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The Lyon's Pretty Pugilist

A Regency Historical Romance

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Part of The Lyon's Den Connected World

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Pub Date Feb 04 2026 | Archive Date Feb 07 2026


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Description

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.

From the boxing ring to the ballroom, a lady is made and a gentleman is saved.

Female pugilist Josephine Martin dreams of opening a gymnasium to teach woman how to defend themselves. But first, she needs the blunt. The best way to get it would be to become the next champion of the prestigious Duke’s and Dame’s Mill, but first she needs to convince the duke to sponsor her. If only the fretful heir of a destitute earl didn't stick his nose in her business. Now, thanks to him and the mysterious Mrs. Dove-Lyon, she must win an absurd, and implausible bet before she can garner the duke’s attention and make her dreams come true. Except the duke is not the peer she wishes she could win.

Nicolas Wentworth, the heir to the cursed Shiredale Earldom, is given one last chance to settle his father’s gambling debts and save his family from ruin. All he has to do is fulfill the terms of Mrs. Dove-Lyon's deal: turn the beautiful pugilist from a side-show guttersnipe into a lady acceptable to ton standards and present her to his rakish ducal friend at the event of the season. If only the lady he's helped to create for the duke wasn't the lady of his heart.

By working together, they'll achieve their goals. If only that didn't mean they'll end up apart.


Tropes You'll Love:

  • Steamy Regency romance
  • Class difference
  • Pygmalion retelling
  • Scandalous, independent lady
  • Enemies to lovers
  • Female Pugilist
  • Close proximity
  • Aristocratic hero
  • Wager gone wrong
  • He falls first
  • Protective hero
  • Virgin heroine

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...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 01122026TLPP1
PRICE $3.99 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 17 members


Featured Reviews

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Nicolas and his family have lost everything including their townhouse and estate due to his father’s gambling.
He becomes indebted to the Lyon’s Den in order to salvage his estate for his mother and sister.
Josie is a female boxer trying to catch the attention of a Duke to sponsor her in a special match.
Multiple wagers ensue with Bessie Dove-Lyon including the polish Josie needs for the ton.
A fun romp with lots of intricate subtleties and a hot romance.

5 stars
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