I found Under Her Skin very entertaining. I enjoyed it, but found it very unrealistic.

The way the main character Natasha reacted in many situations in the novel didn't seem likely. I cringed quite a few times throughout with her ridiculous choices. Although it definitely made for an entertaining read.

This is the second book I've read from Jessica Huntley. The first was: Don't Tell A Soul, which I enjoyed more than Under Her Skin.
Ridiculous decisions aside, I like Jessica's writing style. I'll definitely be keen to read more of her books.

3 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Inkubator Books, and Jessica Huntley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.

ARC provided by Inkubator Books in exchange for an honest review.

Under Her Skin by Jessica Huntley is an unsettling and gripping thriller that delves into the darkness of human emotions, secrets, and obsession. From the very first chapter, this book claws its way under your skin—just as the title promises—and doesn’t let go until the final, jaw-dropping twist.

Jessica Huntley masterfully crafts a tale that is equal parts psychological and suspenseful, building tension with every page. The story follows a protagonist whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel when buried secrets resurface. Huntley’s writing is atmospheric and chilling, drawing readers into the protagonist’s spiraling paranoia and the complex web of lies that binds the characters together.

The pacing is sharp, keeping you hooked as the mystery unfolds layer by layer. Each chapter leaves you wanting more, with shocking revelations and intricate character dynamics that keep you guessing. Huntley’s ability to delve into the psychological depths of her characters adds a haunting realism to the story.

As someone who loves psychological thrillers, this book hit all the right notes for me. The plot twists are genuinely surprising, and the emotional stakes feel raw and real. Huntley’s knack for exploring the darker side of human nature makes *Under Her Skin* an unforgettable read.

If you’re a fan of dark, twisty thrillers that keep you on edge, this is a must-read. Jessica Huntley has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the thriller genre, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

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.

Amazing!! I can't speak highly enough about this, I just loved every second. The twists and turns are executed flawlessly, the characters are humanised and brought to life in a realistic way and the tension is perfectly built throughout. The perfect book to get lost in on these long dark evenings

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…

loved it. Cannot wait to read more from the author. Will recommend to others.

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.

This is a gripping and suspenseful read that will captivate fans of dark, mysterious, and tense thrillers, particularly those who enjoy stories about complex relationships, secrets, and the blurred lines between safety and danger.

I absolutely loved this book! 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!

Jessica Huntley’s Under Her Skin is a tense, atmospheric thriller that explores the fragility of trust and the dark consequences of desperation. With an unsettling blend of suspense and psychological drama, the novel keeps readers hooked as Natasha’s dream of a fresh start turns into a nightmare.

Plot Overview

Fleeing the city to protect her troubled teenage son, Natasha’s newfound inheritance—a house deep in the countryside—initially feels like a miracle. However, her relief quickly unravels when Henry, a local builder she hires, begins to blur the lines between helpfulness and intrusion. As Natasha uncovers a disturbing secret hidden within the house, she becomes entangled in a dangerous pact with Henry, whose sinister motives push her closer to the edge.

Strengths

Huntley excels at creating a claustrophobic atmosphere, where Natasha’s attempts to rebuild her life are constantly undermined by mounting tension. The isolated rural setting amplifies her vulnerability, making the presence of the overbearing Henry even more disturbing. Henry is a masterfully crafted antagonist—charming on the surface but harbouring a menacing intensity that keeps readers on edge.

Natasha herself is a compelling protagonist. Her anxiety and fierce determination to protect her son make her relatable and sympathetic, even as she makes morally questionable choices. The novel’s pacing is sharp, with well-timed reveals that deepen the sense of dread without sacrificing believability.

Themes

Under Her Skin explores themes of trust, survival, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. It also delves into the psychological toll of trauma and anxiety, offering a nuanced portrayal of a mother struggling to regain control in a life that feels increasingly out of her hands.

Critique

While the story is gripping, some readers might find the twists predictable, particularly if they are seasoned thriller fans. Additionally, Henry’s motivations, while chilling, could benefit from greater depth to elevate him from a creepy antagonist to a truly unforgettable villain.

Conclusion

Jessica Huntley delivers a gripping and unsettling tale with Under Her Skin. It’s a slow-burn thriller that masterfully builds tension, keeping readers invested in Natasha’s plight and the dark secrets of her new home. While some elements feel familiar, the novel’s strong character work and eerie atmosphere make it a worthwhile read for fans of psychological suspense.

1/5 stars! I do not understand this book. I do not get it. Unless the final reveal is that the mom has split personality disorder, I DO NOT get it. She is a quaking wallflower half of the time and then a methodical, calculated woman willing to put it all on the line a page later. It felt simply unbelievable

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Jessica Huntley's novels are always my favourites for when I need a thrill and this one was no different, immediately I felt immersed into the growing danger and intensity and it kept me hooked.

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, I finished it in two days. 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.

The premise of this book was great - a single mother and her son run into trouble with some drug dealers and suddenly inherit a house in the country which should be an answer to their problems. Only it gets worse!

The house seems almost unlivable but Natasha and Max don't have any other options. They ignore the black mold, cold shower, sketchy electricity, and dust, and immediately find jobs, and someone to fix up their house. I love the introduction of the slimy builder and you just know that will be a plot point. But I couldn't resolve the fact that someone on long-term anxiety meds could suddenly go cold turkey. Although the author made a big deal out of Natasha being wary of symptoms of withdrawal, nothing ever came of that.

The end reveal came too suddenly and out of the blue. So overall, I think the story had potential but had some issues with pacing, believability and attention to detail. It was still an entertaining read and managed to hold my attention until the end.

Thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator Book,s and Booksprout for an advance reader's copy.

We follow the story of Single mom Natasha and her 17 year old son Max. Things get messy when Natasha learns that Max has been hanging around the wrong crowd. In order to get away from this trouble, they are able to uproot and move into a newly inherited house after the passing of a relative that Natasha was not aware of. However the conditions of the home are less than desirable, and extensive repairs are needed. She invites a stranger into her home to help fix it up, and then of course things begin to spiral and aren’t at all what they seem. The stranger Henry, becomes too involved in their life and she soon discovers he is hiding a dark secret of his own, that puts her and her son in danger. Henry offers to help keep the secret, but at a cost... and this “new beginning” becomes a nightmare. Natasha, she will go to any length to protect her son. This book was great, it was suspenseful, with a great and unexpected twist to the end I didn’t see coming, The MC made me mad with awful choices, and I loved seeing the son change and grow throughout the story.

⭐️⭐️✨
An interesting premise, but the execution fell short.

The setup for Under Her Skin had so much potential—an inherited house with dark secrets, a mysterious and increasingly creepy builder, and a mother’s desperate attempt to protect her son. I was intrigued by the premise and ready for a chilling psychological thriller.

Unfortunately, the story didn’t quite deliver for me. The pacing felt uneven, with long stretches of slow build-up that didn’t always lead to satisfying payoffs. Natasha’s character, while sympathetic, made some frustratingly repetitive decisions, which made it hard to stay fully invested in her journey. The twists, while surprising at times, felt predictable in other places, and some of the tension fizzled out before it could really land.

While there were moments of genuine suspense and a creepy atmosphere, the story didn’t keep me on edge as I’d hoped. It might work better for readers who enjoy a slower burn and don’t mind some familiar thriller tropes.

Under Her Skin by Jessica Huntley is a recommended psychological thriller.

Natasha has been struggling to make ends meet since she left home and had her son Max. Now Max, seventeen, has gotten into trouble, the kind of trouble they need to run away from. Their escape is an unexpected inheritance from an aunt she never knew. She has been left a house in the country and a small amount of money. When they arrive at the house, it needs a lot of work, but hopefully she and her son will be safe here. They both find jobs in town and she hires Henry, a local builder who offers his services at a reduced rate.

There is no doubt that Under Her Skin held my complete attention. The narrative is divided into three parts and the plot moves at a fast pace. Not all developments in the plot are explained as well as they could be, but once started, I kept reading right to the end.

At first I was focused on the annoying characters and bad parenting. Max had an attitude and acted like a spoiled teen. Natasha's reaction to him was to cuddle him, excusing and enabling his bad behavior. Once they were away from the city, Natasha continued to make poor choices. She is also off her anxiety meds, cold turkey, and I kept mentally telling her to go to a doctor and get her prescription.

Once Henry started helping and a secret was found during renovations suddenly terrible secrets to keep, threatening behavior, and intimidation comes into play. At this point I had to set disbelief aside as the plot veers way off into a totally different direction. Max seemed to control himself a bit better, while Natasha's personality changes drastically. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Amazon.

Natasha inherit's a house from an aunt that she never knew, which comes at the right time to help her son who's in trouble with drug dealers. This is a good twisty thriller with good characters and some that your not sure of. A good entertaining read for these cold night. Thanks to Inkubator books and Netgalley for this review ARC

I was just as anxious as Natasha while reading this book. I thought it started out kinda slow, but man, the second half of the book was a little nerve racking. I could feel the tension building up inside Natasha and had no idea what she was going to do. The ending was abrupt though. I think that is just because the mystery was solved in about two paragraphs. It was a good read and I recommend it.

Thanks for letting me review it.

A twisty and suspenseful page turner!
I found this one slightly frustrating in places, things I could tell were going to happen, or were over explained, but all in all this kept you wanting to read on and it did bring a great atmosphere to the story!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC