Series:
Lyon's Den (Book 74)
He’s the widowed Marquess of Hawke. She’s a wealthy
spinster named for Apollo. Will a conniving cousin thwart a matchmaker’s plans
to see they end up together?
Robert Strathford, Marquess of Hawke, had thought to
spend his older years traveling the world with his beloved wife, but when
Eleanor dies in a carriage accident, he’s left heartbroken—and broke. While he
was on the Continent, his man of business made off with most of his fortune,
his whereabouts unknown.
After two years of mourning both his wife and his
livelihood, he’s in need of a matchmaker—his past two attempts to land a wife
using the Black Widow of Whitehall failed when he couldn’t win the strange
games he had to play at The Lyon’s Den. He is determined Mrs. Dove-Lyon find
him a wealthy wife. Will the third time be the charm?
Spinster Apollonia Alexander, the only daughter of a
wealthy trader, has lived her entire life on the move. Her father chose to take
her with him when he traveled to various ports and marketplaces, negotiating
with ships’ captains and export houses for fabrics and trinkets for the British
market. When he suddenly dies, she is devastated. Although her inheritance is
substantial, her cousin inherits the Alexander Trading Company. Christopher
will end up with her and her fortune if she’s unable to land a husband—she
needs a male relative to access her funds.
Not about to marry her cousin, Apollonia seeks the
services of a matchmaker. Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon promises a respectable marriage
to a loyal man if she can handle life with a Hawke.
But will he be able to handle her?
This was an excellent addition to the Lyon's Den series.
It sticks with the marriage of convenience theme, connecting wealthy women with
men who need their money. This one is a little different because Robert and Apollonia
are a mature couple. The story is fast-paced with touches of humor, intrigue,
and steam.
Robert, Marquess of Hawke, is a forty-five-year-old widower
on the edge of financial ruin due to past bad investments and embezzlement by
his man of business. Robert needs an infusion of funds to care for the estate
and his tenants until the crops begin producing again. Twice before, he had
enlisted the help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon, but both times, he lost the wagers to
other men. This time he insists on a straight-up match, no games. I liked the
conversation between Robert and Mrs. Dove-Lyon as they worked out the
particulars.
Apollonia is a thirty-four-year-old spinster. After her
mother's death when Apollonia was five, she accompanied her merchant father on
his travels around the world, learning the business and acting as his hostess.
When her father dies, her cousin Christopher inherits the company, while Apollonia
inherits her father's fortune. Unfortunately for her, she can't access any of
those funds without a male relative present. Her lawyer suggests she appeal to
Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help finding a suitable husband. Allowing Christopher
anywhere near her inheritance is the last thing Apollonia wants.
Apollonia's meeting with Mrs. Dove-Lyon goes quite well.
She knows what she is looking for in a husband. I had to laugh at Mrs.
Dove-Lyon's reaction, as she has never had two people so ideally suited to each
other. She quickly makes arrangements for them to meet and marry.
Apollonia arrived at the Lyon's Den just as Robert was
leaving. Her appearance intrigues him, causing him to wait around until she
leaves. She gets a little freaked out when he approaches her about the gown she
is wearing and makes her escape as quickly as possible. Robert increases the
tension by following her to her hotel. Despite her wariness, Apollonia does
note that she is attracted to him.
Both are surprised the next day when they show up to meet
their prospective spouse. I loved their honest exchange of expectations and
practical planning as they spent time getting to know each other. Their first
kiss rapidly becomes intense, culminating in a tour of his home.
Robert and Apollonia's wedding goes smoothly, but
settling financial matters is complicated by outside shenanigans. I loved Mrs.
Dove-Lyon's involvement and the information she uncovered. The resolution with Apollonia's
cousin was not what I expected. The epilogue was fantastic.
There is also a surprise below-stairs secondary romance.
I laughed out loud at the interactions between these characters and rooted for
everything to work out for them.
No comments:
Post a Comment