally get their HEA. The story is well written and entertaining. There are some surprises along the way that added to the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a darker Lyon’s Den story than what is normally written and I found myself not liking the MMC character much at first. Marcus is born on the poverty side of society and works hard to make his way to the wealthy side , though hardened and vicious at times. But it is the way he melts into a puddle at the sight of the beauty, Joanna, that turns my emotions around. His suit of her is rejected soundly by her brother-for good reason (in my opinion) but watching him love Joanna from afar is so sigh worthy. What he goes through to win her hand shows his love beyond measure and the climax is definitely not what I expected. The wedding night scene was so precious as Joanna deals with her fear and longing. Their chemistry jumps off the page and I adored how he cared for her, no matter the cost to himself. Watching Joanna’s feistiness deal with her unrelenting brother was a bit of a hoot as well. An enjoyable story, though a bit different from the rest of the series.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.