A Secret Affair

Huxtable, Book 5

By: Mary Balogh

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

“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 19 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 30, 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.

©2010 Mary Balogh (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

One of my favorites in the series

This is a great addition to the series. You will fall in love with Con - no doubt. Hannah is a wonderful character as well.

enjoyable listen

I've listened to all in this series so far. Has been awhile since the 4th book. Found myself really liking both main characters in this story. Hannah was surprisingly likable, certainly not what I expected. There were funny moments when I laughed out loud. Loved the interactions with her friend from childhood, the 'shocking' things people thought about Hannah and how she maintained that facade. I liked this narrator better than in the past. I have many books narrated by her. This one she didn't drop her sentence endings as much as others. Thought she did a good job with the different characters. Overall highly recommend this book, this is one of my favorite authors.

FANTASTIC

Truly enjoyed this audible. Was not tedious or drawn out in parts for me, flowed all the way through. Enjoyable characters, great story. Narrator was good. Worth the listen.

Very good read

Where does A Secret Affair rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right up there with a Woman of Substance

What did you like best about this story?

The power of love and the honor of respect

What does Anne Flosnik bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her ability to voice her actions and thoughts with just the right tones

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, very strong reactions, I realize the importance of a loving mentor
I did not laugh or cry, just took notes as if the wisdom was meant for me

Any additional comments?

Again good reading as well as inspirational

warning... You may need tissues.

Great story! Great dialogue and character development. Emphasis on values of the main characters are refreshing without having a religious undertone. Just simple kindness and mindfulness. I cried. Great chemistry and enough sizzle as well but not overdone. highly recommend. Anne Flosnik is terrific!

A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh narrated by Ann Flo

this is the fifth book in the series about the attractive Huxtible family. All of those storieshave been beautifully and seductively narrated or performed by Ann Flosnyk
The stories wrapped up as Regency Romances are about very real people and their coping with the problems of life. THose characters could be transposed into today's world but the setting might not be so attractive
This Huxtible series has been one of the most beautifully presented and audio to which I have listenedy and leaves one with the expectation of 'more to come'

Way better than first reviewer's one!

I'm not certain why this only got a one star rating, but I enjoyed it quite thoroughly - as I always seem to do, with Mary Balogh's novels! I confess that I was awaiting a match for "Con" (a character type I particularly enjoy) -- and that made it all the more exciting. I wonder if the reviewer did not care for the slightly stylized rendition that Anne Flosnik offers. When the story is good, though, she gives it "front stage" and allows it to shine on its own merit. Additionally, her tone is well suited to the dry, urbane humor that marks Balogh's works. I give it a four + -- probably mostly to allow a bit of room in case I need a future five -- and recall thinking that this is one I'll want to "read" again!!!

Thoroughly Enjoyed this book

I don't understand the 1 star rating. This is the first novel I have read from theis author and am going to read her other releases. The only reason it is not 5 stars is because of the narrator. She is a little stiff.

Too long

While I enjoy long audio books A Secret Affair felt interminable. As always Ms. Balogh’s writing style was a pleasure and Ms. Flosnik’s narration was perfect. I found the first third of the book interesting with a plot that had potential for developing subplots, character growth, and unusual resolutions. In the remaining two thirds of the book there was no tension to drive the plot, which had become thin and needed conflict to sustain my interest and commitment to the story. I did stick with it to the end but it was as laborious as wading through a swamp of predictability.

Exceptionally bad

Not a very good story. Not very likeable characters and the narration made everyone seem like they were conniving and crass. Just terrible narration.