Here is a saucy, realistic ovel of a group of pleasure-seeking expatriates living it up in the Paris that few tourists see . . .

Shelley Halliday, who made a living showing the seamy side of Parisian night life to Americans . . .

Felicity Patterson, twice wed and many times brought to bed, who wanted Shelley but would marry only . . .

Michael Brett-James, a titles Englishman, who preferred “men” but was willing to settle for a mere woman if she had money . . .

Bigelow Warren, who could be virile with a “bad” woman but was always impotent with a “good” one until he met . . .

Connie Lockwood, Shelley’s childhood sweetheart, still a virgin, but dying to start living.

Paris was a powerful experience to all of them, adding salt to their wounds, balm to their spirits and spice to their lives.