The Other Half

The Other Half is the story of the affair between Chloe and James and the resulting fallout once the wife (Maggie) discovers what has been going on. The story unfolds in alternating chapters told by Chloe and Maggie. Consequently we get to know about James through the eyes of his wife and his lover, which allows the reader to form their own opinion as we take a more dispassionate view of his actions.

Given the subject matter, I was not inclined to be sympathetic towards the guilty parties, as I, like I suspect many other female readers, have an uncompromising stance on adultery. As it happens I don’t think that the characters of Chloe and James are particularly likeable, which is a tribute to Sarah Rayners writing. It would have been show more easier to make the affair the result of some grand passion that could not be ignored, which we might, albeit reluctantly, have been swept along by. As it is, I find Chloe very childish and selfish with very little moral fibre as she acknowledges that James has a wife and child but puts her own desires first. Similarly James seems to easily ignore his responsibilities at home as he seeks to reclaim the excitement of what he once had in his marriage and a previous relationship. While Chloe might convince herself she is in love, to be honest I can’t see how and why as the relationship seems to be defined by sex, of which there is a lot, something which is worth flagging up as it is probably not for the faint hearted.

While our sympathies should lie with the wronged wife, Maggie is not always a particularly warm and sympathetic character, though that still does not justify the affair, because the true innocent in all of this is their son. James, like many adulterers, uses the justification that while he loves his wife, he is not in love. Well welcome to the real world James, relationships develop and deepen and extend beyond the immediate primal desires of sex and attraction, and for the majority of adults that produces a relationship that is worth fighting for if the going occasionally gets a little tough. In reality I suspect that we are looking at a man who for all his maturity is reluctant to accept reality and is more ruled by his libido that his head. He is a weak character and if Chloe wasn’t available I suspect it would have sought someone else.

I’m not sure I can say I enjoyed the book, in the sense that the subject is one I have difficulty with and I found myself getting annoyed with the characters. On several occasions I wanted to shout at both women, who despite their being intelligent, independent women seemed to need James to validate them. On the other hand, it was thought provoking and insightful, and the characters were well drawn and from that viewpoint it was a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an honest review. show less

THE OTHER HALF is a thoroughly modern tale of an affair told by Maggie and Chloe, wife and mistress. Some things never really change.

Maggie Slater, wife to James or Jamie as she calls him. Maggie is tall, blonde, classic and understated. Maggie is reserved and controlled. She also manipulates and controls Jamie in every way she can. Maggie is thirty-nine and wants another child. She refuses to acknowledge that Jamie doesn’t share that desire. Jamie, though he adores him now, wasn’t thrilled when Maggie became pregnant with their son Nathan so she’s confident he’ll come around. After all, she’s created the perfect life for them, hasn’t she?

Chloe Appleton, mistress of James, never calls him Jamie. Chloe is petite, has dark show more curly/wavy hair, and a voluptuous hourglass figure. Her wardrobe leans toward flaunt it. She’s vivacious, ambitious, and ten years younger than Maggie. Chloe meets James when she pitches her idea for a new magazine to him. She knows James is married but can’t stop herself from yielding to their amazing sexual chemisty. Chloe is often reckless and guided by her emotions.

Jean is Maggie’s best friend and Chloe’s boss. Your quintessential career woman, Jean adores her friends’ children but wants none of her own. She’s blunt, driven, and honest.

Rob is Chloe’s gay best friend. They’ve shared an apartment and their lives for years. Rob is a good friend to Chloe and tells her the truth even when she doesn’t want to hear it.

Alex is Maggie’s ex. He’s recently divorced and has maintained a friendship with Maggie and James. Alex obviously still loves and wants Maggie any way he can have her.

Beth is James’ ex. We never meet her but Chloe’s resemblance to her is a driving force.

James is a publisher at UK Magazines; big shot successful businessman. James is mostly seen through his interactions with Maggie and Chloe, through their eyes. Each woman satisfies a different need for James and he doesn’t want to let either go.

From London to New York James and Chloe live large while Maggie and Nathan are tucked away in the village of Shere. Maggie does freelance work, occasionally but not often traveling into the city. Feeling restless, fighting dissatisfaction and an inner niggling Maggie yearns to break out of the predictable box she’s fallen into. Maggie’s decision to return to her journalistic roots puts her on a collision course with Chloe.

THE OTHER HALF will put you through your paces emotionally especially if you, personally, have ever been part of the infidelity equation.
Each character is depicted realistically, warts and all. No one is skewed to be the “bad guy” or shoulder the bulk of the blame. Ms. Rayner allows the reader to decide whom they wish to side with, if any of them. I found this approach refreshing because so many are written with a slight bias toward one or another. The characters and situation are complex and messy. In all honesty I didn’t care much for Chloe, Maggie, or James.
I really liked Jean; she was both a good friend and, all considered, professional as she had to work with both James and Chloe. I also liked Rob. He was brutally honest with Chloe while standing ready to pick up the pieces if need be, a true friend.
At the end of the day Chloe deserved kudos for being the most honest player in this tawdry game; Maggie not so much. As for James, I was hard pressed to see what, once you got past his good looks and surface charm, appealed to Maggie and Chloe.

THE OTHER HALF, it’s real and we can’t help but be drawn to it, like rubbernecking at an accident. Do we read theses stories because we’re compelled by a visceral desire to experience all the thrill and danger of an affair without the consequences? So we can feel morally superior? To develop a better understanding of the root causes for affairs? Or is it just because they make for deeply emotional, sexually exciting, roller coaster reads?
Whatever the reason THE OTHER HALF is an absorbing, thoroughly enjoyable read.
reviewed by IvyD for Miss Ivy's Book Nook & Manic Readers show less

Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What was I thinking when I requested this book? Given my stance on cheating as a plot point, I have no idea what I thought I was doing when I requested a book told in alternating views between the mistress and the wife. At no point did I get the sexiness the description mentioned. I think I only finished it so I could see what happened at the end. I found a lot of the book convoluted and far fetched. I did give it higher marks because the main character chose to follow her dreams rather than settle for a guy and that always impresses me in so called "chick lit."

This was my first book by Sarah Rayner, and so look forward to reading more of her work!

“The Other Half” grabs you from the first page, to the last with such intensity, emotion, and seduction as this complicated sexy love triangle faces life, temptation, and desire in the sexy and hip UK and US glamorous magazine world. Set between modern London and lively New York, the suspense will keep you on edge until the wee hours of the morning.

This book was so much more than the “other woman/mistress” typical scenario. This love story had depth and meaning-- told from the man, mistress, and wife (mother)’s point of view, as well as a few of the secondary characters, making you sympathetic to each of them at times.

Sarah did an show more outstanding job of transitioning between Maggie, Chloe, and James (Jamie), each facing powerful raw emotions and difficult moral dilemmas. The book depicts an emotional journey with exploration of feelings and erotic content. Friendship was also a big component, as quite adored the relationship between Chloe and Rob.

A novel of strong tenacious women, ambition, lust, seduction, and relationships; lessons learned, being true to yourself, taking control of your life, and finding your way when obstacles get in the way.

After reading “Tempting Fate” by Jane Green and “The Other Half” back to back (two excellent yet powerful 2014 novels of love affair triangles by brilliant authors); will surely convince any man or woman to seriously think twice before embarking on an affair (as you may get more than you bargained for).

A special thank you to St Martin’s Press (St Martin’s Griffin), via NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an unbiased honest review. show less

I struggled with this book. I struggled with the characters resonating honestly for me. I don't think it was badly written I just don't think it was for me. I kept reading which speaks to the story being well developed but I feel for me (and only me) the characters were not my cup of tea. I don't know if it was because their responses were too simple or if it was that I have never met people who make those choices so clearly when life is chaotic. I would suggest starting this if you like escapism but not if you like realism

The Other Half is the story of human frailty and failings, loss and betrayal - a story filled with deception and lies. A step-by-step-guide to marital infidelity is not a subject I find interesting or approve of. The overt sexual theme, painted by the author, was not for me - very disappointing.

Most of the characters were not likable and I never connected to them, with the exception of Maggie, the wife. I did find her to be a strong woman and it was interesting to find out how she handled her mental anguish brought on by her husband's infidelity. I found James, the husband, to be a weak character who acted on infidelity with his eyes wide open. Chloe, the mistress, was compelled on getting on with her life when she went into the show more affair. It really didn't seem to matter that James had a wife. Both James and Chloe were totally without scruples and I found them to be very shallow characters.

On a positive note - there was a satisfying conclusion, although rather predictable.

This certainly was not my cup of tea, but the mistake was mine for accepting this book to review. My rating is 2.5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions shared are my own. show less