The Marigold Chain

England, 1666; the year when people who take prophecy seriously believe that the world is going to end.

For Chloe Herveaux, marriage to wild, unpredictable Alex Deveril offers escape from a home she hates. For Alex, waking up with an epic hangover, the discovery that he has acquired a bride is an unwelcome shock. But while the marriage remains in name only, other forces are gathering.

England is once again at war with the Dutch and Prince Rupert suspects that sabotage is at work within the fleet. Instructed to find and stop the traitor, Alex enters a dark labyrinth of intrigue - where no life is safe and nothing is what it seems.

Chloe, meanwhile, navigates the shark-infested waters of Charles the Second's Court and plots a course of her own aimed at financial independence. But as the intriguing facets of Mr Deveril's personality are gradually revealed to her, Chloe's mock-marriage becomes fraught with difficulties - the greatest of which is Mr Deveril himself.

Absorbed in his search for a traitor, Alex spares little thought for his bride. But as the flames of the Great Fire sweep over London, Alex and Chloe face their ultimate test. Their world is at risk ... their choices may save it.

The Marigold Chain is a richly-woven tapestry of treachery, danger and love set against a backdrop of Restoration England during the year expected to be Doomsday. Rated '2/5 - Behind closed doors' for steam/spice/heat level.