This book…. WOW!!! Every time I turned around something else crazy was happening! This book was so well written. Dual points of view at the same time switching back and forth each chapter added such a deeper understanding of the characters. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!

This book was full of shocking twists and turns, secrets and deceit, and lies lies lies. I loved this one and cannot recommend this one enough.

I really enjoyed this book, if you like psychological thrillers, this one is a must read, especially if you're into psychological thrillers about families, this one is definitely for you

Jane E James just got a new fan! What started off as a psychological thriller veered off the deep end into the horror genre. I love both types of books so combining them made this book right up my alley! The alternating viewpoints gave the two main characters more depth but, I have to say, nobody in this book was very likeable and I couldn't find it in myself to be rooting for either of them. If your not put off by some of the darker subject matter, you could have a good time with this fast paced and twisted tale.
Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. I found the story very intriguing and I just needed to find out what happens. The only reason it is 4 and not 5 is the ending

WOW!! For me this is a definite contender for best psychological thriller of the year - deliciously dark!!

Zoe is a single woman turning 40, still harbouring a broken heart despite her ex-boyfriend Chris having well and truly moved on with a pregnant new partner. Though she has no close blood relatives, she is as good as family to her best friend Maddie, Maddie's husband Mike, and son, Joe (to whom Zoe is Godmother).

We quickly learn that Joe is a complex character, with characteristics of a narcissist and sociopath, however what Zoe is not prepared for is what will happen on the night of her 40th birthday (Joe's darker streak being key to this). Not wanting to provide spoilers I won't say more, and nor do I feel the need to, given that this fantastic novel should fly off the shelves in its own right!

I love how this novel doesn't shy away from the dark side, it is unapologetically gritty and gratifyingly shuns the Hollywood ending! 110% recommend!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

This was a an exciting book that kept me intrigued and reading to know more. Dual point of views, lots of secrets and twists come out, some you will guess and some you will not.. Two best friends that are not pleasant to each other, a horrible Godson that does unspeakable things brings out all the worst in the characters. The ending was rather outlandish, but it is fiction after all. All of the characters were lacking any morals or empathy.

I’ve just turned forty. My ex dumped me a year ago — and I’m still not over My best friend Maddie has everything I’ve ever wanted. A successful, handsome husband. A designer riverside home. A cleaner. A gardener. A luxury kitchen that cost three times my salary. And Joe, their sixteen-year-old Joe, my strapping, sweet-natured godson, says I’m like his second mum. Sometimes I think I’m closer to him than his real mum. Then, late one night, there’s a hammering at the door. It’s Joe. Visibly upset and angry. He rushes past me before I even get the chance to invite him inside. What he tells me — and what happens next will destroy EVERYTHING.
AN EXHILARATING PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE WITH TWISTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU GASP.

Holy plot twisting thrillers. I was hooked from the beginning. Cannot wait to read more from the author.

I wasn’t sure about this one in the beginning but within a few chapters, I was hooked. A quick read with awesome twists. Some were awful though. Switching between characters really gave depth. First book I’ve read by this author and now have more on my list,

Wow what an amazing and unputdownable read The Godmother is, I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough!

Wow this was a very good read definitely worth recommends and reading this book the ending was a surprise

I received this book via NetGalley for an honest review. I went into this book blind. I requested it because the cover and title felt like a psych thriller which is my favorite genre. There wasn’t a single likable character in the book. I rarely guess the twist and since I did in this case, I wouldn’t really call it a twist. Without going into too much to avoid spoilers, the way Zoe handled the situation with Joe was beyond ridiculous and lacked logic. I am in the US so I only know about how evidence is collected here. But I can’t imagine that blood tests aren’t a way to collect evidence in the UK. All of these adults being manipulated by teenagers was unbelievable. Between Gabriella, the phone, the CCTV footage, I could not believe how stupid these adults were.

Lastly, the author’s note kept referring to a book called My Secret Son. Was that the original title or is she referring to a different book that she has written.

This book started out so strongly with a great story line and strong character development. I was drawn in almost immediately. However, it ended up being poorly paced and was much longer in parts than it needed to be. The ending also fell flat. There wasn’t much of a twist and it left me waiting for so much more.

As much as I wanted to like this book from the introduction, I gave up and DNF. Sex with a minor not for me

Book description sounded good but wasnt as I expected. I gave up at the sex with minors. Sorry this one wasnt for me although there are a lot of people who gave 4 or 5 star reviews

LOVED THIS ONE!

Zoe and Maggie are best friends. Zoe is the godmother of Maggie's 16-year old son, Joe, and like a second mom to him. Despite their different lifestyles, Maggie and Zoe's friendship has stood the test of time. Maggie is wealthy, has a gorgeous house, a successful career, and a handsome husband. Zoe is just scraping by. Her last relationship ended one year ago and she is still not over it.

One night, Joe comes banging on Zoe's door. He is super angry and upset. He marches into Zoe's home. What happens next changes EVERYTHING. I don't want to give away too much more because all the unexpected twists make this novel!

There were so many twists and turns! So wild and crazy in the best way. I was not able to put this one down - I kept saying "just one more chapter" but was unable to stop! Also the ending was INSANE. So so so good! I always love when I find a unique thriller, because I feel like so many plot lines are overdone. This was a new and refreshing story!

Jane E. James did an incredible job writing this book. I always appreciate good character development and James excelled at ensuring there was ample character development. The dual POVs of Maggie and Zoe worked well, giving us insight into their very different lives.

Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to net galley and the publishers for this arc.

I raced through this book which was a very easy read I loved it as its just my type of book.

Two friends whos lives couldnt be more different they both think they are the only ones with secrets when the opposite is true

4 stars

Contemporary and complex thriller with a whole cast of deceitful and nasty characters. Nobody is who they seem,they are all hiding something.

DNF. I tried to stick this one out for all the 4 and 5 star reviews but I absolutely cannot get past the sex with minors! Disgusting. I usually try to find something nice to say but this is shameful.

Holy twists & turns! This book BLEW MY MIND! If I could give it six stars, I would! I'm still thinking about it days later, and that never happens. This was my 1st book by James, and i am definitely going on a binge of all of her books real soon.

This book is extremely well written. The character development was on point, and the plot was executed extremely well! There are dual POVs in this story - Zoe and Maggie. The two ladies are best friends, but there are secrets they are keeping from one another. Throw in lies, betrayal, jealousy and deceit, and you have this wild ride!

Every chapter ends on a masterfully crafted cliffhanger, so you can't put this book down. The twists and turns are definitely giving what they need to give! And can we talk about the ending?! So unexpected. My mouth was open for a long time. If you like thrillers with unpredictable twists that you can't put down, please read this book. Such a job well done!

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.