Josslyn has a problem. A big problem. Not only is she fed up with her loser boyfriend hitting her, but she also has Alicia to deal with … and Alicia wants to kill the said boyfriend.
Alicia is the psychotic voice in her head who seems to have her own personality and can take over her body at will, resulting in blackouts and memory loss.
Josslyn has never told anyone about Alicia and isn’t about to start now. But can she deal with her abusive boyfriend on her own … or will Alicia need to step in and save the day? And what about the creepy phone calls she keeps getting?
My Bad Self is the prequel novella you've all been waiting for, set four years before the events of My Dark Self, the first book in the hugely popular psychological thriller " My ... Self Series " about two people inhabiting one body.
If you loved this series then you’ll be jumping at the chance to read more about the dynamic duo or, if you’ve never read the series, it’s the perfect place to start your journey and find out more about Josslyn and Alicia before diving into the full series of books.
Jessica 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 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".
My Bad Self by Jessica Huntley — 4 out of 5 stars This prequel novella throws you right into the messy, dangerous early days of Josslyn and her other half, Alicia. The tension is nonstop, and the story’s voice is loud and unforgettable. Having a voice in your head you can’t quiet would drive anyone up the wall!
The book is sharp, punchy, and hard to put down. It’s gritty and uncomfortable in a good way, and it left me excited to pick up the next book in the series. Josslyn is in an abusive relationship and battling a second identity that can seize control and erase stretches of her life, and that mix of chaos kept me turning the pages.
The story moves quickly, which works well for a novella. There’s no extra fluff—just the heart of the story. I think I’m becoming a fan of novellas! Alicia’s takeovers made things tense for Josslyn, but I liked seeing her stand up to her boyfriend. The creepy phone calls made the suspense even better.
Josslyn’s vulnerability makes her easy to care about, and I found myself hoping she’d be okay. At the same time, Alicia’s unpredictable side made me wonder if real freedom is worth the risk of Josslyn losing who she is.
Read this if: You’re a fan of fast, tense psychological thrillers. You like unreliable narrators, split identities, and domestic suspense. You want a prequel that prepares you for the rest of the My... Self series.
Thank you to the author and BookSprout for the #GiftedARC. All opinions are my own.
My Dark Self is the prequel novella, set four years before My Dark Self. It follows Josslyn and Alicia who inhabit the same body. Josslyn not only has an abusive boyfriend that she wants to break up with but also someone who keeps phoning her. Can she get rid of her awful boyfriend and find out who the mysterious caller is? Or does she need Alicia’s help?
I really enjoyed this prequel novella. It was so fun to read about Alicia and Josslyn again before the start of events in the series. I absolutely love both of them. I flew through this short book!
It’s perfect for people who are wanting to dip their toes into the My … Self series or those who are looking for their next fix of Josslyn and Alicia who have already read the series!
I have wanted to read this series for the longest time so when Jessica offered to send me the new release prequel to review, in a format I could print (because we all know I can't read books electronically), I jumped at the chance!
And I immediately loved it. Josslyn definitely reminded me of Joe Goldberg but with more clear cut reasons as to why she's a serial killer (although I think Joe's reasoning is clear too but you'll get what I mean when you read this).
I adored the alternating chapters between Josslyn and Alicia, especially knowing who Alicia is. And this is definitely a great short book to start the series on.
The writing was really engaging, and now I need to get the rest of the series!
A wonderful introduction to the My...Self Series. It’s the prequel I didn’t know I needed—I really missed Josslyn and Alicia. It was nice getting in their head again. I highly recommend this series, and now there is a nice little prequel into their world.
I can’t recommend this series enough! Do yourself a favor and read it!
I missed Josslyn and Alicia so much after writing the last book that I wrote a prequel novella!
Don't worry, there are no spoilers for the main series. But it's a great place to start if you fancy reading the series but not sure if its for you.
If you've already read the series then you'll hopefully still enjoy this short trip into the past before the events of My Dark Self take place. And may even recognise some of the events too!
My Bad Self is the prequel novella to the My … Self series. I've been dying to read this series and jumped at the opportunity to review this one. I was absolutely hooked right from the start. The concept is so interesting and intriguing. The way Jessica weaves in mental health and always manages to create something thrilling from it is amazing. The alternating chapters were great and made it even more chilling, especially knowing who the second person is. Huntley’s stories are unlike any other. This was the perfect way to dip my toes in this series and I can't wait to get my hands on the other books!
✨ ️ Thank you to @booksprout & @jessicahuntley for my gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
As short as this listen was, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed the narrator (whom I’m pretty sure I’ve heard before on other audiobooks that I’ve enjoyed) It’s quick, descriptive, with a brilliant little ending! The plot of the psychological side of the character is interesting and I will be continuing this series ☺️ And I’ll definitely be recommending it to others, it’s a great genre change for me too as I normally stick with romance only but I have a feeling I’m going to love the rest of the series after checking out the blurbs!
This was a short story that was a prequel to a series that has already been in existence. I haven't read any of the others, so I thought I would get started here. I didn't really care for the back and forth between the main character and her alter ego. Then I really disliked it when the chapter was entirely the alter ego. I definitely won't be going on to read this series!
Excellent short read that takes you back to the start of the "My....Self" series.
Perfect for those who have already read it and want just a bit more! Perfect for those who haven't read it and want a glimpse into what this series is going to be like.
I recommend them all. They're weird, wonderful and really memorable.
Such an enjoyable prequel to the series. It really had me sucked in and can't wait to start the next one in the series today! I've been meaning to read it now for sometime and glad I waited as now I can read them in order.
"My Bad Self" is a truly great work of dark, twisted fiction - despite being short. Every aspect of the story is handled with perfection. I've often wondered what it would be like to share my mind with a second personality. But none of the scenarios that I've ever thought up have been quite like the one detailed in "My Bad Self"!
Wow, for a prequel this was great. It gives you just enough of a taste of Josslyn & Alicia that you can’t help but read more. For fear of spoilers I’ll say it like this, each character is fleshed out with their own little quirks that make them stand out on their own but even better together. The way the mood of the situation is built up in only a short amount of pages was great. Jessica gives you just enough then pulls some back only to reel you in just a little deeper with each chapter. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
“My Bad Self” by Jessica Huntley, a short prequel to the My…Self series, is a fun, witty introduction to Josslyn and the sarcastic and violent voice in her head, Alicia. Full of humor and sharp inner dialogue, it sets the stage perfectly and definitely makes me want to dive into the full series. The narrator did a fantastic job—clear, expressive, and easy to understand, even with their accent. I thoroughly enjoyed listening!
Josslyn is done. Done with her abusive boyfriend, done hiding her pain, and definitely done ignoring the other voice inside her head. Alicia isn’t just a voice though. She is bold, violent, and more than ready to step in when Josslyn can’t take anymore. Blackouts, memory loss, and creepy phone calls only add fuel to the fire. My Bad Self is a fast-paced prequel to the My ... Self Series, setting the stage for a psychological thriller where two very different women share one very complicated life.
Spillin’ the Book Tea: This novella gave me exactly what I wanted. It’s fast, it’s intense, and it wastes zero time getting to the dark stuff. I haven’t read the full My ... Self Series yet, but after this, you better believe it’s moving up my list.
Josslyn is timid and trying to survive her toxic relationship, but Alicia? Alicia is not here to play nice. The split POV between them works so well. It keeps the tension high and the pages turning. I couldn’t get enough of wondering if and when Alicia would take over for good.
Even though it’s short, this story is loaded with high-stakes tension and unsettling moments. I loved how it explored trauma, survival, and identity while still keeping the pacing quick. It’s messy, sharp, and wildly entertaining. Thanks to Booksprout and Jessica Huntley for the audiobook.
The Vibes It Brings: 🧠 Split Personality Chaos 👩❤️👨 Toxic Relationships 😈 Dark Alter Ego Energy 📞 Creepy Phone Calls 🎢 Fast Paced and Tense 😳 High Stakes, High Anxiety 🚪 Locked Room Feel 🔪 Revenge is Brewing 👥 Unreliable Narrator
Narration: Charlie Albers absolutely nailed this. She delivered both Josslyn’s vulnerability and Alicia’s sharp edge in a way that made them feel like two distinct people trapped in one body. It elevated the entire experience and pulled me in even deeper. Honestly, the narration made this story hit harder and feel even more immediate.
TL;DR: My Bad Self is a fast, addicting prequel packed with tension, darkness, and a killer hook. Perfect if you love psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators and a hint of chaos. Josslyn and Alicia are unforgettable, and I’m ready for more of this series.
Josslyn has reached her breaking point. Trapped in an abusive relationship and desperate for escape, she harbours a dark secret she has never shared with anyone: Alicia.
Alicia is the violent, unpredictable voice in Josslyn’s head—one with her own personality, her own agenda, and the terrifying ability to take control. When Alicia surfaces, Josslyn loses time, memories, and control.
As tension mounts, unsettling phone calls begin to blur the line between internal and external threats. Josslyn must decide whether she can survive on her own… or whether Alicia may be the only one capable of saving her.
My Bad Self is a prequel novella set four years before My Dark Self, offering an intense glimpse into the fractured mind at the heart of Jessica Huntley’s gripping psychological thriller series.
I read My Dark Self at the end of July 2025 and absolutely loved it, so returning to Josslyn and Alicia felt like meeting familiar faces again—disturbing ones, but in the best possible way.
This is a very short novella (around 55 pages), yet just like My Dark Self, Jessica Huntley pulls you in from the very first page. Her writing is sharp, punchy, and effortlessly readable. Despite the length, nothing feels rushed or underdeveloped.
Josslyn speaks directly to the reader, and it genuinely feels as though you’re inside her head, sharing space with Alicia. The dual presence is unsettling, intense, and endlessly compelling. The tension between Josslyn and Alicia never lets up, creating a constant sense of unease that kept me flying through the pages.
The pacing is fast, the momentum strong, and the characters are easy to connect with—even when they’re deeply flawed or frightening. The premise itself is one I thoroughly enjoy, and Huntley executes it exceptionally well.
This novella gives you just enough to whet your appetite. You will definitely want more once you reach the final page.
I can highly recommend My Bad Self. Whether you’re already a fan of the series or completely new to Jessica Huntley’s work, this is a perfect starting point—and a great way to get hooked.
My Bad Self by Jessica Huntley 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I love this exciting and entertaining thriller novella! Josslyn has a more timid personality, so when tough things come about, Alicia is the one to come out and make her appearance. How will Josslyn deal with her abusive boyfriend? Will Alicia need to take over? I really enjoyed both characters and the specific roles they play in life. Anything to do with multiple personalities is a must read for me!
This is a prequel to the My…Self Series. My Dark Self My True Self My Real Self My Bad Self(prequel, novella)
I haven’t read books 1-3 yet, so I can’t wait to dive in! Jessica Huntley is an amazing writer and I’ve just recently discovered her as an author!! Her books are must reads for me!
I listened to the audio of this book and it’s a super fast and fun listen! The narrator did an excellent job! I liked the voice distinctions between the two different personalities.
I loved this novella prequel, to Jessica Huntley’s, My . . . Self series! Narrator, Charlie Albers, did a perfectly remarkable job with all of the characters, esp Alicia’s voice inside Josslyn’s head. With two people occupying 1 body, Josslyn will sometimes pass out allowing Alicia limited time to take care of business, or rather the things Josslyn won’t handle herself. Josslyn is in a toxic, abusive relationship, and Alicia steps in. No spoilers here, so I highly recommend this Audible novella. I definitely want to dive in a read and/or listen to the rest of the series. Hmm, I wonder what trouble the duo will get themselves into next?!
Thanks to Charlie Albers, I can’t get the memorable voices of Josslyn and Alicia out of my head!!! I’d also like to acknowledge Jessica Huntley, such a brilliant author and a favorite go-to of mine!
Received as an audio copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated masterfully by Charlie Albers, author Jessica Huntley's My Bad Self turns into a harrowing story as we get know a woman named Josslyn trapped in an abusive relationship by her boyfriend Daniel. While Josslyn struggles find the strength to finally break lose from the asshole; her darker side, Alicia, hungers to just murder the man to save Josslyn and any other women from enduring Daniel's cruelty. Beautifully interwoven POVs of characters allows the darkness of these relationships to be clearly seen while showcasing the bravery it takes of victims to fight back and find a light in the darkness.
Oh the psychological thrillers Jessica writes. I have yet to be disappointed. This novella and prequel to the My … self series had my attention from the start. Going between Josslyn and her alter ego Alicia was one wild ride. Josslyn more timid and nonconfontational to a point whereas Alicia will take the bull by the horns. The intensity throughout, the memory loss and blackouts had me gripping my book and flipping pages to find out what was in store for Josslyn or if Alicia will decide to continue to take over.
I have to say, I was at the edge of my seat, gasping and having WTH moments. A quick fast paced read to give you a touch of insight of what’s to come in this series. And you can bet, I’ll be continuing. I’m hooked.
My Bad Self: The prequel novella to the hugely popular psychological thriller "My ... Self Series", my ninth read from author Jessica Huntley. A dark 1-hour 39-minute/96-page read. “I received a complementary Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Charlie Albers' narration adds to the creepy enjoyment of the read/listen. I'll be reading more from this author. I look forward to reading more from this author with Under Her Skin: a killer psychological thriller high on my TBR list. as well as the rest of the books in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Audiobook: My attention was captured from the beginning to the end of this short story, and I listened to the whole audiobook without stopping. I felt for Josslyn and the violence she was experiencing in her life. I was intrigued by the mystery behind the mysterious calls which Josslyn kept receiving, and what events had led up to the appearance of Alicia. I thought Charlie Albers' narration was amazing, and her performance enhanced the emotional impact of the story. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
Initially I was just reviewing book one, but I realized there was a prequel so I grabbed that too and decided to just finish the series It's somewhat outside of my chosen genres, but it scratched my thriller itch.
Interesting concept and unique, I binged the series with no break in attention to the story. The narration was great! I would definitely read this author again.
*Review given freely of my own volition. My opinion is not all that should be taken into account and readers should be aware that not all tastes are the same and my view may not be the norm. This statement made remains fact, regardless of how I obtained any copy.
"I went to bed by myself and put a knife under my pillow. He was asleep on the sofa. I locked the door. When I awoke, he was attempting to climb into bed beside me or attack me. It did not matter which, so I reacted. The knife had disappeared, so I tried to strangle him."
I absolutely love Jessica Huntley's books, the girl can write you all! And her My Bad Self prequel novella did not disappoint. For anyone wanting to start her "My ... Self Series". You will love it!
Thank you to Jessica for gifting me the ebook to read!
My Bad Self by Jessica Huntley is a prequel to the My Bad Self trilogy, and it's so much needed! I loved it so much! Love the way it's written, kind of gives the friend vibe :) It feels like the story is told specifically to me!
We are introduced to Josslyn and her abusive boyfriend Daniel. We are introduced to Alicia... Josslyn's other personality. Seriously, the dynamics between them are so delicious! They are so opposite and so the same! I seriously literally swallow this in without breathing!
Diving in the next one :) p.s. I am happy to start with this because it gives such a good understanding of the character in the first book :)