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Grace Morton #1
The Assistant
She knows everything about you… but can you trust her?
I walk in to my interview with Ava Green and carefully hand over my application. It’s all made up, of course, but Ava doesn’t have to know that.
There is so much worry in her blue eyes. Her phone pings with constant messages and a small stain marks her crisp shirt. Breakfast with her two little girls before heading out to this high-flying job every morning can’t be easy.
Ava needs me, I think. More than anything.
The interview goes perfectly, because I have made myself into the perfect assistant. Now I just hope Ava never finds out why I’m really here. Not before she lets me into her home, and I meet her charming husband, and get to babysit her children.
Because I have plans for Ava. She just has to trust me…
A completely addictive psychological thriller that will have you gasping at the final twist. Fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell and The Perfect Marriage will be reading late into the night.
I walk in to my interview with Ava Green and carefully hand over my application. It’s all made up, of course, but Ava doesn’t have to know that.
There is so much worry in her blue eyes. Her phone pings with constant messages and a small stain marks her crisp shirt. Breakfast with her two little girls before heading out to this high-flying job every morning can’t be easy.
Ava needs me, I think. More than anything.
The interview goes perfectly, because I have made myself into the perfect assistant. Now I just hope Ava never finds out why I’m really here. Not before she lets me into her home, and I meet her charming husband, and get to babysit her children.
Because I have plans for Ava. She just has to trust me…
A completely addictive psychological thriller that will have you gasping at the final twist. Fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell and The Perfect Marriage will be reading late into the night.
286 pages, ebook
First published August 12, 2024
2176 people are currently reading
1515 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Trope
43 books1,917 followersNicole Trope writes psychological thrillers about families in crisis and the secrets we keep from ourselves and others. She has always been fascinated by the stories behind the headlines and published her first novel in 2012. In 2026 she will publish her 20th novel with Bookouture. She is a USA Today and Amazon bestseller in the USA, UK, AUS, Canada and Germany. Her books have been translated into German, Italian, Polish, Hungarian and French and Japanese.
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
Current Publication: The Therapist-July 31st 2025
Next Publication: What Have You Done?-October 17th 2025
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
Current Publication: The Therapist-July 31st 2025
Next Publication: What Have You Done?-October 17th 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
July 21, 2024
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!
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!
November 16, 2024
3.5 rounded down.
Very slow to get going and in places not especially interesting. End twist saved it. Will I read the follow up?? Hmmmm. Not sure.
Very slow to get going and in places not especially interesting. End twist saved it. Will I read the follow up?? Hmmmm. Not sure.
July 29, 2024
Nicola Trope writes great psychological thrillers, always going above and beyond to add just that extra bit of ‘unexpected’ and even better then adds more
Should Ava trust her new assistant Grace who comes fresh, unburdened and keen, an organiser with bells on, into her life…she seems perfect, cool,hassle free and decisive….all is well, until Ava’s life takes a swift downfall….is it with Grace’s help these things are happening to her?….and as for Finn her hubby and other characters we meet they are all contributing to Ava feeling her life is going out of control….but then so is Grace’s
It is a very well written, top notch read that will fool, fool again and then well you will see
Written in the now and the past with the odd letter to kinda explain more, not a fan of letters in books usually but these were really good and informative to the story
Great read 🤗😎
Should Ava trust her new assistant Grace who comes fresh, unburdened and keen, an organiser with bells on, into her life…she seems perfect, cool,hassle free and decisive….all is well, until Ava’s life takes a swift downfall….is it with Grace’s help these things are happening to her?….and as for Finn her hubby and other characters we meet they are all contributing to Ava feeling her life is going out of control….but then so is Grace’s
It is a very well written, top notch read that will fool, fool again and then well you will see
Written in the now and the past with the odd letter to kinda explain more, not a fan of letters in books usually but these were really good and informative to the story
Great read 🤗😎
May 15, 2025
Grace Morton is a morally gray character with a fascinating backstory. Part of the narrative is filtered through Grace's first-person POV, and even then it's unclear what Grace's motives are. She's an exceptional assistant, but is her aim to help or hinder?
I had a lot of fun with this book. It was absorbing and fast-paced.
Every character seemed to be up to something. Well, except Ava, who was caught in the eye of the storm.
At one point, Grace does something undoubtedly terrible, and the angel on my shoulder condemned her actions. But the devil whispered, they deserved it, you know they did. I love it when a story makes me question my morals.
Two niggles:
At one point it's mentioned that Grace lost 80 kilos (176 pounds). To lose that much weight and not die, you'd have to be morbidly obese, but nowhere in the book is that even hinted at and Grace having been that heavy doesn't fit the narrative at all. Even 80 pounds is a lot of weight to lose but 80 KILOS?
Ava works at a large enough company that it takes up an entire floor of a building, with another branch opening in the UK, yet the only people in the office seem to be Ava (who's in a high-level director/VP position), Grace (her new assistant), Collin (the other VP), and a receptionist. No other employees appear on page or even pass by the reception desk.
When Grace is hired, there's no mention of HR running a background check. Ava calls one reference and that's it.
The staged feeling of the office was really noticeable and pulled me out of the story.
I can forgive that though, because the twist in the last chapter was a final puzzle piece falling into place. It changed everything.
P.S. Nicole Trope's Not a Good Enough Mother and The Assistant are the same book with different titles/covers.
I had a lot of fun with this book. It was absorbing and fast-paced.
Every character seemed to be up to something. Well, except Ava, who was caught in the eye of the storm.
At one point, Grace does something undoubtedly terrible, and the angel on my shoulder condemned her actions. But the devil whispered, they deserved it, you know they did. I love it when a story makes me question my morals.
Two niggles:
At one point it's mentioned that Grace lost 80 kilos (176 pounds). To lose that much weight and not die, you'd have to be morbidly obese, but nowhere in the book is that even hinted at and Grace having been that heavy doesn't fit the narrative at all. Even 80 pounds is a lot of weight to lose but 80 KILOS?
Ava works at a large enough company that it takes up an entire floor of a building, with another branch opening in the UK, yet the only people in the office seem to be Ava (who's in a high-level director/VP position), Grace (her new assistant), Collin (the other VP), and a receptionist. No other employees appear on page or even pass by the reception desk.
When Grace is hired, there's no mention of HR running a background check. Ava calls one reference and that's it.
The staged feeling of the office was really noticeable and pulled me out of the story.
I can forgive that though, because the twist in the last chapter was a final puzzle piece falling into place. It changed everything.
P.S. Nicole Trope's Not a Good Enough Mother and The Assistant are the same book with different titles/covers.
July 31, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Nicole Trope, and Bookotoure for the early release copy of The Assistant. I went in thinking this book would be about one thing and it turned out being a completely different story line. I honestly did not guess the main plot twist. I usually can figure things out pretty quickly but I have to say that this really stumped me. The last few sentences of the book bumped up my overall star rating to a 4.
This follows a mother Ava, her husband and two daughters while Ava tries to navigate being a career woman as well as being a great mom and wife. Coming apart at the seams with the balancing act of her life Ava realizes she needs to hire an assistant. Soon enough a woman named Grace is hired to fill the position and Ava believes all of her worries will now wash away that she has someone competent to help her with her career life as well as her home life. Ava and Grace begin to form a friendship that they both didn't even know they needed. Everything seems great until one of the women conveys that they have a bit of a dark upbringing and circumstances throughout their adulthood and will stop at nothing to conceal their past sins.
This book was twisty, interesting, and well paced. This is my first Nicole Trope novel and it won't be my last. Going into it I thought this would be your run of the mill popcorn thriller that you can see happening from miles away but I was pleasantly surprised that that ended up not being the case at all!
This book publishes August 12th be sure to add it to your TBR for a thrilling suspense novel.
This follows a mother Ava, her husband and two daughters while Ava tries to navigate being a career woman as well as being a great mom and wife. Coming apart at the seams with the balancing act of her life Ava realizes she needs to hire an assistant. Soon enough a woman named Grace is hired to fill the position and Ava believes all of her worries will now wash away that she has someone competent to help her with her career life as well as her home life. Ava and Grace begin to form a friendship that they both didn't even know they needed. Everything seems great until one of the women conveys that they have a bit of a dark upbringing and circumstances throughout their adulthood and will stop at nothing to conceal their past sins.
This book was twisty, interesting, and well paced. This is my first Nicole Trope novel and it won't be my last. Going into it I thought this would be your run of the mill popcorn thriller that you can see happening from miles away but I was pleasantly surprised that that ended up not being the case at all!
This book publishes August 12th be sure to add it to your TBR for a thrilling suspense novel.
December 28, 2024
I love Nicole Trope and enjoy reading her books. This one was enjoyable too just like the others I have read. After finishing this one, I am goin g straight into a NetGalley read of A Mother Always Knows by Nicole Trope. There were a few surprises in this one. I am curious where Grace's life goes from here. I highly recommend a fast, enjoyable read.
October 22, 2024
Ava is a working mom who has no help at home or at work. Her husband is lazy and doesn’t take her needs seriously. She’s struggling to balance her work load and household responsibilities. Grace walks into her life at the perfect time. Grace is the perfect assistant. Or is she?
I really enjoyed this one. I was surprised at the direction this book took. I can’t say my thoughts without ruining the surprises for everyone but I liked Grace’s character a lot more than I thought I would. I wish there was more of an ending for her. A fantastic read.
I really enjoyed this one. I was surprised at the direction this book took. I can’t say my thoughts without ruining the surprises for everyone but I liked Grace’s character a lot more than I thought I would. I wish there was more of an ending for her. A fantastic read.
August 26, 2024
What constitutes a five-star review for a book, in my opinion?
To me, a five-star book has kept me wondering and engaged throughout the reading journey. It has plot twists that I could not predict, and when the book is done, I am still thinking of it, wondering who I can talk to about it. It's always a book that I feel, no matter how I choose to describe it, I am still falling short and doing it a disservice, and all I truly want to do is shout to the world, please, please, trust me, and read this!
The Assistant is, without any doubt, a five-star review for me! You see, I tend to read very little about the description in order to preserve the reading journey. This book is complete with engaging plots, keeps you guessing, and the ending (OMG, the ENDING). I am usually very good at anticipating potential conclusions; however, the ending of this book caught me off guard. I need to reread it because it probably changes the events' perspective.
The book's pace keeps you so immersed in the current events that it is easy to lose track of other moving pieces; from the beginning, it just captured my attention in a way that I knew I wanted more. Nicole Trope just gained a new fan!
I do not want to give any spoilers, but TRUST ME, read the book, and thank me later.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for this Arc!
To me, a five-star book has kept me wondering and engaged throughout the reading journey. It has plot twists that I could not predict, and when the book is done, I am still thinking of it, wondering who I can talk to about it. It's always a book that I feel, no matter how I choose to describe it, I am still falling short and doing it a disservice, and all I truly want to do is shout to the world, please, please, trust me, and read this!
The Assistant is, without any doubt, a five-star review for me! You see, I tend to read very little about the description in order to preserve the reading journey. This book is complete with engaging plots, keeps you guessing, and the ending (OMG, the ENDING). I am usually very good at anticipating potential conclusions; however, the ending of this book caught me off guard. I need to reread it because it probably changes the events' perspective.
The book's pace keeps you so immersed in the current events that it is easy to lose track of other moving pieces; from the beginning, it just captured my attention in a way that I knew I wanted more. Nicole Trope just gained a new fan!
I do not want to give any spoilers, but TRUST ME, read the book, and thank me later.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for this Arc!
July 2, 2024
3.5/5
I’ve read a couple of the authors books before and I really enjoy her style of suspense, there’s a quiet subtlety to it that I appreciate. I was very invested in this one from the start, I was so curious about Grace’s intentions and wondered where it was all going. I continued to be engaged throughout, there were plenty of smaller twists and turns to keep my attention but the big final reveal fell a little flat and lost me a bit. When the characters motivations were exposed I was underwhelmed and had hoped for a bit more but overall this was still an enjoyable read for me and I’ll definitely continue to read the authors books.
I’ve read a couple of the authors books before and I really enjoy her style of suspense, there’s a quiet subtlety to it that I appreciate. I was very invested in this one from the start, I was so curious about Grace’s intentions and wondered where it was all going. I continued to be engaged throughout, there were plenty of smaller twists and turns to keep my attention but the big final reveal fell a little flat and lost me a bit. When the characters motivations were exposed I was underwhelmed and had hoped for a bit more but overall this was still an enjoyable read for me and I’ll definitely continue to read the authors books.
June 20, 2025
Setting: Sydney, Australia; modern day.
Not one of her best (and I've read 15 others by this author!) but still an entertaining read.
Ava and her work rival Collin are battling it out to become the new CEO for boss Patricia's training academy in Australia as she branches out into Europe. Ava started at the bottom as receptionist but worked her way up through the organisation through hard work - and is now having to cope without a personal assistant due to maternity leave. Ava also has to cope with her two daughters, aged three and five, and her unhelpful and not-earning artist husband Finn, who is virtually a third child she has to look after!
Then, to Ava's rescue comes a new personal assistant in the shape of Grace. The reader learns that Grace formerly had her own company but, following an incident involving her then husband, lost everything and spent several years in a mental health facility before finally being released. She is estranged from her daughter Cordelia but she refuses to accept this and continues to try to contact her. Grace has managed to wangle the job with Ava, for motives that remain unclear for some time, but she soon is fighting Ava's corner on all fronts, including against Collin and his ally, receptionist Melody...
This was quite an entertaining read - interesting storyline although not much threat level or much of an Aussie vibe, a couple of unexpected twists in the tale but some of the characters didn't really come to life for me. Still a good read and I already have the second Grace Morton book to read so will be interested to see where the story takes her - no doubt trying to reconnect with daughter Cordelia, now living in Melbourne. Still a 4-star read for me - 8/10.
Not one of her best (and I've read 15 others by this author!) but still an entertaining read.
Ava and her work rival Collin are battling it out to become the new CEO for boss Patricia's training academy in Australia as she branches out into Europe. Ava started at the bottom as receptionist but worked her way up through the organisation through hard work - and is now having to cope without a personal assistant due to maternity leave. Ava also has to cope with her two daughters, aged three and five, and her unhelpful and not-earning artist husband Finn, who is virtually a third child she has to look after!
Then, to Ava's rescue comes a new personal assistant in the shape of Grace. The reader learns that Grace formerly had her own company but, following an incident involving her then husband, lost everything and spent several years in a mental health facility before finally being released. She is estranged from her daughter Cordelia but she refuses to accept this and continues to try to contact her. Grace has managed to wangle the job with Ava, for motives that remain unclear for some time, but she soon is fighting Ava's corner on all fronts, including against Collin and his ally, receptionist Melody...
This was quite an entertaining read - interesting storyline although not much threat level or much of an Aussie vibe, a couple of unexpected twists in the tale but some of the characters didn't really come to life for me. Still a good read and I already have the second Grace Morton book to read so will be interested to see where the story takes her - no doubt trying to reconnect with daughter Cordelia, now living in Melbourne. Still a 4-star read for me - 8/10.
August 1, 2024
Ava Green has a lot on her plate, trying to balance her husband and two little girls with a successful career where she’s in the running for promotion to CEO. She really needs an assistant to help her manage her office tasks, and that’s where Grace comes into the picture. Grace is capable and efficient with a great resume, making her the perfect candidate – she’s made sure of it. Soon, Grace has wormed her way into Ava’s life well beyond the scope of her office duties. But can Ava really trust her new assistant?
Nicole Trope has such a knack for writing fantastic domestic suspense with real, relatable female main characters, and Ava is no exception. Working moms everywhere will identify with Ava’s work-life juggling act and mom guilt. In addition to Ava’s perspective, we also get POVs from Grace and a mysterious letter writer. Grace is such a compelling character because you don’t know if she’s good, bad, or something in between, but you know she’s got an ulterior motive. The drama is addictive and kept me turning the pages all the way through an absolute shocker of an ending!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an advance copy of this book.
Nicole Trope has such a knack for writing fantastic domestic suspense with real, relatable female main characters, and Ava is no exception. Working moms everywhere will identify with Ava’s work-life juggling act and mom guilt. In addition to Ava’s perspective, we also get POVs from Grace and a mysterious letter writer. Grace is such a compelling character because you don’t know if she’s good, bad, or something in between, but you know she’s got an ulterior motive. The drama is addictive and kept me turning the pages all the way through an absolute shocker of an ending!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an advance copy of this book.
November 29, 2024
Troubled Grace has a very colourful past and when she gets the job as the assistant for Ava we follow Grace on her quest to ensure everything in Ava’s life runs smoothly at work and also in her home life.
This was twisty and exciting and I loved the ending. All of Nicole Tropes books have been a hit for me so far.
Many thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was twisty and exciting and I loved the ending. All of Nicole Tropes books have been a hit for me so far.
Many thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️
Really didn’t like the first & third person perspective switching constantly. Found it a very slow read, not much of a thriller!
Really didn’t like the first & third person perspective switching constantly. Found it a very slow read, not much of a thriller!
January 6, 2025
Previously released as The Assistant, then given a new title and an eye pleasing cover, Not A Good Enough Mother is a compelling, intriguing and entertaining thriller.
Nicole Trope is a bestselling Aussie psychological thriller author whose books continue to be very addictive and likeable reads.
Ava Green is struggling to combine her successful career with her home life.
Her husband, Finn is too busy painting when he should be looking after their two young children.
In walks Grace Morton, the new assistant who gets overly involved in Ava’s world.
And Grace has an agenda, she chose Ava for a reason and Grace knows all the family secrets…..
Nicole has delivered another wickedly tempting tale that will convince you to read many of her books.
A first rate voice in the thriller book genre that gives the reader everything that makes the chills go up and down your spine.
A clever, twisty, wild and well written story with that shocking and unexpected ending.
And just to top it off, it has a sequel which I’m excited to announce I’m going straight in to reading.
Nicole Trope is a bestselling Aussie psychological thriller author whose books continue to be very addictive and likeable reads.
Ava Green is struggling to combine her successful career with her home life.
Her husband, Finn is too busy painting when he should be looking after their two young children.
In walks Grace Morton, the new assistant who gets overly involved in Ava’s world.
And Grace has an agenda, she chose Ava for a reason and Grace knows all the family secrets…..
Nicole has delivered another wickedly tempting tale that will convince you to read many of her books.
A first rate voice in the thriller book genre that gives the reader everything that makes the chills go up and down your spine.
A clever, twisty, wild and well written story with that shocking and unexpected ending.
And just to top it off, it has a sequel which I’m excited to announce I’m going straight in to reading.
December 20, 2024
Like other Nicole Trope thriller mysteries, I flew through this one. Not A Good Enough Mother had me hooked from the very first page and Trope’s gripping story didn’t let down until the very last page. I was absorbed in this roller coaster of a psychological thriller. Trope has quickly become one of my favorite thriller mystery authors. Each of her novels are compellingly addictive and hard to put down. I love how she draws out her flawed and deceitful characters and how she uses each one against the other to fabricate a convoluted plot that has you pondering every character’s intention. Overall, I devoured this well written, fast paced twisty and turny guessing game with an ending that left me astonished.
June 23, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy!
Okay - I really love domestic thrillers for one, so I knew after reading the description, that I HAD to read this one. I can honestly say that I would never have guessed the ending because it wasn’t really on my mind. The author did really well with the flow of the story. I would definitely read more by this author.
Okay - I really love domestic thrillers for one, so I knew after reading the description, that I HAD to read this one. I can honestly say that I would never have guessed the ending because it wasn’t really on my mind. The author did really well with the flow of the story. I would definitely read more by this author.
