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Freedom in Love #1
An Affair to Remember
Alternate covers for this ISBN can be found here and here
Monica Townsend enjoyed living the quiet life of a book editor - but, from the moment she stepped through her office door one evening, everything changed. Kidnapped at gunpoint, she was held hostage at an abandoned warehouse, praying her life would be spared as shots rang through the air.
Married Police Officer, Chase Travers, was on duty when the call came in. Being the first officer at the scene, he didn't anticipate the sight awaiting him - three dead men sprawled on the warehouse floor. Upon further inspection of the premises, he discovered a barely conscious Monica Townsend and stayed by her side until the paramedics arrived.
In the hospital later that evening, Chase was supposed to be returning home to his wife and two sons but felt prompted to stay at Monica's bedside to ensure her safety. In the still of the night, a gunshot rang out in the hospital corridor.
Chase and Monica escaped and began running for their lives but they faced a bigger challenge as they battled an attraction to each other which intensified as each hour passed. Will they be able to withstand temptation or, in the heat of the moment, will they give in?
And why are people gunning for Monica Townsend? Is it something she knows, a connection she has or is she merely a pawn in a game bigger than anything she and Chase Travers could have imagined?
Cover photograph by Marshall Dotson
Monica Townsend enjoyed living the quiet life of a book editor - but, from the moment she stepped through her office door one evening, everything changed. Kidnapped at gunpoint, she was held hostage at an abandoned warehouse, praying her life would be spared as shots rang through the air.
Married Police Officer, Chase Travers, was on duty when the call came in. Being the first officer at the scene, he didn't anticipate the sight awaiting him - three dead men sprawled on the warehouse floor. Upon further inspection of the premises, he discovered a barely conscious Monica Townsend and stayed by her side until the paramedics arrived.
In the hospital later that evening, Chase was supposed to be returning home to his wife and two sons but felt prompted to stay at Monica's bedside to ensure her safety. In the still of the night, a gunshot rang out in the hospital corridor.
Chase and Monica escaped and began running for their lives but they faced a bigger challenge as they battled an attraction to each other which intensified as each hour passed. Will they be able to withstand temptation or, in the heat of the moment, will they give in?
And why are people gunning for Monica Townsend? Is it something she knows, a connection she has or is she merely a pawn in a game bigger than anything she and Chase Travers could have imagined?
Cover photograph by Marshall Dotson
248 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2011
3 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Norma Budden
20 books57 followersNorma Budden is a Canadian author and photographer who also publishes book reviews and author interviews. She has a passion for all things travel and enjoys hiking, swimming, kayaking and snowshoeing.
Norma is the proud author of the Freedom in Love Series which, currently, has five titles published: An Affair to Remember, When Love Abides, Soul Confessions, Divided Loyalties and The Promise. She is also the author of The Prayer, The Journey (both titles being part of The Wish Trilogy) and Coming Unglued: A Mother's Journey into Hell, a story inspired by true events.
Norma has also published a novella and short story, Written on The Stars and Hershey Falls, respectively, and is co-author of Angels Among Us, written with the late Michael. T. Ingram.
If Only is a stand-alone title as is her autobiography, Arctic Child.
Norma is the proud author of the Freedom in Love Series which, currently, has five titles published: An Affair to Remember, When Love Abides, Soul Confessions, Divided Loyalties and The Promise. She is also the author of The Prayer, The Journey (both titles being part of The Wish Trilogy) and Coming Unglued: A Mother's Journey into Hell, a story inspired by true events.
Norma has also published a novella and short story, Written on The Stars and Hershey Falls, respectively, and is co-author of Angels Among Us, written with the late Michael. T. Ingram.
If Only is a stand-alone title as is her autobiography, Arctic Child.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 13, 2016
This is the first book in a series and I am so glad to know that. I really admired Chase as a policeman and as a man. There was an underlying problem that allowed this affair to not feel dirty and tainted as many affair books do. There's an innocence and honesty in their relationship. I was drawn into the drama and danger that was present in this story.
The writing is really smooth and the flow was nice. I liked how the mystery played out.
I am off to read the next book in the series. I am enjoying Ms. Budden's writing style, there is romance, mystery and intrigue that keeps me interested.
The writing is really smooth and the flow was nice. I liked how the mystery played out.
