It Happened One Night [Paperback]

Leslie LaFoy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997

In a spellbinding tale that marks the debut of a born storyteller, a beautiful woman finds herself transported back in time. . . to a world of shimmering desire and heartrending danger. . . .

Alanna Chapman knows that no accountant worth her salt would leave town during tax season, but now she has no choice. To honor her aunt's final wishes, the Colorado CPA has come to the mist-shrouded shores of Ireland, intending to stay just long enough to accomplish her mission. But on the mysterious grounds of Carraig Cor, something extraordinary happens: Alanna finds herself catapulted back to the year 1803. Taken for a "seer" who can foretell Ireland's future, she becomes the prisoner of a ruthless privateer...a dangerously attractive sea captain who has no doubt that he can bend this modern temptress to his will, to use her magic powers for his own ends. But when Alanna crossed over to the nineteenth century, she didn't leave her independent spirit behind. Now she's looking for a way to escape the captain's irresistible embrace--and his enemy's notice--before this perilous adventure costs her her heart...and her life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In carrying out a deathbed promise to her aunt, Alanna Chapman is transported in time to 19th century Ireland. Her mission is to conduct an ancient Celtic ritual using her ability to see into the future, a task that will mean the difference between war and peace. Unfortunately, not only is Alanna not too keen on playing a role as Seer of the Ancient Find, but she certainly doesn't know anything about any magical abilities she might possess! She wants only to return to her staid fiance who would never be anything less than a gentleman, and who certainly never caused her pulse to race like that barbaric sea captain who keeps insisting that she can see the future. In spite of her protests, Kiervan des Marceaux is determined that Alanna will perform the ceremony, even if he has to drag her across Ireland by her hair! Frustrated and angry, Alanna escapes and leads him on a merry chase through Ireland's countryside as she does her best to work through her troubled thoughts. A run-in with an English lord puts her in danger, but Kiervan's arrival on the scene saves the day. However, Alanna's troubled emotions take another twist. How could she be attracted to a man who is from another time and threatens the walls she has so carefully built around her heart? With the help of a brooch and an Irish relative, Alanna not only learns more about her own family history, but she begins to realize that her trip back in time is only one part of her aunt's plan. As Alanna begins the ritual that will determine Ireland's future, little does she realize that the events of that night will shape her destiny -- whether it is alone or in Kiervan's arms.Ms. LaFoy's debut novel combines a healthy dose of mysticism with an explosive time in Ireland's history. The result is a well-written storyline full of intrigue. The electricity between a modern-day career woman and a domineering 19th century man sizzles and leaves the reader waiting for the next confrontation!Amy Wilson -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

From the Inside Flap

In a spellbinding tale that marks the debut of a born storyteller, a beautiful woman finds herself transported back in time. . . to a world of shimmering desire and heartrending danger. . . .

Alanna Chapman knows that no accountant worth her salt would leave town during tax season, but now she has no choice. To honor her aunt's final wishes, the Colorado CPA has come to the mist-shrouded shores of Ireland, intending to stay just long enough to accomplish her mission. But on the mysterious grounds of Carraig Cor, something extraordinary happens: Alanna finds herself catapulted back to the year 1803. Taken for a "seer" who can foretell Ireland's future, she becomes the prisoner of a ruthless privateer...a dangerously attractive sea captain who has no doubt that he can bend this modern temptress to his will, to use her magic powers for his own ends. But when Alanna crossed over to the nineteenth century, she didn't leave her independent spirit behind. Now she's looking for a way to escape the captain's irresistible embrace--and his enemy's notice--before this perilous adventure costs her her heart...and her life.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Fanfare; Regular Print/Single Titl edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055357745X
• ISBN-13: 978-0553577457
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,329,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Grand Adventure, August 5, 2005

By 

S. Pearson "pearsonsj" (Hartford, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: It Happened One Night (Paperback)

After reading a couple of the negative reviews about redundent dialogue and annoying interactions, I didn't know if I would like this book. Boy, am I glad I ignored those reviews!! Kiervan and Alanna were quite a dynamic couple, and I LOVED their interactions.

Alanna, arriving to 19th century Ireland from the 20th century, was such a strong, intense character that never compromised her belief that if she loved, it would be forever. Unfortunately, despite their magnetic attraction to each other, Kiervan only wanted to experience Alanna until the "fires burned out." The fact that he is engaged to marry another woman also posed the biggest challenge between Alanna giving herself to a man who would never be completely hers.

I have to say that throughout the story, there were some great readable moments! I loved her passionate exchanges with Kiervan (as she is a passionate individual), but I also loved her exchanges with other characters in the book. The scene on the boat before she returned to Castle O'Connell was a gem! Both characters evolved and developed, and contrary to one review, there was character growth. They were by no means flat characters!

A good sign of an enjoyable book is being able to sympathize with both characters throughout the story. I understood Alanna's resolve to stay true to her belief of a relationship with a man who could give himself completely, and not share the affections with another woman. I also sympathized with Kiervan's frustration at his attraction for Alanna, but not being able to break his solid oath to marry another.

The last good sign of a good book is when you don't want it to end. I can read a book in a day-and-a-half. This time I slowly read the book, took my time enjoying the characters, and didn't really want to have the book end. I will keep this book and read it again. I'm sure I will see even more in the characters than I did in the first read. Take a gander at this book if you enjoy historical romance novels, with adventure and some of the complexities of love.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of adventure, sexual tension, April 29, 2000

By 

Anne M. Marble "Anne" (MD, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It Happened One Night (Paperback)

After traveling back into time, the heroine finds herself in the middle of the Irish conflict. She and the hero race pell mell over the countryside, escaping all sorts of foes.

I found the heroine's reaction to everything believable. She travels back in time, but she doesn't curl up in shock. Instead, she bounces back. The hero is a rogue, but so much more than that.

Both the characters have depths and backgrounds that are revealed slowly. The secondary characters are a mixed bag. One bad spot was Kiervan's would-be fiancee. Aaargh! Why did he have to struggle so over the decision about whether to marry her?

I gave this book at B+ at All About Romance.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed, I bit my nails, I melted..., November 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: It Happened One Night (Paperback)

I bought this book from the grocery store check out lane because the line was long and I was bored. Boy, I wish that happened more often!! This is a first book?? Well written, great story, wonderful characters, some hilarious scenes (especially the one in the Inn,) a good line of tension in the story, and a romance to curl the toes and make the heart melt...what more can a Romance Novel need? Can't wait to see the name Leslie LaFoy on the shelves again. housewife in Ohio