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The Fabulous Golds #1
A Private Affair
Rivals for the runways. Enemies in the industry. And for a single sinfully hot night, they’re about to indulge in the one thing they’re not allowed…each other.
Fashion executive Riley Gold knows that appearances are everything. And New Year’s Eve in Milan is no exception. If Riley’s going to have a reputation for being an “ice princess,” then she’s going to be flawless, glacier-cold perfection. Especially when Chaz Warren is here, looking too damn good, too damn sexy…and every inch the enemy.
Not only are their families fashion archrivals, but social media mogul Chaz Warren is a player—and the world knows it. But for one X-rated night, Riley will give in to the electric lust that’s always been crackling between them. All it takes is a searing kiss to turn the heat from simmering to full-on passion…
Riley thought one night with Chaz would be enough. But it’s not enough, not nearly. Now Riley and Chaz are having a private—and completely naughty—affair, and hiding the scandalizing truth from both the tabloids and their feuding families. But keeping her deliciously hot enemy close won’t just melt the ice around Riley’s heart…he could incinerate it completely.
Harlequin DARE publishes sexy romances featuring powerful alpha heroes and bold, fearless heroines exploring their deepest fantasies.
Four new Harlequin DARE titles are available each month, wherever ebooks are sold!
Fashion executive Riley Gold knows that appearances are everything. And New Year’s Eve in Milan is no exception. If Riley’s going to have a reputation for being an “ice princess,” then she’s going to be flawless, glacier-cold perfection. Especially when Chaz Warren is here, looking too damn good, too damn sexy…and every inch the enemy.
Not only are their families fashion archrivals, but social media mogul Chaz Warren is a player—and the world knows it. But for one X-rated night, Riley will give in to the electric lust that’s always been crackling between them. All it takes is a searing kiss to turn the heat from simmering to full-on passion…
Riley thought one night with Chaz would be enough. But it’s not enough, not nearly. Now Riley and Chaz are having a private—and completely naughty—affair, and hiding the scandalizing truth from both the tabloids and their feuding families. But keeping her deliciously hot enemy close won’t just melt the ice around Riley’s heart…he could incinerate it completely.
Harlequin DARE publishes sexy romances featuring powerful alpha heroes and bold, fearless heroines exploring their deepest fantasies.
Four new Harlequin DARE titles are available each month, wherever ebooks are sold!
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
126 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
185 books918 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 19, 2020
A Private Affair is a romance novel featuring two workaholics who accidentally fall in love.
This romance has two key tropes: workaholics find love and Romeo and Juliet. I was glad there wasn’t also the nerdy woman gets a makeover trope. The story flowed and made sense. There weren’t any weird plot devices but it did follow the basic romance novel formula. This was a solid novel.
This book is hella 🔥🔥🔥.
This romance has two key tropes: workaholics find love and Romeo and Juliet. I was glad there wasn’t also the nerdy woman gets a makeover trope. The story flowed and made sense. There weren’t any weird plot devices but it did follow the basic romance novel formula. This was a solid novel.
This book is hella 🔥🔥🔥.
February 7, 2020
I had my doubts about this one initially, but once Riley and Chaz hookup (which is fairly early on thank goodness) it was off to the races! I’m always a fan of a book where the hero is all in before the heroine and where love takes them both by surprise and that was done very well here. I also liked that the angst wasn’t unduly prolonged. This was a solid read and I’d definitely read more from A.C. Arthur. 3.5 out of 5 wine glasses.
March 29, 2021
3 stars. Loved the hero, Chaz. He was very likable and charming. I loved how open and honest he was about everything. Where this book falls short is the heroine, Riley. I love a good ice princess heroine but Riley was a bit too closed off and reserved for my tastes. I never got to really know her and she never was honest with her emotions until the very end which made me not buy into the relationship because I didn’t think she genuinely cared for Chaz. The sex between them was fire though. I loved the writing and it was paced well but there was no emotional connection between them, just physical and I needed more than that. I’m going to continue on with this series as I feel like the rest of them will be better than this one.
October 16, 2020
Forbidden Love
A. C. Arthur continue to weave her masterpieces one tale after another. Chaz and Riley was never suppose to get together. Their families were fueding but neither knew why. One agreement to spend 24 hours together in Milan turned in to an ongoing relationship!!!! They both began to let go and found themselves in love. A scandal was began and caused Riley to break things off with Chaz. Riley's big brother RJ knew she had fallen in love and Chaz uncle Tobias knew he had. Regardless of what may come between you, true LOVE forever prevail!!!❤❤❤❤. A.C. Arthur never disappoint. Wonderful story🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 !!!
A. C. Arthur continue to weave her masterpieces one tale after another. Chaz and Riley was never suppose to get together. Their families were fueding but neither knew why. One agreement to spend 24 hours together in Milan turned in to an ongoing relationship!!!! They both began to let go and found themselves in love. A scandal was began and caused Riley to break things off with Chaz. Riley's big brother RJ knew she had fallen in love and Chaz uncle Tobias knew he had. Regardless of what may come between you, true LOVE forever prevail!!!❤❤❤❤. A.C. Arthur never disappoint. Wonderful story🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 !!!
January 15, 2020
After my rather bad experience with Turn Me On in the same Dare line, I decided to read another right away to hopefully replace it with a better experience. And this book did do the job.
First of all, some positives: the writing is a lot better than in the aforementioned book. It's competent, clear, it gets the story across without getting in the way or distracting me.
I liked the hero. He's charismatic and confident, but very respectful of the heroine, it's cute how he admires her. He makes sure he has her consent, no pushy behaviour as is so common in similar enemies to lovers situations where the sexual tension is strong. I appreciate that as it drives me crazy.
The heroine though, I had trouble connecting with. She was aloof and reserved, that's her personality, but I never felt like I got to see her as a person. She clearly has some degree of anxiety, and as an anxiety sufferer myself I should have been able to relate to her experiences and felt empathy for her, but somehow the book didn't manage to make me feel that. It felt very superficial and just mentioned in passing.
I don't know if it was my mood or if the pacing was a little slow or not enough happening, but I was not very engaged, it was easy to put down.
There is some rather over the top dirty talking. This is an amusing example : "“For you!” he groaned and pounded into her so fast she grew breathless. “All. For. You.”"
In general I was not really convinced by the sex scenes, somehow they didn't quite work for me. Some of them left me puzzled. The scene in the sort of sex establishment is just odd and out of the blue. I don't like that he didn't discuss it with her beforehand, he just made her go there without giving her the option to make the choice. The explanation he gave about it later made no sense to me whatsoever. Come to think of it, her meditation/masturbation session with a crystal dildo was weird too. It's not that I am narrow minded and can't accept different sexual practices. It's that there's no buildup, no introduction in the story prior to these scenes. We just get this sudden weirdness with no warning or setup, and then it's never mentioned again.
Overall this was fine, it worked, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't really good or memorable either.
A qualification for my rating : I am finding I rate many books three stars and it doesn't always mean the same thing, and I want to be able to separate them out more. Also, I realise I do rate higher often because I don't want to be mean. But really how many people see or read my reviews? I write these because it's useful to look back on for myself, otherwise I forget what I thought. So it is only useful for me if I allow myself to be honest. And yes, it will seem harsher than what many Goodreads users seem to vote. But really, I want to be following the Goodreads suggestions they give for each star. For me, 3 stars is already good, it means I liked the book! So I am going to try to utilise 2 stars more. It means something was ok, not bad or awful, just ok.
First of all, some positives: the writing is a lot better than in the aforementioned book. It's competent, clear, it gets the story across without getting in the way or distracting me.
I liked the hero. He's charismatic and confident, but very respectful of the heroine, it's cute how he admires her. He makes sure he has her consent, no pushy behaviour as is so common in similar enemies to lovers situations where the sexual tension is strong. I appreciate that as it drives me crazy.
The heroine though, I had trouble connecting with. She was aloof and reserved, that's her personality, but I never felt like I got to see her as a person. She clearly has some degree of anxiety, and as an anxiety sufferer myself I should have been able to relate to her experiences and felt empathy for her, but somehow the book didn't manage to make me feel that. It felt very superficial and just mentioned in passing.
I don't know if it was my mood or if the pacing was a little slow or not enough happening, but I was not very engaged, it was easy to put down.
There is some rather over the top dirty talking. This is an amusing example : "“For you!” he groaned and pounded into her so fast she grew breathless. “All. For. You.”"
In general I was not really convinced by the sex scenes, somehow they didn't quite work for me. Some of them left me puzzled. The scene in the sort of sex establishment is just odd and out of the blue. I don't like that he didn't discuss it with her beforehand, he just made her go there without giving her the option to make the choice. The explanation he gave about it later made no sense to me whatsoever. Come to think of it, her meditation/masturbation session with a crystal dildo was weird too. It's not that I am narrow minded and can't accept different sexual practices. It's that there's no buildup, no introduction in the story prior to these scenes. We just get this sudden weirdness with no warning or setup, and then it's never mentioned again.
Overall this was fine, it worked, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't really good or memorable either.
A qualification for my rating : I am finding I rate many books three stars and it doesn't always mean the same thing, and I want to be able to separate them out more. Also, I realise I do rate higher often because I don't want to be mean. But really how many people see or read my reviews? I write these because it's useful to look back on for myself, otherwise I forget what I thought. So it is only useful for me if I allow myself to be honest. And yes, it will seem harsher than what many Goodreads users seem to vote. But really, I want to be following the Goodreads suggestions they give for each star. For me, 3 stars is already good, it means I liked the book! So I am going to try to utilise 2 stars more. It means something was ok, not bad or awful, just ok.
July 16, 2020
This one turned out to be a H-O-T read between two workaholic individuals, Riley Gold who has been burned before and Chaz Warren a social medial mogul who has come to work for his uncle. The only problem is the feud between the families. What is supposed to be a one night stand turns into so much more. Will they survive when their private affair becomes known and fodder for the tabloids?
**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
June 21, 2022
Steamy
Chaz and Riley's chemistry was hot! I couldn't stop turning the pages because I wanted to see how far this private affair would go. Chaz was perfect for Riley because he accepted her for who she was and pushed her to do things differently. She wasn't getting her way with Chaz. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Chaz and Riley's chemistry was hot! I couldn't stop turning the pages because I wanted to see how far this private affair would go. Chaz was perfect for Riley because he accepted her for who she was and pushed her to do things differently. She wasn't getting her way with Chaz. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 3, 2020
Excellent read
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Chaz and Riley attraction was unavoidable. They’re from rival fashion houses, but they fell in love. I look forward to novels on the remaining Gold brothers.
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Chaz and Riley attraction was unavoidable. They’re from rival fashion houses, but they fell in love. I look forward to novels on the remaining Gold brothers.
February 21, 2021
Fashion industry rivals who can’t keep their hands or hearts off each other!
Chaz is a man who knows what he wants and he wants Riley. Riley wants to forget about and not repeat her past romantic mistake, but there’s something about Chaz she can’t resist.
A Private Affair is the “one night only” trope at its finest set against the backdrop of rival families in the fashion industry. From the first chapter the chemistry and heat between Riley and Chaz is front and center but so is genuine interest and like of each other. I not only loved all the fashion elements but I also loved the representation of Black fashion designers and houses.
A.C. Arthur is a new to me author and I’m so excited to be catching this series only half way in, can’t wait for those Gold brothers to fall!
Chaz is a man who knows what he wants and he wants Riley. Riley wants to forget about and not repeat her past romantic mistake, but there’s something about Chaz she can’t resist.
A Private Affair is the “one night only” trope at its finest set against the backdrop of rival families in the fashion industry. From the first chapter the chemistry and heat between Riley and Chaz is front and center but so is genuine interest and like of each other. I not only loved all the fashion elements but I also loved the representation of Black fashion designers and houses.
A.C. Arthur is a new to me author and I’m so excited to be catching this series only half way in, can’t wait for those Gold brothers to fall!
May 24, 2021
Very Good
I love Riley and Chaz. They known each other for years. Their family feud kept them from interacting with each other for years. They both decided to have an affair. I love that they fell in love with each other.
I love Riley and Chaz. They known each other for years. Their family feud kept them from interacting with each other for years. They both decided to have an affair. I love that they fell in love with each other.
July 7, 2021
Just,wow!
Its been a few years since these eyes have followed the words of an A.C.Arthur story. What a pleasure it was. Another sexy, love story about exceptionally successful black people. Perfect for HEA addicts like this reader. The bonus is there's more to come.
Its been a few years since these eyes have followed the words of an A.C.Arthur story. What a pleasure it was. Another sexy, love story about exceptionally successful black people. Perfect for HEA addicts like this reader. The bonus is there's more to come.
November 7, 2021
Steamy indeed
I liked the characters in this book because it was fun reading them. I enjoyed the journey they were on and the careers they had were pretty much equal.
I like how the author shows what living in the past can do to a relationship.
Good read.
I liked the characters in this book because it was fun reading them. I enjoyed the journey they were on and the careers they had were pretty much equal.
I like how the author shows what living in the past can do to a relationship.
Good read.
December 25, 2021
I enjoyed reading A Private Affair! Whew this book was so hot and amazing! The chemistry between Riley and Chaz was off the charts! I was so hooked that I couldn't put it down! I enjoyed the storyline line so much! I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
January 13, 2022
A private affair
I enjoyed the flow of the plot. People in fashion can be quite consuming, especially during fashion week. Enjoyed the show and can understand why. Love affairs can be a little difficult.
I enjoyed the flow of the plot. People in fashion can be quite consuming, especially during fashion week. Enjoyed the show and can understand why. Love affairs can be a little difficult.
July 13, 2022
Hot
Chaz and Riley are a scorching hot couple. Their families are feuding so they should be enemies but the chemistry between the two can not be denied. Some of the sex scenes are a little explicit but not overly so. A really good sexy read.
Chaz and Riley are a scorching hot couple. Their families are feuding so they should be enemies but the chemistry between the two can not be denied. Some of the sex scenes are a little explicit but not overly so. A really good sexy read.
April 3, 2020
Hot hot and hot
Loved Chaz and Riley’s story! It was very well written and a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed every freaking word!
Loved Chaz and Riley’s story! It was very well written and a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed every freaking word!
April 6, 2020
This book was ok. I wanted the book to end not because I was enjoying it but just to get it over. Loved the main male character the female character was competent.
June 23, 2020
Family Feuds
How did it start? Nobody ever remembers. Chaz and Riley coming together was what they both needed but didn't know it. Maybe the feud is about over.
How did it start? Nobody ever remembers. Chaz and Riley coming together was what they both needed but didn't know it. Maybe the feud is about over.
January 18, 2021
This was okay. It seemed to center mostly around sex between the characters. Not enough growth shown
March 13, 2021
I think this is the first time I read from this author. Totally ok book but I probably would not imagine reading it again.
April 11, 2021
This is just one of those books. An okay, solid quick read, but nothing special in it, and definitely nothing to remember it by or to write home about.
January 28, 2022
Typical storyline
A c Arthur has written better storylines with more romance and intrigue. This book seems as though this story was just thrown together!
A c Arthur has written better storylines with more romance and intrigue. This book seems as though this story was just thrown together!
January 29, 2020
I received this free book from the publisher for honest review.
4 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐
This is the first time reading from this author.
What a beautiful wonderful amazing read.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
4 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐
This is the first time reading from this author.
What a beautiful wonderful amazing read.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
January 21, 2020
Steamy and a quick read, definitely accomplishing the goals of the Harlequin DARE line, I wanted a bit more connection besides physical and sexual between the two love interests, but overall enjoyed the story. The ending was quite abrupt but those who enjoy the fashion business will appreciate those details.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
January 13, 2020
4 1/2 STARS!
A secret hook-up, a family rivalry, and non-stop temptation! PRIVATE AFFAIR by A.C. Arthur is quite the delight with high-powered characters, a hint of mystery and best of all is the steamy connection between this less than ideal match up.
Riley was an easy character to like. She is no nonsense and accepts nothing less than perfection ... from herself and others. If she's going to be labeled an "ice princess" by the industry because of that, then she will be sure to wear it well.
Chaz is yummy. His father-figure uncle is Riley's dad's biggest rival in the fashion industry, so they are supposed to dislike each other on sight, but a New Year's Eve party in Milan is temptation neither of them seem to want to resist. It was supposed to be one night, but neither of them can stay away from the other.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced steamy read with a lot of heart and a touch of intrigue to round the story out. Really enjoyed them!
A secret hook-up, a family rivalry, and non-stop temptation! PRIVATE AFFAIR by A.C. Arthur is quite the delight with high-powered characters, a hint of mystery and best of all is the steamy connection between this less than ideal match up.
Riley was an easy character to like. She is no nonsense and accepts nothing less than perfection ... from herself and others. If she's going to be labeled an "ice princess" by the industry because of that, then she will be sure to wear it well.
Chaz is yummy. His father-figure uncle is Riley's dad's biggest rival in the fashion industry, so they are supposed to dislike each other on sight, but a New Year's Eve party in Milan is temptation neither of them seem to want to resist. It was supposed to be one night, but neither of them can stay away from the other.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced steamy read with a lot of heart and a touch of intrigue to round the story out. Really enjoyed them!
January 27, 2020
REVIEW:
Riley Gold and Chaz Warren grew up surrounded by fashion. There was an instance attraction between them but due the circumstance surrounding their families they couldn’t be together. New Year’s Eve in Milan, Riley and Chaz was at a party where they saw each other. For Chaz he has always been attracted to Riley even from a far and the same can be said for Riley. A while back Chaz propose 24 hrs. together and after that they could go back pretending to be emeries. Unbeknown to them 24hrs. together would not be enough. With fashion week a week away they both have been working and thinking about each other and when they do finally come together again, the flame can’t be put out. The continue their affair until something happen and the two fashion houses are accusing each other.
A Private Affair is a good read and you will not be disappointed.
Smooches
LL Brown
Riley Gold and Chaz Warren grew up surrounded by fashion. There was an instance attraction between them but due the circumstance surrounding their families they couldn’t be together. New Year’s Eve in Milan, Riley and Chaz was at a party where they saw each other. For Chaz he has always been attracted to Riley even from a far and the same can be said for Riley. A while back Chaz propose 24 hrs. together and after that they could go back pretending to be emeries. Unbeknown to them 24hrs. together would not be enough. With fashion week a week away they both have been working and thinking about each other and when they do finally come together again, the flame can’t be put out. The continue their affair until something happen and the two fashion houses are accusing each other.
A Private Affair is a good read and you will not be disappointed.
Smooches
LL Brown
January 3, 2020
If you enjoy novels about the fashion industry, then A PRIVATE AFFAIR by A.C. Arthur is the book for you. In addition to all things vogue, this story includes a hot couple, an old family rivalry, and some very steamy sex scenes. This is a quick-paced read that I read from cover to cover in less than a day.
Riley Gold and Chaz Warren grew up surrounded by fashion. Their respective families own and manage the top two fashion houses in the world. Unfortunately, due to a situation that occurred years ago, their families are bitter rivals, both personally and professionally. Riley is now a top executive in the business, and Chaz has his own successful software company. With fashion week being right around the corner, Riley is working even harder than ever, and Chaz is taking a leave from his own business to help his uncle unveil a new men’s line. Riley and Chaz hook-up while in Milan, and their desire for each other only increases with time. Their one-night stand becomes a hot, private affair that evolves into much more. However, the tabloids and a couple of unscrupulous employees may prevent them from being together forever.
This is a well-written novel with some dramatic twists and turns that kept me entertained from beginning to end. All the characters are interesting, and I liked getting to know both Riley and Chaz, both as individuals and as a couple. They exuded a warmth which truly endeared them to me. Ms. Arthur does a nice job of balancing the story’s sexy times with an engaging plot. The story ended a bit abruptly, without an epilogue pulling it all together. Overall, A PRIVATE AFFAIR is a really good narrative and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
LJT, Romance Junkies, 4.5 Hearts. I was given a copy of the book for an honest review.
Riley Gold and Chaz Warren grew up surrounded by fashion. Their respective families own and manage the top two fashion houses in the world. Unfortunately, due to a situation that occurred years ago, their families are bitter rivals, both personally and professionally. Riley is now a top executive in the business, and Chaz has his own successful software company. With fashion week being right around the corner, Riley is working even harder than ever, and Chaz is taking a leave from his own business to help his uncle unveil a new men’s line. Riley and Chaz hook-up while in Milan, and their desire for each other only increases with time. Their one-night stand becomes a hot, private affair that evolves into much more. However, the tabloids and a couple of unscrupulous employees may prevent them from being together forever.
This is a well-written novel with some dramatic twists and turns that kept me entertained from beginning to end. All the characters are interesting, and I liked getting to know both Riley and Chaz, both as individuals and as a couple. They exuded a warmth which truly endeared them to me. Ms. Arthur does a nice job of balancing the story’s sexy times with an engaging plot. The story ended a bit abruptly, without an epilogue pulling it all together. Overall, A PRIVATE AFFAIR is a really good narrative and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
LJT, Romance Junkies, 4.5 Hearts. I was given a copy of the book for an honest review.
January 13, 2020
Don’t Look Back
Riley’s bad past relationship has caused her to be labeled the “Ice Princess.” Chaz wants to help her thaw while trying to keep his and the family business afloat.
Riley’s bad past relationship has caused her to be labeled the “Ice Princess.” Chaz wants to help her thaw while trying to keep his and the family business afloat.
January 6, 2020
A Family feud couldn't stop the inevitable
Fashion moguls and social media extraordinaire come together despite family dynamics and an age old feud. What simply could have been an enemies to lovers story became much more as you navigate the story of Chaz and Riley. Two very ambitious highly proficient people discover that there is more than meets the professional eye. Outside success comes a passion like none other. As you find that Chaz marches to the beat of his own drum while being loyal to his family. As well, as Riley being the alpha female who proves that her mind is just as sharp and posed as her male counterparts. Through it all the two come together for a ride that will take the fashion industry by storm.
Fashion moguls and social media extraordinaire come together despite family dynamics and an age old feud. What simply could have been an enemies to lovers story became much more as you navigate the story of Chaz and Riley. Two very ambitious highly proficient people discover that there is more than meets the professional eye. Outside success comes a passion like none other. As you find that Chaz marches to the beat of his own drum while being loyal to his family. As well, as Riley being the alpha female who proves that her mind is just as sharp and posed as her male counterparts. Through it all the two come together for a ride that will take the fashion industry by storm.
January 9, 2020
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews