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.

Is love possible when nothing goes according to plan?

Although they do not know each other, Lord Timothy Rydell and Lady Elspeth Westridge have something in common: they are happy with the plans for their lives. Timothy is having a grand time exploring the Americas and working with his cousin in business. Elspeth has settled into her life on the shelf, with her Royal Society lectures and her botanical experiments. Neither is interested in marriage or children.

Abruptly, both their lives are thrown into disarray. Elspeth’s father, frustrated with his daughter’s choices, arranges for her to marry a man more than twice her age, leaving her no other option. Timothy, summoned home by his mother for the king’s coronation, faces a season of marriage-minded mamas enthralled by his new wealth. In desperation, both turn to Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon for help, hoping that the Black Widow of Whitehall can solve their dilemmas—only to discover that she has selected Timothy as one of Elspeth’s marriage prospects.

Mrs. Dove-Lyon arranges three contests for the contenders—Elspeth agrees to marry the winner. But as the games get under way, Elspeth realizes that her heart is opening to the young explorer, and she begins to pray he will win.

Unbeknownst to Elspeth and Timothy, however, another party is manipulating events behind the scenes. And this game has been afoot for an exceptionally long time.

Tropes you'll love:

• Marriage of Convenience
• Matchmaker / Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s matchmaking schemes
• Bluestocking Heroine
• Reluctant Hero / Reluctant Bride
• Forced Proximity / Competitions for Love
• Found Family & Friendship Circles
• Adventure Meets Society Romance