The Affair: an absorbing psychological thriller that will keep you guessing

by N.A. Cooper

How well does she really know this man? A teacher becomes a target, in this intense new thriller by the author of Unravelling Alice .

Alexandra couldn’t help herself. She fell madly in love with married man Ryan, the father of her pupil Mia. When he stopped calling, her heart was broken—and she consoled herself with an acquaintance named Henry.

But neither man is really out of her life. Henry wants more. And she can’t avoid running into Ryan at school. Before long, Alexandra is caught between two men.

When she discovers her actions will have a greater effect on her future than she could have ever imagined, Alexandra also finds out that one of the men has been manipulating the truth—and that she is now in mortal danger . . .

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

250 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2023

About the author

N. A. Cooper is the author of Ripple Effect, Unravelling Alice, The Quiet Space Between Us and The Affair. She is an avid reader and writer and loves to discuss all things books on her social media accounts.

Connect with N.A. Cooper on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook:

Instagram (@n.a.cooperauthor)

Twitter (@NACooperAuthor)

Facebook (N.A. Cooper)

Reviews

[Carolanne McCarthy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could’ve been so much better. It lacked detail and depth, which made it hard to really connect and care for the characters. I’m not sure if rushed is the right word- more so that the situations were not fleshed out enough to be FELT. One thing that I did feel deeply were the effects of an affair- how dreadful and draining it would be. The emptiness of it. The toll it takes. Not sure why I chose to read about this subject when I despise “cheating” love stories… but here I am.

It felt like the author put a story within a story. First, the focus was so fully on one thing- Ryan and Alex’s affair, the truth coming out, the loss of her career… then it spun out to be focused on something and SOMEONE else entirely. Suddenly, we have Henry who came out of left field completely, a r*pist, and now the father of her baby. She runs off to safety and ends up killing him in the end?! Remind me what exactly this has to do with The Affair?!

Was this book supposed to be focused on the affair… or her stalker? I had a hard time meshing the two together. It didn’t blend. On a good note, I have been in a tough reading slump for weeks so it’s a win for me that I was actually able to finish this. Quick and easy- but also lukewarm and dare I say it, forgettable.

[Erin (from Long Island, NY) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5) I was reading a couple others when I started this 1, & I didn’t pick them back up again until this was done! As much drama as thriller it was very good.. Even the parts that had me yelling, “wait Alex, what are you doing??”😂 I listened to the audiobook & I’d recommend it.. I read a lot of procedurals & I think this 1 is good for when you just don’t want to think too much.

[Kim D’Arcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mild spoilers:

This felt like 2 different stories to me.

The first was about the affair. (Bad chick lit at best). It is very hard to feel empathy for a cheating couple, especially when they go into the affair knowing exactly what they are doing. I especially did not like the main character because of all the whining that came along with the cheating.

The second was about the stalker. IMO, kind of a far fetched storyline with an weirdly rushed ending.

I could not figure out how or why these 2 disjointed storylines fit together. All in all, not my cup of tea.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed
The book starts off pretty well and then goes into weird territory. Now psychological thrillers are supposed to but
Without plausible explanations, this twist seemed to drop in out of the sky.
The actual affair had everything you expected, angst, jealousy, scandal and guilt and the two main characters professing their love-but-he-can’t-leave-his-wife troupe.
In fact not even mentioning Ryan at the end was a little surprising considering.

[Nicole Hohler · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is up with all these British thriller books being all over the place? Always love a good domestic thriller with cheating, stalking, etc. but this felt like there were 2 completely different story lines happening that didn’t really fit together.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW.....The Affair by N.A. Cooper I can only say 5 stars! 5 Star book and a great holiday read......
This is a brilliant psychological thriller and just had me hooked from the beginning till the end. It has great twists and turns throughout with great characters, especially as it was a great easy quick read.


How well does she really know this man?

He looks so Innocent just standing there!

When a teacher becomes a target

Alexandra just couldn’t help herself. She fell madly in love with married man Ryan, he is the father of one of her pupil's called Mia............Then he stopped calling.........her heart was broken, she did not know what to do, but to consoled herself with an acquaintance named Henry.



Alexandra can not get Henry or Ryan out of her life! Henry listens but, now only wants more from her.
However, Alexandra can’t avoid running into Ryan at school, every corner she turns she runs into in and her heart beats faster every-time she see's him! This is who she wants to be with.
Before long, Alexandra is caught between two men.

Alexandra discovers her actions will have a greater effect on her future than she could have ever imagined, She also finds out that one of the men has been manipulating the truth—and that she is now in mortal danger . . .

WoW!!!! If you LoVe psychological thriller especially as they are full of twists and turns that become a roller coaster ride! This is a book for you. I really enjoyed this book.

[Stacie Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[La Femme Readers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexandra couldn't help herself. She fell madly in love with married man Ryan, the father of her pupil Mia. When he stopped calling, her heart was broken—and she consoled herself with an acquaintance named Henry. But neither man is really out of her life. Henry wants more. And she can't avoid running into Ryan at school. When she discovers her actions will have a greater effect on her future than she could have imagined, Alexandra also discovers that one of the men has been manipulating the truth and is now in mortal danger.

THE AFFAIR is a tale about forbidden love and a third party who won't stop intervening. It's inappropriate for Alexandra to sleep with her student's married father, Ryan but oh so deliciously scandalous! Did their romance transpire within lightning seconds and come off a bit far-fetched? Sure. Did I care? Not one bit. Let the drama commence! Alexandra was an educated woman with a bright future ahead of her. But love makes us do stupid things, and that's precisely what Alexandra turned into, a dumb B. She sometimes frustrated me with her irrational decisions, but I can see why Ryan was swoon-worthy to a certain degree.

While going through their tumultuous relationship, queue in Henry. The wholesome guy next door that's here to save the day. But there is something shady about the men in her life. I didn't know who to trust, and I can only imagine how difficult that was for Alexandra. I enjoyed the unraveling twists as the plot thickened, even if they didn't blow my socks off. Unfortunately, the story began to lose steam as it went on and felt rushed by the lackluster finale. It had great potential to wow me, but sadly, it turned into a forgettable popcorn thriller. Despite that, if you want a quick read with a suspenseful undertone and toxic characters, check THE AFFAIR out!

[Lin Perrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bloodhound Books for the advance copy in exchange for a honest review of this outstanding thriller. Teacher Alexandra falls in love with Ryan. Ryan is not only married but he is also the Dad of one of her pupils. Then Ryan stops calling and Alexandra is devasted. She ends up drunk on a night out and wakes up to find Henry in her home. Henry wants a relationship and Alexandra still loves Ryan. Then her life takes another twist and she ends up in danger. A thriller that had me gripped from page one.

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I described this story to a friend at work as 'a trashy TV soap that you can't stop watching, but know deep down, it could be so much better!'

This book has two storylines - as most reviews will also tell you. It needed more of the first to make this story better. More juice on the affair, less attempting to be a psychological thriller!

Bonus points for the easy read! Sometimes it is just what we need!

[Maria Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Affair

It took till 48% till it became worth reading whilst I understand it’s fiction but when you can’t remember the night before wake up with bruises it’s a dot on the cards you’ve been spiked

[Lyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read that did have me gripped & want to keep reading. Very well written & easy to read. However it lacked any twists or turns, was disappointed when it ended.

[Suki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Piss all happens?

[Bonnie Maclachlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an interesting story and I read it in one sitting!

[Sophie Bristow Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Affair by N.A. Cooper is a great second novel. I really enjoyed her debut and this one was just as riveting.
Focusing on three main characters it had me glued to the pages for two days wondering the outcome. Strong characters gave this book an edge and it was really interesting to see how they managed to capture the essence of their story.
Highly recommended.

[shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one with lots of twists! Just felt the ending was a little rushed and could have been tied up more.

[Frances Norman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the original premise but found myself becoming irritated with several of the protagonists. Loved the thread with Alex’s father but the rest, for me was formulaic…I had no empathy for Alex & was glad when it ended 🤷‍♀️

[Sarah Westfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you bloodhound books for this ARC

This is the 1st book I’ve read by this author and really enjoyed it.

I loved the main character Alex, at time just just felt like shaking her and at other just felt like she needed a big hug. I also liked Ryan but knew straight away that I wouldn’t like Henry. Alex’s dad is as absent as her mother his present but I never expected him to be so involved in the ending

The story is well written and fast paced. One of the best endings I’ve read in ages and I didn’t see it coming

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had me wanting more in the first few chapters. Then it became boring! I wanted to just hurry and finish it. Total waste of my time. Nothing really happens. Will not be reading anything by this author again.

[Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happened with Ryan?!!???

[Ava Boardman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shite. So predictable

[Sophie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised this hasn't got more reviews. Really enjoyed it. Read it in two days. Loved the references to the peak district as I spend most weekends there.

[Scott Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra is a teacher of young children. Otherwise her life is rather unsatisfying. She lives alone in a small apartment and is looking for romance.
She tries the online dating scene and after an unsatisfactory "date" with someone encountered online, she stays on in the bar for a few drinks. A dashing man comes in and they engage in conversation. His name is Ryan and he is the father of Alex's favourite pupil Mia.

They end up in bed and that is the start of a torrid affair. Alex falls deeply in love with Ryan but Ryan is married with a child. He does not intend to end his existing relationship. Bit by bit he starts to ignore Alex's calls and texts. Ryan's wife discovers the affair. Enraged, she sets out to expose Alex. This does not end well for Alex as she is portrayed as the "scarlet woman", an adulteress. She is placed on leave of absence.

Meanwhile another man has entered her life and turns it upside down. She meets Henry on a night out on the town with friends. When she wakes in the morning she discovers Henry in her bedroom. She sends him off.

Weeks later Alex is pregnant. Who is the father? Henry decides that he is and pesters Alex endlessly. So Alex goes into hiding to avoid public shame and to get away from Henry.

This novel is well written but does not have many riveting twists and turns until we approach the end when the unexpected occurs.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.

[Keeley Ribchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Affair N.A.Cooper was given as ARC for my review and again another excellent book from this author. Having previously reviewed ‘Unravelling Alice’ I was excited to begin this one and once started I couldn’t stop to put it down!
Gripped right from the start the story follows Alex, a teacher who still single in her 30’s, who has a chance encounter at the end of another uneventful first date night with a school pupils married father, Ryan.
Alex and Ryan begin to see more of each other whilst strange events begin to happen in Alex’s life. Becoming slightly paranoid but letting her guilt at seeing Ryan lead her to believe the blame lies from there she carries on her trying to put it to one side.
An upset in the affair leads Alex to a friends night out and the meeting of Henry but all is not what it seems!
This was a really good read, admittedly I did work out what was happening and where the story was leading as I was going along so there were no big twists or surprises but that didn’t stop me from wanting to keep reading!
The characters were well written and the scenes well set and described. Thoroughly enjoyable and I await the next book from the author.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to review.

[CeeCee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got through this book at lightening speed. I to admit it was an easy read. Nothing too taxing or thought-provoking.
Alex, the main character, is a primary school teacher with a good reputation in a small village.
On yet another disastrous online date, she finds herself alone in the bar drowning her sorrows. Then, good-looking Ryan, the father of one of her young pupils, appears, and wham bang, she's swept off her feet.
From then on, the laughingly predictable clues as to where the novel is heading are not so much weaved into the story but SHOUTED at the reader in such a way anyone with a glimmer of intelligence can solve the so called mystery on a heartbeat.
Alex is such a depressing character who seems to live on takeaways, alcohol and her nerves.
In fact, every character apart from Carol, the mum, is full of doom and gloom.
The end of the novel is wrapped up very quickly after meandering through the storyline with the predictable outcome having been tossed at the reader earlier in the form of a huge in-your-face clue.
Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the opportunity to read and review before publication.

[travelholic.sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra é uma professora de crianças. Ela tenta ser sempre profissional. Mas em uma noite ela sai para jantar e leva um bolo e acaba encontrando Ryan e ele se envolve. O problema é que Ryan é um homem casado e pai de sua aluna Mia. Isso pode acabar com sua carreira.

Em uma noite com sua amiga ela reencontra Henry. Um homem super interessante que ela conheceu uma vez só. Depois de muita bebida ela acorda com ele na casa dela mas ele jura que não aconteceu nada entre eles.

Alex continua em contado com Henry e Ryan continuam na sua vida. Ela apaixonada por Ruan e os dois apaixonados por ela. Muitas coisas começam acontecer na vida dela, sua vida vira de ponta cabeça.

Ela descobre que um dos dois estava a manipulando desde o momento que se conheceram e que agora ela e sua família correm sério perigo.

Eu não posso falar muito mais sobre o livro porque é melhor ler sem saber muito. Eu desconfiei quem era o manipulador desde o começo, sexto sentido eu tenho. kkkkk
Eu gostei das reviravoltas, do envolvimento dos pais dela e achei o final perfeito.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

An affair with a pupil’s father never ends well for a teacher.

When Alex began an affair with her pupil’s father, even she never saw the nightmare coming.

If I said I knew the direction the book will take then I will be lying.

I love how easy it was to read this book. The setting was spot on. The description of events was very interesting and seamless.

It was a small town ‘romance’ and affair and the fall from grace and consequent ‘ostracizing’ made me feel sorry for Alex.

The characterization was good. The author should be commended for ‘messing with the reader’ in the direction she chose to weave the plot.

I was not expecting the way the plot went and my interest was sustained till the very last page.

Looking for a psychological thriller with a twist, then I’ll recommend this.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and the review is entirely mine.

[Helen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex is a primary school teacher who finds herself attracted to the father of one of her little charges, married man Ryan. Embroiled in a risky affair, Alex finds that things aren’t as they seem after a night out trying to put him behind her, falling into the arms of Henry. As secrets come to light Alex finds herself trying to outrun Henry’s affections, leading to life-changing and disastrous consequences.

Although I found this book entertaining, psychological thriller it isn’t. Most of the ‘thrills’ take place in the last 25% of the book, with the rest of the story taken up with Alex’s anguish over her relationship with Ryan. That’s not to say that it wasn’t an enjoyable read - it was, and a quick read it was too. Would I read anything else by the author? Most probably, but not if I was in the mood for a really twisty plot to mess with my head!

[Susan Blissett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story, which feels like a love story initially, turns into something quite scary. It covers topics such as affairs, stalking, rape and relationships. The first chapter really sets the scene, with the calmness and tranquility of the lake, trees and animals where she is living, being in juxtaposition to the torment she is feeling from past events. We then learn throughout the story what these events are. I felt it was a little slow to get going but once it did, I was keen to find out what would happen, although, I did feel that, I could see some of what was coming. Overall, a good read and I particularly liked the ending.
I received an ARC from BloodHound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. The very best psychological thriller I have read in a very long time. Totally realistic. Totally believable. Absolutely awesome.
At times the story was unexpectedly tender but then on the next page my heart would skip a beat as Alex found herself in some new state of peril. This is a story I will never forget. It is fiendishly clever and flawlessly written - tense and moving.
The author is skillful, inventive and daring, bringing her characters to life with ingenious perception of the human psyche and the dark side of love, where obsession and infatuation have turned deadly.
Within a few chapters I had felt the whole gamut of emotions and was totally gripped, knowing the next shock revelation would be only a page or two away.