Elle

Mars follows Hotelles with another erotic tour de force that plumbs the depths of unbridled sexuality, betrayal, and addiction. Annabelle “Elle” Lorand, a former escort with the now-defunct Belles de Nuit agency, is healing from her bitter breakup with her fiancé, David Bartlet. She has an unexpected new lover: David’s brother, Louie. As Louie leads Elle through a lengthy series of erotic encounters, he offers her an uncompromisingly libertine sexual education, one that she believes is backed up by love and commitment. But after Louie is jailed for his part in a raunchy performance-art project, Elle discovers secrets that call their entire relationship into question. Mars doesn’t stint on the explicit details, but this novel isn’t just about titillation; it also explores the boundaries of trust and love in the context of a well-crafted mystery. Readers will eagerly await the third and final book. Agent: Anna Jarota Agency. (Apr.)