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The men of the Bastion Club proved their bravery secretly fighting for their country. Now their leader faces that most dangerous mission of all: 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 all: 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.… (more)
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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.
Royce Varisey arrives at his ancestral home and is met by Minerva Chesterton, the woman who served as his father's chatelaine and his mother's companion until her death. He remembers her only as a child but as the time passes and he begins t take up the reigns of control for his estates, he realizes that she is the woman that he needs to share his life, but she has other ideas.
This story is probably one of Stephanie Laurens' best because she takes a character that has been a mystery throughout the series (Bastion Club) and finally identifies who he is and why he is the way he is. Watching the interaction between the characters and reviving those from stories past, makes a rich and vibrant tale of love and romance mixed with intrigue. I'm not sure that it would be as enjoyable as a standalone novel, but having read all the others that preceded it, he was terrific!
Royce is the ultimate alpha male, but what would you expect from someone who has led a pack of
What a great story! I laughed and cried many times! Such wonderful writing and really engaging characters!! I love this authors
I adore this whole series and can not wait to see each man get his lady. It is a bit formula with the alpha male who is often chased finding a lady he wants and being forced to pursue her. But formula works that why we love it!
Each book has an add but of intrigue that draws you in. And Stephanie Laurens knows how to deliver the steam!!
I am currently on a Regency kick and this one was terrific!!