The Affair
Rome 1961. Diana Bailey arrives on the Cleopatra film set to start work as a historical advisor and strikes up a friendship with Helen, a young make-up artist.
Tensions on the set are soon running high with the film in financial crisis and the paparazzi whipping up a media storm over the very public affair unfolding between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
As Diana adjusts to a new life away from her troubled marriage, she seeks solace in Ernesto, a charismatic member of the film crew. But as she grows closer to him, she spends less time with Helen, who is harboring a dark secret of her own…
A story about love and betrayal, passion and celebrity, against the backdrop of Cleopatra, one of the most iconic films ever made.
Reviews of The Affair
“A wonderfully imagined peek into the fabulous excesses of the Burton-Taylor relationship, from booze-fuelled spats to their intoxicating chemistry.” Hello magazine
“A stunning new voice – I was hooked from the first sentence of the prologue. With beautifully drawn characters and sensitive detail – The Affair draws you in and you won’t want it to end. An accomplished, energetic, original new voice in fiction.” Kate Kerrigan
“A fabulous evocation of sixties Rome and film star glamour, full of passion and romance – I loved this delicious novel.” Lulu Taylor
“An amazing, passionate story that is full of romance, deceit, lies and movie star glamour.” TodayImReading.blogspot.co.uk
“A brilliant and passionate read that will … have you on the edge of your seat.” OneMorePage.co.uk
“A compelling story . . . to sweep you off your feet. This is a novel that must not be missed! Wow!” ReadingInTheSunshine.wordpress.com
“An excellent plot, full of drama, scandal and turbulent relationships which moves at a fluent pace… I was actually sorry to finish it.” MyGoodBookShelf.wordpress.com
“Paul’s beguiling and compelling story captures all the thrilling and sometimes tawdry realities of life on a film set with its warring egos, inherent glamour and fascinating backstage detail as well as delivering a pulsating parallel love story to the famous Taylor-Burton romance. A gripping read perfect for those lazy summer days!” Blackpool Gazette