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Bastion Club #8
Mastered By Love
The men of the Bastion Club proved their bravery secretly fighting for their country. Now their leader faces that most dangerous mission of finding a bride.
As the mysterious leader of the Bastion Club known as "Dalziel," Royce Varisey, tenth Duke of Wolverstone, served his country for decades, facing dangers untold. But as the holder of one of England's most august noble titles, he must now take on that gravest duty of marriage.
Yet the young ladies the grand dames would have him consider are predictably boring. Far more tempting is his castle's willful and determinedly aloof chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton. Beneath her serene façade lies a woman of smoldering sensuality, one who will fill his days with comfort and his nights with sheer pleasure. Determined to claim her, he embarks on a seduction to prove his mastery over every inch of her body . . . and every piece of her heart.
As the mysterious leader of the Bastion Club known as "Dalziel," Royce Varisey, tenth Duke of Wolverstone, served his country for decades, facing dangers untold. But as the holder of one of England's most august noble titles, he must now take on that gravest duty of marriage.
Yet the young ladies the grand dames would have him consider are predictably boring. Far more tempting is his castle's willful and determinedly aloof chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton. Beneath her serene façade lies a woman of smoldering sensuality, one who will fill his days with comfort and his nights with sheer pleasure. Determined to claim her, he embarks on a seduction to prove his mastery over every inch of her body . . . and every piece of her heart.
478 pages, ebook
First published July 28, 2009
260 people are currently reading
2046 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,591 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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December 9, 2021
UPDATED review 12/9/21...
Okay. I read it again. Most of the points I made in the original review still stand. However...I think the biggest reason I gave it one star was because it had the potential to be so much better--exciting, dangerous, etc, and instead it is a quiet little story. Stephanie Laurens has plenty of quiet little stories I enjoy, but for the leader of a spy group this was not the thing.
Anyway, I changed the rating to 3 stars. For a SL book, this is an average read. I skipped over the 47-page sex scenes (only a mild exaggeration) because they were boring. I did not love either the hero or heroine's characters that much, but their romance was still entertaining. The "last traitor" was a huge disappointment. That story arc deserved a hella lot better.
I adore the first two books of the Bastion Club series and re-read them frequently. Will I re-read this one? Probably a speed-read if I do another series overhaul.
If I ever feel inclined to do fan-fiction, maybe I'll make a high-octane, super sexy rewrite of the end of this series. The one it deserved.
Grade: Okay, 3 stars
Review for Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens
(ETA: I read this and reviewed it on my blog in August 2009. For some reason, I did not post this review at Goodreads. This review is way harsh, since I was horribly disappointed. But I would like to add that I still adore SL as an author, although this is definitely not her best work).....
Nooooooooooo! Why, Stephanie, why?????
OK, to say that I am massively disappointed by this book would be an understatement. I have enjoyed the Bastion Club series quite a bit, although the last one (The Edge of Desire) was not my favorite, and some of them have felt repetitive, not unlike the Cynster series. However, Dalziel, the head of the spy organization in this series, was a really cool character. Dark, mysterious, brilliant, loyal. I was super excited for this final installment of the series. Finally, Laurens has a character she can really sink her writing chops into. Develop a cool story line with intrigue and danger. Create an amazing heroine who can match Dalziel with her intensity and cleverness. Did Laurens do these things?? Noooooooooooo!
Here are the reasons this book is in dire wall banger territory....
First of all, I realize that Laurens is recycling the same story and the same alpha male characters over and over again, but this time it has gone too far for me. A Fine Passion dealt with the exact same theme....father dying, coming home to take over the family estate, heroine already there running the show, etc. etc. I mean, come on!!!! With Dalziel's history, could Laurens not come up with something a little more interesting or original for a story? Jesus H. Canola. Also, right from the onset of this book, Dalziel comes off as a jerk. He wants to bed Minerva (whose name sounds like a shrivelled up ninety year old grandmother!) to "slake his terrible temper"????? What the....? He basically is a horny, self-absorbed ass. This is the incredible character who has saved countless lives, sacrificed so much for his men and country? I am so not buying this.
Also, reading Laurens' sex scenes is like chewing on a hunk of cardboard. Tasteless and boring. I just skip over them, frankly. They are all exactly the same, nothing original or sexy whatsoever. If the sex scenes in a romance novel are not sexy, this is basically the kiss o' death for the book. There is absolutely no spark, no chemistry here at all. It's pathetic. Dalziel is supposed to be so masterful, brooding, dark....should be easy to project these qualities into a sex scene, but it is not happening.
The worst disappointment is the story line. And it had so much potential. Laurens could have developed a dark and dangerous plot for this amazing character, but instead she plucked one of the most boring plots known to mankind. His dad died and he has to take over the dukedom. Some days he checks out bridges that need to be repaired. Some days, cottages that need to be repaired. Oh My God! This is the master spy leader!!!!!! And Minerva is no better. A competent chatelaine??? Great, wake me when it's over.....
And the unknown traitor!!! We have been waiting to discover his identity for so long....and he turns out to be a cuckoo cousin of Dalziel who is completely psychotic and babbling. What a bunch of horse shite. There is no way that this babbling buffoon would have been brilliant enough to avoid discovery during the war. And the worse part? Does Dalziel get to save the day? Nooooo.....Minvera, chatelaine extraordinaire, whips a knife out (which she just happens to have strapped to her thigh during her wedding day!!!!) and takes him out while Dalziel stands there. Criminy. I am close to freaking speechless, and as you know, that is a rare occurrence in Penelope land.
I am most flabbergasted that many people think this book is good. I seriously cannot fathom it. I am usually pretty forgiving with my reviews and grades (grade inflation is alive and well at Penelope's!), but this one is too disappointing for me. Stephanie Laurens had the potential for something very cool here, and she totally blew it. Since my worst grade is a C, that's what it's getting. I will no longer shell out the big bucks for her hardcovers, and I'm hoping that her new series (The Black Cobra Quartet) will pump a little bit of life back into her books. But I'm not holding my breath. I am keeping Stephanie on my favorite author list since I still adore her older books, both the Cynster series and the original Bastion Club series. Oh please, please Stephanie....I hope you recapture the old magic again! Sigh.
Grade: C
A Very Sad Penelope
Okay. I read it again. Most of the points I made in the original review still stand. However...I think the biggest reason I gave it one star was because it had the potential to be so much better--exciting, dangerous, etc, and instead it is a quiet little story. Stephanie Laurens has plenty of quiet little stories I enjoy, but for the leader of a spy group this was not the thing.
Anyway, I changed the rating to 3 stars. For a SL book, this is an average read. I skipped over the 47-page sex scenes (only a mild exaggeration) because they were boring. I did not love either the hero or heroine's characters that much, but their romance was still entertaining. The "last traitor" was a huge disappointment. That story arc deserved a hella lot better.
I adore the first two books of the Bastion Club series and re-read them frequently. Will I re-read this one? Probably a speed-read if I do another series overhaul.
If I ever feel inclined to do fan-fiction, maybe I'll make a high-octane, super sexy rewrite of the end of this series. The one it deserved.
Grade: Okay, 3 stars
Review for Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens
(ETA: I read this and reviewed it on my blog in August 2009. For some reason, I did not post this review at Goodreads. This review is way harsh, since I was horribly disappointed. But I would like to add that I still adore SL as an author, although this is definitely not her best work).....
Nooooooooooo! Why, Stephanie, why?????
OK, to say that I am massively disappointed by this book would be an understatement. I have enjoyed the Bastion Club series quite a bit, although the last one (The Edge of Desire) was not my favorite, and some of them have felt repetitive, not unlike the Cynster series. However, Dalziel, the head of the spy organization in this series, was a really cool character. Dark, mysterious, brilliant, loyal. I was super excited for this final installment of the series. Finally, Laurens has a character she can really sink her writing chops into. Develop a cool story line with intrigue and danger. Create an amazing heroine who can match Dalziel with her intensity and cleverness. Did Laurens do these things?? Noooooooooooo!
Here are the reasons this book is in dire wall banger territory....
First of all, I realize that Laurens is recycling the same story and the same alpha male characters over and over again, but this time it has gone too far for me. A Fine Passion dealt with the exact same theme....father dying, coming home to take over the family estate, heroine already there running the show, etc. etc. I mean, come on!!!! With Dalziel's history, could Laurens not come up with something a little more interesting or original for a story? Jesus H. Canola. Also, right from the onset of this book, Dalziel comes off as a jerk. He wants to bed Minerva (whose name sounds like a shrivelled up ninety year old grandmother!) to "slake his terrible temper"????? What the....? He basically is a horny, self-absorbed ass. This is the incredible character who has saved countless lives, sacrificed so much for his men and country? I am so not buying this.
Also, reading Laurens' sex scenes is like chewing on a hunk of cardboard. Tasteless and boring. I just skip over them, frankly. They are all exactly the same, nothing original or sexy whatsoever. If the sex scenes in a romance novel are not sexy, this is basically the kiss o' death for the book. There is absolutely no spark, no chemistry here at all. It's pathetic. Dalziel is supposed to be so masterful, brooding, dark....should be easy to project these qualities into a sex scene, but it is not happening.
The worst disappointment is the story line. And it had so much potential. Laurens could have developed a dark and dangerous plot for this amazing character, but instead she plucked one of the most boring plots known to mankind. His dad died and he has to take over the dukedom. Some days he checks out bridges that need to be repaired. Some days, cottages that need to be repaired. Oh My God! This is the master spy leader!!!!!! And Minerva is no better. A competent chatelaine??? Great, wake me when it's over.....
And the unknown traitor!!! We have been waiting to discover his identity for so long....and he turns out to be a cuckoo cousin of Dalziel who is completely psychotic and babbling. What a bunch of horse shite. There is no way that this babbling buffoon would have been brilliant enough to avoid discovery during the war. And the worse part? Does Dalziel get to save the day? Nooooo.....Minvera, chatelaine extraordinaire, whips a knife out (which she just happens to have strapped to her thigh during her wedding day!!!!) and takes him out while Dalziel stands there. Criminy. I am close to freaking speechless, and as you know, that is a rare occurrence in Penelope land.
I am most flabbergasted that many people think this book is good. I seriously cannot fathom it. I am usually pretty forgiving with my reviews and grades (grade inflation is alive and well at Penelope's!), but this one is too disappointing for me. Stephanie Laurens had the potential for something very cool here, and she totally blew it. Since my worst grade is a C, that's what it's getting. I will no longer shell out the big bucks for her hardcovers, and I'm hoping that her new series (The Black Cobra Quartet) will pump a little bit of life back into her books. But I'm not holding my breath. I am keeping Stephanie on my favorite author list since I still adore her older books, both the Cynster series and the original Bastion Club series. Oh please, please Stephanie....I hope you recapture the old magic again! Sigh.
Grade: C
A Very Sad Penelope
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2019
Finally.. We find out who Dalziel really is!
***4.0 "Totally not what I expected" stars
Royce, Aka Dalziel, has been the leader over the members of the Bastian Club. But none of its members knew his true identity...until now. Dalziel's father has passed and it's time for him to return home and take up the reigns.
Far less action and intrigue than I had expected considering this was the final book of the series and the final battle between Dalziel and the French spy that's always eluded him. The spy was reduced to small pranks that backfired until he lost his shit and staged a plan that was not very well staged.
Minerva
Minerva's had a crush on Royce since she was eight and he was sixteen. She used to tag along and follow him around. Now at the age of twenty nine, the attraction between these two is off the charts. She never suspects that he wants her as his wife.
I'm so glad this book focussed on the couple and their love story with very little focus on Dalziel's trader/French spy, but I have to say the big bad spy turned out to be a dud in this final battle.
The ending was damn good but totally NOT what I would have expected.
***4.0 "Totally not what I expected" stars
"Know this, I will give you anything. Anything and everything I have to give. There is nothing you can ask for that I will not grant you. What ever I have, what ever I am, is yours."
Royce, Aka Dalziel, has been the leader over the members of the Bastian Club. But none of its members knew his true identity...until now. Dalziel's father has passed and it's time for him to return home and take up the reigns.
Far less action and intrigue than I had expected considering this was the final book of the series and the final battle between Dalziel and the French spy that's always eluded him. The spy was reduced to small pranks that backfired until he lost his shit and staged a plan that was not very well staged.
Minerva
Minerva's had a crush on Royce since she was eight and he was sixteen. She used to tag along and follow him around. Now at the age of twenty nine, the attraction between these two is off the charts. She never suspects that he wants her as his wife.
I'm so glad this book focussed on the couple and their love story with very little focus on Dalziel's trader/French spy, but I have to say the big bad spy turned out to be a dud in this final battle.
The ending was damn good but totally NOT what I would have expected.
July 26, 2024
Reread on July 25, 2024: RIP to the long review that accidentally got deleted with zero hope for recovery. My finest work. I don't want to rewrite it, but let's just say that nostalgia is a glorious rereading experience. I searched my gmail inbox and found a February 13, 2009 fan letter about how excited I was for Royce and Minerva. 🥺 I was twelve when the book came out in late July.
Read via audio (narrated by Steven Crossley).
Read via audio (narrated by Steven Crossley).
August 17, 2009
There were some parts of this book that I really enjoyed, but on the whole, I found it to be a rather disappointing conclusion to a pretty good series. It ended up being nothing like I thought it would be and nowhere near as engaging as the past book in the series.
Series note: I hesitate to say that this book could possible be read on it's own. The story does deal with past events of the series and utilizes past characters, but the plot and romance itself are pretty self-sufficient. So I think a read could probably read it as a stand-alone and not miss too much. But...saying that...to fully understand everything you'd want to start back at the beginning.
Mastered By Love, eighth book in the Bastion Club series, is the long awaited story featuring the mysterious Dalziel, aka Royce Varisey. Royce was the only son of a large dukedom, but then he decided to work for the government, managing a network of spies. It went against everything his father believed in and so he all but disowned Royce. Royce defaulted to an alternate identity, Dalziel and worked for many long years helping to defeat France and Napolean. In that time, he's had no contact with his former life. And now, just as he's resigned his commission and made plans to talk to his father, he finds out that his father has died suddenly, leaving Royce the new Duke.
He travels to his ancestral home to assume the reigns...and finds himself a bit out of his league. He's been gone to long, been apart from social normities, that's he's struggling to fit back in. His chatelaine, Minervera, who he's know since childhood, is a huge help in settling him in. And she has also unknowingly sparked Royce's lust.
It soon becomes apparent that Royce will have to marry sooner rather than later in order to secure the dukedom. And the only woman that draws him is Minerva. He'd planned to follow in his father's footsteps by marrying a proper lady then taking a mistress, but Minerva has him thinking otherwise. She's making him feel things he's never felt before. Only now that's he's made up his mind on what he intends to do, he has to convince Minerva that it's what she wants as well.
I've been waiting to read Dalziel's - Royce's - story since I first started reading this series. Who was he? Why was his identity such a secret? Who was the last traitor? How would it all work out? I was dying to answer all those questions. Royce was just so interesting and I wanted to know more about him.
Well, I got the answers to the questions, but the story left me wanting. It wasn't anything like I expected or hoped for. Mostly it was rather drab, boring and repetitive.
This series, up to this point, has fallen more into the Historical Romantic Suspense category than pure Historical Romance. Each story has had a romance as well as a suspense plot typically dealing with ferreting out a government traitor. The stories were engaging, multi-focused, and romantic. I really enjoyed that the books were that way.
This book had only the romance going for it. Which is the biggest reason I found it disappointing. Coming into this book, there was one last aspect of the suspense element of the series that needed to be addressed: who was the final traitor? So I was thinking, expecting, that this book would be about Royce tracking down the last traitor and meeting his soullmate along the way, as well as assuming his rightful place in society.
Well, I was wrong to expect that. The whole traitor thing was mostly just a minor detail of the book. It hardly got any attention at all and was more of a sidenote than anything else. For something that was such a huge deal throughout the series, it was really weird and dumb to have it reduced to almost nothing. And because of that, the book had almost no suspense element at all. There was a smidge, but not enough to give the book that "what will happen next?" feel. I just found that so disappointing. I wanted a lot more out of this part of the story.
Aside from that, I found the book to be rather wordy and too full of narrative at times. Not enough dialogue and interaction. I got bored reading pages of long paragraphs.
The sex scenes were rather steamy and some might say bordering on explicit. Which was a plus, in my opinion ;) But they were also rather numerous. Once Royce and Minerva do the deed for the first time, it seems to be all they do. After the first few times I started skimming the scenes because it got boring and repetitive.
Even so, I enjoyed the romance between Royce and Minerva. Like the other heroines in the series, Minerva was a strong, feisty girl and not some silly simpering miss of the time. Her interactions with Royce were enjoyable to read and reading how the two slipped into love was great. Their personalities worked well together.
Really, that (the romance) was the only part of the book that mostly worked for me. Everything else came up lacking. I had been looking forward to this book so much...and to get this? Just a total and complete disappointment. If I read this book as a stand-alone, without having read the past books in the series, I'd have probably liked it a lot more. Maybe given it 3.5 stars. But having read the past books, and having come into it with a lot of expectations that in the end were not met, I can only give it two stars.
Series note: I hesitate to say that this book could possible be read on it's own. The story does deal with past events of the series and utilizes past characters, but the plot and romance itself are pretty self-sufficient. So I think a read could probably read it as a stand-alone and not miss too much. But...saying that...to fully understand everything you'd want to start back at the beginning.
