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

This book reads at an interesting pace and really picks up about halfway through. The protagonist is faced with trauma after trauma. Overall a good read

What was supposed to be a fresh start quickly becomes a nightmare for single mom Natasha and her son, Max. After moving into an inherited home in desperate need of repairs, Natasha invites Henry, a stranger, to help fix it up. But Henry has his own dark secrets, and soon, Natasha finds herself and her son in danger. How far will she go to protect him?

This book was a nonstop rollercoaster. It's full of twists, tension, and an ever-present sense of unease. Jessica Huntley does an incredible job portraying mental health struggles. I actually did something I don't normally eand looked at reviews before posting this. The opinions on Natasha as a character were very mixed. While I do see the other side I felt that Natasha was someone who seemed real. Yes, some of her choices are questionable, but I think that's the point. She's someone with severe anxiety, coming off medication suddenly. Between that and the obstacles she faces, I think her choices just show how much your mental state can affect your choices, rationally or not.

While I loved most of the book, the ending felt a bit too rushed. The final twist was intriguing but wrapped up too quickly. I wanted more! Still, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, psychological thriller that keeps you on edge, this is one to pick up.

"Under Her Skin”, by Jessica Huntley, is an interesting read. It follows Natasha, the protagonist and narrator, as she seeks a new future for her and her son, Max. Their struggle-filled life is further complicated not only by their strenuous relationship, but also a significant event which happens to Max in particular. Coincidentally when Natasha is looking for a way out one sort of presents itself when she inherits a big house from an aunt she never knew. The caveat here though is that house isn’t some grand, sprawling estate—it’s in shambles and requires extensive repairs.

While sad, the story is made all the more intriguing as Natasha tends to make some poor life choices, and I found myself really feeling her struggle. She isn’t a bad character in any way, and there is much which suggests she herself is a good person, just a little naive. I found myself rooting for her often as in the end she’s really just a struggling, single mom who’s trying to do the best she can for her son whom she loves dearly, and this can be seen throughout the book. We as readers really want to see her succeed despite all the terrible twists, turns, and suspicious people coming into her life.

I found myself enjoying this book, as I said I liked Natasha and her son, I just wanted to see better things happen for them. The story flows well with an excellent pace and was very easy to read. I did feel a few characters were underutilized, some were even more important to the story and its conclusion but barely present beyond the end. I also felt the twist should have been expanded upon; I wanted to see it explored more and with further resolution. Natasha’s choices in the end were also a little too unrealistic, even if I liked how it all went down. I like her, a lot.

I enjoyed the book, as it is well-written and takes a more common trope of inheritance and rather than it be the usual boon it’s a further hindrance in the characters’ lives. I also liked that, while I’m not from the UK, the book’s setting and story were still very accessible and understandable. I scored “Under Her Skin” a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

A mother would do anything to save their child. When an opportunity to move to the countryside falls in Natasha's lap, she jumps in head first to create a new life for herself and her son. Not without it's own new challenges, the find out just how strong and courageous you can be as you navigate a new life.

Thank you Inkubator Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
This was a great paced novel and very easy to read, although the plot was a little unbelievable!
A great thriller and definitely recommend.

This was a fun quick thriller! Natasha Moore and her son Max are barely surviving in their government housing and unsafe neighborhood of Birmingham in the UK. Max is being chased after by drug dealers, Natasha is being chased by debt collectors and their bond is basically non-existent. When Natasha's aunt who she had never known leaves her a house in the country in her will this is Natasha's sign that it's time to pack up and start a new life. Once they get to the house they realized it's completely dilapidated and theres an actual tree growing through the living room. Henry, a local builder, shows up one day to offer his services super cheap with no up front payment. It seemed to good to be true and it was - he doesn't want to leave now. This was a great thriller for a palette cleanse when you aren't ready to jump into something long and heavy! It's also on KU! Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this ARC.

This was a fast paced and easy to read thriller. Although I think the plots a little insane, this is one female character who won’t take anything lying down, which I can appreciate. Nice slow, first person pov with only one narrator.

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this ARC! This book is out now!

Under Her Skin
By Jessica Huntley
Review and Rating 2 ⭐️

This was a miss for me. I have definitely been in a slump lately with the psychological thrillers and Under Her Skin was no exception. I found all the characters to be unlikable and the main character Natasha just kept making one bad decision after the next.
I did find the story to be somewhat entertaining which is why I continued reading long after I should have stopped. It was a rollercoaster and the ending was a bit crazy.
I think it’s time to live by the philosophy that life is too short to read books I don’t like! I won’t say bad books because I know that is highly subjective. Under Her Skin has a lot of great reviews, but for me it’s 2 ⭐️.
I do want to thank the author, Inkubator Books, and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Some of the characters were unlikable but I still enjoyed the story! I couldn’t put it down when I picked it up and finished it in one sitting!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this e-arc! This was a very captivating suspense novel and I’m excited to look into more work from this author in the future.

Thank you net galley for allowing me to review this.
I really enjoyed this. It held me throughout.
I liked the characters, plot and the twists and turns

I enjoyed reading this book! I gave it a 5/5 ⭐️ because it was hard to put down! Everything was good. The plot, the story line, the characters!… I also really liked the twist! It got me. Overall great read! I look forward to reading more from this author!

I really wanted to like this book. The premise is promising and I love a psychological thriller. I found Natasha utterly unlikeable and frustrating and struggled to finish.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Under Her Skin" by Jessica Huntley is a gritty exploration of inner turmoil and resilience that transcends the conventions of genre fiction. Huntley deftly weaves a tale that delves into the deepest recesses of the human psyche, peeling back layers to reveal raw and unfiltered emotions.

The protagonist, Emma, is a complex character who is haunted and driven by her past. Huntley’s portrayal of Emma’s struggles feels visceral and intimate, as though readers are being granted access to her innermost thoughts. This connection with the character is one of the novel’s strongest points, drawing readers into a world as much about internal conflict as it is about external challenges.

Huntley’s narrative is haunting yet hopeful, with a prose style that is poetic yet grounded in reality. The pacing of the novel is well-judged, allowing for moments of reflection amidst the tension. Themes of redemption, identity, and the scars we carry are handled with a deft touch, avoiding cliché while resonating deeply.

In "Under Her Skin", Huntley has crafted a story that is a psychological thriller as well as a character study. It challenges readers to confront their own fears and insecurities. This is a novel that is not just read, but experienced—leaving a lasting impact that is hard to shake off.

An exceptional read for those who appreciate depth, emotion, and a touch of darkness in their fiction.

This was an entertaining, nonstop rollercoaster

I found that Jessica Huntley often focuses on mental health and does an incredible job making the characters realistic and the reader genuinely feeling for them. Something was constantly happening, whether a new problem or twist making us feel on edge (a perfect way to have us get an ounce of Natasha’s anxiety.) I will note I wish we saw I little more into the symptoms of withdrawal after she went cold turkey.

Though I loved majority of this book then ending was too abrupt for me. The final twist comes and it’s solved so easily. It felt as if it was thrown in there to answer a few questions but it left me wanting more.

Without spoiling (only enough detail for those who read it to understand) there were two characters I was questioning the motive for: the character who came for a surprise visit & the character involved in the final twist. They both made the story confusing for me and I wish the book could’ve been longer in order to have those pieces fit better.

Overall I really enjoyed this one & I would definitely recommend it to someone looking to check out Jessica Huntley’s work.

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)

Thank you to NetGalley + Inkubator Books for the ARC!

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.