And it changes the course of everyone’s lives forever.

First and foremost, I apologize ahead of time for this vague review. I can’t say much or really explain my feelings without revealing the twist or plot.  

While my rating's in the minority, I did enjoy the book. I just didn’t fall head over heels in love with it. Not like I really wanted to anyways. 

The Assistant was one of my highly anticipated books of 2019. Its synopsis and cover had me all over this one. I loved that it was a quick read, with great writing. I loved the concept. I loved the twists. I loved Emery Black. I loved the love he had for his wife. I loved Jesse, at times. I loved Charlotte, at times. 

But something was missing for me to totally connect with these characters. Maybe it was the fact that I saw both twists coming, so I wasn’t really shocked when the big one was revealed. I saw the first twist early on, it didn’t take much to figure out the next one. If I hadn’t figured them out, I think I would have enjoyed it much more due to that element of surprise giving it a little somethin' somethin' more. I also found one of the character's actions to be selfish, even though I kind of understood where they were coming from. I'm not sure if I would personally make that decision but then I haven't walked a mile in their shoes. Therefore, I probably shouldn't be Ms. Judgy McJudgy Pants, but it irked me. 

I will say, I was pleasantly surprised by the Epilogue, which had me cursing Ms. Mann. I wanted more of that moment and confrontation. I needed to know how flipped upside down their lives had just become. Instead I was left with my jaw dropping and my mind racing. There were a few ways that scene could have gone and there were no more answers coming. Fade to black! Noooooo!!!  Mann had me hitting the next page button and getting pissed when it wouldn’t move further. LOL. Kudos to you, Ms. Mann! 

Speaking of debate and uncertainty...there were a few other times I had a mind full of questions that ended up with no real answers. So many did they or didn't they... did that just really happen?! Not because Ms. Mann lacked in that area but because she really couldn't without ruining the story/suspense. In that aspect, The Assistant will drive you a bit crazy and make you question all things you thought you knew. Get ready for a ride! 

While this wasn't a 5-star read for me, I would still recommend it as the book was good and others really, really loved it! Marni Mann can definitely write. There's no question there. 

Thank you, Marni Mann and Social Butterfly Pr for providing a copy of The Assistant.