Mastered By Love, eighth book in the Bastion Club series, is the long awaited story featuring the mysterious Dalziel, aka Royce Varisey. Royce was the only son of a large dukedom, but then he decided to work for the government, managing a network of spies. It went against everything his father believed in and so he all but disowned Royce. Royce defaulted to an alternate identity, Dalziel and worked for many long years helping to defeat France and Napolean. In that time, he's had no contact with his former life. And now, just as he's resigned his commission and made plans to talk to his father, he finds out that his father has died suddenly, leaving Royce the new Duke.
He travels to his ancestral home to assume the reigns...and finds himself a bit out of his league. He's been gone to long, been apart from social normities, that's he's struggling to fit back in. His chatelaine, Minervera, who he's know since childhood, is a huge help in settling him in. And she has also unknowingly sparked Royce's lust.
It soon becomes apparent that Royce will have to marry sooner rather than later in order to secure the dukedom. And the only woman that draws him is Minerva. He'd planned to follow in his father's footsteps by marrying a proper lady then taking a mistress, but Minerva has him thinking otherwise. She's making him feel things he's never felt before. Only now that's he's made up his mind on what he intends to do, he has to convince Minerva that it's what she wants as well.
I've been waiting to read Dalziel's - Royce's - story since I first started reading this series. Who was he? Why was his identity such a secret? Who was the last traitor? How would it all work out? I was dying to answer all those questions. Royce was just so interesting and I wanted to know more about him.
Well, I got the answers to the questions, but the story left me wanting. It wasn't anything like I expected or hoped for. Mostly it was rather drab, boring and repetitive.
This series, up to this point, has fallen more into the Historical Romantic Suspense category than pure Historical Romance. Each story has had a romance as well as a suspense plot typically dealing with ferreting out a government traitor. The stories were engaging, multi-focused, and romantic. I really enjoyed that the books were that way.
This book had only the romance going for it. Which is the biggest reason I found it disappointing. Coming into this book, there was one last aspect of the suspense element of the series that needed to be addressed: who was the final traitor? So I was thinking, expecting, that this book would be about Royce tracking down the last traitor and meeting his soullmate along the way, as well as assuming his rightful place in society.
Well, I was wrong to expect that. The whole traitor thing was mostly just a minor detail of the book. It hardly got any attention at all and was more of a sidenote than anything else. For something that was such a huge deal throughout the series, it was really weird and dumb to have it reduced to almost nothing. And because of that, the book had almost no suspense element at all. There was a smidge, but not enough to give the book that "what will happen next?" feel. I just found that so disappointing. I wanted a lot more out of this part of the story.
Aside from that, I found the book to be rather wordy and too full of narrative at times. Not enough dialogue and interaction. I got bored reading pages of long paragraphs.
The sex scenes were rather steamy and some might say bordering on explicit. Which was a plus, in my opinion ;) But they were also rather numerous. Once Royce and Minerva do the deed for the first time, it seems to be all they do. After the first few times I started skimming the scenes because it got boring and repetitive.
Even so, I enjoyed the romance between Royce and Minerva. Like the other heroines in the series, Minerva was a strong, feisty girl and not some silly simpering miss of the time. Her interactions with Royce were enjoyable to read and reading how the two slipped into love was great. Their personalities worked well together.
Really, that (the romance) was the only part of the book that mostly worked for me. Everything else came up lacking. I had been looking forward to this book so much...and to get this? Just a total and complete disappointment. If I read this book as a stand-alone, without having read the past books in the series, I'd have probably liked it a lot more. Maybe given it 3.5 stars. But having read the past books, and having come into it with a lot of expectations that in the end were not met, I can only give it two stars.
January 2, 2018
"Mastered by Love" is the story of Dalziel aka Royce and Minerva.
When at last the leader of Bastion club, Royce Dalziel Varisey, 10th Duke of Wolverstone, returns home after years of fighting for his country- he does not expect that he'd be faced with Dukedom due to his father's passing, or that he would find himself violently attracted to his determindedly aloof chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton.
Initially thinking that the attraction is one sided, he watches her from afar while learning to take control of his land and people- however a kiss changes equation and he sets out to seduce the lady whom he initially wanted as his mistress, but soon knows would make the perfect wife.
What a fantastic end to this series.
The serious and brooding Dalziel found his perfect soulmate in the strong and determined Minerva, who matched his passions as well as sense of determination.
The couple was well suited, very high on sex drive and it was fun to read their inventive lovemaking scenes. Emotionally, both opened up quickly and I liked Royce's determined pursual of Minevra, and her ability to return the feelings truthfully.
There was a subplot involving a spy and a family traitor, and a lot of matrons/meddling sisters/Devil shows up too- but all added to make this an entertaining read.
SWE
4.25/5
When at last the leader of Bastion club, Royce Dalziel Varisey, 10th Duke of Wolverstone, returns home after years of fighting for his country- he does not expect that he'd be faced with Dukedom due to his father's passing, or that he would find himself violently attracted to his determindedly aloof chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton.
Initially thinking that the attraction is one sided, he watches her from afar while learning to take control of his land and people- however a kiss changes equation and he sets out to seduce the lady whom he initially wanted as his mistress, but soon knows would make the perfect wife.
What a fantastic end to this series.
The serious and brooding Dalziel found his perfect soulmate in the strong and determined Minerva, who matched his passions as well as sense of determination.
The couple was well suited, very high on sex drive and it was fun to read their inventive lovemaking scenes. Emotionally, both opened up quickly and I liked Royce's determined pursual of Minevra, and her ability to return the feelings truthfully.
There was a subplot involving a spy and a family traitor, and a lot of matrons/meddling sisters/Devil shows up too- but all added to make this an entertaining read.
SWE
4.25/5
October 21, 2019
#RetoRita3 #RitaLaurens
En este último libro de la serie Bastión conocemos la historia de "Dalziel", el jefe y maestro de espías que permitió la derrota de Napoleón.
Pero Daziel no es otro que Royce Varisey, décimo duque de Wolverstone, un poderoso ducado ubicado en la frontera con Escocia.
El drama de Royce va por tres caminos: la mala relación que tuvo con su difunto padre y que lo llevó alejarse de su hogar durante dieciséis años, un traidor que no pudo desenmascarar en tiempo y forma y, obviamente, un apuro por casarse por una trama de intrigas que viene directo del regente.
Primero aclaro que no leí toda la serie, sólo el 4 y 5 creo, y este es el 8, así que no tengo claro si existe un hilo conductor entre las historias. Lo que comento es como si fuera un libro único.
Me gustó pero, más me hubiera gustado si hubiera habido mayor desarrollo tanto de sus problemas con el padre que, en mi opinión, quedan sin aclararse demasiado, como de la trama de espionaje. Con respecto a esto último, hubiera estado bueno una mayor explicación a lo largo de la historia y no que todo se aclare al final en un pim pam. Me hizo acordar a esas series policiales yankees en las que el asesino desembucha todo lo que pasó con una catarata de palabras al final.
Y el romance. Estuvo bien. Resulta que cuando Royce vuelve al castillo luego de la muerte de su padre, se encuentra con que está administrado por Minerva.
Ella es una huérfana noble, hija de una amiga de la madre de Royce, que fue criada en el castillo y que ahora se transformó en la señora del castillo, puesto que deberá ceder a la esposa de Royce, cuando este se case.
Minerva siempre estuvo media enamorada de Royce, pero como piensa que él no la ama y que no podrá soportar cuando se case, se mantiene fría y distante. Él, que sabe que debe casarse pero no tolera a las debutantes que le quieren imponer, cree que Minerva es su mejor opción porque le gusta, es inteligente y sabe mucho del castillo y sus tierras. O sea, sería muy práctico. Sí, es el tópico del hombre que cree que no puede amar.
Y así, Royce intentará convencerla nada más ni menos que... seduciéndola. Pero Miranda tiene otras ideas, aunque ceda, le costará convencerla.
Hay bastante tensión sexual no resuelta hasta la mitad de la novela. Luego, muchas escenas hot buenas aunque siempre descritas con esa tendencia que tiene SL de contar los momentos orgásmicos como si estuviera relatando en Éxtasis de Santa Teresa. A mí me enfría un poco.
Así que van 3 estrellas, más que nada por el desbalance entre las tramas. Pero bien, considerando que no le tenía mucha fe.
En este último libro de la serie Bastión conocemos la historia de "Dalziel", el jefe y maestro de espías que permitió la derrota de Napoleón.
Pero Daziel no es otro que Royce Varisey, décimo duque de Wolverstone, un poderoso ducado ubicado en la frontera con Escocia.
El drama de Royce va por tres caminos: la mala relación que tuvo con su difunto padre y que lo llevó alejarse de su hogar durante dieciséis años, un traidor que no pudo desenmascarar en tiempo y forma y, obviamente, un apuro por casarse por una trama de intrigas que viene directo del regente.
Primero aclaro que no leí toda la serie, sólo el 4 y 5 creo, y este es el 8, así que no tengo claro si existe un hilo conductor entre las historias. Lo que comento es como si fuera un libro único.
