“Irresistible — a funny, sexy romp that’s also smart, even wise.”
“Captivating ... Valerie Martin offers us an idyll, perhaps even a comedy. All’s well that ends well. We hope.”
It's 1954 on far-flung Verona Island, a tropical paradise where prostitution is legal and Lila Gulliver is proud of her high-end establishment. When Carità Bercy, a young, destitute, and beautiful blind woman arrives at her door seeking employment, Lila gives her a chance to earn her own way in the world. Carità proves to be not only an invaluable asset to the house, but a reckless force of nature, determined to succeed in ways Lila hasn't even contemplated. And when she catches the eye of the scion of the Verona's wealthiest family, the stability of the entire island may be in the balance. Spirits of the star-crossed Romeo and Juliet as well as the denizens of the magical island in The Tempest haunt this steamy tale of passionate love--found and lost, and found again.
“The title suggests a rollicking tale and a rollicking tale is what you get, full of twists and surprises and never a dull moment. Entertainingly wild.” —Karen Joy Fowler, Man Booker longlisted author of Booth
“An intriguing well-written gem, it slips down as sweetly as a sonnet.” —Buzz Magazine