I am off to read the next book in the series. I am enjoying Ms. Budden's writing style, there is romance, mystery and intrigue that keeps me interested.
October 5, 2012
Book: An Affair To Remember
Series: Freedom In Love, Book 1
Author: Norma Budden
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Approximately 126 pages
I'm a huge fan of romantic suspense. AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, Book 1 in the Freedom In Love series by NORMA BUDDEN, offers the reader a good suspense story and a not so typical love story that I really enjoyed.
Monica Townsend lives a quiet, somewhat lonely life as a book editor never suspecting that someone has been watching her every move since her father's death at a very early age. Is this stalker someone she can trust? Is he someone to be feared? I'm not going to tell you.
After a normal day, she leaves work and her life is shattered into pieces. She's kidnapped at gunpoint and whisked away to a very uncertain future. There's no one to help her, or is there?
Chase Travers, a cop with some serious coworker trust issues, is on duty when a shots fired call comes in at an abandoned warehouse. He responds to find dead men and an injured Monica, whom he feels an instant connection with, but no sign of the shooter. Unable to understand what happened at the warehouse, Chase feels that Monica's life is still in danger. He makes the decision to stay with her at the hospital until he has some answers. Another attempt is made on Monica's life that night, so Chase takes her on the run one step ahead of the bad guys.
The love story starts there. Chase is a married man with children, but his marriage is in trouble. The affection between Monica and Chase turns into an affair while they are on the run trying to stay alive. Will they stay together after the adrenaline of the dangerous events in their lives ends? Again, I'm not going to tell you. I will say, however, that when I thought I was at the end of the book, I was surprised at the turn of events between Monica and Chase. I'll also tell you that when I actually got to the end of the book, I was pleasantly surprised at how everything worked out. It made me happy. This was a fun read.
Series: Freedom In Love, Book 1
Author: Norma Budden
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Approximately 126 pages
I'm a huge fan of romantic suspense. AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, Book 1 in the Freedom In Love series by NORMA BUDDEN, offers the reader a good suspense story and a not so typical love story that I really enjoyed.
Monica Townsend lives a quiet, somewhat lonely life as a book editor never suspecting that someone has been watching her every move since her father's death at a very early age. Is this stalker someone she can trust? Is he someone to be feared? I'm not going to tell you.
After a normal day, she leaves work and her life is shattered into pieces. She's kidnapped at gunpoint and whisked away to a very uncertain future. There's no one to help her, or is there?
Chase Travers, a cop with some serious coworker trust issues, is on duty when a shots fired call comes in at an abandoned warehouse. He responds to find dead men and an injured Monica, whom he feels an instant connection with, but no sign of the shooter. Unable to understand what happened at the warehouse, Chase feels that Monica's life is still in danger. He makes the decision to stay with her at the hospital until he has some answers. Another attempt is made on Monica's life that night, so Chase takes her on the run one step ahead of the bad guys.
The love story starts there. Chase is a married man with children, but his marriage is in trouble. The affection between Monica and Chase turns into an affair while they are on the run trying to stay alive. Will they stay together after the adrenaline of the dangerous events in their lives ends? Again, I'm not going to tell you. I will say, however, that when I thought I was at the end of the book, I was surprised at the turn of events between Monica and Chase. I'll also tell you that when I actually got to the end of the book, I was pleasantly surprised at how everything worked out. It made me happy. This was a fun read.
September 1, 2013
A great read with a good suspenseful storyline. Monica and Chase are a good match and the secondary characters are strong. I was totally involved with hoping to find why Monica was being pursued. A very exciting read and I look forward to the next book by Norma Budden.
March 16, 2017
This book was, for me, a study in unexpectedness. The twists were unexpected. The rich and vivid character creations were unexpected. The exquisitely-balanced blend of suspense and romance was unexpected. The thrills, chills, hope and heart were unexpected. My "ugly cry face" appearing out of nowhere was unexpected. My absolute NEED to finish this novel in one sitting was unexpected.
I can't wait for the next book in the series... And, that is NOT unexpected!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, honest and unbiased review, should I choose to do so.
I can't wait for the next book in the series... And, that is NOT unexpected!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, honest and unbiased review, should I choose to do so.
March 12, 2017
This is an interesting book with a storyline that keeps you asking questions throughout. Ms. Budden has a pleasing writing style, writes with authority about her topics, and creates characters with good heart or a convincing lack thereof. The main characters' immediate dive into instant "love-of-my-life" passion and commitment was too quick for my tastes and the frequency of several male characters shedding tears somewhat unbelievable, but it was still worth the time and effort required to read the story. If reading is your regular hobby, this is a book you should enjoy!
I received an advance copy of this eBook in exchange for my honest review of it.
I received an advance copy of this eBook in exchange for my honest review of it.
February 11, 2013
Mystery, suspense, romance – this book has it all!
I was engrossed with this book as soon as I read about the man who lived in the shadows. That was in chapter 1, first paragraph! So much suspense! Who was this man? What did he want? At this point, I didn’t know, but had to keep reading to find out.
I then fell in love with two of the other characters. There was Chase, a career police officer who loved his job for the heart warming moments that sometimes came with the territory, but was starting to feel the job taking its toll on his body and his family. And there was Monica – a woman who had kept to herself most of her life and would be the least likely person to fall victim to a random crime. But the crime wasn’t random and ends up pulling all three strangers into a whirlwind tale that was hard to put down.
This was an action-packed, well-paced story. There were some plot elements at first blush that I felt were a bit unbelievable (I can’t mention them here without spoiling the story), but after pondering the action and the turn of events, I realized that when circumstances beyond your control consume your life, you never know what’s going to happen. I also realized that these types of events often occur in TV shows where viewers more easily give them a pass. After considering this, I also overlooked the quickness with which some of the events unfolded, especially since I was consumed by the overall story.
As for the ending, boy I didn't see that coming! In fact, I had to read it twice and then I let out an audible, "No way." Well played Ms. Budden! I very much look forward to reading the sequel.
I was engrossed with this book as soon as I read about the man who lived in the shadows. That was in chapter 1, first paragraph! So much suspense! Who was this man? What did he want? At this point, I didn’t know, but had to keep reading to find out.
I then fell in love with two of the other characters. There was Chase, a career police officer who loved his job for the heart warming moments that sometimes came with the territory, but was starting to feel the job taking its toll on his body and his family. And there was Monica – a woman who had kept to herself most of her life and would be the least likely person to fall victim to a random crime. But the crime wasn’t random and ends up pulling all three strangers into a whirlwind tale that was hard to put down.
This was an action-packed, well-paced story. There were some plot elements at first blush that I felt were a bit unbelievable (I can’t mention them here without spoiling the story), but after pondering the action and the turn of events, I realized that when circumstances beyond your control consume your life, you never know what’s going to happen. I also realized that these types of events often occur in TV shows where viewers more easily give them a pass. After considering this, I also overlooked the quickness with which some of the events unfolded, especially since I was consumed by the overall story.
As for the ending, boy I didn't see that coming! In fact, I had to read it twice and then I let out an audible, "No way." Well played Ms. Budden! I very much look forward to reading the sequel.
September 14, 2024
How can a book about a married man's affair bring a smile to your face? Discover the answer in 'An Affair to Remember.'
Monica Townsend enjoyed her solitude as a book editor, despite occasional loneliness. The thought of being kidnapped never crossed her mind. It was not only frightening but also bewildering. Having no known enemies, the question of who would kidnap her—and at gunpoint—was puzzling.
Fortunately, reported gunshots drew the police to her location. Officer Chase Travers, one of the responders, was not prepared for the scene at the deserted warehouse: three were dead, and Monica was tied to a chair with a serious head injury. Chase was determined to uncover the perpetrator and motive.
One evening, Chase visited Monica in the hospital and chose to stay overnight. He claimed it was for her protection, despite the presence of guards outside her room. Fortunately, Chase remained because an attempt was made on Monica's life again. They fled, and during their escape, they developed strong feelings for each other.
I found this story unexpectedly satisfying despite its theme of infidelity. The writing was so compelling that I shared the couple's anguish. It was an emotional journey that brought me to tears yet made me smile. Despite Chase's marital status, I found myself hoping they would remain together.
The story's twists kept me eager to see what would happen next, yet I dreaded its conclusion. The ending was an unforeseen twist that took me by surprise.
Receiving this book in exchange for an honest review was a pleasure, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.
Monica Townsend enjoyed her solitude as a book editor, despite occasional loneliness. The thought of being kidnapped never crossed her mind. It was not only frightening but also bewildering. Having no known enemies, the question of who would kidnap her—and at gunpoint—was puzzling.
Fortunately, reported gunshots drew the police to her location. Officer Chase Travers, one of the responders, was not prepared for the scene at the deserted warehouse: three were dead, and Monica was tied to a chair with a serious head injury. Chase was determined to uncover the perpetrator and motive.
One evening, Chase visited Monica in the hospital and chose to stay overnight. He claimed it was for her protection, despite the presence of guards outside her room. Fortunately, Chase remained because an attempt was made on Monica's life again. They fled, and during their escape, they developed strong feelings for each other.
I found this story unexpectedly satisfying despite its theme of infidelity. The writing was so compelling that I shared the couple's anguish. It was an emotional journey that brought me to tears yet made me smile. Despite Chase's marital status, I found myself hoping they would remain together.
The story's twists kept me eager to see what would happen next, yet I dreaded its conclusion. The ending was an unforeseen twist that took me by surprise.
Receiving this book in exchange for an honest review was a pleasure, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.
October 12, 2016
I was given a copy of AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER for free in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
I LOVE these characters! I LOVE a book where the interaction with the characters seems natural and their conversation is like normal people talk. This book goes on my FAVORITES list!
I will not describe the story because that's why you need to purchase this book. I will tell you I was surprised multiple times and sometimes my pulse rate was racing because I was so excited in the direction the story was going. I'm sure that you'll love the way this well-written story is woven as it twists and turns. Ultimately you'll be like me and not want this story to end!
I believe this book will be loved by readers that like Romantic, Suspenseful Mysteries.
SUGGESTION: If you decide to buy this book for yourself, get another one to give as a gift. Once you read this book you're going to want to discuss it with your friends. Then they will want to borrow your copy and might not return it. Much easier to read your book, tell your friend a LITTLE bit about it to get your friend interested in it and then give your friend a gift of the book to keep in her library. You're not going to want this book to leave your library!
I LOVE these characters! I LOVE a book where the interaction with the characters seems natural and their conversation is like normal people talk. This book goes on my FAVORITES list!
I will not describe the story because that's why you need to purchase this book. I will tell you I was surprised multiple times and sometimes my pulse rate was racing because I was so excited in the direction the story was going. I'm sure that you'll love the way this well-written story is woven as it twists and turns. Ultimately you'll be like me and not want this story to end!
I believe this book will be loved by readers that like Romantic, Suspenseful Mysteries.
SUGGESTION: If you decide to buy this book for yourself, get another one to give as a gift. Once you read this book you're going to want to discuss it with your friends. Then they will want to borrow your copy and might not return it. Much easier to read your book, tell your friend a LITTLE bit about it to get your friend interested in it and then give your friend a gift of the book to keep in her library. You're not going to want this book to leave your library!
December 17, 2016
I got a copy of the book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
This was pretty short and it's unbelievable how much stuff has happened in it. I must admit I was pulled into the story from the start and it was easy to like Chase and Monica together. Maybe Bianca's behavior made it easier to accept, but I liked them together, so the epilogue made me smile. The suspense was building and evolved nicely when the problem with Scorpions was solved without too much violence. This is the first book in a series and since I've read those chapters provided in this book, I definitely want to read the second.
This was pretty short and it's unbelievable how much stuff has happened in it. I must admit I was pulled into the story from the start and it was easy to like Chase and Monica together. Maybe Bianca's behavior made it easier to accept, but I liked them together, so the epilogue made me smile. The suspense was building and evolved nicely when the problem with Scorpions was solved without too much violence. This is the first book in a series and since I've read those chapters provided in this book, I definitely want to read the second.
October 23, 2013
Simply a MUST READ
I absolutely loved this first book in the series. I was drawn in to the characters from the first page. Norma has a way of making them feel as if they are your friends and you are seeing it all happen before you eyes. There was a lot of action packed in these pages and it keeps you hooked. You find yourself not able to put it down and that it ends long before you are ready to stop. The good thing is there is another one in the series to check out. I completed this in one night and it was a story that stayed with me. These characters become like family.
I absolutely loved this first book in the series. I was drawn in to the characters from the first page. Norma has a way of making them feel as if they are your friends and you are seeing it all happen before you eyes. There was a lot of action packed in these pages and it keeps you hooked. You find yourself not able to put it down and that it ends long before you are ready to stop. The good thing is there is another one in the series to check out. I completed this in one night and it was a story that stayed with me. These characters become like family.
July 11, 2012
After reading an excerpt of this book on Wattpad, I knew that I needed to find out more of what was going on. I was not disappointed in anyway. The story was so believable that I felt as if I was watching it unfold before my very eyes. The ending was a complete surprise. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel,When Love Abides.
This book isn't just a good read, it's a great read.
This book isn't just a good read, it's a great read.
December 19, 2014
I thought that was a good book
November 1, 2016
I received this as a giveaway from Goodreads. Well written, light and easy to read. A simple tale of an unusual love story, full of drama, suspense, intrigue and sacrifice.
March 7, 2018
Short review. The story was interesting but I felt like everything happen way to fast, there wasn't time to adjust to one thing before another happen.
September 14, 2024
How can a book about a married man's affair bring a smile to your face? Discover the answer in 'An Affair to Remember.'
Monica Townsend enjoyed her solitude as a book editor, despite occasional loneliness. The thought of being kidnapped never crossed her mind. It was not only frightening but also bewildering. Having no known enemies, the question of who would kidnap her—and at gunpoint—was puzzling.
Fortunately, reported gunshots drew the police to her location. Officer Chase Travers, one of the responders, was not prepared for the scene at the deserted warehouse: three were dead, and Monica was tied to a chair with a serious head injury. Chase was determined to uncover the perpetrator and motive.
One evening, Chase visited Monica in the hospital and chose to stay overnight. He claimed it was for her protection, despite the presence of guards outside her room. Fortunately, Chase remained because an attempt was made on Monica's life again. They fled, and during their escape, they developed strong feelings for each other.
I found this story unexpectedly satisfying despite its theme of infidelity. The writing was so compelling that I shared the couple's anguish. It was an emotional journey that brought me to tears yet made me smile. Despite Chase's marital status, I found myself hoping they would remain together.
The story's twists kept me eager to see what would happen next, yet I dreaded its conclusion. The ending was an unforeseen twist that took me by surprise.
Receiving this book in exchange for an honest review was a pleasure, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.
Monica Townsend enjoyed her solitude as a book editor, despite occasional loneliness. The thought of being kidnapped never crossed her mind. It was not only frightening but also bewildering. Having no known enemies, the question of who would kidnap her—and at gunpoint—was puzzling.
Fortunately, reported gunshots drew the police to her location. Officer Chase Travers, one of the responders, was not prepared for the scene at the deserted warehouse: three were dead, and Monica was tied to a chair with a serious head injury. Chase was determined to uncover the perpetrator and motive.
One evening, Chase visited Monica in the hospital and chose to stay overnight. He claimed it was for her protection, despite the presence of guards outside her room. Fortunately, Chase remained because an attempt was made on Monica's life again. They fled, and during their escape, they developed strong feelings for each other.
I found this story unexpectedly satisfying despite its theme of infidelity. The writing was so compelling that I shared the couple's anguish. It was an emotional journey that brought me to tears yet made me smile. Despite Chase's marital status, I found myself hoping they would remain together.
The story's twists kept me eager to see what would happen next, yet I dreaded its conclusion. The ending was an unforeseen twist that took me by surprise.
Receiving this book in exchange for an honest review was a pleasure, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.
October 22, 2011
A very pleasant and easily readable women's adventure story.
The only thing stopping me giving it 4 stars is that, on occasion, it seemed to rush itself and this undermines some otherwise excellent prose and sensitive storytelling (but maybe that's just me though: I do prefer longer stories).
Worth a try for 99 cents.
The only thing stopping me giving it 4 stars is that, on occasion, it seemed to rush itself and this undermines some otherwise excellent prose and sensitive storytelling (but maybe that's just me though: I do prefer longer stories).
Worth a try for 99 cents.
February 21, 2017
Couldn't put this one down!
I enjoyed Norma Budden's book, An Affair to Remember. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! Lots of plot twists, suspense and mystery, enough mild violence to make it exciting and sweet romance made this a great read!
I enjoyed Norma Budden's book, An Affair to Remember. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! Lots of plot twists, suspense and mystery, enough mild violence to make it exciting and sweet romance made this a great read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews