Excellent romance set during the Restoration

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Having enjoyed the author's other bpooks before listening to the audio edition of this one, I expected to enjoy it, but it surpassed all my expectations. Besides being a historical romance in a marriage of convenience (which is a romance plot I usually enjoy), the hero, Alex, is dashing but flawed - a superior swordsman, intelligent, brave, loyal - but proud, arrogant, reckless, temperamental and both his kindnesses and hurtful remarks appear to be carelessly thrown at anyone around, be it his oldest friends or the wife he won at cards, married while three sheets to the wind and begins to appreciate rather slowly. Chloe,on the other hand, is intelligent, shares his sense of humor, gives back as good as she gets from him, and tries hopelessly to save him from himself and avoid falling in love with his magnetic charm and his complex character at the same time. The story is richly woven, includes an espionage plot, naval battles, and the tension culminates with the Great Fire of London. I enjoyed the appearance of both His Majesty King Charles II and Prince Rupert, the commander of the Royal Navy, who each help and support our protagonists in their own way.
The emotions in the story are intense and gripping - love, jealousy, despair, mourning the death of a friend, forgiveness, and the comfort of friendship tested and true are all present. But there is a lot of humor, laughter, witty conversations - as always, Ms. Riley is excellent in writing dialogue, and an additional delight is Alex's tendency to throw poetry quotes into any conversation.
The audio narration of Alex Wyndham is admirable as always - from the suave tones of Alex's urbane conversation, anger and drunken stubbornness to the French accent of Chloe, the majestic representation of the King and the intriguing Prince Rupert, servants, foppish aristocrats all have their own distinctive voice, the emotions are easy to follow and to feel with the characters. I laughed and cried while listening. I can only recommend this book to all historical romance fans.

19 people found this helpful

Vintage Stella Riley

The Marigold Chain is a little different to other historical romance novels - it has a good mystery woven through the character's story and the hero is a little bit tarnished to say the least!

Without giving away key plot elements I truly loved Chloe, Alex, Matt, Danny and the rest of the ensemble. I can see plenty of room for a sequel or three :) and will be looking out for them.

Well worth spending a credit on - if you've never listened to Stella Riley's books before - you're in for a treat and if you have - then you won't be disappointed :)

13 people found this helpful

Another gem from Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham

Not your average Hist Rom but so much richer and more textured. Intelligent female leads who have their own plans and take care of themselves. I loved the flaws of the characters because they made the characters real and unpredictable. Given the nature of the era, where women had little or no power beyond their own wit and men were both indulged and also abused by the situations they were born into, Chloe and Alex have an uphill battle to come together. You really care about the individuals and their fates, but their actions are not always likeable as is the case with Alex. He has a lot of emotional maturing to do but Chloe has always had to be mature.
Rich details of history are woven through the story which get you really hooked. Alex Wyndham is superb as always. He has a way of inhabiting the life of each individual that communicates a wealth of feeling. If I see his name on a book even if I don't know the author I will buy it he is that good,. Do yourself a favour and read all of Stellas books as each one is a pearl and not to be missed

9 people found this helpful

An old favorite reborn in audio

I have loved The Marigold Chain for years. The story is a compelling mix of history and romance, both beautifully languaged and researched. Alex Wyndham performs, as usual, with vocal beauty and grace, bringing the characters vibrantly alive, and adds another dimension of enjoyment to an already wonderful novel.

7 people found this helpful

Another Terrific Book from the Riley-Wyndham Team

Stella Riley manages to create an endearing hero out of a man who initially seems to be set on taking on every immature risk available. He is even willing to wager for the possession of another man’s stepsister, marrying her while he is so drunk that he has no memory of doing so the next day.
The bride is unhappy enough in her situation that marrying a stranger seems preferable to living with her stepbrother. She remains outwardly calm and pragmatic through months of emotional ordeals that wear away the shields both characters have carried for self preservation.
The tumultuous events of the late 17th Century provide plenty of opportunity for intrigue and disaster - attempted betrayal of the country and the Great Fire. Riley’s characters and story are further enhanced by the interpretation of Alex Wyndham who uses his voice to convey the richness and excitement of The Marigold Chain.
I did find myself wishing for a map of London to follow all the comings and goings of the characters but was too absorbed in the book to look for one on the internet.
I’m looking forward eagerly to more books from this perfect team.

6 people found this helpful

Exceptional, as always!

I loved this book - both in Kindle and on Audible. In fact, I already feel certain that I will be reading it again. I "savored" it, reading and listening, and then reading again.

Chloe was everything I would want the heroine to be: bright, witty, compassionate, kind . . . and with enough self assurance to make the most of even difficult situations. Alex was frustrating at times, but I grew to love him as well -- especially after he has his own revelations. Just a beautiful HEA.

For anyone who finds historically accurate fiction to be intriguing, particularly in 17th Century England, The Marigold Chain is a delight. (If only I had history taught to me in this way back in my high school years!)

As always, Alex Wyndham's narration is exceptional and a perfect match for Stella Riley's 17th Century world full of stories. I can't wait for more!

5 people found this helpful

An Award Winner for Certain!

What an amazing and enjoyable audio book. It wreaked havoc with my emotions. I was smiling, gasping, chuckling and crying big crocodile tears throughout. I have avidly listened to all of Ms. Riley books now, and this is probably my favorite, next to "The Player." I hated for it to end. I was especially glad the story was not so focused on sex, but on great storytelling and on what it means to truly love another person. I admired the intense fabric of the dialogue and the well thought out plot. Simply smashing! Thanks Audible and Ms. Riley. I also want to give a big shout out to the inimitable Mr. Wyndham, who never fails to add depth to the story, due to his unmatched vocal talent.

4 people found this helpful

Great!

You just can't go wrong with anything written by Stella Riley and performed by Alex Wyndham.

4 people found this helpful

Enjoyable Yarn & Love Tale

Stella Riley ha a formula and it’s always enjoyable. A love story. Historical fiction. Handsome devilishly charming men. Lovely ladies. It’s such an easy listen and very enjoyable. The star of the show is the narrator though. I wish he narrated all the books on Audible. He’s the best.

2 people found this helpful

Was this supposed to be a romance?

I love Alex Wyndam's narration and will listen to pretty much anything he does, but I was confused about this book. There was almost zero lovin'! If you like anything remotely steamy, skip this one!

2 people found this helpful