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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful historical romance, December 17, 2004
This review is from: Challenge To Honor (Mira) (Mass Market Paperback)
In 1840 New Orleans, Celina Vallier visits Rio "Silver Shadow" de Silva to persuade the "Master of Arms" not to duel her brother Denys. Rio says it is a matter of honor as Denys challenged him, but Celina counters that he made the disparaging remark about her. To her shock, Rio says Denys was not his target, but the sibling immediately stepped into the void that her fiancé failed to do. He also says there is one way she can persuade him to accept disgrace by refusing to duel her brother. Her innocence is worth the price to save Denys' life.
Rio is stunned by Celina's courage and is even greater shocked by the attraction he feels to the spunky woman. However, he knows he must not lose sight that she is a pawn in his personal war of vengeance with her fiancé Count de Lerida. Celina sees Rio as her possible escape from a marriage with the odious Count. Of course the Count is a great manipulator of people who will not sit idly by.
This opening act of the Masters of Arms series is a delightful historical romance starring two likable lead characters, and a fine support cast that adds depth to mostly the French New Orleans' lifestyle and a nasty villain. Besides the strong protagonists, the will written story line enables the audience to feel they are in the city in 1840 as a rich tapestry of history is cleverly interwoven into the fabulous plot. This is quite a treat for Americana fans and a challenge for Jennifer Blake to top this tale with her next honorable rogue novel.
Harriet Klausner
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good comeback vehicle, February 19, 2005
This review is from: Challenge To Honor (Mira) (Mass Market Paperback)
And somewhat sadly, that isn't much of a good thing. I agree that CtA is similar to Blake's old plots; but when you think about it, most of her books were similar, but she was such an awesome writer, it didn't matter.
I was excited about this release because I'd stumbled upon Blake's 70's, 80's and 90's historical romances in my local library and fell in love. Her novels were always heart wrenching, passionate, spiced with lovely historical details and set in the sultry climate of New Orleans. CtA had the New Orleans setting, the innocent heroine forced to bargain her virginity to the hardened hero; but it lacked the passion, the fire that her older books had.
I really contribute it to her evolved writing style. I was disappointed in the book mainly because the way she wrote it is a 180 from the way she wrote her older books. Okay, I understand that she had to catch up with the times and readers' expectations of being in the heroine AND the hero's head, but Blake's old writing style was wonderful and witty and dazzling; and the change of it into the current mode of writing was the largest issue I had with this book. Because of this change, that was why CtA lacked the sparkling passion, it was why the historical details didn't feel as natural, it was why the hero and heroine lacked the mysteriousness they had in Blake's old books(especially the broody hero!).
But I'll purchase and read the next installment; because I'm a huge Jennifer Blake fan. But if you want a serious, heart wrenching Blake classic; try "Spanish Serenade" or "Louisiana Dawn" or "Midnight Waltz".
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Heroes in Romance Fiction, February 2, 2005
This review is from: Challenge To Honor (Mira) (Mass Market Paperback)
Gorgeous, tortured, desperate heroes who lack social respectability, but more than make up for it in honor, strength, and passion---what could be better? In her new series, Jennifer Blake brings to life the maitre d'armes of New Orleans, men who taught young aristocrats the skills in swordplay that would help them survive the duels that were common affaires in French Creole society. Young gentlemen revered the swordmasters the way modern teens idolize rock stars or sports heroes. But while the swordmasters were as cultured as any Creole and were fiercely loyal to one another, Creole families would never have allowed the maitres d'armes access to their debutante daughters.
Enter Celina Vallier. Celina is no ordinary young belle. When her brother is embroiled in a duel with Rio de Salva, a swordmaster who is guaranteed to win, she doesn't sit at home wringing her hands and waiting for the outcome. She takes action, making a deal with Rio that jeopardizes her reputation, her future and her life. For there is more at stake than the outcome of the duel. She and Rio are both battling enemies and events that threaten to destroy them.
As always, Ms. Blake's characters are valiant, shrewd, passionate and strong. The odds against their happiness are great, but their determination to win is greater. They deserve to win. And you deserve to spend a few days engrossed in the sparkling world of antebellum New Orleans that Ms. Blake has recreated just for you. Buy it today!
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