Comments on: Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens

By: Ella A Hatfield

Ella A Hatfield — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:41:38 +0000

I couldn’t wait for Dalziel’s story! I was not disappointed.
Once he went home it was a case of having to readjust to civilian life. He wasn’t the “Master Spy” anymore. He had to take on the responsibilities of the Dukedom dealing with people and their problems face to face. Rather then overseeing from a detached distance.
Then after being in charge. He finds out he has to marry, now. He finds the choices unsuitable. His choice is Minerva,but he is not her choice. As with other Laurens titles, she is a strong, capable woman. He must convince her they can and should make a life together.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 06:04:03 +0000

I have read most of her books as well and found some of them seriously lacking. I also have that feeling of dejuvu when it comes to charaters, scenes and plots. I am also a dissapointed fan…

By: carcrozat

carcrozat — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:14:27 +0000

I am a huge Stephanie Laurens fan.
I have bought all her books and I have to admit that I become more and more disapointed by her latest novels.
I truly agree with Kate Garrabrant, the heroine’s reactions to the hero is to be found in all her books now and it is becoming boring.
Although this ploting is the Stephanie Laurens’ touch and it is what makes her special as a romance writer, it is definitively time for her to renew herself. She is a great author, her writing is very pleasant, her love scenes so thrilling but let’s not make it the most important elements of the novels. They can go on for pages and pages and I really have to stop myself skipping them now. It’s such a pity the rest of the plotings in her novels are original and that’s what keep me buying her books.

By: romance reader

romance reader — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:47:23 +0000

I absolutely adored Mastered by Love. This is the love story of the Bastion Club’s mysterious spy master, Dalziel. He had handpicked all his spies, and consequently they all had many of the same characteristics and interests as he. But, unlike the others, as a boy and young man, Royce Varisey had been abused and neglected by his self-indulgent parents. And this 10th Duke of Wolverstone was determined to not repeat the mistakes of his ancestors. He not only devoted many lonely years to protecting his country prior to his return home, but upon his return, he set out to modernize his dukedom and improve the lot of his people AND defy convention and marry for love the woman HE chose (he was ahead of his time!). And in Minverva (Laurens chose this name carefully – it’s the Roman Goddess of Wisdom) he found a wise, loyal, loving and sensual woman who was his equal in every way.- in bed and out. He thought the years had hardened his heart, but we saw him slowly melt – mastered by love in front of our eyes. I was VERY impressed with all the fine touches Laurens put in the book – the historical and societal touches (Prinny, mad King George’s wasteral son was bankrupting his country and wanted to confiscate Wolverstone and there were even hints of assassinating Royce to do so). We learned Royce was NOT a cardboard, robotic “spy”. He was a handsome, virile man of honor and integrity who deserved the happiness he worked so hard to win. Laurens packed a lot in this book. And I thought it one of her best.

By: Shaun Gale

Shaun Gale — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:47:59 +0000

I am reading Mastered By Love right now. I love this book, Minerva is not just spunky, she runs things. Royce sees that in her and her appreciates that and her. It doesn’t hurt that he finds her more than attractive. I love the senuality, but I also appreciate the brilliance. I can’t wait to see what happens with the Duke and soon to be Duchess of Wilverstone!

By: PJ

PJ — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:51:06 +0000

I thought her previous Bastion Club book, “The Edge of Desire” was one of the best she’d ever written and couldn’t wait to get my hands on “Mastered by Love”. I probably would have given it a 3, maybe 3.5 if I hadn’t already read the other Bastion Club books but I’ve been reading this series since the first book was released and anticipating Dalziel’s story that entire time. When I finally started reading it I couldn’t help but think, “Who is this guy? Where’s the dark and dangerous master spy we’ve come to know these past few years?” He sure wasn’t in evidence in this book!

By: Joy

Joy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:04:50 +0000

I am a huge Bastion Club fan. My favorite was Christian’s story. I was so looking forward to Dalziel’s book that I made sure I had this book on release day. I was SOOOO disappointed in the book. I had to force myself to finish it …thinking that it would get better; but, it didn’t. I agree with your review of this book. I am a big Laurens fan; but, not of this one.

By: Stacy ~

Stacy ~ — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:22:37 +0000

I admit, I haven’t read Laurens for years. My favorite by her is A Secret Love. Those were the glory days…

By: katiebabs

katiebabs — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:42:25 +0000

So disappointed in this book.

By: cyclops8

cyclops8 — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:57:16 +0000

Oh no. I love the Bastion Club series and have been looking forward to the last book. I will get a copy and read Royce’s story.