Helpful Score: 7
Although I LOOOOVE Stephanie Laurens, I was disappointed in this book. This was the end of the Bastion Club series, but it was just the story of how Dalziel, the mastermind spy coordinator, seduced his chatelaine into becoming his duchess. And that story has been done before, ad nauseum. I really expected to see A LOT more about the Last Traitor, but it was only lightly touched upon during the story, and then wrapped up very neatly in the last few pages of the book. Sorry, but this was one was sadly disappointing for me.
Helpful Score: 6
As there's no summary for the book, I've posted this from SL's website (my review's at the bottom):
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, 10th 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 grandes dames would have him consider are predictably boring. Far more tempting is his castle's willful and determindedly aloof chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton. Beneath her serene facade 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.
*******
So....
Expectations are a bitch. In particular, high ones.
I'd waited eagerly for this one, this last story in the Bastion Club series, bought it the day it came out (had to go to 2 stores as it was sold out at the first), and eagerly devoured it... So What's there to say about it?
It was a bit of a disappointment,really. Not bad mind you, in particular seeing the other members of the Bastion Club was a bonus, & Devil Cynster was an added surprise. But after building up 'the last traitor storyline in the last 7 books, I'd thought it would have played more of a part in the overall story in this last book of the series.
Additionally who the bad guy was and why he was bad both seemed more like a cop out then anything else. I guess my overall issues were that the plot seemed a bit lighter in this go round and there were just so many unnecessary characters!
Despite her rather liberal view of the inner workings of regency society, SL is always a keeper for me, but this was def. not her best.
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, 10th 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 grandes dames would have him consider are predictably boring. Far more tempting is his castle's willful and determindedly aloof chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton. Beneath her serene facade 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.
*******
So....
Expectations are a bitch. In particular, high ones.
I'd waited eagerly for this one, this last story in the Bastion Club series, bought it the day it came out (had to go to 2 stores as it was sold out at the first), and eagerly devoured it... So What's there to say about it?
It was a bit of a disappointment,really. Not bad mind you, in particular seeing the other members of the Bastion Club was a bonus, & Devil Cynster was an added surprise. But after building up 'the last traitor storyline in the last 7 books, I'd thought it would have played more of a part in the overall story in this last book of the series.
Additionally who the bad guy was and why he was bad both seemed more like a cop out then anything else. I guess my overall issues were that the plot seemed a bit lighter in this go round and there were just so many unnecessary characters!
Despite her rather liberal view of the inner workings of regency society, SL is always a keeper for me, but this was def. not her best.
Helpful Score: 5
I have read, and will continue to read, every book by Stephanie Laurens. That said, this 'grand finale' was a total let-down. Mysterious, dangerous master strategist and spy leader Dalziel/Royce loses his edge, and turns into just a run-of-the-mill duke looking for a bride to bear his heir. I expected so much more from him. And the evil killer/traitor who has evaded capture in earlier books in the series is rather easily caught and killed, in my opinion, and in fact, plays a very small role in this last book. What's with that? Ah, well . . . I'll still read whatever Stephanie Laurens puts out.
Helpful Score: 2
I don't know what is up with Ms. Laurens, but this is the second recent title that took me forever to get through. If it's any consolation, the last 1/4 was the most interesting & exciting part. Therefore, I'm glad I finished it. Took weeks, though, instead of just a day or two.
Helpful Score: 2
As always, Stephanie Laurens kept my attention from open to close! Having said that, I was a little disappointed in this book. All the other Bastion Club books had been leading up to this one mans story and I thought it fell a little flat. The suspense of who he really was didn't get played out much in this book. The "last traitor" didn't take action until the final pages. The entire book is focused on him convincing this lady to marry him. I've never read a Stephanie Laurens book I didn't love and she didn't let me down here either. But I guess I just expected more for the finale.
This is a great book. Stephanie Laurens does it again. I couldn't put it down. You will not be disappointed.
Wonderfully romantic escapism novel. The Bastion Club is a group of English gentlemen returned from the wars with Napoleon who all must marry. They form the Bastion Club and buy a residence in which to meet and share info on prospective brides and which debutantes and managing future mothers-in-laws to avoid. Of course there are mysteries which lead them to meet women they most likely would never have met in Almack's Assembly Room. The struggle between strong willed men and women ensue with lots of torrid romance thrown in.
I thought this book was good. Not the best, but not terrible. I enjoyed the story and the only fault I found was that it was slow to start and a little boring for me in the first few chapters. All in all a good read. The series now feels complete, even if the characters show up in other books like The Untamed Bride.I like seeing the reappearing characters through out her books. It adds a sense of familiarity to the stories and for me is a welcome addition.
This was a great book by a great author. I have read every one of her books and this one was a great ending for the Bastion club series. I highly recommend this and any book written by her.
I have the whole series(all 16)Wish had gotten them in hard back so they won't wear out so fast. This is a series I will read over and over again.
Shelley F. (shelleysalibi) reviewed Mastered By Love (Bastion Club, Bk 8) on + 280 more book reviews
From the back cover...
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 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 facade 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 the 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 facade 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.
MASTERED BY LOVE
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 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 facade 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.
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 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 facade 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.
i have really enjoyed this book series.it was good to see that stephanie didn't leave out the head guy.
Story: 4 stars
Romance: 4 stars
Overall rating: 4 stars
It must be daunting to meet the high expectations that most Laurens fans must have had for this final installment in the Bastion series. That's perhaps not fair to her, one of my very favorite writers and among the best selling of her genre. In fact, if this were a stand-alone book or an earlier installment, readers would probably have not been disappointed.
Laurens always delivers a strong storyline with interesting, well-developed characters, steamy romance and unexpected twists and turns. This book has all of that. Since those criteria would earn any other writer strong marks, I will give them this time as well.
Although this is certainly not her BEST work ever (and my rating reflects that), it was still very entertaining and had all the emotional factors that have made Stephanie Laurens an award-winning author.
Romance: 4 stars
Overall rating: 4 stars
It must be daunting to meet the high expectations that most Laurens fans must have had for this final installment in the Bastion series. That's perhaps not fair to her, one of my very favorite writers and among the best selling of her genre. In fact, if this were a stand-alone book or an earlier installment, readers would probably have not been disappointed.
Laurens always delivers a strong storyline with interesting, well-developed characters, steamy romance and unexpected twists and turns. This book has all of that. Since those criteria would earn any other writer strong marks, I will give them this time as well.
Although this is certainly not her BEST work ever (and my rating reflects that), it was still very entertaining and had all the emotional factors that have made Stephanie Laurens an award-winning author.
Perfect conclusion for the Bastion members head commander. It was well written like all of Stephanie Laurens books. An enjoyable read.
Excellent
This last one of the Bastion Club series was significantly better than some of the more recent books.
What a nice finish to the Series.
Sometimes the books you most wait for in a series can be disppointing- but this book delivers! Royce/Dalziel's story is wonderful- I stayed up until the early hours to read it in one night! Great characters...made me want to go back and read all the previous books again in the Bastion Series.
Stephanie Laurens,is one of my favorite,not her best,but a good read.
