Customer Reviews

Dawn Encounter (Historical romance)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I loved this story. The characters are fantastic and I really enjoyed this story and I think Jennifer did a masterful job with building the romance and introducing and forshadowing the stories of her next heros. I have to say it was refreshing that it wasn't instant sexual gratification, but a building of the two together. Caid being so honorable that I could not help but love him and Lisette so indepenant and head strong. It was brilliant. I found the anticipation for when the characters would come together exciting. And I fell in love with her Masters at arms. I'm so looking forward to the other men's story and meeting some more in her next works. I just adored these characters.

I read some of the other reviews that weren't so nice. I'm can't imagine how it was boring. Everything was so vibrant and alive. I found this very refreshing and I couldn't get enough. Frankly I'm tired of the jumping right into a sexual relationship type stories that they are getting mundane and typical. This had a plot, motives and forshadowing of this story and of future stories to come. I couldn't have been happier or more impressed with the writing. The style is very romatnic and beautiful and goes beautifully with the time period.

I only wish I didn't have to wait another year for the next story! That's my biggest gripe, but I'll be patient I have no choice. :)

Maria

Finally, after a too-long a wait, Jennifer Blake fans who've longed for "Dawn Encounter" can celebrate! The second in the Master-at-Arms series takes readers even deeper into the sultriest and most fascinating subculture of New Orleans' steamy history. A time of gaslights and duels fought at dawn, of crinolines and cafe au lait, a time when the "Maitre d'Armes," cut as deadly a swath on the dueling fields as they will through the hearts of readers. Their lives, their duels and most of all their loves all come alive in this engrossing journey back to a time when chivalry thrived and honor was everything.
The story opens with Caid Roe O'Neill, first introduced as Rio De Silva's friend and fellow Maitre d'Armes, in "Challenge to Honor." Previously, Caid was cast as a light-hearted but steely-eyed free spirit who came to New Orleans to seek his fortune. In "Dawn Encounter" readers learn Caid is a slightly darker, brooding Alpha Male with a painful past that leaves him scarred not just in body but in mind. Like the other master swordsman of Blake's novels, Caid is as devastatingly handsome as he is deadly with a rapier. However, Caid is also touchingly vulnerable in his reverence towards the heroine, Lisette, whom he feels is too good for him.
Lisette is a French Creole Belle in the classic sense, honorable, ladylike and aristocratic. She does however differ from the usual too-good-to-be-true heroine by actually feeling rage rather than pity towards those who try to harm her, and surprises readers at the end with a rather unladylike confession. Coupled with the fact that she's recently released from an unsatisfying marriage, Lisette is a heroine modern readers will relate to.
Caid first encounters her, half-dead and half-dressed in a New Orleans cemetery. Lisette asks Caid to protect her from her unscrupulous father-in-law, who is trying to drive her mad in order to obtain control over her wealth. Because Caid is responsible for the death of Lisette's husband, and because her father-in-law becomes increasingly murderous, he agrees to protect the lovely, high-spirited lady even though his mounting desire for her is her greatest threat. The tension between the couple is played out in Blake's classic virtuoso style; capturing the readers interest as she always does while spicing things up by introducing new elements. The story is enlivened with supporting characters that advance the plotline as well as plant seeds for future novels, especially the formation of "The Brotherhood," a quasi-vigilante group made up of Caid and his fellow sword masters.
Readers will also enjoy catching up with Celina and Rio, the love-pair from "Challenge to Honor" as well as learning more about Masters-at-Arms Nicholas Pasquale and Gavin Blackford; both of whom will be featured in their own stories as the "Master-at-Arms" series continues. Blake gives readers a window into the ultra masculine world of fencing ateliers, duels at dawn and the sword masters who people them. The sword masters, readers learn, are both a law unto themselves and at the mercy of their self-imposed Code of Honor; a standard of conduct as steely as the swords they fight with.
Blake's writing style remains the standard in historic romance; lyrical, effortless and a delight to readers who savor the subtlety of prose. Buy this five-star book, "Dawn Encounter" today! But first, give the kids something to do, turn the cell phone off, settle down in your favorite comfy chair and get ready to lose yourself in yet another passionate story from the lady who writes them best, Jennifer Blake. "Dawn Encounter" will sweep readers off their feet and back into the romance of New Orleans' golden era!

Caid O'Neill is a master at swordsmanship and he has just fought a dual with Eugene Moisant killed the black-heart that was responsible for the death of Caid's sister. This one action is going to have repercussions that even Caid could not imagine. One night he comes across the widow Moisant. She is in danger of dying. He is drawn to Lisette and when she requests later that Caid protect her from her father-in-law, Caid reluctantly agrees. But when the whispering begins and the campaign to smear Lisette's name not to mention turn Lisette against Caid starts to take shape, will Caid and Lisette's connection be strong enough weather the storm that is about to consume them?

This was a fairly decent read although it seemed unbalanced at times. I would have like to see a bit more dialogue between the main characters. The main focus of this read seemed to be on Caid and the Maitres d'armes, which is interesting, but it overwhelmed the romance. Ms. Blake has brought historic New Orleans to life with her latest story.

The second volume of Blake's latest series features Caid O'Neill, a member of an elitist group of swordsmen proficient in the use of their blades known as maitre d'armes. A man with a less than illustrious past, he came to New Orleans to find his sister. Discovering how she had been callously tossed aside by her lover and left to die in the streets, he challenged the man responsible killing him in a duel.

The disreputable man killed was the husband of Lisette Moisant, a young woman who grieved not for her husband. She longed to be free, but unfortunately, with no family of her own, she was now under the thumb of her ruthless father-in-law, who not only blamed her for his son's death, but also strived to control her and the funds she possessed. As her father-in-law manipulates events he makes inroads on his threats to imprison her and gain control of her finances by declaring her insane. With no where else to go, she turns to the very man who killed her husband and manages to convince him to become her protector.

Furious beyond belief, her father in law begins a sinister smear campaign insinuating that Lisette and Caid were lovers and the duel was just an excuse for them to be together. Caid suggested that to stop the rumors and save her reputation she should think of marrying, which was not a bad idea, except that the only person Lisette was considering for matrimony was Caid.

The plot of these maitre d'arms is original and the fencing and duels exciting as well. The character of Lisette as a very strong minded young woman, particularly with the eye-opening twist of an ending, was especially wonderful and made up in some part for the lack of a real emotional involvement that I felt lacking in the romance department. Rather than the `lady doth protest' it was more on the part of Caid who was much too honorable for his own good! However, Blake certainly summons the aura of old New Orleans in a brilliant and captivating way with her very vivid descriptions of the many sights, sounds and especially the cuisine, of New Orleans making this a very pleasant read.

In 1840 New Orleans, maitre d'Armes Caid O'Neill enjoyed killing odious Eugene Moisant in a duel though it has cost him some business at his fencing school. On his way home he finds unconscious Moisant's widow Lisette lying on her late husband's grave, an apparent suicide attempt. He takes her to a friend's home where Lisette insists her father-in-law Henri is trying to poison her to gain control of her fortune. She tries to hire Caid to protect her, but he initially refuses until Henri arrives to softly demand she comes home. She refuses; Caid recognizing evil agrees to protect her.

Irate, Henri vows to kill Caid and rape and kill Lisette. Caid tries to remain proper though he finds he desires the widow. She also frustrates him as she refuses to become a bird in a gilded cage, which exposes her to danger. Caid decides to find her the right husband, but he falls in love with his ward; she reciprocates as she realizes he is not a killer, but instead a sensitive person who detests using violence though he is not afraid to do so. Henri sets in motion his plan of vengeance and wealth gathering that starts and ends with two homicides.

The latest Maitre D'Armes Tale (see CHALLENGE TO HONOR) is an exciting historical romantic suspense thriller that stars two courageous individuals struggling against a powerful enemy whose hatred seems insurmountable. Though Henri is a villainous caricature, the action-packed story line vividly brings pre Civil War New Orleans to life even while the triangle of love and death between Henri, Caid and Lisette is the focus of the plot. Fans will appreciate this sword and romance thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Caid O'Neill simply wanted to avenge his sister's death when he killed Eugune Moisant. Yet, he did more, freeing Eugene's wife, Lisette, from a loveless marriage. However, Lisette's quite mad father-in-law blames her for the young man's death, thinking had she been a better wife, his son would have not sought a mistress. Furthermore, she failed to give him an heir and will not let the old man have her fortune. So, knowing she's in danger, she asks for Cade's protection. He is not a suitable man to love, but as the danger draws nearer, and she continues to display a defiant spirit that refuses to be constrained, Cade comes to love her and he is the only man she can think of.

** The plot seems a bit top-heavy, with much extraneous baggage weighing it down. Perhaps it adds color for some, but it bogged down the plot for me. However, Ms. Blake's legion of fans will like as not enjoy this latest entry. **

Amanda Killgore

Jennifer Blake is absolutely a wonderful author! I can be taken away like I'm living through all of the characters. This master of arms series is great!

As usual, one of the best authors out there has put out ANOTHER great book. Don't miss the chance to read this book!! Her characters are so real, and gripping. From the first page, I couldn't put it down.

Keep them Coming Jennifer!

I purchased this book based on the high reviews but was gravely disappointed .. It had a good start with the "hero" Caid who finds Lisette dying and rescues her. Then the plot shifted to a different story after that. Seemed like author was more interested in writing about New Orleans' swordsman than the romance itself! There was hardly any good dialogue between the characters that I found myself skimming the pages to look for them. On rare occasions when they two DID talk ..
They conversated like complete strangers! which confuses me because how can they fall in love in the first place?! I found myself just reading about Caid dueling and the history blah blah blah.. This makes a good fighting/action book but for a ROMANCE?? FAILED. Save your TIME and MONEY.

bored me to tears