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A Secret Among Friends
He knew she was lying, but he could change that. After all, what were friends for? When Zoë first sits in Jason’s salon chair, he immediately notices they have a connection. Yet he soon learns there is far more to his new friend than meets the eye. Stumbling on a scene he was never meant to see, Jason uncovers a secret that could tear Zoë’s life apart. Forced to choose between loyalty and morality, Jason makes a decision that could have deadly consequences. Now, he must bury a dark truth all his own. When all is exposed, will their friendship survive? Or will their bond be braided closer than ever before?
This book has been previously published under the title The Confidant .
The release date is to be pushed forward.
This book has been previously published under the title The Confidant .
The release date is to be pushed forward.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
About the author
J.S. Ellis
33 books172 followersJ.S Ellis is a thriller author. She has a degree in creative writing, English literature, and digital marketing. She lives in Malta with her fiancé and their fur baby Eloise. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s either cooking, eating cheese and chocolate, or listening to good music and enjoying a glass of wine or two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 4, 2023
This was an addictive read, i knew what was going to happen but not how. I do love how JS Ellis draws you in like this, I just had to keep reading to find out
I struggled with two plot points, one was answered but one I really didn't understand why zoe reacted the way she did, but then I have never been in that situation.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I struggled with two plot points, one was answered but one I really didn't understand why zoe reacted the way she did, but then I have never been in that situation.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2023
When Za went in to get her hair done her and hairstylist Jason became fast friends getting together every now and then for a drink and she even invited him over to her home to meet her husband. They were really becoming close she even told Jason her and her husband were trying to have a baby and they had just bought a new home but one night when Jason close the shop early and went to surprise Za at her cooking class he would be the one who got the surprise glancing through the window he saw Za being intimate with a man that wasn’t her husband. He quickly left and canceled their get together he didn’t know what to do about the situation he thought they were becoming close friends but when he finally decides to confront her and she confesses all she says she is going to end it but doesn’t this is when Jason makes decisions that will affect the both of them does Jason really know who Za is or does she know what he’s capable of? By the time all of their cards are on the table it is too late the damage is done and what then? This book was so good I could not put it down I set up in bed so I wouldn’t fall asleep this was such a good interesting read it is Jason telling the story and I love the writing style in the plain conversational tone to the book the head twist, secrets, and double dealing and I loved all of it! if you love a book about friends and taking loyalty way too far you’ll love a secret among friends. I have read other books by Miss Ellis and have loved them all she has a great writing style that feels like the book was written just for you especially in this one it was so so good! I want to thank Book Sirens and the author for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
June 28, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was good and the plot was fast moving. I love unreliable narrators, so that was great! I struggled to put this book down once I started, and I felt like I was wrong on all of my guesses on what would happen at the end of the story. All in all, this was fun to read and I loved the concept!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was good and the plot was fast moving. I love unreliable narrators, so that was great! I struggled to put this book down once I started, and I felt like I was wrong on all of my guesses on what would happen at the end of the story. All in all, this was fun to read and I loved the concept!
July 25, 2023
"A Secret Among Friends" by J.S. Ellis is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, secrets, and the consequences of one's actions. The story follows the life of Zoë, a woman who appears to have it all - a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a seemingly perfect life. However, beneath the surface lies a web of secrets that threaten to shatter the facade of her idyllic life.
The narrative is skillfully woven, alternating between present events and the past, allowing readers to piece together Zoë's story and the events that led to her current predicament. As the layers of her life are peeled back, readers are drawn into the emotional turmoil and struggles that Zoë faces, making her a relatable and sympathetic character.
The portrayal of Zoë's friendship with Jason, the protagonist, is a highlight of the novel. Their bond is beautifully depicted, and their conversations serve as a means for Zoë to confide in someone, revealing the depth of her pain and vulnerability. Jason's role as Zoë's confidant is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching as he witnesses her struggles and tries to offer comfort and support, while also being put in a position where he cannot unsee something that could possibly fracture him or their friendship.
The exploration of infidelity in the story is nuanced and thought-provoking. It challenges readers to question their preconceived notions about relationships and the complexities of human emotions. Zoë's affair is not portrayed as a black-and-white act of betrayal, but rather as a manifestation of her internal turmoil and a search for something missing in her life.
The author's writing style is engaging, evoking a range of emotions in the readers as they are pulled into the characters' lives. The vivid descriptions of the settings and the characters' emotions add depth to the story, making it come alive in the readers' minds.
Overall, "A Secret Among Friends" is a compelling and well-crafted novel that skillfully navigates the complexities of relationships and human emotions. With its relatable characters, poignant storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, the book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers who are fans of suspense and psychological thrillers. J.S. Ellis has crafted a stellar piece of literature that is both entertaining and deeply moving.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The narrative is skillfully woven, alternating between present events and the past, allowing readers to piece together Zoë's story and the events that led to her current predicament. As the layers of her life are peeled back, readers are drawn into the emotional turmoil and struggles that Zoë faces, making her a relatable and sympathetic character.
The portrayal of Zoë's friendship with Jason, the protagonist, is a highlight of the novel. Their bond is beautifully depicted, and their conversations serve as a means for Zoë to confide in someone, revealing the depth of her pain and vulnerability. Jason's role as Zoë's confidant is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching as he witnesses her struggles and tries to offer comfort and support, while also being put in a position where he cannot unsee something that could possibly fracture him or their friendship.
The exploration of infidelity in the story is nuanced and thought-provoking. It challenges readers to question their preconceived notions about relationships and the complexities of human emotions. Zoë's affair is not portrayed as a black-and-white act of betrayal, but rather as a manifestation of her internal turmoil and a search for something missing in her life.
The author's writing style is engaging, evoking a range of emotions in the readers as they are pulled into the characters' lives. The vivid descriptions of the settings and the characters' emotions add depth to the story, making it come alive in the readers' minds.
Overall, "A Secret Among Friends" is a compelling and well-crafted novel that skillfully navigates the complexities of relationships and human emotions. With its relatable characters, poignant storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, the book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers who are fans of suspense and psychological thrillers. J.S. Ellis has crafted a stellar piece of literature that is both entertaining and deeply moving.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2023
I love a good J.S. Ellis book and this one was no exception. This is one author that whenever I see a new book from them, I grab it!
Jason is a hairdresser running his own shop when a woman named Zoe comes in to have some work done and they hit it off immediately. Almost becoming instant best friends, they spend a lot of time together. Going for coffee, drinks and the occasional club. Z0e is also married to a man named Daniel. They seemingly have the perfect marriage. They've just bought a house and are planning on a baby soon.
Zoe works for an attorney and one day she is asked to take some papers to a client. The client in question, a man named Evan. From the moment she meets him she is mesmerized. He's younger, but gorgeous and even better, he's interested in her. Initially she says no, I'm married. But it doesn't take too long for her to give into her desires and take the plunge into a long affair with this mysterious man. Jason does not take the news well that she is having an affair. He wants her to end it. She promises she will, but will she? What will happen if Daniel finds out?
This story is believable. The characters seem well written and believable. I definitely figured out what Jason was doing. My only complaint is what happened to Zoe. I wanted more of a final ending. Overall, its another great story and I highly recommend it. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
Jason is a hairdresser running his own shop when a woman named Zoe comes in to have some work done and they hit it off immediately. Almost becoming instant best friends, they spend a lot of time together. Going for coffee, drinks and the occasional club. Z0e is also married to a man named Daniel. They seemingly have the perfect marriage. They've just bought a house and are planning on a baby soon.
Zoe works for an attorney and one day she is asked to take some papers to a client. The client in question, a man named Evan. From the moment she meets him she is mesmerized. He's younger, but gorgeous and even better, he's interested in her. Initially she says no, I'm married. But it doesn't take too long for her to give into her desires and take the plunge into a long affair with this mysterious man. Jason does not take the news well that she is having an affair. He wants her to end it. She promises she will, but will she? What will happen if Daniel finds out?
This story is believable. The characters seem well written and believable. I definitely figured out what Jason was doing. My only complaint is what happened to Zoe. I wanted more of a final ending. Overall, its another great story and I highly recommend it. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
The narrator, Jason, is a hair stylist with boundary issues. Desperate for a deeper human connection, he has a track record of befriending certain among his clients. Zoe becomes the latest object of his affection. However, it soon becomes obvious that she can't possibly live up to his high expectations, and the effects of his friendship are staggering.
I think the premise for this novel was interesting and has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I just didn't find that the execution worked for this novel. I really struggled to connect with any of the characters, and I think this might be a function of the choice to have Jason narrate the events. Jason's perspective is a real impediment to getting to know any of the other characters, which makes his accounting of events (for which he wasn't even present in many cases) suspect. It also adds a layer of distance between the reader and the other characters.
The pacing was slow - which doesn't match the genre advertised. I found there wasn't any real character development or growth. The foreshadowing was clunky and there was no ultimate payoff. I feel that there were, if not outright errors, then at least inconsistencies that I think further editing could have caught. (I felt that American and British English were mixed. This felt odd to me).
I received an ARC via the author.
I think the premise for this novel was interesting and has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I just didn't find that the execution worked for this novel. I really struggled to connect with any of the characters, and I think this might be a function of the choice to have Jason narrate the events. Jason's perspective is a real impediment to getting to know any of the other characters, which makes his accounting of events (for which he wasn't even present in many cases) suspect. It also adds a layer of distance between the reader and the other characters.
The pacing was slow - which doesn't match the genre advertised. I found there wasn't any real character development or growth. The foreshadowing was clunky and there was no ultimate payoff. I feel that there were, if not outright errors, then at least inconsistencies that I think further editing could have caught. (I felt that American and British English were mixed. This felt odd to me).
I received an ARC via the author.
July 10, 2023
Jason is a hairdresser with his own salon. When he meets Zoë in his salon it's directly clear that they'll be friends.
Zoë, married and a really nice and humble girl, has secrets. When one day Jason stumbles on a scene he shouldn't have seen, everything changes.
Forced to choose between loyalty and morality, Jason makes a decision that could have deadly consequences. Can their friendship survive?
The story is told by Jason, who in fact is telling the story told by Zoë. It's a story within a story. The writing style is simple, no difficult words or complicated sentence structures. The characters are not very well developed. Much remains unclear and even at the end not everything is told.
A secret among friends is indicated as a gripping psychological thriller but I don't agree with this. It's a fun story and feels like a feel good. At no point is there any tension in the story.
The secret among friends gets 3 stars from me because it is a nice readable story. Why not a higher score? Simply because my expectations of a psychological thriller were not met. With some real tension this could have been a bit higher.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Zoë, married and a really nice and humble girl, has secrets. When one day Jason stumbles on a scene he shouldn't have seen, everything changes.
Forced to choose between loyalty and morality, Jason makes a decision that could have deadly consequences. Can their friendship survive?
The story is told by Jason, who in fact is telling the story told by Zoë. It's a story within a story. The writing style is simple, no difficult words or complicated sentence structures. The characters are not very well developed. Much remains unclear and even at the end not everything is told.
A secret among friends is indicated as a gripping psychological thriller but I don't agree with this. It's a fun story and feels like a feel good. At no point is there any tension in the story.
The secret among friends gets 3 stars from me because it is a nice readable story. Why not a higher score? Simply because my expectations of a psychological thriller were not met. With some real tension this could have been a bit higher.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2023
Wickedly strange but addictive would be how I would describe this book. It did not take me too many pages into the book to get an "idea" of what was going on, but I still could not quite figure out the puzzle and how the pieces would fall together which is what made it addictive. I just had to know what was going to happen.
It is very apparent early on that Zoe has issues. She really does not realize how good she has it with her nice home and wonderful husband. Her issues and fragile emotional state make her a prime candidate for someone to take advantage of her. Jason is her hairdresser, and it does not take long for you to figure out that he is a not a bad man, but he has an obsessive personality. Suffice it to say you will be hooked from the beginning pages, but you may still be scratching your head at the end.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is very apparent early on that Zoe has issues. She really does not realize how good she has it with her nice home and wonderful husband. Her issues and fragile emotional state make her a prime candidate for someone to take advantage of her. Jason is her hairdresser, and it does not take long for you to figure out that he is a not a bad man, but he has an obsessive personality. Suffice it to say you will be hooked from the beginning pages, but you may still be scratching your head at the end.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2023
The Confidant by J.S. Ellis was an interesting book but, not my favorite by this author. I’ve read a couple of others that I loved. This one was good, just not a home run.
This novel deals with friendship and cheating both within a friendship and a marriage. The big hangup for me is I don’t like cheating or lying and go out of my way to avoid both.
This story was like having a long discussion with your best friend and hearing all the ins and outs of another friendship that person is involved in.
The characters were believable along with the story line. It made me miss my best friend that passed away several years ago because there was nothing we wouldn’t discuss all day long. I miss that and just maybe why this book left me wanting something more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This novel deals with friendship and cheating both within a friendship and a marriage. The big hangup for me is I don’t like cheating or lying and go out of my way to avoid both.
This story was like having a long discussion with your best friend and hearing all the ins and outs of another friendship that person is involved in.
The characters were believable along with the story line. It made me miss my best friend that passed away several years ago because there was nothing we wouldn’t discuss all day long. I miss that and just maybe why this book left me wanting something more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 23, 2023
I'm giving this 4 stars because I finished it in one sitting. The start of it was a little confusing but I could not put it down once I started. The characters, Jason & Zoe, were deep and well written. The turmoil and angst throughout is what kept me reading. While I wouldn't consider this a psychological thriller, I can appreciate the clear question of the mental stability of the characters - especially towards the end.
I want to say I would have preferred a more complete ending but I think I really enjoyed the cliff-hanger, the question of what really happened.
I adore the writing style of J.S. Ellis and I will DEFINITELY be reading more.
*I recieved this an an ARC from Booksprout and writing this review voluntarily.
I want to say I would have preferred a more complete ending but I think I really enjoyed the cliff-hanger, the question of what really happened.
I adore the writing style of J.S. Ellis and I will DEFINITELY be reading more.
*I recieved this an an ARC from Booksprout and writing this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2023
This story is about Zoe and the people that are in her life. Zoe's hairstylist, Jason seem to really hit it off and become fast friends. This relationship extends to outside the salon as she invites him to her home and introduces her to her husband and they learn more about each other. Then things begin to take twist as that friendship line feels like its beginning to blurr abit. It is a challenge when find out something you are probably not meant to but what do you do? Once you decide, what if the outcome is not what you wanted or your lied to? I really enjoyed reading this book and the character struggles that occur. The consequences of decisions and actions are never guaranteed. Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2023
This is one that took me bit to finish and now to review. Now while I gave it 3 stars to many it might be worthy of more. My issue is that this was described as a thriller and to me it wasn't anywhere near what I would call a thriller. It's not something I would have chosen to read if not for that description. Other that to say that I'm still not sure how I feel about it, maybe just that it was ok. I struggled through it that's for sure. So I really don't know whether I would recommend it or not, I hate that because I never want to give abook a mediocre or bad rating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2023
This book was a little lacking for me. I wanted more and was waiting for the twist but it never happened. I found the main character to be weirdly obsessed with his friends (why would someone go to a Holy Communion with you vs. going to visit a mother-in-law in the hospital with your husband). Zoe was a little too obsessed with Evan and it was hard to believe that Daniel was that oblivious. The ending fell flat and this one just came up short for me!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 26, 2023
This was a good book. It had mystery, intrigue and suspense. This was the first time reading this author and I ended up adding her to my TBR list of authors to check out their past works because I liked them so much. Ellis' style of writing flows easily from one page to another and everything makes sense. There definitely could've been more suspense and twists to make it even more of a psychological thriller, but the book is good as written.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 3, 2024
Sheesh.... I wish I hadn't started this book off as my first of 2024. I am not a quitter so I finished A Secret Among Friends, but it was a forced finish. Jason is Zoe's hairdresser, and he and Zoe become close friends. Zoe is married to Daniel, and she confides in Jason that she is having an affair with "Evan". Until the end of this book, I could not figure out why this affair bothered Jason so much! Zoe's affair upset Jason so much that he took drastic steps to stop the affair. Once Zoe figures things, out, SHE has to take drastic steps. Not what I expected.
July 10, 2023
Jason allowed Zoe to live with him when things went south with her husband and job. Jason is a hairdresser by trade, and Zoe confides in him about her life. Well, some of it, some of it he finds out on his own. Zoe allowed the attention of one of her boss's clients get in her head and ruin what she had with her husband Daniel. But Daniel isn't the only problem she has -- Jason is also a problem, maybe a bigger one than her husband. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 26, 2023
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it.
Lots of drama and it’s not your average thriller.
This is my second J.S. Ellis and I’m never disappointed. The way the characters are written I really enjoyed. Even though sometimes I was yelled at them in my head!!
Zoe and James both have issues that make them more relatable and scary at the same time.
Another book well written!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Lots of drama and it’s not your average thriller.
This is my second J.S. Ellis and I’m never disappointed. The way the characters are written I really enjoyed. Even though sometimes I was yelled at them in my head!!
Zoe and James both have issues that make them more relatable and scary at the same time.
Another book well written!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 8, 2023
Zoe has it all a loving husband, a lovely house and an ideal life.
Jason runs his own hair salon and he bonds with Zoe very quickly becoming best friends when one day he goes to suprise Zoe and discovers she has a secret which he can't forget what he saw and it can destroy Zoe's marriage if the secret gets out.
Jason also Haa a Secret which is revealed towards the end of the book.
A quick read that you don't want to put down.
Jason runs his own hair salon and he bonds with Zoe very quickly becoming best friends when one day he goes to suprise Zoe and discovers she has a secret which he can't forget what he saw and it can destroy Zoe's marriage if the secret gets out.
Jason also Haa a Secret which is revealed towards the end of the book.
A quick read that you don't want to put down.
December 19, 2024
I received this novel as an ARC. This is my review. Oh, what a tangled web we weave when you deceive. Or something like that. Zoe is married, takes up with Evan, and her friend Jason doesn't approve. A fast read, well-developed storyline, and characters you can relate with. I did not like Jason, not because he was gay, because he felt more than he should of his "friend". The twists keep coming to the explosive end. Totally loved this book!
July 3, 2023
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 7, 2023
The most I can say is that the book was okay. I found it hard to become immersed in the story or become engaged with the characters. I had to force myself to read several chapters each night. Perhaps if the characters were less shallow or the storyline more dynamic I would have had a different feeling about the story.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
July 14, 2023
I did enjoy this book however I wouldn't class it as a physcological thriller as it didn't have enough unpredictable twists. The characters are very believable and a little twisted but I was just looking for that little something extra. The premises of the story was amazing and I think with a few little tweaks it could be mind blowing. I did appreciate the relationship between Jason and Zoe.
July 23, 2023
This is totally different from my usual read, and I found it most addictive. I just had to find out where this would lead and end.
A well written storyline and plot with some nice unexpected twists, and strong characters.
A most enjoyable book, and I definitely didn't expect the outcome.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
A well written storyline and plot with some nice unexpected twists, and strong characters.
A most enjoyable book, and I definitely didn't expect the outcome.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
Riveting and intense with so many twists and turns that it keeps you hanging on until the end. Intriguing characters to follow along as they maneuver their way through all of these twists and turns. Plenty of secrets as well. Hard to put down. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2023
I was hoping for more. I was hoping there was going to be more of a twist but there really wasn’t.
How far will you go to protect your friends? It’s a story about friendship, and deceit. A bit of jealously too.
How far will you go to protect your friends? It’s a story about friendship, and deceit. A bit of jealously too.
July 10, 2023
A creepy, fast paced thriller. Be careful who you trust with your secrets. A story of a possessive friendship that has terrible consequences for the main character Zoe. I couldn’t put this book down. Thank you to the author for this preview copy.
July 12, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review. What is a secret amongst friends? Zoe seems to have it all, but is everything what it seems? Jason and Zoe navigate the boundaries, pitfalls, and betrayals of friendship in this gripping story.
June 12, 2024
I read this in a day and wasn’t wowed. The storyline has potential but the ending was so boring. The writing wasn’t descriptive and seemed bland. Most of the writing could’ve been cut out because it wasn’t needed. But since I’m nosey I needed to know the ending
May 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Tall the twists and turns kept me reading all night until I finished it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2025
2 points of view
A secret and a affair
A needy bestfriend whos a hairdresser
Well written, good storyline, great characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A secret and a affair
A needy bestfriend whos a hairdresser
Well written, good storyline, great characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews