3.5☆
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Affair
Standalone
HEA

This is the perfect beach or pool side read! This book transports you to the beautiful Italian sea side, with fascinating characters who need each other more than their next breath. Tom is super organized and need to have more fun and Bri needed to get some order in her chaotic world. I love the crazy adventure of this story and how they both came together. I hate that everyone knew something and never told her, that is so hurtful and since it was a big thing, it makes it hurt more.
The ending is super sweet and just perfect for this story. It is not over done but it is fitting for these two.

This is the 2nd book I have read by Annie Seaton and I really do like her style of writing. She has a wonderful way of really bringing the characters and their romances to life. I love the passion which shines through her books. It's a fairly fast paced novel with the two main characters Brianna and Tomas who meet on a long flight. Tomas seems to be pretty reserved and uptight but by the end the reader has also fallen in love with this hero. Another beautiful love story. I love to escape with Seaton's books.

Brianna Ballantine is determined to learn everything she can about the woman that gave her up at birth. So, when Brianna learns from her biological mother's will that she needs a fiancé if she's to inherit her mother's Italian Villa, Brianna knows she needs to find a man wiling to help her. Certainly, Tomas Richards seems like the perfect guy, but the more time they spend together, the more Brianna finds herself falling for her husband. Will their marriage of convenience lead to forever after, or will Brianna walk away from her Mr. Right?

What an entertaining and enjoyable read Ms. Seaton has penned in this second book of her Affair series, which started off brilliantly with the hero needing to get away and meeting Brianna brings excitement to his life. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that had me liking these two as a couple immediately, as they have great chemistry and interesting back stories that had me hoping for the best for this pair, even knowing that there would be tough obstacles for these two to overcome on their journey to happy ever after. Would they as a couple be convincing enough to fool her grandfather?

As for the dialogue, it was very engaging and I loved the growing relationship between the hero and heroine, as she loves interacting with people and getting to know Tomas is fun for her and I liked that she didn't give up on him, even when he acts like a jerk. I also liked that she wasn't afraid to ask for Tomas's help, even though they don't know each other and convincing people that they're engaged may be more than they bargained for. Moreover, both the main characters are very likeable and their back stories were fascinating, as Tomas needs time away from everything after all that has happened in his life. Really, it's about time he has an adventure, instead of always being Mr. Reliable and Sensible.

Overall, Ms. Seaton has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance sweet; and the ending had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, as no one deserves to be happy more than Tomas after what happened with the last woman he wanted. However, in saying that, I couldn't help but feel sorry for one of the secondary characters. I would recommend Italian Affair by Annie Seaton, if you enjoy the fake relationship trope, the marriage of convenience trope, or books by authors Nikki Edwards, Rachael Johns, Ann B. Harrison and Susanne Bellamy.

Italian Affair, by Annie Seaton is a contemporary romance, and the second book in the Affair series.

This book focuses on Nick's brother, Tomas Richards, who decided to revamp his entire life, by quitting his job, packing his belongings, and moving from Australia to Italy to start over. While on his departing flight, Tomas encounters Brianna Ballantine, who is struggling with her family history and recent discoveries, particularly that she must be married to inherit a house and belongings from her deceased birth mother. Tomas and Brianna's relationship is unexpected and quite dramatic, especially as they deal with adjusting to their new lives in Italy as a married couple and difficult family situations.

Italian Affair is geared towards those who enjoy reading holiday romances with plenty of drama.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I received an ARC from Netgalley. This book was such a sweet romance. The instant connection between Bri and Tom was instantaneous. Even though they second guessed themselves and had a few bumps along the way their relationship and Love was stronger than any obstacle. Nice easy read!

Italian Affair is a well written romance. I loved the story, characters and the setting. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

What a great romance, it was such an easy read.
Two strangers meet on a plane, both so different in personality. The enter into a marriage of convenience to solve their problems. You know where it's going to go and enjoy the journey with them hoping for a HEA. I loved the descriptions of this quaint village and the cottages in Italy, so different from my home. Enough romance, steam, drama and chemistry to keep us all entertained. I look forward to chasing up the other 2 books in this 'Affair'.

Brianna's whole life had turned upside down when she recieved the two page letter from the Italian lawyer. Three days earlier and her plan to spend twelve months in Australia writting her psychology book was gone. The letter led her to her biological mother's grave in Sydney. Her birth mother had died and Brianna had never got to meet her. Brianna had went through an agency two years ago to try to find her biological mother all the agency had told Brianna was she ahd lived in Sydney. Afte rthat Brianna had followed the paper trail herself. the letter had arrived too late but she now knew her mother's name. The letter not only told her of Rosa's death but about her mother's cottage she had inherited in Italy and the bizarre conditions attached to it. Brianna had to be married to get the cottage. Then Brianna webt to see her mother's grave from there she went to the airport. She then left ehr backpack in the taxi and it had the letter from the lawyer in it. All Brianna remembered was the office was on Lepari Island. Brianna had to find someone to play the part of her fake fiance. Brianna had four days to figure that out. All Brianna really wanted was to find out about her mother and why she had left Brianna thirty years ago. Tom was waiting for his flight to Italy. Tom's days of working in an office were over - careful planning and wise investments enabled him to do that. Tom felt woman were trouble even though his two brothers had their partners. Phil met Brianna at the airporty Tom thought they were a couple but actuallty they were brother and sister. Phil had looked out for Brianna since his parents had adopted her. Tom had beem sucked in by Jill so he was off women. Tom and Brianna rode the ferry together to the island. Brianna told him why she needs a fake fiance on the way to the island. He also agrees to go to the lawyer with her to be her interpreter. Then Tom's brother calls him and lest him know his aunt and mother have talked and his Aunt Carmen planned on playing matchmaker and when he was with her he told Carmen he was engaged to Brianna. Tom tells the lawyer he and Brianna are being married the next day or she would have lost her mothers cottage. He goes with Brianna to her mothers home and it is not a cottage bit a villa and it is now Brianna's. Since their is two bedromms in the villa Brianna offers to let Tom stay there so it looked right as they were getting married anyway.
I loved this book. It was gret and an enjoyable read, also a great romance. I liked how the relatiionship grew even though Tom nor Brianna wanted a relationship much less marriage. I loved how Tom kept his word even when it involved marrying Brianna who he barely knew. This had my attention from the beginning and kept in until the end. I didn't want to put it down. I loved the plot and the pace. I loved the description in this book of the sland, the villa and so on. I loved Tom and Brianna together they really help each other change in a good way and they both benefitted from each other. I couldn't foind anything to complain about in this book. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.

3.5 stars-ITALIAN AFFAIR is the second instalment in Annie Seaton’s contemporary, adult AFFAIR clean, romance series focusing on the Richards brothers-Nick, Tomas and Alex Richards. This is bursar (financial administrator) Tomas Richards, and clinical psychologist/sex therapies Brianna Ballantine’s story line. ITALIAN AFFAIR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tomas and Brianna) ITALIAN AFFAIR, originally released in June 2013, follows the building relationship/fake fiancé trope between Australian Tomas Richards, and Brianna Ballantine-a woman raised in Scotland but hoping to locate her birth mother of Italian decent. Brianna Ballantine always knew she was adopted and had only recently discovered her birth mother’s whereabouts but too little, too late as the woman in question is recently deceased. When a missive arrives declaring our heroine the sole beneficiary of her birth mother’s estate Brianna Ballantine sets about to undertake the battle of her life-the inheritance is dependant upon Brianna’s marital status, and in this Brianna must find a suitable man to play fake fiancé / husband for the next couple of months. Enter Tomas Richards, Brianna’s airplane seat mate, and the man with whom Brianna will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Brianna and Tomas, a marriage of convenience that turns into something more, and the potential fall out when Tomas is called back home, and Brianna sets an end date to their happily ever after.

The relationship between Tomas and Brianna begins as two strangers on a plane-a twelve hour flight and layover wherein our couple will learn a little bit about one another until Tomas shuts down when he discovers that our heroine is a clinical psychologist, and Tomas worries about being psychoanalyzed by a stranger on a plane. Like the first instalment HOLIDAY AFFAIR, the leading couple have some issues of immaturity including fits of temper, judgemental attitudes, and too many instances of misunderstanding and miscommunication. Throughout the story, Tomas, a man fluent in Italian, will help Brianna navigate the legal minefield of her impending inheritance, as well as the introduction of Brianna’s extended family-all of whom she never knew anything about. The $ex scenes are all implied.

ITALIAN AFFAIR is a sweet story about two people who find themselves playing a happily married couple; two strangers thrown together for the sake of one woman’s future; and one couple who discover that maybe fate was playing with their future. The premise is entertaining; the characters are interesting; the romance is passionate.

Copy supplied by Netgalley


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I liked Tomas more than Brianna. Why? He grew more but was also more willing to take the chance and took the marriage as something that would define his future. He fell in love and was willing to risk everything for this absent minded funloving girl.

Brianna seemed lost in many ways. More absent minded than lost. Like she wasn’t sure where home was and she did define things by finding her mother her birth mother. She didn’t really think further than that. She didn’t think about the impact on others but on finding out about herself and mother. So she was put into a bit of a shock when the villa and husband to get it from her mother’s will came into play.

This is where Thomas comes into play. They see each other in the airport and it is understandable Thomas is wary of her. He is still a bit stuffy at this point and after his last girlfriend the wariness is understandable. Now this whirlwind of a girl is next to him on the plane to Italy and she is a chatterbox. He is amused by her but also scared. She isn’t someone he is used to and doesn’t want to be burned. but he is fascinated and attracted to Brianna. They start off bumpy with some miscommunication. Although it is Thomas who saves her in Italy. He helps her with translating and getting her where she needs to be. He is also the one who agrees to her crazy plan. It helps him as well but more Brianna than him.

Thomas lets go when he gets to Italy and changes. He sees life differently and is more relaxed. He encourages Brianna and believes in her. He also falls in love with her. Brianna you see she has feelings but is scared. Convinced she isn’t meant for a relationship she does believe in sticking to her plan. Although we see changes in Brianna due to Thomas’s influence she is stubborn and does walk away from something wonderful. Silly girl. Does realize her mistake and finds that love is patient and forgiving. That love waits and when she comes to her senses Thomas is there with open arms.

The story is fun and sweet. Also flirty and entertaining. We have two characters that grow and fall in love. That help each other find themselves and each other. Opposites in many ways but fall in love and you fall for their story and how they fall in love and come together. A sweet, flirty entertaining romance.

Since having read the first one in this series I had to continue the fun and jump into this one. I get whisked away too so a vacation is in this also for me lol. Both are not from same country so I'm also given some great characters. This one centers around Brianna and Tomas. She needs the help and he offers the solution then we the readers get to sit back and watch it unfold. Romance unfolds before a eyes with their relationship and how it grows. Both have one opinion which it is good they can change if need be lol. It was enjoyable to see the layers of these two plus be in other parts of the world too. The romance here also was just what was needed to escape from a busy day.

For Tomas and Brianna love and trust does not come easily. Brianna yearns for a connection to her past. Tomas is running away from his. Will a stipulation in a will prove a blessing in disguise? Between the beautifully descriptive nod to scenic Italy and the hypnotizing waltz of relationship of convenience to the wings of love, The Italian Affair is a delight that is not to be missed.

I’m so loving Annie Seaton at this moment. Wow I’ve just had the pleasure of reading 3 of her books. This being the first one and seriously they are damn fantastic books to read. An author to look out for in the future and would tell everyone to give this talented author ago and her books.

Italian Affair was a great story. I really like the way Brianna and Thomas’s relationship developed, their interaction was relatable and created a well written romance. I am really enjoying this series and if you love a good romance I would suggest picking it up.

when brianna decides to propose a fake engagement to her seatmate on her flight to rome she has no idea that he'll take her seriously. it's not entirely clear why he does. except maybe that it was previously established that tomas richards was dying to be married?

there's a lot you need to suspend disbelief on in the italian affair. but at the very least tom and bri don't run the extreme gamut of love-hate the way nick and lissy did in the previous book in this series.

i did like seeing how tom and bri get close to one another, and we were able to see their relationship deepen and change. and when they are apart briefly, it's not a misunderstanding, it's just fear that they need to overcome, and the answer to fixing that is to believe.

and so as improbable as everything that happens to get them where they are is, it's enjoyable and well-plotted and these two work together in a way that lets you forget about sweating all the details.

again, this whole series has been repackaged, so just look before you buy, if you don't want to accidentally repeat a purchase, which happens to the best of us.

**italian affair will publish on december 4, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (bliss) in exchange for my honest review.

I found the heroine annoying, she talks constantly at the beginning and I didn't find it endearing.
The story picked up later and the premise of her influencing him to live was good but it wasn't for me.

Brianna is many things, scatterbrained being the main one. If there is an object to be lost, she'll lose it. So when she's on the hunt for her birth mother of course she gets caught off guard with a last minute notification, four days to claim her inheritance and find a husband.
Tomas Richards is ready to relax and soak up much needed time alone as he gets the marina fully operational. He is not prepared for the whirlwind Brianna brings to his world. Going from his straight-laced list making ways to her carefree devil may care ways causes some blocks along the way. This is certainly a story of opposites attract and finding something neither were looking or planning for.