Mastered by Love (Bastion Club #8)

Mastered by Love is the final book in the Bastion Club series by Stephanie Laurens.

Dalziel has spent the last sixteen years serving his country as the master of a spy ring that helped to best Napoleon. At the end of a stellar career, his only failure is to capture the last known spy. After trying more than once he has to face facts that it is time to go home and reclaim his place within the upper class of English society as Royce Varisey.

Before he can finish packing his office, he receives word that his father has died making him the Duke of Wolverstone. Royce races home to attend to his father's funeral and take over Wolverstone. After a sixteen year absence, he will need the help of his father's chatelaine, Miranda Chesterton.

Miranda has lived at Wolverstone since she was six. Her mother was Royce's mother's best friend. The Variseys took her in and raised her as a daughter. Miranda made a promise to both of Royce's parents on their death beds - she would see him become the next Duke of Wolverstone, including finding him a wife as his position requires.

This final Bastion Club novel has the suspense and romance of all of the others. It is the culmination of eight previous books - the leader of the men in books 1 -7 now has to find his own wife, but not a typical wife of the era - he want a partner to share his life with.

Laurens, Stephanie. (2009). Mastered by Love. New York: Avon Books.