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Lords of Misrule

Roundheads & Cavaliers, Book 4

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Lords of Misrule

By: Stella Riley
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
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About this listen

Still tied to his desk in the Intelligence Office, Colonel Eden Maxwell has become increasingly disenchanted with both Oliver Cromwell and his own daily existence; and with the advent of new Royalist conspiracies, he despairs of ever getting away.

Then a brick hurled through the window of a small workshop sets in motion a new and unexpected chain of events. After all, who would want to hurt Lydia Neville—a young widow, giving work and self-respect to maimed war veterans considered unemployable elsewhere? But when the assaults in Duck Lane escalate, threatening the life and remaining limbs of some of Eden’s former troopers, finding the culprit becomes a personal crusade.

At their first meeting, Lydia finds Colonel Maxwell annoying; by their second, having discovered that he had arrested and questioned her brother in connection with the Ship Tavern Plot, she mistrusts his motives. On the other hand, it swiftly becomes plain that she needs his help…and has difficulty resisting his smile.

Solving the increasingly hazardous mystery surrounding Lydia is not Eden’s only task. Between plots to assassinate the Lord Protector and a rising in Scotland, he must also mend the fences within his own family and get to know his son. Life suddenly goes from mind-numbing boredom to frenetic complexity.

With reckless Cavaliers lurking around every corner and a government still struggling to find its way, Lords of Misrule is set against a time of national discontent and general failure. But readers of the previous books in the series can look forward to catching up with old friends as well as meeting new ones…while, against all the odds, Eden and Lydia find danger and reward in equal measure.

©2016 Stella Riley (P)2023 Stella Riley
Historical Historical Fiction Romance War

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All stars
Most relevant  
Another triumph!! Loved it. Alex Wyndham utterly brilliant again. Stella Riley's ability to weave such a perfect tale showcased once again

Captivating

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Such a wonderful conclusion to this amazing series. The characters are so real and you get completely caught up in the fast-moving story. I'm really sad that there are only 4 books in the series. Thanks so much, Stella Riley.

Always perfection

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If I could give this more stars, I would. I have loved every book, more than the last and then listened to them all again. I really do hope there is more to come, especially if it is narrated by the incomparable Alex Wyndham, who, as always, breathes life into every character. Giving Eden the story to redeem himself and bring him the happiness he deserves is perfect!

Perfect!

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each book i think is my favourite, Stella Riley writes a phenomenal story - this one is to her usual high standard.

Fantastic Eden

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The love story is told against a background of politics and vice. Engaging characters even though the males were a bit gung ho at times. Superb narration.

Fast paced

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Stella Riley’s written narration is so well interpreted and delivered by the very talented Alex Wyndham.

Historical fiction, brilliantly woven into historical facts!

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Listener received this title free

Alex Wyndham has to be one of the best narrators of historical fiction around - such wonderful command of so many characters. Bravo!

History brought to life by a brilliant narrator

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I'm sorry to finish this amazing series on Roundheads and Cavaliers, having followed these characters both in book and audiobook formats I can only say that it has been a great adventure. Eden has long been a favourite of mine and I was delighted to listen to his story beautifully narrated (as usual) by Alex. Brava Stella.

A fantastic series

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Listener received this title free

I am always pleased when Alex Wyndham performs an audiobook. He is the perfect narrator for Ms Riley’s novels. He understands the stories so well that he can use pacing, intonation, and nuanced characterisation of the protagonists to superb effect. There is an exceptional quality in Mr Wyndam’s voice that always draws me in so that it feels that I am living the story alongside the characters rather than listening to a narration. This enhanced my enjoyment of this wonderful book.

I have long been a fan of Ms Riley’s work but especially love her Roundhead and Cavalier books. This is the fourth in the series that chronicles the English Civil Wars. The historical detail is impeccable and helps the interested layperson make sense of this intriguing but bewildering passage of British history. Ms Riley brings these momentous events to life by weaving them seamlessly into her gripping narrative.

This is Eden Maxwell’s story. We met him in The Black Madonna where he suffered a truly terrible time and sublimated his ensuing pain and bitterness in forging a career of military brilliance. I have always had a soft spot for Eden and felt he has untapped depths and a capacity for joy that just needs the right woman to unlock it.

Lydia Neville is simply perfect for Eden. She is a wonderfully drawn character. Hiding her beauty under widow’s weeds, she is quick witted and highly intelligent, strong, and resilient with a huge heart. An astute businesswoman, she runs the lorinery and group of lacemakers, employing disabled soldiers in one and women struggling to survive in the aftermath of the wars in the other. She gives them all dignity, purpose, and a sense of community.

The story that brings Eden and Lydia together is full of danger, excitement, and adventure. A very unpleasant villain, with a public reputation and nasty secrets to protect believes that Lydia’s deceased husband had some incriminating information about him, and he is determined to get it back. Building on the slenderest of acquaintances, Eden finds himself drawn in to help when Lydia’s businesses fall victim to a series of petty crimes and vandalism. What follows is the most gorgeous slow-burning romance fuelled by Lydia’s attraction to Eden’s devastating smile and by Eden’s growing appreciation of Lydia’s indominable spirit. The push and pull of their repartee, their easy friendship and Eden’s barely conscious realisation that he is falling in love with Lydia is a total joy to watch. It is one of the most satisfying romances I have ever read/listened to.

I really enjoyed the cat and mouse story as Eden and Lydia work out who is persecuting her and why. The pace of the action and intrigue increased as the story progressed, leading to a quite chilling but fitting denouement.

As always with Ms Riley’s books I loved meeting old friends from previous books. Nicholas Austin, Gabriel Brandon, the Morrell family and, of course, Eden’s family all played meaningful roles in the story. They all add context and help create a sense of community, making you feel that you are part of a familiar world.

I adore this book and heartily recommend it to anyone who loves a compelling adventure story with a glorious romance that is set against a vividly accurate historical backdrop.

Eden's Story

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Listener received this title free

I love the Roundheads and Cavaliers series from Stella Riley and have been really looking forward to reading Eden’s story since the disaster of his first marriage in The Black Madonna. This book brings the series full circle and we hear from old friends and new foes alike, all excellently brought to life by Alex Wyndham’s fabulous range of voices. I particularly like that Eden’s more mature voice reminds me of his father’s voice in The Black Madonna. I would hugely recommend to any fans of well-researched historical fiction. Lashings of romance and intrigue are thrown in for good measure! The only problem is… I would like Tobias to have his own story now!

5* Wonderful historical romance

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