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Pirates #2
Sea Fire
The tempestuous saga of Lady Catherine Aldley and the pirate Jonathan Hale that began in Island Flame now continues in Sea Fire. . .
What can a beautiful captive say to a handsome, ruthless pirate?
He was her husband, her lover, the pirate who seized her body, then stole her heart. Lady Catherine Aldley fled England to make a home with the infamous Jonathan Hale in Carolina. But their perfect life was shattered when Cathy was summoned to England to her ailing father, and discovered that her marriage to Jonathan was a sham. He was a wanted man, one step from the gallows. The only way she could save him was to wed her despised cousin, to let Jonathan think she had betrayed their love.
Anything but "no."
With a price on his head and vengeance in his soul, Jon Hale led a mutiny aboard the prison ship Cristobel and recaptured his faithless wife. Cathy could rile his blood as no other. The fire in her eyes infuriated and beguiled him. Cathy said she hated him, yet melted at his touch even as Jon tried to despise what he most desired. Then fate threatened to part them forever and Jon risked his life to rescue the woman he could not live without.
What can a beautiful captive say to a handsome, ruthless pirate?
He was her husband, her lover, the pirate who seized her body, then stole her heart. Lady Catherine Aldley fled England to make a home with the infamous Jonathan Hale in Carolina. But their perfect life was shattered when Cathy was summoned to England to her ailing father, and discovered that her marriage to Jonathan was a sham. He was a wanted man, one step from the gallows. The only way she could save him was to wed her despised cousin, to let Jonathan think she had betrayed their love.
Anything but "no."
With a price on his head and vengeance in his soul, Jon Hale led a mutiny aboard the prison ship Cristobel and recaptured his faithless wife. Cathy could rile his blood as no other. The fire in her eyes infuriated and beguiled him. Cathy said she hated him, yet melted at his touch even as Jon tried to despise what he most desired. Then fate threatened to part them forever and Jon risked his life to rescue the woman he could not live without.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
58 people are currently reading
815 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."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 20, 2012
4 and ½ Stars - Sequel as Exciting a Pirate Story as the First
Once again, I disagree with the low reviews.
This is the sequel to Robards’ ISLAND FLAME and it involves the same hero and heroine two years after their “happily ever after” in book 1. I gave the first story 4 and ½ stars and pretty much dismissed the low reviews as I’m doing now. Like the first one, this is an 80’s bodice ripper, so accept that going in, but it is very well done and I recommend it.
Robards knows how to write historical romance. Few authors could follow the same couple after the happily ever after and still produce great sexual tension, a suspenseful story and as many twists and turns, but Robards does and with great success in my mind.
SEA FIRE is set in 1844, beginning in South Carolina where Jonathan Hale and his wife, Catherine (“Cathy”) are living with their young son, Cray. When word arrives her father is ill, Cathy hurries back to England with her young son to find her father recovering from what appears to be a stroke. Meanwhile Cathy learns her marriage to Jon was not valid and cannot wait to get back to America and wed him again. But before she can leave, her pirate husband shows up and is seized and thrown in prison. Harold, her cousin who has designs on her—and her money—tells Cathy he will save the pirate from hanging if she agrees to marry him.
Like the first story, we are once again immersed in the troubled but sexually charged relationship of Cathy and Jon. His past will not allow him to trust any woman, much less the beautiful minx he married. He will treat her badly just to keep from falling at her knees like a lovesick fool. Cathy loves him, but is too proud to admit it, especially when he acts the cad. Still, she will save him from death if she can.
A great tale with many twists and turns and lots of action. Yes, Jon is a brute at times and Cathy’s a brat, but I still kept reading it late into the night. I recommend it. If you liked ISLAND FLAME, I daresay you will like this one.
Once again, I disagree with the low reviews.
This is the sequel to Robards’ ISLAND FLAME and it involves the same hero and heroine two years after their “happily ever after” in book 1. I gave the first story 4 and ½ stars and pretty much dismissed the low reviews as I’m doing now. Like the first one, this is an 80’s bodice ripper, so accept that going in, but it is very well done and I recommend it.
Robards knows how to write historical romance. Few authors could follow the same couple after the happily ever after and still produce great sexual tension, a suspenseful story and as many twists and turns, but Robards does and with great success in my mind.
SEA FIRE is set in 1844, beginning in South Carolina where Jonathan Hale and his wife, Catherine (“Cathy”) are living with their young son, Cray. When word arrives her father is ill, Cathy hurries back to England with her young son to find her father recovering from what appears to be a stroke. Meanwhile Cathy learns her marriage to Jon was not valid and cannot wait to get back to America and wed him again. But before she can leave, her pirate husband shows up and is seized and thrown in prison. Harold, her cousin who has designs on her—and her money—tells Cathy he will save the pirate from hanging if she agrees to marry him.
Like the first story, we are once again immersed in the troubled but sexually charged relationship of Cathy and Jon. His past will not allow him to trust any woman, much less the beautiful minx he married. He will treat her badly just to keep from falling at her knees like a lovesick fool. Cathy loves him, but is too proud to admit it, especially when he acts the cad. Still, she will save him from death if she can.
A great tale with many twists and turns and lots of action. Yes, Jon is a brute at times and Cathy’s a brat, but I still kept reading it late into the night. I recommend it. If you liked ISLAND FLAME, I daresay you will like this one.
October 4, 2011
This is the worst book I have ever read. This would make battle-hardened feminists weep blood.
July 29, 2016
#dnf
I hate this book.
(I've never used that word before to talk about a book.It's the first time.Yes it is that bad.)
A waste of time.
I hate this book.
(I've never used that word before to talk about a book.It's the first time.Yes it is that bad.)
A waste of time.
June 18, 2012
Remind me how thing guy is a hero ... was it when he called her a whore, slut, or bitch? Or was was it when he raped her after saving her from a rape? Or the multiple of other times he raped her? Or when he slept with another woman? Or when he kidnapped her child? I like the bad boys and redemption but there is no redeeming this character.
April 6, 2023
This book is a case of the author, having had success with her debut novel, destroyed her couple’s happy ending with an unplanned sequel in order to sell more books. It wasn’t great, it wasn’t necessary, but it wasn’t terrible.
Please apply bodice ripper rules when reading this one: contains rape, assholish hero behaviour and an air headed, easily forgiving heroine.
Please apply bodice ripper rules when reading this one: contains rape, assholish hero behaviour and an air headed, easily forgiving heroine.
June 11, 2022
Horroroso
al principio me hacia gracia lo malo que era, esas conversaciones todas ellas condescendientes con la protagonista y sobre todo esa trama que es insuperable: nuestra prota esta casada con un hombre con un alto grado de virilidad y tienen un hijo, todo va bien hasta que el padre de ella se esta muriendo y va a verle ahí se entera que por x su matrimonio no esta regulado ósea que no están casados y es acosada por su primo. Y el libro lo que pasa básicamente es que todos la tratan como si fuera tonta y por supuesto ni la escuchan y ni quieren tener una conversación normal y deciente con ella y lo único que hacen es llamarla putx, no se cuantas veces se lo llaman sobre todo el marido, perdí la cuenta, todos los personajes me cayeron mal y la trama es de un raro y de un enrevesado pero tirando a sin sentido que me tiro para atrás.
nada recomendable
al principio me hacia gracia lo malo que era, esas conversaciones todas ellas condescendientes con la protagonista y sobre todo esa trama que es insuperable: nuestra prota esta casada con un hombre con un alto grado de virilidad y tienen un hijo, todo va bien hasta que el padre de ella se esta muriendo y va a verle ahí se entera que por x su matrimonio no esta regulado ósea que no están casados y es acosada por su primo. Y el libro lo que pasa básicamente es que todos la tratan como si fuera tonta y por supuesto ni la escuchan y ni quieren tener una conversación normal y deciente con ella y lo único que hacen es llamarla putx, no se cuantas veces se lo llaman sobre todo el marido, perdí la cuenta, todos los personajes me cayeron mal y la trama es de un raro y de un enrevesado pero tirando a sin sentido que me tiro para atrás.
nada recomendable
April 25, 2025
3 going in circles ⭐️
I wanted to love this so much, but it was just not as good, as the first. It’s the exact same premise as the first, and they are back to square one. They have learned nothing and there is no emotional growth. Through all they are going through, they are completely unable to show vulnerability and are incapable of having a conversation with each other. Even on a deserted island!!! They keep fighting each other, because of not talking and trusting and it becomes utterly tiresome.
Cathy is unbearable, she is dumb, silly, extremely vain and self absorbed. She has no boundaries and is, in today’s world, utterly delusional. She uses manipulation to get what she wants because she can’t communicate and it’s frustrating to bear witness too.
John is cruel and insecure and probably has a diagnosis. There are not a lot of redeeming qualities in John and I never forgave him for anything, and the author never gave me an opportunity to do so. He is disgraceful. So I was left with two Mc’s I didn’t care for at all.
This book is the same as the first, only worse. They are going in circles with their bickering and there is no sweetness or kindness between them, and there is very little in this book that shows me why they love each other. I don’t understand their relationship at all, besides their lust.
I honestly don’t think any one them are capable of having a relationship with anyone, ever.
Should you read it? I don’t know. ❤️🩹
I wanted to love this so much, but it was just not as good, as the first. It’s the exact same premise as the first, and they are back to square one. They have learned nothing and there is no emotional growth. Through all they are going through, they are completely unable to show vulnerability and are incapable of having a conversation with each other. Even on a deserted island!!! They keep fighting each other, because of not talking and trusting and it becomes utterly tiresome.
Cathy is unbearable, she is dumb, silly, extremely vain and self absorbed. She has no boundaries and is, in today’s world, utterly delusional. She uses manipulation to get what she wants because she can’t communicate and it’s frustrating to bear witness too.
John is cruel and insecure and probably has a diagnosis. There are not a lot of redeeming qualities in John and I never forgave him for anything, and the author never gave me an opportunity to do so. He is disgraceful. So I was left with two Mc’s I didn’t care for at all.
This book is the same as the first, only worse. They are going in circles with their bickering and there is no sweetness or kindness between them, and there is very little in this book that shows me why they love each other. I don’t understand their relationship at all, besides their lust.
I honestly don’t think any one them are capable of having a relationship with anyone, ever.
Should you read it? I don’t know. ❤️🩹
November 2, 2016
Cathy and Jon continued to be one of the most dysfunctional, toxic relationships I’ve ever read. Oh my god, it was like the first book never happened. It was the exact same situation with Cathy doing something selfless to save Jon and him automatically jumping to conclusions and thinking she’s a lying whore that’s sleeping around on him. Jon has always been a piece of crap, but I think the thing that bothered me most was that he should have known better by now. He spent a good chunk of the book before this thinking the woman he loved had betrayed him, only to learn that she had been telling the truth the whole time. So what does he do this time around? You’d think he’d learn from his previous mistakes and as painful as the situation was, have some faith in Cathy and why she had done certain things. But nope, he goes on to be a complete asshole for the remainder of the story. God knows why Cathy was in love with him because he was constantly doubting her and refusing to believe any of her explanations.
There was a certain scene towards the end that really grated on me. He basically said something about how he was willing to move past all her ‘transgressions’ and I wanted to puke at how condescending he was. He was acting like he was doing her a favor when he was the one that was too bullheaded to believe in the rational explanations she had. The entire part with him was messed up and I didn’t think there was much redeemable about his character after that point. I was just so disgusted with Jon and I wanted Cathy to go find someone better to move on with. It just sucks because when they were happy, they were absolutely adorable together. I wanted to root for them, but Jon kept finding ways to ruin things.
The ending had me kind of irritated. Unlike the first book, I was even more against Cathy and Jon getting a happy ending. I did think that it was nice to see Jon groveling a bit and Cathy not taking his crap when he tried to make excuses. No lie, I got this sick sense of joy when . The most annoying part though was how everyone around Cathy was telling her to work things out with Jon. I understand to a certain degree because of the time period and the children they had together, but I couldn’t take all her friends and family painting Jon as some kind of saint. They were all ‘poor Jon’ and going on about how good Jon had always treated Cathy. That last part seriously had to be a joke. Even if you disregard everything that happened in ‘Island Flame’, Jon was absolutely horrid to her since the moment he busted in on her and Harold and refused to trust anything she said. I honestly thought it would serve Jon right if Cathy decided that she was done with him and he lost her forever. Maybe then he would learn that he can’t act the way he does and expect his wife to put up with his paranoid jealousy and abusive behavior.
