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Under Her Skin
She invited a stranger into her home. Now he won’t leave.
When her teenage son gets into trouble with some very dangerous people, Natasha knows they need to flee the city. But where can they go?
Out of the blue, she receives an inheritance that seems the answer to her prayers. A distant relative has left her a house, deep in the countryside.
It needs a lot of work, but to Natasha it feels heaven-sent – the perfect place to keep her son safe and soothe her crushing anxiety.
Soon after they arrive, local builder Henry offers his services. Natasha’s happy to hire him, but quickly realises there’s something odd about Henry – he doesn’t respect boundaries and acts like he’s one of the family.
Natasha is tempted to get rid of him, but then discovers that her idyllic home harbours a terrible secret. A secret which threatens to destroy her new life.
The increasingly sinister Henry is willing to help her keep that secret. But he does want something in return…
Under Her Skin – the chilling psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin and John Marrs.
When her teenage son gets into trouble with some very dangerous people, Natasha knows they need to flee the city. But where can they go?
Out of the blue, she receives an inheritance that seems the answer to her prayers. A distant relative has left her a house, deep in the countryside.
It needs a lot of work, but to Natasha it feels heaven-sent – the perfect place to keep her son safe and soothe her crushing anxiety.
Soon after they arrive, local builder Henry offers his services. Natasha’s happy to hire him, but quickly realises there’s something odd about Henry – he doesn’t respect boundaries and acts like he’s one of the family.
Natasha is tempted to get rid of him, but then discovers that her idyllic home harbours a terrible secret. A secret which threatens to destroy her new life.
The increasingly sinister Henry is willing to help her keep that secret. But he does want something in return…
Under Her Skin – the chilling psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin and John Marrs.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2024
585 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Huntley
22 books435 followersJessica Huntley is an award-winning and best-selling psychological thriller author. She's an ex-British soldier and Personal Trainer and has been writing almost non-stop for the past four years.
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
November 17, 2024
Natasha is a single mother who finds herself in a life-threatening situation. She will go to any length to protect her son. To say she has a lot on her plate is putting it mildly. I was gripped by her journey and all of the obstacles she was forced to overcome. This is a story of survival and proves that you should never underestimate anyone when it comes to the protection of their child. The conclusion was both shocking and satisfying. This could easily be devoured in one sitting. I was gripped from start to finish. This is the third book I have read by Jessica Huntley and I enjoyed each of them. She is definitely an auto-read author for me and I look forward to her next compelling creation. Thank you, Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 27, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
Thank you to Inkubator Books, NetGalley, and Booksprout for the e-ARC.
This was a fun thriller that I felt was a great palate cleanser. We follow a FMC who has a teenage son, and he winds up getting into some trouble. Well, in order to get away from the trouble, life happens and they are able to uproot their lives and move into the country into a newly inherited house after the passing of a relative that the FMC was not aware of. Due to the conditions of the home, extensive repairs are needed, and a local builder gets involved to help out. And then of course things start to spiral and things aren’t what they seem.
I will say that the FMC was very annoying. Her choices in the book were outlandish and outrageous, and I was mad as a hornet while reading it, but the storyline kept me engaged. I was going to give this book 3.5 stars, but the ending sold it for me. That ending twist was not expected, which is what I love in a thriller. My only complaint is that I wish the chapters were shorter, and the description became slightly wordy for my taste, but overall I really liked this!
Thank you to Inkubator Books, NetGalley, and Booksprout for the e-ARC.
This was a fun thriller that I felt was a great palate cleanser. We follow a FMC who has a teenage son, and he winds up getting into some trouble. Well, in order to get away from the trouble, life happens and they are able to uproot their lives and move into the country into a newly inherited house after the passing of a relative that the FMC was not aware of. Due to the conditions of the home, extensive repairs are needed, and a local builder gets involved to help out. And then of course things start to spiral and things aren’t what they seem.
I will say that the FMC was very annoying. Her choices in the book were outlandish and outrageous, and I was mad as a hornet while reading it, but the storyline kept me engaged. I was going to give this book 3.5 stars, but the ending sold it for me. That ending twist was not expected, which is what I love in a thriller. My only complaint is that I wish the chapters were shorter, and the description became slightly wordy for my taste, but overall I really liked this!
January 31, 2025
This book was an easy read but for me the quick twist in the last three pages coupled with what I feel like was really unrealistic character development meant I just didn’t enjoy this as much as I would have if this hadn’t been the case
November 25, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! Putting it down to do life was very hard! The whole idea of a stranger infiltrating your life and making you feel like a "prisoner" in your own home is terrifying—and it was executed perfectly.
Natasha's journey starts with an urgent need to escape the city after her teenage son, Max, gets entangled with some really dangerous people. The sudden inheritance of a house many miles away seemed to promise safety and a fresh start. But this house isn't just a fixer-upper—it's a gateway to Natasha's worst nightmare.
Local builder Henry initially seems like a godsend, but oh boy, does he turn out to be anything but! My heart truly went out to Natasha—trying to wean off her anxiety meds while grappling with Henry's unsettling presence. His creepy overfamiliarity and boundary-pushing behavior had my skin crawling.
The suspense grips you from the get-go, the twists leave your head spinning, and the characters are so lifelike that their fear and anxiety practically jump off the page. It's a full-on, heart-pounding ride that leaves you breathless.
Jessica is a master of writing psychological thrillers that explore the darker side of human nature. She has truly outdone herself with this chilling story!
Natasha's journey starts with an urgent need to escape the city after her teenage son, Max, gets entangled with some really dangerous people. The sudden inheritance of a house many miles away seemed to promise safety and a fresh start. But this house isn't just a fixer-upper—it's a gateway to Natasha's worst nightmare.
Local builder Henry initially seems like a godsend, but oh boy, does he turn out to be anything but! My heart truly went out to Natasha—trying to wean off her anxiety meds while grappling with Henry's unsettling presence. His creepy overfamiliarity and boundary-pushing behavior had my skin crawling.
The suspense grips you from the get-go, the twists leave your head spinning, and the characters are so lifelike that their fear and anxiety practically jump off the page. It's a full-on, heart-pounding ride that leaves you breathless.
Jessica is a master of writing psychological thrillers that explore the darker side of human nature. She has truly outdone herself with this chilling story!
December 4, 2024
Under Her Skin by: Jessica Huntley
5 ⭐️s
This book was such a page turner. I could NOT put it down!!! The author does such a great job describing the characters and they are so relatable. The main character, Natasha, was disowned by her parents. Pregnant very young and raising her son alone. After some trouble Max gets into, him and his mother need to go on the run. They find out they are inheriting a house but just when things seem to be looking their way, things go terribly wrong! People are not who they seem and there seems to be a secret at every turn.
5 ⭐️s
This book was such a page turner. I could NOT put it down!!! The author does such a great job describing the characters and they are so relatable. The main character, Natasha, was disowned by her parents. Pregnant very young and raising her son alone. After some trouble Max gets into, him and his mother need to go on the run. They find out they are inheriting a house but just when things seem to be looking their way, things go terribly wrong! People are not who they seem and there seems to be a secret at every turn.
October 28, 2024
A woman invites a stranger into her home to help fix up a house she inherited in the countryside. The stranger, Henry, becomes too involved in her life and she soon discovers he is hiding a dark secret that puts her and her son in danger. Henry offers to help keep the secret, but at a cost...
Reading a book that is impossible to put down is a rare and delightful experience, one that demands your full attention and devotion. This particular book is a binge-worthy read that will have you canceling plans and neglecting responsibilities just to keep turning the pages.
The protagonist, Natasha, is a deeply flawed yet relatable character, struggling with anxiety and facing challenges that many readers will find familiar. Her teenage son, while occasionally irritating, undergoes a transformation that is both surprising and admirable.
As you immerse yourself in the plot, you will find yourself questioning what you would do in Natasha's shoes. There are moments when she seems to have nothing left to lose, and it's impossible not to empathize with her struggles. I found myself relating to Natasha on a personal level, and I couldn't help but wonder if I could learn something from her problem-solving skills (hahaha being sarcastic here!). The unexpected ending and clever twist added an intriguing element to the story.
I hesitate to reveal more about the book, as I wouldn't want to spoil the experience for anyone. Suffice it to say, this is a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, because this book keeps on killing!
Thank you, Inkubator Books for ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reading a book that is impossible to put down is a rare and delightful experience, one that demands your full attention and devotion. This particular book is a binge-worthy read that will have you canceling plans and neglecting responsibilities just to keep turning the pages.
The protagonist, Natasha, is a deeply flawed yet relatable character, struggling with anxiety and facing challenges that many readers will find familiar. Her teenage son, while occasionally irritating, undergoes a transformation that is both surprising and admirable.
As you immerse yourself in the plot, you will find yourself questioning what you would do in Natasha's shoes. There are moments when she seems to have nothing left to lose, and it's impossible not to empathize with her struggles. I found myself relating to Natasha on a personal level, and I couldn't help but wonder if I could learn something from her problem-solving skills (hahaha being sarcastic here!). The unexpected ending and clever twist added an intriguing element to the story.
I hesitate to reveal more about the book, as I wouldn't want to spoil the experience for anyone. Suffice it to say, this is a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, because this book keeps on killing!
Thank you, Inkubator Books for ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2025
Having read Don't Tell A Soul by this author a couple of months ago, I was really keen to see what was in store in this new release.
Once again the front cover doesn't give away too much about the storyline, but was intriguing and having loved the writing style in the last book, I was excited to dive in.
As a mum, this was a tricky read and made me feel all kinda of emotions throughout.
It really goes to show just what a mum will do to protect her children - although it did make me think how I'd react in a similar situation.
Natasha definitely made a few dubious decisions along the way, but I can't fault her determination to protect and nurture.
This storyline was exciting but creepy and did nothing to curb by reluctance to have workmen around my own house!
I found this pretty fast-paced but the chapters were pretty long for this genre and felt a little draggy in places!
But I still raced through this in only a few sittings!
This was another great read which totally shocked me with a great twist towards the ending!
I'm already looking forward to seeing more from this author in the future.
Once again the front cover doesn't give away too much about the storyline, but was intriguing and having loved the writing style in the last book, I was excited to dive in.
As a mum, this was a tricky read and made me feel all kinda of emotions throughout.
It really goes to show just what a mum will do to protect her children - although it did make me think how I'd react in a similar situation.
Natasha definitely made a few dubious decisions along the way, but I can't fault her determination to protect and nurture.
This storyline was exciting but creepy and did nothing to curb by reluctance to have workmen around my own house!
I found this pretty fast-paced but the chapters were pretty long for this genre and felt a little draggy in places!
But I still raced through this in only a few sittings!
This was another great read which totally shocked me with a great twist towards the ending!
I'm already looking forward to seeing more from this author in the future.
December 9, 2024
Natasha is just surviving in her flat in Birmingham. Life is made unnecessarily hard though when Max, her son, gets caught up with drug dealers. The perfect escape is presented to her when she finds out she's inherited a house in Newcastle. Henry, a local builder, offers his services to help do up the house.
To begin with, while Henry seems a bit pushy, I did think that perhaps he was lonely. This changed quickly though, and I hated the man! I understood Natasha's situation predicament though... Henry was an extreme red flag, and men like this do not take a no as their answer. I understand why, as a single woman, not wanting further threat to her son or any chance of being found by those in Birmingham, she found it difficult to tell him to piss off for good.
I enjoyed Natasha's development. She suffers from a great deal of anxiety and has to push herself alot throughout the book. But her anxiety doesn't make her weak. She may has a busy mind, but it doesn't mean she can't do what she needs to do. Throughout the book, Natasha gets up to alot of crazy stuff! But it always felt right with who she was. It's made clear from the get-go that she will do absolutely anything for him son, and as a mother myself, I get that!
For the first time ever with a Jessica book, I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen and I was pleased when I got it right! However, don't ever believe you're going to get it right, even when the book is pretty much over! The ending was a big surprise to me, and damn! That very last bit... so satisfying!
As always, another killer book by Jessica Huntley!
To begin with, while Henry seems a bit pushy, I did think that perhaps he was lonely. This changed quickly though, and I hated the man! I understood Natasha's situation predicament though... Henry was an extreme red flag, and men like this do not take a no as their answer. I understand why, as a single woman, not wanting further threat to her son or any chance of being found by those in Birmingham, she found it difficult to tell him to piss off for good.
I enjoyed Natasha's development. She suffers from a great deal of anxiety and has to push herself alot throughout the book. But her anxiety doesn't make her weak. She may has a busy mind, but it doesn't mean she can't do what she needs to do. Throughout the book, Natasha gets up to alot of crazy stuff! But it always felt right with who she was. It's made clear from the get-go that she will do absolutely anything for him son, and as a mother myself, I get that!
For the first time ever with a Jessica book, I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen and I was pleased when I got it right! However, don't ever believe you're going to get it right, even when the book is pretty much over! The ending was a big surprise to me, and damn! That very last bit... so satisfying!
As always, another killer book by Jessica Huntley!
December 20, 2024
Under Her Skin is a psychological thriller that kept me hooked and invested all throughout. The complexity in which Jessica crafts her stories and characters is what always makes me gravitate towards her books. There is always so much more than just thrills. This story was intricately constructed with a pace that keeps the suspense high from start to finish. While reading there is always a sense of foreboding and feeling of what is going to happen next. Huntley’s writing is very descriptive, but for me it works entirely with the way she builds her stories.
The characters are developed and have depth to them. They are much more than just surface level. They did feel realistic portraying emotions that are entirely valid and decision making skills that probably you would take in order to protect your child. The way the plot unfolded with its multiple twists and turns at the exact right moments was very satisfying. The dramatic and unexpected conclusion truly sealed the deal !
A really good read from Huntley once more. Perfect to binge and get out of a slump, which is exactly what I needed! Nothing was grabbing me and this one did the job. Give it a shot!
✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @inkubatorbooks & @jessicahuntley for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are developed and have depth to them. They are much more than just surface level. They did feel realistic portraying emotions that are entirely valid and decision making skills that probably you would take in order to protect your child. The way the plot unfolded with its multiple twists and turns at the exact right moments was very satisfying. The dramatic and unexpected conclusion truly sealed the deal !
A really good read from Huntley once more. Perfect to binge and get out of a slump, which is exactly what I needed! Nothing was grabbing me and this one did the job. Give it a shot!
✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @inkubatorbooks & @jessicahuntley for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Under Her Skin by Jessica Huntley is a different kind of thriller! This thriller will build an atmosphere from "Can't say boo to Goose" to "Wach your back B*ch!"!
In the beginning, this book made my blood boil much! That spoilt brat just literally was screaming "Hate me"! Took me all my strength to not scream at this book!
And emotions are good! This means the author gets under our skin! And this is what we want!
No jumping in timelines and no multiple POV so easy to follow :)
Single mum Natasha works her ars off to provide for her 17 years old kid Max. Dad had never been in the picture and things got messy when Natasha learned that Max was mixed with the wrong crowd! The only way is to run! But then life flips upside down and the new beginning becomes a new nightmare!
Absolutely love this author and recommend grabbing a copy on 27 Nov 2024!
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this copy!
Under Her Skin by Jessica Huntley is a different kind of thriller! This thriller will build an atmosphere from "Can't say boo to Goose" to "Wach your back B*ch!"!
In the beginning, this book made my blood boil much! That spoilt brat just literally was screaming "Hate me"! Took me all my strength to not scream at this book!
And emotions are good! This means the author gets under our skin! And this is what we want!
No jumping in timelines and no multiple POV so easy to follow :)
Single mum Natasha works her ars off to provide for her 17 years old kid Max. Dad had never been in the picture and things got messy when Natasha learned that Max was mixed with the wrong crowd! The only way is to run! But then life flips upside down and the new beginning becomes a new nightmare!
Absolutely love this author and recommend grabbing a copy on 27 Nov 2024!
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this copy!
January 22, 2025
This book reads at an interesting pace and really picks up about halfway through. The protagonist is faced with trauma after trauma. I thought her actions were pretty ridiculous, and I wasn’t sure how she would face each challenge. I’ll just say that I’m not impressed especially with the ending.
December 9, 2024
Superb from page one til the end! I will be checking out this author's other works. I recommend to anyone who likes a fast paced thriller that you think you have the answers to, but really you will have no clue.
November 24, 2024
5/5 stars
Read this book on Netgalley. Thank you to them and Inkubator books for the ARC.
A truly compulsive read, I think Inkubator books is now my favourite publisher! One great reads after another!
This was a crazy book. At the start it gave me anxiety seeing how much Natasha was struggling with life, having two jobs and a teenage son all on her own.
The dread over her life was intense. And then the letter arrived and the book just switched gears.
And bam she moves far away and yet attracts trouble in her home. The crazy man who tries to take over her life.
Read this book on Netgalley. Thank you to them and Inkubator books for the ARC.
A truly compulsive read, I think Inkubator books is now my favourite publisher! One great reads after another!
This was a crazy book. At the start it gave me anxiety seeing how much Natasha was struggling with life, having two jobs and a teenage son all on her own.
The dread over her life was intense. And then the letter arrived and the book just switched gears.
And bam she moves far away and yet attracts trouble in her home. The crazy man who tries to take over her life.
December 3, 2024
Under Her Skin by Jessica Huntley
She invited a stranger into her home, and now he won't leave.
When her teenage son gets into trouble with some very dangerous people, Natasha realizes that they need to flee the city. But where can they go?
Out of the blue, she receives an inheritance that seems to answer her prayers: a distant relative has left her a house deep in the countryside. It needs a lot of work, but to Natasha, it feels like a blessing—the perfect place to keep her son safe and soothe her overwhelming anxiety.
Soon after they arrive, a local builder named Henry offers his services. Natasha is happy to hire him but quickly realizes that there's something off about Henry—he doesn't respect boundaries and acts as though he’s part of the family.
Though Natasha is tempted to dismiss him, she soon discovers that her seemingly idyllic home harbors a terrible secret—a secret that threatens to destroy her new life.
The increasingly sinister Henry is willing to help her keep that secret, but he has his own demands in return…
"Under Her Skin" is another captivating thriller by the author of works such as "Don't Tell a Soul" and "Horrible Husbands." The plot is realistic, featuring many twists and turns. The characters are well-developed, and the dramatic conclusion wraps up the story brilliantly.
I am happy to recommend this book.
I would also like to thank Inkubator Books, author Jessica Huntley, and Zooloos Book Tours for providing me with a copy to read and review.
She invited a stranger into her home, and now he won't leave.
When her teenage son gets into trouble with some very dangerous people, Natasha realizes that they need to flee the city. But where can they go?
Out of the blue, she receives an inheritance that seems to answer her prayers: a distant relative has left her a house deep in the countryside. It needs a lot of work, but to Natasha, it feels like a blessing—the perfect place to keep her son safe and soothe her overwhelming anxiety.
Soon after they arrive, a local builder named Henry offers his services. Natasha is happy to hire him but quickly realizes that there's something off about Henry—he doesn't respect boundaries and acts as though he’s part of the family.
Though Natasha is tempted to dismiss him, she soon discovers that her seemingly idyllic home harbors a terrible secret—a secret that threatens to destroy her new life.
The increasingly sinister Henry is willing to help her keep that secret, but he has his own demands in return…
"Under Her Skin" is another captivating thriller by the author of works such as "Don't Tell a Soul" and "Horrible Husbands." The plot is realistic, featuring many twists and turns. The characters are well-developed, and the dramatic conclusion wraps up the story brilliantly.
I am happy to recommend this book.
I would also like to thank Inkubator Books, author Jessica Huntley, and Zooloos Book Tours for providing me with a copy to read and review.
December 6, 2024
This was a gripping read. We follow single mum Natasha who is struggling to make ends meet. Things are looking bleak when just in the nick of time she inherits a run down property out in the countryside.
Natasha employs local builder Henry to help with the renovation. Is there more to Henry than meets the eye? What secrets is he hiding?
I did find some of Natasha’s choices rather questionable and she was quite frustrating at times. But this didn’t stop me from enjoying the book at all. I loved the ending it was totally unexpected.
I’m looking forward to reading another book by the author I’ve read a couple now and really enjoyed them.
Thank you to Zooloos Book tours for having me on the tour and to the publisher for my gifted ebook.
Natasha employs local builder Henry to help with the renovation. Is there more to Henry than meets the eye? What secrets is he hiding?
I did find some of Natasha’s choices rather questionable and she was quite frustrating at times. But this didn’t stop me from enjoying the book at all. I loved the ending it was totally unexpected.
I’m looking forward to reading another book by the author I’ve read a couple now and really enjoyed them.
Thank you to Zooloos Book tours for having me on the tour and to the publisher for my gifted ebook.
December 1, 2024
Split into three parts. March 2017 the boom May 2024. I found it so relatable as a naturally anxious person and this was what caught my attention from the get go. Every mother’s worst nightmare soon begins to kick in. I couldn’t help feeling my own anxiety start to rise. Nat’s luck soon kicks in and the move takes place! I was instantly skeptical of Henry ‘and now you owe me’, it felt extremely eerie and I thought yep this is where it’s going to kick in. Although it was slow to start with every chapter lingered in my mind anticipating what would happen next.
That ending of part 1 though (no spoilers)!! The secrets start to build, what would you do and hide to protect your son? The shocking twists keep coming, I could not believe who knocked on the door another cliff hanger at the end of part 2! I couldn’t wait to get into the final part of the book I was on high alert. There was so many moments building up to the end that I was second guessing everything. I never could’ve imagined the ending. There are so many great characters, awesome twists and an unpredictable ending. Loved it.
That ending of part 1 though (no spoilers)!! The secrets start to build, what would you do and hide to protect your son? The shocking twists keep coming, I could not believe who knocked on the door another cliff hanger at the end of part 2! I couldn’t wait to get into the final part of the book I was on high alert. There was so many moments building up to the end that I was second guessing everything. I never could’ve imagined the ending. There are so many great characters, awesome twists and an unpredictable ending. Loved it.
December 1, 2024
Jessica Huntley always delivers when it comes to psychological thrillers, this is the third book I’ve read and as always, I absolutely loved it! Again I was captivated and found it extremely difficult to put the book down once I had started, I flew through it, literally devouring the pages!
I especially liked that I knew a big twist would be coming somewhere in the story, and the author managed to catch me off guard, I really didn’t see that one coming! The explosive ending too, that really got me, I needed a minute after reading to digest.
As for the characters, I wouldn’t say I found myself very attached to them, but I wasn’t sure if I should or shouldn’t enjoy Nat’s development as a character, but it was weirdly satisfied and if you pick this book up, you’ll know what I’m questioning my thinking here.
I could really feel the tenseness and the emotions at times, you could cut the tension with a knife, but the story was immersive and it’s safe to say, another thriller smashed by this author!
I especially liked that I knew a big twist would be coming somewhere in the story, and the author managed to catch me off guard, I really didn’t see that one coming! The explosive ending too, that really got me, I needed a minute after reading to digest.
As for the characters, I wouldn’t say I found myself very attached to them, but I wasn’t sure if I should or shouldn’t enjoy Nat’s development as a character, but it was weirdly satisfied and if you pick this book up, you’ll know what I’m questioning my thinking here.
I could really feel the tenseness and the emotions at times, you could cut the tension with a knife, but the story was immersive and it’s safe to say, another thriller smashed by this author!
November 27, 2024
I need answers, I ate this book up in less than 24 hours this was a tasty thriller book to get you out of a reading slump. I absolutely loved the depth of the characters, Nat the struggling mother trying to make ends meet and just survive being a single mother and her son the typical teenager that blames all his problems on everyone else. The attitude from the son was frustrating, Jessica definitely shown depth on how frustrating teenagers can be sometimes but the layers of the book and descriptions was amazing. Good conclusive thriller book but I need answers without any spoilers I needed just a few more pages on why certain things happened to certain characters.
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October 31, 2024💙🏚 This book is very close to my heart for two reasons 💙🏚
1. I came up with the idea of having the MC renovate her house during my own house renovation. If you've been watching my stories for a while you'll have seen the photos of the before and after of my new house which I moved into in August.
2. The FMC, Natasha, has severe anxiety and is on medication for it (sertraline). Again, anyone who has followed me for a while knows I suffer from anxiety and am on the same meds. However, Natasha comes off the meds cold turkey which means her mental health becomes extremely unstable and anyone who has anxiety knows you can't come off the meds too quickly! They give you severe side effects. I, luckily, am coming off them slowly over several months.
I've had a few reviews from readers saying she's annoying and makes all the wrong decisions and yes, she does. Anti anxiety medication has the opposite effect when cut out too soon and this is what happens to Natasha.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy my new book. Those who have experience with anxiety should see similarities with themselves in Natasha and those who haven't had anxiety will hopefully learn a few things about how someone's mind works, especially in highly tense and stressful situations.
Jessica xx
1. I came up with the idea of having the MC renovate her house during my own house renovation. If you've been watching my stories for a while you'll have seen the photos of the before and after of my new house which I moved into in August.
2. The FMC, Natasha, has severe anxiety and is on medication for it (sertraline). Again, anyone who has followed me for a while knows I suffer from anxiety and am on the same meds. However, Natasha comes off the meds cold turkey which means her mental health becomes extremely unstable and anyone who has anxiety knows you can't come off the meds too quickly! They give you severe side effects. I, luckily, am coming off them slowly over several months.
I've had a few reviews from readers saying she's annoying and makes all the wrong decisions and yes, she does. Anti anxiety medication has the opposite effect when cut out too soon and this is what happens to Natasha.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy my new book. Those who have experience with anxiety should see similarities with themselves in Natasha and those who haven't had anxiety will hopefully learn a few things about how someone's mind works, especially in highly tense and stressful situations.
Jessica xx
November 27, 2024
The prologue shows us an elderly lady thinking about her will and what to do with her house when she dies. Then there is a vague mention of an argument in the garden.
Then we jump ahead to Natasha, a single mum in Birmingham desperately trying to keep her teenage son out of trouble. Just at an ideal time, she learns that she has inherited a house and some money. It's the answer to all her problems, or is it?
I really enjoyed reading about Natasha inheriting the house and moving in. It would be a dream come true!
Then Henry, a local builder, arrives on the scene. He was quite creepy and soon tried to muscle his way into the family.
I loved the twists and tension in this book. There were surprises right up to the end!
Thanks Inkubator books for the ARC.
Then we jump ahead to Natasha, a single mum in Birmingham desperately trying to keep her teenage son out of trouble. Just at an ideal time, she learns that she has inherited a house and some money. It's the answer to all her problems, or is it?
I really enjoyed reading about Natasha inheriting the house and moving in. It would be a dream come true!
Then Henry, a local builder, arrives on the scene. He was quite creepy and soon tried to muscle his way into the family.
I loved the twists and tension in this book. There were surprises right up to the end!
Thanks Inkubator books for the ARC.
January 19, 2025
Ugh, I thought it was super slow (but again trusting reviews thought the “twist” at the end would be great), the twist made absolutely no sense and covered about 2 pages worth and ended abruptly!
I didn’t see the twist coming because it had no relevance to the story whatsoever, gave it two stars purely for the fact it was originally set in the West Midlands and gave a good idea of the crime issue 👍
I didn’t see the twist coming because it had no relevance to the story whatsoever, gave it two stars purely for the fact it was originally set in the West Midlands and gave a good idea of the crime issue 👍
December 3, 2024
I found this psychological thriller to be quite engaging from start to finish. The intricate twists and turns kept me eagerly turning the pages, and the conclusion was a complete surprise—something I truly appreciated. The story's pacing was masterfully executed; it flowed smoothly, though I often found myself wishing I could dive in deeper, especially when my busy schedule held me back from finishing it more quickly.
The protagonist, Natasha, was particularly noteworthy. She was a well-crafted and complex character, and her journey throughout the narrative was compelling. However, there were moments when her naivety became quite pronounced, which struck me as a missed opportunity for further character exploration. Delving deeper into her thought processes or motivations could have added an intriguing layer to her development.
While I have enjoyed other works by this author a bit more, this thriller still left a strong impression on me, warranting a four-star rating. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre who appreciate a well-constructed plot with unexpected revelations. Overall, it's a solid read that will satisfy those who enjoy psychological complexities in their thrillers.
The protagonist, Natasha, was particularly noteworthy. She was a well-crafted and complex character, and her journey throughout the narrative was compelling. However, there were moments when her naivety became quite pronounced, which struck me as a missed opportunity for further character exploration. Delving deeper into her thought processes or motivations could have added an intriguing layer to her development.
While I have enjoyed other works by this author a bit more, this thriller still left a strong impression on me, warranting a four-star rating. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre who appreciate a well-constructed plot with unexpected revelations. Overall, it's a solid read that will satisfy those who enjoy psychological complexities in their thrillers.
May 26, 2025
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for a copy for an honest review. I enjoyed the story and now have a new fear unlocked. Natasha and her teenage son find themselves in the middle of something unimaginable. Their new house needs renovations, so she hires local handyman Henry to take care of the work. Henry is not your typical contractor and starts to "warm himself" into the equation, bringing only trouble with him. I raced through the pages to find out what happens next, and the ending left me absolutely speechless. Highly recommend!
November 29, 2024
Seventeen years ago, Natasha, pregnant and unwed, is faced with a decision that will shape the future. Her family will disown her if she keeps the baby. Now, seventeen years later, she is alone, working two jobs, struggling to make ends meet and dealing with petulant, disrespectful teenager, Max. She is at her wits-end when Max gets involved with the wrong crowd and becomes indebted to some very dangerous people. Out of the blue, she receives news about a house she��s inherited in a town two hours away from an aunt she never knew she had. Could this be the answer to her problems? It seems to be until a builder named Henry arrives on her doorstep. Time reveals there is something very wrong with Henry. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the plot was solid and written in a way that kept the story moving along at a good pace. And, there’s a twisty surprise at the end. Release date:11/27/2024
Thank you Inkubator Books and BookSprout who provided this advance copy for an honest, voluntary review.
Thank you Inkubator Books and BookSprout who provided this advance copy for an honest, voluntary review.
November 29, 2024
Natasha and Max flee from the city to avoid a vicious drug dealer and although being given a new start in life it doesn't mean it'll be easier. The house is falling apart, the misterious contractor that shows up to help is creepy, and the problems keep on growing. Will they be able to overcome them and become a "happy family"? What are the more sinister secrets that are kept in the old house?
Fast-paced, Under Her Skin will keep you awake during the night after you start reading it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fast-paced, Under Her Skin will keep you awake during the night after you start reading it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2024
Great story with characters that keep you glued to their story. Their story is easy to read and their story is not really hard to follow because you see a certain direction of their journey quite early on. A great page turner.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review..
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review..
December 7, 2024
knew Under Her Skin would be a good book from the synopsis. Jessica Huntley is great at creating believable characters and I was captivated by her descriptions. The "long-lost relative" subplot is always interesting to me.
The more I found out about Natasha's life, the more I felt for her. She and her son Max were also very realistically portrayed. The social housing part of her life is very relevant to what's going on today, with the lack of affordable housing everywhere. I coud easily relate to that, as I have experience of a similar situation.
It makes me glad to not live in a dangerous area. I did fear for Natasha and her son.
I liked how the parallel stories of the characters were entwined. I felt myself get emotional and I really hoped things would get better for Natasha and Max.
I was shocked at what happened to Max.
I'm not a mother and not a single mother either, but Under Her Skin gives.a good insight into the reality of having a low income and being a single mother.
The book is powerful and memorable.
5 stars, but it deserves more. I was hooked!
Thanks to Jessica Huntley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The more I found out about Natasha's life, the more I felt for her. She and her son Max were also very realistically portrayed. The social housing part of her life is very relevant to what's going on today, with the lack of affordable housing everywhere. I coud easily relate to that, as I have experience of a similar situation.
It makes me glad to not live in a dangerous area. I did fear for Natasha and her son.
I liked how the parallel stories of the characters were entwined. I felt myself get emotional and I really hoped things would get better for Natasha and Max.
I was shocked at what happened to Max.
I'm not a mother and not a single mother either, but Under Her Skin gives.a good insight into the reality of having a low income and being a single mother.
The book is powerful and memorable.
5 stars, but it deserves more. I was hooked!
Thanks to Jessica Huntley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this! The author wanted you to think the villain was one person but I knew that was too obvious but didn’t see who it was til the very end. Definitely kept me on my toes and kept me reading because I wanted to find out what happened. I definitely appreciated how far the mother went to save her son but not sure I’d do the same in her shoes.
I really enjoyed this! The author wanted you to think the villain was one person but I knew that was too obvious but didn’t see who it was til the very end. Definitely kept me on my toes and kept me reading because I wanted to find out what happened. I definitely appreciated how far the mother went to save her son but not sure I’d do the same in her shoes.
December 12, 2024
Another great book by Jessica Huntley! This is a bit of a slow burn with a very creepy atmosphere in the middle part of the book. I hated Henry with a passion. To be honest Nat was the only one I was rooting for, she did everything to try and take care of her son (ungrateful as he was 😂). There were some twists I saw coming and some I definitely didn’t. I really enjoyed Nat’s character development too.
November 8, 2024
Under Her Skin is a novel about a woman named Natasha doing everything she can to defend and protect her son, ultimately leading them into another potentially life-threatening situation. When they move into a home left to Natasha from an unknown relative, Natasha hires a cheap local handy-man to help with repairs. The pair notice weird happenings and begin to lose trust in the safety of their new beginning.
This novel was interesting, suspenseful, and kept my attention throughout. The chapters are a bit long (I am typically a short-chapter fan) but the content is intriguing and I found myself curious about what could unfold next. The ending felt a bit rushed - after the twist was revealed the author could have explored the after effects a little bit more. Overall this is a minimal critique compared to the work's overall quality. The characters felt well developed and the inner thoughts of Natasha accurately depict a woman riddle with anxiety, doing whatever it takes to protect her little family with little means.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC!
This novel was interesting, suspenseful, and kept my attention throughout. The chapters are a bit long (I am typically a short-chapter fan) but the content is intriguing and I found myself curious about what could unfold next. The ending felt a bit rushed - after the twist was revealed the author could have explored the after effects a little bit more. Overall this is a minimal critique compared to the work's overall quality. The characters felt well developed and the inner thoughts of Natasha accurately depict a woman riddle with anxiety, doing whatever it takes to protect her little family with little means.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC!
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