Product Description
Forbidden Desires...

He was her guardian, absentee landlord of her neglected life--until Megan Kinkead returned to Maam's Cross Court, determined to make Justin Brant notice her.She finally commanded the attention of the sixth Earl of Weston when she burst into his room and caught him stark naked in the tub.Suddenly she knew a woman's hunger--and a woman's needs....

Forbidden Kisses...

When had the scrawny brat from hell become a fiery, raven-haired, violet-eyed temptress?Justin told himself she was still a child as she offered him a seductive yet innocent kiss.He tried to remind himself that he was her guardian, her protector.But the flashfire desire that blazed between them ignited a love neither had ever known before.Then he told her he was married....

Forbidden Secrets...

Bestselling, award-winning author Karen Robards sweeps us into Ireland's lush landscape in this spellbinding novel of a headstrong young beauty and her aristocratic guardian, torn between passion, propriety, and...

Forbidden Love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Bleh.
The theme or plot of Forbidden Love is that of a married man, a guardian who's almost 20 years older than his ward, falling (suddenly) in lust, er, love, with said ward. Most of the first third of the book is written from the hero, Justin's POV.Once Megan the heroine is old enough to be "a person of interest" to him (a nice ripe 17), the book segues equally into her POV and her own very sudden attraction to and lust, er, I meant love, for Justin.

There's just something so incredibly shallow about these characters and in the way this story is told.Because I don't like Justin and disapprove of his seduction of Megan and the lying by omission about his marriage -(dislike and disapproval, two feelings about a hero that a romance author should never raise in her readers)- I can't recover enough to even enjoy Megan's spate of revenge on Justin. (She's the toast of London during her first season, which ironically enough is chaperoned by Justin's frigid wife, with whom Megan forms an uneasy alliance of sorts.)But even my limited enjoyment of Megan's revenge was quickly ended; Megan is rapidly brought to heel by Ms. Robards' decision to make a man Megan's dating (in order to make Justin feel wretched), into a psychopath who tries to rape Megan at a ball. (At a ball!)Justin rescues Megan from that fate (of course) and their "love" story gets right back on track with a bed scene (of course) on the same night of the attempted rape.

There's some further plot twists - Megan's plan to marry another man and Justin's kidnapping her - but it reads like so much nonsense to keep the story going until the requisite happy ever after.

I've seldom felt such antipathy toward a romance novel or its characters.I had read two other books by Karen Robards before this one and liked them somewhat, but frankly she was never going to be an autobuy for me, and after reading this hot mess, I've got no desire to look up anything else by her again.

This book was good
This was one of those books that the reader would have wanted an epilogue to properly end the love affairs with the characters.

Twisted love story...
Too many issues here.I was slightly uncomfortable with the storyline of "guardian and underage minor fall in love".It was one thing when he was fighting his attraction and succumbed to temptation...but, when he became controlling and abusive - I lost all interest in the book.When you no longer like the "hero", it's hard to like the book.I've enjoyed a lot of Robards' work, just not this one.

Shelved For Life
This book may be liked by some and hated by others. However this book is one that will remain on my bookshelf for always. Justin is indeed a Aries type of man. A man's man if you will. He likes things done his way, and exactly when and how he says for them to be done. While away from his wife who he can't seem to stand he act's almost normal. However when he returns to England with Megan in tow he resorts to a non-caring attitude in front of his wife. He argues with Megan over sometimes trivial things. Good thing she will stand up for herself once in a while. I would of slapped the man on more than one occasion.

If you can get past a few minor errors in exact period, a strained relationship, age difference, and a brutish guy then this book is one you can at least take a stab at reading. Old school h.romance at it's best. When men were dominating and women didn't speak up enough. lol.

good reading
I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down til finished very quickly. I love all of Karen Robards books and this was a very steamy one for me. ... Read more

Product Description

Joss San Pietro was raised a gentleman but was cruelly betrayed. Held captive and enslaved, the proud man's fate now rests in the gentle hands of an extraordinary lady -- Lilah Remy, a beautiful pampered daughter of privilege. For a strange destiny has cast them together on tempestuous seas, and shipwrecked and alone they must courageously face desperate trials and dangerous truths -- and a bold, forbidden love that can only blossom in paradise.

Customer Reviews (14)

fun to read
While I have read better books by the same author I still found the book fun to read and entertaining. I would recommend this book as a companion for a quiet weekend alone.

.
One of my favorite authors is Karen Robards, unfortunately I could not get into this
book. It just didn't interest me.That is the only reason I can give.

Ms Robards books are page turners but this one was not, at least for me.

Karen Lampkin, SC

great chemistry
I thought this was a great novel..i was really impressed by the human aspect of this book it was very real. I thought it was sweet how the herioine could see past the fact that the hero was not 100% caucasian as this type of prejudice was bvey common during this period, although he had all the attributes and i loved the fact that she held on to him she never let him go even though it was imperative that she did to save his life. the story was captivating and full of drama and suspense. I wish there were more books like this out there some to me come very close but quite not the same.

This is definitely a keeper for me i will be rereading this ever so often.

Did anyone else notice this?...
First, let me state that I really enjoyed the book, and I've enjoyed most of Robard's books. But, one of my favorite romance books is "Shanna" by Kathleen Woodiwiss...and this book was way too similar! -(SPOILER ALERT!)- Heroine is the beautiful, rich daughter of wealthy plantation owner on a small island. She has been sent abroad to find a husband.The tall, dark, handsome hero becomes a slave to the beautiful young woman's father. Despite slave/mistress relationship, there is an attraction. When traveling by ship to return to the island, Hero & Heroine are captured by pirates. Heroine is forced to dress as a young boy to escape detection by pirates. On the island, Heroine continuously sneaks to the slave quarters to visit Hero in the middle of the night...gets discovered by maid, who keeps her secret...Heroine becomes pregnant by slave/Hero... so, even the little details are similar.-(END)- I'm not accusing the author of intending to plagiarize "Shanna" - it's just that once I noticed the similarities, I couldn't get it out of my head. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read.

Great Story!
I loved this book so much.I think it's one of my all time favorite books.This is the first Karen Robards historical romance that I've read.I couldn't put it down.I really loved Lilah and Joss, their story made me cry a couple of times.My favorite part of the book was when they were on the deserted island.This book has a great plot, a lot of adventure and two great leading characters.I don't think I'll ever forget this story.I loved the ending!Such a perfect ending to a great story.I can't wait to read Ms. Robards' other romance novels. ... Read more

Product Description
Set in nineteenth-century Australia, a romance by the best-selling author of To Love a Man and follows the love affair between Dominic Gallagher, an Irish revolutionary, and a shy, noble Australian lady, Sarah Markham. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Horrible horrible heroine
*Warning MILD spoilers ahead*

I actually had put down the book for months just because of how much I hated the heroine, Sarah.

Sarah begins by announcing that she is an "emancipist" (class of people in 1800 Australia who considered convicts human beings and thus deserving of human-like treatment,) as opposed to being an "exclusionist" (who believed that convicts, their families, and their descendants were not humans, possibly inferior even to animals, definitely less than sheep, and thus lower than second class citizens.)

That's all good and well, except she then proceeds to do everything in her power to make us disagree with her statement:

she is consistently snobbish, waspish, violent, cruel and arrogant with Dominic (who is in her power) to be point of going beyond even my idea of intolerable racism. I wonder why she bothered to save his life at the beginning of the book? To pile humiliation upon humiliation on the poor man?

Immediately following their first sexual encounter she has to fight down loathing and NAUSEA (not because of the act in itself, but because it was with HIM,) and that goes on for days; just thinking about the fact that she sullied her precious self with a convict makes her sick.

I'm serious here, she actually VOMITS when she remembers he's a convict. She goes on to look at him as if he's pure filth, and every time she thinks of his touch or his body hair, or his devastated back (he had been whipped to an inch of his life,) she runs for a chamber pot. And by the way, the book describes Dominic as being a gorgeous man, actually beautiful, whereas Sarah is an acknowledged ugly old maid. Yet SHE is the one who is grossed out!

I understand that those were different times, that this was an acceptable form of racism, that there is nothing wrong with a book being historically accurate. But then, if you want to be historically accurate, give me a helpless heroine, 'cause no woman of her station would have EVER been allowed to behave the way she did, let alone have such freedoms.

She goes as far as to slash the hero's cheek with her leather reins - just so we're clear: it's the equivalent of whipping someone in the face with a belt - and of course draws blood. Want to know why? Because the "brute" hadn't been appropriately respectful of her when he accused her of being dishonest and, oh right! His tone was overtly sarcastic whenever he addressed her as "Miss Sarah".

The list of the heroine's abusive behavior, both physical as well as psychological, goes on, endlessly.
It gets even harder to swallow when the tables are turned and it's Dominic who holds her in his power and he is her exact opposite in his treatment of her. The man goes so far as to sacrifice his own well being to see to her comfort and to protect her modesty! She thanks him by being obnoxious and cruel when deigning to talk to him, even when he defends her at the cost of his own life!

Tables get turned again, and one more time we have the b***ch in power, and of course we have her tying him by the neck to a trunk, starving him and tiring him to death, refusing him basic comforts, treating him like an animal, etc.

This might be someone's idea of the ultimate romantic fantasy, but it sure ain't mine. Perhaps some of you may not agree with my assessment, and figure Sarah was behaving so uncharacteristically because she could not understand and control her own feelings for the man; but please, keep in mind that there were women convicts in Australia as well as men... and now try to imagine that some guy was beating and abusing one of them the way Sarah abuses Dominic!

Nothing about this heroine made me want to associate with her, not only did I not want to imagine myself as her, I wouldn't even like to meet her.

Even the sex bothered me, since I just didn't want to read about her getting all that undeserved attention and adoration.

2 stars because the hero was pulling the entire story and because the settings were original.

One of my favorite Robards books
I love this book.Dominic and Miss Sarah are a lot of fun to read about.She's so stuck up and prissy, and of course, he just can't help driving her crazy.

She saves his life when he's going to get whipped to death for being a trouble making prisoner on a ship bound for Australia.Instead, she buys him for her father's station.She goes on to boss him around and drive him crazy, while he does everything he can to annoy her and get under her skin.

There's lots of action and adventure, revenge-minded criminals, evil step mothers and a secret inheritance, and all the ingredients for a great historical romance novel, IMO.

Most importantly, the couple is sexy.There's one scene I love where her hair falls out of its pins and he asks her to leave it down.The guy is a charmer, for sure.The whole time I was reading the book, I kept thinking, "Go for it, Sarah!"

Horrible heroine
For me, this book had everything- action, a great plot, forbidden love, and anything else that you would want in a romance. But, it did have one downfall: The heroine. I felt that her character was completely inconsistent. She as made out to be a fair, caring person that couldn't stand to see someone else hurtin the beginning of the book, and all of a sudden became someone that wasn't happy UNLESS she wa hurting someone. Once again, this is yet another book in which the heroine crosses the line between "fiery and independent" and a "rhymes with witch." I mean, I'm up with the heroine giving the hero a well deserved slap for being a butthole, but the heroine was constantly taking her anger out on the hero by hitting him. If the roles were reversed, no one would read this book because the only way to describe what she was doing to the hero is Abuse. I mean, every single time something didn't go her way, she would attack him. Isn't what she tried to save him from, only to do it to him herself? She was not only fake and dumb, but she was cruel as well. I don't think that you should put your hands on anyone in violence, man or woman. You can't just have a heroine like this, and then try and attempt to make her sweet and docile at the end. It's just not believable. I would not reccommend this book to anybody.

Exciting and entertaining - annoying heroine.
I almost loved this book. It had amazing ideas... a rough, sexy Irish ruined noble type is found being cruelly whipped nearly to death on a convict ship. His name is Dominic and he is beautiful, proud, intelligent and fierce... wrongly imprisoned of course!! He is "rescued" by Sarah- a skinny, shrieking, stubborn ingrate- and sold to her father as a servant. I loved the hero, the setting, the 19th Century time period... the description of the ranch and the lifestyle... However the heroine left me grinding my teeth. The back of the book calls this girl "shy" but that is not what I would call her. The girl is hysterical half the time- demanding and extremely insulting. The author is very unflattering about her looks and her personality. Her thoughts make no sense whatsoever. I considered the title of this book to be a perfect description of this girls personality- yikes! I wanted Dominic to dump that girl in the river and walk away for good. She was lucky to attract him- an intelligent, sexy, handsome, kind, rich man. There was no reason someone as amazing as HIM would ever, ever, ever settle for a girl like that. I did like a lot of the elements of the book however and Sarah definitely improved toward the end. This was a really enjoyable book for the yum hero as well as the beautiful and exciting setting.

4 1/2 stars...
This was my first Karen Robards book & I highly enjoyed it.The setting & storyline was awesome even though it kind of made me feel like the hero wasn't a very strong hero that you tend to assume heroes will be but it wasn't his fault.He can't take on an army & fight while being chained so in my eyes I kept seeing him as being kind of weak.I probably shouldn't see it that way but I wanted to see him be able to fight more often.

Aside from that my only other complaint was that I had a few unanswered questions like what was Liza's secret & I wondered some things about Percival that was never explained.

Overall though I loved this book & will definitely seek out more books by this author.I was hooked to this book & found it very difficult to put down.Highly recommend. ... Read more

Product Description
Lady Isabella St. Just is shocked to learn the identity of the daring champion who comes to her aid -- for the man who rescues her from desperate felons is none other than Alec Tyron, the notorious king of London's underworld. Now she is beholden to an outlaw who is respected and feared throughout the city and stunned by her own intense desire for this dark man of mystery. Fate has united these strangers from opposite lives -- the beautiful aristocrat and the brazen criminal outlaw. And now that the flame has been lit, no power on Earth will quench the fire of their passion...or destroy a love that society cannot allow.

Customer Reviews (23)

Took my breath away
Wow! WOW! Wow!

Such a fun and exciting and so sensual. I'd read it again.

The recent Banning sisters series is like this book split into three. Though Robards uses the same plot lines even the same descriptions in her books. I just loved it!!

Lovely romantic book............
In the past I've read quite a few of Karen's newer romances and have enjoyed most of them.Tiger's Eye, is my first historical novel.I was really impressed with the main characters, both were slightly, flawed and I like that in the characters with my romance books. Alec is the perfect hero,needy and strong at the same time, and Isabella is sweet,though a naive Countess who gets kidnapped,, and lands, literally in Alec's, alias, the Tiger's doorstep.The side characters were enjoyable and I was happy that Paddy and Pearl, Alec's best friends got together, they were good together. I also bought the book and really enjoyed the new cover with Alec, and Isabelle on the cover.I'm looking for the other two older romances that Karen has written and is now in brand new covers,though haven't found them yet.If you would like to read an older romance with a lot sizzle and fun written into it read Tiger's Eye.If your wondering why only 4*, I give all my pure romance books only 4, being, to me that is a perfect book. Karen's books are all very entertaining.

Tiger's Eye - Love it!
I thought this book was wonderful!I read it in 2 days and have already re-read the ending!If you enjoy books from this time era, I know you will love it too.Such love - does it have to be a fantasy???

Great story of intrigue and adventure!
Isabella St. Just is married in a loveless marriage- arrange by her father for business circumstances. It was refreshing to read a romance novel where the heroine actually experiences the plight of nearly every other romance novel's beginning! I feel like nearly ever Victorian or Regency novel has the same story- the girl is being forced to marry and she rebels, runs away, and finds new love. It was fascinating to read this idea from the perspective of the girl who actually doesn't escape and endures.

She is kidnapped and, at some point, is "accidently" rescued by "The Tiger," when she falls in his lap while he's just doing his job. Basically, he would have left her for dead, had he not disagreed with her captor's business processes. The Tiger it the King of London's Underworld, though I found him to be somewhat lackluster in that department. He spends half the novel injured, as a result of several confrontations, and the other half as a pretend-nobel. So I didn't see much of The Tiger through this particular point of the character's life.

That being said, this was a well-written romance novel. It was certainly worth the read, and had fun and unique perspectives and ideas. The romance that blossoms is sweet and has an enduring "rag-to-riches" feel to it.

This would definitely be a 4 star novel if not for the hero's inability to keep his AHEM in his pants. I'm sorry, but this IS a romance novel, and it's tough and a turn-off to see the hero messing around with all the whores in the whorehouse.... 3 to be certain. It's just shrugged off and never explained. The hero even thinks at one point that he will even explain his history with one whore in order to gain the trust of the heroine, but then he never does. So...?

Anyway, a good mystery/ romance novel recommended!

started out good, then blah
The copy I have, I noticed was published in 1989. This is the first book that I've read by this author.I wish I had a frame of reference to either other books published at this time or other books by this author to give a better rating.I mostly read recently published works so this rating might not be the best, but how I feel this book worked for me. Now onto the book.

**********MAY BE SPOILERS BELOW. READ AT YOUR WILL********

The beginning was great. The setting was unique. Intriguing, a real page turner all the way up til Alec(hero) and Isabella(heroine) leave for Amberwood estate.

Then when they leave it seems to morph characters. Isabella was described as sensible, docile, and gentle, with a good head on her shoulders- as soon as Alec would kiss her she became a puppet.You got the feeling that as long as Alec was kissing her she would have agreed to anything, even murder.For bringing up adultery quite often she sure didn't seem to feel any shame, disgrace, or guilt.For Alec, he's supposed to be the king of London's underworld that clawed his way to the top, but he sure takes dumb risks.Like drinking what Isabella gave him without asking what it was or not locking his door with 3 attempts on his life.

On a similar note, Alec's situation between Pearl and Isabella-I wanted more to be done and said about it.Miss Robards at least wanted Isabella to think he had slept with Pearl, then her. Then again at the end, implying he would have slept with Dahlia.I got the feeling should their relationship wane in the future, Alec would not think twice about sleeping with someone else. Just something else I thought I should mention.

The last half of the book just left you shaking your head. Alec told Isabella he believed her husband was the one to try to have her killed, she thinks a couple months and money are enough to keep her safe and for her to think "it had grown increasingly more difficult for her to remember that Bernard had really, truly tried to have her killed.". So even her lover's belief isn't strong enough against Bernard's gentlemanly behavior to convince her.Did she think Bernard would give her a sign the next time he tried to kill her? How long did Isabella believe Alec and her could live without a problem in their love nest?

I, also, felt the book ended too soon. I wanted to know where they would live, the Blakely townhouse or a slum?What about there children- reared street wise or to become members of the ton?Would Alec continue his "job" as king of the underworld? ... Read more

Product Description
An innocent Mississippi wildflower in the early bloom of womanhood, headstrong Jessie Lindsay will do anything to thwart the charming, enigmatic fortune hunter who has come to wed her widowed stepmother. But there is far more to Stuart Edwards than Jessie first imagines. And in the heat of a blistering Southern summer, the handsome riverboat gambler will awaken feelings she has never known -- and share with her his dangerous secrets -- as reckless, undeniable desire propels them both toward scandal, possible ruin...and impossible love.

Customer Reviews (20)

An Ugly Duckling Dealing with the Devil
A little bit ugly duckling and Cinderella with a bit of Faust thrown in - making a deal with the Devil - all at home on a Southern plantation.The three lead characters include Jessie, an awkward, innocent adolescent, Celia, her evil stepmother who is vain and, oversexed, let's say, and Stuart AKA Clive, the dashing rake/gambler/wannabe gentleman.While books with simpering virgins usually get thrown into my no-no pile pretty quickly, Robards paints 19-year-old Jessie with just enough goodness, self-doubt and attitude, tempered by the ill-will of her stepmother, and cruel teasing by her peers that she became a young woman who deserves some empathy.And empathy is what she gets from Stuart, who in the beginning, feels a little sorry for her.But then, of course, the ugly duckling emerges into a graceful swan with a bit of help from Stuart and his dotty aunts.There's no pumpkin carriage or glass slipper, but her Prince Charming comes along nonetheless.He just happens to be married to her evil stepmother and he's a liar and a con man to boot.What a marvelous premise.

I enjoyed this story of fakes and frauds, truth and consequences.Robards' characters are usually intriguing personalities, and in this case, she plays her cards right with Stuart, who's a charmer and survivor, matching wits with Jessie, who begins to see him for the wily fox that he is, and who has a few tricks of her own.Still, when the clock strikes midnight, maybe Stuart can become a prince after all.The storyline hooked me and I couldn't wait to see how it would all be resolved.It turns out that Jessie is not so simpering, but a rather feisty princess reigning on her southern plantation with just enough guile to make and honest man of her con man.An amusing tale.

I loved this book
I read this book when I was quite young, and even though I realized the hero was often an obnoxious jerk, how many of us couldn't say the same about the man in our life at times? The thing that has always stuck with me is how the Stuart/Clive character seemed to leap off the page. He is one of the most 'real' characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. Other than that, this book just sizzles the way you want it to! I would tell anyone who hasn't read it to BUY IT NOW!

Karen Robards does it again!
Karen Robards is an absolutely excellent writer! This story is absolutely breathtaking. I became so absorbed in this book that I got the whole thing read in one day! This is a true love story and has some steamy scenes! I will continually be re-reading this book and you will not regret reading it either!

Awful- even to a Robards fan
I enjoy Karen Robards' books.They're fluff-- airplane, swimming pool reading.That's what I bought this one for.My expectations are for entertainment, not brilliant fiction or even a gripping storyline.
But I think it's one of the worst of Robards' I've ever read.The plot is appalling-- an 18 year old girl is seduced by her 28 year old step father.(Alright, the husband of her stepmother, but still)Yes, yes, they fall in love.It is a romance novel, after all.But I still found myself astonished that this was an acceptable relationship and I'm very disappointed in this one.There is a disconcerting incestuous overtone, that simply wasn't good reading.So much so, that I won't resell this one or even put it on my bookshelf.It's going right into the garbage can.I won't be buying any more Robards novels for a while.

good! love her older stuff...
COmpared to her recent contemporaries, her older books are hardly recognizable as Robards.. that being said, this book is great. You will get sucked in and she actually pulls of a somewhat difficult plot line very well. ... Read more

Product Description
Bestselling, award-winning author Karen Robards brings to life two extraordinary characters--an aristocratic beauty and a notorious pirate--in a love story that sizzles with passionate adventure and unbridled desire. . . .

Lady Catherine Aldley was en route to London when pirates attacked her ship. Just in time, Captain Jonathan Hale rescued her from his own men, sweeping her into his arms, staking his claim on the pampered daughter of England's ambassador to Portugal. All Catherine had were her wits and the will to beat her captor at his own game. His searing kisses kindled unfamiliar passions, but she vowed to make him her prisoner of desire. . . .

He was a legendary pirate, daring, triumphant, free. Jonathan Hale never took captives and always escaped--until he saw the headstrong beauty he couldn't leave behind. She was fire and ice, a lady outraged, a tigress in his arms. Cathy refused to be treated like chattel, yet yielded to his sensual invasion as she conquered his body and soul. She made loving truly dangerous, exposing his deepest fears--and his mutinous heart. . . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Negative stars
This book reads like it was written by a rapist who engages in domestic violence.The "hero" rapes and beats the heroine, who is a minor, and then tells her she deserves it.It was at that point that I threw the book into the recycle bin.

It's hard to believe that this was written by a woman.I would have said the author was a man with serious problems.

One of my favorite books
I love this book so much!In real life I would never be with someone like Jonathon, but I loved reading about him and Cathy.This is a fictional tale, so the way he treated her didn't make me hate the book.In fact, it's one of my favorite books.This book felt very real to me.I think it had a great plot and two very interesting main characters. It's so different from the other romance novels I've read (I think that's why I like it so much).The sequel is even better.

I can't believe I was bored!
The bold American Pirate Jon Hale captures the beautiful and fiesty Lady Catherine Aldley and refuses to let her go because he wants her for himself. Catherine can't believe she finds the handsome scoundrel attractive. They go through A tumultuous affair of passion and danger on the sea and land, but will they overcome their problems with the help of true love?

I am one of those readers that an author can pretty much throw any scenario at and I can read it! Romance is fantasy mixed with A little reality and as long as the story keeps me entertained and glued to the pages I'm happy! Having said that, I knew this book was A controversial one, and I wanted to read it anyway. What I did not expect was that I would be bored! The storyline did nothing for me and I did not care about any of the characters. I think the writing had alot to do with my disappointment. This is one of those fragile stories that it takes A great effort to pull it off and I don't think this book succeeded in accomplishing that goal. The hero wasn't very appealing so it was hard to forgive him for his mistreatment of Catherine. That's saying alot coming from me because i'm very tolerant of A dominant hero's character if he's suppose to be A scoundrel or A rouge. I know that His actions are suppose to fit his personality, but in this book the things the characters says and does seemed forced and unrealistic. The chemistry between the hero and heroine also seemed forced and neither of them had A real life personality. I've read books where the hero was far worst than the hero in this book and I still had compassion for him and rooted for his redemption but in this book the hero was so unappealing that I couldn't have cared less! Even the four love scenes were not sensual or detailed enough and two of them only lasted less than half of A page each time. I really started to get bored somewhere in the middle and to make matters worst Jon fell in love with Catherine too quickly for A hardened pirate and then his anger and hatred towards her after she saved him from hanging was foolish. The misunderstanding through out the rest of the book was also extremely annoying.

I love books that are bold and daring and pushes the limit, so none of the other gripes by the other reviewers are my own, but I was very disappointed with the overall substance of this book. If you want to read A great book that pushes the limit, read LOVE STORM by Susan Johnson.

Wasnt that bad
I enjoyed the book. Yes I could have done without the rape, but I still could enjoy the book. It was not your typical romance so if thats what your looking for than this book isnt for you, but it does break up the typical story line of a historical romance. I think some readers forget she was also playing a game with him. He wasnt the only one controlling the situation!

Rape is not Romance!
I've enjoyed reading several of Karen Robards books.This is not one that I could even finish.Rape has no place in a romance.I was very disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description
Defiantly beautiful, Caroline Wetherby stepped ashore in a land so wild and fierce, she trembled.She had come seeking refuge with the last of her family, but her sister was dead.Waiting to greet her were pious Pilgrims, warring Indians, howling wolves, a boisterous household of men and boys...and him, her rugged, unwelcoming brother-in-law, Matt Mathieson.Caroline wanted to hate Matt as she hated all men.

After her father's death, she'd been eager to escape England.But as daughter of a gambler and a gypsy, her flamboyant ways and healing skills tempted disaster in the sanctimonious Connecticut Colony.And putting herself in the hands of a big, handsome stranger tempted something far more dangerous--emotions she couldn't resist, kisses she couldn't forget, and a future that could bring ruin...or a journey to heaven on earth in his arms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Ugh...
Not very good. I did finish it but not good.

The heroin is lame. She has these childish tantrums all the time. It's so annoying. I'd not advise it for anyone. Just not good

This Side of Heaven - very good!
I just finished This Side of Heaven and enjoyed it very much.Could not put it down from the very first page.Karen Robards is terrific!

Not your typical romance...
Not typical, but still enjoyable.The setting of the Puritan era did not lend itself to all of the normal romance "trappings".The hero was not in line for a royal title, the heroine was not an innocent ingenue constantly wearing a bosom enhancing corset.He was working in the fields a lot, and she was basically an indentured servant.Having said that, I really enjoyed watching their romance develop.Somehow, the author made this life seem interesting.Other than the sometimes stilted Puritan dialect, it was a good read.

forgettable
I couldn't believe how much I hated this book.I've read all of Karen Robards historical romance novels and a few of them are some of my all time favorite books. I didn't like Caroline - I found her annoying.I also didn't care for the setting and time period.

An Exciting Read!
Since her father's death, Caroline has no choice, but to seek a home with her late sister's husband and family. The moment she arrives on their farm all hell breaks loose! The spirited and very beautiful Caroline refuses to cower to her brother-in-law, Matt, whose more handsome than should be allowed. The story is long, but not boring, except for a few places where Robards repeats herself in her descriptions. There is laughter, danger and tender hearted moments, as well as sizzling passion as Matt and Caroline try to deal with their feelings for each other. His family also learns to accept Caroline in spite of the wounds her vicious sister left behind. I kept this book for years and just kept re-reading it for almost 10 years! It's just that good once you get into it! ... Read more

Product Description
Caitlyn was an orphaned beauty with no future -- until the rugged outlaw nobleman rescued her from the streets. And now they ride together in the shadows of the night -- on the run from corrupt minions of the law -- emboldened by the exhilarating heat of the chase...and by a love as wild and free as the wind on the moors. Caitlyn has vowed she will never forsake Connor, her brave champion, her sensuous lover. But to save Connor, she must now betray him. Yet the proud lady can never betray the passion that joins their hearts...and draws Connor into harm's way to rescue his cherished love once more.

Customer Reviews (20)

Couldn't even finish it... Not one of her best
Caitlyn, high spirited Irish lass disguised as a lad lived off the streets stealing from the hated English til she tries to steal fromthe hero Conner and gets caught. He takes pity on her and offers her a job on his farm instead of turning her in.

To this point I thought this book was promising.... However, she seems to turn into a whiny, clingy, brattish, lazy ( never wanted to work it seemed like), always in a temper, self righteous... OK, ONLY thing nice about Caitlyn is she turns into a beautiful girl from a dirty beggar. Nevertheless, its unbelievable any decent male can fall in love with such a character.
After reading halfway through the book I decided I had better things to do then waste my after noon annoyed at a book. I just couldnt stand the heroine. This book had some funny moments, and I did enjoy reading about the brothers but most of the time I was just annoyed, frustrated at Caitlyn. So if you enjoy books with "horrible" heroines who're brattish, whiny, childish, and clingy.. this is the book for you.
If you'll rather read about heroines who're heroic, strong, and witty, not just temperamental brats, then try Johanna Lindsey book around the same time this book was written.

Very good Ward/Romance
This book was very good. I really liked the hero and heroine. I love the brothers, there could be spin off's about them . It was heartbreaking at times , yet it was fantastic. Some scenes sizzled.

Couldn't put it down!
I'll say it again - I simply couldn't put this one down!I enjoyed it tremendously.This one starts out different from most of the Robards books I have read (our heroine is disguised as a boy!).But the story draws you in almost immediately.These characters were more 'human' than most and the experiences that they have in this story are interesting and adventurous.There are times when you just don't know what will happen next!Caitlyn is a spunky, determined, and headstrong character one wants to relate to; and Connor is awe-inspiring.Karen Robards writes men just like romantic heros should be written!This book will make you wish you could go back in time and meet yourself a Connor!

This book pratically got me fired...........
This book practically got me fired b/c I could not put it down!I found myself sneaking in a few sentences here and there while I was supposed to be working.If that doesn't define a good book, I don't know what does!

As previously stated by other reviewers, the characters were well developed, and their personalities were magnetic.I found myself frustrated when Conner was frustrated (let's face it some things Caitlyn did made me want to scream) and worried for Caitlyn at the same time.

You should not have doubts about picking this book up.It was a heart-warming tale about a four young brothers who dedicated their lives to helping those less fortunate than them.If you're looking for a raunchy romance, this is not the book.There is a touch of everything in this novel; adventure, romance, suspense, family-loyalty and devotion, etc.

My only complaint was that Caitlyn's immaturity got under my skin a couple of times, but not enough for me to take any stars away. :)

This was my first of Robard's books.....I hope the rest are as great!

My 1st KR -- got me hooked!
An engaging fiction tale. I might have forgotten I was reading a romance! Excitement (begininghad an Oliver Twist feel). Enjoyed the fun & play. Loved the settings. I adored all the characters.

Easy to get into. Smooth writing-style. Real adverture, more so than most romance. ... Read more

Product Description
Nothing in anchorwoman Lynn Nelson's high-profile TV career prepared her for saddle sores, frayed tempers, or her teenage daughter Rory's raging hormones as they vacation in Utah's mountain wilderness.The object of Rory's passion is their guide, drop-dead-gorgeous Jess Feldman, a man the divorced Lynn instinctively distrusts, even as she shields herself from his blazing baby blues.

But in a terrifying moment when both Lynn and Rory fall off a cliff of sheared rock, Jess becomes their only hope.Risking his life to save them, he guides them through the impenetrable forest thousands of feet below, unwittingly plunging them into a danger more menacing than any of them could have imagined.

Exhausted and injured, all they have is each other--a terrified child, and a man and a woman who rediscover passion in each other's arms--as they race against time for their lives.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

ehhh... unbelivable and pretty annoying
First of all I hated how the hero began the book by hitting on the heroines teenage daughter... very annoying! I never found anything that good about him, and she was whiney and annoying. Definitely not one of her best. The subplot was very lame and unbelievable... don't bother!!

Ridiculous
I just really couldn't find anything about this story to like.The heroine was so full of herself.She had such a temper and just mean spirited that even when she was being portrayed as this caring mother, I just couldn't like her. When a branch smacks the hero in the face she thinks it's funny. Everytime he gets hurt, she thinks it's amusing.Good Grief!This caring mother is trapped in a mine having sex with the hero while her 14 year daughter is wandering around lost and hurt and they have no idea if she is okay. I would have been a wreck!The whole scenario of this cult blowing up the world along with all the rest was just so unbelieveable.I finished reading the book though was tempted to quit several times and even the ending where the hero hasthrown himself out a second story window because the house is going to blow up. It stands to reason he is hurt but our heroine laughs and has a microphone reporting the story with no concern for him. What is it he sees in this self absorbed woman is beyond me.I would assume her job is more important than her daughter or marriage so really couldn't see this working. Other than sexually, I couldn't understand any relationship between them . Okay others liked it and guess we're all different (good thing)but I really didn't see anything to like about it. I have liked some of KR's other books but often I have to warm up to the heroines in her stories. I'm not sure why so many of them have to be so sassy. I'm all for women being independent but KR carries it too far sometimes.

Least Favorite Robards Book
I bought this book after reading the reviews here and also because I've enjoyed the last three Robards books I've read.This one was not at all as enjoyable to me as the other three I read (Superstition, Whispers at Midnight and Paradise County).Maybe I'm just not a wilderness or cowboy kind of girl because the romance aspect was just ok to me, and the supense, while some parts were pretty good, mostly bored me.I just didn't care for this one, but I love Karen Robards normally so I'll continue to keep reading herbooks.

Excellent Romantic Suspense Novel!
Karen Robards is one of my favorite authors and this is one of her best books in my opinion. I was hooked from the first page.

This review is short and sweet.If you like romantic suspense, check this book out!

Good start-bad ending
This Robard's book was a disappointment.The first half held me in its grasp, making me want to read faster and faster but I could only shake my head once the good guys and bad guys met. From that point, it became unrealistic.Did not care for the "end of the world" scenario and how conveniently everything happened for the good guys.For example, when the good guys were cornered and going to be killed, oops, the rock plateau falls and all but one terrorist is killed and this one happens to think that maybe his associates might have been mistaken in their beliefs.Get real!Sorry Karen, I love most of your action/thrillers but this was a major dissapointment. ... Read more

Product Description
Preacher's daughter Susannah Redmon is able to hold her family's homestead in the Carolina Colony together through grit and determination, but her greatest challenge lies in Ian Connelly, the Marquis of Derne. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Spunky, fast paced, enthralling...
This book is about a household of daughters of a Baptist minister run by the eldest, spinster daughter, since their father's mind usually occupied with church things.To ease the physical burden of running a farm, she purchased a bond servant who turned out to be a English aristocrat betrayed to be killed but ended up being sold instead.

What do you get when you have a man born and bred to be a duke put into a position of being a bond servant?What do you get when you have a authoritarian, bossy spinster lady who is use to being in charge of everything and everyone challenged by a former marquise?The dynamics between the two was hilarious.I enjoyed Ian being Ian, who sleeps buck naked, who exudes arrogance and sexuality, who makes you want to wack him with a bag of beans at times for his gall, and who makes you applaud him when he is able to see inner and hidden beauty in someone who was truly beautiful all around.

I enjoyed Suzanna too, who has the burden of a large family, farm and community on her shoulders, but accepts her station in life without complaint.She is one of those people who is truly selfless and giving, and trying with every ounce of her being to be "good."Which was why I understood her comflict when she falls in love with Ian and makes love with him, then struggled with the guilt.I also loved it when she discovered against her preconceived notion of herself, that she could be physically beautiful with the right clothes and hair-do.

This was a fun story, very sexy, and full of surprises.However, the ending felt rushed.I would have liked to see Susanna strut her inner strength and duchess-like demeanor at Ian's side at the ton while they were in London.I would have liked to see Ian get more satisfaction than the two pages, when he revealed his mother's evil plot.It would have been nice to have more words devoted to Ian and Suzanna's final reunion, and maybe an epilogue about their life as a married couple.

one of her best
Very enjoyable. I read somewhere that Susannah (the heroine) was Robards's favorite.

There have been better, there have been worse....
This was a well developed story about four sisters and their minister father who live and work on a farm in the late 1700's.Farm life, chores, and family values are the focus of this family's lifestyle.Out of a desperate need for help on the farm, the eldest daughter, Savannah, decides to purchase a "bound-man" (convict/slave), Ian.

This book is enjoyable enough to keep you turning the pages, but the romance between Ian and Savannah is a bit far-fetched.Savannah's immature and hostile attitude becomes tiresome and I constantly wondered why Ian kept chasing after her.

It's an original story, which makes it worth reading.

Even Better the 2nd Time aroud!!!!!!
As a side note..the cover of this book..the one with the woman whiping the man just made me crack up :).

I remember reading this very good novel but not remembering the author because it was such a long time ago..years and years I say.I got lucky and this book fell into my hands a second time :) hehehe. In a short summary, a spinster that is busy taking care of her father and 3 sisters decides to buy a slave.The thing I don't get is that ...her father is a priest. This somehow contradicts itself, yet it works.Surprisingly, the man only stays around to get under her skirt. He turns out to be a marquis and she catches him 'sneaking' away.The sex is incredible, the guy is incredible, but he is an idiot she always seems to forgive. Ehh?!

This book has it's funny parts..when he is trying to collect eggs from the chicken coop and comes out with feathers stuck to him and killer chickens after him.Her sisters always bickering..kinda reminds me of my family. :) Come on give it a try, you know you want to . and besides it's a good one.

Pretty Steamy!
This book was amazing after the first initial chapters. I drug myself throught the first 5 chapters. It starts out really boring and i wonder why my best friend is telling me to read it. Then, out of the blue, they're going at it like crazy! It's pretty steamy when it gets to the "intimate" parts. I completely recomend this one! Eventually you will feel like you are Suzanna and Ian has just swept you off of your feet. It's pretty good stuff!

P.S. This girl gets FREAKY!! ... Read more

Product Description
The nude male body lay on the embalming table, battered beyond recognition. Gingerly, Summer McAfee, chairman, CEO, and sole employee of Daisy Fresh cleaning service, reached out to touch an arm to reassure herself that she hadn't just seen the corpse move.Suddenly, shockingly, her hand was in the viselike grip of a man very much alive and desperate enough to take her captive on a no-holds-barred run from cops, killers, and his own decidedly complicated past...

Summer's former life as a New York lingerie model had gone south with her marriage, leaving her, at thirty-six, single and back home in Tennessee, on her hands and knees scrubbing other people's bathrooms.But the drab present vanishes in a flash as she's forced to flee into the Tennessee wilds with the stranger she calls Frankenstein, first as his captive, then his companion, as they run from the enemies determined to destroy them both--straight into a raging passion that could only be the last laugh of fate... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

Liked the book...but why does this seem very familiar????
So I am a fan of Karen Robards...Love, love, love her....but this book reminds me of a book she wrote before this one. Could that book be "Night Magic"????Before I say anything else I just want to state that I really liked this book but I gave it 3 stars because I already read the first version of it which was "Night Magic". Now, not to confuse anyone, there is no other version but it is practically the same book with different character names and instead of the "fluffy little thing" the male character doesn't like being a cat--it's a dog this time.

Some of you hated the repetition of the song "Ghostbusters" but I acually found it quite funny and the "franklinstein" thing I completely over saw seeing as how I did enjoy reading it. The ghost thing I found a little out of its element but I dealt with it because it was not in every chapter. As I read on, I grew weary because I was pratically guessing correctly what was going to happen at the end of the chapter before I even read it. And I also read that a couple of you thought the book "Wild Orchids" had the same plot as this one so it must have the same plot as "Night Magic" as well...

I liked the book but I never thought that there would be three books in a row following the same story line. Like I said I enjoyed the book because it did make me laugh but I didn't receive anything special that makes a book unique to me.

I am just glad that these are some of her earlier works and that she has grown from them.

Very Good Suspense Romance
I gave this 4 stars because after the first blast of action in the beginning it slowed a little (for me) and I felt that while the ending was good it could have been better.The book over all was very good and I even laughed out loud several times.I would recommend the book to others.

The Best of Karen Robards
This is by far my favorite Karen Robards book.I love the characters.I didn't want the story to end.I want to read more about them in future books.They are two of the most endearing characters I've ever read about.I could read this book over and over again.

Not Too Stale
The story was fast paced and entertaining, which was what I was looking for ... a quick read with lots of action and romance. If you have not read a Karen Robards book before, most of her heroes are aggressive and not well mannered until the middle of the story where the love-hate starts evolving more into the lust-love then finally love. The only aversion I had was in the beginning of the tale when she described our hero (the captor) with stale breath, it made me cringe more than his brutal behavior or battered "Frankenstein" looks. Perhaps, in the future, Ms. Robards can leave out a few sensory details.

Entertaining!!
Yes, I loved this book, from the writing to the story all the stwist & turns and the characters. I really enjoyed it. It was my very first book from Karen Robards and I for one am not disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description

She trusted her husband and got burned.
Now she's playing with fire and daring

To Trust A Stranger

Suspicion burned within Julie Carlson -- the heartbreaking, infuriating suspicion that her husband, a wealthy and powerful contractor, was having an affair. Not sure whom to trust, Julie turns to a handsome stranger....Private detective Mac McQuarry ignores his better judgment about not mixing women and work when he's hired by Julie Carlson. Not only is she drop-dead gorgeous, but Sid Carlson was a player in Mac's inglorious downfall from the Charleston P.D. -- and revenge would be sweet indeed. But when Mac witnesses an explosive hit that targeted Julie, the tables are turned -- and Mac and Julie become the hunted. With their fiery flirtation sparking into full-blown passion, they must crash their way through a maze of buried secrets and deadly deceptions.

Karen Robards electrifies the page with thrilling passion and suspense in this heart-pounding New York Times bestseller. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (57)

Couldn't Put Book Down!!
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The plot and the romance go hand in hand. This is a must read!!!

Shallow Heroine
Many have reviewed the storyline itself so won't go into that except to say this was one truly annoying shallow heroine. All she thinks about is keeping herself beautiful-she's a size 6 and shame on her because she didn't stay a size 2.:( She goes through all these rituals every night to stay beautiful). Even her job is to help other shallow (not all are shallow I'm sure;it's just when they become obsessed with it) beauty queens be beautiful. She really needs to get a life. I think women should exercise and take care of themselves but Julie was ridiculous.How many times through the book we are reminded how beautiful and thin she is. She even turns herself on looking at herself-get real! Then it's interesting that she does everything her mother and husband wants but is just mean and nasty to Mac who is trying to save her life. (do we have a dual personality here?) She begs him to sleep with her and then says hateful things to him afterward-It's a phase?? Did I mention shallow??? And as for Mac using her to get to her husband (a vicious killer)I didn't see a problem.Anyone would do whatever it took to take someone down who had killed a family member. I liked Mac but really could not get into Julie. The only female in the book worth mentioning is Josephine, the poodle. The suspense and mystery would have been worth the read if the heroine was more likable.

Surprisingly fun!
Having never read one of Karen Robards' novels before, this book sat on my bookshelf for many months.Then one rainy day, I came upon this and decided to start reading.TO TRUST A STRANGER proved to be surprisingly fun, despite its silliness at times.

Julie Ann Williams has come a long way from a life of poverty. Fresh from her reign as Miss South Carolina, her Cinderella-like life continues when she marries into one of the State's most influential families. But even fairy tales can come to an end as she realizes that Sid is cheating on her.With no one to turn to, she finds a friend in the handsome stranger she meets.With her life in turmoil, Julie finds herself drawn to the man from whom she has gotten more comfort in one night than what her husband has ever given her in the years they have been married.Yet will she be able to deal with the truth about Mac and Sid's history?

When his brother Daniel vanished years ago, Mac suspected that Daniel's friend Sid was involved. For a very long time, his goal in life had been to find out what has happened to his older brother.When he became a cop, Mac started searching for the truth.But just when he was starting to get close to it, his perseverance becomes his downfall when he was kicked out of the force.Now after biding his time waiting for the day when he could take revenge on Sid Carlson, it appears that the gods were finally smiling at him in the form of the distraught Mrs. Carlson.But while sleeping with his enemy's wife seemed like a pretty good way to start his revenge, he never foresaw the complication with falling in love with her. And now that her life is also in danger, Mac is determined to keep Julie safe.

Although I wasn't overly keen on Julie whose character lacks depth, Mac's character is so likable and I enjoyed the heated banters and steamy encounters between the two.I also had fun reading about Josephine, whose doggy antics had me grinning.Karen Robards has packed this story with action, humor and sensuality, making it a fun and quick read.

Good Plot, Bad Writing
Gosh, Karen Robards' plots are interesting, but the problem is her writing is just atrocious, chock full of cliches and, quite simply, unimaginative descriptive writing. Very disappointing; I won't read another.

suspense+tension+mystery+romance = awesome read
This is the first Karen Robards book I have read, and I would HIGHLY recommend it to those who are bored with most of the modern romances out there today.The heroine isn't trying to get married - but she is actually going through a divorce (once she realizes her husband put a mob hit out on her and he's sleeping around with someone she knows . . . . . )While trying to spy on her husband she meets a VERY hunky/handsome/drool-worthy ex-cop turned private investigator, and he ends up protecting her while they spy on her soon-to-be ex-husband.It sounds complicated but the story has great twists!!!I enjoyed reading this book b/c it was an escape at it's finest - the suspenseful parts had me really creeped out, and it was a great read at night, but the connection between the hero and the heroine were great!Some people felt turned off by her attitude but I actually really enjoyed the tension between their characters.Karen Robards gets an A+++ for great plot twists and steamy tension and an all-around entertaining read!Favorite scenes include:the "Sweetwater" strip club scene, the "mace" incident, the poodle, the car assasination scene (whoa!), the swamp scene, the finale. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the new book-from the New York Times bestselling author of Bait...

From one of the most popular voices in women's fiction comes a new thriller about a female journalist investigating the unsolved murder of a teenage girl that occurred fifteen years before. But another murder soon proves that the killer has unfinished business-and secrets to keep hidden. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Cheesy Thriller
The book started out great with the mysterious murder of 3 teenage girls.If Robards would have written a novel about their mysterious deaths instead of a psychic, cheesy romance between Nicky (investigative reporter) and Joe (jaded cop) and an out there, convoluted serial killer plot, I think I would have liked the book better.Although I must say, there were a couple of suspenseful parts in the novel which I did enjoy.They came and went amongst a lot of unnecessary descriptive writing about the beach, the wind, the moon, Joe's muscular chest, Nicky's red hair, and a pet pig.And the sex scenes were not that great.She basically threw herself at him, which in my opinion doesn't exactly make good erotica.Don't waste your time on this book.A Lifetime movie is a better way to spend your time.

Excellent suspense!
A thriller to the end.Once again, Karen Robards gives us a book that we can't put down.

Another Great Book!
This is another book I would give 10 stars!Even loved the little pig, Cleo!Read it, you'll love it!

Superstition
Nicole Sullivan is an investigative reporter for 24 Hours Investigates. She grew up on Pawleys Island, and is doing a TV special on the only unsolved murder case on the island. Fifteen years ago, Tara Mitchell, Lauren Schultz, and Becky Iverson were all teenage girls that went missing. Although Tara's was the only body discovered, it is assumed the other girls met the same horrible fate. Nicky is bringing another aspect to her show, and that is her mother. Lenora James is a well-known psychic, and she is going to try to make contact with the girls.

Joe Franconi is the chief of police on the island, and after the urging of the mayor, tries to stop the show from taping at the home where the murder took place, but is unsuccessful. He immediately has a showdown with the irritating reporter over the show, but as much as he hates
the thought, finds himself very attracted to her. Joe doesn't believe in psychics, but is there to keep peace while the show tapes.

When Nicky disappears after the show's conclusion, Joe goes in search of her, but doesn't expect her to stumble into his path injured and bloody. She insists he go find her coworker, Karen, because she was attacked too only she fears Karen didn't make it. After everything is sorted out, there is one dead, and a killer left with a fascination for Nicky. No one knows if this is the same man that killed the three teens, but the coincidence is too much to ignore. Joe promises to keep her safe, but when the killer steps up his game intent to get to her, all bets are off.

This was my first book by this author, and I liked it! It won't be my last because a good thriller is always appreciated. Nicky was a little whiney, and acted completely like the prima donna, but her attitude shifted when Karen was murdered. Joe is the embodiment of a man with a tortured soul, and his need to protect Nicky consumed him. The ending was a little hurried, but overall a good read.

DFK
This is my first book CD that I have listend to from Karen Robards and I was very disapointed.The book did not keep my attention and I thought that there was too much explainations on just everything.I do think that Joyce Bean did a wonderful job of narrating and she saved the book for me. ... Read more

Product Description
He was pure, unadulterated trouble.Johnny Harris is home again, his too-tight jeans and damn-your-eyes belligerence honed to perfection by a ten-year stretch in federal prison for murder.Now he's out on parole and ready for the job Rachel Grant has promised to help him begin a new life.Unlike the rest of the town, Rachel has always believed in her former student's innocence.But one thing has changed...

The sullenly handsome boy she remembers is still sullen, still handsome...but no longer a boy.And now the small Kentucky town is alive with gossip and whispers of a scandal, as friendship turns to passion and Rachel abandons a lifetime of propriety in the ex-con's arms.Then the killer strikes again. All evidence points to Johnny Harris, but Rachel knows he is innocent.And she knows she is next...as a shattering truth is uncovered and dark passions explode in the relentless summer heat.Amazon.com Review
High school teacher Rachel Grant believed in her studentJohnny Harris's innocence even after he was convicted of murdering hisgirlfriend.Now, 10 years later, he's out on parole and Rachel hastaken him under her wing, even finding a job for him. It isn't longbefore their relationship changes and Rachel and Johnny become muchmore intimate. But when another murder occurs and Johnny is the primesuspect, can Rachel prove his innocence before it's too late? KarenRobards defines passion in this story of love and scandal in a smallKentucky town. One Summer is an outstanding novel that readerswill turn to again and again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

WOW!
I enjoyed this book VERY MUCH! It had a lot of hot scenes along with a plot, climax, and it was an all around thriller! It had enough of everything to keep me intrigued! A true page-turner!!!

One Summer - Loved it!
I just finished this book.I loved it!I was a little worried in the beginning because I thought it was just going to be a story about an obnoxious bad boy - which I have no interest in reading about.Boy, was I wrong!The story was fabulous.I didn't see it coming - didn't have a clue - and that's all I'm going to say because I don't want to give anything away!I loved it, love Karen Robard - and highly recommend this book!!!

Too Long and Drawn Out
I have to say the romance between Rachel Grant being a teacher, and getting together romantically with a former student, Johnny, this bad boy turning over a new leaf in a new year after getting out of prison was pretty intriguing. Johnny goes to work for Rachel at her hardware store. She offers him the apartment upstairs above the store so he can get comfortable.

The thing I couldn't stand... between all the romance between the two main characters, and conflict and drama with her family, was that the suspenseful parts were rather drab and annoying. They just seemed to draw out forever, without really getting to a point.

I think Karen Robards could have done better. But she is a fantastic storyteller, as she proves in her other novels. This one just didn't do much for me after a while. I could not finish this one.

one summer
i love this book I would recommend to anyone johnny and teacher are awesome and the murder mystery in which johnny was jailed for in which he was innocent for murdering a former girlfriendyou just have to read to feel the emotion this book brings out.

Excellent book
I loved this book. It was so well written that it kept me spellbound throughout. I recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Molly Ballard was desperate. It wasn't easy caring for two brothers and two sisters, and keeping a roof over their heads. She needed money more than ever. Yet in a fit of anger she quit her job as a groom at the posh Wyland Farm in Kentucky's rich turf--and then stole out of the tack room with $5,000 in FBI cash. So when Agent Will Lyman catches her in a lie, she agrees to cooperate in a sting. She'll do anything to protect her family, to shield the secrets of her past, and guard her heart from further hurt. Molly will even spy for Will and let him pose as her lover. But soon the passion they pretend becomes searingly real as they court danger in bluegrass country and cross the path of a killer who will stop at nothing under a Hunter's Moon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Nice - saucy heroine & alpha male hero...
Would have to say this was on of my favorite of Karen's contemporaries.. (this, Bait, and Paradise County). I got sucked into the plot - loved the heroine and the way that she and the hero tried to resist each other, but ending up being drawn in. Hero is a total alpha-male, and the plot lines aren't that contrived. Heroine's job is a fun subplot as well as her relationship with her siblings (who is a guardian too).. watch for a hot scene in the rain on the hood of a car.. (you get the drift). Recommended!

It didn't like the characters.......
This was my second novel of Robard's and I was disappointed.I read Dark of the Moon earlier in the week and I was knocked off my feet.Granted, that was a historical romance, I had high hopes for this one. :(

Unfortunately, I couldn't care less about the story surrounding the horses.First Will was investigating an illegal betting scheme, then there were some mysterious horse slashings, a murder, and then a kidnapping?The plot was all over the place and I didn't feel as though any one aspect was developing, except the romance between Will and Molly.

The romance between Will and Molly was, in a word ~ awkward.What on earth did Will see in her?Also, why was he jealous of her sleazy boyfriend, Jimmy?His behavior (considering his age) was ridiculous.I thought they were mis-matched from the get-go and I never felt they belonged together.

When I like an author I read the good and the bad.Hopefully I happened upon a bad one, I will give Robard another try based on Dark of the Moon. :)

A page-turning romance!
This was my second Karen Robards book and it was just as good as the first one I read, Bait.I'm such a sucker for these books. A good steamy romance is just the thing to occupy a hot summer day. I enjoy these more than just a traditional romance though because as seen in this book, it is not only about the relationship between Will and Molly, it also has a good mystery and plenty of surprises. The conversations between Will and Molly were so well-written and entertaining. I'm ready for another book by Robards!

One of Robards' Best - Some great story telling
Will Lyman, an agent with the FBI, has been sent to Kentucky to investigate some questionable winnings at the horse tracks.Just when he believes he is tying up the case as they watch for the criminal to pick up their $5,000 bait money, a beautiful woman appears in the barn, looks into the sack that contains the money, and then picks it up and walks off.Will is close to speechless.How could such an easy assignment go so wrong and who was that woman?

Molly Ballard has just quit her job as groomer at the Kentucky stable and has come to pick up her final check.She accidentally finds the bait money and on a whim - takes it!She is beside herself with worry but is totally broke and she is responsible for the care of her four younger siblings.She is sure that no one saw her take the money and figures it is money that was earned illegally anyway.Within hours, a gorgeous man in a distinguished suit appears at her door sporting a FBI bag and a tape of her taking the bait money.

Will Lyman takes in the young lady's surroundings and determines that she is probably just plain desperate.She lives in a very run down home and is barely surviving financially as she takes care of her two brothers and two sisters.He decides to let her off the hook and not charge her with theft.Then he discovers that his informant has died and returns to asks (really demands) Molly to participate in the sting operation.To enable easy communication during the sting, Will acts the role of her boyfriend.

This was a really good, enjoyable story.Karen Robards can write some good male leads and I believe Will Lyman is one of her best yet.You just like being around this guy.It was a stretch for me to accept that he is fifteen years older than Molly.He has an eighteen-year-old son and it doesn't seem to fit with his other personality traits that he would be attracted to someone so much younger than himself.Molly is supposed to be a really kind person but she treats others with disdain more than kindness.She is protective and loving towards her siblings under her care but she is also quite prickly.

Eventually Will and Molly develop an attraction to each other that neither has pursued but cannot ignore.He is pure sophistication, from Chicago, and apparently lives the good life.Molly has only a high school education, is actually poor, and has never had any real advantages in her life.She has not been exposed to many refinements but is basically a good, hard working person.Her prickly nature is due to many hardships as she grew up.

I was engrossed in this story until half way through the book.Robards had managed to write a fresh story that was interesting on every page.Then, without warning, the author introduces one of the most overused, maddening romance novel plot lines.I just had to put the book down for a while.I felt betrayed.Molly discovers that she loves Will and realizes that there is no future for them.She decides the best way to handle her newly found feelings is to treat him with hate.She kicks into high hateful gear, treating Will with a huge amount of disdain when he has done nothing wrong, and doesn't speak to him unless it is with meanness.This "I love you so I must treat you as I hate you" is one of my least favorite things about romance writing.Fortunately, Will does not accept this treatment from her and ignores her.He has recognized her game and will not play into it.This contrived misunderstanding is the turning point of the book.Although I did not appreciate this particular turn of events, I kept reading and, with relief, found this situation did not drag on for long.This is the reason for a four star rating rather than a five star.

The story is actually very tender.There are only a couple of sensual scenes and they rate no more than a three out of five (see More About Me for rating guidelines). The story does not need any more sensual pages - it is just right for the framework of the book.

Although the heroine stretches the limits of realism more than once, it is a book that I would read again some day.After all, romance writing is not very realistic.How could we depend on those happy endings if it were not?It is a pleasurable read with some degree of depth.I could actually read two more books with this hero starting today!

A new author for me to explore ...
This is a fun book for me to read ~~ I think I found it at a library booksale and it was a quick and fun read. It is a mystery/romance novel ~~ the first Robards book I have ever read.

Molly Ballard, working as a groomer at a Kentucky stable while raising her younger brothers and sisters, runs into trouble with the law when she spirits away $5,000 that the FBI had planted in one of the barns. She was planning to use the money to feed her brothers and sisters, but FBI agent Will Lyman thought otherwise. Once he realized that she was speaking the truth, he decided to use Molly as an insider to investigate a race-horsing fixing scheme. Only Lyman got more than he bargained for ~~ not only was he focusing on the race-horsing fixing scheme, there were horse mulitations happening, a unsolved murder case, and a suicide in the peaceful Kentucky countryside. And falling in love with Molly ~~ it all provides entertainment and mystery throughout the book.

I would have given this book a 5 if it weren't for some explicit sex scenes in the book ~~ I am one of the readers who likes to be teased, not told of every sexual act in the story. Must be the midwestern in me. Other than that, this book provides great entertainment for me ~~ a fast read, which is something I need around here in a house full of happenings and it's fun to read as well.

If I run across Robards' other books, I'll be sure to pick them up since I enjoyed this book. She is a new author for me to explore and this book is hard to put down. I don't regret picking this one up at all.

11-7-02 ... Read more

Product Description
Maggy's greatest fear and desire is recognized when the only man she has ever loved returns to her, now the wife of powerful publisher, and attempts to reclaim her and the son she has fought to protect from her past. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Page turner, but...
I read this book ina day and 1/2, so it was a page turner. There were areas of the book I could not fathom and they were expressed by other reviewers, but ...by textbook, this is like "battered wife syndrome". She felt she had no hope, resources, and her son loved Lyle, so she probably felt she had to stay in the relationship. That is until her "twin soul" came to her aid. It was a good book, but I still could only give it 3 stars

So Wonderful!
This books is so wonderful!I just finished it and I could turn around and re-read the whole book all over again immediately.Karen Robards is one heck of a story teller.To be loved so much by one man - oh the passion!I loved this book - I can dream can't I!And normally, I am just a suspense only girl!Read it!!!!You'll love it as I did!

This was supposed to be a contemporary?
I had to keep telling myself that it was a contemporary story.I just wasn't buying that fact that a supposedly street smart girl, like Maggy, would let anyone, let alone Lyle do what he did to her.Smack her around, turn her child against him, let his brother in law do what he did.My gosh, Maggy wake up and smell the coffee!!!She should not have had to turn to Nick for saving.She should have been able to save herself . . . . 12 years before.She should have had more back bone given the childhood she endured.Nick, hhhmmm, he should have been able to locate her a long time before the 12 years had passed especially if he cared so much about her.

GREAT BOOK!
This was my first book that I read by this author and I'll definitely be looking for her name, again.Its' a great story with loveable characters.Each time the story started to even out, something happened, taking you off guard.The book was well written, packed filled with great lines.Love Nick and his dedicated love for Maggy.

Intriguing love triangle
When she deemed longtime love Nick King unsuitable for fatherhood, Maggy Garcia made a pact with the devil incarnate and married wealthy Lyle Forrest. To outsiders, they are the perfect family; but Maggy lives in constant fear, as Lyle continually abuses her and she fears his influence over her son David.

When Nick returns, he is now the well-to-do proprietor of a Louisville night club and carries plenty of secrets regarding his past. When he declares that he has never stopped loving Maggy, she is torn between the desire for the only man she loved and the child he knows nothing about. He figures the only way to be with Maggy is to get plenty of dirt on Lyle, who will stop at nothing to keep Maggy in their loveless marriage.

Despite the long and drawn out secret from Nick's past (that was not that hard to predict), Robards has created an intriguing love triangle, with a very derange man in one corner and star crossed loves occupying the rest. The chemistry between Maggy and Nick is scorching; and you will love to hate the unredeemable Lyle. ... Read more

Product Description
A public scandal.A private torment. A love that changed everything--

Ronnie Honneker is the senator's wife.When she fell for the dashing politician, the stars in her eyes kept her from seeing his flaws.And when she discovered his constant need for other women, it was already too late.Now all the glamour of politics can't make up for Ronnie's loneliness--or her husband's affairs.Especially the one that explodes into a media sex scandal.

Pursued by reporters, Ronnie reluctantly lets handsome political strategist Tom Quinlan clean up the mess.She agrees to publicly stand by her man until after the next election.Privately, she is in turmoil, and falling passionately in love--with Tom.As Ronnie and Tom seek shelter in each other, suddenly the unexpected happens.The senator's violent death thrusts Ronnie into the spotlight--as the leading suspect in his murder.Now only one thing can prove Ronnie's innocence: the whole shocking truth.--Amazon.com Review
Ronnie likes the idea of being Senator Lewis Honneker'swife a whole lot more than she actually likes being married tohim. She loves the power, the prestige, and of course the wealth andall of the comforts and beautiful things that he provides. But Ronnie isacutely lonely. Her husband is not the man she thought he was, andalthough long accustomed to it, Ronnie despises the strain of thecampaign trail--especially the constant facade and total lack ofprivacy.

If those problems weren't enough, Lewis's voters despise Ronnie. Asthe younger, sexy, second wife, the senator's loyal constituency thinkthat Ronnie broke up his first marriage. Because Lewis is up forreelection, expert political consultant Tom Quinlan is brought in tochange Ronnie's image. He finds the task to be far more of a challengethen he expected--not only because Ronnie is difficult to direct, butalso because the two can't keep their hands off each other. When thesenator is found murdered and Ronnie is accused of the crime, only Tombelieves she is innocent. The two work together to uncover thesenator's sordid secrets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

A great book!!!!!
I loved this book. After reading all the reviews I was vary to read the book, but decided to get it anyway because I love all of Karen Robard's books. The Senator's Wife is an excellent novel. I could not put it down. I fully recommend it.

Okay book if you can see beyond moral issues
When I started to read this book, I knew immediately that mostwomen would have trouble with its moral issues. I figured that most womenwould dislike Ronnie, the main femalecharacter,forthe very samereasonsthather fictional contemporariesdisliked her....sheis an opportunist and, like most opportunists,will nothesitate to use her *ahem* assetsto get what she wants.So,if thatwill bother you too much to enjoy the plot,then thisbook is notfor you.If you can read it with an openmind,thenit'safinebookandahuge commentary on politics, highsociety, and how easily wemake moral judgmentsand allowthose judgmentsto influenceourability to think independently and compassionately.

It gets only a little better
This is the first of Robards books I've read and it will likely be my last.Her 'heroine' isn't at all likeable.Her greed drove her to marry a man old enough to be her father who was a known philanderer.Actually, almost everyone in this novel commits adultery.And constantly telling us how gorgeous the 'heroine' is and how every man wants to jump her bones does nothing to make her likeable.

The book gets a little better when it FINALLY addresses the suspense part of the plot but leaves out a great deal of detail and is fairly predictable.I selected this author because it sounded like she had a good track record but I fail to see how.

Not much suspense, but interesting plot
Political consultant Tom Quinlan is hired by the father of his former college pal, a well-connected senator, to inject some life into his sagging campaign and make Ronnie, the senator's second and much younger wife more voter friendly. Ronnie lived a life of poverty with little love. When she grew up, she decided the only way to marry was to a powerful and wealthy man, so her sad childhood would not repeat itself. At first dazzled by he husband, she soon finds that his eye continues to wander, and they have fallen into a loveless marriage of convenience.

Tom immediately finds areas that they can improve Ronnie's image - in her style of clothing, speech delivery, and softening of her appearance. One thing he does not count on is falling for her, and being subsequently drawn into a dramatic murder investigation. After giving Ronnie an ultimatum, she considers giving up her wealth for love, but is it too little too late?

There is plenty of steamy romance, and a little suspense, but the bad guy is pretty apparent once he is introduced. Not Robard's greatest suspense novel, but still a good read nonetheless.

Don't"listen" to other reviews-read it for yourself!
I read the reviews and then read the book afraid that this was going to be one that I put down before finishing. But I didn't come out with the same results as other reviewers. Ronnie was raised in a poor, torn-up family, with little love. She set the goals of marrying wealthy so she would never have to do without again. She was even careful with her reputation and didn't date just anybody. In her college years she met a wealthy older man that had it all. His first marriage had had problems and was in its final stage (all that was left was signing the papers). He offered Ronnie a job in his political arena and started pursuing her heavily. Finding out that it was going to take marriage before he could get her in bed he made the offer. Marriage! Thinking he would have a young, beautiful, "trophy" wife. He continued having other woman, though. By their third year Ronnie was on longer giving him rights to her bed due to his other affairs. Divorce wasn't a question, though, due to her husband's political career for re-election. A 2nd divorce would ruin his chance for re-election.

I do feel that KR made her characters rather shallow for the reader, not giving us enough information to feel some warm for them. But I did not come away feelig like other readers did about Ronnie and Tom. Ronnie was young & beautiful, with her guard up since she was the 2nd wife, accused of breaking up a marriage (though it was on the rocks before she even showed up). She thought having material things and money would feel the void of love until she found someone that showed her kindness and later on love. Remember (if you have already read it), that Ronnie had not reached out to any other man during her marriage until Tom came on the scene. So she was trying to deal with it.

Tom was hired by Ronnie's husband as a campaign adviser to help get his campaign back on track. He, himself, was in the process of rebuilding his business with his partner and was good at his business. He started working with Ronnie, seeing right off a woman that was being treated harshly by the public as well as being alone in her private life. He reached out to her with lust in his mind when they first got together sexually- but then it turned into love, realizing that they cared for each other. Doesn't that happen in a lot of relationships?

Then there is the murder of the senator and Ronnie is accused of doing it. It turns into a "who done it" story. It's not the best I have read, but it sure isn't the worse, either. I really wanted to judge it with a 3 1/2 stars but felt bad about all of the other low reviews that I went with a 4 stars. Read it for yourself and see what you think! ... Read more

Product Description
Determined to escape a loveless marriage, impetuous English beauty Lady Amanda Rose encounters wounded soldier Matt Grayson, but their subsequent love is challenged when they are pitted against each other as enemies. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

It had so much potential
Karen Robards is one of my favorite historical romance writers.Desire In The Sun, Island Flame, Seafire and Dark Torment are a few of my favorite books.This book started off great but got boring near the middle.Normally her books are well written, but the writing was bad in this one.The dialogue was silly, IMO.

It could have been better
I liked the book, with just three exceptions. I don't find forced sex, sexy & I could not see how Matt could believe for a minute Amanda betrayed him. After all the trouble she went to, to hide and save him and throughout the book it said she was a poor liar (blushing and so forth) and finally Amanda was always thinking how she wanted Matt no matter what and then she leaves him for England no less, where her half brother wants to get his hands on her again.

"Couldn't put it down."(1 of my fav books)
I loved the first 1/3 of this book. Nothing could have torn it otta my hands. Beginning scenes: at the hanging, in the cave, and within the convent; it's exciting, seductive, and humorous. I really liked Amanda and I could see how Matt found her charming and felt for her plight -- especialy when she's so good to him in his hours of need - 'an angel with red hair.' He warns her not to fall in love with him. I just wish someone would have warned me. After the kidnapping and aboard his ship the middle of the book becomes painful. He is mean & distant, so the story suffers,Amanda suffers,you suffer. Not so fun. But it does pick up again.

Please don't waste your time and money
It was a horrible book.Sadly I found out that rape's suppose to be romantic.I recommend you to search for books such as Johanna Lindsey's A Heart So Wild and Josie Litton's Dream of me.And of course Heaven by Judith Mcnaught and just because you asked so nice,Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a great author and I enjoyed her Heaven,Texas immensely.(by the way,those books doesn't leave my keepers shelf!)
Happy reading.

Possibilities that never went anywhere.
I managed to finish this book because I kept waiting for it to get better. Actually the last few chapters were certainly better than the first few. just boring..the huge issue here was matt's looming hanging for murder....and nothing was done to check that out til the end of the book. the poor little innocent almost nun thing was way overdone and tedious. There just wasn't anything to recommend it. I have read 4 or 5 other Robards books and haven't gotten above a 3* yet. Have to admit ms robards and I are going to have to part ways in the future. The odds are just against her.......... ... Read more

Product Description

When the sun goes down, the mood is right -- for heart-pounding romantic suspense!

WAIT UNTIL DARK
A sizzling, stay-up-all-night anthology featuring the national bestselling and award-winning talents of four sensational storytellers!

KAREN ROBARDS
Danger and desire ignite when Charlotte Bates drives straight into a DEA agent's hot pursuit of a drug smuggler. But when the lawman takes Charlie hostage, an electrifying adventure begins....

ANDREA KANE
An architect inherits the house of her dreams -- a mansion by the sea -- only to find that someone will do anything to keep her away....

LINDA ANDERSON
When a killer targets her book club friends, a small-town librarian sees a handsome visiting professor in a new light: is he her happy ending? Or a fatal attraction?

MARIAH STEWART
Coming home to Montana after a stalker's attack, a model finds an old love rekindled and a safe place for healing. Until her attacker finds her.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good Read
Mariah Stewart and Andrea Kane are two of my favorite authors, so I was happy with this book, although I thought MS's story was a bit weaker than what I'm used to from her, since the culprit could've only been one person.

While I thought AK's story was the strongest, I enjoyed the Karen Robards story a lot and will look for more from this author. My least favorite was the Linda Anderson -- aside from the dog being beaten, which is usually enough for me to throw a book away, I found the whole sequence during the barn dance to be very scattered and confusing, and I had no idea what was going on throughout that whole portion of the book.

Wait Until You Read This!
Charlotte Bates wishes for adventure in Karen Robards' MANNA FROM HEAVEN, and boy--does she get it!Jake Crutcher falls to her from the night sky, and soon drug smugglers are hunting Charlie and Jake, fighting river currents and falling in love.

In Andrea Kane's STONE COLD, Lindsey Hall is being threatened.Someone doesn't want her the keep the mansion she has just inherited.Could it be Nicholas Warner?He wants the land and he wants Lindsey...but which does he want more?

Addie Rivers, the beautiful librarian in Linda Anderson's ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, has a crush on Will Court, the handsome professor who's staying at her bed and breakfast.Addie's book club friends have been turning up dead and she may be next.Is it coincidence that the murders start up just when Will arrives in town?

In 'TIL DEATH DO US PART by Mariah Stewart, model Valerie McAllister is attacked by a stalker.She goes home to Montana and to Schuyler Hollister.Sky and Val never had the chance to get together, first Sky always saw her as his friends' little sister, and then her job took her away.Now they finally have the chance, but will the stalker come between them?

I enjoyed all four stories in the WAIT UNTIL DARK anthology.Great suspense, intrigue, adventure and romance in all.I especially enjoyed Linda Anderson's ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.I was lying in bed reading it last night, and I kept looking around my room making sure I was really alone.I felt so silly, but that just goes to show that Ms. Anderson has created an exceptionally atmospheric story.

If you are looking for a romance book that is heavy on the suspense and will keep you on the edge of your set, then you've found it in this anthology.Go out and get your copy today!

Fairly exciting mysteries!
I picked this up in the airport for light reading and was very amused by these 4 short story/mystery/romances. Karen Robards tale about a Country Western singer and the DEA agent who saves both their lives in a rather chilling, exciting chase was very good.
Andrea Kane's story about an inheritance that really messes up a family plan was interesting.
Linda Anderson's tale about a small town librarian and the handsome professor boarding at her mother's Bed and Breakfast was scary and chilling. I was kept guessing for a period of time on who the bad guy was. Mariah Stewart's story I found was the weakest. It just did not do it for me. But I finished the whole book by the time I got to Atlanta and it was a fun read.

Entertaining anthology
Karen Robards' first short story was so enthralling I couldn't put it down until I was finished.The others were equally entertaining.I am definitely going to explore more of the novels of Karen Robards !!Highly recommended for summer reading.

A well balenced anthology
"Manna From Heaven" by Karen Robards. Country western singer Charlie is in the remote wilderness getting rid of a wild and angry raccoon. As part of a drug deal, Jake parachutes onto her car, thinking that Charlie is the driver Laura he is to meet. Now love and danger have just begun.

"Stone Cold" by Andrea Kane. In Rhode Island, when her biological father dies, he leaves Lindsey a mansion that surprises everyone since they never met and had no relationship outside of shared genes. His family wants that house and Nicholas goes to obtain it from the usurper until he falls into his own seductive trap by loving his victim.

"Once In a Blue Moon" by Linda Anderson. Addie wonders if a serial killer is on the loose and could it be the handsome visiting research professor Will? She hopes not because he is quickly gaining her heart.

"'Til Death Do Us Part" by Mariah Stewart. In Southern California, someone stalks model Valerie to the point that she flees for her hometown in Montana. Her childhood sweetheart offers Sky comfort, protection, and most important love, as the clever culprit has followed her to Big Sky Country. All four stories are exciting non-stop romantic suspense tales that star fully developed charcaters who showcase the talents of this strong quartet of writers.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Product Description
The tempestuous saga of Lady Catherine Aldley and the pirate Jonathan Hale that began in Island Flame now continues in Sea Fire. . .

What can a beautiful captive say to a handsome, ruthless pirate?

He was her husband, her lover, the pirate who seized her body, then stole her heart.Lady Catherine Aldley fled England to make a home with the infamous Jonathan Hale in Carolina.But their perfect life was shattered when Cathy was summoned to England to her ailing father, and discovered that her marriage to Jonathan was a sham.He was a wanted man, one step from the gallows.The only way she could save him was to wed her despised cousin, to let Jonathan think she had betrayed their love.

Anything but "no."

With a price on his head and vengeance in his soul, Jon Hale led a mutiny aboard the prison ship Cristobel and recaptured his faithless wife.Cathy could rile his blood as no other.The fire in her eyes infuriated and beguiled him.Cathy said she hated him, yet melted at his touch even as Jon tried to despise what he most desired.Then fate threatened to part them forever and Jon risked his life to rescue the woman he could not live without....

Bestselling, award-winning author Karen Robards once again brings us dazzling adventure and unforgettable characters in a searing saga of passion, seduction, and dangerous love.

Karen Robards is the author of twenty-two novels.She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, their three sons, and a sizable menagerie. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

I was sad when the book ended!!
Since knowing this book and Island Flame were the two very first novels by Karen Robards, I will say she has grown some in the hero and heroine department of when it is okay to whine your way out of a hard situation, and to have a love scene come off as a rape scene (though, creatively done, since in the middle of those rape scenes the heroine admitted she was beginning to like it!)

From all the other reviews, I am shocked people are not liking it as well as some of her other works. Really! I found Cathy and Jon to be very interesting characters, and even though the whole jealous factor practically through the entire length of the second book came off too harsh, too much, and too...well, GET OVER IT! The thing I didn't like about Jon was he just completely distrusted Cathy. He never believed her, used her body over and over when he supposedly loved this woman with all his heart, and he constantly made her think she was nothing but a whore to him. That was just wrong! I felt sorry for Cathy many times through all the ship scenes. I was glad they were shipwrecked and he finally had some sense knocked into him. Small sense, but at least some. Cathy loved Jon with all her heart she was willing to sacrifice herself to save his life. He never saw or understood her reasoning, and no wonder she was so angry with him all the time. However, the thing that bugged me the most about Cathy was that no matter how much she tried to tell Jon she did all she could to save his life, she would still argue with him over anything and everything. She would not shut up during some scenes. If she wanted Jon to understand, she should have kept her mouth shut and stopped arguing with him. I understand she was standing up for herself, but during a few of those scenes I was getting a bit tired of her, and wanted to clamp a hand over her mouth.

The book was still an awesome read, and I was glad there was a sequel! The ending did have a nice little twist to it, and I would read these books again and again. Well, I would read the first book again and again. This second, Sea Flame, made me cringe a lot. I recommend it though!

So bad it was... bad
I'm the first to admit my tastes often run to politically incorrect romance novels but this one even pushed my tolerance level to the limit.Yes, the hero was a low-down, insensitive brute (and, upon reflection, not too bright) but heck, all that could have been forgiven if he'd only "given good grovel" at the end, at least two chapters worth, instead of a paltry two pages, and very weak grovel at that!Seriously, though, his behavior was deplorable throughout the entire book with frequent verbal and physical abuse, and a redemption scene that's not even tepid at best. I found myself cringing a little too much, which is contrary to what, for me anyway, a relaxing read should be about.

Loved it so much
Island Flame is one of my favorite books but I loved this book even more.I'm so happy she decided to write a sequel.This book was so entertaining - I couldn't put it down.I didn't want it to end.

I never made it pass page 100
I thought this book was terrible boring and I was not inspired to read it. I can see that others thought the same. I love KR. She has made some awsome books but this one just didn't make it for me.

I recommend Forbidden Love....if you want to read one of her book. I really liked that one thats why I ran to get this.

slower than the first
I loved 'Island Flame', the 1st book. I could not believe there was a sequel. Yes with the same main characters from the 1st. It wasn't an easy start reading Sea Fire, then when I got in to it, Jon provoked even more outrage in me than before. Unbelievable -- revisiting this couple was sensational.

Some of it was disappointing, like their baby on the beach during a long awaited love scene. I could not enjoy it w/out thinking of the baby left alone on the shore!. And the end fell short. But I wouldn't have missed it!

If you liked Woodiwiss's style in 'Flame and the Flower' you'd enjoy this. But of course, read Island Flame 1st. ... Read more