Ava Green is a busy mom of two working a busy, full time job. She needs an assistant and is interviewing after her previous assistant left her company.

After meeting and interviewing Grace Enright - Ava believes she is the best candidate and offers her the job on the spot. Not long after hiring Grace- Ava finds out she is in the running for the future CEO position of the company (and so is a co-worker Collin). Ava works hard to keep it together with a busy home life that is chaotic and work life that is busy, too. Grace seems to fill in all the gaps- but she is hiding a secret.

I enjoyed this story a lot but was able to figure out the twist relatively early which was kind of disappointing. However, the book was well written and the characters were wells developed. I felt connected to the story and wanted to know what Grace’s secret was, would Ava get the promotion, etc.

A good, fun thriller to read and a quick read too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. And what a book! With the right level of mystery and suspense, we follow the life of Ava who, as a full-time businesswoman, often delegates family life, her two beautiful daughters and her husband. Until she manages to hire an assistant, Grace, who seems to have brought harmony to both of Ava's lives, seems like a godsend. However, things start to go wrong and despite being suspicious of Grace's intentions, I didn't completely guess the ending. I suspected it, but I thought it couldn't be... With several twists and turns during the narrative, the author manages to keep our attention until the end, and developed each of the characters and their role in the book very well. I really like Nicole Trope and I intend to continue reading all of her books.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Nicole Trope’s The Assistant is a masterclass in psychological suspense, weaving a tale that is as addictive as it is gripping. This novel delves into the dark corners of human nature, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.

The story centers around a seemingly perfect family whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of a new assistant. As the assistant becomes more entrenched in their lives, the facade of perfection begins to crumble, revealing hidden truths and dangerous lies. Trope expertly builds tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the narrative unfolds.

Trope’s characters are richly developed and deeply flawed, making them both relatable and compelling. The protagonist’s journey is particularly engaging, as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and the growing sense of unease that the assistant’s presence brings. The assistant, with their enigmatic and unsettling demeanor, is a standout character, adding layers of intrigue and suspense to the story.

Trope’s writing is sharp and evocative, drawing readers into the story with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of atmosphere. The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a note of suspense that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. The alternating perspectives provide a multifaceted view of the unfolding drama, enhancing the psychological depth of the narrative.

At its core, The Assistant is a story about the fragility of trust and the destructive power of secrets. Trope explores these themes with nuance and sensitivity, creating a narrative that is thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The book touches on issues of power dynamics and manipulation, adding a layer of social commentary to the thriller.

The Assistant by Nicole Trope is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the genre.

This was such a lovely read! Really, it was weirdly lovely for a psychological thriller, and it was an unusually cute read from Nicole Trope. Don’t get me wrong, it was still well-written, just like other books by Nicole Trope. The story was still a very solid one. It was still a very, very gripping read, but the ending made it feel all cute and lovely. And, weirdly, it happened in a very good way. The cute and lovely ending felt very fitting.
I’m not entirely sure I’d label this a true psychological thriller. A domestic suspense maybe? And, most definitely, a women’s fiction label feels like is the most suited here.
There were no huge plot twists, they slowly unfolded throughout the book, and the ending was just a very logical conclusion of a very dramatic story. Yet, it was so well-told, it still keeps you interested as you read it.
The only thing I really feel like should be changed about it is the way it is labeled, it’s a family drama, a domestic suspense, a women’s fiction book. Although I do know that the author writes absolutely terrific psychological thrillers, and this one is an absolutely terrific book, it’s a huuuuuuge stretch to call it a psychological thriller.

What a book!

From that very first chapter I was hooked. It is fast paced and extremely gripping. There is so many twists that you won’t see coming which will keep you surprised. Along with plenty of fear, you will be so sacred for Ava and worry what the assistant has planned for her.

I literally couldn’t put this down, I needed to find out more and who the assistant really was and what her plans where for Ava.

The ending… my goodness.

I would definitely recommend this book it has everything you look for in a psychological thriller.

I've read and loved lots of books by Nicole Troupe. The Stepchild, The Stay-at-Home Mother, and His Other Wife are all 4-stars and above.

The Assistant was an okay book. The story and characters are rather dull. I wanted to quit reading but kept reading hoping it would get better. The reveal in the end was meh and foreseeable. This is an instance where you love the writer (and the writing) but not the plot or characters.

So sorry, this book is forgettable. Thanks for the advance review copy.

Was grateful to receive this ARC courtesy of netgalley. Due to be published 12/08/24.

I was thinking that this would go along the lines of 'Single white female' so expected set behaviours from Grace. However, things did not progress the way I thought they would.

I did wonder if there was some history between Grace and Ava and I'm glad that you were kept guessing until the end. The story keeps you on your toes although there's a question of what's happening next in Ava's personal relationship that I wanted to delve more into. Maybe the next book...

Really enjoyed this and couldn't put it down. Plenty of detail and fast paced!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to preview this book
I was held in captivity by this book as I turned each page, not knowing what was up ahead . The suspense was well written
It sarts out as Grace applies as Ava's Assistant It follows from various viewpoints, as well as following excerpts from Grace's past The characters were developed as the story progressed with expertise.
Nicole Trope has a knack for creating intinsic suspense novels.

A gripping page-turner written from 2 POVs - Grace and Ava. Lots of twists and a knockout ending.
Highly recommended thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc. All opinions are my own.

Wow! I'm jumping straight to the end first, and let me tell you, that twist was mind-blowing! It's a small detail, but it truly made the book for me.

The story kicks off with Ava, who needs an assistant at work. Enter Grace, and from the moment she steps into Ava's life, everything just clicks. But when things start going wrong, you can't help but wonder... is it the assistant causing the trouble, or is there something else at play?

The book flows effortlessly, making it an easy and engaging read. The character building is spot on, drawing you into their world completely.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for letting me read and review this ARC!

I love a great twist at the end, and The Assistant delivers. This book by Nicole Trope was hard to put down.

Ava the overworked business woman hires the assistant, Grace, but what is Grace hiding?

This book kept me in perfect suspense the whole time and hit me over the head with that ending! Will absolutely read Nicole Trope again!

Ava is overworked and under-appreciated, swamped by her hectic work and home life. Enter Grace, the seemingly perfect assistant. Calm, professional, and super organized, Grace steps in to help Ava with her professional duties, and before long, she’s also managing Ava’s family responsibilities too. It seems like Ava has hit the jackpot with Grace. But Grace is hiding dark secrets from her past. Can you ever really trust a stranger?

"The Assistant" is a thriller that completely gripped me until the last page. Grace's seamless integration into Ava's life raises tension with every page, and you can't help but wonder what secrets she might be hiding.

The narrative flits between the two perspectives of Ava and Grace, showing their interpretations and reactions to the same scenarios, which I always particularly enjoy. The characters are well-developed and I was especially intrigued by Grace as a character and her motives.

This book may not have explosive, shocking twists, but it definitely boasts a clever collection of turns that keep you gripped and guessing until the very end.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Nicole Trope for the opportunity to read and review this book as an ARC.

Publication Date: August 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Five Stars from me!
I appreciate both NetGalley & Bookouture for this advanced copy. I absolutely enjoyed this one and will recommend to friends. My review is my own opinion, but I do hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

This book is written from two points of view: Ava and Grace

Viewpoint: Ava
"The Assistant" is a gripping and emotionally resonant novel that perfectly captures the chaotic life of a modern working mother. As Ava, a busy mother juggling her career, two small children, and a less-than-supportive husband, I found the story intensely relatable. The arrival of Grace, her new assistant, initially seemed like a godsend. Grace appeared to be everything Ava needed—efficient, reliable, and understanding of her daily struggles.

However, as the story unfolds, the complexities of Grace's past begin to surface, creating a suspenseful and unpredictable narrative. The twists and turns kept me on edge, and I was constantly questioning who to trust. The surprise ending left me stunned and satisfied, perfectly wrapping up a storyline that was as emotionally engaging as it was thrilling. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted domestic thriller with deep emotional undertones.

Viewpoint: Grace
From the perspective of Grace, "The Assistant" is a compelling tale of redemption, mystery, and unexpected connections. As Grace, stepping into Ava's life was both a blessing and a challenge. Graces complicated past that she desperately tried to keep hidden, with genuine intentions, she wanted to help Ava manage her overwhelming life. Unfortunately, Graces secrets inevitably began to catch up with her, creating tension and intrigue.

The author masterfully wove my backstory into the present-day narrative, revealing pieces of my past at just the right moments to maintain suspense. The dynamic between Ava and Grace was both heartwarming and fraught with uncertainty, making for a deeply engaging read. The twists and turns kept even me guessing about what would come next, and the surprise ending was a perfect culmination of the novel's intricate plot. "The Assistant" is an excellent read for those who enjoy a story rich with character development and unexpected revelations.

Overall, "The Assistant" is a well-crafted novel that expertly balances emotional depth with suspenseful storytelling. Whether you're reading from Ava's perspective or Grace's, the journey is one of discovery, tension, and ultimately, unexpected resolution. Highly recommended for fans of domestic thrillers with a twist.

This was the first book I have read by Nicole Trope and it did not disappoint. I am annoyed at myself for not reading anything from this author before now. This book caught my attention IMMEDIATELY and had me hooked until the very last page. I thought I knew where this book was going as it seemed pretty straight foreword but man oh man was, I surprised! I adored both Ava and Grace throughout the entirety of the book. Each chapter in The Assistant, goes back and forth between Ava, Grace and letters being written to Baby Girl. Who is Baby Girl? I bet you guess wrong while reading this! I did.
I loved how Nicole Trope really focused on how Ava was a working mom trying to climb the ladder at work while her husband was the stay-at-home dad. You can really feel the struggles that presents in their marriage as the "typical" roles are reversed. Also... the mom guilt! I love it. All moms have it and it is nice to see it written because it is a real struggle for us moms. I also appreciated the inside look into what each of the main characters were thinking and feeling during different moments. You really get to know how they are feeling and their thought process before making a decision. The entire time I was reading I loved Grace but was still skeptical of her intentions and interested in why she chooses Ava so specifically. In the back of my mind, I wondered what her true purpose was for engrossing herself in Ava’s life. The reason why will not disappoint! I was so shocked I had to reread the page over.
The Assistant is an absolutely gripping psychological thriller that you will not be able to put down. If you are looking for a good thriller that will have you glued to the pages look no further. You will inhale this book and forget all your responsibilities. I couldn’t finish this book fast enough. If this is how all of Nicole Tropes books are I will definitely be reading more from her.

Thank you NetGalley , Bookouture and Nicole Trope for granted me this Amazing ARC.

I really loved the fact that throughout the majority of this book I wasn't sure if Grace, the protagonist, was good or bad. All the way through I was guessing what her motivations and who her diary entries were directed at, but everything was answered in the end.

Nicole is one of those authors that I will autobuy or auto request arcs from. Her thrillers and way of portraying domestic suspense is one of the better examples within today's writers. Her characters are incredibly relatable, and story pacing throughout is always good. The ending did feel slightly rushed in this one though, I would have gladly read another 5 or so chapters to flesh it out. She also always gets me with the twists and surprises.

This is a great domestic suspense to add to your TBR!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Assistant by Nicole Trope
This book was great, I couldn't put it down. I loved reading about Grace and her past life and this new life she is living, and the job she gets as an assistant to Ava.
I loved the characters and the plot. I loved how the story unfolded. Character description was good. And the twist! I did not see that coming, loved it!
I've read books by this author before and really enjoy them, will continue to watch for new books

This book fell short for me. I think the author should have given more context to the sudden realization that happened at the end of the book sooner. This book was described as a page turner thriller and I found myself wanting it to be over sooner rather than later.

This was a good book. I wasn't quite as gripped as I had hoped to be, but it did keep my attention. I thought the ending was pretty good too! Overall I did enjoy the story, and would recommend!

So so good! This kept me hooked from the start. I loved that I couldn't quite tell if I should be rooting for the MC or not. So much suspense and tension was built throughout with continuous little twists and then an amazing ending. The characters were really well developed and humanised and it was just such a good read