Must Have Been the Moonlight

Donally Family #2

by Melody Thomas

In this brilliant follow-up to her Avon debut, Melody Thomas captivates us again with a rich and emotionally satisfying "marriage of convenience" story that will delight fans of Judith McNaught.

Michael Fallon is the third son of a Duke, and when the love of his life was betrothed to his older brother, Michael left England to serve in the military. Now he's a captain stationed in Cairo, and he inadvertently rescues Brianna Donally from the deserts.

Michael is the most exciting man Brea has ever known, and the attraction between them is undeniable. A "modern" woman, she sees nothing wrong in initiating an affair, but when Michael unexpectedly inherits the family dukedom, the marriage of convenience Michael proposes is anything but, and Brianna suddenly finds herself falling in love with a man she vowed never to trust with her heart.
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Back Cover Synopsis:

To want him was madness...

Far from home was the last place Brianna Donally ever imagined she'd find the one man she'd desire above all others. When Major Michael Fallon, the dangerously seductive British officer, rescues the bold beauty from certain doom, Brianna discovers a reckless passion she is unable to resist. But a fiercely independent female photographer could never make a proper bride for the grandson of a duke. And a bitter betrayal has locked love away from Michael's heart forever.

To deny her was impossible...

And yet...Michael cannot disregard these sensual stirrings. Could it be the moonlight that has bewitched him...or the intoxicating scent and touch of this remarkable, infuriatingly "modern" woman? Scandal would be the least consequence of their consummated passion—there would be perils as well. For Michael will never settle for anything less than a true, intense, and all-consuming love.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Egypt, Victorian, Historical Fiction, Africa

372 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 30, 2004

About the author

Years after receiving my criminal justice degree from the University of Oklahoma, I discovered the historical romance genre. True legends like M. M. Kaye, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Judith McNaught, and Penelope Williamson sparked my love for writing and convinced me I wanted only to do one thing in my life and that was to create great stories alive with grit and passion.

In the past, I've written westerns for Leisure under Lori Morgan and pirate adventure books for Berkley under Laura Renken. My books have been five times reviewer nominated by Romantic Times Bookclub for Best Adventure and Best Historical Suspense and Gothic categories. They have won the Holt Medallion twice, the WISRWA Writer's Choice Award, the Affaire de Couer Reader's Choice Award and will be published in five foreign languages worldwide. My Lord Pirate (published as Laura Renken), was a 1999 Golden Heart Finalist, which launched my publishing career with Berkley.

I live in the Chicago area where I am also the former president for the Windy City RWA chapter. Currently, I pen stories for AVON/HarperCollins under my name, Melody Thomas. Wild and Wicked in Scotland, the first book in my new Charmed and Dangerous series appeared on shelves January 2007. The second book, Sin and Scandal in England, was an Avon October 2007 release. Passion and Pleasure in London came out August 26, 2008.

Reviews

[LuvBug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good, more so the first half than the second half. From the beginning to the middle I was glued to the pages. The chemistry and interaction between the hero and heroine when they were in Egypt was amazing! The book was heading to a five star review until they got married. The marriage before the end took away from some of the chemistry between the two. They weren't dull after they got married, but after burning up the pages for half the book, their relationship was not as exciting by comparison. It's probably just a personal prefrence with me as I was never a big fan of storylines in which the hero and heroine gets married before the end. I really enjoyed much of this book though and will now go on a hunt for more MT books.

[Laura V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"-¿De verdad pensaste en mí mientras estabas de viaje?
Él la miró a la cara.
-Una vez antes del desayuno, algunas veces antes de la cena y siempre antes de acostarme."

Me gusta mucho esta pareja. Tienen una linda química que empieza primero como atracción pero que a medida que se acercan se dan cuenta que es mucho más. Brianna es genial, es independiente y con ideas firmes de cómo quiere su vida. Michael, es un misterio, pero sé que él ama a Brianna en todas sus facetas aunque le cueste aceptar que no se adapte como él desea a sus circunstancias.

Me encanta que la primera parte se ambientara en Egipto. Es espectacular leerlos y chocar culturas. Inglaterra palidece en comparación, resulta de lo más frívola y superficial. Siento que un país cambiara tanto a unos chicos que me encantaban como eran. La formalidad de un país le quita la espontaneidad de las acciones a los personajes. Inglaterra limita el campo de acción de Brianna. Inglaterra encierra en un despacho a Michael para ocuparse de algo que nunca imaginó que haría.

"Poco a poco había llegado a la conclusión de que no quedaba gran cosa del hombre al que había conocido en El Cairo. Su guerrero del desierto se había convertido en un aristócrata.
De pie, junto a él, Brianna solo sabía que estaba enamorada."

Pero aún así, sé que ellos se quieren de todas formas, ya sean como los bárbaros que se veían a escondidas durante las noches como las personas formales que asisten a reuniones y ahora ostentan un nuevo poder.

Mi pega son esos pequeños conflictos que tienen. Se alejan y yo no sé porqué. Discuten y no tengo ni idea de lo que pasa. Se ocultan cosas y no puedo ver en claro por qué fin lo hacen. Reniegan, se aman, se alejan y terminan en la cama, pero, ¿qué pasa realmente allí? ¿por qué se comportan así?

Tienen personalidades complicadas, eso es seguro, pero hay pequeñas cosas que quedan en el aire y no sé si atribuirlo a una falta de confianza o un firme deseo de independencia. Lo que sí rescato es que se tienen un profundo cariño y como pareja me gustan bastante.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

When was my last 4 star read? I cannot remember anymore.

That is probably the reason why I went up with my rating for this book. I have not read a book whose characters interested me in a while. That being said, this was a very intense read for the first 70%.

Michael and Brianna have a lot of chemistry. They are an intense couple, both with strong personalities. Well-matched indeed. Their romance started, unconventionally, in Egypt. The setting isn't the only reason why I said this was unconventional. It was how they came to be together that was unconventional. Brianna appeared (because I am not sure) to be nursing a broken heart over an ex-fiance who chose a more conventional woman over her. She was, well, quite the activist, calling for all kinds of reforms to the point where her brother had to move her to Egypt together with him and his wife.

Brianna and Michael met in the desert. Long story short, Michael saved her. Then Brianna literally propositioned Michael and invited him to kiss her. I went whaaaaaaat when I read that, but what the heck, I quickly got over it. What followed was a very intense, passionate affair, which both parties went in willingly. Brianna was way too forward for my taste, but Melody Thomas seems to like such heroines. And Melody Thomas makes it work. She seems to be really good at creating couples with a lot of chemistry and pull between them. That is very important to me, so that gained Thomas bonus points in my book.

Brianna and Michael had to marry, it wasn't very forced so it kind of worked out. But once they got back to England as a married couple, the book tanked. This is exactly what I experienced reading another Melody Thomas book, the lead characters had great chemistry. But once they got married, the book went downhill fast. Melody Thomas wrote in a mystery and an attempted murder on Michael's life in the book to continue the romance after marriage. Michael had not said he loved her, you see. The book cannot end. The last 30% of the book was about how they solved the mystery and how they came clean with their feelings for each other. But the best part of the book was already over.

Melody Thomas reminds me of Laura Kinsale. The stories are a little crazy. The characters act quite odd for their time periods or they are just unpredictable. But the lead couples have great chemistry. That alone makes all the difference for me.

On a side note, Michael, is a very sexy hero. I don't know why his character made such an impression on me. But honestly he is one hot stud. My girlish heart can't quite handle so much sexiness.

[Mon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hay dos partes bien diferenciadas, la ambientada en Egipto y en Inglaterra incluso los protagonistas no parecen los mismo. Me quedo definitivamente con la de Egipto. Dos personajes con personalidades muy fuertes, Breanna desde que la conocí en el anterior libro me encantó. Una mujer adelantada a su tiempo.

[Amy-chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es una lectura que no está mal, le doy cuatro estrellitas porque tres me parecen pocas (aunque a decir verdad cuatro me parecen demasiadas... xD). La mejor parte de la historia sin duda alguna es la que transcurre en Egipto, donde los personajes son como a mi me gustan: intensos, independientes, pasionales... vamos, con carácter :D , después viajan a Inglaterra y empieza a desinflarse un poco la historia convirtiendo a los protagonistas en lo que siempre habían rehuido, una pena :( A parte de eso ¿Soy yo o parece que ha este libro le faltan capítulos intermedios?

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is my all-time favorite romance and favorite couple. I read parts or the whole book every few months. Just give me Michael Fallon and I'll die happy!

[Noelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tremendo chasco después de un inicio de serie tan prometedor, estuve a punto de no terminarlo y se me hizo bastante pesada su lectura.

[Wid · Rating 5 out of 5]

La serie de los hermanos Donally es de las mejores que se han escrito.

La historia de amor de la hermana Brianna es muy acertada con su personalidad. La primera parte de la historia se cocina a fuego lento (puede que sea la única pega), pero de repente da un giro que cambia todo el ritmo de la historia, acelerándola, creando tensión y emoción.

Cualquier libro de Melody Thomas es un acierto, es una magnífica escritora, su manera de escribir te hace olvidar que estás leyendo de lo tan agradable que es la lectura.

[M.A. Levi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the First book I have Read by Her. and I have to say it was turly magnificent. It was a little hard to get into... But It was a great read. The bold Characters and the true love... It was good. Different from what I'm used to reading but good none the less. I didn't Expect the ending... THAT was a real twist... Great read..

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite books. I've read the entire series and think this is my favorite.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brianna Donally is the youngest and only girl in a wealthy, forward thinking Irish family. After landing in gaol for some of her picketing, she's sent to Egypt (1870) to live with her military brother Christopher and his aristocratic, archaeologist wife Alex. Alex and Brea are out photographing (Brea is a professional photographer) when their British military caravan is massacred. They escape, but are semi-lost in the desert when Major Michael Fallon recovers and saves them. Michael and Brea both have issues to overcome. He's the 3rd son and disinherited and has a fierce reputation. His good friend was killed in the massacre and he wants to find out the responsible party. They become lovers and eventually are forced to marry and return to England - partly to remove his from Egyptian politics and partly because his brother has died and he's the new Duke of Ravenspur. Trouble follows them - it's a very convoluted plot - probably better explained in previous stories! Also - photography is very important to Brea, but she pretty much abandons it during the last half of the book. Interesting setting, but a little confusing plot. Somewhat implausible but interesting.

[Ana María · Rating 4 out of 5]

Segunda novela de la serie que también me encantó. Creo que más que la primera aunque le puse una estrella menos.
Por qué me dirán?
Me pareció una historia maravillosa, digna de una miniserie de cuatro capítulos por los menos. Solo que, en mi opinión, faltó desarrollo en ciertos temas. Especialmente en la trama no romántica.
Pero tenemos de todo:
- Caravanas en el desierto egipcio
- Tormentas de arena
- Complot entre distintos individuos
- Asesinatos
- Amor apasionado en el Nilo
- Una fotógrafa irlandesa audaz
- Un soldado valiente y temerario, aunque provenga de una familia aristocrática
- Tejes y manejes diplomáticos
- Atentados e incendios
- Viajes en barco el tormetoso atlántico invernal
- Problemas familiares
- Amores pasados
- Secretos y venganzas
- Amor apasionado en varios sitios.
- Saber mucho de la pareja del libro anterior que tiene bastante protagonismo también en esta (siempre nos gusta saber cómo continuó la vida de los protagonistas que vamos dejando y en esta novela también la pasaron bravo)
- Muchas cosas más

Así que quedé plenamente satisfecha y con ganas de relectura para ver si me cierran mejor ciertas cosas.

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars purely for the first half because second the story shifted to England it dragged. And the last 20% just pissed me off because the main couple barely spent time together. Come to think of it throughout the whole book the couple barely spent long periods of time to event on page.

I’m kinda sad because this story could’ve been done so much better if the murder storyline was resolved earlier. In fact, I’ve found in most romance stories I’ve read recently that the actual romance is pushed to the background in favor of a convoluted storyline and revealing a mystery. It might be a personal preference, but I would rather see the main couple romance each other than work on their relationship and overcoming their differences. It makes their HEA even sweeter.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down until I finished it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just recently found this series and I’m in love with these books!

[Clara Bow · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 59%

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

RE-READ IN 2024.

A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
I don't know what I was thinking when I rated this 5 stars before, but it's amazing how one's perspective changes when you read this 10 years ago, compared to your current self. The story wasn't bad, but after having read many books by authors who have adeptly portrayed a wealth of connection and tangible emotions between love interests, there was something lacking here...the lack of an emotional glue... It was carnal, but the emotional department was a bit cold or stiff.

COULD IT HAVE BEEN THE WRITING STYLE? Possibly.

While I adored the sensual attraction between the MCs, I couldn't help realising the moments where they were....DETACHED. Was it the lack of action? Or the over usage of double entendres and innuendos that I just wished for Michael and Brianna to be straight up with each other? IRONICALLY, they were blatant with their desires, but at the same time, they weren't honest about their feelings. Maybe I'm just not the kind of woman to ever preposition a man, so I must have missed out something in between the lines orrr the writing in that aspect just failed miserably, explaining why I had to analyse it like it's math.

BRIANNA was a virgin who seized life by its horns. What she wants, she boldly pursues. While I admire that kind of tenacity, it's not a trait I can ever relate to. Maybe her character was a little too modern for a woman of her time, and I wondered where the story would go. I have read BETTER AFFAIR ROMANCES than this. Brianna openly yet underhandedly hints to the Major that she wanted to be his lover, and after several circumstances they do. Don't get me wrong, the two were fire between the sheets, but I found they lacked communication, given they weren't supposed to even marry each other. Did I like Brianna? Well, I'm on the fence. She's capable of fierce loyalty and sometimes endearing, but I wasn't too fond of her stubborn independence that often brings trouble. That aside, their first encounter failed to leave me breathless or jumping on tippy toes.

MICHAEL was a soldier with too many secrets that sometimes felt annoying because he may not have trusted Brianna enough to share his history - until later. What I can applaud, was how he seemed to be the one whose heart was worn on his sleeve, at least to us readers, but not to Brianna. Like I said, the author has a way of writing what seems obvious....and yet not. It's...frustrating at times. While he may be an exemplary soldier with questionable work ethics, Michael didn't come from a home built on love. Needless to say, when he learns he's now a newly minted Duke, comes responsibilities. I expected there to be more angst, given how he's fallen for Brianna yet now has to marry a woman of status, while she wasn't. I assumed a dramatic breakup, and while there was a past crush involved, I was impressed by how Michael let the woman down determinedly without ever disrespecting Brianna.

OVERALL this could have been more enjoyable- in my opinion - had there been better communication and less pride involved. Personally, the heroine while bold, could have been more endearing as well. I don't know how to quite explain it, but if you're interested to know, perhaps a Stacy Reid novel would help to elaborate my point fairly.

Maybe I was thinking too much. To you, if can be a great book, to others just an average read. In another light, the characters might have been realistically mature, thus the lack of unnecessary drama.

The concept was superb, but the execution left me wanting.

[Beleth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me ha resultado una historia de amor un poco más pesada que la del primer libro, aunque es cierto que Brianna hace que la relación sea bastante interesante debido a su peculiar carácter, y la parte de intriga me ha parecido un poco cogida por los pelos :S

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a favorite since I'm not partial to settings in Egypt. I liked the hero, Michael, and the heroine, Brianna (Brea) ok but actually found her brother and his wife more interesting as a couple.

There's lots of action and intrigue.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro me ha gustado mucho las primeras dos terceras partes. Les dejo la cr��tica aqu��: http://mate-rosa.blogspot.com/2010/01...

[Flor]

Este libro me ha gustado mucho las primeras dos terceras partes. Les dejo la crítica aquí: http://mate-rosa.blogspot.com/2010/01...

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ummm... me había ilusionado con la reseña y las criticas y a decir verdad, no fue la gran cosa.
Siento que la historia termino antes de comenzar, así de simple.

[Welzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

No me ha entusiasmado mucho.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

hermosa novela, me encanto, disfrute mucho leyendola