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Irish Gypsy
When Kitty Rooney realizes that Patrick O'Reilly wants her for his mistress and not his wife, she runs away only to be made a slave in the Caribbean
299 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1982
18 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Henley
73 books639 followersVirginia Syddall was born on December 5, 1935 in England, where her father, Thomas Syddall, taught her to love history. She obtained a degree in History in the University. In 1956, Virginia married Arthur Henley. They moved to America, and now they live most of the year in St. Petersburg, Florida, and they spend the hot summers in Ontario, Canada, where they have their two adult children and three grandsons.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 2, 2013
- - NOTE: This book was also published as "Irish Gypsy" - -
I hadn't planned on writing a review for this book, but after reading some of the others, I decided it was important to do so.
If you do not like classic 80's romance novels, particularly the "Bodice Ripper" style books, then this book is not for you. I think this is one of those books you either love or hate. I really enjoyed it, but, I also enjoy most books of this style.
For me, I loved how she showed the relationship between the hero and heroine change and grow through the years (she is 13 and he 20, I believe, when the story begins). I also appreciated all the ways both of their families were incorporated into the story (and not just as tiny side characters).
I read many people complaining about the ages and behaviors of the characters. It always frustrates me that, to appease people's modern sensibilities, authors and publishers (in recent decades) so often make the heroine old enough to be considered an adult by modern standards when the book is written in a time period where those standards did not apply. Men were arrogant and chauvinistic and women were completely dependent on them for almost everything (making the feisty females who rebel and stand up against them all the more endearing). The women were often married and having children while they were still teenagers, and it wasn't uncommon for an older man to have a much younger woman. If you are going to read a historical romance, you shouldn't complain when the author makes the effort to write it as befits the time period in which the story takes place. I applaud the authors during the late 1970's and into the 1980's for writing this way.
WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW (I tried to keep it as vague and as minimal as possible):
Like most Bodice Rippers of the time, the book takes place over a period of years and in various parts of the world (Ireland, England, America, the Caribbean, etc.). The hero and heroine have a kind of love-hate relationship (though the "hate" is much milder than in some Bodice Ripper romances).
This book contains rape of a minor (of more than one character) and murder (of more than one character).
I think the age of the heroine when the hero first takes her is important to the story line. If the author had changed it to say 17 or 18 to appease modern sensibilities, it wouldn't have made sense. (I won't go into details of why as I don't want to spoil it too much, but if you read the book, you will realize she needed to be "too young" the first time for the problems that result to occur.)
I hadn't planned on writing a review for this book, but after reading some of the others, I decided it was important to do so.
If you do not like classic 80's romance novels, particularly the "Bodice Ripper" style books, then this book is not for you. I think this is one of those books you either love or hate. I really enjoyed it, but, I also enjoy most books of this style.
For me, I loved how she showed the relationship between the hero and heroine change and grow through the years (she is 13 and he 20, I believe, when the story begins). I also appreciated all the ways both of their families were incorporated into the story (and not just as tiny side characters).
I read many people complaining about the ages and behaviors of the characters. It always frustrates me that, to appease people's modern sensibilities, authors and publishers (in recent decades) so often make the heroine old enough to be considered an adult by modern standards when the book is written in a time period where those standards did not apply. Men were arrogant and chauvinistic and women were completely dependent on them for almost everything (making the feisty females who rebel and stand up against them all the more endearing). The women were often married and having children while they were still teenagers, and it wasn't uncommon for an older man to have a much younger woman. If you are going to read a historical romance, you shouldn't complain when the author makes the effort to write it as befits the time period in which the story takes place. I applaud the authors during the late 1970's and into the 1980's for writing this way.
WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW (I tried to keep it as vague and as minimal as possible):
Like most Bodice Rippers of the time, the book takes place over a period of years and in various parts of the world (Ireland, England, America, the Caribbean, etc.). The hero and heroine have a kind of love-hate relationship (though the "hate" is much milder than in some Bodice Ripper romances).
This book contains rape of a minor (of more than one character) and murder (of more than one character).
I think the age of the heroine when the hero first takes her is important to the story line. If the author had changed it to say 17 or 18 to appease modern sensibilities, it wouldn't have made sense. (I won't go into details of why as I don't want to spoil it too much, but if you read the book, you will realize she needed to be "too young" the first time for the problems that result to occur.)
June 13, 2023
Not a normal romance novel, it’s more like a soap opera tv show.
Safety: no
There’s rape of a minor, M rape M, attempted rape and force seduction.
Both MCs spend most of the book apart and with other people after having sex. The H spends most of the book chasing after the h because he wants her as a mistress, when she wants marriage, but ends up sleeping with numerous ow in the process. If it has boobs, then he’s aroused. He kept saying how much he loved Kitty internally but his action certainly didn’t show that. 🙄
The sex scenes with ow/om are very descriptive.
The h is an immature child.
The H is a huge manwhore.
I loved this book 20 yrs ago, dunno what I was thinking….
Safety: no
There’s rape of a minor, M rape M, attempted rape and force seduction.
Both MCs spend most of the book apart and with other people after having sex. The H spends most of the book chasing after the h because he wants her as a mistress, when she wants marriage, but ends up sleeping with numerous ow in the process. If it has boobs, then he’s aroused. He kept saying how much he loved Kitty internally but his action certainly didn’t show that. 🙄
The sex scenes with ow/om are very descriptive.
The h is an immature child.
The H is a huge manwhore.
I loved this book 20 yrs ago, dunno what I was thinking….
March 11, 2015
An Unusual Irish Victorian Romance
Re-released under the title ENTICED, this is the story of Kitty Rooney, born to Irish peasants but gifted with a glib tongue, an ability to weave tales and an understanding of people. Set in the Victorian era, it begins in Ireland where Kitty’s grandfather and brother eek out a living on the estate of the O’Reillys. When famine hits, the O’Reillys, at the urging of their business-wise son, Patrick, move their tenants to Lancashire, England where they have three mills.
The first time Kitty encounters Patrick, she is attracted to him, and he to her. Each has a plan for the other, Patrick to make Kitty his mistress, Kitty to become Patrick’s wife. But Patrick is a man of means and Kitty is a poor gypsy who is put to work as a maid in the O’Reillys’ home in Lancashire when Patrick’s father realizes what a beauty she is.
Henley is a great storyteller so you are never bored. Shocked, perhaps, but not bored. Our modern sensibilities may find it have to believe that landed Irish gentry in Ireland would take advantage of a beautiful peasant girl, but it should not be surprising. I’m sure it happened all the time.
The book is well-written, fast paced and takes you from one tangle to another as Kitty’s story reminded me of the “perils of Pauline.” In the beginning, she is told that she will have three husbands, so you know what’s coming. Patrick wants Kitty and she wants him, but he is always off on some business venture that leaves Kitty without protection, particularly of the noble kind. But she does meet some wonderfully interesting characters on the way back to Patrick’s arms. Oh, yes, and there’s a bit of bodice ripping to Patrick’s first attempt to woo Kitty.
I recommend it for those who like the unusual.
Re-released under the title ENTICED, this is the story of Kitty Rooney, born to Irish peasants but gifted with a glib tongue, an ability to weave tales and an understanding of people. Set in the Victorian era, it begins in Ireland where Kitty’s grandfather and brother eek out a living on the estate of the O’Reillys. When famine hits, the O’Reillys, at the urging of their business-wise son, Patrick, move their tenants to Lancashire, England where they have three mills.
The first time Kitty encounters Patrick, she is attracted to him, and he to her. Each has a plan for the other, Patrick to make Kitty his mistress, Kitty to become Patrick’s wife. But Patrick is a man of means and Kitty is a poor gypsy who is put to work as a maid in the O’Reillys’ home in Lancashire when Patrick’s father realizes what a beauty she is.
Henley is a great storyteller so you are never bored. Shocked, perhaps, but not bored. Our modern sensibilities may find it have to believe that landed Irish gentry in Ireland would take advantage of a beautiful peasant girl, but it should not be surprising. I’m sure it happened all the time.
The book is well-written, fast paced and takes you from one tangle to another as Kitty’s story reminded me of the “perils of Pauline.” In the beginning, she is told that she will have three husbands, so you know what’s coming. Patrick wants Kitty and she wants him, but he is always off on some business venture that leaves Kitty without protection, particularly of the noble kind. But she does meet some wonderfully interesting characters on the way back to Patrick’s arms. Oh, yes, and there’s a bit of bodice ripping to Patrick’s first attempt to woo Kitty.
I recommend it for those who like the unusual.
June 12, 2019
Right. That's it. I think I've lost all faith in Virginia Henley. The first book I read by her - Seduction, I really liked but every book that followed was a struggle just to finish.
Something all her books have in common :
▪️Length (too long)
▪️Tedious (terribly boring)
▪️ Innocent heroine (which I didn't mind in the beginning but after the third book, I got bored of the typical wide eyed girls).
▪️An evil mistress who causes trouble in some form.
▪️The "heroes" have a horribly negative view of women in general.
I'm sure there's tons more similarities but I'll stop here.
Enticed was the worst book that I've read by Henley so far. It was like some never ending soap opera.
Kitty kills (accidentally) Patrick's father, runs away to work in a factory, is found by Patrick and pretends to be his cousin, marries Simon, who's actually gay and rapes her brother. Has an affair with Patrick, kills Simon and blames it on some other guy. Then, Kitty decides to go to America to look for Patrick (who went there for some reason) and who told her to wait for him to come back. But Kitty for some (silly) reason decides to go to him alone while also being pregnant. A great decision which results in her being sold to a slave owner by his previous mistress. She gets found by Charles - a guy who previously proposed to her and they get married.
There's a whole lot more but you can see what I mean when I describe this book as some dramatic play/soap opera and not romantic fiction which would mean that this book would be somewhat realistic. As if!
Patrick - I really disliked him. He chaes after Kitty, intending to make her his mistress but Kitty naively assumes that he'll marry her. Patrick backs off, which makes me think that's he actually decent but then, later he persues her again. He knows that she wants marriage so why would he go after her again when he had absolutely no intention of doing that? Kitty and Patrick have a fight (because she won't sleep with him without marriage). Kitty marries Simon. Patrick is angry and surprised. He shouldn't be, obviously she wanted marriage! In his anger he slaps his sister. What a guy. And he has the audacity to act angry and jealous!
But I guess it runs in the family because his sister Julia is just as bad. Sometimes she's Kitty's best friend and at other times she deliberately talks about Patrick's mistresses and delights in her misery.
Kitty, herself I never warmed up to. I didn't understand her mad love for Patrick who (except for when he wanted to sleep with her) treated her awfully.
Something all her books have in common :
▪️Length (too long)
▪️Tedious (terribly boring)
▪️ Innocent heroine (which I didn't mind in the beginning but after the third book, I got bored of the typical wide eyed girls).
▪️An evil mistress who causes trouble in some form.
▪️The "heroes" have a horribly negative view of women in general.
I'm sure there's tons more similarities but I'll stop here.
Enticed was the worst book that I've read by Henley so far. It was like some never ending soap opera.
Kitty kills (accidentally) Patrick's father, runs away to work in a factory, is found by Patrick and pretends to be his cousin, marries Simon, who's actually gay and rapes her brother. Has an affair with Patrick, kills Simon and blames it on some other guy. Then, Kitty decides to go to America to look for Patrick (who went there for some reason) and who told her to wait for him to come back. But Kitty for some (silly) reason decides to go to him alone while also being pregnant. A great decision which results in her being sold to a slave owner by his previous mistress. She gets found by Charles - a guy who previously proposed to her and they get married.
There's a whole lot more but you can see what I mean when I describe this book as some dramatic play/soap opera and not romantic fiction which would mean that this book would be somewhat realistic. As if!
Patrick - I really disliked him. He chaes after Kitty, intending to make her his mistress but Kitty naively assumes that he'll marry her. Patrick backs off, which makes me think that's he actually decent but then, later he persues her again. He knows that she wants marriage so why would he go after her again when he had absolutely no intention of doing that? Kitty and Patrick have a fight (because she won't sleep with him without marriage). Kitty marries Simon. Patrick is angry and surprised. He shouldn't be, obviously she wanted marriage! In his anger he slaps his sister. What a guy. And he has the audacity to act angry and jealous!
But I guess it runs in the family because his sister Julia is just as bad. Sometimes she's Kitty's best friend and at other times she deliberately talks about Patrick's mistresses and delights in her misery.
Kitty, herself I never warmed up to. I didn't understand her mad love for Patrick who (except for when he wanted to sleep with her) treated her awfully.
March 8, 2017
An Unusual Irish Victorian Romance
Originally published as The Irish Gypsy and then as Enticed and now back to its first title, this is the story of Kitty Rooney, born to Irish peasants but gifted with a glib tongue, an ability to weave tales and an understanding of people. Set in the Victorian era, it begins in Ireland where Kitty’s grandfather and brother eek out a living on the estate of the O’Reillys. When famine hits, the O’Reillys, at the urging of their business-wise son, Patrick, move their tenants to Lancashire, England where they have three mills.
The first time Kitty encounters Patrick, she is attracted to him, and he to her. Each has a plan for the other, Patrick to make Kitty his mistress, Kitty to become Patrick’s wife. But Patrick is a man of means and Kitty is a poor gypsy who is put to work as a maid in the O’Reillys’ home in Lancashire when Patrick’s father realizes what a beauty she is.
Henley is a great storyteller so you are never bored. Shocked, perhaps, but not bored. Our modern sensibilities may find it hard to believe that landed Irish gentry in Ireland would take advantage of a beautiful peasant girl, but it should not be surprising. I’m sure it happened all the time.
The book is well-written, fast paced and takes you from one tangle to another as Kitty’s story reminded me of the “perils of Pauline.” In the beginning, she is told that she will have three husbands, so you know what’s coming. Patrick wants Kitty and she wants him, but he is always off on some business venture that leaves Kitty without protection, particularly of the noble kind. But she does meet some wonderfully interesting characters on the way back to Patrick’s arms. Oh, yes, and there’s a bit of bodice ripping to Patrick’s first attempt to woo Kitty.
I recommend it for those who like the unusual.
Originally published as The Irish Gypsy and then as Enticed and now back to its first title, this is the story of Kitty Rooney, born to Irish peasants but gifted with a glib tongue, an ability to weave tales and an understanding of people. Set in the Victorian era, it begins in Ireland where Kitty’s grandfather and brother eek out a living on the estate of the O’Reillys. When famine hits, the O’Reillys, at the urging of their business-wise son, Patrick, move their tenants to Lancashire, England where they have three mills.
The first time Kitty encounters Patrick, she is attracted to him, and he to her. Each has a plan for the other, Patrick to make Kitty his mistress, Kitty to become Patrick’s wife. But Patrick is a man of means and Kitty is a poor gypsy who is put to work as a maid in the O’Reillys’ home in Lancashire when Patrick’s father realizes what a beauty she is.
Henley is a great storyteller so you are never bored. Shocked, perhaps, but not bored. Our modern sensibilities may find it hard to believe that landed Irish gentry in Ireland would take advantage of a beautiful peasant girl, but it should not be surprising. I’m sure it happened all the time.
The book is well-written, fast paced and takes you from one tangle to another as Kitty’s story reminded me of the “perils of Pauline.” In the beginning, she is told that she will have three husbands, so you know what’s coming. Patrick wants Kitty and she wants him, but he is always off on some business venture that leaves Kitty without protection, particularly of the noble kind. But she does meet some wonderfully interesting characters on the way back to Patrick’s arms. Oh, yes, and there’s a bit of bodice ripping to Patrick’s first attempt to woo Kitty.
I recommend it for those who like the unusual.
March 11, 2015
An Unusual Irish Victorian Romance
Originally published as THE IRISH GYPSY, this is the story of Kitty Rooney, born to Irish peasants but gifted with a glib tongue, an ability to weave tales and an understanding of people. Set in the Victorian era, it begins in Ireland where Kitty’s grandfather and brother eek out a living on the estate of the O’Reillys. When famine hits, the O’Reillys, at the urging of their business-wise son, Patrick, move their tenants to Lancashire, England where they have three mills.
The first time Kitty encounters Patrick, she is attracted to him, and he to her. Each has a plan for the other, Patrick to make Kitty his mistress, Kitty to become Patrick’s wife. But Patrick is a man of means and Kitty is a poor gypsy who is put to work as a maid in the O’Reillys’ home in Lancashire when Patrick’s father realizes what a beauty she is.
Henley is a great storyteller so you are never bored. Shocked, perhaps, but not bored. Our modern sensibilities may find it have to believe that landed Irish gentry in Ireland would take advantage of a beautiful peasant girl, but it should not be surprising. I’m sure it happened all the time.