October 20, 2024
She knows everything about you...but can you trust her...?
What starts off as a slow burn domestic suspense turns into cliffhanger of an ending that makes me go "OK, I'm reading the next book NOW!" Not even I saw that final twist coming. And I see most of them. Throughout the entire book I thought I had it all figured out - after all, it seemed fairly cut and dried to me. Everything laid out, falling into place. It all made sense. And then came that explosive reveal. I'm impressed, Ms Trope. You had me fooled.
The story centres on Ava who is harassed at home and equally harassed at work. She can't seem to find that work-home life balance since her previous assistant left. Everything seems to be falling apart on both fronts and hubby Finn does nothing to help, citing "inspiration" for his own work - painting. Which has yet to contribute to their mortgage or living expenses. And yet as soon as she walks in the door at the end of the day, she's greeted by chaos and her work days seems to be far from over.
And then in walks Grace Enright. Fresh, clear, controlled and keen to help put some order back into Ava's frazzled life. No sooner has she arrived than she has taken up the slack where Ava was flagging and organised everything from lists to appointments to fielding calls, turning her office into a smooth-running well-oiled machine. It isn't long before Ava wonders how she managed without Grace, and truth be told, she didn't. As was clear. Grace is perfect. She is clear, decisive and controlled in a crisis. Which is soon put to the test when things begin to take a swift dive, both personally and professionally.
The women form a friendship of sorts they didn't know needed. When Grace needs a place to stay for a week, Ava knows her garage flat is sitting empty and without a tenant (another bone of contention between her and Finn that she had asked him to sort) and offers it to Grace. But is that crossing the line between her personal and professional lives? Ava dismisses the thought as quickly as it entered her head knowing she needs Grace as much as the older woman needs her.
And then things start to take a downward turn at work. Ava is up for promotion but her colleague is vying for the same position and seems he will stop at nothing to get it. Their receptionist seems to spend all her time scrolling through her phone or batting her eyelashes and flashing her cleavage at her colleague and competition. While at home, Finn has grown distant and Ava begins to question what he is hiding. But her girls, the lights of her life, bring sunshine to her otherwise cloud-filled days, as exhausting as they are.
Suddenly it seems having Grace staying there is a blessing. Especially when she is on hand to take up the slack in the mornings as Ava juggles breakfast and getting the girls ready for school and herself for work. Finn is conspicuously absent, painting in his studio.
But did things start going downhill before or after Grace's arrival? Is that a coincidence or is she just imagining things? I mean, Ava's life was chaotic before but is her new assistant just fuelling the fire? Or is there something else at play?
I love Nicole Trope and devour every one of her addictive reads. I think it's about the 15th book of hers that I've read thus far. This one is more of a slow burn to begin with as the reader wonders which direction the story is going to take. And what role Grace really plays here. Despite its slow pace at the start, the story effortlessly flows between Ava and Grace's POVs complete with flashbacks to give us a better understanding to our characters, their strengths and their flaws.
When I began, I thought it would take a whole other direction that the one Ms Trope took us on. But I wasn't disappointed...definitely not after reading those final pages. Now I want to dive straight into the follow-up "A Mother Always Knows".
Overall, an entertaining and engaging read that will keep you turning the pages until that final explosive twist...it really was jaw-dropping in this case. Nicely played, Ms Trope. I can't wait to see what you deliver next.
I would like to thank #NicoleTrope, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #NotAGoodEnoughMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
What starts off as a slow burn domestic suspense turns into cliffhanger of an ending that makes me go "OK, I'm reading the next book NOW!" Not even I saw that final twist coming. And I see most of them. Throughout the entire book I thought I had it all figured out - after all, it seemed fairly cut and dried to me. Everything laid out, falling into place. It all made sense. And then came that explosive reveal. I'm impressed, Ms Trope. You had me fooled.
The story centres on Ava who is harassed at home and equally harassed at work. She can't seem to find that work-home life balance since her previous assistant left. Everything seems to be falling apart on both fronts and hubby Finn does nothing to help, citing "inspiration" for his own work - painting. Which has yet to contribute to their mortgage or living expenses. And yet as soon as she walks in the door at the end of the day, she's greeted by chaos and her work days seems to be far from over.
And then in walks Grace Enright. Fresh, clear, controlled and keen to help put some order back into Ava's frazzled life. No sooner has she arrived than she has taken up the slack where Ava was flagging and organised everything from lists to appointments to fielding calls, turning her office into a smooth-running well-oiled machine. It isn't long before Ava wonders how she managed without Grace, and truth be told, she didn't. As was clear. Grace is perfect. She is clear, decisive and controlled in a crisis. Which is soon put to the test when things begin to take a swift dive, both personally and professionally.
The women form a friendship of sorts they didn't know needed. When Grace needs a place to stay for a week, Ava knows her garage flat is sitting empty and without a tenant (another bone of contention between her and Finn that she had asked him to sort) and offers it to Grace. But is that crossing the line between her personal and professional lives? Ava dismisses the thought as quickly as it entered her head knowing she needs Grace as much as the older woman needs her.
And then things start to take a downward turn at work. Ava is up for promotion but her colleague is vying for the same position and seems he will stop at nothing to get it. Their receptionist seems to spend all her time scrolling through her phone or batting her eyelashes and flashing her cleavage at her colleague and competition. While at home, Finn has grown distant and Ava begins to question what he is hiding. But her girls, the lights of her life, bring sunshine to her otherwise cloud-filled days, as exhausting as they are.
Suddenly it seems having Grace staying there is a blessing. Especially when she is on hand to take up the slack in the mornings as Ava juggles breakfast and getting the girls ready for school and herself for work. Finn is conspicuously absent, painting in his studio.
But did things start going downhill before or after Grace's arrival? Is that a coincidence or is she just imagining things? I mean, Ava's life was chaotic before but is her new assistant just fuelling the fire? Or is there something else at play?
I love Nicole Trope and devour every one of her addictive reads. I think it's about the 15th book of hers that I've read thus far. This one is more of a slow burn to begin with as the reader wonders which direction the story is going to take. And what role Grace really plays here. Despite its slow pace at the start, the story effortlessly flows between Ava and Grace's POVs complete with flashbacks to give us a better understanding to our characters, their strengths and their flaws.
When I began, I thought it would take a whole other direction that the one Ms Trope took us on. But I wasn't disappointed...definitely not after reading those final pages. Now I want to dive straight into the follow-up "A Mother Always Knows".
Overall, an entertaining and engaging read that will keep you turning the pages until that final explosive twist...it really was jaw-dropping in this case. Nicely played, Ms Trope. I can't wait to see what you deliver next.
I would like to thank #NicoleTrope, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #NotAGoodEnoughMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 15, 2024
Grace has maneuvered things exactly as she had planned. By setting things in place, Grace is now the personal assistant to Ava Green. Ava is quite successful in her career and is even up for promotion. She has a husband and two daughters, and does her best to support her husband’s dreams. This is no easy task for Ava, as her levels of stress continue to rise, especially at the office.
The question that begs to be answered is why did Grace find any way possible to become Ava’s assistant. In fact, any invested reader will no doubt wonder early on as to what the driving force is behind Grace and her determination. As things work out, Grace and Ava work quite well together, with Grace stepping in at any moment wherever Ava might need help. And, as this book is a psychological thriller by the brilliant Nicole Trope, no doubt there is something hiding beneath the surface.
I loved reading this book. When you look at the book cover and see the window, it was kind of like a metaphor to me looking in on this story. It was great fun watching the drama between Grace and Ava, getting their perspectives and looking for that expected twist that would bring everything together. And, read until the very end, because Grace’s story jut might not be finished.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The question that begs to be answered is why did Grace find any way possible to become Ava’s assistant. In fact, any invested reader will no doubt wonder early on as to what the driving force is behind Grace and her determination. As things work out, Grace and Ava work quite well together, with Grace stepping in at any moment wherever Ava might need help. And, as this book is a psychological thriller by the brilliant Nicole Trope, no doubt there is something hiding beneath the surface.
I loved reading this book. When you look at the book cover and see the window, it was kind of like a metaphor to me looking in on this story. It was great fun watching the drama between Grace and Ava, getting their perspectives and looking for that expected twist that would bring everything together. And, read until the very end, because Grace’s story jut might not be finished.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 29, 2024
THE ASSISTANT is a psychological thriller by Nicole Trope. I was anxious to start this new series with book 1 with book 2 to be out in Dec 2024, as I have enjoyed reading her standalone novels.
Book 1(Aug2024) Book2 (Dec2024)
Series
Assistant
1. Not a Good Enough Mother (2024)
aka The Assistant
2. The Assistant's Daughter (2024)
This is my review of The Assistant.
Grace Enright (52) had been seeing a therapist, to put her life back together, to be the successful person she used to be, and can be again.
Ava Green (35) is a successful business woman, struggling on a daily basis to manage both family life with her husband, Finn, and her two young daughters, Hazel and Chloe. After recently losing her former assistant who was off on paternity leave, Ava decided she needed to hire a new assistant, to make her life less stressful.
Grace applies for the position, and walks in to the interview with Ava and carefully hand over my application. The interview goes perfectly, because Grace has presented herself as the perfect assistant, and is hired immediately.
But Ava must never find out the truth…and the plans Grace has for Ava.
A completely addictive psychological thriller that will have you gasping at the final twist.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Book 1(Aug2024) Book2 (Dec2024)
Series
Assistant
1. Not a Good Enough Mother (2024)
aka The Assistant
2. The Assistant's Daughter (2024)
This is my review of The Assistant.
Grace Enright (52) had been seeing a therapist, to put her life back together, to be the successful person she used to be, and can be again.
Ava Green (35) is a successful business woman, struggling on a daily basis to manage both family life with her husband, Finn, and her two young daughters, Hazel and Chloe. After recently losing her former assistant who was off on paternity leave, Ava decided she needed to hire a new assistant, to make her life less stressful.
Grace applies for the position, and walks in to the interview with Ava and carefully hand over my application. The interview goes perfectly, because Grace has presented herself as the perfect assistant, and is hired immediately.
But Ava must never find out the truth…and the plans Grace has for Ava.
A completely addictive psychological thriller that will have you gasping at the final twist.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
June 30, 2024
Nicole Trope is an auto read for me so I was so excited to see her new book coming out! When Grace shows up out of the blue to be Ava’s new assistant, we know something sinister is going on, but what is it?
This book did such a good job of being a quick page turner while keeping you on the hook! What are Grace’s intentions? We are left wondering time and time again and I promise you it’s not what you think it is!
This book did such a good job of being a quick page turner while keeping you on the hook! What are Grace’s intentions? We are left wondering time and time again and I promise you it’s not what you think it is!
February 11, 2025
Questa è la storia di due donne: Grace e Ava, due madri.
Conosciamo Grace poco a poco. È stata in analisi e ha imparato a dare al suo analista le risposte che voleva sentire:
“Non ho più nulla da dire a nessuno (…) la mia vita come la conoscevo non esiste più e non posso più riaverla indietro.”
Per Ava è difficile e faticoso gestire tutte le numerose incombenze quotidiane. Cerca di farsi forza, ripetendosi come un mantra: “Sarà tutto più semplice quando …”
I romanzi della Trope sono sempre avvolti da un intrigante alone di mistero. I capitoli dedicati alle due donne sono alternati dai ricordi di una bambina e della sua terribile madre. Ma chi saranno questi due personaggi?
Grace viene assunta come assistente da Ava Green. Non è stata un’assunzione casuale. Ava non sa che Grace conosce molte cose su di lei perché aveva iniziato ad osservarla tramite i social. Forse Grace è giunta ad aiutare Ava al momento giusto. La giovane madre è parecchio stressata e ha effettivamente bisogno di aiuto per gestire famiglia e lavoro.
Quando Ava rientra a casa di sera, è stanca, ma non può fermarsi. Non se lo può permettere! Nessuno le dà una mano con le figlie, nemmeno suo marito Finn, l’artista.
“Il suo viaggio di ritorno a casa è sempre colmo di ansia per tutte le cose che dovrà fare una volta arrivata. I suoi giorni non finiscono mai. Iniziano e basta.”
Vorrebbe gridare, piangere, divorziare … ma non lo fa perch�� vuole che le sue bambine abbiano un’infanzia diversa dalla sua.
Ora c’è Grace e le cose miglioreranno.
“Puoi anche seppellire un ricordo nel posto più profondo della tua psiche, ma non starà mai fermo lì. Senza preavviso, salirà attraversando il sudiciume del subconscio per sfidarti.”
È un romanzo che tratta tematiche importanti: il senso di colpa nei confronti della famiglia delle donne in carriera, la dipendenza, l’emancipazione femminile.
Alla fine, Nicole Trope è riuscita a spiazzarmi ancora una volta!
Non avevo proprio capito chi fosse questa madre non abbastanza brava.
Splendido! Quest’ultimo giallo, e “La figliastra”, sono i miei preferiti della Trope.
Conosciamo Grace poco a poco. È stata in analisi e ha imparato a dare al suo analista le risposte che voleva sentire:
“Non ho più nulla da dire a nessuno (…) la mia vita come la conoscevo non esiste più e non posso più riaverla indietro.”
Per Ava è difficile e faticoso gestire tutte le numerose incombenze quotidiane. Cerca di farsi forza, ripetendosi come un mantra: “Sarà tutto più semplice quando …”
I romanzi della Trope sono sempre avvolti da un intrigante alone di mistero. I capitoli dedicati alle due donne sono alternati dai ricordi di una bambina e della sua terribile madre. Ma chi saranno questi due personaggi?
Grace viene assunta come assistente da Ava Green. Non è stata un’assunzione casuale. Ava non sa che Grace conosce molte cose su di lei perché aveva iniziato ad osservarla tramite i social. Forse Grace è giunta ad aiutare Ava al momento giusto. La giovane madre è parecchio stressata e ha effettivamente bisogno di aiuto per gestire famiglia e lavoro.
Quando Ava rientra a casa di sera, è stanca, ma non può fermarsi. Non se lo può permettere! Nessuno le dà una mano con le figlie, nemmeno suo marito Finn, l’artista.
“Il suo viaggio di ritorno a casa è sempre colmo di ansia per tutte le cose che dovrà fare una volta arrivata. I suoi giorni non finiscono mai. Iniziano e basta.”
Vorrebbe gridare, piangere, divorziare … ma non lo fa perch�� vuole che le sue bambine abbiano un’infanzia diversa dalla sua.
Ora c’è Grace e le cose miglioreranno.
“Puoi anche seppellire un ricordo nel posto più profondo della tua psiche, ma non starà mai fermo lì. Senza preavviso, salirà attraversando il sudiciume del subconscio per sfidarti.”
È un romanzo che tratta tematiche importanti: il senso di colpa nei confronti della famiglia delle donne in carriera, la dipendenza, l’emancipazione femminile.
Alla fine, Nicole Trope è riuscita a spiazzarmi ancora una volta!
Non avevo proprio capito chi fosse questa madre non abbastanza brava.
Splendido! Quest’ultimo giallo, e “La figliastra”, sono i miei preferiti della Trope.
September 17, 2025
A mother is capable of anything to protect her children. Ava is doing all she can so her daughters have a good life. She has a great job and is looking into promotion, her husband Finn is an artist, and is supposed to take care of their daughters since as he doesn’t work, although that doesn’t always happen. She is soon left without an assistant, and that’s when Grace steps in.
This was a great read with lots of twists and turns.
This was a great read with lots of twists and turns.
June 19, 2024
So happy to see that Trope has veered back to writing thrillers! I enjoy them much more than the few that were considered women's fiction. This book was really good and not at all what I expected. I won't elaborate as not to leave spoilers, but the most drilling question I had while reading was why Grace infiltrated herself into Ava's life. I thought that I would never know and was expecting to be quite disappointed, but rest assured, the answer revealed itself in the final pages of the epilogue. And it's a huge curveball! I would have liked a little bit more closure at the end. I think other readers will agree with me on this. Again, I can't explain due to spoilers, so you'll just have to read to find out. I would definitely recommend!
Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for granting me digital access in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for granting me digital access in exchange for my honest review!
July 5, 2024
First of all, thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this advance copy. It is past midnight, but I had to stay up to finish this book! The book is written from two points of view (which I love). The first main character is Ava, an overworked mother trying to do/have it all with little support from her husband. She’s juggling a career and her home life with two young children. Secondly, there is Grace who becomes Ava’s assistant while trying to hide a shady past. The story flowed smoothly through twists and turns with surprises along the way. The final twist caught me completely off guard, WOW! I highly recommend this book. This was my first book by Nicole Trope, but I’m off to add more to my TBR list! Loved this book!
June 29, 2024
I've read a few of Nicole Tropes books before but nothing has topped this one! This is one of the best Psychological thrillers I've read in a long time. I was so entertained throughout the entire book, and the final twist!? Excuse me for I have never gasped so loud in my life! I couldn't believe it! It was definitely not expected at all. I absolutely loved Ava. I believe a lot of people can relate to her. Grace is not as relatable, but I do see where she comes from. She just got put in a bad situation, but didn't handle it the way she should. This is absolutely an unputdownable book! A must read!
June 25, 2024
What a book! It IS about a nosy assistant as I expected. But it also WASN’T what I expected. Grace has had a troubled past where she made horrible choices. And she wants to redeem herself somewhat by helping Ava, her new employer, who has her own messes to work on. I was afraid I would get disgusted at Grace, but I never did. I loved the story and am excited that Grace will be featured in at least one more book! Lookout world because Grace gets what Grace wants! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a solid 4/4.5 ⭐️ read for me throughout, but the ending pushed it over the threshold to 5 ⭐️ for SURE. I was absolutely blown away and did not see that twist coming 🤯
I have read one of Nicole Trope’s books before and been thoroughly impressed, and this one was even better. I never knew which direction the story would take and I devoured it in one sitting 👏🏼
This was a solid 4/4.5 ⭐️ read for me throughout, but the ending pushed it over the threshold to 5 ⭐️ for SURE. I was absolutely blown away and did not see that twist coming 🤯
I have read one of Nicole Trope’s books before and been thoroughly impressed, and this one was even better. I never knew which direction the story would take and I devoured it in one sitting 👏🏼
July 26, 2024
More of a domestic suspense rather than a thriller, BUT, I ate it up!
I actually have a couple of Nicole Trope books on my shelf, and now I will be moving them up because I really enjoyed her writing style.
This book is EASILY bingeable.
Grace becomes Ava’s new assistant, but she may have ulterior motives. Everyone holds secrets and they slowly come out, and the story kept me hooked the entire time! Definitely recommend!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy!
I actually have a couple of Nicole Trope books on my shelf, and now I will be moving them up because I really enjoyed her writing style.
This book is EASILY bingeable.
Grace becomes Ava’s new assistant, but she may have ulterior motives. Everyone holds secrets and they slowly come out, and the story kept me hooked the entire time! Definitely recommend!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy!
August 19, 2024
A very gripping story with themes of jealousy, corruption, family conflict. It’s a dual pov that gets you hooked straight away. Ava is relatable and easy to like. Grace has a flawed past and is a very intriguing character. The story is written exceptionally well; it’s a book that is very hard to put down. The twist at the end was very unexpected but ties the whole thing together.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 14, 2024
Now this one had some twists! I kept wondering what this “assistant “ was up to. What was her plan with ingratiating her way into both Ava’s work and family life? And you know what? All my guesses were dead wrong! That’s a good thriller for you! I see a sequel will be published in the fall and I’m totally onboard with that!
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