Dawn Encounter [Large Print] [Hardcover]

I loved this story. The characters are fantastic and I really enjoyed this story and I think Jennifer did a masterful job with building the romance and introducing and forshadowing the stories of her next heros. I have to say it was refreshing that it wasn't instant sexual gratification, but a building of the two together. Caid being so honorable that I could not help but love him and Lisette so indepenant and head strong. It was brilliant. I found the anticipation for when the characters would come together exciting. And I fell in love with her Masters at arms. I'm so looking forward to the other men's story and meeting some more in her next works. I just adored these characters.

I read some of the other reviews that weren't so nice. I'm can't imagine how it was boring. Everything was so vibrant and alive. I found this very refreshing and I couldn't get enough. Frankly I'm tired of the jumping right into a sexual relationship type stories that they are getting mundane and typical. This had a plot, motives and forshadowing of this story and of future stories to come. I couldn't have been happier or more impressed with the writing. The style is very romatnic and beautiful and goes beautifully with the time period.

I only wish I didn't have to wait another year for the next story! That's my biggest gripe, but I'll be patient I have no choice. :)

Maria

Finally, after a too-long a wait, Jennifer Blake fans who've longed for "Dawn Encounter" can celebrate! The second in the Master-at-Arms series takes readers even deeper into the sultriest and most fascinating subculture of New Orleans' steamy history. A time of gaslights and duels fought at dawn, of crinolines and cafe au lait, a time when the "Maitre d'Armes," cut as deadly a swath on the dueling fields as they will through the hearts of readers. Their lives, their duels and most of all their loves all come alive in this engrossing journey back to a time when chivalry thrived and honor was everything.

The story opens with Caid Roe O'Neill, first introduced as Rio De Silva's friend and fellow Maitre d'Armes, in "Challenge to Honor." Previously, Caid was cast as a light-hearted but steely-eyed free spirit who came to New Orleans to seek his fortune. In "Dawn Encounter" readers learn Caid is a slightly darker, brooding Alpha Male with a painful past that leaves him scarred not just in body but in mind. Like the other master swordsman of Blake's novels, Caid is as devastatingly handsome as he is deadly with a rapier. However, Caid is also touchingly vulnerable in his reverence towards the heroine, Lisette, whom he feels is too good for him.

Lisette is a French Creole Belle in the classic sense, honorable, ladylike and aristocratic. She does however differ from the usual too-good-to-be-true heroine by actually feeling rage rather than pity towards those who try to harm her, and surprises readers at the end with a rather unladylike confession. Coupled with the fact that she's recently released from an unsatisfying marriage, Lisette is a heroine modern readers will relate to.

Caid first encounters her, half-dead and half-dressed in a New Orleans cemetery. Lisette asks Caid to protect her from her unscrupulous father-in-law, who is trying to drive her mad in order to obtain control over her wealth. Because Caid is responsible for the death of Lisette's husband, and because her father-in-law becomes increasingly murderous, he agrees to protect the lovely, high-spirited lady even though his mounting desire for her is her greatest threat. The tension between the couple is played out in Blake's classic virtuoso style; capturing the readers interest as she always does while spicing things up by introducing new elements. The story is enlivened with supporting characters that advance the plotline as well as plant seeds for future novels, especially the formation of "The Brotherhood," a quasi-vigilante group made up of Caid and his fellow sword masters.

Readers will also enjoy catching up with Celina and Rio, the love-pair from "Challenge to Honor" as well as learning more about Masters-at-Arms Nicholas Pasquale and Gavin Blackford; both of whom will be featured in their own stories as the "Master-at-Arms" series continues. Blake gives readers a window into the ultra masculine world of fencing ateliers, duels at dawn and the sword masters who people them. The sword masters, readers learn, are both a law unto themselves and at the mercy of their self-imposed Code of Honor; a standard of conduct as steely as the swords they fight with.

Blake's writing style remains the standard in historic romance; lyrical, effortless and a delight to readers who savor the subtlety of prose. Buy this five-star book, "Dawn Encounter" today! But first, give the kids something to do, turn the cell phone off, settle down in your favorite comfy chair and get ready to lose yourself in yet another passionate story from the lady who writes them best, Jennifer Blake. "Dawn Encounter" will sweep readers off their feet and back into the romance of New Orleans' golden era!

Caid O'Neill is a master at swordsmanship and he has just fought a dual with Eugene Moisant killed the black-heart that was responsible for the death of Caid's sister. This one action is going to have repercussions that even Caid could not imagine. One night he comes across the widow Moisant. She is in danger of dying. He is drawn to Lisette and when she requests later that Caid protect her from her father-in-law, Caid reluctantly agrees. But when the whispering begins and the campaign to smear Lisette's name not to mention turn Lisette against Caid starts to take shape, will Caid and Lisette's connection be strong enough weather the storm that is about to consume them?

This was a fairly decent read although it seemed unbalanced at times. I would have like to see a bit more dialogue between the main characters. The main focus of this read seemed to be on Caid and the Maitres d'armes, which is interesting, but it overwhelmed the romance. Ms. Blake has brought historic New Orleans to life with her latest story.

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