Overall, as entertaining as this was, I’m happy it’s over. This book made me feel mentally and physically exhausted. It seriously took so much energy to be constantly angry at everything that happened. I mean, to be honest, I’d probably pick up a third book if it had been written, but for Cathy’s sake, it’s good to end it where it did. I don’t think I could bear it if she had to go through another 400 pages of Jon unjustifiably treating her like crap.
There was a certain scene towards the end that really grated on me. He basically said something about how he was willing to move past all her ‘transgressions’ and I wanted to puke at how condescending he was. He was acting like he was doing her a favor when he was the one that was too bullheaded to believe in the rational explanations she had. The entire part with him was messed up and I didn’t think there was much redeemable about his character after that point. I was just so disgusted with Jon and I wanted Cathy to go find someone better to move on with. It just sucks because when they were happy, they were absolutely adorable together. I wanted to root for them, but Jon kept finding ways to ruin things.
The ending had me kind of irritated. Unlike the first book, I was even more against Cathy and Jon getting a happy ending. I did think that it was nice to see Jon groveling a bit and Cathy not taking his crap when he tried to make excuses. No lie, I got this sick sense of joy when . The most annoying part though was how everyone around Cathy was telling her to work things out with Jon. I understand to a certain degree because of the time period and the children they had together, but I couldn’t take all her friends and family painting Jon as some kind of saint. They were all ‘poor Jon’ and going on about how good Jon had always treated Cathy. That last part seriously had to be a joke. Even if you disregard everything that happened in ‘Island Flame’, Jon was absolutely horrid to her since the moment he busted in on her and Harold and refused to trust anything she said. I honestly thought it would serve Jon right if Cathy decided that she was done with him and he lost her forever. Maybe then he would learn that he can’t act the way he does and expect his wife to put up with his paranoid jealousy and abusive behavior.
Overall, as entertaining as this was, I’m happy it’s over. This book made me feel mentally and physically exhausted. It seriously took so much energy to be constantly angry at everything that happened. I mean, to be honest, I’d probably pick up a third book if it had been written, but for Cathy’s sake, it’s good to end it where it did. I don’t think I could bear it if she had to go through another 400 pages of Jon unjustifiably treating her like crap.
July 13, 2012
I felt I could identify with this book. I've not read #1 book before, but it didn't bother me too much. Unlike the vast majority of love stories, this is not about characters meeting for the first timeand falling in love. The couple are already married (and here's the twist) and they grapple hard as their love is challenged and Jon/Cathy clashed repeatedly esp as Jon is overcome by his insecurities.
I cringed inwardly whenever Cathy retorted in spite to admit things she hadn't done as she's baited by Jon's anger. ( "No...No...don't say that!") but then I guess this is how I would have responded as a spiteful and immature 21 year old, so I cant blame her.
I also liked the pregnancy complication, brings additional poignancy and makes me angrier with Jon and commiserate with Cathy as only women would understand.
I like the pacing of the book. Many new incidents happen with barely a breather, so there's a lot to write about and for Jon & Cathy to experience. I can't stand stories where half the book is of the lead characters moaning and whining, doing mental mind battles as they reason out with themselves their feelings for each other or why they shouldn't be together. There's still some of that in Seafire, but reasonable limits.
However like some of the other reviews here, I agree the rampant enforced sex is not something I can accept. How could Jon who prided dignity above all for himself yet have subjected his wife, someone he loves to such indignity and shamed acts against her will??
Above all else, I have always liked the historical romances from Ms Robards, this one was a nice one of true married couples (and not forced marriages of convenience turned romance). It's a pity there are not as many of these around . Above all, I just wish Ms Robards would write more historicals!!
I cringed inwardly whenever Cathy retorted in spite to admit things she hadn't done as she's baited by Jon's anger. ( "No...No...don't say that!") but then I guess this is how I would have responded as a spiteful and immature 21 year old, so I cant blame her.
I also liked the pregnancy complication, brings additional poignancy and makes me angrier with Jon and commiserate with Cathy as only women would understand.
I like the pacing of the book. Many new incidents happen with barely a breather, so there's a lot to write about and for Jon & Cathy to experience. I can't stand stories where half the book is of the lead characters moaning and whining, doing mental mind battles as they reason out with themselves their feelings for each other or why they shouldn't be together. There's still some of that in Seafire, but reasonable limits.
However like some of the other reviews here, I agree the rampant enforced sex is not something I can accept. How could Jon who prided dignity above all for himself yet have subjected his wife, someone he loves to such indignity and shamed acts against her will??
Above all else, I have always liked the historical romances from Ms Robards, this one was a nice one of true married couples (and not forced marriages of convenience turned romance). It's a pity there are not as many of these around . Above all, I just wish Ms Robards would write more historicals!!
August 20, 2010
Another ARGH!!! This book continues the story of the main characters in Island Flame, and once again, the "hero" is abusive. He gets it into his head he's been wronged (admittedly he has some evidence, but by now he also has more than enough reason to believe in the heroine, and instead he immediately goes to the worst possible conclusion). He rapes the heroine more than once, deliberately humiliating and hurting her, and while in this one he does have a moment of clarity when he realizes that he's screwed up, instead of trying to make it right, he just goes on a self-indulgent bender and she has to come rescue him. And of course she never does require him to show that he's learned any lessons before she reconciles with him. She just walks right back into a relationship with a man who has proved himself to be abusive again and again. I can't say I rooted for this couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2016
What a silly book.. I love Karen Robards because she's not afraid to there. She puts her characters in the most impossible situations and I can't help but keep reading to find out how they get out. The reason this book is not getting the full 5 stars is because it seemed like everyone and their brother wanted to rape Cathy, it became tiresome. That, and she was TSTL at times. I loved it anyway.
September 20, 2012
Really really good, I am breezing through it. So captivating, aggravating that Kathy can't just tell her pirate the truth so he can stop hurting her. This book is so good, though I didn't read the others in the series, it doesn't matter I'm still enjoying it immensely. I can't wait til I finish.
October 11, 2019
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON ISLAND FLAME & SEA FIRE AS IT'S A DUOLOGY. WELL SORT OF.
Please note it's a bodice ripper. And you KNOW how badly the characters are always done.
WOW! THIS WAS A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS. THE HERO WAS SHIT, BUT I STILL KEPT ON MARCHING ON BECAUSE IT WAS TOO DRAMATIC TO PUT DOWN. LET ME EXPLAIN...
HERO was NO HERO at all. You would want to slap him a 100 times over once the books is done and whilst you're reading it. He's a sexist pig, arrogant, unfaithful and downright cruel. His actions crossed on borderline rape and he's unforgiving, judgemental and completely BIPOLAR. I admit while he didn't have a good upbringing, and being in love with his whore of a step-mother didn't help either. At 34, he met Cathy when he abducted her from the ship she was on bound for England. Their relationship was volatile, COMPLETELY ABUSIVE but after finishing the two books, you will see a pattern between them - HARD LOVING and it's just the way they roll. Eventually, you'll come to accept it. Now, you must be wondering why do I still read it after listing all the bad points of Jonathan's character? Well, despite their many arguments and the fact that he's always calling her slut, bitch and whore? Their relationship when NOT interfered by with JEALOUSY & PRIDE, was sweet and normal. Although Jon can be harsh, it's plain as day that he's line, sink and hooked from the moment he laid eyes on his beautiful soul mate. While he keeps her as his 'mistress' on board his ship, things take a turn when her father comes looking for her and betrays his daughter by throwing Jon to prison, lying to her that Jon has escaped and abandoned their marriage. Jon, being his typical self believed his 'wife' was the one who ordered his whipping and execution. Sometimes, I marvel at how DUMB this man is. Obviously his love was weak if he had to doubt Cathy EVERY SINGLE TIME even till Sea Fire. He was never confident in her love in him. At the end of Island Flame, they have a son and supposedly lived a HEA. 2 years later, their story continues with Sea Fire where Cathy receives news that her father is dying. The dilemma that ripped them apart in Sea Fire made me see RED and I wanted to seriously do bodily harm. Again, being wedded 2 years, Jon is still STUPID for thinking his wife married her cousin because she was PLAYING him. Oh yeah, before I forget to mention, Cathy's father divulged that her marriage to Jon was a sham and they were never wedded despite their matrimonial bliss. Her cousin gets in the way, and Jon assumed the worse of her, calling her a whore. Now, here's where he turns all SEXIST PIG again. Cathy NEVER CHEATED on Jon. But Jon, he FUCKED another female just to spit Cathy and he didn't even felt guilty, even thinking he had the right to not be CELIBATE and she MUST. FUCK TWAT. His other failing was to think that his daughter, who was later born in SEA FIRE wasn't his but Harold's. Again, FUCK TWAT. My best consolations were the moments where he's reduced to begging, fearing for Cathy's life and also later being abandoned by her. Too bad he DIDN'T GROVEL in the end to win her back. Seriously! That part was disappointing, not to mention the no mentions of an EPILOGUE. The last sentence of the last chapter just made me feel like I walked into a brick wall.
HEROINE was a stunner. She's beautiful beyond words, and funny how bodice rippers always have stunning heroines who turn men into panting bitches in heat. And I'm using that phrase on purpose. It's like one glance of her and they all want to RAPE her!! Can you believe that? Anyways, when Cathy was kidnapped by Jon, she fought like a hellcat and when he forcefully introduced her to sex....she fought but also he awakens her feminine side. It doesn't help her cause that she's attracted to him. I hated those moments where he mocked her. Cathy's 17 when they met. Their age difference was very WIDE. Cathy goes through an upheaval of emotional stress, no thanks to Jon. She's nearly raped several times, got beaten by Jon and he often leaves her high and dry....always HURTING HER, didn't matter if it was physical or mental. Cathy's a strong woman, so you will like her despite the childish words she hurls out sometimes. You have to remember she was a sheltered young woman on the cusp of being a real woman, and she was forced into a horrific situation of pirates and then rape (I still call it that despite what Jon believes). I'd say she deserved her moments of fury. I just wished she'd been more eloquent with her verbal spars with Jon instead of always shouting 'BASTARD'. Yeah, like that word can speak well for itself when the man knows he's one but he returns with 'YOU BITCH!'. It doesn't soothe my feminine feathers to know that Cathy's always the one who holds out the olive branch. The only gratification we get is at least we often read Jon's monologue and understands his reasonings and fears.
OVERALL 99% of readers will ABHOR this book. They will say it's a SEXIST book, completely against women and that the hero is an ABUSIVE, BIPOLAR bastard. And I'm an emotional masochist because this book kept me up for the entire day and night. I just had to finish it. Logically speaking, I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT CONDONE what JON DID, nor DID I LIKE HIM. I just wanted to see what Cathy did in the end and how Jon redeems himself. Honestly, it wasn't such a bad story for the setting and era, and I'll have you know, if a book can get you RILED UP WITH EMOTIONS and devouring it for hours, you know it's a good book.
BE WARNED, these two books will leave you ANGRY, READY TO TEAR YOUR HAIR OUT, READY TO SCREAM AT SOMEONE and PLAIN OL JUST ENJOY IT!
Please note it's a bodice ripper. And you KNOW how badly the characters are always done.
WOW! THIS WAS A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS. THE HERO WAS SHIT, BUT I STILL KEPT ON MARCHING ON BECAUSE IT WAS TOO DRAMATIC TO PUT DOWN. LET ME EXPLAIN...
HERO was NO HERO at all. You would want to slap him a 100 times over once the books is done and whilst you're reading it. He's a sexist pig, arrogant, unfaithful and downright cruel. His actions crossed on borderline rape and he's unforgiving, judgemental and completely BIPOLAR. I admit while he didn't have a good upbringing, and being in love with his whore of a step-mother didn't help either. At 34, he met Cathy when he abducted her from the ship she was on bound for England. Their relationship was volatile, COMPLETELY ABUSIVE but after finishing the two books, you will see a pattern between them - HARD LOVING and it's just the way they roll. Eventually, you'll come to accept it. Now, you must be wondering why do I still read it after listing all the bad points of Jonathan's character? Well, despite their many arguments and the fact that he's always calling her slut, bitch and whore? Their relationship when NOT interfered by with JEALOUSY & PRIDE, was sweet and normal. Although Jon can be harsh, it's plain as day that he's line, sink and hooked from the moment he laid eyes on his beautiful soul mate. While he keeps her as his 'mistress' on board his ship, things take a turn when her father comes looking for her and betrays his daughter by throwing Jon to prison, lying to her that Jon has escaped and abandoned their marriage. Jon, being his typical self believed his 'wife' was the one who ordered his whipping and execution. Sometimes, I marvel at how DUMB this man is. Obviously his love was weak if he had to doubt Cathy EVERY SINGLE TIME even till Sea Fire. He was never confident in her love in him. At the end of Island Flame, they have a son and supposedly lived a HEA. 2 years later, their story continues with Sea Fire where Cathy receives news that her father is dying. The dilemma that ripped them apart in Sea Fire made me see RED and I wanted to seriously do bodily harm. Again, being wedded 2 years, Jon is still STUPID for thinking his wife married her cousin because she was PLAYING him. Oh yeah, before I forget to mention, Cathy's father divulged that her marriage to Jon was a sham and they were never wedded despite their matrimonial bliss. Her cousin gets in the way, and Jon assumed the worse of her, calling her a whore. Now, here's where he turns all SEXIST PIG again. Cathy NEVER CHEATED on Jon. But Jon, he FUCKED another female just to spit Cathy and he didn't even felt guilty, even thinking he had the right to not be CELIBATE and she MUST. FUCK TWAT. His other failing was to think that his daughter, who was later born in SEA FIRE wasn't his but Harold's. Again, FUCK TWAT. My best consolations were the moments where he's reduced to begging, fearing for Cathy's life and also later being abandoned by her. Too bad he DIDN'T GROVEL in the end to win her back. Seriously! That part was disappointing, not to mention the no mentions of an EPILOGUE. The last sentence of the last chapter just made me feel like I walked into a brick wall.
HEROINE was a stunner. She's beautiful beyond words, and funny how bodice rippers always have stunning heroines who turn men into panting bitches in heat. And I'm using that phrase on purpose. It's like one glance of her and they all want to RAPE her!! Can you believe that? Anyways, when Cathy was kidnapped by Jon, she fought like a hellcat and when he forcefully introduced her to sex....she fought but also he awakens her feminine side. It doesn't help her cause that she's attracted to him. I hated those moments where he mocked her. Cathy's 17 when they met. Their age difference was very WIDE. Cathy goes through an upheaval of emotional stress, no thanks to Jon. She's nearly raped several times, got beaten by Jon and he often leaves her high and dry....always HURTING HER, didn't matter if it was physical or mental. Cathy's a strong woman, so you will like her despite the childish words she hurls out sometimes. You have to remember she was a sheltered young woman on the cusp of being a real woman, and she was forced into a horrific situation of pirates and then rape (I still call it that despite what Jon believes). I'd say she deserved her moments of fury. I just wished she'd been more eloquent with her verbal spars with Jon instead of always shouting 'BASTARD'. Yeah, like that word can speak well for itself when the man knows he's one but he returns with 'YOU BITCH!'. It doesn't soothe my feminine feathers to know that Cathy's always the one who holds out the olive branch. The only gratification we get is at least we often read Jon's monologue and understands his reasonings and fears.
OVERALL 99% of readers will ABHOR this book. They will say it's a SEXIST book, completely against women and that the hero is an ABUSIVE, BIPOLAR bastard. And I'm an emotional masochist because this book kept me up for the entire day and night. I just had to finish it. Logically speaking, I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT CONDONE what JON DID, nor DID I LIKE HIM. I just wanted to see what Cathy did in the end and how Jon redeems himself. Honestly, it wasn't such a bad story for the setting and era, and I'll have you know, if a book can get you RILED UP WITH EMOTIONS and devouring it for hours, you know it's a good book.
BE WARNED, these two books will leave you ANGRY, READY TO TEAR YOUR HAIR OUT, READY TO SCREAM AT SOMEONE and PLAIN OL JUST ENJOY IT!
July 5, 2022
I hated this book! John is bitter and hurtful throughout. Kathy is bipolar, on the one hand a milksop who puts up with anything, and on the other, a bitter shrew. I did find a use for the book though. It could be used as a drinking game and every time Kathy says, "I hate you!", "I despise you!", etc., etc. one would have to take a drink. Seriously. At one point when John is once again going to force himself on her, she says, "John, if you do this I will NEVER forgive you!" Cue eye roll here. How many times has he forced her, and she is always, "Oh John". Then she shoots him. Then he cheats on her. Can we say dysfunctional? All is well in the end, but I gave up on this couple long ago.
September 23, 2019
This is the sequel to Island Flame, the very first book written by author Karen Robards. It took off close to where the original book ended however, the tone and actions of the characters seemed exaggerated. I loved the H/h from the first book and they had clearly found their happy place. The plot and obstacles in the sequel seemed too far fetched, the outbursts quite annoying in some parts and the ending too drawn out. Despite that, the first half of the book was slightly more plausible.
It’s a good enough read if you’re coming off the high from the first book. 3 stars.
It’s a good enough read if you’re coming off the high from the first book. 3 stars.
August 18, 2017
LOVED Both books! BUT *WARNING* Do Not and I repeat Do Not read this book if you have PMS, and Do Not read this book around anyone you don't want to lash out at. The only reason I did not hurl this book out the window multiple times was because it was a library book! ARRGGGG made me so mad! LOVED IT!!!
November 18, 2008
I just found this book depressing with the constant bickering and dishonesty. It was also unnecessarily smutty for a romance novel. I didn't think there was much of a story line w/o the fighting and sex there'd been no story at all. I read about 3/4ths of the book and through it down. Ugh!
August 28, 2010
One of the worst books ever that I had the misfortune of reading. My review: http://bit.ly/cXWeSt
May 14, 2012
This is the second of 2 books for this great historical romance!!Both characters are stuborn as hell, they go through many dangerous adventures, but finely make it through.......good reads!!!!!!
January 14, 2013
couldn't put it down. I even shed tears in some parts. I'm so happy about the outcome in the end.
November 9, 2013
Good one! Enjoyed it & couldn't put the book down until I finish the book. :)
October 23, 2014
Apart from that incident with the other woman I actually liked this book better then the first.. I just love crazy jealous hero's!!!
January 4, 2015
This is the second story of cathy and jon. I found it to be just as good as the first one. Wow they go through alot. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend.
August 18, 2024
Sea Fire (1982) continues the story of Catherine and Jon which began in the first book, Island Flame .. it begins in South Carolina two years later, they’re happily married with a one year old son. I found this book so much better than the first… better story, and better romance. It’s still definitely a bodice ripper with OTT harrowing adventures and plenty of lusty consensual and non consensual sex (rape).
Catherine is now 19 years old and Jon is 38… huge age gap. She’s still a TSTL heroine, acts childish, says stupid stuff, taunts him when she’s mad … which is almost all the time. She spits in his face. Jon doesn’t trust her, thinks the worst … that she’s not faithful. He’s a sneering sadistic brute as well as a gentle considerate lover:
“You bitch!” he roared, capturing her hands in a grip that made her wince… “I ought to slap you silly.” (He doesn’t.)
A magnificent, turbulent tempestuous bodice ripper with a bitch and a brute who are passionate lovers. Twenty pages before the end Cathy is still thinking:
“The biggest ambition in her life was to see Jonathan Hale bleed to death right before her eyes. He had taken her love and trampled it …”
She held onto her hate the longest, but he’s way older than her … both care deeply about each other and mistrust each other.., Jon’s always rescuing her, he’s the one who says “I love you” when she doesn’t.
Mention must be made of another prominent star of this series, Cathy’s hair… “Her shining red gold hair, a thick mass of curls to her waist.., Her hair flowed in a rippling golden river down her back.., hair the color of sun..,” All men want her.
Robards in these first books clearly showed she’s a creative and gifted writer .., read these if you want excellent classic bodice rippers. Luck for us she went on to write some masterpieces like Loving Julia and Dark Torment. Best to read these books in order as she clearly hit her stride with this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Catherine is now 19 years old and Jon is 38… huge age gap. She’s still a TSTL heroine, acts childish, says stupid stuff, taunts him when she’s mad … which is almost all the time. She spits in his face. Jon doesn’t trust her, thinks the worst … that she’s not faithful. He’s a sneering sadistic brute as well as a gentle considerate lover:
“You bitch!” he roared, capturing her hands in a grip that made her wince… “I ought to slap you silly.” (He doesn’t.)
A magnificent, turbulent tempestuous bodice ripper with a bitch and a brute who are passionate lovers. Twenty pages before the end Cathy is still thinking:
“The biggest ambition in her life was to see Jonathan Hale bleed to death right before her eyes. He had taken her love and trampled it …”
She held onto her hate the longest, but he’s way older than her … both care deeply about each other and mistrust each other.., Jon’s always rescuing her, he’s the one who says “I love you” when she doesn’t.
Mention must be made of another prominent star of this series, Cathy’s hair… “Her shining red gold hair, a thick mass of curls to her waist.., Her hair flowed in a rippling golden river down her back.., hair the color of sun..,” All men want her.
Robards in these first books clearly showed she’s a creative and gifted writer .., read these if you want excellent classic bodice rippers. Luck for us she went on to write some masterpieces like Loving Julia and Dark Torment. Best to read these books in order as she clearly hit her stride with this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 27, 2024
I have two options here, a 200 page dissertation on why this book is terrible, or I leave it at that. This book has stolen enough time from my life that can never be regained.
June 14, 2024
The writing is quite floral and poetic. This is the only thing I like about the book.
The characters are toxic— a toxic age gap and relationship with characters who have toxic thoughts and toxic solutions to problems that could have been solved with better communication, a higher EQ or empathy skills.
Reading about Jon and Cathy felt like watching two immature children (with sexual experience) argue about who is right or wrong.
I especially hated the ending... Where all is forgiven just because Jon placed himself in a drunken stupor.
'He is almost 40 (against Cathy's 20) for heaven's sake! Act your damn age without having your nether regions do the solving.' -me to the book at like every 10 pages or so.
The characters are toxic— a toxic age gap and relationship with characters who have toxic thoughts and toxic solutions to problems that could have been solved with better communication, a higher EQ or empathy skills.
Reading about Jon and Cathy felt like watching two immature children (with sexual experience) argue about who is right or wrong.
I especially hated the ending... Where all is forgiven just because Jon placed himself in a drunken stupor.
'He is almost 40 (against Cathy's 20) for heaven's sake! Act your damn age without having your nether regions do the solving.' -me to the book at like every 10 pages or so.
November 11, 2020
Sequels are nearly never as good as the original and it lost some of the original drama but I still enjoyed it!
March 14, 2013
I bought the audio book from the store last week, 03/07/13 and I had no idea this was an "80's bodice ripping" anything. I have never heard of that term but it explains so much about the format. I will now make sure to look at publishing dates prior to making a purchase.
Imagine my shock to hear cussing, raping, verbal and physical abuse from the "hero." I am on the 5th CD (with 6 more left) and I wish she had let her "hero" hang. I try to skip around but almost every track (so far) had his calling her a whore, slut, *itch. He rapes her. He hits her. He cheats on her. He allows his pirate crew to sexually assault her while he gleefully watches. He dumps her head first in a hot cauldron of greasy soup. And from the other reviews, I gather it is all justifiable because he is "insecure." She is no "heroine" herself. She is just as abusive to him, just on a smaller scale. It's like sitting in a room with a couple on the verge of divorce...."War of The Roses" style. I can honestly say that I have NEVER read anything like this story in the 25 years I have been reading romance and I hope I never do again. I do not read romance so I can spend my day angry!
Like music CD's, stories like these should come with a warning label so those who do not enjoy these kind of stories, can avoid them and those who do enjoy them, can seek them out. To each, their own and all that. I can honestly say that I will never read another book by this author because I don't trust in the content being something I want to listen or read.
Imagine my shock to hear cussing, raping, verbal and physical abuse from the "hero." I am on the 5th CD (with 6 more left) and I wish she had let her "hero" hang. I try to skip around but almost every track (so far) had his calling her a whore, slut, *itch. He rapes her. He hits her. He cheats on her. He allows his pirate crew to sexually assault her while he gleefully watches. He dumps her head first in a hot cauldron of greasy soup. And from the other reviews, I gather it is all justifiable because he is "insecure." She is no "heroine" herself. She is just as abusive to him, just on a smaller scale. It's like sitting in a room with a couple on the verge of divorce...."War of The Roses" style. I can honestly say that I have NEVER read anything like this story in the 25 years I have been reading romance and I hope I never do again. I do not read romance so I can spend my day angry!
Like music CD's, stories like these should come with a warning label so those who do not enjoy these kind of stories, can avoid them and those who do enjoy them, can seek them out. To each, their own and all that. I can honestly say that I will never read another book by this author because I don't trust in the content being something I want to listen or read.
April 16, 2012
I received this book thru good reads. This is quite a story. Cathy can get into alot of trouble by being stubborn and having a mind of her own. She gets into alot of trouble with this. She finds out her marriage to Jon isn't legal. Her love towards her husband saves him from death and she has to marry another. She falls from one problem to another. Sarita was a woman after Jon from the first time she saw him and Cathy had to fight to keep Jon from Sarita on the ship, but it didn't work completely. Cathy then doesn't do as she is told again and this got her into trouble with a Sheikh. Jon has to come to her rescue and leave the harbor. They then get into more trouble where Jon really finds out that he loves her. I won't give the end of the book away.The only thing I really didn't like was the rape and down grading of the women in that time.
April 18, 2018
"Suo padre era un uomo ricco e lei era la sua unica figlia; era ragionevole presumere che lasciasse tutto quanto a lei. Nel frattempo c’erano tutti quei soldi sul suo fondo fiduciario che aspettavano solo di essere spesi. E Harold aveva un disperato bisogno di quattrini; aveva perso al gioco tutta la sua fortuna, era carico di debiti e assediato dai creditori, se non avesse trovato in fretta i fondi per pagarli sarebbe stato rovinato. Forse l’avrebbe sposata, tutto considerato. Era indubbiamente una donna bellissima e aveva sangue nobile nelle vene, anche se in un certo senso era avariata. Poteva sposarla e poi insegnarle a diventare una mogliettina docile e remissiva, contenta di rimanere nella loro tenuta di campagna, lasciandolo libero di trascorrere tutto il suo tempo in città. Con ogni probabilità gli sarebbe stata così grata per averla elevata alla posizione che le spettava che lo avrebbe assecondato in tutto e per tutto. Sì, forse l’avrebbe sposata."
Nelle prime pagine di questo libro troviamo Lady Catherine Aldley sposata molto felicemente con Jonathan Hale, che ora è proprietario di una piantagione ma che ha un passato ben più pittoresco. Nel primo libro, che non è mai stato tradotto in Italia, infatti, Jonathan era un feroce e famoso pirata, e tutto ciò che noi veniamo a scoprire è che il padre di Catherine li ha fatti sposare dal capitano di una nave. Peccato però, che il titolo di capitano gli fosse stato revocato e perciò il matrimonio risulta non essere mai avvenuto. La giovane donna lo scoprirà solo quando si dovrà recare in Inghilterra al capezzale del padre che sembra sia in procinto di morire. Jonathan non è potuto andare con lei perché, se mettesse piede sul suolo inglese, verrebbe processato per pirateria; non potendo però resistere lontano dalla donna che ama, viene catturato. Harold, il cugino di Catherine, vede in questo la possibilità di ricattare la giovane donna e farsi sposare, mettendo le mani sulla sua grossa eredità, promettendole la salvezza di Jonathan se lei diventerà sua moglie. Costretta suo malgrado ad accettare, lo sposa per salvare l’uomo che ama, non sapendo che Jonathan è già scappato e che, una volta ritrovata quella che considera una traditrice, la porterà sulla sua nave, dove le farà scontare immaginari torti.
Vorrei poter dire che questo libro mi sia piaciuto, però non è così, e mi sono anche chiesta perché si sia deciso di ristamparlo. Intendiamoci, la scrittura della Robard è bella, ma la figura del nostro eroe fa acqua da tutte le parti. Approfittando di un amica che aveva letto il primo libro in lingua me lo sono fatto raccontare a grandi linee, scoprendo che ciò che mi aveva disturbato durante la lettura di questo libro accade anche nel primo. Jonathan è un uomo passionale ma anche violento, fin dal loro primo incontro la violenza e lo stupro sono all’ordine del giorno, e viene passato per amore con spiegazioni tipo: “Ti ho dovuto costringere, ma alla fine ti è piaciuto” e purtroppo per la protagonista è davvero così. In questo libro quando lo incontriamo sembra un uomo che si è lasciato alle spalle il passato, molto innamorato di quella che è la madre di suo figlio Cray, e sua moglie da due anni. Eppure quando la trova nella cabina di quello che è diventato suo marito in seguito al suo sconsiderato arrivo in una nazione che lo aveva condannato a morte, non le permette neanche di dare una spiegazione, si convince che lo abbia sposato per i suo titolo e non pensa minimamente che questa poveraccia è passata dall’ essere sposata con un uomo bello e affascinante ad uno bruttino, grassotello e viscido per salvare il suo collo dal cappio del boia. La porta sulla sua nave e la costringe a lavorare tutto il giorno per espiare il suo tradimento, prendendosi ciò che vuole la notte, la prima volta la lega persino al letto. Ma non pago di questo ha portato a bordo una donna che lui fa passare come la sua amante, e la tratta con così poco rispetto davanti al suo equipaggio che anche i suoi uomini si prendono delle libertà con lei. Si insultano in continuazione e poi finiscono a letto insieme. Ancora più grave, quando Harold la ritrova, i due “gentiluomini” fanno un patto: Harold riporterà in Inghilterra quella che è ancora sua moglie e lui terrà suo figlio Cray, riportandolo alla piantagione. In conclusione, Jonathan è un uomo geloso, che non esita ad usare ciò che ha imparato del corpo della moglie contro di lei, testardo fino all’eccesso, e incapace di ascoltare chiunque se non il suo caratteraccio e questo nonostante sia un uomo di trentasette anni; l’unica qualità positiva è che è anche disposto a rischiare la vita per lei. E non è che il personaggio di Catherine sia migliore, almeno per il sessanta per cento del libro, ha il carattere di un’ameba: lui la umilia, lei lo insulta, e poi finisce nel suo letto non senza prima avere opposto un minimo di resistenza perché lui la maltratti un pochino, dopodiché si ricomincia. Ma non appena le viene strappato suo figlio…diventa un’amazzone, prende a pesci in faccia Harold che probabilmente teme per la sua incolumità, se ne libera e si getta all’inseguimento… e il resto proprio non ve lo racconto nel caso questo libro vi ispiri.
Nell’anno di uscita 2004 questo libro era senza dubbio un romanzo abbastanza hot, con scene passionali abbastanza descrittive ed intense, la trama ha un ritmo discreto e accadono parecchie cose, peccato che i personaggi e il loro comportamento abbiano, almeno nel mio caso, rovinato gran parte della lettura, lo ricordavo come un libro che non mi era piaciuto e la rilettura dopo anni non mi ha fatto cambiare idea, salvo solo la scrittura dell’autrice che è fluida e scorrevole.
Lucia63 - per RFS
Nelle prime pagine di questo libro troviamo Lady Catherine Aldley sposata molto felicemente con Jonathan Hale, che ora è proprietario di una piantagione ma che ha un passato ben più pittoresco. Nel primo libro, che non è mai stato tradotto in Italia, infatti, Jonathan era un feroce e famoso pirata, e tutto ciò che noi veniamo a scoprire è che il padre di Catherine li ha fatti sposare dal capitano di una nave. Peccato però, che il titolo di capitano gli fosse stato revocato e perciò il matrimonio risulta non essere mai avvenuto. La giovane donna lo scoprirà solo quando si dovrà recare in Inghilterra al capezzale del padre che sembra sia in procinto di morire. Jonathan non è potuto andare con lei perché, se mettesse piede sul suolo inglese, verrebbe processato per pirateria; non potendo però resistere lontano dalla donna che ama, viene catturato. Harold, il cugino di Catherine, vede in questo la possibilità di ricattare la giovane donna e farsi sposare, mettendo le mani sulla sua grossa eredità, promettendole la salvezza di Jonathan se lei diventerà sua moglie. Costretta suo malgrado ad accettare, lo sposa per salvare l’uomo che ama, non sapendo che Jonathan è già scappato e che, una volta ritrovata quella che considera una traditrice, la porterà sulla sua nave, dove le farà scontare immaginari torti.
Vorrei poter dire che questo libro mi sia piaciuto, però non è così, e mi sono anche chiesta perché si sia deciso di ristamparlo. Intendiamoci, la scrittura della Robard è bella, ma la figura del nostro eroe fa acqua da tutte le parti. Approfittando di un amica che aveva letto il primo libro in lingua me lo sono fatto raccontare a grandi linee, scoprendo che ciò che mi aveva disturbato durante la lettura di questo libro accade anche nel primo. Jonathan è un uomo passionale ma anche violento, fin dal loro primo incontro la violenza e lo stupro sono all’ordine del giorno, e viene passato per amore con spiegazioni tipo: “Ti ho dovuto costringere, ma alla fine ti è piaciuto” e purtroppo per la protagonista è davvero così. In questo libro quando lo incontriamo sembra un uomo che si è lasciato alle spalle il passato, molto innamorato di quella che è la madre di suo figlio Cray, e sua moglie da due anni. Eppure quando la trova nella cabina di quello che è diventato suo marito in seguito al suo sconsiderato arrivo in una nazione che lo aveva condannato a morte, non le permette neanche di dare una spiegazione, si convince che lo abbia sposato per i suo titolo e non pensa minimamente che questa poveraccia è passata dall’ essere sposata con un uomo bello e affascinante ad uno bruttino, grassotello e viscido per salvare il suo collo dal cappio del boia. La porta sulla sua nave e la costringe a lavorare tutto il giorno per espiare il suo tradimento, prendendosi ciò che vuole la notte, la prima volta la lega persino al letto. Ma non pago di questo ha portato a bordo una donna che lui fa passare come la sua amante, e la tratta con così poco rispetto davanti al suo equipaggio che anche i suoi uomini si prendono delle libertà con lei. Si insultano in continuazione e poi finiscono a letto insieme. Ancora più grave, quando Harold la ritrova, i due “gentiluomini” fanno un patto: Harold riporterà in Inghilterra quella che è ancora sua moglie e lui terrà suo figlio Cray, riportandolo alla piantagione. In conclusione, Jonathan è un uomo geloso, che non esita ad usare ciò che ha imparato del corpo della moglie contro di lei, testardo fino all’eccesso, e incapace di ascoltare chiunque se non il suo caratteraccio e questo nonostante sia un uomo di trentasette anni; l’unica qualità positiva è che è anche disposto a rischiare la vita per lei. E non è che il personaggio di Catherine sia migliore, almeno per il sessanta per cento del libro, ha il carattere di un’ameba: lui la umilia, lei lo insulta, e poi finisce nel suo letto non senza prima avere opposto un minimo di resistenza perché lui la maltratti un pochino, dopodiché si ricomincia. Ma non appena le viene strappato suo figlio…diventa un’amazzone, prende a pesci in faccia Harold che probabilmente teme per la sua incolumità, se ne libera e si getta all’inseguimento… e il resto proprio non ve lo racconto nel caso questo libro vi ispiri.
Nell’anno di uscita 2004 questo libro era senza dubbio un romanzo abbastanza hot, con scene passionali abbastanza descrittive ed intense, la trama ha un ritmo discreto e accadono parecchie cose, peccato che i personaggi e il loro comportamento abbiano, almeno nel mio caso, rovinato gran parte della lettura, lo ricordavo come un libro che non mi era piaciuto e la rilettura dopo anni non mi ha fatto cambiare idea, salvo solo la scrittura dell’autrice che è fluida e scorrevole.
Lucia63 - per RFS
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