Fierce Eden

Gullible widow Elise Laffont draws the attention of Reynaud Chevalier, a frontiersman caught between two worlds, in this tale of romance in 1730s Louisiana. When the Natchez attack Fort Rosalie, part-Natchez Reynaud leads Elise and a few survivors to safety in exchange for her bedtime companionship, not realizing that her abusive husband had left her terrified of men. Reynaud attempts to cure Elise's fear by holding her to their bargain while insisting that she be the one to approach him. They are drawn further into the Natchez-French conflict when Reynaud reluctantly agrees to become the new Natchez war leader. Blake's historical research is impeccable, but it's hard to believe that smart, brave Reynaud could be so attracted to naïve, insecure Elise. Detailed descriptions of colonial and native life add depth to this otherwise old-fashioned tale, but can't make up for the lack of chemistry. (Feb.)