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Two Dukes and a Lady

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Charles Ashdown, Duke of Densmore, and his closest friend William Kenwood, Duke of Tennison, love gambling and womanizing too much to ever be ensnared by a debutante. Certainly, no decent wife would allow the debauchery they enjoy. But the only woman they've ever loved has returned. Unfortunately, Society, and likely darling Lily, will never accept the sharing relationship they'd like to propose. Lillian Drew returns to England after her husband's mysterious death and finds solace with her girlhood crushes, Charles and William. Sure, they're as unapologetically crass and self-centered as always, but she loves them both. When her dead husband's creditors come after her, she has no choice but to remarry, though she can't make up her mind which duke she'll propose to. With a toss of one of the few coins she has left to her name, she hopes the loser will understand.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2017

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Lorna James

3 books18 followers

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5 stars
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73 (32%)
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14 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger*.
587 reviews774 followers
August 14, 2019
This was a steamy quickie that I enjoyed on the whole... William and Charles are dukes and lifelong friends who have some very specific preferences when it comes to their dalliances: they prefer to share women. Lillian was the 3rd member of this childhood friendship trio until "the scandal:" her aunt caught her fooling around with the dukes when they were 17 years old, and she was immediately married off and sent to America. Now widowed, she is back, but she has not completely escaped the troubles that dogged her in Boston as her deceased husband's creditors are holding her accountable for his shady mismanagement of their funds. Lily knows she must marry quickly and to someone with substantial funds, but she can't imagine being torn from her two loves once again. And it's not as though she could have both of them... or could she? Meanwhile, Charles and William are ecstatic to learn that their Lily has returned to them, and they both want her. But only one can marry her, though both desperately love her. And there's no way she could be interested in being with both of them.... right?

What I liked:
--- Dreamy H's - yum!
--- Steamy goodness (M-F-M)
--- Interesting plot overall

What I didn't like as much:
--- It's a novella - keep it simple (sometimes the plot went in some wonky directions that I didn't feel were at all necessary as they didn't enhance the story for me at all)
--- Related to the first item on this list, some of the things that came up weren't fully resolved, so again not sure why the author went there in the first place

Overall, a fun, smutty, 3-some HR quickie!

Plot --- 2.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5
Violence --- none
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Profile Image for Meredith Wild.
Author 43 books10.3k followers
July 16, 2017
James delivers a trio to root for with scorching chemistry and sweet satisfaction!
Profile Image for Ije the Devourer of Books.
1,971 reviews59 followers
October 8, 2017

I thought this would be cheesy but I requested it from Netgalley because the blurb sounded interesting and I wanted to see if the author could actually pull off a regency ménage story.

Well the story actually wasn't that bad. A bit cheesy in places but still a good read if you like erotica. It managed not to be a run of the mill erotica story with cut and paste sex scenes (cynical I know) and the story was interesting because of the characters.

After her crooked husband is shot dead because of his dirty business dealings, Lily flees from the colonies and returns to London. She realises that she needs to get married again and to a wealthy man. She needs someone who can help her pay off her husband's creditors and keep a blackmailer off her back. She never wanted the arranged marriage to her husband in the first place and having endured him for five years she is now somewhat free but the financial shackles remain.

Lily is in London, penniless and bereft. A grieving widow on the outside but on the inside a young woman who really wants to experience all that life has to offer. She wants to be free of her debtors and find someone who can awaken her passions because she knows that although her husband left her cold she is truly passionate inside. As a child she had begun to explore this passion with her childhood friends William and Charles but that went wrong and now here she is with another chance. Lily still feels deeply attracted to William and Charles and she is hoping for for an offer of marriage from one of them, what she doesn't bargain for is that both of them are interested in her and both of them are used to sharing their women.

When Lily meets up again with Charles and William they have a proposition for her. Charles will marry her but behind closed doors she will actually be a wife to both men.

The story focuses on the relationship between the two men and Lily, and the desire they have for her. There is the secrecy and the way the three of them indulge their passion on the inside while skirting the boundaries of respectability on the outside and running the risk of scandal. There are the women who Charles and William ignore in their efforts to get Lily and then there is the past and the dirty dealings of Lily's crooked dead husband.

Lily is an intriguing character. She is too scared to open letters from her husband's creditors but she isn't scared at all when it comes to stepping into a potentially scandalous relationship. Although she starts by being naive and nervous, and overwhelmed by her feelings for both men and what they do with her, she soon demands loyalty from both men especially when she realises that William and Charles have something of a reputation with other women. I can't say that I really liked her. I found her a bit irritating and rather gullible.

William and Charles on the other hand are rogues and very determined to live outside the rules of polite society whilst maintaining their position within it. They both love Lily and having lost her to another man before they are determined it won't happen again. Lily is going to belong to both of them but this is easier said than done and a slender threads of rivalry and jealousy emerge between the two men.

Both of them love her but only one man can marry her and then the past arrives on Lily's doorstep threatening to jeopardise this illicit arrangement and the whole emphasis of the story is how the two men made this menage relationship work without disclosing anything to the high society to which they belong. The author manages to creat a distinctive voice for each of her characters as well as including an interesting sub plot. Who is blackmailing Lily and why?

If you like erotica or romance then you will probably enjoy this. It manages to tell a story and is also romantic without being overrun with sex scenes. It does have engaging characters with an interesting sub plot. Not a memorable story but definitely an entertaining one.

Copy provided by publisher via net galley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,003 reviews46 followers
August 15, 2017
Short and ok

This was kind of corny. At times would laugh out loud with what the characters said and did. I just couldn't really get into the story.

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Amanda Richardson.
997 reviews10 followers
July 22, 2017
Hot, hot, hot! "Two Dukes and a Lady" was so much fun to read, and so hot! Lily was married and living in America for five years always missing her childhood friends, and crushes, Charles and William. Charles and William enjoy sharing a woman and when they learn Lily has returned they vow to have her as their wife.
The chemistry, and love scenes, are super hot and steamy. The plot may be a little unbelievable, but it is so good to read.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,637 reviews267 followers
August 7, 2017
This is a steamy historical friends to lovers novella - a quick, fun, sexy read! Lily has two best friends from childhood, William and Charles and she'd have been happy to marry either but couldn't decide between them, nor could they decide who should be the one to propose. So she ended up marrying another man who turned out to be a smuggler, leaving her with a myriad of debts when he died unexpectedly. She needs to marry quickly to pay off these debts, and is once again faced with choosing between her friends but they have a secret - they are quite happy to share her! The results is an m/f/m menage story and between them they figure out a way for them all to get a happy ever after. It's an enjoyable story and I'll be looking for more from this author duo.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
August 13, 2017
'Two Dukes and a Lady' by Lorna James is the story of William Kenwood, Duke of Tennison, Charles Ashdown, Duke of Densmore and Lillian Drew.
William, Charles and Lillian were childhood friends. When they were much older William and Charles thought the other was interested in her and did not proceed with a relationship thinking the other would do so. But they were surprised when her father up and married her off to an American. Now some years later they both guys know that the other didn't make a move toward Lillian because they didn't want to hurt the other due to their friendship. But now Lillian is back a widow and they both have already decided that Lillian will be theirs.
This was a quick hot read with about 120 pages.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
Profile Image for Shannon.
264 reviews13 followers
February 12, 2018
I picked this one up after finishing "Two Dukes are Better than One" by the same author, in hopes I would find something more substantial than the last one. Sadly, I was disappointed. 

Check out my full review on my blog For the Love of Words.
441 reviews
May 11, 2023
Charles, William, and Lily

Dukes Charles and William and their lifelong love Lily grew up together. They were separated when Lily abruptly married and moved abroad to Boston. Now Lily has returned to England, a penniless widow with her dead husband’s nefarious dealings in tow. Charles and William loved Lily as she loved them. The two men were not going to let Lily disappear from their lives again. They wanted to live and love as a threesome. With a flip of a coin Lily decided which of her men to marry, yet she was saddened to lose the other, but she didn’t have to. The dukes were going to teach her how to love them both while they showered her with unbelievable pleasure. Worry begins to creep into Lily’s happiness. She is ignoring piles of unopened correspondence from her dead husband’s creditors and business partners, a blackmailer is attempting to extort money from her, and the relationship between the two loves of her life is changing as they are dealing with jealousy for the first time. I found the plot believable as many women were left as penniless widows and had to seek out another husband. The sexual relationship between the three of them (mfm only) was scorching, the two men always put Lily’s pleasure before their own. I enjoyed the entire story from start to finish, it is not a long read. That is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The story was not long enough, there were missed opportunities to give more depth to the characters and to the plot. Overall, it is enjoyable and a recommended read for those who enjoy this genre.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,413 reviews35 followers
November 11, 2017
Why would Lily need to a second mourning to be reduced back to the ton? My other books I've read for Victorian London, widows under 35 didn't have a them, why this one and to be brought into the Society, wasnt that only for naive teenage virgins looking for social standing and not for women? Anyways it was good, some editing would help there were too many sentences ending.with the next.word right.after.(
386 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2022
A good romp, thrice over.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and believable tale, although to have been worthy of five stars, the author should have resolved all conflicts before ending the story so abruptly. While William and Charles overcame their difficulties in sharing Lily, and resolved the issue of little George, the 50K pound demand from big George's creditors remained in limbo. The author could have easily expanded the story and lengthened the tale, making it even more enjoyable. I was not ready to have the sweet and naughty story come to a climax so soon (pun intended).
418 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2018
Absolutely Marvelous

I truly loved this story and the sex. Being that I love my historical romance with a Duke, having two was even better. This is my first time reading anything from this author, but I am now scrambling to find other books under both names. What a great treat not to have the same run of the
mill story, so original. The sex and the men were sensuous and sizzling. I wish their story was longer, how about a sequel? I can not wait to read more books. U go girls.
152 reviews
January 13, 2021
How can this be exactly what I expected it to be but also more porn and less plot that got actually resolved at the same time? Yes, the sex was juicy but you know what else is juicy? Emotional vulnerability. People talking about their feelings. Or generally just having three or more characters together in a room with all of them being fully clothed and having a conversation that does not revolve around sex.
Who was the blackmailer? What happened to all the debts? How did the boy take to having a new father and getting a new name? What was the wedding like? Nobody knows, but at least the sex is good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicole Normand.
1,983 reviews30 followers
November 11, 2024
I found this book on sale via NetGalley
There are too many loose ends, especially regarding the blackmailer and her late husband's debt. The lack of good communication certainly brings problems abundantly. The villain was certainly evil and then we get naïve Lily getting tied-up with said villain woman. It's the first time I encounter jealousy in a ménage and we didn't really see how Charles and William settled the matter. I also didn't see "love", but lust at every turn and opportunity. I really loved how they finally kept house in the end.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,416 reviews627 followers
September 1, 2018
Historical sexy is my jam! And when they get smutty I love them even more. This was DELICIOUS from beginning to end. Not only was the story erotic as heck, but it was also very romantic. There was just a lot of heart to them above the sexual aspect of the journey. I enjoyed this little gem tremendously!
Profile Image for Summer Raines.
21 reviews47 followers
September 22, 2018
Hot as Hell

Quick read with panty melting scenes that will leave you craving more sexy stories by Lorna James! (No M/M action)
10 reviews
March 1, 2021
Great story. Quick read with love, romance, friendship, loyalty, honor and hot three way sex
Profile Image for Liz.
2,128 reviews10 followers
April 22, 2021
A quick, fun read as long as you suspend your disbelief.
Profile Image for Bec.
1,660 reviews42 followers
August 21, 2017

Lillian Drew has returned home to England after the loss of her husband. However, she's faced with paying back her husband's creditors and without any money to her name, she realizes she has no other choice but to marry, if she's to have any chance of paying off the debt. Yet, choosing between her two childhood crushes is harder than she thought. But when they tell her she doesn't have to choose, will she give Charles and William a chance or will the fear of a scandal have her running from the chance of them all finding their happy ever after?

The two authors that bring their writing brilliance to the pseudonym of Ms. James have penned a super steamy and wonderful read in this novella where the pages flew by due to the fantastic main characters that had me hoping everything would work out for the best for the heroine and her two men; the dilemma the heroine faces because of her late husband's bad choices; the scandal Lillian would be associated with if anyone discovered the truth about her relationship with two men; and the wonderful blend of intense moments and playful banter between the main characters that had me loving the two heroes, even when they're being unapologetically crass and self-centered. The way this story started had me liking the two dukes, as they're determined to win Lily over, even knowing she might not be open to their plan to share her. Will she ever be able to accept their need to share women?

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining due to the main characters back stories and the obstacles they face to be together. Such as the scandal they face if someone discovers the truth about Lillian being with the two men; the jealousy of a woman determined to make the heroine see how bad she is for the men's friendship; and the moment she discovers another of her late husband's deceptions that could have an effect on her future happiness. What choice will Lillian make? However, I also liked how the men won the heroine over, even though it didn't seem all that hard, considering the feelings Lillian once had for the pair.

All three of the main characters were fascinating and I loved their back stories. Each have their reasons for avoiding a scandal, but most especially Lillian and Charles; as Lillian is a widow and it isn't appropriate for a woman in her time period to be with two men while Charles, his brother would do anything to have something to hold over his head. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave in taking a chance, even though her being with William and Charles could backfire and bring her more trouble than what she's facing due to her late husband. I also liked the decision she made towards the end, as she couldn't abandon someone that needed her help. While the men, I liked the close friendship they shared, although being with Lillian could make or break the friendship, if they couldn't see eye-to-eye and treat the relationship like any other with the added bonus of love. I also liked how charming the men could be when it came to showing Lillian that being together was right.

Overall, Ms. James (a pseudonym for Jamie K. Schmidt and Lori Perkins) has penned a delightful read in this book where the chemistry between Lillian and the men was powerful, the romance fan-your-face hot, and the ending had me loving how the men won Lillian back, because there was no way they were going to let her go. Who knew the men could be so convincing? Not that it took a lot, considering how much Lillian loved the two men. I also liked the decision they made towards the end, as it allowed both men to have a place in the heroine's life without anyone questioning why William would be around Lillian so much. I would recommend Two Dukes and a Lady by Lorna James, if you enjoy steamy Historical Romance, the friends to lovers trope, or books by authors Stacy Reid, Jess Michaels, Samantha Holt and Tina Gabrielle. I would also recommend reading books by the authors that make up the Lorna James pen name.
Profile Image for Maureen Lubitz.
704 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Two Dukes and a Lady is a historical romance novel written by Lorna James. It is somewhat unconventional in that it features two male heroes and one female heroine.

Lily returns to England following the death of her American husband. She reunites with her childhood friends Charles and William, who are both dukes. Lily needs to marry one of them in order to save herself from the debts her husband left behind. Charles and William are amenable to this, but only if Lily is willing to accept that they both love her, and that they are very interested in reestablishing the special relationship they enjoyed when they were younger.

There is a lot to like about this book if you are not put off by the unconventional arrangement the three of them share. The love scenes are very well written, and there certainly are plenty of these scenes.

However, the book does seem to falter with the rest of the plot. From what I understand, the three of them were caught in a compromising position when they were teenagers, but neither of the young aristocrats was compelled to marry Lily. Given the strict Victorian mores, that doesn’t make very much sense. Also, a former lover attempts to drive a wedge between the trio, and some secrets from Lily’s past might ruin everything… but both of these conflicts are resolved rather quickly.

I would recommend Two Dukes and a Lady to fans of this genre/configuration. I think that if this book was longer, the plot could be more fleshed out, and there would be time for conflicts to be resolved. But, like I said, the love scenes are well written, and that does make up the core of the book. I would likely seek out more books from Lorna James in the future.


Profile Image for Roxanne.
1,062 reviews88 followers
August 7, 2017
Thanks for Entangled and Netgalley for giving me a copy of an eARC in exchange for a fair review.


