What do you think?
Rate this book
Morning Song
An innocent Mississippi wildflower in the early bloom of womanhood, headstrong Jessie Lindsay will do anything to thwart the charming, enigmatic fortune hunter who has come to wed her widowed stepmother. But there is far more to Stuart Edwards than Jessie first imagines. And in the heat of a blistering Southern summer, the handsome riverboat gambler will awaken feelings she has never known—and share with her his dangerous secrets—as reckless, undeniable desire propels them both toward scandal, possible ruin...and impossible love.
393 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
99 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Karen Robards
135 books3,239 followersKaren Robards is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty books and one novella. She has won multiple awards including six Affaire de Coeur Silver Pen Awards for favorite author.
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 6, 2025
Mississippi 1840
Twenty-eight year old Clive McClintock was a professional gambler and a darn good one. He was playing poker for high stakes and made a lot of money, but not enough to buy the big land he always dreamed of.
The book started with Clive playing poker at one of the salons in a Mississippi riverboat. It was a good night for him for he'd won forty-five thousand dollars.
He was sleeping next to his mistress in his state-room that night, when at some point he realised that two men were in his room.
He grabbed his pistol but he was stabbed on the hand by one of the men who took the boot full of Clive's money and fled.
Clive chased after them, shooting one, while the other jumped in the river with the money.
Clive learned that the dead man's name was Stuart Edwards.
Clive stood above the corpse and muttered: "You owe me Stuart Edwards. You thieving bastard, and l bloody well mean to collect".
Jessica was the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner.
She was eight when her father remarried to a beautiful woman in her early twenties, Celia.
The father died the following year, leaving Jessica in the care of the mean and uncaring stepmother.
The father was so enamoured with his new wife that he left the plantation to her, under the clause that Jessica would be allowed to stay there for ever if she wanted to.
To the outside world Celia appeared as a sweet, slightly silly female. The real Celia was hard and ruthless and in pursuit of her desires. She had many affairs in the last ten years, but she never brought her men home.
And while Celia would wear expensive gowns, Jessica had to wear old and worn-out ones.
It was now 1841 and Jessica was eighteen years old.
That particular day Celia arrived home in a buggy driven by a man.
Jessica never before saw such a handsome man. He was well dressed, had an air of excitement and danger, and rakish charm.
Syrupy sweet Celia, introduced him as Stuart Edwards, and told Jessica that she was going to have a father again. She and Stuart were in love and were getting married.
Jessica strongly objected, but Stuart told her that he aimed to marry her stepmother, and she needed to reconcile herself to that and spare them the histrionics. He added that he wanted the two of them to be friends, but if she continued to misbehave he would have to discipline her, as he would be her new father.
Jessica accused him of being a fortune hunter and said:"If you are planning to marry her, there's something you should know. Celia has gentlemen friends. What l mean is, Celia is a whore."
Stuart lifted his hand and slapped Jessica across the cheek, causing her to stumble back.
"If you ever say such a thing of your stepmother again, l'll give you a hiding you won't forget."
If anyone wonders how can this man be Stuart when he was killed by Clive McClintock eighteen months ago, l say you are right, for Clive had stolen dead Stuart's identity.
And yes, Clive is the Hero of this book and Jessica the heroine.
A highly flawed anti-hero who became her stepfather (things happened that shouldn't have happened), and a wilful and vulnerable girl.
Twenty-eight year old Clive McClintock was a professional gambler and a darn good one. He was playing poker for high stakes and made a lot of money, but not enough to buy the big land he always dreamed of.
The book started with Clive playing poker at one of the salons in a Mississippi riverboat. It was a good night for him for he'd won forty-five thousand dollars.
He was sleeping next to his mistress in his state-room that night, when at some point he realised that two men were in his room.
He grabbed his pistol but he was stabbed on the hand by one of the men who took the boot full of Clive's money and fled.
Clive chased after them, shooting one, while the other jumped in the river with the money.
Clive learned that the dead man's name was Stuart Edwards.
Clive stood above the corpse and muttered: "You owe me Stuart Edwards. You thieving bastard, and l bloody well mean to collect".
Jessica was the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner.
She was eight when her father remarried to a beautiful woman in her early twenties, Celia.
The father died the following year, leaving Jessica in the care of the mean and uncaring stepmother.
The father was so enamoured with his new wife that he left the plantation to her, under the clause that Jessica would be allowed to stay there for ever if she wanted to.
To the outside world Celia appeared as a sweet, slightly silly female. The real Celia was hard and ruthless and in pursuit of her desires. She had many affairs in the last ten years, but she never brought her men home.
And while Celia would wear expensive gowns, Jessica had to wear old and worn-out ones.
It was now 1841 and Jessica was eighteen years old.
That particular day Celia arrived home in a buggy driven by a man.
Jessica never before saw such a handsome man. He was well dressed, had an air of excitement and danger, and rakish charm.
Syrupy sweet Celia, introduced him as Stuart Edwards, and told Jessica that she was going to have a father again. She and Stuart were in love and were getting married.
Jessica strongly objected, but Stuart told her that he aimed to marry her stepmother, and she needed to reconcile herself to that and spare them the histrionics. He added that he wanted the two of them to be friends, but if she continued to misbehave he would have to discipline her, as he would be her new father.
Jessica accused him of being a fortune hunter and said:"If you are planning to marry her, there's something you should know. Celia has gentlemen friends. What l mean is, Celia is a whore."
Stuart lifted his hand and slapped Jessica across the cheek, causing her to stumble back.
"If you ever say such a thing of your stepmother again, l'll give you a hiding you won't forget."
If anyone wonders how can this man be Stuart when he was killed by Clive McClintock eighteen months ago, l say you are right, for Clive had stolen dead Stuart's identity.
And yes, Clive is the Hero of this book and Jessica the heroine.
A highly flawed anti-hero who became her stepfather (things happened that shouldn't have happened), and a wilful and vulnerable girl.
June 2, 2013
When your initial thought upon finishing a book is, "Oh thank God", it doesn't bode well for the rating.
The story of a chubby, tomboyish miss ("an innocent Mississippi wildflower", if you believe the cover copy) who falls in love with the gold-digging husband of her evil stepmother could have been freaking awesome. A rip-roaring, scenery-chewing historical potboiler, in fact, and that's what I was anticipating.
Instead, I got a strangely tame, watered-down, BORING novel - with an evil stepmother who doesn't really do much evil stuff, an "impossible" love that doesn't seem that difficult, obstacles that aren't much more than anthills and characters that I didn't really give 2 you-know-whats about. Oh, and happy slaves who not only sing while they pick cotton, but they also as they walk home from the fields at night, so the whole plantation is alive with the sound.
Our Hero, Stuart Edwards, starts out promising enough - he slaps the heroine for calling his new wife a whore, and gives every indication he is an old-skool alpha just looking to give someone a spanking. Unfortunately, before long he reveals himself to be a sheep in wolf's clothing and much of his appeal (including a super-hairy chest and rock hard thighs) was lost for me. He was really a NICE GUY, thoughtful and kind, and truly in love with the "headstrong Jessie Lindsay" (again, thank you, cover copy).
Speaking of the headstrong Jessie Lindsay - she was one of those heroines who, once she loses the layer of baby fat and new dresses, becomes the most beautiful thing in 3 counties. Yeah, whatever. The cover copy says she's headstrong but the you don't see much of it.
The big secret? Taken care of nicely. Even somewhat realistically, I thought.
The scandal? Glossed over, cleaned up and tied with a bow.
I generally like Karen Robards, but I wouldn't recommend this one.
2 stars.
The story of a chubby, tomboyish miss ("an innocent Mississippi wildflower", if you believe the cover copy) who falls in love with the gold-digging husband of her evil stepmother could have been freaking awesome. A rip-roaring, scenery-chewing historical potboiler, in fact, and that's what I was anticipating.
Instead, I got a strangely tame, watered-down, BORING novel - with an evil stepmother who doesn't really do much evil stuff, an "impossible" love that doesn't seem that difficult, obstacles that aren't much more than anthills and characters that I didn't really give 2 you-know-whats about. Oh, and happy slaves who not only sing while they pick cotton, but they also as they walk home from the fields at night, so the whole plantation is alive with the sound.
Our Hero, Stuart Edwards, starts out promising enough - he slaps the heroine for calling his new wife a whore, and gives every indication he is an old-skool alpha just looking to give someone a spanking. Unfortunately, before long he reveals himself to be a sheep in wolf's clothing and much of his appeal (including a super-hairy chest and rock hard thighs) was lost for me. He was really a NICE GUY, thoughtful and kind, and truly in love with the "headstrong Jessie Lindsay" (again, thank you, cover copy).
Speaking of the headstrong Jessie Lindsay - she was one of those heroines who, once she loses the layer of baby fat and new dresses, becomes the most beautiful thing in 3 counties. Yeah, whatever. The cover copy says she's headstrong but the you don't see much of it.
The big secret? Taken care of nicely. Even somewhat realistically, I thought.
The scandal? Glossed over, cleaned up and tied with a bow.
I generally like Karen Robards, but I wouldn't recommend this one.
2 stars.
Read
October 5, 2025I had to dnf this, because the audiobook was atrocious. Mispronunciations, repeating the same paragraph twice😂 it’s like it was produced in a basement somewhere random. I will probably pick it up as an e-book.
January 18, 2016
4 1/2 stars
What can I say…..my blood was pumping when I read the premise of Morning Song. An older, more experienced stepfather seducing his newly acquired 18 year old innocent stepdaughter? How scandalous…….and delicious. Although it’s definitely “forbidden love”, it’s not quite as taboo as it initially sounds. The hero is married to the heroine’s witch of a stepmother, not her biological mother, and he doesn’t come on the scene until she’s 18, so it’s not like he raised her. Also, for those of you who hate cheating heroes (as in, cheating on the heroine), Clive is not that as his relationship with his wife is strained and has been long before he seduces Jessie.
Clive McClintock is devastatingly handsome and charming, and it doesn’t take long for me to fall for him right along with the innocent young Jessie Lindsay. He’s also a rake with a nasty temper and a penchant for swearing at ladies. Still, he redeems himself as time and time again he shows tenderness and sympathy for Jessie when most everyone else around her rejects and ridicules her. It’s not hard to see why sweet, naïve little Jessie falls for her stepfather and why he awakens a sexual curiosity in her that she’s never felt before. Jessie is young and innocent, and she’s had a hard life since her father died, but she hasn’t let the circumstances of her life beat down her spirit. She’s a bit wild and feisty, and I enjoyed watching her transform from awkward child to beautiful young woman.
I was not disappointed with the level of passion in this story, because there’s heat and plenty of it. The scandalous nature of their relationship as well as some serious sexual tension that builds up for quite some time before their first love scene makes Morning Song quite a steamy and satisfying read. I was a bit disenchanted with the ending of the story though, as I felt the romance was a bit lacking. Clive’s rough treatment of Jessie and the hurtful things he says to her towards the end left me a bit cold. There is a “happy ending” for this interesting couple, it’s just not quite as warm and fuzzy as I would have liked it to be. Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high. After all, this is a romance about a rakish older stepfather who takes the virginity of his young, innocent stepdaughter. How romantic did I think this story was gonna be, lol? After all, I didn’t pick this book because it sounded romantic……I picked it because it sounded like it would get my heart pounding and my pulse racing, and that, it most definitely did. If you’re looking for a scandalously sexy story about forbidden love, this is your book. If you want hearts and flowers, I’d look elsewhere.
What can I say…..my blood was pumping when I read the premise of Morning Song. An older, more experienced stepfather seducing his newly acquired 18 year old innocent stepdaughter? How scandalous…….and delicious. Although it’s definitely “forbidden love”, it’s not quite as taboo as it initially sounds. The hero is married to the heroine’s witch of a stepmother, not her biological mother, and he doesn’t come on the scene until she’s 18, so it’s not like he raised her. Also, for those of you who hate cheating heroes (as in, cheating on the heroine), Clive is not that as his relationship with his wife is strained and has been long before he seduces Jessie.
Clive McClintock is devastatingly handsome and charming, and it doesn’t take long for me to fall for him right along with the innocent young Jessie Lindsay. He’s also a rake with a nasty temper and a penchant for swearing at ladies. Still, he redeems himself as time and time again he shows tenderness and sympathy for Jessie when most everyone else around her rejects and ridicules her. It’s not hard to see why sweet, naïve little Jessie falls for her stepfather and why he awakens a sexual curiosity in her that she’s never felt before. Jessie is young and innocent, and she’s had a hard life since her father died, but she hasn’t let the circumstances of her life beat down her spirit. She’s a bit wild and feisty, and I enjoyed watching her transform from awkward child to beautiful young woman.
I was not disappointed with the level of passion in this story, because there’s heat and plenty of it. The scandalous nature of their relationship as well as some serious sexual tension that builds up for quite some time before their first love scene makes Morning Song quite a steamy and satisfying read. I was a bit disenchanted with the ending of the story though, as I felt the romance was a bit lacking. Clive’s rough treatment of Jessie and the hurtful things he says to her towards the end left me a bit cold. There is a “happy ending” for this interesting couple, it’s just not quite as warm and fuzzy as I would have liked it to be. Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high. After all, this is a romance about a rakish older stepfather who takes the virginity of his young, innocent stepdaughter. How romantic did I think this story was gonna be, lol? After all, I didn’t pick this book because it sounded romantic……I picked it because it sounded like it would get my heart pounding and my pulse racing, and that, it most definitely did. If you’re looking for a scandalously sexy story about forbidden love, this is your book. If you want hearts and flowers, I’d look elsewhere.
October 11, 2024
I definitely have mixed feelings about Morning Song and I’m a fan of many of Karen Robards HRs. The overall premise of the story was intriguing but the hero’s character development is weak.
I generally like despicable heroes.., ones who do dastardly stuff then slowly change for the good as the story progresses. The hero in this story Clive, a riverboat gambler, kills a man named Stuart who has stolen his money .., then takes on his identity.
The story revolves around this new Stuart … he marries a widow who’s inherited a plantation… he wants it and she wants him. They hate each other after a few weeks… she’s promiscuous and mean. In the meantime he’s attracted to her 18 year old stepdaughter, Jessica.. who’s 10 years younger than him. They fall in love while he’s married. So far I’m fine with the unusual romance… quite interesting, and wondering how they’ll get to a HEA.
The author’s written several superb kissing scenes … they’re all long, passionate and all slightly different … some of the best I’ve read in ages.
Near the end of the story, naturally all is revealed, and Jessica hates him when she accidentally finds out he’s been deceiving her: he’s Clive not Stuart. She calls him a fraud, cheat and liar.., he’s not a gentleman, he’s a cad. Clive thinks she should get over it. Tells her not to be childish… “You know you love me.” Nope he’s still a cad in my opinion for the way he tries to convince her all will be fine as long as they love each other. Celia is murdered … did Stuart / Clive do it?
Jessica continues to reject Clive … she does have a backbone.. he goes to New Orleans and drowns his sorrows by getting drunk, and playing cards. Reverts to his previous life. He wins a smallish plantation and tries again to redeem himself with Jessie. She quickly succumbs and agrees to marry him.
He may be a nice guy deep down inside but Clive never really grovels. Where’s his deep remorse for all his lies? For hurting Jessie? Maybe it’s there but I didn’t feel it. She’s way too accepting without a good grovel. The last few chapters felt rushed with his redemption … if it had been more fully developed and taken place over a longer period of time it would have been believable, and made a really good read. Barely ⭐️⭐️⭐️
(This review is way too long … and can’t seem to shorten it … no clue why.)
Available via KU.
I generally like despicable heroes.., ones who do dastardly stuff then slowly change for the good as the story progresses. The hero in this story Clive, a riverboat gambler, kills a man named Stuart who has stolen his money .., then takes on his identity.
The story revolves around this new Stuart … he marries a widow who’s inherited a plantation… he wants it and she wants him. They hate each other after a few weeks… she’s promiscuous and mean. In the meantime he’s attracted to her 18 year old stepdaughter, Jessica.. who’s 10 years younger than him. They fall in love while he’s married. So far I’m fine with the unusual romance… quite interesting, and wondering how they’ll get to a HEA.
The author’s written several superb kissing scenes … they’re all long, passionate and all slightly different … some of the best I’ve read in ages.
Near the end of the story, naturally all is revealed, and Jessica hates him when she accidentally finds out he’s been deceiving her: he’s Clive not Stuart. She calls him a fraud, cheat and liar.., he’s not a gentleman, he’s a cad. Clive thinks she should get over it. Tells her not to be childish… “You know you love me.” Nope he’s still a cad in my opinion for the way he tries to convince her all will be fine as long as they love each other. Celia is murdered … did Stuart / Clive do it?
Jessica continues to reject Clive … she does have a backbone.. he goes to New Orleans and drowns his sorrows by getting drunk, and playing cards. Reverts to his previous life. He wins a smallish plantation and tries again to redeem himself with Jessie. She quickly succumbs and agrees to marry him.
He may be a nice guy deep down inside but Clive never really grovels. Where’s his deep remorse for all his lies? For hurting Jessie? Maybe it’s there but I didn’t feel it. She’s way too accepting without a good grovel. The last few chapters felt rushed with his redemption … if it had been more fully developed and taken place over a longer period of time it would have been believable, and made a really good read. Barely ⭐️⭐️⭐️
(This review is way too long … and can’t seem to shorten it … no clue why.)
Available via KU.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 17, 2025Audiobook terror.
I had to dnf this, because the audiobook was atrocious. Mispronunciations, repeating the same paragraph twice😂 it’s like it was produced in a basement somewhere random. I will probably pick it up as an e-book.
I had to dnf this, because the audiobook was atrocious. Mispronunciations, repeating the same paragraph twice😂 it’s like it was produced in a basement somewhere random. I will probably pick it up as an e-book.
March 17, 2011
I found this story quite refreshing... Actually I couldn't put the darn thing down... It reminded me of Scarlet O'Hara and Rhett Butler but instead of Tara as the plantation it was Mimosa.
Clive McClintok (Rogue River Rat) Wins the gamble of a life time aboard a Mississippi River Boat he can finally get that small piece of land he's always wanted and set some roots. Become an upstanding planter.
Jessie is a wayward young lady who could lives on her dead father's plantation with her step monster of a mother Cecilia. The tree lives end of colliding in a very interesting turn of events....
Stuart Edwards is a dark mysterious man that all the ladies want, and it just so happens he comes from a wealthy family and two doting Aunts willing to leave him everything that own as long as he comes for a visit.
Plans take shape and the widow Cecila brings home the lucky bachelor to wed. Doesn't matter that she already beds half the eligible and uneligble men in Ms. She needs a man and Edward needs land which Cecilia has plenty of... Both marry for the wrong reason and all the while poor little Jessie is left seething with anger... .She knows he's a treasure hunter and that his look is evil....
But Jessie and Stuart form an unlikely friendship that blossom's into something more..... Dare I say SCANDAL! *GASPS* The two of course fall madly in love with one another... The young woman who just came into her womanly looks and the dark and sinfully handsome Mr. Edwards.
Its an up again down again whirlwind of a drama... Eat your heart out Katie Scarlet....
The events that lead up to the love that blossoms between Stuart and Jessie is just wonderful and fun.... But is Stuart who he really says he is? Or could it be something more....
Definitely recommend as a good read! Check it out!
Clive McClintok (Rogue River Rat) Wins the gamble of a life time aboard a Mississippi River Boat he can finally get that small piece of land he's always wanted and set some roots. Become an upstanding planter.
Jessie is a wayward young lady who could lives on her dead father's plantation with her step monster of a mother Cecilia. The tree lives end of colliding in a very interesting turn of events....
Stuart Edwards is a dark mysterious man that all the ladies want, and it just so happens he comes from a wealthy family and two doting Aunts willing to leave him everything that own as long as he comes for a visit.
Plans take shape and the widow Cecila brings home the lucky bachelor to wed. Doesn't matter that she already beds half the eligible and uneligble men in Ms. She needs a man and Edward needs land which Cecilia has plenty of... Both marry for the wrong reason and all the while poor little Jessie is left seething with anger... .She knows he's a treasure hunter and that his look is evil....
But Jessie and Stuart form an unlikely friendship that blossom's into something more..... Dare I say SCANDAL! *GASPS* The two of course fall madly in love with one another... The young woman who just came into her womanly looks and the dark and sinfully handsome Mr. Edwards.
Its an up again down again whirlwind of a drama... Eat your heart out Katie Scarlet....
The events that lead up to the love that blossoms between Stuart and Jessie is just wonderful and fun.... But is Stuart who he really says he is? Or could it be something more....
Definitely recommend as a good read! Check it out!
June 3, 2017
Relectura :D
August 24, 2025
This was thoroughly enjoyable and the mcs had great chemistry. Although I could have gone my entire life without reading the words 'man juice' 😖
August 9, 2016
De este libro tenía muy buenos recuerdos y al volverlo leerlo me ha vuelto a enamorar, es de esos libros por el que el tiempo no pasa.
La historia de Jessie y de Stuart es muy pasional y también políticamente incorrecta, Karen Robards se atreve a introducir un tema que algunas lectoras de romántica no perdona, la infidelidad.
Cuando Jessie conoce a Stuart tiene la premonición de que ese hombre va a traer problemas... un hombre muy atractivo, dominante y protector que choca inmediatamente con la impulsiva hijastra de su prometida, una gata salvaje que no duda en patalear, arañar y pegar para impedir que ese cazafortunas se convierta en el nuevo dueño de su querida hacienda, el único legado que le ha quedado de sus padres.
Pero todas sus protestas y sus avisos a Stuart que su madrastra es la mujer dulce y dócil que parece, en realidad es una mujer manipuladora y maliciosa que con comentarios maliciosos ha conseguido que Jessie se crea que es una muchacha obesa y poco atractiva, no sirve para nada y tiene que presenciar con impotencia la boda.
A las pocas semanas de casarse Stuart ya ha descubierto que lo que él pensaba que eran injurias por parte de Jessie para evitar su matrimonio eran verdades y se había casado con una mujer caprichosa, maliciosa que pensaba que iba a poder manejar a su nuevo marido como ella quisiera, el protagonista se da cuenta que ha pagado un gran precio para alcanzar su ambición de hacerse con una hacienda prospera y muy rica... y detesta a su mujer.
En cambio para Jessie el matrimonio de su madrastra le ha aportado un amigo, hasta la llegada de Stuart no se había dado cuenta la sola que se sentía. En él ha encontrado un hombre que se ha propuesto conseguir que Jessie saliera de su caparazón, convertirla en una jovencita aceptable para que pudiera hacer un buen matrimonio.
Los sentimientos de Jessie van evolucionando y cuando se quiere dar cuenta se ha enamorado de Stuart, por su parte Stuart no se imagina que detrás de la impulsiva y tosca muchacha que conoció cuando llegó a Mimosa se esconde una mujer tan atractiva y dulce.
Saben que no es correcto sentir lo que sienten ni dar rienda suelta a ese amor pero no lo pueden evitar. Cuando ya han tomado la decisión de fugarse para vivir su amor con libertad Jessie descubre que Stuart le ha escondido algo de su pasado lo que hace que vuelva a parecer ese mujer indómita que pega puñetazo, que no da su brazo a torcer. En ese momento vemos a un Stuart enamorado que aguanta con una paciencia a prueba de bomba las rabietas, las jugarretas de que es objeto por parte de la protagonista. Un hombre que nunca se ha enamorado tiene que enfrentarse con un fenómeno de la naturaleza que no entra en razones pero que lo aguanta todo para que Jessie vuelva a confiar en él.
Es una historia muy pasional que te atrapa con la tensión que existe entre los dos protagonistas, casi te lo lees de un tirón. Es de esos libros que se escribieron antes de la moda de las protagonistas sumisas, Stuart es un hombre dominante pero se enfrenta con una mujer que puede ser inocente y virgen pero no una mujer sumisa, discute, pelea con él y Stuart tiene que sudar mucho para que Jessie lo perdone. Por estos libros fueron por los que yo me aficioné a la novela romántica.
La historia de Jessie y de Stuart es muy pasional y también políticamente incorrecta, Karen Robards se atreve a introducir un tema que algunas lectoras de romántica no perdona, la infidelidad.
Cuando Jessie conoce a Stuart tiene la premonición de que ese hombre va a traer problemas... un hombre muy atractivo, dominante y protector que choca inmediatamente con la impulsiva hijastra de su prometida, una gata salvaje que no duda en patalear, arañar y pegar para impedir que ese cazafortunas se convierta en el nuevo dueño de su querida hacienda, el único legado que le ha quedado de sus padres.
Pero todas sus protestas y sus avisos a Stuart que su madrastra es la mujer dulce y dócil que parece, en realidad es una mujer manipuladora y maliciosa que con comentarios maliciosos ha conseguido que Jessie se crea que es una muchacha obesa y poco atractiva, no sirve para nada y tiene que presenciar con impotencia la boda.
A las pocas semanas de casarse Stuart ya ha descubierto que lo que él pensaba que eran injurias por parte de Jessie para evitar su matrimonio eran verdades y se había casado con una mujer caprichosa, maliciosa que pensaba que iba a poder manejar a su nuevo marido como ella quisiera, el protagonista se da cuenta que ha pagado un gran precio para alcanzar su ambición de hacerse con una hacienda prospera y muy rica... y detesta a su mujer.
En cambio para Jessie el matrimonio de su madrastra le ha aportado un amigo, hasta la llegada de Stuart no se había dado cuenta la sola que se sentía. En él ha encontrado un hombre que se ha propuesto conseguir que Jessie saliera de su caparazón, convertirla en una jovencita aceptable para que pudiera hacer un buen matrimonio.
Los sentimientos de Jessie van evolucionando y cuando se quiere dar cuenta se ha enamorado de Stuart, por su parte Stuart no se imagina que detrás de la impulsiva y tosca muchacha que conoció cuando llegó a Mimosa se esconde una mujer tan atractiva y dulce.
Saben que no es correcto sentir lo que sienten ni dar rienda suelta a ese amor pero no lo pueden evitar. Cuando ya han tomado la decisión de fugarse para vivir su amor con libertad Jessie descubre que Stuart le ha escondido algo de su pasado lo que hace que vuelva a parecer ese mujer indómita que pega puñetazo, que no da su brazo a torcer. En ese momento vemos a un Stuart enamorado que aguanta con una paciencia a prueba de bomba las rabietas, las jugarretas de que es objeto por parte de la protagonista. Un hombre que nunca se ha enamorado tiene que enfrentarse con un fenómeno de la naturaleza que no entra en razones pero que lo aguanta todo para que Jessie vuelva a confiar en él.
Es una historia muy pasional que te atrapa con la tensión que existe entre los dos protagonistas, casi te lo lees de un tirón. Es de esos libros que se escribieron antes de la moda de las protagonistas sumisas, Stuart es un hombre dominante pero se enfrenta con una mujer que puede ser inocente y virgen pero no una mujer sumisa, discute, pelea con él y Stuart tiene que sudar mucho para que Jessie lo perdone. Por estos libros fueron por los que yo me aficioné a la novela romántica.
March 9, 2013
Evil widowed stepmother gets married to man pretending to be someone else (who he actually murdered). She wants him because he is attractive and he wants her cotton plantation. Stepfather takes pity on chubby awkward 18 year old stepdaughter, who enjoys finally having a father figure and friend in said stepfather.
After two months the ugly duckling stepdaughter turns into a beautiful swan and stepfather suddenly sees her as a woman and not a child. Stepdaughter falls in love with stepfather even though she knows it is scandalous and wrong, but she can't help it.
Meanwhile, evil stepmother, who is a well known whore and even sleeps with her cousin (the plantation overseer) gets pregnant, possibly by said cousin. Stepdaughter knows it isn't the stepfather's baby, but it reaffirms to her that he is married and she can never be anything other than his mistress. Stepdaughter runs away and stepfather comes after her. He loves her and convinces her to run away with him to live happily ever after.
During their time on a river boat, a prostitute from the stepfather's past happens to walk in and his true identity is discovered. Stepdaughter is heart broken at his lies and breaks his nose. He ties her up until she can realize none of his lies matter and they are in love and meant to be together. She gets loose and runs off again, stealing all his clothes, and decides to head home and disclose all his lies.
He catches her and threatens to reveal to the whole town that she slept with her own stepfather if she tries to tell anyone the truth. They head back to the plantation, only to find the evil stepmother has been beaten to death while they were gone. Now there is no reason they can not be together.
Through out the whole story, the stepfather is constantly threatening to beat the stepdaughter, ring her neck, or bend her over his knee. She is always scratching his face, slapping him, or trying to kick him. When she runs off the second time, he thinks to himself "He loved the little bitch, damn it, loved her as he'd never loved a woman in his life." Doesn't that just make you swoon!!
Even though I knew there was no blood relation between the main characters, I still felt dirty reading this. Being from the south my self, I did not appreciate the absurd stereotypical cousin/cousin relations or the depictions of the slaves being happy as can be with life on the cotton plantations. If my eyes had rolled any more I do believe they would have fallen out.
After two months the ugly duckling stepdaughter turns into a beautiful swan and stepfather suddenly sees her as a woman and not a child. Stepdaughter falls in love with stepfather even though she knows it is scandalous and wrong, but she can't help it.
Meanwhile, evil stepmother, who is a well known whore and even sleeps with her cousin (the plantation overseer) gets pregnant, possibly by said cousin. Stepdaughter knows it isn't the stepfather's baby, but it reaffirms to her that he is married and she can never be anything other than his mistress. Stepdaughter runs away and stepfather comes after her. He loves her and convinces her to run away with him to live happily ever after.
During their time on a river boat, a prostitute from the stepfather's past happens to walk in and his true identity is discovered. Stepdaughter is heart broken at his lies and breaks his nose. He ties her up until she can realize none of his lies matter and they are in love and meant to be together. She gets loose and runs off again, stealing all his clothes, and decides to head home and disclose all his lies.
He catches her and threatens to reveal to the whole town that she slept with her own stepfather if she tries to tell anyone the truth. They head back to the plantation, only to find the evil stepmother has been beaten to death while they were gone. Now there is no reason they can not be together.
Through out the whole story, the stepfather is constantly threatening to beat the stepdaughter, ring her neck, or bend her over his knee. She is always scratching his face, slapping him, or trying to kick him. When she runs off the second time, he thinks to himself "He loved the little bitch, damn it, loved her as he'd never loved a woman in his life." Doesn't that just make you swoon!!
Even though I knew there was no blood relation between the main characters, I still felt dirty reading this. Being from the south my self, I did not appreciate the absurd stereotypical cousin/cousin relations or the depictions of the slaves being happy as can be with life on the cotton plantations. If my eyes had rolled any more I do believe they would have fallen out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2013
This was third book by Karen Robards (after Irresistible and Tiger's eye) that I read, and it took me some time to gather up the courage, listen to friend's recommendation and give this one a try, since I quite disliked the first two.
Finally I did it. And I'm so glad I did!!! This book was wonderfully different from the others.
I was enchanted from the very first pages by the Old South atmosphere (it could have something to do with my love towards Gone with the wind). And it soon proved to be a wonderful background for an enchanting, beautiful love story.
I loved it all. Both main characters separately and together. How they hated each other in the beginning, how they became friends and how that friendship gradually grew into something more - and how their relationship seemed impossible given the circumstances. I loved all their interactions, their talks, how Stuart/Clive helped Jessy to transform from the ugly unsocial duckling into wonderful swan with a list of admirers... And when they finally gave in to their feelings... It just all felt so real and natural. He was a real man, and she was a real virgin - oh, how I missed something like that! I am so tired of unexperienced heroines to be suddenly sensual courtesans, and here it all was just perfect - Jessy's shyness, fear, all of it together.
Last part of the book somehow did not seem to be quite as engaging for me, although I can't say it was bad. It just seemed that Jessy's reaction to Stuarts secret was too excessive (and long-lasting). And the solution to the problem of impossibility of their relationship also seemed too... convenient.
All in all - a wonderful read! Although I doubt I will take up any other Robard's book - at least not by buying one of them. I'm afraid this one is a rare pearl among the cheap stones.
Finally I did it. And I'm so glad I did!!! This book was wonderfully different from the others.
I was enchanted from the very first pages by the Old South atmosphere (it could have something to do with my love towards Gone with the wind). And it soon proved to be a wonderful background for an enchanting, beautiful love story.
I loved it all. Both main characters separately and together. How they hated each other in the beginning, how they became friends and how that friendship gradually grew into something more - and how their relationship seemed impossible given the circumstances. I loved all their interactions, their talks, how Stuart/Clive helped Jessy to transform from the ugly unsocial duckling into wonderful swan with a list of admirers... And when they finally gave in to their feelings... It just all felt so real and natural. He was a real man, and she was a real virgin - oh, how I missed something like that! I am so tired of unexperienced heroines to be suddenly sensual courtesans, and here it all was just perfect - Jessy's shyness, fear, all of it together.
Last part of the book somehow did not seem to be quite as engaging for me, although I can't say it was bad. It just seemed that Jessy's reaction to Stuarts secret was too excessive (and long-lasting). And the solution to the problem of impossibility of their relationship also seemed too... convenient.
All in all - a wonderful read! Although I doubt I will take up any other Robard's book - at least not by buying one of them. I'm afraid this one is a rare pearl among the cheap stones.
December 11, 2016
4.25 stars.
Well it's true, many wasn't right happening in this story.
But this book able to suck me into the story without a problem.
Oh, the H slapped the h once, infidelity involved, slaves are allowed, women have no right, men always right and after married all the wife's properties belong to the husband, yuck!!
Many things which are not ok in the 21st century is a norm in this 19th setting book.
So, if you sensitive regarding those stuff, I suggest you to stay away from this one, but this what I need after a few sugary books I've read lately and I love it!:)
Well it's true, many wasn't right happening in this story.
But this book able to suck me into the story without a problem.
Oh, the H slapped the h once, infidelity involved, slaves are allowed, women have no right, men always right and after married all the wife's properties belong to the husband, yuck!!
Many things which are not ok in the 21st century is a norm in this 19th setting book.
So, if you sensitive regarding those stuff, I suggest you to stay away from this one, but this what I need after a few sugary books I've read lately and I love it!:)
January 17, 2020
It's strange that there is a list of things I didn't love about this book, yet I enjoyed it overall enough to rate it 4 stars. It's different, so that's one plus. There is sort of a lot at play here: A gambling conman hero pretending to be someone he's not, a man marrying for money, an ugly duckling turned swan stepdaughter - and this is just to start! I didn't like the heroine much. I felt for her at times, but she was so shrewish and antagonistic that I wanted to strangle her a few times just so she'd stop bitching so much all the time. The stepmother was quite a character, and the hero's life perfectly matched the saying "be careful what you wish for". Some of my issues with this book were: hero was a manwhore, and even after his disastrous marriage to Celia, he still slept with her! I thought we escaped that due to the drama at the wedding and the hostile honeymoon return. But he'd been sleeping with her on their honeymoon even though they hated each other. Ick. Jessie sure didn't give a rip about breaking Mitch's heart by accepting his proposal and then running off and jilting him. She was violent and annoying to boot. I never quite understood how she and the hero fell in love. Lust, sure. And granted he did a few nice things for her so I can see her developing feelings for him, but why did he love her so much?? She wasn't very lovable at all. Last, the whole fake identity thing and then marrying his stepdaughter was accepted WAY too easily by everyone. Not only accepted but celebrated?? While Celia's murder was still so fresh? I don't buy it...and yet, I enjoyed the book, go figure!
May 24, 2015
Historia:Me parece una historia bien contada con los detalles suficientes, sin llegar a aburrirte o ser tediosa, de tal forma que te ubicas perfectamente en el tiempo y espacio, la vestimenta, la forma de pensar de la gente de esa época, las complicaciones y las implicaciones sociales, el entorno y el cariño.
Personajes: Me parecen con la personalidad adecuada para cada uno según su edad. Decir que Clive surge por instinto es poco, y se agradece la sinceridad mas no el atrevimiento, pero esa fue la salsa en la historia.
En lo particular me gustan las lecturas que me transportan a otros lugares, y esta es una de ellas. Me gustó la determinación e inseguridad de Jess pues corresponde perfectamente a la edad que tiene. Clive por ratos me parecía inmaduro, pero quién no lo es en el amor? sin embargo, es una lectura ágil, en ratos te acaloras, sufres, sonríes y te enamoras.
Personajes: Me parecen con la personalidad adecuada para cada uno según su edad. Decir que Clive surge por instinto es poco, y se agradece la sinceridad mas no el atrevimiento, pero esa fue la salsa en la historia.
En lo particular me gustan las lecturas que me transportan a otros lugares, y esta es una de ellas. Me gustó la determinación e inseguridad de Jess pues corresponde perfectamente a la edad que tiene. Clive por ratos me parecía inmaduro, pero quién no lo es en el amor? sin embargo, es una lectura ágil, en ratos te acaloras, sufres, sonríes y te enamoras.
April 16, 2021
La historia engancha y esta bien narrada, si bien es un cliché de la madrastra malvada o relaciones entre padrastro/hijastra esta bastante bien.
No la califico con mas estrellas porque entiendo que es una novela de época y que sucede en una tierra bastante árida de ''hombres rudos'' pero él tiene bastantes conductas violentas para con las mujeres que lo rodean. Siempre las está manoteando del brazo, apretando, a ella le da una cachetada y a lo largo de toda la novela no deja de amenazar que le va a pegar a ella porque es rebelde o matar a la madrastra porque lo tiene cansado. Podría haber sido un hombre rudo sin llegar a ser violento con las mujeres.
No la califico con mas estrellas porque entiendo que es una novela de época y que sucede en una tierra bastante árida de ''hombres rudos'' pero él tiene bastantes conductas violentas para con las mujeres que lo rodean. Siempre las está manoteando del brazo, apretando, a ella le da una cachetada y a lo largo de toda la novela no deja de amenazar que le va a pegar a ella porque es rebelde o matar a la madrastra porque lo tiene cansado. Podría haber sido un hombre rudo sin llegar a ser violento con las mujeres.
February 13, 2022
Más de treinta años tiene... y se notan, qué mal ha envejecido. Un tahúr del Misisipí llega a una plantación, haciéndose pasar por otro. Este cazafortunas casará con una viuda con la hijastra, Jessica Lindsay. El guapetón seductor chocará con la muchacha, porque él es un manduquita y ella, una rebelde (con causa). Escrita, la novela está muy bien escrita, con una magnífica tensión sexual entre estos dos que se odian-se aman. Escenas eróticas hay unas poquitas, bastante extensas. ¿El problema? Puf, todo lo demás: machismo, maltrato doméstico por ambas partes, alguna relación sexual no del todo consentida, y ya no os voy a hablar del tema racista… A ver, que se ambienta en el Sur esclavista, ¿qué puedes esperar?
Crítica más amplia, en mi blog.
Crítica más amplia, en mi blog.
March 6, 2021
While a promising prospect, Robards’ unwillingness to stick to the bad boy hero she initially outlines makes the character feel inconsistent (and not in a good way) and the story off-balance, creating a story that felt both rushed and disjointed at times. The heroine was kind of immature and childish, but I feel like a big part of this was to serve the plot and create conflict, since Robards decided to do a less dark hero. For this trope done right, I would recommend Anne Stuart’s Shadow Lover instead.
Robards’ thoughtless acceptance of racist tropes (is Gone with the Wind one of her favourite books? I wouldn’t be surprised) and fatphobia killed what would have otherwise been a three or four star book and also my joy.
Robards’ thoughtless acceptance of racist tropes (is Gone with the Wind one of her favourite books? I wouldn’t be surprised) and fatphobia killed what would have otherwise been a three or four star book and also my joy.
March 29, 2015
my problem with a lot of romance novels is that they carry a lot of weak-minded lead females that succumbs to the charms of arrogant and entitled ass who believe they should get their way by the wave of a hand. This book was no different and I am over it.
December 18, 2009
I'm devouring romances...maybe there's a deficit in my diet.
January 6, 2016
Not too keen on this one. I usually love her books, but for some reason as soon as the relationship gets consummated, it starts feeling skanky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2020
This was the first HR book that i read and it got me hooked! I love the heroine...even with her flaws. The hero was an ass at times but he did eventually redeem himself.
June 24, 2016
The ending was rushed. The plot had so much potential but the author couldn't live up to it.
January 30, 2021
Siempre me gustó Karen Robards, pero no la pega con todas sus historias. Esta por desgracia es una de ellas. Jessica tiene dieciocho años, vive con su madrastra en la plantación de algodón que le dejó su padre cuando falleció. La relación entre ambas es muy mala, pero cada una hace su vida. Jessica odia a Celia, la vida de ésta es promiscua, pero a ella no le importa, porque gracias a esa vida la mantiene lo más alejada posible de la plantación.
Pero todo cambia cuando Celia trae una pareja, Stuart, y quiere casarse con él. Jessica ve en él un enemigo, porque desde el momento que se case con su madrastra todo pasa a pertenecer a él, desde que se ven las caras Jessica lo odia y lo rechaza.
Stuart no se va a dejar manipular por una niña, y entre ambos habrá una lucha constante, pero cuando Jessica comienza a conocerlo un poco más se da cuenta que él tendrá un aliado, y a medida que el tiempo pasa lo que comienza a sentir por él es más fuerte que una amistad.
Jessica comienza siendo una niña, y en poco tiempo saldrá a relucir la mujer que lleva dentro, Stuart le despierta sentimientos hasta ahora desconocidos. Pero no sólo Jessica se verá afectada por esas sensaciones, Stuart no puede evitar sentirse atraído por ella, y ambos comenzarán a vivir una pasión prohibida.
El problema con esta historia son los fundamentos: la parte romántica me pareció bien, pero no me gustó que el rol de la infidelidad en la trama. Hay muchos defectos q se le pueden endosar a un protagonista, la infidelidad no es uno de ellos. Un héroe romántico no es infiel. PUNTO.
Pero todo cambia cuando Celia trae una pareja, Stuart, y quiere casarse con él. Jessica ve en él un enemigo, porque desde el momento que se case con su madrastra todo pasa a pertenecer a él, desde que se ven las caras Jessica lo odia y lo rechaza.
Stuart no se va a dejar manipular por una niña, y entre ambos habrá una lucha constante, pero cuando Jessica comienza a conocerlo un poco más se da cuenta que él tendrá un aliado, y a medida que el tiempo pasa lo que comienza a sentir por él es más fuerte que una amistad.
Jessica comienza siendo una niña, y en poco tiempo saldrá a relucir la mujer que lleva dentro, Stuart le despierta sentimientos hasta ahora desconocidos. Pero no sólo Jessica se verá afectada por esas sensaciones, Stuart no puede evitar sentirse atraído por ella, y ambos comenzarán a vivir una pasión prohibida.
El problema con esta historia son los fundamentos: la parte romántica me pareció bien, pero no me gustó que el rol de la infidelidad en la trama. Hay muchos defectos q se le pueden endosar a un protagonista, la infidelidad no es uno de ellos. Un héroe romántico no es infiel. PUNTO.
March 10, 2023
O romance instigante e apaixonado, entre tapas e beijos, eles ultrapassaram a convenções sociais e se apaixonaram. Uma paixão em meio as mentiras e enganos, mal-entendidos que os fazem inimigos e amantes. Mocinha teimosa, corajosa, ardente e ele, apesar de canalha, tinha alguns requisitos que me agradaram. juntos eles viveram aventuras, e percorrerão o caminho em busca da felicidade para viver esse amor. Porém, existe um logo caminho entre a verdade e a mentira... para que possam ser felizes sem impedimentos.
June 27, 2025
Maybe the book gets good as you read further but I’m done.
The beginning was such a turnoff. The humiliation of the h was too much. The H taking the ow’s side was too much.
The H was a loser. I hate loser heroes. He married the ow and wanted to be a good husband for her. Though he did married her for money but still he liked her. All the while the h was there. She was even a bridesmaid of his bride.
Yuck.
There are so many books out there that need to be read.
Not gonna waste my time on this nonsense drama, which is already there in the nonfiction life.
The beginning was such a turnoff. The humiliation of the h was too much. The H taking the ow’s side was too much.
The H was a loser. I hate loser heroes. He married the ow and wanted to be a good husband for her. Though he did married her for money but still he liked her. All the while the h was there. She was even a bridesmaid of his bride.
Yuck.
There are so many books out there that need to be read.
Not gonna waste my time on this nonsense drama, which is already there in the nonfiction life.
December 2, 2018
4.5 stars!
I can’t help it, the premise for this one hooked me since I love a good forbidden romance. It was just sinful enough without being too weird. I just wish there was a bit more of a build up in their relationship where we see them fall in love a bit more. If there was more of that and less arguments etc, I think it would have been an easier pill to swallow for some. All in all, it held my interest. Good one.
I can’t help it, the premise for this one hooked me since I love a good forbidden romance. It was just sinful enough without being too weird. I just wish there was a bit more of a build up in their relationship where we see them fall in love a bit more. If there was more of that and less arguments etc, I think it would have been an easier pill to swallow for some. All in all, it held my interest. Good one.
February 23, 2022
An early Karen Robards novel about a riverboat gambler who is robbed and nearly murdered after he wins the stake of a lifetime. He takes on the identity of one of the robbers/murderers in order to get what he feels he lost in the attempt.
A riverboat gambler taking on a new disguise, a young promiscous widow, the 'ugly' stepdaughter, two doting aunts...few of a wonderful cast of characters who live and love in the pre-antebellum South.
A riverboat gambler taking on a new disguise, a young promiscous widow, the 'ugly' stepdaughter, two doting aunts...few of a wonderful cast of characters who live and love in the pre-antebellum South.
February 25, 2024
I read this book back when I was in secondary school and I read it so many times even now I could remember entire phrases… but does that mean is good? This was written in 1990 and times hasn’t been kind to it. There are many red flags, and situations that, at my current age, will receive a “hell no” from me; however, I enjoyed as much as a teenager, than I’m giving it four starts. Deal with it 😌
December 23, 2022
Great love
Great story well written. It was a fighting story between the people that lived on plantation. Jesse and Stuart was attracted to each other Stuart is married to Jesse's stepmother.There is a twist to the story and hot sex a little to much other than that good reading
Great story well written. It was a fighting story between the people that lived on plantation. Jesse and Stuart was attracted to each other Stuart is married to Jesse's stepmother.There is a twist to the story and hot sex a little to much other than that good reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews