What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
27 days and 13:08:51
20 copies available
U.S. only
Helpless
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
27 days and 13:08:51
20 copies available
U.S. only
From the New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and Bright Young Women comes a smoldering psychological thriller with a singular, mind-bending last page.
It’s been twelve years since Faye Heron broke Henry Spalding’s heart. Henry was her college boyfriend, her first intense love, but Faye was in danger of being subsumed by him.
Now, Faye is one half of a power-producing duo with her Hollywood husband. Henry is a married father running the family business. Both of their lives have essentially gone to plan.
When a former and beloved college professor suddenly passes away, Faye and Henry find themselves back on campus for the funeral, circling something old and dangerous. Something, if Faye is honest with herself, she has been trying to duplicate for years. But Henry is one of a kind.
The kind who delivers a hypnotic apology for the way things ended.
The kind who suggests they go back to the hotel for a drink.
The kind who drugs and kidnaps her.
When Faye comes to Henry’s remote mountain cabin, she’s beside herself. Has Henry brought her here to punish her? She did, after all, write and star in a lauded episode of television based on their indelicate appetites and vicious breakup. As her week of captivity unfolds, Henry’s wanton demands intensify, and a sprawling, years-old mystery begins to take shape—one that will rewrite history as Faye remembers it and reveal an astounding, cataclysmic truth.
It’s been twelve years since Faye Heron broke Henry Spalding’s heart. Henry was her college boyfriend, her first intense love, but Faye was in danger of being subsumed by him.
Now, Faye is one half of a power-producing duo with her Hollywood husband. Henry is a married father running the family business. Both of their lives have essentially gone to plan.
When a former and beloved college professor suddenly passes away, Faye and Henry find themselves back on campus for the funeral, circling something old and dangerous. Something, if Faye is honest with herself, she has been trying to duplicate for years. But Henry is one of a kind.
The kind who delivers a hypnotic apology for the way things ended.
The kind who suggests they go back to the hotel for a drink.
The kind who drugs and kidnaps her.
When Faye comes to Henry’s remote mountain cabin, she’s beside herself. Has Henry brought her here to punish her? She did, after all, write and star in a lauded episode of television based on their indelicate appetites and vicious breakup. As her week of captivity unfolds, Henry’s wanton demands intensify, and a sprawling, years-old mystery begins to take shape—one that will rewrite history as Faye remembers it and reveal an astounding, cataclysmic truth.
Audio CD
Expected publication July 7, 2026
21584 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Knoll
6 books5,770 followersJessica Knoll is the New York Times Bestselling author of THE FAVORITE SISTER and LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE—now a major motion picture on Netflix starring Mila Kunis. She has been a senior editor at Cosmopolitan, and the articles editor at SELF. She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated from The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and bulldog, Franklin. BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN, her third novel, publishes on September 19th.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 13, 2025
Jessica Knoll’s writing is something I keep returning to because she always surprises me. What makes her so unique is that each of her books feels like it could have been written by a different author, yet they all intersect at one powerful point: the awakening, rage, and rising fist of women taking back their narratives.
I loved Luckiest Girl Alive for its cutting corporate-world commentary, and I adored Bright Young Women even more. So when I started this book, I’ll admit—I was confused. I caught myself thinking, Why am I reading an erotic, obsessive romance wrapped in a mystery full of dominance, dysfunctional family trauma, and psychological obsession?
But I told myself to keep going, because this is still among my favorite genres. And I’m glad I trusted the process. Without giving anything away, there is a twist at the end that will absolutely divide readers into two fierce camps: those who love it, and those who absolutely hate it.
As for me? I’m on the lover side. I spent most of the book questioning what was real, who to trust, and what truly happened in the past. The final reveal made the entire narrative click for me—smart, bold, and a genuine rug-pull moment. While this isn’t my favorite Knoll book overall, it’s still uniquely compelling, psychologically twisty, and populated with characters who are perfectly hateable yet strangely sympathetic once you understand the trauma they carry. They aren’t toxic for no reason—they were shaped by everything they endured.
Here’s a spoiler-free plot outline with my own commentary to help you decide if this book is for you. (My vote: yes! You may question my recommendation during the first act, but once the second act begins, everything escalates beautifully—especially if you appreciate daring twists.)
Our main character, Faye Herron, is a powerful Hollywood producer, married to another successful producer. She becomes a rising star after writing a hit TV episode inspired by her ex-boyfriend Henry Spalding, portraying him as a villain for millions of viewers. Years later, when her beloved college professor passes away, his nephew Campbell reaches out and asks her to speak at the ash-scattering ceremony. Faye agrees, even though it forces her to confront painful memories tied to that chapter of her life.
Returning to her professor’s secluded home also means facing Henry Spalding—the ex whose heart she broke and whose image she publicly destroyed. Yet time has changed them both: Faye is married, Henry is married with children, and logically, the past should be behind them. But as soon as they’re in the same room, undeniable chemistry resurfaces. A few drinks, a hotel room, shared vulnerability—and suddenly, Faye wakes to find herself kidnapped and taken to a remote mountain cabin.
Is Henry exacting revenge for the humiliation she caused him, or is something even darker at play? He insists he’s protecting her. He insists she’s safer locked away. But from what? And why? As Faye uncovers deeply buried secrets about their shared history, she begins to realize that nothing she believed about her past—or herself—is entirely true, and the danger surrounding her is far more complex than she imagined.
Overall: I loved the originality of this story. I even enjoyed the steamy scenes and found myself oddly rooting for these flawed, damaged characters and their intoxicating, toxic dynamic. They are far from healthy—but in a strange way, they fit each other perfectly. If you’re craving a fast-paced, steamy, psychologically sharp mystery that becomes smarter and bolder as it unfolds, this is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing this clever, twist-filled mystery’s digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
I loved Luckiest Girl Alive for its cutting corporate-world commentary, and I adored Bright Young Women even more. So when I started this book, I’ll admit—I was confused. I caught myself thinking, Why am I reading an erotic, obsessive romance wrapped in a mystery full of dominance, dysfunctional family trauma, and psychological obsession?
But I told myself to keep going, because this is still among my favorite genres. And I’m glad I trusted the process. Without giving anything away, there is a twist at the end that will absolutely divide readers into two fierce camps: those who love it, and those who absolutely hate it.
As for me? I’m on the lover side. I spent most of the book questioning what was real, who to trust, and what truly happened in the past. The final reveal made the entire narrative click for me—smart, bold, and a genuine rug-pull moment. While this isn’t my favorite Knoll book overall, it’s still uniquely compelling, psychologically twisty, and populated with characters who are perfectly hateable yet strangely sympathetic once you understand the trauma they carry. They aren’t toxic for no reason—they were shaped by everything they endured.
Here’s a spoiler-free plot outline with my own commentary to help you decide if this book is for you. (My vote: yes! You may question my recommendation during the first act, but once the second act begins, everything escalates beautifully—especially if you appreciate daring twists.)
Our main character, Faye Herron, is a powerful Hollywood producer, married to another successful producer. She becomes a rising star after writing a hit TV episode inspired by her ex-boyfriend Henry Spalding, portraying him as a villain for millions of viewers. Years later, when her beloved college professor passes away, his nephew Campbell reaches out and asks her to speak at the ash-scattering ceremony. Faye agrees, even though it forces her to confront painful memories tied to that chapter of her life.
Returning to her professor’s secluded home also means facing Henry Spalding—the ex whose heart she broke and whose image she publicly destroyed. Yet time has changed them both: Faye is married, Henry is married with children, and logically, the past should be behind them. But as soon as they’re in the same room, undeniable chemistry resurfaces. A few drinks, a hotel room, shared vulnerability—and suddenly, Faye wakes to find herself kidnapped and taken to a remote mountain cabin.
Is Henry exacting revenge for the humiliation she caused him, or is something even darker at play? He insists he’s protecting her. He insists she’s safer locked away. But from what? And why? As Faye uncovers deeply buried secrets about their shared history, she begins to realize that nothing she believed about her past—or herself—is entirely true, and the danger surrounding her is far more complex than she imagined.
Overall: I loved the originality of this story. I even enjoyed the steamy scenes and found myself oddly rooting for these flawed, damaged characters and their intoxicating, toxic dynamic. They are far from healthy—but in a strange way, they fit each other perfectly. If you’re craving a fast-paced, steamy, psychologically sharp mystery that becomes smarter and bolder as it unfolds, this is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing this clever, twist-filled mystery’s digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
Want to read
December 5, 2025This would be my third book by Jessica Knoll. Having recently read “Bright Young Women” and previously read “Luckiest Girl Aline”, I’m very fond of her work, particularly how she uses her own words to give a voice to the voiceless.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Scribner Publisher, and the author Jessica Knoll for sending me this ARC.
Publication date: July 7, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Scribner Publisher, and the author Jessica Knoll for sending me this ARC.
Publication date: July 7, 2026
December 25, 2025
The relationship portrayed in this book was painfully toxic. I love a book with some spice but this was a 2 1/2 year sexually abusive relationship that the FMC still fantasized about. Also, I just can’t with the Mary Magdalene and Jesus kink.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
^^^ perfect description of how i'm feeling after finishing this one.
the non-spoiler review: i thought this was going to be a psychological thriller, and while it certainly had those elements, i would classify this as an erotic thriller first and foremost. there are on-page descriptions of sexual assault and several explicit sex scenes (fine! just not what i expected here). it definitely is a jessica knoll novel – the FMC is a woman who are at least a little psychologically fucked up, definitely an unreliable narrator, and has a lot of rage driving her actions.
hiding the rest of my commentary for spoilers!
*thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for the ARC!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another likely NY Times best selling novel by Jessica Knoll! Her new novel, Helpless, breaks the limits of being in just one genre and crosses boundaries from thriller and mystery to romance and erotica. This novel will appease the masses from all sides of the library categories!
Following the death of her mentor, PT, Hollywood hot shot Faye has returned home to mourn his loss. The anticipation of seeing a previous love, Henry, keeps her on edge for more reasons than the first half of the book can shed light on. But what if PT’s sudden death wasn’t an accident? What secrets, lies, and betrayals await the end of this story?
This story will have the reader rooting for the fairytale ending that isn’t your average fairytale. The thriller genre readers can rest assured that this isn’t a sleazy smut and has real mystery and turbulence along the way; while the romance readers can enjoy the suspense outside of the bedroom that amps up the fun between the sheets. Seems like a perfect hit!
I love Jessica Knoll’s previous stories and the ease of reading her novels. Her characters always have a very relatable/real air to them that pulls the reader in. She blurs the lines between right and wrong leaving the audience to sympathize that following your heart will always be right.
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for this ARC!
Why not 5 stars? There was a recurring floridity to the writing that I anticipate being mentioned in reviews once, “Helpless”, releases. I found it cumbersome and pretentious, reducing the fluidity of the authors words. I also struggled with the ending- instead wanting the loose ends tied up in pretty little bows. I found the supporting characters to have very little depth to have such a pivotal role in the story, and that deterred me from rating this one 5 stars. I absolutely love the book and will recommend it to all audiences; I also can’t wait to see it on the NYT best sellers list next year!
Following the death of her mentor, PT, Hollywood hot shot Faye has returned home to mourn his loss. The anticipation of seeing a previous love, Henry, keeps her on edge for more reasons than the first half of the book can shed light on. But what if PT’s sudden death wasn’t an accident? What secrets, lies, and betrayals await the end of this story?
This story will have the reader rooting for the fairytale ending that isn’t your average fairytale. The thriller genre readers can rest assured that this isn’t a sleazy smut and has real mystery and turbulence along the way; while the romance readers can enjoy the suspense outside of the bedroom that amps up the fun between the sheets. Seems like a perfect hit!
I love Jessica Knoll’s previous stories and the ease of reading her novels. Her characters always have a very relatable/real air to them that pulls the reader in. She blurs the lines between right and wrong leaving the audience to sympathize that following your heart will always be right.
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for this ARC!
Why not 5 stars? There was a recurring floridity to the writing that I anticipate being mentioned in reviews once, “Helpless”, releases. I found it cumbersome and pretentious, reducing the fluidity of the authors words. I also struggled with the ending- instead wanting the loose ends tied up in pretty little bows. I found the supporting characters to have very little depth to have such a pivotal role in the story, and that deterred me from rating this one 5 stars. I absolutely love the book and will recommend it to all audiences; I also can’t wait to see it on the NYT best sellers list next year!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
read if you like:
🐈⬛ cat and mouse games
🕵🏼 kidnappings
🫡 people from your past
summary:
Maybe because it’s almost Christmas, but man I’m struggling with thrillers these days. This book follows Faye Heron, a Hollywood producer who started her life over after splitting with her intense first love from college, Henry. When they unexpectedly reunite at the funeral of a favorite professor, old feelings and tensions resurface. What starts as an awkward encounter quickly spirals into a dire situation when Henry drugs and kidnaps Faye, bringing her to a remote mountain cabin. While she’s held captive, Faye must deal with both Henry’s unpredictable behavior but also a mystery from their past that threatens to disrupt everything she thought she knew.
This book is deeply rooted in themes of obsession and emotional complexity, with a suspenseful tension that keeps readers on edge. That said, I found it a bit challenging to feel fully hooked at first, as we didn’t spend much time with the characters before the story’s dramatic shift. Faye is the most developed character, and her thoughts and emotions are easy to connect with, but Henry remains an enigma for much of the novel, and the professor, though clearly important, leaves you guessing about their ultimate significance. I found myself torn between empathy for Faye, confusion about where the story was heading, and horror at the experiences she endures. I appreciated how the narrative tied their college past to the present day, showing how old relationships and unresolved emotions can resurface in unexpected ways. However, the intense tension between Faye and Henry sometimes made the story difficult to follow, keeping me both intrigued and slightly off-balance as the plot unfolded.
Thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for the advanced copy to review!
🐈⬛ cat and mouse games
🕵🏼 kidnappings
🫡 people from your past
summary:
Maybe because it’s almost Christmas, but man I’m struggling with thrillers these days. This book follows Faye Heron, a Hollywood producer who started her life over after splitting with her intense first love from college, Henry. When they unexpectedly reunite at the funeral of a favorite professor, old feelings and tensions resurface. What starts as an awkward encounter quickly spirals into a dire situation when Henry drugs and kidnaps Faye, bringing her to a remote mountain cabin. While she’s held captive, Faye must deal with both Henry’s unpredictable behavior but also a mystery from their past that threatens to disrupt everything she thought she knew.
This book is deeply rooted in themes of obsession and emotional complexity, with a suspenseful tension that keeps readers on edge. That said, I found it a bit challenging to feel fully hooked at first, as we didn’t spend much time with the characters before the story’s dramatic shift. Faye is the most developed character, and her thoughts and emotions are easy to connect with, but Henry remains an enigma for much of the novel, and the professor, though clearly important, leaves you guessing about their ultimate significance. I found myself torn between empathy for Faye, confusion about where the story was heading, and horror at the experiences she endures. I appreciated how the narrative tied their college past to the present day, showing how old relationships and unresolved emotions can resurface in unexpected ways. However, the intense tension between Faye and Henry sometimes made the story difficult to follow, keeping me both intrigued and slightly off-balance as the plot unfolded.
Thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for the advanced copy to review!
December 9, 2025
I just wrote an entire review of this book, and it didn’t post. Here we go again. I have been a huge fan of Jessica Knoll’s books since her but novel, which had me glued to the pages. I also loved Bright Young Women. That said, Helpless missed the mark for me. Let me explain why.
First, the basic plot. Faye is a successful producer in Hollywood along with her husband. They have serious issues in their relationship that trouble Faye. So when she goes to the funeral of her beloved college professor and comes face to face with an old boyfriend, she can not deny the attraction.
Her relationship with Henry was so dysfunctional and bizarre that I could not relate to this attraction. Henry essentially kidnaps Faye and takes her to a remote cabin where she slowly learns the truth about the death of the professor and his wife.
Henry has an ax to grind with Faye, who used their previous relationship as fodder for an episode in her TV show. Is he seeking revenge, or is he just still so smitten with Faye that he wants to push the boundaries of their twisted relationship?
I am not giving any spoilers; you'll have to read it and see how it unfolds. This book is dark, tense, and none of the characters are likable. Usually, I love that, but Faye did not resonate with me.
As always, when a book doesn’t land with me, I blame myself and my mood and not the author. I’m sure that fans of Jessica’s will devour this one.
First, the basic plot. Faye is a successful producer in Hollywood along with her husband. They have serious issues in their relationship that trouble Faye. So when she goes to the funeral of her beloved college professor and comes face to face with an old boyfriend, she can not deny the attraction.
Her relationship with Henry was so dysfunctional and bizarre that I could not relate to this attraction. Henry essentially kidnaps Faye and takes her to a remote cabin where she slowly learns the truth about the death of the professor and his wife.
Henry has an ax to grind with Faye, who used their previous relationship as fodder for an episode in her TV show. Is he seeking revenge, or is he just still so smitten with Faye that he wants to push the boundaries of their twisted relationship?
I am not giving any spoilers; you'll have to read it and see how it unfolds. This book is dark, tense, and none of the characters are likable. Usually, I love that, but Faye did not resonate with me.
As always, when a book doesn’t land with me, I blame myself and my mood and not the author. I’m sure that fans of Jessica’s will devour this one.
December 11, 2025
This upcoming novel by Jessica Knoll is INTENSE. The writing is great, and it’s one of those books you want to read in one sitting. I will say, though, this book will not be for everyone; readers will either love it or hate it.
In this psychological thriller, we follow Faye, a Hollywood writer/producer who’s marriage is on the rocks. She travels to her college town in NY for the funeral of a beloved professor, and it’s there that she runs into her ex, Henry. After the funeral services are over, utter chaos ensues, and the story really takes an unexpected turn. It’s chock full of characters with no redeeming qualities, and you have no idea who to trust.
This story weaves in and out of Faye’s and Henry’s past and the present. There’s spicy scenes, but not how you’d typically expect. Their history is complicated, and interwoven with love, obsession, hurt, dysfunction, eroticism, and dominance. The “spice” is delivered very differently in this book, and is so ingrained in who they were as a couple, and I found the dynamics of their relationship fascinating. There’s so much psychologically involved in their connection that it created suspense and intrigue. The best way to read this book is to just dive in and buckle in for the ride. It’s unique and page-turning for sure!
*Thank you @netgalley and @scribnerbooks for this advanced reader copy. This book hits shelves July 2026!
In this psychological thriller, we follow Faye, a Hollywood writer/producer who’s marriage is on the rocks. She travels to her college town in NY for the funeral of a beloved professor, and it’s there that she runs into her ex, Henry. After the funeral services are over, utter chaos ensues, and the story really takes an unexpected turn. It’s chock full of characters with no redeeming qualities, and you have no idea who to trust.
This story weaves in and out of Faye’s and Henry’s past and the present. There’s spicy scenes, but not how you’d typically expect. Their history is complicated, and interwoven with love, obsession, hurt, dysfunction, eroticism, and dominance. The “spice” is delivered very differently in this book, and is so ingrained in who they were as a couple, and I found the dynamics of their relationship fascinating. There’s so much psychologically involved in their connection that it created suspense and intrigue. The best way to read this book is to just dive in and buckle in for the ride. It’s unique and page-turning for sure!
*Thank you @netgalley and @scribnerbooks for this advanced reader copy. This book hits shelves July 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A dark, gripping thriller with spice, shock, and more twists than you know what to do with. What else could you possibly want?
I devoured this novel. I must confess… this one took a turn I hadn’t expected when I first started reading. However, it turned out to be a sharp, twisty, sexy novel that appealed to everything I love reading about.
The story between Faye and Henry captivated me. There was so much unresolved conflict, ferocity, and tension between them that it was palpable. They are obsessive, messy, pretty flawed, and a perfect match. As the novel progresses and the plot thickens, the intricacies of their characters and their relationship are revealed. You get to appreciate what exists between them, twelve years after their bright, hot relationship went down in flames, as well as understand what made them who they were, who they are now, and the extent they are willing to go to protect themselves and the things they care about.
Jessica Knoll is an impeccable writer. The build of tension was brilliantly executed. Her writing is both compelling and intoxicating. At no point did I know whom to trust, whom to believe, or what would happen next. I was spellbound, either screaming at Faye or screaming for Faye or just screaming.
A massive thank you to Jessica Knoll and Scribner for an advanced reading copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I devoured this novel. I must confess… this one took a turn I hadn’t expected when I first started reading. However, it turned out to be a sharp, twisty, sexy novel that appealed to everything I love reading about.
The story between Faye and Henry captivated me. There was so much unresolved conflict, ferocity, and tension between them that it was palpable. They are obsessive, messy, pretty flawed, and a perfect match. As the novel progresses and the plot thickens, the intricacies of their characters and their relationship are revealed. You get to appreciate what exists between them, twelve years after their bright, hot relationship went down in flames, as well as understand what made them who they were, who they are now, and the extent they are willing to go to protect themselves and the things they care about.
Jessica Knoll is an impeccable writer. The build of tension was brilliantly executed. Her writing is both compelling and intoxicating. At no point did I know whom to trust, whom to believe, or what would happen next. I was spellbound, either screaming at Faye or screaming for Faye or just screaming.
A massive thank you to Jessica Knoll and Scribner for an advanced reading copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
December 21, 2025
3.5-First let me say that I am a huge fan of Jessica Knoll and her writing style. We meet Faye, writer, actress, powerhouse of Hollywood, S she goes home to attend the funeral of a beloved professor. She runs into Henry, a former boyfriend who tried to keep her from her dreams. The two have a rocky past, but when he offers to take her back to her hotel she says yes. Henry kidnaps Faye to help him hide a secret…The story unravels from there. Some may find the story difficult to read as there is some trauma from Faye’s past brought to life in her time with Henry. I dod not mind that, however, I just found the story just a bit slow to progress and the reveal a little bit predictable and over the top. All of the opinions are my own, and do not at all deter me from looking for books from Jessica Knoll again. This one just wasn’t my favorite, but it may be yours, especially if you are a fan of the author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second Knoll book I've read where I've appreciated the material but somehow the storyline itself doesn't quite cohere and I revolve through feeling engaged and bored while reading. I think with this one it veers too hard into torrid thriller territory: a kidnapping! murders and planned murders! everyone's a twisted killer! It all became too much and even the ending didn't save this for me - I mean there's commercial and then there's plain schlocky and this crossed that line.
It's a shame as the underlying thinking about helplessness and empowerment could have been nailed much better and while I think I can understand why the sex had to be so explicit, it's never sexy, too cold and clinical in its details and thus became a chore to read.
Knoll has such interesting ideas but the books don't quite land for this reader - sorry!
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via Netgalley
It's a shame as the underlying thinking about helplessness and empowerment could have been nailed much better and while I think I can understand why the sex had to be so explicit, it's never sexy, too cold and clinical in its details and thus became a chore to read.
Knoll has such interesting ideas but the books don't quite land for this reader - sorry!
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really liked this one - I love Jessica Knoll's writing style and went into this one completely blind.
The main character is extremely successful and returns to her college town for the funeral of a beloved professor (her mentor) - what happens next is a whirlwind of wild and obscure.
This was captivating and easy reading - my complaint is the flashbacks were not noted so it would take me a moment or two to understand it was not in the present timeline. I believe Knoll was trying to accomplish this by breaking the book into parts but it was not as effective as perhaps noting "then" vs "now".
I loved the choices made by Knoll of referencing only the people at the funeral by name - and everyone else by title "my husband", "my agent", "my mother" etc. It helped me feel in the story, in the present timeline and not in her life back in CA.
I take away a star bc the ending felt rushed but it was good!!
Thank you NetGalley for this superb arc.
The main character is extremely successful and returns to her college town for the funeral of a beloved professor (her mentor) - what happens next is a whirlwind of wild and obscure.
This was captivating and easy reading - my complaint is the flashbacks were not noted so it would take me a moment or two to understand it was not in the present timeline. I believe Knoll was trying to accomplish this by breaking the book into parts but it was not as effective as perhaps noting "then" vs "now".
I loved the choices made by Knoll of referencing only the people at the funeral by name - and everyone else by title "my husband", "my agent", "my mother" etc. It helped me feel in the story, in the present timeline and not in her life back in CA.
I take away a star bc the ending felt rushed but it was good!!
Thank you NetGalley for this superb arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gosh. I so wanted to like this! I loved Jessica Knoll’s previous novel but this…
This wasn’t it, not for me at least.
It felt half baked.
The tempo was off, the genre also felt off (sometimes a thriller than general fiction then romance and back again at thriller), and the main characters are all unlikable and hard to follow or care about.
Without giving away any spoilers: Faye’s actions and thinking made no sense - how she behaved in the context of who she’s written out as being (her history and relationship with Campbell as an example vs what she went on to do and how she then reacted to it).
None of the characters made sense as people.
If I was the editor I’d say to the author that, sadly, in its current form, this is not ready for publication, not unless she’s ready for a 3 Goodreads rating - at best. It needs a pretty substantial restructure, rethinking, and edit.
This wasn’t it, not for me at least.
It felt half baked.
The tempo was off, the genre also felt off (sometimes a thriller than general fiction then romance and back again at thriller), and the main characters are all unlikable and hard to follow or care about.
Without giving away any spoilers: Faye’s actions and thinking made no sense - how she behaved in the context of who she’s written out as being (her history and relationship with Campbell as an example vs what she went on to do and how she then reacted to it).
None of the characters made sense as people.
If I was the editor I’d say to the author that, sadly, in its current form, this is not ready for publication, not unless she’s ready for a 3 Goodreads rating - at best. It needs a pretty substantial restructure, rethinking, and edit.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Helpless instantly intrigued me with its synopsis, and I decided to give it a try even though I did not like Jessica Knoll's Luckiest Girl Alive. I cannot even explain how strong this started off! Right away, I was hooked. The story seemed to be going down an unputdownable path.
Then, it took a turn. It started to feel like some sort of kink book, and it lost the plot I was so engrossed in originally. If the second half was similar to the first half, this would definitely have a higher rating. I do think this is a thriller that most people would decently like, especially due to the psychological aspects!
Thank you NetGalley, Scribner, & Jessica Knoll for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Helpless is released on July 7, 2026!
Then, it took a turn. It started to feel like some sort of kink book, and it lost the plot I was so engrossed in originally. If the second half was similar to the first half, this would definitely have a higher rating. I do think this is a thriller that most people would decently like, especially due to the psychological aspects!
Thank you NetGalley, Scribner, & Jessica Knoll for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Helpless is released on July 7, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed Knoll's previous book, Luckiest Girl Alive, but this one missed the mark for me. Maybe it was just too dark to read right before Christmas? Faye was a well-developed character, and the POV movement between their time in college and the present made the pace flow well. However, the other characters—especially Henry and the professor—weren’t developed enough.
