Master of the Moor

By: Emmanuelle de Maupassant

Narrated by: Elspeth Cyprian, HotGhost Productions

As Christmas approaches, newly widowed Countess Rosseline travels to the wild, windswept moors of England, seeking out the heir to her dead husband's estate. But, her plan to ensnare him in matrimony goes awry when she's overcome by passion for someone else entirely...

©2019 Emmanuelle de Maupassant (P)2024 Emmanuelle de Maupassant

An enthralling story

This was an enthralling story set in the atmospheric landscape of Dartmoor. A place where endless stories were told of ghosts, fairy folk and where the imagination could run riot. Mallon de Wolfe is now the viscount and is returning home after twenty three years away. Genevieve, Countess Rosseline is also making her way to the same house on Dartmoor. They do have an attraction to each other but Genevieve has other schemes in her mind to secure her future. Mallon isn’t one to give his trust easily or to believe in lasting love, given his experience with his parents. I really enjoyed this story of two people who had experienced a troubled childhood but were trying to resolve matters between them. However, I didn’t enjoy the narrator’s reading of the story. For me, her voice was too harsh but I know other reviewers enjoyed listening to her voice. She did use different accents for the characters to try to bring them to life.

a festive story with a gothic feel

Mallon de Wolfe left England as a soldier and has spent the last twenty years abroad. With the death of his cold-hearted father, Mallon is left with the title of Viscount Wolverton and is finally returning to Dartmoor to face the mistakes of his youth and right some of his father’s wrongs. Mistrustful of women after his mother’s abandonment and believing himself to be unfeeling, Mallon is alarmed by the attraction he feels for his sister-in-law’s relation by marriage, the widowed Countess Rosseline, a guest for the Christmas festivities.

Genevieve was left well off by a generous widow’s portion but her low birth means she’s still denied the acceptance she craves in French society. She hopes to secure another husband to gain respectability and marrying Hugo, Mallon’s heir, would serve the purpose nicely and also ensure she could remain at Chateau Rosseline, the only place that has ever felt like home to her. She has no issues working her wiles on young Hugo, but Mallon is determined to protect his inexperienced nephew. In so doing, Mallon and Genevieve struggle against their growing attraction for each other, but their past hurts may prove too much to overcome in securing a happy future.

Man did these two go through some back and forth. Mallon started out extremely bitter towards women, especially those he thought could potentially be unfaithful. He automatically assumed Genevieve would fall into this category and it took him some time to overcome his trust issues. For her part, Genevieve was also preoccupied with being accepted by society, thinking this would bring her happiness, and it took a bit for her to reevaluate her priorities and realize what she really needed, but when she did she was quick to set things right with Mallon. He took more time, but his grand romantic gestures were endearing and these two made a cute, if unlikely, couple. The gothic feel of the moor along with the Christmas setting gave this book a unique vibe, the story flowed well, and I enjoyed it.

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

Another good story from this author

Richly layered story, and well-established setting as typical from this author. A few places lagged a bit under the details, but overall an engaging story with steamy scenes.

Compelling in every way

This author is rapidly becoming my go to source when I crave historical romance. Her writing and choosing of words are time fitting. The stories flow and her characters perfect in all their imperfections. They seem like real people.

These books truly transport the listener/reader back in time and it’s so wonderful to be able to relax and forget about life and obligations for a while.

Since this is an audiobook, a few words about Elspeth Cyprian. While she won’t become my favorite (female) voice, her voice and accent are wonderful for this story. Well done!

4.5 Gothic, Passion , Superstition, Suspense, Sex

It's all here! This is a Gothic historical romance about a new Viscount that is going to resume his life and claim his title in the Moors after a 23 year absence. He meets a young lady on his journey. They not only share their cabin they share their bed. They end up crossing paths once again by arriving at the same home. Genevieve and Mallon are intriguing and passionate. You won't be disappointed. So many secrets will keep you on the edge of your seat.


The book is very well written and will keep you engaged. I did have to restart because it's a little confusing at first.. The narrator does a great job capturing each character.

Good Story, Good Narration

I enjoyed this story. Neither Mallon or Rosseline were looking for love or expecting happiness in their lives. Rosseline was only hoping for acceptance. Mallon to return to the land he loved and to right some wrongs. It was fun and engaging as we the reader knew they were perfect for each other but had to wait for them to discover this. I thought the narrator did a great job, did the different characters voices well and was easy to understand. I played it in the car as well. I'd reach my destination and stay in the car longer because I didn't want to switch it off.

enjoyable from start to finish!

I loved the twist this romance novel offered. I was cheering her on...lol. very entertaining. This is one of my new favorites!
I was gifted an ARC but Im giving a voluntarily & honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Such An Amazing Twist of a Tale!!!

What a Fantastic Read, and not your typical Story ! This Author has created a Most Interesting
Twist of a Romance ! Fell so in Love with Malin , so Strong and
Devishly Handsome and of course the Beautiful Genieve !! You just can't help in rooting for them! Also very much enjoyed how the narrator did such a fine job, with her narrations of each character !!

💥 WOW LOVED IT SO MUCH 💥

Mallon , Rosseline
first of all I'd like to say this book pulled at my Heartstrings made my blood Zing through my veins for poor Mallon there was so much tantalizing spicy scene ,Revenge deceit I love every single word in this it is original and beautiful what a wonderful addition to the series in my opinion I give this 5 thumbs up
the storyline was original the narration was absolutely fabulous I really enjoyed it.💞💞

Elspeth Cyprian brings this book to life

I've read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Since this is the first audiobook I've listened to I'll have to admit, there is a mindset needed but overall, I enjoyed listening to Elspeth Cyprian. She brought the story to life magnificently.