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Wharton #2
The Duke of the Moors
An ethereal beauty. A darkly handsome duke. If she can’t win his love, her family is doomed.
Yorkshire, Regency England. Miss Catherine Conolly is surprised by a mysterious invitation from a wealthy uncle who hasn’t spoken to her in years. Upon arriving at his formidable house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds herself a pawn in his mischievous plan to gain influence over the enigmatic Duke of Rotherham – known as the Duke of the Moors.
But enthralling as she finds the handsome man, his reputation and inscrutable manner are the subjects of much sinister speculation among the locals and the society crowd alike …
As rumours swirl around the duke concerning the untimely death of his former love, Catherine considers abandoning her uncle’s scheme. But how can she escape the man who’s awakened a passion she never knew she was capable of?
Trapped between her family’s pressure and the call of her heart, Catherine dedicates herself to sorting fanciful fiction from frightening fact. Will she find love, or will the duke’s dark past be her undoing?
Yorkshire, Regency England. Miss Catherine Conolly is surprised by a mysterious invitation from a wealthy uncle who hasn’t spoken to her in years. Upon arriving at his formidable house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds herself a pawn in his mischievous plan to gain influence over the enigmatic Duke of Rotherham – known as the Duke of the Moors.
But enthralling as she finds the handsome man, his reputation and inscrutable manner are the subjects of much sinister speculation among the locals and the society crowd alike …
As rumours swirl around the duke concerning the untimely death of his former love, Catherine considers abandoning her uncle’s scheme. But how can she escape the man who’s awakened a passion she never knew she was capable of?
Trapped between her family’s pressure and the call of her heart, Catherine dedicates herself to sorting fanciful fiction from frightening fact. Will she find love, or will the duke’s dark past be her undoing?
6 pages, Audiobook
Published July 31, 2019
104 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Ashwood
13 books31 followersAudrey Ashwood hails from London, the city where she was born and raised. At a young age, she began diving into the world of literature, a world full of fairytales and Prince Charmings. Writing came later—no longer was she a spectator of fantasies; she was now a creator of them.
In her books, the villains get their just desserts—her stories are known for happy and deserved endings. Love, of course, plays a major role, even if it’s not the initial star of the show. With each written word, Audrey hopes to remind people that love transcends oceans and generations.
In her books, the villains get their just desserts—her stories are known for happy and deserved endings. Love, of course, plays a major role, even if it’s not the initial star of the show. With each written word, Audrey hopes to remind people that love transcends oceans and generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 8, 2019
After her father's death, Catherine Conolly and her family are on the brink of poverty. When Catherine and her mother receive an invitation to visit her wealthy uncle's estate, her mother agrees in the hopes of receiving help for their dire situation. Instead, Catherine discovers that her uncle has a plan for her and it involves the mysterious and alluring Duke of Rotherham, the Duke of the Moors.
This was a sweet romance with a strong heroine, an intriguing mystery, and a compelling hero. Catherine wasn't afraid to do what it took to discover her uncle's secret. She didn't compromise her own values, even if it meant loss of status or wealth. And the duke was kind yet aloof enough to be the perfect match for her. It was a sweet story and the mystery kept me listening to the end.
The narration was well done, with voices for each character. It pulled me right into the story. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet romance with a strong heroine, an intriguing mystery, and a compelling hero. Catherine wasn't afraid to do what it took to discover her uncle's secret. She didn't compromise her own values, even if it meant loss of status or wealth. And the duke was kind yet aloof enough to be the perfect match for her. It was a sweet story and the mystery kept me listening to the end.
The narration was well done, with voices for each character. It pulled me right into the story. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2019
Integrity In the Face of Family Ruin
I felt so sorry for Catherine. Her relation's unrealistic demands made her situation impossible! I admire how she maintained her integrity and composure when some would have caved to end the harassment.
The Duke was aloof. His character lacked the depth of Catherine's. The story is narrated from Catherine's point-of-view. Due to that, there is not much insight into the Duke's personality.
I like the setting of the Moors when a mystery is involved. The dialogue was a bit lengthy at times, but this was a good story with an almost fairy tale ending.
I felt so sorry for Catherine. Her relation's unrealistic demands made her situation impossible! I admire how she maintained her integrity and composure when some would have caved to end the harassment.
The Duke was aloof. His character lacked the depth of Catherine's. The story is narrated from Catherine's point-of-view. Due to that, there is not much insight into the Duke's personality.
I like the setting of the Moors when a mystery is involved. The dialogue was a bit lengthy at times, but this was a good story with an almost fairy tale ending.
