Step into the dashing world of the Bastion Club, where seven battle-hardened spies turned eligible bachelors navigate the glittering ballrooms and perilous intrigues of post-Waterloo England! Penned by Stephanie Laurens, this historical romance series blends steamy love stories, Regency-era charm, and a touch of mystery, captivating readers with its irresistible heroes and spirited heroines.
Set in the early 19th century, the Bastion Club novels follow a group of former spies determined to marry on their own terms, dodging the matchmaking mamas of London’s high society. With richly detailed settings and heart-pounding plots, Laurens crafts a world where love is as thrilling as any covert mission.
How Bastion Club Began
Stephanie Laurens, a former scientist turned romance novelist, found her calling after devouring Regency romances in England. Inspired by Georgette Heyer’s tales, she penned her first novel, Tangled Reins, before launching the Bastion Club series in 1997 with the prequel Captain Jack’s Woman. The main series kicked off in 2003 with The Lady Chosen, born from Laurens’ fascination with the post-Napoleonic era, where returning spies faced a new battlefield: love and societal expectations.
Laurens’ time in a historic London cottage, near Roman ruins, fueled her passion for historical settings. Her scientific precision translated into meticulous research, ensuring the Regency backdrop—from Mayfair mansions to country estates—feels authentic and immersive.
The Heart of Bastion Club
The series spans nine books, each focusing on a Bastion Club member’s quest for the perfect bride. In The Lady Chosen (2003), Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham, must wed within a year or lose his inheritance. He sets his sights on his spirited neighbor, Leonora Carling, sparking a romance filled with passion and danger. A Gentleman’s Honor (2003) follows Anthony Blake, whose pursuit of Alicia Pevensey entwines love with a murder mystery.
A Fine Passion (2005) introduces Jack, Baron Warnefleet, who teams up with the bold Clarice Altwood to uncover a traitor, their chemistry igniting amid political intrigue. The series concludes with Mastered by Love (2009), where Royce Varisey, the enigmatic Dalziel, grapples with duty and desire for Minerva Chesterton, tying up the series with emotional depth.
Themes of loyalty, independence, and resilience shine through, as Laurens’ heroes—rugged yet refined—meet their matches in strong-willed women. The novels blend romance with suspense, from spy plots to societal scandals, all set against a vividly painted Regency world of lavish balls and whispered secrets.
Why Bastion Club Resonates
The Bastion Club series has carved a niche in historical romance for its blend of adventure and heartfelt emotion. Fans praise Laurens’ ability to craft heroes who are both alpha males and devoted partners, appealing to readers craving empowered characters. The series’ focus on post-war reintegration adds depth, reflecting universal themes of finding purpose and love after hardship.
With over 50 novels and multiple New York Times bestsellers, Laurens has cemented her status as a genre titan. The Bastion Club remains a fan favorite, its timeless tales of love and intrigue inspiring readers to revisit the series or discover it anew.
- Publication Years: 1997 (prequel), 2003–2009 (main series)
- Number of Books: 9 (including prequel)
- Genre: Historical Romance
- Setting: Post-Waterloo Regency England
Grab The Lady Chosen and dive into the Bastion Club’s world of romance, mystery, and Regency splendor!