Mastered by Love

A Bastion Club Novel

By: Stephanie Laurens

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

The men of the Bastion Club proved their bravery secretly fighting for their country. Now their leader faces the 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 the gravest duty of all: marriage.

Yet the young ladies the grande 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.

Stephanie Laurens began writing as an escape from the dry world of professional science. Her hobby quickly became a career when her novels captivated readers around the globe, making her one of the romance world’s most beloved and popular authors. She has been writing for more than twenty years and is a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling author.

©2009 Savdek Management Proprietory Ltd (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“An outstanding story of love, honor, and commitment. The characters’ behavior reflects the deepest meanings of these words. The depth and intensity of their feelings show what romance and love really mean.” ( Romantic Times, Top Pick)

“Laurens brings her Bastion Club series to a splendid conclusion with the story of the club leader’s own romantic comeuppance. Composed of equal measures of sexy romance and dangerous intrigue, Mastered by Love is irresistible.” ( Booklist)

“Erotically specific yet emotionally touching and infinitely romantic, this electrically charged, danger-tinged romance deliciously concludes Laurens’ Bastion Club series.” ( Library Journal)

another keeper

I LOVE this series. As usual, Stephanie Laurens captures the many facets of life and the period beautifully. The strong lead characters only add to the the richness of the story. She has a dry sense of humor at times and a tender heart at just the right time, without being overly so.

Dalziel’s story - finally

Date: 1816 September
Chronology: set after THE EDGE OF DESIRE, this is the last book in The Bastion Club series whose various characters sometimes appear in Laurens’ subsequent books. This story takes place almost 2 years before DEVIL’S BRIDE, next in the timeline according to the author’s chronological booklist.
Royce Varisey has served his country for 16 years as its’ spymaster Dalziel at great personal expense. As Marquess of Winchelsea, his father the Duke of Wolverstone forced him into a virtual banishment for his choice. Now he’s resigned, but before he can get home, his father has died before they can reconcile.
Now Royce heads home to assume his responsibilities as Duke and adjust to private life. But the last traitor isn’t done with him yet.

Fitting finali

I thought the narrator did an excellent job. Don’t understand why other readers complained. The ending was far fetched and rather shallowly handled but I was nonetheless entertained

Horrible narrator!!!!

What did you like best about Mastered by Love? What did you like least?

The story was great!! Finally Royce's story. The narration was just horrible!! I will never listen to another book narrated by Steven Crossley!

What three words best describe Steven Crossley’s performance?

Down right horrible!!

Any additional comments?

Jill Tanner and Simon Prebble are great narrators.

The enigmatic spymaster meets his match

We've all been impressed and possibly intimidated by this man who led the Bastion Club members through the last 15 years of the Napoleonic wars. Here his character and personality are illuminated, as is that of the woman who has been too aware of him since she was a child. Insightful, wry, and with the obligatory erotica well done. A must read in the Bastion Club collection.

annoying narrator

What made the experience of listening to Mastered by Love the most enjoyable?

I LOVE STEPHIE'S stories, but this narrator has got to go!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dalziel, because I waited thru 8 books to learn about him. He is the ultimate mystery man.

Would you be willing to try another one of Steven Crossley’s performances?

I love all of Stephanie's stories, especially the Bastion club series, and I probably will purchase the rest, (I already own 3 of them) but I do not look forward to another recitation by Mr. Crossley. I much prefer Jill Tanner or Simon Prebbles.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I couldn't tolerate the narrator's voice.

Great Ending To A Wonderful Series

Where does Mastered by Love rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Pretty high up there because I've read the entire series and was waiting to listen to the very last one.

What other book might you compare Mastered by Love to and why?

I'd have to compare it to other books written by Laurens. I enjoyed all of her books, some more than others, but, throughout all the other books was the question..

What about Steven Crossley’s performance did you like?

Now, this was a disappointment, especially after enjoying Simon Prebble. I tried so hard to keep an open mind but his rendition of Minerva just didn't fit the character I envisioned. Also, the male characters, especially Devil Cynster, didn't sound strong enough.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Well, I've read the book several times but I still got emotional at the ending, knowing that all the Bastion Club members have had their stories told.

I finished it

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, I hate to say it was boring but..... There was almost no action. The love story was not very good. To me it is essential to be vested and interested in the characters, I was not.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I'm having a hard time finding anything tempting.

How could the performance have been better?

He was okay but, lacked voice differentiation. He lacked sincere emotion.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

Most reviews about this book were positive so maybe it is me. The only action was at the very end of the book.

Great read!

One of my favorite series! a prequel series to the Cynster series!
all the spy stuff was great !!!!!!!

Great finishing touch to the bastion series

Thank goodness for a great narrator. He captures Dalziel’s voice wonderfully. His voice was sexy and masterful, though Minerva sounded like a schoolmarm. There was humor and color and detail which made this a lot of fun to read. Good to see a reunion of the Bastion Club included. Great escape!