While this book had an interesting premise (The Diamond industry in Amsterdam, and the evolution of lab-grown diamonds), I thought this story/mystery was mediocre. The descriptions of the making of lab grown diamonds went a little too far into detail, and the rest of the story was just meh.

The title was confusing as well, it was misleading as the victim of the crime was not an Expat. Sure, some of the characters were, but it didn't play that much into the storyline.

Not my favourite by this author but others may enjoy.

Rayna Dumont moves to Amsterdam from the USA for a fresh start following a messy divorce. She hooks up with Xander on a Tinder date and after a night of booze and the etcs, she wakes the next morning to discover his dead body in the shower. Obviously, she’s both shocked and terrified, especially when she believes the killer could still be there in Xander’s penthouse apartment, so she does a runner but once safe, she calls the Dutch police. Another American, Willow. Prins witnesses the arrival of the emergency services and listens to the gossip of the school gate mafia. Willow is married to Thomas Prins, the CEO of a multimillion diamond empire who, it transpires, Xander worked for. What is Willow‘s connection to Xander as it becomes apparent there is one? To add to the mystery of who kills Xander and why, it seems that millions of euros of diamonds are missing from his safe. Has Rayna been unbelievably unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time or is she a patsy? A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues.

I really enjoy this latest novel from Kimberly Belle which is definitely a page turner for me with a fascinating focus on the diamond industry and a highly dysfunctional family in the uber rich Prins. Just because you’re rich doesn’t necessarily make you likeable and this bunch certainly aren’t, being entitled, devious backstabbers who I wouldn’t trust as far as I could throw them! Willow and her lovely son Sem stick out like sore thumbs. However, characters like that can make for a juicy read as there are so many nefarious deeds and multiple questions about who can be trusted.

I love the Amsterdam setting which is used to great effect in the storytelling, making it an atmospheric backdrop to the plot and it’s certainly action packed from beginning to end. There are numerous twists and turns some of which are predictable and others less so and it does get a bit convoluted towards the end. However, it is still very entertaining as there are numerous villains in this piece and it’s definitely dramatic.

Overall, I enjoy the diamond industry focus on this and whilst they’re not true blood diamonds here, the end result amounts to the same thing.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated early copy and returning for an honest review.

✈️ARC REVIEW ✈️ 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
When steamy nights turn deadly, Amsterdam's glimmering secrets aren't just in the diamonds.

I traveled with Kimberly Belle as she traded Southern suspense for Dutch intrigue, whisking us away to a world where allure and danger stroll hand in hand along the picturesque canals. 💎 It blows my mind that diamonds can be lab-grown. I need to learn that trick! 💥💎

Meet Rayna, a newly divorced American woman who wakes up to find her date dead after their first night out. Ouch! Then there's Willow, the polished society wife peeling back the layers of her husband's secrets within Amsterdam's glittery elite. Two women, incredibly different yet suddenly entangled by one murder and a whole lot of secrets.

Belle weaves in themes of reinvention, cultural challenges, and the shiny lies people tell to survive. As a fan of dual narratives, I found the exchange between Rayna and Willow riveting.

I'll admit, the first part of the book didn't quite rev my engine like Belle's previous thrill rides (I'm still swooning over Dear Wife! 💓); however, the originality of the plot and the shocking finale kept me guessing.

If you want an international escape with a side of scandal, "The Expat Affair" is your passport to a world of deception, diamonds, and dangerous liaisons. It may not top my Belle favorites, but it showcases her fearless exploration of new horizons. Can't wait to tuck her next thriller into my travel bag! 💼

Thank you to the author and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to this gifted ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#TheExpatAffair #KimberlyBelle #HTPBooks #HarlequinAudio #HTPInfluencer #ParkRowBooks #NetGalley #AudioBookReview #capcut #lefttoread #reader #read #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbooklovers #thepulse #lovetoread

The Expat Affair
by Kimberly Belle
Pub Date: Jun 03 2025

This is my first book I've read by author, Kimberly Belle and I'm very impressed! The books about one of my favorite things, DIAMONDS! We all know, Diamonds are a girls best friend!

The story is set in Amsterdam, with plenty of action from the beginning to the end of the story. A great plot. If you’re into twisty domestic thrillers I highly recommend you pick up this 5 star thriller.

Synopsis: An American expat‘s startling discovery plunges her into the glamorous but deadly world of Amsterdam’s diamond industry.

Many thanks to #TheExpatAffair #NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #ParkRow #KimberlyBelle for providing me an E-ARC of this book.

Diamonds are no longer a girl’s best friend. Not when companies and peoples’ entire reputations are on the line. This is a book full of action, cops, and of course the diamonds.

Best-selling author Kimberly Belle is at her compulsively readable best with her latest thriller, The Expat Affair.

After an acrimonious divorce, Rayna Dumont had been desperate for a change. Leaving everything that was familiar behind and beginning anew in Amsterdam was meant to be a fresh start, however, little did she imagine that she would find herself plunged into a world of intrigue, danger and murder! Not usually a woman who indulges in one night stands, she throws caution to the wind when she meets Xander – only to wake up the next morning and find him dead and with several priceless diamonds missing from his safe!

The news spreads like wildfire and Willow Prins is avidly gathering as much information as she possibly can about Xander’s death. Married to the man who was the deceased’s boss, Willow will not stand by and watch this tragedy destroy her marriage which is already on shaky ground. Just how much blame can Willow place on Rayna? And just who killed Xander and where are the missing diamonds?

As the two women find themselves dragged into the dark underbelly of the diamond market, Rayna and Willow will need to keep their wits about them and keep looking over their shoulder because the closer they get to untangling this mystery, the bigger the jeopardy and the bigger the chance that they will end up in the killer’s firing line…

Kimberly Belle writes propulsive page-turners that are always such a struggle to put down and The Expat Affair is certainly no different. Fast-paced, atmospheric and with more twists and turns than a roller-coaster, this white-knuckle ride of a book is a jaw-dropping and heart-stopping thriller that kept me reading all through the night.

The Expat Affair is a thriller set in Amsterdam where Rayna, a recently divorced American expat whose one-night stand leads to devastating consequences, and Willow, married into the powerful diamond-trading Prins family, find their worlds colliding after a shocking murder.

Kimberly Belle is a must-read author for fans of twisty emotional thrillers. I enjoy her writing and the suspense she builds. I enjoyed The Expat Affair but the pacing issues and some underdeveloped characters kept it from being my favorite by her. I also appreciated the authentic vivid portrayal of Amsterdam a city I’ve visited which added depth to the setting.

Read this if you like:
• The glamorous (and dangerous) world of diamond trading including the fascinating tension between mined and lab-created diamonds
• Smart twisty female-driven thrillers with dual POVs that add dynamic layers through distinct voices and motivations
• Suspense stories set in international locales with a moody international flair like Amsterdam
• Twists and some surprising turns
• Characters hiding secrets and double lives
• An inside view of the ultra-wealthy in Amsterdam
• Books by Ruth Ware B.A. Paris or Liv Constantine

My rating: 3.85/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row for this e-ARC which will be released on June 3 2025.

I really wanted to like The Expat Affair—a murder, missing diamonds, and an American woman adrift in Amsterdam? Sign me up. But despite all the ingredients for a gripping thriller, the story just didn’t deliver for me.
Rayna, our main character, never felt fully real. Her reactions to wildly dramatic events (finding her Hinge date dead in the shower, for starters) felt oddly muted or too convenient. I kept waiting to feel something for her, but that connection never clicked. The dual storyline with Willow added some intrigue, but the characters didn’t build much momentum—both seemed more like devices to push the plot than people you’d root for.
The mystery itself had its moments, but I found it overly dependent on coincidence and lacking the kind of clever tension that makes you race to the next chapter. Even the Amsterdam setting, which could’ve added so much atmosphere, felt more like a shallow backdrop than a living part of the story. And don't get me started on how much I learned about diamonds and the diamond industry, which was truthfully, a bore.
In the end, it wasn’t terrible, but it left me underwhelmed. A fast read, but not a memorable one. I usually enjoy Kimberly Belle, but this just wasn't it.

This was a very interesting read but somehow felt too long. Every time I really started to get good, it fell flat right after. I would definitely read more of her books as her premises are very interesting and unique.

Rayna Dumont moves to Amsterdam for a fresh start after a messy divorce, but things go off the rails fast when a Tinder date with charming Xander ends with her waking up to find him dead in the shower. Panicked and convinced the killer might still be in the apartment, she bolts—then does the right thing and calls the Dutch police. Meanwhile, another American in town, Willow Prins, sees the aftermath unfold and hears the whispers of the local "school gate mafia." Her husband, Thomas Prins, is the CEO of a major diamond empire—where Xander just happened to work. Coincidence? Not likely. Especially when millions in diamonds turn up missing and secrets start unraveling fast.

This latest thriller from Kimberly Belle is a total page-turner. The diamond industry angle is fascinating, and the Prins family is a delicious mess of wealthy, entitled schemers you’ll love to hate. Willow and her sweet son Sem are the only ones who seem remotely decent, but everyone else is playing some sort of game—and the stakes are deadly.

The Amsterdam setting adds loads of atmosphere and suspense, and the twists come thick and fast. Some you might see coming, others not so much, and things do get a bit tangled toward the end—but it’s still a wild, entertaining ride.

Loved the blend of international intrigue, family drama, and high-stakes mystery. While these aren’t technically blood diamonds, the fallout feels just as brutal.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Talk about an intricate tale. This all starts with a murder but then it all boils down to the hunt for diamonds.

This story is told by Willow and Rayna.

Rayna has a one night stand with Xander. And when she wakes up…he is dead. Xander worked for the Prins. The Prins own a huge diamond business.

Then there is Willow. Willow is married to the CEO of The House of Prins. But as the House comes under scrutiny, tensions rise in her already strained marriage and Willow starts to wonder if Rayna might be the solution she’s been looking for.

Clear as mud…trust me the author creates a compelling story that takes you to the ground floor of the diamond industry and keeps you intrigued with great characters and high stakes risk!

The narrators are Jennifer Jill Araya; Marni Penning and let me tell you…they nailed this book.

Need a complex story of murder and family dysfunction…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Mysterious… greed and family secrets collide to make you be on the edge of seat at this one! Numerous plot twists! Kimberly Belle is a master! You’ll love it!

When I pick up a book by Kimberley Belle, I know I'm in for an entertaining read with a great plot, fun twists and interesting characters.
Suspenseful, tense and a unique story.
If you’re looking for a twisty, atmospheric thriller with an international flair and a strong emotional pull, The Expat Affair delivers. It’s the kind of book you’ll fly through in a weekend and think about afterward, especially once the final pieces fall into place.
I loved every second of this book. Another 5 by Kimberly Belle.

I loved this diamond mystery thriller!! such a fun and engaging read! The female MCs were great and loved the plot. I also loved Sem, because I can relate to him as a deaf child.

I would recommend this book to others👏🏻

Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital eARC.

Though I didn't love The Expat Affair as much as the Paris Widow, I was riveted by the story. A one-night stand, a dead body and millions of dollars of missing diamonds make for a thrilling story. Who can be trusted?

Internationally bestselling author Kimberly Belle, a long-time favorite among thriller fans, returns following The Paris Widow with her latest, highly anticipated, dazzling thriller, THE EXPAT AFFAIR.

Belle's previous works have been praised for their intricate plots, compelling characters, and intense suspense, and her latest fast-paced offering is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

A chilling look at the lives of two women: an expat in Amsterdam ready for a new start and the woman who seems determined to ruin her, all set against the backdrop of this glamorous city and the dark secrets of one of the world's most prestigious diamond industries. This unique blend of international intrigue and personal drama in THE EXPAT AFFAIR is sure to captivate you.

About...

RAYNA DUMONT is trying to make a new start from America to Amsterdam. When she gets caught up in a one-night stand with the handsome and successful Xander, she is thrilled and even posts on social media with a diamond necklace.

However, her glamorous night turns into a nightmare when the morning after, he is dead and millions of dollars worth of diamonds are missing from his safe. Now the world has seen her photo.

WILLOW PRINS is married to Xander's former boss and heir to a diamond house. Their marriage is not so great. When she learns of the murder, she wonders about Rayna. But little does she know how far she and Rayna will be submersed into the dark underbelly and web of secrets of the diamond market.

Who killed Xander?

My thoughts...

ELECTRIFYING... What an intense thrill ride!.

Kimberly Belle's expertise of her beloved Amsterdam is evident in THE EXPAT AFFAIR, where her glamorous, sharp, and tenacious women are thrust into dangerous situations as they are pulled deeper into the perilous underworld of the illicit diamond trade.

Belle is at the TOP of her game! Highly impressive, prime for the big or small screen. I want a front row seat.

The strong character development will make you feel deeply connected to the story, keeping you engrossed in this action-packed murder mystery suspense thriller with a glitzy international flair.

From the high-stakes diamond industry, murder, stalking, and an inside look at a famous family dynasty crumbling, with two heroines for a propulsive thriller with a riveting action-packed international game of cat-and-mouse.

From exploring female friendship, motherhood, marriage, trust, and dark secrets. Amsterdam is a character all its own with its beauty and glamour.

I am a huge, long-time fan of Kimberly Belle and adore her, having read all her books since her debut. With each book, she continues to wow, with fresh, new, creative ways to keep her fans coming back for more. I highly recommend her latest work and all her backlist; I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I am. A must-read for your summer reading.

Thanks to Park Row and NetGalley for a gifted advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 3, 2025
My Rating: 5 💎💎💎💎💎Diamonds/Stars
June 2025 Must-Read Books
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Kimberly Belle is an auto read for me and The Expat Affair just cemented this even more for me!
Diamonds, death, wealth and family drama. This suspense thriller will have tearing through the pages!
I love the character of Rayna and the dynamics between her and Willow. Kimberly just has a way to make the characters mesh and bring the story to life on the pages.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This starts off so exciting! An American woman in Amsterdam wakes up in the bed of the man she spent the night with, and finds that he's been murdered in the shower. Talk about hooked! Unfortunately the rest fell off a bit for me. I still very much enjoyed reading it, but it was a little far-fetched, and there were a couple twists that I don't quite understand. I'm not sure if they're plot-holes or were just too convoluted for me to follow. But a good popcorn thriller!

Oh my goodness I LOVED this book.

The Expat Affair follows two women who are American Citizens living in Amsterdam. It was really interesting that the author used her own experiences with that process to give dimension and life to the characters!

The characters were intriguing and kept me hooked as they unraveled the mystery of who killed the first victim.

I was not expecting the turn of events in part two, and I absolutely loved how everything tied together so neatly. Highly recommend!

"The Expat Affair" follows the lives of two expat women who's lives cross after the tragic death of a common "friend", Xander, a diamond "businessman".
Rayna, wanting a new start after a divorce, tries to recreate herself as "Rayna 2.0". She makes a Tinder, goes on a date and sleeps through a murder she is then accused of.
Willow, married into the richest diamond houses in the world after an unexpected pregnancy, is struggling through a strained marriage with Thomas, Xander's prior boss.

I loved every second of this book. I was constantly trying to guess who killed Xander and I was very wrong and happy about it! I have never read a story by Kimberly Belle, and I will be looking for another!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Kimberly Belle for the opportunity to read an ARC of "The Expat Affair"!