A SPLENDID DEFIANCE


wins the 2025 Global Book Award for Historical Fiction

A Splendid Defiance  - is a dramatic and enchanting story of forbidden love set against the turmoil and anguish of the Civil War. 


It is also the true account of one English castle and the men who defended it.


What the readers say …


E-book reviews



“A fantastic read you’ll return to over and over again.”


“One of the best books I have read – full of historical detail interwoven with a unique love story. It has everything.”


“Could not put it down. I loved the characters, the superb descriptions, the pitch perfect historical detail, the drama and a beautiful love story. It was lyrical.”



Audio book reviews



“What a beautiful story of love! So intricately written and stunningly written. Magically narrated. Not, necessarily, a predictable ending after everything the characters endure but so, so satisfying and it made my heart sing. Couldn’t recommend the book enough.”


“One of my absolute favourites. Fantastic story and characters, some of whom pop up in Riley’s other civil war books. On my re-listen list!”


“Firstly, Alex Windham brings the book magnificently alive with his fabulous narration.

I am usually more of a Regency or Georgian romance fan however, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this tale of Banbury Castle during the English civil war.”







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