Seven Days A Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance

by Emmi West

The supposedly dead Duke of Comerford requires a wife. And quickly.

By tomorrow noon, to be precise.

Blame it on his father’s ridiculous will. A Duchess is required before the estates can pass into his hands.

Miss Marian has only come to plead with the surly Duke for an extension on her father’s mountainous debts. Perfect for him. If she becomes his Duchess, he’ll happily annul her father’s promissory note.

What he doesn’t know is that she has loathed him since childhood – and that she has no intention of enduring the role of Duchess for more than seven days – precisely the time she needs to put her escape plan into action.

The Duke may be a monster, but he is a man of his word. He is determined to visit her bedchamber, night after night... until she provides him with a son and heir.


Exciting – witty – sizzling. In seven days – and nights, oh the nights! – much can happen. “Seven Days A Duchess” is a standalone novel with a happily-ever-after from USA Today bestselling author Jenny Foster writing as Emmi West.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Marriage Of Convenience

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second listen from Emmi West and it was another mostly enjoyable experience.

I really felt for Marian and the position she is put it. It made it understandable that she was so desperate and willing to hoodwink the Duke in anyway she must. I didn't think 7 days was a very realistic timeline and when the feelings began they spring forth in a very Insta-love form. I was a bit underwhelmed by that fact.

I did also enjoy the cast of characters. They made this story feel alive and kept me interested. I love a goofy pup and meddling relatives and debts that must be paid. There was a lot here to like, even if I didn't jive with the timeline as much as I wanted.

Finally, Morgan was a great hero and he carried a lot for this story for me. I loved how he and Marian were together, I just think it happened to fast.

Duet narration by Alex Wyndham & Justine Eyre was very well done. I love the treat of Historical Romance performed in this manor.

3.5 Stars (rounded up)
2.5 on the spice scale

CW: Parental Death & mental illness

*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

Seven Days a Duchess is a historical romance with a marriage of convenience, but the bride wants out of it in seven days.

Morgan Beauchamp, the Duke of Comeford has returned home after being shipwrecked on an island for 6 months. Unfortunately, his father's will has some crazy stipulations that he must get married immediately and have an heir in the next year.

Marian has come to Morgan to request an extension on her father's debts and her arrival comes at the perfect time and he offers a marriage of convenience. He has no idea that they had a run-in when they were younger that left Marian embarrassed and hating him. She does not plan to stay married past the seven days and places a bet against their marriage lasting to win enough money to take care of the debts.

A lot happens in the 7 days, leading Marian and Morgan to fall for each other. How will Morgan feel about everything once he discovers her secret?

I enjoyed this, but I didn't really love the hero for most of the book. I did appreciate their sweeter moments and how he realized how much he loved Marian.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Duet narration by Alex Wyndham & Justine Eyre

Alex Wyndham and Justine Eyre did an amazing job bringing this story to life. I really love when a historical romance has duet narration. It just takes it to the next level.

Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.

[Valerie Grissom · Rating 3 out of 5]

unnecessary length

There were some good parts in here. Most of it can be skipped. I’ve never read an Emmi West story. I can’t say I’m enamored with her writing but it wasn’t terrible. Really a middle of the road normal romance. The author had a tendency to get caught up in the details and over elaborate.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marian Holloway is the daughter of Sir Osmond Holloway Baronet. Her father has never been the same since her mother died. He thinks she is away on a trip and is waiting for her to come back. His mind has good and bad days, and she will do anything to protect him. She lives in a house she calls “Safe Haven”. These people are her family; society would call unwanted or misfits. Mrs. North, Dottie, John Smith, and one can’t leave Commodore Redfern the parrot out. All help make the story better and explains a lot about her character. With the help of her childhood friend, Mr. Edward St. Aubyn she must face her past in the form of the Duke of Comeford, Morgan Beauchamp. He caused her worst childhood memory and she hates him. But she needs to ask for an extension on her father's debt. Morgan Beauchamp has been lost on an island for six months! His first day back on English soil, he is looking forward to home, mostly his favorite food. He looks nothing like a duke should. His hair and beard are long, his clothes ill-fitting. When he gets home, after helping with a accident he finds his elderly aunt, Brunhild has taken over his home! Along with her dog, a very overweight pug who goes everywhere she does. Changing rooms for her artiest friends and overseeing the accounts! She informs him that his nasty late father stated in his will that he had to be married by tomorrow and have a child on the way or everything goes to her! He swears he will marry the next woman he meets and while leaving runs over, Marian on his steps. She thinks he is mad when he asks her to marry him! But when he says he will forget her father's debt, she agrees. Oh, these two have no idea what fate has in store for them. Never have two people looked at life differently. As bets are made thru out London, on how long they will stay wed or not. Both Marian and Morgan set out very different outlooks on this marriage. Misunderstanding, secrets, longing past and present friends and family all add to their story and what a story it is. Tons of emotions, passion, pain, and love too. What a read, grab a copy and get started to see all that happens and how it will all end. You will not be able to put it down. I received an ARC and want to thank the author. This is my honest opinion and am freely leaving it.

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marian’s determination to kill them with kindness is refreshing. This is a woman ruled by optimism. After meeting the neighboring Duke in a most unflattering manner, the impressionable 14. yr old Marian goes on to detest the man henceforth. When she must ask his help in delaying her father’s debt, she inadvertently walks into a marriage. She plans 7 days to win her bet and leave said marriage, but you know what is said of love & hate? They are but two sides of the same coin and her coin is about to be flipped on its head. What transpires is a tempering of emotion and a growing admiration. Marian takes the household by storm, winning over not just the Duke but his miserly Aunt too. Where she goes, happiness follows and she can’t help but meddle in the misguided relations of her new family. But she is still there under a ruse, which means that the other shoe must eventually fall. In true histrom fashion, this love match is doomed without honesty. Watching these two bumble their way to forgiveness and understanding was delightfully enchanting. This tale involves miserly spinsters, a Duchess of sunshine with a tender spot for the staff and a Duke who is determined not to feel. A delightful blend of hijinks and blossoming love.

Narration by Alex Wyndham & Justine Eyre was a wonderful mix of aristocratic tones and soft compassion. Justine Eyre is truly one of the foundations of historical romance narration in my mind. She never fails to bring the emotion while honing in on all the society trappings to make the style pop. Alex Wyndham is a new voice for my ears and i must say, it was a treat. I immediately was drawn to his British drawl and imposing vocal stature. He completely embodied the haughty ducal tones while maintaining a soft vulnerability in Morgan. Together they combined a beautiful chemistry to make the love shine thru. A wonderfully entertaining listen.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have a book read from the heroine’s perspective and the hero somewhat biased opinion!
We have Morgan, the Duke of Comerford who has gone on secret missions for the Crown! He has recently found himself ship wrecked for 6 months! He finds his father gone and a strange clause is his will gives him less than 24 hours to find a bride!
We also have Miss Marian Holloway bearing a letter to request an extension so the inhabitants of Safe Haven can remain just that.
She was not expecting a marriage proposal and that she would indeed accept!
Her friend Eddie encouraged her to not only accept but get in on the frenzied betting that their marriage would not last 7 days!
Never bet against the house or a Comerford they always win!
These two have a combustible chemistry and both are keeping secrets!
But Marian is all sunshine and light and she brings two people who previously loathed each other Morgan and his aunt Countess Brunhild Sachsen-Coburg-Saalfied of German descent.
There is lots of humor as Marian finds the good in everyone even a lazy pug with the most outrageous name! Get ready to laugh out loud!
Is there a HEA? When the boy from years ago becomes so much more! But secrets have a way of coming out! Always at an inopportune time!
Can they win the bet on love? All the others are not as important as loving your spouse!
Bravo Well done!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Stephanie Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Emmi West!

A lot happens in Seven Days, but for the good!!

Marian is happy with her life, but struggling & realizes this marriage could help her & her family.
While Morgan is not so happy with the circumstances of his life & what he came back home too.

They both need each other even though both despise that fact!

Marian’s dislike of Morgan from her younger years causes her to want to bet against their marriage to help her family using her winnings. She tries her best to make that happen but ends up falling in love only to be heartbroken because of a misunderstanding.

Morgan needs a wife & heir, which happens the be with Marian whom he doesn’t recognize from his younger years. He semi figures it out to an extent.
He tries his best to impress & make Marian happy, but in doing so he’s realizing it makes him happy.

The misunderstanding between the characters helps with their growth at the end of the book. They both know prior to that, in the short seven days, that they love each other & neither wants to admit it.

I love that Morgan found Marian at his country estate & danced with her as she had always dreamed!
They confessed their love for one another & the rest is history!! Love wins in the end!!

I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion. Thank you for the opportunity.

[Margaret Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marian Holloway meets Morgan Beauchamp, the Duke of Comeford again when she goes to his home to ask for an extension on the repayment of debts her father owes to the Duke. Morgan just returned to England after being shipwrecked in the Caribbean. While away, his father died and he learns he must marry by tomorrow and father a son within a year or his inheritance would shift to his elderly aunt, Brunhild. Morgan proposes a marriage of convenience to Marian thinking she would be amenable to his conditions and she accepts but plans on leaving him in one week. Of course, all good plans often go awry and Marian and Morgan soon realize they are good together as a couple but Marian’s secrets once uncovered, force them apart. It’s only after Morgan realizes why Marian had her secrets that they’re able to come together and have their HEA. A delicious and sexy release that I am highly recommending to readers who enjoy this genre. I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Historical Romance about a grumpy Duke Morgan and his neighbor, Marian who meet as kids with him being rude and Marian ending in a pond! Years later Morgan has returned after 2 years severing the Prince Regent. His father’s will states in order to inherit the estate he’s required to be married in 24 hours and have a heir within a year. Marian’s father will lose their home from his debt so Marian ask the Duke for an extension only for him not recognizing her and whisking her away into marriage the next day! Their agreement should be a business deal, they both make bets on the marriage lasting 7 days or not. Their relationship builds into something special, Marian brings warmth and happiness to the home and helps his cranky Aunt become a woman with meaning. Morgan takes a situation out of context and their marriage becomes broken. Marian’s a woman who puts others needs before her own and she’s come to terms with the outcome of her decisions. Morgan will need to figure out what’s most important to him!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

He pushed her in a duck pond; now he wants to marry her. Morgan, Duke of Comerford, has just returned to London after being marooned on an island for several months. As soon as he arrives, he discovers an unwelcome codicil in his father’s will. He needs to wed by noon on the anniversary of his father’s death, which is tomorrow. Marian hopes to solve her father’s debt to the duke. Just as she approaches the door, Morgan runs out, spots her, and an says “marry me.” What follows is a delightful comedy of errors, misunderstandings, hasty judgement, and forgiveness. The characters are great. Morgan is overwhelmed at first, but quickly settles in to his role as duke. Marian is a most patient and caring person, a nurturer. The secondary characters, both families, are eccentric, and endearing. A fun story that waltzes its way to a happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[MoreThanAPrettyCover · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a fun historical romance! I'm not sure if the author intended for this to feel like a Beauty and the Beast retelling but it sure was!

I love how in this genre, each author takes liberties with the regency history to make it their own but still staying true to some aspects for the era. If this were a 100% accurate tale of title inheritance, it would be rather boring. But the wishes of this duke's father give this all the entertainment.

I would also like to point out how PERFECT the casting was for the voice actors. Morgan's rough and entitled essence came through just right. And Marian's hope and good nature was evident in her portrayal also.

I am taking half a star for the continual repetitiveness of "I am the duke" and "I'll only be a duchess for 7 days" got a bit much. I get that the characters fully believed in these things but I could've done without maybe half of the remarks they had. Otherwise, this book was everything I could've wanted in a historical romance!

I'm giving this book 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Marlene Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

To save her father and the accumulated people that lived and worked in his home, which was called Safe Haven, Marion Holloway went to see the recently returned Duke of Comerford, Morgan Beauchamp to beg for an extension on Baronet Sir Osmond's debt...but after doing two years in the Caribbean, then surviving a shipwreck Morgan returned a day shy of his father's one year deadline for him to marry or lose his estate to his elderly Aunt...so tells her will forgive her father's debt if she marries him in the next morning...she agrees...but their sudden nuptials has London wagering on if marriage will last or not...including his bride who bet that she would be gone in seven days...but you will need to read this humorous take to see what happens...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy...

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical perfection
I loved this book. Another beautiful historical romance with style, elegance, and dignity. This is a rich, vibrant story that brings the time in history to life again. The FMC, Marian, is the epitome of sass, determination, high morals, and empathy who stands up for what is best for others, rarely for herself. She is no simpering wallflower. I enjoyed the banter and battle of wills between the main characters, and the warmth that draws in even the cantankerous aunt. I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. There was something to enjoy around every corner of this story, I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like the character of Marian, she was such a caring person for not only her family but she also treated staff fairly. Morgan, Duke of Comerford, hadn’t had an easy life but he was aware of his status. He needed to get married quickly and Marian needed to solve her family’s debts. They had met many years ago as their families lived near each other. However, that first meeting didn’t go well. I enjoyed this story, especially the way they really got to know each other. Although, not everything runs smoothly and there are misunderstandings. I also liked the way that Marian dealt with Morgan’s aunt and I enjoyed the ending. This was an entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan embarrassed Marion when she was a teenager and she never forgave him. Now, she is about to ask for an extension to her father’s debt.
Morgan has finally returned home after being shipwrecked, only to find he must marry by the next day! He asks the first woman he sees, Marion, however he does not recognise her from his youth.
This is a wonderful story: Marion is a special kind of person who influences everyone she meets, including Morgan. There is Morgan’s aunt who is a great character and Marions best-friend too, who contribute to making this an enjoyable read,
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The best laid plans of mice and ladies". Ok, that's not the actual quote, but it surely pins this story perfectly. Miss Marian may have thought she could handle seven days with the Duke, fulfill the bargain she struck, and escape from his clutches. Marian is a high-spirited lady who desires freedom, happiness and family. Pitting her intelligence against the Duke, outlasting his persistence, and digging in where she can lead to some very funny moments. But once they interacted, everything changed. I am looking forward to the next in this series.

[dinithi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️!!

this was a fun little HR to listen to! i loveeeee a good marriage of convenience (esp when they initially dislike each other! greatly!!). i really like marian and her high-spiritedness. the plethora of eccentric side-characters also made this a fun read!

in any other book, i think these narrators would’ve been really strong, but as the premise, plot, and dialogue in the storyline came off as juvenile sometimes, i didn’t really enjoy the audiobook as much as i had hoped to. :/

[Lynne Connolly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear. Based on an incorrect assumption. A title is awarded by the Crown, not by the previous holder. It is not a possession. And in any case, not marrying is never a condition of inheritance. If the hero is the oldest legitimate son of the previous title holder, job done. So it's a story based on an impossible premise. Annoyingly, it's really easy to research that.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this grumpy sunshine historical romance. We needed a bride before tomorrow, check. We need an extension to pay our bills, check. This is a great marriage of convenience story. I loved how Marian agreed and only gave herself 7 days. I enjoyed the Aunt role in the story. The dog, the bird. I loved how the Duke wasn’t mean and honestly had patience.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Loved the Duke and Marian. They both made some questionable decisions but grew during the course of the book. I liked that they didn't linger in a bad decisions but instead gave it real thought. The characters were funny and interesting. Loved the side characters! Very engaging story and fun romance to read.

[Megan Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grump Duke needing a wife immediately. A baronets daughter needing an extension to keep their house. What could go wrong? She is determined to marry for 7 days and he is equally determined to get an heir. Great characters. Wonderful settings. A great read!

[Aspoon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my, this book was so poorly done. The story was weirdly written and down right absurd. I mean to the point I don’t ever want to read this author’s work again. (Sad face)

Too bad this particular duke wasn’t written for a different storyline by a different author.

[Cynthia Houser]

Seven Days A Duchess

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The Duchess was so sweet, kind, caring and felt responsible her family. The Duke was rough and thought women were so supposed to be compliant. I look forward to reading the next book.

[Teddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and light

I enjoyed the light hearted story and was glued to the pages. I wish more time had been spent at the beginning to develop the side characters more and im not fond of the misunderstanding tropes, but it was sweet and didnt drag out the pain too much.

[Debra Ranck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kind of Merry Mix up.

Normally I do not answer the stated questions always in the review's box but this is one book I'd recommend to read on a weekend when you need a good book to brighten your days. It is an easy read and all the characters are interesting.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. There were some parts where it felt too long, too drawn out. Other parts not enough detail. Historical romance but not super historically accurate compared to other books in this genre. It was just ok.

[Donna F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dashing Duke

Romance after the wedding; love and loyalty questioned but found. Secrets are always found out. Good read. Happy Ever After

[Maryann Flaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

wierd

I didn’t care for strange way this story was presented. I would have preferred the couple tell their own story. I don’t like someone reading a story to me.

[meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seven Days a Duchess: ★ ★ ★

Emmi West

Years ago, he pushed her into a pond. Now he wants to marry her.

Tropes:
– Marriage of convenience
– Consummation clause
– Enemies to lovers

When the Duke realizes that he cannot claim his title, unless he is married, he vowed to marry the first woman he sees. Little does he know that it is the same woman who swore that she would never let him kiss her all those years ago. And thus begins a marriage of between a girl who just wants to clear her father’s debts and a man who needs a wife desperately.

I loved the premise and I liked the banter between the two of them. I also thought it was pretty funny overall and I liked watching them get to know each other. That being said I feel like there wasn’t that much emotional connection between them because they were constantly trying to outsmart one another. Because of that, it didn’t really leave room for them to get to know each other beyond the façade that they were putting up. I really liked the heroine, but it took me a very long time to like the hero, all the way to the end basically.

I also absolutely love short chapters, but often times this felt extremely abrupt. It almost felt like we were getting left off in the middle of a sentence.

The audio, however, was an absolute delight, and I really enjoyed the duet narration. Both of the narrators brought so much life into the story and I enjoyed that. Thank you MLA for the ALC!