Baxter St. Ives applies for the position of Charlotte Arkendale’s
man-of-affairs in an attempt to determine her guilt in an acquaintance’s
murder. Charlotte finds Baxter a tempting, but dangerous, man who is much
underestimated. As they explore the mystery at hand, Baxter and Charlotte
discover a deep passion for one another. When Baxter tells Charlotte that
he is indeed an independently wealthy gentleman, if not aristocracy because
of his illegitimacy, Charlotte still finds him attractive, dangerous, and
compelling while she is somewhat relieved that he is not gentry. The
couple determine that the murderer is an old adversary of Baxter’s and an
unpleasant memory from Charlotte’s past as well.
The pair’s relationship diverges from the standard course of action in that
Charlotte despises the bonds of marriage and has little intent to forfeit
her freedom. Baxter would prefer matrimony to an ongoing affair because he
has personally suffered from his parents’ long-term liaison outside
official bounds. Baxter and Charlotte masquerade as an engaged couple
while they research the murder. However, Charlotte fears losing her
independence to the wedded state.
The supporting characters are engaging and entertaining as they move the
plot forward. Charlotte and Baxter learn to trust each other implicitly,
even when faced with probable cause to doubt their partner. The setting is
well developed and trademark Amanda Quick for the most part.
This is an entertaining read with the wit and charm of Amanda Quick’s
typical flair. Well worth the publisher’s price, Affair is a fine example
of historical romance.
Danyelle Warden
Published by Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio
Read by Stephanie Beacham
Charlotte Arkendale has been supporting herself and her sister in Regency
England by investigating the suitors of women who have recently come into money.
When one of her clients is killed, she becomes worried that one of
the rejected suitors was the killer. She hires Baxter St. Ives as her
man-of-affairs to help her investigate. What she does not realize is that
Baxter is not what he seems. He is the bastard son of a nobleman and is
investigating Charlotte on behalf of his Aunt, who thinks she is a
blackmailer and killer. Baxter quickly realizes that Charlotte is innocent
and immediately tells her the truth about himself. What follows is an
extremely complicated plot that tends to get in the way of the romance.
For starters, there are not one but two prologues. The plot is so
complicated that if you are not already familiar with the story, it would be
difficult to keep track of on tape. Frankly, this is not the best of Amanda
Quick--but even average AQ is better than most authors.
Whatever deficiencies there are in this recording are not the fault of
Stephanie Beacham. She is wonderful. The voice she uses for the damaged
voice of the villain is really scary. You can feel his menace coming out of
the tape deck. I think that perhaps a little more abridgment would have
improved this tape, just a few too many twists, turns and coincidences for
the listener to sort out.
Linda Hurst
