The Personal Assistant is a psychological thriller that explores the negative impact social media can have on a family from a single misguided post/rant.
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Alex is the primary character and is a mother of 12 year old female twins. Embarrassingly to the twins, their mother unexpectedly becomes famous on Instagram, and her life as an influencer takes off. It was a job that no one could have expected, but it enabled her to care for her children, which meant everything to Alex. She eventually met and married Patrick, a model husband, and stepfather. Biological father is absent.

The story is told from three points of view,
Alex and Anna Claire, (AC) and Patrick. All three stories are compelling and to this reader just a bit confusing. Alex, because her life is falling to pieces and she doesn't know why and Anna Claire's because her story is more mysterious, and Patrick, well, I have no words.
I anxiously read to find out the details that put AC’s story into the context of Alex's story and what role Patrick really was really playing.

This is definitely a page-turner type of thriller, as the stakes get higher and higher and lives are threatened.

The story is set in an upscale suburban neighborhood in the state of Georgia. As a southern girl, I could relate to many of the places mentioned.

Get ready for fast - paced thrills, unexpected twists and turns, and a dark look at social media and family.

This tense thriller kept me on the edge of my seat as I read it. Belle has a way of creating so many different twists and turns that it was hard to predict what happened next. I also love how it was a deconstruction of social media since the mother was an influencer. My only problem with it was that the ending seemed to come way too fast and left some loose ends that weren't satisfying. Overall, Belle continues to be the master of the domestic thriller and I will be happy to read another book by her.

I don't know how Kimberly Belle does it time after time but she has once again created an exciting psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you try to figure out what the heck is going on. I was immediately drawn into this story, a series of events that could totally happen in today's society, what with the social media world that so many people find themselves immersed in.

Alex is a social media influencer who finds herself exposed as something she is not, virtually overnight. Someone has basically hacked into her online persona and seems to be determined to ruin her. And just when you think that things can't get any worse for Alex and her family, well yep, they do.

I went back and forth between the characters, wondering who was causing the problems, who was the bad person, and who was telling the truth. It was interesting going back and forth between Alex, her husband, and her personal assistant, trying to figure out the connections and the drama between the characters.

The Personal Assistant will stun you and rock your world when you realize that someone can totally be destroyed by social media, having so much of your life out there in the world for all to see and manipulate. I highly recommend this thriller and I know you will not be disappointed when you read it. It was amazing!

What a thriller read! It kept me on my toes.
If nothing else, the story illustrates how habit forming and addictive social media can be. And also how vicious and cruel people are when you fall from Grace.
When Alex’s carefully curated IG world explodes hugely it all begins t9 crumble.
I knew Andrew had to be hiding some stuff because he seemed too perfect. I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong on a few accounts,
The most compelling sentence in the entire book is near the end where Alex says let’s shut our phones off and live in the moment. So true!
It’s a great read!

An entertaining and easy read told from multiple points of view. I liked getting the perspective of a social media influencer and what happens when it all goes wrong as the whole going viral thing baffles me. I guess that shows my age.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC

This is a fast, fun, read and highly suspenseful. There are dual timelines and narratives to keep things moving and to keep you guessing. I liked how it brings up the balancing act for those who include their children on their platforms. Yes, it makes them more relatable and marketable but at what expense?

4.5/5

Thank you to @netgalley and @htpbooks for this ARC for review.

OK, this one was a banger! I never, for one second, knew where it was headed. And the main character is an influencer? Yes! so good.

Alex is a mom of twins, a wife to Patrick and even more importantly, she the IG influencer behind Unapologetically Alex. Life is amazing as she reaches the all important one million followers mark, and then suddenly the world falls apart. Someone has posted on Alex's IG bashing another influencer, Alex's assistant AC disappears and all of the sudden her world, once so very public, is full of secrets.

I really really enjoyed this book. It kept me on my toes and was entertaining throughout.

"When you world turns into a dumpster fire, it forces you to stop and adjust. To reassess your priorities and drill down to the very essence of what's essential in life. People. Family. As Alex learned in her story--as we learned in ours--the rest is just noise and fluff."

That quote is actually from the Author's Note at the end of the book but just encapsulated a lot of the story so well that I couldn't help highlight it. Yes, this is an entertaining and fast-paced thriller, but at the end there are a lot of good messages about priorities. Another winner from Kimberly Belle.

Another great popcorn thriller from Kimberly Belle! This was a great read with so many entertaining and unexpected twists that made this a real page turner. A great look at the real dangers of social media, but there's a lot more to it than that.

The Personal Assistant is a fast, twisty read with lots of surprises and a satisfying ending. I thought the multiple points of view were executed really well, with just the right mix of questions and answers. I'll be recommending the book widely.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read it in advance of publication.

Kimberly Belle delivers again in her latest fast-paced popcorn domestic suspense thriller.

Told from three POVS…Alex, the mom social media influencer whom has the trolls after her for a post she didn’t make…Anna Claire (AC), the crazy maid whom possibly got herself involved with the wrong man, that is also Alex’s personal assistant gone missing and Patrick, Alex’s guilt ridden husband, who is hiding something about how he knows AC.

The ending was rushed but overall it is a binge worthy read with unreliable narrators that will have you guessing until the end.

Thank you Harper Audio, Park Rowe, NetGalley for the gifted ALC/ARC for my honest opinion.

Happy Pub Day to Kimberly Belle and The Personal Assistant!

Thanks HTP Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Alex is an Instagram influencer who wakes up one morning to see a post, that she’s sure she didn’t post herself, blow up her page, but not in a good way. On top of that, her personal assistant, AC has seemed to disappear. Could the two be related?

This was an interesting thriller, told in multiple points of view. I was very invested in the beginning of the book because I really needed to know what happened to AC and how this instagram post would affect Alex and her family.

I found it interesting to read a book about an influencer, and the affects that career can have on their family members. With social media being so popular, it felt timely and relatable.

The storyline with Alex, her husband Patrick, and AC was interesting although predictable. I could see where it was going and would have loved a big twist that I wasn’t expecting.

This was my first Kimberly Belle book, and I found it fast paced and hard to put down. The ending was lacking a bit, but overall I enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading more from this author.

3.5+ stars

This story was a bit of a wild ride. It was all over the place with perspectives and time periods, and I did find myself getting a bit confused with some of the details; in hindsight, I’m thinking some of that was intentional, but I wasn’t sure initially. The ending was a little bit surprising, at least in one way, but most of it wasn’t a huge shock or even what I would consider to be a big twist. I know it’s an ARC, but I caught some typos that will, I imagine, be smoothed out in the final version before publication. All in all, this was an easy, fun read.

Why it took me nearly two weeks to read this novel I'll never be sure. It was one of those books where my interest definitely waxed and waned - one day I would devour 100 pages and be sad to put it down and the next I could barely keep my eyes open through a chapter.

This is not to say the story wasn't excellent, because it was. Especially that beginning!

Say what you will, but I love books about influencers. Learning about what it takes to perpetuate the image, the kind of lifestyle it affords, and the level of commitment it requires all fascinates me. While that was a major plot point of this novel, it kind of wasn't at the same time. I also was kind of bored by the post that got Alex cancelled. Sure, it was bad, but I think a lot of people would have embraced her for it and the backlash would've died down way sooner.

I loved that this novel had multiple narrators and you didn't really know how anything fit or even when things were taking place. I made some assumptions early on (that I think I was supposed to make) that turned out being way off base and I always love that.

I will say, I was totally shocked by the ending and the big reveals. I didn't see them coming. It did take me two weeks to read so it's possible I just forgot or overlooked something, but part of me thinks it wasn't actually possible to figure this one out and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Part of me loves it, part of me is annoyed by it.

I've read a bunch by Belle and this is one of my favorites by her, however, it didn't have the pacing or edge of your seat thrill like My Darling Husband and I was kind of hoping for that here.

Belle is definitely an auto read author for me and I'm excited to see what she comes up with next!

Thank you to Park Row and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel.

What's it about (in a nutshell):
The Personal Assistant is a psychological thriller about remembering what is important and how wrong things can go when you don't.

Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):
This is not my first Kimberely Belle story; it is my third. So, I expect much of what I experienced with her other two books that I read – My Daling Husband (2021) and Stranger in the Lake (2020) – which is a twisty turny story and lots of shocking revelations.

Actual Reading Experience:
I loved the Acknowledgement written by the author. Frequently, the acknowledgment goes unnoticed, but there are times when I find great insight in the words at the end. This is one of those times. Belle talks about the second year of the pandemic, how it impacted her writing, and her choice of theme. The theme of this psychological thriller is remembering what's meaningful in life and what isn't. People and family are essential; the rest is just fluff (paraphrasing the author).

This story has everything I love in a thriller and more. I caught on to some twists and turns before they were revealed, but one came as a complete surprise and absolutely floored me. I love when a story shocks me like that and provides a lasting creepiness that worms its way into my very being and forces me to look at my life in a new way.

I also love that the author based the story on Instagram and the influencer's career path. It's a perfect setup for a psychological thriller but also so utterly relevant to our world, where children want to become Influencers when they grow up. But we can all see how that is such a precarious job.

Characters:
Alex is the primary character. When she was a single mother of twins, she unexpectedly became famous on Instagram, and her life as an influencer took off. It was a job that no one could have expected, but it enabled her to care for her children, which meant everything to Alex. She eventually met and married Patrick, a model husband, and stepfather. Alex is a bit carried away with her job as an influencer, but at whose expense?

Narration & Pacing:
Alex and Anna Claire narrate this story primarily. Alex narrates in the first person, which is part of why the pace is so fast, and Anna Claire narrates in third-person limited. Both stories are compelling: Alex's because her life is falling to pieces, and she doesn't know why and Anna Claire's because her story is more mysterious. I anxiously awaited to find out the exact details that put Anna Claire's story into the context of Alex's story. This is definitely a page-turner type of thriller, as the stakes get higher and lives are lost.

Setting:
The story is set in an upscale suburban neighborhood – I believe it is in Georgia. Still, the exact local isn't essential to the story. I could argue that the setting is Instagram, which is much more relevant.

Read if you like:
• Fast-paced thrills
• Unexpected twists and turns
• A unique look at social media and families

The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle is one of the BEST psychological thrillers of the year! Ms. Belle writes a VERY addicting story that you will not be able to put down! Written in alternating perspectives and dual timelines, I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book! This is a brilliantly written thriller that takes a look at the dark side of social media and the influencers that go with it! Ms.Belle will keep you guessing, even after you think you guessed correctly. And then there is that very shocking ending, you will never see it coming! Kudos Kimberly Belle, this is one hell of a terrifying suspenseful story. I highly recommend this one….. but be ready because you will be reading way past your bedtime!

Thank you NetGalley, ParkRow Books, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Kimberly Belle for allowing me to read and review this spine chilling story! My opinions are my own.
#netgalley #thepersonalassistant. #parkrowbooks #harlequintradepublishing. #kimberlybelle. #arc
#htpinfluencer #psychologicalthriller

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

The most important message in this book? Do NOT share your social media log-in info with anyone! Especially not someone you don’t know well. I wouldn’t want to be in a position where I needed someone to help manage my life. The money would be nice but it takes A LOT of trust to hand over that much power and this book is an example of one way it can go wrong!

Kimberly Belle is one of my favorite authors and she’s impressed me again with this sizzling psychological thriller. Ms. Belle will knock your socks off with unpredictable twists and surprises! I adore the way she spices things up with her humor! Examples…Alex and her hubby lovingly call the twins Thing One and Thing Two. Little Kathy is a stripper that is well-known for an extraordinarily outrageous and hilarious talent! This is going to be one of the best thrillers of 2022!

Alex has married the man of her dreams. She has twin girls from a previous relationship but their father isn’t in the picture. Her handsome, charming, and wealthy husband has welcomed them into his life and the girls have returned the fondness, as much as 12-year-old girls can.

Much to her daughters’ humiliation, Alex has become a social media influencer. She has a huge following and posts family pictures, special moments, and inspirational messages. But it all comes crashing down overnight when a controversial post goes viral. One she didn’t post. And now her PA is MIA and things go from bad to worse.

Thank you to Park Row/HTP Books for providing this ARC through NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

#ThePersonalAssistant #kimberlybelle #htpinfluencer #htpbooks #parkrowbooks #netgalley #giftedARC #advancedreaderscopy #honestreview #psychologicalthriller #favoriteauthor #bestthrillerof2022 #bookreviewer #newbookrelease #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #readingintherockies #mustread #justfinishedreading #thrillerfiction #coloradoreader

This was another great thriller from Kimberly Belle. Alex is a social media influencer until her brand gets taken down by a vicious post that she doesn't remember writing. When her assistant goes missing immediately after, it looks like a take down at her hands. The police aren't sure if they agree or if the signs point to foul play. Damaging and sinister attacks keep happening while Alex and her husband Patrick look for answers to why they are targets. This book is fast-paced and very current, set in the world of online influencer culture. I definitely didn't see the conclusion coming and while it wasn't my favorite ending, I did fly through the pages. I would recommend this as a fun, thrilling mystery.

Thank you to Kimberly Belle, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Alex is an influencer who has hit one million followers on her Unapologetically Alex Instagram page where she spouts posts about positivity, her daily life, and her family. She often spotlights her twin daughters, her husband, and more recently. her new personal assistant, AC. But when a post goes viral for all the wrong reasons, one she does not even remember posting, AC is nowhere to be found. As she and her husband, Patrick, start looking for she starts to wonder if AC is who she says she is. Is she to blame for the post? And for all the threats, bomb planting, house destruction, and internet gossip that followed?

I liked this book a lot. I love when we get varying POVs from the characters, so I enjoyed following Alex, AC, and Patrick's thoughts and moves. I especially liked the build of AC's story. I thought the ending was a bit unrealistic, but I still enjoyed the story and the twists leading up to the ending.

Thank you netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

At the start of The Personal Assistant, Alex is a motivational Instagram influencer ("Unapologetically Alex") and mom of twins, married to a TV financial advice guru, with an assistant named AC. Somehow, a post that Alex doesn't remember writing is posted to her account. It goes viral, scandal ensues, Alex becomes a target for trolls, and AC disappears. The book alternates between Alex, her husband, and AC acting as narrators as we try to figure out what happened and who AC really is. Despite the fact that most of this very wealthy family's problems could have been solved if they just called a lawyer and/or hired a private investigator, this book is an entertaining, fast-paced read. Kimberly Belle can always be counted on for a solid domestic thriller.

This was a fun and quick thriller to read. I enjoyed seeing life on the inside from the perspective of an influencer and as I’ve often wondered, “How much does being an influencer affect the family and friends in real life?”. This story explores some of this and will be the most memorable parts of the book.
Unfortunately, I found the depth of character and plot to be superficial. When this happens, I don’t expect to find the story highly memorable. Time will tell.
#ThePersonalAssistant #NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #ParkRow