10 Things I Love About First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

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If you grew up in my decade, chances are 10 Things I Hate About You left a lasting impression. (Let’s be honest, who didn’t fall for Heath Ledger’s charm or root for Julia Stiles’ unapologetic snark?) That movie shaped a generation with its wit, heart, and perfect blend of love and sarcasm.

Now, I figured—why not bring that same energy to my reviews? Instead of just telling you why a book is great (or not), I’m breaking it down into ten bite-sized, straight-to-the-point reasons. Whether it’s a thriller that kept me up all night, a romance that made me swoon, or a book that made me question my life choices, you’ll get the real deal—fast, fun, and spoiler-free.

So, welcome to 10 Things I Love About the Book, where I give you the highs, the lows, and the must-know moments of my latest reads. Because let’s face it—some books deserve a spotlight, and others? Well, let’s just say I’ll save you the trouble.

First up? First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston—because, wow, this is definitely worth the hype.

First Lie Wins Summary

Follow whip-smart protagonist Evie Porter as she navigates a world of secret identities, living an entire life under multiple aliases. Under the watchful eye of her enigmatic boss, Mr. Smith, Evie has perfected the art of deception, seamlessly adopting new personas with each assignment. But everything changes with her latest job, Ryan Sumner, when things go dangerously awry. Now, entangled in a lethal game of cat and mouse, Evie must outsmart her adversaries and unravel the truth behind Mr. Smith’s motives—remembering that when it comes to survival, the first lie wins.

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10 Reasons to Read First Lie Wins

1. Mastery of Secret Identities.Evie Porter’s many identities are works of art. Seriously, I struggle to make up a decent fake name for an online order, and here she is living entire fake lives like a pro. Evie crafts each persona with such meticulous detail that every alias feels like the last piece of the puzzle. From the first page, you’re hooked on her ability to transform her entire life into a fast-paced read. Teach me your ways, Evie.
2. A Whip-Smart Protagonist. She’s not just smart—she’s dangerously smart. If she told me the sky was green, I’d believe her and start questioning my entire existence.
3. A Mouse Game of Deception. Evie’s ability to create secret identities is like watching a high-stakes mouse game—each new persona is a calculated move. She builds entire backstories, picks out personality quirks, and blends in like a chameleon. Meanwhile, I can’t even remember the fake birthday I put on my store rewards account.
4. The pacing is perfect. Not a single dull moment. Just when I thought I could take a breather—boom! Another twist. This book forces you to binge it.
5. A Thrill Ride of Twists. And I don’t say this lightly. I read thrillers. I expect twists. And yet, Ashley Elston got me good. More than once.
6. Intricate Romantic Elements. Her relationship with Ryan Sumner and her life dreams add so much depth. Beneath all the deception, there’s a part of Evie that craves something real. Her dynamic with Ryan—filled with quiet tension, longing, and unspoken truths—makes you root for her in a way you never expected. It’s a reminder that even the most skilled chameleons might just want a place to call home.
7. Mysterious Boss and Shifty Allies. This book messes with your trust issues. Just when you think you know who’s who—surprise! Someone’s lying. Again. Beween a mysterious boss Mr. Smith , a tight group of friends and a cast of gray characters, you’re navigating a labyrinth of trust issues that only deepens the smart suspense. At this point, I wouldn’t trust a single character to water my plants.
8. It’s a thriller and a character study. Yes, the action is gripping, but the deeper exploration of Evie’s psyche and her constant battle between survival and identity? Chef’s kiss.
9. Realism Amid High Stake. Despite being a high-stakes thriller, the smart suspense makes everything feel strikingly real. Every detail is so well-thought-out that you start wondering if there really are people like Evie walking among us. (And if so, should I be worried?)
10. The Ending? Genius. No spoilers, but let’s just say it’s one of those finales that lands—smart, satisfying, and one that will keep you thinking about it long after you turn the last page.This twisty thriller, reminiscent of works by Lucy Foley, Lisa Gardner, A.J. Finn, Mary Kubica, Ashley Winstead, and Wendy Walker, is a wild ride and it doesn’t surprise it earns a spot on Reese’s Book Club. A savvy, unforgettable story that stands tall among the best thrillers.

First Lie Wins Printable Discussion Guide

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Ready to unravel the secrets behind First Lie Wins? These questions will guide you into Evie Porter’s world of secret identities, high-stakes suspense, and unexpected twists. Gather your book club, grab your copy, and let the conversation begin!

Book Discussion Guide

What was your initial reaction to Evie Porter’s elaborate secret identities, and how did they draw you into the story?
How does the intricacy of her multiple personas serve as a commentary on deception and personal identity?
Which moment in the book best captures the high-stakes thriller vibe and keeps you on the edge of your seat?
In what ways does Evie’s relationship with her mother shape her identity and influence the choices she makes in her secretive life?
How did the evolving relationship between Evie and Ryan Sumner add depth to the plot’s romantic and suspenseful elements?
What are your theories about the mysterious boss Mr. Smith’s real identity, and how does his character heighten the suspense?
What role does Devon play in Evie’s intricate world of secrets, identities, and manipulation, and how does his presence impact her journey?
In what ways did Evie’s character development challenge your expectations of a whip-smart protagonist?
Which twist felt like the “last piece of the puzzle” and reshaped your understanding of the narrative?
How did the fast-paced, impact your overall reading experience?
How did the constant atmosphere of uncertainty affect your trust in the characters and their hidden motives?
Do you think Ryan Sumner’s role as a doting boyfriend complemented or complicated Evie’s world of lies?
Which part of the book best captured the sense of looming danger—the darkest hour before a major twist?
Were there any unexpected twists that completely upended your expectations, leaving you with more questions afterward?
In what ways did the realistic details in the fast-paced narrative make the high-stakes plot feel authentic?
What aspects of the narrative structure—twists and timing—were most effective in building suspense?
What did you think of the book’s last twist, and how did it reshape your view of the entire narrative?
Which scene or dialogue was the absolute cracker that stayed with you long after you finished the book?
How do you interpret the clash between the carefully constructed identities and the search for something genuine?
If you could ask Ashley Elston one question about the intricacies of the plot or any unresolved mysteries, what would it be?

Closing Thoughts: Is First Lie Wins Worth Your Time?

Definitely! Evie Porter’s world of duplicity spins you around with the force of a psychological thriller on overdrive. From the moment you crack open the book, it grips you. Evie’s complexity, intertwined with twists and plenty of suspense, marks this book as a true standout. Whether you’re a seasoned Ashley Elston aficionado or just dipping your toes into her world, you’ll be itching for your next fix of suspense.

Looking for more? Keep the adrenaline pumping with these edge-of-your-seat recommendations: