Don't Wake a Sleeping Lyon
by Sara Adrien

Dr. Alfred Stein, a Jewish doctor, is very good at playing cards. He never loses. To make enough money to buy a house for his business, he makes a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Ada is a nice Jewish girl forced to live in the Silver's house in constant misery and abuse as a lowest of low servant. She must marry or wait until her twenty-fifth birthday to get her trust. She can't wait that long. The only way for her to make enough money to leave the Silver's house is to win playing cards. She never loses. She makes a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Alfred and Ada meet over a game of cards at the Lyon's Den. It's a match of wits and falling in love, but their promises to Mrs. Dove-Lyon prevents their total happiness.
A nice twist to a happy ending. OPEN BEDROOM DOOR!!!

This is another captivating addition to the Lyon's Den Connected World series. Alfred is a doctor, and he dreams of having his own house where he can open up his own practice. In an effort to make his dreams come true, he makes a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon involving cards, as he is very good at playing. Ada is living with her guardian after her father's death. She is treated worse than a servant and is desperate to get away. Her father left her a trust fund she can access after she is married or once she reaches her 25th birthday. She can't wait that long and is desperate to get away sooner. Ada is also looking to make money, and fast. She is also very good at playing cards and makes a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Here again, Mrs. Dove-Lyon uses her ingenious magic to bring two people together.
Another entertaining addition to this series. All the authors always put their unique spin on the story which makes them such a delight to read, and this one was no different. A well-written story with strong and interesting characters - an absolutely enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This Lyon book actually depicts Mrs Dove Lyon as unsure and a bit unscrupulous. I did not enjoy that part. But the test of the book was enjoyable I especially enjoyed the ending. Not so much how Mrs. Dove Lyon was depicted or how the author manipulated her. But I guess she might have needed her just reward for manipulating everyone else.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

A Doctor Meets His Match

Alfred tells Mrs. Dove-Lyon she cannot match him. Will she meet his challenge? Ada and Alfred are Jewish, and the Black Widow of Whitehall is used to making ton matches. However, she is a cunning woman, and there might be a trick or two up her sleeve.

Ada is staying at the house of a man who was a friend of her father's before he died, but now, he and his daughter treat her like a servant. She has money her father left her, but she must marry by a certain age to receive it. Ada hopes Mrs. Dove-Lyon can help.

Ada gambles for the house so that she can get away from where she lives. Alfred gambles for himself so that he can win enough money to open his practice. When he and Ada meet, they don’t realize they follow the same faith. Does Mrs. Dove-Lyon plan this, or does it happen by chance? They certainly find themselves concerned because they might not fulfill their promise to the Black Widow. However, not too many people escape her web. They promised to let her match them according to her whim. What would happen to them in the end? If you like historical romance, you might enjoy this entertaining story like I did.

I did enjoy this book but I felt that in places the storyline was a little sketchy

The plot was ok but it did seem at times that it was thrown together very quickly and it was a bit rushed.

The characters were ok but this wasn’t a book that captured me and it didn’t have a wow factor. I did read the book to the end and whilst it wasn’t one that I clicked with, it may well be that others really enjoy it as we all have different tastes and this is my own personal opinion

It is 3 stars from me for this one

Don’t Wake a Sleeping Lyon by Sara Adrien is a different and very entertaining escapade involving Mrs. Dove-Lyon and the Lyon’s Den. Ada was the daughter of an importer and a friend to Mrs Dove-Lyon (Aunt Bessie) for years before he died. But, he did die and he relied upon a friend to look out for his daughter. He did not. Silver immediately moved her to a servant’s room and gave her servants’ duties. The worst part of the insult is that she is now the maid to his daughter, Charlotte, who was not a wonderful example of young womanhood. Life was not pleasant. But she was counting on Aunt Bessie to break her trust: 25 and of good character or married to an approved man)so she could move away from her horrendous circumstances. One day while Ada was in the park she met a most interesting man: Dr Stein. He treated his patient for free. He argued that he could hardly send bills if he had not office. Ada was taken aback. The deal he had made with Mrs. Dove-Lyon was that he had two weeks longer to secure enough winnings to put a down payment on the office space he wanted, or he would be forced to marry. Someone of her choosing, of course. He was kind of in a panic. But, he really like this young woman he had just met. And when they both discovered that the other was Jewish, well, that made it all perfect.

This is the first time a Jewish couple has met through the Lyon’s Den, although they really didn’t., they both just gambled there. It was not incredibly different than other Lyon’s Den novels. Ada was intelligent and feeling. Alfred had a plan and he had been working that plan until Mrs. Dove-Lyon interfered. He was an excellent young doctor and more than willing to marry, but he preferred to choose his own bride. The circumstances were interesting and the plot simple, but well thought out. It was a fun read. All the romance one could want as well a little spice.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Don’t Wake a Sleeping Lyon by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SaraAdrien #DontWakeASleepingLyon

Ada is an honorary niece to Mrs. Dove-Lyons, who was friends with her father. When Ada's father dies, leaving her at the mercy of her unscrupulous guardian, she knows she needs help accessing her trust. She must marry, which she isn't ready to do, or wait until she is twenty-five, and she can't stand to be stuck as an unpaid servant in the Silvers' household that long. She asks Mrs. Dove-Lyons if she can be a "puffer" (someone who encourages others to gamble) at the Lyon's Den. That way she can earn enough money to live on her own until she gets her trust. Mrs. Dove-Lyons agrees, with the caveat that she pays her a percentage of her winnings. Ada grew up gambling with the men on her father's ships, and hasn't lost a game since she was fourteen.

Alfred is a pediatric doctor who dreams of having his own office on Harley Street. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the money needed for the down payment on the building that just became available. He is good at gambling, so he goes to the Lyon's Den to win the money he needs. After several days of winning against the house, he is called into the presence of Mrs. Dove-Lyons. His plans run counter to what her establishment is known for - making matches. He has no desire for a wife - yet. But she can't have him wreck her reputation. So she strikes a bargain - he has two weeks to win what he needs. If he doesn't, she will find him a suitable match. He lays down a condition of his own - his match must be Jewish, like himself, among other things.

That same night, Alfred and Ada encounter each other at the gambling table. Ada is stunned when she cannot win against him, and he does not win against her. There is something about him that unnerves her, and after a disturbing conversation she hopes to avoid him in the future. But fate has other plans. I loved the incident that brought them together outside the Lyon's Den, and the immediate connection they had. I loved seeing them get to know each other, and as they do, fall in love. I was intrigued by their conversations about their lives and dreams.

There is trouble ahead, because Alfred's future is pledged to Mrs. Dove-Lyons's plans for him. It was interesting to see Alfred and Ada work together to find a way to beat the odds, so that Alfred would get his money and they could be together. They should know that the Black Widow sees and knows all, and she isn't happy when she discovers the deception. The confrontation among them was intense but had a surprising outcome given the circumstances.

Matters become more complicated when Ada gets some disturbing news about her trust. The people she works for are even more terrible than she suspected, and what she finds out is devastating to her plans. I wasn't sure how things would work out in Ada's favor, but the events at the Den's masquerade ball proved that miracles can happen, even in a gambling den.

The ending was great, with Mrs. Dove-Lyons keeping her tradition and reputation undamaged, Alfred and Ada getting what they wanted, and a new player in town when it comes to making Jewish matches.

Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

Dr. Alfred Stein, a Jewish doctor, is very good at playing cards. He never loses. To make enough money to buy a house for his business, he makes a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Ada is a nice Jewish girl forced to live in the Silver's house in constant misery and abuse as a lowest of low servant. She must marry or wait until her twenty-fifth birthday to get her trust. She can't wait that long. The only way for her to make enough money to leave the Silver's house is to win playing cards. She never loses. She makes a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Alfred and Ada meet over a game of cards at the Lyon's Den. It's a match of wits and falling in love, but their promises to Mrs. Dove-Lyon prevents their total happiness.
A nice twist to a happy ending. OPEN BEDROOM DOOR!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

What an interesting twist in Regency Romance. I never realized that Jewish people were shunned in Regency England. It was very enlightening to read some of the traditions they use, especially at the end. I really hurt for Ada and her situation and really wanted to slap Charlotte into next year ( and I am not a violent person!) The writer does an excellent job of developing characters very well. I could feel the angst that Ada went through, especially during one of her episodes! Albert is a lovely man, such a giving soul and so worthy of what he wanted . As always the Black Widow leaves us with the question of did she really know about them or had she brought them together….we may never know! I loved this book , but would have loved to have seen Charlotte’s downfall in the book. Great story and quick read!

When Ada and Alfred meet at the Lyon’s Den, neither is looking for a spouse. Alfred, a doctor, is gambling for money to purchase a building for his practice. Ada has talked Mrs. Dove-Lyon into letting her work as a puffer in the gambling hall. She wants to earn enough money to leave her guardians and fend for herself. They both have deals with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. If they lose their bets, she will find a suitable match for them. Since they are Jewish and must marry in the faith, she will honor that condition. Before the wagers are played out, Alfred and Ada fall in love. The Black Widow is furious, but agrees with their choice with a condition of her own, a nice one. This is another wonderful visit to the Lyon’s Den and the matchmaking of its proprietor. Alfred and Ada are both ambitious caring people and are an excellent fit. The secondary characters are interesting. Alfred’s brother and colleagues are fun and caring people. The Silvers, who are supposed to take care of her are rotten. They have treated her badly and stolen from her, and perhaps more. A wonderful story with a bit of mystery, a sizzling romance, and a happy ending. There is one more perk. Alfred’s brother also finds love at the Lyon’s Den.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Ada must marry soon or else she’ll lose access to the trust money her father left her. Alfred dreams of having his own practice on Harley Street but he doesn’t have the money to get started. Before he finds a way to make a down payment, he loses his heart to a spirited lady gambler.
Another delightful novella in this multi author series & a new author to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it was well written & had strong characters plus it was different as both Alfred & Ada were Jewish & it gave a different perspective to life in London, their journey to a HEA isn't easy but it's very enjoyable
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I was more anxious reading this book than any other in the series. A first Sara Adrian for me, and she is so descriptive with her stories. The MCs were meant for each other, they both needed gambling to get them what they wanted and made deals with Mrs. Dove-Lyon (Aunt Bessie). But they found each other without her help and conspired against her (Aunt Bessie) to stay together. This may be a favorite so far, and it's over 30 books in.

Another fantastic matchmaking romance by Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the most notorious gambling den in London, The Lyon's Den. But this time there is a new twist to her matchmaking, find a Jewish Doctor a Jewish wife. And the good Doctor unknownly challenges Mrs. Dove-Lyon to do just that in Don't Wake a Sleeping Lyon! Sara Adrien has a writing style I thoroughly enjoyed, with interesting characters which kept me reading to the end.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion

Thanks NetGalley for reading another book in this series. I have enjoyed the series very much. Ada's father has died (or rather killed) but she does not have a way to prove what happened. She meets Dr. Stein at the Lyon's Den. He is needing money to get his practice going, either to win it or marry a heiress. Ada is working for the daughter of the man who promised her father he'd see to her welfare and at night as a puffer for Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Ada and the doctor are both Jewish and need to marry someone of their faith. But they meet and fall in love after they made deals with the Widow of Whitehall. How will they get themselves out of this?

Enjoyed the story. Loved Mrs. Dove-Lyon as we see a softer side of her when she relates to Ada. I love how strong Ada is and how she endures after her father’s death. It’s a great love story with Alfred finding Ada and realizing she is what he needs to complete himself. This is a fun read that has a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

The Lyon’s Den series doesn’t disappoint. This tale provides a glimpse into the life of Jewish people in London. The couple fell in love quickly but will incur the Black Widow’s wrath. But their love is strong enough to thwart an embezzler, murderer and placate the powerful matron. Enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

One of the big reasons I love this series so much is that it has introduced me to so many new authors. This was a the case with Sara Adrien - and now I can't wait to read more from her. The vast majority of historical romance novels come from a Christian-centered world which makes it easy to forget how other groups were marginalized during that same time period. Putting the focus on Jewish characters and talking about their experiences was a nice departure from the typical stories we usually get. I really liked Ada as a character and loved that she was the type of person to not sit back and wait to be saved and instead had been taking steps to secure her own future. I would have liked more of a resolution with the Silvers - mostly just a scene with Ada sticking it to Charlotte (I'm petty like that). I was also a little confused about the whole trust/inheritance part, Silvers said he spent all of it but in the end she ended up with quite a large sum. So, was he lying to get her to drop the matter or did Aunt Bessie do something to help Ada with telling her about it? Speaking of Aunt Bessie, I'm a little disappointed that she hadn't thought to match Ada and Albert from the beginning - it was like she was saying Ada wasn't good enough for him. Luckily those two were not going to accept any life other than one that resulted in them being together. The romance here was sweet and I was so glad that Ada was going to have the opportunity to connect with the Jewish community she was obviously missing being a part of. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what happens in the Miracles on Harley Street series!