Even workaholics need to slow down a bit and enjoy life, experience love. Fashion, fun, travel, and parties are fabulous until you are with someone you can't stand to be around.

One night will bring two people together for a chance at love. If one can warm up to the idea of love, survive family, gossip, and expectations ... perhaps this tale will end well.

This one turned out to be a H-O-T read between two workaholic individuals, Riley Gold who has been burned before and Chaz Warren a social medial mogul who has come to work for his uncle. The only problem is the feud between the families. What is supposed to be a one night stand turns into so much more. Will they survive when their private affair becomes known and fodder for the tabloids?

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

I’m usually not a romance reader. I prefer murder and mayhem…but with the #newyearnewme mantra I’m stepping out of my norm and trying something new. This book is DEFINITELY something new! A Private Affair is the latest novel by @ACArthurBooks on the #HarlequinDare imprint. Let me tell you….I found myself engrossed from the first chapter. Harlequin books are quick reads that manage to pack a whole lotta punch in 20 chapters or less! I’ll let you be the judge… A Private Affair features Riley and Chaz. Two fashion industry moguls who can’t stand each other, but somehow manage to put it all behind them LOL Who would have thought the fashion industry could be so hot?

A Private Affair was the perfect, dirty quickie. I mean come one: Being fingerbanged on a balcony and having an orgasm while NYE fireworks go off? Goals.

I did find the last portion of the book a bit uneven and took my rating down a bit but otherwise this was a pretty solid read.

I am going to use this novel as an example of the "enemies to lovers" trope in an upcoming kirkus column. it's a good story and a nice plot, and a good example of what happens when lovers get caught up in a family rivalry. an enjoyable read.

I had my doubts about this one initially, but once Riley and Chaz hookup (which is fairly early on thank goodness) it was off to the races! I’m always a fan of a book where the hero is all in before the heroine and where love takes them both by surprise and that was done very well here. I also liked that the angst wasn’t unduly prolonged. This was a solid read and I’d definitely read more from A.C. Arthur. 3.5 out of 5 wine glasses.

Steamy and a quick read, definitely accomplishing the goals of the Harlequin DARE line, I wanted a bit more connection besides physical and sexual between the two love interests, but overall enjoyed the story. The ending was quite abrupt but those who enjoy the fashion business will appreciate those details.

4 1/2 STARS!

A secret hook-up, a family rivalry, and non-stop temptation! PRIVATE AFFAIR by A.C. Arthur is quite the delight with high-powered characters, a hint of mystery and best of all is the steamy connection between this less than ideal match up.

Riley was an easy character to like. She is no nonsense and accepts nothing less than perfection ... from herself and others. If she's going to be labeled an "ice princess" by the industry because of that, then she will be sure to wear it well.

Chaz is yummy. His father-figure uncle is Riley's dad's biggest rival in the fashion industry, so they are supposed to dislike each other on sight, but a New Year's Eve party in Milan is temptation neither of them seem to want to resist. It was supposed to be one night, but neither of them can stay away from the other.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced steamy read with a lot of heart and a touch of intrigue to round the story out. Really enjoyed them!

Riley Gold, fashion executive has been scorned publicly by love and to save face with the family, she has vowed to prove herself invaluable to the family’s empire. Chaz Warren world renowned bachelor and social media genius has sworn off love due to his uncle’s unconventional views on love/relationships.

Loyalty to family keeps these two as rivals in the fashion and social media industry. An attraction that has been on a slow simmer heats up when they find themselves face to face at an industry event. A pack is made to have ONE night of discreet passion!!

When they both realize that one night won’t be enough, they try to convince themselves that the rival between their families is not really their fight. Grab a copy to find out how that works out for them😳

I found this one to be a steamy enemy to lover's story. A fast read that you are sure to enjoy!

This book was okay!! It was kind of boring!! Received this book from harlequin- romance ( U.S. & canda) from netgally!!

If you enjoy novels about the fashion industry, then A PRIVATE AFFAIR by A.C. Arthur is the book for you. In addition to all things vogue, this story includes a hot couple, an old family rivalry, and some very steamy sex scenes. This is a quick-paced read that I read from cover to cover in less than a day.

Riley Gold and Chaz Warren grew up surrounded by fashion. Their respective families own and manage the top two fashion houses in the world. Unfortunately, due to a situation that occurred years ago, their families are bitter rivals, both personally and professionally. Riley is now a top executive in the business, and Chaz has his own successful software company. With fashion week being right around the corner, Riley is working even harder than ever, and Chaz is taking a leave from his own business to help his uncle unveil a new men’s line. Riley and Chaz hook-up while in Milan, and their desire for each other only increases with time. Their one-night stand becomes a hot, private affair that evolves into much more. However, the tabloids and a couple of unscrupulous employees may prevent them from being together forever.

This is a well-written novel with some dramatic twists and turns that kept me entertained from beginning to end. All the characters are interesting, and I liked getting to know both Riley and Chaz, both as individuals and as a couple. They exuded a warmth which truly endeared them to me. Ms. Arthur does a nice job of balancing the story’s sexy times with an engaging plot. The story ended a bit abruptly, without an epilogue pulling it all together. Overall, A PRIVATE AFFAIR is a really good narrative and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

LJT, Romance Junkies, 4.5 Hearts. I was given a copy of the book for an honest review.

DNF

The setup and characters aren't working for me, unfortunately. However, I will definitely give this author another shot in the future.

Mentioned in SBTB's January New Releases post: https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2020/01/januarys-new-releases-part-one/

What a super sexy read!

These a grown and sexy characters who are doing grown and sexy things. They are both successful in their own right, but have been fighting their attraction to each other due to their family’s feud.

This book is an easy read and keeps you entertained from page one. You really get a sense of who Riley is in just a few short pages and connect with her quickly. A few chapters in and you’re already rooting for her and Chaz to become the it couple.

A good read to start off the new year.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

A Private Affair by A.C. Arthur is a steamy Harlequin romance that is sure to keep you turning the pages in this roller coaster of emotion read. A story that pulls you in and holds your attention until the very end. The characters ate well-written with intriguing backstories that tell a story of forbidden romance.

Fashion executive Riley Gold knows that appearances are everything. And since she has the reputation for being an "ice princess" she will make sure that she is flawless at New Year’s Eve in Milan.

Even though they are families fashion archrivals, social media mogul Chaz Warren and fashion executive Riley Gold will enjoy one X-rated night.

Turns out one-night is no where near enough. Riley and Chaz are having a private and completely naughty affair that they hiding from the tabloids and their feuding families.