What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sommersby Brides #2
His Three-Day Duchess
He’s claimed his title
Could he inherit a bride, too?
The Duchess of Skeffington retreats to the estate that was her refuge during her cruel marriage. She’s shocked to come face-to-face with the distant heir, now newly inherited duke, adventurous Simon Alexander. When Elizabeth is robbed, it’s up to them both to find the thief. But traveling together would attract too much gossip… Unless they pose as husband and wife!
Could he inherit a bride, too?
The Duchess of Skeffington retreats to the estate that was her refuge during her cruel marriage. She’s shocked to come face-to-face with the distant heir, now newly inherited duke, adventurous Simon Alexander. When Elizabeth is robbed, it’s up to them both to find the thief. But traveling together would attract too much gossip… Unless they pose as husband and wife!
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
75 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Benson
32 books111 followersLaurie Benson is an award-winning historical romance author who writes stories about men in boots and the women who fall for them. She began her writing career as an advertising copywriter, where she learned more than you could ever want to know about hot dogs and credit score reports. Now, she loves taking readers on romantic adventures with her novels. To-date, those novels are sold over twelve countries, have been translated into eight languages, and one of them has even been adapted into a graphic novel.
When she isn't at her laptop avoiding laundry, Laurie can be found browsing antique shops, going on ridiculously long hikes with her family, and reading on the beach.
You can learn more about Laurie and her upcoming books by visiting her website at lauriebenson.net.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
When she isn't at her laptop avoiding laundry, Laurie can be found browsing antique shops, going on ridiculously long hikes with her family, and reading on the beach.
You can learn more about Laurie and her upcoming books by visiting her website at lauriebenson.net.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 1, 2020
My second book in my personal A-Z by the author’s names of cheap romance books I’ve picked up along the line. This one, by Laurie Benson, falls into the historical Mills & Boon category.
This book is apparently part of a series and, although it is completely standalone, I found Lizzy’s, the heroine, characterisation had to be justified from her appearances in the earlier books. That is, I assume she was used as a bit of an antagonist/other woman in those which meant Benson had to explain why she acted that way to ensure readers were empathetic towards her situation for this installment. This felt a little forced at times and almost out of place.
The book firmly relies on the leading couple moving from their initial hatred to falling in love. It wasn’t the best transition due to the leads having spontaneous lustful thoughts. I’m all for sexual chemistry but theirs seemed to come out of nowhere.
About halfway through Benson included a mystery but it’s only there to keep the hero and heroine in each other’s company as opposed to any satisfying mystery subplot. It’s soon followed by a couple of the usual romance tropes - forced to share a room, pretending to be a married couple, the heroine relying on the hero to save her from financial ruin.
I’m not sure I believed in the lead couple or the plot entirely. I certainly wasn't enamoured enough for me to rush out and read the other books in the series. Looking at other people's reviews, I might be in the minority; most give this high ratings. However, 2, maybe 2 1/2 would be my highest.
This book is apparently part of a series and, although it is completely standalone, I found Lizzy’s, the heroine, characterisation had to be justified from her appearances in the earlier books. That is, I assume she was used as a bit of an antagonist/other woman in those which meant Benson had to explain why she acted that way to ensure readers were empathetic towards her situation for this installment. This felt a little forced at times and almost out of place.
The book firmly relies on the leading couple moving from their initial hatred to falling in love. It wasn’t the best transition due to the leads having spontaneous lustful thoughts. I’m all for sexual chemistry but theirs seemed to come out of nowhere.
About halfway through Benson included a mystery but it’s only there to keep the hero and heroine in each other’s company as opposed to any satisfying mystery subplot. It’s soon followed by a couple of the usual romance tropes - forced to share a room, pretending to be a married couple, the heroine relying on the hero to save her from financial ruin.
I’m not sure I believed in the lead couple or the plot entirely. I certainly wasn't enamoured enough for me to rush out and read the other books in the series. Looking at other people's reviews, I might be in the minority; most give this high ratings. However, 2, maybe 2 1/2 would be my highest.
January 11, 2019
This is the third and final book in The Sommersby Brides mini series and I will admit that I was in mixed thoughts about this. I loved a good 99% of it; the plot is fantastic a blossoming romance between two people who I honestly would never have put together, with the hint of a mystery as they try to catch a thief, it literally takes the reader on a wonderful journey. The hero is amazing, really I have fallen head over heels for this brilliant man, especially as he does remind me of Indiana Jones minus the great hat 😉 no idea where that came from. Maybe because I was watching Indi at the same as reading this over Christmas. And off course the amazing Aunt Clara is back on brilliant form, she really is a hoot.
I do hate to say it – only because I never like saying anything negative about an author’s hard work, but I have vowed to be honest and as great as this book is; really the story itself has everything that we have come to expect from Ms Benson; fascinating character’s, thrilling side story involving stolen jewels and a bit of a game of cat and mouse between two highly opinionated and strong people who ultimately leads to romance. But to me this final book in The Sommersby Brides series didn’t have that same magic which the previous books did. I can’t put my finger on it, it felt as though there was something missing for me the heroine was lacking something which surprised me. I don’t know why but for some reason I couldn’t warm to Lizzie as I did her sisters; Juliet and Charlotte. To me on first meeting her at the start of the book she appeared; cold, bossy, a bit demanding and may I say it a tad on the selfish side – Sorry! She did mellow and become more human as the story unfolded we found out more about her as a person instead of as just a duchess. I did love the ‘will-they-won’t-they’ spark between her and Simon, the dialogue between them is fast and fiery, plus very romantic but I am a fickle reader and first impressions really do count for me.
Lizzie; Duchess of Skeffington is finally free from her cruel husband to be able to go about her life as she wants. She has resigned herself to never finding love like her sister’s have, she is feeling alone and depressed she hasn’t had the best start always being passed over for her much more vivacious sisters and then ending up in a terrible marriage. She sees now as being the chance she has for the happiness she deserves, she fully plan’s on retiring to her secluded little idle of Stonehaven and being able to breathe again. That is until her late husbands will is read and she meets the new Duke of Skeffington, she feels like her life has just fallen around her again.
Simon Alexander, the new Duke of Skeffington which really is something that he never wanted. He can’t think of anything worse than having this title and responsibility that comes with the title land in his lap, he is far happier in his old life as an adventurer and searching out his much-loved treasures and is love of antiques – you see now why I think of him as Indiana Jones! And if you think that he isn’t overly excited about his new life then wait until you see his reaction to Lizzie. To say that he initially dislikes the dowager duchess is an understatement, but he soon comes to know her as Lizzie and not just the money grabbing duchess he initially thinks her to be. Especially when one thing leads to another and they end up on the hunt for a thief that takes them on an eye-opening journey.
I love Simon, what a wonderful, sexy, intelligent, honest, warm and sensual man he is. He is everything I love about a hero; charming, a bit broody, hard-working, not too keen on aristocrat’s – basically he thinks most of them too be demanding lay-abouts ) my words, not his!) He has a good head on those wide shoulders and a sympathetic, kind heart. Plus, he is very easy on the eye…..he really does need an Indiana Jones hat to go with those boots….sigh!!
Over all this is a wonderfully romantic story all about second chances and finding true love, the beautiful story and charismatic Simon did out way my own personal initial thoughts of Lizzie. It’s charming and heart-warming, the writing is as perfect as ever and I absolutely love the epilogue which is such a lovely ending to the series and it is so good to see how all the couples fair. It is a little sad that the series is over, it seems to have finished way too quickly one minute we are just getting to the sisters and then poof, we are at the end….but heard rumours that aunt Clara may get a story – that should be fantastic!
I do hate to say it – only because I never like saying anything negative about an author’s hard work, but I have vowed to be honest and as great as this book is; really the story itself has everything that we have come to expect from Ms Benson; fascinating character’s, thrilling side story involving stolen jewels and a bit of a game of cat and mouse between two highly opinionated and strong people who ultimately leads to romance. But to me this final book in The Sommersby Brides series didn’t have that same magic which the previous books did. I can’t put my finger on it, it felt as though there was something missing for me the heroine was lacking something which surprised me. I don’t know why but for some reason I couldn’t warm to Lizzie as I did her sisters; Juliet and Charlotte. To me on first meeting her at the start of the book she appeared; cold, bossy, a bit demanding and may I say it a tad on the selfish side – Sorry! She did mellow and become more human as the story unfolded we found out more about her as a person instead of as just a duchess. I did love the ‘will-they-won’t-they’ spark between her and Simon, the dialogue between them is fast and fiery, plus very romantic but I am a fickle reader and first impressions really do count for me.
Lizzie; Duchess of Skeffington is finally free from her cruel husband to be able to go about her life as she wants. She has resigned herself to never finding love like her sister’s have, she is feeling alone and depressed she hasn’t had the best start always being passed over for her much more vivacious sisters and then ending up in a terrible marriage. She sees now as being the chance she has for the happiness she deserves, she fully plan’s on retiring to her secluded little idle of Stonehaven and being able to breathe again. That is until her late husbands will is read and she meets the new Duke of Skeffington, she feels like her life has just fallen around her again.
Simon Alexander, the new Duke of Skeffington which really is something that he never wanted. He can’t think of anything worse than having this title and responsibility that comes with the title land in his lap, he is far happier in his old life as an adventurer and searching out his much-loved treasures and is love of antiques – you see now why I think of him as Indiana Jones! And if you think that he isn’t overly excited about his new life then wait until you see his reaction to Lizzie. To say that he initially dislikes the dowager duchess is an understatement, but he soon comes to know her as Lizzie and not just the money grabbing duchess he initially thinks her to be. Especially when one thing leads to another and they end up on the hunt for a thief that takes them on an eye-opening journey.
I love Simon, what a wonderful, sexy, intelligent, honest, warm and sensual man he is. He is everything I love about a hero; charming, a bit broody, hard-working, not too keen on aristocrat’s – basically he thinks most of them too be demanding lay-abouts ) my words, not his!) He has a good head on those wide shoulders and a sympathetic, kind heart. Plus, he is very easy on the eye…..he really does need an Indiana Jones hat to go with those boots….sigh!!
Over all this is a wonderfully romantic story all about second chances and finding true love, the beautiful story and charismatic Simon did out way my own personal initial thoughts of Lizzie. It’s charming and heart-warming, the writing is as perfect as ever and I absolutely love the epilogue which is such a lovely ending to the series and it is so good to see how all the couples fair. It is a little sad that the series is over, it seems to have finished way too quickly one minute we are just getting to the sisters and then poof, we are at the end….but heard rumours that aunt Clara may get a story – that should be fantastic!
January 21, 2019
His Three-Day Duchess is the third and final book in "The Sommersby Brides" series by author Laurie Benson. I must admit I'm sad to see this series end but what a wonderful ending to a fabulous series!
Our heroine in this story is Elizabeth (Lizzy) the Duchess of Skeffington. Lizzy is the middle sister and the only one who did not marry for love. She was “sold off” by her father at the age of seventeen to a Duke old enough to be her grandfather. If you’ve read the first two books in this series then you’ve already met Lizzy & if you haven’t I highly recommend you do! In those glimpses of her we got the impression that she liked to remind everyone of her wealth and status. So I was very interested to see if there was something more to the haughty Duchess of Skeffington….
Simon Alexander is the newly appointed Duke of Skeffington. He was a man that grew up without privilege, spending most of his life after his mother died with people who didn’t care about him. He wasn’t trained to be a Duke and has no desire to be one. He’d much rather relinquish the title and continue to travel and explore the world.
Simon was a wonderful hero and I immediately liked him. A good man who was put into circumstances he didn’t want but had no way out. I’ll admit throughout this series Lizzy was not my favorite sister… But author Laurie Benson did a wonderful job of changing my mind by revealing a Lizzy I didn’t know. When I finally got to see the real Lizzy and see how she felt and all she endured over the years, my feelings for her changed. I will now admit she is my favorite sister in this series!
This was a beautifully written story of two people who didn’t always have an easy life, who never thought they were deserving of love, to finally trust in someone and take a chance to gain true love. I absolutely loved Simon and Lizzy together, they were absolutely perfect for each other and I can’t imagine a more deserving couple!
With a mystery to solve, a fencing match that you won’t want to miss and a reappearance of characters from the previous books this was a fantastic ending to this series! I highly recommend this book and the entire series & I look forward to seeing where Ms. Benson takes us next!
Our heroine in this story is Elizabeth (Lizzy) the Duchess of Skeffington. Lizzy is the middle sister and the only one who did not marry for love. She was “sold off” by her father at the age of seventeen to a Duke old enough to be her grandfather. If you’ve read the first two books in this series then you’ve already met Lizzy & if you haven’t I highly recommend you do! In those glimpses of her we got the impression that she liked to remind everyone of her wealth and status. So I was very interested to see if there was something more to the haughty Duchess of Skeffington….
Simon Alexander is the newly appointed Duke of Skeffington. He was a man that grew up without privilege, spending most of his life after his mother died with people who didn’t care about him. He wasn’t trained to be a Duke and has no desire to be one. He’d much rather relinquish the title and continue to travel and explore the world.
Simon was a wonderful hero and I immediately liked him. A good man who was put into circumstances he didn’t want but had no way out. I’ll admit throughout this series Lizzy was not my favorite sister… But author Laurie Benson did a wonderful job of changing my mind by revealing a Lizzy I didn’t know. When I finally got to see the real Lizzy and see how she felt and all she endured over the years, my feelings for her changed. I will now admit she is my favorite sister in this series!
This was a beautifully written story of two people who didn’t always have an easy life, who never thought they were deserving of love, to finally trust in someone and take a chance to gain true love. I absolutely loved Simon and Lizzy together, they were absolutely perfect for each other and I can’t imagine a more deserving couple!
With a mystery to solve, a fencing match that you won’t want to miss and a reappearance of characters from the previous books this was a fantastic ending to this series! I highly recommend this book and the entire series & I look forward to seeing where Ms. Benson takes us next!
February 2, 2019
A story that made my heart smile! With her abusive husband gone, Lizzy just wants to live her life as she wants, but finds herself feeling lonely. After all, with her being bartered by her father into marriage to the Duke, she definitely had not been given a chance for a love match like her two sisters. Second chances rarely came along.
Imagine her distress when the will of her late husband is read and she finds there is a new Duke of Skeffington! What else could happen!
Simon, the new Duke, has had his own troubles in life and the last thing he wanted was the title and responsibilities that came with it! He had not grown up privileged and only wanted to spend time doing what he loved, searching out treasures and traveling. The character that came alive in Simon was so sigh worthy! Handsome, desirable, smart and charming, and as he and Lizzy met there is almost an immediate attraction. Could that friend called fate be stepping in?
Prepared to sit down and not stop reading until you get to the end! Laurie Benson has created a enthralling story with her wonderful descriptions filled with humor and tender emotions that is all a historical romance should be! Although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone but I intend to go back and read the first two!
Imagine her distress when the will of her late husband is read and she finds there is a new Duke of Skeffington! What else could happen!
Simon, the new Duke, has had his own troubles in life and the last thing he wanted was the title and responsibilities that came with it! He had not grown up privileged and only wanted to spend time doing what he loved, searching out treasures and traveling. The character that came alive in Simon was so sigh worthy! Handsome, desirable, smart and charming, and as he and Lizzy met there is almost an immediate attraction. Could that friend called fate be stepping in?
Prepared to sit down and not stop reading until you get to the end! Laurie Benson has created a enthralling story with her wonderful descriptions filled with humor and tender emotions that is all a historical romance should be! Although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone but I intend to go back and read the first two!
January 13, 2020
Absolutely captivating, there are not enough words to explain how much I adore this awesome book, but I will try, as always without giving anything away.
We have a Heroine and Hero both complex in their histories and definitely no stranger to tradgedy. One being taught how love should be, the other not being taught. Though in each other they have an incredible journey to their very hard won, happy ever after.
There are many twists and turns on the way to our awesome ending, no i wont give it away, more than once I admit it I did cry and though for completely different reasons each time.
I will say though conquers all.
I most definitely recommend this book my only dissatisfaction, is that i cannot punch the villan lol.
Thank you for writing this awesome book dear Lady xxx
We have a Heroine and Hero both complex in their histories and definitely no stranger to tradgedy. One being taught how love should be, the other not being taught. Though in each other they have an incredible journey to their very hard won, happy ever after.
There are many twists and turns on the way to our awesome ending, no i wont give it away, more than once I admit it I did cry and though for completely different reasons each time.
I will say though conquers all.
I most definitely recommend this book my only dissatisfaction, is that i cannot punch the villan lol.
Thank you for writing this awesome book dear Lady xxx
February 15, 2019
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-Sm
The widowed Duchess of Skeffington, Elizabeth, is waiting impatiently for the heir to her late husband’s title to arrive for the reading of his will. Lizzy is anxious to find out her financial status, and whether she inherits the one property she desires, Stonehaven. Lizzy was coerced into marrying the elderly duke twelve years ago when she was only seventeen, and those years have been miserable. Now, finally free, she just longs to move on, and live her own life.
Simon Alexander is a distant cousin to the deceased duke, and certainly never expected to inherit the title. He spent ten years of his life as a soldier, and now he travels the world, treasure hunting for items for museums and collectors. It’s a life he likes, and doesn’t intend to give up. His intention is to spend as little time in England as possible, assure himself that his managers are capably handling his estates, and return to his latest excavation.
Sparks immediately fly between Lizzy and Simon, as she chastises him for being late, while he’s abrupt and definitely not charming to her. The situation becomes worse when Lizzy learns that the money she’s bequeathed is far less than she expected, and worst of all, she’s allowed to live the remainder of her life in a dreary distant estate – not her beloved Stonehaven. Since Simon doesn’t plan to stay in England, Lizzy tries to bargain with him to trade estates, but he’s not having it.
Lizzy boldly decides to take her annual holiday at Stonehaven anyway, figuring that the servants will never turn her away. She arrives, with trunks and Aunt Clara in tow, only to find Simon in residence, and he’s not happy to see her in the slightest. He’s very blunt about telling Lizzy she is not welcome, and insists that she leave immediately, after a brief tea. A message had arrived from Lizzy’s businessman, informing her that her inheritance, which she left in the London townhouse has been stolen. Now penniless, and about to be cast out of the home she loves, Lizzy is devastated.
Surprisingly, Simon steps up, feeling responsible because the theft occurred in his home. He offers to take Lizzy back to town with him, and promises to find the thief and have her funds returned to her. Their journey back to town brings a whole new intimacy to their relationship, and a better understanding of each other. There’s also that attraction that’s been simmering beneath all their sniping with each other.
I like Simon, and I felt that his initial rudeness was in retaliation for the reception he received from Lizzy. He’s carrying some baggage from a sad childhood, where he was unwanted, and passed from relative to relative. I had a harder time liking Lizzy, especially from her conduct in ONE WEEK TO WED, where I first met her in her sister, Charlotte’s book. (This book can be read without reading ONE WEEK TO WED, but Lizzy does play a prominent role, and much of her character is revealed there.) I recognize that her parents forced her into an unwanted marriage, and that her husband was not a good man, but I didn’t like her haughtiness and sense of entitlement.
HIS THREE DAY DUCHESS takes us along on the journey where Lizzy and Simon have to sometimes pose as a married couple, and their attraction bubbles over into passion. I loved seeing Simon become more considerate and tender, while Lizzy lost some of her pompousness and arrogance. Their previous less than stellar behavior was actually due to their insecurities and pain, and their developing romance brought out the best in both of them, turning them into a couple I really liked and wanted to see happy forever. HIS THREE DAY DUCHESS is a warm and satisfying story, one I think readers who enjoy seeing substantial character growth will particularly appreciate.
The widowed Duchess of Skeffington, Elizabeth, is waiting impatiently for the heir to her late husband’s title to arrive for the reading of his will. Lizzy is anxious to find out her financial status, and whether she inherits the one property she desires, Stonehaven. Lizzy was coerced into marrying the elderly duke twelve years ago when she was only seventeen, and those years have been miserable. Now, finally free, she just longs to move on, and live her own life.
Simon Alexander is a distant cousin to the deceased duke, and certainly never expected to inherit the title. He spent ten years of his life as a soldier, and now he travels the world, treasure hunting for items for museums and collectors. It’s a life he likes, and doesn’t intend to give up. His intention is to spend as little time in England as possible, assure himself that his managers are capably handling his estates, and return to his latest excavation.
Sparks immediately fly between Lizzy and Simon, as she chastises him for being late, while he’s abrupt and definitely not charming to her. The situation becomes worse when Lizzy learns that the money she’s bequeathed is far less than she expected, and worst of all, she’s allowed to live the remainder of her life in a dreary distant estate – not her beloved Stonehaven. Since Simon doesn’t plan to stay in England, Lizzy tries to bargain with him to trade estates, but he’s not having it.
Lizzy boldly decides to take her annual holiday at Stonehaven anyway, figuring that the servants will never turn her away. She arrives, with trunks and Aunt Clara in tow, only to find Simon in residence, and he’s not happy to see her in the slightest. He’s very blunt about telling Lizzy she is not welcome, and insists that she leave immediately, after a brief tea. A message had arrived from Lizzy’s businessman, informing her that her inheritance, which she left in the London townhouse has been stolen. Now penniless, and about to be cast out of the home she loves, Lizzy is devastated.
Surprisingly, Simon steps up, feeling responsible because the theft occurred in his home. He offers to take Lizzy back to town with him, and promises to find the thief and have her funds returned to her. Their journey back to town brings a whole new intimacy to their relationship, and a better understanding of each other. There’s also that attraction that’s been simmering beneath all their sniping with each other.
I like Simon, and I felt that his initial rudeness was in retaliation for the reception he received from Lizzy. He’s carrying some baggage from a sad childhood, where he was unwanted, and passed from relative to relative. I had a harder time liking Lizzy, especially from her conduct in ONE WEEK TO WED, where I first met her in her sister, Charlotte’s book. (This book can be read without reading ONE WEEK TO WED, but Lizzy does play a prominent role, and much of her character is revealed there.) I recognize that her parents forced her into an unwanted marriage, and that her husband was not a good man, but I didn’t like her haughtiness and sense of entitlement.
HIS THREE DAY DUCHESS takes us along on the journey where Lizzy and Simon have to sometimes pose as a married couple, and their attraction bubbles over into passion. I loved seeing Simon become more considerate and tender, while Lizzy lost some of her pompousness and arrogance. Their previous less than stellar behavior was actually due to their insecurities and pain, and their developing romance brought out the best in both of them, turning them into a couple I really liked and wanted to see happy forever. HIS THREE DAY DUCHESS is a warm and satisfying story, one I think readers who enjoy seeing substantial character growth will particularly appreciate.
January 28, 2019
So first of all I will mention that His Three-Day Duchess is part of a series but please don’t let that put you off as it can still easily work as a standalone. Events from the previous books are mentioned to help avoid any confusion. The entire series is brilliant so if you do get chance then I would happily recommend the other books. I admit that I have been really looking forward to Elizabeth’s story especially as her appearances in the other books may have portrayed her in a less than favorable light. So this made me very interested in seeing how her story would play out!
There is an instant attraction which both Simon and Lizzy fight against but it also provides a wonderful simmering tension that I thought played out perfectly. I enjoyed seeing both characters come out of their shell as at first it really is a complete personality clash for this pair. However as with most things appearances can be deceptive, if you dig a little deeper both Lizzie and Simon have so much more to their personalities. I have to say that I loved Simon and Lizzy’s fiery and spirited interactions especially a certain scene with swords, right down to the description of the hero’s hands (I may have a thing for hands) 😉 Anyway moving on… This scene was written perfectly and showed the characters personalities brilliantly. I was smiling away along with being kept completely captivated whenever Simon and Lizzy were together. Simon is a brilliant hero, I loved the fact that he went on adventures and didn’t necessarily follow the same path as everyone else.
Of course a special mention has to go to Aunt Clara, she is amazing and kind of steals every scene she is in! I’m so happy that she will be getting her own story, I just have to be patient! There is also a touch of mystery within this book that I really enjoyed seeing play out as we see Lizzy’s plans for the future completely change in an instant.
It was so easy to be pulled into this story and in no time at all I found myself turning the last page. Laurie Benson has created a wonderful character in Lizzy, she has flaws but also so many different layers making her such a well rounded character. If I’m honest I do think that Lizzy has ended up being my favourite out of the sisters!
His Three-Day Duchess is a beautifully written tender romance with warm and witty writing. I loved it!
There is an instant attraction which both Simon and Lizzy fight against but it also provides a wonderful simmering tension that I thought played out perfectly. I enjoyed seeing both characters come out of their shell as at first it really is a complete personality clash for this pair. However as with most things appearances can be deceptive, if you dig a little deeper both Lizzie and Simon have so much more to their personalities. I have to say that I loved Simon and Lizzy’s fiery and spirited interactions especially a certain scene with swords, right down to the description of the hero’s hands (I may have a thing for hands) 😉 Anyway moving on… This scene was written perfectly and showed the characters personalities brilliantly. I was smiling away along with being kept completely captivated whenever Simon and Lizzy were together. Simon is a brilliant hero, I loved the fact that he went on adventures and didn’t necessarily follow the same path as everyone else.
Of course a special mention has to go to Aunt Clara, she is amazing and kind of steals every scene she is in! I’m so happy that she will be getting her own story, I just have to be patient! There is also a touch of mystery within this book that I really enjoyed seeing play out as we see Lizzy’s plans for the future completely change in an instant.
It was so easy to be pulled into this story and in no time at all I found myself turning the last page. Laurie Benson has created a wonderful character in Lizzy, she has flaws but also so many different layers making her such a well rounded character. If I’m honest I do think that Lizzy has ended up being my favourite out of the sisters!
His Three-Day Duchess is a beautifully written tender romance with warm and witty writing. I loved it!
December 21, 2018
His Three-Day Duchess is the third and final book in The Sommersby Brides series and I absolutely loved it. Laurie Benson’s writing is rich and completely captivating. I was hooked throughout this book and felt each and every emotion as keenly as Simon and Elizabeth.
Lizzy is a widowed Duchess who is becoming accustomed to the idea of finally being free from a cruel marriage and having the freedom she has craved for so long. She has resigned herself to the fact that she won’t find a loving husband the way her two sisters have, but she consoles herself with the fact that she’ll have her own home. However, she is dealt a blow when she discovers that the home she hoped for won’t be hers, but will belong to the new Duke of Skeffington, Simon Alexander.
Simon is an adventurer and explorer and the last thing he wants is to be saddled with a title that restricts his love for travelling and seeing the world. He doesn’t think very highly of Lizzy when he first meets her, and she is happy to be as far from him as possible. Of course, this means that the two of them see each other more than they would like, and sparks begin to fly. I particularly enjoyed the scene in which Lizzy gets the opportunity to use her fencing skills with Simon.
The two embark on a road trip and team up to solve a mystery together and their journey was so much fun to read. Lizzy’s reactions and Simon’s responses were brilliant and had me grinning often.
The emotional conflict, sexual tension and chemistry between the characters was perfectly executed. Both characters show believable vulnerabilities and reading them brought tears to my eyes. The growth in Lizzy and Simon’s relationship is so sweet and I wanted them to be together so badly because of how much they both needed and wanted each other.
Getting to meet Andrew, Charlotte, Monty and Juliet again was fab and Aunt Clara was great too, with her not-so-subtle matchmaking.
I can’t recommend His Three-Day Duchess enough. It was an absolute pleasure to read and it’s gone back into my to-be-read pile for a re-read.
Lizzy is a widowed Duchess who is becoming accustomed to the idea of finally being free from a cruel marriage and having the freedom she has craved for so long. She has resigned herself to the fact that she won’t find a loving husband the way her two sisters have, but she consoles herself with the fact that she’ll have her own home. However, she is dealt a blow when she discovers that the home she hoped for won’t be hers, but will belong to the new Duke of Skeffington, Simon Alexander.
Simon is an adventurer and explorer and the last thing he wants is to be saddled with a title that restricts his love for travelling and seeing the world. He doesn’t think very highly of Lizzy when he first meets her, and she is happy to be as far from him as possible. Of course, this means that the two of them see each other more than they would like, and sparks begin to fly. I particularly enjoyed the scene in which Lizzy gets the opportunity to use her fencing skills with Simon.
The two embark on a road trip and team up to solve a mystery together and their journey was so much fun to read. Lizzy’s reactions and Simon’s responses were brilliant and had me grinning often.
The emotional conflict, sexual tension and chemistry between the characters was perfectly executed. Both characters show believable vulnerabilities and reading them brought tears to my eyes. The growth in Lizzy and Simon’s relationship is so sweet and I wanted them to be together so badly because of how much they both needed and wanted each other.
Getting to meet Andrew, Charlotte, Monty and Juliet again was fab and Aunt Clara was great too, with her not-so-subtle matchmaking.
I can’t recommend His Three-Day Duchess enough. It was an absolute pleasure to read and it’s gone back into my to-be-read pile for a re-read.
June 30, 2019
Interesting romance. Both the heroine and the hero, Elizabeth and Simon, were both starved for affection, which was sad, they both really had no idea how it felt to be loved. I guess my only compliant is I wish it had taken place over a longer period of time, because like the title indicates their relationship develops rather quickly over a short period of time. However, I still found myself enjoying the pairing and was rooting for them by the end. One note this book is part of a series, and even though there are some references to events that happened in previous novels, I was able to read it perfectly fine as a stand alone.
July 16, 2019
This is the third book in the series (but not if you count the novella as 1.5). I had found the first chapter of this book at the end of another novel. Sounded interesting and found there were other books in the series. Thanks to my Kindle I found them all and enjoyed them very much.
Again, your first impressions of Lizzie don't make you want to love her. But through this book you begin to learn her secrets and how she has managed to keep herself safe, if hidden, behind her title and her fashion. It also provides a HEA that will see her loving and being loved. (Just wish they had said something about heirs showing up)
Again, your first impressions of Lizzie don't make you want to love her. But through this book you begin to learn her secrets and how she has managed to keep herself safe, if hidden, behind her title and her fashion. It also provides a HEA that will see her loving and being loved. (Just wish they had said something about heirs showing up)
January 14, 2019
Every now and then a character comes along and touches your heart. Lizzy was that for me. Resilient, resourceful and unforgettable, she was everything I hope for in a heroine.
The story itself was so romantic. The author artfully stripped away the assumptions the hero and heroine both had about each other revealing a gradual awareness and a growing affection. It was a fantastic story that kept me engrossed from start to finish and I particularly enjoyed their fencing scene which was one of the book’s standout scenes. Simon and Lizzy will stay with me for a long time.
The story itself was so romantic. The author artfully stripped away the assumptions the hero and heroine both had about each other revealing a gradual awareness and a growing affection. It was a fantastic story that kept me engrossed from start to finish and I particularly enjoyed their fencing scene which was one of the book’s standout scenes. Simon and Lizzy will stay with me for a long time.
February 4, 2019
I loved this story! For me, it was a page turner, I did not want to stop reading. Simon did not want to be a Duke. He loved want he did for money, and he had no desire to be part of the ton. Lizzie had put up with a lot, and her past definitely made her a stronger woman. She had her pride and a need for independence. Both had trust issues, and I enjoyed how they learned to see beyond their pasts. I highly recommend this story.
I received an ARC as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
January 3, 2019
This story is an "enemies to lovers" trope. I don't mind these, but quite often the characters go from hating each other to mad passionate love in an instant. Ms Benson, however, has timed this story perfectly - a slow buildup of feelings and intimacies. A wonderful addition to the Sommersby Brides series. I received an ARC for an honest review - highly recommend.
February 2, 2019
Like previous books that I've read by Laurie Benson, I once again, thoroughly enjoyed this regency romance story about Lizzy and Simon. This is the third story of the Sommersby Brides but can be read without having read the other two (I would highly suggest reading the other two though as they are wonderfully written also!)
July 27, 2019
A very traditional love story
I would run Duchess and the new Duke the relationship did not start out well but there was a certain intrigue building between them that as he reached out to help her solve a problem of income it only escalated but then there is the tag of does she really want me does he really want me and there in lies the story
I would run Duchess and the new Duke the relationship did not start out well but there was a certain intrigue building between them that as he reached out to help her solve a problem of income it only escalated but then there is the tag of does she really want me does he really want me and there in lies the story
December 31, 2018
A fun read. The Duchess of Skeffington was never a favorite of mine in any of her appearances in Ms. Benson's books so I was pleasantly pleased to see another side to her--a likable side. I thought the plot line was clever and the heat level mild. I would recommend this book to fans of Tessa Dare.
January 12, 2020
Better then the first in the series. Lizzie and Simon could have made a wonderful couple a lot sooner if they hadn't allowed their previous experiences to influence their relationship. Lost one star for steaminess.
July 28, 2019
Yes, another sweet, romantic piece of fluff. Nothing else to say.
Read
January 15, 2019Miniseries: The Sommersby Brides
Regency
Regency
Read
February 1, 2019Miniseries: The Sommersby Brides
Read
April 7, 2019The new Duke of Skeffington believes that dower Duchess Elizabeth only married the 12th Duke to gain a title and riches. Little does he know why Elizabeth was married to the last Duke. Elizabeth inherits little money and the property where she was the most unhappy. She tries to trade properties bargains with the new Duke. He thinks she wants it because it will give her more monies. She loves it because she spent holidays there with her family. It was the only place she was really happy. Elizabeth finally accepts that she has to sell some of her things to move to the first property and live quietly. She is robbed. So she and Simon Alexander set out to find the thief and get her money back. And they each learn that sometimes aren't how they look from the outside.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews