Killer Affair

by Rebecca Chance

A shocking betrayal deserves a wicked revenge . . .

Stunning, charismatic Lexy O’Brien is the reigning queen of British reality TV. Her life in front of the camera is planned and manipulated as successfully as any military assault.

But success breeds jealousy. When you’re on top, the only way is down and there’s always someone standing by to give you a shove . . .

Dowdy Caroline Evans, a part-time blogger and writer of erotic fiction, is brought in to chronicle Lexy’s life. Being taken under Lexy’s wing is a dream come true for Caroline. But sampling the star’s lifestyle is like tasting the most addictive of drugs, and it’s not long before she is craving what she can’t possibly have – or can she?

And as Caroline and Lexy’s lives and loves become increasingly entwined, it’s only a matter of time before the hidden rivalry becomes a powder keg waiting to explode . . ."

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance

400 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Rebecca Chance was born in Hampstead to international art dealer parents, and grew up in the exclusive millionaire’s row surroundings of London’s St John’s Wood. Tiring of her cushioned, privileged existence, she ran away to Tuscany to live a wild bohemian life on a wine-making estate, where she lived in a 14th century villa in a Chianti vineyard, partying with artists, learning Italian, and picking grapes. But big city life was calling her, and after staying in Rome and Porto Ercole, she moved to Manhattan, lured by the glamorous single-girl existence and nonstop nightlife. She spent a decade living the Sex and The City dream in SoHo, equally at home in an uptown penthouse on Fifth Avenue overlooking the Metropolitan Museum, or downtown dancing on the bar of the Coyote Ugly for kicks. Eventually, a handsome American husband in tow, she moved back to London to settle down (as much as she can) and finally fictionalize some of her most exciting and glamorous experiences into her bestselling blockbuster novels.
Rebecca’s interests include trapeze, pole-dancing, watching "America’s Next Top Model", and cocktail-drinking.

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandalous, salacious, and outrageously entertaining!

Killer Affair is an alluring novel that takes us into the lives of the rich and famous and reminds us that everything that glitters is not gold and often behind the shiny facade and quintessential social media postings is an abundance of power, obsession, envy, deception, betrayal, infidelity, and revenge.

The writing is well done. The characters are ambitious, self-indulgent, and vain. And the plot is a clever, captivating mix of humour, drama, action, and sex.

Overall, I have to say Killer Affair is truly a scintillating, enjoyable treat that's perfect for anyone who loves all the backstabbing, glamour, gossip, and sexual hijinks of reality TV. It will make you smile, laugh, and at times even leave you at a loss for words.

Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com

[The Book Whisperer (aka Boof) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolute riot this book was! My first Rebecca Chance and I have already ordered her entire back catalogue. Pure fizz and sparkle – I loved it!

Caroline, a bored office worker and book blogger, can’t believe her luck when she is asked to ghostwrite the autobiography of the most famous reality TV star in the UK – Lexy O’Brien. Lexy shot to fame 20 years ago on a TV dating show and is now married to a premier league football player, has two bratty kids, and lives in a mansion. Unable to curb her wild ways and doing anything to keep in the paper, Caroline knows that writing Lexy’s memoirs will be a blast, only she’s not quite prepared for the green-eyed monster that not only rears its head but ultimately plots Lexy’s downfall…

I’ll be honest here, I never expected to pick up a Rebecca Chance book. Not because I’m snobby about what people read (I’m a champion of people reading full stop, without judging their tastes), but just because I can’t stand the world these type of people live in. I don’t watch much reality TV (TOWIE, Big Brother, Love Island etc.) and I can’t stand those magazines, the likes of which body shame on the front cover and are choc full of scantily-clad, fame-hungry wannabes inside. So what the hell happened?

Less than a month ago, I read my first Tasmina Perry book on a whim, never having read anything quite like that before. Since then I have devoured three more and, drawn by the glitzy cover, decided to pick up Rebecca Chance’s latest too. I must be in the mood for pure escapism because that’s what these books are and I’m having so much fun reading them.

There was never a dull moment in Killer Affair. I entered a world I didn’t know existed and have been simultaneously shocked, thrilled, delighted, enraged and stunned. What particularly tickled me were the references (sometimes only thinly veiled) to people I thought I recognised which got me wondering how close to the truth some of it was (see, there is a gossip in me after all…). It was certainly an eye-opener, put it that way.

A riot of fun, frolicks and f…ing. NEXT!!!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't know what to think, that was a huge story of envy, jealousy, sex, great one liners, with an incredibly twisty finale that left me very impressed.

A yet it started with me thinking that Caroline was easily one of the most relatable to characters I have read in a while to the extent I thought she could have been me! We both have the same facial skin condition, both are bloggers, have had the same thoughts about sex and she lives one stop away from where I used to work, so I even recognised the pain of the tube/train journey she had!

Not only that as it becomes apparent that Caroline was going to become a ghostwriter for a famous reality tv star, there is a lot of talk about ghost writers in general, how much they make, the public's perception or lack of, with regards to ghostwriters and celebrity biographies. I recall seeing discussions earlier this year on those exact topics, after a specific article was published, which to my eyes added an extra layer to the book that I could relate to.

However characters like people can change, and as the story progressed I am glad to say that I am actually nothing like Caroline! In fact as the book progressed I couldn't work out if I had more empathy with Lexy or Caroline. Lexy is one kick-ass woman, she has masterminded her reality tv career and knows exactly what she wants, and also appears to have the perfect life.

On a moral level neither woman is up to much really given one is determined to wreck a marriage and the other is determined to do anything for publicity and assumes her devoted husband will forgive her! On the other hand I loved Caroline's determination to change herself, to become more confident and follow her dreams at whatever expense.

While Caroline was ghosting Lexy's book we would occasionally see snippets written in Lexy's voice by Caroline which were really amusing. We also saw some rather erotic historical romance writing by Caroline too. Not to mention how much I enjoyed Caroline's sexual awakening and some of the incredibly hot scenes that followed.

I'm a huge fan of Rebecca Chance, and her quick wit, and open mindedness with regards anything sexual are clear once again in this book. Not all the scenes will appeal to everyone but they are incredibly well written and I thoroughly enjoyed every last word!

Killer Affair to me is a perfect example of a holiday read, I would have loved to have read this pure escapism while lying by a pool, sipping cocktails and absorbing the sun, as if you can 't read, relax and thoroughly the many naughty books while on holiday surrounded by strangers, then when can you!!

Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow, Rebecca Chance's books are always chock full of drama and this one was no exception. You can tell from the synopsis that this novel is going to be fuelled by the desire of two strong women, two women who may or may not grow to like each other. The word rivalry is mentioned but this rivalry is like none other you've seen before. I loved the fact that this storyline covers fame and family but also the price of fame to yourself and to others. The way the story is told, we get to see things from Lexy's perspective, from Caroline's perspective and a few extracts from the books that Caroline has written/is writing. I loved this structure and it made for a little extra interest.

These women are both fabulous to read. They both know what they want and are ready to go fro it. They are so different and yet watching them grow and change over the course of the book is really entertaining. Of course we know that Lexy being 'Queen of reality TV' is going to play a certain character but there is definitely more to her than meets the eye. And speaking of more than meets the eye, Caroline really does surprise you as you turn each and every page. I really liked her storyline and the way she dealt with the drama of it all.

The other thing that I really liked about this book was the insight it gives you into the world of ghostwriting and publicising a book. Just a little of the world of publicity and publishing. I thought that everything rang very true to some of the things I had heard and there was a lot of detail to take in. Some of the detail made it that the book read a little slower than I am used to but it didn't take away from the drama of the storyline at all. There are also some familiar face that pop up in this novel, so if you have read Rebecca's other books, you will be pleased to see a recurring character here!

Overall this was a really good read and definitely up to par with what I have come to expect from this author. The sex scenes were fabulous, as always, and the drama was on point. This is definitely something to read this summer, something to heat up the cold British summer weather!

[Kirsty & Erin Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think all the good weather we’ve had recently has put me in the mood for a summer scorcher of a read, something to read while
imagining I’m lying by the pool. Who better to reach for than @msrebeccachance?!

Killer Affair has been sitting on my shelf for a while however it was definitely worth the wait. I devoured the first 200 pages in just one sitting, completely absorbed by the writing and immersed in the story.

Caroline, a blogger and wannabe writer, is commissioned to help the famous Lexy O’Brien write her new novel. In the beginning Caroline would like to be more like Lexy, throughout the book, that turns into something a bit more sinister!

In the beginning I really like Caroline. She was relatable to Lexy’s un-relatable celebrity status. At the end though it was the polar opposite. I hated her! The character arcs of Lexy and Caroline are the opposite of each other and I liked the way I came to feel sympathetic for Lexy.

The prologue stayed in my mind throughout the book and it to-ed and fro-ed over it throughout the book wondering who each of the characters were. The tie in was great and the pacing of the story worked really well for me. As is the usual style for Rebecca it was full of sharp prose, quick wit and steamy scenes. I loved it!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover is so sparkling yet made me want to open up the pages quickly to find out exactly what was going on.

What can I say but WOW!! This is such a well written book of revenge, jealousy, sex, betrayal, laughter, it has it all and I could imagine laying on a beach reading this book.

I did think that some of the characters in the book reminded me of certain celebrities so while I read I saw their faces. This is one of those books you really cannot put down, so ideal to takeaway with you.

Thank you to the Publisher for posting me a copy of this book xxx

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raunchy read set in LONDON and BOURNEMOUTH


Summer is the time for a raunchy read and this will fit the bill nicely – but beware if you are not into celebrity culture or carnal couplings, as it is brimful of bare flesh, and a depressing excess of surgical enhancement, all brought together with an acute eye for human exchanges.

Caroline is approached by agent’s assistant Campaspe Norton-Brown (I can confirm that they certainly do indeed have some curious names in the publishing world) to ghost write a book on the life and loves of celebrity star Lexy, married to lovely footballer Frank Callis, who is the rock in her life. They live in a beautiful home – The Gables – at Sandbanks (Bournemouth), on the south coast of England, with two children stylishly named London and Laylah. Frumpy and overweight, Caroline is the perfect shadow to probe the recesses of Lexy’s hitherto colourful life, and is dubbed by Lexy as the Ghost Mouse. She also isn’t particularly taken with her new moniker, it rather incenses her. But Caroline is not exactly the retiring type, as she discovers to her own surprise. She is as yet unpublished but writes Regency bonkbusters, and the more she discovers of Lexy’s life, the more she yearns to be like her and to experience life in the public eye – oh, and she is more than attracted to hubby Frank, so loving and devoted as he seems to be to his wife. A real regular, nice guy, too nice perhaps for the likes of Lexy and her coterie, muses Caroline.

A chance meeting for Lexy with top American celebrity Silantra (which as I write nattily Auto Corrects to Cilantro, another name for Coriander – she has real wit, does this author) sets Lexy’s star to rise even further. These two are thinly veiled characters, easy to guess on whom they might be based in real life.

But an ill-advised encounter soon puts paid to Lexy’s all too comfortable life of the three Fs (Fame, Fortune and Frank) and she has some real scrabbling and pondering to do. Lexy is now confined to barracks of her own making and a period of detox is carefully managed by her PR team, who step in at the drop of a hat to make sure their celebrity icon remains in the public eye. Caroline, meanwhile, has to somehow plug the gap….

I was also pleased to see that Darrell Rose got a good mention (even though he is a ghastly character in the book). The author sought suggestions for names and under an alter ego, that was the name I put forward.

In terms of location, the novel has a very English feel to it, London and Bournemouth get a look-in, but locale isn’t a huge character in the novel. There is too much else going on and to be honest, setting would not be the primary reason you would buy this book.

So, if you like sizzling, sexy bonkbusters, then this will be a novel for you, it packs in lies, deceit, sex, revenge and ultimately a bit of romance too. You WILL learn new things, I guarantee you, even if you didn’t particularly want to know about them. You might even work out how to pronounce Campaspe, I am still working on it!

Just off for a Pinot and Lemon (breathes deeply), the drink of choice in the book….

[Fluff Smut & Murder · Rating 4 out of 5]

So – back to back books with kind of the same premise – someone friending someone to take their man.. Completely different heroines, completely different methods, completely different outcomes. Unlike “The Last Mrs. Parrish” – the naughty time scenes in this book were sweltering – which makes it automatically awesome British Smut.

What I loved: The two perspectives, the way you secretly root for one and then the other – brilliant. It was also nicer that the children weren’t as annoying in this one as TLMP.

What I didn’t love: Did Caroline need to be sooo chunky in the beginning? Did she need to be so self-hating? Did she need to be so evil? Yes – and she shoulda/coulda/woulda been a whole lot more but I think the author was trying to not make her the most hated character of all time. Next time.. let her be.

What I learned: Embrace your own life instead of someone else’s.
Overall Grade: B

www.FluffSmutandMurder.com

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I want to thank Rebecca Chance and her publishers for the opportunity of having this book before publishing date.

This is the story of Caroline (a nobody) and Lexy (a famous reality TV star) whose lives cross when Lexy hires Caroline to write her book (Lexy on the Loose). It opens with Caroline and Lexy meeting in a spa when one stalks the other by the end of the prologue with, 'You ruined my life.'

The book is a brilliant read of a girl who seems innoncent at first (Caroline) but isn't so innoncent after all and is in fact, we come to learn, a homewrecker. Rebecca writers her so well and you think she's Little Miss Innoncent but she so isn't. Liked her at first, hated her at the end.

Lexy, well, yes you're not meant to really like her but from part two onwards I was firmly Team Lexy and hoped she gets her happily ever after with Frank? Well you'll just have to read the book to find out but Laylah and London, Lexy and Frank's children, where absoutely adorable and I loved Laylah even if she is a little madam but London is so cute.

If you love reading stories set in the world of celebrities, bitch fights with hot saucy scenes included then this is the book for you, for sure. I couldn't put it down and it is Rebecca's best one yet. Now do I really have to wait another year for another book? :(

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Killer Affair is only the second book I have ready by Rebecca Chance following on from last years publication Killer Diamonds which I absolutely adored. This new book is certainly very different from the one I had read before and even now a week or so after I finished reading it I still don't know quite what to make of it. It's not that it was a bad book but in my opinion it wasn't as good and absorbing as the previous story. I did find it overly long and there were times I came quite close to putting it down as it was just dragging too much but I persisted to the end because I really wanted to know the eventual outcome for the two main characters. The story felt very slow to get off the ground and there could have been plenty left out which would have moved the story on more. Some of the sentences were very clunky and I found myself rereading several times to make sure I got the meaning as to what the author was trying to say. There was a decent story here waiting to be told but I felt it got lost with every cliché in the book being thrown in and every celeb reference or controversial social topic being utilised. Maybe the term less is more should have been applied at certain points.

The story follows two women who when we first meet them couldn't be more different in every way. Lexy is an expert reality star, married to ex footballer Frank. Instantly and in the way Lexy's character develops I could see in some ways she was modelled on a certain 'celeb'. To these kind of people fame is everything and they know the ins and outs and every little trick in which to achieve maximum exposure and attention, with the ultimate goal of achieving glory, fame and fortune. They would do anything to get a story in the Daily Mail side bar (who hasn't lost hours scrolling through the stories which can be found here?)

Lexy is a relentless self publicist, always thinking of the next thing which will get her name on everyone's lips. Her career and her appearance are her everything and behind closed doors one would think that she is a totally different person. Someone who when the cameras are off she is happy to sit back and chill and enjoy life with her family but that is not the case as her children Laylah and London run rings around the nannies as the affection they need is never provided by Lexy. Lexy's life is comparable to that of a real life soap opera and all the little tricks celebs use in real life to attract attention are shown here. The author let us into the other side of the story that we never see as celebs now for the most part have such control over how their persona is portrayed to the public. Lexy is filming a reality show chronicling her life but she also wants to branch out by publishing her autobiography blending fact and fiction. The trouble is she's just not good at writing and where would she find the time anyway, that's where Caroline steps in.

If Lexy is loud, brash and attention seeking then Caroline is the polar opposite. She is meek and prefers to go under the radar. She believes she is boring due to her lack of sophistication and chicness. She works in normal job that doesn't bring her any satisfaction. She writes dull press releases for a media company but behind it all she longs to write her own book and get a publishing deal some day. Before she knows it she has met Lexy and visited her home and is employed to write Lexy's book with a strict deadline. So this mightn't have been what Caroline had in mind when we discovered her long term ambition but she views it as a step in the right direction. The trouble is Caroline gets too involved in Lexy's life in the name of research and before long the tables are turned, the roles reversed and in the process my opinions of the two characters changed also.

In the beginning it was Lexy who I felt we weren't meant to like. She came across as this typical z lister featured on so many reality shows who can barely formulate an opinion or thought of her own but as Caroline becomes more entrenched in Lexy's life and her family the positions change and it was Caroline I detested. Such a turn around for a character who became very wise to the overall game and how to take note of every little thing which then in turn could be used at just the appropriate moment. Caroline became vindictive and someone out for her own gain and would do anything to get what she wanted. On reflection I don't think I really overly liked either woman but as the story progressed it was Lexy who I felt sympathy for and Caroline was the one who I didn't really enjoy reading about.

At first Caroline was all sweetness and light and just an average girl with hidden ambitions which showed no signs of ever bearing fruit. But she had a total personality change and I don't think I've read such a total transformation between two characters in a book before. Such a role reversal ensued. So this strand of the story I did think was good it's just the way some of the other aspects of the storyline were executed I would say became too far fetched even though some of them could be based on fact.

I just think every little social nuance or celeb expose in the past year or two was used in this book and it felt as if I had read all this before (maybe that's because I am so addicted to social media). It didn't feel fresh or new even the 'survivor/island castaway' type show which features was modelled on a very well known programme we all watch every year. I felt the need for something more innovative and for it not to be as if it was taken from somewhere else having being filed away and noted at the time for use in a book. As the rivalry intensified between the pair and Caroline is the one attracting all the attention the story did ramble on a bit and what I felt was missing for me was that slight element of mystery and suspense which I had enjoyed in the previous book. I really wanted the story to just build and build to an incredible, jaw dropping, shocking finale but it just wasn't present here. I didn't get that big moment of reveal I really enjoy in books in this genre but it all felt like a damp squid and flat.

As previously mentioned I didn't know what to make of this book and it's not because of the very detailed and graphic sex scenes. Like anyone I love this kind of read every now and again but I just think I have read better books in this genre by the likes of Victoria Fox or Nigel May for example. The book initially did grab my attention but unfortunately it then wandered and I think the character of Frank was partly why I kept reading. There was something just so down to earth and genuine about him. I felt he really did love Lexy and the children and wasn't in to all the celeb drama.He just wanted a quiet life after his career. I thought Caroline saw he had some weak points and she went for them and exploited them to her advantage. She was a prime example of a docile little kitten who turned into a roaring tiger knocking everyone in her path. The tables had been turned and rivalry and exploitation were the game. The question was who would triumph and at what cost?

I'd love to be able to say I enjoyed every minute of Killer Affair but I didn't. It could have been amazing but it didn't deliver the enthralling read I had experienced when reading Killer Diamonds. If you want something to pass a few hours on a sun bed on holiday this year that won't require deep thought than this is the one for you. It's not the best bonkbuster I have read but it was packed full of conflict and revenge which I'm sure will keep many readers entertained this summer .

[Juliet Bookliterati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Chance is up there with Jacky Collins and Jilly Cooper when it comes to writing the perfect Bonkbuster.  As with all her books, the plot line is based on subjects that are very current in today's society.  Killer Affair is a tongue in cheek look a the world of reality tv stars, who are famous for nothing apart from drinking, partying, sex and drugs, and whose very move is choreographed by a PR team.  Rebecca is very clever in her writing and includes many characters who reference sandals we have all read in the press and magazines; the footballer who groomed a fifteen year old girl and went to prison; famous women who fake being pregnant, and actually use a surrogate; the tennis commentator who makes sexist comments about a female player.  Rebecca Chance's writing is purely brilliant, her observations, her wit and humour and social observations really bring the novel to life.  I particularly like her take on the famous Jane Austen quote 'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a glamour model in possession of a great pair of boobs must be in want of a footballer husband...".  

The characters are all larger than life, especially the main character Lexy who doesn't make any kind of decision with out consulting her PR agency, her whole life is lived in the public eye, there is literally nothing she won't do to gain more viewers and press  She is not a character that the reader empathises with, in a  way it is almost enjoyable to see her life come crumbling down.  However, there is a venerability to her, she is a product of the media world, and just needs a short sharp shock to bring her back down to earth with a bump.  This leads nicely on to her nemesis Caroline, who she refers to as 'Ghost Mouse'.  Caroline is an aspiring novelist, and being Ley's Ghost Writer, is her first job.  Lexy and Caroline are polar opposites;  Lexy is rich and glamorous, Caroline is flabby and has hardly any money; Lexy has a huge house, whereas Caroline lives with four other people in a house share the has only one bathroom.  I think one of my favourite comparisons was that Lexy had large tropical showers, where as Carolin's shower was so small she couldn't even have sex in it.  Obviously Caroline changes from the ugly duckling in to the beautiful swan and changes her life, but the reader is left to question the addiction of fame, the power it gives and just how far you would got to attain it.

Killer Affair is full of glamour, scandal, revenge and sex, the perfect ingredients for a fab Bonkbuster novel.  The reader is able to escape in to the glamorous, and at times not so glamorous, world of the rich and famous, a perfect choice for your beach bag. If you like your books to be sassy, sexy, sensational and scintillating then this is the book for you, a fabulous read.

[Sophia Blackwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when it's time for reality TV queens to grow up? That's the question facing Rebecca Chance’s latest diva, Lexy. She’s the undisputed queen of UK reality telly, who has turned her life into a headline-grabbing saga. Having spent years building her brand, Lexy's determined to stay in the spotlight, but her life in a Bournemouth mansion with two kids and a devoted footballer husband just no longer makes for interesting articles.

Enter Caroline, a mousy blogger and ghostwriter with a sideline in gay Regency erotica, to pen a novel-memoir based on Lexy's life and keep the magazines talking. But the first glimpse of Lexy's glamorous life- the champagne, the facials and her husband Frank- soon give Caroline other ideas, and she starts a makeover-and-seduction project of her own…

As always, Rebecca Chance’s books are an indulgent, gossipy treat full of five-star sex. I'm a huge fan of celebrity gossip mags, and after Killer Affair I'll never be able to look at those reality stars' holidays in Marbs in quite the same way again! It was also a real treat to see the voracious Silantra from Killer Diamonds again, this time in a bit more detail...as always, Rebecca Chance's books are an inspiration for women who know exactly what they want, in bed and out.

Her books also genuinely engage with the worlds they’re set in, whether that’s pole-dancing, cooking, magazine editing or gemology! I’ve read books that purport to be about ghostwriting before, but this is the first time I’ve felt it was really integral to the plot, as Caroline uses her insider knowledge to steal Lexy’s life. In Killer Affair, we get to meet some very recognisable publishing types (including a double-barrelled intern) as well as a typically colourful cast of secondary characters: another of Chance’s sexy Italians, a cheeky presenting duo, a boyband heart-throb and of course, the other reality stars in all their debauched, Botoxed glory. If you’re looking for a beach read, look no further- it’s summer again, and Rebecca’s got everything you need!

Thank you to the publishers for an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Chance novels are literally a slice of pure escapism and a fascinating insight into how the other half live.
Her books detail exploits well beyond the normal 9-5 and encompass a dizzying world of royalty, superstardom and celebrity, her meticulous research means the smallest details are never throw away remarks or guesswork, everything relates to the storyline and nothing is overlooked.
To call 'Killer Affair' a 'bonkbuster', seems to me a reductionist term, yes as with other books it is not for the prudish or faint of heart but the sex scenes merely fuel the storylines and are in keeping with the characters, they aren't inserted (ahem) for the purpose of titillation, again they serve to thrust the story forward to a gripping conclusion.
In a run of the mill story a reader would expect that the dowdy 'Ghost Mouse' character, Caroline, would triumph over the fame hungry with no talent celebrity whose novel/autobiography she is hired to ghostwrite.
However, in fiction as in real life, rarely does the ambitious social climber get all that she feels she deserves.
And this is no run of the mill story.
The 2 main female characters are fully rounded and expressed tonally not good/bad, there are redemptive arcs, an excellent plot, tongue in cheek humour and as with her other books, the characters leap fully recognisable from the page. The very definition of page turning, it is a book to be devoured whole, a frothy fun delight that takes itself seriously (but not too seriously) and a book by Rebecca Chance is a publishing highlight of each summer for me.
Many thanks to Ms Chance and her publishers for the opportunity to read 'Killer Affair' prior to publication in return for an honest review and apologies for it being delayed.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well.. .. where do I start.. .. ..

Rebecca has done it again, a truly unputdownable book that grabs you from the start, keeps you hooked and everything else gets put on hold until you can finish. I devoured this book in two days! Thank heavens for my advance copy (thank you to Rebecca) arriving just before my weeks leave!

Killer affair is very relatable to today, the media full of reality stars, what they will do to stay in the public eye .. . .and how they behave.. .. or not!

The books starts out with Lexy, the current 'star of the moment' and we get to know how she got to be queen bee and exactly how she stays there. All with the help of frumpy Caroline who has been hired to 'help' write her book. With the telling of Lexy's story we hear how she started out, clawed her way to the top and how she intends to stay there. The characters are all very relatable, from frumpy Caroline, who at first I actually thought was very me.. .. .. how wrong was I!!! To Lexy, her 'friends' and everyone in between.
This was a book I couldn't put down as I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next, just as you think you know who everyone is, and exactly what you think of them, you find you're wrong as the tables turn and you feel different things for the different characters all the way through the book.
There is, I think, something for everyone, laughter, tears, empathy, pity, sex.. .. .. raunchy sex! .. .. but if you're a fan of Rebecca's work then you know this already. We'd be disappointed not to have it!

I'm sorry I read it so quickly now.. .. what am I going to do with my remaining 3 days leave? .. .. .. hurry up with the next one Rebecca! 🙂

[Bev Dulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Rebecca Chance's books and enjoyed them all but have to say, this is my favourite. I went from wanting to race through it, to savouring it so it wouldn't be over too soon. For anyone looking for a summer, racy read... This is it! Reading it on my sunlounger in my back garden in the sunshine deffo made me feel like I was on holiday!!!

Anyway...the plot! This story, or one character in particular struck a chord with me. Caroline is a struggling author battling with her weight (insert my name here) so when she gets the chance to ghost write reality TV star, Lexy's life, she jumps at it. Caroline finds herself caught up in Lexy's world and her life begins to change dramatically (Uninsert my name here!!!)

What I loved about this book was that although in the beginning I was rooting for Caroline, but the end I'm not sure either woman deserved what they got, neither were particularly likeable. I enjoyed Caroline's stint on Celebrity island survivor, sounds like reality TV at its best!

So, Killer Affair, it's saucy, it's sexy, it's gripping and it's fun... Make sure it's in your suitcase this summer.

[Nikki Bywater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their two worlds could not have been further apart. Lexy is a popular reality star who lives her life to stay in the limelight. She has the looks, confidence and charisma to stay at the top of the fame game, she is everything plain-Jane Caroline is not. When a lucky break presents itself to blogger Caroline, which takes her right into the heart of Lexy's life. Caroline begins to feed off Lexy's put downs towards her and digest them into a drive to take all that Lexy has. Caroline becomes fuelled by a whole new confidence and setting her sights high, and a mighty rivalry and revenge is ready to put in play and sparks will fly.

Racy, steamy and sizzling scenes there is no holding back from author Rebecca Chance on this front and by heck how good she writes them... HOT! Along with a sensational storyline that is enticingly entertaining from beginning to end. The sparks flying between the two leading ladies you can feel exploding out of the pages as the story reaches its climax. NOT TO BE MISSED.

[Jenny Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A saucy summer read you won’t regret reading. The minute you begin reading this book, like all of Rebecca’s other books, you won’t be able to put it down. Full of salacious content and the bonk buster naughty bits that Rebecca is famous for. Incredibly well written as usual and a sexy, saucy summer read that doesn’t disappoint. It’s all about sexy Lexy O’Brien who is on top of the world. She’s the reigning queen of reality TV, she’s got two cute kids and a sexy footballer husband. That’s what the world sees anyway. But do they really know Lexy or just what she puts on her very well run reality show? Her publishers want her life to be chronicled in a book so Lexy brings in dowdy blogger Caroline to ghost write the book for her. Not seeing her as a threat she’s more than happy to let Caroline follow her around. But little does she know that Caroline has a hidden agenda. She’s had a taste of Lexy’s lifestyle and now she wants more and she’ll do whatever she can to get it. But will she go too far to get what she wants? Pick up your copy of Killer Affair and find out.

[Nancy Kossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are authors you enjoy because you know exactly what will happen in one of their books...but then there are authors you enjoy more because they take their usual narrative and turn it on its head:
Georgette Heyer's Cotillion and William Faulkner's Intruder In The Dust being two of my favorite examples of this. Rebecca Chance does a brilliant job of this in Killer Affair and I couldn't wait to finish it while simultaneously not wanting it to end. I'm not going to discuss the details too much, because I don't want to spoil the fun, but while Killer Affair has all the elements I love In Ms. Chance's books: sex, glamour, a catfight, more sex and buckets of humor, it has the delightful addition of the inestimable Carmen and some fascinating insights into the publishing industry. I'm really happy I signed up to get an advance copy and do a review because this may have been the highlight of my summer and, let's face it folks, in the summer of 2017, highlights are a blessed relief.

[Clare C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to have received a copy of this book before its publication date. I am a real fan of Rebecca Chance's books having read all of them. My first book of hers being Bad Brides 3 years ago for the book club which I am a part of. Killer Affair is well written and had me hooked until the end. The storyline had me guessing all the way through. This is a fabulous 'bonkbuster' of a read, I enjoyed that there were references made to characters from previous Rebecca Chance books. I adore the front cover too, it's very eye catching and reminded me a little of the cover of Killer Diamonds which is another good read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good chick lit with a little bit of sexiness, glamour, jealousy and reality TV stars all in the mix. Thank you Rebecca Chance x

[Linda O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weeeell ! Rebecca Chance books are known as bonkbusters! Not so much bonkin, but plenty of busting chops in this book. Not a badly written book, but plenty of bitchin. Think this book will appeal more to an audience that are into reality celebrities, which I'm not. Does open your eyes to how these women & their management probably operate. Pity these women don't realise that they only being used, to make others money & as soon as they stop being a money spinner, they're dropped & their wagon is hitched to the next rising star! The only ones getting hurt, are the families of these people. The book is fairly fast paced, not boring & I think Lexy & Caroline both learnt valuable lessons, in the end. Not as good as her book 'Killer Diamonds, which was brilliant! So I'm hoping her next book will be more my reading.

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would definitely consider myself a fan of Rebecca Chance and her books are easy and pure escapist reads. However, this one was not one of my favourites from this author. The book follows two women who are polar opposites. Lexy a reality star, married to an ex footballer and Caroline is the polar opposite.

She writes press releases but would love to become a published author one day. Caroline meets Lexy and becomes the person chosen to write Lexy's book for her. Although it wasn't what she had in mind Caroline goes with it with no idea of the outcome.

I read this over a few days and it was still certainly easy reading and enjoyable, however it wasn't quite like her previous books I have read where I didn't want to put them down. Overall an easy to read 'bonkbuster' and probably an ideal beach read.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very Hollywood wives kind of tale with quite a lot of soft porn included to spice up the read. I sometimes wonder if this is added to compensate for poor writing skills - the amount in this book really didn’t add anything meaningful to the overall ‘story’.

The ‘story’ wasn’t really that good - social climber looking for fame and fortune, rises to top on the back of someone else then proceeds to fall from a great height when revenge is exacted.

Not a great plot line, sex scenes keep this one afloat if you like that kind of writing.

Very average writing skills can’t separate this from a trashy novel. Sorry not for me - 2 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book.

I have read all of Rebecca Chance's books to date but felt slightly disappointed by this one as it seemed to drag on and it took me to about 47% to actually start to get properly into the story and then I couldn't put it down as I wanted to know what was going to happen.

The description of some of the characters in the story reminded me of certain celebrities - not sure if that was deliberate or just coincidence.

A good revenge plot but did get a bit extreme towards the end. Good holiday read when you can spend the day on a sunlounger really getting into the story.

[Sharna Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Rebecca's books and have read every single one twice (except this one obviously as it is brand new). I was ecstatic to receive an advanced copy, I couldn’t believe my luck, many many thanks. As expected, I was not disappointed. No one does naughty scenes like Rebecca, she is the master. It's not all sex though, she creates such great characters and story lines, they grab you and don’t let you go. I found myself thoroughly entertained with this book, many times laughing out loud or stunned at what I had just read. It was a struggle to put it down long enough to run to the loo. If you like a fun, jaw dropping, scandalous, naughty and addictive read, this book is it. Can't wait for the next!!!

[Toni-Jean Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

2017 Book Of The Year!!

Killer Affair has it all. Romance, sex, lies, deceit and backstabbing. It's a chick-lit with a twist. Imagine a mouse morphing into a "bunny boiler".
Caroline, the ghost writer has been commissioned to write the autobiography of a reality star named Lexy. As time passes, Caroline aspires to become a celebrity herself but soon realises stardom isn't all that it's cracked up to be. She finds the downside to this to be very dark indeed.
This is one of Rebecca's best books yet. Any celebrity thinking of hiring a ghost writer may well think twice about it after reading Killer Affair.
Definitely a book to read whilst lounging by the pool in the sunshine.

[Vienna Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me preview this by saying that I LOVE Rebecca Chance and I have devoured every single thing she has written.

This however was my least favourite by far, it wasn't as exciting, the characters were not particularly relatable or favourable and I wasn't rooting for ANY of them.

There's an entire section at the end that just feels trivial and is justified as a "revenge" plot.. It wasn't necessary and the brief italicised interludes were interesting (sort of) until they were explained.. Again. Trivial.

I really just feel "eh" about this book, whereas her others are flawless.

Sorry Rebecca, I tried so hard to enjoy this!

[Rachel Heller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlikeable cast

A bonk busting read and great for a beach or holiday read where you don’t need your brain.... Personally though I hated every character and didn’t care if they ended up happy or not. Maybe I was supposed to feel that way though - Z list celebrities and reality stars not being the most desirable in real life and equally unlikeable here. I don’t mind a sex scene either but I felt some were gratuitous and verging on soft porn - it it helps the story great but these didn’t. Not my fave VF I have to say!

[fantasyandfelines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book randomly YEARS ago and it’s been on my shelf unread since. I randomly decided to pick it up one day because I like to give all books i buy a go. Keep in mind i’m a fantasy girlie who barely even reads just normal romance - but this. I couldn’t put this down. Especially after so many heavy reads with so much world building this book was just a bunch of fun. Just a couple of mean girls getting at each other and it was just so entertaining. Not my usual read but a happy surprise.

[Shannon Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge Fan of Rebecca Chance having read all of her books. Thank you to Rebecca and Pan Macmillan for the advanced copy

Killer Affair did not disappoint, after the first couple of pages I was hooked. Glamour and Revenge, with loads of sex thrown into the mix!

Highly recommend Killer Affair and any of Rebecca's novels.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book about lexi obrien she has the perfect life footballer husband and two children. lexy is a writer and her P.R team want her to write about her life. then caroline comes along and wants everything and sets out for revenge.fantastic story that i couldnt put down sexy scandel and glamour kept me turning the pages