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The Rome Affair
It was an affair...to regret.
Rachel Blakely's charmed life is significantly tarnished after her husband Nick's infidelity, but she wants to give her marriage a second chance. Then a business trip to sun-drenched Rome with her best girlfriend Kit leads to a night of passion with a stranger — a one-night stand meant to signify the end of a painful chapter in her life.
Rachel returns home determined to put the past behind her, and at first life seems golden again. Nick is more loving than ever, and following his promotion to senior partner in a prestigious plastic surgery practice, the couple is welcomed into Chicago's high society, where beautiful people live beautiful lives.
But there is a dark side...one that sends Rachel's life spiraling into a nightmare.
It's clear everyone is guilty of something. But whose secrets will lead to murder?
Rachel Blakely's charmed life is significantly tarnished after her husband Nick's infidelity, but she wants to give her marriage a second chance. Then a business trip to sun-drenched Rome with her best girlfriend Kit leads to a night of passion with a stranger — a one-night stand meant to signify the end of a painful chapter in her life.
Rachel returns home determined to put the past behind her, and at first life seems golden again. Nick is more loving than ever, and following his promotion to senior partner in a prestigious plastic surgery practice, the couple is welcomed into Chicago's high society, where beautiful people live beautiful lives.
But there is a dark side...one that sends Rachel's life spiraling into a nightmare.
It's clear everyone is guilty of something. But whose secrets will lead to murder?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
6 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Laura Caldwell
32 books165 followersLaura Caldwell is a Chicago-based lawyer turned novelist. Her first book, Burning the Map, was selected by Barnes & Noble.com as one of The Best of 2002. Following that, A Clean Slate received a starred review from Booklist. The release of The Year of Living Famously and The Night I Got Lucky prompted Booklist to declare, “Caldwell is one of the most talented and inventive...writers around.”
Laura began publishing thrillers and suspense novels in 2005. Her debut mystery, Look Closely, received critical acclaim and The Chicago Sun-Times called The Rome Affair “Caldwell’s most exciting book yet…a summer must-read.” The Rome Affair, which centers around a Chicago society couple riding a roller coaster of infidelity, blackmail and murder, pulled Laura into a real-life, highly-profiled murder trial involving a 19-year old suspect forced into a confession and wrongfully jailed for a crime he did not commit. Laura became one of the attorneys who represented the suspect pro bono, resulting in a not-guilty verdict.
Laura's newest is an international thriller, The Good Liar. Bestselling author Ken Bruen calls it "a massive achievement." Publisher's Weekly lauds it as "a taut, enjoyable thriller." And New York Times bestselling author James Rollins said, "THE GOOD LIAR strikes like an assassin's bullet: sudden, swift, precise, deadly. Here is a taut international thriller certain to keep readers breathless and awake until the wee hours of the morning. Not to be missed." Her work has been translated into ten languages and published in over twenty countries.
Before beginning her writing career, Laura was a trial attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense and entertainment law. She is published in the legal field and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law at her alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, where she teaches Advanced Writing for Litigation. She recently received the St. Robert Bellarmine award for distinguished contributions to the profession and the Loyola School of Law. In the summer of 2008, she will be teaching International Criminal Law at Loyola's campus in Rome, Italy.
Laura is also a freelance magazine writer. Her work has been published in Chicago Magazine, Woman's Own, The Young Lawyer, Lake Magazine, Australia Woman's Weekly, Shore Magazine and others. Her work can also be seen in Everything I Needed to Know About Being A Girl I Learned From Judy Blume (Pocket Books, 2007), It's A Wonderful Lie: Truth About Life In Your Twenties (Warner, 2006), Girl's Night In II (Red Dress Ink, 2006) Flirting With Pride & Prejudice (BenBella Books, 2005) and Welcome to Wisteria Lane: On America's Favorite Desperate Housewives (BenBella Books, 2006).
Laura began publishing thrillers and suspense novels in 2005. Her debut mystery, Look Closely, received critical acclaim and The Chicago Sun-Times called The Rome Affair “Caldwell’s most exciting book yet…a summer must-read.” The Rome Affair, which centers around a Chicago society couple riding a roller coaster of infidelity, blackmail and murder, pulled Laura into a real-life, highly-profiled murder trial involving a 19-year old suspect forced into a confession and wrongfully jailed for a crime he did not commit. Laura became one of the attorneys who represented the suspect pro bono, resulting in a not-guilty verdict.
Laura's newest is an international thriller, The Good Liar. Bestselling author Ken Bruen calls it "a massive achievement." Publisher's Weekly lauds it as "a taut, enjoyable thriller." And New York Times bestselling author James Rollins said, "THE GOOD LIAR strikes like an assassin's bullet: sudden, swift, precise, deadly. Here is a taut international thriller certain to keep readers breathless and awake until the wee hours of the morning. Not to be missed." Her work has been translated into ten languages and published in over twenty countries.
Before beginning her writing career, Laura was a trial attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense and entertainment law. She is published in the legal field and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law at her alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, where she teaches Advanced Writing for Litigation. She recently received the St. Robert Bellarmine award for distinguished contributions to the profession and the Loyola School of Law. In the summer of 2008, she will be teaching International Criminal Law at Loyola's campus in Rome, Italy.
Laura is also a freelance magazine writer. Her work has been published in Chicago Magazine, Woman's Own, The Young Lawyer, Lake Magazine, Australia Woman's Weekly, Shore Magazine and others. Her work can also be seen in Everything I Needed to Know About Being A Girl I Learned From Judy Blume (Pocket Books, 2007), It's A Wonderful Lie: Truth About Life In Your Twenties (Warner, 2006), Girl's Night In II (Red Dress Ink, 2006) Flirting With Pride & Prejudice (BenBella Books, 2005) and Welcome to Wisteria Lane: On America's Favorite Desperate Housewives (BenBella Books, 2006).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 9, 2009
Suspense / Mystery
Wow. The Rome Affair is definitely a book I'll remember in five years.
You like surprises -- way unexpected surprises -- in your suspense thrillers? Read this book! Remember to breathe!
Rachel's got a charmed life with a handsome, very successful husband, a surgeon. They've seemingly got it all -- until Nick confesses to an affair. The couple slowly rebuild their trust and it looks like things are going to be ok.
Rachel's trip to Rome with her longtime friend, Kit is the beginning of a strange change in the women's friendship. No spoilers ... but Rachel's life is turned upside down by mysterious events.
I read the first 300 pages in one sitting till I HAD to get to sleep! Next day I picked up as soon as I could (neglecting my plans for the day).
Amazing, simply superb writing, plot, characters. This totally exceeds the very good romantic suspense books I've been reading, as did the author's "The Good Liar", the best of the romantic suspense books I've ever read (light on the romance).
Laura's The Night I Got Lucky is similarly a definite cut above the normal "chick lit" books. I'm happy to see many older books available, as well as an upcoming 6/1/09 MIRA release, Red Hot Lies -- now on my June buy list.
Wow. The Rome Affair is definitely a book I'll remember in five years.
You like surprises -- way unexpected surprises -- in your suspense thrillers? Read this book! Remember to breathe!
Rachel's got a charmed life with a handsome, very successful husband, a surgeon. They've seemingly got it all -- until Nick confesses to an affair. The couple slowly rebuild their trust and it looks like things are going to be ok.
Rachel's trip to Rome with her longtime friend, Kit is the beginning of a strange change in the women's friendship. No spoilers ... but Rachel's life is turned upside down by mysterious events.
I read the first 300 pages in one sitting till I HAD to get to sleep! Next day I picked up as soon as I could (neglecting my plans for the day).
Amazing, simply superb writing, plot, characters. This totally exceeds the very good romantic suspense books I've been reading, as did the author's "The Good Liar", the best of the romantic suspense books I've ever read (light on the romance).
Laura's The Night I Got Lucky is similarly a definite cut above the normal "chick lit" books. I'm happy to see many older books available, as well as an upcoming 6/1/09 MIRA release, Red Hot Lies -- now on my June buy list.
October 14, 2017
What a pleasantly surprising $2 Op-shop find this one was.
Attracted by the title and cover (as I so often am) I was initially disappointed that the Italian action was relatively short-lived, but the rest of this story then took off and kept my interest.
Rachel's husband Nick had a brief affair, but she is determined to put it behind them and move on. A business trip takes her to Rome, with her out-of-work-actress friend Kit, and a she unexpectedly spends one brief but memorable night with a stranger there.... so now they're even, right?? Returning home, Kit's mum needs life-saving medical treatment, which she cannot afford, so she turns to Rachel for financial help. Rachel gives her the money, but Kit's behaviour becomes more and more strange, demanding more money and threatening to expose Rachel's secret to Nick.
But it seems everyone is hiding something... and the struggle to keep the secrets ends in murder... and a surprising revelation....
A good little thriller :-)
Attracted by the title and cover (as I so often am) I was initially disappointed that the Italian action was relatively short-lived, but the rest of this story then took off and kept my interest.
Rachel's husband Nick had a brief affair, but she is determined to put it behind them and move on. A business trip takes her to Rome, with her out-of-work-actress friend Kit, and a she unexpectedly spends one brief but memorable night with a stranger there.... so now they're even, right?? Returning home, Kit's mum needs life-saving medical treatment, which she cannot afford, so she turns to Rachel for financial help. Rachel gives her the money, but Kit's behaviour becomes more and more strange, demanding more money and threatening to expose Rachel's secret to Nick.
But it seems everyone is hiding something... and the struggle to keep the secrets ends in murder... and a surprising revelation....
A good little thriller :-)
March 7, 2017
I found this at a library book sale years ago and picked it up recently for Rome...turns out that was only like 15 pages of the book and the rest was a Lifetime movie. It wasn't anything new, but it was an entertaining way to spend an evening.
February 2, 2014
Rachel Blakely lives a truly charmed life. She is a successful architectural software salesperson, married to an equally successful plastic surgeon on the fast track for promotion. Their life together seems blessed - until Rachel learns that Nick was unfaithful to her. Understandably shattered by this knowledge, Rachel is hurt and angered by Nick's betrayal.
However, over time, Rachel is committed to giving her marriage a second chance. Then a business trip to sun-drenched Rome with her best girlfriend Kit leads to a passionate night with a stranger - a one-night stand meant to signify the end of a painful chapter in her life.
Rachel returns home determined to put the past behind her and start fresh. At first, life seems golden again. Nick is more loving than ever, and following his promotion to senior partner in a prestigious plastic surgery practice, the couple is welcomed into Chicago high society - where beautiful people live beautiful lives. But every golden life hides its dark side...that sends Rachel's life spiraling into a nightmare.
It's certainly clear everyone is guilty of something. But whose secrets will lead to murder?
I absolutely loved this book! In my opinion, it was a beautifully written book with a completely engrossing plot. I was captured from the first page and found the story to be filled with gripping cliffhangers that held my attention right to the end. I give this book an A+! The Rome Affair by Laura Caldwell was the first book that I've ever read by this author, but it most certainly will not be the last.
However, over time, Rachel is committed to giving her marriage a second chance. Then a business trip to sun-drenched Rome with her best girlfriend Kit leads to a passionate night with a stranger - a one-night stand meant to signify the end of a painful chapter in her life.
Rachel returns home determined to put the past behind her and start fresh. At first, life seems golden again. Nick is more loving than ever, and following his promotion to senior partner in a prestigious plastic surgery practice, the couple is welcomed into Chicago high society - where beautiful people live beautiful lives. But every golden life hides its dark side...that sends Rachel's life spiraling into a nightmare.
It's certainly clear everyone is guilty of something. But whose secrets will lead to murder?
I absolutely loved this book! In my opinion, it was a beautifully written book with a completely engrossing plot. I was captured from the first page and found the story to be filled with gripping cliffhangers that held my attention right to the end. I give this book an A+! The Rome Affair by Laura Caldwell was the first book that I've ever read by this author, but it most certainly will not be the last.
November 20, 2009
this is a book that I was reading on the stationary bike, and since i have spent a lot of time there, it is finished. though the title makes it sound like a romance book, it really isn't. it is about friendship and betrayal, with a murder. the characters are not tremendously sympathetic, but the circumstances are quite interesting.
November 15, 2011
This was an ok read, grabbed my attention. Had an interesting twist, but the characters are not very likable. I hated the ending, I felt like the author just quickly tried to wrap things up and everyone just walked away with no punishment. The type is spaced so it's a quick read.
August 8, 2015
almost 4 stars but took 100 pages for the thrill to set in. what if I gave up!! but since I didn't it got better and decent mystery.
May 3, 2022
The Rome Affair, Laura Caldwell, 2006
My favorite quote: “I understand now that innocence is relative.”
Notable characters: Rachel Blakely, a software salesperson; Nick, her husband, the surgeon; Kit, her BFF
Most memorable scene: For me, it was the description of the Roman mornings. Let it never be said that Laura Caldwell doesn’t have a way with words. The Rome Affair is the only book that ever made me want to visit Rome (I know a lot of people do, but I’d rather see Greece or Ireland … but I digress)
Greatest strengths: The Rome Affair has a great plot structure that never falters. It has all the right surprises at all the right times … which brings us to …
Standout achievements: It surprises. I didn’t see them coming. Laura Caldwell kept me on my toes and I like that. The Rome Affair is twisty, turny, and loads of fun (if your idea of fun is the torment and suffering of other people which, of course, we know it is)
Fun Facts: Research for The Rome Affair led Laura Caldwell, a former civil trial attorney, to a case that became the basis for her first nonfiction book, Long Way Home: A Young Man Lost in the System and the Two Women Who Found Him
Other media: N/A -- but I bet if there were a movie, those Roman mornings would pale in comparison to their beauty in the book
What it taught me: If there’s a writing lesson to be found in The Rome Affair, it’s the age-old “show, don’t tell.” Some of the most pivotal events in this story take place “off-stage” and are only experienced through flashback and dialogue, which really weakened the effect for me (I like to get up close and personal with all the tragedy, anguish, and terror, but that’s just me)
How it inspired me: At the time I read this book, I was seriously contemplating a writing career myself, so I was paying close attention to the structure and ingredients of the things I read — and while I liked the plot of The Rome Affair, I couldn’t get into the characters at all. For some, it’s all about plot, and for others, the characters. For me, it needs both, but it’s the characters that carry any story, good or bad. So it was then I decided that in my own books, compelling characters would be a top priority -- even if that meant some of them had to be truly vile (those are my favorite)
Additional thoughts: The Rome Affair is one of the books that comes to my mind when people talk about “vacation reads.” I’m not sure why. I guess because it’s good -- but not so unputdownable that if you were hanging out at the beach and your five-year-old was getting eaten by a shark or something you wouldn’t notice
Hit or miss: A hit in some ways, a miss in others
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
Read The Rome Affair: https://tinyurl.com/a3wbhhx7
My favorite quote: “I understand now that innocence is relative.”
Notable characters: Rachel Blakely, a software salesperson; Nick, her husband, the surgeon; Kit, her BFF
Most memorable scene: For me, it was the description of the Roman mornings. Let it never be said that Laura Caldwell doesn’t have a way with words. The Rome Affair is the only book that ever made me want to visit Rome (I know a lot of people do, but I’d rather see Greece or Ireland … but I digress)
Greatest strengths: The Rome Affair has a great plot structure that never falters. It has all the right surprises at all the right times … which brings us to …
Standout achievements: It surprises. I didn’t see them coming. Laura Caldwell kept me on my toes and I like that. The Rome Affair is twisty, turny, and loads of fun (if your idea of fun is the torment and suffering of other people which, of course, we know it is)
Fun Facts: Research for The Rome Affair led Laura Caldwell, a former civil trial attorney, to a case that became the basis for her first nonfiction book, Long Way Home: A Young Man Lost in the System and the Two Women Who Found Him
Other media: N/A -- but I bet if there were a movie, those Roman mornings would pale in comparison to their beauty in the book
What it taught me: If there’s a writing lesson to be found in The Rome Affair, it’s the age-old “show, don’t tell.” Some of the most pivotal events in this story take place “off-stage” and are only experienced through flashback and dialogue, which really weakened the effect for me (I like to get up close and personal with all the tragedy, anguish, and terror, but that’s just me)
How it inspired me: At the time I read this book, I was seriously contemplating a writing career myself, so I was paying close attention to the structure and ingredients of the things I read — and while I liked the plot of The Rome Affair, I couldn’t get into the characters at all. For some, it’s all about plot, and for others, the characters. For me, it needs both, but it’s the characters that carry any story, good or bad. So it was then I decided that in my own books, compelling characters would be a top priority -- even if that meant some of them had to be truly vile (those are my favorite)
Additional thoughts: The Rome Affair is one of the books that comes to my mind when people talk about “vacation reads.” I’m not sure why. I guess because it’s good -- but not so unputdownable that if you were hanging out at the beach and your five-year-old was getting eaten by a shark or something you wouldn’t notice
Hit or miss: A hit in some ways, a miss in others
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
Read The Rome Affair: https://tinyurl.com/a3wbhhx7
August 1, 2020
Going from Chicago to Rome for work and taking a long time girlfriend along, our main character, Rachel, is trying to come to grips with difficulties in her marriage. Returning home to the life and husband she loves has unexpected fall out from the Rome adventure. With many twists and turns of what had been a normal life, things start to change in undesirable directions. I was surprised and entertained by Laura Caldwell's story telling.
November 22, 2018
I picked this book up at a used bookstore for $0.50, so I figured it was worth a shot.
The first, probably, 1/3 of the book was enticing and I didn't want to put it down. After that, it was rather predictable. The plot rather shallow.
Was it life changing? Certainly not. But it was worth the $0.50 I spent on it.
The first, probably, 1/3 of the book was enticing and I didn't want to put it down. After that, it was rather predictable. The plot rather shallow.
Was it life changing? Certainly not. But it was worth the $0.50 I spent on it.
May 26, 2025
Would give 3.5 if I could! Found this at a used book store and read it within a day. It was an easy read and had enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. There were some parts that I thought needed more development but overall, it was a good rainy day read!
January 30, 2018
This was a quick airplane read - definitely "chick lit" as stated on the back cover. I enjoyed the story even though I figured out the twist halfway through the book.
December 22, 2018
A good quick read! I would read another book by this author.
January 21, 2019
Yeah, didn't finish it. But 100+ pages counts as close enough.
May 9, 2020
I really wish Goodreads did half star ratings. 3.5.
May 31, 2025
Geen bijzonder hoogstaand boek, maar de verhaallijn is op zich prima. Het boek leest makkelijk weg.
September 25, 2010
Blackmail, stalking and other unfortunate events happen to a successful couple after they do some dumb things.
STORY BRIEF:
Nick’s career was taking off with promotions and prestige as a surgeon. He had an affair which he admitted to his wife Rachel. They seem to have gotten past it and are moving forward with their life. Rachel is on a business trip to Rome and can’t reach her husband. She fears he may be cheating on her again, so she has a one-night affair herself. She doesn’t tell her husband which provides blackmailing opportunities for a psycho. Rachel lives in fear as the psycho destroys their lives.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The first book I read by Laura Caldwell was a romantic suspense thriller which was fabulous, “The Good Liar.” “The Rome Affair” was a different genre, psychological suspense thriller. I was let down because I didn’t like the characters. I couldn’t sympathize with them. There was no romantic relationship to pull me in emotionally. I felt some negative emotions (stress and fear), but I didn’t feel any positive emotions. Two movies came to mind while I was reading this book: Fatal Attraction (Michael Douglas and Glenn Close) and Pacific Heights (Melanie Griffith and Michael Keaton). Lives of good people are ruined because of a psycho latching onto them. The psychos in the movies and this book were all different, but the disastrous effects and fears were similar. This book is about the danger, dread and damage from having an affair and keeping it secret.
I might have liked more showing and experiencing of the Rome affair. It was a very short part of the book, quickly told and without any emotional connection. He claimed to have seen her in his mind and painted her years earlier. I wondered about that. I wanted to know more about his thoughts and feelings.
I want happy endings. This ending was more of an intellectual happiness, which was ok, but I would have preferred something a little more feel good.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
I didn’t like or respect Rachel enough due to her stupidity. She was a software sales person. She flies to Rome to make a presentation to a potential client. She quickly realizes that they don’t speak English, and her Italian is too weak. She should have immediately delayed the meeting long enough to get a translator, and then made her presentation. Instead she wasted their time in a too-long meeting trying to communicate in childish Italian which was a disaster. She didn’t make the sale.
After her affair, again she was stupid by not telling her husband. Because they had worked through “his” earlier affair, she should have known he would forgive and work through it with her. In fact she had more justification than he did – payback, equity, needing to feel desirable. But she chose to pay blackmail to keep it secret, which was stupid and caused further disasters. Of course there would have been no story if she had been smarter.
DATA:
Story length: 372 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: current day Rome, Italy and Chicago, Illinois. Copyright: 206. Genre: psychological suspense thriller.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Laura Caldwell books, see my 5 star review of “The Good Liar” posted 7-28-09.
STORY BRIEF:
Nick’s career was taking off with promotions and prestige as a surgeon. He had an affair which he admitted to his wife Rachel. They seem to have gotten past it and are moving forward with their life. Rachel is on a business trip to Rome and can’t reach her husband. She fears he may be cheating on her again, so she has a one-night affair herself. She doesn’t tell her husband which provides blackmailing opportunities for a psycho. Rachel lives in fear as the psycho destroys their lives.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The first book I read by Laura Caldwell was a romantic suspense thriller which was fabulous, “The Good Liar.” “The Rome Affair” was a different genre, psychological suspense thriller. I was let down because I didn’t like the characters. I couldn’t sympathize with them. There was no romantic relationship to pull me in emotionally. I felt some negative emotions (stress and fear), but I didn’t feel any positive emotions. Two movies came to mind while I was reading this book: Fatal Attraction (Michael Douglas and Glenn Close) and Pacific Heights (Melanie Griffith and Michael Keaton). Lives of good people are ruined because of a psycho latching onto them. The psychos in the movies and this book were all different, but the disastrous effects and fears were similar. This book is about the danger, dread and damage from having an affair and keeping it secret.
I might have liked more showing and experiencing of the Rome affair. It was a very short part of the book, quickly told and without any emotional connection. He claimed to have seen her in his mind and painted her years earlier. I wondered about that. I wanted to know more about his thoughts and feelings.
I want happy endings. This ending was more of an intellectual happiness, which was ok, but I would have preferred something a little more feel good.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
I didn’t like or respect Rachel enough due to her stupidity. She was a software sales person. She flies to Rome to make a presentation to a potential client. She quickly realizes that they don’t speak English, and her Italian is too weak. She should have immediately delayed the meeting long enough to get a translator, and then made her presentation. Instead she wasted their time in a too-long meeting trying to communicate in childish Italian which was a disaster. She didn’t make the sale.
After her affair, again she was stupid by not telling her husband. Because they had worked through “his” earlier affair, she should have known he would forgive and work through it with her. In fact she had more justification than he did – payback, equity, needing to feel desirable. But she chose to pay blackmail to keep it secret, which was stupid and caused further disasters. Of course there would have been no story if she had been smarter.
DATA:
Story length: 372 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: current day Rome, Italy and Chicago, Illinois. Copyright: 206. Genre: psychological suspense thriller.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Laura Caldwell books, see my 5 star review of “The Good Liar” posted 7-28-09.
January 16, 2011
My Armchair Interviews review:
Laura Caldwell has done it again! This fast paced, edge of your seat thriller is riveting until the very end! Rachel and Nick Blakely are an up and coming high society couple with their share of troubles. Struggling to forgive him for an affair, Rachel falls into an affair of her own while on a business trip in Rome. This one night of passion is the beginning of a complete unraveling of Rachel’s life. With twists and turns throughout, this novel can’t be put down.
The Rome Affair is a tightly woven psychological mystery. How much can a marriage endure? What secrets should be kept only between friends? How far will you go to hide your own secrets? This novel explores all these questions and more, keeping you reading until the very last page. My only concern is that the ending, while exciting, can possibly be surmised based on the teasers on the back of the book cover. Even guessing the ending, however, doesn’t dampen the thrill ride of this novel. Laura Caldwell has successfully stepped out of her usual “chicklit” genre and secured a place for herself in the thrillers.
Laura Caldwell has done it again! This fast paced, edge of your seat thriller is riveting until the very end! Rachel and Nick Blakely are an up and coming high society couple with their share of troubles. Struggling to forgive him for an affair, Rachel falls into an affair of her own while on a business trip in Rome. This one night of passion is the beginning of a complete unraveling of Rachel’s life. With twists and turns throughout, this novel can’t be put down.
The Rome Affair is a tightly woven psychological mystery. How much can a marriage endure? What secrets should be kept only between friends? How far will you go to hide your own secrets? This novel explores all these questions and more, keeping you reading until the very last page. My only concern is that the ending, while exciting, can possibly be surmised based on the teasers on the back of the book cover. Even guessing the ending, however, doesn’t dampen the thrill ride of this novel. Laura Caldwell has successfully stepped out of her usual “chicklit” genre and secured a place for herself in the thrillers.
October 7, 2009
Rachel and her pal Kit head off to Rome for a long fun weekend of relaxation and fun; however, when an affair is revealed relationships will be torn and lives will start to unravel. Written in romance/suspense style, this book was fast paced. I had a hard time getting to like the characters. Rachel is the main character; she has a good job a great husband and a pretty darn great life. Kit is the opposite of Rachel; she’s the poor single friend whose career hasn’t ever taken off. Kit envies all that Rachel has and Rachel is somewhat oblivious until Kit starts blackmailing her for “The Rome Affair.” There are some twists and turns but nothing that Patterson fans couldn’t foresee.
The beginning of the book was good, two gals heading off to Rome for a fun adventure. But what later happens was all too familiar, this so reminded me of Dianna Diamond’s novels. The big plus was that this was an easy read—definitely good for the beach or vacation.
The beginning of the book was good, two gals heading off to Rome for a fun adventure. But what later happens was all too familiar, this so reminded me of Dianna Diamond’s novels. The big plus was that this was an easy read—definitely good for the beach or vacation.
July 13, 2016
playing with fire, the moth comes too close to the flame.
This story starts like a steamy romance but then it turns into a psychological thriller. We can relate to the couple and their marriage woes. But then, through Laura Caldwell’s gripping narrative, we get too close and start to wonder how easy it could be to fall into the same trap and have our lives turned upside down in an instant. I’m looking forward to reading more from Caldwell!
This story starts like a steamy romance but then it turns into a psychological thriller. We can relate to the couple and their marriage woes. But then, through Laura Caldwell’s gripping narrative, we get too close and start to wonder how easy it could be to fall into the same trap and have our lives turned upside down in an instant. I’m looking forward to reading more from Caldwell!
August 15, 2015
I wavered between giving this book 3 or 4 stars. I think I would have enjoyed it more about five years ago, when I was more into suspense. But I did like that it takes place in a city I know; Chicago. And it is a very easy read that was hard to put down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
January 16, 2008
This book is fraught with suspense as well as great atmosphere. The author is a master of surprise. I would like to read more of her books but have not stumbled across any. I think you will like this one... if you've ever wondered... what could an affair really hurt?
March 4, 2011
Main character Rachel has a one night stand in Rome and her "best friend" Kit uses it to blackmail her. Mediocre writing but the story was a real page turner. Easy to read but compelling. May try this author again.
July 29, 2012
If you think this book is going to be predictable, you are wrong! If you feel like you don't want to finish it you, at least, must read past p.177 when things really start hopping! I couldn't put it down after that! I wasn't sure how it would end, but I liked the ending.
April 26, 2016
The moral of this novel would have to be "be sure your sin will find you out!"
Rachel, the Golden Girl of this story, finds out the hard way that covering up the truth can be costly. Her beautiful charmed life turns quickly sour, and she has to reexamine just what is important to her.
Rachel, the Golden Girl of this story, finds out the hard way that covering up the truth can be costly. Her beautiful charmed life turns quickly sour, and she has to reexamine just what is important to her.
January 29, 2008
This is my favorite book TO DATE by this author...excellent...if you want to kill an afternoon...pick this one up!
February 10, 2008
I'm a sucker for Laura Caldwell's books -- just enough intelligence, girly stuff, and suspense to keep me happy.
March 4, 2008
I have mixed feelings on/during this book. I liked the characters. Then I didn't. It was a FAST read, brought me in, I had to know what would happen. BUT. I didn't like ANYone in the end. ....?
August 21, 2009
Not my favorite read. Ok pasttime.
November 30, 2009
Not my favorite - too fatal attraction
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