All The Beautiful Lies

by J.S. Ellis

The escort, The husband and The wife. What do they have in common?
Daryl’s biggest priority was taking care of his ailing mother and a stack of medical bills. To ease the financial burden, he uses his looks and charm to his benefit and works as an escort. Then, he meets Jeff Whittaker at a bar and makes an unconventional request.

Entice his wife into cheating to see if she would.

Daryl takes the job because he needs the money, yet he fears what will become of Jeff’s gorgeous wife, Emma, if he reports good or bad news to him.

Then Emma gets attacked at her home.

Who attacked Emma? And What does Jeff want with Darly? Is it possible that Jeff Whittaker wants out of his marriage in a far more final than divorce?

Genres: Thriller, Amazon

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

J.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.

You can Stalk J.S Ellis at
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https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-s-e...
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Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to a tantalizing series. It's character-driven with mind-blowing twists. The short chapters keep the action going with a conclusion that has me anxiously waiting for the next installment. Thank you Booksprout for my copy.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad to know there are 2 more books upcoming in this series. The author did a great job at leaving you wanting more & based on my enjoyment of book 1, I will definitely be reading in full. This story & the characters drew me in early on & held my interest the entire story.

Daryl is at a bar when he is approached by Jeff with a proposition. In so many words, “I need you to seduce my wife.” Daryl needs the money to pay for his mom’s medical care, so desperation makes him agree. Considering he is an escort by trade, it’s not completely out of his norm, but it is unusual to be approached by someone’s husband. All those skeptical he goes along with it and this love triangle gets very dangerous.

Definitely recommend this domestic thriller, and it was titled perfectly as every single character definitely had their beautiful lies. Excited for books 2 & 3!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great start to the series and it has left me wanting more but really happy with what I have read.

[Brittney Naylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the plot of this one to be very interesting. Definitely different from most husband/wife conflicts in other thrillers. This had a ton of potential, but I feel like the book was written with the amount of depth that you would find in a book outline. I feel like the characters were underdeveloped, so I had no connection as a reader to any of them, and that is something I usually look for in a book. I also felt like there were a lot of loose ends to this story; so many things left unanswered, and I feel like there were some major issues the characters faced that were never mentioned again by the end of the book. It was a fast, easy read, but not something I’d jump on recommending to others.

[Nik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced, twisty read about a male escort, the husband that hires him and the unsuspecting wife. Although this book was short, it balances character development while keeping you hooked through a series of twists and turns. There's a constant shift in dynamics between the three main characters right up until the very end.

The author makes use of every one of the 160 pages and ends on an intriguing cliffhanger, in hopes that you'll pick up the next book. I personally prefer stand-alone novels and don’t love the pressure of feeling like I have to continue a series. If you don’t plan to continue, it’s disappointing to reach the end with so many loose threads because nothing really gets resolved. There are three books in this series, so you have to be invested enough to commit.

It’s a very short and easy read, but I’d only recommend it if you’re interested in starting a series, because otherwise you’re really left hanging. That said, I still enjoyed a lot about this book, especially the high-class male escort angle. It's nothing ground-breaking, but good for what it was.

I received a free copy of this book, but this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Monica Mil-Homens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this first book! It was an excellent introduction to what’s to come. The characters are captivating and intriguing (I pictured Daryl several times throughout the book with a smile on my lips), and the plot is completely outrageous! Who in their right mind would hire a high-end escort to seduce his own wife, just because he suspects she’s cheating on him? That’s like playing with fire!

And the way the author tells the story is truly impressive — she makes you believe certain things have happened when, in fact, they’re just part of the fiction. And of course, the twists and turns almost always (well, almost) end in someone’s death.

Emma is a former violinist who had to retire after an accident. She owns a Stradivarius — a rare and incredibly valuable violin inherited from her grandmother — and her husband Jeff is a businessman whose ventures aren’t going as well as he’d like... but he has Emma! And Emma might be the only one who can save him... but for that, he needs to be sure she’s faithful. That’s where Daryl, the luxury escort, comes into play!

I highly recommend this book — I read it in no time. The chapters are short, and it truly promises to be an incredible series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really great! A fast paced, riveting story that had me on the edge of my seat pretty much from the first chapter right until the very end. As always with this writer, so well written, it draws the reader in & you feel like you are living the storyline along side the main character. Some angst but not too much made it a really amazing read! I do recommend!

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Beautiful Lies by J. S. Ellis is the first book in what is going to be a trilogy. This story has an interesting premise and it’ one that I have not read yet. I did enjoy the book and am looking forward to the other two books that are to follow next year. I don’t think I’ll forget who these characters are before book two comes out.

We have Jeff Whittaker and his wife Emma. Jeff meets a man in a coffee shop who is a paid Escort. Jeff hires Daryl to see if he can entice Emma to cheat on him. Daryl takes the job because he needs the money to pay for his mother’s medical expenses.

I am not going to give anything away because I always want you to experience the book the same way I did. I will tell you that Ms. Ellis ended this book in a way that I don’t enjoy. She left me hanging so far in the air and a long time to wait. I totally understand why she did that because it worked! I was very involved in this book and now I have so many questions, I will definitely be reading book number two and three. She accomplished her goal and I will be returning for more. Bravo!

If you love a book about a devious husband and an unhappy wife, a husband’s unconventional quest to learn how far his wife will go, then All the Beautiful Lies by J. S. Ellis should be your next read. If Domestic Thrillers are in your wheelhouse, then this book has to be on your nightstand. Don’t plan on sleeping until you finish. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

All The Beautiful Lies is the first book in The Beautiful Lies series by JS Ellis and what a banger of a beginning. If not for the dubious ending I would’ve definitely given this five stars I read the book in one setting it is about daryl who is an escort trying to make money to support his mother who is dying of cancer. He is ultimately a good guy and works for a madam who although not so nice helps him vet all his potential clients. So when he meets Jeff Whitaker at a bar and Jeff offers him an indecent proposal to help him catch his wife Emma cheating. Adfirst he finds the proposal cringey but thinking of the payoff Darrell agrees to it but once he meets Emma, unlike Jeff who thinks she is a serial cheater Daryl forms his own opinion but the money is good so he continues to take Jeff’s money and report back to him on their interlude. it seems the more Darrell meets with Jeff the more he dislikes the man but it’s their last meeting that truly sticks and Daryl‘s mind. When darrell sees that Emma was attacked in her home his moral dilemma is even bigger and nose it is what he said or didn’t say that may have caused it but what can he do and will he be too late? I really like the fact that Darrell didn’t see Emma as a client and that he started feeling for her differently than the other people who paid him to be around. I read the book all in one go and couldn’t put it down but I must say I did not like the way it ended, having said that I will definitely be reading the second book in the series I have to find out what happened and I guess that was the author’s aim lol! I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see how the story ultimately ends. #BookSprout, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #JSEllis,#AllTheBeautifulLies,

[SatyJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: All The Beautiful Lies is a truly riveting psychological thriller that grabs you and refuses to let go. Told through two distinct POVs—the wife and the professional—this story is a slow-burning descent into obsession, deception, and the sinister truths that fester behind closed doors.

Emma, a former violinist whose passion was stolen by a soul-crushing marriage, is desperately trying to reclaim a piece of herself. Trapped in a toxic relationship with her husband Jeff—someone so vile, manipulative, and disgustingly diabolical he practically oozes villainy—her world starts to unravel in terrifying ways.

Enter Daryl, a professional escort with secrets of his own and a desperate need to save his ailing mother. When their lives intersect, thanks to Jeff’s twisted machinations, the lies begin to stack like dominoes. Mind games, manipulation, and blurred lines of morality swirl between them, and you’re left questioning: who’s lying, who’s innocent, and who’s capable of murder?

This book is addicting, gripping, and packed with delicious suspense. Every chapter peels back another layer of deceit, and just when you think you have it figured out—bam! A personal attack, another twist, and a mysterious murder that sends shockwaves through the storyline.

The ending? A jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me staring at the final page in disbelief. I need book two now. If you love dark mind games, morally gray characters, and thrillers that make your pulse race, All The Beautiful Lies is a must-read. Anxiously waiting for book 2!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bianca Ellerkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Daryl, a male escort, gets an unconventional request from Jeff Whittaker, he takes the job. He needs to seduce Emma, the wife of Jeff, only to see if she would cheat on her husband. Normally Daryl wouldn't take a job without consulting his agent, but he needs the money to pay his mother's hospital bills. He reports everything that happens between him and Emma to Jeff but fears Jeff's motives for hiring him. Then Emma is attacked in her home and a ball starts rolling that can no longer be stopped. Who attacked Emma in their home? Is Jeff involved and why? Both Emma and Daryl have questions and try to answer them for themselves.

The plot is slowly built up. A single twist in the beginning but then the story gains momentum and at the moment you wonder where the story is going there is a big twist that turns the story in a different direction.

There is something in the story that makes you feel uncomfortable. The feeling is caused by Jeff, there is something about him. The author has kept this character superficial, especially in the beginning, his motives, his ideas, his actions are unknown, which makes you feel something brewing under the surface. That is very well done.

The writing style is smooth, somewhat exciting in the beginning which is increased towards the end. It is a book that is hard to put down.

It's not over yet, an open ending that promises that there is still a lot to come. We are waiting for the sequel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading J.S. Ellis' books for years and I have not read a bad one yet! This series will be incredible; I can already tell!

Jeff Whittaker is married to a retired professional violin player named Emma. He's an older businessman who is suddenly facing financial ruin and possible jail.

Emma runs a makeup company and misses playing professionally. she's bored with life.

Daryl is a professional escort who is working to take care of his mother and her mounting medical bills. What could these three have in common?

Jeff approaches Daryl and hires him to seduce his wife. Saying he believes she might be willing to cheat. Daryl accepts and meets up with Emma a few times at a coffee shop.

Things go well and then he hears that she has been brutally attacked in her home. Who attacked her? Did Jeff have something to do it? Does he was something more permanent out of this situation with Daryl?

This book! I loved every chapter, every sentence in this book. The plot is fantastic; the characters are well developed and in depth and I love the cliff hanger ending and I literally cannot wait for more! If you love a good thriller, then this is the book for you! I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 3 main characters in this book Emma the beautiful wife who is ignored by her douche bag husband Jeff and the escort, Darly, hired by Jeff to seduce his wife.

Jeff plays a game both at work and at home. He is older than his lovely wife and wants to use her money to bail himself out of a mess of his own making but tells the escort his wife may be cheating on him. The book has chapters of each main player and what they are thinking and doing. Which can lead to confusion in the story as everyone is not being told the same story. But I really liked how each version Had bis of truth to it from their perspective though maybe not the overall truth.

I will say I cannot wait for books 2 and 3 to come out though I’ll have to as the release dates look like 5/1/26 and 5/30/26. Ouch I will have to reread this one to remember what is going on. A downside of this series, but I do want to find out how Emma gets back her prized possession, what Darly is doing since he became a part of it with his version of the story, and how Jeff’s misdeeds end up in the overall story. Many threads need to be pulled yet to get this one solved. I really liked the story, not a big fan of the long wait for the remaining books

[Noura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, twisted domestic thriller that kept me reading late into the night. It’s unsettling in the best way a psychological look at power, deceit, and the dangerous games people play when trust is broken.

The story follows Jeff Whittaker, who, instead of confronting his suspicions about his wife Emma, hires a male escort named Daryl to try and seduce her just to see if she’ll give in. That decision alone sets the tone: manipulative, morally murky, and incredibly uncomfortable.

What made this book so compelling was the tension it builds slowly, but steadily. You’re constantly wondering who’s telling the truth and who’s performing. I felt especially drawn to Daryl; despite being hired to do something questionable, he felt like the most grounded and human of the three. His motivations were tied to family and financial desperation, and that gave the story a surprising amount of emotional depth.

The second half shifts the tone when Emma is attacked, and suddenly, the story morphs into something even darker. I loved how Ellis kept me guessing not just about who did what, but about everyone’s true motives. Even Jeff, as cold as he seemed, wasn’t flat. He was controlling, yes, but also clearly lost in his own twisted version of love and paranoia.

[Kazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story featuring Emma CEO of her own makeup company, previously a professional violinist married to Jeff Whittaker who is a fair bit older than Emma, their marriage has hit some bumps as Jeff has become morose and secretive, he is always on work calls. Jeff meets Daryl, a male escort, he tells him he suspects his wife is cheating on him, so he needs to seduce Emma, only to see if she would cheat on her husband. Daryl’s clients always come through his agent but he decides to take this job with Jeff as he needs the money to pay his mother's medical costs. He reports back to Jeff each time he has met with Emma, the details of their interactions, Jeff pays him and he demands that he meets with her again. Daryl is suspicious of Jeff’s motives and is regretting not going through his agent, then Emma is brutally attacked in her own home, this plot twist, leads to other questionable plot twists and turns, the story is turned on its ear and you are left wondering where the hell it can possibly go next!
Cannot wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookSprout and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those short, sharp thrillers you can devour in an afternoon. The premise hooked me straight away: Daryl, an escort trying to pay off his mother’s medical bills, is hired by a man named Jeff to test his wife’s loyalty. All Daryl has to do is see if Emma will cheat. Simple enough… until it isn’t.

What starts as a morally murky job quickly spirals into something darker. Emma is attacked in her own home, and suddenly the question isn’t just whether she’s faithful—it’s whether her husband wants her gone in a far more permanent way.

The story moves fast, with just enough twists to keep you guessing. It’s got that addictive “just one more chapter” pull, and because it’s only 160 pages, you can easily read it in one sitting. The characters aren’t always likeable, but that’s part of the fun—you’re never quite sure who to trust, or what anyone’s real motives are.

If you like your thrillers quick, tense, and a little bit scandalous, this is a solid pick.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Devan Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free of “All the Beautiful Lies” and the following review is voluntary.

“All the Beautiful Lies” grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. What starts as a slow unraveling of secrets spirals into a tangled web of deception, and just when you think you may know where things are going the plot twist hits, and changes everything.

One of the most fascinating elements is how masterfully the author plays with perception. I found myself constantly second-guessing which character was being honest and who was hiding something darker. It kept me on my toes the entire time.

If I have one complaint, it’s that I didn’t want it to end. Luckily, I’ve heard there’s a sequel in the works—and I’m absolutely ready for it. Fans of twisty mysteries with unreliable narrators and a moody, suspenseful atmosphere will eat this one up. It’s a page-turner in every sense.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in three-part mystery/thriller
There were times that I was simultaneously screaming at the book and chewing on my fingernails! This truly was a nail-biter of a story and we still have two more parts. Sadly, for the last one I shall have to wait. Talk about deferred gratification. I’ll deal but I won’t like it!
First, we meet Daryl, not his real name, who is a professional escort in London; needs money to pay for his mother’s care as she is dying from cancer. He is approached by Jeff a middle-aged man who needs Daryl to test his wife to see if she will cheat. Daryl senses that this is very odd and maybe not what it appears to be but money is money. Daryl arranges to meet Jeff’s wife, the lovely and friendly Emma Whittaker at a coffee shop. From there, make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright positions and that your seat belt is securely fastened. You are in for the ride of your life! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping, fast-paced thriller. The protagonist, Daryl, works for an escort agency. Daryl is approached by Jeff, who believes that his wife, Emma, is being unfaithful to him. Jeff wants Daryl to prove it by seducing Emma himself. When Emma is attacked, Daryl begins to wonder what Jeff's true intentions are.

I liked Daryl; I found him an interesting character, and I felt the author gave him a good backstory. I also liked Emma, and thought about how it might feel to be in her place.

I found that this wasn't particularly steamy, but it didn't need to be. It still satisfied my craving for a dark, gritty read. it was an exciting page turner, and it was easy to read in one sitting as well.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Steven Chatman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the writing style and story in this thriller of a book and can't wait for the followup to see how it progresses.

The characters were well fleshed out and I was kept entertained throughout. The story was well written and despite some small grammatical issues it was a quick and easy read.

The story following a businessman hiring an escort to seduce his wife who he had trust issues with was quite a fascinating dynamic that played out nicely. Based off the ending I can only speculate as to where the next book picks up and where the story goes from there but I for one am down for the ride. A solid beginning to this thriller trilogy

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three characters will do what they feel is necessary for their family, whether it is wrong or not.

Wow! I can honestly say I did not fully appreciate what this book was really about until I started reading it, and even then I was still more than a little shocked and repulsed at times (this was by design). This drama was dark at times. I tried to figure out the motives of some of the characters, and still could not fully grasp everything.

The short, snappy chapters which were told by each character will give you insight into each character's thoughts, as despicable as some of those thoughts may be.

Prepare to be shocked and yet aching for more at the end of this book.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a quick, easy, entertaining read. The plot and character development was great for the length of the book. The book is left with a less stressful cliffhanger than I would have expected, which I actually appreciate because I am looking forward to what is next without feeling frustrated. I also very much appreciated experiencing the different points of view. I have learned that this does not work well for every plot, but it works phenomenally for this one. Definitely a fun book to take a break with!

[Leslie Walbolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a book quite like this one. I have to admit, I really enjoyed this one. It’s definitely not my normal read but I’m thinking I might need to read books that are similar to this plot.

This book has all kinds of twists and turns. A male escort that was hired to entice another man’s wife. And then the story starts to unfold. The lies. The deceit. The betrayal. As the story starts to unravel, the plot definitely thickens. This is the first book in the series and I can imagine just how good the next book will be. The author’s way of connecting the characters made the story that much more enjoyable.
Well Done!

[Yoneidis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story and the characters, but it left me very confused. Emma is a 35-year-old heiress, former violinist, and owner of a cosmetics company, married to Jeff, a 50-year-old financier. Their marriage is civilized but cold. Emma does her part, but Jeff seems only concerned about his job. Jeff decides to hire a gigolo, Daryl, 27, to seduce his wife, and that's where my confusion begins. Although the reasons are made clear in the book, they don't make much sense either. I was expecting some unexpected twist, but no. I don't know if there will be a continuation of the story of these characters. I hope so, and that this has only been a preview.

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Beautiful Lies by J.S. Ellis

This thriller left me wanting so much more. The protagonist, Emma, a victim of a lie, finds herself in a huge mess because of her husband's pathological jealousy. He hires an escort to seduce her, convinced that she is cheating on him.

While it's clear that everyone lies, in this story, the lies are on a completely different level. I absolutely loved Emma's story, but I really wish I could have known more. This is my first time reading this author, and I'm very pleased.

I give it 5 stars without a doubt. It's a story that will leave you speechless.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Beautiful Lies by J.S. Ellis

This thriller left me wanting so much more. The protagonist, Emma, a victim of a lie, finds herself in a huge mess because of her husband's pathological jealousy. He hires an escort to seduce her, convinced that she is cheating on him.

While it's clear that everyone lies, in this story, the lies are on a completely different level. I absolutely loved Emma's story, but I really wish I could have known more. This is my first time reading this author, and I'm very pleased.

I give it 5 stars without a doubt. It's a story that will leave you speechless.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

“All The Beautiful Lies” is a great book with interesting characters that you really get to know throughout the novel… or do you? As the title suggests, you don’t know what’s the truth or what’s a lie & it really makes you wonder what the characters are up to & what their hidden agenda really is. The book is a gripping page turner with some great twists & turns that lead to an unpredictable cliffhanger of a conclusion. The only reason I’m giving this book 4 starts is because personally, I prefer books with a conclusion that wraps up the story in some way instead of one that leaves me hanging at the end of the very end of the novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review. When Daryl is approached by a wealthy businessman to seduce the man's wife, something doesn't sit quite right. But Daryl takes the job, needing the money to support his ailing mother. But things take a dark turn and Daryl's already murky world turns darker. What has he done? I enjoyed this fast paced thriller, some bits were easy to guess where the plot was going, but it had me hooked. I raced through this in two sittings and was left waiting for the next installment!

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Jeff have been married for eight years. Dylan is an escort to pay for his mother's medical bills. Suddenly, Jeff's attitude towards his wife changed. There's an attempt to kill her. Who's behind the attack on Emma? Was it a robbery gone wrong? Or was it her husband, to gain access to her trust fund? The book is entertaining, with suspense, murder, and intrigue. It's a page-turner with good characters, and it's worth every minute spent reading it. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Morel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a unique book, but a bit hard for me to follow. A male escort was propositioned by a woman's husband to seduce her. The wife & escort met up, and at first the book says they have sex, but then you find out the escort lied. Then what was the whole sex scene I read? I'm pretty sure I saw where the whole plot was heading 5 minutes in. Wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it was repetitive, didn't hold my interest and saw it coming from a mile away.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.