The Lyon Who Loved Me: The Lyon's Den Connected World

by Tracy Sumner


Left at the altar, arranged marriage gone wrong, and connections to the underworld – a perfect match
This was a unique take on the Lyon’s Den connected world series – and I’ll add that all authors’ unique takes make this an interesting series. I love the different ‘sides’ of Bessie Dove-Lyon we see. In this case, her matchmaking is not successful, or is it. You have to read this series. I have read so many of the Lyon's Den. You will love Bessie. Tracy Sumner is such a good writer I have read so many of her books and a few of the Lyon's

The Lyon who loved me by Tracy Sumner

Another visit to The Lyons Den and Mrs Dove-Lyon. Her intended match is her Nephew Griffin , Viscount Kent and Willamina. He needs money to save his estate and she is as successful businesswoman needs a husband to attract more reputable clients. A wedding is set but Griffin is surprisingly missing not by his choice ! He eventually visit Willie months later and he is fighting for his life. They agree to try again but griffin must work hard to convince her to forgive him. It’s a great read especially when the sparks fly between the two strong willed people. They do still have Mrs Dove-Lyon’s intervention to help them along. I do really end a Lyons Den novel they rarely disappoint.

Tracy did it again, she made a book so good and so captivating that had me so completely under her power, it was completely good.

This story had a big twist to the usual Lyon's Den stories. For the first time, one of Bessie's grooms failed to show up for his marriage. Unbeknownst to the bride and Bessie, the groom was tied to a chair at the time of the wedding.
Miss Wilhelmina Wright was the bride. She had inherited a racing enterprise, and needs a man willing to run the operation. Bessie's nephew is the groom. When Griffin is hurt, Bessie calls on Wilhelmina for help.
These are two great characters. Griffin works to rebuild his fortunes, and Mina has work that she enjoys doing.
This is a great addition to the Lyon's Den series.

Another great addition to the Lyons collection. Not quite like the others but a wonderful, steamy, short read.

Such a cute historical romance! I always like more a female main character that wants something more of life than having children. This woman has a job even if it's not well seen by others... including her future husband. Other thing I loved about this book is that the Viscount hates his title, I don't think I ever read a book in which that condition was openly talked about. I would love to read more from you.

I really enjoyed this installment in the Lyon's Den world! I'm always a little leery of these series books where they could intertwine with books from other authors but I think I'm going to give some other new to me authors a try this way!

No surprise here that this was just a wonderfully written story with minimal angst and a happy ending!

Thank you for the early review copy!

Mrs. Dove-Lyon strikes again in this latest addition to the Lyon's Den Connected World series. This time she has arranged a match between her nephew, Griffin (Viscount Kent) and Wilhelmina. Griffin is in need of money to save his estate from falling into debt. Wilhelmina is a savvy businesswoman, but she needs a husband to help her draw in more reputable clients. Mrs. Dove-Lyon arranges their marriage, but when Griffin doesn't show for the wedding, Wilhelmina isn't surprised. After all, once a rake always a rake, right? Well, he may have been known as a rake, but missing the wedding wasn't his choice, and when he resurfaces months later, Wilhelmina is not quick to forgive, but a little help from Mrs. Dove-Lyon might just do the trick.
With an entertaining storyline and interesting characters, this was another wonderful addition to the series! Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

“Willie, I want you more than I’ve wanted anyone. And the kicker is, I like you. Respect you. I think you’re the cleverest woman in England. A treasure I’ve uncovered all on my own.


“Then let’s go begin the weak-kneed wager you mentioned. Delve into my treasure box, please.”
Well allllrighty then!!! Treasure box indeed!!! Look here…Tracy Sumner can write her ass, her front AND her sides off. And she proved yet again with The Lyon Who Loved Me, her latest novella, why she is one of my favorite authors. Whether writing a novella or a full length Regency, Southern or Victorian Romance, her heroines and heros are the absolute best and Griffin Alastair Beckett, fifth Viscount Kent has quickly become one of my favorite leading men. Y’all he’s a snack, a full-course meal and dessert…he’s a full on smorgasbord! Almost everything about him is perfect. He’s charming, protective, witty, handsome…tall…and unfortunately broke. In need of funds to restore his ailing estate, Griff has decided a marriage of convenience with a quiet and unassuming bride is the perfect solution to his dilemma, and he has his sights set on Miss Wilhelmina Wright.



Miss Wilhelmina Wright has decided that she needs a man. Not because she’s wants one..or is weak or anything like that but because she needs him to take the reins of the business she inherited from her father so that she can pursue more lively and fulfilling enterprises. With a head for numbers, a fiery spirit and a wit to match, Willie turns out to be more than what Griff has bargained for, landing the almost couple in one scrape after the other. But what started out as a spark when they met quickly turns into a forest fire…one that can't be extinguished or contained.


The Lyon Who Loved Me is such a fun and fabulous read. I'd be lyon (see what I did there) if I said I didn't love this book…cause I really really do!The dialogue is witty, the characters unforgettable and there's even an appearance by one of the Leighton Cluster members. Because of this…I found myself rereading for the umpteenth time, the Brazen Bluestocking…as I'm sure you'll do too!

The Lyon Who Loved Me by author Tracy Sumner is an enjoyable short steamy read that will leave you satisfied. The story of Griffin and his "almost wife" Mina is unique, flowed well and is a treat for it's readers. I also enjoyed the appearance of a young Tobias Streeter. Those who are fans of Sumner's Duchess Society Series will know who I'm referring to:)

I received an E-Arc from the author & Dragon Blade Publishing via NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

I love Tracy Sumner! Her writing is always great and just pulls you in.

I loved how Willie and Griffin got a "second chance". Griffin had to work for her forgiveness and then they worked together to build something very special.

It's always a pleasure to go to the Lyon's Den with Bessie Dove-Lyon!

Fast-paced with some suspense, this romance brings two people back together, in spite of Bessie Dove-Lyon's annoyance with them. When Viscount Kent failed to turn up on his wedding day, Wilhelmina dusted her hands off and refused to entertain further thoughts of him. Being a strong-willed woman with a successful enterprise of her own, she needed a husband who would accommodate her somewhat shady dealings and who would give her the protection of his name. When the remorseful Viscount Kent lands up in her office, very much the worse for wear and fighting for his life, she has the Black Widow of Whitehall to thank for the intrusion. Fortunately, Griffin does recover and the attraction that was missing at their first meeting suddenly flares up and almost consumes them. By this time, Griffin is fully aware of Wilhelmina's activities and he is surprised to realize just how protective he has become of her. Naturally, with two strong-willed people, there are hiccoughs along the way, and once again Bessie Dove-Lyon has to initiate an intervention. The novel comes to a happy conclusion, leaving one smiling and pleased with the outcome. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Accidentally Jilted

In this entertaining story, Wilhelmina found herself left at the altar. You see, someone kidnapped the groom, so he could not be present at his own wedding. Mrs. Dove-Lyon made many matches, and Griffin was the first groom she matched to jilt his bride at the altar. He was her husband’s nephew, too. Could the relationship be salvaged? It just might take a miracle. Who kidnapped Griffin, and why? Griffin would have much groveling to do, and Willie wanted to resist. How would it all end? I enjoyed this entertaining story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.

Tracy Sumner’s addition to the Lyon’s Den Connected World series, The Lyon Who Loved Me, is a short novel following Wilhemina (Mina) Wright and Viscount Griffin Beckett, Lord Kent. Mina is an heiress who now owns her father's horseracing business, and she’s viewed by society as a low-born hoyden. She wants a husband to manage her father’s business and provide a title for her to hide behind so she can run her secret investigative business, her true passion. She enlists the help of matchmaker the Black Widow, Bessie Dove-Lyon, who also happens to be Griffin’s aunt. The story opens with an angry and disappointed Mina after she’s been abandoned on her wedding day. We find out the Griffin has been kidnapped and forced to work for some Rookery “businessmen”. The couple meets again months later, and this is where the main story picks up.

The story that starts as a marriage of convenience, with some instalust thrown in, turns into a sort-of-enemies to lovers. I always like Tracy Sumner’s writing style and the dialogue she writes, which were all great here. What didn’t work for me in this story, was the contemporary feel of the plot and characters. I also found the story didn’t develop the growing love between Griffin and Mina in a believable way; there was quite a bit of telling without showing. I didn’t feel much of an emotional investment while I was reading as a result. This book might work better for others, but it just didn’t for me.

Wilhelmina Wright isn't surprised her groom didn't show up for the wedding. Can a rake really change his ways? Mrs. Dove-Lyon arranged this marriage and isn't known for making mistakes. Griffin Beckett, Viscount Kent, hadn't planned on missing his wedding. Tied up and kidnapped by Jimmie Brown to account for his brother's debt, he didn't have a choice. Eight months later, he gets his chance to apologize. Willie isn't ready to forgive and forget. Griffin's protection, seduction and a little help from Mrs Dove-Lyon might just work for a second chance. A favorite series and a favorite author. Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

What an adorable part of the Lyon’s Den series! Griff, a down on his luck, Viscount and Willie, a headstrong heiress go head to head in this fun story of love that neither wanted. The beginning of the book was quite a surprise and funny, but sad. That Griff was able to find a way out of the problems he had was interesting and Willie’s secret was something I always wanted to do! I enjoyed how they got together and will miss them terribly! Great story, well=developed characters and a precious ending! Especially loved the little nuggets sprinkled about from the author’s other stories!

I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions.

Another good Lyon's Den book. I'm late to the party with this series, but I thoroughly enjoy them. In this story, Wilhelmina goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyons for help finding a husband. She's looking for a man who needs her money enough to support her unorthodox activities. Mrs. Dove-Lyons has the perfect candidate - her late husband's nephew, Griffin. Neither she nor Mina expected Griffin to be a no-show on their wedding day.

Griffin's estates are debt-ridden, thanks to his younger brother's gambling. He agrees to the marriage, but he is kidnapped before he can carry out his promise. His abductors require him to work for them until his debts are paid off but allow him to become a partner and earn a percentage of the profits. So he rolls up his sleeves and goes to work.

Almost a year later, we find Griff hiding outside the Lyon's Den in the dark. He's injured and feverish, and Mrs. Dove-Lyons is the only one he can trust, though he knows he's still in her black books from the wedding that never was. I liked the conversation between Griff and her; she would not let him off lightly from the previous year's debacle. Neither has she given up on making the match and turns Griff over to Mina for healing.

I enjoyed watching this relationship develop. Mina is in no hurry to forgive Griff for his actions, even after she knows the truth. She has another possible suitor in mind. But she didn't count on the sparks of interest and attraction resurrected when they met again. She also didn't expect Griff's determination to marry her.

Despite his rakish reputation, Griff is a good man with a generous and protective heart. That protectiveness is aroused as he gets to know Mina and becomes aware of her activities. Their banter is fun, as Mina is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants, and Griff intends to take care of the woman he's come to care for. The painting scene was exciting and showed how they began to respect and support each other. I loved Griff's grand gesture at the end and how it showed how well he knew, understood, and loved her.

The epilogue was terrific. I enjoyed seeing Griff's hint of vulnerability while Mina is as strong and confident as ever.

Another wonderful story from one of my favorite authors ~ Loved Wilhelmina & Griffin together!

What I liked:
* Wilhelmina Wright: nicknames Mina and Willie, wealthy, father ran a race track, feisty, brilliant, good with numbers, started private investigation business, wants a husband to give her legitimacy
* Griffin Alistair Beckett, Viscount Kent: destitute, brother with gambling addiction, trying to get his estates back in order and the title solvent, related to The Black Widow – Bessie Dove-Lyon
* The reason that Griffin didn’t make it to the wedding arranged by Mrs. Dove-Lyon
* The way Willie and Griff had a second chance and that it proved to be filled with more possibilities than the first one
* The way Griff managed to get back in Wilhelmina’s good graces after he almost blew it
* That I could see living happily together as they respected and loved one another
* The tie-in to two other books by this author: The Brazen Bluestocking and Tempting the Scoundrel
* That it left me with a smile on my face

What I didn’t like:
* Can’t say that there was anything I didn’t like in this book

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Miss Wilhelmina Wright, the prospective bride, thought Mrs. Dove-Lyon had found her just the kind of husband she needed, then he didn’t show up. Griffin Alistair Beckett, Viscount Kent, did not mean to be the first groom matched by Bessie Dove-Lyon to miss the wedding. Unfortunately, he was tied to a chair and unable to attend. Wilhelmina and Bessie are not pleased. Griffin needs to find a way to improve the family’s finances. He thought Mrs. Dove- Lyon, his aunt by marriage, had found the perfect solution. She has not given up. When Griffin is injured, she calls on Wilhelmina for help. Will this bring them back together? This is another entertaining visit to the Lyon’s Den. Wilhelmina and Griffin interesting characters. She has inherited a racing enterprise, and she wants a man who is willing to manage it. Griffin needs to find a way to keep his family solvent. They are good for each other with a little bump in the road. The highlight of Griffin’s determined attempt to win Wilhelmina is a brilliant grand gesture. A little extra special, we get to see Tobias Streeter before he becomes the Rogue King of Limehouse Basin.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Miss Wilhelmina Wright and Viscount Kent, Griffin Beckett are the main characters along with Mrs Bessie Dove-Lyon, Griff's aunt. Griff's brother, with his gambling problem, has bled the family coffers dry and Griff desperately needs an injection of some serious funds to pull the estate / family back from the brink of utter ruination. He approaches his aunt to assist in this endeavour as the only way out of this debacle is through marrying an heiress and Willie, while not a member of the ton, is very wealthy and not ashamed to use her money to buy a desperate husband who will bring legitimacy to her business, which currently serves the seedier clientele of London.

They are well-matched for each other; Willie, is an independent, capable woman able to deal with Griff's more questionable lifestyle and strong personality and is pretending not to be affected by his flirtatious manner. The chemistry between these two is good and the witty banter a bonus along with Mrs Dove-Lyon who sees the potential between these two and knows they will be good together. Entertaining story that had me smiling and LOL at times and engrossed long past when I should have been in bed. Tracy Sumner has woven this story together in a wonderful way and kept the reader interested till the very end.

Loved the story and enjoyed reading it. Hope this review helps you decide to get a copy yourself. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.