Customer Reviews

Dark of the Moon (G K Hall Large Print Book Series)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

Alright, to the reviewer who said that Catlin was a lousy heroine, I respectfully disagree. She is not exactly manipulative, and when does she whine? Yes, she uses what she's got to catch Connor, but isn't that a nice change from all the heriones who feel that they don't deserve the hero? She flirts with his brothers, but only because she wants to get his attention, and it does work quite well. And what she goes through to protect him more than makes up for her immaturity. She is young and spirited and I enjoyed her every step of the way!
But the real strength in this book lies in the story. This is probably my number one complaint about romance novels, they have stupid and ridiculously contrived plots. The story is about nothing but the instant lust between the characters and even more ridiculous reasons they can never be together. While reading most romances I find myself waiting for the love scenes, and not really enjoying what I'm reading along the way. Not this book. It has a real story, written so beautifully and vividly, it's like watching a movie in your head while you read. In fact, I think this book would make a great mini-series. So if you like, you can read your books about silly internal conflicts, ridiculous heriones who are sure they don't deserve the unworthy hero and wait patiently for him to make the first move, but as for me, I'll take this book any day!

If you like steamy scenes this is the book for you! I fell in love with Connor and Caitlyn, along with the other d'Arcy men! They are so perfectly matched and their love scenes made my heart pump! Karen Robards does a really good job of making her male characters all male, and giving sensual femininity to her female characters so that the reader does'nt feel like everything is too fluffy. However, I did feel that she took it slightly too far by making the villian of the story do such horrific things to Caitlyn. Still, it's a great book and I highly recommend it to romance fans who are looking for good romance.

This is the third time I've read this book and each time, I've fallen deeper and deeper in love with Connor d'Arcy. Are there any Connor's out there, I wonder? Caitlin O'Malley is truly a treasure as are Connor's brother's. The trials that Caitlin endures for her love of Connor is by far the most selfless act, that I can't find the words that can project my thoughts accurately. This book has the ability to take me to another time and place which many books so often do not. Being Irish, I can appreciate the suppression of the people and Uprising that takes place. But Irish or not, I recommend it highly to anyone who wants to fall in love or experience what it means to really be loved.

They sure don't write em like this anymore, and that's a shame because it's a great book. It's kind of a mixture between The Ugly Duckling, Robin Hood, and The Princess Bride. It's hard to say what I love so much about this book, but I'll just say that by the synopsis I was sure I was getting another plotless sex book, boy was I wrong!

If I had to say what makes this book stand out from all the other romances I read I would say that it is a great, engaging story that never bores. I also loved the characters, of course. They were fully developed and far from perfect. For example the heroine, Catlin, is beautiful but unlike most heroines you read about, she is very aware of her beauty and uses it to manipulate the men in her life, which leads to some very hilarious moments in the story. She is also spoiled and stubborn. But she is still one of the most lovable heroines Iv'e ever read. It takes a great author to accomplish that. And the hero manages to be honorable and good despite the fact that he's also a criminal. This book is more than a love story, it's an epic about family, loyalty, and the plight of the Irish.

The first time I read Dark of the Moon, it was a book I found at my Aunt's house and it had no cover. I was bored so I started to read it. I never expected that it would turn out to be my favorite book of all times. It was beautifully written from beginning to end. When I first started reading it, I stayed up all night to finish it. I couldn't put it down. The characters are so well-rounded and the story is unforgettable. I've read mine so many times that the pages are starting to fall out, I am in the process of ordering a new copy. I encoourage all fans of TRUE romance to read this book. It won't dissappiont.

One of her best novels. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a weekend getaway. Once you start reading there is no turning back. The characters are unforgetable. I would like to see more on the Darcy brothers.

I have to agree that this is one of the best books iv'e ever read. It has such great, memorable characters that you just fall in love with. It was much different than most romance books iv'e read because it has many elements to it. It has a great love story but it also has a great action/adventure twist to it. The descriptions of Ireland make you feel like you are right there with the characters and it is full of touching, memorable moments. This is a must read for anyone who loves a great story with great characters!