"He kissed her fiercely, as if he were starving for the taste of her mouth. Wrapping her arms

around his neck, she clung to him as the only solid thing in a whirling universe.

'Don't stop,' she whispered

'Even if I wanted to, I could not.' "

Hero: Connor d'Arcy - Earl of Iveagh 

Heroine: Caityln O'Malley

Setting: Ireland

Summary

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 passes 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 for her punishment, the gentleman offers her food and employment. Caitlyn eventually 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, the Earl of Iveagh and has three other brothers, all younger. 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!

Excerpt from Ms. Robards' Dark of the Moon

Caitlyn stared at him, chewing on her lower lip with a kind of desperation. There was sense in what he said, but she didn't want to see it. With every fiber of her being, she longed to go back to being the lad she had been. "We won't harm you, child, but others might. You should thank your patron saint that you landed in a safe berth. You can make your home with us and be a lassie without fear of aught." He paused for a moment, taking a long look at her. Then he added, almost indifferently, "But if you truly wish to go back to Dublin, back to being O'Malley the thief, I'll not stand in your way. The decision is yours, but I'd be having your answer now."

Caitlyn swallowed, her eyes huge and uncertain as they searched his face. In the short time she had known him, those lean dark planes had become almost as familiar to her as her own features. It struck suddenly, irrelevantly, that he was a very handsome man. The question was, did she trust him? Her heart drummed wildly. She was afraid to abandon the lad she had been, afraid to be a female for all to see. But if he had wanted to take his pleasure of her, he could already have done so and she could not have prevented him. Instead he had been kind. Against everything she had ever learned in her life, she almost felt she could trust him. Licking her lips, drawing a deep shuddering breath as anxiety over the decision squeezed her chest like an iron band, she said, barely above a whisper, "I'll stay."

He smiled at her, his eyes warming. The last flicker of distrust Caitlyn had been harboring wavered. If it did not fall entirely, it crumpled a little. She did not quite smile back at him, but she came close. 

"A wise decision." He was a crisp as if he were addressing the lad she had been. Dropping his arms, he moved toward her. Caitlyn, instinctively alarmed, backed away. He raised his eyebrows at her as he walked past where she hugged the wall and headed toward the door. With his hand on the knob, he turned back to face her.

"I know it will be difficult for you to get accustomed to garbing yourself as a female, but 'tis necessary. Mrs. McFee, to say nothing of the rest of the folk around here, will be scandalized if you continue to wear male clothing. So you will oblige me by soaking in the hot water there and then dressing yourself in the things Mrs. McFee found for you. When you're dressed, come down to the kitchen. From the smell of it, breakfast is nigh ready. After you have some food inside you, we'll see what more there is to be done."  

"I don't want to wear female clothes." She wrapped her arms around herself protectively. "I know. But as I said, 'tis necessary. You are a lass, after all, and now that everyone knows it, you could not wear breeches. It would not be proper."

Caitlyn scowled. Connor d'Arcy was bloody accustomed to giving orders, that much was clear. What he would have to know is that she was not accustomed to taking them. From his position by the door, he looked at her speculatively. "It would please me greatly if you would don skirts, child." He smiled at her, a lovely coaxing smile that could have charmed a bee out of its hive.

"Very well, I'll try the clothes," she said ungraciously. "Thank you." He turned the key in the lock and opened the door. Then, bethinking himself of something, he turned back to her. "Have you a name besides O'Malley?" 

"O'Malley'll do." She was loath to surrender so much so fast.

Connor smiled serenely at her. His eyes were as placid as summer pools in the dark face. "If you have none of your own, we'll call you Bridget. I've always had a fondness for that name."

Caitlyn's scowl deepened as he started out the door. "Caitlyn," she said abruptly. "Me ma called me Caitlyn."

"Ah, Caitlyn. Yes that will do. Come down to the kitchen when you're dressed, Caitlyn."

Read Dark of the Moon to find out what happens... (excerpt pg. 74-6)