Review and Giveaway: Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens.

Posted July 28, 2009 by Rowena in Reviews | 45 Comments

Publisher: Avon, Harper Collins


Rowena’s review of Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens.

Hero: Dalziel
Heroine: Miss Minerva Chesterson
Grade: 4 out of 5

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.

This is the last of the Bastion Club books. It’s Dalziel’s book and if you’ve been reading this series from the beginning then you have been wondering just who this Dalziel character is. He was the leader of the Bastion Club and finally, his story is told.

The mystery behind Dalziel is uncovered in the pages of Mastered by Love. This book was a story about a man who had to come to grips with the fact that he will never get a chance to square things away with his late father. He’s thrown into the life that he was booted out of and he’s trying to stay afloat, all the while trying to stay away from the one woman he cannot have. The only woman he desperately wants.

While reading this book, I have come to realize that Stephanie Laurens writes those old school historical novels that are very wordy, completely angst ridden and yet, still very engaging. Reading this book, took me back to when I was reading Christian’s story The Edge of Desire. When I was reading that story, there were times when I thought I was never going to finish the book because there were just too many words but I did finish the book and I did enjoy it and that was the same way with this one.

The book itself was really good. The story was a solid storyline, one that got me into the story but there were times aplenty in this book where I wished that SL would have just chopped this story in half and called it a day. I think had she did that, my enjoyment would have soared through the roof because while I enjoyed the angst and the chemistry between the two main leads in this story, the drama got to be too much.

The third time that I picked up this book, I recall telling my niece Chelsea that I wished this book had less words in it. I didn’t need so much detail about the setting and I didn’t need to know all of the farmer’s names, all of the families names on the Mom and the Dad’s side, their baby mama drama and their birth dates and all of that. All of the words didn’t make me put the book down. I was too invested in the story to quit on it but I wanted to and even though I loved both Royce and Minerva, I wanted their story to end and when it finally did, I rejoiced because I stuck with it.

So here are my thoughts, if you don’t mind long winded descriptions on everything from the setting to the sex, then this is the book for you. I think all Bastion Club fans will enjoy this book because finally, finally we get to find out who Dalziel really is and I really liked who he was. I liked how the book ended. It was great to see the other people from the other series as well (Cynsters, although it was pretty crazy to see Devil BEFORE he was married). They were a delightful addition to this story and the way that Royce handled everything and everyone made me lust after him like a tramp. He was a great hero, Minerva was his perfect match and had this book been chopped in half, it probably would have gotten a 4.5 but because of the wordy-ness and the amount of time it took me to read this book, it gets just a 4.

Reading Order:


***GIVEAWAY ALERT: I have two copies of MASTERED BY LOVE that are up for grabs! If you want your name thrown in the hat for a shot at your very own copy of this book, leave a comment and you’ll be automatically entered in the drawing! Good luck and happy reading!***

This book is available from Avon. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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45 Comments

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45 responses to “Review and Giveaway: Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens.”

  1. Maureen

    I would love to win it! It sounds like a good story and I have read several in the series so I would enjoy the conclusion.

    Reply
  3. Tabitha

    I haven’t read a book by Stephanie Laurens. I’m not a big fan of long-winded descriptions on the setting (the sex? TBD, ha) but if this book kept you going, I’d like to throw my name in the hat. Thanks. 🙂

    Reply
  5. maered

    I’d like to be entered in the contest, please. I just can’t quit Stephanie Laurens. 😉

    Reply
  6. Armenia

    I would love a chance to win this book. I’ve been waiting to read EDGE OF DESIRE just so I can dive right into Dalziel’s story in MASTER OF LOVE without waiting and finally finish the Bastion Club series.

    Reply
  8. housemouse88

    I’ve not read Stephanie Laurens work. However, I’d love to have the opportunity to. Thanks for the contest. Count me in. Have a great day.

    Reply
  13. cheryl c

    I have just started reading this series. The stories are wonderful so far. Thanks for the chance to win this one because I am working my way up to it! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Lori

    Wow – you did this without giving anything away! Amazing!

    I’m dying to know who the hell Dalziel is, and how the rest of the guys react to finding out, too.

    And how interesting that she includes the Cynsters as well. Hmmm….

    Thanks, Rowena!

    Reply
  19. Janet H

    Rowena, I have been waiting for Dalziel’s story just like all the other Laurens Cynster/Bastion Club fans. Please enter me, I can’t wait for his story.

    Reply
  23. booklover1335

    I agree with you. I’ve kind of outgrown SL’s style of writing, but at the same time I have been wondering who Dalziel was since I first read The Lady Chosen. I would love to win the final chapter to this series!

    cldivineATyahooDOTcom

    Reply
  25. Pam P

    True, sometimes she could cut back on all those words and prose, depends on the book. Still,I want to find out about Daziel.

    Reply
  28. Cathy M

    Stephanie Laurens is one of my favorite historical romance writers and I’ve really enjoyed both the Cynster and Bastion men and women. There has been such a great build up for Dalziel’s story and I can’t wait to read it.

    The last Cynster story, Temptation and Surrender was another winner for me.

    Reply
  30. ChristyJan

    Oh heck yes! Please throw, toss, chuck, hurl, fling, cast, pitch or sling my name in the hat for a chance to win a copy of MASTERED BY LOVE!

    Reply
  33. Allison('s)Reads

    Thanks for the review Rowena! I think one can’t go wrong with a SL read – as long as they’re interspersed with lots of other reads! Pls. count me in for the great giveaway.

    Reply
  36. Aditi

    Not so much interested in the book as wanted to compliment your balanced review. I am a certified SL fan and yes, of late have found her books being to long-winded. I have yet to read this book, as I stay in India and getting my hands on latest releases are a little tough. I will stay tuned for other book reviews from you.

    Reply
  40. Audrey

    Wow! Solid review and I just want to dive in and read this smashing story! I have read others by Stephanie Laurens and quite enjoy her works.

    Thanks for the review and the contest! Great website, too!

    Audrey

    Reply
  42. dani

    I’ve been waiting for this book to come out. I’ve secretly been pining for the leader himself. the one the ladies know and the men find elusive in their memories. we have his name. now i cant wait for his story. and ultimately his downfall. im hoping his female counterpart wont let him win easily.

    Reply

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