‘Anne O’Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.’ – Sunday Express ‘Surely the chief cause of our ruin was Viscount Marlbrooke himself? And now you wish me to marry into the family?’ The scandalous, sexual games at the Restoration Court of King Charles, have turned Marcus, Viscount Marlbrooke, into a cynic. It is not love that lies within matrimony but the victory of a bitter inheritance feud, securing his rightful claim to Winteringham Priory. Katherine Harley is an innocent pawn, raised a puritan she may be naive to the ways of the court, but not to the price placed on her hand in marriage.In the many machinations to secure Winteringham one thing has been overlooked… For plainness can hide a spirited soul and behind Katherine’s solemn exterior lies a woman of unexpected passion – prepared to fight for her freedom.Praise for Anne O’Brien:’One of the best writers around…she outdoes even Philippa Gregory’ The Sun’Her writing is highly evocative of the time period… O’Brien has produced an epic tale’ Historical Novel Society’Anne O’Brien’s novels give a voice to the "silent" women of history’ Yorkshire Post’Once again O’Brien proves herself a medieval history magician, conjuring up a sizzling, sweeping story’ Lancashire Evening Post’An exciting and intriguing story of love and historical politics. If you enjoy Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir you will love Anne O’Brien’ We Love This Book’A brilliantly researched and well-told story; you won’t be able to put this book down’ Candis’A fast paced historical drama that is full of suspense.’ Essentials