This story is suspenseful, sweet and romantic. Danielle is bold, brave and determined. Matthew is smart, caring and amusing. They may have been forced to become betrothed, but what they feel is much different than resentment. I loved the interactions between them and the whole storyline. It's a page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Let's start this review by saying that I have never read the 20 previous books in the series, so a long-time series reader might have different opinions. First, I agree with the other reviewers: this feels like a 300 page book that got cut down. Things happen too fast, without enough build-up and you keep feeling like there were other scenes somewhere that just got cut by a ruthless editor. Second, and I seem to be the only person who has a problem with this: the heroine has _absolutely no agency_ at all in her life. She's bartered for something her brother did, her father has other designs for her, even the hero, who should be advocating for her, really doesn't. Ok, I get that's it's completely historically accurate, but in the era of me too I found this a horrible throw-back to a previous generation of romance novels. Screw history: in a historical romance, the heroine needs to have some say in her life.

Kiss of the Lyon was an ok romance. I wasn't heavily invested in Danielle and Matthew, nor the the situation that required them to engage in a marriage of convenience.

3.5 stars

Not a bad read. Lord Lyon is working for the crown tracking down traitors. He needs to get close to Earl of Haverfiels and chooses to do this through his family. The Black widow at the Lyon's den is a relative so he meets Simon, the heroine's brother. Simon is drunk and gambling recklessly. Danielle has come down in disguise to try and sort out her brother. It's badly done but Danielle ends up betrothed to Matthew. Matthew ends up with Simon's marker. The earl is a nasty peice of work not deserving of compassion and his brother is more lethal. It all resolves itself. I liked how Matthew was a mathematican. I disliked all the Och the No....I got that he was scottish but I didn't need reminding every phrase he utters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.
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Ok, so let me be frank here and tell you why i didn't like the book.
1) the plot wasn't strong: i didn't know what to keep up with, the romance side of the story or the scheming of the lead female's dad and uncle.
2) insta love: they literally started "loving" each other from the first second which was disorienting.
3) the lead female : they kept talking about her fierceness and compassion but i just didn't like her, she was such a bland character.
4) the accent: i cringed every time he called her "lass", it was really bad.
5) the pace: the plot needed a full book not merely a novella, it was so fast paced for my liking.
6) the ending: it wasn't the strongest ending out there, i didn't like how the author just wrapped everything loosely just to give them a happy ending.
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Overall, i really didn't like it.

Simply wonderful. Matthew is such a strong man, not afraid to love. Danielle hss grown up in an unhappy home, but is a woman of worth. Lots goes on! Her brother, her father, her uncle...so much happening! I'm hoping we get Simon and Lucas' stories soon. Enjoy!

Simon Haverford has come to the Lyon’s Den in hopes of winning enough money to keep the family from financial ruin. Simon’s sister Danielle has followed him to the Lyon’s Den to convince him to stop gambling before he loses everything. Lord Matthew Lyon sits down to a card game with Simon, his plan is to find a way to get close to his father, the man he believes to be the traitor he’s looking for. Simon loses, but can’t pay the debt. As part of his payment to Matthew, Mrs. Dove-Lyon insists he become betrothed to Danielle. From this rather tense start comes an exciting story of intrigue and espionage and a pretend romance that might turn into something more.

Matthew Lyon is an absolutely wonderful hero. He is protective, not only of Danielle, but also of Simon, especially when he learns that they are abused by their father. He is a brilliant mathematician, university professor, and sometimes agent for the Crown. Danielle is smart, caring, and brave. Simon has had some missteps, but will do what he can to prevent the treason and restore the family. The Haverfield brothers (father and uncle) are cold and uncaring, as well as disloyal. Danger, suspense, and intrigue wrapped around a lovely romance make this an exciting story that held my attention start to finish. A good read. I recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Can a Game of Chance Lead to Love?

He gambled to catch a spy; he had no idea he would win a bride, too. Could a game of chance lead to love? Matthew is in a tough position. He is falling in love with Danielle, but he must expose her father as a spy against the crown. What happens when he uncovers the plot? Could he keep his bride? This is a delightful story. I loved it and would recommend it to those who enjoy Regency romance stories with spies, intrigue, and suspense.

Kiss of the Lyon, is a nice read with a good plot, though I think it suffers a bit because it's quite short. This plot needed at least a couple hundred more pages (e-pages) to do it justice, I think. It's part of a series, though it stands alone just fine; at least it did for me as this was my first one in the series and by this author.

Danielle first meets Matthew at a gambling hell, where she's trying to save her brother Simon from gambling his way into a bad spot. Unfortunately, Simon ends up gambling himself into a bad spot anyway, indebting himself to Matthew, who then offers to cancel the debt in exchange for Danielle's hand in marriage. Matthew, for his part, more or less engineered the win so he could embed himself in with the family; working for the Crown, he suspects Danielle and Simon's father of treason.

Almost immediately, Matthew find himself completely in Danielle's thrall. How can he catch her treasonous father without ruining her reputation? Oh, and without making her hate him?

It's actually a fun plot, but it would have been better if Danielle and Matthew had met once or twice before the whole "I'll marry you in exchange for cancelling your brother's debt" thing. I also think that both the treason issue and the "will she forgive me" thing resolved too easily.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

I have loved the Lyon's Den series and this book doesn't disappoint. Matthew is set on finding a traitor, he just doesn't plan on finding love at the same time. After winning Danielle's agreement to a betrothal in exchange for the debt her beloved brother has racked up, it puts him one step closer to his agenda. However spending time with Danielle causes both to lose their hearts as well.

Meara Platt has given us another delightful Lyon's Den story with some wonderful twists and turns. This time the H is a distant relation of the Black Widow of Whitehall who happens to be a Mathematics Professor in Edinburgh, and also works occasionally for the Crown. He is honorable and knows how to handle any situation. When he finds himself engaged to Lady Danielle Haverfield through Mrs. Dove-Lyon's efforts, he is very protective of Danielle.

I also enjoyed reading about Danielle's brother, Simon, and I hope he has his own HEA story some day.

I highly recommend reading.

Shenanigans at the Lyon's Den and this time with Matthew Lyon, a swoon worthy Scot, who is a mathematics professor (yes, yes he is...) but also an agent of the crown. Must I say more? Well it I must.. he is sweet, protective and seemed to fall right into love with our heroine, Danielle.. "Ye're the loveliest lass I've ever set set eyes upon, and I want ye." Sigh

But all was not as it seemed. Matthew was out to expose Danielle's father as a traitor to the crown and by asking her to marry him, in order to forgive her brother's gambling debt to him (yes Mrs Dove Lyon was involved) it would work to his advantage.

You never know though, when pretense becomes reality and loves winds it's way around the heart, there is also the wonderful Kiss of the Lyon that will never be forgotten! Sigh.

Matthew has been given an assignment by the Crown. He is to follow Danielle and Simon Haverfield and befriend them in order to find a traitor or maybe two. An opportunity presents itself almost immediately. As Simon loses to him at the gaming tables, Danielle must agree to marry Matthew. However, he doesn’t realize that she is his future, in life and love.
As he and Simon began the process of following Simon’s father and uncle, he admits to Simon that he is in love with Danny and will marry her-no matter what happens to the family.
But carefully made plans never seemed to go smoothly and theirs follow suit. Danielle is the focus of the plot, either her father agrees or she dies. But Danny learns of his betrayal-he only became close to her in order to arrest her father. She believes that he never cared for her.
As Matthew protects the Crown from traitors, can he eventually win his love’s heart?

The luck of the draw leaves Lady Danielle Haverfield betrothed to Lord Matthew Lyon. This is one of the best books in this series. Things aren’t always as they seem when the crown is involved. Can Matthew figure out the right equation to save his love and his life. Incredible writing and a perfect couple, what more can you ask for in a book? An exciting story full of intrigue and love.

Scottish Professor of mathematics and secret agent for the crown Lord Matthew Lyon is often called upon because of his mathematical brilliance. He ends up in a high stakes poker game and he’s rewarded with a new betrothal. Lady Danielle Haverfield, daughter of the Earl of Haverfield has gone to the Lyon’s Club to save her brother from ruining his life, but they end up entangled unknowingly in a Crown investigation into the their father’s activities of treason. Matthew hates lying to Danielle and her brother, but it’s the only way to keep her safe. Danielle is outraged to be forced to marry, but she’ll do anything to protect her brother. She’s been protecting him her whole life from their father. Matthew is drawn to the fiery lass, she’s beautiful loyal and protective of her family. Will there found love survive the betrayal and lies, will they all work together to bring the person behind the treason to justice and save the Haverfield name and reputation. I love them together it was a great story and one I have voluntarily read and reviewed.

Lady Danielle Haverfield has a terrible brother, and she cannot figure out what has changed his character so much. He just stole her brooch and went to the Lyon’s Den to gamble. After her mother died, she saved some of her wigs and dressed herself up hoping to hide her real identity. Off to the Lyon’s Den to discover her brother gambling and hoping she could rescue her brooch before he lost it. But her brother lost at his game of cards and to a man by the name of Lord Matthew Lyon. He just happens to be a university professor and has an inscrutable skill in math and science. Not only that, but he is also a distant relation to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. But could there be a deeper reason that he won the card game against Lady Danielle’s brother? The characters are very well defined, the plot is keeps you on your toes and is full of surprises. I enjoyed reading the Kiss of the Lyon and would recommend it to anyone that loves historical romance.

