It seems there is a game afoot.

“The two pieces do not have to be identical. They simply have to fit together.”

Betrayed by the woman he’d hoped to marry, Ambrose Crossley, fifth Earl of Pendlewood, retreats to his country estate to nurse his wounded pride.

Edward Fortescue, Viscount Eskdale, determines to draw Ambrose out of his misery and secures the matchmaking services of Bessie Dove-Lyon. Fortunately, it seems a likely candidate has just appeared on the doorstep!

Lydia Page knew nothing of The Lyon’s Den till she reads the intriguing letter her beloved father leaves for her after his death. A gambling establishment? A matchmaker? It makes little sense, but Lydia trusts her father’s advice and seeks Bessie Dove-Lyon’s assistance in finding a suitable husband.

Edward is of the opinion that Miss Page is a perfect candidate. Ambrose, however, still wallowing in misery, flatly refuses to even consider meeting the girl. That is until a compromise is arranged. A game of sorts, one that lures the reluctant Ambrose out of the doldrums. As the game progresses, he struggles against a growing attraction to Lydia. Dare he believe what his heart is telling him? A fairytale night in a lantern-lit garden provides the answer. It’s a perfect match!

Or is it?

Seeing Lydia with another man leaves Ambrose heartbroken, his pride in tatters. Betrayed twice! How could he have been so blind? So stupid!

A reluctant meeting with Bessie Dove-Lyon, however, seems to paint a different picture. If true, it means Ambrose has only one chance to put things right or lose Lydia forever.

And time is rapidly running out!

Read in Kindle Unlimited!