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The Affair
The shocking, gripping story of a schoolgirl and a scandal .
A shocking story about a fifteen-year-old girl and the man who took advantage of her
“You might as well know from the start, I’m not going to tell on him and I don’t care how much trouble I get in. It’s not like it could get any worse than it already is.
I can’t. Don’t ask me why, I just can’t.”
When Nina finds out that her fifteen-year-old daughter, Scarlett, is pregnant, her world falls apart.
Because Scarlet won’t tell anyone who the father is. And Nina is scared that the answer will destroy everything.
As the suspects mount – from Scarlett’s teacher to Nina’s new husband of less than a year – Nina searches for the no matter what the cost.
432 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2016
144 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Brooke
32 books276 followersAmanda Brooke lives in Liverpool with her teenage daughter, Jessica. When her three-year-old son died from cancer, Amanda was determined that his legacy would be one of inspiration. Yesterday's Sun is inspired by her experiences of motherhood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
February 5, 2017
The Affair is a fabulous book that has triggered all my emotions.
The way Amanda writes kept me in suspense the whole way through! I can't believe how many times I changed my mind throughout the book.
The Affair is about a young school girl called Scarlett who becomes involved with a married older man! Ok I will stop there as I truly don't want to spoil the suspense.
Nina her mum never suspected a thing, which made me feel her frustration and heartache when Scarlett was making things extremely difficult for her family.
Not only did Nine have to deal with Scarlett, her Son ends up in a hole heap of trouble too.
I don't want to write any more about the storyline as I really don't want to give anything away which could easily be done.
Ok so I'll write about how much I thoroughly enjoyed Amanda's writing style.
It took me a little while to get used to being transferred from past to present but once I did I loved it!
It really adds to the suspense as every time you are privileged to some important information on who it might be, Amanda pulls you back to the present so your left wondering and guessing.
I literally spent all night reading as i wanted to know if my suspicions were right. But like I said I was left wondering at every page I turned.
Despite the great storyline let's not forget this was a very serious storyline and it was clear from the start Scarlett had no idea what she was doing was classed as abuse.
Towards the end when the truth unravels you see that Scarlett is just a child that fell in love. When she realises the extent of what has happens she breaks down and confesses all to her Mum.
Even towards the very end she does not have the courage to report him to the police even though she knows she has to. It truly shows her vulnerability and how she has been Groomed so to speak in what to say.
I think Amanda ended her book just in the right place. I'm not sure I could see another book to follow on.
I highly recommend The Affair, it was easy reading if not a little frustrating as I didn't have enough hours in the day to finish in one read.
I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review via NetGalley
The way Amanda writes kept me in suspense the whole way through! I can't believe how many times I changed my mind throughout the book.
The Affair is about a young school girl called Scarlett who becomes involved with a married older man! Ok I will stop there as I truly don't want to spoil the suspense.
Nina her mum never suspected a thing, which made me feel her frustration and heartache when Scarlett was making things extremely difficult for her family.
Not only did Nine have to deal with Scarlett, her Son ends up in a hole heap of trouble too.
I don't want to write any more about the storyline as I really don't want to give anything away which could easily be done.
Ok so I'll write about how much I thoroughly enjoyed Amanda's writing style.
It took me a little while to get used to being transferred from past to present but once I did I loved it!
It really adds to the suspense as every time you are privileged to some important information on who it might be, Amanda pulls you back to the present so your left wondering and guessing.
I literally spent all night reading as i wanted to know if my suspicions were right. But like I said I was left wondering at every page I turned.
Despite the great storyline let's not forget this was a very serious storyline and it was clear from the start Scarlett had no idea what she was doing was classed as abuse.
Towards the end when the truth unravels you see that Scarlett is just a child that fell in love. When she realises the extent of what has happens she breaks down and confesses all to her Mum.
Even towards the very end she does not have the courage to report him to the police even though she knows she has to. It truly shows her vulnerability and how she has been Groomed so to speak in what to say.
I think Amanda ended her book just in the right place. I'm not sure I could see another book to follow on.
I highly recommend The Affair, it was easy reading if not a little frustrating as I didn't have enough hours in the day to finish in one read.
I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review via NetGalley
February 24, 2017
2.5 stars
Firstly, this is not a romance, it is women's fiction I guess, but a stretch for that genre. It clearly wasn't a hit for me and there are a number of reasons why. However, I am going to start with the positives.
Writing a book about the worst of sexual predators and their grooming process is a tough challenge. There is little subject matter to work with that is ultimately appealing or satisfying. I do think books should be written about this subject in the fiction world, as it is through this medium that many learn. However, it's not entertaining but I do like to be challenged ethically and think about different perspectives.
My struggles with this book start with the fact that I do no think this book tackled the issues well and I began moving from the world of fiction and finding flaw with some concepts from my own professional knowledge. Almost all of the characters in this book I disliked and one I reviled. The only likeable characters were Liam and Eva. I struggled immensely with the mother, Nina and her attitude towards her daughter. Scarlett seemed to be portrayed as in the wrong rather than victim; I cannot condone this. I cannot begin to define my hatred of Rob, but I imagine most readers would feel this way.
