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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love of the Irish, February 1, 2000
I first read this book about 10 years ago. I fell in love with the characters, especially Connor and Caitlyn. I thought this is the best book I have ever read. I still think that. I read it so many times, I cannot possibly count. As a matter of fact, I read it again last night. I lost the book several years ago and was frantic to find another copy. The story stayed in my mind so long that I never forgot it. I was finally able to order another copy of it. There are very few books in my collection that I keep. And this is definitely one of them. I am not able or willing to part with this story or the characters. I embraced them so much, I wanted to be Irish. And I wanted to marry a man just like Connor D'Arcy. Karen Robards did an excellent job of developing the characters. I hope she writes many more books on the D'Arcy men. I definitely wouldn't mind reading about the other D'Arcy brothers. Or how life was like after Connor and Caitlyn had children. This is one of my favorite books of all time. Thanks Karen Robards for bringing this story to all of us.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stimulating, exciting & heart warming, November 15, 2000
I am used to reading Historical Romances written by Julie Garwood & Jude Deveruax that I was quite skeptical about K. Robards in this area. However, since Maggy's Child is one of my favorite books (even if it wasn't a H.R.N.), I thought I'd give Ms. Robards a chance & give this book a try. I am glad I did, as it turned out to be one of the most exciting and heart warming books I've read. When Connor d'Arcy helped a young lad and his friend even after they tried to robbed him, I was already touched by his warm heart. He offered them an honest job, roof on their heads and food on their tables. He meant well and didn't think there will be any trouble when he took them both to Donoughmore... until one of them turned out to be a lass. Caitlyn O'Malley: fiesty in the outside yet frightened in the inside. Even from the beginning, Connor seemed to see through her. He knew she was scared when everyone thinks she's just a hellcat. Despite learning that the lad was actually a lass, Connor still insist she stays with him in Donoughmore instead of her robbing people in Dublin's street and sooner or later get caught & hanged or raped (when her true sex is revealed). After all the hassles and the commotion, She remained in Connor's protection, have learned to trust & loved the d'Arcy family and eventually, grew up to be a lovely lady who became highly seeked for by many young man in the neighboring countryside. The transformation was writtened beautifully. Full of heart warming and exciting details. Some are straight to the point so there is no dragging parts. I specially enjoyed the scene where her true sex was discovered. Right after that, the story just gets better & better. The developing of Caitlyn's feelings for Connor and vise versa was just as lovely. I enjoyed the part when both shows jealousy. Since Caitlyn is not very controlled with her temper, her reactions to jealousy wasn't as subtle. I find her actions & remarks amusing. She is feiry up to the end! There are times Caitlyn seems spoiled, impractical and always wanting her ways but I must say, I really enjoyed her character. She is young and this stubborn flaw of hers makes the book more realistic. I am not usually taken by a too headstrong or too stubborn heroine but K.R. described her well. The way she wrote Caitlyn makes you see through her. Despite her stubborness and feiry temper, she is no match to Connor. This is what I liked about the book. K.R. made sure that Caitlyn's stubborness doesn't overshadow Connor's strength and ability. He still stands as the man. His patience (and I mean, PATIENCE!) made him even more of a MAN. He is gentle with her, understanding, generous, loving and kind. I say, they are both made for each other! Really great love story. The D'Arcy brothers as the secondary characters brought another excitement to this book. I wish K.R. would write sequel books for each brother. Liam, Rory & Cormac! I love them all...even the bitter-mouth Mickeen. Their affection for each other & the story of their childhood/growing up years are all heart warming scenes. This is what family is all about! Aside from the family story & Romance, the action twist of this book is also very unique. None like it so far. It's VERY exciting. A page turner for sure! The JAIL SCENE was the saddest of all...I cried and my heart tightened. I didn't know what to expect after reading this part. I had to pause to think about it for a while. Shamefully, I was tempted to read the back cuz I couldn't contain myself ( But NO I didn't cheat). I was actually praying the book wouldn't be a sad ending. I would be crushed if it is! So, to tell u the least, it is a HAPPY ending. I know this might ruin the thrill for some but I also know that there are lots of people who doesn't like reading a book with a sad ending. I didn't want any reader not to pick this book up for the fear of that. This is my second book of Karen Robards. The first of her historical romance novels. Now, I couldn't wait to read another one of her books. TWO THUMBS UP! This is another good book to add in my collection, One more book to add in my favorites!
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
*The Best Romance Novel Ever*, August 27, 2000
I came across the novel ~ Dark of the Moon, simply by surfing around Amazon.com. When I read the reviews by other customers, I was immediately hooked. This is one of the stories that I will always cherish and I look forward in sharing this amazing book with all my friends - but they must get their own copy, cause I can't part with mine! The plot of the story is very unique and different from most of the historical romance novels today. It's about a girl named Caitlyn O'Malley, who at the beginning of the story is dressed as boy and wanders around the run-down streets of Ireland. She survives as a thief, stealing food from merchants in the village. On the present day, a fine and rich looking gentleman is passing through the village. Caitlyn sums up a quick plan to steal a gold watch she had a glimpse of in the gentleman's pocket. Feigning an accidental trip over her own legs, she manages to fall upon the man, and at the same time grasp the watch. However, not ending up successful, the man catches Caitlyn and causes a scene. Crowds of people gather around to watch, but instead of turning her over to the police for her punishment, the gentleman offers her food and employment. After debating much, Caitlyn accepts the offer, and is taken to a beautiful countryside where she is to work for the man and his family. She soon discovers that the man is Connor d'Arcy and has several brothers as well. Though the family is wealthy, each family member pitches in and does household chores. Not after too long staying with the d'Arcys, Caitlyn's true identity is discovered - she is a girl. Chaos arises, but all is settled with Connor's patience and understanding. Under food and affection, Caitlyn grows into a beautiful young woman, and attracts the attention of the d'Arcy brothers, society, everyone, except for Connor. At this point in the story, Caitlyn is in love with Connor, <for his generosity and kindness> but Connor wants nothing to do with her because he still perceives her as a child. She later discovers a secret about the d'Arcy family, and that secret makes her fall hopelessly more in love with Connor. For Connor, who has been battling with his conscience, eventually gives it up to seek some happiness in his life and he finds it with Caitlyn. They both begin to fall in love. However, soon the villain of the novel discovers the family secret, and Caitlyn ends up betraying Connor in order to save him. Karen Robards is amazing at creating her characters. They become so real and they actually grow on you. Connor d'Arcy is a real sweetheart, and a very loving hero. Caitlyn O'Malley has a fiery temper, but nonetheless is extremely charming and sweet. She is very loyal and devoted to Connor. Her love and Connor's is very apparent throughout the whole story and as a reader, you sense that they are perfect for each other. I very highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys REAL romance!
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