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The Carrington Affairs
In March 2012, Bennett Carrington had the world on a string. A junior senator from Arkansas, the up and coming golden boy of American politics was being vetted for the vice-presidential position on the Anderson campaign. By July, he had resigned in disgrace and was left with no marriage, no career, and a broken heart.Eleven years later, Bennett finds himself in a unique position. He has the opportunity to reclaim his political career if he can convince the two women he loved most in the world, Taylor and Poppy, to each share their stories full of dirty little secrets which they thought had been buried years before. Set in the quaint little town of Searcy, Arkansas, the book, like the town itself, is full of secrets just waiting to be discovered.
464 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2024
8 people are currently reading
2763 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 30, 2024
I'm so proud of my mama! If you like political romance, this is for you!
May 9, 2024
Although I was raised in Searcy, Arkansas, I believe I can give an unbiased review 🤩
Loved the book and couldn’t put it down! So fun and loved the characters and how the story was laid out through the Harvey Cox interview process. Run and go get this book! You won’t be sorry!
Loved the book and couldn’t put it down! So fun and loved the characters and how the story was laid out through the Harvey Cox interview process. Run and go get this book! You won’t be sorry!
May 10, 2024
This was a great read! It’s got suspense and drama from the get go, and a storyline that weaves and bobs and surprises at every turn. I’m excited to read it again to see how the dots connect even more clearly. Highly recommend!
June 5, 2024
The characters in this book were so well-developed, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. The plot was engaging and kept me guessing and intrigued until the very end.
I appreciated the author's writing style, which drew me into the story effortlessly. The pacing was perfect, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep me hooked.
Overall, this book exceeded my expectations and I am so glad that I chose it to get me to reach my reading goal for 2024. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating dramatic and suspenseful read and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.
I appreciated the author's writing style, which drew me into the story effortlessly. The pacing was perfect, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep me hooked.
Overall, this book exceeded my expectations and I am so glad that I chose it to get me to reach my reading goal for 2024. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating dramatic and suspenseful read and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.
July 11, 2024
This was a fun summer read. The author definitely kept my attention! Just when I thought I had things figured out. . .Wham! Something would completely catch me off guard. The fact that the story is mainly set in my hometown, Searcy, AR, is just icing on the cake. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about many familiar places in our quaint little town. This is NOT your run of the mill romance novel! In this book you will find political drama, incredible character development, and lots of twists and turns. Hope this turns into a series, because I am SERIOUSLY ready to devour the next one!
July 11, 2024
Really enjoyed it. Definitely kept me guessing throughout the entire book. Small town setting added various twist to the storyline which made it fun. Easy read!
July 9, 2024
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and I really enjoyed it! It was engaging with twists and turns along the way and I enjoyed the whole story.
June 9, 2024
Loved writing and re-reading this book!
May 12, 2025
Susan Gooch’s The Carrington Affairs is an emotionally rich, character-driven novel that skillfully weaves together themes of political downfall, personal redemption, and the tangled complexities of love. At the center of the story is Bennett Carrington—a once-rising political star whose promising future was abruptly derailed by scandal. In 2012, Bennett stood on the cusp of national prominence as a junior senator from Arkansas being considered for a vice-presidential nomination. But a series of events shattered that trajectory, leaving him with a ruined career, a broken marriage, and a heart heavy with regret.
Eleven years later, Bennett finds himself staring down a second chance—an opportunity to reclaim his life in the political arena. But redemption comes at a price.
To clear his name and return to public life, he must revisit the painful past and persuade the two women who knew him best—Taylor and Poppy—to come forward with truths they’ve hidden for over a decade. What unfolds is a riveting exploration of how secrets, once buried, have the power to heal or destroy, depending on how they are brought into the light.
Gooch’s portrayal of the fictional town of Searcy, Arkansas, adds a rich layer to the narrative. The small-town setting brims with Southern charm and quiet whispers of long-held secrets, serving as both a comforting backdrop and a crucible for the emotional reckoning that takes place. The town itself becomes a character, holding memories, judgments, and a kind of stillness that contrasts with the emotional turbulence of Bennett’s journey.
The narrative is grounded in authenticity, with well-drawn characters who feel as flawed and real as the challenges they face. Bennett is more than a fallen politician—he is a man grappling with identity, consequence, and the desire to make peace with his past. Taylor and Poppy are equally compelling, offering perspectives that challenge the reader to consider the weight of truth and the courage it takes to speak it.
The Carrington Affairs is not your typical political drama nor your standard romance. It lives in the grey spaces—where love is complicated, ambition is double-edged, and redemption is earned through vulnerability. Gooch’s writing is poignant and nuanced, with a narrative pace that keeps the reader engaged while allowing space for emotional depth and reflection.
In all, this is a powerful story about second chances, the complexity of relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit. Susan Gooch has penned a thought-provoking novel that blends romance, politics, and small-town intrigue into a compelling, unforgettable read. The Carrington Affairs will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that explore not just love, but the difficult paths we often take to find our way back to it.
Eleven years later, Bennett finds himself staring down a second chance—an opportunity to reclaim his life in the political arena. But redemption comes at a price.
To clear his name and return to public life, he must revisit the painful past and persuade the two women who knew him best—Taylor and Poppy—to come forward with truths they’ve hidden for over a decade. What unfolds is a riveting exploration of how secrets, once buried, have the power to heal or destroy, depending on how they are brought into the light.
Gooch’s portrayal of the fictional town of Searcy, Arkansas, adds a rich layer to the narrative. The small-town setting brims with Southern charm and quiet whispers of long-held secrets, serving as both a comforting backdrop and a crucible for the emotional reckoning that takes place. The town itself becomes a character, holding memories, judgments, and a kind of stillness that contrasts with the emotional turbulence of Bennett’s journey.
The narrative is grounded in authenticity, with well-drawn characters who feel as flawed and real as the challenges they face. Bennett is more than a fallen politician—he is a man grappling with identity, consequence, and the desire to make peace with his past. Taylor and Poppy are equally compelling, offering perspectives that challenge the reader to consider the weight of truth and the courage it takes to speak it.
The Carrington Affairs is not your typical political drama nor your standard romance. It lives in the grey spaces—where love is complicated, ambition is double-edged, and redemption is earned through vulnerability. Gooch’s writing is poignant and nuanced, with a narrative pace that keeps the reader engaged while allowing space for emotional depth and reflection.
In all, this is a powerful story about second chances, the complexity of relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit. Susan Gooch has penned a thought-provoking novel that blends romance, politics, and small-town intrigue into a compelling, unforgettable read. The Carrington Affairs will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that explore not just love, but the difficult paths we often take to find our way back to it.
May 12, 2025
The Carrington Affairs by Susan Gooch
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉The Carrington Affairs by Susan Gooch is a deliciously dramatic and emotionally gripping novel that takes you deep into the heart of small-town secrets, political ambition, and the kind of love that never truly disappears. 😍🥰😍😍🔥🥰 This is the kind of book that hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end!
👉The story centers around Bennett Carrington, a former golden boy of American politics who had it all—until one scandal in 2012 shattered his career and personal life. Now, over a decade later, he’s given a second chance to reclaim his future—but only if he can convince the two women from his past, Taylor and Poppy, to confront the secrets they buried long ago.
👉Susan Gooch does a brilliant job of crafting characters that feel raw, real, and emotionally complex. Taylor and Poppy are unforgettable—strong, vulnerable, and layered with depth. I found myself completely invested in their stories and eager to unravel their hidden truths.
👉The pacing of the novel is perfect, with just the right amount of suspense, twists, and emotional tension to keep the pages flying. The small-town setting of Searcy, Arkansas, adds a cozy-yet-claustrophobic feel, where everyone knows your name—but not your truth. It creates the perfect backdrop for this tale of redemption, betrayal, and healing.
👉What I loved most is how this book doesn’t just entertain—it resonates. It speaks to the power of facing your past, the strength in vulnerability, and the courage it takes to forgive and grow. The emotional depth and captivating storytelling make this a truly unforgettable read.
👉A powerful and heartfelt novel about love, scandal, and second chances. Highly recommend for fans of contemporary drama with a twist of political intrigue and soul-stirring character arcs!
😍🥰😍😍🔥🥰
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉The Carrington Affairs by Susan Gooch is a deliciously dramatic and emotionally gripping novel that takes you deep into the heart of small-town secrets, political ambition, and the kind of love that never truly disappears. 😍🥰😍😍🔥🥰 This is the kind of book that hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end!
👉The story centers around Bennett Carrington, a former golden boy of American politics who had it all—until one scandal in 2012 shattered his career and personal life. Now, over a decade later, he’s given a second chance to reclaim his future—but only if he can convince the two women from his past, Taylor and Poppy, to confront the secrets they buried long ago.
👉Susan Gooch does a brilliant job of crafting characters that feel raw, real, and emotionally complex. Taylor and Poppy are unforgettable—strong, vulnerable, and layered with depth. I found myself completely invested in their stories and eager to unravel their hidden truths.
👉The pacing of the novel is perfect, with just the right amount of suspense, twists, and emotional tension to keep the pages flying. The small-town setting of Searcy, Arkansas, adds a cozy-yet-claustrophobic feel, where everyone knows your name—but not your truth. It creates the perfect backdrop for this tale of redemption, betrayal, and healing.
👉What I loved most is how this book doesn’t just entertain—it resonates. It speaks to the power of facing your past, the strength in vulnerability, and the courage it takes to forgive and grow. The emotional depth and captivating storytelling make this a truly unforgettable read.
👉A powerful and heartfelt novel about love, scandal, and second chances. Highly recommend for fans of contemporary drama with a twist of political intrigue and soul-stirring character arcs!
😍🥰😍😍🔥🥰
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
June 3, 2025
📖 Book Review: The Carrington Affairs by Susan Gooch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 (5/5)
A political downfall, two unforgettable women, and a town full of secrets—Susan Gooch delivers a gripping, emotionally layered tale that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
🧨 Explosive Opening
In March 2012, Senator Bennett Carrington is on the fast track to the White House… until scandal strikes. By July, he’s lost it all—career, marriage, and reputation. The dramatic fall is swift, believable, and full of tension.
🔁 Redemption Arc Done Right
⏳ Eleven years later, Bennett has one chance to rise again—but it means digging up painful truths. Watching him confront his past adds emotional weight and genuine suspense.
💔 Two Women, One Wrecked Heart
Taylor and Poppy aren’t just side characters—they’re central to the story’s emotional core. Their perspectives are rich with secrets, regrets, and resilience. 💃🏼👩🏽💼
🏡 Small-Town Vibes, Big-Time Secrets
Set in Searcy, Arkansas, the town is almost a character itself. Quaint on the outside, but hiding layers of drama and betrayal underneath. Perfect for fans of Southern fiction. 🌾📜
🎭 Themes That Hit Hard
Power vs. integrity 🏛️
Love vs. loyalty 💞
Truth vs. reputation 🤐
🪞 Emotional & Reflective
This isn’t just a political drama—it’s a story about what we bury to survive, and what it takes to finally dig it up. Poignant without being preachy.
💬 Final Thoughts:
The Carrington Affairs is a page-turner with substance. It weaves scandal, love, and redemption into a smart, emotionally satisfying read. Great for fans of political fiction, second chances, and deep character stories.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 (5/5)
A political downfall, two unforgettable women, and a town full of secrets—Susan Gooch delivers a gripping, emotionally layered tale that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
🧨 Explosive Opening
In March 2012, Senator Bennett Carrington is on the fast track to the White House… until scandal strikes. By July, he’s lost it all—career, marriage, and reputation. The dramatic fall is swift, believable, and full of tension.
🔁 Redemption Arc Done Right
⏳ Eleven years later, Bennett has one chance to rise again—but it means digging up painful truths. Watching him confront his past adds emotional weight and genuine suspense.
💔 Two Women, One Wrecked Heart
Taylor and Poppy aren’t just side characters—they’re central to the story’s emotional core. Their perspectives are rich with secrets, regrets, and resilience. 💃🏼👩🏽💼
🏡 Small-Town Vibes, Big-Time Secrets
Set in Searcy, Arkansas, the town is almost a character itself. Quaint on the outside, but hiding layers of drama and betrayal underneath. Perfect for fans of Southern fiction. 🌾📜
🎭 Themes That Hit Hard
Power vs. integrity 🏛️
Love vs. loyalty 💞
Truth vs. reputation 🤐
🪞 Emotional & Reflective
This isn’t just a political drama—it’s a story about what we bury to survive, and what it takes to finally dig it up. Poignant without being preachy.
💬 Final Thoughts:
The Carrington Affairs is a page-turner with substance. It weaves scandal, love, and redemption into a smart, emotionally satisfying read. Great for fans of political fiction, second chances, and deep character stories.
August 18, 2024
My heart is drawn to Nonfiction and Historical Fiction, but a local author's book caught my eye, inspiring me to explore. I read it in two days, stayin up late Friday night to finish it because I couldn't put it down. I was thrilled to support Susan Gooch's debut novel, a captivating tale that will resonate with fans of small-town romance and suspense. In a community where power is tied to legacy, wealth, love, and secrets, this story reveals the transformative power of forbidden emotions and the unmasking of dark family secrets, illuminating the path to truth and self-discovery.
November 26, 2024
An amusing, not necessarily a compliment...
An amusing, not necessarily a compliment, family drama set in Arkansas. I found a lot of editing errors and the plot draw out. The characters weren't particularly likable, so they were not very relatable. The story was amusing as the setting and characters are high society with legacy names like Carrington living in vast mansions in rural, small town Arkansas. The story wasn't hard to figure out, so no twists for me.
An amusing, not necessarily a compliment, family drama set in Arkansas. I found a lot of editing errors and the plot draw out. The characters weren't particularly likable, so they were not very relatable. The story was amusing as the setting and characters are high society with legacy names like Carrington living in vast mansions in rural, small town Arkansas. The story wasn't hard to figure out, so no twists for me.
July 11, 2024
This was a great book with interesting characters. The story is a sweet romantic political drama. Growing up in this small town made me feel as if I knew the town and its characters. It was very familiar and I enjoyed their story lines. The author did a great job of pulling it all together for the perfect ending.
December 14, 2024
Captivating Read
This book caught my attention from the beginning and was hard to put down. Being from Searcy, I loved reading about all of the sites and activities of Searcy. If you are not from Searcy, it is still a great read and only enhances the fun of the book if you are. I can’t wait for the next book by Suzy!
This book caught my attention from the beginning and was hard to put down. Being from Searcy, I loved reading about all of the sites and activities of Searcy. If you are not from Searcy, it is still a great read and only enhances the fun of the book if you are. I can’t wait for the next book by Suzy!
June 28, 2024
I liked the character development and the overall story. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down. It was a great and I would recommend it to everyone. It did not follow the normal predictable romance formula and kept me interested.
July 8, 2024
This was an absolute page turner! I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. It was fascinating to me because it is set in my hometown , but the plot, suspense and writing were excellent! I didn’t see the ending playing out as it did! Well written!
July 27, 2024
It started a bit slow and was a long read, but once the story got going, I couldn't stop reading. It was interesting to hear the story from different perspectives and how everyone's lives intertwined.
April 21, 2024
I loved writing and reading this book. If you enjoy a political romance, this is a great one.
May 13, 2024
Lots of unexpected twists and connections between characters! If you like a small-town romance, this book is for you!
July 10, 2024
I am not a big reader and I couldn’t put this book down. Definitely a must read, I cannot wait for Susan next book!
July 10, 2024
I loved this book. The intro drew me in right away. I never would have guessed the ending! I'm going to recommend it to all of my friends.
July 13, 2024
The perfect summer read! Couldn’t put it down! Loved the politics set in a familiar town! Highly recommend!
July 21, 2024
Fun read! Well developed characters! Unexpected twists and turns! A must read!
July 29, 2024
A fantastic read! Put this one on your list, you will not want to put it down!
August 26, 2024
This was a great read! I loved it. It was about a family named the Carrington and their live and loss!
Great book
Great book
August 8, 2025
The cutest book with a little bit of everything! The twist is super! The author is smart and witty and it comes across in every page you read. YOU WILL LOVE IT!
July 18, 2024
At first I thought this was going to be more of a romance novel, but I was way off. There is drama, and suspense and a twist ending. It was a great read and I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews