Helpless

by Jessica Knoll

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.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Adult, Horror, Suspense

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

Jessica 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.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

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[Liana Gold]

This 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

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[haleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

advance copy won in goodreads giveaway

“everyone wants erotic thrillers right now. everyone.”

a psychosexual thriller about a woman who has been consistently victimized by those who hold power over her. i thought it lost it in the middle and had turned into some generic booktok dark romance slop, but it came back around in the end. jessica knoll, i’m sorry i ever doubted that you would write anything other than a nuanced work on power & how the trends of popular culture uphold and revere subjugation.

i wish this was a bit longer to flesh out part 4, which was the most interesting part of this book, but i loved the full circle moment

side note: also to the other reviewers going “oh this is so spicy” “the spice in this is actually problematic”, i need you to engage more critically with what you’re reading

[Lydia Hephzibah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

setting: new York
rep: n/a

This is a complete departure from Knoll's previous book and I think a lot of people may take umbrage with that but I for one loved it. This one is for the Verity fans - it's a dark, erotic thriller with very messed up characters. I do think it's a tad let down by the marketing, which advertises a mind-blowing twist on the final page which led to me thinking there was a missing chapter, because I turned the final page and was stunned it was the end. it might have been more mind blowing if we had spent longer in part four; I wish there had been more time dedicated to Faye's time back in LA as the end might have felt twistier

[Elise · Rating 1 out of 5]

hot mess express. should have DNF but wanted to see if would get better. spoiler it didnt

[Sally 📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faye is a successful actress/writer/director returning to her college town for a beloved former professor’s funeral. In doing so, she faces Henry, her ex-boyfriend she left behind and hasn’t spoken to since she left him and wrote an award-winning television episode about his controlling behavior in their relationship. As this story unfolds, it becomes clear that NOTHING is as straight-forward as it seems at first glance. Faye struggles to determine who she really is and what she really wants as she is forced back into Henry’s orbit.
This book is very well-written and a solid psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns. It is also an erotic thriller and the sexual dynamic of Faye and Henry’s relationship will not be for everyone. At times, their relationship made it difficult to figure out anyone’s motivations, but that may have been the intention. I think fans of Gillian Flynn and Karin Slaughter fans will enjoy “Helpless”!
Thank you to NetGalley for this e-ARC!

[Birdie.Recommends · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard one for me to rate. As a thriller, this book felt fairly average — solid enough, but not especially surprising or standout within the genre.

Where it really got under my skin was in the portrayal of the sexual relationship between the two main characters. Those scenes were deeply uncomfortable and, at times, genuinely alarming. The writing evokes a strong visual and emotional response, and that discomfort felt very intentional. It’s also consistent with what I’ve appreciated about this author’s style in previous books.

While the plot itself didn’t fully wow me, the psychological intensity of those moments elevated the experience enough for me to round this up.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Jessica Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpless, by Jessica knoll, is a dark, erotic thriller with deeply flawed characters you’re not sure you want to root for. Her writing, as always, is captivating and gives you the exact twisted page turner you’re hoping to devour.

I do feel the ending was lacking, leaving me with wanting more from the final pages. All in all, a great one to grab and knock out on a cozy weekend.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the publisher.

[Gwen mitchel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! If you enjoy a Thriller with a little eroticism then this is for you! It will be released in July of this year so keep an eye out!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this new novel that is a story about love, dark obsessive love, one that a person thought was in the past, but as the quote goes the "The past isn't even dead. Its not even past", opening up wounds long thought forgotten, wounds she never even knew were there.

I had just started working in bookstore when books about toxic relationships and toxic families were starting to appear. I had no idea what these were, nor what the were talking about. My dating life had been small, my family were people I liked being around. So most of these books seemed strange to me. Not to my co-workers. Soon I was hearing stories about toxicity in their life that well, made me glad to be boring. Some of these stories have stayed with me, though thankfully none of them were as dark and scary as this book. A well-written book at that. Helpless by bestselling author Jessica Knoll is a story of bad love, bad people, bad families, and what we try to forget when we move on, and what we miss when everything seems to be going wrong.

