Without a doubt, one of the best books of the year. A must read for a thriller fans. Add this one to your beach read bag.
Looking forward to more from this author.

The way the author tied situations faced by many into the plot made the twist that much more suspenseful. When what seems like a perfect solution changes I couldn’t put the book down!

The Good Parents
by Jessica Huntley

5⭐️

I really enjoyed this fast paced thriller. The Good Parents was my first read by this author and it won’t be my last.

The story follows pastry chef Brittany grieving the loss of her twin sister. She’s offered a dream job she can’t resist. Unfortunately things are not as good as they seem when she discovers secrets lurking at her with her new employer.

Wow! I really enjoyed this story! We have a pastry chef with a twin sister and a husband and wife that are probably crazy! Then there’s Luke. Mean head chefs, goes without saying. Children that may or not be real! Who knows and of course an affair! A lot of mystery and suspense. Love Jessica! Great book!

I absolutely loved this book I was completely drawn in by the characters, loved the twists and turns,a totally gripping read and highly recommended.

I enjoyed this story, as I am always intrigued when I can’t quite figure out what is going on. This domestic thriller has an easy to love FMC with very strong character development. She will capture you from the very beginning & has a very satisfying conclusion to her story.

The story follows Brittany, and her road to healing after loosing her twin sister. Taking Clara’s death very hard and with no other family around, she is anxious to start over but it is hard to do that without money. When she meets Angela and John, they offer her the opportunity of a lifetime and most importantly a fresh start. She is an up-and-coming pastry chef & this wealthy couple is willing to hire her, but this will require her to relocate. Great income, all expenses paid, fresh start.. all of this sounds amazing to Brittany, but as the weeks and months go by with her working for this couple, she’s beginning to wonder how she put herself in danger as she finds herself in a deadly cat & mouse game.

Overall a very solid read that I highly recommend for fans of domestic thrillers! My first from this author but certainly won’t be my last! Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

The Good Parents introduces us to Brittany a pastry chef. Brittany has a twin sister who is very unwell and when tragedy strikes salvation arrives in the form of a wealthy couple Angela and John. When Brittany realises she is pregnant will they be her saviours or her undoing? The plot is masterfully crafted and keeps you turning the pages and not wanting to put it down. I wasn't even trying to guess the twists because I felt so much engaged in only what was happening at the time so the twists very much hit me hard right in the face. Although I didn't like all the characters they each play their part well. Jessica Huntley has created a outstanding physcological thriller that is impossible to put down!

The Good Parents is a fast-paced and engaging thriller that kept me turning the pages. The tension builds well, and the story is full of twists that make it hard to put down. While some moments require you to suspend belief, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment—I was fully invested in seeing how things played out. The writing is compelling, and I’d definitely read more from Jessica Huntley in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book!

I flew through this book, very good thriller but don’t let the cover fool you, it was much deeper than I expected it to be. Has some real dilemmas in and my emotions were up and down. Definitely worth a read! I would read more by this author.

In "The Good Parents" by Jessica Huntley, we meet Brittany Young, a dedicated pastry chef struggling to balance her demanding job at a prestigious London restaurant with the financial strain of caring for her twin sister, Clara. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease two years prior, Clara's mounting medical bills have left Brittany scraping by, but she hides the burden from her sister to spare her worry. As Clara's condition suddenly worsens, Brittany is faced with an impossible choice—to save her sister's life by donating her kidney or risk losing the one person who keeps her grounded. When her boss refuses to grant her time off for the life-saving procedure, Brittany chooses family over her career. However, tragedy strikes and Clara's death leaves Brittany shattered and consumed with guilt. Desperate to escape her debt and grief, Brittany accepts a job offer from the affluent John and Angela Dalton, who promise her a fresh start as a pastry chef at their luxurious villa in the Cote d’Azur. But as Brittany steps into the Daltons' world, the lines between opportunity and danger blur.
Brittany's dream of a new beginning quickly unravels as she discovers she is pregnant, a situation she cannot afford to manage. The Daltons, however, present a tempting solution—they offer to buy her baby, but the arrangement comes with unsettling conditions. Signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement, Brittany unwittingly ensnares herself in a web of deceit as John’s demeanor takes a sudden sinister turn and Angela starts behaving erratically. To complicate things further, an accident leaves Brittany trapped, prompting her to question whether it was truly an accident, as her instincts scream that she is in danger. Determined to protect herself and her unborn child, she is forced to delve into the Daltons' secrets, unraveling a chilling mystery that could cost her everything. Caught in a sinister game, Brittany must act swiftly to uncover the truth before her dream job morphs into a harrowing nightmare.
As I delved into "The Good Parents" by Jessica Huntley, I found myself immediately drawn into the world of Brittany Young. Her character resonated with me deeply, as her story of resilience and vulnerability unfolded with raw authenticity. Brittany's journey is both relatable and heart-wrenching, as she navigates the complexities of familial bonds and personal sacrifice. Jessica Huntley’s ability to craft such a compelling figure left me enthralled, eager to turn each page to uncover what lay ahead for Brittany.
The dual perspectives offered in the novel provide a fascinating insight into the unfolding drama. As a reader, I felt like I was privy to the intricacies of each character’s motives and dynamics, making the story all the more engaging. The way Jessica Huntley portrayed hidden truths and deception was masterful. Each revelation felt like a crucial turning point, pulling me further into a complex web of intrigue that captivated me at every moment.
Throughout the novel, I was struck by Jessica Huntley’s ability to evoke strong emotions. The themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the quest for redemption were skillfully woven into Brittany's internal struggles and moral dilemmas. The supporting cast, particularly the enigmatic Daltons, added depth to the story, each character contributing to the rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue. All the characters are intricately developed and expertly crafted, featuring well-defined personalities and dialogue that truly made me ponder their hidden motives and even their sanity.
From the very beginning, the book's pacing captivated me. It maintained a relentless momentum that made it nearly impossible to put down. Jessica Huntley expertly balanced tension, creating an undercurrent of suspense that had me on edge, eagerly anticipating each new twist in the plot. The unpredictable nature of the storyline kept me riveted, and the conclusion delivered a killer of an ending that lingered in my mind long after I finished the final page.
"The Good Parents" by Jessica Huntley is a gripping psychological thriller that weaves an atmosphere of suspense, where every page teeters on the edge of revelation. With intricate characters cloaked in mystery and twists lurking around every corner, Jessica Huntley's expert handling of hidden truths and deception leaves readers breathless and constantly in suspense.
Personal Book Rating:
Originality: 5.0/5.0
Plot Structure: 5.0/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 5.0/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0/5.0
Cover Design: 5.0/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0

Woah! This was a shocking thriller by Jessica Huntley! Lots of gripping suspense, and thrilling twists! I was so worried for the main character, I couldn’t put this one down. A must read for thriller fans.


Release date April 6, 2025

This psychological thriller will definitely entice fans of Freida McFadden!

As a thriller reader, I do love a good psychological thriller. The main things that I loved about this book are the short chapters and the fast-paced story line. For me, who has the attention span of a fly, this really keeps me hooked with the plot.

This book is split into three parts and has flash backs which really keep the reader hooked. I love a thriller that has a prologue, it is a chance for the reader to know if the book is going to be good or not, and this one definitely was!

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this ARC.

The story starts slowly with an introduction to Brittany Young, 26, a talented pastry chef and her identical twin sister Clara, a tattoo artist, who develops chronic kidney disease and needs a kidney transplant which Brittany is happy to give to her, even if it means losing her job due to a horrible bully boss who doesn't want to give her the time off.

But something goes wrong and a heartbroken Brittany finds herself agreeing to a three year contract at the private mansion of extremely wealthy Angela and John Dalton in the South of France near Nice. They pay off all her debts, and when she finds herself accidentally pregnant from a one-night stand, offer to privately adopt her baby and give her enough money to start her own restaurant.

But are they too good to be true? Angela seems increasingly unhinged, pretending to be pregnant herself after many miscarriages and the death of her infant daughter. Nothing is as it seems and soon Brittany fears for her life. Can she figure out what's going on? One thing is clear - money doesn't seem to buy happiness.

Part II adds Angela's POV which gives an interesting new perspective to the plot. Angela is mentally ill, but it's not quite clear what caused it. Did she drown her newborn in the bathtub like her husband says, who so helpfully gives her pills to calm her? Or was something more sinister at play? Where is their daughter Faye, and why does each of the many staff have to sign NDAs? The sense of manipulation is strong here and the question is, who can you trust?

This is a brilliantly written dark psychological thriller with many twists and turns, which delves deeply into our characters' minds. There is always a sense of dread and danger in this tense story of how far people will go for what they want. Clara is an amazing character who struggles through grief, a hospital phobia and an unwanted pregnancy to discover that her nice new employers have dark secrets that are threatening to come out and harm her. The list of content warnings is long and deal a lot with child loss, so be warned.

This was my second book by this author and it won't be the last. I was hooked from the first page and the writing just flowed. I appreciated Brittany and her emotions being slowly introduced and the setting in France being properly set up, with the action ramping up towards the end. The very short chapters cleverly invite you to read "just one more chapter", until you've suddenly finished. I preferred this to "Horrible Husbands ", which I've read recently. Highly recommended.

This thriller had me hooked from the very beginning and kept me guessing until the very end. It was a wild ride—while some parts felt a bit far-fetched, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last!

Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

**Book Review: The Good Parents by [Author's Name]**

In "The Good Parents," suspense melds seamlessly with raw emotion, crafting a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while tugging at their heartstrings. Brittany Young, a talented pastry chef grappling with the haunting grief of losing her twin, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and facing an overwhelming crossroads. When the affluent couple, John and Angela Dalton, extend a seemingly lifeline, the allure of their luxurious lifestyle comes with a shadow lurking beneath the surface.

As Brittany embarks on this new chapter, the intricacies of the Daltons’ lives unfold, exposing secrets entwined with manipulation and danger. The author skillfully balances Brittany’s internal struggles with the mounting tension surrounding the couple's increasingly precarious behavior. Readers will feel an eerie sense of dread as the line between safety and peril blurs, inviting speculation about every seemingly benign gesture and conversation.

With a writing style that evokes vivid imagery and intense emotions, the novel captivates on multiple levels. It raises poignant questions about motherhood, trust, and the hidden faces people wear. Just as Brittany seeks to uncover the truth, the pacing accelerates, leading to shocking revelations that will leave readers breathless.

"The Good Parents" is a brilliantly crafted psychological thriller that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt trapped by their circumstances. It’s not just a story of peril, but also one of resilience and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. Fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Freida McFadden will find themselves entranced, unable to put this chilling tale down until they uncover the final, harrowing truth.

I'd say that this is another shocking and gripping psychological thriller novel by this truly fantastic author!!
The prologue to part 1 talks about the lives of the sisters, Britt and Clara, who are incredibly brave and supportive of one another. The sisters' bond is powerful and heartwarming, especially in need. It delves into some awareness about kidney failure. I could resonate with that because one of my family members battled the same failure. Fortunately, we prevent it from getting worse. However, some of these parts didn't work well for me. —it just wasn't my cup of tea. Compared to the author's previous work, this one feels a bit more laid-back, and having 3 separate parts seems to slow down the pacing of the overall narrative. (I really like her previous works, especially the murder maze.)

The fun part kicks between parts 2 and 3, where things unfold, and the mystery and thrill begin. I wouldn't say it's unpredictable because there are some hints and clues you'll see along the lines pointing out what really happened and what the twist is. It's a thrilling ride, but if you're looking for a complete surprise, you might want to manage your expectations since the foreshadowing is rather obvious.

Overall, it is 50/50 for me. I wouldn't say I like it that much because it is not a bad novel. It just didn't click with me as much as I'd hoped. Perhaps it is simply too long and, like the narrative for the first part, should be shorter. This is definitely a slow-burn novel, so if you're patient in your reads, it might be right up your alley!

*No spoilers*
Yessss! Another 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jessica Huntley book for me!

In The Good Parents, the author takes great passion establishing the main character, Brittany, her close relationship with her identical twin, her fears/phobia, her exceptional talent as a pastry chef and career goals, and I found myself immediately intrigued wanting to follow her storyline. . .

This quick page-turner accelerated even faster for me when a horribly shocking event occurs which absolutely tore my heart to pieces, and I instantly became invested in how the rest of the plot would unravel. The following turn of events leads Brittany with an offer to work in another country with mysterious characters — some you love to hate and others not so trustworthy. I’m glad some of the things I predicted didn’t happen, so I appreciated the unique storyline, twists and turns, and satisfying ending! The book evoked a wide range of feelings from empathy, sadness and grief to fear and suspense, and excitement and awe! I HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you’re new to Jessica Huntley’s books.

Note: This is the second book I’ve read by Jessica Huntley, and I want to thank her for receiving it as an ARC (Release Date April 6, 2025). I also enthusiastically recommend The Murder Maze which she released on March 1, 2025 and has currently received very high ratings on Goodreads and Amazon. My reviews for both books are my honest opinions.

Jessica Huntley is one of those authors who is really good at setting the scene and building up the tension gradually. If you want good character development, background to the characters' motivations/actions, and twisty plots, then this will be the perfect read for you. I did find it slow to get into, primarily because I'm someone who has a preference for action first, but I can appreciate that a good plot can take time simmering, and this one is worth the wait.

I did find some of the issues discussed a bit too much for me personally (child loss is a hard subject for me), so I did have to skim some parts, and as such I can't give a perfect review of the book in its entirity. Perhaps I found the book as emotional as I did for personal reasons, but I like to think that the author has a talent for emotive writing, that gives a good representation of difficult subjects such as family loss and postnatal depression.

2.5 ⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up to 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I will just start this review by saying, If you loved it I’m so glad you did! But for me, something about this book and I, just didn’t gel the way it was supposed to!

Some thoughts :

- The first 20%- 30% was just background. Whilst I appreciated it, a lot of what happened we already knew from the blurb so it felt a lot like filler rather than getting straight into the grittiness of the actual plot. It also meant there weren’t any initial surprises or twists from the outset.

- My biggest issue reading this was the predictability and the fact that nothing happened that was surprising or “thrilling”. I kept waiting for a big reveal or a big twist but there really wasn’t anything. The stuff with Angela was, for me, pretty obvious from the moment you understood who gave her the medicine. I also feel like this wasn’t helped in the way in which things were revealed. Some things felt very over explained, whilst others felt very under explained. As a reader, I was literally being given the story without any build up or reading between the lines or any guesswork.

- I also just didn’t like any of the characters apart from Clara and Luke. None of them were redeeming in anyway for me, so I can’t say I was particularly rooting for a ‘good’ ending because I really didn’t care about any of them. I also just couldn’t stand our main character, the decisions she makes and the things she does whilst incapacitated and pregnant- were questionable and unrealistic at points.

- I do think the premise was good, interesting and somewhat enjoyable watching it unfold - even though it was predictable- i just really wanted more.

Overall, this book just didn’t work for me. As a psychological thriller I think this is weaker at points. It doesn’t have that grittiness or any ‘thrilling’ aspects that I was hoping it’d capture for me. Yes there’s points of psychological manipulation and tension and suspense but not enough that made me really question or second guess things. Everything felt like it was handed to me, pretty quickly. Once I’d worked everything out and understood, it was pretty much done within the first half of the book. The second half felt very much like going through the motions, knowing how it was going to end and basically just seeing how the author got there - rather than the reader being taken on a journey to that point.

I will say the writing was what kept me reading, the style was enjoyable and I definitely hope to check out this authors other works because maybe this book just wasn’t the one for me!

Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A grieving pastry chef, Brittany, accepts an offer from a wealthy couple, John and Angela Dalton, to adopt her unborn child in exchange for working for them. However, the Daltons' behavior becomes increasingly suspicious, leading Brittany to question if someone is trying to harm her and her baby. As she uncovers their dark secret, she must figure out how to escape the deadly game she's been pulled into.

Wow, what a thrilling rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, and unleashed emotions! I have to admit, I don't know why I always choose to start Jessica's books at night because I never end up getting any sleep. Her stories are so gripping and full of dark twists and suspense that it's impossible to put them down. I really need to learn my lesson one of these days!

It's funny, at this point, my husband knows when I start one of her books because he'll just say, "I'll see you in the morning." That's how engrossing her writing is!

This latest book had such an unexpected plot, and since I rarely read the blurb, I was surprised with every turn of the page. The idea was brilliant and executed flawlessly. The main character, Brittany, was so well-developed and drew me in from the very beginning. I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sadness for her and found myself rooting for a positive change in her life. But boy, did she have a lot on her plate right from the start. I kept wondering, "What is actually going on here?" Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was thrown off track. This was a challenging book to predict, and the ending was completely unexpected. I didn't breathe a sigh of relief until the very last page!

And let me tell you, if you think a few twists are enough, you're mistaken. This book is jam-packed with unpredictable twists that just keep coming, leading up to an ending that will leave you speechless. If you're a reader who loves to guess, uncover dark secrets, and navigate dangerous situations, this book is perfect for you. It was so addictive that I couldn't put it down, and I guarantee that any rainy day outside will pale in comparison to the excitement of this read!

Thank you, Inkubator Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.