Flawless

Set against the glamorous, dangerous world of the diamond industry, this epic romance is part soap opera and part thriller. Bagshawe (Scandalous) takes readers around the world with four people who cross ruthless diamond mine owner Brogan O’Donnell. Jewelry designer Scarlett Murray wants him to clean up his act and stop exploiting his workers; Brogan’s wife, Diana, wants to be loved and have a child; and diamond-merchant brothers Jake and Danny Meyer want Scarlett and Diana, respectively. What results is a series of torrid affairs and professional setbacks and accomplishments, infused with dramatic twists and heartfelt revelations. The convoluted plot, which spans years and continents, burns slowly. While the main characters are likable enough, the rampant racism, sexism, and homophobia espoused by the antagonists and secondary characters makes them both less sympathetic and less interesting. Agents: Alexandra Machinist and Luke Janklow, Janklow & Nesbit Associates. (Apr.)