Henry and Faye's obsessive, dominating relationship and sex life was too much for me. Nothing about it felt relatable or helped me understand them. And then the ending. I hate a fake-out ending, and I was so annoyed. You do spend most of the book wondering what the truth is, so I can see where Knoll was going with it, but it still felt like a cop-out.
Overall, though, it has great pacing, tension, and keeps you guessing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
Henry and Faye's obsessive, dominating relationship and sex life was too much for me. Nothing about it felt relatable or helped me understand them. And then the ending. I hate a fake-out ending, and I was so annoyed. You do spend most of the book wondering what the truth is, so I can see where Knoll was going with it, but it still felt like a cop-out.
Overall, though, it has great pacing, tension, and keeps you guessing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
This psychological thriller had me hooked right from the beginning. I really appreciated the writing and build up in the first half of the book. Once we got more into Faye and Henry’s relationship, it was incredibly disturbing. I lost interest in the two of them quickly, so when the twists came up in the story, which was great writing and not what I predicted, I was more relieved that we were getting closer to the end of the story.
I am not a big reader of this genre and definitely don’t recommend reading it in the middle of the night. I had the craziest and scary dreams afterwards. The sexual content was over the top.
I do appreciate getting this advanced copy of the book. Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity.
I am not a big reader of this genre and definitely don’t recommend reading it in the middle of the night. I had the craziest and scary dreams afterwards. The sexual content was over the top.
I do appreciate getting this advanced copy of the book. Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity.
December 24, 2025
I hate leaving bad reviews, but this didn’t click for me. The book tackles some big themes which I appreciated, BUT the story felt a bit all over the place and the characters didn’t fully land for me. I found myself more frustrated than interested at times. That said, it might work better for readers who enjoy more provocative stories as it does have quite a bit of spice. I wouldn’t really consider this one a thriller as the spicy scenes/main relationship were at the forefront of the entire book more so than the plot. I think this will definitely appeal to people, but just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner Books for this ARC!
*** ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ***
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner Books for this ARC!
*** ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ***
December 9, 2025
I really enjoyed the author's book Bright Young Women and was looking forward to this one, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations at all.
It's marketed as a thriller/mystery, and viewed from that perspective, I'd probably give it 1 star. The plot is ridiculous and convoluted and takes a back seat to the weird and twisted "romance" between the main characters, Faye and Henry. It's basically fetish erotica and, if classified as such, maybe it would be appealing to the right reader? It's definitely not my genre but I gave it an extra star because someone who enjoys that type of book might like it.
Thanks to Scribner, via NetGalley, for the ARC!
It's marketed as a thriller/mystery, and viewed from that perspective, I'd probably give it 1 star. The plot is ridiculous and convoluted and takes a back seat to the weird and twisted "romance" between the main characters, Faye and Henry. It's basically fetish erotica and, if classified as such, maybe it would be appealing to the right reader? It's definitely not my genre but I gave it an extra star because someone who enjoys that type of book might like it.
Thanks to Scribner, via NetGalley, for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If J Knoll writes it, I read it. So I didn’t hesitate to request an ARC of Helpless when she announced it was available.
This book comes out in July 2026. It is so unlike any of her other novels, but it is just as addictive. I could not put it down or look away. It is dark and borderline demented but insanely gripping. I didn’t really see any of the twists coming! I also appreciate how the book references the title of the novel and what it means. Ending was maybe a bit rushed in comparison to how *on point* everything else was.
Thank you NetGalley, Scribner Publishing and Jessica Knoll for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! <3
This book comes out in July 2026. It is so unlike any of her other novels, but it is just as addictive. I could not put it down or look away. It is dark and borderline demented but insanely gripping. I didn’t really see any of the twists coming! I also appreciate how the book references the title of the novel and what it means. Ending was maybe a bit rushed in comparison to how *on point* everything else was.
Thank you NetGalley, Scribner Publishing and Jessica Knoll for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! <3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I felt like this book was trying so hard to be shocking and provocative that it made it extremely hard to stay interested. The characters were not well fleshed out, the plot was confusing, and the ending was maddening. Your enjoyment of this book is really going to depend on whether you enjoy reading about explicit (yet somehow still boring) sex, characters explaining the plot over and over and over, childhood trauma, and abusive/controlling relationships. Something good: it is a quick read, and it has lots of twists and turns that will keep you interested if the above issues do not usually bother you.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2025
What in the Fifty Shades is this?? Totally not what I was expecting. If you're looking for a psychological thriller, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a pseudo-erotic thriller, you might enjoy it.
The summary pulled me in with a successful woman going back home and running into her ex, who decides to drug and kidnap her. But Faye and Henry's past relationship is toxic, and nothing is what it seems. The mystery is interesting, but other parts of the book felt unnecessary. Could've been great.
The summary pulled me in with a successful woman going back home and running into her ex, who decides to drug and kidnap her. But Faye and Henry's past relationship is toxic, and nothing is what it seems. The mystery is interesting, but other parts of the book felt unnecessary. Could've been great.
December 10, 2025
Well I was not expecting that. WTF x2 at the ending??
I was a little thrown off at all the spice, but pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t too cringe. But the twists, the suspense, the lies. Makes me never want to trust any friend ever again 😂
The writing style of the author flows nicely and is easy to read. I’m a mom of 3 and finished in a few days (with no audio, thats record time)
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I am very interested in her other work now as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
I was a little thrown off at all the spice, but pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t too cringe. But the twists, the suspense, the lies. Makes me never want to trust any friend ever again 😂
The writing style of the author flows nicely and is easy to read. I’m a mom of 3 and finished in a few days (with no audio, thats record time)
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I am very interested in her other work now as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley.
What the heck did I just read? This book was compulsively readable - I read it in one sitting and could not stop. The whole time I was thinking what the heck is going on here? And at the end, I felt the same way! It kept me guessing and it kept getting crazier.
Additionally, Jessica Knoll's writing is just amazing. It is so easily readable but also so well written. I will always read her books now.
What the heck did I just read? This book was compulsively readable - I read it in one sitting and could not stop. The whole time I was thinking what the heck is going on here? And at the end, I felt the same way! It kept me guessing and it kept getting crazier.
Additionally, Jessica Knoll's writing is just amazing. It is so easily readable but also so well written. I will always read her books now.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book I was so excited to read. It’s a thriller with main character Faye a powerful movie producer who goes back to her college after a beloved professor passes away. Here she is hit with her past in a very twisted way…. I did enjoy this but I think at this time of year it was just a bit dark and twisted for me. I also didn’t find any of the characters likable at all…. I think if I read this not at the happy holiday time it would have hit different.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book. It kept me turning pages trying to figure out what on earth is going on and who is the “bad” guy.
Faye ended a very steamy and very toxic relationship with her college boyfriend and flew to LA to get a fresh start. Many years later she flies home to attend a funeral and runs into her ex.
This book examines erotic desire shaped by abuse. What’s normal? What’s abuse? I loved that the author delves into real issues. I thought the characters were interesting and deeply complicated.
Faye ended a very steamy and very toxic relationship with her college boyfriend and flew to LA to get a fresh start. Many years later she flies home to attend a funeral and runs into her ex.
This book examines erotic desire shaped by abuse. What’s normal? What’s abuse? I loved that the author delves into real issues. I thought the characters were interesting and deeply complicated.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Between Bright Young Women and Luckiest Girl Alive, Jessica Knoll has become an auto-read author for me, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an ARC of her newest novel, Helpless.
I think it’s safe to say I’ll never know what to expect from a Jessica Knoll novel, but I know whatever it is, it will be fucked up. And I will more than likely highly enjoy it. Helpless definitely qualifies on both fronts!
I think it’s safe to say I’ll never know what to expect from a Jessica Knoll novel, but I know whatever it is, it will be fucked up. And I will more than likely highly enjoy it. Helpless definitely qualifies on both fronts!
December 21, 2025
Helpless was an interesting read overall with plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed Faye’s character and her flaws because perfect female leads are boring, so I liked that she had some obvious issues.
Henry’s drama with his wife was a bit of an eyeroll, wish there would have been more intrigue/creativity there.
The ending left more to be desired, which is why I knocked off a star. Overall I would still recommend because of the excellent storytelling.
Henry’s drama with his wife was a bit of an eyeroll, wish there would have been more intrigue/creativity there.
The ending left more to be desired, which is why I knocked off a star. Overall I would still recommend because of the excellent storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Jessica’s newest book publishing next summer. This is by far her best to date! I won’t post any spoilers just that I could not put it down even read on my phone on the way to a family Christmas outing! Congrats Jessica! I have a feeling this one will end up being adapted to a limited series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of Jessica Knoll's newest book-an erotic "thriller" set on a lake in Upstate New York. This was a quick and racy read, but it felt a bit like it would be better as a scripted series. I predicted the "twist", if you will, but then it sort of twisted again, which made me wonder about a possible sequel...
December 28, 2025
This one was sadly a bit of a miss for me. The thriller elements were a bit all over the place and story a little disjointed. Whilst I have read books with toxic relationships I just couldn’t fathom the one included in this book and some of the decisions that were made by the characters.
Thanks to netgalley for providing an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley for providing an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews