At first, because this novel was set in the past I wasn't sure I would like it-BUT--the main male character was so much like most of the men I know today! He kept his feelings to himself and was always trying to protect "chicken" from any real or imagined harm! Even after a night and day of sex(and virginity loss),neither one knew where the other one stood! So many days of love were lost due to the fact that they both were afraid of getting hurt! Even though we are now in the year 2000, this still happens all the time with couples.While being an exciting and provocative read it also teaches a valuable lesson in love.

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!

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.

She saved his life. She purchased his freedom. Could she win his heart?

At the age of twenty-two, Sarah Markham is highly unlikely to receive any offers of marriage because of her plain exterior. She is mortified when she stumbles upon the brutal flogging of convict Dominic Gallaher. Realizing that she alone holds the key to his survival, she ultimately makes the decision to intervene and stop the savage beating. She then enlists the aid of her father to purchase Dominic's freedom.

Life has hardened his heart . . . Fate has torn at his soul . . .Can one woman shed light on his dark future?

Dominic Gallaher was convicted to serve fifteen years for robbery. A reclusive troublemaker, he finds himself the unlucky recipient of 200 deadly lashes. He is surprised, however, by the plain spinster, Sarah Markham, who spares his life. Having purchased his freedom, she now "owns" him. Could she be the one person capable of taming the dark demons that have taken hold of his savage heart?

Karen Robards' descriptive words flow effortlessly off the pages. With highly enriched passages, smoothly enhanced dialogue, and a superb plot, this story will carry you away to a lush, primitive land. I found myself dreading the last page because I knew it meant that my pleasurable journey had come to an end. This one comes highly recommended -- WARNING: Be prepared to read in one sitting.

The book description of Australian setting, farms and convicts didn't really appeal to me at first. Inasmuch as I have enjoyed Karen Robards books in the past, this one initially didn't peak my interest. I prefer historical romances in England/Scotland settings (only few American Settings). I have this book in my possession since Dec. 2000 only because I was holding it for my sister. I really didn't have any intention of reading it. To my dismay, I ran out of reading materials on my day off :-( Since I didn't feel like rereading my old novels, I forced myself to start this one. I convinced myself that this book couldn't be as bad considering I like Karen Robards immensely. First few chapter of this book is somewhat slow and wordy. Too much detailing... but as soon as the story picks up and as soon as the heroine (Sarah) and the hero (Dominic) developed their relationship with each other, the story becomes exhilarating. Then, you definitely would want to finish reading it in one sitting.

Dominic is proud, handsome and rebellious. He is mysteriously delectable. The more you read and learn about him, the more you'll get hooked! He is seductive and manly. Dominic's childhood and his life before he arrived in Australia was an interesting one. Meanwhile, the plain & simple looking, Sara, is a typical Mistress - Uppity, bossy and feisty...but she's fair and kind hearted too. I understand her confusions and her difficulty in accepting her feelings for Dominic, he was a convict and was considered beneath her station afterall. The consequences would be dire and scandalous. She wasn't prepared to acknowledge it. She always treat convicts and servants with respect. She is always patient & level headed except to one person, Dominic. He just seems to know the right button to push to infuriate her. I like the way Dominic teases her. I like the way he seduces her, to help her lossen up and feel the passion. Karen Robards created a well developed characters in this book (esp. the H/H) --> They are both very different in so many ways yet perfect for each other. The ending of this book is wonderful.

Aside from the H/H love story, the action twist is very stirring. This book is well blended-passionate romances, humor, action thrills, heart warming situations, unexpected twist, luscious detailed sex scenes, and even a wholesome father-daughter story. It sure is worth my time! My only regret is that I should have read it sooner.

I have recently began reading romance novels this past year and I have read over 200 novels already, but none captivated me more than "Dark Torment". I have read many of Karen Robards' books, (each of them are thrilling onto themselves)but none captured my attention and held it to the very end as this work of utter perfection! The character's are well thought out, the dialogue is interesting and the descriptions are thorough. I enjoyed every minute of the love affair and then marraige of the shy miss and the criminal.

Along a dark highway Isabella St. Just is kidnapped by two dangerous men. She faces certain death until Alec "the Tiger" Tyron, notorious king of London's underworld, comes to her rescue. She soon finds out that Alec is an outlaw who is respected and feared throughout London. Her attraction to him shocks and scares her. She should be afraid of him, but she isn't. Even after seeing him kill the two men who had kidnapped her.

Alec Tyron doesn't like it when men in the city try to leave him out of their affairs. Everything has to go through him first and if it doesn't, the men die. He's a ruthless man, a man not to be crossed, but yet, he feels a tenderness towards the small country mouse.

Alec and Isabella hide out at the Carousel, one of the many brothels that Alec owns. Someone is after Alec, someone who knows things about him. And someone in Isabella's aristocratic life is out to kill her. Alec and Isabella find themselves falling in love with each other despite their differences. Both praying the day won't come when society rips them apart, never to be put back together........

I know that that isn't a very good review of the plot, but I don't want to give the whole story away, and if you're anything like me you don't want to read a long, boring plot summary. To put it simply, I love this book. It's very original and romantic and I could see why these two fell in love, not like in other "romance" novels where all the characters do is have sex and you finish it wondering how in the world they fell in love. These two actually talk to each other, laugh together, respect each other, and their love comes slowly. Like snow fall down from the sky. You can see the transition from hate to care to love. It's very refreshing to see this in a romance novel and I hope to see it more often.

The only problem I had with this book was Isabella committing adultery with Alec. But the way Karen wrote about their feelings for each other and Bernard's treatment of Isabella, I couldn't help but cheer them on. And hope against hope that Bernard would never catch up to Isabella. But time runs out for Isabella and Alec......

The last few chapters will make you cry and ache with the feeling that Isabella and Alec will never have a chance. But the last scene will touch every corner of you heart and bring a smile to your face. You'll close this book knowing that Isabella and Alec's love is the strong lasting kind, the kind that everyone wants. You'll laugh, you'll cry. Don't pass this book up, you'll regret it.

This is one of those books that you start reading at 10pm and then finish at around 4am - you will not be able to put it down. Alec, the hero, is one of the most perfect men I've ever found in a romance - gorgeous, vulnerable, self-made. I bought several Karen Robards books after this one, but they have yet to live up to this one. If you love this book, you might also want to get some of the earlier books of Meagan McKinney (When Angels Fall, **Lions and Lace**) which also have the guy-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks thing going for them.

I think this book was wonderful. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I couldn't put it down. It's definitely a must-read!

Amanda is a strong willed, impulsive and compassionate young woman. Matthew is a self made man in need of love. They come together when fate intervenes. Amanda nurse him back to health when she finds him on the beach near her convent school. She does even knowing his identity as that of a convicted murderer. As she come to know Matt she realizes that he is not a murderer, but a very lonely man. When Matt thinks that she has betrayed him he has her kidnapped and sails home with her. Through numerous adventures they finally marry. This is a nicely written book.

This story started out great. Then there is the classic misunderstanding that ruins their budding love. It almost seemed like there were 2 heros in the story. Except the 2nd hero was more a louse than a hero. It didn't seem like the same Matt that the story started with.

I enjoyed the book from beginning to the end. It has good character development and a romantic story line. Amanda was spirited, yet lovely and sweet. She literally saved the life of Matt. Matt was overwhelmed, almost could not believe that Amanda could be such an angel. But he did not want to love, because he was scared of being hurt when he loved another woman again. When he found out that he was in love with Amanda, he tried to rein his heart and clinged on a misunderstanding to keep him from falling head over heel with Amanda. Amanda was much more courageous in love, even making the painful decision to leave Matt, because she thought Matt did not love her and it would be a torture to be with him. The climax of such romance was when the hard hero finally came to term with his intense feelings which made those words many times more touching. A story with a happy ending, leaving a sweet smile on your face when you close the book.

Karen Robards has not disappointed me yet! Who would think that you'd choose a book which begins with a cleaning woman in a funeral parlor in the middle of the night, for a romance escape? Purchasing the book, on the previous escapes provided by Ms. Robards was yet another great choice! The book has suspense, true 'cop-loyalty', humor (as always), twists and love. A bit hokey at times, but, so is life sometimes. Not as riveting as "Hunter's Moon", but still a good read! Thanks Karen for turning them out, and allowing me to escape each evening after a LONG work day. ... Also, love how you always incorporate your husband and sons in your dedication. What else is more important? Wonderful ... like your books! Your hard work away from them is appreciated by me. My sanity restored by authors, like yourself is greatly appreciated by MY family! Thanks!

I expected this book to be romance novel, but found it's really a suspense novel, peppered with hot love scenes between the two main characters. Summer and Steve are running for their lives for most of the story, and their unlikely adventures seem believable, thanks to the author's skill at creating down-to-earth characters.

Summer and Steve get themselves out of some impossible life-threatening situations, and manage to find time for passion. This book is thrilling, and when everything seems to have been worked out a little too perfectly at the end of the chase - watch out! Summer and Steve will have one more brush with death.

Steve is the ultimate hero - masculine in every way, and smart enough to outfox his pursuers. Summer is a strong character that most women can admire and relate to. This story would have made a great action movie.

Imagine feeling the same intense action as you would looking at SPEED for the first time...now bring that intensity down a level and you have this book. Wonderful read and I enjoyed the character development between the hero and heroine. The plot was believable, but after awhile I wondered if the heroes were just lucky or read the storyline ahead of time. All in all a great read!

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.

This is a hot one! You will love the story, the romance and the ending!! This is one of Karen Robards best romance books. Highly recommend!

Loved this book. It was my first Karen Robards and got me hooked on her.

Following the divorce from her philandering husband, Carly Linton returns to her hometown of Benton, Georgia to open up a bed and breakfast. Her first view of her new home is the buns of her high school sweetheart Scraven County sheriff Matt Converse crawling under her porch.

Matt is looking into the disappearance of Marsha Hughes, whose boyfriend suffers from "raid rage" caused by steroids. The neighbors inform Matt that Marsha and Kevin had a fight, but did she just leave or did he kill her? Fearing for Carly when someone threatens her, Matt vows to keep her safe. As he carries a gun in his hand and a cocked pistol inside his underwear, Matt and Carly share sex and fall in love. However, she begins to recall her depressed memories of rape and sodomy as a child, while an unknown villain gives her the choice of leaving town alive or dying.

Readers who enjoy a romantic suspense thriller in which the hero either just shoots his wad or is in a three-legged state will want to read Karen Robards' latest tale. The story line contains tons of sex, though when Matt slept is a question as he either is investigating, protecting or lovemaking. When Matt and Carly are on stage, the plot is fun as the two argue, fuss, and share sex. However, the "Ding Dong the Donkeyman" villain requires quite a stretch to accept. Still fans of a heated southern romance with an accent on the boudoir rather than the police procedural will take pleasure in Ms. Robards' latest caper.

Harriet Klausner

As usual, Ms. Robards spins a tale of love and suspense that keeps the reader turning pages well into the night. You'll fall in love with Matt, the small town sheriff who never planned to stay around, except one thing after another led to his suddenly holding the reins and riding herd on his younger sisters. When Carly, the only actual girl "friend" he's ever had, literally stumbles back into his life he's determined not to mess it up--again.

And the villian--he's closer than you think. From the first page to the last you'll feel his presence.

Do yourself a favor--pick up this book.

Acclaimed for her performances both on and off Broadway, voice artist Kate Forbes gives a compelling reading to the latest from bestselling author Karen Robards. At times suspense laden, at other moments seductive the Forbes voice is always supremely listenable.

Following a divorce that left her emotionally black and blue, Carly Linton returns to her tiny hometown, Benton, Georgia. She brings with her a master cook, Sandra, and plans to open a b & b in an old Victorian mansion bequeathed to her by her grandmother.

Their midnight arrival is less than auspicious - there is no electricity and it looks very much like the house has been burglarized. That's not all the bad news - a dead body is unearthed on the property.

