Customer Reviews

Guarded Heart

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This latest book in the swordsman series does not disappoint. Filled with Blake's special brand of subtle nuaces, the book is lovely and compelling.

I am a big fan of Jennifer Blake and usually love her books, but I was sadly disappointed in this one. Although beautifully written so that you can almost believe you are in New Orleans, there was too much fencing and not enough love or mystery to keep the book exciting. I found I had to make myself finish it.

I love these kinds of romances, where the hero is considered the villain until everyone gets to know him.

As a long time fan of historical romance, I could not begin to guess how many I have read. Jennifer Blake's "Guarded Heart" is perhaps one of the worst I have ever read. I only finished it because I had nothing else to read and there is always the chance that it will pick up. It doesn't.
From the beginning, it is clear that the heroine plans to kill the sword master. It is also clear that they will inevitably fall in love. Unfortunately, there is almost nothing in between. It is the most boring HF I have ever read. My favorite H.F. novels were the Bertrice Small's Skye O'Malley series. Those were complicated plots full of international intrigue, many well developed characters, and lots of action.
Skip this one.

In 1844 New Orleans, Madame Ariadne Faucher pulls no punches when she informs renowned sword master Gavin Blackford she needs his expertise to kill someone. She further explains she wants him to tutor her in dueling. He is taken aback, but perhaps it is the wine he drank, the mystery of why and who she plans to kill, or her intriguing tall figure, but to his own shock he agrees to teach her.

As the teacher and student practice, an attraction ignites into passion. Ariadne learns more than just sword play as Gavin displays a high ethical code; Gavin learns she is much more than just a Lady as she is intelligent and athletic, but he still does not know who she plans to defeat. He tries to disuade her from her course though he believes his best student can beat most men, but love seems to be a weaker emotion than revenge.

The fourth Master of Arms historical romance (see ROGUE'S SALUTE, DAWN ENCOUNTER, and CHALLENGE TO HONOR) is a terrific addition to the exciting saga. The story line is fast-paced as the instructor and his prize pupil duel in two types of sword play. Fans will want to know whether the principled sword master persuades his prize pupil that love and family are more rewarding than vengeance or whether Madame will let her heart be consumed by hatred. This is a great work by master writer.

Harriet Klausner

Gemanee cricket...and to think I spent good money on this one! The first chapter was wonderful (but of course it was, that's the one they they really work on to hook you into buying it)...but after that...BLAH! Oh well, you win some you loose some...and now onto the next.