Kiss of the Lyon by Meara Platt is the latest Lyon's Den Connected World tome based on Matthew Lyon, a mathematics profess and sometime spy for the Crown and his attempt to take down men who are selling secrets to the enemy, in this case, Lord Haverfield. It was his goal to get friendly with the man's children, in this case his son, Simon, who he followed to the Lyon's Den and watched sink deeper into his cups and into debt. Then, Simon's sister arrived, and Matthew was smitten, even in the outrageous ensemble in which she was adorned. Matthew now help Simons marker for 10,000 pounds. Upon meeting in Mrs. Dove-Lyon's office to discuss the debt, it was determined that Matthew would sully Lady Daniella's name in order to force her father to agree to a betrothal, furthering Matthew's goal of ensconcing himself with the family, and keep Simon whole and alive. Nothing is ever simple.

Matthew had intended this to be a one-night affair. He had had no intention of falling in love, but fall in love he did. As the honorable man he was there was no choice but to make the betrothal real, and marry the girl. The love and warmth emanating from the man is palpable. She is one lucky woman. It was a good novel, full of interesting characters; ones who wanted to do the right thing. Mrs. Dove-Lyon did well again. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Kiss of the Lyon by Dragonblade through Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #kissofthelyon

Will his new assignment lead to a happy ending or some heartache...

While it is marked as a novella, at no moment did it fall short. This fun addition to the series is packed with romance, an alpha hero, a sweet lady and some actions.
While it begins as a romantic suspense, with the storyline mostly focused on Mathew’s investigation. At half mark, the romance part takes a new leaf, Danielle coming in the light as more than the hero’s romantic interest.
Matthew is a kind, caring and very clever fellow, why he finds himself in many assignations to help the crown. And while his new appointment is not different than his previous ones, he did not expect to fall for his prey’s daughter. Why he is torn between his heart and his duty. Fearing one will interfere with the other.
I thought very chivalrous of him to try to keep the heroine family’s name out of harm way when her father was a scheming careless unfeeling brute and did not deserve any redeeming.
Danielle while just a shadow at the beginning, shows a streak of stubbornness and strength when she refuses to stay in the background when Matthew and her brother fight for her safety. And even if she is no warrior, she does not fall apart when she understands in which dire straits are her relatives.
In all it is an entertaining read with sweet and loving characters and a villain who deserved no clemency.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 one onscreen detailed lovemaking scene.

On a last note, I loved the reference to Lily Farthingales.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I have been privileged to read most of the books in this series and the one thing that stands out for me is that all the stories are initiated as a result of unfortunate circumstances but without exception end on a wonderfully happy note. Despite Mrs. Dove-Lyon's sway in society and the fear that she engenders, somewhere deep inside she has a good heart and an eye for the perfect match. Lord Matthew Lyon is a university professor who has an uncanny ability with mathematics and science that takes him into the world of spies and espionage. Winning at a game of cards means that he not only achieves his initial goal, but he also wins the hand of Miss Danielle Haverfield, a young lady with a caring heart who has been unmercifully disciplined by her father. If for no other reason, Matthew will do whatever is necessary to take her out of his lordship's sphere. I love the main characters in this novel, Matthew with his protective nature and ability to love, Danielle with her loyalty to her brother, and Simon, who despite his errors, is in fact a caring and ethical brother, who will take the ultimate step to prevent a crime being carried out. The plot of this novel is suspenseful and yet deeply romantic as Matthew struggles to come to a compromise that will save the woman he loves from scorn. The story is well written and although fairly short, has an excellent plot that kept my interest throughout. As with all other stories in this series, this one closes on a happy note, leaving everyone with a smile on their faces, except of course the rotten apple in the family barrel. I received a copy of this novella as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This Series keeps getting better and better! Author Meara Platt has hopefully chalked up another successful pairing by the infamous Black Widow Bessie Lyons Of the Lyon’s Den between her own nephew, Lord Matthew Lyon and Lady Danielle Haverfield.

Matthew believes that he is there to befriend Lady Danielles brother, but things go awry and he ends up being betrothed to Danielle. The Crown believes her father is involved with a group committing a plot of treason against the country. When things start to go downhill they certainly take a landslide for this couple.

The author takes a serious topic, but adds in loyalty of family, love, and honor to come up with a winner of a book! I definitely would recommend this book because of the humor with the first-rate characters and the exceptional storyline ties it all together!

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.