December 8, 2021
There was absolutely nothing that endeared me to the Duke. He was borinsh, rude and treated the h with contempt. I can count on one hand, how many times he was polite/pleasant to Catherine. Suffice it to say, it was nowhere near enough to allay my dislike for him. The author tried to remedy that at the end of the book but I was not buying it. I cannot, for the life of me, understand what the h saw in him because there was no basis for her strong emotions.
The Viscount was terrible and even Catherine’s mother treated her horribly. I felt so sorry for Catherine’s plight and wished someone would just steal her away. While the premise was interesting the execution was disappointing.
Content: Squeaky clean
The Viscount was terrible and even Catherine’s mother treated her horribly. I felt so sorry for Catherine’s plight and wished someone would just steal her away. While the premise was interesting the execution was disappointing.
Content: Squeaky clean
January 5, 2020
It Was The Duke🐺💕
ADULT themed Regency Romance💕 and Mystery.
Catherine💃💋 and her widowed mother💔 journey to her Viscount uncle's castle🏰 in Scotland because they are Dead broke, have to rent out their home, and he has summoned them.
Catherine's uncle has no love for either his own sister, or his niece. He has plans to bring in The Duke of Rotherham🐺 for a hunt, and force Catherine💃💋 to make a play for him!
What could go wrong with this picture?! For starters, the two women are robbed by highwaymen🔪🔫 not far from the uncle's estate🏰!
As the house party and hunt party goes along, Catherine💃💋 begins to think that the Duke🐺 is one of the highwaymen🔪🔫!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a SWEET Romance, but the book still delves into some ADULT themes not suitable for teen readers.
I liked the book but wished the author would have written much more about the capture of the highwaymen.
ADULT themed Regency Romance💕 and Mystery.
Catherine💃💋 and her widowed mother💔 journey to her Viscount uncle's castle🏰 in Scotland because they are Dead broke, have to rent out their home, and he has summoned them.
Catherine's uncle has no love for either his own sister, or his niece. He has plans to bring in The Duke of Rotherham🐺 for a hunt, and force Catherine💃💋 to make a play for him!
What could go wrong with this picture?! For starters, the two women are robbed by highwaymen🔪🔫 not far from the uncle's estate🏰!
As the house party and hunt party goes along, Catherine💃💋 begins to think that the Duke🐺 is one of the highwaymen🔪🔫!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a SWEET Romance, but the book still delves into some ADULT themes not suitable for teen readers.
I liked the book but wished the author would have written much more about the capture of the highwaymen.
December 29, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Catherine is a poor relation to a Viscount. The Viscount is her mother's brother and he hates them. He has a scheme to get Catherine married to the Duke of Moors. On the way to his estate Catherine and her mother are robbed by highway men. After meeting the duke, Catherine is certain that the duke is the leader of the highway men. Her uncle is adamant that she will marry the duke, but she doesn't find him to be her type. Catherine is a strong, feminist character. She thinks for herself, and is well-educated. The duke is an amazing character as well. I abhor the uncle and her mother. Both characters failed to have redeeming qualities. With that being said, her mother did have to play the game that she was dealt being a woman in that time period, so I can see why she was the way she was.
This book is amazing. It's a clean romance and it has mystery, suspense, angst, and love. When it ended, I was sad. I wanted more of the story. If you enjoy, the aforementioned adjectives, then this book is for you. This book has a HEA, but you will laugh and cry along the way. Buy this book today!
Catherine is a poor relation to a Viscount. The Viscount is her mother's brother and he hates them. He has a scheme to get Catherine married to the Duke of Moors. On the way to his estate Catherine and her mother are robbed by highway men. After meeting the duke, Catherine is certain that the duke is the leader of the highway men. Her uncle is adamant that she will marry the duke, but she doesn't find him to be her type. Catherine is a strong, feminist character. She thinks for herself, and is well-educated. The duke is an amazing character as well. I abhor the uncle and her mother. Both characters failed to have redeeming qualities. With that being said, her mother did have to play the game that she was dealt being a woman in that time period, so I can see why she was the way she was.
This book is amazing. It's a clean romance and it has mystery, suspense, angst, and love. When it ended, I was sad. I wanted more of the story. If you enjoy, the aforementioned adjectives, then this book is for you. This book has a HEA, but you will laugh and cry along the way. Buy this book today!
December 30, 2019
This is the first book by Audrey Ashwood I have read. I would read more of her offerings. The beginning of the book had all the makings of a gothic type read. A mysterious invitation from her uncle, a late night trip through the Yorkshire moors, a hold up by highwaymen, and an ultimatum by her uncle to cosy up to the Duke of Rotherham for unexplained reasons. Miss Catherine Conolly is unwilling to pursue a man who obviously wants no part of her. A late night meeting puts them on better terms, but a blunder from Catherine's mother turns the Duke against her. What will the Conolly's do, since they are on the brink of poverty. When the Duke shows up once again in London, just what are his intentions? This was a nice story, but I kept hoping that Catherine's first inclination was true and the Duke did turn out to be the highwayman. It would have added a little excitement to the end of the story. Although it did end with a great HEA. I just prefer a little intrigue and danger in my reads. I received this eBook from the author and publisher for an honest review.
December 30, 2019
The Duke of the Moors is a sweet regency romance by Audrey Ashwood. I enjoyed the story but I felt it lacked a bit of intrigue. Told from the heroine Miss Catherine Conolly’s point of view, the reader is kept in the dark as to the Duke’s intent and purposes. The Duke of Rotherham’s actions and motivations are puzzling through most of the book, but interesting enough to keep me reading. He comes across as a flat character and doesn’t seem to develop much until the end of the story. I also thought that Catherine’s inner musings slowed the pace of the story down too much at times. I did like Catherine’s character - she is a truly humble and loving soul who desires to help her family as best she can. The villain is definitely a believable character, and there were times I thought he almost stole the show. I enjoyed the book. It was a nice afternoon read. I was given a copy.
September 18, 2019
Ahh! That truly was a lovely ending, as was the rest of this story.
I really enjoyed it so much, the aloofness of the Duke of Rotherham, the strengths shown by Catherine, the beautiful friendship that was almost ruined and the way they fell in love.
Then there was her silly mother! Gosh, I think if she were my mother that I would have drowned her, but anyway....
And then there is the narration by Marion Hussey who helps animate the story in her unique way.
What's not to love about it all. I am more than happy to recommend this one.
I listened to the audiobook version and my voluntary review as above is unbiased.
I really enjoyed it so much, the aloofness of the Duke of Rotherham, the strengths shown by Catherine, the beautiful friendship that was almost ruined and the way they fell in love.
Then there was her silly mother! Gosh, I think if she were my mother that I would have drowned her, but anyway....
And then there is the narration by Marion Hussey who helps animate the story in her unique way.
What's not to love about it all. I am more than happy to recommend this one.
I listened to the audiobook version and my voluntary review as above is unbiased.
September 26, 2019
A young woman being forced by her uncle and mother to focus her attentions on a Duke who wants nothing to do with her. When they do become friends, her mother's bragging ends it. When the truth comes out, the duke realizes he made a mistake. A story of misunderstandings, forgiveness and grace. Narrated by the lovely Marian Hussey makes the story even more enjoyable. I received a complimentary audio and this review is voluntary.
October 9, 2019
A well written, clean and sweet romance read / listen. I love these characters and their dynamic. I love the flow of the story line and the twists taken. Catherine finds herself being used by her mother and uncle as a pawn in their scheme to snag a Duke in order to make their money problems disappear. Will Catherine allow herself to be used or keep her dignity and allow love to rule?
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
January 2, 2020
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and very safe to say definitely not going to be the last! Reminiscent of a good gothic read meeting a clean historical. Catherine and the Duke of Rotherham have their ups and downs to get past plus secrets the Duke is hiding before they can find their happily ever after. I was gifted with this book and am happy to leave this review!!
January 7, 2020
A mysterious Duke coming and going. A cruel Uncle, twists and turns gives you a story that keeps your attention right to the last page. Its vastly entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2019
What a wonderful love story! I especially loved the twist at the end of the book, I wasn’t expecting it. I can’t say too much I don’t want to spoil it for others.
January 10, 2020
This is my first book by Audrey Ashwood. I found the first half of the book very enjoyable.
Miss Catherine Conally is so easy to love and feel anger at how her Uncle, Viscount Wharton her mother's brother want to use her for his own reasons. Catherine is a beauty but doesn't see herself like others do. After her mother and her meet the Viscount they are told it is not for an allowance her mother hoped for. But he wants Catherine to seek out the Duke of Rotherham, and get him to ask for her hand in marriage !!! Catherine has no idea how she is suppose to do this. Her family has no title, they are poor and about to lose even the house after her father's death. But her Mother and Uncle push her to try to spend time with or around the Duke, who does not even acknowledged her. Between her family using her as a pawn, and the Duke not even wanting to speak to her, what is she to do.
There is also the disappearance of the Duke at dinner. Highway men robbing carriages. This story has a lot going on and moves well till mid way. I can't say more with out giving away some spoilers.
The last half of the book was very slow for me, lots of meetings with the characters, building friendships, maybe falling in love. I found myself looking ahead for the end. I wish there had been more between the Duke and Catherine and less of story telling. There is some Romance, but lacks any affection it seems.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. I am giving my honest opinion voluntarily.
January 23, 2020
The Duke of the Moors: A Historical Regency Romance by Audrey Ashwood is an exciting, captivating, and sweet, stand alone read.
Meet, Catherine Elizabeth Conolly, the daughter of a baronet, her father's death left her family nearly destitute. And, the Duke of Rotherham.
"The Duke of the Moors" is a heartwarming story of life with all the mystery, danger, drama, mayhem and the twist and turns of a great Regency Romance. A wonderful cast of characters and a plot that flows seamlessly and effortlessly brings forth a captivating and entertaining story.
I was pulled into this heartwarming story of love and finding a HEA. Well written story with all the drama, and intriguing details that will hold the reader's interest and keeps you turning pages. Well, done, Ms Ashwood!!
#The Duke of the Moors, #Audrey Ashwood
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewer: AprilR
Meet, Catherine Elizabeth Conolly, the daughter of a baronet, her father's death left her family nearly destitute. And, the Duke of Rotherham.
"The Duke of the Moors" is a heartwarming story of life with all the mystery, danger, drama, mayhem and the twist and turns of a great Regency Romance. A wonderful cast of characters and a plot that flows seamlessly and effortlessly brings forth a captivating and entertaining story.
I was pulled into this heartwarming story of love and finding a HEA. Well written story with all the drama, and intriguing details that will hold the reader's interest and keeps you turning pages. Well, done, Ms Ashwood!!
#The Duke of the Moors, #Audrey Ashwood
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewer: AprilR
January 5, 2020
The Duke of the Moors: A Historical Regency Romance by Audrey Ashwood has a bit of everything such as romance, suspense, family connections ,and the setting of the Moors. It has highway men, thieves and robbers to keep it interesting. The main story involves Catherine who is expected to save the family as her father died leaving the family in debt and whether she can do that as well as find love is the question. Audrey Ashwood gives you the HEA but gives a good tale to get their. She does a wonderful job of using twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. this is the first book that I have read by Aubrey Ashwood but will not be my last one. Looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2021
This book was a pleasant surprise, and the main reason for this surprise is the fact that there is zero predictability in it. The plot is good and the characters were very interesting, but I didn’t like the romance. While the romance was clean it wasn’t romantic at all, neither was the dialogue between the two main characters.
January 24, 2020
Duke to Love
I enjoyed reading about Miss Catherine Elizabeth Conolly and Duke of Rotherham.
Catherine and her family were the poor relatives. Her uncle was going to use her as a pawn to be used to bring down the Duke. Things backfired and there is a very happy ending!
I enjoyed reading about Miss Catherine Elizabeth Conolly and Duke of Rotherham.
Catherine and her family were the poor relatives. Her uncle was going to use her as a pawn to be used to bring down the Duke. Things backfired and there is a very happy ending!
December 18, 2023
I very much enjoyed this book. As I did not like the first book in the series, I am so glad that I read this second addition to the series. The flow was steady. It kept my attention. The conclusion was strong.
July 23, 2025
Even I was fooled...
When set upon by highways then shortly after meeting a lot of some resemblance, what is a Lady to think of do? I have to admit that my thoughts aligned with the lady"a as well.
When set upon by highways then shortly after meeting a lot of some resemblance, what is a Lady to think of do? I have to admit that my thoughts aligned with the lady"a as well.
September 29, 2025
This book had intrigue, mystery and romance as Catherine realizes her unexpected invitation to her uncle’s home comes with ulterior and selfish motives. As she navigates the situation, which in ended the duke, she comes to a final decision which eventually leads to her hea
January 4, 2020
Great story. Catherine is to catch the eye of the Duke. After hearing all of the rumors, will she continue as her great uncle requests or will she give up? Hard to put down. Awesome characters.
January 4, 2020
A really wonderful romance. I loved the characters and the plot. Great read. Loved it...
January 5, 2020
Wonderful writing. The characters were so real. I had a hard time putting it down. I just loved it. I would strongly recommend you read this book.
January 27, 2020
The Duke of the Moors
An interesting story of a cold discount attempting to use his niece to trap a Duke into marriage. Many twists and turns.
An interesting story of a cold discount attempting to use his niece to trap a Duke into marriage. Many twists and turns.
June 20, 2020
This was a sample and very interesting.
August 20, 2020
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
April 19, 2022
What you wouldn’t do for your family…
May 13, 2023
DNFed at 75% just not what I wanted
July 18, 2025
Clean and sweet
A sweet read, suitable for a read over lunch. One star lost for using terminology inaccurate for the period and country.
A sweet read, suitable for a read over lunch. One star lost for using terminology inaccurate for the period and country.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews