A young woman’s quiet life is upended when she meets the man of her forbidden dreams in the startling new novel from New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery. The Affair begins…
The Affair Week One
Innocent yet unconventional hospice nurse Emma Shore has secured a new position at The Breakers, the sprawling mansion of enigmatic and dangerously handsome racecar billionaire Michael Montand. Hired as caretaker for Montand’s stepmother, Emma expects few complications. But one night, lost in the mansion’s maze of corridors, she comes upon a woman and a man she can’t identify engaged in a raw, naked interlude of sexual subjugation. Silently, from the shadows, Emma watches—shocked, appalled, and unnervingly aroused.
But Emma wonders… if this mysterious stranger is not Montand, then who is it? And what other surprises are in store for her? Night after sleepless night, she’s considering the possibilities. And for the first time in her life, she’s not going to run away from them.
Includes a bonus excerpt of Beth Kery’s Paradise Rules More to come. Don’t miss The Affair: Week 2
Beth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.
After reading The Glimmer, I’m a mega fan of Beth Kery. The Affair has been on my radar from sometime, but I never picked it up because of the title. I do not like cheating in books, BUT it’s not what it seems and I promise you, it’s going to be fine.
The Affair will be published in on full length novel, but it’s currently available in 8 segments (each book will be a week in the affair). Since I am currently reading the book, I decided to write my thoughts as I read.
Within the first chapter I was instantly drawn to the story. I really like the premise and the mystery element is very attractive. Emma is a hospice nurse and she is hired to take care of Montand’s stepmother.
Like a said, not everything is as it seems…
There are many questions that go through my mind as I read, like why does Montand refuse to let his stepmother have her curtains open? Why is Emma not allowed to wonder the mansion? Why does Montand have cameras in his step mother’s room? Montand seems very controlling and it makes it all more alluring.
If you are a fan of serials, then this one will be one you want to start with. Its starts out very mysterious and you know you will be taken for a ride.
This is my first Beth Kery book and it was kind of nice to read it in serial form. In fact, I read the entire Week 1 in one sitting while waiting for a doctor's appointment. I do have strong feelings about serialized book and I'm not entirely sure if they are for me - and I guess by the time I get to the last book, I'll know how I feel.
I was lucky to get an ARC copy of the book, so it includes all 8 weeks of The Affair. Each section is about 4 chapters long with bonus reading material from another book included. So it's about 80 pages less the bonus reading materials of about 20 pages. I think that this might just be a quirk about me - I never read chapter previews - ever. So for me, this was wasted space.
As for the story itself, I found it rather enjoyable. Rich millionaire (or was it billionaire?) with issues meets young woman who stands up to him. I think that we need a new romance category - Romance Fantasy. Because seriously, just how many good looking available, young millionaires (or bilionaires) are there out there? In any case, Michael is seriously hot.
ETA - Take a peek at the Forbes list of billionaires and there are about 30 "young" billionaires. You can check out the list here.
I liked how the author drew me into the story. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/NAL for a review copy of this book.
Beth Kery is one of those authors who managed to do serials right. Despite it's length, I enjoyed this because the author was able to capture my attention with her vivid characterizations. As I've said, this is a very short read but I can't help but be intrigued by Montand as Emma was. And Emma promises to be another strong female heroine.
This is my first foray into Beth Kerys' writing as well as being the first time I have read a serial in part. The Affair;Week One, You Tantalized Me, certainly lived up to its name. I was tantalized and left wanting to know what happens next.I have to be honest and say that I have steered clear of serials to date because I didn't want a bunch of cliffhangers all in a row and then long waits between, but this installment left me anticipating Week Two but satisfied and not tearing my hair out.
Immediately we are introduced to Emma Shore, a palliative care nurse, who is employed to care for the male protagonist's stepmother. She immediately connects with Christina, her patient, and senses the mystery that surrounds her employer and his house, as well as the underlying tension that permeates the entire household. I liked Emma and how she was wise beyond her years when it came to her profession while, in other areas, remaining realistically inexperienced for her 23 years. She was mature and confident when caring for her patients, giving them the dignity and respect they deserve in their dying days and her gentle but firm nature was evident in her interactions with each character. While i would have liked to connect personally with Emma a bit earlier than I did, the connection was definitely made, and she is a likable character and capable heroine
Michael Montand is a billionaire CEO of his family company and knows his way around fast cars, driving and fixing them. He is somewhat of an enigma, never visiting his stepmother, insisting on very strict care guidelines for her, and forbidding the nursing staff to venture anywhere but the wing in which his stepmother is living. As soon as we meet Michael, it is easy to see this man has a back-story to tell, one that is going to be complex and emotive. Even though we do not have a lot of time with Michael I did feel a connection blossoming and I am curious to know what makes him tick.
This was a very short read but I am really glad that I picked it up and will be looking forward to the future instalments and reading this authors other works.
copy kindly provided by Netgalley and the author/publisher
Nice start... I don't like the heroine, she seems to be a bit sanctimonious. I haven't seen enough of the hero to have an opinion yet. I also don't understand who the mysterious dude was, was it the hero or someone else?
I'm going to begin this review by saying that I am not generally a fan of serials. No, wait, that's wrong. I am not a fan of waiting to read the next part of serials; tending instead to wait until they're all out before I begin. Another thing I should point out is that I have never read anything by this author before. I know she is well known within the erotica genre, and that is the main reason I read it. Finally, The Affair: Week 1 is short. Super short. And by that I mean I-managed-to-fit-it-in-while-my-husband-walked-the-dog-before-bed kind of short.
In this, the first installment, we meet Emma Shore. Emma is a palliative care worker, hired by Michael Montand to see to the needs of his ailing stepmother. While searching one of the forbidden floors of the mansion, attempting to locate a washer and dryer, Emma is forced to hide when she hears a man and a woman in conversation. Knowing that she cannot be found or she will lose her job, Emma hides herself from view. Oblivious to the stranger in their midst, the couple proceed to engage in what Emma sees to be twisted and kinky sex. Forced to remain in her hiding place, Emma is shocked to find herself aroused by what she hears. Although she knows the names of the couple, and can see the woman, she sees only the strong arms of the man involved.
When safe to do so, Emma flees, all the while wondering if the man in question was the elusive Michael Montand. When Emma is summoned to his office the very next day, it sparks a series of events that she never anticipated when she’d taken the job . . .
As this is a short read, I won’t delve any deeper for fear of spoiling it for you.
Pros and cons? The pros: if you like your stories with more than a little hint of BDSM, then you’ll enjoy this. However, even though this is a serial, I did expect more character development than you get. More time was spent describing the mansion than was spent on showing me why I should engage with Emma. I think this is the main reason I didn’t really feel much when she is slighted (SPOILER) and why I failed to picture her in my mind. As for Michael, other than his being hot, I don’t know much of him. His character is a contradiction—something which, when done right, works. However, again, I didn’t feel that connection to him.
That being said, I will read the subsequent stories. Who knows, maybe reading them as a novel as opposed to a serial might make the story more captivating.
I was looking for something different when an opportunity presented itself to review The Affair in its entirety and I quite enjoyed this steamy saga with its flawed hero, strong heroine and heated scenes. Years and years ago, back when high hair and blue eye shadow was all the rage I explored erotica and found that while the sex was detailed and hot, the story was lacking. Kery proves I need to revisit the genre because she created an interesting storyline with conflict, emotions, growth and three-dimensional characters. The sexual moments explore BDSM. Michael is experienced, and Emma naive. Kery gave us an emotional connection, moments of laughter and trust. The trope here is a short affair, no strings attached, no promises..just two consenting adults and I quite enjoyed it. Kery added depth as she shared Micheal's past filled with lost, and betrayal. He is complex, strong, successful and yet damaged. He isn't a bad boy nor is he unkind. Emma, is confident, and eternally optimistic. While she has had a previous partner her exploration and developing feelings for Michael are all new to her.
Each week a new episode released, the final one today. They are relatively short, most are under 100 pages but pick up where the previous week ended. The cut of each week is perfectly timed to leave the reader excited, flounder and anxious for the next installment. I liked that their wasn't wasted rehashing, but just picked up where we left off.
This first installment set-up what seems like a really great story. I'm intrigued to see what Week Two has in store for Emma and Michael.
Emma is sweet, kind and really laidback. She's one of a few hospice nurses caring for the stepmother of a billionaire, Michael Montand. His house is breathtaking, but the situation is a little mysterious. She's never seen or had any direct interaction with Mr. Montand. Rumor has it he's cold and selfish.
One night Emma forgoes the house rules in search of a washing machine. What she ends up seeing, changes something in her. But she never sees the man's face, just his body and his total domination. So was it Mr. Montand?
She's sure she's been busted for spying when Mr. Montand summons her the next day, but he actually wants to reprimand her for breaking one of the other rules. What neither of them expected was the spark that ignited between them.
Beth Kery did it again...she managed to capture my interest in this first installment to the "The Affair" series. It was a quick read and so many questions need to be answered and I can't wait to continue. I like that the heroine is feisty and not afraid to stand up for herself and speaks her mind. Can't wait to read on and see how this all plays out.
A little slow to start. TBH I was kinda lost. Not really sure who Vanni is or Michael. And how Cristina plays a part in all this with Michael’s hatred. But the story is just beginning and I want to see how it all plays out.
I didn't know where to post this review - it's a serial e-rom with eight installments.
The Affair is the latest serial e-book by author Beth Kery. Beth is hands down one of my absolute favorite e-rom authors. She was one of the first authors I read after FSOG, and I have been a loyal follower of all of her serials – not to mention her full length novels – ever since. I was so excited to hear she had written another serial e-rom, and I was absolutely ecstatic when I was offered an ARC of the novel in advance.
So, let me just say, I finished reading The Affair last night, and I have been on a serious book hangover all day. So much so, that I haven’t been able to bring myself to start a new book – I’m going in for a re-read immediately.
Vanni and Emma are two of the most original and refreshing characters I’ve read in this genre in a very long time. The story line is creative and compelling. Not cliché or overly predictable. Even when I thought I knew where the story was headed, the author surprised me, not once, but many times over.
Ladies, we have a new book boyfriend to add to the list. Meet Vanni Montand, the brilliant and uber sexy CEO of Montand Motorworks. Vanni’s good looks aren’t the only thing sexy about him, either. His confidence, sexual prowess, self-awareness, and dedication to his family make him completely irresistible. He’s also one of the saddest heroes I’ve read recently. Oh, there were times when his arrogance frustrated me, but just about the time I was ready to shake my head, the author would cleverly weave in some more of Vanni’s back story, and my heart would squeeze for him right along with Emma’s.
Emma is an utterly refreshing heroine. She is the perfect submissive sexual partner, and exactly what Vanni needs. Her sexy innocence is unlike anything Vanni has ever experienced, but her eagerness to learn and to please, coupled with a bit of a bold streak, leaves Vanni fixated to the point of distraction. Outside the bedroom, Emma is anything but submissive. She’s intelligent, strong willed, knows her own mind, and possesses a deep existential understanding of life and death that is exactly what Vanni needs. Vanni and Emma are indisputably one of my favorite couples of 2014.
In addition to creating extraordinary characters, Beth Kery tells an extraordinary story as well. Her voice is fresh and intelligent, her challenging (at times) vocabulary, and her ability to paint a scene are brilliant. She has an incredible gift for putting the reader right in the scene along with the characters – color, texture, taste, smell and sound – she hits all the senses remarkably.
Week 4 just released today (October 7). If you haven’t been following this extraordinary love story, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
I'm going to begin this review by saying that I am not generally a fan of serials. No, wait, that's wrong. I am not a fan of waiting to read the next part of serials; tending instead to wait until they're all out before I begin. Another thing I should point out is that I have never read anything by this author before. I know she is well known within the erotica genre, and that is the main reason I read it. Finally, The Affair: Week 1 is short. Super short. And by that I mean I-managed-to-fit-it-in-while-my-husband-walked-the-dog-before-bed kind of short.
In this, the first installment, we meet Emma Shore. Emma is a palliative care worker, hired by Michael Montand to see to the needs of his ailing stepmother. While searching one of the forbidden floors of the mansion, attempting to locate a washer and dryer, Emma is forced to hide when she hears a man and a woman in conversation. Knowing that she cannot be found or she will lose her job, Emma hides herself from view. Oblivious to the stranger in their midst, the couple proceed to engage in what Emma sees to be twisted and kinky sex. Forced to remain in her hiding place, Emma is shocked to find herself aroused by what she hears. Although she knows the names of the couple, and can see the woman, she sees only the strong arms of the man involved.
When safe to do so, Emma flees, all the while wondering if the man in question was the elusive Michael Montand. When Emma is summoned to his office the very next day, it sparks a series of events that she never anticipated when she’d taken the job . . .
As this is a short read, I won’t delve any deeper for fear of spoiling it for you.
Pros and cons? Pros: if you like your stories with more than a little hint of BDSM, then you’ll enjoy this. Cons: even though this is a serial, I did expect more character development than you get. More time was spent describing the mansion than was spent on showing me why I should engage with Emma. I think this is the main reason I didn’t really feel much when she is slighted (SPOILER) and why I failed to picture her in my mind. As for Michael, other than his being hot, I don’t know much of him. His character is a contradiction—something which, when done right, works. However, again, I didn’t feel that connection to him.
That being said, I will read the subsequent stories. Who knows, maybe reading them as a novel as opposed to a serial might make the story more captivating.
This is an all too quick read and I'm ready for week 2! In 80 pages, Beth Kerry introduces us to Emma Shore and the Montand family and sets us up for a read that promises romance, eroticism, and a mystery.
From the outset we get a sense of Emma as the do good girl who never rocks the boat and we are immediately drawn to Emma and her unfortunate circumstances; never having enough money and in the position as the guardian or her younger sister. But the story focuses on Emma’s work and interaction with Cristina and her step-son Max Montand. Emma quickly finds herself on Max’s radar and her job, what she see’s throughout her workday, has her questioning Max’s motives and the care he is providing for his step mother. Within this short story, Emma experiences heartbreak, finds herself longing for passion, and quickly finds her image of Max challenged
In this ‘episode” of this serialized story, we find out that all is not as it seems with any of our main characters; Emma, Max, and Cristina, and you just know that there are secrets that are bound to be exposed and that Emma will likely end up at the center of the mystery and poised for disappointment.
5 stars - recommendation if you can handle serial setting and promise for erotic romance
Beth Kery had written the start of another serial that will captivate and enthral readers.
Very few authors can capture my attention enough to stick with a serial, but time and time again this author has done it and after reading the first part of this newest serial I know I'm in for another guaranteed amazing read.
In this part we meet our hero and heroine in Michael and Emma. From their first meeting there is that crackle of sexual tension that hints at more to come.
As a reader I'm already invested in these two characters and am looking forward to finding out more about them and their past and future stories.
By the end of this part I was groaning because I now have to wait for the next part. Talk about a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see where and to what depths this story will go.
This has all the trademarks do being a scorching great read and I can't wait for the next installment.
I thoroughly enjoyed week one of this book, and you've sufficiently tantalized me. There is enough intrigue and suspense, along with erotic mind blowing scenes, that yes......I would love week two. Emma is such a sweet, yet old soul, and I can't help but wonder what she is going to tell Micheal. Their brief but glowing affair is enough to make me sit up and take notice. I just can't help but wonder how this next installment will go. Thanks netgalley for a fee book. In exchange for a review. Five hot stars.
I received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.THE AFFAIR is an 8 part E-serial by Author Beth Kery.Beth is no stranger to serials,and it looks like THE AFFAIR is going to be quite a ride, if part 1 is anything to go by. Emma is a hospice nurse who has just started working for the wealthy MOntrand family.One night she explores the mansion and accidentally witnesses a compromising situation between an unidentified male and female.Is the man her boss,Michael Montrand?
Emma is young but has experience with death and is superb at her job. She is intrigued by Michael Montand and all the gossip she's heard. When she stumbles upon explicit sexual acts, she isn't quite sure who it is she saw. Emma's patient seems plagued by her past sins, so it's Emma's job to listen and not judge. I have feeling when this happens life for Emma will change. One hot sex scene that was observed. Emma and Michael form a sort of friendship.
Yet another bored young attractive kinky billionaire preying on a young impressionable vulnerable woman. Week 1 moved fast and gave the impression that this is going to be a hot read with lots of power play and dominance. Curious enough to read the next and I'm hoping this won't be one of those types of erotica... Shades and monochromes and all
It's a decent read and the story has a lot of potential, however with 8 installments at $2 a pop I'm going to stop right here. Its not that mind blowing. There are plenty of more reasonable priced series out there to read. Both longer per installment and fewer installments. If this ever goes to KU I'd consider reading it but other than that it's been shelved.
The dance was there from practically the beginning but the buildup was beginning to get annoying. I realize this is a novella series and I should have expected it, but by the last paragraph I'd nearly become too irritated to finish. Now I must read the next one!