Product Description
In Regency England, a beautiful young woman finds her life thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a handsome scoundrel. Lady Elizabeth, the youngest and most headstrong of the three Banning sisters, has been engaged three times, and has most scandalously broken off all three engagements. Her fear of becoming any man’s property has kept her from marriage and earned her a reputation in the ton as a heartbreaking flirt.

Neil Severin is a wicked rogue, black of heart and black of reputation. A man of no morals, devoid of compassion, he is a governmentsanctioned assassin. And his newest target is a man Beth holds dear. When the flame-haired beauty thwarts his plan, Neil exacts his own brand of spicy revenge.

Beth despises him. Neil doesn’t care. But circumstances most unexpectedly throw them together, and with Beth’s life in danger, Neil finds himself in the unexpected role of hero, racing to save her before it’s too late.

What he never expects is the twist fate hands him: instead of his saving her, Beth winds up saving him. When the ruthless organization he works for turns its agents loose on him, only Beth stands between him and a death he thought he didn’t fear.

In a fight for their lives, Neil and Beth travel the British countryside, fleeing the ruthless killers out for Neil’s blood, the men after Beth, and their

growing attraction to each other. Can Neil forgive himself for his past and accept Beth’s love? Can Beth overcome her fear and trust Neil? Will she have to choose between him and her family? And most important, can they both survive long enough to begin a new life together?

The third in the Banning Sisters trilogy that began with the New York Times bestsellers Scandalous and Irresistible, Shameless marks a dazzling return to historical fiction for Karen Robards. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Shameless
Very good book.I had enjoyed the other two novels in this series and it was just as good as they were.Would recommend it.

Loved this book!
This was a nearly perfect romance novel, IMHO. I wouldn't re-iterate the plot summary asit has been mentioned in the previous reviews very well. It is rare for me to finish a book and wish there were a 100 more pages, but that is how much I loved this book. Neil,the hero, is a complex character. But the author did such a great job making a real assasin into such a lovable, attractive character. Elizabeth's behavior was immature often, but having seen her grow up in the last 2 books I felt almost indulgent towards her behavior and I personally, didn't feel that annoyed with her. The presence of the characters from the prevoius 2 books in the trilogy was also a treat for me. I am so glad I "discovered" Karen Robards only recently as it would've been a really hard wait waiting for this book to come out as there was a huge interval between second & third books. I'd recommend reading the first 2 books in the trilogy before reading this one. I got this one used from Amazon as I didn't want to pay new hard cover price, but after reading this, I know I wouldn't have minded buying it new. I highly recommend this book for historical romance fans who also love some adventure as part of the story.

book order
This was the first time I ordered a book online and I am thrilled with the service.The book came in a timely manner and was in
excellent condition (it was a used book). I will definitely use Amazon again and will recommend this to everyone.Keep up the great service. Thanks

I actually liked it a lot
I actually liked it a lot.Thats big coming from me because I tend to be very critical of books.I have read many historical romances and they begin to run together after a while, but this one seemed fresh to me.I liked the plot and the characters, especially the reluctant hero.I read this book first, but now I will have to find the first two and read them.I hope they are as interesting.

LOVED it!! LOVED it!!
I absolutely loved this book! I had all but given up on romance books, because of all the fluff and cheesy romance scenes were just too much for me stomach, but I picked this one up by chance at the library one day! What luck! This is truly a great read.The author just did a fabulous job in making the characters come to life! I was so sad for the book to end because I was so involved in these characters.I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Product Description

Claire Banning fulfilled every debutante's dream when she married a rich nobleman. Soon, however, the celebrated beauty realizes she wed a dissolute wastrel. Bitterly hurt and desperately lonely, Claire vows nonetheless to take her expected place in society. Then on a journey home to her husband's estate on the coast of Sussex, she is abducted, and her life -- and her heart -- are changed forever.

Hugh Battancourt -- a dark and dangerous nobleman who long ago turned his back on the ton and now leads a life secretly dedicated to his country's service -- is determined not to be swayed by his prisoner's beauty as they share a cabin on a ship bound for France. Lives depend on his retrieving from her a letter full of secrets she intends to turn over to the enemy. But even as Claire and Hugh engage in a battle of wits and wills, captor and captive find themselves drawn irresistibly to each other. Is it possible, Claire wonders, that she could discover the true meaning of love that has eluded her with this handsome stranger? One who will lay his life on the line in order to protect her from someone who is intent on placing Claire in the path of danger?

With this sensual and entrancing tale, bestselling author Karen Robards continues her wonderful trilogy of three sisters taking their rightful place as the belles of Regency England's ton. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Great Trilogy!
Loved the entire Banning sisters trilogy.All three books were such page turners I couldn't put them down until they were finished.

You Can't Help But Fall In Love with These Heroes
This was a great read from beginning to end, although a bit predictable. The story had much suspense and drama. The heroine is not my favorite as she was a bit immature and lacked good sense in picking her first husband; you would think she would've been more sound minded when choosing her spouse after having experienced such horrid events at her father's hand, as well with his less than low life friends. The hero had everything and lacked nothing; he had personality, charm, good looks, wealth but most importantly, a good heart.

The author includes text from the next book (Shameless) in the series, and it appears to be just as riveting as the prior two books. However, in my opinion from having read both Scandalous and Irresistible back to back, Scandalous proves to be a better read.

2nd book of a trilogy
If you are a true romance fan, you wll love this trilogy.It is a historical romance with the touch that Kren Robards can give it.

first
this was the first books i have read by karen robards and i loved it very action back could not but it down gabby and nick wow

Loved this book!
I just discovered this series (Iread Shameless first!) and I absolutely love all three books in it. This story is about the second Banning sister, Claire, and Hugh, the dashing spy she falls in love with. Regency romance just doesn't get any better than this. ... Read more

Product Description
Secret, betrayal, and a mysterious family history plague the heroine in the latest novel from New York Times-bestselling author Karen Robards.

The past is never over. It just gets dusty.

Lisa Shewmaker was a rising star in a prestigious law firm in Lexington, Kentucky; that is, until the firm went bankrupt and she lost her job. With an ailing mother to care for, Lisa takes the first position she can find: research assistant to District Attorney Scott Buchanan. Scott is as disagreeable as he is sexy, and Lisa suspects the only reason she got the job is because of her privileged upbringing as the daughter of a wealthy federal judge.

While reviewing cold cases in the Fayette County courthouse, a particularly thick manila envelope draws Lisa's attention. The details of the case are engrossing: An entire family-father, mother, and two children-disappeared more than twenty-eight years ago. Except that's not all: The mother in the photo could have been Lisa's twin, and the toddler in the picture bears an uncanny resemblance to Lisa herself. Before Lisa can learn more about her past, a series of catastrophes strike close to home. Lisa confides in Scott, and their relationship develops into something completely different. Together Lisa and Scott unravel a terrifying web of criminal connections that could destroy the very fabric of Lisa's life-if she lives long enough, that is.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Karen Robards
This was one of her really good books.Read it all the way through in one day!

Shattered
The idea of an attorney review a cold case file of a family that disappeared 28 years ago and the striking resemblance that this attorney and that mother had me intrigued. But after reading this novel, I felt that I was betrayed. The mystery didn't hold throughout the story and the ending seemed contrived and fast. As a romantic thriller, I can see, since the relationship between Lisa and Scott develops more than the mystery. It was a lovely piece of fluff.

Entertaining
This was an easy book that rolled along for me as at a good pace. My only complaint is that it was too much "bodice ripper" and not enough mystery. I listened to this book on CD in my car and it took me more time than had I read it. This is the kind of book I enjoy while riding in the car, a light, easy to follow romantic thriller. The mystery was intriging even though I instantly knew how the story was going to evolve.

While researching some cold case files, Lisa Grant, assistant reviewer to D.A. Scott Buchanan, comes across an unsolved crime where a whole family, the Garcias, disappeared suddenly. After examining the evidence Lisa realizes eerily that she looks exactly like the young girl in the family. As the story goes on more and more clues just don't add up and even though she inquires of her mother who is terminally ill, her mother assures her that she wasn't adopted and has the hospital birth pictures to prove it. Confused, Lisa searches on for the answer to her familiarity to the cold case. Meanwhile, it comes out that Scott, her boss, who has always had a crush on Lisa and she on him since their teenage years. Even though Scott has made a promise never to give his complete heart to any woman they find themselves not only attracted to each but "doing the nasty a lot." In between heavy bouts of sexual situations they solve the mystery together. Pheeeew, I was tired when I got to the end. All in all this was, while not the greatest book, it was an enjoyable fluffy mystery.

Too much romance, not enough thriller
A mildly entertaining thriller that has trouble building up any momentum because of the endless and repetitive romantic interludes.If I'd wanted to read on every other page about Lisa's yearnings for her arrogant and unpleasant but oh-so-madly-desirable boss, I'd have picked up a Mills and Boon.Come to think of it, many of Robard's passages could have been lifted straight out of one.Personally I prefer my thrillers unadulterated.The story wasn't badly conceived but the characters never seemed very real to me.The ending was rushed and implausible, and left me blinking with the number of new facts that were suddenly introduced.A generally mediocre effort.

Disappointing
Very disappointing... it seems Ms.Robards just slapped together this book. Except for the beginning, there was no suspense. I could not get into the story. Her earlier works were great, I enjoyed them immensely. Ms. Robards should take a break from writing..... ... Read more

Product Description
Nine years after leaving in disgrace, Olivia Morrison is coming home again with her eight-year-old, Sara, to put things right with the Archer clan. But there is no welcome for the prodigal daughter at the lavish Louisiana estate.

Her stepcousin, Seth, once her only comfort, is icy, dangerously attractive — and engaged. Her formidable stepgrandfather collapses with a heart attack at the sight of her, gasping her dead mother’s name: “Selena!”

The bayou echoes with memories of her mother’s mysterious death. Suicide by drowning, they said. But Olivia’s terrifying nightmares suggest another story. She is determined to learn the truth, and to face a newly ignited passion for Seth, who is too close for comfort, despite his vows.

When a new danger threatens her and her daughter, Olivia must find the courage to confront her old demons ... and uncover a shocking secret buried in the long-forgotten past....Amazon.com Review
Set in rural Louisiana, Karen Robards's Ghost Moonfinds prodigal daughter Olivia Martin returning home to reconcile withher stepfamily. Her sudden arrival after nearly a decade throws thefamily into a tizzy, and sets off her grandfather's heart attack. Withentrances like this, you know the drama won't be skimpy.

Trying to reconnect with her family, Olivia searches through her pastmemories and unearths disturbing recollections of her mother's drowning.With the help of sexy step-cousin Seth, Olivia begins to rebuild her lifeand find happiness. Unfortunately, a crazed psychopath is haunting theneighborhood, and he's got eyes for Olivia's daughter.

Part romance and part suspense-thriller with supernatural elements thrownin, Ghost Moon has something for everyone. The chaptersfocusing on the killer's history of abducting girls are chilling andominous, and the slow development of Olivia's relationships is bothrealistic and satisfying, making for a pleasing if sometimes terrifyingread. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

Interesting...but...
This review contains spoilers.
I enjoyed reading this book, "Ghost Moon" by Karen Robards, and found the plot to be reasonably interesting. The story of Olivia, her little daughter Sara, and Olivia's relatives made for a nice, simple read, as well as Olivia's and Seth's romantic relationship, and the flashback scenes of the little girls being taken by the unidentified predator was, while upsetting, a reason to continue to read this story, knowing somehow it would be revealed how it all tied in with Olivia's life and, ultimately, her mother's mysterious death.


***SPOILER***

I gave this book four stars, instead of five, however, because, while it was a page-turner, there were flaws. For one thing, I felt that the unidentified predator in the flashback scenes had unrealistic thoughts and was rather too much the stereotyped "villian" that is more found in fairytales. Realistically, I don't think a sicko like that would laugh and smirk to himself over his "deeds," but rather be quite the opposite and have thoughts of remorse, moments of wanting to stop, but being mentally and emotionally unable to. But what bothered me the most about this book was that the end left me hanging. Unless I just somehow missed something, I never found out why Uncle Charlie kidnapped and killed those young girls in the first place, not to mention why he "preserved" them the way he did. It was never explained. That is, like I said, unless I just missed it. I thought what happened to those girls was awful, and that he'd mummified them was truly shocking to me and came completely unexpected, but I was glad, at least, that Olivia's life turned out happily - a lovely daughter and a stepdaughter, and a nice husband.

Ghost Moon
Hippo books was unable to fill the order for this book. They apologized and quickly credited my account.

gothicly creepy
The scenes concerning the evil-doer are almost too much to take.
I admit to needing to skip them after the second one.
Admittedly, for me personally, children or animals in peril are anathema.
For those who are squeamish like me, you can still enjoy and follow the plot without reading the gruesome bits.
The main story line of coming home again and reconnecting with family is wonderful.
I have read several Karen Robard's books now and find
she excels at relationships. Also, at writing creepy antagonists
so well you cringe.
This one read very smoothly. The romantic interest wasn't rushed. The dialog is crisp and the romance sultry.
I agree with one other reviewer about a rushed ending.
I actually checked out how many pages I had left at one point wondering how they could wrap it all up. It is still a most satisfying read, rushed ending and all.
I really like the two young children and the main character Olivia's
interaction with them. Gave the story a little something extra than the usual
romance plus suspense equation.
It concludes with a "puts a smile on your face" wonderfully mushy ending.

GhostMoon,byKarenRobards
AfterreadingtwoofKarenRobard's books,I wasnot completelysureifIwouldlikeGhostMoon ,ornot.Tome,though,itwasreminicsent ofsomeofthePhyllisWhitney booksIusedtoreadsomuch.Itwasanexcellentread!!
I applaudKarenRobardson thisfinestory.Ijustwishallofherbookswerethatenjoyable.

Didnt care for this one.
I thought this book was boring compared to the rest of her awesome reads. I thought it died before it began. If you have never read Mrs. Robards, do not start on this book, any other will do. ... Read more

Product Description
England, 1810: When Lady Gabriella Banning receives word that her half-brother, the Earl of Wickham, has died on his tea plantation in Ceylon, she faces the reality that she and her younger sisters, Claire and Elizabeth, are suddenly penniless. The family's riches will pass to the next male heir -- a distant cousin -- and the Banning sisters are doomed unless Gabby thinks fast.

Which she does. Pretending that Marcus is still alive, Gabby arranges beautiful Claire's London season. She'll keep up the pretense just long enough for Claire to marry a fabulously wealthy nobleman. But when a handsome gentleman arrives at the door and claims to be Marcus, Gabby's plan backfires. For if she exposes this mysterious stranger's deceit, she exposes her own. Bound by secrets and lies, Gabby and the roguish adventurer strike sparks off each other -- and soon London society is abuzz over the scandalous pair of "siblings" who appear to be falling in love....

With this beautifully rendered romance, bestselling author Karen Robards begins a sweeping series about three unforgettable sisters poised to take the ton by storm. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Excellent Read
This book was an excellent read.It had lots of suspense, action and was not too predictable (other than the villain and why I didn't rate it a 5-Star).This story was not your typical standard and rose well above the ordinary.The protagonists are very well matched.

I'm looking forward to reading more works from this author.I started reading Irresistible (2nd book in this trilogy) and so far, the story is taking off with good action and suspense; a difficult to put down book.

Loved it!
This is the first book in the Banning sister trilogy, and it is awesome. I loved Gabby and Nick, and thought they had amazing chemistry. The plot is not the same old cookie cutter, and I really enjoyed the way the hero and heroine were scandalizing the ton because everyone thought they were brother and sister. One of my favorite historical series ever.

Worth reading
Karen Robards used to write old bodice-rippers but this new historical is on par with her (excellent) contemporary thrillers.A fun read with engaging characters, original story line and interesting plot twists.It follows the even better "Irresistable" and I can't wait for the promised third book of this series!

Devilishly Scandalous
I read this book about four years ago, and while going through my books I ran across this charming little read so I just had to pick it up and skim though it to refresh my memory and I am glad that I did this book is a delicious read filled with murder, deceit,secrets and lies and a hot love affair that will leave you drooling. Can you imagine the old birds crowing about a "brother" and "sister" seemingly falling in love in the middle of the London season... ah it was just too much, funny to the bone.
I really liked how Gabriella was not the best looking sister and was a little lame in her step but she won the day with her quick wit and her courage to never back down
I liked "Marcus" as well he was charming and I felt like he really loved Gabby for herself and not her looks it just felt real. The sexual tension was amazingly hot! And the 3 or 4 chapters with details of their love making was extremely steamy
The end was fast but sweet
In the end this book was a great read something to read in the hot summer days ..

mostly an enjoyable read
this is one of my better liked robards books. the characters seem to be more real & more mature than most in romance novels. i felt the plot really moved the action along and,surprisingly,i didn't find it overly long,as a lot of reviewers did (try 'forbidden love' at 371 grueling pages"!). on the whole it was a fairly well balanced romance book which led me to try other robards books,which,unfortunately, did not impress me positively. ... Read more

Product Description
In the newest novel from New York Times-bestselling author Karen Robards, a feisty female attorney's past comes back to haunt her.

One cold November night when Kat White was fifteen years old, she and some friends held up a convenience store. In the heat of the moment, one of the others shot and killed an off-duty cop moonlighting as a security guard. Kat and her pals fled the scene in a panic, and no one was caught.

Sixteen years later, Kat-now Kate-has built a new life for herself. Now a single mom with an eight-year-old son, she works as a prosecutor in the Philadelphia DA's office. But her dark past rears its head when she walks into court one day and discovers that she is to prosecute Mario Castellanos, one of her friends from that terrible night.

Kate is in a bind: even though Mario was the one who probably did commit the crime, he's counting on Kate to make sure he's not convicted. If she convinces the judge of his guilt, he'll claim that she was the one who killed the off-duty cop. Before real despair sets in, Mario is found dead-in her apartment, and with her pistol. When homicide detective Tom Braga shows up to investigate the murder, Kate is far from relieved; the two have clashed since she started working for the prosecutor's office. But when another man who knows the secret of Kate's past gets involved in the investigation, she learns that her life-and her son's-are in danger. Frantic, she realizes that she has nowhere to turn. Except, maybe, to Tom . . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

*yawns...*
There was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much detail in this book. She constantly went on and on about something so minuscule that led away from the moment. Between each little sentence of dialogue was a whole page of useless information about the way the person moved their jaw or something. It was so boring, and took me so long to figure out what was even happening. I lost interest very quickly and just scanned the pages until the last few pages. Eventually I couldn't care less what the plot even was. I was more interested in why there was hardly any contact between Tom and Katie until literally halfway through the book.

The stakes in GUILTY are high and the pace is rapid
Kate White is a devoted single mother to her eight-year-old son, Ben, and is thrilled with her new job as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia. In her past, though, she was Kit, a foster child with a difficult life. As a 15-year-old she ran with a group of individuals that included the frightening Mario Castellanos. One night they stopped at a convenience store, and from the restroom Kit heard gunfire. Aghast, she discovered that Mario was armed with a gun and had shot and killed a man. Although Kit and her friends got away, this horrendous secret plagued her as she grew up.

Kate is not thinking about the dark secrets of her past as she rushes to the courtroom to prosecute an armed robbery case. Her uncomfortable new shoes hurt her feet and slip on the rain-wet floor as she dashes, worrying that she will be late and begin the proceedings with the intimidating judge already angry with her. She manages to take her seat an instant before the deputy announces the judge's entrance. Whew! Can Kate's day get any worse? (You'd better believe it most definitely can!)

The public defender announces that he has a new witness, even though it's too late for him to be introducing one. As Kate argues with the judge, her own cell phone disrupts them, triggering the judge's wrath. But all her previous problems fade into nothingness when gunfire disrupts the courtroom, and men carrying weapons run in. The scene is a horror of violence as the intruders shoot, wounding and killing bystanders.

Kate cowers beneath a table, shaking in fear, until she is taken as a hostage by a prisoner in an orange jumpsuit. As she is led away, a cop tries to bargain for her release, but her captor refuses. He demands a helicopter and shoves Kate through a door into a secure area where she tries to persuade him to let her leave. All he can do is scoff at her. Another prisoner in possession of a pistol joins them. Kate is horrified when she discovers that this second inmate is someone she knew in her past and that he is intent on blackmailing her.

Kate enters a terrifying waking nightmare and is not safe anywhere. Worse, not only is her life threatened, but so is her son Ben's. An unexpected hero emerges, and Kate is chagrined to find herself falling in love even as her existence disintegrates.

The stakes in GUILTY are high and the pace is rapid, with a twisting plot line that keeps the reader turning pages far into the night. The novel's characters are fully fleshed out and flawed just enough to feel human. Kate is a strong woman in an impossible situation and is easy to empathize with. A smoldering romance adds a bittersweet note to this intriguing and well-plotted thriller from New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards.

Fabulous!!!
I loved this book.Once I started it, I couldn't put it down.I think it should get 10 stars!I have passed it on to others that loved it too.Great, great, great read!What a man!!!

So-So
This was my first book by this author and while I'll probably give her another chance, I didn't think this book was anything great.

My biggest issue was with the character Kate. Every time she got worried, nervous or scared, we got a full paragraph of descriptions...Her insides twisted. Her heart hammered in her chest. Her hands grew sweaty. Her eyes teared up. Her stomach dropped. Her legs went weak. The problem is that throughout the entire book she was either worried, nervous or scared, so it seemed like about 3/4 of the book consisted of these repetitive descriptions that did nothing but fill a word count and add pages upon pages to the book.

I also didn't understand what on earth would draw Tom to this woman, who lied and hid things from him right from the start. I also don't buy into any author's plot device of taking a good honest cop and having them go "rogue" simply because they develop the hots for a suspect. There are better, more believable ways to put two characters together.

Hoping the next book of hers I try is better.

Fast paced excitement
No spoilers......

I really enjoyed this book.Held my attention and kept me up reading till early dawn. ... Read more

Product Description
Lovely romance writer Clara Winston dreams of meeting a sensitive, sexy man, and when CIA agent Jack McCain accidentally enters her life, Clara knows that she has found that man. By the author of This Side of Heaven. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Night Magic
I am so torn on this book. The lovemaking scenes were so great and sensational. Really erotic and well-written. However, there are many things I did not like, or could get past.

1. McClain was so mean at times, that I just wanted to slap him. There were a few times where I thought, if I were Clara, I would just run away from him. He called her names and not in a teasing affectionate way. It was harsh teasing.

2. Clara herself was not that great either. In the beginning she had an attitude that was annoying, and she really was kind of dumb at times. So I don't blame McClain for getting impatient with her. As the story goes on, she becomes a little more "intelligent," though. Yet, I felt that we did not get enough information about Clara, or background. All I even remember about it is that she was an only child.

3. A cat is where the microchip is hid...Enough said on that one.

4. For a book written in the eighties, there was some seriously bad language in here. I was pretty shocked. Not that I'm a prude or anything, but wow. McClain was cursing on almost few pages, either in his thoughts or dialogue.

With these four flaws in mind, combined with the well-written scenes, and also other tender and emotion scenes, I am still torn, and could not decide whether I liked this more than disliked it.

Characters are wonderfully written
Clara is a romance novelist who dedicates her book to "The Real Magic Dragon." Clara leads a quiet unassuming life until the KGB knocks on her door demanding information concerning Magic Dragon. They think her book contains a hidden message for a CIA operative, Jack McClain, code name Magic Dragon. Clara and Jack are on the run for their lives.

Author Karen Robards does it again. Her latest book, "Night Magic" is an action packed, suspense romance mix. Jack is a sexy hunk and the attraction between Clara and Jack is strong. This is not deep reading but pleasure reading. I love the fact that Clara takes her cat on the run with her.

My only complaint is that the book has very small print; it gave me a headache. The characters are wonderfully written. The plot is a little over the top but I like that in my pleasure reading. All in all, this is great book.

Romance and suspense in one
Reviewed by: Tracey Rock for Reader Views (03/10)

Karen Robards' re-release of "Night Magic" is a very well-written, classic romance and suspense thriller featuring Clara Winston, a romance novelist who enjoys her single and not-so exciting personal life.She is proud to be alone with her cats waiting for her prince charming to come, until a reference she made in one of her books is mistaken by KGB agents as a code for an international espionage and murder operation they were conducting linking her now to CIA agent Jack McCain.Although she has never met him before, Clara now must put her trust in him as she finds herself on the run - with her cat Puff in tow - and Jack in a fight to save their lives.The story starts out with a lot of drama and action in the very first chapter and continues on with a set of twists and turns that will hold you through to the very end of the book.The story not only has plenty of steamy romance and sex but it is funny, clever and will leave you guessing to the very end.

At first I pictured Clara as being a mild, weak female character that would be very predictable, but I was actually surprised to see how her character evolved throughout the book into a true heroine that I ironically realized she truly was one all along.

The chemistry between Clara and Jack was intense and creative - which, like the rest of the book, keeps you guessing until the end.The addition of Puff the cat in the story was instrumental and completely complementary to the characters and the storyline.The way Karen Robards describes various details in the book was a bit lengthy in some areas but well thought out and provided the kind of realism that drew you into the story and kept you reading. Being that this was a re-release I was concerned about the book being outdated, as it made references to older historical events, such as the Vietnam war as that would make the characters older than they were, but if you can get past that, then I think it held up to the test of time.I would certainly recommend "Night Magic" to anyone interested in curling up with a blanket and seeking a good book to read.

Reading At The Beach: Reviews
If you like adventure, humor, romance and suspense, then you will probably love this book. There's even a little bit of tear jerker in it.

Clara Winston is a romance writer who is taken from her home, with her cat in tow, by CIA agent Jack McClain, whose job it is to keep her safe. Now they are on the run, searching for the truth behind a lethal international conspiracy. What follows is a journey of twists and turns where they can't afford to trust anyone and the body count keeps going up.

The plot is amazing and it has non ending action. I love the relationship between the two main characters, Clara and Jack. They are very different from other couples I've read about. They were down to earth, but they were at time very grouchy and at other times down right mean. The book was totally hilarious and I had to stop reading so I could stop laughing. I'm a visual reader so I really love books where the author's description of what's going on makes you feel as if you are there with them. It's like watching a movie. Karen Robards is a master when it comes to giving you everything you need to "be there" with the characters. When I pictured Clare being yanked from her house with her cat in her arms, I lost it. I would have done the same thing. I'd be screaming "I'm not leaving without my dog!!" The book takes you on a journey that is a never ending roller coaster ride of twists, turns, surprises and laughs and even tears.
The only complaint I could find with this book is... yes, I've said it before and I'm going to say it again, the print is to small. And in this case it's made even harder to read due to the color of the pages. I don't understand why they make the book so hard to read for people who have less than 20/20 vision.

Other than that, this book is great. I can't believe I've never read a book by this author before. I now have a lot of catching up to do! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any one who loves action and/or a good laugh.

This got PUBLISHED?
Truth is stranger than fiction, or so they say. I don't think much could be stranger than the events of this book.

I'm less than 1/4 through the book, and am at a point where I simply can't take it seriously any more. I don't think I've ever read a book so full of ludicrous events, unbelievable coincidences and 'stupid character' moments. I should have realised right from the start, when the so-called hero - who I find completely unlikeable - is swimming for his life in Chesapeake Bay with a Russian spy shooting at him, and a *shoal of dolphins* surround him and sweep him to shore, that this was going to be unreadable.

So on to the first ludicrous coincidence. McClain, the 'hero', is a CIA spy with the code-name Magic Dragon. Clara Winston is a romance novelist, and she has dedicated her latest novel to 'the real Magic Dragon' - which apparently refers to her cat Puff. So *of course* the Russian spies assume she knows the CIA Magic Dragon and come after her. And then she manages to escape from these ruthless, highly-trained Russian spies with the aid of - of all things - a cat. Right. Then she's abducted *in broad daylight* by the Russian spies from right outside the sheriff's house!

As if that's not ludicrous enough, the cat is abducted with her. And then, when she ends up a prisoner in the basement of a house along with McClain, the cat attacks one of the Russians and the two of them escape. With the cat. And later she CARRIES the cat for miles as they trek through a forest. And the cat stays nearby all night as they sleep. Has Robards ever owned a cat? Spent any time with a cat? Cats do NOT like being carried for long periods, particularly if you're walking. Cats, if they're out of doors, will do their own thing. They are not like dogs, who will stay close to their owners. If they're in a strange place, they will run off and try to find their way home. Completely unbelievable.

Oh, and McClain - an undercover spy for the CIA, remember, working on uncovering a Russian spy ring towards the end of the Cold War (yes, I finally realised that this book was written in the late 1980s) CARRIES A CIA IDENTITY CARD? Really? Oh, yeah, right, of course an undercover spy is going to carry his ID, to be found by anyone who happens to search him/see inside his wallet/abduct him in case he might be a spy. (Oh, and wouldn't his wallet - including the cash in it - be full of water damage, since apparently he didn't have a chance to dry off properly, let alone shower and change and dry his things, since getting out of the water?)

Seriously, the editor and publisher dropped the ball on this one. I want my money back. ... Read more

Product Description

From New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards, whom Newsweek magazine calls "one of the most popular voices in women's fiction," comes a thrilling new novel of romantic suspense set in a sultry small southern town.

Carly Linton is hell-bent on starting over. After a bruising divorce, she moves back to her tiny hometown of Benton, Georgia, to start up a bed-and-breakfast in the old house she inherited from her grandmother. The whole town remembers her as the proverbial good girl, but Carly is tired of being good -- she's ready to walk on the wide side, and she knows exactly where she wants to start.

Matt Converse, the town's former bad boy, is now the local sheriff and a pillar of the community. But he hasn't forgotten his wild days, or the magical night of the senior prom he shared with Carly years ago. When Carly's dog unearths a dead body on her property, Matt is forced to spend time there, and Carly decides to use her newfound wiles to seduce him. But when someone breaks into Carly's house and tries to take her away, Matt is the only person who can protect her from a mysterious enemy who's making it all too clear that Carly should never have come back to Benton.

Richly suspenseful, tightly plotted, and deeply sensual, Whispers at Midnight is Karen Robards at her scintillating best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

Midnight Whispers
This is a good book and I own it in paper.If you are going to buy this book for $7.99 Kindle price, you are being ripped off by Simon & Shuster.They are asking you to pay full paperback price for a book they should not have to pay to ship, store, pay for paper, photography & art, etc., and I bet the copyediting is lousy.

Very Good!
Great story!I only wish the ending could have been a few more pages to give us girls the sweet details that we so love.Read it, and you will know what I mean.I loved it!!!
Karen Robards is one terrific writer!

Cruelty to animals a big turnoff for me.
I have read a few of Robards books and enjoyed them as page turners. There was one where a pig was a comic element and helped the main character survive an attack by the bad guy. Very clever use of the animal there. Whispers however starts out with a bad guy slashing a knife through a small helpless dog, leaving him bloody, etc. This I just don't need in my mind's eye. I would have thought Ms. Robards a better writer than to need to use animals in this way. Sadly I had already purchased it on my Kindle. Maybe I'll try another one of hers from the library, maybe not.

He likes her but rejects her because he wants his freedom and he doesn't want to hurt her.It was ok, a little different.
STORY BRIEF:
Carly was abandoned by her mother when 8 years old.She was placed in an orphanage for a short while until her grandmother came to get her and raise her.As a teenager, Matt worked odd jobs to help support his single mother and sisters.He was around Carly a lot since he worked for her grandmother.He and Carly were good friends growing up.He was always like a big brother to her.In a moment of weakness Matt took Carly's virginity the night of her Senior prom.Matt felt so guilty he avoided her afterwards.Carly was in love with Matt, and she was hurt by his avoidance.She moved away and married a lawyer who eventually cheated on her.Twelve years later, divorced Carly returns to her hometown.She inherited her grandmother's home and plans to turn it into a bed and breakfast.Matt is now the county sheriff, a job he took so he could support his three sisters after his mother died.Matt dreams of being free of responsibility.After his sisters are gone, he plans to quit his job and take off on his motorcycle for a life of freedom from responsibility for awhile.Carly and Matt are physically drawn to each other.Matt fights his attraction since he knows Carly is the marrying kind.He doesn't want to hurt her when he leaves town later.Carly still loves Matt and tries to convince him that sex with no strings is what she wants.I takes awhile, but he finally gives in and they have hot and passionate sex.

Meanwhile, a man killed two women and wants to kill Carly.His initial attempts are thwarted due to Carly's luck and her pets.Matt is investigating.

REVIEWER'S OPINION:
I liked it, but I can't say I really liked it.The best parts were the interesting characters.However, I was hesitant about Carly.For much of the story she is mad at Matt.She calls him names and acts like she doesn't like him.He knows she has always loved him and still loves him.More than once, he kisses her and then says we can't do this.So she gets mad and hits him or stomps off.Even after they have sex, she gets mad at him.If you can get past her snits and hissy-fits the rest of the story is ok.I think the author is a pretty good story teller.

I loved and agree with another reviewer's comment.DW "Love to Read" wrote: "After raising his three sisters after their Mom died, all Matt wanted was to experience a little freedom and ride off into the sunset on his Harley.And you know what?I really wanted that for him too.Instead he gets caught by ex-bestfriend Carly and ends up proposing to her out of duty/honor and because he doesn't want to break her heart again.Oh be still my heart."

Although I would have liked seeing Matt have some freedom for awhile, it's the author's story, not mine, so she gets to choose.However, she should have at least shown us why Matt changed his mind and decided to marry Carly.

An unexpected heroine is the dog Annie who more than once saves the day.Annie was an abandoned, starving dog that Carly took in and loved.

CAUTION SPOILER:
It's the middle of the day.People are inside and outside the church, including a security guard.The bad guy is near a door inside the church.He grabs the victim and holds a chloroformed cloth over her face.He then carries her to his vehicle.How is it that no one sees him carry her out the church and over to his vehicle?I wish the author would have used a more logical method for the bad guy to kidnap her.

DATA:
Story length: 456 pages.Swearing language: strong.Sexual language: mild.Number of sex scenes: 3.Total number of sex scene pages: 28.Setting: current day Benton, Georgia.Copyright: 2003.Genre: romantic suspense.

Do You want Sex Novel or Mystery...?
Whether you like this book or not depends on what you expect of it. I expected a bit of mystery in a who-done-it-vein. I was sorely disappointed. Oh, there was a mystery here, lurking in the background, but you had to wade through all of the silly, syrupy mush and graphic sex scenes to read maybe two pages about the supposedly mystery. It was blatantly overlooked and given short shrift to make way for the sex scenes between Carly and Matt. And I agree with an earlier reviewer, Carly is not a likeable heroine. How she treated her cat did not bother me, it just seemed like more silly and useless dialogue, space filler,in my opinion, but it was her "perfect, petite female" persona that turned me off on the character. Her forever curling "Shirley Temple golden curls" and her perfect, hot little body" and big blue eyes. Ugh, sickening. I have always hated to read books about perfect females who are absolutely perfect and no man can resist them, 'cause it ain't so! Not realistic! But Ms. Robards must have been in a romantic mood, of the sexual nature, when she was writing this book, because it definitely dwells on sex and she gives graphic descriptions and takes at least ten pages to describe one roll in the hay, and a couple of times, after reading the ten pages leading up to and describing all the build-up and the foreplay, it doesn't even happen, it turns into one of Matt's "kiss and run" episodes! But don't worry, they keep trying to do it again and again so if you are really into sex descriptions, you won't be disappointed, it is about all the book is about. However, the mystery is finally solved in a couple of pages, and it is sort of anticlimax because by the time she gets back to it, all the sex and romance has pushed it to the back burner and it doesn't seem important anymore, just a footnote. There is very little dialog devoted to it in the first place and the perpetrator is not fleshed out as a believeable character and there isn't much space given to him so you are left hanging as to what makes him tick. This book is really just about sex. I was really disappointed. It will make me think long and hard before buying another Karen Robards book, as I like a good mystery, and a little less of the heavy sex scenes.
A.Larkins ... Read more

Product Description
A time to fear....

Grace Hart seemed to have it all: a bright, beautiful daughter, a successful career as a judge, and a lovely home in an Ohio suburb. But beneath the placid veneer, darker truths lie waiting. Her fifteen-year-old, Jessica, is teetering on the cusp of drugs and delinquency. And someone is stalking the troubled teenager. Someone who has already violated their home and stolen their peace of mind.

A time to love....

Now the police are involved. Grace is relieved--and worried. Is Jessica in danger from a drug dealer who wants to silence her? Detective Tony Marino is on the case. He's too close for comfort, asking disturbing questions, probing into her long-buried past, igniting feelings Grace has tried to suppress. In Tony's strong arms, Grace finds comfort, protection--passion--as he tries to shield them from the evil lurking just beyond their door.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

Great Value
Item was in good shape and arrived sooner than expected- I would definitely deal with this seller again.

Good beach read!
I liked this one better than some of her others, mainly because it didn't have the typical girl gets guy, girl loses guy, girl gets guy again. They stayed together throughout the whole book! Also, there was a slight twist I didn't see coming at the end...a good book to pass the time if you want to relax and be entertained!

what a delight
Finally, a Karen Robards book I would happily recomend. The charactors were well developed. Their relationship was mostly realistic. All and all a good well written story. My only complaint is that there were a couple of charactors who were completely unnecessary, they didn't add to the story and could have been completely absent.

Skip this one - I stopped halfway through.
The characters are unlikable, story improbable and the book is just plain boring! The mother is a judge who uses the title to try to control and bully those around her. Was she supposed to be a "strong woman" or just an unpleasant one? Her world revolves around her daughter - can anyone see a problem here? Let's not forget the horoscopes that warned her of her future. The cop gets involved with the family, and had a daughter who died and would be the same age as the teenager had she lived. Replacement family? No chemistry, no real story to speak of. If you want the twist in the end, then skip to it and don't bother with the rest of the book.

GURENTIED TO KEEP YOU UP UNTIL 2:AM!
I JUST LOVED THE MIDNIGHT HOUR!

DEVARSED JUDGE, GRACE HART SEEMS TO HAVE IT ALL: A WONDEFUL CARER, AND A BEAUTIFUL TEEN-AGE DAUGHTER.

HOWEVER GRACE HAD BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH HER DAUGHTER JESSICA, WHO'S TESTING HER LIMETS.

WHEN GRACE GETS THE FEELING SHE AND JESSICA ARE BEING STAKLED, SHE CALLS THE POLICE, AND THAT'S WHEN DETICTIVE TONY MARINO COMES INTO HER LIFE.

AT FIRST GRACE DISLIKES TONY INSTANTLY. TONY IS CREDICALE GRACE'S MOTHERING SKILLS.

OVERTIME HOWEVER AN ATRRACTION GROWES BETWEEN THEM, ESPHICHLLY AFTER TONY TELLS GRACE OF HIS DAUGHTER RACHEL, WHO DIED OF CYSTIC FIBROSIES SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

GRACE HAS A CHILDHOOD SECRET THAT SHE HAS NOT EVEN TOLD JESSICA ABOUT BUT SHE FEELS THAT SHE MUST TELL TONY FINALLY BECAUSE IT MIGHT EXPLAIN WHO IS STALKING THEM:

WHEN GRACE WAS ABOUT THIRTEEN HER MOTHER DIED. GRACE STARTED TO BE EVERY BIT AS REBILIUS AND DIFFICULT AS JESSICA. GRACE UNEXPICTEDLY GOT PREGNENT WITH A BABY BOY. SHE KNEW HER FATHER AND STEPMOTHER WOULD NOT LET HER KEEP IT SO SHE PUT IT UP FOR ATOPTION. GRACE IS AFRAID THAT HER SON HAS COME BACK INTO HER LIFE AND STALKING HER AND JESSICA IN RETALIASHEN.

AS FAR=FETCHED AS IT SEEMS TONY BEGANS TO LOOK INTO IT. HE TELLS HIMSELF THAT IF HE FINDS GRACE'S SON HE WOULD DRAG THE KID INTO COURT POOR ABONDENT BABY BOY OR NOT.

THE ENDING IS SO SPELL-BINDING THAT I DO NOT WANT TO RUIN IT!
... Read more

Product Description
When she receives a call from a child who sounds exactly like her missing daughter Lexie, Sarah Mason turns to her closest friend in the world, P.I. Jake Hogan. Jake is convinced that someone is deliberately tormenting the grief-stricken mother. But as their friendship explodes into passion-and the torment escalates into murder-Jake is the only person who can keep Sarah safe in their horrifying search for the truth... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Vanished
Sara Mason never expected to be face to face with the barrel of a gun when she made a quick trip to the convenience store for dog food.When the two gunmen attempted robbery, and found no significant cash on the premises, they shot the cashier.Sara knew she would be next, so in a desperate attempt to save herself and a child hiding nearby, together they made a run for it.After the dust settled, she was in the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound, and the little girl she tried to protect was nowhere to be found.Everyone was convinced that her trauma caused her to confuse the current events with her daughters abduction seven years prior.Jake Hogan was her best friend, but even he was having doubts about her story until a local television station aired the security tape from the store proving she wasn't crazy.

Jake has been Sara's best friend and confidant since Lexie disappeared.She stormed into his office demanding to hire a private detective to find her missing daughter.It killed him that he had not been able to find any real clues to provide her some closure and peace of mind.He made a point to be there for her any time she needed him.Jake was hopeful one day when she felt strong enough to move forward; she could return the intense feelings he had for her almost from the beginning.He was worried about her though.She had been doing so much better, but after being shot, she seemed to be backsliding.When he found some of Lexie's old toys on the floor in her bedroom, his worry escalated, but when Sara started receiving calls from her daughter that disappeared, he knew in his gut that someone was trying to get to her for some reason.

This was a very intense suspenseful read!Sara has lived in limbo all the years her daughter has been missing waiting and hoping for some kind of closure.She has gone through hell, and when she sees a glimmer of hope, she is shot, and her life starts to unravel all over again.Her responses are so emotional, that it was sometimes painful to read.Jake is such a good man, and has the patience of a saint!Thrilling read, but it ended very abruptly, and so unrealistically, the conclusion was a letdown.

Vanished
Sara Mason never expected to be face to face with the barrel of a gun when she made a quick trip to the convenience store for dog food. When the two gunmen attempted robbery, and found no significant cash on the premises, they shot the cashier. Sara knew she would be next, so in a desperate attempt to save herself and a child hiding nearby, together they made a run for it. After the dust settled, she was in the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound, and the little girl she tried to protect was nowhere to be found. Everyone was convinced that her trauma caused her to confuse the current events with her daughters abduction seven years prior. Jake Hogan was her best friend, but even he was having doubts about her story until a local television station aired the security tape from the store proving she wasn't crazy.

Jake has been Sara's best friend and confidant since Lexie disappeared. She stormed into his office demanding to hire a private detective to find her missing daughter. It killed him that he had not been able to find any real clues to provide her some closure and peace of mind. He made a point to be there for her any time she needed him. Jake was hopeful one day when she felt strong enough to move forward; she could return the intense feelings he had for her almost from the beginning. He was worried about her though. She had been doing so much better, but after being shot, she seemed to be backsliding. When he found some of Lexie's old toys on the floor in her bedroom, his worry escalated, but when Sara started receiving calls from her daughter that disappeared, he knew in his gut that someone was trying to get to her for some reason.

This was a very intense suspenseful read! Sara has lived in limbo all the years her daughter has been missing waiting and hoping for some kind of closure. She has gone through hell, and when she sees a glimmer of hope, she is shot, and her life starts to unravel all over again. Her responses are so emotional, that it was sometimes painful to read. Jake is such a good man, and has the patience of a saint! Thrilling read, but it ended very abruptly.

Great story, but with some issues
What a great story line.Sarah tries to move on with her life after the abduction of her daughter 7 years before.She's a very broken, lonely woman, who has no friends or family to speak of, other than her best friend Jake.

The character of Sarah did have some very redeeming qualities, but seemed to be just a bit to fragile and unglued for most of the story.While the circumstances warrant it, you find it hard to understand why Jake would have an attraction for someone who refuses to do anything (eat, watch tv, read, enjoy anything at all) She only does anything out of necessity....and just works as an a district attorney - nothing else in her life. You really do get a sense of what it was like for Sarah to loose her child and how and why she obsessed over it - but I think there was too much time spent on that.

Jake was an excellent character and he had lots of add to this story, by making Sarah face the truth about her miserable existence.He's a solid character, and likable in so many ways.There are other supporting characters that are also very well developed and quite likeable and/or believeable.

There's lots of action in this story and you are really kept guessing what will happen until the very end.I did find it slow at times, focussing on details that didn't matter and providing an excruciating amount of detail on some of the backstory.Sometimes the backstory didn't make sense where it was told.

The ending was a little abrupt and quite honestly undid all the good that was previously done in the story. Overall, a great story, but could have been a little faster paced, had a stronger female lead, and a less abrupt (and possibly different) ending. I am all for happy endings, but this one just didn't fit.I just think this story had so much more potential, but still and glad I read it.

NOTE ON THE AUDIO VERSION:I actually picked this book to read in part because of the narrator of the audiobook.Joyce Bean does a fabulous job reading the audio version, though I didn't like the voice she did for the character of Jake, it seemed a little choked and harsh.(usually I love her male voices)

Great sexual tension, annoying ending.
This book started out great. My palms were sweating by the second or third page. I got swept up in the mystery and the romance between Sarah and Jake. My only problem was the ending. Not only was it far-fetched, but it felt like the author was going for the tear-jerker ending scene. But if you like Robards and you like steamy love scenes, give it a try.

Any chance of reading another Karen Robards book has 'Vanished'!
I thought this book had an interesting premise, and it was easy to feel sympathy toward the main character, which is something I couldn't say about most of the books I've reviewed in the last few months. Jake and Sarah could have made an interesting couple, but the story, and charaters, deteriorated about a quarter of the way through the book.
There were a lot of examples of stilted, cloying dialogue(especially Sarah freaking out that a colleague will suspect she and Jake were 'intimate', because they both had their shoes off, and there were pizza boxes on the living room table...maybe the colleague would have just assumed he was in a frat house!).
The repetition of 'Lexie, Lexie! IT WAS LEXIE!'started off as a believable way of indicating Sarah's shocked and disturbed state of mind, but Robards trivialized it by using it dozens of times in the space of a few pages. The more things reminded Sarah of Lexie, the harder it was to stay focused on the story. Robards tried to tie everything together, but she was really reaching by the final chapters. Characters spent a lot of time stating the obvious(an observation that people signed in to an internet chat room could be 'anywhere'...this isn't 1996 any more, the internet has been around a while, and most adults don't consider it to be 'magic' the way some of those cops did!)
The development of Sarah and Jake's platonic friendship into an all-out romance stopped being interesting somewhere through that excruciatingly long lovemaking session, in which Robards simply filled about 10 pages with variations on 'They had sex'.
The attempt to make far-fetched and unbelievable plot points into a 'surprise' finish dragged the story down even further...but the final few pages were unbelievably cheap. (SPOILER)
Guess who shows up? Guess whose name is only mentioned about 5000 times?
If you're stumped by difficult questions like that, you'll love 'Vanished'! ... Read more

Product Description
THE ELECTRIFYING NATIONAL BESTSELLER PARADISE COUNTY Left bankrupt after her billionaire father's sudden death, Alexandra Haywood returns to Shelby County, Kentucky --that bit of Southern splendor known as Paradise County -- to sell the family's magnificent horse farm. Part of her mission is to fire Joe Welch, the sexy, stubborn farm manager who worked hard for the Haywoods while raising his children. But Joe refuses to be fired, and he and Alex clash. They also fall for each other -- hard. Just as their attraction flares, a shocking murder with ties to the past rocks the county -- and cuts close to home when Joe's teenage son, Eli, and Alex's wild-spirited younger sister, Neely, vanish. Now, the evil that lurks beneath Paradise County raises its gruesome head -- and Alex is targeted as the next victim.Amazon.com Review
Setting: Contemporary Kentucky

Sensuality: 8

Grief-stricken at her father's suicide and struggling to cope with the collapse of the family businesses, photographer Alexandra Haywood travels to her family's thoroughbred horse farm in Paradise County, Kentucky. She cannot understand why her father would take his life, and her journey to Whistledown Farm is driven by her need for answers as well as the need to sell the farm. Sparks fly when she encounters farm manager Joe Welch, and Alexandra is yanked from the cold lethargy of grief that has gripped her emotions since her father's death. She doesn't want to be attracted to the handsome, difficult man but her hormones refuse to cooperate. Joe doesn't want to crave the gorgeous blond who intends to sell the farm and destroy his dreams, but he, too, has no choice.

The two have bigger problems, however, when a crazed killer whose heinous crimes have gone undetected in Paradise County for many years targets Alexandra. Before Joe can save her, his own son and her young sister may also fall victim to the madman. Robards expertly balances an intensely sensual love story with a truly chilling suspense plot set against a colorful Southern backdrop. Paradise County will have readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. --Lois Faye Dyer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (55)

Great read!
I just started reading this book for what will probably be the fourth time (I think). I love ALL of Karen Robards books. In her stories, there is a really good balance between the romance and the action...she doesn't go "overboard" on one and not the other. In this book I love Joe...he seems sexy without even trying. Alex is strong, but she isn't afraid to show her weak side to Joe. Neely is the comic relief of the book...outrageous and funny. And they way she portrays the "villan"...wow! Pure evil. What he does to his victims would give you nightmares. Out of all her books,he gets my vote as the most horrifying villan. On a lighter note, I loved the part of the book when they go on the hayride to the pep rally and then at the pep rally...so sweet! I give this book 5 stars and 2 thumbs up! Totally enjoyable!

Paradise County - loved it!
I loved this book. Though different, it reminded me of Ghost Moon (which was the first Karen Robards book I ever read and loved so).I totally fell in love with Joe Welch - oh gosh, Joe where are you?Wish I knew a Joe Welch!Loved the way he treated his kids, loved the way he loved Alex.I wish....Well anyway, I thought it was a great read.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I decided I am giving too many books 5 stars.So I would say this is a 4.5 star.My really favorite 5 star (maybe 10 star) is Linda Howard's "After the Night".
But - I love Karen Robards and love everything she writes!

worst book ever written
I have read many books in my time, but this has to be the all time worst. If this is supposed to be a love story with a twist, all I can say is "no thank you". The insert on the inside cover is to me, very misleading. Granted, it does say that "bad things" happen in the book, but does not indicate just how twisted the plot is. I could not even get to the end of the book, it was so disturbing. Someone else read the last part and told me who "did it".He too, agreed that the things the person did to others in the book, were so horrid that it was enough to give even the most seasoned reader nightmares. It is the ultimate how to book, when it comes to what unspeakable things one person can do to others!

Great, Great, Great!!
I think the title of this review basically sums up how I feel about the book!! It was byfar, one of my favorites by Karen Robards. I will admit that it did take a little while for me to get into the book, but when I did I could not seem to put it down. The mystery part of this book is definitely a 5 star and so is the romance part!! You get the best of both worlds [= I hope you enjoy this book as much I did!

Paradise County
This is the first work of Karen Robard that I have been disappointed in. The characters were lacking something. I could not finish this book. I have enjoyed most of her works. ... Read more

Product Description
From one of the most popular voices in women's fiction comes a compulsively gripping novel of suspense about the mind games between an innocent woman and the unstoppable killer she's forced to outwit-and outrun. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (56)

She May be the Bait, but She's Not Just a Worm on a Hook
Maddie Fitzgerald, the owner of the Creative Partners Advertising Agency, is in New Orleans to pitch a proposal to a dog food agency when she is almost killed in her hotel room. Luckily she was able to stab the man with a pencil and escape. Later that night another woman, who bears Maddie's name, is murdered and FBI Agent Sam McCabe believes both the murder and the attempted murder are connected to one of his cases.

Maddie goes home to St. Louis, but is attacked again. McCabe is convinced the man who tried to kill Maddie will try again and he talks her into acting as bait. To ease her fears he tells her that he and plenty of other agents will be acting as her bodyguards. She will be perfectly safe. Yeah Right! But Maddie reluctantly agrees, despite the fact that she has a secret in her past that could ruin the investigation, not to mention the relationship that is developing between her and Sam.

Once again Karen Robards has written a non-stop, pulse-racing romantic suspense story, but that should come as no surprise to her legion of fans. I know I wasn't surprised to find a book that kept me glued to my chair from start to finish.

Nothing Attracts a Shark Better than Live Bait
Maddie Fitzgerald goes to the Big Easy on business, but the business she gets in New Orleans isn't what she bargained for. Someone breaks into her hotel room and tries to kill her, but she fends him off. The next day tough talking, good looking, FBI agent Sam McCabe tells Maddie that she's apparently a dead ringer for an FBI informant who just happens to share her name and that a very successful hit man is after her, one who has recently left two victims with a bullet in the head.

Later, after Maddie has finished her business and gone back to New Orleans, she's attacked again, and again McCabe comes to question her. He tells her that she's not safe, that she never will be, not until the killer's caught, but she can help. She can be the bait, but not to worry, the FBI guys will be on the job. She's not down with this plan, especially because she has a secret in her past she doesn't want Sam or the FBI to know about, but she agrees. Besides, he's just so good looking and yes they do fall into each others arms and into bed, but to find out more you're going to have to read this terrific book. You won't be disappointed. Ms. Robards knows suspense, knows romance too, and she certainly knows how to thrill.

Read this book in 1 day
This was a good book!I started it and couldn't put it down.I rate books 3 ways - (1)KEEP IT AND SHARE IT, (2)GIVE IT TO THE BOOK EXCHANGE AFTER READING OR (3)THROW IT AWAY.This is a keep, share and then give to the book exchange.

Bait
Maddie Fitzgerald was in the big easy for the biggest presentation of her life. Her company needed this new account to put her business Creative Partners on the map. She was too excited to sleep, but knew she would need her rest to be at the top of her game. When she was awakened in the night, she immediately knew she was no longer alone in her room. The silencer discharge made her fear for her life, but a man that wanted her dead trapped her. Her attempt to escape was of no use, and he had her in his hands before she even registered what had happened. She grabbed the only thing nearby to try and help herself. When she stabbed her attacker with a pencil, she was released long enough to yell and run for help.

Sam McCabe was a trained long time member of the FBI. He had been tracking a serial killer with no luck, but the fact that his latest victim was still alive gave him hope this was the break they needed to identify and stop him. When he met Maddie, it was instant sparks for both of them. He knew he needed to keep it professional between them, but felt that may be easier said than done. He and his team of fellow agents had to make her safety a priority because Sam was positive he would be back for the witness still living.

As the killer gets closer to Maddie, and makes several attempts on her life, Sam does everything in his power to provide protection from everything except his heart. Before he realizes it, Maddie has stolen his heart, and as much as he tries to resist, they both give into the temptation searing between them. It is a race to see if Sam can catch a killer before he loses Maddie forever.

This was a pretty good book, but there were too many characters on the canvas, and it was hard to keep up with them all at times. Her ignorance toward dogs could not be overlooked either. I don't mind writers taking dramatic license with reality sometimes, but as much chocolate and peanuts that she fed that dog, she would have been very sick.

Bait
Maddie Fitzgerald was in the big easy for the biggest presentation of her life. Her company needed this new account to put her business Creative Partners on the map. She was too excited to sleep, but knew she would need her rest to be at the top of her game. When she was awakened in the night, she immediately knew she was no longer alone in her room. The silencer discharge made her fear for her life, but a man that wanted her dead trapped her. Her attempt to escape was of no use, and he had her in his hands before she even registered what had happened. She grabbed the only thing nearby to try and help herself. When she stabbed her attacker with a pencil, she was released long enough to yell and run for help.

Sam McCabe was a trained long time member of the FBI. He had been tracking a serial killer with no luck, but the fact that his latest victim was still alive gave him hope this was the break they needed to identify and stop him. When he met Maddie, it was instant sparks for both of them. He knew he needed to keep it professional between them, but felt that may be easier said than done. He and his team of fellow agents had to make her safety a priority because Sam was positive he would be back for the witness still living.

As the killer gets closer to Maddie, and makes several attempts on her life, Sam does everything in his power to provide protection from everything except his heart. Before he realizes it, Maddie has stolen his heart, and as much as he tries to resist, they both give into the temptation searing between them. It is a race to see if Sam can catch a killer before he loses Maddie forever.

This was a pretty good book, but there were too many characters on the canvas, and it was hard to keep up with them all at times. Her ignorance toward dogs could not be overlooked either. I don't mind writers taking dramatic license with reality sometimes, but as much chocolate and peanuts that she fed that dog, she would have been very sick. ... Read more

Product Description
From the New York Times bestselling author of Guilty

When the First Lady dies in a fiery car crash, rookie attorney Jessica Ford is the only survivor of the tragedy. As the nation mourns, Ford has reason to believe it wasn't an accident. One by one, others in the First Lady's inner circle are being killed. Jessica must find out why- before she's next.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (49)

Not Great
This is the longest I've ever taken to read a book of this length and it was because the story just wasn't riveting enough to keep my attention. But I hate not finishing a book I've started, so I muddled along, reading a few pages a night until it was finally over.

Neither of the main characters is compelling or anyone you can really care about. The "romance" seemed forced and the story seemed way too choppy and jumped around way too much for my tastes.

I really don't care for this author's need for overdramatizing either. Her heart raced. Her pulse pounded. Her mouth went dry. Her head exploded. It's extremely annoying.

Everything just seemed a little....off.
Other reviewers have done an excellent job of summarizing so I'll just move onto my review.I found the story to be like Romance Lover said: It started out interesting and quite fast paced and then it just stalled.Then the heroine, Jessica Ford spends 6 chapters/63 pages in the hospital talking to her family, trying not to remember the crash, and other such filler things.

I admit the ending was riveting, suspenseful, and definitely kept me reading to see how it ended.That said I do have some problems with the story...

*********SPOILERS BELOW!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK*********

The major problem I had was the characters reactions.Our hero, Mark Ryan is a Secret Service agent and has been for 5+ years(?) and yet gets sick to his stomach, can't sleep, etc because of guilt from something he had no control over.Then we have Jessica a junior lawyer who doesn't know enough to ditch every identifying piece of her life when your on the run from the government and didn't know about spy satellites?

On a similar note, isn't it the Secret Services job to remember things, especially people.Considering all the times Mark had met Jessica before the crash, not remembering her just seems like Mark was being lousy and/or lazy at his job.Only noticing potential threats and not normal everyday people seems stupid.

The second problem I had was the author left some plot points vague and I don't know whether that was deliberate or not.For example-How exactly did the First Lady leave the White House property? A car trunk, over a wall, what?Was Prescott innocent or was he involved?I presumed him innocent, but there is still the sense that he alerted Fielding and didn't immediately report the First Lady missing.How did Fielding get out of the hospital room?Wouldn't the public suspect the videos were real if The President resigned without a good reason?

My third problem was the extras.What I mean is did we really have to include the story of Jessica's sister and father.What relevance did that have?Or to a lesser extent Davenport's embezzling.

And finally my fourth problem was the way Jessica and to a lesser extent Mark acted being on the run.I haven't been anywhere close to a situation remotely like this, however I imagine if you are in a situation like this you go to basics.Like eat when you can as much as you can, sleep as much as you can, etc.You don't nibble on food, stay up and watch tv and read a newspaper.Being not used to that kind of situation and with adrenaline kicking around in you, Jessica likely would have simply passed out.Of course then we couldn't have our requisite love scene.
********End SPOILER********
As J. Legacysaid there is not much romance to be found here.Overall I would say this story just does not ring true to me.Hope this review helps.

Liebow--yee-ow!
I hate to be mean, but I am traumatized, I tell you! I picked up this audiobookand the reader Franette Liebow is absolutely atrocious. I am not that thrilled with female readers sometimes (OK, usually), but she is truly the pits.It's a political thriller and the men coming out of her mouth (so to speak) are not African-American but speak in gravelly Uncle Remus accents for some reason (supposed to be like Texans?). And the women screech, there is no other word for it. I thought, "If there are children in this, only dogs will be able to hear them." Sure enough, children! They reached the physical pain level. I like the story, but I am not sure I can finish this. You have been warned.

Make sure you're going to be able to read uninterrupted
After a long week at the office, associate attorney Jessica Ford is kicking it at home, relaxing in front of the television set and just taking life easy. Unfortunately, working for senior partner John Davenport at one of the most illustrious law firms in Washington, D.C. means being on call 24/7. When she receives a drunken call from him instructing her to rescue First Lady Annette Cooper from impending scandal, she hops out of bed, throws on her clothes and heads out the door knowing that nothing less than success in her mission is acceptable if she wants to keep her job.

Upon arriving at a hotel bar to find Mrs. Cooper sans Secret Service and in a state of emotional distress, Jess tries her best to coax the First Lady out of the bar and into a waiting car before anyone realizes who she is. Unfortunately, the wife of the President is more than a little peeved at her personal attorney for sending a flunky to do his dirty work and is not exactly cooperative. Jess breathes a sigh of relief when she manages to corral the First Lady out of the dimly lit bar and into the black Lincoln that Jess is sure will drive them to safety. Little does she know this is one ride that will change her life forever.

When Jess wakes up, she is laying among the evergreens, unable to move from the chest down. Terror grips her as a man approaches. The last thing she remembers is being a passenger in the First Lady's car when it plunged over an embankment and hurtled, end over end, to finally land in a crumpled mass. Fortunately Jess knows the man. He is hunky Mark Ryan, the Secret Service agent who accompanies Mrs. Cooper wherever she goes and who Jess finds overwhelmingly attractive, even though she could be wallpaper for all the notice he takes of her. For some reason, he wasn't with the First Lady that night. If he had been, things might have turned out differently.

In the hospital, Jess awakens to the news that she is the sole survivor of the accident that claimed the lives of the three other passengers in the car, including the First Lady. Fear ensconces her as she begins to think that the wreck was anything but an accident. Someone wanted the passengers of that vehicle dead, and they almost succeeded. When an attempt is made on her life in her hospital room, Jess knows what no one else believes --- someone important wants her out of the way. Not knowing who to trust, she sets out on her own to discover who is behind this horrible mess that has become her life.

What Jess doesn't realize is exactly how much jeopardy she's in. Luckily, Mark does and comes to the rescue. Can she trust him, or is he one of the evil villains behind this spate of gratuitous killings that are felling one person after another in Jess's personal orbit? Finally, Jess has no choice but to trust Mark as they embark on a run for their lives. With killers close on their heels, they know that the only way to remain alive is to stay out of sight until they can get to the bottom of this horrific chain of events. But that's not easy to do when paid government assassins are on your trail.

As if fighting for her life isn't enough, Jess is also fighting for her heart. It doesn't take long to know that she has feelings for Mark, but what are his feelings for her? Is she a convenient distraction, or does he care for her in return? Only time will tell --- and time is the one thing Jess doesn't have.

A word of caution when you pick up PURSUIT: Make sure you're going to be able to read uninterrupted, because this is one book that will put your spouse, your children and anyone else who dares disturb you while you're following Jess and Mark on non-stop adventure in as much danger as they are. Bestselling author Karen Robards has created a cast of characters that will tug at your heartstrings. Jess is vulnerable in a way that would make any man want to take care of her, and Mark is capable and sexy in a way that would make women wish he were their own. It's a combination that makes the reader care about what happens and keep turning pages as the chapters fly by. This is definitely a book to read in one sitting.

Pursuit
Jessica Ford was low on the totem pole at Davenport, Kelly & Bascomb.She knew that was why she got the late night call to baby-sit the First Lady, Annette Cooper, at a nearby hotel bar.When Jess got to the hotel, she didn't see the protection detail anywhere, but found Mrs. Cooper nursing a drink looking very upset.She was not at all happy to see Jess, knowing she was being passed off to someone she didn't know, to be dealt with.Jess knew the most important thing to do was to get Mrs. Cooper out of the public eye in her very drunken state.

Mrs. Cooper was acting very erratic, and when they reached the limo was adamant about losing her secret service detail.She was very angry and afraid, but Jess did what she could to calm her.She was making comments about being held prisoner, and before any of them realized what was happening, the car crashed, changing Jessica's life forever.

This was a very thrilling read!Jess unknowingly becomes involved in something that she doesn't know how to get out of.Her life is constantly in danger, and is out of her control.That is very disconcerting to someone that used to living an orderly life.If only a couple of the things that happened reflect the true nature of our secret service, it is pretty frightening.Strong characters with minute-by-minute action make this a good one not to be missed. ... Read more

Product Description

Hot summer passion. Cold-blooded fear.

When Christy Petrino discovers that her fiancé, Michael DePalma, and the law firm where she works are linked to the mob, she breaks her engagement and quits her job. But no one walks away from the DePalma family so easily. Christy's freedom comes on one condition: She must deliver a locked briefcase to a motel on North Carolina's Ocracoke Island. Her late-night drop-off is only the beginning of a tide of terror: In the shadows of the Outer Banks, Christy senses she is being followed...and suddenly she is a witness in a police investigation of a serial killer known as the "Beachcomber" -- who targets young women who all resemble her. Handsome surfer Luke Rand offers the best kind of shelter in his strong arms. But as their sensual attraction flares, Christy hears warning bells telling her if you want to survive a hot and deadly summer, trust no one.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (56)

Likable characters, fun and fast moving. The plot was shaky.
I just read this one.Christy and Luke were likeable and fun.The supporting characters were funny and interesting.Unfortunately, the plot was rather implausible, IMO.Christy has to act as the bagman for the mob or her family will be in danger from her ex-fiance's mob family. Luke is an FBI agent trying to trap her ex-fiance and he thinks the ex-fiance may contact Christy so he goes undercover as her next door neighbor at the beach house she's staying in.OK, that sounds good.But then there's this secondary storyline about a serial killer on top of that, and the way the mysteries are resolved seemed implausible to me.Despite that, I liked the characters and I thought Christy & Luke were a fun couple.Decent beach reach.

A Woman in Trouble with a Capital T
He stalks North Carolina's outer banks by day, invisible to those he intends to kill. They haven't a clue and he revels in that. He can walk right up to them, smile and still they don't see. He follows them, captures them and uses them till they no longer excite, then he searches out another. They're tourists, they won't be missed. He has the perfect life.

And so it goes in the opening of Karen Robard's latest thriller, BEACHCOMBER. I say thriller, or maybe more precisely, a woman in trouble thriller, because that's just what this book is. Maybe Robards has her roots in romance, but BEACHCOMBER is definitely a crossover. It's the kind of book that will appeal to fans of Baldacci, Kellerman (Jonathan and Faye), Coben and Lehane as well as fans of Johansen, Gerritsen, Hoag and Reichs and, you know what, I'm guessing even fans of Koontz and King will find a story here that they can't put down.

Young and idealistic attorney Christy Petrino is from a mob family. Her mother's on again and off again boyfriend, a guy she refers to as Uncle Vince, is deep into organized crime, as was Christy's father, a mob soldier, who was gunned down when she was a little girl. Then there's her sister's hubby and lastly her fiancé, Michael DePalma, known to the FBI as Donnie Junior, because his father is mob capo John DePalma.

However, Christy wants nothing to do with them and she believed her fiancé, also a lawyer and the head of the firm where she works, felt the same. But she'd been wrong. She learns too much and she wants out. Out of her impending marriage and out of the family. Uncle Vince tells her she can have her way, but first she has to go south, to the Outer Banks, where the mob owns a slew of beachfront homes and deliver a package. Once that's done, she can have her freedom.

She's on the beach, making her midnight delivery, when she senses she's being followed, stalked. She drops off the package and heads for home. He's getting closer, she can't see him, but she can just tell. He's out there, she knows it. She picks up her speed. She feels him gaining. She breaks into a jog, then runs. She trips over something. It's a woman, she's nude, she moans, "Help me."

Christy wants to help, but now she sees her stalker, he's coming for her. She sees a gun. She flees. Out of breath, she gets home to discover an man on her beachfront balcony. It's him, she thinks, she screams. Mrs. Castellano from next door, widow of a mob boss, comes to her aid, as does her son Gordie, a deputy sheriff, but son of a mob guy as well. The man on the balcony says he was looking for his cat. But was he?

So there you have it, our heroine is into trouble way over her head. Naturally the mob has no intention of letting her walk away, in fact her fiancé turns out to be a real nasty piece of work. Then there is the guy on the balcony, FBI agent Luke Rand who is undercover and really there to bug her temporary home. And lets not forget that serial killer who had chased her on the beach. Oh yes, young Christy is in a whole heck of a lot of trouble. Trouble with a capital T.

A First Rate Woman in Trouble Thriller
He sees a girl on the beach, she's blond, not his type, but she throws her beach ball to a brunette who is. He stalks her, captures her and another. He's a serial killer working North Carolina's Outer Banks, taking tourists, because he believes it's safer than killing locals.

Christy Petrino is staying in the Outer Banks, fleeing from her mob fiancé. But she doesn't know that the FBI have set up a listening post next door and that they've bugged her apartment, because they think she's as deep into mob crime as her fiancé is. She also doesn't know that the serial killer known as the Beachcomber has targeted her to be his next victim. And if that isn't enough, she has reason to believe that her fiancé might even want her dead.

She has nowhere to turn, no one she can trust, not even the local police, because one of them is a "family" member.

Though this offering is from a romance writer, BEACHCOMBER is the perfect example of a woman in trouble thriller. Yes, there is romance, but there is terror too, and suspense enough to satisfy even the most hardcore mystery fan. And to top everything off, Ms. Robards has topped her tale of intrigue with an ending that is right in front of our eyes, but one that slides right on by us. Truly a surprise.

Throw it in the surf....
This fluff book left me wonder how long it took to write.A weekend?Reads like a Harlequin Romance.Situation, Boy meets Girl, Of course they don't like each other,Boy saves Girl, Of course they fall in love.It should have ended right there.Then the author throws in a goofy villain. Geez.How old is Ms Robards?

Easy, Creepy Read
Beachcomber was my first Robards book; it was a gift, not something I would have selected. It proved to be an easy afternoon read, simplistic but it held my attention and provided the diversion needed. Character development is somewhat shallow and typical of romantic-thrillers, and in such a short book it was hard to develope much attachment to the characters. To be blunt, it was the description of the sexy physical encounters that made the novel enjoyable. ... Read more

Product Description

Anna Traverne will never forget that evening back in England when a bold intruder stole into her chambers -- a dark and daring jewel thief who came for treasures and inflamed her passions with a brazen caress. She thwarted the dashing rogue then. But now Julian Chase has followed her halfway around the world. Julian has come to take what he believes is rightfully his. And he has vowed to have his tender, sensuous revenge on the enchanting, silver-blond angel who robbed him of his birthright ... and purloined his heart in a single, unparalleled moment.

Customer Reviews (11)

Good...
I think maybe my expectations were to high for this book. It is a good book with a really good story line but I've read Tiger's Eye and Nobody's Angel and I know how good Karen Robards can be. I enjoyed this one but the story just did not just captivate me like her others.

Pretty good , one of her better ones...
Not as good as some others, but better than some. The ending was somewhat annoying.... but the romance was wonderful, so it's a win/lose in that aspect. Worth the read however.

Skip the romance
The book has some odd chapter structures. For instance, there's a romance scene that gets broken across four chapters! The first chapter is devoted just to the kissing. The second chapter has the foreplay. The third chapter is the actual act. The fourth chapter is the post-coital brag session. The book is actually better when the romance scenes are skipped as they are the most poorly written parts of this book. They are bad enough to be laughable.

THE GREATEST LOVE STORY I'VE EVER READ!!
This was my second book by Karen Robards (the first being Paradise County) and I can already say, it will be my favorite!A friend recommended this to me and she was absolutely right in doing so!The story of Anna and Julian left me completely dazzled.It usually takes me a few weeks to read a novel of this size, solely due to time issues; but I finished this one in exactly 3 days!!I could not bring myself to put it down and I thought about it way too much when I wasn't reading it!The story behind the love story was great, the settings ideal, and the secondary characters very interesting, and the "love" scenes will make you shudder!!HOT!!If you like romances, or even if you thought you had outgrew them (like I did), this is a MUST READ!I promise, you will NOT be disappointed!

EMERALD EYES AND JEWELS
Reading the "free" exerpt of GREEN EYES made me buy it.Ann Travern, recently widowed, is at the mercy of her deceased husband's older brother, Graham.And Graham has made it expressly clear that Ann will either become his mistress or both she and her small daughter, Chelsea, will be put out in the streets.

As a vicar's daughter, Ann prays fervrently for a solution.Almost as a direct answer to her prayer, Julian enters both her home and her life, seeking to prove his lineage and title.Julian steals precious jewels and is arrested, while it is Ann who, by a series of coincidences, actually makes away with the jewels, gaining an answer to her prayer and obtaining a financial means to leave Graham's household.

Now Ann takes her GREEN EYES back to Ceylon to start tea farming, as she and her husband had planned.The problem that arises is that both Julian and Graham want her and the jewels back ... and they'll travel halfway around the world to get them.

This book has a wonderfully exciting conclusion, where native superstition and practices cause an unforeseeable, dangerous distraction.

This story is believable, extremely romantic and adventurous. ... Read more

Product Description
After surviving a horrific attack by masked gunmen, Katharine Lawrence awakens in the hospital—with an unfamiliar face staring back at her in the mirror. One thing she does remember is that she’s the special assistant to the head of the CIA—and that she can trust no one. But Katharine’s handsome doctor becomes her newfound protector as she’s drawn into a shadowy world of conspiracy, where nothing is as it seems…and no one is who they appear to be. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (74)

Obsession- all that I wanted and more.
Karen Robards does it again. Fast paced, suspenseful, and of course sexy. Karen always delivers.

I wanted Muffy to scratch out Katherine's eyes
SPOILERS AHEAD

Let me start off by saying I am NOT a romance novel fan, but I am a huge mystery /suspense fan.

Katherine is one of the most unsympathetic female characters I have ever read, and I found her passive attitude towards the abusive Ed disturbing to say the least.Her attitude towards others was really impossible to believe.And this girl was supposed to be an assistant/lover to a big-deal Alphabet Soup guy?I think not.Assistants to guys like that are not that flaky.Or passive.Or weak.She did not really seem to have any job skills that would have gotten her even an interview for that job in the first place, and she certainly did not seem like she could have relied on her wits, even before the amnesia.

Katherine's dependence on other's generosity really got on my nerves.Like a spoiled-brat sorority princess, she kept on waiting for others to bail her out of trouble and put up with her bad attitude.Yuck.

This story line had some really great potential, but this was a very disappointing book.I'm willing to suspend disbelief, but the author just asked too much of the reader in this area.This book should have been in the fantasy/science fiction section, if Katherine's Energizer Bunny-like physical abilities were to be believed.That's just one aspect of the book that was unreal.Dan/Nick was annoyingly bland, kind of a cookie-cutter FBI guy hero type.I would have liked to see a lot more character development but as many other reviewers have written the book was just verbose when it came to describing every thought that popped into Katherine's little head.

Thumbs down.

Loved this book!
The twist and turns of the story had me second-guessing my first inclination throughout the read.I loved it!It's one of my favorite novels.Thanks Karen!

Absurd drivel
I rarely take the time to write reviews (good or bad) but I feel the need to warn unsuspecting readers away from this twaddle. Where to even start?

The title - It makes no sense.Even after completing the book (a real chore) I cannot comprehend what 'obsession' had to do with anything.At all.

The plot - Suspension of disbelief does not even begin to cover it. Just check reason and common sense at the door.The plot is so utterly farfetched and beyond belief that it's incredible.My biggest complaint is that the pacing was so incredibly slow.More than 100 pages in to the book and less than 12 hours had elapsed. I was begging for something, anything, to happen.For God's sake, get on with the story already.

Heroine (and I use the term loosely) - How difficult is it to create a protagonist that you want to see make it to the end of the novel? Apparently it is beyond the capacity of Robards because our intrepid 'Katharine' was so annoying and scatterbrained that I couldn't be bothered to care if she survived her ordeal or not.Being privy to her every passing thought grew tiresome quickly.And her ability to function and stay on the run despite a physical attack, a hospital stay, lack of sleep, torture... come on... I'm so not buying it.

The ending - The ending, which was supposed to tie back into a seemingly unrelated first chapter which was never mentioned again over almost 400 pages, felt too pat and, again, beyond belief.

This was my first try at a Robards novel and I do believe i have learned my lesson.Run.Run away.Fast.

What a BORE!!!!
I have NEVER written a review on a book before. I came on here thinking ok, maybe it's just ME who feels that this book is just a complete waste of time... but upon reading some of these reviews I can see I'm not the only one with that mentality. I didn't read the book, I checked the audio book out at the library. I have heard many different types of books on cd so I know it wasn't the narrators fault. The book is just so wordy and so descriptive about things that are totally not important. Who cares about the people at the supermarket? Who cares about the design on the couch at her apartment? The characters are so boring. I find Katherine a complete idiot who I feel absolutely nothing for. She's dumb, has no kind of character and just flat out annoying. I haven't even finished the book yet. I'm on cd 5. I find myself answering a call and leaving the cd playing and finding that I've missed absolutely nothing important. I've rolled my eyes countless times over the banter between Katherine and Dan. I don't even know if I will complete the book and if I don't that will be a first for me. I'll probably skip to the last cd and find that its just as easy to skip 6 cds and still have missed nothing of substance. This is my first time reading/listening to this author and I never will pick up another one of her novels. I'm just glad I didn't spend MY money on this. ... Read more

Product Description
Vacationing in Cancu+a7n, Kansas English teacher Lora Harding is abducted by ""Max"" Maxwell, a man whose handsome features challenge her to cast aside her reservations, learn his story, and give herself over to his irresistible touch. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Loved It!
Absolutely loved this book. This was the first book that I tried of this author and her other contemps seem to always pale in comparison for me to this book. Have read this twice. Thinking of re-reading again!

What a story!
This was the very first book I read by Karen Robards, after that I was hooked! From the first page the suspence never lets up, there is also lots of romance and humour which is just what I like, the hero is very macho but the heroine gives as good as she gets and one of the scenes left me laughing out loud whilst the other ones left me breathless! This book made me go and buy all her others it was that good.

We're supposed to forgive him?
I really had a difficult time with the first half of this book.The "hero" was so hateful and treated her so bad that even though I knew the romance was coming I had a really hard time accepting him.The things he said and did to her were too over the line for me to backtrack to sweet nothings later.Actually there weren't any sweet nothings.He was a jerk to the very end.

It is a testament to Ms. Robards writing style that I kept reading this book even though I found the hero not living up to that title at any point.I guess some women love that kind of rough and angry man but he didn't give me shivers at all.

And I really had a difficult time with him calling her a b*tch every time she dared to try to escape from the very probable rape and murder he threatened her with constantly.The very nerve of the heroine for trying to protect herself.I like this book even less the more I think about it.

I'm still giving it two stars because I did manage to finish it and I really did like the secondary character "Tunafish."

really liked it
Fast paced, loved the heroines inept qaulities, the hero was tender even though he did kidnap her.

Good, but not great.
This hero had a lot of baggage, and I guess we're supposed to excuse his mean attitude (which doesn't improve much over the course of the story), out of sympathy for him. It doesn't work. The writer does keep you on the edge with the story line itself. I just prefer a hero, with or without past ghosts, to still be portrayed in a better light. He could have been abrupt and still have had a conscience. After the second time he calls the heroine a b---h, I knew what I was in for. It was as if we're never supposed to like him. And there were many "emotion" repetitions. Like "I wish I had a penny for every time he said..." This was an interesting story, but I did contemplate putting it down for something that makes you feel good. It's definitely not a keeper. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Not what I'd expect from a Robards book.
I wanted to give this book one star but couldn't because it started off great but went downhill fast. I don't see any woman putting up with the crap he was laying on her. The constant mood swings were giving me whiplash. Not pleased with this one.

I Wasn't Really Loving Julia
I love everything Karen Robards writes, but I just couldn't love this one.I liked it.But I didn't find myself anxious to see what happened next.The characters were not endearing as much as her other characters in other books.This is not one I'd read again.And I read all of her books again and again.

couldn't stop reading
What a great book. It was impossible to put down.Loved the characters and the story just too good.

loveeeeeeee it!
The ultimate My fair lady type story.... She is a lady from the streets who wins her way into his proud heart. Not only do I love these type of plot lines with transformation from street girl to lady but the characters were fabulous. This and Tiger's Eye are her best, IMO. Jewel, aka Julia is so fierce and strong and sassy and Sebastian is so manly and stubborn and their chemistry is amazing. Kind of reminds me of Johanna Lindsey's Loving scoundrel in a few ways.. loved it!!!

This is a good book!
Ok, so the hero is a brute and a jerk in the beginning. When I first read this book I wanted to throw it against the wall! But I felt like towards the end it makes up for it. The man has been through a lot:his daughter can't even look at him without screaming and his mother seems like she hates his guts! And then Julia comes into his life and he does change in the end. In real life it is hard to change someone, if you can at all, so I find this believable. The hero seems like he was brought up to be a bit cold and unfeeling because that is the way his mother is. The book explains why he is this way. I agree with some of the reviewers here when they say the first love scene was not that great, basically because he was drunk when it was going on. Then the next morning he just left her (he was telling himself that she was a whore)and was cold and mean after taking her virginity. At this point I wanted to slap the guy in the face; I'm surprised she didn't. She does later on because some things that he does are pretty screwed up. But after she finally tells him off and he realizes what his feelings are it is sooo sweet! I just feel like it is worth it. The way he goes and fetches her from the ballroom is sweet and then he makes that speech that explains a lot. He is very insecure with his love though and then something else happens (a misunderstanding-I hate those) that pulls them apart which leads to her getting pretty badly hurt *not by him* and then he is so scarred that he will lose her, my heart was being squeezed at these moments. He was actually crying on her shoulder. You could tell he loved her and he was no longer that jerk by the end. This is also a good book because it has mystery and a bit of action in it. You see what happens with all the characters; they grow and some are not what they seem.

If you like this; you will like Tiger's Eye by Karen Robards- which is more like the heroine is the lady and the hero is the gutter rat (but he is sweet and not a jerk at all) ... Read more

Product Description
Hunting for a hot story in Africa, journalist Lisa Collins finds more than she bargains for when masculine and rugged Sam Eastman comes to her rescue after she is attacked by terrorists. Reissue.Amazon.com Review
Setting: Contemporary Rhodesia and Montana
Sensuality: 8

Baltimore journalist Lisa Collins leaves her sheltered existence for Africawhere the current civil war is supposed to be miles away. Despiteassurances of safety, violence explodes around her and Lisa flees amassacre scene only to race headlong into the arms of Sam Eastman, anAmerican mercenary. Sam's a reluctant rescuer and saving the beautifulblond interferes with his mission, but his conscience won't let him abandonher to die at the hands of revolutionaries. When his battle plans goawry, the two are forced to run for their lives and Sam finds that hissurvival depends on the strength and bravery of the woman that he oncethought was a useless butterfly. But even if the two can get out of Africaalive, is there any future for a tough soldier and a pampered rich girl?

To Love a Man is Robards's first foray into contemporaryromance after a successful career writing historicals. The internaldifferences between a heroine raised in the lap of luxury and a herobrought up in foster homes and trained on the battlefield areunderscored by their physical differences--she's small and feminine,while he's rugged and fiercely masculine. Their characters, however,are equally stubborn and brave with hot tempers that are evenlymatched. There's action aplenty in this adventurous story, with hotlove scenes in the African brush, as well as in opulent bedrooms, andendearing secondary characters. To Love A Man firmlyestablishes Robards as an author who moves easily betweensubgenres. --Lois Faye Dyer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

I Couldn't Put It Down
This book had me hooked from start to finish.The characters and their story stayed with me long after I finished reading the book.

What A Book!
This book was hot from start to finish! Lisa and Sam were electric together and the story around them was very exciting! The writing was so vivid that you felt you were in the jungle and danger with them. This is one of my favorites! A rich girl who is used to having her own way meets a man, who is lethal and has no respect for her pampered life. But what they endure trying to survive in each situation makes you fall in love with them. Take your time and read it because it's not boring at all!

Loved It!!
I really like Karen Robards but this one is my favorite.It was one of the first romance books that I have read and I have reread it several times.I love how it follows them through several different experiences.I got more involved with the characters and it wasn't the typical "meet you one week, marry you the next" type romance.

" This is NO Love Story!"
1 star is TOO Much for this Nightmare of a "romance". It deserved a 0! I am a fan of Karen Robards, some of her books are favourites of mine,great reads, with real and heartfelt stories.However, this book is terrible, the so called "hero", is not only cruel- "He's a RAPIST, there is nothing else to call what he did! Even after he so called "discovers" his feelings there is never any sort of apology for his Dispicable treatment of her. The "heroine" has no dignity or sense of self preservation.There is NO romance in this book.I enjoy a Wide variety of books, but I could find Nothing to recommend this book.I can not understand any of the Positive reviews.Unless, you enjoy reading about physical and emotional abuse do not waste your time or money!If you want to read something good by Karen Robards try "Morning Song"

boring
boring, boring, boring, and I did not like sam at all or Lisa, for that matter, because she put up with sams chauvanistic attitude, especially concerning her money! He is probably one of the worst and unlikable heroes I have ever read. ... Read more