Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing for the book #TheExpatAffair by #KimberlyBelle. This book is amazing and filled with betrayal, conspiracies and murder and a huge plot twist I didn’t see coming. Rayna has just moved to Amsterdam after an ugly divorce. She meets Xander and goes home with him on a whim. All is great till the next morning and he is found dead in his shower. Willow is part of the Prince Diamond fortune and her husband was Xander’s boss. Willow and Rayna team up to find out who killed Xander and where are the missing diamonds. Will they be able to figure it all out before they are the next victims?

THE EXPAT AFFAIR
Kimberly Belle



A story of two halves.

Rayna wakes up to the sound of a shower running. Scenes from the night before flash in her head. She met a man, she’s in his bed, and he’s in the shower. She lays there for a time and then decides to go and check on the man from last night, and she finds him dead.

Now the only suspect, Rayna must find out who killed him and why so she can stay on step ahead of the murderer. She thinks she will solve a simple mystery but ends up unraveling a diamond sized underground network.

Will she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?



There are so many interesting aspects to the life of an expat. And being set in Amsterdam provided an extra level of atmosphere.

The first half of the book is clean and clear. The story is interesting and enjoyable at first. But in the second half, things suddenly became convoluted. And by the end it was a completely different book than how it started.

The second half was rushed and trying hard to connect all loose ends, and it felt like a lot of work to write and ended up feeling like a lot of work to read.

I will continue to pick up Belle’s books and look forward to the next one.


Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for the advanced copy!

THE EXPAT AFFAIR…⭐⭐⭐

The Expat Affair - Kimberly Belle

This one was a blast! The Expat Affair is a fast-paced, twisty thriller that had me hooked from the jump. Kimberly Belle delivers an immersive mystery with major caper energy, layered relationship drama, and a cast of characters you don’t quite know whether to trust—or suspect.

Set against the moody, cobblestoned streets of Amsterdam, the book drops you into the glittering (and very shady) world of the diamond trade. Rayna is just trying to have a little fun in her new expat life… until her one-night stand ends up dead and she’s suddenly at the center of a high-stakes heist. Meanwhile, Willow’s shaky marriage starts to crumble as secrets come to light.

The setting was a major standout—atmospheric, detailed, and so vivid I was ready to book a flight. If you’re into suspense novels with glamorous crimes, morally murky characters, and secrets with real teeth, this is one to grab.

I freaking love Kimberly Belle and this one was no exception!! Kimberly's books are quick and easy to digest. This one may be my new favorite! 10/10

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me an advanced copy to read and enjoy!!

I'm a big fan of Kimberly Belle's writing, and I wanted to read this book even before I knew what it was going to be about. Then I saw the story was set in Amsterdam, a city I know so well and love, and I simply HAD to read it as soon as possible. There is just something about diving into a story that takes place in a city you know intimately and have fond memories of, and this definitely enhanced the reading experience for me. There is also no doubt that The Expat Affair ended up being my new favorite Kimberly Belle book!

It's hard to put The Expat Affair into a neat little sub genre box... While parts feel mostly like a  domestic/psychological thriller, the plot is definitely more intense than usual for that sub genre, there is plenty of action and even a hint of crime AND a heist vibe with the missing diamonds. This means that this story might not be for everyone as especially the diamond-related part of the plot might feel a little over the top, but for me personally it was the best of both worlds and I loved every single minute I spent reading this story.

I know my reaction also has to do with the setting itself. I admit part of me was a bit worried how well the Amsterdam setting would come over with me knowing the city so well, but it clearly shows that the author knows the city and its inhabitants intimately. This means accurate descriptions of both surroundings and Dutch customs (I can confirm this since I'm Dutch), and I loved the incorporation of Dutch words and phrases along the way. The setting felt very much authentic as a result, and it brought back great memories of my time spent in the city.

The Expat Affair uses a dual POV structure, switching between Rayna and Willow as we get to know both women better and start understanding the full scope of what is happening. I liked the fact that both women are American expats, but had completely different stories of why they were now living in Amsterdam... And I could also appreciate how the POVs are slowly woven together. They are each part of the puzzle, and I enjoyed switching back and forth between them. Rayna's POV is probably the most suspenseful of the two with everything that is happening to her, although the tension in Willow's POV is racked up especially in the second half when things REALY start escalating.

Things can be said about the women being likeable or not, but for me this wasn't really all that important as I was too invested in the mystery and the plot itself. Who was behind Xander's death and how is everything related to the missing diamonds?! There was plenty of drama to be found along the way, and while you definitely have to be able to suspend your disbelief I can't deny the journey itself is more than worth it. It's true that some of the twists were a bit predictable, but there were also others I didn't see coming at all, and the resulting story was without doubt highly entertaining.

The Expat Affair ended up being the perfect thriller blend for me and it is hands down one of my reading highlights so far this year. It might not be the story for everyone and you have to be willing to look past some of the less credible parts of the plot, but the Dutch setting is brilliantly done and it's a true pageturner.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publicatoin date: June 3, 2025
Rayna Dumont fled America after a bitter, contentious divorce, hoping to find some adventure (and a little fun) in Amsterdam. She definitely finds that (and more) in handsome and wealthy Xander and they have a wild night that, after many, many drinks, Rayna doesn’t remember much of. But the one thing she remembers very clearly is Xander’s dead body, lying dismembered and strangled in his bathroom shower.
Willow Prins is part of the Prins family diamond dynasty, through marriage only, and she is not allowed to forget it. When she finds out about Xander’s untimely death, she watches her husband and in-laws scramble and rally to protect the thing that matters most- the company. But Willow had plans that no one knew about, plans that the Prins family would definitely disapprove of, and with Xander dead, Willow knows it won’t be long until her secret comes out.
Kimberly Belle is an author I’ve long followed and I am a huge fan of her writing, so there was no way I was missing the chance to read her newest novel, “The Expat Affair”. Since it takes place in Amsterdam, it coincidentally fits right in with my reading theme this month (accidentally) of novels with exotic settings.
“Affair” is narrated by both Willow and Rayna, connected through their relationship to Xander but also as they are two American expats who now reside in Amsterdam. Both women are very different yet manage to form a strong bond, and both are equally likable, endearing me to them from the start. As a very wealthy member of the Prins family (albeit through marriage), Willow would not normally be a character I would easily root for, but her humility that comes from growing up in a lower-class home and the love she has for her son, Sem, who is hearing impaired, connected with me. The novel takes place in one timeline, with Belle generating a suspenseful plot, full of twists and turns (complete with an actual diamond heist!).
Belle’s novel takes a deep dive into the diamond world, explaining the intricate differences between lab-grown and organically collected diamonds (I knew of both types but had no idea they were so similar), which was unique in itself. Adding to that, the striking Holland landscape, “Affair” provides the perfect escape- while providing some informative background on the diamond industry.
Well-written and well-researched, Belle delivers another knockout with her new novel, “The Expat Affair”.

“The Expat Affair” is by Kimberly Belle. I liked the idea of this book - two women caught up in the world of diamonds - and not necessarily in a healthy way. I felt sympathy for both women throughout the book, though it took me a while (about half the book?) to get into the story - it picked up pace once the second section began. I know a little bit about the diamond industry, being fascinated by NYC’s Diamond District, so the history about the diamond industry was interesting. I agree with another reviewer that this book read more like one that would be played on the screen better than read. This was a good read.

I love Kimberly Belle books and The Expat Affair was another absolute winner for me. Always dark and twisty, this one had the added bonus of being set in Amsterdam, a city that I loved when we visited many years ago now. Such a beautiful place and the author really did make you feel like you were there. I would love to go back one day.

This was a fast paced thrill ride from start to finish. American expat Rayna finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery after a drunken night with a diamond dealer. She soon had people following her, her flat ransacked and members of one of the countries richest family hunting her down. All she wanted was a new start after her divorce and now she is all over the press.

Very easy to get lost in the pages of this book, highly addictive and unpredictable.

Thanks so much to HTP, Park Row for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on June 17th.

Release: June 3, 2025
Author: Kimberly Belle
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing

Rating: 4 ★ 

After a difficult divorce, Rayna Dumont moves to Amsterdam looking for a fresh start and a little adventure. But things take a deadly turn when she wakes up after a one-night stand to find her date, Xander, dead—and his stash of high-value diamonds missing. Suddenly, she’s at the center of a murder investigation and a major theft.

Meanwhile, Willow Prins, whose husband is Xander’s former boss and heir to a powerful diamond empire, is watching the news unfold with growing unease. As the scandal threatens to unravel her already fragile marriage and shake the foundations of her family’s legacy, she starts to question Rayna’s role in it all.

Thrown together by circumstance, Rayna and Willow find themselves caught in the cutthroat world of Amsterdam’s diamond trade—where nothing is as it seems, everyone has secrets, and trusting the wrong person could be deadly.

This was a fast-paced, twisty thriller that hooked me early and kept me turning pages. Set in the atmospheric streets of Amsterdam, The Expat Affair pulls you into the high-stakes world of the diamond trade, where wealth, deception, and danger collide.

The story follows Rayna Dumont, an American expat whose impulsive Instagram post lands her in the middle of a murder investigation and a diamond heist gone wrong. At the same time, Willow Prins—married into one of Amsterdam’s most powerful diamond families—gets caught up in the same web of secrets. I really enjoyed how their stories eventually intersected, with both women forced to navigate the treacherous waters of betrayal, loss, and survival.

While I found the first half a bit slower (there was a heavy focus on the diamond industry and some unlikable side characters), the pacing definitely picked up midway. The third act delivered solid twists, and while I did predict a few of them, it was still satisfying to see how it all played out.

The setting was a standout—vivid, immersive, and very well-researched. It made me want to book a trip to Amsterdam!

Overall, this was an entertaining thriller with layered female leads, international intrigue, and just enough glamour and grit to keep things interesting. I wouldn’t recommend it for younger readers (especially in an educational setting), but I’d absolutely suggest it to book clubs or anyone looking for a suspenseful read with an edge.

Favorite Quote:
"expat life is all about reinvention, about creating a new version of yourself, far away from everything you once knew."

I am such a fan of Kimberly Belle, when I was feeling in a slump, I picked this up! I can always count on her to deliver a great thriller! She does such a great job setting the scene of Amsterdam and developing these characters! I loved the multiple POVs between the two women. It helped to build on the story to see into both of their lives. This book is so fast paced and twisty and I couldn’t get through it fast enough! I really liked how she ended the book and wrapped everything up! I did a mix of audio and reading on my kindle and enjoyed both formats! The audio is well done, the narrators kept my attention and in the story!

I am a big fan of Kimberly Belle! I think I have read all of her books. I am not sure why but I did not enjoy the story as much as I expected. A diamond heist in Amsterdam sounds interesting and fun but I just did not connect with it. Likely, it is just me and I am sure others will enjoy it more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. As a special Ed teacher however this book would not be suited for my younger students. I will highly recommend it for my book clubs as well as for our local library members being I am one of the board member. This book was very well written and kept my attention. I did not want to put it down!

3.5 stars 💎

Diamonds may be a “girl’s best friend” but reading about the cut throat world of the diamond industry was not quite as enchanting…

The caption on Ex Pat Rayna Dumont’s Instagram page reads “Amsterdam looks good on me, don’t you think”? The photo was of her sitting at the foot of a bed, obviously naked below an expensive white Duvet, with only a necklace of white and yellow diamonds draped across her neck. She posted it, hoping her ex husband would see it-after a nasty divorce, having no idea that the photo would make her a SUSPECT in the MURDER her one night stand, and the TARGET of Diamond thieves.

The morning after a very drunken night, Rayna finds Xander dead on the shower floor with millions of dollars worth of diamonds missing from his safe. Apparently, the thieves didn’t know she was asleep In the other room-but after that post- they do now.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time?

Meanwhile, another Ex Pat, Willow Prins is following the news closely. Her husband Thomas Prins is Xander’s former boss and heir to the House of Prins-Amsterdam’s most prestigious Diamond House-which rightfully owns the missing diamonds known as the “Cullinans”. These diamonds are ten of the most spectacular natural diamonds ever found-Diamonds that disappeared from the Prins vault last year when Xander was still employed there-Diamonds that were probably being recreated in a lab somewhere to be used in the underground world of the Diamond Industry.

The story unfolded in three parts. Part One (50%) dragged a bit for me as I learned a bit more than I cared to about the Diamond Industry, and the very unlikable Prins family. The pace of Part Two was better, as the lives of Rayna and Willow intersect. . And, Part Three offered up the resolution and a few surprises.

This wasn’t a favorite Kimberly Belle book for me, but admittedly, the premise didn’t sound appealing when I read it, but I took a chance on it because I usually LOVE her work, including “The Paris Widow” which sounded similar. But, it’s the kind of story that works better for me as an Adrenaline Thriller at the movie theater, than as a read.

I may end up being an outlier.

AVAILABLE June 3, 2025.

Thank You to Park Row for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

The Expat Affair by Kimberly Belle is another fast-paced thriller that defines the amazing writing of this author. Set in Amsterdam…a place that Kimberly knows and loves…it is about murder and diamonds and money nd family and I could not stop reading!!

This is a must read/listen. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to red and review this book.

Such a unique thriller. I loved the twists in this novel. The setting was also captivating. I couldn't wait to see how it was going to end. I stayed up well into the night to finish it!

Totally gripping! This has everything you want in a thriller - murder, mystery, and a high stakes game of who-dun-it. I could not put this down and finished in a day. The setting in Amsterdam was just amazing and I loved learning the snippets of the language and walking through the authors description of the area. Now I NEED to visit! While I did predict both of the twists it was thoroughly worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for the eARC!

Rayna Dumont, an American expat in Amsterdam, discovers a dead man and missing diamonds in her new lover's apartment. This leads her and another woman, Willow Prins, into the dangerous world of the city's diamond industry. As they uncover the truth behind the murder and theft, they must navigate the dark underbelly of the market and figure out who they can trust.

The captivating cover of this book immediately drew me in, prompting me to add it to my collection without hesitation! As a newcomer to this author's work, I am eagerly anticipating delving into more of their writing.

Within the pages of this book, we are introduced to the dynamic duo of Rayna and Willow, whose stories unfold in a captivating manner. Rayna is on a quest for a fresh start, embodying a carefree and easygoing persona. Meanwhile, Willow is navigating the complexities of her troubled marriage and new family, making it impossible not to root for her and her son.

Set against the backdrop of Europe, this novel offers a refreshing change of pace. As someone who embarked on a whirlwind European adventure in just one month, I can attest to the allure of international settings. The author's meticulous research shines through, creating a believable and immersive environment.

This fast-paced read was a delightful experience, as I had the pleasure of reviewing both the eBook and audiobook versions. The narrators truly brought the story to life, keeping me engaged and eager for more. If the book doesn't quite hit the mark for you, I highly recommend giving the audiobook a try!

If you have a penchant for murder mysteries, unlikely friendships, and rich family drama, this book is sure to captivate you. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this intriguing tale - let me know what you think!

Thank you, Harlequin Audio and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Kimberly Belle does it again! All of her books keep me guessing til the last page. Rayna and Willow are both great characters who have savvy and inner strength. I read this one in a single sitting. It was the perfect book to cozy up and lose myself in on a rainy afternoon!

This book was excellent,.. suspenseful and hard to put down. I thought I knew what was happening and then... plot twist! Kimberly made me never want this book to end, yet I was pleasantly surprised with the ending and happy with how the story took me there. Overall, a great read filled with lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing!

ALC review • pub date 06.03.25
narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya + Marni Penning
length: 10h 34min

This book had a really strong start! With a beautiful setting in Amsterdam - Rayna wakes up in a heavenly penthouse after a night with a tinder date, Xander. She is blissfully unaware of the dead body in the room next to her. Told in dual POV of Rayna and Willow - the wife of one of the largest diamond houses in the area - who employed Xander.

The story quickly turned into so. many. details about diamonds that was a bit repetitive. I honestly am not sure I would have finished the e-arc alone, having the audio with great narrators saved it for me. I’m still a big fan of Belle’s books and will continue to read them! This one just wasn’t a favorite.

book ⭐️⭐️⭐️
narrators ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to HTP books / Park Row Books for my ARC and Harlequin Audio for my ALC.