The Winged Tiara

An estranged couple reunites mid-heist in this sparkling historical romance from Ciesielski (To Free the Stars). Smitten with one another in the fervor of Armistice Day, Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt impulsively marry in 1918 Paris. Esme, who has no real desire to be tied down to a virtual stranger despite their memorable night together, leaves Jasper the very next morning. Four years later, they’re shocked to meet again at a party on the French Riviera where Jasper, who’s actually a famed thief known as Phantom and the illegitimate grandson of the Duke of Loxhill, is hunting for the Valkyrie tiara. As it happens, Esme, an actor, has been hired to model the jewels—and secretly plans to steal them for herself. Upon discovering the tiara she’s wearing is a fake, Esme and Jasper race against time and one another to track down the real deal. The resulting whirlwind tour through Europe, from France to Venice to a Bavarian castle, reignites their short-lived passion. But when the time comes, will they choose riches or true love? The glamorous Jazz Age backdrop adds allure to this second-chance romance, and Ciesielski’s exploration of her protagonists’ bruised emotions in the aftermath of their wedding night rings true. Historical romance fans will be riveted. (Aug.)