by Ann Patchett
First published 2001
A lavish party in South America turns deadly when armed rebels storm the vice president's mansion. As the tense standoff drags on, the captives and captors forge unlikely connections, their lives intertwining in surprising ways. Amidst the danger, forbidden romances blossom, friendships deepen, and the humanity in all shines through, even as the real threat looms.
Genres: romance, literary-fiction, contemporary, thriller
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: South America
318 pages · Fourth Estate
Content warnings: violence