Century unveils E L James’ ‘passionate and thrilling’ follow-up to The Mister

Century has announced the “passionate and thrilling” new novel from the author of The Fifty Shades of Grey series, E L James. 

Publisher Selina Walker acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada from Valerie Hoskins Associates to The Missus, the follow-up to The Mister (2019).

Set to be published on 20th June 2023, the publisher describes The Missus as “a passionate and thrilling love story” and “a sequel that fans have been demanding", adding: “From Albania to London, and the wilds between, The Missus tells a poignant story of romance, interrelationship, and a love that transcends all obstacles."

The Mister, a modern take on Cinderella, explored the power dynamics and the intense love story between Maxim Trevelyan, an aristocratic “spare” who unexpectedly becomes a British earl upon the passing of his brother, and Alessia Demachi, a mysterious young Albanian woman who is harbouring a dangerous secret.

As The Mister unfolds, the publisher continues, James explores the roles and the strengths of the two main characters, who find themselves in a desperate battle against much more than the social rigidity of English upper classes.

Its synopsis goes on: “Alessia, a piano prodigy in her home country, is intent upon protecting herself at any cost from the sex traffickers who have smuggled her out of Albania. The novel ends on a ‘will they or won’t they’ moment, as many wonder if Maxim’s devoted protection of Alessia will extend to matrimony…and that is where The Missus breathlessly picks up the narrative. James said, ‘What happens once the glass slipper fits?; The Missus explores exactly that.”

Walker said: “It is such a pleasure and a privilege to be working with Erika again. The Missus is a totally gripping love-story between two people who are clearly destined to be together but still need to work out how to reconcile their very different backgrounds. It is passionate and intense and rich in characterisation and themes, and I envy everyone who has yet to read it!”