Rogue's Salute

The strengths of Blake's writing, character development, dialogue, and description far out weighed the editorial problems (she needs to take that up with her editor and probably has). The story line was lovely with a hint of spirituality, the heroine very likable and firm, and the hero masculine and quite yummy. She maintained the sexual tension well and I simply adored the dialogue-- intelligent, witty, and absorbing. The writing was a cut above most others, with rich, well-researched descriptions and some words that sent me scrambling to my dictionary. I really liked her writing--it reminded me of M. Hunter, and E. James, and even a little of Kinsale. I didn't care about the typos much but someone did leave out a scene on that one plot issue. But the book was still a pure delight when compared the run of the mill we often get these days.

I absolutely couldn't put the book down. I've read every Jennifer Blake written and the interaction between these two main characters, Juliette and Nicholas, is the finest work she's done to date. Blake's a true professional, capable of drawing us into the world she's created. Can you can resist the opening lines? "Send a husband for me, I pray, most Holy Mother. Interced in this matter, if it be they will, for I have desperate need." If you enjoy the history on the sword masters of New Orleans, be sure to read the other two books in the Master at Arms series, "Challenge to Honor" and "Dawn Encounter".

As always Jennifer Blake has out done herself in this book. The characters are so wonderful to drift off with. The story line is so good that you can't put it down for you want to find out what is going to happen. I read it in a day's time. I also can't wait for next book!

In 1842 New Orleans, fencing master Nicholas "La Roche" Pasquale meets church-pledged Juliette Armonte when she rescues his three year old ward from an angry male pursuer, who happens to be him. Nicholas tells her that Gabriel could use a mother so he proposes a marriage of convenience. To save the family legacy, a marriage chest, she accepts. Juliette's twin sister Paulette wants to keep the marriage chest so she does her best to cause trouble in order for the relationship between Nicholas and her sibling to fall apart. For the most Nicholas ignores the irritating machinations until someone tries to kill Juliette; Nicholas assumes a desperate Paulette is behind the dastardly but potentially lethal attempts and he vows to stop her. Julietee knows the rivalry is intense due to the marriage chest, but she cannot accept her sibling would want her dead. ROGUE'S SALUTE is a heated historical romance starring the latest Maitres des Armes (see DAWN ENCOUNTER and CHALLENGE TO HONOR) hero and the woman who proves his fencing equal. The story line focuses on a marriage of convenience turning into a marriage of love and passion and the suspense in the storyline enriches a fast-paced mid nineteenth century tale. Harriet Klausner