Trudi’s romance quickie: ‘Mastered By Love’

  Stephanie Laurens' "Mastered By Love" is the story about Dalziel, the leader of the Bastion Club, which was formed by the Crown to capture and defeat Napolean. Unknown to most of society, Dalziel is actually the son of the Duke of Wolverstone. Upon his father's death and the ending of his reign with the Bastion Club, Royce "Dalziel" Varisey goes home to take up the dukedom.
  Royce knows that his late mother's ward, Minerva Chesterton, is chatelaine of Wolverstone, and he finds her a most reliable source of facts and information, not only on the estate but the people who serve the duke. He finds himself very attracted to Minerva but knows he can never love her, as Variseys don't love.
  Minerva hides her own attraction to Royce, knowing that he must choose one of the maidenly ladies of society to be the Duchess of Wolverstone. Royce is determined to make Minerva his bride. Though he knows he will never love, he is comfortable with Minerva and wants a marriage like his fellow Bastion Club friends have found. He does not want the cold and businesslike marriages associated with all Variseys throughout history.
  Because Minerva made a promise to both of Royce's parents that she would help him settle into the position as Duke of Wolverstone, she is determined to do her duty and stay long enough to familiarize the new Duchess with the duties of Wolverstone. In his plan to make Minerva accept his proposal, he seduces her and demands her presence in his bed nightly. Because Minerva has had a crush on Royce since coming to the castle as a little girl, she accepts the position of Royce's lover but refuses to accept marriage when he discovers she is a virgin. Now Royce's work is more difficult as he has to convince Minerva that his proposal is not made out of guilt.
  Romance, comedy and suspense fill "Mastered By Love," which also includes the other members of the Bastion Club and their wives. Enjoy this romantic summer read!