Persuasion

Marked for execution in a French prison in 1794, British spy Simon Grenville agrees to pass information to the French in exchange for his freedom. Returning to his life in Cornwall as the earl of St. Just, Simon learns that his estranged wife has died in childbirth and his lovely, impoverished neighbor, Amelia Greystone, has stepped in to help care for his children. Amelia agrees to accompany Simon to London as his housekeeper because she loves the children and needs the money, but the attraction they felt 10 years earlier still burns. As their passion erupts, Simon tries to wiggle between the British and French governments and get out of the espionage business alive. Fans of the previous volume, Seduction, may find the opening act familiar, but James’s lovers are sympathetic and likable, with good chemistry that will please readers. Dramatic, solid writing and atmospheric details make for an enjoyable read. Agent: Lucy Childs and Aaron Priest, Aaron Priest Literary Agency. (Aug.)