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The Lyon's Den Connected World

The Talons of a Lyon

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Lance Versey owes Mrs. Dove Lyon a promise. Fulfilling it will cost him the life he enjoys and win him the life he wants.

The death of Lady Frogmore’s neglectful and disloyal husband should have been a relief. But then her nasty brother-in-law seizes her three children and turns her out, telling the whole of Society that she is a crude, vulgar, and loose woman. Without allies or friends, Serafina, Lady Frogmore, turns to Mrs. Dove Lyon, also known as the Black Widow of Whitehall for help, paying her by promising to perform an unspecified favor at a time of the Mrs. Dove Lyon’s choice.

Lord Lancelot Versey has always tried to be a perfect gentleman, and a gentleman honors his debts, even when an unwise wager obliges him to escort a notorious widow into Society. But Lady Frogmore is not what he expects, and helping her becomes a quest worthy of the knight for whom he was named.

Except, Mrs. Dove Lyon calls in Seraphina’s promise. The favor she asks might destroy all they have found together.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2023

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About the author

Jude Knight

87 books224 followers
Have you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was me ten years ago.

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.

But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.

As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.

Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.

So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.

My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.

I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.

Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.

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5 stars
321 (63%)
4 stars
136 (26%)
3 stars
44 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 2, 2024
Short, sweet and extremely well researched

One more freebie lying around my Kindle that finally got its chance.

The good

I was very impressed by the language, the level of research and the ease with which the author engages you in the plot.

Some of the description would be worthy of a full length novel. You could feel the amount of care and work that went into the research.

The not so good

Johanna Lindsey's Malory-Anderson level of family side characters. We are introduced to the hero's sisters, nieces, brothers, sisters and brothers in law, cousins. Then to said family members own siblings or in-laws. At some point this could have been a Huxley family reunion (Elisa Braden). This book was too short for so many side characters.

This is essentially a clean romance (there's the mention of a n*pple 97% in, but it fades to black immediately after). I used to be fine with that but not only am I a mood reader, but an epoch reader. Right now, I'm exploring darker works and pushing my own limits. I repressed myself for too long and now I'm in the 'gorge until sick' moment.

Eventually, I might be happy to try this author again, but not right now. However, I do recommend her to other HR fans if you don't mind the fade to black.
Profile Image for Elaine.
3,693 reviews90 followers
September 1, 2023
An exciting story with Lance and Serifina. Read this through the night, finished about 3.30am, just couldn't put it down. I felt so sorry for Serifina, trying to get her money back and also her children too. A lovely happy ever after though! 5☆

Read again 1/9/23 I so loved this story. 5☆
Profile Image for Bonnie.
903 reviews15 followers
June 10, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this e-novella, and this is my freely given opinion.

This is another short story related to the Lyon's Den world, where the mysterious Mrs. Dove Lyon manipulates another match through her gaming hell.

Serafina, Lady Frogmore is a widow truly ill-used. She was married off to a middle aged baron to save his impoverished estates, as a young girl, by her wealthy merchant father, who essentially sold her off to get a title in the family. After several years of being hidden away in the country while her husband enjoyed his new wealth in London, while taking care of the estate, and having his three children, she is suddenly widowed. Her father looked out for her and her children's interests by setting up trusts to ensure their wealth was protected and looked after. But he had passed on and the trustees set up were men who were easily cozened by her deceptive and manipulative in-laws. Because her husband had painted her as a coarse, uneducated woman, and Society never got a chance to know her as she was hidden in the country, it was easy for the trustees to believe the lies her in-laws spread, and she was literally tossed off of her home, and her children wrested away from her. Her monies, property, and children were taken from her and put into the care of her brother in law and his wife, who proceeded to control everything, in order to gain control of the monies.

Serafina goes off to London to try to gain back custody, but getting a good solicitor costs money, and she needs to repair her reputation. In desperation, she goes to the Black Widow, and strikes a bargain.

Lancelot Vesey is a younger son of a ducal family, and has a spotless reputation as a perfect gentleman, from a perfect Society family that wields a lot of social clout. He had made the error months prior of wagering against Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and lost, owing her a favour. For Serafina to repair her reputation and gain some social clout of her own, he is drawn in to be her escort, and entree into Society. Initially he is put off by her, knowing only the lies and rumours, but soon enough realizes that she is not as her family painted her, and draws on his family resources to help the poor woman.

This is a rather sweet, slow romance, where the more interesting story, to me anyways, is the fight that Serafina has against her evil in-laws, to gain back her children. I enjoyed reading about Serafina and her David vs. Goliath fight against the patriarchy who was too willing to believe the lies about a poor woman. Otherwise, it felt like the romance took a back seat to the family drama, and despite the fact that his name was Lancelot, the MMC was the romantic hero, and helped set things in motion, but it was all about the family.

Cute romance, good family drama where good trumps evil, and a family gets reunited in the end.

3.5 stars out of 5
Profile Image for Janet.
4,677 reviews53 followers
April 25, 2023
The death of Lady Frogmore’s neglectful and disloyal husband should have been a relief. But then her nasty brother-in-law seizes her three children and turns her out, telling the whole of Society that she is a crude, vulgar, and loose woman. Without allies or friends, Serafina, Lady Frogmore, turns to Mrs. Dove Lyon, also known as the Black Widow of Whitehall for help, paying her by promising to perform an unspecified favour at a time of the Mrs. Dove Lyon’s choice. Lance Versey also owes Mrs. Dove Lyon a favour after losing a wager & she asks that he escorts a notorious widow into Society. But Lady Frogmore is not what he expects, and helping her becomes a quest worthy of the knight for whom he was named.
Another lovely addition to the series & an engrossing read. The characters have depth whether you love them or hate them, the pace flows effortlessly & it’s a wonderful romance. I loved Serfina & my heart ached for her & all she'd suffered. Lance was a delight & a true hero. I loved their journey to a HEA. However it was the secondary characters who made this something special. Lance’s family were supportive & loving & rallied round Serafina, a highlight of the book was Percy's annihilation of the trustees – priceless also characters from some of the author’s other books made cameo appearances including Anthony, one of my all time favourite characters
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,248 reviews103 followers
April 24, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

More adventurous dealings at the dwelling of Bessie Dove Lyon, and more games to play in the hope of acquiring a bride.

One of my favourite series, this is a very good read by Jude Knight, one that gives you all you favourite characters and more besides.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Profile Image for Margaret.
2,873 reviews23 followers
April 26, 2023
Once again we enter the world of Mrs. Dove-Lyon and her machinations to solve problems and bring couples together. This time Seraphina, Lady Frogmore, has a plan to hopefully gain custody of her children, taken by her nasty brother-in-law spreading nasty lies. She goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. Lord Lancelot Versey is considered a perfect gentleman. He finds himself owing a debt to Mrs. Dove-Lyon and he always pays his debts. He is to escort Lady Frogmore to society events to disprove the nasty rumors and help gain custody of her children. Lance and his family give their full support, but to her, Lance is her hero. Yet, there is still the debt Seraphina owes Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Always a pleasure to read another book in the Lyon's Den series.
Kisses and some descriptive pleasure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for L..
535 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2024
I'm enjoying the Lyon's Den stories, especially the fact that they are quick reads. The two I've read so far are historically accurate and the author explains where she took literary licence.
Lance owes the Lyon a favor due to a bet he made and lost to her . When she calls in the favor he is surprised that he's not only having fun but falling in love with his duty. Saraphina can't believe how gracious and kind Lance is and how far he and his family are willing to go to help her get custody of her children and regain her rightful place in society.
I eagerly turned the pages to find out how each problem would get solved and when these two would realise they were in love with each other.
The Lyon's Den novellas are written by many different authors and I'm hoping each will be as good as the two by Jude Knight.
Profile Image for Bks43v3r.
365 reviews
June 3, 2023
2 1/2 - 3 Stars

This book was just ‘ok’ to me. You’ll think with a title like that, it would be a lot more exciting than it was. And, well, there was a lot missing in other areas-for me- as well. For example, I found the whole romance between the MCs, Lord Lancelot Versey and Lady Serafina Frogmore to be lacking. I did not feel the chemistry between them. And much of the development of their relationship was done off page. With a lot of telling but not showing. Perhaps when reading another genre this might not be as important. However, for a romance (again for me) it's essential.

First impressions go a long way, and Lord L did not make a great one. He has lived an idle, pleasure-seeking life. The few responsibilities that he does have he leaves for others to handle with little to no oversight. And not to take care of other important matters. It's so that he can basically ‘hang with the boys’ (my words). This involves frequently getting drunk and indulging in mistresses and/or ‘working’ women. Interestingly, despite this (rakish) behavior, he has a sterling reputation. No, he’s not a bad guy just not my idea of hero material. But that is soon to change.

Along comes Lady S. She’s been very much wronged, on so many levels. Of course, she's a damsel in distress and so needs saving. Maybe you’ve caught on the theme here? So our idle (even to his family!) lord turn into a shining knight. (Cue in some rescue music in the background.)

I thought the characterization of both MCs stayed surface level. I never felt that I got to really know them. What made them tick, motivated them. OR what they saw in each other. Although Lady S had moments of courage, she mostly did not have much of a personality. Lord L, although he brought Lady's S situation to his powerful family attention, he faded a little into the background afterwards.

There were appearances of folks from previous nooks but since I hadn’t read them, it didn’t really do anything for me. The villains were pure evil with absolutely no redeeming traits (and almost laughably stupid). It was a wonder they were able to pull off what they did. But since this is kind of based off a fairytale/story, in which villains or written that way, I guess it's what it is.

All in all, not bad. Just okay. Oh, I should have mentioned the kids. But they played a small part so…. But I DO appreciate that Lady S had ANY kids. I have read so many HRs, with a FMC who is a widow, who for whatever reason is (conveniently) childless. In rare storylines the widow may have one kid or even rarer two. Lady S had an unheard of three! It's just more realistic, believable.

Content. It was a pretty clean story. Some kissing towards the end. A little intimacy after marriage but not described or detailed at all. So pretty closed door in that aspect which is my preference. No cursing that I recall nor violence.
198 reviews
May 20, 2023
The Talons of a Lyon

The first half of the book was great, after I can't remember because it was rushed. They had passion but I couldn't tell.
762 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2023
Okay

Would I read more in this series , or even re-read this book, my answer is no. Too much going on and too many characters.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,670 reviews117 followers
April 29, 2023
Terrific book with a sympathetic heroine and a fantastic hero who thinks he's anything but. The story opens with our introduction to Lord Lancelot, who has made a name for himself as "the perfect gentleman." He doesn't do anything to excess (other than occasionally drinking too much), makes nice with the ladies, dances with wallflowers, keeps his word, etc. His one fall from grace led to him losing a bet to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, resulting in him owing her a favor she could call in at any time.

Next, we meet Seraphina Frogmore. Her much-older husband had died a few months earlier, freeing her from his neglect and unfaithfulness. Unfortunately, her horrible brother-in-law swooped in, took custody of her three children, and threw her out of her home. He then told all of Society that she was a crude, vulgar shopkeeper's daughter with loose morals. She is reduced to living n a cheap boarding house, mending clothes to make enough money for food, and watching her children walk in the park from a spot hidden in the bushes. Desperate to find a way to restore her reputation and regain custody of her children, she goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. She, too, will owe the lady a future favor.

After speaking with Seraphina, Mrs. Dove-Lyon calls in her favor from Lance. She wants him to introduce Seraphina into Society, escorting her to events and showing that she isn't the monster her BIL has portrayed her to be. Lance isn't too happy, but a promise is a promise, and he arranges to meet Seraphina in the park. He witnesses her heartbreak there as she watches her children and suspects the rumors are wrong. I loved how he apologized for his initial judgment, showed a willingness to listen to her story, and realized he would need help.

Lance immediately took her to see his sister Elaine, Viscountess Barker. After some awkwardness, Elaine was entirely on board with helping and bolstered by her husband when he arrived. I loved how Barker already knew the truth about Seraphina and added several good ideas to the process. I loved seeing the entire Versey family take Seraphina into their hearts, determined to help her achieve her goal.

The redemption process got off to a fantastic start with the gang's attendance at the opera. Seraphina's nerves were relatable and fortunately calmed by Lance's presence. Having such a well-respected family at her back made Seraphina's entry into Society almost trouble-free. The only downside was the appearance of her BIL Marcus. I laughed out loud at seeing him so thoroughly vanquished. The campaign continued with a visit to the trustees of her husband's estate, accompanied by the duke, the viscount, Lance, and Seraphina's chaperone. I cheered to see the duke eviscerate the trustees. I loved watching the progress of restoring Seraphina's good name, finishing with an outstanding depiction of the custody hearing.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Lance and Seraphina develop. Neither has any interest in marriage, but there is no denying the sparks of attraction that flare between them - though it took Seraphina a little while to figure out that's what she felt. Lance was amusing with his frequent reminders that he was NOT developing feelings for her, though he fell for her quickly. Seraphina thought about Lance all the time but believed he was way out of her league. He won my heart with his attention and support, especially when he acted regarding the children. I felt terrible for him when he muffed his declaration - twice! - and cheered when he finally got it right. He had to fight past Seraphina's insecurities, but the ending was worth it.

I adored Seraphina's children. We only get glimpses of them at the beginning of the book, but they get a more significant role later. I loved the interactions between the children and Lance, who is completely charmed by them. I loved getting their take on events.

Lance's family was wonderful. Their complete support of Seraphina was heartwarming, and I loved how she blossomed under their care. I enjoyed seeing how their opinions of Lance changed throughout the book as they saw the hero in him emerge.

#netgalley
2,823 reviews26 followers
April 27, 2023
The Talons of a Lyon by Jude Knight is embracing a new trope for the Lyons Den: instead of paying Mrs. Dove-Lyon, one agrees to one favor, her choice, sometime in the future. A lovely take-off on the Frog Prince wherein the favor promised by Lord Lancelot Versey is to help Lady Frogmore, a lady with a very bad reputation, regain her reputation and fortune, her place in the ton, and her children. It doesn’t take too long for him to discover that what is being said about her is untrue. And he knows just who can help him fight back: his family, starting with his sister, Elaine. It doesn’t take long before she has the entire family involved. Appearing in the duke’s party and on the arm of a duke goes a long way to restoring her place. Then there is the behavior of her brother-in-law, who doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut. Appearing before a magistrate, it is helpful to have a duke on your side, not to mention being certain liar’s lies are believable. They were not.

Lance gets sucked right into this who project. He falls in love almost immediately. He has been the family bad boy, but Seraphina Frogmore sees him as a hero. Soon his family seems him that way as well. Good characters, especially Seraphina’s daughters who had seen her the entire time she was watching them. They recognized Lance as the man that drove her past them so she could see into the baby carriage. They both had plenty of personality. They were fun. Seraphina won this battle, but one was left wondering how many other woman had lost similar battles in this time of male dominance. Good characters, good story. Fun personalities.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Talons of a Lyon by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JudeKnight #TheTalonsOfALyon
1,418 reviews12 followers
April 28, 2023
Such an emotional story where the mother has been kicked out of her home by her brother in law after her husband dies. The worst part is she lost her 3 adorable young children because of the lies this man told.

This is one of my favorite series about The Lyon's Den and the owner. All are stand alone with Mrs. Dove-Lyon being the common thread in the stories. Jude Knight does this series proud with a little twist coming from our owner.

I can't imagine having to live in this time period. Women couldn't divorce, no matter what the reason. She was the property of her husband and at his mercy. Gives me chills to think about having no voice. The author does an amazing job showing us how this affects the h not being able to see her children. My gosh, I felt her anguish and sorrow.

The H took me awhile to like him. He's only daily work is to enjoy himself to the fullest, which he does! He's very self absorbed and I had no idea how the author was going to turn him into a caring/loving person, but she did. Mostly thanks to the h and her loving heart.

The reactions of the H's family were spot on. They reacted like you would suspect someone who heard the lies and believed them about the h. Once the truth came out they rallied around the h and it made for an enjoyable read. Especially the interactions with the two villains and the court.

Sweet children added to this loving story. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance builds slowing and clean. Bedroom door fully closed with only a few kisses. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to decide whether to purchase this story - which I recommend. (ljb)
Profile Image for Barbara Rogers.
1,699 reviews198 followers
December 22, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Publication Date: 4/26/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 158

Lord Lancelot Versey has led a charmed life. He is from a strong, loving, successful, well-placed family, he has all the money he needs, and everyone in society is charmed by him as the ‘ultimate’ gentleman. What could go wrong? Truthfully, nothing. Not even the minor inconvenience of owing a favor to Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the Lyons Den.

Seraphina, Lady Frogmore, was married to a worm of a man who married her for her fortune and then left her buried in the country to be forgotten. During her married years he spread lies about her being vulgar, loose, etc. When her husband suddenly died, his brother marched into her home, turned her out with only the clothes on her back, and took custody of her children. Everyone in the ton believes the lies and her brother-in-law spreads more. How will she ever see her children again – much less get custody back? Perhaps the Black Widow of Whitehall – Mrs. Dove-Lyon – can help.

Lance was to introduce Seraphina into society and therefore disprove all of the lies that had been spread. It was such fun to see Lance and his entire family pitch in so enthusiastically! I loved the way Lance was always one step ahead and how to outsmarted Seraphina’s brother-in-law. Another thing I loved was Seraphina’s children who were lovely and such caring little ones.

This was a fun, entertaining read with a delightfully happy ending. If you are looking for a short read that will put a smile on your face, this is the one.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,032 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2023
First impressions

Seraphina was a young girl married off to an old lecher as her merchant father wanted to buy a title for her! As a Baron he limited Seraphina access to friends or Ton events!
She bore him 3 children the last one a son and his heir! Due to her naivety and no male relatives to lend support she was ousted from her home and her children taken from her!
Enter a trip to the Lyons den! Thru her friend Moriah which I suspect should have her own story!
Seraphina goes to Bessie and is it seems there is a new system in place! Instead of money you will owe a favor of her time and choosing! Seraphina did guard against immoral or illegal!
Lance Aka Lancelot second brother to a Duke has an impeccable reputation and is a dapper carefree handsome bachelor who is thought to be a fribble!
Lance owes a favor to Bessie Lyon and she has come to collect.
He is to meet Seraphina who has been branded as a vulgar harlot and (horrors) a merchant daughter to boot!
Lance is determined to dislike this hussy! He meets her and all bets are off! She is a mother first who deeply loves her children!
All of Lances family are prolific and his sisters deeply love their spouses as do his brothers!
He knows loose women and this shy determined mother stood her ground!
These two are an unlikely pair! No smooth beginnings here but a trip back to the Lyons den can definitely make this HEA even more unlikely!
Meddling relatives and kidnappers of children are just a few of the nonstop action! Loved this one! Bravo
3,457 reviews16 followers
June 30, 2023
This has been such an entertaining series to read, and this latest addition is no different. Add to that, the fact that this installment is written by one of my favorite authors, this is a win-win situation! When Serafina became a widow, it should have freed her to live her life peacefully with her children. But her brother-in-law is a vile man and takes possession of her children and tells anyone who will listen that she is a loose woman. Desperate to get her children back, Serafina turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help. She agrees to help, but Serafina will owe her a favor, when the time comes.
Lord Lancelot is a reputable gentleman, but he finds himself in debt to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Always one to pay his debts, he pays a visit to her to settle the debt, but she has another payment method in mind. She asks him to escort Serafina into her re-entry into Society. He is not too happy to be seen with Serafina, due to her reputation, but once he spends time with her and gets to know her, he realizes she is not the woman he suspected her to be.
This is yet another lovely addition to the series. The characters were well-developed and interesting, and I enjoyed getting to know them. As always, Ms. Knight has penned an enjoyable and entertaining read!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
883 reviews13 followers
April 16, 2023
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I recently discovered Jude Knight and so far I am a big fan. With Talons of a Lyon she enters the Lyon's Den which has also been a big favorite of mine. This was a really interesting twist on the wager with the result being the promise of a future favor instead of an immediate match. And once again we get to see that Dove-Lyon definitely knows what she is doing when making matches. I appreciated that Lance was initially skeptical about Seraphina because it was real to the time in which the story takes place. I also loved his reaction when she tells him he isn't the right person to help her based on him to some extent believing the lies that have been spread about her. This novel also does a really good job of establishing how women were treated during this time in history and how they truly had no control over their lives, children, or money. Seeing how Lance's family comes to her aid was really nice. And their romance occurs slowly as they spend time with one another. It was also really interesting that Knight included characters from another author's entry into the series. Of course, now I really want to read that one as well!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,256 reviews25 followers
May 4, 2023
Thank you NetGalley. Lord Lance has lost a bet to Mrs Dove Lyon and has to pay up when she asks for a favor. He is a perfect gentleman and his reputation is impeccable. Though he has his moments his family and the ton does not know about.
Mrs. Frogmore who is widowed has had her brother-in-law kick her out of her home, took her trust and her children left her with only her widow clothing to take with her. He was not in his brother's will because he didn't trust him. But now he has spread vicious lies about her that until she can prove they aren't true she cannot right all the wrongs done to her and her children.
Mrs. Dove Lyon request that he help her show how respectable she is. He ask the help of his family which As Lance helps her he finds out what a truly lovely person she is and falls in love with her. Her children know him from coming to the park with their mother to watch them each day. When he kidnaps them they are not worried at all. The happy ever after is there for all of the family but how they get there is the interesting part'
Profile Image for Mary Hart.
1,029 reviews22 followers
April 22, 2023
5 stars

I enjoyed this book. Lancelot is a hero. He appears to be just a lazy nobleman but he is very moral and is devoted to his family. He looses a wager to Mrs Dove Lyon and she demands a favour. He's bright enough to say, even though he's in his cups, nothing immoral or a forced wedding. She asks him to bring back into favour Lady Seaphina Frogmore. Her husbands brother has ruined her reputuation, stolen away her children and she suspects is stealing from her sons' estate. At first Lance is sceptical but having seen her reaction to her children he agrees to help her and asks his family to help. He falls in love which is lovely. Mrs. Dove also demands a favour of Seraphina which I think is a link to another of the connected Lyon books. It was great to see how Lance's Duke brother eviscated Seraphina's brother in law.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Peggy.
1,894 reviews9 followers
April 26, 2023
Having to watch her children in secret, hiding behind bushes in the park, Seraphina, Lady Frogmore finally turns to Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon. Mrs. Dove-Lyon agrees to help Seraphina in return for a favor, of her choice and time of choosing. Lord Lancelot Versey tries to be a gentleman, and most of the time succeeds, but he had a bad moment and as a consequence owes Mr. Dove-Lyon a favor. His task is to reestablish Seraphina in Society so that she has a better chance of regaining custody of her children. Her unscrupulous brother-in-law has taken the children, tossed their mother out, and slandered her reputation. This won’t be easy. Lance is not only handsome and upright; he is also smart and has some powerful, and familiar, friends. His friends and family soon surround Seraphina with support. Will it be enough? This is a beautifully written story full of emotion, courage, and love, in which the knight wins his lady (and more) and a couple of vile villains get what’s coming to them. And as Lance and Seraphina move toward their happily ever after, Mrs. Dove-Lyon calls in Seraphina’s favor. What is it? That’s a story for another day. Great story!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,257 reviews71 followers
April 26, 2023
Well-written and emotive with a romantic knight in shining armor, this novel had me rooting for Lady Seraphina Frogmore as she pined and watched over her children from a distance. Sir Lancelot prides himself on his good reputation and one slip was all it took for Bessie Dove-Lyon to capitalize on it and extract a promise from him. When the day of reckoning comes, Lancelot is skeptical at first, until he sees Seraphina hiding in the bushes to catch a glimpse of her precious children. Being fond of his own nieces and nephews, Lancelot knows exactly who can best give the distraught lady the help she needs. As always The Black Widow of Whitehall has the answers every person needs, and Seraphina and Lancelot gain far more than they originally bargained for. I received a copy of this beautiful love story as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Rebekah Carulli Hanson.
726 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2024
Awesome!

Lord Lancelot is a perfect gentleman in everything he does and says. He lives a rather insolent life.
Seraphina is the widow of a Baron who married her for the money from her very wealthy father.
When Seraphina’s husband died his vile brother descended upon Seraphina and her three children and forcefully removed her from the house. Now he and his wife have wrested custody and therefore control of the children and their substantial inheritance.
Enter the Black Widow of Whitehall Bessie Dove-Lyon. She commissions Lance to be Seraphina’s champion in getting her children back.
This is such a lovely story and also horrifying in what happens to Seraphina and what is really awful is that there has actually been women and children who suffered these very horrific events in history.
Jude does an amazing job of telling this story and keeping the reader vested in the outcome.
1,677 reviews14 followers
April 22, 2023
I have loved the stories in The Lyon’s Den series because you never know when Mrs. Dove Lyon will call in a debt owed to her and what the payment might be as each are unique and always to assist a lady in need. The moral in all of these stories is to never bet against Mrs. Dove Lyon because it is a no win situation and now Lance’s debt has come due. Lance is requested to help bring Seraphina out to society to help correct an injustice. The story at times tugs at the heart strings especially where her children are concerned. It is a great story that has well developed characters and is entertaining throughout the entire story. This is a story that is definitely worth reading and one I would highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DENISE I..
391 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2023
First read of this author

The Lyon’s Den Connected World has been a great source of introduction to writers who are new to me.
I was very excited to continue the series to see how this writer put her spin on it. I was not disappointed. I initially thought the hero was a bit frilly and light weight, but he redeemed himself by actually taking strong and (dandified) heroic actions to get the heroine’s life back on track. The heroine was a strong woman who had been a bargaining chip to her father.
They get their happily ever after and it made for a very nice story, especially when the antagonist sorta get their just desserts.
I will admit to being confused by the final request of Mrs. Dove-Lyon but it wasn’t as much a distraction as it was confusing and a bit unnecessary 🤷🏾‍♀️
Overall- good story and nice addition to the “connected world”.
1,003 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2023
Emotional Tender Read

So much emotion and a real to life situation that Mrs Dove Lyon gets involved with to right the wrongs that had been dealt to Serafina, Lady Frogmore.

It just goes to prove how some people are bullies and thieves in every walk of life and every woman needs a hero. In this storyline the author gives us Lord Lancelot Versey who comes to Serafina’s rescues with the help of Mrs Dove Lyon.

You just have to read this wonderful storyline with wonderful characters but be prepared for tears and a wonderful HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,043 reviews117 followers
April 26, 2023
She needs a Knight in shining armor and it seems she might just have found one with Lancelot (sigh)

When Lady Seraphina finds her children taken away by her deceased husband's brother, she is desperate to get them back.. She goes to Mrs. Dove Lyon at the Lyon's Den for help. Of course one stipulation if granting a favor to Mrs Lyon whenever she is asked.

Lord Lancelot finds himself in the debt of that same lady and is paired with Seraphina. As he spends time with her and sees her predicament, he grows in his affection.

Another wonderful addition to this fun series as only Jude can write!!
207 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2023
The Talons of a lyon
By Jude Knight

I have always enjoyed ALL of the Lyon's Den Connected World Stories, and the amazing authors who write them. Jude Knight is a wonderful addition abd having Bessie, The Black Widow Whitehall, asking for a future promise of help or asking for an unspecified favor in the future instead of money payment is a great addition.
This is a well written romantic story. Characters were well-developed. I enjoyed how smart Serafina's girls were, and that they were able to rebel in their own way against Serafina's nasty brother-in-law. Good triumped over the wrong against Serafina thanks to the romantic knight of Lance, Lord Versey.
36 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2023
Good story with a great court case

I really enjoyed the story, especially the comeuppance of the greedy, heartless in-laws. The heroine is a widow whose in-laws steal her children, her income, her good name and throw her out on the street. Through the Widow Lyon, she meets the hero and his titled family who take it upon themselves to help her. They investigate, and support her legal case to regain her children and her income, resulting in the most satisfactory court case ever. It was fun “watching” the lies of villains and their supporters torn to shreds.
31 reviews
March 16, 2024
Seraphina needs to be reintroduced in society so she can get her children and fortune back so she goes to Mrs Dove Lyon who will help. She must sign a contract that once getting this help she will be contacted in the future and must agree to do what Mrs Dove Lyon asks of her. Seraphina signs and now let the love story begin. Lord Lancelot Versey also goes to Mrs Dove Lyon and signs a contract…8 months later he is introduced to lady Seraphina. He must complete his contract. Read the book to follow the love story….Jude Knight does it again with great stories..
Profile Image for Petula.
2,911 reviews78 followers
April 19, 2023
This venture into "The Lyon's Den" sees a true gentleman, who has been warned never to gamble with the Black Widow fall to her talons.

Lady Seraphina Frogmore has had everything taken from her, even her children. She has nothing to offer the Black Widow in exchange for help.

All the characters in this historical romance show us just how important family can be in their lives, for good and bad. An emotional journey for all. 

Good fun.
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