The Earl That Got Away (Sirens in Silk, 2) by Diana Quincy

In the second installment of Diana Quincy’s steamy Victorian historical romance series, an Arab-American young woman is reunited with the lost love of her youth and forced to reckon with their past and undying tension. A Persuasion retelling and second-chance romance that delivers on all of the angst and yearning of the original—plus added heat!

American Naila Darwish always regretted calling off her engagement to the man she loved because he wasn’t successful enough for her family. Eight years later, she travels to England for her sister’s wedding and gets the shock of her life when she runs into Basil again. Overjoyed, she wonders if the fates have given her a second chance at love.

But Basil Trevelyn is not the same carefree young man Naila rejected all those years ago. Having unexpectedly inherited a noble title, he is now the Earl of Hawksworth, one of England’s most sought-after bachelors. Still bitter after Naila’s heart-wrenching rejection all those years ago, Hawk is cold and distant, suspecting Naila is after his money and position.

When the two lost lovers are repeatedly thrown together, they discover that the chemistry between them burns brighter than ever and that some feelings are too strong to deny. Will they allow pride and lingering resentment to keep them from seizing their last chance at happiness?