The differing points of view especially within each chapter made following the multiple perspectives rather difficult and in this, the writing didn't flow. In addition the format of before and accusations took some getting used to and I didn't quite adjust. It was a quick read, however and even through my difficulties, it kept my interest.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
Firstly, this is not a romance, it is women's fiction I guess, but a stretch for that genre. It clearly wasn't a hit for me and there are a number of reasons why. However, I am going to start with the positives.
Writing a book about the worst of sexual predators and their grooming process is a tough challenge. There is little subject matter to work with that is ultimately appealing or satisfying. I do think books should be written about this subject in the fiction world, as it is through this medium that many learn. However, it's not entertaining but I do like to be challenged ethically and think about different perspectives.
My struggles with this book start with the fact that I do no think this book tackled the issues well and I began moving from the world of fiction and finding flaw with some concepts from my own professional knowledge. Almost all of the characters in this book I disliked and one I reviled. The only likeable characters were Liam and Eva. I struggled immensely with the mother, Nina and her attitude towards her daughter. Scarlett seemed to be portrayed as in the wrong rather than victim; I cannot condone this. I cannot begin to define my hatred of Rob, but I imagine most readers would feel this way.
The differing points of view especially within each chapter made following the multiple perspectives rather difficult and in this, the writing didn't flow. In addition the format of before and accusations took some getting used to and I didn't quite adjust. It was a quick read, however and even through my difficulties, it kept my interest.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
September 3, 2019
My reviews can be found on my blog.
https://readalongwithsue.blogspot.com...
This, for me is one of what I call my “catch up reads” I’m way behind some of my reviews and reading. I’m trying to take one or 2 at a time off my pile per month.
That said......
Amanda Brooke pens very good well worth reading novels.
This one was of no exception and with a subject matter that seems to be an acceptable “norm” at times.
So this being said, I wasn’t as shocked as I should be.
We read about this in newspapers or in Women’s magazines.
I thought the author was really good at putting over a very realistic upsetting approach to this subject matter.
Young girl gets groomed by adult man or did she just “fall in love?” I’ll let you decide.
https://readalongwithsue.blogspot.com...
This, for me is one of what I call my “catch up reads” I’m way behind some of my reviews and reading. I’m trying to take one or 2 at a time off my pile per month.
That said......
Amanda Brooke pens very good well worth reading novels.
This one was of no exception and with a subject matter that seems to be an acceptable “norm” at times.
So this being said, I wasn’t as shocked as I should be.
We read about this in newspapers or in Women’s magazines.
I thought the author was really good at putting over a very realistic upsetting approach to this subject matter.
Young girl gets groomed by adult man or did she just “fall in love?” I’ll let you decide.
July 9, 2019
Amanda Brooke is one of my top favourite authors. I was over the moon when I was contacted by Harper Collins to review this book. I was really glued to this story as I love reading anything by Amanda Brooke, and specially as this was one my favourite subjects, I love reading about a domestic psychological thriller. Single mother Nina is blissfully happy as she meets another man and gets her chance to get married to him. But Nina’s world is about to fall apart when she finds out that her 15-year-old daughter Scarlett who is still at school and is pregnant. It’s a bit more complicated than anyone can ever imagine . At least now I can go to sleep as I have found out who the wicked man is that had sex with under age Scarlett. The Affair has to be my favourite by Amanda Brooke. Fans of Amanda Brooke You need to order your copy now your love it. Anyone who has never read any of Amanda Brooke’s buy The Affair and I am certain that you will become a fan of Amanda Brooke.
October 28, 2016
There's an interesting story at the heart of this book - a sexual relationship between a 15-year old schoolgirl and an adult man - but Brooke chooses to reconfigure it as a version of the 'psychological' domestic thriller so she withholds who the man is for most of the book which serves to undermine the treatment of the central relationship: rather than exploring ideas of age, sexuality, consent, coercion and where seduction shades into abuse, this instead becomes a page-turning version of the whodunnit, here a 'who is he?'
To be fair, there aren't many options, so the revelation barely comes as a surprise, but that ends up making the book feel a little unsatisfying either as a serious exploration of sexual power dynamics or as an emotional thriller.
A bit glib and easy, then, a lightweight approach to a serious topic - popular fiction that doesn't delve too deeply or disturb overmuch.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via Netgalley
To be fair, there aren't many options, so the revelation barely comes as a surprise, but that ends up making the book feel a little unsatisfying either as a serious exploration of sexual power dynamics or as an emotional thriller.
A bit glib and easy, then, a lightweight approach to a serious topic - popular fiction that doesn't delve too deeply or disturb overmuch.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via Netgalley
February 5, 2017
Fifteen year old girls can be very stubborn and also thoroughly dislike-able. This was certainly my impression of Scarlett. She is beautiful and is starting to realise the power that beauty gives her. When she tells her mother Nina, (who has recently re-married) that she is pregnant, the father is a married man & she has no intention of telling anyone who it is Nina's world falls apart.
Mr Swift is a popular young teacher. He is married with a young child. He has given Scarlett extra tuition. His wife was once his pupil although they didn't get together until she left school.. Suspicion falls on him, but it also falls on Bryn Nina's husband.
I spent a lot of the book feeling furious with Scarlett but by the end I was feeling very sorry for her. Amanda Brooke weaves a masterly tale and I want to thank her, Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this five star book- couldn't put it down until I found out what was really going on!
Mr Swift is a popular young teacher. He is married with a young child. He has given Scarlett extra tuition. His wife was once his pupil although they didn't get together until she left school.. Suspicion falls on him, but it also falls on Bryn Nina's husband.
I spent a lot of the book feeling furious with Scarlett but by the end I was feeling very sorry for her. Amanda Brooke weaves a masterly tale and I want to thank her, Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this five star book- couldn't put it down until I found out what was really going on!
September 20, 2020
I flew through this book! It was so good, I didn't want to put it down! I was constantly back and forth deciding whether it was Bryn or Rob.
Something in the book that annoyed me (but very much happens) was the part where Scarlett was blamed for the attention she was getting. How it was her fault (15 years old) that grown men were looking at her. That's not right. Men should know to not look at a 15 year old that way - Scarlett was putting on lipstick, that's not an invitation to be stared at. For Sarah to turn around and warn her rather than say something to the men actually was disgusting.
I loved how there was so many clues that constantly pointed at both the men, and then little twists that kept changing direction of the story. It was all so easy to follow and just such a good read.
Something in the book that annoyed me (but very much happens) was the part where Scarlett was blamed for the attention she was getting. How it was her fault (15 years old) that grown men were looking at her. That's not right. Men should know to not look at a 15 year old that way - Scarlett was putting on lipstick, that's not an invitation to be stared at. For Sarah to turn around and warn her rather than say something to the men actually was disgusting.
I loved how there was so many clues that constantly pointed at both the men, and then little twists that kept changing direction of the story. It was all so easy to follow and just such a good read.
May 25, 2017
I don’t know where to start with this one.
First of all, it’s hard to really enjoy a book if almost every single character is unlikeable. Nina, the mom, spends her time shrieking and accusing people of crimes without any evidence, leaving destroyed lives in her wake. Sarah, the best friend: with a friend like Sarah, who needs enemies? Yikes! Scarlett, the teenage daughter from hell. Vicki, the Stepford wife. I think the only likeable characters in the whole bunch are Liam (once he miraculously becomes a wise and mature person overnight) and Eva.
Then there’s the plot: Scarlett announces she’s pregnant and she’s having an affair with an older, married man, whom she won’t name. This is where the book slips into a “who dunnit” novel, with various twists and red herrings. That’s OK, except that when we get to the final “reveal”, it’s pretty anti-climatic. We have a 15-year old girl here who’s being abused by an older man… somehow it seemed a little wrong to me that the mystery element of it seemed to take priority. Making Scarlett so horribly unlikeable didn’t help: I never thought I could feel no sympathy for a young girl who is being taken advantage of sexually, but then I met Scarlett.
And maybe I’m old fashioned, but there seemed to be an awful lot of alcohol flowing inappropriately between young teens and the parents. Who takes their 15-year old to a party and, when the child announces she’s going to be drinking, the mother basically just says “well, go ahead but just try not to get too wasted”? Really?
I’ll give this one 2 stars only because it did keep my interest enough that I wanted to see how it ended (although that ended up be a disappointment). However, it’s one of those books that I wish I hadn’t picked up in the first place…my time could have been better spent on a better book.
First of all, it’s hard to really enjoy a book if almost every single character is unlikeable. Nina, the mom, spends her time shrieking and accusing people of crimes without any evidence, leaving destroyed lives in her wake. Sarah, the best friend: with a friend like Sarah, who needs enemies? Yikes! Scarlett, the teenage daughter from hell. Vicki, the Stepford wife. I think the only likeable characters in the whole bunch are Liam (once he miraculously becomes a wise and mature person overnight) and Eva.
Then there’s the plot: Scarlett announces she’s pregnant and she’s having an affair with an older, married man, whom she won’t name. This is where the book slips into a “who dunnit” novel, with various twists and red herrings. That’s OK, except that when we get to the final “reveal”, it’s pretty anti-climatic. We have a 15-year old girl here who’s being abused by an older man… somehow it seemed a little wrong to me that the mystery element of it seemed to take priority. Making Scarlett so horribly unlikeable didn’t help: I never thought I could feel no sympathy for a young girl who is being taken advantage of sexually, but then I met Scarlett.
And maybe I’m old fashioned, but there seemed to be an awful lot of alcohol flowing inappropriately between young teens and the parents. Who takes their 15-year old to a party and, when the child announces she’s going to be drinking, the mother basically just says “well, go ahead but just try not to get too wasted”? Really?
I’ll give this one 2 stars only because it did keep my interest enough that I wanted to see how it ended (although that ended up be a disappointment). However, it’s one of those books that I wish I hadn’t picked up in the first place…my time could have been better spent on a better book.
February 5, 2017
Maybe we are desensitised in general, but this being titled as a shocking story, I didn't really find it so. I think because we hear more and more stories of clever manipulative adults in positions of power abusing that power and their despicable actions towards the children in their care.
This is a story that plays with you a little, as you question the motives of people within it. Scarlett is a fifteen year old school girl, disgruntled at her mother's recent remarriage after it had only been her and her mother and her older brother Liam. Bryn, her stepfather is trying to win them over but it's an uphill struggle.
Nina is Scarlett's mother, shell-shocked by the news that her young daughter is pregnant. What's worse is that Scarlett is not giving anything away about who the father is. Nina becomes suspicious of everyone, even people close to home. It doesn't help that her best friend Sarah, has never liked her husband Bryn and assumes he is responsible.
The other main candidate is Scarlett's English teacher, Mr Swift. He's been giving her extra tuition due to failing grades, perhaps he has been giving her more? Running round in circles as Scarlett remains tight lipped, Nina turns on the wrong person.
Some of the narrative switches between Scarlett's thoughts and actions when she is with her mystery man (she's admitted that he is married and older and nothing more) Other chapters are titled Before and The Accusations. Then there is Mr Swift's young wife (Vikki) who married him when she was barely out of the sixth form and is only twenty-four now.
Secrets come out as secrets often do and everyone starts to question what they know or think they knew and although it's pretty obvious who is pulling the strings, it still makes for a tense read. It is uncomfortable to read about moments of intimacy with Scarlett and her older lover/abuser but it's thankfully not over graphic. It is more of a way to show how conniving the perpetrator is as he gets Scarlett to do his bidding.
This is a story that plays with you a little, as you question the motives of people within it. Scarlett is a fifteen year old school girl, disgruntled at her mother's recent remarriage after it had only been her and her mother and her older brother Liam. Bryn, her stepfather is trying to win them over but it's an uphill struggle.
Nina is Scarlett's mother, shell-shocked by the news that her young daughter is pregnant. What's worse is that Scarlett is not giving anything away about who the father is. Nina becomes suspicious of everyone, even people close to home. It doesn't help that her best friend Sarah, has never liked her husband Bryn and assumes he is responsible.
The other main candidate is Scarlett's English teacher, Mr Swift. He's been giving her extra tuition due to failing grades, perhaps he has been giving her more? Running round in circles as Scarlett remains tight lipped, Nina turns on the wrong person.
Some of the narrative switches between Scarlett's thoughts and actions when she is with her mystery man (she's admitted that he is married and older and nothing more) Other chapters are titled Before and The Accusations. Then there is Mr Swift's young wife (Vikki) who married him when she was barely out of the sixth form and is only twenty-four now.
Secrets come out as secrets often do and everyone starts to question what they know or think they knew and although it's pretty obvious who is pulling the strings, it still makes for a tense read. It is uncomfortable to read about moments of intimacy with Scarlett and her older lover/abuser but it's thankfully not over graphic. It is more of a way to show how conniving the perpetrator is as he gets Scarlett to do his bidding.
January 28, 2020
This was the second book that I have read from this author and although it isn't exactly the gripping thriller that I'm used to reading, it was enjoyable.
This book follows Nina, whose world falls apart, when she finds out her 15-year-old daughter, Scarlett, is pregnant. To make matters worse, Scarlett won't tell anyone who the father is..... Is it Scarlett's teacher, who's been giving her extra tuition? or maybe Nina's new husband, who seems to have grown quite close to her daughter?......
Firstly, this was a very touchy subject to write about and I think the author did a fantastic job of writing about a situation that is probably more common then anyone would like. The author's clever descriptive writing was put in play here as the way she put across the manipulation and control that the guy responsible had over young girls was both interesting to read and yet immensely terrifying.
It was a page-turner purely because I really wanted to know who was responsible.... however I was disappointed to learn it was exactly who I thought it was. The book from written in a certain way that implied immediately who the responsible party was. I was expecting a twist or something but nevermind..........
I also did not like that ending at all......
Overall an enjoyable read but not brilliant.....
This book follows Nina, whose world falls apart, when she finds out her 15-year-old daughter, Scarlett, is pregnant. To make matters worse, Scarlett won't tell anyone who the father is..... Is it Scarlett's teacher, who's been giving her extra tuition? or maybe Nina's new husband, who seems to have grown quite close to her daughter?......
Firstly, this was a very touchy subject to write about and I think the author did a fantastic job of writing about a situation that is probably more common then anyone would like. The author's clever descriptive writing was put in play here as the way she put across the manipulation and control that the guy responsible had over young girls was both interesting to read and yet immensely terrifying.
It was a page-turner purely because I really wanted to know who was responsible.... however I was disappointed to learn it was exactly who I thought it was. The book from written in a certain way that implied immediately who the responsible party was. I was expecting a twist or something but nevermind..........
I also did not like that ending at all......
Overall an enjoyable read but not brilliant.....
March 21, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Yes some of the characters were annoying - ie Nina could be a better mum - but isn’t that life? Sorry it was HIM but sorta knew it would be
September 30, 2024
2.5 stars
February 13, 2018
I found this book to be so good. I loved the several perspective entwined plot. I was unsure almost throughout the whole thing. I found the ending matched my needs. I loved the writing, the character development. I have become a supporter of Amanda Brooke. I would gladly love for anyone I know and those I don't to read this book. I hope that you will. I think she wrote several different view points well. They didn't all feel like the same character. They were different ages with different life experience. She did a phenomenal job in my eyes. I am going to look and see what other works of hers are available.
April 2, 2017
I love Amanda Brooke, her books are fantastic. She genuinely surprises me with every novel she writes and I cannot get enough of her books. She just has a way with words, with her plots, with her plot twists, with her characters, that pull you in until you care for them so much that every action breaks your heart. This is actually the first book of hers that hasn’t made me cry, but that’s only because this wasn’t as emotionally charged as the two I’ve read previously (and boy, were they emotionally charged). Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of emotion in The Affair, but it was mostly angst, rage, suspicion, it was a very, very angry book. I’ll be honest, it left me with lots of differing opinions.
A book like The Affair is always going to be a difficult read and relationships between minors and adults is a touchy subject – is it the adults fault for corrupting the child? The parents fault for not being aware of anything? That’s where I struggle with The Affair because, here’s the thing, I didn’t trust a word Scarlett said. Actually, that’s a lie. I didn’t not trust her, I just found her incredibly manipulative. She may have been 15 but she acted much older, and I struggled to see her as a “victim”, because she was a wind up. There’s no way to put it – she spends the whole book dragging her mum on a wild goose chase, instead of just confessing to what exactly was going on. Then on the other hand, what Scarlett’s “boyfriend” did was hardly innocent. So I struggled. I’m not victim blaming in the slightest, because her boyfriend was just the worst person in the world, and I could see that from the very start, but Scarlett was just as bad. I wanted to shake her, repeatedly, until she just confessed.
And Nina! She also needed a shake. She was so absent, despite the fact she was there, she KNEW something was going on, and she just ignored it and she let Scarlett treat her so poorly, even before it all happened, and I just know that if that was me, my mam would kill me. But here’s the crucial difference: I was brought up to respect my parents and Scarlett wasn’t, from what I could see. I understand Nina had a business to run and was a working mother, but she was oblivious to both Scarlett and Liam, she just had no idea and she wasn’t interested in learning until it was too late. You can’t just pick and choose when you’re a mother; when you have a kid, you’re a mother for life, and you can’t just put your mum hat on when it suits you. And I felt like Nina just let her kids do what they want and was surprised (????) when they didn’t listen to her or talk to her or anything.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved The Affair, it was an incredible, if frustrating read, but the characters had a lot to answer for. The only ones I liked were Vikki and Bryn and even then, I had no idea if Bryn was the one who was really Scarlett’s “boyfriend” or if it was Mr Swift, her new form tutor, who I found horrible from the start – not for anything he said to Scarlett, but the way he treated Vikki was so patronising in my eyes, and I found that quite unforgivable, regardless of who it was who turned out to be the culprit. Amanda Brooke is such an incredibly talented writer. She just knows what to write every time and she does it so well and it’s a credit to her talent that I spent the vast majority of this book frustrated and on the verge of wringing some fictional necks.
A book like The Affair is always going to be a difficult read and relationships between minors and adults is a touchy subject – is it the adults fault for corrupting the child? The parents fault for not being aware of anything? That’s where I struggle with The Affair because, here’s the thing, I didn’t trust a word Scarlett said. Actually, that’s a lie. I didn’t not trust her, I just found her incredibly manipulative. She may have been 15 but she acted much older, and I struggled to see her as a “victim”, because she was a wind up. There’s no way to put it – she spends the whole book dragging her mum on a wild goose chase, instead of just confessing to what exactly was going on. Then on the other hand, what Scarlett’s “boyfriend” did was hardly innocent. So I struggled. I’m not victim blaming in the slightest, because her boyfriend was just the worst person in the world, and I could see that from the very start, but Scarlett was just as bad. I wanted to shake her, repeatedly, until she just confessed.
And Nina! She also needed a shake. She was so absent, despite the fact she was there, she KNEW something was going on, and she just ignored it and she let Scarlett treat her so poorly, even before it all happened, and I just know that if that was me, my mam would kill me. But here’s the crucial difference: I was brought up to respect my parents and Scarlett wasn’t, from what I could see. I understand Nina had a business to run and was a working mother, but she was oblivious to both Scarlett and Liam, she just had no idea and she wasn’t interested in learning until it was too late. You can’t just pick and choose when you’re a mother; when you have a kid, you’re a mother for life, and you can’t just put your mum hat on when it suits you. And I felt like Nina just let her kids do what they want and was surprised (????) when they didn’t listen to her or talk to her or anything.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved The Affair, it was an incredible, if frustrating read, but the characters had a lot to answer for. The only ones I liked were Vikki and Bryn and even then, I had no idea if Bryn was the one who was really Scarlett’s “boyfriend” or if it was Mr Swift, her new form tutor, who I found horrible from the start – not for anything he said to Scarlett, but the way he treated Vikki was so patronising in my eyes, and I found that quite unforgivable, regardless of who it was who turned out to be the culprit. Amanda Brooke is such an incredibly talented writer. She just knows what to write every time and she does it so well and it’s a credit to her talent that I spent the vast majority of this book frustrated and on the verge of wringing some fictional necks.
March 27, 2017
When Nina finds out that her fifteen year-old daughter; Scarlett is pregnant, her whole world falls apart. She questions everything and everyone, including her new husband Bryn and Scarlett's teacher, Rob. But Scarlett will not confess who it is. only that he is married. As new shocks emerge, Nina wonders how well she really knows her family and those around her. Nina is going to do whatever it takes to find out the truth.
Enjoyed seems the wrong word for this but in a weird way I did enjoy this read. This is an uncomfortable read at times and certainly emotional and heart-wrenching but also this pulled me in and I was gripped by the goings on. 'The Affair' is very well written, sensitively and dramatically and I think Brooke has explored the issues presented excellently. There is a great balance between exploring the emotional side to the plot and following the drama as it unfolds. This novel is brilliant because it has such a plausible plot, one that is a nightmare for many families.
I have said this is well written and it is, but Brooke presents the drama in the perfect way as well. We read chapters before the reveal, during the reveal and from Scarlett's perspective. These all combine to form a really spectacular sense of suspense and unease. Reading this I knew something big and dramatic was coming up and I was racing through trying to get there. That is another thing that I liked about this novel, Brooke sets out the plot early on but there are still twists which are shocking and add to the tension.
Another reason that 'The Affair' is so good is down to the characters that Brooke has created, all well developed and ordinary people, they could be anyone. Of course this helps add to the shock factor but also the emotional side as you realise it could happen to anyone and the turmoil that is heaped upon you and those around you is a lot to deal with.
I really loved this novel, no it is not an easy read and at times I felt sick but I think it is important for the issues presented to be written about. Brooke has written a fantastic novel by sticking to real-life problems using realistic characters, a truly shocking read.
Enjoyed seems the wrong word for this but in a weird way I did enjoy this read. This is an uncomfortable read at times and certainly emotional and heart-wrenching but also this pulled me in and I was gripped by the goings on. 'The Affair' is very well written, sensitively and dramatically and I think Brooke has explored the issues presented excellently. There is a great balance between exploring the emotional side to the plot and following the drama as it unfolds. This novel is brilliant because it has such a plausible plot, one that is a nightmare for many families.
I have said this is well written and it is, but Brooke presents the drama in the perfect way as well. We read chapters before the reveal, during the reveal and from Scarlett's perspective. These all combine to form a really spectacular sense of suspense and unease. Reading this I knew something big and dramatic was coming up and I was racing through trying to get there. That is another thing that I liked about this novel, Brooke sets out the plot early on but there are still twists which are shocking and add to the tension.
Another reason that 'The Affair' is so good is down to the characters that Brooke has created, all well developed and ordinary people, they could be anyone. Of course this helps add to the shock factor but also the emotional side as you realise it could happen to anyone and the turmoil that is heaped upon you and those around you is a lot to deal with.
I really loved this novel, no it is not an easy read and at times I felt sick but I think it is important for the issues presented to be written about. Brooke has written a fantastic novel by sticking to real-life problems using realistic characters, a truly shocking read.
March 27, 2022
I read this book so fast because I want to know who was the mystery man Scarlet tried so hard to protect. I kind of can guess who was it at first but the plot thickens real quick and I'm confused again.
The Affair is about fifteen years old Scarlet, who got involved with a married man, possibly her teacher or her new stepdad. Her mother, Nina, was so overwhelmed with news that her daughter was pregnant and set out to find who the real perpetrator was. While Scarlet was trying so hard to protect her mystery man, the truth started to unravel one by one.
This book was from the POV of Scarlet, Nina and Vikki (Scarlet's teacher's wife). I could guess the perpetrator at first because of Vikki's POV. I mean, why put the teacher's wife's POV if he didn't involved with the situation? There must be some back story here. Even though I grew frustrated with Scarlet's lies I keep on reading because I really wanted to know who's the villain so sooo bad! I personally feel like there were some parts of this book that keep on dragging. Maybe that's why I grew frustrated.
Nevertheless, I got the perpetrator in the end but I feel quite disappointed and angry because this Scarlet threw a tantrum and refused to report the man to the police because she was ashamed of what people would think of her. Welp, I hope his wife had some sense to report him then instead of waiting for this teenage girl to do it.
PS: I don't think Scarlet is my most favorite character in this book. You've made the bed girl, now you lie in it.
The Affair is about fifteen years old Scarlet, who got involved with a married man, possibly her teacher or her new stepdad. Her mother, Nina, was so overwhelmed with news that her daughter was pregnant and set out to find who the real perpetrator was. While Scarlet was trying so hard to protect her mystery man, the truth started to unravel one by one.
This book was from the POV of Scarlet, Nina and Vikki (Scarlet's teacher's wife). I could guess the perpetrator at first because of Vikki's POV. I mean, why put the teacher's wife's POV if he didn't involved with the situation? There must be some back story here. Even though I grew frustrated with Scarlet's lies I keep on reading because I really wanted to know who's the villain so sooo bad! I personally feel like there were some parts of this book that keep on dragging. Maybe that's why I grew frustrated.
Nevertheless, I got the perpetrator in the end but I feel quite disappointed and angry because this Scarlet threw a tantrum and refused to report the man to the police because she was ashamed of what people would think of her. Welp, I hope his wife had some sense to report him then instead of waiting for this teenage girl to do it.
PS: I don't think Scarlet is my most favorite character in this book. You've made the bed girl, now you lie in it.
December 4, 2018
I listened to this on audio book.
Having read one of Amanda's books previously and loved it, I had very high hopes for this one, but the honest truth is that I have mixed emotions about it.
I found it to be a very good story which was really well written, lots of characters to get to know and keep up with. The characters had been that well written that I had spent most of the book hating one of the characters, which is evidence that the author really does have an amazing talent when it comes to writing her characters, as she literally brings them to life.
The story was very thought provoking, heartfelt and emotional throughout. The story kept guessing throughout as to how it would all end and what would happen to the individual characters themselves. There was a couple of little twists which were great, one was shocking and the other not so much.
I'm looking forward to reading the author's other books in the future.
Having read one of Amanda's books previously and loved it, I had very high hopes for this one, but the honest truth is that I have mixed emotions about it.
I found it to be a very good story which was really well written, lots of characters to get to know and keep up with. The characters had been that well written that I had spent most of the book hating one of the characters, which is evidence that the author really does have an amazing talent when it comes to writing her characters, as she literally brings them to life.
The story was very thought provoking, heartfelt and emotional throughout. The story kept guessing throughout as to how it would all end and what would happen to the individual characters themselves. There was a couple of little twists which were great, one was shocking and the other not so much.
I'm looking forward to reading the author's other books in the future.
May 29, 2017
A good read, however I did feel like the book trivialised a very serious issue and made it seem quite light hearted. However it was gripping and suspense filled. I feel Scarlet was made to be viewed as a villain and not the victim that she is, whereas the individual who groomed her comes across far better than the monster he is, which is not something I can agree with.
August 2, 2021
A decent book with plenty of twists and turns. While it deals with some very dark issues, it's not a book I'd reread.
March 17, 2017
After I adjusted to the cultural differences (it is set in England), I really enjoyed this book.
November 28, 2022
This book tested me. I wanted to feel bad for Scarlett but she makes it so hard! Obviously she’s the victim but she acts so damn bitchy for most of the book. She’s not a loveable victim and she may indeed be a bitch but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t abused.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
I didn't enjoy this book at all. None of the characters was in the least bit likeable I'm afraid - perhaps that was the point. Too many conversations where it wasn't clear who was saying what so I had to keep re-reading from the point where a name was mentioned so I could keep in my head who was speaking next. It shouldn't be so hard to follow a story.
June 23, 2025
i liked the story but it was way too light hearted about the fact that a 15 yr old girl was literally being abused idk.
March 3, 2023
A book worth reading and sometimes just so hard to put down.
November 14, 2016
This is the first book of Amanda's that I read and what a book it is!? Nina has been a single mother for so long but lately that has changed, meeting a wonderful man and marrying him something she never thought she would ever be doing. For Nina everything seems perfect, that was until her fifteen year old daughter, Scarlett gets pregnant. Suddenly, the whole family's lives are thrown into turmoil and Nina doesn't know who to trust and can't believe how much her life changed in a split second. Vicki is married to Scarlett's teacher, she is having a hard time what with looking after her baby and her mother who isn't very well. I didn't feel as connected to Vicki as much as I did Nina, although I do feel for the events that happen throughout the book which flips her whole world upside down.
The main part of the story is Scarlett's pregnancy and the affair that she has been having, you get hints about who it could be. Personally, I thought it was one person but once I got deeper into the book, I realised how wrong I was. It is shocking and unbelievable. The issue of Scarlett's pregnancy is one that is a very important subject, she is only fifteen years old. It tells of the issues surrounding teenage pregnancy really well, something that a lot of people will find interesting and important as it is happening more and more to young people.
The Affair takes you on a ride that will make you question everything you read. With its twists and turns, it is unpredictable and brilliant in the way that the story is told. My favourite character would have to be Nina, I love how protective and strong she is as a woman and mother. She is also willing to do anything to get to the truth, no matter what. Her determination and strength is so important to her character.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Unpredictable, Amazing and Unexpected.
December 31, 2016
Well this book grabbed me and I needed to see it through in just a few sittings. great for a car journey!
for the first half I was happy thinking I knew where it was heading and it was a fairly easy chicklit read. but wow the second half blew that away. it took me by surprise. I became angry at the turn, despite knowing the way it was going, hoping I was wrong and ultimately being proved right all along was hard.
it deals with a hard subject matter really well. the author has written a good story, it's captivating and gripping without being over the top. there are characters I didn't like, ones that annoyed me, Scarlett mostly made me think "selfish cow" and characters I thought where a bit wet and needed a kick up the butt.
I ended the book in tears. I was crying for the way it ended, the emotions it brought forth, and the fact that despite everyone wishing otherwise there really are some horrible nasty people out there. this may be a novel but I bet it's pretty accurate in many areas. I still think the sub story could have been beefed up a bit. liam and Eva could really take that storyline further but it wasn't to be.
overall a great read.
Read as a pre-release review for www.lovereading.co.uk in Dec 2016.
for the first half I was happy thinking I knew where it was heading and it was a fairly easy chicklit read. but wow the second half blew that away. it took me by surprise. I became angry at the turn, despite knowing the way it was going, hoping I was wrong and ultimately being proved right all along was hard.
it deals with a hard subject matter really well. the author has written a good story, it's captivating and gripping without being over the top. there are characters I didn't like, ones that annoyed me, Scarlett mostly made me think "selfish cow" and characters I thought where a bit wet and needed a kick up the butt.
I ended the book in tears. I was crying for the way it ended, the emotions it brought forth, and the fact that despite everyone wishing otherwise there really are some horrible nasty people out there. this may be a novel but I bet it's pretty accurate in many areas. I still think the sub story could have been beefed up a bit. liam and Eva could really take that storyline further but it wasn't to be.
overall a great read.
Read as a pre-release review for www.lovereading.co.uk in Dec 2016.
January 9, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author and I have to say it drew me in from the start and kept me intrigued all the way through.
This story centres around two families, Nina and her new husband Bryn and Nina's two children from her first marriage, 15 year old Scarlett and 17 year old Liam and Vicki and Rob and their daughter Freya, Rob is Scarlett's English teacher.
When Nina learns that Scarlett is pregnant by a married man and Scarlett is refusing to reveal who it is, their whole world falls apart, she begins to question who could be responsible for this, is it Rob, who is giving extra tuition to assist her falling grades or could it be Bryn who Scarlett has suddenly become very close to, whoever has led her daughter astray she won't rest until she uncovers the truth, if it is Rob how will Vicki, his wife cope when she's just found out she's pregnant with their second child, and just how much of Scarlett's story is true?
I really enjoyed this book, which had a few twists and turns along the way and will be looking at more of this author's books in the future. Thank you to Harper Collins for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day.
This story centres around two families, Nina and her new husband Bryn and Nina's two children from her first marriage, 15 year old Scarlett and 17 year old Liam and Vicki and Rob and their daughter Freya, Rob is Scarlett's English teacher.
When Nina learns that Scarlett is pregnant by a married man and Scarlett is refusing to reveal who it is, their whole world falls apart, she begins to question who could be responsible for this, is it Rob, who is giving extra tuition to assist her falling grades or could it be Bryn who Scarlett has suddenly become very close to, whoever has led her daughter astray she won't rest until she uncovers the truth, if it is Rob how will Vicki, his wife cope when she's just found out she's pregnant with their second child, and just how much of Scarlett's story is true?
I really enjoyed this book, which had a few twists and turns along the way and will be looking at more of this author's books in the future. Thank you to Harper Collins for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day.
February 5, 2017
This book is a revelation. I bought it imagining it was a psychological thriller and it wasn't but it is a very clever narrative. I thought it was going to be predictable it certainly seemed that way at the start. Scarlett is 15 and pregnant, she wont reveal who the father of the child is only that he is a married man. The story is told in flashback and after the revelation. The author is so clever because I was so caught up in the fact I thought I knew it all, when the revelation was made it changed the perspective. It is only at this point that the reader questions everything they believe about the story as they have read it.
To write more would spoil what the author did with the story but it is a story that is frighteningly real. This can happen and does happen and it is a story that should make any mother who has a teenage daughter think hard about the secrets girls can keep. It shows flawed relationships, selfishness, how unfair judgement can ruin lives. Its a human story and it was refreshing to read something that bit different. I really enjoyed it and I am hard to please.
To write more would spoil what the author did with the story but it is a story that is frighteningly real. This can happen and does happen and it is a story that should make any mother who has a teenage daughter think hard about the secrets girls can keep. It shows flawed relationships, selfishness, how unfair judgement can ruin lives. Its a human story and it was refreshing to read something that bit different. I really enjoyed it and I am hard to please.
March 2, 2023
I read this book into the small hours as I was so caught up in the story. The plot while frightening was very realistic as were the characters. I did guess who the abuser was early on but I kept expecting to be proved wrong. Even when I knew who the perpetrator was I was still enthralled in the story and the outcome of all the various strands. I will definitely read more of this author's works.
December 31, 2016
I was never sure how this would end. Couldn't tell between truth and coincidence. Thoroughly good read that I barely put down.
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