Faye Heron and Henry Spalding were the it couple in their small college, the one people wanted to be, and the one that so much was expected of. Faye left Henry, breaking his heart heading west to escape her family, and in many ways Henry, for their relationship had a lot of things that people could not see. Faye married and together with her husband became a producing dynamo, creating a show that caught the world's attention, based a little bit on her life with Henry. The death of a loved professor brings Faye back to her college and back to Henry. Henry has married also, and taken over the family business. The more Henry is around Faye begins to feel that something is off. That she is forgetting something. Henry asks Faye over for drinks, and soon she awakens in his cabin, a captive to an increasingly emotional Henry. The more time Faye spends there, the more she realizes that much that she old as true was lies, and she has no idea who to trust anymore, except herself.

I usually don't do this, but all the trigger warnings are in the book. This is a book that will make most people wonder about life in a monastery for who wants to meet and or date some of these people. That said this is an interesting book, a story of love and obsession but told from a different point of view, and one that constantly changes as more and more of the past is revealed to the characters. Again this is a rough book, but one that I kept reading even as I was shaking my head and going, yeah that's not my thing. Knoll has a very good way in creating characters that one feels you could run into them at work, or at the coffee shop. You might want to run after a few minutes of conversation, but they seem very real. The story is bigger than what it seems, dealing with abuse in families, harassment in higher education, and really, really toxic people in a doom spiral of a relationship.

A book that I am sure will cause a few conversations. I can see people defending some actions, being irate at others, and upset by the whole book. I like when authors take risks, try new things, and even make stories that might divide their readers. A really strong title from an author who constantly amazes. I look forward to what Knoll has planned next.

[Anna Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you to Scribner for an advanced copy of “Helpless,” which pubs this upcoming July 7th!

Jessica Knoll is once again a master class in mood. The moodiness of the writing evokes a combination of Emma Cline (especially “The Guest”) and Karen Elizabeth Russell’s “My Dark Vanessa.” In particular when it comes to the latter, we have a very toxic, taboo, and deeply unsettling relationship between the protagonist, Faye, and her ex-boyfriend Henry. You find yourself almost wanting to jump into the page and extricate her from the dysfunction, but find you can’t look away from the impending crash you know (you hope!) is coming. I can see the reviews for this book being polarized due to the nature of the relationship itself.

Also, no one does feminine rage like Jessica Knoll - I love that the women characters she writes have dualities, and I think Faye is very much in that category. Brave but messy with non-linear growth trajectories, snarky but smart. They dominate their own narratives in a way that challenges traditional expectations of how women “should” behave, all while allowing them the grace of imperfection. It almost challenges the male characters to step into a dynamic where they’re forced to wrestle for control, only to find themselves falling through the carefully placed manhole cover that was in front of them all along.

The final third of the book feels like it breaks the fourth wall, especially when the protagonist recognizes and labels her own story as an “erotic thriller,” of which this is probably the first of its kind that I’ve read! I love a good genre-bender and admittedly I didn’t see this kind of hybrid coming! This is by far Jessica Knoll’s spiciest book yet.

I haven’t read anything quite like this, it’s both intoxicating and toxic and I stayed up WAY past my bedtime on several occasions.

I’ve read all of Knoll’s work, and so here’s my updated ranking: Bright Young Women > Luckiest Girl Alive > Helpless > The Favorite Sister

Last, I want to acknowledge that this story referenced the devastating Palisades fire, and, coincidentally, I finished this book on its anniversary. My heart goes out to those impacted and rebuilding.

[Laura Lombardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will follow Jessica Knoll anywhere, including to a creepy remote cabin at the edge of an ominous lake in an isolated town where I will be stranded with alluring, dark, damaged, and dangerous characters. And I did. And I loved it!

Nobody writes complicated female protagonists like her, and it's why I find myself continually coming back to her and why I always will. This book is not Bright Young Women, and I'm glad about that because she already wrote that book! If I were to compare it to one of her previous books, it felt like somewhat of a return to Luckiest Girl Alive--I saw some similarities between Ani and Faye. But mostly, it stood on its own and I was completely swept up in the dynamic between Henry and Faye. I felt uncomfortably immersed in their relationship, which I loved. I also thought it was really interesting to see a very strong, successful, FMC like Faye be made so weak and vulnerable by Henry. It seemed to go against everything she purported herself to be--but it also made sense in this context. This book made me really think about toxic relationships and power dynamics, and the way we judge & misunderstand the women who end up in them.

I felt like I did understand Faye and her motivations, particularly when you learn her backstory and relationship with her husband, and I also felt like this book offers a commentary on all of the ways women seek validation and what the lack of it makes them feel like they deserve or are worthy of. There was a particularly poignant passage where Faye is observing a young, aspiring writer, with all the confidence in the world in her own success, and she (Faye) realizes that perhaps that woman had a mother who loved her. It was so well executed and I find myself still thinking about it.

This book raises more questions than answers (particularly that ending). I'm still sort of working this whole story out in my brain a bit and deciding how I feel, but there's no doubt that it was a 5-star read- also, her writing!! It's so gorgeous yet seemingly effortless, how does she do it?

This will certainly start some heated discussions & I'm excited to read all the takes on this fiery new book from one of my faves of all time.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, wow. Helpless has all the makings of a satisfying thriller. It hooks readers immediately. It is at the same time mysterious, smart, and sexy. (I was like, woah, steamy, Jessica!) It ramps up our curiosity, makes us question the reality that Faye is presenting us with, the circumstances surrounding Faye’s past, and the power of storytelling. Who are we without the stories we tell about ourselves? These stories, past and present, shape our lives and perspectives in powerful ways, but what if we’re misremembering, or what if we’re plain wrong? What if our perspective is off, skewed by memory or deniability? What if we accepted something we were told without question? And what if all of that was shattered? Outside of what happens to Faye in a remote cabin in the Adirondacks, Helpless made me think about my own life. What have I been telling myself? And have I been truthful? Or have I been spinning a yarn (see what I did there?) to fit a narrative that makes me feel comfortable? And what if I stepped outside of that comfort?

Good literature makes you think. Helpless is all at once twisty, shocking, and insightful. Jessica Knoll packs a punch, takes us on an unforgettable journey, and wraps everything up with an unbelievably satisfying ending. I am so excited for this book to be in the world, for readers to get their hands on it. If you want a good thriller—Jessica’s got you. If you want something provocative—Jessica’s got you. If you’re looking for something more than a little sexy, like maybe you’ll blush and wonder if your four year old can tell what you’re reading (he can’t, he’s four, he’s singing “Am I a man or am I a muppet?” along with Jason Segel on his Tonies box), and maybe you’ll wonder if you should wait to read it until after he’s in bed (you’re just being silly now)—Jessica’s got you. If you want a smart, twisty book that makes you think not just about the character’s plight, but about your life and the stories you tell yourself—Jessica’s got you.

Seriously, pre-order this book. You’re going to want to read it as soon as it comes out.

Full review on Substack: https://mariehendry.substack.com/p/re...

[Pamela Shrewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚🔥 BOOK REVIEW 🔥📚
Title: Helpless
Author: Jessica Knoll
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Topics: Power and control, coercive relationships, memory and self‑deception, consent and autonomy, obsession
Publication Date: 07/07/26
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Format: Advanced Release Copy (ARC)

Thank you to @NetGalley, Scribner, and Jessica Knoll for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this, but I’m left feeling conflicted.

The story follows Faye, now a successful Hollywood powerhouse, who returns to her old college campus for a professor’s funeral — only to collide with Henry, the ex she’s never fully outrun. What begins as an awkward reunion spirals quickly: Henry drugs her, kidnaps her, and drags her to a remote mountain cabin where the past refuses to stay buried.

Knoll does not hold back. Helpless is a dark, twisty, deeply uncomfortable descent into obsession, power, and the kind of love that feels more like a trap than a choice. There are moments where the tension is genuinely gripping, and the dynamic between Faye and Henry is intentionally messy, claustrophobic, and emotionally charged.

That said, the book didn’t fully land for me. The pacing felt uneven, especially in the middle, and some of the darker elements were so extreme that they pulled me out of the story rather than deeper into it. I appreciated what Knoll was trying to explore — memory, control, and the stories we rewrite to survive — but I sometimes struggled to stay connected to the characters through all the chaos.

This is not a comfortable read, and readers should expect heavy themes around consent, coercion, and obsession. The “indelicate appetites” mentioned in the synopsis lead to some very dark, unsettling dynamics that may be too much for some. I don’t mind a dark book, but I found it hard to stay invested in Faye and Henry’s connection as the week unfolded.

Still, the final reveal is sharp, and Knoll’s writing remains compelling. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that push boundaries will find plenty to unpack here. For me, it was a solid read with standout moments — just not quite the knockout I hoped for.

[Melissa DeLong-Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

^^^ 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!

okay so – the ENDING. are you KIDDING ME?!?! as the story is happening, there are many references to faye's big episode being the one that is a little truth embellished, but at no point did my tiny brain connect the dots that perhaps it was foreshadowing this story being told in the same way. how much of it was true? it made me think of verity, where you hit the ending and you know it's going to cause mass chaos because some people are going to die on script while others believe it's a true story. i don't know where i land, tbh! i described the book to my husband as a fever dream, like i didn't even know what was going on at times because it was so far beyond the realm of realistic, HOWEVER that ending kind of brings it all back and makes it make sense to why it's so unbelievable.

that said, i'm waffling on how i feel about it. i think what's throwing me off is the element of sexual trauma and eroticism tossed in. it didn't flow with the rest of the story, and almost felt like an additive to make it more... twisted? i think it could've easily been a story based solely around the murdering plot or around the relationship between faye and henry, but the connection of it all didn't hit quite as well.

*thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for the ARC!*

[Nurse Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Collyn Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Angela C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bright Young Women was my favorite book in 2023. I loved how it combined true crime with literary fiction and used facts from the life of a real serial killer but instead of focusing on him, focused on the lives of the young women he senselessly murdered. I was thrilled when I was able to download Jessica Knoll's latest novel Helpless from NetGalley.

While I did not love Helpless as much as I loved both Bright Young Women and Luckiest Girl Alive, it was a compelling read that I found almost impossible to put down. I read it over 2 days, which for me is insanely fast. When I started the book, I thought I knew where it was going: the death of a mentor means a 30 something woman has to come back to the place where she had one of her most formative (and toxic) relationships, where they reunite, and you can probably guess where it goes from there.

Except that is not at all where it went! It went off on a twisted track and I doubt anyone will be able to guess where it ultimately lands. Jessica Knoll knows how to write complex women characters and also how to write about how difficult it is to exist in the world as a woman and how that can make people do things that others don't understand.

On the negative side, I would say this book is very descriptive with some sex scenes in a way that is not my favorite. This book has definite erotic thriller elements to it.

I am giving this book 3 stars because it was hard to put down and I just wanted to know what happened next. I deducted a star for the spiciness of the book, which is just not my thing. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves twists and turns and especially loves their books a little spicy. I will continue to read every book Jessica Knoll writes!

***Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for this honest review***

[Chelsea Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*

Helpless follows Faye Heron who is a beautiful woman working in Hollywood and she is married to a producer. One of Faye’s college professors passes away so Faye goes back to her old college campus for the funeral. There she meets her ex-boyfriend, Henry Spalding who was her first love. Their connection was extremely intense with their relationship leaning into BDSM. Their relationship was a little toxic and their reunion awakens something in Faye. Henry apologises for how their relationship ended and deep down Faye wants to reconnect with him. Faye is forced to confront the truth about their past whilst being in a dangerous situation that unravels into a sinister game.

I really loved this book but it definitely won’t be for every reader. This leans into BDSM and Faye and Henry have a very toxic relationship but in a strange way I was rooting for them. This book is very sexual and at times it felt as if I was reading a dark romance book. Then the intrigue starts as we slowly start to find out what is going on. This had some intriguing twists and turns that I enjoyed. I definitely didn’t guess what was happening and it was fun to see it all unfold. This is very readable and I just had such a good time reading this. I appreciated Faye’s experience of Hollywood and what was said about being a woman in the spotlight. I’m still thinking about this book and it’s definitely left an impression on me. I will be recommending this book but if you don’t like graphic sexual context then this may not be for you. It was perfect for me though and I loved it so I have to give this five stars.

[Cindy Bokma · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review 📖🔥
thank you so much partner @scribnerbooks for the gifted ARC!

Helpless
by Jessica Knoll
out July 7, 2026!

Twelve years after breaking her college boyfriend Henry Spalding’s heart, Faye Heron has built a glamorous life as part of a famous Hollywood power couple, while Henry is married with a family, running his own business. When a beloved professor’s death brings them back to campus, old feelings resurface…along with a dangerous pull neither of them has ever truly escaped.

After a hypnotic reunion, Faye wakes up in Henry’s remote mountain cabin, unsure if she’s been brought there for revenge or something darker. As her captivity unfolds, Henry’s demands escalate and a long-buried mystery begins to surface, one that will shatter everything Faye thought she knew about their past.

🔥 My thoughts:

I went into this one with no intention to binge this but found myself not wanting to put it down. Had I not had responsibilities it definitely would have been binged in one sitting. Truly a searing, genre bending psychological thriller that grabbed me by the throat and never let go. The ending??? I’m still not over it. It completely blindsided me and left my jaw on the floor. This won’t be a book for everyone and it’s not for the faint of heart, but wow… it was so dang good. Way more erotic than I anticipated, wildly toxic in the most fascinating way, and somehow still impossible to look away from. The author absolutely killed this. Helpless is fresh, bold, dark, and twisty in all the best ways. And a book I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. I’m so excited to see more readers discover and devour this hypnotic read!

Happy reading 📖 🔥🪵

[Madison Feldhahn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first Jessica Knoll book and I, unfortunately, found myself really disappointed in it. Going in, I had no idea this was going to be an erotic thriller. That genre's not my cup of tea, and I wouldn't have picked this one up had I known.

HOWEVER! Those are not my only problems with the book. The choices the main character made were awful. Never once did I agree with a single thing she did. I found her so unlikeable and not at all relatable. I don't mind an unlikeable main character, but it did not work for me in this instance.

Why are we having sex–numerous times, including once while physically tied to a pole so you don't attempt to escape your kidnapping again–with our captor, who you were previously in an abusive relationship that you had escaped twelve years prior? (Again, I get erotic thrillers are not my cup of tea, but c'mon.)

And the ending. Oh, god. The ending. I physically rolled my eyes when we got to part 4's "big reveal." It felt cheap and as though it was added purely for the possible shock factor. I disliked it. Nothing ever pointed to it, in my opinion.

I have Knoll's other books on my TBR and I'm still really looking forward to them. They have great reviews and really seem *much* more up my alley. This one was simply not for me.

Thank you to Scribner and Jessica Knoll for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this book, but it certainly kept me gripped and entertained from start to finish. The story leans heavily into dark, messy territory, with characters whose behaviour is often toxic and morally questionable - yet I still found it incredibly hard to put down. It’s one of those reads where you’re constantly aware of how uncomfortable the dynamics are, but you’re just as compelled to keep turning the pages to see how it all unfolds.

Despite her many flaws, I couldn’t help but be drawn to Faye. She’s complicated, frustrating at times, and not always easy to root for, but that complexity made her feel real and layered. I found myself both sympathising with her and questioning her choices, which made for a really engaging reading experience.

The pacing overall worked well for me and kept the tension high, though I do think the ending felt somewhat rushed. I would have loved for part four to be longer and a bit more fleshed out.

Overall, this was a dark, addictive read that explores obsession, power, and the complicated pull of past relationships in a way that’s unsettling but compelling. It won’t be for everyone given the heavy themes and toxic dynamics, but if you enjoy psychologically intense stories with flawed characters, this is definitely one that will keep you hooked.

[Andrea Samacicia Mullan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jessica Knoll! Bright Young Women was one of my favorite books the year it came out, and I truly think it’s a tour de force. I was very excited to receive an advanced copy of her latest, Helpless, which tells the story of events unfolding after the death of a beloved college professor in an upstate New York lake town.

This is an erotic thriller, full stop, and as in her previous work, it’s clear that Knoll can make her way around a sentence like no one’s business. Despite its subject matter, there were very few moments that felt truly cringeworthy, which is one of my main criticisms of the genre. Insane, convoluted, and genuinely disturbing? That is the majority of what you get in this book. But somehow not cringeworthy. I also found many beautifully drawn observations about the experience of being a woman out in the world.

That said, there were multiple sharp left turns in the story that had me flipping back pages to see if I’d missed a thread—I hadn’t—and a few instances where the events driving the plot didn’t feel believable. At times, it felt as though the reader was expected to go along for the ride, rather than being fully carried forward by the story itself.

Even so, this was a very fun read, but it didn’t come close to living up to the bar set by Bright Young Women.

3.6 stars

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!

[MoonlitMeow · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank Scribner Books and NetGalley, for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review.

Faye Heron, a now highly successful producer returns to her college hometown to mourn the death of her college professor. Upon arrival, she reunites with her college past and those who knew her before she became the big-time producer she is now. Everything is going well until she sees him….her ex…Henry. Henry is the one she still thinks about after all these years, and his opinion of her still matters, even though it shouldn’t.

What follows is a psychological thriller dealing with past relationships, buried secrets, and slow secrets unraveling. The title is well suited for this book, as at some point everyone, characters and reader included feel helpless. Helpless to stop what is happening, to figure out what is going on, and determine what is going to happen. Everyone has a motive, everyone tries to validate their reasoning, and all of these personalities together create a volatile situation.

I found the book well written and interesting. As mentioned earlier some of the plot twists were hard to follow causing me to reread certain sections to ensure I didn’t miss anything. Make sure you check your trigger warnings!!! This book is great for those who want a Fifty Shades thriller and love morally toxic characters. I give this 3.7 out of 5.

[Megan Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Faye met Henry, it was instant love- the passionate kind that burned fast and fizzled out even quicker. Desiring her own stance in life, Faye marries elsewhere and finds herself sexless, sad, and even worse off in love than she could have ever imagined. Where she feared losing herself under the weight of Henry's charm, she dreads even more losing herself to someone who can't bring themselves to touch her. When you throw in the professor dying who is responsible for Faye's memories essentially of Henry, we reconnect all these pieces into the present of our book and follow the clues to figure out who has secrets and what they are. This is not your usual "Thriller" novel, exploring themes of rage, sexual violence, kinks, and rape. While I was a bit shocked by the content displayed in what I expected from a run of the mill thriller, I really loved how well written our main character was, at least when it came to her opinions and the way she approached life, but it was HARD to read from her POV sometimes with how absolutely infantile certain topics were. I think this one was okay- not for me, but it'll definitely be excellent for someone else. Thank you so much to the author and Scribner for the chance to read an early digital copy. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Marva Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book isn't scheduled for release until July 7th, but it is already appearing in lists as one of the most anticipated reads of the year. I've been a fan since reading Luckiest Girl Alive in 2015. Knoll's characterization, at least of the MFC, is masterful. In a recent review of another book, I mentioned not feeling connection or empathy for the characters even though on paper I should have. Knoll actually does the opposite--she creates characters that I wouldn't think I would like, or who are (maybe?) totally different from me, and yet I completely fall into step with them and am connected in ways I do not fully understand. I keep thinking about her books long after I have read them. This one isn't going to be for everyone--again, how to explain without giving spoilers--but if you skipped class the day Margaret Atwood's "Rape Fantasies" was discussed, or would never sign up for that class in the first place, then you are going to be like the early reviewers labeling it as "toxic" so I would just steer clear. It is an erotic thriller, and it will make you uncomfortable, but it is extraordinary. Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the advanced copy and the opportunity to share my honest review.