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The Affair #1

A Legal Affair

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Caleb Thorne was used to having plenty of female attention. And yet the hot young law professor had never crossed the line with a student until he met Daniela. There was something different about her--with her fierce attitude, ambition and to-die-for body. Something he was determined to uncover, layer by silky layer....

Private investigator Daniela Roarke knew she was in over her head the minute she saw her mark. Caleb Thorne wasn't just fine, he was gorgeous. And although getting close to Caleb could finally mean busting his no-good father, Daniela knew she was just an amateur at the game of seduction. And now both her cover and her heart were in jeopardy.

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 21, 2006

60 people are currently reading
602 people want to read

About the author

Maureen Smith

71 books807 followers
pseudonym Naomi Chase

Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.



Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.



Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.

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5 stars
456 (59%)
4 stars
218 (28%)
3 stars
81 (10%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Whit.
3,661 reviews52 followers
September 21, 2016
Absolutely love this sweet, sizzling and heart-tugging story. I didn't want it to end! Caleb Thorne may have been the sexy and brilliant law professor but he soon discovered, he had a lot to learn from pre-law student Daniela Roarke. Caleb finds himself breaking all of his relationship rules and falling hard and deep in love with Daniela. But Daniela is hiding a dangerous secret and there is a huge possibility that Caleb will be crushed when the secret is revealed. Nicely Done!
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2007
A Definite MUST Read!

This is the first book I've read by Maureen Smith, it definitely won't be the last. She drew you into the characters and kept you there through out the whole book. I will definitely be going back to play 'catch-up' with her other stories. This story was hot from the beginning to the end. The chemistry between Caleb and Daniela was so strong that you could feel it leap off the pages! Just a great story with some amazing characters. I was unable to put this book down until I finished it! This book will have your heart melting. I fell in love with Caleb's character. Caleb Thorne is every woman's perfect man, physically and mentally. I loved how she described in great details his features and the way he dresses. I was loving the whole intellectual, 'bad boy' persona. Definitely wanted to take a ride on his Harley or even be in one of his classes.
Profile Image for Myesha-Tiara.
128 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2023
Favorite Quote: “The more time she spent with Caleb Thorne, the less she found herself eagerly anticipating what she and her family would gain at his expense. Instead, her thoughts were increasingly dominated by what she, alone, stood to lose.”

I don’t like when they tell me what will happen at the end of the book on the first page. I think the author’s note should have been at the end of the book.

I do love the black family owned detective agency troupe. Daniela doesn’t have as much experience in the business as her brothers however that doesn’t mean anything because she is one of the best and her assignment this time is to fall in love with Caleb Thorne to get the 411 on his fathers lawyer business because the government thinks they are in bed with the Mexican mafia. Is it true and will Daniela be able to do her job and not fall for Caleb?

She enrolls uncover as a student at the school Caleb is a professor at, now let the games begin.

I love that she stands up for herself with Shara Adler, she is no pushover.

A quick read that flows pretty easily without much fuss.
Profile Image for Kelster.
415 reviews22 followers
February 7, 2013
When I first began the story I was like meh. I didn't like the premise AT ALL and I didn't feel a connection to the characters. Generally, I feel a better connection with characters when a book is written in first person unless an author is kick ass in writing in the third.

So, it took me a minute to warm up to the book. It really turned around once I discovered that the book had greater depth than I anticipated. There were characters introduced that added needed drama outside of primary story line. I liked that the characters were smart and that there wasn't contrived bs especially towards the end. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Pinks.
174 reviews11 followers
November 3, 2025
👏👏

Maureen did it again for me y’all. In the beginning it started off slow which is understandable given the set up of the story but once it started getting deeper I couldn’t put it down. Caleb and Daniela some way some how had to meet even given the unlikely way to meet up they were just matched to meet. Their chemistry escaped the lab it was brewing in and didn’t stop even with all the mess going on. I enjoyed how this story was put together and loved seeing cameos from other fav characters that Maureen has written. Pick up this book and get sucked in to this legal affair of spiciness mixed with betrayal 🫣.
Profile Image for Shun Harper.
49 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2025
Caleb & Daniela

Wow…. Words can’t express how fantabulous A Legal Affair was. The story lived up to the original version plus some extras along the way. Catching up with Brandon & Tamia was such a welcome surprise and getting a glimpse of the friendship between Caleb & Brandon was a welcome surprise. This story was hawt like fire. The scenes were in your face and I felt like I was right there going through the motions with them.

If you are looking for a page turner that will capture you from page 1 til the very end, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Yasmin.
122 reviews
December 29, 2016
Another Great Story

Even though you pretty much start the book knowing how it will end, you still really enjoy the journey Maureen takes you on throughout the book. I love Caleb and Daniela's story! I love Noah's relationship with Daniela and I'm looking forward to reading his story next. I'm hoping to still have little glimpses of Daniela and Caleb though.
Profile Image for Lialeh Blue.
262 reviews
June 20, 2017
Beautiful Story

I absolutely loved reading Caleb and Daniela's story! It was so sweet and definitely sexy. I loved Caleb and Daniela's chemistry, they were perfect for each other! I'm glad that Caleb was able to forgive Daniela. The last part when Caleb came to Daniela's office to get her back had me in tears it was so sweet! Great job as always Ms Smith!
130 reviews
November 6, 2025
Everything You Need In A Good Book

Caleb and Daniela were an instant couple. The first time they met it was full on chemistry. They were in a tough spot because of their situation. If anyone found out about them there would be consequences. They continued on anyway and it led to numerous issues. I loved this story and it was well written.
5 reviews
December 30, 2025
Absolutely Fabulous!

I am an huge fan of Maureen Smith. I simply love her books, all of them. But this book was absolutely fantastic! I loved how she tied the characters from My Boss and the Exposed series. I’m patiently waiting for the 2nd billionaire book and the updated version of A Risky Affair..
1,027 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2025
Good story. I enjoyed it all the way through.

When Daniela took her assignment she had no idea of the outcome. Caleb was ready for the start of the new school year but he ready for Daniela. They were caught unaware. Loved it.
Profile Image for NeneReads.
16 reviews
December 3, 2025
It’s been a very long time since I’ve finished a book and thought, “wow, that was really good.”

I really enjoyed it. There was maybe one single typo which I consider a positive because quality matters, and I haven’t been seeing a lot of that lately.

Give it a read!
298 reviews
May 10, 2017
Another great read from Maureen Smith. Loved it.
41 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2017
YESSSS!!!

Worth the money! I'm a huge fan of Maureen Smith's work and this story did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Yvette P Carter.
212 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2020
Nicely done

Great story, good plot, and good writing. Love reading her stories which are extremely vivid descriptions of scenery and scenes.
Profile Image for Tam Owens.
66 reviews24 followers
January 15, 2020
A very good read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
205 reviews
February 18, 2020
Enjoyable

This was a very good read AGAIN! Yes, I was reading something that seemed so familiar and yet it keep me in suspense about what would happen between Daniela and Caleb.
Profile Image for Dahyana.
695 reviews87 followers
September 2, 2020
One of my favorite stories ever. Read this book multiple times ❤
Profile Image for Taneisha Grace.
Author 1 book5 followers
March 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It was so sweet and even with the secrets, you could tell the characters belonged together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikenya Rodney.
782 reviews26 followers
September 29, 2024
I reread this book because I found the actual book at the used bookstore. I loved it and it just took me back to when I read it the first time.
7 reviews
November 14, 2025
Fantastic Redo of this Book!

I just love this book, the characters and the secrecy. Wonderful story and it was soooo good that I couldn’t stop reading it.
Profile Image for Bebe20018.
188 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2015
I am torn between 2 and 3 stars. It was just another romance but a little on the boring side. It also left me wondering about something that happened in the book. I guess maybe the question(s) will be answered in the next book.

This is the second book I have read by this author and both times I have not had an overwhelming need to go on with the next book in the series.

Profile Image for Angelia.
489 reviews64 followers
May 18, 2010
This was the first book that I've read by Ms. Smith. I really enjoyed the story of Daniela and Caleb, once I was at the end I found myself looking for more on them. Loved their story..This will not be the last book already started on the next one....
2,390 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2016
Awww, so sweet!

Loved this book. Loved Daniela, she was smart and sexy. Caleb, Lawd have mercy, was sexy too and together they were beautiful. Such a sweet love story, although somewhat predictable.
Profile Image for Fati Haruna.
30 reviews
December 17, 2009
If you really love someone, you need to follow your heart. And also never lie about your identity and be yourself where evr=er you go
Profile Image for Tiffanie.
16 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2011
Another great story. Has a a lot depth to the plot really enjoyed the story!! I loved Caleb he was definitely a Mans man.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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