New Orleans, Louisiana, 1844

It is Revèillon, New Years Day, and Gavin Blackford is making many courtesy calls. In the home of Maurelle Harriot, a friend to the fraternity of swordsmen of New Orleans, he receives an odd request from a guest, Ariadne Faucher, a mysterious beautiful widow, recently returned to Louisiana from Paris. Her life has been full of loss, and she has a shocking determination -- to acquire the skills to challenge and kill a man in a duel. Gavin is inclined to refuse her request, but the arrogant assumptions of Alexander Novgorodcev, a Russian nobleman who is her admirer, changes his mind. Gavin agrees to the lessons, not really believing that a woman is physically or mentally capable of such focused and planned violence.

Gavin Blackford is one of a fellowship of swordsmen who protect the innocent in New Orleans, they are heroes to many, but not quite respectable to French Creole society. Gavin has hidden emotional wounds, the rejection of his noble family and the one killing he never got over -- that of an innocent young man in a duel that left Gavin severely wounded as well. As the lessons proceed, he is surprised to find in Ariadne an athletic and intelligent opponent. He also finds a woman who sets his heart on fire; not only her beauty, but her sorrow also calls out to him. When he discovers who her intended victim is, the challenge only becomes more interesting; can he persuade her to abandon her plan...should he?

GUARDED HEART is fourth in the Masters at Arms series, bringing to life the New Orleans society of the 1840s. Though Gavin will fascinate readers, (whom I picture as played by Daniel Craig, the handsome British actor) secondary characters will stand out as well, especially the romantic and dangerous swordsmen of New Orleans. Jennifer Blake is a well-known and beloved writer of romance -- the pride and care she takes in her creations shines through. While books in her new series stand alone, fans of historical romance will enjoy reading the whole series, beginning with CHALLENGE TO HONOR and continuing with DAWN ENCOUNTER, ROGUE’S SALUTE, and the soon to be released GALLANT MATCH.

Lisa Baca