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.

Can he ignore the simmering attraction?

Retired military surgeon Lieutenant Dean Sampson’s sterling reputation is well known. His first impression of London’s most sought-after modiste is an uncomfortable combination of attraction and irritation. Too busy to settle down, he ignores the attraction. It simmers in his gut.

Madame Aurélie Beaudoine is accustomed to people catering to her every whim. As modiste to incomparables and diamonds of the first water, no one questions her—ever. Her first impression of the lieutenant is irritation—how dare he tell her what to do! The confident physician is too handsome for his own good…and his broad shoulders are distracting.

Her past resurfaces with vicious slander. On the brink of ruin, she enlists the aid of Bessie Dove-Lyon. She needs a husband who is honest, has integrity, and is strong enough to protect her. Will the man who wins her hand agree to a marriage in name only?

Sampson’s good friend Gavin King summons him to Bow Street. The last thing he expects is to be swept up in the turmoil surrounding the independent Frenchwoman. His gut-deep need to protect her has him walking into the Lyon’s Den. He is prepared to bargain with the matchmaker. No man receives preferential treatment from Mrs. Dove-Lyon. If he wants to marry Aurélie, he will have to compete against others. But will he be able to convince the lovely modiste that he wants more than a marriage on paper?

Tropes you'll enjoy:

• Frenemies to lovers
• Retired Military Surgeon
• Hero to the Rescue
• Banned from the Lyon’s Den!
• Vicious Gossip
• Widow with a Dark Past
• Independent Businesswoman
• Heroine in Jeopardy
• Close Proximity
• Second Chances
• Marriage of Convenience