The book is well-written, fast paced and takes you from one tangle to another as Kitty’s story reminded me of the “perils of Pauline.” In the beginning, she is told that she will have three husbands, so you know what’s coming. Patrick wants Kitty and she wants him, but he is always off on some business venture that leaves Kitty without protection, particularly of the noble kind. But she does meet some wonderfully interesting characters on the way back to Patrick’s arms. Oh, yes, and there’s a bit of bodice ripping to Patrick’s first attempt to woo Kitty.
I recommend it for those who like the unusual.
Originally published as THE IRISH GYPSY, this is the story of Kitty Rooney, born to Irish peasants but gifted with a glib tongue, an ability to weave tales and an understanding of people. Set in the Victorian era, it begins in Ireland where Kitty’s grandfather and brother eek out a living on the estate of the O’Reillys. When famine hits, the O’Reillys, at the urging of their business-wise son, Patrick, move their tenants to Lancashire, England where they have three mills.
The first time Kitty encounters Patrick, she is attracted to him, and he to her. Each has a plan for the other, Patrick to make Kitty his mistress, Kitty to become Patrick’s wife. But Patrick is a man of means and Kitty is a poor gypsy who is put to work as a maid in the O’Reillys’ home in Lancashire when Patrick’s father realizes what a beauty she is.
Henley is a great storyteller so you are never bored. Shocked, perhaps, but not bored. Our modern sensibilities may find it have to believe that landed Irish gentry in Ireland would take advantage of a beautiful peasant girl, but it should not be surprising. I’m sure it happened all the time.
The book is well-written, fast paced and takes you from one tangle to another as Kitty’s story reminded me of the “perils of Pauline.” In the beginning, she is told that she will have three husbands, so you know what’s coming. Patrick wants Kitty and she wants him, but he is always off on some business venture that leaves Kitty without protection, particularly of the noble kind. But she does meet some wonderfully interesting characters on the way back to Patrick’s arms. Oh, yes, and there’s a bit of bodice ripping to Patrick’s first attempt to woo Kitty.
I recommend it for those who like the unusual.
December 24, 2023
Assolutamente no.
Epoca: grande carestia irlandese.
Rapporto non consensuale e orrido con una ragazzina affamata e minorenne su cui l’autrice glissa (con il fastidioso sospetto che, siccome è gitana, ci sia l’idea che lei sia comunque più “matura” delle ragazzine di buona famiglia inglesi) in nome del fatto che poi l’eroe tossico (dopo molto tempo e 340 pagine) capirà che è la donna giusta per lui.
A parte questo, lungo e spesso noioso.
Patrick è tossico, punto.
Epoca: grande carestia irlandese.
Rapporto non consensuale e orrido con una ragazzina affamata e minorenne su cui l’autrice glissa (con il fastidioso sospetto che, siccome è gitana, ci sia l’idea che lei sia comunque più “matura” delle ragazzine di buona famiglia inglesi) in nome del fatto che poi l’eroe tossico (dopo molto tempo e 340 pagine) capirà che è la donna giusta per lui.
A parte questo, lungo e spesso noioso.
Patrick è tossico, punto.
January 30, 2024
Maria Antonietta - per RFS
.
Carissime Fenici, oggi vi propongo questo bellissimo romanzo di Virginia Henley targato Mondadori.
Il titolo del libro Appassionata è il termine giusto per definire la gagliarda protagonista Kitty Rooney, la bellissima zingara ammaliatrice di cui si narrano le vicissitudini.
Kitty è sempre vissuta in Irlanda nella proprietà degli O’Reilly, accampata vicino al fiume con l’amato fratello Terry e il nonno che si occupa di loro da quando è morta la loro madre e il padre è fuggito.
Le loro condizioni sono miserevoli e vivono di ruberie ed espedienti. Già da bambina Kitty rappresenta la volontà di elevarsi e sogna una vita degna di una duchessa. Sbircia le figlie del Signor O’Reilly, cercando di carpirne le buone maniere e, complice il suo bell’aspetto, pian piano entra nelle grazie del padrone. Diventando cameriera a servizio, spinge affinché anche il fratello la segua nella tenuta come stalliere e così i due continuano a coprirsi e ad aiutarsi. Le attenzioni del padrone però hanno altri fini, più carnali e subdoli e non molto diversi dall’aitante e affascinante Patrick, figlio ed erede degli O’Reilly.
Patrick è un uomo brillante e gran lavoratore, è ambito da molte donzelle e lui stesso ha promesso che si sarebbe sposato soltanto con un buon partito. La presenza di Kitty è una tentazione troppo grande e così cerca di imbrogliarla seducendola per farla diventare la sua amante.
Questa attrazione, anche se reciproca, non riesce a far capitolare la piccola Kitty che, nonostante sia scaltra e dalla parlantina fluida, è comunque di sani principi e concepisce il sesso soltanto con il proprio marito;quindi l’unica maniera per averla è il matrimonio.
Sedotta e abbandonata Kitty continua per la sua strada, non si scoraggia mai e continua a confidarsi con l’amato nonno che non perde mai occasione di andare a trovare. Il sesso le ha lasciato un gusto amaro, è ancora troppo piccola per gustare appieno questa gioia, ma il sentimento per Patrick avrebbe potuto sbocciare solo se fosse stato ben curato.
Fra mille vicissitudini tornerà a incrociare la sua vita con gli O’Reilly ma soprattutto con Patrick,che non perderà occasione di provarci con lei ma che in qualche modo arriverà sempre troppo tardi.
Un amore tormentato, fra mille scenari e ambientazioni da capogiro, una favola che diventa un incubo in un’epoca dove tutto può cambiare. Moglie, madre, schiava, duchessa, ladra, assassina e chi più ne ha più ne metta!
La personalità di Kitty è un caleidoscopio affascinante, una sirena ammaliatrice dotata di una naturale bellezza sia fisica che morale, una forza della natura con la quale il caro Patrick dovrà fare i conti prima o poi, e pentendosi amaramente delle iniziali intenzioni.
Interessanti sono i personaggi che incontrerà la nostra eroina durante la sua vita e ognuno con un posto rilevante e ben descritto. Il fratello da cui non si separerà mai, le sorelle O’Reilly ognuna con la propria personalità, una più malleabile e gentile e l’altra un’arpia. Il padre di Patrick che vorrà farla sua addirittura arrivando a un soffio dallo sposarla. Vi prometto che la storia è molto di più e ne sono rimasta molto colpita sia per la scrittura che per le dinamiche interessanti.
Consigliatissimo.
.
Carissime Fenici, oggi vi propongo questo bellissimo romanzo di Virginia Henley targato Mondadori.
Il titolo del libro Appassionata è il termine giusto per definire la gagliarda protagonista Kitty Rooney, la bellissima zingara ammaliatrice di cui si narrano le vicissitudini.
Kitty è sempre vissuta in Irlanda nella proprietà degli O’Reilly, accampata vicino al fiume con l’amato fratello Terry e il nonno che si occupa di loro da quando è morta la loro madre e il padre è fuggito.
Le loro condizioni sono miserevoli e vivono di ruberie ed espedienti. Già da bambina Kitty rappresenta la volontà di elevarsi e sogna una vita degna di una duchessa. Sbircia le figlie del Signor O’Reilly, cercando di carpirne le buone maniere e, complice il suo bell’aspetto, pian piano entra nelle grazie del padrone. Diventando cameriera a servizio, spinge affinché anche il fratello la segua nella tenuta come stalliere e così i due continuano a coprirsi e ad aiutarsi. Le attenzioni del padrone però hanno altri fini, più carnali e subdoli e non molto diversi dall’aitante e affascinante Patrick, figlio ed erede degli O’Reilly.
Patrick è un uomo brillante e gran lavoratore, è ambito da molte donzelle e lui stesso ha promesso che si sarebbe sposato soltanto con un buon partito. La presenza di Kitty è una tentazione troppo grande e così cerca di imbrogliarla seducendola per farla diventare la sua amante.
Questa attrazione, anche se reciproca, non riesce a far capitolare la piccola Kitty che, nonostante sia scaltra e dalla parlantina fluida, è comunque di sani principi e concepisce il sesso soltanto con il proprio marito;quindi l’unica maniera per averla è il matrimonio.
Sedotta e abbandonata Kitty continua per la sua strada, non si scoraggia mai e continua a confidarsi con l’amato nonno che non perde mai occasione di andare a trovare. Il sesso le ha lasciato un gusto amaro, è ancora troppo piccola per gustare appieno questa gioia, ma il sentimento per Patrick avrebbe potuto sbocciare solo se fosse stato ben curato.
Fra mille vicissitudini tornerà a incrociare la sua vita con gli O’Reilly ma soprattutto con Patrick,che non perderà occasione di provarci con lei ma che in qualche modo arriverà sempre troppo tardi.
Un amore tormentato, fra mille scenari e ambientazioni da capogiro, una favola che diventa un incubo in un’epoca dove tutto può cambiare. Moglie, madre, schiava, duchessa, ladra, assassina e chi più ne ha più ne metta!
La personalità di Kitty è un caleidoscopio affascinante, una sirena ammaliatrice dotata di una naturale bellezza sia fisica che morale, una forza della natura con la quale il caro Patrick dovrà fare i conti prima o poi, e pentendosi amaramente delle iniziali intenzioni.
Interessanti sono i personaggi che incontrerà la nostra eroina durante la sua vita e ognuno con un posto rilevante e ben descritto. Il fratello da cui non si separerà mai, le sorelle O’Reilly ognuna con la propria personalità, una più malleabile e gentile e l’altra un’arpia. Il padre di Patrick che vorrà farla sua addirittura arrivando a un soffio dallo sposarla. Vi prometto che la storia è molto di più e ne sono rimasta molto colpita sia per la scrittura che per le dinamiche interessanti.
Consigliatissimo.
July 3, 2023
Leí este libro hace años en una página y me gustó. Acabo de releerlo en papel y ME HA ENCANTADO 🥰
💁♀️Reconozco que no es un libro para todos los públicos. Pese a tratarse de una novela romántica, trata algunos temas un poco crudos ya que está ambientado en el siglo XIX entre Irlanda, Inglaterra y Estados Unidos.
Esta mujer (Virginia) lleva las ambientaciones a otro extremo, la facilidad que tiene para llevarte a esos lugares y esas épocas es algo que después de más de 10 años leyéndola —y habiendo leído la gran mayoría de sus novelas traducidas al español— me sigue abrumando 🪻
🪵La historia de amor ente Kitty y Patrick es un instalove explosivo 🧨 , ¡muy en la línea de la autora! Es un libro fantástico para fans de Peacky Blinders con ese toque romántico que nos falta en la serie... Para mí Virginia Henley es una apuesta segura. ¡Ojalá que nunca se pierdan sus novelas!
💁♀️Reconozco que no es un libro para todos los públicos. Pese a tratarse de una novela romántica, trata algunos temas un poco crudos ya que está ambientado en el siglo XIX entre Irlanda, Inglaterra y Estados Unidos.
Esta mujer (Virginia) lleva las ambientaciones a otro extremo, la facilidad que tiene para llevarte a esos lugares y esas épocas es algo que después de más de 10 años leyéndola —y habiendo leído la gran mayoría de sus novelas traducidas al español— me sigue abrumando 🪻
🪵La historia de amor ente Kitty y Patrick es un instalove explosivo 🧨 , ¡muy en la línea de la autora! Es un libro fantástico para fans de Peacky Blinders con ese toque romántico que nos falta en la serie... Para mí Virginia Henley es una apuesta segura. ¡Ojalá que nunca se pierdan sus novelas!
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December 29, 2025Normally really enjoy Henley’s books but this one was not for me-H sets servant h up in home (she’s underage by today’s standards) and she’s thinks she’s getting some nice clothes and going to learn how to be a lady when she’s really going to be made a mistress through force.
May 15, 2024
Icky. Hero was sleazy and predatory
October 8, 2015
I'm going to blame a lot of what I didn't like about this one on the 80's. Fact is, authors back then got away with all kinds of things that publishers HATE these days. Stuff like huge sections of narrative TELLING us how the characters feel and what they think and what they do instead of ACTIVE writing where you experience the action with them. Like paragraphs that are (I kid you not) TWO PAGES long. Like peppering nearly every paragraph with adverbs.
So that's out of the way. The story is kind of an epic, following the Irish Gypsy heroine from her early teens through three (count 'em) marriages, from the famine in Ireland to the mills in England to the plantations in America to a brothel in the Indies and back again. The hero's an Irish lordling with a head for business and an obsession for the heroine, though it takes him awhile to figure out that treating her like a whore isn't a great way to win the babe. It's a decent story but it didn't fully engage my emotions because the style of storytelling kept me at a distance. 2.5 stars.
So that's out of the way. The story is kind of an epic, following the Irish Gypsy heroine from her early teens through three (count 'em) marriages, from the famine in Ireland to the mills in England to the plantations in America to a brothel in the Indies and back again. The hero's an Irish lordling with a head for business and an obsession for the heroine, though it takes him awhile to figure out that treating her like a whore isn't a great way to win the babe. It's a decent story but it didn't fully engage my emotions because the style of storytelling kept me at a distance. 2.5 stars.
July 6, 2018
SPOILER AHEAD...I'm actually declaring this my favorite over A Woman of Passion, which I loved, it's a close tie. Where A Woman of Passion was probably superior because it was inspired by a real woman and was better written, there was something gripping about Enticed (formally the Irish Gypsy...a perferable title).
I picked this mostly because I saw the words Irish and Gypsy in the description but the gypsy part is used more as an ethnicity than a way of life for the heroine, Kitty. The most "gypsy-like" behavior she exhibits was stealing food when she was 13 and reading tarot cards. She bewitches many men over the course of the book with her beauty and cleverness which at times is attributed to her being a gypsy and Irish. Kitty and the hero Patrick are both Irish but most of the book is set in London because Patrick is a Lord (I think) and Kitty and her brother begins life essentially squatting on his family's land until they meet when Kitty is 13 and Patrick catches them stealing (his age is never confirmed but I'm guessing 18-20 because he's already well known for having a head for business and making tons of money). Kitty immediately declares Patrick arrogant and dislikes him while privately vowing to marry him one day. Over the next two years she becomes a maid to the O'Reilly family and eventually runs into Patrick again. This book was definitely a rollarcoaster of emotions and trials starting with Patrick's rape of Kitty when she's 15, his father's attempted rape, her truly deranged first marriage and another rape of another character, hints of incest, the craziest French woman, murder and a thousand missed chances for Patrick and Kitty to get together. It's crazy to think that all of the made it into one book.
You can definitely tell this was Henley's first book but the transitions are sometimes nonexistent, sometimes I'd have to double back a few paragraphs to make sure I didn't miss anything. The time line is a mystery, you have no idea how much time has elapsed from the beginning in which Kitty often mentions her age, to the end when not even her child's age is mentioned, Patrick vaguely mentions he's over 30 which doesn't help considering you didn't know how old he was to begin with. This is probably a nit-pickly issue but it bothered me throughout reading as if it was intentionally being avoided. Other things stood out as amateur too, like Kitty's ascension in society. It felt more like a fantasy but I'll give it a pass because this is a crazy romance. Speaking of the romance, this is one of those infamous bodice rippers but Henley gives a lot of the sexy scenes to Patrick and and his various mistresses while glossing over half of his and Kitty's scenes. I would have much preferred to read more of the main couple than Patrick's escapades with unworthy female characters. Henley also had plenty of chances to take care of the couple's last obstacle but choose instead to squeeze in and unnecessary suicide that left you feeling lime you had been cheated out of an explanation, and an exhausting trial which was wrapped up in 2 pages. The book finally does have a happy ending but I would have preferred leave out that last drama for some more happy times with the hero and heroine. Despite the books flaws, I really liked Kitty and Patrick and I think because of them, I'd gladly reread this book in a few years.
I picked this mostly because I saw the words Irish and Gypsy in the description but the gypsy part is used more as an ethnicity than a way of life for the heroine, Kitty. The most "gypsy-like" behavior she exhibits was stealing food when she was 13 and reading tarot cards. She bewitches many men over the course of the book with her beauty and cleverness which at times is attributed to her being a gypsy and Irish. Kitty and the hero Patrick are both Irish but most of the book is set in London because Patrick is a Lord (I think) and Kitty and her brother begins life essentially squatting on his family's land until they meet when Kitty is 13 and Patrick catches them stealing (his age is never confirmed but I'm guessing 18-20 because he's already well known for having a head for business and making tons of money). Kitty immediately declares Patrick arrogant and dislikes him while privately vowing to marry him one day. Over the next two years she becomes a maid to the O'Reilly family and eventually runs into Patrick again. This book was definitely a rollarcoaster of emotions and trials starting with Patrick's rape of Kitty when she's 15, his father's attempted rape, her truly deranged first marriage and another rape of another character, hints of incest, the craziest French woman, murder and a thousand missed chances for Patrick and Kitty to get together. It's crazy to think that all of the made it into one book.
You can definitely tell this was Henley's first book but the transitions are sometimes nonexistent, sometimes I'd have to double back a few paragraphs to make sure I didn't miss anything. The time line is a mystery, you have no idea how much time has elapsed from the beginning in which Kitty often mentions her age, to the end when not even her child's age is mentioned, Patrick vaguely mentions he's over 30 which doesn't help considering you didn't know how old he was to begin with. This is probably a nit-pickly issue but it bothered me throughout reading as if it was intentionally being avoided. Other things stood out as amateur too, like Kitty's ascension in society. It felt more like a fantasy but I'll give it a pass because this is a crazy romance. Speaking of the romance, this is one of those infamous bodice rippers but Henley gives a lot of the sexy scenes to Patrick and and his various mistresses while glossing over half of his and Kitty's scenes. I would have much preferred to read more of the main couple than Patrick's escapades with unworthy female characters. Henley also had plenty of chances to take care of the couple's last obstacle but choose instead to squeeze in and unnecessary suicide that left you feeling lime you had been cheated out of an explanation, and an exhausting trial which was wrapped up in 2 pages. The book finally does have a happy ending but I would have preferred leave out that last drama for some more happy times with the hero and heroine. Despite the books flaws, I really liked Kitty and Patrick and I think because of them, I'd gladly reread this book in a few years.
May 13, 2024
Romance Histórico – Antiguo
Por esto lo sentí largo y demasiado detallado en cosas irrelevantes.
El fondo será las dificultades que pasó Irlanda en el periodo de la industrialización de Inglaterra.
Kitty Roone es una niña gitana inquieta y demasiado bella para su propio bien se verá arrastrada por la mala situación que atraviesa Irlanda, esto la obligara a hacer toda clase de peripecias para que su “patrón” quien es dueño de casa y fabricas la lleve a ella y a su familia a un lugar mejor. Nos dejaran claro que su sueño siempre ha sido tener dinero y ser alguien importante.
Sus caminos se cruzaran continuamente con Patrick O’Reilly el hijo del dueño quien se encapricha con ella y buscara entonces todas las maneras de hacerla su amante.
Parece que el destino de Kitty será ser deseada por todos quienes la conoces. Con varias situaciones desagradables.
Toda la historia no es más que tragedias y continúas separaciones – Incluso de años.
Al ser un romance sabemos que el “destino” de nuestros protagonistas es estar juntos; así que aun después de todo Podrán tener su final feliz.
No me gusto la narración, y para mi ningún personaje es realmente interesante ni protagonistas ni secundarios. También nos toca tragarnos algunos marrones por le época.
El argumento lo sentí desaprovechado – Un pendiente tachado de mi lista.
Por esto lo sentí largo y demasiado detallado en cosas irrelevantes.
El fondo será las dificultades que pasó Irlanda en el periodo de la industrialización de Inglaterra.
Kitty Roone es una niña gitana inquieta y demasiado bella para su propio bien se verá arrastrada por la mala situación que atraviesa Irlanda, esto la obligara a hacer toda clase de peripecias para que su “patrón” quien es dueño de casa y fabricas la lleve a ella y a su familia a un lugar mejor. Nos dejaran claro que su sueño siempre ha sido tener dinero y ser alguien importante.
Sus caminos se cruzaran continuamente con Patrick O’Reilly el hijo del dueño quien se encapricha con ella y buscara entonces todas las maneras de hacerla su amante.
Parece que el destino de Kitty será ser deseada por todos quienes la conoces. Con varias situaciones desagradables.
Toda la historia no es más que tragedias y continúas separaciones – Incluso de años.
Al ser un romance sabemos que el “destino” de nuestros protagonistas es estar juntos; así que aun después de todo Podrán tener su final feliz.
No me gusto la narración, y para mi ningún personaje es realmente interesante ni protagonistas ni secundarios. También nos toca tragarnos algunos marrones por le época.
El argumento lo sentí desaprovechado – Un pendiente tachado de mi lista.
October 29, 2019
Her Hearts Desire
Remember what you prayed for, sooner or later you will get you wish. You have to respect this Irish Gypsy, she worked very hard, and lived through a lot of hardships and heartache to finally get her heart’s desire.
Remember what you prayed for, sooner or later you will get you wish. You have to respect this Irish Gypsy, she worked very hard, and lived through a lot of hardships and heartache to finally get her heart’s desire.
March 1, 2020
Read this in middle school and I am now 33 I have been looking for this book for over 15 years..... Will be and has been always a fave..... Glad I found this..... A must read for all romance novel lovers!!!!!!!
January 12, 2024
TW: bigotry, racism, rape, slavery, murder, violence, homophobia, misoginy
April 2, 2021
This was an awesome book it had it all romance love sex hate,,adventure, riches. KITTY the beautiful Irish gypsy, whom men loved 🥰 , but she loved only one Patrick Oreilly great story 10
October 15, 2013
Warning: may include some type of spoiler
I felt as if i should have been warned in the synopsis of what i was about to read. The synopsis gave a feeling of some problems but overall good, which it wasn't. It should have said something along the lines of "This story is about an Irish Gypsy's journey throughout her youth and the trials and tribulations she experiences...". If they had done that, i would have been better prepared for the disturbance i felt.
To me, it was too overwhelming. It was just too much for one book. Some problems are ok, but over ten problems? no. I am all for showing the dark side of the world back in the day. I wasn't even all that bothered about the age because i know that back in the day girls used to be married off at 15. However, i do have a problem if with every chapter i am experiencing some heartache. In that book, i read about rape, homosexuality, infanticide, murder, impotence, adultery, incest, slavery, kidnapping, abortion, poverty, child labour, s&m, suicide, domestic violence, gambling, prostitution, and others i can't remember at the moment.
When i read it was about a gypsy, I thought of a fun, flirty, sexy book with a few trials, not a drama filled book. I read to escape reality and to feel good and fantasize for a few hours, not be depressed. I read this book about 2/3 weeks ago and still feel sad every time my mind crosses this book. I'm sorry but i won't recommend this unless you feel like reading a melodrama. But if you are looking for a book that makes you feel good at the end, this isn't for you.
I felt as if i should have been warned in the synopsis of what i was about to read. The synopsis gave a feeling of some problems but overall good, which it wasn't. It should have said something along the lines of "This story is about an Irish Gypsy's journey throughout her youth and the trials and tribulations she experiences...". If they had done that, i would have been better prepared for the disturbance i felt.
To me, it was too overwhelming. It was just too much for one book. Some problems are ok, but over ten problems? no. I am all for showing the dark side of the world back in the day. I wasn't even all that bothered about the age because i know that back in the day girls used to be married off at 15. However, i do have a problem if with every chapter i am experiencing some heartache. In that book, i read about rape, homosexuality, infanticide, murder, impotence, adultery, incest, slavery, kidnapping, abortion, poverty, child labour, s&m, suicide, domestic violence, gambling, prostitution, and others i can't remember at the moment.
When i read it was about a gypsy, I thought of a fun, flirty, sexy book with a few trials, not a drama filled book. I read to escape reality and to feel good and fantasize for a few hours, not be depressed. I read this book about 2/3 weeks ago and still feel sad every time my mind crosses this book. I'm sorry but i won't recommend this unless you feel like reading a melodrama. But if you are looking for a book that makes you feel good at the end, this isn't for you.
July 6, 2008
ENTICED - NR
Henley, Virginia - Standalone
Though famine holds her beloved Ireland in its deadly grip, young, innocent Kitty Rooney is a survivor. An exotic gypsy lass with cascading curls of ebony silk and eyes of brown velvet, Kitty vows that someday, somehow, the riches of the earth will be laid at her feet. Then Patrick O'Reilly walks into her life, his eyes burning hungrily over her body, his lips promising her the world, making a woman of her in one sweet, scorching night.
This was Henley's first romance and it's surprising they published a second. It is set in Ireland, involves rape, infantcide and horrid characters.
Henley, Virginia - Standalone
Though famine holds her beloved Ireland in its deadly grip, young, innocent Kitty Rooney is a survivor. An exotic gypsy lass with cascading curls of ebony silk and eyes of brown velvet, Kitty vows that someday, somehow, the riches of the earth will be laid at her feet. Then Patrick O'Reilly walks into her life, his eyes burning hungrily over her body, his lips promising her the world, making a woman of her in one sweet, scorching night.
This was Henley's first romance and it's surprising they published a second. It is set in Ireland, involves rape, infantcide and horrid characters.
January 16, 2017
Quite an adventure for Kitty and Patrick
Kitty Rooney and her brother Terrance must leave Ireland to seek a better life. Through much hardship and deprivation, they find employment that barely affords them enough to survive.
Patrick O'Reilly manages his father's cotton mills, but the harsh and foolish decisions of his father have led them to the brink of disaster. Patrick wants Kitty -- as his mistress. After all, he can hardly marry an Irish servant girl.
Their paths cross again and again, but although they want to be together, they cannot meet each other's terms of surrender.
Kitty Rooney and her brother Terrance must leave Ireland to seek a better life. Through much hardship and deprivation, they find employment that barely affords them enough to survive.
Patrick O'Reilly manages his father's cotton mills, but the harsh and foolish decisions of his father have led them to the brink of disaster. Patrick wants Kitty -- as his mistress. After all, he can hardly marry an Irish servant girl.
Their paths cross again and again, but although they want to be together, they cannot meet each other's terms of surrender.
January 13, 2012
In fact after reading reviews for this book i have decided not to continue with it.
I dont like how young the main character is, he basically just raped her...before announcing he loved her? really? how? you dont even know her....
anyhow i normally like this author but this was a miss for me, if it had been my first read from Virginia Henley I doubt I would have read any more.
If you want a better book of hers..read Enslaved its a fab book!
I dont like how young the main character is, he basically just raped her...before announcing he loved her? really? how? you dont even know her....
anyhow i normally like this author but this was a miss for me, if it had been my first read from Virginia Henley I doubt I would have read any more.
If you want a better book of hers..read Enslaved its a fab book!
May 29, 2013
This book was harder to read then her other books only because you wait so long for the main characters to get together. I think I believe in instant gratification because I'm spoiled so thus the four star rating. The writing is WONDERFUL!!! Excellent author, great story telling, loved the characters love the book.
February 15, 2015
Her books are kind of a long read. Ending was quick and was quickly resolved
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June 21, 2015
Eh! Wasn't well put together with time frame transitions. Jumped very quickly without even a paragraph break. Some plot lines were just too obvious and cliche. Didn't connect with the characters. Wouldn't pass it on for someone else to read.
January 12, 2010
I lub all Virginia Henley novels!!
December 17, 2012
this was by far the most depressing romance novel i have ever read.
January 27, 2017
I read this as "Irish Gypsy" and loved it.
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