Must Have Been The Moonlight

Rating:
Summary: (4 1/2 stars)
Review: Egypt. 1870. A setting that gets an automatic thumbs up from me. And what was even more pleasing: the fact that this book is excellent.

Must Have Been The Moonlight is Brianna Donnally's story; the younger sister of the hero of the author's previous book "In My Heart". The hero, Major Michael Fallon is at turns enigmatic, sensual, honorable, conflicted and tender--a rare and exotic blend of character traits in the typical historical romance hero. Brianna, the heroine, is self-reliant, honorable, wise, and is possessed of a very down to earth sensuality that caused some very sensual moments in this book.

From a sandstorm to the halls of an English manor, MHBTM never let go of what it promised in the first page of the book: action, scorching sensuality, passion between the hero and heroine, passion for life and the friction that comes between two people whose lives are entwined with each other whether they want to or not. Unlike another reviewer, I didn't find myself frustrated with the reticence on Brianna and Michael's side when it came to declaring their love because it fit their characters. I also was glad there wasn't the oft-cliched "show-down" between Michael and his vapid mother--that also fit the story and his character. MHBTM wasn't a romance where the hero's entire personality(or lack thereof) was wrapped within the vagrancies of his family and past. It was a story of two independent and honorable people who were thrown together and who found an unexpected passion and love.

Another bonus was the vividly and near expertly drawn life of the British government within Egypt--one that wasn't sugar coated or washed over because the author was afraid of alienating those who mightn't want to read about the intricacies of the government and political system, as well as the tautly written suspense sub-plot. While the villain was somewhat obvious towards the end of the book, Thomas still kept me second-guessing my guess, and that was a delight.

If you're looking for a passionate, vividly drawn characterization, "unusual" setting and tangible setttings, Must Have Been The Moonlight is for you.



Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Exotic Setting
Review: I loved this book for the glamorous exotic setting of Victorian Egypt. The hero is extremely sexy and manly, and the whole tale is just very mysterious and glamorous. One of the best of the year!

Rating:
Summary: exciting Victorian romance
Review: In 1870 in the Western Sahara, Major Michael "El Tazor" (barracuda) Fallon rescues Lady Alexandra Donally and Brianna Donally, wife and sister of the Minister of Public Works Sir Christopher from assassins. He escorts the two women to Christopher's camp only to learn the man left in a rage having though his beloved spouse and sibling murdered. Brianna is attracted to her rescuer and tries to seduce him, but though tempted especially after a heated kiss he rejects her temptation as he does not want to get involved with the sister of a superior.

Instead he has a trusted Khedive escort the women to Cairo while Michael goes after Christopher. Later Michael offers Brianna a marriage of convenience, which she accepts. He sees this as a way to continue his activities without female interference while she knows a husband provides respectability while she goes about seeking social reform. However, as they head to England, Brianna falls in love with Michael; he refuses to reciprocate her feelings until an abduction opens his mind to his heart.

This is an exciting Victorian romance that uses Egypt as an intriguing setting for much of the plot; the locale provides freshness to the tale and enables Brianna's courage and independence to flow freely. The story line is fast-paced as Brianna seems more like Pauline and Michael her rescuer. Fans will appreciate these two protagonists as she softens her hardened champion (no pun intended) through love and want to read the second chance at love tale between Alexandra and Christopher (see IN MY HEART).

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: I really loved this book , but still a tad frustrating!
Review: This was an intense, beautiful, seductive, romantic read so why not 5 stars - I just could not figure out why these two, Brianna and Michael kept holding back completely from each other and why after many crisis the last one changed them and allowed them to be true to their feelings. They just seemed so intensely in love almost from the beginning. There was so much in Michael's background that kept him from showing his true depth of love for Brianna but he did love her almost from the first moment they met. It seemed there was not enough explained about why Michael held back - and once they finally get to England - why no big scene with his mother? Brianna was such a hoyden - so totally independent and challenged him at every turn. It was so obvious that she was head over heals for Michael when they married - so why the challenge of the need to be courted after their voyage to England?? Even though I felt a tiny part of this book was not quite explained - overall there was so much to these two characters to make for one of the finer new releases for 2004 and I would highly recommend this awesome romantic read by Melody Thomas!!