Me gustó pero, más me hubiera gustado si hubiera habido mayor desarrollo tanto de sus problemas con el padre que, en mi opinión, quedan sin aclararse demasiado, como de la trama de espionaje. Con respecto a esto último, hubiera estado bueno una mayor explicación a lo largo de la historia y no que todo se aclare al final en un pim pam. Me hizo acordar a esas series policiales yankees en las que el asesino desembucha todo lo que pasó con una catarata de palabras al final.
Y el romance. Estuvo bien. Resulta que cuando Royce vuelve al castillo luego de la muerte de su padre, se encuentra con que está administrado por Minerva.
Ella es una huérfana noble, hija de una amiga de la madre de Royce, que fue criada en el castillo y que ahora se transformó en la señora del castillo, puesto que deberá ceder a la esposa de Royce, cuando este se case.
Minerva siempre estuvo media enamorada de Royce, pero como piensa que él no la ama y que no podrá soportar cuando se case, se mantiene fría y distante. Él, que sabe que debe casarse pero no tolera a las debutantes que le quieren imponer, cree que Minerva es su mejor opción porque le gusta, es inteligente y sabe mucho del castillo y sus tierras. O sea, sería muy práctico. Sí, es el tópico del hombre que cree que no puede amar.
Y así, Royce intentará convencerla nada más ni menos que... seduciéndola. Pero Miranda tiene otras ideas, aunque ceda, le costará convencerla.
Hay bastante tensión sexual no resuelta hasta la mitad de la novela. Luego, muchas escenas hot buenas aunque siempre descritas con esa tendencia que tiene SL de contar los momentos orgásmicos como si estuviera relatando en Éxtasis de Santa Teresa. A mí me enfría un poco.
Así que van 3 estrellas, más que nada por el desbalance entre las tramas. Pero bien, considerando que no le tenía mucha fe.
August 30, 2009
The former leader of the Bastion Club, Dalziel, has returned to his childhood home after the death of his father. Dalziel is the new Duke of Wolverstone and has been estranged from his family for sixteen long years. When he discovers Minerva Chesterton residing at Wolverstone castle as its chatelaine, he is pleasantly surprised. He barely remembers Minerva as the young girl who used to follow him around. Now she is an attractive and intelligent woman and one Royce would like to get to know better.
Minerva will not be romanced by the likes of Royce. She is very much out of his league and he must marry an established woman that can run his household. Yet, Royce thinks Minerva would be perfect as his wife despite the fact that she runs from him at every turn. Royce will not be denied. He is use to getting what he wants and he wants Minerva. When it comes to a man like Royce, former spymaster, Minerva won’t be able to keep Royce from seducing her into his bed.
Mastered by Love is the final book in Stephanie Laurens Bastion Club series. I was anxiously awaiting Dalziel’s story because he was such a mystery in the previous books of this series. Dalziel is a typical Laurens hero, the kind of hero her readers have always enjoyed, but after so many books they seem to have a strange sense of déjà vu, I would have to say that Mastered By Love was a big disappointment. The majority of this book is very cut and dry with the reader being privy to Royce’s internal muses about his angst over his father and his desires to get under Minerva’s skirts. Again, this has a strange sense of been there, done that.
Minerva is a spunky character who is very much Royce’s equal. She acts as a proper young woman of her station but the moment Royce’s smoldering eyes touch her body, she is lost in his spell. We have seen this before in a Laurens’ novel; the heroine will fight tooth and nail to deny the hero, and after many long winded scenes of kissing and touching that go on for countless pages, the heroine finally succumbs to the touch of the lusty hero.
Once upon a time I found Stephanie Lauren’s writing and books to be some of the most luscious reads on the market. Mastered By Love is a very pale comparison to what was once great writing by an author who made historical romance the best it could be.
Those who are still fans of Laurens will probably not mind the long winded paragraphs of internal dialogue and longing from both the hero and heroine. I for one could not keep an interest and was close to not finishing.
Minerva will not be romanced by the likes of Royce. She is very much out of his league and he must marry an established woman that can run his household. Yet, Royce thinks Minerva would be perfect as his wife despite the fact that she runs from him at every turn. Royce will not be denied. He is use to getting what he wants and he wants Minerva. When it comes to a man like Royce, former spymaster, Minerva won’t be able to keep Royce from seducing her into his bed.
Mastered by Love is the final book in Stephanie Laurens Bastion Club series. I was anxiously awaiting Dalziel’s story because he was such a mystery in the previous books of this series. Dalziel is a typical Laurens hero, the kind of hero her readers have always enjoyed, but after so many books they seem to have a strange sense of déjà vu, I would have to say that Mastered By Love was a big disappointment. The majority of this book is very cut and dry with the reader being privy to Royce’s internal muses about his angst over his father and his desires to get under Minerva’s skirts. Again, this has a strange sense of been there, done that.
Minerva is a spunky character who is very much Royce’s equal. She acts as a proper young woman of her station but the moment Royce’s smoldering eyes touch her body, she is lost in his spell. We have seen this before in a Laurens’ novel; the heroine will fight tooth and nail to deny the hero, and after many long winded scenes of kissing and touching that go on for countless pages, the heroine finally succumbs to the touch of the lusty hero.
Once upon a time I found Stephanie Lauren’s writing and books to be some of the most luscious reads on the market. Mastered By Love is a very pale comparison to what was once great writing by an author who made historical romance the best it could be.
Those who are still fans of Laurens will probably not mind the long winded paragraphs of internal dialogue and longing from both the hero and heroine. I for one could not keep an interest and was close to not finishing.
July 29, 2009
From Stephanie Laurens first 'Bastion Club' novel, I've been fascinated by Dalziel. Finally, in "Mastered By Love", I get his story and it's a doozy. Why and how he became a 'shadow' in society and head of the British spies makes for a wonderful read and the woman he falls for is not at all what he expected. And for Cynster fans, Devil makes a few appearances!
Minerva has been the chatelaine of Wolverstone Castle for many years now. Informally adopted by the Duke's family after the death of her parents and raised with all the privileges of their name and family, she's never forgotten what she feels she 'owes' them. She was always fascinated by the heir, Royce, and her life lost color after his banishment. But deathbed promises are no small matter, and Minerva promised BOTH of Royce's parents (at separate times) to stay and help Royce settle into the Dukedom after his long absence. Of course, one of his first tasks MUST be to ensure the succession and once he marries, Minerva plans to leave. If she can only keep her heart safe until then!
Royce...how strange to use that name again after all this time. But oh, this is NOT how he imagined returning home would be. His plans were already made, but his father's sudden death means his learning curve will be steep and painful. How could he have forgotten Minerva? Well, in his defense, he doesn't remember her looking like THIS! But he knows his duty and it's to marry some cold, dutiful peeress who will breed his heir and a spare and then live their own life without bothering him. But after seeing his Bastion Club operatives find love and happiness, why does this plan seem so wrong? And even if he changes his mind, can he convince Minerva? And don't forget, there's still that last traitor to catch!
If you enjoy Laurens' writing style, you'll love "Mastered By Love". She does tend to be a bit wordy (!), but I still mainline her books as soon as they're released. This one may not be my favorite Bastion Club book, but it's close. Royce is such a complicated character and his relationship with Minerva is every bit of everything he had coming. Their attraction and the dilemma of tradition resonate on every page. Laurens can write breath-taking love scenes, if a bit long, but then again, sometimes longer is better, eh?
I was a bit disappointed with the sideline story of the last traitor. For something that played so largely in earlier books, it seemed a bit of a sidenote here. The majority of the book is ALL about Royce and Minerva and the danger of the traitor is really only expressed towards the very end and wrapped up fairly quickly. Dalziel/Royce's 'wooing' is not to be missed and even with its quirks, this book will go on my keeper shelf with the rest of the Bastion Club series.
Minerva has been the chatelaine of Wolverstone Castle for many years now. Informally adopted by the Duke's family after the death of her parents and raised with all the privileges of their name and family, she's never forgotten what she feels she 'owes' them. She was always fascinated by the heir, Royce, and her life lost color after his banishment. But deathbed promises are no small matter, and Minerva promised BOTH of Royce's parents (at separate times) to stay and help Royce settle into the Dukedom after his long absence. Of course, one of his first tasks MUST be to ensure the succession and once he marries, Minerva plans to leave. If she can only keep her heart safe until then!
Royce...how strange to use that name again after all this time. But oh, this is NOT how he imagined returning home would be. His plans were already made, but his father's sudden death means his learning curve will be steep and painful. How could he have forgotten Minerva? Well, in his defense, he doesn't remember her looking like THIS! But he knows his duty and it's to marry some cold, dutiful peeress who will breed his heir and a spare and then live their own life without bothering him. But after seeing his Bastion Club operatives find love and happiness, why does this plan seem so wrong? And even if he changes his mind, can he convince Minerva? And don't forget, there's still that last traitor to catch!
If you enjoy Laurens' writing style, you'll love "Mastered By Love". She does tend to be a bit wordy (!), but I still mainline her books as soon as they're released. This one may not be my favorite Bastion Club book, but it's close. Royce is such a complicated character and his relationship with Minerva is every bit of everything he had coming. Their attraction and the dilemma of tradition resonate on every page. Laurens can write breath-taking love scenes, if a bit long, but then again, sometimes longer is better, eh?
I was a bit disappointed with the sideline story of the last traitor. For something that played so largely in earlier books, it seemed a bit of a sidenote here. The majority of the book is ALL about Royce and Minerva and the danger of the traitor is really only expressed towards the very end and wrapped up fairly quickly. Dalziel/Royce's 'wooing' is not to be missed and even with its quirks, this book will go on my keeper shelf with the rest of the Bastion Club series.
February 2, 2014
This was the second book I tried to get through by this really popular author... I haven't been able to finish either completely. I read 13 chapters of this one and then skimmed the rest. It's so weird. I just cannot understand her popularity. Her writing style is super annoying to me - with lots of phrases - within phrases - that don't really add to the sentence - within the same loooong sentence, and I have to reread because I get lost within a phrase within a phrase...and don't get me started on the commas!! Plus, the H/h wax poetic about the same damn thing numerous times, and they're not very much dialogue. These books could be 100+ pages shorter.
Anyway, this author is not for me. I just never have read a romance novel where the actual writing style annoys, but she has a lot of popular books, so obviously it must be my issue!
Anyway, this author is not for me. I just never have read a romance novel where the actual writing style annoys, but she has a lot of popular books, so obviously it must be my issue!
November 24, 2023
Nice conclusion to the series. Very explicit romance, which included them getting caught bonking by secondary characters.
May 5, 2016
Me ha encantado el libro, es como esperaba que fuera la historia de Amor de Dalzie jejeje, Minerva me ha conquistado con se mezcla de saber hacer y su fogosidad!!!!.... me he derritido con sus escenas de amor y hasta me he reido con algunas partes del libro... un verdadero 10 a este libro... LO RECOMIENDO!!!!
September 25, 2021
Mastered by Love
5 Stars
Wow! For those who have made it to the final book in the Bastion Club series, readers are finally rewarded with the enigmatic Dalziel's book and it is well worth the wait.
The end of the previous installment reveals the identity of the powerful leader of covert operatives, Royce Varisey, 10th Duke of Wolverstone. This book follows Royce's return to Northumbria to take on the mantle of running his ducal estate and to convince his chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton, to accept the position of his duchess. Unfortunately for Royce, Minerva has other plans . . .
Minerva and Royce's romance is intense and exciting from the moment he literally crashes into her. Royce has finally met his match in the charmingly efficient chatelaine who refuses to be intimidated by his glares and gleefully manipulates him at every turn. Their chemistry is off the charts and their interactions are both sensual and spicy.
The mystery revolving around the identification and capture of the traitor behind the machinations in some of the previous books is secondary to the romance but is satisfying nonetheless. There are several possible suspects and it is fun following the clues and narrowing in on the culprit.
Laurens' writing, which has been problematic in the past, is tighter and more concise, coherent and unified. I just knew she had it in her!
Overall, a marvelous ending to the series ,and I am eager to begin the Black Cobra Quartet, which is loosely connected to both this and the Cynster series.
5 Stars
Wow! For those who have made it to the final book in the Bastion Club series, readers are finally rewarded with the enigmatic Dalziel's book and it is well worth the wait.
The end of the previous installment reveals the identity of the powerful leader of covert operatives, Royce Varisey, 10th Duke of Wolverstone. This book follows Royce's return to Northumbria to take on the mantle of running his ducal estate and to convince his chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton, to accept the position of his duchess. Unfortunately for Royce, Minerva has other plans . . .
Minerva and Royce's romance is intense and exciting from the moment he literally crashes into her. Royce has finally met his match in the charmingly efficient chatelaine who refuses to be intimidated by his glares and gleefully manipulates him at every turn. Their chemistry is off the charts and their interactions are both sensual and spicy.
The mystery revolving around the identification and capture of the traitor behind the machinations in some of the previous books is secondary to the romance but is satisfying nonetheless. There are several possible suspects and it is fun following the clues and narrowing in on the culprit.
Laurens' writing, which has been problematic in the past, is tighter and more concise, coherent and unified. I just knew she had it in her!
Overall, a marvelous ending to the series ,and I am eager to begin the Black Cobra Quartet, which is loosely connected to both this and the Cynster series.
March 5, 2014
I've been working my way through the Bastion Club series by Stephanie Laurens. The basic plot is the hero of each book finds the woman he's head over heels in love with and wants to marry, then convinces the woman she should marry him.
With these books you get a historical romance with crazy in love heroes who don't even look at another woman.
I just finished the last book, book #8, Mastered by Love, and it was the best by far of the series. Each of the Bastion Club members worked as a spy during the war with Napoleon. Their commander, Dalziel, has been very mysterious and never even told them his real name throughout the previous 7 books.
So I was eagerly awaiting the commander Dalziel's book while reading the earlier 7 books. I love a mysterious, dangerous hero.
I loved Mastered by Love. There was such emotion in this book. The hero was dealing with ending his military career and going back to his "civilian" life.
The heroine was very strong and I loved how she stood up to him and even manipulated him a few times (he knew she was doing it but admired the attempt)
I just loved their romance. It was fun, it was hot, and you spend a lot of time in the hero's point of view so it was great to hear what he was thinking about her. It was also great to have a heroine resist the hero and not just immediately fall into bed with him.
I really enjoyed this series. I read a lot of historical romances and this book, Mastered by Love, ranks toward the top.
I did like the earlier books in the series but the final book with Dalziel is my favorite of the Bastion Club series.
With these books you get a historical romance with crazy in love heroes who don't even look at another woman.
I just finished the last book, book #8, Mastered by Love, and it was the best by far of the series. Each of the Bastion Club members worked as a spy during the war with Napoleon. Their commander, Dalziel, has been very mysterious and never even told them his real name throughout the previous 7 books.
So I was eagerly awaiting the commander Dalziel's book while reading the earlier 7 books. I love a mysterious, dangerous hero.
I loved Mastered by Love. There was such emotion in this book. The hero was dealing with ending his military career and going back to his "civilian" life.
The heroine was very strong and I loved how she stood up to him and even manipulated him a few times (he knew she was doing it but admired the attempt)
I just loved their romance. It was fun, it was hot, and you spend a lot of time in the hero's point of view so it was great to hear what he was thinking about her. It was also great to have a heroine resist the hero and not just immediately fall into bed with him.
I really enjoyed this series. I read a lot of historical romances and this book, Mastered by Love, ranks toward the top.
I did like the earlier books in the series but the final book with Dalziel is my favorite of the Bastion Club series.
August 13, 2016
I'm giving up at a third of the way through. I don't like Royce. I don't like the way he thinks and I don't like how he goes about things, and I don't like reading about men in their thirties (close to forty for Royce) not being able to control their lust. It's ridiculous, and it makes me hate them, so I can't care about the inevitable romance. I like Minerva. I don't want him for her.
December 14, 2017
Buku ini mengecewakan sekaligus membuat saya gila krn terbakar. Penasaran knp saya bilang terbakar? Selama pengalaman saya membaca HR walau yg bergenre HR erotica, gak ada yg sebanyak di buku ini semua gaya berhubungan intim dikupas scr detil.
Sayangnya "panasnya" itu tidak diimbangi dgn perkembangan plot cerita maupun karakternya. Alur cerita super lambat dan datar, repetisi sudah gak terhitung (saya sering skip-skip bacanya). Mana tebal banget bukunya, tapi tanpa pd intinya cerita bergulir. Sudah gitu, musuh antagonist nya muncul spt cameo. Gak jelas knp, mengapa, apa sebab dia memusuhi Royce. Sbg seri terakhir Club Bastion, saya mengharapkan Royce Varisey aka Duke Wolverstone menawarkan sesuatu yg unik dan jauh lebih menarik drpd yg sblmnya. Yah, apa boleh buat saya cuma disajikan adegan seksual bab demi bab plus narasi inkonsistensi dari Minerva, sbg heroine yg paling sok jual mahal (tetapi sekaligus paling murahan dlm menyodorkan tubuhnya).
Saya tidak suka jika seorang heroine dideskripsikan "saya tidak akan menyerah pada pesona si Duke. Saya akan melawan dll dsb". Eh blm ganti bab, disosor, dicium, digerayangi langsung menyerah pada nafsu birahi. Konyolnya lagi setelah ber-ranjang ria, selalu saja bilang bhw hal ini tidak mengubah apapun. Saya tetap tidak mau dinikahi dsb (Hello!!! Ini novel HR loh. Zaman Regency. Loe gak dinikahi dan sudah diperawani, gak gila saja sudah hrs bersyukur).
Utk si Royce, saya juga gak bisa berkomentar banyak. Tadinya saya pikir dia bakal jadi hero tercerdas di serial ini. Tahu-tahunya kagak juga. Kelebihan Royce cuma pada kejantanannya yg super besar dan teknik bercinta yg super piawai saja. Chemistry pasangan ini juga seperti dijodohkan rada maksa. Saya malah mendapat kesan Royce ini pria pemalas utk mencari dan mengenal calon istri. Drpd susah-susah dan ribet, lebih baik menyambar si Minerva saja yang sudah ada, tersedia dan bersedia. Cukup sekian review omelan saya.
Sayangnya "panasnya" itu tidak diimbangi dgn perkembangan plot cerita maupun karakternya. Alur cerita super lambat dan datar, repetisi sudah gak terhitung (saya sering skip-skip bacanya). Mana tebal banget bukunya, tapi tanpa pd intinya cerita bergulir. Sudah gitu, musuh antagonist nya muncul spt cameo. Gak jelas knp, mengapa, apa sebab dia memusuhi Royce. Sbg seri terakhir Club Bastion, saya mengharapkan Royce Varisey aka Duke Wolverstone menawarkan sesuatu yg unik dan jauh lebih menarik drpd yg sblmnya. Yah, apa boleh buat saya cuma disajikan adegan seksual bab demi bab plus narasi inkonsistensi dari Minerva, sbg heroine yg paling sok jual mahal (tetapi sekaligus paling murahan dlm menyodorkan tubuhnya).
Saya tidak suka jika seorang heroine dideskripsikan "saya tidak akan menyerah pada pesona si Duke. Saya akan melawan dll dsb". Eh blm ganti bab, disosor, dicium, digerayangi langsung menyerah pada nafsu birahi. Konyolnya lagi setelah ber-ranjang ria, selalu saja bilang bhw hal ini tidak mengubah apapun. Saya tetap tidak mau dinikahi dsb (Hello!!! Ini novel HR loh. Zaman Regency. Loe gak dinikahi dan sudah diperawani, gak gila saja sudah hrs bersyukur).
Utk si Royce, saya juga gak bisa berkomentar banyak. Tadinya saya pikir dia bakal jadi hero tercerdas di serial ini. Tahu-tahunya kagak juga. Kelebihan Royce cuma pada kejantanannya yg super besar dan teknik bercinta yg super piawai saja. Chemistry pasangan ini juga seperti dijodohkan rada maksa. Saya malah mendapat kesan Royce ini pria pemalas utk mencari dan mengenal calon istri. Drpd susah-susah dan ribet, lebih baik menyambar si Minerva saja yang sudah ada, tersedia dan bersedia. Cukup sekian review omelan saya.
May 4, 2012
Giving the last book in the series 4 stars - mostly because we learn more about Dalziel: who he is, what his real title and life are about, how he separated from his family to serve his country, AND who the mysterious "last" traitor is.
This is about Minerva and Royce (Dalziel's real name). He's the 10th Duke of Wolverton, but he put all that behind him 16 years ago when he decided to accept a highly secret position for their majesties at Whitehall. His father didn't approve; to his father (and many marcher lords like him), the government changed - it was their job only to support the government insofar as it benefited them. But give up one's position and possibly one's life? No. So Royce and his father parted ways that day, and Royce changed his name to Dalziel to save his family. He "lost" his title, but being the only legitimate heir, now that he's given up his commission (Napoleon is defeated, no need to stay), Dalziel had to become Royce Varisey, heir to the dukedom of Wolverstone again. Especially when he learns that his father died before he could return home. Royce had always hoped to reconcile with his father and to learn how to be a duke from his father. But that's no longer an option.
Instead, Royce turns to Minerva, the chatelaine of Wolverton castle. Minerva was adopted by his parents when at an early age she was orphaned; while her family was gentry and she has a small fortune of her own, Minerva never cared to marry for anything less than love. And she's always harbored a fascination-obsession-crush on Royce. But Varisey's behave in certain ways: they're stubborn, prone to bad tempers and anger, marry for position/money/title and not for love, tend to father illegitimate children on their many mistresses, and only look out for their own interests. Minerva wants nothing to do with that; she's seen enough by being close to Royce's mother and father. Yet, before he died, Royce's father told her to tell Royce that he doesn't have to be just like him... he should do it his own way. And before both Royce's mother and father died, each made her promise to look after Royce - to assure he takes his rightful place as duke. To Minerva, that means reacquainting him with his lands, his people, his castle, and his responsibilites, and then making sure he marries well. Then Minerva will give up her chatelaine position and travel on her own money. Anything to get away from Royce.
But it's never that easy - not in this series. Because the inimitable spark occurred between Royce and Minerva almost immediately. He took it to be lust, which he intended to slake on her, should he discover she feels the same. But Minerva is good at hiding her feelings. And after his father's funeral, Royce is approached by the grande dames of the ton, who inform him that it is *imperative* that he marry immediately. Prinny is looking for a source of income, and he has his eye on Royce's property and income. I don't quite understand how Prinny could wrest it away from him, but without a marriage and an heir forthwith, somehow Prinny could.
So Royce decides that despite the list of eligible young misses that he's given by Minerva and the grande dames, that the only one who makes sense as his bride is Minerva. Seen from the Varisey eyes, it makes sense: she already knows and loves his people and his land; she knows the castle; she knows how he should go about his duties and can help him; and he desires her. What more does he need?
But when Royce tries to pop the question to Minerva (to keep his promise of announcing his engagement within a week's time), instead, Minerva kisses him. Which starts him down the path of slaking his desire. He finds her a willing participant. So he decides the best way to get her to marry him is to seduce her. How and Why men think that's the way to a woman's heart, I'll never know.
Complications ensue... one of which is that the traitor is close at hand during the funeral. And stays on for a house party. Turns out, the traitor is one of Royce's own cousins. And that cousin tries to thwart Royce at every turn; and that cousin finally comes up with a way to get back at Royce - thru Minerva.
At the same time, Royce insists that Minerva occupy his bed nightly. Trying to be aware of his sisters and other guests who still remain at the castle, she agrees on the condition that no one know. Despite the bed-hopping already going on, Minerva wants to maintain her reputation. And she figures when Royce finally announces his duchess, she'll more easily be able to break ties with him if no one knows about the affair. And Royce, meanwhile, is falling in love with Minerva - recognizing that he wants a marriage more like his friends and his Bastion Club members. So Royce allows Minerva to show him how to be his own duke - to take an personal interest in his people, his lands, and his community. During the day, the two act as duke and chatelaine; at night, they're ravenous lovers.
But will Royce convince Minerva to marry him? Can he, when she's looking for nothing less than love?
----------------
While this book follows the typical pattern of this series' books and love affairs, there is something different about Royce and Minerva. They have the aspect of knowing one another already, but they've never been lovers before. In fact, Minerva's a virgin. So the author's combined the qualities of her previous heroines to come up with Minerva. Also, we learn that while Minerva's never had a Season in London, she's friends with Letitia and many of the previous Heroines from this story.
Unfortunately, there's a lot contrived about this particular tale - some has to do with this traitor, which, of course, must be caught before the series can end. And once again, what feels like months is only weeks... and many of the love scenes are repetitious. Except for one amusing scene where Minerva blindfolds Royce and demands he keep his hands on the bed posts. It was that "something new" to this series, and Royce's reactions were priceless.
All in all, I'll finish the other 2 books I haven't read in this series, but only for completion's sake. And to pick up on some of what I missed about the traitor. But I'll be glad to move on.
This is about Minerva and Royce (Dalziel's real name). He's the 10th Duke of Wolverton, but he put all that behind him 16 years ago when he decided to accept a highly secret position for their majesties at Whitehall. His father didn't approve; to his father (and many marcher lords like him), the government changed - it was their job only to support the government insofar as it benefited them. But give up one's position and possibly one's life? No. So Royce and his father parted ways that day, and Royce changed his name to Dalziel to save his family. He "lost" his title, but being the only legitimate heir, now that he's given up his commission (Napoleon is defeated, no need to stay), Dalziel had to become Royce Varisey, heir to the dukedom of Wolverstone again. Especially when he learns that his father died before he could return home. Royce had always hoped to reconcile with his father and to learn how to be a duke from his father. But that's no longer an option.
Instead, Royce turns to Minerva, the chatelaine of Wolverton castle. Minerva was adopted by his parents when at an early age she was orphaned; while her family was gentry and she has a small fortune of her own, Minerva never cared to marry for anything less than love. And she's always harbored a fascination-obsession-crush on Royce. But Varisey's behave in certain ways: they're stubborn, prone to bad tempers and anger, marry for position/money/title and not for love, tend to father illegitimate children on their many mistresses, and only look out for their own interests. Minerva wants nothing to do with that; she's seen enough by being close to Royce's mother and father. Yet, before he died, Royce's father told her to tell Royce that he doesn't have to be just like him... he should do it his own way. And before both Royce's mother and father died, each made her promise to look after Royce - to assure he takes his rightful place as duke. To Minerva, that means reacquainting him with his lands, his people, his castle, and his responsibilites, and then making sure he marries well. Then Minerva will give up her chatelaine position and travel on her own money. Anything to get away from Royce.
But it's never that easy - not in this series. Because the inimitable spark occurred between Royce and Minerva almost immediately. He took it to be lust, which he intended to slake on her, should he discover she feels the same. But Minerva is good at hiding her feelings. And after his father's funeral, Royce is approached by the grande dames of the ton, who inform him that it is *imperative* that he marry immediately. Prinny is looking for a source of income, and he has his eye on Royce's property and income. I don't quite understand how Prinny could wrest it away from him, but without a marriage and an heir forthwith, somehow Prinny could.
So Royce decides that despite the list of eligible young misses that he's given by Minerva and the grande dames, that the only one who makes sense as his bride is Minerva. Seen from the Varisey eyes, it makes sense: she already knows and loves his people and his land; she knows the castle; she knows how he should go about his duties and can help him; and he desires her. What more does he need?
But when Royce tries to pop the question to Minerva (to keep his promise of announcing his engagement within a week's time), instead, Minerva kisses him. Which starts him down the path of slaking his desire. He finds her a willing participant. So he decides the best way to get her to marry him is to seduce her. How and Why men think that's the way to a woman's heart, I'll never know.
Complications ensue... one of which is that the traitor is close at hand during the funeral. And stays on for a house party. Turns out, the traitor is one of Royce's own cousins. And that cousin tries to thwart Royce at every turn; and that cousin finally comes up with a way to get back at Royce - thru Minerva.
At the same time, Royce insists that Minerva occupy his bed nightly. Trying to be aware of his sisters and other guests who still remain at the castle, she agrees on the condition that no one know. Despite the bed-hopping already going on, Minerva wants to maintain her reputation. And she figures when Royce finally announces his duchess, she'll more easily be able to break ties with him if no one knows about the affair. And Royce, meanwhile, is falling in love with Minerva - recognizing that he wants a marriage more like his friends and his Bastion Club members. So Royce allows Minerva to show him how to be his own duke - to take an personal interest in his people, his lands, and his community. During the day, the two act as duke and chatelaine; at night, they're ravenous lovers.
But will Royce convince Minerva to marry him? Can he, when she's looking for nothing less than love?
----------------
While this book follows the typical pattern of this series' books and love affairs, there is something different about Royce and Minerva. They have the aspect of knowing one another already, but they've never been lovers before. In fact, Minerva's a virgin. So the author's combined the qualities of her previous heroines to come up with Minerva. Also, we learn that while Minerva's never had a Season in London, she's friends with Letitia and many of the previous Heroines from this story.
Unfortunately, there's a lot contrived about this particular tale - some has to do with this traitor, which, of course, must be caught before the series can end. And once again, what feels like months is only weeks... and many of the love scenes are repetitious. Except for one amusing scene where Minerva blindfolds Royce and demands he keep his hands on the bed posts. It was that "something new" to this series, and Royce's reactions were priceless.
All in all, I'll finish the other 2 books I haven't read in this series, but only for completion's sake. And to pick up on some of what I missed about the traitor. But I'll be glad to move on.
April 14, 2020
A problematic CLASSIC: Austen could never do “misogyny beckons”...autocracy wins again.
August 4, 2018
Quote page 368 Piatkus publication - No ! No , no , no , no - how could this have happened ?
There were no proofreaders , friends , family or an editor who told S. Laurens that this would just not do as the last and very anticipated book of the Bastion club series ?? Unbelievable !!
There were no proofreaders , friends , family or an editor who told S. Laurens that this would just not do as the last and very anticipated book of the Bastion club series ?? Unbelievable !!
March 4, 2017
All in all, I wasn't that disappointed in the conclusion of the Bastion Club Series. Part relief that it's finally over and part satisfaction in Dalziel (Royce's) personality. Of course, there were some minor disappointments and those lovely cliches that I'm not terribly fond of - Royce fits one...the guy who was brought up to believe that he is genetically incapable of love and so resists promising love to the woman that he actually does love. If that makes sense. And of course, we're back to the Bastion formula. And honestly, after what I perceived to be the disaster of the last book, which broke formula, I was rather relieved to be back to it.
So Dalziel, at last, is the last member of the Bastion Club who needs to marry. He comes home and encounters his chatelaine, Minerva, who he knew when he was growing up and before he was exiled. He has some instant hots for her, but she's really good at hiding her hots for him. And so it goes for about 20% with no chemistry or anything. Then, he discovers her passion for him and it's non-stop sex from there on out. But he has to convince her ot marry him...which following formula, is not going to be an easy task. In fact, I'm fairly certain that this exact same plot was lived out by different characters in a previous Bastion book. Because Royce finally gets Minerva but then realizes by having her in his bed it is now 10x more difficult to convince her to marry him. Perhaps I liked that book and that is why I'm okay with the repetition. And of course, there's still the identity of the last traitor to be discovered.
So I know we were always told that Dalziel/Royce was dangerous and bad ass. It was a bit disappointing to realize that it wasn't danger so much as it's just a vicious temper and a tendency to stomp about. Still, he was pretty delightfully broody and I kind of liked it that way instead. Minerva was pretty decent too, given that she is nearly identical in form to all the other Bastion heroines. I am a little confused though how the daughter of a Lieutenant is considered well-born enough to marry a Duke. Then I was also a bit disappointed by the last traitor. Turns out So that was disappointing. I was also disappointed in the lack of reveal of So despite having read this book already but with different characters, I guess I still kind of liked it. Maybe it was broody Dalziel that I really liked.
So Dalziel, at last, is the last member of the Bastion Club who needs to marry. He comes home and encounters his chatelaine, Minerva, who he knew when he was growing up and before he was exiled. He has some instant hots for her, but she's really good at hiding her hots for him. And so it goes for about 20% with no chemistry or anything. Then, he discovers her passion for him and it's non-stop sex from there on out. But he has to convince her ot marry him...which following formula, is not going to be an easy task. In fact, I'm fairly certain that this exact same plot was lived out by different characters in a previous Bastion book. Because Royce finally gets Minerva but then realizes by having her in his bed it is now 10x more difficult to convince her to marry him. Perhaps I liked that book and that is why I'm okay with the repetition. And of course, there's still the identity of the last traitor to be discovered.
So I know we were always told that Dalziel/Royce was dangerous and bad ass. It was a bit disappointing to realize that it wasn't danger so much as it's just a vicious temper and a tendency to stomp about. Still, he was pretty delightfully broody and I kind of liked it that way instead. Minerva was pretty decent too, given that she is nearly identical in form to all the other Bastion heroines. I am a little confused though how the daughter of a Lieutenant is considered well-born enough to marry a Duke. Then I was also a bit disappointed by the last traitor. Turns out So that was disappointing. I was also disappointed in the lack of reveal of So despite having read this book already but with different characters, I guess I still kind of liked it. Maybe it was broody Dalziel that I really liked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2009
I adored MASTERED BY LOVE. A 10+. This is a man who sacrificed a major portion of his life for love of country. That is remarkable for anyone to do! He deserved to be happy at the end. I think the cover is romantic & sensual, & the epitomy of what Dalziel/Royce would look like - Stephanie Laurens repeatedly told us he looked younger than his age - that he had dark eyes, dark wavy hair and a fierce temper he controlled in public. He wanted to be more than what historically had been for members of his family - he wanted love, he wanted to give love. He was determined to make a difference - to take care of his people and make better lives for them. I didn't want the book to be devoted to the traitor - I wanted it to be devoted to Dalziel/Royce - and it was! I wanted to know what he gave up and how he dealt with it while he "hid away" in plain sight - and Laurens delivered. We learned how ducal homes operated at that time in history and how he set out to change things - to "modernize". He was a true Renaissance man. Minerva was his equal in every way - in bed and out. And they had some of the hottest love scenes I've ever read. Well done. I would love to see more of their romance in follow up books - not just "visits" - but MORE of their lives together with whatever children they may have. Frankly, I couldn't put the book down, I've re-read it several times. And I love Stephanie Laurens VERBAGE. Too often the English language is butchered and scenes are rushed by other authors. But she excels at setting up a scene and how a character thinks and feels. I highly recommend the book.
November 28, 2014
The first half of the book was well-written and intriguing. Then we get to the sex scenes, which I skip. I skipped so many pages in the next third of the book that I felt there was little in them. The last part of the book again became intriguing. I guess my main problem with it was the application of 20th-21st century morals to early 19th century settings. Ms Laurens is not the only author to succumb to this mistake. Many authors do it. However, I would like to point out that it wasn't until the 1960's that birth control (reliable birth control, that is) was commonly available and allowed women the freedom of premarital sex. Although I'm sure there must have been instances in the early 18th century given the nature of hormones, I refuse to believe that women didn't worry incessantly and try to reduce the frequency of contact for their own self-preservation. That aspect is never touched on, and this book was no different in that respect. Also, I had looked forward to Dalziel's story through the other Bastion books, only to find that the character of Dalziel was nothing like what I had expected. He was not as omnipotent and Machiavellian in this book. Instead the honors go to Minerva. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed, but I still felt this book was the best of the series. The character of Minerva was more than delightful. She is a woman of accomplishment and understanding who rarely sets a foot wrong.
October 21, 2010
I picked up the Australian release (which I thought had a nicer cover but I couldn't find a picture during my browsing so this is the one you get) at Target when I was away and was pleasantly suprised by this one. The last few offerings from Laurens have been a bit ho-hum for me. Too much saying the same thing. In different ways. In short sentences. Over and over. Again. Repetitively. Maybe I'd had just enough of a break between her stories to enjoy this one. No, on second thought, this was just a better book. I liked it so much better than the previous few I'd read (including the 2 of the Black Cobra books I listened to on audio). It wasn't quite a return to the heights of Devil's Bride but it was up there. Thinking back, the other books I've read of hers lately all had the trope where the hero didn't want to admit his feelings to his lady because of some lame and weirdass belief that would make him somehow vulnerable. Frankly, I'm over that as a plot device (if I ever bought into it). Refreshingly, this one is where the family history is that the Varisey's don't love - aren't capable of it (Oh noes! I'm channelling Laurens!). And, while that's (of course), a load of old cobblers, the hero believed it and so did everyone else in the book's world and it wasn't that he didn't want to or couldn't admit it once he recognised it. So, extra points for that. I quite liked Royce and Minerva and I really enjoyed this book. B
May 20, 2014
Luckily I knew from another review not to expect much regarding the last traitor's subplot. Even with the warning, I was surprised at how this subplot was handled. It did not feel right at all - the bright and evil genius turned suddenly into a crazed maniac. That was way too easy as a way out and not worthy of either opponents.
However the almost entirety of the book dealt with the romance between Royce and Minerva, Royce's coming to grips with his inheritance, with the truth of his failed relationship with his parents and family, and with him trying to define from scratch his future life. There were a few very moving moments with much deeper and darker emotions filling him in that what Stephanie Laurens usually writes about. And to my surprise, those darker thoughts worked really well and felt real.
Their romance has nothing really new in terms of story line, but for me, it just worked out right and I really could feel the growing feelings each felt for the other.
Last qualms - this book could have done without the melodramatic swansong on the last traitor and I would also have appreciated less interventions from the awful haughty pretentious Letitia, that I hated so much in her previous book and hoped never to see again, just to stumble across her over and over again.
However the almost entirety of the book dealt with the romance between Royce and Minerva, Royce's coming to grips with his inheritance, with the truth of his failed relationship with his parents and family, and with him trying to define from scratch his future life. There were a few very moving moments with much deeper and darker emotions filling him in that what Stephanie Laurens usually writes about. And to my surprise, those darker thoughts worked really well and felt real.
Their romance has nothing really new in terms of story line, but for me, it just worked out right and I really could feel the growing feelings each felt for the other.
Last qualms - this book could have done without the melodramatic swansong on the last traitor and I would also have appreciated less interventions from the awful haughty pretentious Letitia, that I hated so much in her previous book and hoped never to see again, just to stumble across her over and over again.
May 9, 2012
I was actually excited to read this book as it wraped up the Bastion club and Denzil was one of the most secretive person’s in the series. I kept thinking that this one would be good. Well it was good but not in the reason that the author planned. During the seductive scenes I actually started laughing. I have never had that happen. It was the funniest book I have ever read. Maybe near the end I got used to the over the top – you have got to be kidding me reaction but it got better… Well no it was pretty hilarious from start to stop.
As to a Stephanie Laurens book, it was an extreme let down. She has written some enjoyable novels but this one was almost like a stretch because she just wanted the series done.
If you love Stephanie Lauren’s books don’t read it. Your imagination is better. I think I have heard pick up lines in a bar that were similar in believability.
As to a Stephanie Laurens book, it was an extreme let down. She has written some enjoyable novels but this one was almost like a stretch because she just wanted the series done.
If you love Stephanie Lauren’s books don’t read it. Your imagination is better. I think I have heard pick up lines in a bar that were similar in believability.
September 22, 2021
Misses 5 stars because the Royce/Dalziel in the first half of the book has nothing in common with the character by whom we have been utterly intrigued and whom we had grown to love through the other books. The last half was good to excellent.
2018--being past caring much about the eroticism, I am better able to enjoy other aspects. I LOVED the scene with Royce and the crofters' children. Admittedly, the last half definitely merits 4 stars so I'm giving, kind of under protest.
2019--And the 5 stars is for the series as a whole. The male character here just is not Dalziel...and that is a huge disappointment. Dalziel rivaled Devil previously.
2020--decided this book cannot have 5 stars, although the series is really really good.
2018--being past caring much about the eroticism, I am better able to enjoy other aspects. I LOVED the scene with Royce and the crofters' children. Admittedly, the last half definitely merits 4 stars so I'm giving, kind of under protest.
2019--And the 5 stars is for the series as a whole. The male character here just is not Dalziel...and that is a huge disappointment. Dalziel rivaled Devil previously.
2020--decided this book cannot have 5 stars, although the series is really really good.
May 1, 2012
Sukaaaa banget sama buku terkahir ini hehehe..
aku habiskan dalam waktu 2 hari, madol hari senen kemaren sampe semua anak kantor nyangka aku madol kr abis ntn suju, padahal kl tanggung lagi baca ni buku *culhat*
Dalziel, ya ampuuunn.. coolll..... sangat cool sekali ni orang satu XD
aku paling suka caranya die ngedektin Minerva, sampe si Minervanya sendiri kaga sadar, pas maksa nanya nama calon istri pilihannya itu dan Royce nya bilang "kau" ouch!! Minervanya shock hehehehe
yg kocak itu pas adegan di atas menara itu, ya ampun malunyaaaa hhahaha.. tp Royce ttp cool ngadepinnya XD
pokoknya wajib baca hehehe
aku habiskan dalam waktu 2 hari, madol hari senen kemaren sampe semua anak kantor nyangka aku madol kr abis ntn suju, padahal kl tanggung lagi baca ni buku *culhat*
Dalziel, ya ampuuunn.. coolll..... sangat cool sekali ni orang satu XD
aku paling suka caranya die ngedektin Minerva, sampe si Minervanya sendiri kaga sadar, pas maksa nanya nama calon istri pilihannya itu dan Royce nya bilang "kau" ouch!! Minervanya shock hehehehe
yg kocak itu pas adegan di atas menara itu, ya ampun malunyaaaa hhahaha.. tp Royce ttp cool ngadepinnya XD
pokoknya wajib baca hehehe
November 1, 2015
This was the 8 and final book in the Bastion Club series. I was eagarly waiting to find out who Dalziel/Royce really was. I was also eager to see all the threads coming together and who the taraitor was. I wasn't dissoppointed. The suspence plot wasn't as heavy as usual which was fine. I liked both Royce and Minerva and they were good match. Royce was an arrogant brooding, commanding duke (in bed and outside of it), which I liked. The sex sceens were hot and well made, almost explict. This is my favorite book in the series and favorite all of Stephanie Lauren's books. I have still the Cynsters to read and my opinion might change since I have heard so many good things about that series.
April 2, 2012
5 star for the last series...
ga nyangka... Sifat Dalziel aslinya begini.. hahahha...
Gw suka sama caranya dia ngedeketin Minerva ... hohohoh...
kapan2 di reread aahh.. abis itu baru review ulang.. hehehe..
daaaaannn... Seperti biasa.. Sex Scene nya Stephanie Laurens ini HOT sangaaat!!! jyakakakka
===PecintapriaNakalbersaksi... ga salah dia favorite gw.. [image error] ===
ga nyangka... Sifat Dalziel aslinya begini.. hahahha...
Gw suka sama caranya dia ngedeketin Minerva ... hohohoh...
kapan2 di reread aahh.. abis itu baru review ulang.. hehehe..
daaaaannn... Seperti biasa.. Sex Scene nya Stephanie Laurens ini HOT sangaaat!!! jyakakakka
===PecintapriaNakalbersaksi... ga salah dia favorite gw.. [image error] ===
April 26, 2014
I was very disappointed in this book. Here was a character we have been reading about throughout the whole series. He was cloaked in mystery and danger.This could have been a really good story. I feel like SL just got tired of the series and just recycled another one of the books in the series just to get it over with. After spending so much time reading these books and waiting for the identity of Dalziel to be revealed, this was a huge letdown.
November 12, 2013
The story of Dalziel the head of the spy group ends the Bastion Club Series, and what a story. I really enjoyed finding out who Dalziel was and all the threads coming together. A great ending to a wonderful series. But read on.......
It looks like some of the members of the Bastion Club will continue in a new series called the "Black Cobra Quartet", the first volume is The Untamed Bride.
It looks like some of the members of the Bastion Club will continue in a new series called the "Black Cobra Quartet", the first volume is The Untamed Bride.
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