Seducing the Duchess

Disgraceful Duchesses #1

by Sara Bennett

Sebastian is seducing the duchess…or is she seducing him?

Catherine, Dowager Duchess of Wellesley, is on her way home to her bleak castle in the North of England, when she becomes trapped in a snowbound inn. The lonely widow of an old husband, her hopes of finding a man who can show her the sort of passion she longs for, are fading. That is until she discovers the gentleman she met ten years ago, and has been dreaming of ever since, is sharing her captivity.

Is this her chance to finally make those dreams come true?

Sebastian, Viscount Albury, is on his way home to his estranged father, a man he has not seen since the tragic death of his mother. What he needs now is a distraction. For years he has lived a rake’s life in London, his heart unhindered by emotion, but when he sees Catherine something changes.

Can he seduce the duchess and walk away?

Trapped together, Catherine and Sebastian, discover more than the passion that binds them. But can they escape the past and make a future together?

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Disgraceful Duchesses
Book 1 - Seducing the Duchess
Book 2 - Tempting the Duchess
Book 3 - Dalliance with the Duchess

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2024

About the author

Sara Bennett writes with passion. She has been published by Avon HarperCollins in the USA, and also publishes independently. She recently wrote a series of Regency novellas about Second Chances called Mockingbird Square. The four novellas are Unforgettable, Enraptured, Surrender and Reckless. They're available at all eBook stores.

Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.

Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the age of nineteen Catherine was taken to London by her mother with her two younger sisters with the aim of finding them a rich husband and her mother aimed high, soon catching the Duke of Winstanton’s eye for the beautiful Catherine, sadly he was old enough to be her grandfather, but marry they did and Catherine spent a very lonely and sad ten years the only thing that bought her joy is her young son Jack, but upon the Duke’s death there were stipulations that held Catherine and her son to Wnstanton Castle.

Catherine is returning from a visit to London when caught in a snow storm she must stop at an inn till the storm clears, when the man she met many years ago arrives, she has never forgotten him could this be her chance to find out all about passion and what really happens between a man and a woman?

While on his way home for the first time in twelve years after the tragic death of his mother, Sebastian, Viscount Albury is caught in a severe snow storm and must shelter at an inn and the first person he runs into is a beautiful woman someone he vaguely remembers and his heart jumps for the first time in a long time, could this distraction be what he needs?

I am a big fan of MS Bennett's stories I love them and this one is no exception. This books steams up the pages as Sebastian shows Catherine all about the ways of passion and love, could it be what they both so very much deserve, even if it was not what they set out to find. I did love this story, and Sebastian and Catherine so much this story is moving and so very sensual and one that I would highly recommend.

My thanks to the author for my copy.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I have never read this author before and wasn’t sure what to expect exactly. Both Sebastian and Catherine are very sympathetic characters and I appreciated that there was no wronging that occurred. I’m glad he declared his feelings first (as a man should) and that both the obstacles in their way were overcome as individuals not by leaning in one another but growing a person. I can’t wait to read the next.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Catherine, married to the Duke of Winstanton at nineteen, was a miserable existence. Even after his death, he is controlling her through their son. For ten years, Catherine has dreamed of one man she met briefly during her engagement at a ball. Returning to Winstanton Castle for her son's birthday, a snow storm forces her to stay at the White Rose inn. She literally falls into the arms of another person seeking shelter from the storm. The man she's never forgotten, the man of her dreams, Sebastian, Viscount Albury. An opportunity that's mutual to share a bed, but it's not just a brief affair during a storm. It's a chance for a different life. Very likeable characters with their ups and downs and hoping for a happily ever after.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara Bennett is a new author for me. Which is weird as she has been writing since 2002 and has 20 books or so out but I had never heard of her. The cover of this one is what caught my eye. When most of my regular authors don't have any new releases out, I'm always looking for new authors to try. As you are aware sometimes it can take awhile for an author we read regularly to have a new book come out or it might even get pushed back. It is these times, I need someone else to read (I keep a clean Kindle and don’t have a lot of TBR books on there). I research every author to make sure they are my genre and they have sex in their books. Those are really my only criteria. I don't read book descriptions so I have no idea what I'm reading when I start a book. Makes for a more interesting read, I think. :)

I really liked Catherine and Sebastian. I hated their circumstances but obviously that is what made the story so much better. :) Sex was pretty decently written. Flowed well and in all the right places. Overall for me, a pretty good story. I have on my list to read the next 2 in the series when it comes out.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sexy romp while stranded in a snowstorm. Catherine, Dowager Duchess of Wellesley was married to a man old enough to be her grandfather! At age nineteen, her mother keen to see her daughters marry well above their station based on their looks alone snags the match of the season when Catherine is set to wed the Duke of Wellesley.

The marriage is in no way a good one as she is held captive by her husband who lives with his unmarried sister. Even from the grave, he is determined to keep Catherine chained to the home, not allowing his sole heir, five-year-old Jack to inherit anything of his vast estates if they so much as leave the estate or Catherine gets married before Jack reaches twenty-one.

While trapped at the inn during a snowstorm, Catherine meets Sebastian, Viscount Albury, whom she met years ago while at a ball following her betrothal to the duke. The chemistry is still there and Catherine wanting to experience real passion before she dies a slow death locked away in the Wellesley's mansion, takes Seb up on his offer. The two enjoy a wild romp over the next few days before the weather starts to clear up.

Finally, they can leave the inn and Catherine is keen to hurry home to be with Jack for his sixth birthday. Seb and Catherine have time to finally confess their attraction is more than just physical and that they both want more.

Lovely story that came to a sweet end. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers and submit my voluntary review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine, Dowager Duchess of Wellesley, is on her way home from visiting her family to her bleak castle in the North of England, when she becomes trapped in a snowbound inn. The lonely widow of an old husband, her hopes of finding a man who can show her the sort of passion she longs for, are fading. That is until she discovers the gentleman she met ten years ago, and has been dreaming of ever since, is sharing her captivity. Sebastian, Viscount Albury, has received a note saying his estranged father ill & asking that he returns home. He too becomes trapped at the White Rose Inn.
A new author to me & a new series & I loved it. Quite a quick read but it delivered with strong characters & an emotional story. My heart bled for both Catherine & Seb, she’d become a trophy (literally) wife to an elderly Duke who manipulated her even from the grave, Seb was guilt ridden over his mother’s death & his father’s estrangement. I loved how two lonely hearts came together first for pleasure but it quickly deepened but would they have the courage to open their hearts & admit their feelings? Well that would be telling! I look forward to the rest of the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling an instant connection to someone is very real and still exists. Catherine aka Dowager Duchess of Winstanton has been alone for 10 years! Married and lonely with a much older husband who prefers to look at you like a trophy and not touch you?
Sebastian aka Viscount Albury has been a rake and wastrel for over 10 years since the death of his mother! He is his way home when he and Catherine stay at an inn stranded during a snowstorm!
Catherine remembers him from their early meeting when she was a teenager!
Catherine wants to experience passion and make memories than what she has at a cold lonely castle! These two share more than encounters but Sebastian is wary and sure he’s terrible at this love thing and these encounters are all they can share!
When an old paramour shows up Catherine withdraws from Sebastian determined to leave him to his cold and lonely life!
When Catherine returns home her son is locked in his room and there is chaos! Making a decision to leave this lonely castle Catherine decides to return to Albury and see if she and Sebastian share a future!? Are these two just lonely souls or can they build a future? Bravo

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a new series, Disgraceful Duchesses and also my first experience reading something by this author. Catherine and Sebastian met years ago at her engagement ball and he left a lasting impression on her. Now she is widowed and has a son and is travelling home for his birthday and gets caught in a snowstorm and is forced to take shelter at an inn. Sebastian is also traveling and ends up seeking shelter in the same inn as Catherine. The attraction and chemistry is still very strong between them as it was all those years ago and they inevitably succumb to their desires. As the storm rages on outside, so do their passions when they are with one another. But once the storm clears, they need to decide where they go from here. Was this just a temporary affair, or could they have something more between them?
A wild and sweet story filled with passion and romance made this a fun and captivating read. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed seeing them together. I look forward to continuing this series!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jessica Lauryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel-good historic romance which felt remarkably like a "what if" spin on The Duchess starring Keira Knightly, if Georgiana's villainous husband the duke had died shortly after they married and Georgiana had the courage to act on her passions and live her happily ever after. Though, if author Sara Bennett had this idea in mind, from there Seducing the Duchess becomes its own story. A snowstorm brings about a chance meeting for heroine Catherine, Dowager Duchess of Wellesley, and Sebastian, Viscount Albury, a handsome rake-by-reputation whom Catherine hasn't seen in years, who once suggested in a moment of flirtation the two of them run away together. Catherine longs to experience the passion her marriage lacked, and the viscount is happy to accommodate her. Their affair is quick to occur and hotter than the average historic romance. There is a very interesting backstory for this wounded hero and with it, a couple of shocking twists. It all comes together beautifully in the end. Speaking as a reader who would have loved to see Georgiana Cavendish run away with Charles Grey, hearing Catherine and Sebastian say 'I love you' was everything I had been hoping for.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Wrenching Love Story:
My first time reading anything by this author and she had me captured right from the beginning.
A wonderful emotionally passionate heartfelt gripping story of two people who just wanted to be loved.
Both Catherine and Sebastian were intriguing people with each one of them having a heart wrenching previous life.
They meet again about 10 years from the first sparkling eye-catching meeting that would unexpectedly bring them together with such passion the pages were smoldering so heavy I had to turn the pages so fast just to keep them from igniting.
The side characters were wonderful and added so much to the story. 
The ending was exciting, fast paced, heartwarming and made this a very likeable story
I enjoyed the entire story without skimming at all and look forward to more from this author.
📣Special Mention: Benny the darling little boy who added much to the sweet side of the story.
📖Mature Reader🌶🌶🌶
👀I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart went out to Catherine in this bitter-sweet novel as she struggled firstly under the harsh hand of her husband whilst he was still alive, and then discovers that he still controls her life from the grave. She is caught between a rock and a hard place when she finds that she is free from the man who used her as an object, but her future is bleak if she wants to keep her beloved son. A chance meeting with Sebastian whom she had met a decade earlier gives her a few wonderful days in which she can revel in happiness as a woman, but unfortunately, the reality of her situation intrudes, thereby breaking her heart. Sometimes choices have to be made and they are never easy, but when Catherine finds that her son is as much a victim as herself, the choice becomes easy. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, a copy of which I received as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is It Love, or Can It Be Seduction?

Catherine married a cruel man who was still trying to control her from the grave. When she had the opportunity to have an affair, she jumped at the chance. She had met Sebastian right before she got married, but she never forgot him. It turned out that he had not forgotten her either. Sebastian was a rake. He wanted an affair without hearts getting involved. What happened when love struck them, willing or not? Catherine could not leave the estate or get remarried, or her son would lose his inheritance. Could she defy her late husband? What about Sebastian? He wanted nothing to do with love. His past haunted him and was still controlling how he lived. Could he mend his ways? For the answers, you would want to read this lovely story. I enjoyed it and would recommend it. It was my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine is now a widow. She was married at 19 to much older, cold, uncaring, manipulative man. She meets a man she was introduced to years ago at an inn where they are both stuck in because of a snowstorm. They decide to have an affair. It seemed like there was that spark missing initially but I'm glad they both eventually caught feelings for each other. I'm also glad Sebastian turned out to be a good man and is nothing at all like that horrid man she was married to before. The initial encounter seemed pretty rushed but I'm glad it didn't stay that way and became more meaningful as time went on.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widowed duchess Catherine gets stuck at an inn during a snowstorm and decides to take advantage of the situation by having a temporary affair with Sebastian. He is a viscount who is on his way home to visit his estranged father after being banished 10 years ago. He has a scandalous reputation as a rake, which will come in handy to provide comfort and satisfaction for Catherine. She had a horrible marriage and is finally out of mourning for her husband, but there are stipulations in his will that keep her bound to their country estate. Although this is a very quick

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine has been married to an old man for years. Suddenly she's a widow with a young son. However her horrible husband has set out a will that has her tied to remaining his duchess. While traveling she becomes stuck at a inn and meets Sebastian. What takes place is engaging, steamy, fun and oh so freeing. But will it be enough to last her life or will she break free of the restrictions of the will. This is the first in a series, about three sisters. Enjoyable, evenly paced with a mixture of detail, self reflection and dialogue.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I enjoyed this story. The Duchess is returning home to her son. She sees the viscount. a rake that she first saw when she was about to wed her elderly husband. There was a bit of a Gunnings sister vibe. They agree to have an affair whilst they are stuck in an inn waiting for the weather to lift. The Rake thinks that our heroine is guided by money but she came from a very poor background so the money isn't her main driver, it's her son Jack.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine is a Duchess who marries a much older man who marries her to add her to his collection of beautiful items. When Catherine's husband passes away, his will seeks to totally control her life, and that of their son.
Sebastian, Viscount Albury, encounters Catheine at an inn when they are trapped by the snowy weather. She remembers meeting him around the time she married, and wondered what it would be like having someone young and energetic as a lover.
I enjoyed the secondary characters, the romance of the story, and loved the ending.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly what I wanted to read - engaging, and a second meeting / first chance story that’s the first in a new historical romance series.

In 177 pages the story doesn’t do a deep dive into any characters’ backstories but it does address, which I appreciated.

Catherine and Seb worked really well together as MC’s, the secondary characters add a lot, and this kept my interest throughout.

This was my first book by Ms Bennett and won’t be the last.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always happy to read a good second chance at love romance and when said romance is also historical, I am one happy lady! Catherine and Sebastian’s chemistry burns bright. Recently widowed, she is happy to be free of the constraints of an unpleasant marriage. He is a rake, pure and simple. Anything more than a fling is not welcome but when love comes calling it takes no prisoners. I enjoyed this one and am giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR & Enjoy.

[Margaret Jacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ If you want a spicy short novel with an actual plot, you have found the right book! Sara Bennett did a great job writing a cohesive story even though it is a shorter book. This historical fiction keeps you on your toes.

Plot: Nine and twenty year Dowager Duchess Catherine gets stuck in a winter storm with a rake she has been dreaming of for ten years. Her deceased husband made sure she never marries again, but is a night of passion off the table?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When widow Catherine gets snowed in at an inn with rake Sebastian the sparks fly. Married to an old man who mistreated her, Catherine decides to embark on a few day fling with Sebastian. Attracted to Catherine since her debut, Sebastian can not resist her. However they both can not allow these feelings to last. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story and romance, second chance at love. Catherine and Sebastian have an instant connection, great chemistry. I was quickly drawn into their journey towards a wonderful happily ever after.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely little novella. Pick this up if you like:
- Forced proximity
- Widow x Rake
- Second chance romance (sort of)
- MMCs with daddy issues

(I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the setting and the characters. Nice to see some character growth.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the arc.

This was a 4.0 star book for me. This was my first Sara Bennett book, and I enjoyed it. This story centered on the romance between Catherine, the young Dowager Duchess of Wellesley, and Sebastian, Viscount Albury. Catherine is a widow and a young mother whose husband was jealous and controlling. So controlling that his will stated that she and their son, and current Duke, was never to leave the Duke's estate, if she were to get any financial support. But then she meets Sebastian at a roadside inn during a severe snowstorm. Catherine and Sebastian met initially years ago, before she was married, and this is a second chance romance for both of them.

This was a fun story, very sexy, and a fun group of side characters who are also stuck in the inn due to the snow storm. It was a quick read, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Married when she was only 19 to a lord old enough to be her grandfather, widowed Catherine, Dowager Duchess of Wellesley is returning to her cold, unwelcoming castle in the north. The only light in her life is her young son Jack, but her late husband has managed to ruin that even from beyond the grave. Catherine and Jack need to live in the remote castle, or else they lose the title and wealth which comes from the estate. Proving again and again that would do anything for her family, Catherine just wishes for happiness, even if it is fleeting. When the weather takes a turn for the worst, she is snowed in at the sleepy White Rose Inn, with none other than Sebastian, Viscount Albury, a man Catherine remembers dancing with in her debut season, and who has only gotten more handsome as the years have passed. Will they both give into their attraction for the time they have together, and be able to walk away when the snow clears?

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I really appreciated Catherine's struggles and her guilt over trying to find happiness. She was dragged to London with her sisters and forced to marry to save the family. She did so without making a fuss, and even when she's 'free' from her husband, he still is controlling her life. Being with Sebastian was one of the only things she had ever done for herself, and it was both exciting and terrifying to have that ability. Her love for Jack was clear at every turn, and the moments she and Sebastian spent together talking about him, and their families, were really sweet, and helped to cement their relationship.