Member Reviews
"The Lyon's Redemption" by Sandra Sookoo is a delightful historical romance that sweeps readers off their feet from the very first page. Set in the captivating world of Regency England, Sookoo crafts a tale of redemption, forgiveness, and, of course, love. The chemistry between the protagonists sizzles, drawing readers into their tumultuous journey towards reconciliation. Sookoo's prose is elegant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the era and its societal intricacies. With its engaging plot and well-drawn characters, "The Lyon's Redemption" is a must-read for fans of historical romance looking for a heartwarming story that lingers long after the final chapter.
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Dragonblade Publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @dragonbladepub
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
✔️Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/jaime-loves-romance
✔️Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/2577266404
✔️IG https://www.instagram.com/alphabookclub/
✔️Twitter @alpha_book_club
#ReviewByJaime #BookReview #MustRead #TBR
🦄
My fellow readers. Ms. Dov-Lyon is at it again with her match making suggestions. Is it a success or will be her first mishap in her private industry. Thomas calls her bluff of a success match after a game of cards with a despicable runt who batters his sister’s hand. For one enjoyed reading Thomas actions and reasoning to fight the stipulations that has been drawn up with no input by him.
It’s considerably worse Miss Olivia. Now Olivia is no shrinking Violet. She has come prepared in regards all parties who strong arm her into a marriage that she wants none of. The storyline is one that is wonderfully written in its self. The main characters point of view surrounding the marriage contract is the foundation that Olivia and Thomas builds their happiness on.
From the beginning, of course the two will come up against some challenges that shakes the structure before it’s even raised up. The writing is very beautiful. The writer has pulled me into a love story that is told so eloquently. The romance is one that is very emotional and entertaining. The characters Thomas and Olivia each have their own point of views in connection to the plot.
They both worked hard in focusing on that same goal to confess their emotions to each other. I enjoyed this story a lot. I give this story two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
i love read books on base of summary because most of the time i am always surprised and surpass my expectations, what happen when your stupid brother lost you in a bet and you have to marry the man you blame for the dead of your bff.
This book features two broken souls and how beautiful is heal.
Revenge, Love, and Redemption
Thomas and Olivia find themselves married due to a gambling fiasco and matchmaking mischief at the Lyon’s Den. They are both damaged souls, in serious need of healing. She has revenge on her mind, and he has nothing but desolation. He has loved and lost, and this marriage is not going to change that, or is it? Do these two broken souls stand a chance? For that to happen, they must open their hearts. Only then can they mend what has been broken. I loved this story and would recommend it.
Such a great book! Both of them have been mourning for so long when they find each other... and it's a total surprise that hey have been mourning from the same person. Bonding through grief... something I never thought could happen. I hope to read more from you soon.
Another wonderful Lyon book. Pay attention to the trigger warning at the beginning. A beautifully written book!
A captivating enemies to lovers addition to the series! Thomas has closed himself off to love after the mother of his child died in childbirth. He had fallen in love with a maid, Cynthia, on his father's estate and had been forbidden to marry her. Once the child was born, his father sent her away. Olivia was heartbroken when she learned of her friend Cynthia's passing and blamed Thomas for it. She vowed she would one day get revenge on him. Given this and the fact that her brother loses everything to gambling she has a serious distrust of men. But when her hand is bartered for her brother's freedom when he loses to Thomas and Mrs. Dove-Lyon arranges their union, she has no choice but to marry the man she wants revenge on. They both enter into the marriage with great reluctance. But Cynthia's ire soon turns to compassion as she realizes that Thomas, too, mourns the loss of Cynthia and her reasons for hating him were based on a misunderstanding of what actually happened. They both clearly had some healing to do before they could make their marriage a success.
This was a story of heartbreak that leads to happier circumstances. Thomas and Olivia were both strong and compelling characters who both had to let go of the past and move forward building a future together. The story was well-written and pulled me in from the start. The chemistry between the two enemies turned lovers was undeniable. An enjoyable story and I enjoyed following Olivia and Thomas on their journey.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am leaving my voluntary review.
Good book with a different setup than other books from this series. Thomas was the winner, not the loser, in his game of chance, and Olivia was not looking for a husband of any kind, which is the opposite of most of Mrs. Dove-Lyons' matches.
Thomas is a man who has been mired in grief for seven years after his forbidden love died in childbirth. He has closed off his heart to any thought of love or romance. The Christmas season is the hardest, and to cope, he accompanies a friend to the Lyon's Den for an evening of gambling. But things take an unexpected turn when his opponent cannot pay his debt. Thomas doesn't want to marry, but if he doesn't, Mrs. Dove-Lyons threatens to reveal his closely guarded secret.
Conor Jameson foolishly wagered more than he could afford, and when the time came to pay, he offered his sister Olivia's hand in marriage. A consultation with Mrs. Dove-Lyons confirms the offer is legitimate. Conor doesn't look forward to telling Olivia, who has no interest in marriage either. She gives in to save her brother from debtor's prison. Olivia has spent years grieving the death of her best friend. When she learns that her groom-to-be is the man she holds responsible for Cynthia's death, she plots her revenge.
Olivia and Thomas enter this marriage with great anger and reluctance. I laughed out loud at the description of their wedding vows, vividly describing their feelings about the event. Things came to a head on their wedding night when Olivia attempted to stab him, and words were exchanged. The next morning, they confronted each other over her need for revenge. I ached for Thomas as he was forced to recount what happened to his beloved Cynthia. I also hurt for Olivia, who discovered her reasons were based on a misunderstanding of what happened. I liked seeing them acknowledge that each has some healing to do before they can expect a successful marriage. They decide to call a truce and continue in a marriage-in-name-only relationship while they get to know each other.
Neither expected the explosive chemistry between them. Olivia is no innocent virginal bride, and Thomas can't resist the sparks that fly between them. It isn't long before they can't keep their hands off each other, but what does that do to their attempts to get past the tragedies of the past? I liked seeing them learn to communicate with each other, slowly opening up about those things that have made them who they are. Their growing trust in each other made each revelation a little easier. My heart broke for Thomas when he told Olivia about Sally and his pain and guilt. Olivia, too, has a heartbreak to share with Thomas.
Though each has realized the depth of their feelings, both are wary of confessing them, fearing rejection. Just as both are ready to take a chance, a thoughtless comment and the harsh words lead to nearly result in tragedy. Of course, all ends well, as Thomas and Olivia finally break free of the chains that kept them tied to the past. I loved the epilogue and seeing what they've made of their lives. I also appreciated their realization that it takes work to make a successful relationship.
I liked the secondary characters of the Earl and Countess of Pennington, whose story I must read soon. I liked how Olivia and Lady Pennington connected and the advice she had for Olivia. I also liked Thomas's friend, Simon, and I hope he gets his story, too.
I thought the plot was a bit over the top. Why would a woman who is clearly not interested in marriage and also over the age of consent doing anything to "save" her worthless brother. She should just let him pay his own debts. I also did not love that Olivia was apparently such a "free" woman with her body. Women who were not married did not go sleeping around like men.
Miss Olivia Rose Jameson wants revenge. Viscount of Ashbury wants nothing to do with women. He only married to please his father. But his true love died long ago.
I absolutely adore the lyons den tales especially when they depict Mrs. Dove-Lyon as the perfect widow/match maker and this book lives up to that reputation. Wonderfully written by Sookoo, engaging, romantic and finding love where it is hidden.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.
An unusual twist from the usual Lion's Den arranged marriages. Mr. Jameson lost heavily gambling at the Lyon's Den and could not cover his loses. He offered his sister, Olivia, in exhange for his losses to marry Thomas Prestwick, Viscount Ashbury. Thomas Prestwick had a secret that the ton did not know about, but Mrs. Dove-Lyon knew all about it. She was able to convince Thomas to marry Olivia in exchange for her silence. With another twist, not only did Thomas have to marry Olivia, he had to give her brother, Mr. Jameson a sum of money.
Neither Thomas or Olivia was interested in marriage, so decided on a marriage in name only. Both were grieving a death, but had totally different perspectives of the circumstances.
I enjoyed Thomas and Olivia's characters and their journey to a HEA.
The first thing Olivia does on her wedding night is attempt to stab her new husband. Thomas is not thrilled with marriage either, but he didn’t attempt murder. Thomas and Olivia harbor quilt and anger over the same event. Seven years ago, the woman he loved, but was forbidden to marry died in childbirth. Cynthia was Olivia’s friend, and she blames Thomas for her death. If the hostility subsides, perhaps they can learn to communicate with each other, and help each other heal. Opening up helps. The Thomas and Olivia are caring people, and good for each other. The story touches on painful memories for both of them. As they get to know each other better, they find love. This story is a bit different, but is an interesting addition to the series, and has a wonderfully happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Thomas Prestwick, Viscount of Ashbury buried his heart with his first love ,and has lived with guilt ever since.
Olivia Jameson lives life on her own terms, until her brother changes everything. Our heroine knows men can't be trusted and one in particular killed her best friend.
This is a historical romance where our characters have huge emotional changes coming to them. The past must be laid to rest, secrets must be shared and they need to move onwards.
Our Lyon's Den widow has been especially creative this time.
Good fun.
The Lyon’s Redemption by Sandra Sookoo is a little different take on the Lyon’s Den: Mr. Jameson had lost heavily playing Faro and could not cover his losses. Instead he offered his sister Olivia’s hand in marriage. The last thing Lord Ashbury needed was a wife. His heart was still broken from losing the only woman he had ever loved seven years previously. The guard checked with Mrs. Dove-Lyon and ascertained that she approved the payment. It was now up to Lord Ashbury. This was the last thing he wanted, but he accepted. He did not even know her name. He had a past and he knew she did. They could have a marriage in name only. He was sure it could work out. Then he met her: the house came alive, the servants loved her, he felt himself opening up, and he felt her opening up as well.
Thomas had fallen in love with a servant and she became pregnant. He wanted to marry her but of course his father was aghast. Then, the worst happened and she died bearing the child. His father ordered the child to an orphanage but he intervened and found her a good family whom he supported monetarily. She had inherited the family’s propensity toward mental retardation, but loved her any way. As did he. He went to the park many days and watched her. His heart began to hurt less when he took Olivia to the park and shared this with her. She had given birth to a stillborn child and it had broken her heart, but it was all a secret: a scandal. As they got to know one another, they started loving what they found. There were twists and turns, obviously and even though Mrs. Dove-Lyon hadn’t created the match she had approved it. These two damaged people were perfect for each other. She was right again. Excellent characters as always for Sookoo and a good plot.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Lyon’s Redemption by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SandraSookoo #TheLyonsRedemption
Misunderstandings and judgments based on half-truths carve out the start of this relationship and the opening chapters of the book. Both Thomas Prestwick and Olivia Jameson are furious at having been thrown together by the indomitable Bessie Dove-Lyon and there is no way for either of them to get out of the marriage. Unwilling to give the Widow of Whitehall any further ammunition, Thomas agrees to wedding Olivia but is totally thrown by the events of their wedding night. I could not help but be charmed by the broken Viscount and the sorrow that he carried. People react to pain differently and whilst Thomas wallows in grief, Olivia rises above her circumstances to some extent, but it is only through Thomas that she can eventually lay her own ghosts to rest. Their hearts find healing in one another and the novel, which is a standalone, comes to a beautiful conclusion. Bessie Dove-Lyon wins again. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Another antagonistic match...
Viscount Ashbury, Thomas, dallied with the chambermaid, got her pregnant, didn't marry her (wanted to, but at 29, did not) and she died. They had a daughter he sent away, as she was "different." Olivia was best friend with Cynthia, who Thomas got pregnant seven years ago. He indulges in vices instead of doing anything redemptive. Meanwhile, Olivia is intent on hekping women who have fallen on hard times. She hates Thomas, who she rightly so, blames for her death and scandal he covered up.
These two are packing baggage and don't start out on the best note.
A fast paced read.
Thomas Prestwick, Viscount of Ashbury, has left the thought of love and romance behind. Never again will he allow himself that vulnerability and has, instead, kept himself busy with various vices every fine gentleman of the beau monde indulges in. If only he’d stayed away from the tables at the famed Lyon’s Den gaming hell that night, he might not have been caught up in fate’s unfortunate web, which brought him face-to-face with the past. Miss Olivia Rose Jameson wants nothing to do with men but when her brother loses everything of value at the gambling tables, she’s incensed when her hand is bartered for his freedom. With no choice but to wed at the order of the mysterious Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the pair ushers in the Christmastide season as a married couple.
A very good addition to this connected series. It was also different from the norm both Thomas & Olivia are grieving for Cynthia. A well paced story of miscommunication, as well as forgiveness & finally redemption. I really liked both Thomas & Olivia & found myself drawn into their story & thoroughly enjoyed it
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Thomas and Olivia are both grieving. Although Olivia initially wants to end Thomas' life, after airing the truth, both seem to work on their friendship and, eventually, romantic feelings.
I enjoyed how the characters grew, the mutual respect, and how they helped each other overcome their tragic pasts and build something new just for themselves. A lovely read!
The Lyon's Redemption is the 48th book in the Lyon's Den series but it is the second one by Sandra Sookoo.
Thomas Prestwick, Viscount of Ashbury, has been grieving since the women he loved died years ago. He has never let himself forget her after having died while giving birth. Thomas finds himself at the Lyon's Den when his friend Simon talks him into participating in games of chance. As Simon plays a man stands and claims he cannot cover the loss and offers his sister as payment. Mrs. Dove-Lyon says the payment is sufficient if he agrees, if not she will reveal a secret of Thomas' that he would rather not be revealed. He grudgingly agrees to marry the sister in two days' time.
Olivia Rose Jameson has been in mourning since her friend died several years ago. She blames the man for her friend's death. Her brother Conor has been trying to find a way to tell Olivia the bad news she is to be married, and soon. When he reveals who the groom is and how it came to pass, Olivia agrees but is secretly happy because now she can take revenge against the man who killed her friend Cynthia. But life does not turn out the way she plans. Slowly but surely, they each reveal truths about themselves and start to see each other in a new light. But a carriage accident puts Olivia in danger after an argument. Is it too late for this couple who have discovered life is worth living, together.
This is a fantastic addition to the Lyon's Den series. I really enjoyed this story of two people who have lost a loved one only to approach the loss in different ways. I love the ways each story is connected yet a separate tale. The characters are strong but have wounded hearts. Watching them peel back the layers as they move forward makes this a very special story.
Thank you NetGalley. The Viscount of Ashbury wasn't looking for a wife but the Matchmaker at the Lyon's Den has one for him any way. The love of his life died and he does not expect another.
Olivia hates the Viscount and can't get past it. He killed her best friend when they were young. Now her brother has lost to the Viscount at the Lyon's Den and he can only pay him by offering his sister. Olivia thinks she will marry the Viscount and kill him. Life does not go the way she plans. She finds he is a nice man and loved her friend very much. How do they right their feelings and fall in love?