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Masters at Arms #4
Guarded Heart
The New Year begins with a lady's intriguing proposition for Gavin Blackford—though not the sort he's accustomed to. Alluring widow Ariadne Faucher requests private lessons from the rakish sword master in order to challenge her sworn enemy to a duel.
Though disinclined at first to teach a woman, Gavin is fascinated by this statuesque beauty, cloaked as she is in grief and mystery. Ariadne proves a quick study with a blade, her resolve fueled by a vendetta that is all she has left in the world. Their lessons crackle with undeniable electricity…but the secret of her all-consuming vengeance may have rendered her heart impervious even to such a virtuoso as Gavin.
Though disinclined at first to teach a woman, Gavin is fascinated by this statuesque beauty, cloaked as she is in grief and mystery. Ariadne proves a quick study with a blade, her resolve fueled by a vendetta that is all she has left in the world. Their lessons crackle with undeniable electricity…but the secret of her all-consuming vengeance may have rendered her heart impervious even to such a virtuoso as Gavin.
408 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 22, 2008
229 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blake
166 books540 followersA pseudonym used by Patricia Maxwell.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 15, 2013
This is a "use your words" story. In short, most of the story's drama stems from the fact that the H/h can't seem to just talk about it.
Ariadne Faucher, a wealthy widow, wants fencing lessons from Gavin Blackford. Gavin is of course reluctant to provide said lessons, but some parts of him are en garde anyway, just thinking about "swordplay" (wink, wink) with the comely widow. She's gonna do it anyway, so why not?
Despite the fact that his assent is a foregone conclusion, an abundance of caution requires Gavin to ask why she wants to learn how to plant a sword in a man's chest (or even more scary potential targets). Ariadne explains that she wants to gain the skills needed to challenge a man who needs killin' (she won't say whom). Three guesses where this is going.
You may recall from a previous book in the series that Gavin dissed one Francis Dorelle, who then challenged him to a duel. Gavin planned to simply pink the lad and teach him a lesson, but things got out of hand (which is why your granny said you shouldn't run with sharp objects). Gavin ended up with a rather nasty wound on his shoulder. Francis ended up winning a
Ariadne, who hasn't heard the whole story, is convinced that Gavin committed murder. So she decides to ask him (yeah, I mean the murderer) to help her gain the skills she needs to get even.
Well, she's not crazy enough to tell him who she is or who she's after, but you know how secrets are. Gavin figures out what's what. What he does from there makes no sense to me, but it made for a good story.
I'll give this one 3.5 stars.
Ariadne Faucher, a wealthy widow, wants fencing lessons from Gavin Blackford. Gavin is of course reluctant to provide said lessons, but some parts of him are en garde anyway, just thinking about "swordplay" (wink, wink) with the comely widow. She's gonna do it anyway, so why not?
Despite the fact that his assent is a foregone conclusion, an abundance of caution requires Gavin to ask why she wants to learn how to plant a sword in a man's chest (or even more scary potential targets). Ariadne explains that she wants to gain the skills needed to challenge a man who needs killin' (she won't say whom). Three guesses where this is going.
You may recall from a previous book in the series that Gavin dissed one Francis Dorelle, who then challenged him to a duel. Gavin planned to simply pink the lad and teach him a lesson, but things got out of hand (which is why your granny said you shouldn't run with sharp objects). Gavin ended up with a rather nasty wound on his shoulder. Francis ended up winning a
Ariadne, who hasn't heard the whole story, is convinced that Gavin committed murder. So she decides to ask him (yeah, I mean the murderer) to help her gain the skills she needs to get even.
Well, she's not crazy enough to tell him who she is or who she's after, but you know how secrets are. Gavin figures out what's what. What he does from there makes no sense to me, but it made for a good story.
I'll give this one 3.5 stars.
May 29, 2016
Rated "Badass Swords-woman" Stars
Her husband was murdered. She wants revenge. She's strong, capable and determined. She wants to kill the bastard in a duel. Her problem, no one wants to teach her how to fence. Until, she hears of a private club that offers fencing lessons. She observes the club from afar and discovers the perfect candidate that she wants to teach her. Getting him to agree is a whole other story. Obviously, the brotherhood are the master teachers.
These two are electric together. Their fencing lessons are both energetic & erotic (did ya ever think fencing could be arousing). They made it seem both graceful & flowing like dancing. A very seductive dance that is.
So, she learns & eventually perfects how to fence when he reluctantly agrees to teach her. They fall in love in the process. Finally, the duel is on. Revenge will be a dish served cold. Will it be sweet as well?
Who fights in the duel? Did she fight? Was she even allowed to, her being a woman? Was she ready? Who won?
Read it, and find out my friends.
Her husband was murdered. She wants revenge. She's strong, capable and determined. She wants to kill the bastard in a duel. Her problem, no one wants to teach her how to fence. Until, she hears of a private club that offers fencing lessons. She observes the club from afar and discovers the perfect candidate that she wants to teach her. Getting him to agree is a whole other story. Obviously, the brotherhood are the master teachers.
These two are electric together. Their fencing lessons are both energetic & erotic (did ya ever think fencing could be arousing). They made it seem both graceful & flowing like dancing. A very seductive dance that is.
So, she learns & eventually perfects how to fence when he reluctantly agrees to teach her. They fall in love in the process. Finally, the duel is on. Revenge will be a dish served cold. Will it be sweet as well?
Who fights in the duel? Did she fight? Was she even allowed to, her being a woman? Was she ready? Who won?
Read it, and find out my friends.
June 23, 2017
Intense historical romance with beautiful local color and poetic language
This is book 4 in the Masters at Arms series, but it works well as a standalone, too, even if some protagonists from previous stories appear as secondary characters and some past history is alluded to. I didn't have any problems following the story even though I have not read the previous installments in the series.
When I was much younger, Jennifer Blake’s books used to be favorites of mine, but in recent years I have moved away from historical romance, especially set in the 19th century as that used to be an extremely (socially) restrictive period for women and I have grown out of the type of tale were women were dependend on men for everything in their lives. Or else stories set in that time period are so outlandish and historically inaccurate as to be ludicrously anachronistic, but something in the blurb for this one caught my attention and I was not disappointed. Guarded Heart is set in the antebellum years of Creole society in New Orleans, and I think Blake excels in evoking the feelings and manners of that period, altough there are also some deficiencies in her portrayal, but more about that later.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Ariadne is a young (and well-off) widow of Creole descent who has returned from Paris to her native Louisiana where she is staying at a female friend’s house. Her widowhood (and her money) have conferred a certain degree of independence on her, but it also means she is without a male protector who could act on her behalf. Her step-brother, to whom she was very attached, has been killed in a senseless duel. So she hatches a plan to avenge him herself and for that purpose she seeks out Gavin Blackford, an English aristocrat who has been repudiated by his family and who has set himself up as a maitre d’armes in New Orléans. So, at a social gathering where they are both guests Ariadne approaches him and asks him to teach her to fence. His first impulse ist o refuse, but he is intrigued and because of his ennui he agrees to meet her at her friend’s house in order not to raise suspicion. This starts a sensual danse between these two and even after Gavin discovers her hidden motive he decides to continue with their fencing lessons, although they could well spell the death of him. Ariadne, on the other hand, comes to realize that even though she is driven by righteous vengeance she might not have it in herself to kill a man in cold blood…
I loved both the heroine, who is independent and who decides to take matters into her own hands (despite what social conventions dictate) and the hero, who is a warrior-poet, an inventive and considerate lover, and honorable and self-sacrificing to boot. I liked the slow development of their relationship and how Ariadne slowly came to recognize her feelings.
I also liked how Blake could evoke the feeling of a long bygone era with with sparing descriptions of social customs, dresses, foods and landmarks and a few historical references to the Mexican-American War.
The strongest feature by far is the language; I am not qualified to judge the authenticity of it, but regardless it has a poetic quality to it, a certain obliqueness and symbolism that (at least for me) evokes the feeling of historicity and sets it well apart from other genre fiction of this type. Therefore I am willing to overlook that at that time it would hardly have been possible for a woman to take fencing lession without severe social repercussions.
What I would criticize, though – from a historical point of view – is the complete failure to address the question of race. Although maids and other servants are mentioned peripherally we learn nothing of their circumstances. Considering the period, society was highly racialized and slavery widespread, especially in the South, so of course I ask myself what it signifies when this inglorious part of American history is completely erased from a historical romance of the time…
Nevertheless 4 ½ stars from me for a passionate and heart-wrenching lovestory written in a beautifully poetic language.
This is book 4 in the Masters at Arms series, but it works well as a standalone, too, even if some protagonists from previous stories appear as secondary characters and some past history is alluded to. I didn't have any problems following the story even though I have not read the previous installments in the series.
When I was much younger, Jennifer Blake’s books used to be favorites of mine, but in recent years I have moved away from historical romance, especially set in the 19th century as that used to be an extremely (socially) restrictive period for women and I have grown out of the type of tale were women were dependend on men for everything in their lives. Or else stories set in that time period are so outlandish and historically inaccurate as to be ludicrously anachronistic, but something in the blurb for this one caught my attention and I was not disappointed. Guarded Heart is set in the antebellum years of Creole society in New Orleans, and I think Blake excels in evoking the feelings and manners of that period, altough there are also some deficiencies in her portrayal, but more about that later.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Ariadne is a young (and well-off) widow of Creole descent who has returned from Paris to her native Louisiana where she is staying at a female friend’s house. Her widowhood (and her money) have conferred a certain degree of independence on her, but it also means she is without a male protector who could act on her behalf. Her step-brother, to whom she was very attached, has been killed in a senseless duel. So she hatches a plan to avenge him herself and for that purpose she seeks out Gavin Blackford, an English aristocrat who has been repudiated by his family and who has set himself up as a maitre d’armes in New Orléans. So, at a social gathering where they are both guests Ariadne approaches him and asks him to teach her to fence. His first impulse ist o refuse, but he is intrigued and because of his ennui he agrees to meet her at her friend’s house in order not to raise suspicion. This starts a sensual danse between these two and even after Gavin discovers her hidden motive he decides to continue with their fencing lessons, although they could well spell the death of him. Ariadne, on the other hand, comes to realize that even though she is driven by righteous vengeance she might not have it in herself to kill a man in cold blood…
I loved both the heroine, who is independent and who decides to take matters into her own hands (despite what social conventions dictate) and the hero, who is a warrior-poet, an inventive and considerate lover, and honorable and self-sacrificing to boot. I liked the slow development of their relationship and how Ariadne slowly came to recognize her feelings.
I also liked how Blake could evoke the feeling of a long bygone era with with sparing descriptions of social customs, dresses, foods and landmarks and a few historical references to the Mexican-American War.
The strongest feature by far is the language; I am not qualified to judge the authenticity of it, but regardless it has a poetic quality to it, a certain obliqueness and symbolism that (at least for me) evokes the feeling of historicity and sets it well apart from other genre fiction of this type. Therefore I am willing to overlook that at that time it would hardly have been possible for a woman to take fencing lession without severe social repercussions.
What I would criticize, though – from a historical point of view – is the complete failure to address the question of race. Although maids and other servants are mentioned peripherally we learn nothing of their circumstances. Considering the period, society was highly racialized and slavery widespread, especially in the South, so of course I ask myself what it signifies when this inglorious part of American history is completely erased from a historical romance of the time…
Nevertheless 4 ½ stars from me for a passionate and heart-wrenching lovestory written in a beautifully poetic language.
September 26, 2021
This was another romance with an interesting premise: 19th century Antebellum New Orleans, with a Creole widow seeking to avenge her foster brother’s death, hires the master at arms to teach her how to fence. I was intrigued, but disappointed.
The only complete character arc was Ariande’s. As this is the 4th in a series of books set in this time period, I suspect Gavin’s arc started in earlier books and was completed in this one. That doesn’t help if you haven’t read the previous three novels.
As I said, the premise was really intriguing, but the execution was very lackluster. You’ve got all the standard romance elements here: they dislike each other, there’s a jealous would be lover, a kidnapping, and at least two rather decent fight scenes. All predictable.
What cemented the three star rating was the narrative voice. I understand that New Orleansians(?), especially Creoles, mix some French with their English. However, the author did this with her narration; dropping French words and phrases like she was in a French class, writing an essay to show her knowledge of the language. Completely unnecessary and irritating.
With a three star rating, the other two books in this volume are being resigned to the “Not Gonna Read” pile.
The only complete character arc was Ariande’s. As this is the 4th in a series of books set in this time period, I suspect Gavin’s arc started in earlier books and was completed in this one. That doesn’t help if you haven’t read the previous three novels.
As I said, the premise was really intriguing, but the execution was very lackluster. You’ve got all the standard romance elements here: they dislike each other, there’s a jealous would be lover, a kidnapping, and at least two rather decent fight scenes. All predictable.
What cemented the three star rating was the narrative voice. I understand that New Orleansians(?), especially Creoles, mix some French with their English. However, the author did this with her narration; dropping French words and phrases like she was in a French class, writing an essay to show her knowledge of the language. Completely unnecessary and irritating.
With a three star rating, the other two books in this volume are being resigned to the “Not Gonna Read” pile.
June 15, 2017
En guarde!
Perhaps because I have not read the first books in the series, I was quite at a loss to understand why these characters are in New Orleans. Further, the heroine is described as Creole in a number of places, but nothing in her linage (as described in some detail) suggests that she was in fact Creole. Moreover, class distinctions associated with that fact seem irrelevant.
Although I enjoyed the characters and the story line, I found the writing a bit repetitive and ponderous. (How many times must we read about the color of the light flashing off of the hair on the hero's fingers (?!) or hands! Why are we treated to a summary of the politics regarding the annexation of Texas when the hero has no intention of going to war?) There are a number of grammar errors in the construction of the dialogue that a good editor should have caught, and which make the reader pause to figure out who is speaking -- very annoying.
On the positive side, it's an entertaining story, with some compelling characters.
Perhaps because I have not read the first books in the series, I was quite at a loss to understand why these characters are in New Orleans. Further, the heroine is described as Creole in a number of places, but nothing in her linage (as described in some detail) suggests that she was in fact Creole. Moreover, class distinctions associated with that fact seem irrelevant.
Although I enjoyed the characters and the story line, I found the writing a bit repetitive and ponderous. (How many times must we read about the color of the light flashing off of the hair on the hero's fingers (?!) or hands! Why are we treated to a summary of the politics regarding the annexation of Texas when the hero has no intention of going to war?) There are a number of grammar errors in the construction of the dialogue that a good editor should have caught, and which make the reader pause to figure out who is speaking -- very annoying.
On the positive side, it's an entertaining story, with some compelling characters.
October 20, 2017
The best yet!
What a great romance novel!!! Love the usage of sword fighting terminology as seductive as it sounds. This is a very good read! Number four on the series, and I think it's the best so far.
As Ariadne takes fencing lessons from the sword master, the fine line between love and hate is tested to its limit.
Definite must read for readers of historical fiction romance readers.....can read as a standalone, but I suggest reading this series.
What a great romance novel!!! Love the usage of sword fighting terminology as seductive as it sounds. This is a very good read! Number four on the series, and I think it's the best so far.
As Ariadne takes fencing lessons from the sword master, the fine line between love and hate is tested to its limit.
Definite must read for readers of historical fiction romance readers.....can read as a standalone, but I suggest reading this series.
June 17, 2017
GREAT HISTORICAL ROMANCE
They say revenge is a bitter fruit. Ariadne, alone in grief for her husband, parents and brother, finds she wants revenge for her brother's death, not realizing that it will lead her to a love she has never known. Thank you for an engaging read, Danny Scott.
They say revenge is a bitter fruit. Ariadne, alone in grief for her husband, parents and brother, finds she wants revenge for her brother's death, not realizing that it will lead her to a love she has never known. Thank you for an engaging read, Danny Scott.
September 30, 2018
Another great historical romance series by Jennifer Blake I read this month. Swords & hot men & mystery, suspense, romance, tied together in awesomeness.
Although I think I liked books 1-3 the best book 4 was very slow going. But the rest of the series was good. Read the series in 2 weeks.
I have enjoyed reading all of her books so far. She is a new author for me in 2018.
Although I think I liked books 1-3 the best book 4 was very slow going. But the rest of the series was good. Read the series in 2 weeks.
I have enjoyed reading all of her books so far. She is a new author for me in 2018.
June 21, 2017
Riveting
Great characters, evocative descriptions! I felt as if I was walking down the crowded docks or fencing on the miste. Wonderful female protagonists, strong, passionate and wonderfully stubborn. The twists and turns will enchant you!!
Great characters, evocative descriptions! I felt as if I was walking down the crowded docks or fencing on the miste. Wonderful female protagonists, strong, passionate and wonderfully stubborn. The twists and turns will enchant you!!
December 8, 2022
I love Jennifer Blake's Master at Arms series. I'm four books in and she has yet to disappoint. Her elegant prose and eye for historical detail makes these books a joy to read, and each story is better than the last. Looking forward to #5!
January 9, 2018
loved it
November 9, 2020
Ok book
I've read this author but it was a while ago. This story was ok but for me there was too much ancillary stuff that didn't aid the story.
I've read this author but it was a while ago. This story was ok but for me there was too much ancillary stuff that didn't aid the story.
September 24, 2021
Well worth the read
I enjoyed this story. I liked the era and place it took place in. Started slowly but picked up within the first 100 pages.
I enjoyed this story. I liked the era and place it took place in. Started slowly but picked up within the first 100 pages.
June 3, 2016
Der letzte historische Liebesroman, den ich gelesen habe, liegt schon eine ganze Weile zurück; vor allem von Jennifer Blake. Ich weiß nicht, warum meine Meinung bei diesem Roman nur für "Okay" reichte, ob es die Story war oder eine generelle Einstellung von mir. Aber Fakt ist: Ich habe die Liebesromane lange Zeit sehr gerne gelesen. Dabei mochte ich bisher die Romane von Amy J. Fetzer, Jennifer Blake und Amanda Quick ganz besonders gut. Aber bei "Kampf der Gefühle" war ich ziemlich ... gelangweilt, ehrlich gesagt. Was war los?!
Zum einen ist die Geschichte doch ziemlich vorhersehbar und eindeutig. Die Protagonistin nervte mich ziemlich schnell aufgrund dieser ewiglangen Monologe, die sie gedanklich mit sich führt. *gähn* Es passierte insgesamt eher mäßig viel und wenn dann was geschah, war es einfach nur mit wenigen bis gar keinen Überraschungen verbunden und erzählend-öde beschrieben, finde ich. Hinzu kommt noch diese blumige Ausdrucksweise, die zwar einerseits typisch für das Genre, andererseits aber irgendwie auch ein bisschen lächerlich auf mich wirkte... naja.
Grundsätzlich ist der Roman für sein Genre zwar ok und typisch. Aber mich sprach das alles diesmal eher weniger an. Deshalb also nur 2 von 5 ☆☆. :)
Zum einen ist die Geschichte doch ziemlich vorhersehbar und eindeutig. Die Protagonistin nervte mich ziemlich schnell aufgrund dieser ewiglangen Monologe, die sie gedanklich mit sich führt. *gähn* Es passierte insgesamt eher mäßig viel und wenn dann was geschah, war es einfach nur mit wenigen bis gar keinen Überraschungen verbunden und erzählend-öde beschrieben, finde ich. Hinzu kommt noch diese blumige Ausdrucksweise, die zwar einerseits typisch für das Genre, andererseits aber irgendwie auch ein bisschen lächerlich auf mich wirkte... naja.
Grundsätzlich ist der Roman für sein Genre zwar ok und typisch. Aber mich sprach das alles diesmal eher weniger an. Deshalb also nur 2 von 5 ☆☆. :)
December 20, 2010
It's been about two years, since I've read a historical/contemporary romance by Jennifer Blake. In Guarded Heart, Ariadne Faucher, a widow who's avenging the death of her foster brother, by asking Gavin Blackford to give her fencing lessons. Little did they know, that he would be onto her plot on why she wants him dead, and fall in love with him. But Ariadne had emotional baggage with her birth mother who gave her away, and her Russian servant, who wants her to himself, more for money than in love. Lots of suspense and drama and great scenery for this historical romance. You'll love it.
April 24, 2014
Gavin Blackford was by far, my favorite character thus far in the series. He seemed to have a dark aura about him that gave him a mysterious air. Ariadne, in turn, was a good counterpoint to him, if the tumultuous relationship with her former beau, Sasha, was a bit choppy and unrealistic. However, the original aim Ariadne had for seeking out the Master at Arms was intriguing, though not the 'fall at your feet' romance that I am used to reading in historicals.
December 1, 2009
This started out a little slow not much going on between the two main characters but as it goes on it gets better the end was very good and heart warming and written very well a little on the dark side but enjoying follows with Gallant match to read.
March 31, 2013
Book about a fencing instructor in 1844 New Orleans and a woman who decides to take fencing lessons to get vengeance. Good characters, but not a very complex story. Something different from the other romances I've read lately.
July 17, 2015
Jennifer Blake's earlier books are much better than this one.
January 23, 2010
best book ever! great play between the characters.
September 20, 2010
Slow slow slow....
Read
July 28, 2011it was very hard for me to finish the book but at least i manage it
July 25, 2012
I enjoyed the story but found the dialog a little difficult to get through at times. I often found myself annoyed at having to re-read to ensure that I understood things.
November 26, 2013
Not as good as books 1 and 3 in this series... Alas.
January 14, 2015
I love these guys! I need to go back and read the entire Masters at Arms series because the settings and characters and stories were so good.
April 21, 2016
I loved this book. It was excellent.
September 15, 2023
i though this book would be good
but it wasn't
its shame really
but it wasn't
its shame really
April 20, 2017
Oh, my! So very, very good.
Read
August 30, 2017A touch melodramatic
Interesting plot with good characters but the hero gets somewhat verbose in his dialogue and the villain is easily d
A
Interesting plot with good characters but the hero gets somewhat verbose in his dialogue and the villain is easily d
A
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews