by Beth Kery
Genres: Erotic Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Innocent yet unconventional hospice nurse Emma Shore has secured a new position at The Breakers, the sprawling mansion of enigmatic and dangerously handsome racecar billionaire Michael Montand. Hired as caretaker for Montand’s stepmother, Emma expects few complications. But one night, lost in the mansion’s maze of corridors, she comes upon a woman and a man she can’t identify engaged in a raw, naked interlude of sexual subjugation. Silently, from the shadows, Emma watches—shocked, appalled, and unnervingly aroused. But Emma wonders… if this mysterious stranger is not Montand, then who is it? And what other surprises are in store for her? Night after sleepless night, she’s considering the possibilities. And for the first time in her life, she’s not going to run away from them.
The Affair by Beth Kery is a serial with an installment releasing each week from September 16th through November 4th. *All installments are now available.*The author Beth Kery describes the series as, “..one, long saga, told episodically. THE AFFAIR is a very steamy, angsty, emotionally charged romance between an unconventional hospice nurse and a jaded billionaire who has been haunted by death repeatedly.” This is a wonderful assessment. I became emotionally invested in the characters, and caught up in their heated affair.
I was looking for something different when an opportunity presented itself to review The Affair in its entirety and I quite enjoyed this steamy saga with its flawed hero, strong heroine and heated scenes. Years and years ago, back when high hair and blue eye shadow was all the rage I explored erotica and found that while the sex was detailed and hot, the story was lacking. Kery proves I need to revisit the genre because she created an interesting storyline with conflict, emotions, growth and three-dimensional characters. The sexual moments explore BDSM. Michael is experienced, and Emma naive. Kery gave us an emotional connection, moments of laughter and trust. The trope here is a short affair, no strings attached, no promises..just two consenting adults and I quite enjoyed it. Kery added depth as she shared Micheal’s past filled with lost, and betrayal. He is complex, strong, successful and yet damaged. He isn’t a bad boy nor is he unkind. Emma, is confident, and eternally optimistic. While she has had a previous partner her exploration and developing feelings for Michael are all new to her.
Each week a new episode released, the final one today. They are relatively short, most are under 100 pages but pick up where the previous week ended. The cut of each week is perfectly timed to leave the reader excited, floundering and anxious for the next installment. I liked that there wasn’t wasted rehashing, but just picked up where we left off. Each novella contains a sneak peek of other novels. The covers for this serial are lovely.
Overall I was impressed with The Affair from the characters to the scintillating heat. Beth Kery is an author I will explore again. Below is a slideshow showcasing all of the covers in the series.
The Affair Covers
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Bookworm Brandee
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, Kimba. I one-clicked the first one a few weeks ago – I’ll have to get started on it. The first serial I ever read was Kery’s Because You Are Mine and although I liked it, I didn’t enjoy waiting between episodes. Since then, I’ve decided I like serials and don’t mind the wait so much. 🙂 Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy this series and of course they are all out now so no waiting 🙂
Tyler H Jolley
I love the idea of releasing a novella each week. That is so fun for the reader, especially when you’re used to waiting 12+ months for the next book. Great review, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too Tyler. My preference though are the ones where you pay one payment and every other week a new installment.
Jennifer
I’ve found that I really like serials, and I love the covers. I know this serial is completely released now, but I wouldn’t mind waiting between episodes. I like that anticipation of the next installment. The fact that the main character is a hospice nurse really intrigues me. That would have to be a stressful job I’d imagine. She could use some heat in her life. 😉 Terrific review!
kimbacaffeinate
I like them to Jennifer. I struggle purchasing them when they are more than .99 cents each though. This was a good one, and each ending kept you eager for the next installment
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Aw yay! She was one of the first erotic authors I read years ago but under the name Bethany Kane. Still love that book 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad I was in a mood. It was right after the wedding and I had just turned 48..i needed something a little naughty..LOL
Katherine
This isn’t a genre that I usually read but have been thinking about exploring a little. I like the idea of a serialization and that they’re all available! I’ll have to check these out. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I like to expand my reading genres now and again Katherine and this was quite good.
Christy
These do sound good, but I’m kind of over the experienced man and naive girl troupe. And yes, these covers are quite lovely.
kimbacaffeinate
She is sexually naive in that she has never tried BDSM.
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
Probably a little to steamy for me but boy do I love those covers 🙂 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was but well balanced between story and steam
A Belle's Tales
This sounds great! Love a good serial! Thanks for sharing, my friend!
kimbacaffeinate
Late night reading but good!
Braine Talk Supe
We both are in an erotica mood today it seems. I want to read this myself, I’ve been in search of something different or something that has more substance. Thanks for the feedback!
kimbacaffeinate
I would have laughed in September if you offered me this, but at the beginning of October, I was tired from the wedding, turned 48 and decided to try it. This was well done.
blodeuedd
Sure it sounds good but..I skim sex scenes
kimbacaffeinate
A lot of folks do that.
Diana Leigh
I’m glad there was a good story along with the sexy times.
kimbacaffeinate
A necessity for me Diana:)
Heidi
I saw this one every week, but I am just not a fan of erotica and my last couple of romances were flops. I really need something good to energize me again.
kimbacaffeinate
It isn’t something I would dabble in regularly but this had such a good story. I have been on a paranormal, urban fantasy, thriller, mystery kick of late Heidi.
Lily
Oh I love the idea behind this one! I hadn’t heard of it and i’m thrilled that now all the installments are released so I can binge read them but I love that each week a new one came out. Kind of like with a TV show 😉 aha!
kimbacaffeinate
Binge reading is good Lily
Trish
I love that the book is more than just steamy sex as that isn’t enough for me. I wouldn’t read it serial by serial but I would read it all together as I don’t like shorts. Thanks for the review, I’ve seen this one around and have been wondering about it. I think now I’d like it!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah these are roughly 100 pages each. I am sure they will bundle them. I agree Trish, I only enjoy the smexy time if it has an engaging plot and characters I can connect with. Thankfully this was nicely balanced.
Candace
It’s probably not a story I would enjoy since I’m not a fan of explicit sex (or it needs to be quick enough for me to skim). But I’m glad you’ve discovered that maybe you will like more of the genre.
kimbacaffeinate
Ah, kinda skim-able, but well done. Thanks Candace
Debbie Haupt
Wow, What a wonderful way to present a story. Thanks for sharing Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Debbie, it is fun to dabble in new genres 🙂
Lily B
I gave up on serials, me and them don’t get along anymore. I didn’t like waiting, even thought I liked that they were a short read but then the price on them eak makes me run for the hills. I like Beth Kery’s writing but this one will be a skip x.x
kimbacaffeinate
Don’t they usually bundle them into one book at the end? I don’t have a whole lot of experience with them. I do like Kery’s writing and will try her again
kindlemom1
This is one of the few genres I tend to shy away from but I am so glad you liked this so much Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
I like to shake things up, and this had a good storyline.
Laurel-Rain Snow
For me, the appeal lies in knowing that there is a story with all the intriguing elements of such, in addition to the erotica. Story is important to me…and this one sounds like it has a whopper of a story.
Thanks for sharing…
kimbacaffeinate
I so agree, if it didn’t have fleshed out characters and an interesting plot I could be come invested in I quickly would have lost interest.
Melissa
Not a genre I generally read and I don’t think I could take the suspense of a serial (I usually wait and binge read series too)…but I do love those covers…
kimbacaffeinate
I usually by them when they bundle them, so I understand, but it is fun once in a while:)
Sarah
I’m glad you enjoyed this one! I remember you telling me about reading a BDSM serial that may have gotten you interested in reading more. 🙂
Nick
I don’t read erotic fiction nor do I like serials, but I’m glad to hear you were able to enjoy a genre that you didn’t have much luck with in the past.
kimbacaffeinate
I am not a huge reader of either, but this was an entertaining read and something different:)
Mary
I’ve gotten to the point where I just wait for all the bits to be released before even considering a serial — I want it all! Definitely nothing wrong with two consenting adults exploring each other and sex. *fans self*
kimbacaffeinate
I was thankful to get all the bits at once for review..LOL
Stephanie Faris
I don’t really read erotic fiction, but I love that cover. So charming!
kimbacaffeinate
Aren’t they. I like to mix things up, and surprise myself once in a while, since this is not a genre I usually dabble in
alreem
Great review, i love books with strong heroine especially if she has a strong well and fight for her rights 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I like them as well.
Melliane
I don’t easily go to this genre and it’s nice to know all the episodes are out because it’s quite the same, I don’t read serials as I don’t think it’s for me but if everything is already out it’s ok. Maybe. thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoy serials, but usually prefer the ones where you pay one fee upfront and all the episodes get delivered to your kindle. Otherwise I buy the complete set at the end. This was fun and I am enjoyed them.