I recently finished First Lie Win by Ashley Elston, and I must say, this book is an exhilarating thrill ride! As someone who devours psychological thrillers, the premise of a protagonist leading a double life intrigued me from the start. Who wouldn’t want to explore secret identities and mysterious bosses? Plus, it’s a Reese’s Book Club Pick, and I’m always curious to see what she’s been reading.
In First Lie Win, we meet Evie Porter, a charming Southern girl with a perfect life – or so it seems. The twist? Evie doesn’t actually exist; she’s living under an assumed identity as part of a job orchestrated by her enigmatic boss, Mr. Smith. The stakes ramp up when her target, Ryan Sumner, begins to touch her heart and she finds herself contemplating a different future. This layer of emotional complexity added depth to the fast-paced plot, making it not just a suspenseful read but also a thought-provoking one.
One of the standout aspects of this book, as highlighted by many readers, is the intensity of the cat-and-mouse game. I was genuinely impressed by how Elston kept me guessing about each character’s motives, with twists that I never saw coming. I agree completely with the descriptions in the official synopsis—Evie’s precarious balancing act between her fabricated identity and her burgeoning feelings kept my heart racing. There were moments when I found myself whispering, “Don’t trust him!” and those moments of connection were brilliantly executed.
On the flip side, there were some pacing issues that I encountered. While the initial chapters gripped me with their tension, there were sections where the narrative felt like it slowed down a bit too much, especially in the middle. For a thriller, I expect a constant build-up, and although the ending was a knockout, I felt some parts dragged on a tad longer than necessary.
Another drawback for me was the characterization of some secondary characters. While Evie and Ryan were well-developed, I felt that the supporting cast could have been fleshed out more. A few characters, including friends and colleagues, came across as somewhat one-dimensional, which made me wish for a deeper dive into their backgrounds and motivations. It would have enriched the overall story, especially since Evie’s choices were often influenced by those around her.
Elston has crafted a world where the protagonist must constantly watch her back, and I loved this high-stakes atmosphere. Evie’s evolution throughout the story was particularly compelling—she starts off so tightly wound in her deceptive life but gradually shows strength and vulnerability as she grapples with her choices. It made me admire her courage, even as her situation became increasingly precarious.
Ultimately, First Lie Win did live up to my expectations. The combination of suspense, emotional depth, and smart twists created a gripping narrative. Although there were a few pacing issues and some underdeveloped characters, the story’s strengths far outweighed its drawbacks.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, thrilling read filled with intrigue and unexpected twists, I wholeheartedly recommend First Lie Win. It’s perfect for those who enjoy psychological suspense with an emotional core. Dive in and get ready to question everything—in the best possible way.
“Explore the gripping twists of First Lie Wins, a must-read from Reese’s Book Club!” >>