AN ISLAND PRINCESS STARTS A SCANDAL

A lesbian artist wants to make the most of her summer in Paris in this belle epoque romance.

Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan would like to be thoroughly debauched before returning to Venezuela and entering into a loveless marriage for the benefit of her family’s finances. After she bonds with the enticing Duchess of Sundridge, Cora Kempf Bristol, over their mutual appreciation for art, the women come to an agreement. Business-minded Cora wants to buy land owned by Manuela to complete a railroad, and Manuela agrees to sell in exchange for Cora’s introducing her to the parts of Paris where women who like women gather throughout the remainder of her trip. Cora was once involved in a scandal and has no desire to be part of another, so she tries to push aside her desire for vivacious Manuela, but their attraction proves irresistible. As Manuela’s sojourn approaches its end, though, the women realize they don’t want a future without each other. Herrera delivers another sumptuous and historically rich romance, following A Caribbean Heiress in Paris (2022). The queer and Latine characters are lively and bold, and they get to embrace a full, earned happily-ever-after despite all obstacles and detractors. The big emotions, exciting drama, and toe-curling sensuality make for an engrossing tale, but what stands out is the sense of community. This is a riveting story of finding one’s person, but equally important, it’s about finding one’s people—the friends who understand, accept, embrace, and encourage. It’s with that support that these characters are able to be their full, vibrant selves and open themselves up to love and be loved.

Empowering and exhilarating.