GALLANT MATCH – Jennifer Blake
Mira
ISBN-13: 978-0-7783-2619-9
ISBN-10: 0-7783-2619-5
February 2009
Historical Romance

New Orleans, Louisiana and Mexico – 1846

Kerr Wallace, a man from Kentucky, made a new life in New Orleans, becoming a master-at-arms in order to pursue vengeance against the man who betrayed his brother and was responsible for his death. This man, Rouillard, has been evading him for years, but now Kerr has the opportunity to confront and challenge Rouillard in person. Kerr has accepted a commission to escort Rouillard’s promised wife, Sonia Bonneval, to Vera Cruz, Mexico. The fact that Sonia tries everything and anything to escape this unwanted marriage matters not one whit to Wallace, who plans to deliver the bride, then kill the groom.

Sonia Bonneval, a French Creole beauty with an agile mind always weighing the odds, is more than a match for Kerr. She never gives up trying to find a way to escape a match not of her choosing, and she is not about to allow this boorish “Kaintuck” to stop her. Neither one expects their plans to be interrupted in the most violent way – a war between Mexico and the U.S. When their boat sinks after an attack conducted by a Mexican ship, they are forced to set their plans and prejudices aside in a desperate trek through the jungle to survive.

GALLANT MATCH paints a wonderful portrait of mid-nineteenth century New Orleans and Mexican society, as well. Ms. Blake paints a vivid picture of the dangerous trip through the jungle, jaguars, scorpions, and all. Kerr must come to realize not only the danger he placed Sonia in by insisting on pursuing his secret goal of revenge, but the jungle perfectly displays Sonia’s courage. She becomes more than a means of revenge; she becomes a person to Kerr, and a lovely woman. I am a fan of American historical romances; I think our history is very exciting and has not been explored nearly enough by romance authors. Ms. Blake has done a fantastic job, not only recreating the sublime society of New Orleans but the dangers outside it.

GALLANT MATCH is fifth in the Masters-At-Arms series. It is every bit as fresh and exciting as the first in the series, and stands well as a single title novel. GALLANT MATCH is well worth reading, not only for fans of Ms. Blake but new readers as well.

Lisa Baca