Series:
Lyon's Den (Book 73)
Sometimes, passion is impossible to ignore.
Lady Melissa Thumbridge knows how to move through high
society but refuses to play by its rules. When she's summoned as the Prince
Regent's mistress, she finds herself trapped in a world of luxury and duty.
Yet, her heart beats for another—John Stonebridge, who's everything she's ever
wanted. Loving him, though, could cost them both everything. With her sister's
duchess title and the survival of the dukedom on the line, Melissa must summon
all her strength to break free, with a little help from the infamous matchmaker
Mrs. Dove-Lyon...and a meddlesome kitten named Angus.
Can Mrs. Dove-Lyon help her win her heart's desire?
John Stonebridge thought he'd lost everything. Once the
presumed heir to a dukedom, he's been reduced to watching someone else wear the
title, all while carrying the weight of his family's legacy. After the loss of
his first wife, John swore that he'd never allow his heart to hope again. But
Melissa changes everything. She awakens something in him—a fire he can't
control and a future he yearns to grasp. The problem? Claiming her could ruin
everything he's sworn to protect.
But what use was love if it burned all else to ash around
him?
When fate and duty threaten to keep them apart, Melissa
and John must risk everything for a second chance at an impossible love they
were always meant to find. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a castle,
their steamy romance is a passionate blend of courage, scandal, and the
ultimate test of devotion.
Good addition to the Lyon's Den series. Melissa is a
beautiful young widow who caught the Prince Regent's eye. He summoned her to be
one of his mistresses, an honor she did not want. Unfortunately, she can't say
no without risking the livelihood and reputation of her family. Her love for
another man complicates matters. She appeals to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help in
untangling her life.
John Stonebridge was the Duke of Duncan until his missing
cousin, Dustin, returned to London (
The Lyon's Golden Touch) and married Lexi,
Melissa's sister. He spent years repairing the estate's finances and caring for
the property. Now, he attempts to teach his cousin what he needs to know to
take his place as Duke. Dustin would rather continue his work as a dentist than
deal with estate matters.
Melissa flees to her sister's country home to visit Lexi
and stay out of Prinny's way while Mrs. Dove-Lyon works her magic. I enjoyed
watching John and Melissa's relationship develop. When Dustin and Lexi depart
for London, John and Melissa step up to keep things going at the estate. Spending
time together intensifies their feelings for each other, but until Melissa is
free, they can't do anything about it. John and Melissa each have insecurities
that make their situation more complicated. There are several deeply emotional
scenes involving John's son, Herbert, that hammer home Melissa's fears. In the
end, Mrs. Dove-Lyon comes up with an interesting solution. The epilogue was
good, with a look at a unique future.
I enjoyed the story of John and Melissa, but I freely
confess that my favorite character was Angus, the kitten. His appearance
emphasized John and Dustin's challenges in handling their duties. Angus's
antics were adorable and lightened some of the more intense scenes. I especially
enjoyed the scene with the yarn.
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