THE EARL THAT GOT AWAY

The love of her life is back—and now he’s an earl.

American Naila Darwish is 27, and she’s accepted that she’s an old maid. She had her chance at marriage eight years ago, but she turned down the love of her life because her family didn’t approve of him. Now she’s only a little wistful as she watches her sister prepare to marry a duke at an English castle—until she’s introduced to the Earl of Hawksworth, and is shocked to discover she already knows him: Before he was an earl, he was Basil Trevelyn, the man she loved madly for a summer back in Philadelphia. Now known as Hawk, he still—he admits to himself—has strong feelings for her. After Naila turned down his proposal for fear she’d lose her traditional family, both have spent years trying to forget each other and failing terribly. But though their chemistry reignites immediately, Hawk resents feeling that she may be interested just because he’s an earl, and the lingering hurt between them may be too much to overcome. Though the primary storyline is a long, slow burn, it’s interwoven with the quick, heated story of how Naila and Hawk first fell in love, providing a sweet (and then bittersweet) counterpoint to the story of their second chance. Both storylines build beautifully on the first book in Quincy’s Sirens in Silk series, The Duke Gets Desperate (2023), with many cameos from Naila’s family. The Persuasion-inspired story, rich in historical detail, is especially strong in its depiction of Palestinian life in the Victorian-era U.S. and England, respectful of the traditions of the Darwish family as well as Naila’s desire to push against them. Quincy doesn’t skimp on scorching intimate scenes between Hawk and Naila, underscoring how strong their connection is even as they agonize about the possibility of a future together. Though the story works well on its own, the books are best read in order.

A multicultural Victorian romance that celebrates second chances and family ties.