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The Devil of Dunmoor
Ethan Standish, fourth Duke of Dunmoor, is a man cursed by a past that refuses to let him go. Twenty years after enduring captivity as a prisoner of war, he has withdrawn from society, living ensconced at his estate. He takes no visitors and no risks. He needs nothing and no one, finding comfort in his solitude, with only his demons to keep him company. That all changes the day Catherine Kirkcaldy arrives on his doorstep. The governess for the children of the late Earl MacLendon, Cat has come to the estate of the enigmatic Duke of Dunmoor to inform him of his new status as their guardian. Despite her initial misgivings, she finds herself drawn to this contradiction of a man, a man with a fearsome reputation but a kind heart no one is allowed to see. A single letter exposes a shared connection with their pasts, setting Ethan and Cat on a path of danger and revenge. But even as Ethan pursues retribution for the past that should have never been, he finds himself falling for Cat, a woman with a ready smile and an open heart. Can he bury his long-held demons in exchange for a future with Cat? Or will he forever be the Devil of Dunmoor?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2017
808 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Meggan Connors
10 books55 followersMeggan Connors is a wife, mother, teacher and award-winning author who writes primarily historical and steampunk romances. As a history buff with a love of all things historical, she enjoys visiting both major and obscure museums, and reading the histories of the Old West and the British Isles. She makes her home in the Wild West with her lawman husband, two children, and a menagerie of pets. When she's not writing, she can usually be found hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow, or with her nose in a book. Favorite vacation destinations include the sun-kissed hills of California, any place with a castle or a ghost (and both is perfect!), and the windswept Oregon coast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 14, 2018
Implausible and poorly researched but I was muddling through until our heroine the governess tells our hero the duke that she'll marry him if he'll give her a divorce once they solve the little mystery they're working on. Oh and she wants custody of his wards also. His friend the dead Earl's 4 children.
Why not? We all know that the children would be better off with a divorced governess then a rich duke who is also a doctor and generally an all around decent person.
Apparently both our heroine and the writer think divorce was common in 1727. I'm quoting here. A dnf at 46%. I don't care who killed the earl or why the duke and the earl's sister broke up. Not worth the time or effort.
Why not? We all know that the children would be better off with a divorced governess then a rich duke who is also a doctor and generally an all around decent person.
Apparently both our heroine and the writer think divorce was common in 1727. I'm quoting here. A dnf at 46%. I don't care who killed the earl or why the duke and the earl's sister broke up. Not worth the time or effort.
September 13, 2018
Ethan and Cat
Ethan Standish, the fourth Duke of Dunmoor, is a man who accepts no visitors and takes no risk. During the war he was captured by the Abenaki in America. He still has nightmares and flashbacks to his captivity. He likes a quiet, serene life style.
Catherine "Cat" Kirkcaldy is the governess of the late Earl McLendon's children, three boys and one girl. She arrives on the doorstep of the Duke of Dunmoor. She is left out in the cold rain. Ethan finally comes out at night to bring Cat into the manor. After she recovers, Cat reveals why she is at Hockenforth Hall and requesting an audience with the Duke. Ethan discovers he is the guardian of the children.
When they depart to pick up the children in Scotland, they are held up by three bandits. Suffering from a blow to the face and a sprained wrist, Cat permits Ethan to treat her injuries. She falls asleep in his room. The next morning they are found by William, Ethan's secretary, and the inn keeper. Ethan claims Cat is his wife under Scotland law. Cat gives in but has conditions. One, the marriage will be in name only and two, when Ethan gets his revenge, she wants a divorce and custody of the McLendon children. Will Ethan agree to the terms? Can Cat safe guard her heart and only pretend she loves Ethan for the sake of the gossips?
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. The characters are likeable. Though a fast read, I found I could put down this novel and not give a second thought to the story. The plot is well thought out. I don't agree with the second condition - divorce and custody of the children. I don't believe this would be an acceptable condition in 1727. I did like the writing style. I would read another novel by this author.
Ethan Standish, the fourth Duke of Dunmoor, is a man who accepts no visitors and takes no risk. During the war he was captured by the Abenaki in America. He still has nightmares and flashbacks to his captivity. He likes a quiet, serene life style.
Catherine "Cat" Kirkcaldy is the governess of the late Earl McLendon's children, three boys and one girl. She arrives on the doorstep of the Duke of Dunmoor. She is left out in the cold rain. Ethan finally comes out at night to bring Cat into the manor. After she recovers, Cat reveals why she is at Hockenforth Hall and requesting an audience with the Duke. Ethan discovers he is the guardian of the children.
When they depart to pick up the children in Scotland, they are held up by three bandits. Suffering from a blow to the face and a sprained wrist, Cat permits Ethan to treat her injuries. She falls asleep in his room. The next morning they are found by William, Ethan's secretary, and the inn keeper. Ethan claims Cat is his wife under Scotland law. Cat gives in but has conditions. One, the marriage will be in name only and two, when Ethan gets his revenge, she wants a divorce and custody of the McLendon children. Will Ethan agree to the terms? Can Cat safe guard her heart and only pretend she loves Ethan for the sake of the gossips?
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. The characters are likeable. Though a fast read, I found I could put down this novel and not give a second thought to the story. The plot is well thought out. I don't agree with the second condition - divorce and custody of the children. I don't believe this would be an acceptable condition in 1727. I did like the writing style. I would read another novel by this author.
November 3, 2018
4.5/5.0
Lovely read! The characters are well written and grow and develop throughout the the story. I especially loved Cat’s character. She is what all historical heroines only strive to be! The mystery aspect was a bit muddled and I do wish we could have had an epilogue that included the demise (okay, okay... at least a large dose of misery) of his mother, but such small complaints when faced with everything else that made this a delight to read.
Lovely read! The characters are well written and grow and develop throughout the the story. I especially loved Cat’s character. She is what all historical heroines only strive to be! The mystery aspect was a bit muddled and I do wish we could have had an epilogue that included the demise (okay, okay... at least a large dose of misery) of his mother, but such small complaints when faced with everything else that made this a delight to read.
August 19, 2018
Growing Up With His Mother, The Devil's👿Concubine
England 1727
How much punishment can one man take?
Ethan🐺🍆🌋 is the reclusive Duke of Dunmoor.
His mother,👿 the dowager duchess, has made his life miserable from nearly the beginning with her manipulations and outright crimes. She is the cause of almost all the sadness and all the pain in his life. She sent him off to war on a ship that was sunk,then he was captured and spent time in a horrible prison.
Finally, a man he thought was his enemy, the Earl MacClendon dies, leaving his children in Ethan's unwilling and unwanting care. Along with the three children comes Cat Kirkaldy💃💋, a young widow and Scottish governess. She knows the children need his protection.
Cat💃💋 is so tenacious, Ethan🐺🍆🌋 cannot help but take her and the children in to his bleak country estate. He is totally unprepared for the circumstances he now finds himself in. His mother👿 is still perpetrating her crimes and intrigues upon him and his new family. Why can't she leave him alone?
A Duke🐺🍆🌋 and a Governess💃💋, a meeting in time and circumstance. Can a Duke🐺🍆🌋 love a Scottish💃💋 governess? HELL YEAH!
Great multifaceted story and thoughtful plot and writing! Heat 🔥 factor 2 on a scale of 1-10.
England 1727
How much punishment can one man take?
Ethan🐺🍆🌋 is the reclusive Duke of Dunmoor.
His mother,👿 the dowager duchess, has made his life miserable from nearly the beginning with her manipulations and outright crimes. She is the cause of almost all the sadness and all the pain in his life. She sent him off to war on a ship that was sunk,then he was captured and spent time in a horrible prison.
Finally, a man he thought was his enemy, the Earl MacClendon dies, leaving his children in Ethan's unwilling and unwanting care. Along with the three children comes Cat Kirkaldy💃💋, a young widow and Scottish governess. She knows the children need his protection.
Cat💃💋 is so tenacious, Ethan🐺🍆🌋 cannot help but take her and the children in to his bleak country estate. He is totally unprepared for the circumstances he now finds himself in. His mother👿 is still perpetrating her crimes and intrigues upon him and his new family. Why can't she leave him alone?
A Duke🐺🍆🌋 and a Governess💃💋, a meeting in time and circumstance. Can a Duke🐺🍆🌋 love a Scottish💃💋 governess? HELL YEAH!
Great multifaceted story and thoughtful plot and writing! Heat 🔥 factor 2 on a scale of 1-10.
August 28, 2018
A struggle
Sadly, I struggled to get through this book. Honestly, it was the ridiculousness of the friend Wil telling him that she wasn’t for him. He’s been a recluse for years and unwilling to do anything in his life. Finally he is actually showing something and you want to shoot it down? Um, not much of a friend. I honestly expected Wil to become a villain in the end - but he’s not.
I loved the strength of the female character. She was amazing in the way she stood up for herself, how she cared for the children, and everything else about her.
Sadly, I struggled to get through this book. Honestly, it was the ridiculousness of the friend Wil telling him that she wasn’t for him. He’s been a recluse for years and unwilling to do anything in his life. Finally he is actually showing something and you want to shoot it down? Um, not much of a friend. I honestly expected Wil to become a villain in the end - but he’s not.
I loved the strength of the female character. She was amazing in the way she stood up for herself, how she cared for the children, and everything else about her.
August 15, 2018
Love, lies and nightmares
Mothers are supposed to love you no matter what. The next best thing to a mother is a loyal and loving governess who would do practically anything to ensure the safety and well-being of her charges. This story has a little bit of everything and still manages to keep you glued to the pages.
Mothers are supposed to love you no matter what. The next best thing to a mother is a loyal and loving governess who would do practically anything to ensure the safety and well-being of her charges. This story has a little bit of everything and still manages to keep you glued to the pages.
October 10, 2018
4.5/5.0
Colorful characters make “The Devil of Dunmoor” a novel that can’t be put down.
Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Colorful characters make “The Devil of Dunmoor” a novel that can’t be put down.
Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 2, 2020
This was a rather enjoyable read, set in Great Britain during the Georgian Era. I liked the H/h and their motivations.
I really liked Catherine, and she was the stronger half of the couple, in that she was forthright in her conversations and actions. Compared to the majority of powdered, painted - and backstabbing - women of the ton, she was a gem. Thanks to her, Ethan let some of his guard down, revealing a big, sexy sweetheart.
I was a little confused with one aspect of the story though Still, it's a 3.5 stars from me.
I really liked Catherine, and she was the stronger half of the couple, in that she was forthright in her conversations and actions. Compared to the majority of powdered, painted - and backstabbing - women of the ton, she was a gem. Thanks to her, Ethan let some of his guard down, revealing a big, sexy sweetheart.
I was a little confused with one aspect of the story though Still, it's a 3.5 stars from me.
October 17, 2023
Beautiful story
I would have preferred less loose ends by the end of the book. However it was a beautiful, clean, and fun read. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I would have preferred less loose ends by the end of the book. However it was a beautiful, clean, and fun read. Thoroughly enjoyable!
December 27, 2018
I enjoyed this book. A lot. I enjoyed the story, the characters, the fact that the children depicted weren't utterly annoying.
I was a bit disappointed when the H's reputation didn't quite live up to my definition of "devilish". We were told he had a reputation, he earned his nickname, but we didn't really see that in the story. Instead, we were give a cinnamon roll. A wounded cinnamon roll. A deeply wounded one at that, but still...a cinnamon roll.
Don't get me wrong. I love me a cinnamon roll, I just had an expectation that wasn't quiet fulfilled. Even when faced with the children he became the guardian of he was supportive and amazing and wonderful towards them...no real brooding in sight. At all.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. so much so that I immediately went and found another by the author to read this week. The h/H were well depicted, and affectionate and seriously I am here for those affectionate moments between the h/H that just build to that wonderful relationship.
Such a good way to (possibly) end out 2018.
I was a bit disappointed when the H's reputation didn't quite live up to my definition of "devilish". We were told he had a reputation, he earned his nickname, but we didn't really see that in the story. Instead, we were give a cinnamon roll. A wounded cinnamon roll. A deeply wounded one at that, but still...a cinnamon roll.
Don't get me wrong. I love me a cinnamon roll, I just had an expectation that wasn't quiet fulfilled. Even when faced with the children he became the guardian of he was supportive and amazing and wonderful towards them...no real brooding in sight. At all.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. so much so that I immediately went and found another by the author to read this week. The h/H were well depicted, and affectionate and seriously I am here for those affectionate moments between the h/H that just build to that wonderful relationship.
Such a good way to (possibly) end out 2018.
September 3, 2018
Ethan is reclusive and broken from past war experiences and betrayals by people he loved. The last thing he wants is to “inherit” guardianship of his friend/turned enemy’s young children. Cat, the governess, is a no-holds-barred, strong female whose sole mission is to make sure he accepts his responsibility, no matter what it takes. Characters are well defined, including Ethan’s mother from hell. There is enough mystery and intrigue to keep the story moving along. Entertaining historical romance/mystery set in the 1700s, it has a certain moodiness, somewhat akin to Jane Eyre.
September 10, 2018
True to Life, True to Itself, Truly Worth a Good Read!
I felt it an excellent, compelling book, only lacking in the fact that the ending was a bit confusing and difficult to unravel. Brilliantly laid out as true feelings a person may carry having had a cruel, selfish, uncaring mother. Also, the novel did not fall into so many trappings had of having everything be known that was going to happen , before it actually did. There were also quite a few twists and turns that were excellent. For these reasons I gave it four stars and would have give four and a half if I could.
I felt it an excellent, compelling book, only lacking in the fact that the ending was a bit confusing and difficult to unravel. Brilliantly laid out as true feelings a person may carry having had a cruel, selfish, uncaring mother. Also, the novel did not fall into so many trappings had of having everything be known that was going to happen , before it actually did. There were also quite a few twists and turns that were excellent. For these reasons I gave it four stars and would have give four and a half if I could.
August 20, 2018
Argh..
I found myself gritting my teeth every time Catherine spoke. One moment she is speaking in a thick Scottish accent --< "We canno' change what happened. You were only trying to spare my reputation in the moment. I recognise that. But surely there must have been a better way think you no'?"
And then.. "And if you decide to take a wife? What happens then? Because such a event would be newsworthy, even here in a small town like Ailis. Your presence in Ailis will be the talk of the town in a matter of hours. And once it gets out that we are not married, I'm ruined socially."
I couldnt 'hear' her in my head. One moment she is a highlander, the next she is talking with Received Pronunciation!
I wish authors would stop trying to write accents - unless you KNOW the accent/dialect inside out, then its best to give just the gentlest hint and let the reader hear it for themselves.
This was an utter fail. Or as I might say Nay lassie, tha doesna ken wha' tha's seyin'.
I found myself gritting my teeth every time Catherine spoke. One moment she is speaking in a thick Scottish accent --< "We canno' change what happened. You were only trying to spare my reputation in the moment. I recognise that. But surely there must have been a better way think you no'?"
And then.. "And if you decide to take a wife? What happens then? Because such a event would be newsworthy, even here in a small town like Ailis. Your presence in Ailis will be the talk of the town in a matter of hours. And once it gets out that we are not married, I'm ruined socially."
I couldnt 'hear' her in my head. One moment she is a highlander, the next she is talking with Received Pronunciation!
I wish authors would stop trying to write accents - unless you KNOW the accent/dialect inside out, then its best to give just the gentlest hint and let the reader hear it for themselves.
This was an utter fail. Or as I might say Nay lassie, tha doesna ken wha' tha's seyin'.
January 21, 2019
I wanted to like this book - I really did. But the story line was just all over the place. The whole premise of why Cat needed to be married to Ethan and why Ethan needed to get revenge for something that had happened years earlier just didn't make any sense to me. Ethan was just so wishy washy most of the time that I got annoyed with him. We never really did find out why Ethan was called the Devil of Dunmoor. Was it just because his fiancee killed herself and people blamed him? I could never really figure that out. And what exactly happened to him in the colonies? We know bits and pieces from his nightmares, but never really get a good explanation of why Ethan is so debilitated from what happened to him there. And the whole bit with Ethan's mother at the end arranging for Cat to get kidnapped and sent to the colonies. What was her purpose in that? None of the last 20 percent of the book made any sense to me. I felt that I wasted my time in reading this book until the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
Ethan is a war hero and is the second son. His brother died and now he's a Duke that is having nightmares about his time from fighting in the Colonies. The Duke has been living away from London quietly on his estate, not seeing vistors or having any guests. Then in comes Catherind that insists she must speak to the Duke, she is repeatly turned away but refuses to leave until she speaks only to him. Ethan is curious as to who keeps ringing the door. He finds Catherine standing waiting for him in the freezing rain storm. He brings her in and she is sick and he begins to treat her because she passed out. The story starts and gets more character as it goes on .... please read the enjoyable love story that is the saviour for them both. He with a past and Catherine with a sunshine attitude makes for a very compelling story.
October 30, 2018
So I find myself on a Regency romance binge right now...while this wasn't the best I've ever read...it certainly wasn't the worst.
I didn't love any of the characters...except a daughter...who make the briefest of appearances in the epilogue. Now, her story is one that I would love to read!
The plot was fairly typical for any Regency romance...boy meets girl...boy refuses to love girl...interfering mother causes havoc...girl gets kidnapped...boy rescues girl...boy and girl live happily ever after ruling over their dukedom...no surprises there!
I didn't love any of the characters...except a daughter...who make the briefest of appearances in the epilogue. Now, her story is one that I would love to read!
The plot was fairly typical for any Regency romance...boy meets girl...boy refuses to love girl...interfering mother causes havoc...girl gets kidnapped...boy rescues girl...boy and girl live happily ever after ruling over their dukedom...no surprises there!
August 29, 2018
Maybe a 3.5. A Scottish governess wins the heart of her former employer's former best friend, when she goes to him for help and protection for the children. Cat, is a navy widow, and Ethan, a former POW in America. Together they piece together the puzzle of what happened to him, his best friend, and the reason Cat's life is in danger. Interesting story with a couple of gaps in explanation, but overall, pretty well done.
October 13, 2019
Real
As usual, Meggan Connors' characters are well developed and real. It is a pleasure to read her stories because they are populated with characters who are flawed and often mostly broken. It is preferable as a reader to meet characters who are three-dimensional and imperfect than to be given two-dimensional and shallow fairie tales. The loves and life in Ms. Connors' stories is sometimes ugly and heart breaking. But it is also realistic and true.
As usual, Meggan Connors' characters are well developed and real. It is a pleasure to read her stories because they are populated with characters who are flawed and often mostly broken. It is preferable as a reader to meet characters who are three-dimensional and imperfect than to be given two-dimensional and shallow fairie tales. The loves and life in Ms. Connors' stories is sometimes ugly and heart breaking. But it is also realistic and true.
August 18, 2018
Cat is a governess of three boys and a girl. Their father is dead and she has come to Ethan, the Duke of Dunmoor to tell him he is now their guardian. Ethan has been a hermit for many years now and does not allow visitors. Cat is determined to see him. A battle of wills begins.
It is an interesting story of two people and well done.
It is an interesting story of two people and well done.
March 30, 2020
The Devil of Dunmore
When Cat came to the Dunmore Estate to see Eathan Standish it was to let him know of the Earl and Countess MacLendon had passed and Eathan was now their guardian. Cat was their governess and loved them. Cat and Eathan fell in love and married but his mother was against it. In the long run the mother lost.
When Cat came to the Dunmore Estate to see Eathan Standish it was to let him know of the Earl and Countess MacLendon had passed and Eathan was now their guardian. Cat was their governess and loved them. Cat and Eathan fell in love and married but his mother was against it. In the long run the mother lost.
December 10, 2020
Finally read this one. I got it free back in 2018. I thought it was pretty good and a nice escape. H a duke has a tortured soul, doesn’t want a wife, doesn’t want to fall in love. h is a governess, is wild free spirit. He now has to care for his new wards who have been in her care. Good romance with a bit of mystery as well.
July 26, 2023
This novel needs more plot and character development. Cat is a strong-minded person who becomes involved with Ethan, a duke and a physician. Somebody is trying to harm Cat's former pupils, and she needs Ethan's help in finding out who that person is. They are somewhat surprised when they find out who that person is.
July 27, 2023
the premise sounded good …
I found the story to be unrealistic for the time period (just call me Cat. Right) as well as practically unreadable, because of just the dumbness of the storyline and the boring characters. None of the characters have any wit and their conversations are inane. Don’t think I’ll be able to finish it.
I found the story to be unrealistic for the time period (just call me Cat. Right) as well as practically unreadable, because of just the dumbness of the storyline and the boring characters. None of the characters have any wit and their conversations are inane. Don’t think I’ll be able to finish it.
August 2, 2023
Self inflicted seclusion!
Ethan never planned on being the Duke, and his mother told him how worthless he was! Enters Cat with four children of his murdered best friend, and she is a force to be reckoned with! But in a good was, loved the children and brought light into his dark world! A remarkable strong lady! Good read!
Ethan never planned on being the Duke, and his mother told him how worthless he was! Enters Cat with four children of his murdered best friend, and she is a force to be reckoned with! But in a good was, loved the children and brought light into his dark world! A remarkable strong lady! Good read!
November 12, 2017
Captivating
Did not want to put it down. Meggan
characters keep you wanting to know what comes next. They have flaws that you want to see how they conquer them. Please read and enjoy!
Did not want to put it down. Meggan
characters keep you wanting to know what comes next. They have flaws that you want to see how they conquer them. Please read and enjoy!
January 20, 2018
Read it all in one sitting. Couldn't stop. I loved Cat, Ethan and William. They were such deep and well developed characters. I would love to read William's story. Will be reading more from this author
August 15, 2018
An enjoyable read
Beware the governess, she changed everything. Recluse, war hero and nightmares interwoven with romance and children. Twists a turns as the hunt is on for a traitorous murderer. But if a surprise at the end, didn't quite work for me, but mums the word
Beware the governess, she changed everything. Recluse, war hero and nightmares interwoven with romance and children. Twists a turns as the hunt is on for a traitorous murderer. But if a surprise at the end, didn't quite work for me, but mums the word
August 15, 2018
Typical Regency themes
but well written except for some modern language and terms; e.g.,”disrespected” Sexually explicit. Sets up at least two sequels: will William find his sister and what will happen to Alison?
but well written except for some modern language and terms; e.g.,”disrespected” Sexually explicit. Sets up at least two sequels: will William find his sister and what will happen to Alison?
September 6, 2018
Love vs the Devil of Dunmoor
Wow! A very good read! It pulls you in, then leaves you seating-on-the-edge. I could not put it down! Love romance and the fight for Love? Then this is your next read!☺ Enjoy!!
Wow! A very good read! It pulls you in, then leaves you seating-on-the-edge. I could not put it down! Love romance and the fight for Love? Then this is your next read!☺ Enjoy!!
August 20, 2018
Another good one
Ms Connors has written another fascinating tale. This is a twist on romances well. Also as usual, according to legend ,the devil you know is better than the one you don't
Ms Connors has written another fascinating tale. This is a twist on romances well. Also as usual, according to legend ,the devil you know is better than the one you don't
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews