Between a Lyon and Ruin

A rigged wager births truth, vindication, and fiercely chosen love.

When Lady Victoria Richmond is lured into a garden and publicly compromised by Damian Herford, Lord Sterling, London turns her name into a weapon. With two weeks before scandal becomes her only legacy, she seeks the one woman who deals in impossible salvations: Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon. A riddle challenge, a signature on aged parchment—and a gentleman’s honor will pay the price.

Rees Harcourt never meant to wager his freedom. One “unanswerable” riddle later, he owes a medieval marriage debt… to the very lady at the center of his rival’s newest scandal. Convinced he’s been trapped, Rees offers cold generosity and keeps his distance. Victoria, believing he entered willingly, answers his frost with quiet courage. Gossip bites. Pride hardens. And yet—small mercies, shared laughter, and a fiercely defended truth begin to thaw what anger froze.
When Sterling strikes back with fresh lies and forged letters, Rees must choose publicly: protect his pride, or defend his wife and burn his bridges with the beau monde. Together, Victoria and Rees will unmask a predator, reclaim her honor, and decide what binds them—contract, duty… or love.