There is some good news in the person of great looking Sheriff Matt Converse. He's someone Carly has never forgotten - her high school crush with whom she shared a memorable prom night.

Matt, it seems, has forgotten Carly but must protect her from whoever broke into her home and try to solve the mystery of the suddenly appearing body. Carly's not satisfied just to be spending time with Matt; she wants more - much more.

The plot simmers to a boil, and so does their relationship.

- Gail Cooke

Nobody's Angel is the story of a prim, eldest daughter of a preacher who is a mother figure to her three sisters who falls in love with a wrongfully convicted Marquis who is sold to her as an indentured servant. I don't think that I could have read the words "prim" and "mother-figure" any more times than I did in the first half of the book. Unfortunately, there is no chemistry between the characters - they are fairly boring and uninteresting. I think an important facet to romance novels is that you should fall in love with the characters as you read - that isn't possible with Susannah or Ian or the Redmond family. Robards attempts to establish the 4 sisters as a "Little Women" group but fails. They have none of the charm of Alcott's characters. The writing and dialogue is mediocre at best. Don't waste your time on this book...I realized that pretty early on but I read up until 3/4 of the book before I realized that it couldn't be redemmed and then just skimmed through to get to the predictably unsatisfactory end. Pick up a McNaught or Brandewyne novel instead.

Karen Robards did a good job of telling her story about a family in the deep south in 1769. Most of us have little knowledge of the everyday life during that time so Robards did a good job of researching her subject. Religion plays a big part in the family life of a southern preacher--her father. His four daughters are who the story centers around. Susannah is the key person who shows southern hospitality and sweet innocence in the matter of the heart. The scene is ripe for her to be swept off her feet by a young dashing--reprobate. Robards spins her yarn telling how these two opposites' paths cross and love blossoms. This was a quick and interesting read. It has a wonderful twist on the prince charming subject. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about southern comfort, history, sibling rivalry and the rags to riches theme.--- Beverly C. Sanders

This is a wonderful love story. Susannah is the "old maid" eldest daughter of a widower preacher. To help ease her workload, she decides to purchase a "bound man." She recklessly purchases Ian Connelly,a convict who has been badly beaten. While restoring him back to health, she develops an instant attraction to this stranger who is surprisingly well educated and very handsome. Ian has a secret past and identity, and this past is still trying to hunt him down. He works diligently to prove himself to Susannah, but she has difficulty pushing aside his status as her "bound" servant. The romance that develops between these two characters is so sweet and strong, that you will not be able to sert the book down until you've finished. I literally stayed up all night to read this book, it was that good. The story takes place in both America and England, during the days when convicts were shipped off to America to be sold as slaves.

Again, Karen Robards has disappointed me. I used to be a fan but after the terrible "Senator's Wife" and now this, I'm going to avoid her. This book is so aggravating. I really can't muster sympathy for a woman who lets herself get physically tortured by a monster. She's a mother who should have been far more responsible. She's also a wimp when it comes to Nick, who just barges into her life and orders her around, almost like Lyle. And what was the deal about Nick blackmailing her with photographs from her past? You'd fall in love with a blackmailer? And Nick's character is a bland formless male being with no personality or charm. No, I'm sorry but again, Karen Robards has greated a romance story with truly odious lead characters.

Maggy Forrest used to be known as Maggy Garcia, a girl from the slums. But, that was twelve long years ago, when she was another person, in love with another man. Nick King. Nick was a fantasy man--tall, handsome, and sensitive. Nick was also Maggy's soulmate. When Maggy had grown restless of her life she meets Lyle Forrest. Lyle is full of money and bottomless promises that sweep Maggy off her feet. Instead of living a life of luxury Maggy has learned the real meaning of fear. She would gladly run away from Lyle except for one thing. Her twelve-year-old son David worships the ground Lyle walks on. To add to all of this there is rumor that Nick King is back in town and searching for Maggy. What path will Maggy chose" the one with Lyle her abusive husband who offers her nothing but money, or the one with Nick who is her true soulmate and offers her and David his unconditional love? The relationship of thirty year old Maggy and Nick drive the plot of the whole book. Their past is as riveting as a story of their future might be. Maggy and Nick met in the projects--low budget housing in Portland, Louisivianna. WHen they met Maggy was six and from the moment Nick met her had taken care of her as a sister, and and later as a lover. When she had left Nick, he bitter with resentment, getting into increasingly illegal schemes and almost landing behind bars on numerous ocassions, Although it has been twelve years since they habe seen each other, it seems like it was no more than twelve days. Finally after Nick finds out about Maggy's abuse Maggy goes with Nick to ponder over her future: with or without Nick.

This is the first book I've read by Karen Robards. My friend lend me this book and as soon as I was finished, I had to get one copy for myself. I reread it twice and still had the same reaction. This is definitely in one of my favorite book collection. I was specially touched by the unique closeness of Nick and Maggy. The strong bond that started way back when they were young are impressive and heart quenching. My heart ached reading about their past together, though. About the poor times! Lack of food & clothes... Yet, Nick tried to take care of her and provided for her then - in any way and any means he can. The action twist is exciting and unexpected. It adds spice to the story. Maggy's choice to sacrifice love for his son's future is depressingly sad. Some parts are tear jerker but it leaves you contented in the end. It is a warm & happy ending.

To Trust A Stranger by Karen Robards is absolutely wonderful.
This is the first book that I have read by the author. The book is a combination of mystery and romance. It is simply amazing how the author had a seemingly perfect family involved with so many secrets. Julie Carlson and Sid Carlson marriage was based on a lie from the beginning. Julie ended up trusting a total stranger, Mac, who was a private investigator. One of the best parts in this story was about the love for Mac's dog named, Josephine. If you love a good story, you just have to read this book. The reader plans to go back and read Mrs. Robards previous novels. Recommend her to your friends!!!

After several years of marriage, Julie Carlson realizes that her spouse Sid slips out every evening at midnight when he thinks she is fast asleep. Julie figures Sid is cheating and plans to catch him with his lover. She pretends to sleep and when he leaves follow him only to lose him. When her car is stolen, transvestite Mac McQuarry rescues her.

Julie assumes her savior is gay, but is unaware that Mac is an undercover private investigator trying to prove Sid is dirty with mob ties. Sid's friends probably killed his first wife and Mac's brother, and ruined the latter's police career. Mac uses Julie to get at Sid, but soon realizes that the mob wants him and Julie dead.

TO TRUST A STRANGER is an exciting romantic suspense novel that never slows down as Sid and his pals need Julie and Mac dead. Though a taut thriller, the weakness of the plot lies in the intrepid Julie, who remained oblivious for years as to how cruel her spouse was until she decides to investigate his alleged cheating. Karen Robards has written a terse tale, but some of the key characters are too malicious to care what happens to them.

Harriet Klausner

Suspenseful and sexy, Ms. Robards' read is a thriller with non-stop action providing hours of glued-to-the-pages entertainment.

Former South Carolina beauty queen Julie Carlson suspects that her mega-bucks husband, Sid, is cheating on her. As she follows him one night, a farcical set of circumstances leave her clad in skimpy pajamas, stranded in Charleston's red light district without a car and with a transvestite named Debbie as her only companion.

Debbie is really Mac McQuarry, a P.I. who went undercover to locate a client's cheating husband. When Mac aids Julie out of the jam she is in, Julie discovers that Debbie is really a man, but she assumes that he is gay. Not bothering to correct her, Mac lets Julie think what she will, adding an element of humor to this intense read as Julie finds herself fantasizing about Debbie aka Mac.

Soon, Julie discovers that her life may be in danger, and Mac is probably the only one that she can trust. Swallowing her pride, Julie tries to overlook the fact that Mac omitted the truth about his sexuality and his previous association with Sid. In a heart-stopping race for their lives, Julie and Mac are on the run from the police, the mob, and a hit man. Can they find safety before they both end up dead?

Combining the excitement of a mystery with the spice of a romance, Ms. Robards has, once again, firmly established her position in the genre of romantic suspense. And all the characters, most especially Mac and Julie, are so realistically written, thereby increasing the credibility of this read. A MUST READ!