A Secret Affair
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

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Average Rating
Contributors
Balogh, Mary Author
Published
Random House Publishing Group , 2010.
Status
Available from Libby/OverDrive

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Description

Beloved New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh has written her most beguiling novel yet, in which the black sheep of the scandalous Huxtable family finally meets his match—in a woman of even more wicked reputation. “The Devil was about to be tamed.” Her name is Hannah Reid. Born a commoner, she has been Duchess of Dunbarton ever since she was nineteen years old, the wife of an elderly duke to whom she has been rumored to be consistently and flagrantly unfaithful. Now the old duke is dead and, more womanly and beautiful than ever at thirty, Hannah has her freedom at last.And she knows just what she wants to do with it. To the shock of a conventional friend, she announces her intention to take a lover—and not just any lover, but the most dangerous and delicious man in all of upper-class England: Constantine Huxtable.Constantine’s illegitimacy has denied him the title of Earl, so now he denies himself nothing . . . or so the ton would have it. Rumored to be living the free and easy life of a sensualist in his country estate, he always chooses recent widows for his short-lived affairs. Hannah will fit the bill nicely. But once these two passionate and scandalous figures find each other, they discover that it isn’t so easy to extricate oneself from the fires of desire—without getting singed. For the duchess and the dark lord each have startling secrets to reveal, and when all is said and done, neither will be able to say which one fell in love first, who tamed whom, and who has emerged from this game of hearts with the stronger hand.

More Details

Format
eBook, Kindle
Street Date
05/18/2010
Language
English
ISBN
9780440339564

Discover More

Also in this Series

  • First comes marriage (Huxtable quintet Volume 1) Cover
  • Then comes seduction (Huxtable quintet Volume 2) Cover
  • At last comes love (Huxtable quintet Volume 3) Cover
  • Seducing an angel (Huxtable quintet Volume 4) Cover
  • A secret affair (Huxtable quintet Volume 5) Cover

Other Editions and Formats

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both of these Regency romance series juggle the marriage-for-money with the marriage-for-love conundrum. Unrequited love, incipient poverty, and steamy encounters feature prominently in prose that's witty, compelling, and richly detailed. -- Mike Nilsson
Regency romances that will have you thinking that the "Age of Steam" couldn't possibly be referring to locomotives. The Huxtable Quintet novels have a stronger sense of place and more detail, but both series are witty and character-driven. -- Mike Nilsson
The Cardinia series, set in Russia and America, and the Huxtable quintet, set in England, feature beautiful, intelligent young women who are determined to control their own fate. However, when they meet dangerously handsome noblemen, plans go awry and things get steamy. -- Mike Nilsson
These series have the appeal factors steamy and leisurely paced, and they have the theme "marriage of convenience"; the genre "historical romances"; and the subjects "nobility," "aristocracy," and "english history."
These series have the appeal factors steamy and banter-filled, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These series have the appeal factors steamy, amusing, and leisurely paced, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; the subjects "english history" and "british history"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These series have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "nobility," "aristocracy," and "english history."
These series have the appeal factors banter-filled, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; the subjects "interpersonal attraction," "english history," and "sexual attraction"; and characters that are "likeable characters" and "spirited characters."
These series have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; the subjects "nobility," "aristocracy," and "interpersonal attraction"; and characters that are "likeable characters" and "well-developed characters."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the theme "enemies to lovers"; the subjects "nobility," "sexual attraction," and "illegitimacy"; and characters that are "flawed characters."
These books have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the theme "marriage of convenience"; the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "british history" and "english history."
These books have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "nobility," "sexual attraction," and "illegitimacy."
Francesca - Small, Bertrice
Although Francesca is set in Renaissance Italy and A Secret Affair takes place in Regency England, both novels feature romance at its most passionate. Strong-willed heroines and determined heroes break with social convention and fall head over heels in love. -- Mike Nilsson
These have the subjects "nobility," "scandals," and "illegitimacy."
These have the subjects "nobility" and "dukes and duchesses"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These have the appeal factors steamy and feel-good, and they have the subjects "nobility," "sexual attraction," and "aristocracy"; and characters that are "likeable characters" and "well-developed characters."
These books have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the genre "historical romances"; the subjects "nobility," "sexual attraction," and "british history"; and characters that are "likeable characters," "flawed characters," and "well-developed characters."
These books have the appeal factors steamy and well-crafted dialogue, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; the subjects "nobility," "scandals," and "british history"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These books have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "nobility," "scandals," and "british history."
These books have the theme "marriage of convenience"; the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; the subjects "nobility," "scandals," and "british history"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These books have the appeal factors banter-filled, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; the subjects "nobility" and "sexual attraction"; and characters that are "likeable characters" and "well-developed characters."

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Fans of the more serious side of Mary Balogh's writing may also appreciate the novels of Catherine Cookson. These focus on social, especially women's, issues. While romantic in tone, these are not romances; they are darker stories that examine women's lives and relationships, as well as difficult social and moral issues. -- Krista Biggs
Marion Chesney's romances will appeal strongly to Mary Balogh's fans, because both have an ability to recreate the Regency era expertly while also providing readers with a wonderfully satisfying romance. Readers may find more humor in Chesney's novels, and less sensuality. -- Katherine Johnson
Mary Balogh and Stephanie Laurens both write Regency romances centered upon family. Their books share a deep sense of family obligation and explore similar themes, such as childhood trauma and the need to protect. -- Victoria Fredrick
Mary Balogh's Regency romances should please readers who enjoy Loretta Lynda Chase. Both authors are known for their strong women and richly detailed period settings. Expect elements of humor, including witty dialogue, and sensuous love scenes between the heroines and the dashing male leads. -- Jessica Zellers
Kasey Michaels and Mary Balogh both write steamy historical romances with a strong sense of place. Seduction, scandals, and secrets have never been quite so engaging or charming. -- Mike Nilsson
Though Mary Balogh tends to be more realistic in her Regency romances, she and Sarah MacLean both write steamy and witty stories with real emotional depth. Their heroines and heroes are strong, flawed, and well-rounded characters, with their own desires, needs, and plans. -- Melissa Gray
Both authors' work features madcap heroines and romp-like plots. Though humor abounds in their stories, there are also often elements of mystery and suspense and serious consideration of social issues. Their novels and series are frequently linked together and follow the lives of groups of friends. -- Krista Biggs
Best known for their Regency romances, these writers create complex characters, steamy scenes of passion, and sparkling dialogue. Both feature protagonists who are emotionally damaged, although Balogh's can also be physically flawed. Humor plays an important part in their work, from Tessa Dare's funny to Mary Balogh's more subtle wit. -- Mike Nilsson
Both Balogh and Kelly write "sweet" Regency romances. Gentle humor and romance, relationships among families and friends, misunderstandings, and strong supporting characters fill their novels. -- Krista Biggs
Kelly Bowen and Mary Balogh write steamy Regency romances filled with wit, banter, and rich detail, placing an upbeat veneer over a darker England peopled with physically, emotionally, and ethically flawed characters who nevertheless strive for love and dignity amid the social mores of their time. -- Mike Nilsson
Jo Beverley, like Mary Balogh, often incorporates protagonists from the working and merchant classes, and the ways in which their upbringing and expectations clash with the aristocrats with whom they are eventually paired forms a large part of why Beverley's romances appeal to many Balogh fans. -- Krista Biggs
These authors' works have the appeal factors steamy, feel-good, and banter-filled, and they have the genres "historical romances" and "regency romances"; the subjects "interpersonal attraction," "nobility," and "social life and customs"; and characters that are "likeable characters" and "spirited characters."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* One year after her husband's death, Hannah Reid, Duchess of Dunbarton, decides it's time to take a lover. Of course, being Hannah, she has already chosen her paramour: tall, dark, and sinfully sexy Constantine Huxtable. Hannah may have already decided they were meant to be together, but Con is a man used to making up his own mind. At first Con is amused by Hannah's blatant campaign of seduction. Then he becomes intrigued by the enigmatic beauty. Finally, because he always takes a lover during London's social season, he begins to ask himself why shouldn't it be Hannah? Although Hannah and Con might have agreed to become lovers, neither one expected to fall in love, which, of course, greatly complicates their secret affair. The exquisitely crafted chemistry that develops between Hannah and Con is pure passion deftly leavened with tart wit, which ensures that A Secret Affair, the concluding volume in Balogh's Regency historical Huxtable series, is a sweetly romantic, deliciously sexy triumph.--Charles, John Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Balogh's final entry in the Huxtable family saga focuses on enigmatic cousin Constantine, long the most maligned of the Huxtables. Hannah, widowed duchess of Dunbarton, has set her sights on Constantine as the ideal lover-a handsome man of experience that she can seduce and set aside once she is done with him. Constantine, meanwhile, is thrilled by Hannah's beauty, but scornful of her reputation, and though the intention is just to have a little fun, they fall in love. Balogh has saved the best for last; Constantine-dark, wicked, and cryptic-has a perfect foil in Hannah, and their encounters are steamy, their romance believable. Though series fans will be disappointed to see it come to a close, they couldn't ask for a better way to go out. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

Wealthy, beautiful, and newly widowed, Hannah Reid, Duchess of Dunbarton, does exactly what the ton expects her to do-she decides to take a lover. Her choice? The sinfully handsome and perennially single yet untitled Constantine Huxtable, a man as dangerously appealing as he is unmarriageable-and perfect for her needs. Naturally, nothing goes as either had planned in this neatly choreographed romance that will fascinate readers as Balogh (Seducing an Angel) gradually peels away the layers of this complex, secrets-laden story with tantalizing skill and sympathetic care. VERDICT Poignant, thought-provoking, deliciously sensual, and completely enthralling, this polished gem is the last in the Huxtable quintet and one that Balogh's fans have been anxiously awaiting. Balogh lives in Canada. [See also our Q&A with the author, LJ 2/15/09, p. 90.] (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* One year after her husband's death, Hannah Reid, Duchess of Dunbarton, decides it's time to take a lover. Of course, being Hannah, she has already chosen her paramour: tall, dark, and sinfully sexy Constantine Huxtable. Hannah may have already decided they were meant to be together, but Con is a man used to making up his own mind. At first Con is amused by Hannah's blatant campaign of seduction. Then he becomes intrigued by the enigmatic beauty. Finally, because he always takes a lover during London's social season, he begins to ask himself why shouldn't it be Hannah? Although Hannah and Con might have agreed to become lovers, neither one expected to fall in love, which, of course, greatly complicates their secret affair. The exquisitely crafted chemistry that develops between Hannah and Con is pure passion deftly leavened with tart wit, which ensures that A Secret Affair, the concluding volume in Balogh's Regency historical Huxtable series, is a sweetly romantic, deliciously sexy triumph. Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

Balogh wraps up her Regency romance series about the Huxtables with this portrait of "bad-boy" cousin (but oh so dark and sexy) Constantine. The publisher will be reissuing ten of Balogh's out-of-print Regencies over the next few years in a two-in-one format and has two more under contract, so, clearly, she's on a roll. Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.
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Library Journal Reviews

Wealthy, beautiful, and newly widowed, Hannah Reid, Duchess of Dunbarton, does exactly what the ton expects her to do—she decides to take a lover. Her choice? The sinfully handsome and perennially single yet untitled Constantine Huxtable, a man as dangerously appealing as he is unmarriageable—and perfect for her needs. Naturally, nothing goes as either had planned in this neatly choreographed romance that will fascinate readers as Balogh (Seducing an Angel) gradually peels away the layers of this complex, secrets-laden story with tantalizing skill and sympathetic care. VERDICT Poignant, thought-provoking, deliciously sensual, and completely enthralling, this polished gem is the last in the Huxtable quintet and one that Balogh's fans have been anxiously awaiting. Balogh lives in Canada. [See also our Q&A with the author, LJ 2/15/09, p. 90.]

[Page 62]. Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Balogh's final entry in the Huxtable family saga focuses on enigmatic cousin Constantine, long the most maligned of the Huxtables. Hannah, widowed duchess of Dunbarton, has set her sights on Constantine as the ideal lover—a handsome man of experience that she can seduce and set aside once she is done with him. Constantine, meanwhile, is thrilled by Hannah's beauty, but scornful of her reputation, and though the intention is just to have a little fun, they fall in love. Balogh has saved the best for last; Constantine—dark, wicked, and cryptic—has a perfect foil in Hannah, and their encounters are steamy, their romance believable. Though series fans will be disappointed to see it come to a close, they couldn't ask for a better way to go out. (June)

[Page 32]. Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.
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Citations

APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)

Balogh, M. (2010). A Secret Affair . Random House Publishing Group.

Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Balogh, Mary. 2010. A Secret Affair. Random House Publishing Group.

Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Balogh, Mary. A Secret Affair Random House Publishing Group, 2010.

Harvard Citation (style guide)

Balogh, M. (2010). A secret affair. Random House Publishing Group.

MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)

Balogh, Mary. A Secret Affair Random House Publishing Group, 2010.

Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.

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