Mastered By Love

Author: Stephanie Laurens
Publisher:
Year: 2009
Setting: September 1816, Wolverstone Castle ; London, England, and probably the Bastion Club, at Monstroe Place
Amazon Listing -

Review

One by one, the brave, dashing, and handsome members of the Bastion Club, who were secretly spies of their Britannic Majesties, return to civilian life...with their the lady loves.Now... their ex-commander faces the same fate, while hunting down a ruthless traitor bent on murdering Royce and everything he holds dear. Be sure to read this thrilling romance when it comes out July 28,2009

Plot Synopsis

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 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.

Characters

Royce Varisey aka Dalziel - hero, 10th Duke of Wolverstone, ex-commander of spies of His Britannic Majesties; dark haired, chocolate brown eyes

Minerva Chesterton - heroine, aloof and passionate chatelaine of Wolverstone; wheat blonde hair, brown eyes with golden flecks/otherwise autumn eyes

note, also members of the Bastion Club and their lovely spouses; Tristan/Leonora, Tony/Alicia, Charles/Penny, Jack/Clarice, Deverell/Phoebe, Gervase/Madeline, and Christian/Leticia

Facts of Hero, Heroine

Royce is nine years older then Minerva
Minerva is Wolverstone's chatelaine
Royces' late mother, 9th duchess of Wolverstone, was Minerva's late mother's childhood friend
At thirteen, Minerva Chesterton was infatuated with twenty-two year old Royce Varisey
When orphaned as a child, Minerva was sent to stay at Wolverstone castle
Minerva is twenty-nine at the time: 1816
Minerva is one of the only humans to be brave enough to say "oyce! Dalziel ___ whatever it is you're called these days ___ stop!" to Royce
After not seeing each other again for sixteen years, Royce and Minerva finally set their eyes upon each other by colliding at Wolverstone castle.
When they collide, Royce has this very romantic/primitive urge to...make love...
Minerva seems to be a very gorgeous, capable, lovely person

NOTE: All the information above came from Mastered by Love excerpt, which is shown at the back of Temptation and Surrender, also by best selling author Stephanie Laurens