Island Flame [Paperback]

Karen Robards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1993

Dear Listener, It is difficult for an author to choose a favorite from among her own books, especially when she has been lucky enough — as I have — to make a career out of doing what she loves. But some stories are memorable because they mark an important milestone in an author’s life, and for me, perhaps none is more special than Island Flame — my very first book. I was thrilled when it was published, and now, more than thirty years later, I am just as excited to share it again with you. Island Flame is a classic tale of romance on the high seas, featuring two extraordinary characters: the headstrong Lady Catherine Aldley and the legendary pirate Jonathan Hale. I don’t have to tell you that their tumultuous escapade sizzles with passion (lots of passion!), but what I hope you will take away most from Cathy and Jonathan is that dreams do come true — in love and in life. Mine did, and I hope yours will too. I look forward to sharing many more adventures together in the future. Enjoy! Karen Robards

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Ms. Robards seems to know instinctively our most secret thoughts and then dreams up the perfect scenario to give them free rein . . . the results are pure magic!"
--Romantic Times

"Karen Robards is one of the finest, most talented writers of romantic history today."
--Affaire de Coeur

"Ms. Robards has the marvelous talent to zero in on the heart of erotic fantasy. . . No one writes with more fire."
--Romantic Times

"One of those writers I buy without needing to read a review . . . The high tension [is] sustained throughout, keeping me glued to the pages."
--Johanna Lindsey
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

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

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

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Leisure Books (Mm); Island Flame edition (May 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084393414X
• ISBN-13: 978-0843934144
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,388,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Karen Robards is the bestselling author of twenty-seven novels. The winner of six Silver Pen awards for favorite romance novelist, as well as numerous other awards, she lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, Doug, and their sons Peter, Christopher, and Jack. She says, "I read, I write, and I chase children. That's my life."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars i tried to give it zero stars but . . ., February 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Island Flame (Mass Market Paperback)

You've heard of readers who after reading a book from their favorite writers say, "well, it really wasn't one of her best." Well, this reader is coming right and saying it--this was the worst! The heroine is raped not once but twice. AND the guy while apologizing for the the last rape, adds that "she" made him so angry she provoked him. C'on now. No means no. The sexual violence throughout the book was so prevalent. The fact that the girl and guy (i can't even remember their names--shows you how much I cared about the characters!) end up in love is so puzzling because there is simply no chemistry between them. Furthermore, why she fell in love with the brute is beyond me. Okay I've read a few bodice ripping novels in my time and have enjoyed the fictional male he-man in many but masculinity does not mean savagery towards women. I am a fan of Karen Robards' later works and can only say she has certainly improved. Don't waste your time on this one.

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Her worst book, May 10, 2000

By 

Shannon "jfaction" (Lafayette, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Island Flame (Mass Market Paperback)

I actually had to put this book down after several attempts to read it. I have read almost all of Robards' books and usually love them. The heroine is raped on several occasions, by the hero. Doesn't matter that the story took place in the 19th century, Robards glorified rape. On the first rape, the man partly seduced the girl, then raped her; Robards portrayed the rape in a sensual way. On the last rape, Robards described the man as stabbing in and out of her intentionally as punishment for an imagined wrong. The heroine accepts the concept that she deserved to be hurt in this manner, because she "supposedly" hurt the hero. We have enough to deal with in real rape cases, with the victim feeling to blame. We don't need that damaging concept perpetuated in a romance novel.

The "hero" also physically struck the heroine on several occasions. Spanking her, striking her in other ways. I couldn't find anything redeeming in his character. He was obnoxious and not likable.

I'm very disappointed in Karen Robards for writing this book.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't judge Karen Robards by this book, March 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Island Flame (Mass Market Paperback)

I am a real Karen Robards fan, and was shocked at how TERRIBLE this book was. I could not get past the numerous rapes and beatings. Even when Kathy saves Jon from hanging, his first words to her are abusive. I couldn't even figure that scene out. He kissed her goodbye, got captured, she saves him from the hangman, and he calls her a -itch! I don't even think it was because he had to marry her. He had been thinking of marrying her already. Then the final rape scene at nearly the end of the book was the worst of all. She had born him a son, and this is how he treats her? I read romance novels all the time. I'm accustomed to the brooding, anti social heroes who eventually learn to love, but the rapes and physical abuse in this book were horrible. It has nothing to do with being PC and everything to do with enjoying romance stories because the heroes are sexy and/or attractive. I wouldn't let this man near me with a 10 foot pole. Karen Robards is a GREAT author, but do NOT read this book. Get her "One Summer" if you want a great love story.