Affection Isn’t What It Seems

Love Isn't What It Seems #4

by Eva Winners

Ainslee
I gave him my heart – and my body – twelve years ago and then he disappeared from my life. He promised he’d come back but he never did. I tried to move on with Callen, even had a child with him but according to legend, the McLarens only give their hearts once and mine belongs to Daniel. When Callen gambles my son and me away, only Daniel can save us. But who will save me from the man Daniel has become?

Daniel
I loved her then and I love her now. I disappeared from her life in order to protect her from the evil my family thrives in. When her SOB of a fiancé gambled her away, I stepped in to save her time from my uncle’s clutches. I vowed to keep her safe, even from me. If she knew the things I’ve done since I left, no amount of love will ever allow her to forgive me. I may be a strong man but Ainslee will always be my weakness.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

About the author

Eva released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing feverishly ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.

She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.

Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.

Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.

Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!

Reviews

[Rhylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this one

Where to start? I'll start with Daniel who I still really liked from the previous books. That was about all I liked about this one.

💥Spoilers💥 The book was short and rushed. From the get go, Ainsley is drugged and kidnapped by her first love who she hasn't seen in 12 years and she's just cool with it. Not pissed off, doesn't try to get away, no screaming and yelling at him, no normal reactions at all for someone being in that situation. Instead, they have dinner and then go up to bed and have sex. Really???

💥 Spoilers💥 As for Ainsley, I couldn't stand her. She was a weak character who came off like some kind of puritan. When she's kidnapped again, by Daniels mob boss uncle, she doesn't have any of the normal reactions when Daniel shows up. She doesn't try to headbutt the Uncle when he's using her as a human shield and feeling her up, doesn't struggle to get away from him to try to give Daniel a clear shot at him, nada, zip, nothing. Then her "I was in shock reaction" was pitiful when he saved her. She doesn't go to him for a hug, for comfort and ends up for 24hrs making him think he lost her. It was melodramatic garbage.

As for Daniel, who is written as a smart guy and mob boss also, he makes the boneheaded mistake of taking Ainsley to London where is Uncle usually is, after not being able to find said uncle and his associates, knowing he's after Ainsley. Meanwhile, Daniels had her and her family in his house in Scotland the entire time to protect her until he could take out his Uncle. It was out of character and forced.

By the last 2 chapters and 2 epilogues, I was so bored and over Ainsley and the book in general, that I skimmed through those just checking out the dialogue. This was a terrible ending to an otherwise good series (first 3 books are worth reading) this one, don't bother.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final installment in the Love isn't What it Seems series. Daniel family is in the mafia. He loves Ainslee but to protect and keep save from the evil of his family he had broke both their hearts and walk. She was broken and tried to wait for him after he left. She tried to move on from the hurt into the arms of another man name Callen and the two even had a son together. But he owed a debt and gambled Ainslee and his son away to same people that Daniel walked away from years ago to save her. Daniel stepped in to save her from the evil clutches of his uncle. Daniel is not the same man that Ainslee knew twelve years ago he have done things and had embrace ruthless lifestyle of mafia. He had more callous, brutal and cruel. He vows to protect and keep her safe at all cost even from himself. Affection has all the feels, healing, forgiveness, drama, anger, pain, danger, heartbreak, passion and love. The story is written exceptionally with wonderful characters and great storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jilian McFarland · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was ok. I liked Daniel but still felt his reasoning to stay away was stupid. Relationship is talking with your partner and making a decision together, even if it’s to end the relationship. When someone makes the decision for both parties without discussion under the umbrella “doing it to protect you” that’s being selfish not selfless. You don’t want the person to get hurt but you hurt them by not telling them the real reason why you need to leave. I couldn’t really get into story because I still didn’t like ainslee. The author tries to portray her as sweet and innocent but she’s the person who had in affair with Callen and thought it was fine to show up at church when liberty’s life was being destroyed. During that period she never apologize and use the excuse “I didn’t know. Only shows up to ask about baptism “ really?!? You have an affair with callen for three months which means you pregnant less than three months and you want to go to church (same church where the wedding is) to set up a baptism even though your cousin has a chapel on his estate. Even reading about ainslee in Eve’s story still didn’t redeem her. She still came off selfish and not one of the author’s better heroine.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel was born in the mafia. From young age, it was expected of him to be a cold hearted killer but even then he didn't enjoyed doing it. Meeting and falling in love with Ainsley, forces Daniel to join the army so he can escape his family and ensure that they never find about her. 12 years later, Daniel and Ainsley paths cross again in unusual situation. Ainsley’s fiancé uses her as leverage in a poker game against Daniel’s uncle. Thankfully, Daniel intercepts the game on time and wins Ainsley. Unfortunately, his uncle has set his eyes on her and Daniel realizes the sacrifice that he made years ago was in vain. Now, he needs to protect Ainsley and her family while he wins her heart again.
This is an amazing second chance romance with lots of steamy hot scenes, suspenseful moments, unexpected twists and one unwavering love that melts your heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth story in a series, although it’s a standalone love story between Daniel en Aynslee, I did miss some background information. References are made to people and situations from the previous books. It's a well written book, but I'm not really sure what to think of the main characters. They don't really appeal to me, Daniel and Aynslee had a short-lived romance 12 years ago but he had to leave her because he wanted to leave his family and protect her from his family. She eventually does become entangled in his family, and Daniel has no choice to claim Ainslee . There is a bit too much going on with the guilt of both. Daniel doesn't think he's good enough for Aynslee, and Aynlsee feels guilty towards the father of her child and his ex-fiancée. It’s a bit cliche, but an entertaining story.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review

[Romaine Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel and Ainslee were soulmates until Daniel left to join the military promising to return but never did. He did what he had to do in order to keep her safe. Her heart was shattered.
Twelve years later they were reunited under unusual circumstances. She and her son were used as a debt by her boyfriend Callen. Her debtor was Daniel. He would protect her and her family from his cruel and vicious uncle.
You could feel the magnetism and the unconditional love that was still strong between Daniel and Ainslee. A beautifully written second chance at love that will make you swoon for Daniel.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affection by Eva Winners is book 4 in the Love Isn't What It Seems Series. This is the story of Ainslee and Daniel. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one, but I did think it can be a standalone book. Ainslee and Daniel where young and in love but then Daniel pull away from her and then just left. Now about 12 years later Ainslee had tried to move on with Callen, even having a child. But Callen got into gambling debts and put up Ainslee as Collateral. Callen is in debit to Daniel's Uncle. We learn that Daniel is in the Mafia and expected to terrible things that he didn't want to subject Ainslee too. But now his Uncle has his sites on Ainslee so now he has not choice but to protect her and to win her back. Enjoyed their story.

[Lisa Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th installment of the author's Love Isn't What It Seems series, each book can be read as a standalone. This was an amazing read!! I absolutely adored reading this story about Daniel and Ainslee's second chance at love. This book has it all! There is obviously a second chance at love, angst, heartbreak, even some darker themes such as mafia. I will simply say do yourself the favor of reading this book!! Read the entire series they will all grab a hold of you and won't let go for a very long time!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel's family is in the mafia, and this doesn't always end well for those in love. So to keep his love, Ainslee, safe, he pushes her away and breaks her heart. But after she is gambled away, he finds himself back in her life, and he doesn't plan on leaving now.

The writing was great and there wasn't a point in the story that I felt bored or like it was lacking. I didn't think the reason Daniel stayed away was good enough to warrant everything that happened because of it. I would've liked to see the author flesh that out more and really give us a heart breaking reason for it to justify his actions and the consequences that followed.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting out I didn’t know how much I would like Ainslee. After reading about her briefly in previous book. But I did end up liking her. I liked learning Daniel’s backstory and where he came from. Daniel and Ainslee met twelve years ago and had a connection. Then Daniel enlisted in the military and decided it would be best for Ainslee if he wasn’t in her life, because of his tie with the mafia. So he never contacted her after he left. Ainslee was left not know what happened to Daniel and why he would disappear on her. Now twelve years later Daniel has come back into Ainslee’s life. This was a good second chance story.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting out I didn’t know how much I would like Ainslee. After reading about her briefly in previous book. But I did end up liking her. I liked learning Daniel’s backstory and where he came from. Daniel and Ainslee met twelve years ago and had a connection. Then Daniel enlisted in the military and decided it would be best for Ainslee if he wasn’t in her life, because of his tie with the mafia. So he never contacted her after he left. Ainslee was left not know what happened to Daniel and why he would disappear on her. Now twelve years later Daniel has come back into Ainslee’s life. This was a good second chance story.

[Susan Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's a child of the mafia. She's a child of privilege. Love doesn't always pick wisely but does it really matter? When Ainslee comes back into Daniel's life under unusual circumstances, he's going to make sure he keeps her this time. In this last installment of Eva Winners' Love Isn't What It Seems series, a few loose ends are tied up, forgiveness comes to those who deserve it, and love well fought for wins in the end. Once again, Winners delivers a fine read with wonderful characters, a great plot and most of all, an excellent delivery.

[Elesha's book fun gossip · Rating 5 out of 5]

another amazing story from this author. This is a second chance dark mafia romance. Daniel fell for Ainslee, but didn't want to bring her into his world. But when a selfish fiance bets her in a poker game, Daniel will do everything to get her back. Filled with hurt, heartbreak, suspense, violence, murder, betrayal, secrets, chemistry, passion, love and family. This has intriguing characters and is an incredible read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a second chance mafia romance which checks all the boxes to make it an enjoyable read. It’s emotional with angst and all the feels . When Ainslee comes back in Daniel life after a decade and he avails this chance to bring her back in his life and claim her. The story was captivating, even though I have not read any of the previous books in the series I was still able to enjoy this story . This story can be read as a standalone.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affection by Eva Winners is the dangerous, romantic story of Daniel and Ainslee. They were teen sweethearts….until he left her. Now, he’s back…and he’s ruthless…dark….But, there’s danger and she’s the target!!

Freaking LOVED this story!!! Daniel is to die for!!! Ainslee is a perfect foil….and there is so much backstory that I was totally riveted!!! EXCELLENT!!!! YET AGAIN!!!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nora Flood-Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel and Ainslee are young and sweet but Daniel needs to get away from his mafia family and keep Ainslee safe. They have one night together.But he must walk away and break her heart. They both move on with their lives hers with a loser, the father of her child, and he becoming more entrenched in the mafia. When her husband does the unthinkable Daniel is their to save the day but they both have changed so much. The one truth that stayed the same is their love for each other. A fantastic book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th and final book in this author’s Love Isn’t What it Seems series. This story second chance romance follows Daniel and Ainslee. Daniel loved her but wanted to protect her from his world and keep her safe. Ainsley was devastated. She tried to move on after he dumped her but always loved him. When her son is in trouble, she finds Daniel to help save her son from the mess he got himself into.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel thought leaving Ainslee all those years ago was the right thing to do, only to find her in trouble when her husband has gambled her and her son away. and now he vows to keep and protect her but can Ainslee let Daniel back into her life and heart? well written action packed suspense filled desire, second chance romance with mafia themes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is what it seems

Wow..this book was an epitome of second chance. Daniel fell for Ainslee, but left her to keep her safe from his family's world. Ainslee has only ever loved Daniel, but allowed herself to be swayed after he left her. The only love in her life is her son until, Callen did something stupid and it brought Daniel back into her life. A bit predictable, but perfect and worth the read.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Ainslee gave her heart to Daniel years ago but when he disappeared, she did her best to move on. It didn’t work and now she is in danger and only Daniel can save her and her son. Fast-paced read with lots of twists and turns, drama, steam and emotion. Entertaining second change romance with great characters. I really liked it.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love this series !!! love Ainslee and Daniel...this is their story... a fast paced action packed mafia drama... Ainslee loved Daniel... and Daniel loved Ainslee but, he left her...she tried to move on... she even had a son... but, her fiance gambled her and their son away... now , she's in danger... Daniel is the only one to save her...can he ? will he ? can he let her go again ?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel’s family was the London mafia. Ainslee was a college student who wanted to sing opera. He tried to stay away from her but she was his weakness then he knew he had to leave her. Several years later their lives were intertwined again. Danger, lies, disloyalty, murder and love followed them. Fun and interesting

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Clare Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

spoiler alert

I did enjoy this book… Early on we can see that this couple love each other, and I thought it was a nice change from similar books in this genre but there were some issues with the storyline; if you live in the UK or Scotland, you would never refer to a crime as a felony and you would never “ put your foot on the gas “ you would put your foot on the accelerator… lastly I was dumbfounded by how Ainslee dealt with her ex’s murder..

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainslee and Daniel reconnect after more than a decade. Their love still exists, but they are surrounded by danger. Excellent book, superb writing, reminded me of the saying, "if you love something let it go. If it comes back to you, it is yours...".

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a lovely dark book. It's got all the feels, anger, sadness, frustration, scary spots and happiness. The H is so torn up inside about who he is and who his family is and it just makes you love him from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kanani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Winners painted a sexy, sweet picture with Daniel & Ainslee's story. The characters were perfect together. My heart hurt for their younger selves. His world is dark and to keep her safe, he broke both of their hearts and walked away. Their chemistry sizzled and sparked right off the pages! This was a really great story with a sweet HEA.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel loved Ainslee but walked away years ago to protect her from his mafia family but now that her husband has gambled her and her son away Daniel is determined to claim her and protect her and her son. Will Daniel and Ainslee finally find their HEA?

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and exciting story that I enjoyed reading it. It was good from beginning to end and I couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story line is great, and I loved the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Unexpected twists and turns had me reading this book in one sitting. Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!

[Cheryl Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great second chance book about Daniel and aniless will goood bad boy Daniel save her or break her heart a second time my heart goes out to anislee will she get her HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.