Series:
Lyon's Den (Book 69)
A wastrel lord and an ex-courtesan forced together must
pay the price of their past sins.
She's planning for the future…
Having enjoyed a successful career as mistress to various
members of the Ton, Isabella Rossi longs to walk away from her past. She wants
a normal life with all it entails -- a husband, a home, and children. Isabella
seeks out the Black Widow, owner of the Lyon's Den gaming hell who also runs a
specialized matchmaking service.
He's living for the moment…
Heir to an earldom, Luke Lynwood is addicted to drinking,
gambling, and avoiding his responsibilities. But when he gambles more than he
can afford, the Black Widow offers him an alternative way to repay his massive
debt.
Under Isabella's reluctant tutelage, Luke must come to
terms with his lack of self-control and face his father, which might just take
a Christmas miracle.
This was a good enemies to lovers story with a lot going
on. There is addiction, family conflict, class differences, and an older
woman/younger man as themes that kept me turning the pages.
Isabella (Belle) is a retired courtesan looking for a
change. After a successful career and intelligent investing, she has more than
enough to live comfortably. But Belle wants a husband, children, and a life
away from her past. She asks Mrs. Dove-Lyon to work her matchmaking magic for
her. Mrs. Dove-Lyon is willing but has an unusual requirement. She knows Belle
successfully helped a young woman beat an addiction and wants Belle to help a
problem client overcome his vices.
Luke Lynwood is well down the road to ruin. He lost his
mother at an early age and has a tense relationship with his father. Luke
spends his days and nights drinking and gambling until the night he loses far
too much at the Lyon's Den. Mrs. Dove-Lyon tells him he has a choice: get sober,
or she writes to his father about his debts.
Though Belle is not happy with the mission, she is
determined to carry it out to the best of her ability. Luke is very
uncooperative at first, and he and Belle clash constantly. But after a few
days, Luke begins to feel the results of her tough love approach. Neither one
expects the sparks of attraction that flare up between them. Luke is an
accomplished flirt who enjoys getting under Belle's skin. He also begins to
appreciate her efforts on his behalf, and his confidence grows. I liked how
Belle challenged him to take control of his life and future.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. From
antagonists to friends to lovers, it wasn't an easy journey. Once Luke finished
his "program" and was cleared by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, they were in for
another shock. Mrs. Dove-Lyon reveals that her choice of husband for Belle is
none other than Luke himself! Belle is horrified. She cares for Luke but fears
that her reputation will cause him irreparable harm, and she resists any
attempts to convince her otherwise. Luke takes to the idea quickly. But there
is one other obstacle to a happy ending for them, and it shows up as a twist
near the end.
The ending was terrific. I loved how Belle's past and
future came together unexpectedly. It warmed my heart to see the support she
received and the difference it made to her view of the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment