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They meet in a clash of swords, drenched in the moonlight of Britain's rugged eastern coast: Captain Jack, his handsome features etched in silver and shadow, his powerful physique compelling "Kit" Cranmer to surrender. He is her dream lover come vividly alive, and his command of the smuggling gang is absolute. His all-knowing gaze penetrates her disguise as the male leader of a rival gang with frightening ease, and his "punishment" with kisses leaves her maidenly modesty in tatters.
Sebastian Cynster knows time is running out. If he doesn't choose a wife soon, his female relatives will line up to assist him. Yet the current debutantes do not appeal. Where is he to find the right lady to be his marchioness? Then Drake Varisey, eldest son of the Duke of Wolverstone, asks for Sebastian's aid.
In a quiet moonlit courtyard, Helena encounters a handsome and mysterious Englishman. Before parting, he rewards her with a special kiss - a delicious, enticing, unforgettable kiss that makes her whole body shiver with desire. Helena doesn't yet know that she has met her destiny - and he is Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives.
The instant Captain Declan Frobisher lays eyes on Lady Edwina Delbraith, he knows she's the woman he wants as his wife. The scion of a seafaring dynasty accustomed to success, he discovers that wooing Edwina is surprisingly straightforward - not least because she makes it plain that she wants him as much as he wants her.
Alasdair Cynster, known to his intimates as Lucifer, decides to rusticate in the country before the matchmaking skills of London's mamas become firmly focused on him. But an escape to Devon leads him straight to his destiny in the irresistible form of Phyllida Tallent, a wilful, independent beauty who brings all his masterful Cynster instincts rioting to the fore. Lucifer tries to deny the desire Phyllida evokes, but destiny intervenes....
New York Times best-selling author Stephanie Laurens presents a brash, bold new series. They're battle-hardened, sinfully wealthy, completely unstoppable - and all male: Four officers of the Crown, fighting against a deadly foe known only as the Black Cobra.
They meet in a clash of swords, drenched in the moonlight of Britain's rugged eastern coast: Captain Jack, his handsome features etched in silver and shadow, his powerful physique compelling "Kit" Cranmer to surrender. He is her dream lover come vividly alive, and his command of the smuggling gang is absolute. His all-knowing gaze penetrates her disguise as the male leader of a rival gang with frightening ease, and his "punishment" with kisses leaves her maidenly modesty in tatters.
Sebastian Cynster knows time is running out. If he doesn't choose a wife soon, his female relatives will line up to assist him. Yet the current debutantes do not appeal. Where is he to find the right lady to be his marchioness? Then Drake Varisey, eldest son of the Duke of Wolverstone, asks for Sebastian's aid.
In a quiet moonlit courtyard, Helena encounters a handsome and mysterious Englishman. Before parting, he rewards her with a special kiss - a delicious, enticing, unforgettable kiss that makes her whole body shiver with desire. Helena doesn't yet know that she has met her destiny - and he is Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives.
The instant Captain Declan Frobisher lays eyes on Lady Edwina Delbraith, he knows she's the woman he wants as his wife. The scion of a seafaring dynasty accustomed to success, he discovers that wooing Edwina is surprisingly straightforward - not least because she makes it plain that she wants him as much as he wants her.
Alasdair Cynster, known to his intimates as Lucifer, decides to rusticate in the country before the matchmaking skills of London's mamas become firmly focused on him. But an escape to Devon leads him straight to his destiny in the irresistible form of Phyllida Tallent, a wilful, independent beauty who brings all his masterful Cynster instincts rioting to the fore. Lucifer tries to deny the desire Phyllida evokes, but destiny intervenes....
New York Times best-selling author Stephanie Laurens presents a brash, bold new series. They're battle-hardened, sinfully wealthy, completely unstoppable - and all male: Four officers of the Crown, fighting against a deadly foe known only as the Black Cobra.
Adair Thorne has just watched his gaming-hell dream disappear into a blaze of fire and ash, and he’s certain that his competitors, the Killorans, are behind it. His fury and passion burn even hotter when he meets Cleopatra Killoran, a tart-mouthed vixen who mocks him at every turn. If she were anyone else but the enemy, she’d ignite a desire in him that would be impossible to control. No one can make Cleopatra do anything. That said, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her siblings - even if that means being sponsored by their rivals for a season in order to land a noble husband.
It's December 1810, and Lady Therese Osbaldestone is looking forward to her usual Christmas with her family at Winslow Abbey, her youngest daughter Celia's home. But then a carriage rolls up and disgorges Celia's three oldest children. Their father has contracted mumps, and their mother has sent the three - Jamie, George, and Lottie - to spend this Christmas with their grandmama in Little Moseley.
Simon Frederick Cynster has a perfect life, one of enormous wealth and impeccable social status. His lean handsomeness turns the heads of naive debutantes, while his sensual allure ensures he never lacks for more sophisticated partners for a night of pleasure.
When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can't afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life.... A recluse for more than 20 years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate and oh-so-dashing earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will agree only to a proper courtship.
The only thing more troublesome than a Cynster man...is a Cynster lady who believes love is not her destiny. Famously known in London society as "The Matchbreaker", Henrietta Cynster's uncanny skill lies in preventing ill-fated nuptials - not in falling victim to Cupid's spell. But then she disrupts one match too many and feels honor-bound to assist dashing James Glossup in finding a suitable bride for a marriage of convenience.
The first novel in a new historical romance series from Kelly Bowen.
Michael Anstruther-Wetherby is a man destined for power. Except that Michael, for all his political skill and intelligence, lacks the most important element of success: a wife.
A widow with a past...The last thing Victoria Barrett, the Viscountess Waters, has any interest in is romance. When the only man she's ever loved was killed, she endured an arranged marriage to a cruel man in order to survive. Now widowed, her only focus is on clearing her son's name from the charge of murder. That is until the love of her life returns from the grave. A leader of a once great agency...Nathaniel Archer, the Earl of Exeter head of the Crown's elite organization, The Brethren, is back on British soil.
Neville Roscoe, notorious and enigmatic, lives resolutely outside society, bound only by his own code of honor - until challenged by his desire for the one woman he cannot have. Miranda Clifford is a lady imprisoned by rigid respectability - until tempted by a passion beyond her power to deny. Flung together in peril, through danger and intrigue, they discover a love impossible to ignore...or keep.
Like all the Bedwyn men, Aidan has a reputation for cool arrogance. But this proud nobleman also possesses a loyal, passionate heart - and it is this fierce loyalty that has brought Colonel Lord Aidan to Ringwood Manor to honor a dying soldier's request. Having promised to comfort and protect the man's sister, Aidan never expected to find a headstrong, fiercely independent woman who wants no part of his protection, nor did he expect the feelings this beguiling creature would ignite in his guarded heart.
Penelope Ashford, Portia Cynster's younger sister, has grown up with every advantage: wealth, position, and beauty. Yet Penelope is anything but a pretty face in a satin gown: forceful, willful, and blunt to a fault, she has for years devoted her considerable energy and intelligence to caring for the forgotten orphans of London's sooty and seamier streets. But now her charges are mysteriously disappearing.
Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities...and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house - along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.
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.
This is one of Stephanie Laurens best books! In my top 5 of romance books. Never a dull or slow moment, as in some of her other books. The characters and little sub-plots are wonderful The Grand Dames are hysterical! Hammish, Royce's half-brother, is great too, as are Royce's sisters. The book paints a delightful picture of life on the castle estate with Royce's handling of situations showing a different, softer, side of Royce. The sex scenes are sizzling, and the dialogue and dynamics between the lovers is some of Laurens' best.
Laurens brings in many of the characters in the series, as well as reveals who the Last Traitor is. It would be best if one had read the other books in the series first, although the love story is strong enough, the book would still be great as a stand-alone. Part of the fun of the book, however, comes from knowing Royce's personality and history, as well as the wrap-up of the Last Traitor sub-plot. Without having read the other books, it would be hard to understand this part of the story.
Crossley does a good job with the narration, but the female voices are not as good as Simon Preble's. I particuarly didn't like Minerva's voice (the lead female character), but after awhile you get used to it.
The book is compelling and a super read! I had read the book before listening to the audio, but still stayed up half the night not able to take a break. Get this one, you won't be dissapointed.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
What would have made Mastered by Love better?
Narrator!!!! Honestly I am only about an hour into this 15 hour novel and so disappointed. I do not think I can finish it due to the narration. The narrator himself has a nice voice...but the characters...UGH. Minerva (the heroine) is AWFUL. He makes her sound (very hard to explain) whiny, stupid, choppy, etc. It sounds like they are trying to portray her as one of the characters they want you to dislike. Even the hero sounds stupid at times. I love ALL of the Bastion novels and love love love Simon Prebble. I took a chance and bought this novel based on the reviews but I do not forsee "getting used to" Minervas voice. I can normally envision the heroine immediatly as such when Rosalyn Landor or Simon Prebble are the narrators....this one, i want to throw her out the window into the lake praying she shuts up. What a waste of money :-( And this novel above all else should be awesome as it is the finale to the Bastion novels....but I cannot listen anymore. Trust me, SAVE your MONEY and hope they record it later with a better narration. If you do not believe me go ahead and buy it and you get your first taste of Minerva at 25 minutes and you will agree...
What could Stephanie Laurens have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
I dont know because I cannot finish it because of narrator.
Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Steven Crossley?
Simon Prebble or Rosalyn Landor or Susan Erickson (just about anyone)
What character would you cut from Mastered by Love?
did not get that far
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Would you try another book from Stephanie Laurens and/or Steven Crossley?
Maybe. This is the first time I have tried a book from both Stephanie Laurens and Steven Crossley. If you enjoy a lot of sex scene this will be good for you, otherwise I suggest you should look for another book.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
No big surprises.
Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Steven Crossley?
Holter Graham or Rosalyn Landor.
Was Mastered by Love worth the listening time?
No. I found it extremely painful to finish listening to Steven Crossley narrating the book.
He was fine with certain male characters, but for the main character Steven Crossley made him sound like a dead bore and not powerful enough. The worse thing is him narrating the main female character's voice. She came out sounding whinny and annoying.
So, the story it self is passable and perhaps easier to read. Paired with Steven Crossley's voice, I have to say I did not enjoy the characters very much.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
What didn’t you like about Steven Crossley’s performance?
His character voices were awful. Not at all what I pictured when I read the book. It was a huge disservice to Stephanie Laurens work.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The narrator made the 37yr old Duke sound like a 70-yr old which really spoilt the book for me. The story itself was ok - I do enjoy Stephanie Laurens' books in general.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A very good story, with lots of tension and a satisfying culmination of the search for a traitor which has run through the series.
However, cook
Lately ruined for me by the narrator - he really cannot do women. If the heroine and other female characters spoke in the manner given them by the narrator I would have thought the hero would have been more likely to have arranged their deaths rather than the traitor’s. Such a shame and made the book really difficult to engage with at times
I was looking forward to the final book and read it, even though I had be disappointed by others. This series is the other side of Mary Balogh's style of writing. The sex overtook the story and it was a pity. One of the main cries through out was "It wasn't meant to be like that" and I throughly agree. It had huge potential, but got bogged down with rather forcefully, aggressive sex. Seduction is one thing, but sexual harassment leaves one feeling very uncomfortable. This series ran out of steam, instead the books were bulked out with more and more erotic, aggressive, masterful and soon on sex.
Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
I love Stephanie Laurens books - super sexy - so happy to listen to it.
Who was your favorite character and why?
The story of the hero and heroine and the development of their relationship very strong.
Did the narration match the pace of the story?
When telling the story the narrator was good but the voices of Royce and Minerva were painfully wrong. It just doesn't do them justice. Far too fruity.
If this book were a film would you go see it?
Yes
Any additional comments?
It is a shame that voices were so off.
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, if it was their style.
What three words best describe Steven Crossley’s performance?
I struggle a bit with this narrator but the stories are so good I worked my way past the few things that annoy me.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, although 11 hours would be a stretch in a normal day.
Any additional comments?
This whole series was just fabulous. Such a good author of this type of book.