So I got my dates a tad mixed up and this going up early. Since my baby will be testing for Kindergarten next Monday it kind of works out!


William and Charles have been best friends forever, Lilly was also a good friend of theirs until she was married and shipped to America without them even knowing it. Five years have passed and both William and Charles are now Dukes, and they have heard that Lily is back.


Lily is penniless and at the mercy of her uncle. On top of it all apparently, her husband owes quite a bit of money and people are hounding her about his debts. She hopes to see her friends William and Charles, but wonders why they just abandoned her all those years ago.



However, once she sees them it is like no time has passed, although they are even more handsome than she remembers and both of them want her. Lily feels guilty because she is unable to choose between the two of them, but she knows she has to get married. So she flips a coin and then proposes to Charles. She is shocked when he agrees and then they broach the subject of her being with both of them.



She will be wife in name to Charles, but William will treat her as his secret wife, and suddenly Lily no longer has to choose at all. But, before she can be happily ever after she starts receiving threatening notes trying to extort money out of her. What has her husband done? What will be exposed? Is their friendship strong enough to survive sharing the only woman they ever loved?



Whew, this book is hot....sizzling... I had a couple of issues with some minor things, but I devoured this it was so good. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed every minute of this book. I actually wish it had been longer. It just wrapped up too quickly for me.
511 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2017
Really hot and well written
5 stars

This is a really spicy MFM erotic romance of novella length. There is no S&M, but most other things are included in the love scenes. The dukes know what they want in the bedroom, and their recently widowed childhood friend Lily turns out to be just as adventurous as they are. In this case, two Victorian dukes are better than one.

Lorna James is the new pen name of the writing team of Jamie K. Schmidt and Lori Perkins. I read and loved Jamie K. Schmidt's book "Handy Men" and I loved it. To me, the writing style of this book is the same. It is engaging, compelling, and has very likable characters. The men have some faults, but they treat their lady well and with respect. They truly accept the other people as they are. In addition, there is a conflict that the trio must overcome. I also like how the author figured out an intelligent way for a threesome relationship to be carried out in London secretly.

I recommend this book to readers who like MFM books. I also think that fans of Jennifer Ashley's Mackenzie series would love this book because the dukes and the sensuality remind me of that series.

I received a free advanced reading copy from the publisher via Netgalley, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,204 reviews66 followers
July 24, 2017
3.75 stars
Charles Ashdown, Duke of Densmore, and his closest friend William Kenwood, Duke of Tennison, love to share, no decent wife would allow the debauchery they enjoy. But the only woman they've ever loved has returned & is now a widow. Unfortunately, Society, and likely darling Lily, will never accept the sharing relationship they'd like to propose.
Lillian Drew returns to England after her husband's death and finds solace with her girlhood crushes, Charles and William. When her dead husband's creditors come after her, she has no choice but to remarry, though she can't make up her mind which duke she'll propose to, so she tosses a coin.
A quick enjoyable read, the characters were very likeable & well portrayed. The attraction between the trio was so hot. Charles & William did have some insecurities which were played upon by one person in particular. The blackmail was glossed over & to me was left unresolved. I did enjoy the book & would certainly read more by the author

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Laura.
937 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2018
This book could have been so much more if it had been just a little bit longer. There were several sub-plots that were started and hurridly resolved. Lily's dead husband was a crook and scammed other crooks. She discovered that after he died. As soon as she was able, she fled back to London from America. Her dead husband's creditors keep sending her letters and Lily keeps putting them in a pile, hoping they will go away. When the crooks shows up at her door and says he has her husband's son and demands fifty thousand pounds or he will go the papers, the boy just shows up several days later. Lily doesn't have the money, but poof, situation resolved. Did Lily pay him?

That both the Dukes never told her that the one chick was her frenemy? Come on Dukes! Clue your girl in earlier. When the frenemy suggests that the Dukes will not want Lily because of the boy and helps her run off to Paris, the Dukes find her. Again, poof, the whole situation with the little boy resolved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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