Masters at Arms Series by Jennifer Blake

They were professionally trained, highly skilled men of valor, but the roguish, dangerous sword masters were not always respectable... When her brother challenges New Orleans's most infamous swordsman to a duel, Celina Vallier boldly confronts his opponent, Rio de Silva, determined to thwart what would be her brother's certain death. The legendary maître d'armes agrees...for a price—Celina's innocence... moreThey were professionally trained, highly skilled men of valor, but the roguish, dangerous sword masters were not always respectable... When her brother challenges New Orleans's most infamous swordsman to a duel, Celina Vallier boldly confronts his opponent, Rio de Silva, determined to thwart what would be her brother's certain death. The legendary maître d'armes agrees...for a price—Celina's innocence. Though Rio is captivated by Celina's beauty and courage, she is also the perfect pawn for his revenge. She is to be betrothed to his sworn enemy, the Count de Lérida. And what sweet vengeance it would be to take the bride before the wedding. But neither anticipates the tangled web of scandal and danger that will soon follow. Devious plots are afoot, and Celina is wary of trusting anyone, including the man whose brazen sensuality tempts her to think of nothing but her own desires... less

They are perhaps the most dangerous men in New Orleans, skilled swordsmen who play by no rules but their own—heroes to many, wicked to some, irresistible to the women they love ... Lisette Moisant is a widow, courtesy of the swordsmanship of Caid O'Neill, one of the city's legendary maîtres d'armes. He bested her loathsome husband in a duel, but now she is a pawn of schemers who wish to steal her fortune and see her dead... moreThey are perhaps the most dangerous men in New Orleans, skilled swordsmen who play by no rules but their own—heroes to many, wicked to some, irresistible to the women they love ... Lisette Moisant is a widow, courtesy of the swordsmanship of Caid O'Neill, one of the city's legendary maîtres d'armes. He bested her loathsome husband in a duel, but now she is a pawn of schemers who wish to steal her fortune and see her dead. It is Caid to whom she turns for protection, and guilt leaves him no recourse but to agree to Lisette's request. But soon a whispering campaign is being waged against them, suggesting the two plotted to kill Lisette's husband all along, that she is a woman of loose morals and he is nothing short of a murderer. In a society where reputation is everything, the scandal and accusations threaten Lisette and Caid with ruin, and the person responsible will stop at nothing until they have paid with their lives. less

"They are the notorious swordsmen of New Orleans, bound by a brotherhood of loyalty, skill and courage--infamous by day, dangerous at night, loyal only to each other and the women they love..." At ease making life-and-death decisions between breaths, "maitre d'armes" Nicholas Pasquale proposes marriage to a beautiful and desperate stranger, a woman who offers comfort to his irascible young charge and calmly tells him the boy needs a mother. It is a challenge he can't resist... more"They are the notorious swordsmen of New Orleans, bound by a brotherhood of loyalty, skill and courage--infamous by day, dangerous at night, loyal only to each other and the women they love..." At ease making life-and-death decisions between breaths, "maitre d'armes" Nicholas Pasquale proposes marriage to a beautiful and desperate stranger, a woman who offers comfort to his irascible young charge and calmly tells him the boy needs a mother. It is a challenge he can't resist. Nor can Juliette Armant. Though pledged to the church since infancy, she's been summoned to save her family in the only way possible...by marriage. Once she is wed, she will claim an ancestral marriage chest--and protect its secret contents from the dubious intent of her twin sister, who wants the treasure all to herself. Juliette never dreamed such a practical arrangement would explode with heady desire when a rogue's kiss unleashes the sensual woman within. But someone is determined to stop the wedding, willing to go to desperate lengths to claim the chest, plunging Juliette into a fight to claim a legacy and a love worth any price. less

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... moreThe 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. less

Kerr Wallace has spent years studying swordplay, preparing to challenge his sworn enemy and avenge his brother's death. The scoundrel Rouillard, now living in Mexico as a profiteer, has decided to take a wife, and the lady requires an escort to Veracruz. Kerr seizes his chance--he will deliver the bride...and dispatch the groom.If only it were so easy. Headstrong Sonia Bonneval will do anything to escape this doomed marriage to Rouillard... moreKerr Wallace has spent years studying swordplay, preparing to challenge his sworn enemy and avenge his brother's death. The scoundrel Rouillard, now living in Mexico as a profiteer, has decided to take a wife, and the lady requires an escort to Veracruz. Kerr seizes his chance--he will deliver the bride...and dispatch the groom.If only it were so easy. Headstrong Sonia Bonneval will do anything to escape this doomed marriage to Rouillard. Coquettish ploys cannot melt the iron resolve of her damnable escort, however, and the voyage with Kerr becomes an exhilarating battle of wills. But a very real declaration of war forces them into even closer quarters--and greater temptation--in a fight for survival. Before the end, both must choose between duty and freedom--vengeance and passion. less

The notorious swordsmen of New Orleans--charming by day, dangerous at night... A turn of the cards makes Christien Lenoir the new owner of River's Edge Plantation. This expert swordsman, once an orphaned bootblack, makes a daring offer. The lovely widow, Reine Cassard Pingre, along with her irresponsible father and young daughter, may remain in their home--if the lady becomes his wife. Reine recognizes Christien as the man who saved both her and her daughter's life some months ago... moreThe notorious swordsmen of New Orleans--charming by day, dangerous at night... A turn of the cards makes Christien Lenoir the new owner of River's Edge Plantation. This expert swordsman, once an orphaned bootblack, makes a daring offer. The lovely widow, Reine Cassard Pingre, along with her irresponsible father and young daughter, may remain in their home--if the lady becomes his wife. Reine recognizes Christien as the man who saved both her and her daughter's life some months ago. Though she is grateful for his swift action on that rainy night, and sympathetic toward his desire for a self-made family, she wants nothing to do with his proposal. One marriage was enough, especially as she is still hounded by rumors that she may have arranged her husband's death. Yet where will she and her family go if she doesn't agree? But dangerous events swirl around the coming wedding. It becomes clear that the protection of the deadly sword master known as The Falcon may be exactly what Reine needs. Yet the secret Christien harbors, and those buried at River's Edge, may send him away forever. _______ Look for all the re-releases in the Masters At Arms series: Book 1: CHALLENGE TO HONOR Book 2: DAWN ENCOUNTER Book 3: ROGUE'S SALUTE Book 4: GUARDED HEART Book 5: GALLANT MATCH Book 6: TRIUMPH IN ARMS Each book may be fully enjoyed as a standalone read. The above reading order is simply recommended for the series chronology. less