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Jordan Weiss #2
A Hidden Affair
New York Times Bestselling Author of The Orphan's Tale Past wars, past lives, past loves…Can we ever really let them go…And should we?Ten years ago, U.S. State Department intelligence officer Jordan Weiss’s life was turned upside down when she was told her college boyfriend, Jared, drowned in the River Cam. In a shocking discovery, though, she realizes that things weren’t as they seemed and that she had been lied to and betrayed by those closest to her. Reeling from the shock— and the knowledge that Jared is still alive—Jordan resigns her State Department post and sets off in search of answers. Traveling to Jared’s last known whereabouts on the French Riviera, she encounters Nicole, a mysterious woman who flees after refusing to disclose what she knows about Jared. Following Nicole across Europe, Jordan soon discovers that she is not alone in her pursuit— Aaron, a handsome and enigmatic Israeli, is chasing Nicole for his own cryptic reasons. Though distrustful of each other, Jordan and Aaron join forces on a journey that takes them half a world away, and only steps ahead of grave peril. As Jordan draws closer to finding the answers that have eluded her for a decade, larger questions Can she reconcile her attraction to Aaron with her unresolved feelings for Jared, the only man she ever loved? Will the truth be too devastating to handle or finally set her free? Will she have a chance at happiness at last? Thrilling, romantic, and impossible to put down, A Hidden Affair gives us a brave and relentless heroine who never gives up on her search for the truth.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2010
765 people are currently reading
3093 people want to read
About the author
Pam Jenoff
33 books6,743 followersPam is the author of several novels, including her most recent The Woman With The Blue Star, as well as The Lost Girls of Paris and The Orphan's Tale, both instant New York Times bestsellers. Pam was born in Maryland and raised outside Philadelphia. She attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Cambridge University in England. Upon receiving her master’s in history from Cambridge, she accepted an appointment as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. The position provided a unique opportunity to witness and participate in operations at the most senior levels of government, including helping the families of the Pan Am Flight 103 victims secure their memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, observing recovery efforts at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing and attending ceremonies to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of World War II at sites such as Bastogne and Corregidor.
Following her work at the Pentagon, Jenoff moved to the State Department. In 1996 she was assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, Poland. It was during this period that Pam developed her expertise in Polish-Jewish relations and the Holocaust. Working on matters such as preservation of Auschwitz and the restitution of Jewish property in Poland, Jenoff developed close relations with the surviving Jewish community.
Having left the Foreign Service in 1998 to attend law school at the University of Pennsylvania, Jenoff practiced law at a large firm and in-house for several years. She now teaches law school at Rutgers.
Following her work at the Pentagon, Jenoff moved to the State Department. In 1996 she was assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, Poland. It was during this period that Pam developed her expertise in Polish-Jewish relations and the Holocaust. Working on matters such as preservation of Auschwitz and the restitution of Jewish property in Poland, Jenoff developed close relations with the surviving Jewish community.
Having left the Foreign Service in 1998 to attend law school at the University of Pennsylvania, Jenoff practiced law at a large firm and in-house for several years. She now teaches law school at Rutgers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
April 1, 2011
It would have been helpful if the book jacket indicated that this was a sequel.
The plot had a lot of holes in it, but most disappointing was that the main character simply was not convincing. She seemed entirely too naive and emotionally needy to be a successful intelligence officer.
I wanted to like this, and while it wasn't awful, I was looking for something more than lukewarm diversion.
The plot had a lot of holes in it, but most disappointing was that the main character simply was not convincing. She seemed entirely too naive and emotionally needy to be a successful intelligence officer.
I wanted to like this, and while it wasn't awful, I was looking for something more than lukewarm diversion.
March 19, 2011
Ten years ago, intelligence officer Jordan Weiss’s life was turned upside town when her college boyfriend Jared drowned. But in a shocking discovery, Jordan realises that she has been lied to and betrayed by those closest to her. Reeling from the knowledge that Jared faked his own death, she sets out from London to find him.
Jordan races all over Europe trying to find out why her boyfriend has let her believe all these years that he’s dead, and we get a lot of emotional turmoil from her as she insists that Jared is the only man she’s ever truly loved. However, as soon as she hooks up with the mysterious and attractive Aaron, it’s fairly obvious she’s going to end up with him instead – especially after the revelation that Nicole, the woman Aaron is after, is in fact Jared’s wife.
This is the sequel to an earlier book, Almost Home. Although there’s quite a lot of back story to fill the reader in on what happened in the earlier book, I think it’s probably best to read Almost Home before coming to this one. Jordan is presented in the marketing blurb as a female James Bond, a real action heroine. Possibly she was in the first book, but that’s not the way she comes across in this book – she’s unemployed, having resigned as an Intelligence Officer, and she spends most of the book mooning over first Jared and then Aaron – I had trouble buying the fact she’s supposed to be an intelligent, go-getting action woman.
Reprinted with permission of Shots e-zine (http://www.shotsmag.co.uk)
Jordan races all over Europe trying to find out why her boyfriend has let her believe all these years that he’s dead, and we get a lot of emotional turmoil from her as she insists that Jared is the only man she’s ever truly loved. However, as soon as she hooks up with the mysterious and attractive Aaron, it’s fairly obvious she’s going to end up with him instead – especially after the revelation that Nicole, the woman Aaron is after, is in fact Jared’s wife.
This is the sequel to an earlier book, Almost Home. Although there’s quite a lot of back story to fill the reader in on what happened in the earlier book, I think it’s probably best to read Almost Home before coming to this one. Jordan is presented in the marketing blurb as a female James Bond, a real action heroine. Possibly she was in the first book, but that’s not the way she comes across in this book – she’s unemployed, having resigned as an Intelligence Officer, and she spends most of the book mooning over first Jared and then Aaron – I had trouble buying the fact she’s supposed to be an intelligent, go-getting action woman.
Reprinted with permission of Shots e-zine (http://www.shotsmag.co.uk)
July 16, 2023
I have a love/hate relationship with this author.
I either love her books or hate them.
Mostly because the storylines seem so familiar in each book I have picked up.
So, each time one of her books come along, I have a sigh, should I read it, or will I be disappointed?
Every time one of her books is donated to our Little Free Library Shed they are read over and over again. Obviously, she is a very popular author. So, why did I want to read this one?
Well…perhaps because this story was different from her others. Consider this…
So, what happens when the one you loved who you thought drowned ten years ago, really didn’t? What do you do?
In this case, Jordan quits her state department intelligence job in search of him. Of course, wouldn’t you?
After all, he was the love of your life, and well, ten years, is ten years! So what happened?
And why did he fake his death?
And why is someone else after him?
Or are they?
And why did he never return to Jordan?
And who is Nicole and what does she have to do with his life now?
Well, if you care, to know any of these answers, this might be an interesting page turning mystery to pick up.
Or not.
I either love her books or hate them.
Mostly because the storylines seem so familiar in each book I have picked up.
So, each time one of her books come along, I have a sigh, should I read it, or will I be disappointed?
Every time one of her books is donated to our Little Free Library Shed they are read over and over again. Obviously, she is a very popular author. So, why did I want to read this one?
Well…perhaps because this story was different from her others. Consider this…
So, what happens when the one you loved who you thought drowned ten years ago, really didn’t? What do you do?
In this case, Jordan quits her state department intelligence job in search of him. Of course, wouldn’t you?
After all, he was the love of your life, and well, ten years, is ten years! So what happened?
And why did he fake his death?
And why is someone else after him?
Or are they?
And why did he never return to Jordan?
And who is Nicole and what does she have to do with his life now?
Well, if you care, to know any of these answers, this might be an interesting page turning mystery to pick up.
Or not.
July 7, 2013
Pam Jenoff continues Jordan's Weiss' story from her first novel, THE OFFICER'S LOVER. As she says in her acknowledgement, her first novel is about Jordan coming to terms with her past, A HIDDEN AFFAIR is where she meets Aaron, and is the other half of the story, the future.
I enjoy Jenoff's descriptive style of writing and the locations where she set this fast-paced novel. It's a well crafted romantic suspense. I didn't guess who the villain was and neither could I predict the ending.
Ten years have passed. After Jordan Weiss finds out from a friend who initially betrayed her that Jared is alive, she resigns from her State department job and heads to Europe to search for him in the last place he has been seen. She believed their relationship was special, that nothing could ever come between them, but Jared has lied to her and left her believing him dead. Jordan is compelled to find out the truth, unsure how she'll feel when she finally catches up with her former lover. Even the handsome Israeli Aaron, who seeks Nicole, Jordan's only connection to Jared, doesn't sway her from her quest. Strongly attracted, she and Aaron join forces with danger lurking at every turn, but they aren't always truthful with each other. Who is Aaron really, and what does he really want with Nicole? Jordan's not sure if he's a friend or working against her until almost the end.
This is not as edgy as an on-the-edge-of-your-seat spy novel, nor is it quite as chilling as Nicci French can be. But there are some exciting moments. I loved the romance and there are nice historical touches which ground the story and create an intriguing mystery.
I can recommend this for a rainy day read. It was raining buckets here on a Sunday afternoon as I keenly scanned the final pages.
A satisfying read. I look forward to reading more of Jenoff's books.
I enjoy Jenoff's descriptive style of writing and the locations where she set this fast-paced novel. It's a well crafted romantic suspense. I didn't guess who the villain was and neither could I predict the ending.
Ten years have passed. After Jordan Weiss finds out from a friend who initially betrayed her that Jared is alive, she resigns from her State department job and heads to Europe to search for him in the last place he has been seen. She believed their relationship was special, that nothing could ever come between them, but Jared has lied to her and left her believing him dead. Jordan is compelled to find out the truth, unsure how she'll feel when she finally catches up with her former lover. Even the handsome Israeli Aaron, who seeks Nicole, Jordan's only connection to Jared, doesn't sway her from her quest. Strongly attracted, she and Aaron join forces with danger lurking at every turn, but they aren't always truthful with each other. Who is Aaron really, and what does he really want with Nicole? Jordan's not sure if he's a friend or working against her until almost the end.
This is not as edgy as an on-the-edge-of-your-seat spy novel, nor is it quite as chilling as Nicci French can be. But there are some exciting moments. I loved the romance and there are nice historical touches which ground the story and create an intriguing mystery.
I can recommend this for a rainy day read. It was raining buckets here on a Sunday afternoon as I keenly scanned the final pages.
A satisfying read. I look forward to reading more of Jenoff's books.
March 2, 2019
I felt this sequel started out lame and for the most part, continued that way throughout the book. It was laced with many unrealistic scenes as well as characters spilling their guts to someone they just met and didn’t even trust. The main character Jordan has quit her job at the State Department in London to look for an old boyfriend that she has recently found out is still alive. Right away she hooks up with a guy searching for someone himself because they find out there is a link between the two. The only really good part for me was finding out what actually happened to the boyfriend from the first book, Amlost Home.
May 13, 2020
3.5 stars
Enjoyed this - was a good follow up to The Officer's Lover.
Enjoyed this - was a good follow up to The Officer's Lover.
October 9, 2011
"A Hidden Affair" describes how strong a woman's love can be for the man who promised to marry her and how enduring that love can last.
Jordan Weiss is on a mission. She's resigned her position in the Intelligence Dept. and is searching for her old boyfriend, Jared Short, who she thought was dead, in Monaco.
She has an old address and when she arrives there she sees a young woman, later identified as Nicole Short, entering the building. She asks Nicole about Jared but she is evasive, then, when Jordan returns to ask further questions, Nicole has fled.
Jordan meets an Israeli named Aaron who is also following Nicole. He suggests that Jordan and he join forces. They do and become romantically attracted to each other while maintaining a professional mistrust.
Interestingly, we learn of wine making in the area and that wine was used as currency during WWII. The Nazis demanded the best wine for the high ranking officers and important people in the party but the locals attempted to deny that treasure to the Nazis. What happens to the true vintage of wine becomes part of the mystery.
Jordan Weiss is a strong character and a good match for Aaron but she continues to search for Jared.
Pam Jenoff writes an interesting story that is well worth reading. With some of the action in places like Monico, I would have liked more of the description of the settings.
The historical premise of the novel is riveting and even the minor characters are completely realized.
Jordan Weiss is on a mission. She's resigned her position in the Intelligence Dept. and is searching for her old boyfriend, Jared Short, who she thought was dead, in Monaco.
She has an old address and when she arrives there she sees a young woman, later identified as Nicole Short, entering the building. She asks Nicole about Jared but she is evasive, then, when Jordan returns to ask further questions, Nicole has fled.
Jordan meets an Israeli named Aaron who is also following Nicole. He suggests that Jordan and he join forces. They do and become romantically attracted to each other while maintaining a professional mistrust.
Interestingly, we learn of wine making in the area and that wine was used as currency during WWII. The Nazis demanded the best wine for the high ranking officers and important people in the party but the locals attempted to deny that treasure to the Nazis. What happens to the true vintage of wine becomes part of the mystery.
Jordan Weiss is a strong character and a good match for Aaron but she continues to search for Jared.
Pam Jenoff writes an interesting story that is well worth reading. With some of the action in places like Monico, I would have liked more of the description of the settings.
The historical premise of the novel is riveting and even the minor characters are completely realized.
June 6, 2016
Flowing descriptive phrases and a perfectly paced plot bring Jenoff's characters to life. This is much more than a spy/adventure story as Jenoff is noted for her understanding of and ability to put into words complex emotions. Jordan has worked for the State Department and had just received word that her college boyfriend thought to be dead for ten years is still alive. In her quest to find Jared she meets Ari, who works for the Israeli Mosad and the complications begin. This is an excellent read.
April 10, 2023
I normally enjoy Pam Jenoff’s books but this was a disappointing sequel to Almost Home. As far as tying up the loose ends from the first novel, for me this could have been done as an extra couple of chapters at the end of the first book.
March 2, 2023
I didn’t realize this book was a sequel when I started it, but quickly realized I was missing some key plot points. I stopped, read the first one, Almost Home, and then resumed. Both are good mysteries, with a good mix of historical detail that I enjoy.
January 19, 2012
Jenoff writes in the afterward of this book that the story started in “Almost Home” was to have ended with that first book. Later, she felt the rest of the story needed to be told. Hence, “A Hidden Affair.” She puts a little romance, a little mystery, a few secrets and surprises along the way.
Ex-state department intelligence officer Jordan Weiss is on the trail of a college boyfriend, Jared Short, who supposedly died ten years previous. She has discovered he has faked his death and close friends have lied and betrayed her. Tracking Jared to an address in Monaco, she first meets a mysterious woman named Nicole who has a connection to Jared. She promptly disappears. Next she meets Aaron Bruck, an Israeli with his own reasons for finding Nicole. Together, Jordan and Aaron travel Europe, following leads and becoming romantically involved. But what secrets will both uncover about Nicole and Jared and how will Jordan solve the problem of her attraction to Aaron as opposed to her still lingering feelings for Jared?
Jenoff provides a little background from the first book and I appreciated that information. The first person narrative was also a nice change because I enjoyed the perspective from one character and how she sees the other people and the world around her. This book has the requisite romantic scenes along with the emotional self doubt. This was a very nice read.
Reviewed by Stephen Brayton, author of “Beta” for Suspense Magazine
Ex-state department intelligence officer Jordan Weiss is on the trail of a college boyfriend, Jared Short, who supposedly died ten years previous. She has discovered he has faked his death and close friends have lied and betrayed her. Tracking Jared to an address in Monaco, she first meets a mysterious woman named Nicole who has a connection to Jared. She promptly disappears. Next she meets Aaron Bruck, an Israeli with his own reasons for finding Nicole. Together, Jordan and Aaron travel Europe, following leads and becoming romantically involved. But what secrets will both uncover about Nicole and Jared and how will Jordan solve the problem of her attraction to Aaron as opposed to her still lingering feelings for Jared?
Jenoff provides a little background from the first book and I appreciated that information. The first person narrative was also a nice change because I enjoyed the perspective from one character and how she sees the other people and the world around her. This book has the requisite romantic scenes along with the emotional self doubt. This was a very nice read.
Reviewed by Stephen Brayton, author of “Beta” for Suspense Magazine
May 29, 2019
I was disappointed, not with the story itself, but with several weird typos (Lake Cuomo instead of Como), Shehecianu rather than Shechecheyanu, all in the last couple of pages. It seemed as if the author rushed to finish the book and neglected to fact check or proof. Her other works are all much better, I would add. So don't be put off by a few errors, as I was. Caveat: I'm a professional proofreader so nitpicking comes with the territory.
April 23, 2020
Very Believable Tale of Lost Love in the Saddest of Circumstances
This storyline is very different to what the title implies. Rather than a furtive love affair, this novel delves far deeper into betrayal, intrigue and danger.
Ten years ago, American Jordan Weiss was studying at Cambridge University and had just fallen deeply in love with fellow student, Jared. But then the unthinkable happens ... he is found drowned in the Thames River and she has to somehow move on while nursing a broken heart.
Jordan’s new career as an intelligence officer with the State Dept offers her a world far removed from ties to friends or family, in fact the dangers this fast-paced life offers her are the perfect anaesthetic to that deep pain and emptiness she’s been living with for so long. That is until her boss provides evidence that Jared actually faked his own death and has been living a covert life in Europe the whole time - and with another woman no less.
Having always believed they were the love of each other’s lives, Jordan is left reeling at the news and quickly resigns her post to go in search of answers as to why he would leave her heartbroken and alone.
Moving from London through France, Austria, then onto Italy and finally an island in Greece, I found this to be an intriguing book with interesting twists and turns, especially when a mysterious Israeli offers to assist with her search. Ari appears to be hiding deep secrets of his own and Jordan isn’t quite sure just how far she can trust him.
I felt Pam Jenoff wrote convincingly about the relentless hunger someone feels when love is suddenly snatched away, and even though other reviewers weren’t convinced a highly trained spy would be so gullible or emotionally needy, I could fully understand why Jordan was prepared to go to any lengths to find Jared again and react the way she did - and I thought the outcome to their particular storyline was totally convincing and necessary for her hurting heart.
A word of warning, this is the second book in a series, and even though it can be read alone, I would’ve much preferred to have read the first one to fill in the gaps. Even so, I give it 7.5 out of 10.
This storyline is very different to what the title implies. Rather than a furtive love affair, this novel delves far deeper into betrayal, intrigue and danger.
Ten years ago, American Jordan Weiss was studying at Cambridge University and had just fallen deeply in love with fellow student, Jared. But then the unthinkable happens ... he is found drowned in the Thames River and she has to somehow move on while nursing a broken heart.
Jordan’s new career as an intelligence officer with the State Dept offers her a world far removed from ties to friends or family, in fact the dangers this fast-paced life offers her are the perfect anaesthetic to that deep pain and emptiness she’s been living with for so long. That is until her boss provides evidence that Jared actually faked his own death and has been living a covert life in Europe the whole time - and with another woman no less.
Having always believed they were the love of each other’s lives, Jordan is left reeling at the news and quickly resigns her post to go in search of answers as to why he would leave her heartbroken and alone.
Moving from London through France, Austria, then onto Italy and finally an island in Greece, I found this to be an intriguing book with interesting twists and turns, especially when a mysterious Israeli offers to assist with her search. Ari appears to be hiding deep secrets of his own and Jordan isn’t quite sure just how far she can trust him.
I felt Pam Jenoff wrote convincingly about the relentless hunger someone feels when love is suddenly snatched away, and even though other reviewers weren’t convinced a highly trained spy would be so gullible or emotionally needy, I could fully understand why Jordan was prepared to go to any lengths to find Jared again and react the way she did - and I thought the outcome to their particular storyline was totally convincing and necessary for her hurting heart.
A word of warning, this is the second book in a series, and even though it can be read alone, I would’ve much preferred to have read the first one to fill in the gaps. Even so, I give it 7.5 out of 10.
April 29, 2023
Mainly, I loved this book and couldn't put it down, it was action packed with drama around a case of very special vintage wine and two people, a male who was a Mossad agent and a female who had just resigned from the State department as one of their intelligence agents. The story had plenty of twists and turns. I had not read the first book Almost Home so I didn't realise that A Hidden Affair was part of a sequel. It stood up very well on its own though.
I could relate to Jordan Weiss with her many unanswered questions and the lack of closure with her love life but I did find it hard to get my head around how she could be in love with two men at the same time. I fully expected after she met Jared again, that all her college feelings would no longer be there and their meeting would be a let down. In lots of ways it was yet if he wasn't already married she would probably have gone to bed with him.
I thought Jared was a rather shallow, selfish character who seemed to have no idea of what his wife was really like and could just walk away from Jordan without a guilty conscience and marry Nicole. The fact he so easily walked away from his own mother too, proved his main purpose in faking his death and disappearing was always self preservation. Compare that to Jordan who risked her life for Aaron in the wine cave explosion and it convinced me that Jared was not worthy of Jordan. I didn't like his character.
Aaron (Ari) on the other hand was astute, clever, caring, deep and brave. He fell head over heels for Jordan and risked his life for her on more than one occasion. I was happy when Jordan settled for Aaron but I still think she hadn't got Jared out of her system when the book ended. That to me was unsatisfying because it conveyed Arron was a second choice, despite us readers being told that a marriage between Jared and Jordan would never have worked.
Likeable, unlikable and flawed characters are all part of a good novel so I can't really understand why some readers gave the book a low rating. Pam Jenoff is certainly up there with some of the top authors and deserved a higher rating for this book.
I could relate to Jordan Weiss with her many unanswered questions and the lack of closure with her love life but I did find it hard to get my head around how she could be in love with two men at the same time. I fully expected after she met Jared again, that all her college feelings would no longer be there and their meeting would be a let down. In lots of ways it was yet if he wasn't already married she would probably have gone to bed with him.
I thought Jared was a rather shallow, selfish character who seemed to have no idea of what his wife was really like and could just walk away from Jordan without a guilty conscience and marry Nicole. The fact he so easily walked away from his own mother too, proved his main purpose in faking his death and disappearing was always self preservation. Compare that to Jordan who risked her life for Aaron in the wine cave explosion and it convinced me that Jared was not worthy of Jordan. I didn't like his character.
Aaron (Ari) on the other hand was astute, clever, caring, deep and brave. He fell head over heels for Jordan and risked his life for her on more than one occasion. I was happy when Jordan settled for Aaron but I still think she hadn't got Jared out of her system when the book ended. That to me was unsatisfying because it conveyed Arron was a second choice, despite us readers being told that a marriage between Jared and Jordan would never have worked.
Likeable, unlikable and flawed characters are all part of a good novel so I can't really understand why some readers gave the book a low rating. Pam Jenoff is certainly up there with some of the top authors and deserved a higher rating for this book.
April 25, 2023
"We are all loners until the right person comes along."
So what do you do when you lose that "right person?" If you are Jordan Weiss, U.S. Intelligence Officer, you dwell in the past of the great love that never was until your world gets turned upside down by the possibility that this love isn't really gone. A Hidden Affair by grab your heart strings author Pam Jenoff is Jordan's awakening to the real world around her, the lies, the betrayal, and the true love.
Ten years ago Jordan's fiance, Jared, supposedly drowned in England. Now she finds out it may all have been a ruse perpetrated by Jared and her closest allies. Needing answers, she quits her government job and tracks Jared to the French Riviera. She doesn't find him but she does find the beautiful European blonde Natalie who seems to have a connection to Jared. As Natalie continuously runs away from her, Jordan keeps up the chase needing answers. Then she runs afoul of Aaron, a strong, handsome Israeli, who is also searching for Natalie but for very different reasons. As they reluctantly work together they need to rely on one another as unknown assailants try to stop them from finding Natalie and possibly Jared.
I really enjoyed the way narrator Jennifer Jill Araya brought Jordan's fears, hurt and confusion to light and made her feelings sincere. Aaron also becomes a full dimensional character as he reveals more of himself to Jordan.
I didn't know this story was a sequel to Almost Home that tells Jordan's story up to Jared's "death." A Hidden Affair was very much a standalone.
As Jordan gets closer to finding Jared she has to figure out her own truth about loving him and her feelings for Aaron. She can no longer hide from her own truth.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Simon Audio for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
*This Review Is For The Audiobook*
So what do you do when you lose that "right person?" If you are Jordan Weiss, U.S. Intelligence Officer, you dwell in the past of the great love that never was until your world gets turned upside down by the possibility that this love isn't really gone. A Hidden Affair by grab your heart strings author Pam Jenoff is Jordan's awakening to the real world around her, the lies, the betrayal, and the true love.
Ten years ago Jordan's fiance, Jared, supposedly drowned in England. Now she finds out it may all have been a ruse perpetrated by Jared and her closest allies. Needing answers, she quits her government job and tracks Jared to the French Riviera. She doesn't find him but she does find the beautiful European blonde Natalie who seems to have a connection to Jared. As Natalie continuously runs away from her, Jordan keeps up the chase needing answers. Then she runs afoul of Aaron, a strong, handsome Israeli, who is also searching for Natalie but for very different reasons. As they reluctantly work together they need to rely on one another as unknown assailants try to stop them from finding Natalie and possibly Jared.
I really enjoyed the way narrator Jennifer Jill Araya brought Jordan's fears, hurt and confusion to light and made her feelings sincere. Aaron also becomes a full dimensional character as he reveals more of himself to Jordan.
I didn't know this story was a sequel to Almost Home that tells Jordan's story up to Jared's "death." A Hidden Affair was very much a standalone.
As Jordan gets closer to finding Jared she has to figure out her own truth about loving him and her feelings for Aaron. She can no longer hide from her own truth.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Simon Audio for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
*This Review Is For The Audiobook*
February 10, 2023
This was a well written combination of mystery, romance and enough suspense to keep the reader engaged and entertained. A female British intelligence officer (Jordan), whom readers of Almost Home by the same author already know well, is drawn into a search for her college boyfriend
(Jared) who has recently been discovered not to have drowned in an English river a decade earlier. Her search takes her to Monaco, Vienna, Italy, and eventually to a Greek island, along the way adding two people--a mysterious woman named Nicole and an Israeli-American man Ari--who all become alternately the hunters and the hunted.
The narrative is replete with dangerous situations and revelation of secrets, all combining to make a very interesting story, enlarged by ending and beginning romantic pairings. There is enough depth beneath the action--questions of loyalty, the power of unachieved cloture to disrupt a life, resolution of World War II betrayal--to make the novel more than just another story. This reader also found the author's treatment of the lingering after-effects of an abortion realistic and sensitive, allowing the repercussions to surface throughout the novel.
.
As noted, this book was an ""unintended" (per the author) sequel of Almost Home and, though most essential information was carried over, there were times when more knowledge of what had happened in the first novel would have been illuminating. Based on Ms. Jentoff's literary skills in producing enjoyable novels, I would recommend reading them both, but in the order they were written for a more complete experience.
(Jared) who has recently been discovered not to have drowned in an English river a decade earlier. Her search takes her to Monaco, Vienna, Italy, and eventually to a Greek island, along the way adding two people--a mysterious woman named Nicole and an Israeli-American man Ari--who all become alternately the hunters and the hunted.
The narrative is replete with dangerous situations and revelation of secrets, all combining to make a very interesting story, enlarged by ending and beginning romantic pairings. There is enough depth beneath the action--questions of loyalty, the power of unachieved cloture to disrupt a life, resolution of World War II betrayal--to make the novel more than just another story. This reader also found the author's treatment of the lingering after-effects of an abortion realistic and sensitive, allowing the repercussions to surface throughout the novel.
.
As noted, this book was an ""unintended" (per the author) sequel of Almost Home and, though most essential information was carried over, there were times when more knowledge of what had happened in the first novel would have been illuminating. Based on Ms. Jentoff's literary skills in producing enjoyable novels, I would recommend reading them both, but in the order they were written for a more complete experience.
November 21, 2024
This was a good book but seemed to drag on a little to much, would recommend if you like Pam Jenoff books.
en years ago, U.S. State Department intelligence officer Jordan Weiss's life was turned upside down when she was told her college boyfriend, Jared, drowned in the River Cam. In a shocking discovery, though, she realizes that things weren't as they seemed and that she had been lied to and betrayed by those closest to her. Reeling from the shock— and the knowledge that Jared is still alive—Jordan resigns her State Department post and sets off in search of answers. Traveling to Jared's last known whereabouts on the French Riviera, she encounters Nicole, a mysterious woman who flees after refusing to disclose what she knows about Jared.
Following Nicole across Europe, Jordan soon discovers that she is not alone in her pursuit— Aaron, a handsome and enigmatic Israeli, is chasing Nicole for his own cryptic reasons. Though distrustful of each other, Jordan and Aaron join forces on a journey that takes them half a world away, and only steps ahead of grave peril.
As Jordan draws closer to finding the answers that have eluded her for a decade, larger questions remain: Can she reconcile her attraction to Aaron with her unresolved feelings for Jared, the only man she ever loved? Will the truth be too devastating to handle or finally set her free?
en years ago, U.S. State Department intelligence officer Jordan Weiss's life was turned upside down when she was told her college boyfriend, Jared, drowned in the River Cam. In a shocking discovery, though, she realizes that things weren't as they seemed and that she had been lied to and betrayed by those closest to her. Reeling from the shock— and the knowledge that Jared is still alive—Jordan resigns her State Department post and sets off in search of answers. Traveling to Jared's last known whereabouts on the French Riviera, she encounters Nicole, a mysterious woman who flees after refusing to disclose what she knows about Jared.
Following Nicole across Europe, Jordan soon discovers that she is not alone in her pursuit— Aaron, a handsome and enigmatic Israeli, is chasing Nicole for his own cryptic reasons. Though distrustful of each other, Jordan and Aaron join forces on a journey that takes them half a world away, and only steps ahead of grave peril.
As Jordan draws closer to finding the answers that have eluded her for a decade, larger questions remain: Can she reconcile her attraction to Aaron with her unresolved feelings for Jared, the only man she ever loved? Will the truth be too devastating to handle or finally set her free?
December 7, 2021
This is second and final book of this duology. Back again with Jordan as she searches for her old college boyfriend Jared, whom she discovered did not die ten years ago. She takes the information from Mo and heads to the French Riviera to try and locate Jared.
She finds a woman named Nicole that she ends up following around Europe trying to find answers. During this she meets Aaron and they discover that they are both looking for Nicole. Together they decide to join forces and look for the both of them together.
As with the first book there are a lot of coincidences that just happen. Some a little too convenient. I also found Jordan to be overly indecisive to the point that it got fairly annoying. I've found that Jordan was a weak main protagonist in this book.
The book was paced fairly well which made it a quick and easy read. While I was hoping for a different ending, the ending that was done for one of the characters I really enjoyed. I found this book and the prior book an alright series. I think Pam Jenoff does much better with historical fiction rather than fiction/mystery type of books. Although she does throw in some notes about times during WWII in these books.
She finds a woman named Nicole that she ends up following around Europe trying to find answers. During this she meets Aaron and they discover that they are both looking for Nicole. Together they decide to join forces and look for the both of them together.
As with the first book there are a lot of coincidences that just happen. Some a little too convenient. I also found Jordan to be overly indecisive to the point that it got fairly annoying. I've found that Jordan was a weak main protagonist in this book.
The book was paced fairly well which made it a quick and easy read. While I was hoping for a different ending, the ending that was done for one of the characters I really enjoyed. I found this book and the prior book an alright series. I think Pam Jenoff does much better with historical fiction rather than fiction/mystery type of books. Although she does throw in some notes about times during WWII in these books.
October 3, 2024
With only a lead from her former boss, Jordan sets out for the French Riviera to try to locate Jared, the boyfriend she had assumed was dead for the last 10 years. While sitting at a café watching the house where she believed Nicole lived, Jordan notices a man who also seems to be watching the residence. Aaron is rather secretive about why he wants to talk to Nicole but they determine that working together is better than alone. Until Jordan realizes she is developing romantic feelings for Aaron. Can she locate Jared and will it provide the answers she so desperately wants?
Fast-paced suspense from start to finish. My frustration with this is that it's been 4 1/2" years since I read _Almost Home_ and that's about 4 years too long to remember what happened in the first book. Several references are made in this to previous events and I only found that frustrating. Some readers wouldn't mind that but it bothered me.
Fast-paced suspense from start to finish. My frustration with this is that it's been 4 1/2" years since I read _Almost Home_ and that's about 4 years too long to remember what happened in the first book. Several references are made in this to previous events and I only found that frustrating. Some readers wouldn't mind that but it bothered me.
April 10, 2022
I was hoping for so much more...My fault for sure that I didn't read the previous Jordan Weiss installment, as I felt like there were so many story elements that were critical for understanding this book. In an effort to "catch dear reader up", the author crammed a synopsis of Jordan Weiss #1, at the same time she was building the new story. Since there was no connection to the characters, I didn't feel a connection to the story.
Also, the Jordan Weiss character really began to annoy me. Full of self-doubt and insecurity, I wondered how she was able to succeed as a covert operative (with a deadly fear of the water? Really?)
I wasn't sure what it was about her that made these men fall madly in love with her after the briefest time.
There was finally some action and suspense at the end of the book, but it could not ultimately save this one for me.
Also, the Jordan Weiss character really began to annoy me. Full of self-doubt and insecurity, I wondered how she was able to succeed as a covert operative (with a deadly fear of the water? Really?)
I wasn't sure what it was about her that made these men fall madly in love with her after the briefest time.
There was finally some action and suspense at the end of the book, but it could not ultimately save this one for me.
March 20, 2022
Waited to review both of these together since they were essentially one story. A fast moving,action packed suspenseful story of Jordan Weiss, a State Department employee, involved in a hunt to find her college boyfriend who was “ killed” at the end of her term at Cambridge in England. The first book details how they met and became a couple, and alludes to his uncovering of a deep secret of the Nazis while working on his dissertation. His apparent price for this research is death, but we learn at the end of the book, that he really did not die, and has been on the run for ten years. The second book is the story of how Jordan leaves the State Dept. And goes off on her own to find him, meeting Aaron Bruck. Both were fast moving and full of twists and turns in the plot.
April 27, 2023
I had to read this because I had to know what happened to Jared. (This is book 2 of the series). This book was just ok. I love Pam Jenoff’s style of writing, but this story itself I was kinda bored with. I had a hard time understanding the politics and conflicts in the book. And I really didn’t care for the main character Jordan. She frustrates me because she didn’t have a backbone and never says what she feels. And then when the moment comes that we’ve all been waiting for (when she meets Jared again), it fell short of the anticipation and excitement that had been building. I thought readers would finally get all the answers that Jordan had been waiting for years to get from Jared…and it was so blah.
September 17, 2021
Jordan was devastated when she discovered that her college boyfriend drowned, even though some things didn't seem possible with his death. After ten years have passed, she is told by the state department that his death was faked and he is alive. Jordan accepts a deal with the state department to end her employment with them and she begins to follow leads to find him. She discovered that another person is also seeking her old boyfriend. The two share information and than Jordan feels that he is betraying her. Lots of twists and turns make this thriller fun to read. I haven't read the first book in the series, this is a stand alone.
March 18, 2022
When I see a book by Pam Jenoff I know it will be on my reading list. Some are clearly WWII (my favorite genre), but this one was more a thriller. It's the second book of a series which I didn't realize, but read it anyhow and already have the first one on my Kindle. Jordan Weiss has left her job with the State Department to search for her college boyfriend who she believes died 10 years ago. She first meets Nicole in Monaco and then is on a search with Ari who has a mysterious past. There are lies and omissions throughout the book and kept my interest. A quick read and now on to the first book, Almost Home. These books were second and third books and published in 2009 and 2010.
December 4, 2025
I was disappointed in this book, butthat have been due to undeserved expectations on my part. I had been expectig a mystery/thriller similar to many of the author's other books. Although this book was technically a mystery, the romance themes of lost love, searching for said lost love, perseveration over curent love, and constantly wondering about feelings from both occupied too much of the plot and of the the inner dialogue than I had expected. My interest remained strained until the very end, where true thriller action finally kept me riveted. Well-written, but intended more as a mystery for those readers professing a strong romantic theme in their preferred books.
April 29, 2020
Good book with some interesting characters and a variety of international settings.
I was not impressed with Jared when we finally meet him, seemed too shallow and one dimensional. We had been expecting him to be amazing based on Jordan's memories of him, but he definitely wasn't amazing. I found their reunion a bit dull and unrealistic and couldn't figure out why Jordan was so in love with him, after all he did desert her without a word!
The story line was very interesting, a combination of the wine world and WW two, and how the two were connected.
I was not impressed with Jared when we finally meet him, seemed too shallow and one dimensional. We had been expecting him to be amazing based on Jordan's memories of him, but he definitely wasn't amazing. I found their reunion a bit dull and unrealistic and couldn't figure out why Jordan was so in love with him, after all he did desert her without a word!
The story line was very interesting, a combination of the wine world and WW two, and how the two were connected.
February 17, 2021
Jordan has resigned from the State Dept., disillusioned by her boss and friend Maureen and needing to go find Jared, now that she knows he didn’t die all those years ago. With information given her by Maureen, Jordan heads to Monaco to find Nicole, a known associate of Jared’s. While there, Jordan is approached by a mysterious man named Ari who is also looking for Nicole. They decide to work together to find Nicole and Jared, learning to trust each other along the way while traveling through Italy and finally Greece.
March 6, 2023
easy read
I enjoyed the book, which I read primarily because I have read most of Ms. Jenoff’s books. I had many questions, which were not answered in the book; but in reading the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS at the end, I realized this was a sequel to ALMOST HOME, one of only a couple of her books I have not read. I do feel the book was too wordy, and went on and on some places that could have been more succinct. The descriptions of fear, and geography, however, were excellent and kept me reading.
I enjoyed the book, which I read primarily because I have read most of Ms. Jenoff’s books. I had many questions, which were not answered in the book; but in reading the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS at the end, I realized this was a sequel to ALMOST HOME, one of only a couple of her books I have not read. I do feel the book was too wordy, and went on and on some places that could have been more succinct. The descriptions of fear, and geography, however, were excellent and kept me reading.
February 19, 2025
It took everything in me to finish this one. I read it because the first book in the series left me hanging, but it wasn't worth it. The main character acted so immature, and her decision-making left a lot to be desired. For someone who worked for the US State Dept. and the CIA, it just didn't fit. She spends ten years pining away over the love she lost in college whom she had dated for only a couple of months, and then falls in love with another man within 2 days. Eye roll. These two books were not up to Pam Jenoff's unusual writing. Maybe they were early novels for her.
November 8, 2019
This was my second Jenoff book after enjoying The Lost Girls of Paris. Sadly, this one was soooo sloooow. I could skim pages and not miss a thing. Also lacking character development compared to the other one. I hope real life intelligence officers are a little less needy and a little more, well, intelligent? Sophisticated? Less shallow? 🤷🏻♀️ I might try some of her more recent books to see if her more current characters and storylines develop more depth.
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