Smart thriller/hostage/relationship story with layers.

Oohh, I really loved the serpentine nature of this, with current and past intrigues, interwoven with darkly humorous as well as dangerous characters and situations.

In present day, there's a bank hostage situation. But it's not that straightforward - our narrator, one of the hostages is herself a wanted woman, part of her own twisted and threatening con artist background.

While we follow the excitement of the heist, as Nora and her friends struggle to stay alive and gain some control, she also shows us her history, as daughter of a woman who constantly made her change her name, appearance and character, to con men out of their money.

It's different. Each story on its own would have made a whole novel, with psychological trauma and suspense in both. Together they shouldn't work, but Sharpe is in control here and what might not seem necessary does actually mesh well to give not only Nora depth.

I found this exciting, and seeing it is going to be filmed, am keen to see it on the screen. Nora makes a wonderfully entertaining, empathetic and imperfect protagonist, with some vibrant secondary characters surrounding her. Her past, as a little girl, is vivid and does give her a lot of our sympathy.

The plots dovetail into quite an exciting finale, and I did find myself riveted to know both the secrets of the past and how things could possibly work out in the present.

Enticingly different. Highly enjoyable. Recommended. One that young adults will enjoy as well as those older looking for something unique.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

Everyone always raves about Tess Sharpe's debut book, Far From You so when I saw that she had a new book out I thought I would give it a go. In the contention for one of my favourites of the year, The Girls I've Been is a thrilling read with a very compelling main character.

After starting it on a whim one night, the writing really spoke to me and I really heard Nora's voice come through. I knew that I was really hooked so I brought a copy straight away.

Seeing Nora's story unravel was really interesting and the intersections that broke up the writing left a lot I'd suspense and made me really want to keep reading. I found that the different aspects of the lives that she had were so exciting and I loved how they built who Nora was in the current moment.

The characters were also really great and I loved the complex relationship between the three of them. Even though Nora had the most experience in conning a bank robber, they all bought something to the table which made them more complicated and fleshed out.

Iris, Wes and Lee all had their own separate arcs and I loved reading about all of them concerning Nora and themselves. Them being well developed meant that I cared about them more deeply in the context of the story.

Also, I liked the inclusion of endometriosis and even though I cannot talk about the representation, this will probably help a lot of other people. All the main three characters were also in a bi love triangle which I really enjoyed reading about.

The plot as a whole was really gripping and Tess Sharpe did a great job of writing tense into the story until the very end. Even though I was scared about the ending if any one of the characters was going to die. Not to spoil it but I did really love the ending and it was very satisfying.

The Girls I've Been is great and I can't wait to read more from Tess Sharpe in the future because I am sure that I will love it all the same.

The Verdict:

The Girls I've Been is a compelling and fast-paced read that will have you on edge until the last page.

3.5 stars.
To be honest, big reason for me requesting s copy of this book is the fact that I heard that it is going to be made into a film, and I always like to read it before I watch it. The premise itself also sounded really interesting, but I ended up being slightly disappointed by The Girls I've Been. The writing style was jarring at times, which was understandable, especially in the beginning, but it made for the not-greatest reading experience. However, I did appreciate that Sharpe brought the reader immediately into the action, rather than wasting time with a massive build-up. In terms of pacing overall, however, I found the story to drag in the second half and then the ending felt very rushed. I feel like that could have been more evenly spaced instead of aiming for a smooth conclusion. I found the twist on a 'typical' love triangle interesting, and nicely refreshing. I did enjoy this enough to keep an eye out for Sharpe's next work.

Blurb

A slick, twisty YA page-turner about the daughter of a con artist who is taken hostage in a bank heist.

Nora O’Malley’s been a lot of girls. As the daughter of a con-artist who targets criminal men, she grew up as her mother’s protégé. But when mom fell for the mark instead of conning him, Nora pulled the ultimate con: escape.

For five years Nora’s been playing at normal. But she needs to dust off the skills she ditched because she has three problems:

#1: Her ex walked in on her with her girlfriend. Even though they’re all friends, Wes didn’t know about her and Iris.

#2: The morning after Wes finds them kissing, they all have to meet to deposit the fundraiser money they raised at the bank. It’s a nightmare that goes from awkward to deadly, because:

#3: Right after they enter bank, two guys start robbing it.

The bank robbers may be trouble, but Nora’s something else entirely. They have no idea who they’re really holding hostage…

Thoughts

This novel certainly delivers intrigue and action. The pacing and plot unfold in a fascinating rhythm of present day action and riveting flashbacks. The characters are well-drawn and complex and their relationships add to the interest of an already fascinating story of hostages and banks robbers. As an adult I found this contemporary YA/New Adult novel held my attention from start to finish.

I enjoyed little touches/ attention to detail from the author, and the inclusion of a character who has endometriosis. In particular, I appreciated that the person suffering an endometriosis flare up during the unfolding of the story was not relegated to being the weakest link and remains a strong character who is pivotal to the plot.

I would happily read more from Tess Sharpe, and think readers of YA thrillers would enjoy this book.

'I learn it isn't a game. I learn it's my life. Rebecca. Samantha. Haley. Katie. Ashley. The girls I've been. The perfect daughters to the women my mother has become to con her marks.'

The Girls I've Been follows Nora O'Malley, the daughter of a con artist, as she is taken hostage in a bank heist with her girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend. The situation she's in is deadly and unpredictable, but so is she. For years Nora has been playing at normal, but that isn't who she really is. Now, though, she needs to dust of those skills she ditched and try and get herself and her girlfriend and ex-boyfriend out alive.

Tess Sharpe is a favourite author of mine - I loved both Far From You and, more recently, Barbed Wire Heart. Tess Sharpe has a way of creating such a tense and brutal atmosphere - especially in Barbed Wire Heart - and she does it again in The Girls I've Been. It's non-linear, which is like one of my all time favourite things. and it's done well (which came as no surprise). It adds to the atmosphere, and the slow buildup and slow reveal really ramps up the tension and the mystery surrounding our protagonist, Nora.

The Girls I've Been takes on quite a dark tone. It's about family, survival, identity, and male violence and Tess Sharpe doesn't hold back. It's about how Nora's toxic relationship with her mother, and her relationships with her mother's marks has shaped her as a person.
What didn’t kill me didn’t make me stronger; what didn’t kill me made me a victim. But I made me stronger. I made me a survivor.”

Nora is the true star of this book, she is one hell of a protagonist. I'm very fond of morally ambiguous characters and Nora is definitely that, but she is so much more than that. She's sharp and smart, she's abused and traumatised, she's angry but also hopeful, she doesn't know who she really is - she struggles with her identity but she's learnt a lot from every single girl she's been. She struggles, and she makes mistakes, she isn't always honest, and she doesn't trust easily, but she's healing with the help of those around her - the healthy relationships she's making along the way and the love and care that those relationships bring to her life.

The Girls I've Been also has a prominent f/f romance, and the love interest, Iris, has endometriosis, which is great because I've actually never seen that featured in a book before and I could really relate. So, that was also great!

The Girls I've Been is a high-stakes, intense thriller that goes deep into the violence women suffer at the hands of men.

Nora Seed is a con artist. Well she is the daughter of the con artist and now she's trying to live a seemingly 'normal life'. Until she gets trapped in a bank robbery with her ex boyfriend and her new girlfriend (so as you can imagine things are a lil awkward) and Nora has to now pull the biggest con yet. Escape. Things are about to get a bit messy.....

Okay this book right here is a perfect example of why I love YA and YA thrillers in particular. They're addictive, easy to read yet still manage to have so much depth, they keep you turning the pages and The Girls I've Been Brought all of that to the table. It's such a unique concept and I loved it. Within the first chapter we are brought right into the middle of the bank robbery, jumping straight into the action it instantly grips you and I love that in a thriller. Drama and intensity right from the get go. I enjoyed the dual time line of switching between Noras past and 'the girls she's been' and then back to the bank robbery albeit a bit confusing at first you soon get used to it and it adds so much more suspense to the story too finding more and more out about Noras twisted past and how that can be used to help her and her friends escape the robbery. I think I'd have liked to find out a bit more about Lee's background (noras sister) but maybe that's me being a bit greedy and I suppose the book can only be so long!

Overall if you enjoy thrillers or YA then I'd definitely reccomend this book. Even if you don't I'd still say give it a go because there's something for everyone in this book. It's very well paced, gripping and could easily be devoured in one sitting. It's also being turned into a Netflix movie starring Milly Bobby Brown which I'm sure will be great!

Thankyou to netgalley and hodder books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this and read it in just two sittings.

I really enjoyed the characters and the plot and how Nora's backstory was developed. A great read that I would recommend to some of my older students.

The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe
YA mystery/thriller with LGBTQIA+ rep

Can we just admire the cover?!?! So simple and yet so intriguing.
Would I recommend this book? Yesss! It is so fast-paced you will need to make sure to clear your schedule once you pick it up!

It begins with Nora, her ex-boyfriend and her new girlfriend caught in a bank heist. Sounds bonkers?! Not as much as Nora’s con artist mother who chose to use her own daughter to deceive everyone to get what she needed.

Nora’s past identities are weaved into the main plot line so well you cannot but cheer and feel for her given what she's endured.

It was so much more than what I imagined and mental health and therapy are very honestly discussed within. Endometriosis is also mentioned and I have to say I'm glad such a disease and mental health issues are now featuring more openly in YA and adult fiction.

🍿Read it before the film comes out, starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Thank you to @Netgalley and @hachettekids for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Great book! Nora grew up with a con artist mother, learning unusual skills. She manages to escape her with the help of her sister, and lives a quiet life in a small town. When she's taken hostage in a bank with her ex-boyfriend and current girlfriend, she might just be able to get them out. An absolute page turner, I loved Nora and her attitude to the situation she's trapped in. We learn about her life in flashbacks, which helps us learn why she's the girl she is now. I hope this isn't the last we see of Nora, she's fab.

This was honestly such a fresh and enjoyable read, the premise was so different to other YA novels out there and I found myself laughing out loud at some of the moments. I related to the characters and could not put the book down. Very well written.

What a thrill ride!
This book had me hooked from the first page!, hard not to when your thrown into a bank robbery.
All the characters in this book I loved and would love to read more about any one of them.
Would highly recommend!!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC in return for an honest review.

This was a really fast, tense, brilliant book, but it's also brutally dark. I have yet to see a physical copy but if there aren't any content warnings/an age rating on the cover then I won't be comfortable putting it on display in the teen section. It's very much a 15+ and I'd be worried about a 13 yr old picking it up and not being warned of what's inside. It was a brilliant read though, very much the next in the Karen McManus/ Holly Jackson lane.

REVIEW: The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review*

I’ll be honest and say that the main reason I requested this book is because Netflix are making it into a series with Millie Bobby Brown, and I wanted to stay ahead of the curve and read something before watching it for once!

This book is so full of action, from the present day to the flashbacks there is certainly plenty happening and a lot of information being drip-fed to the reader. It’s a really interesting premise and I particularly like the way the novel is structured, featuring the present day, flashbacks to the ‘other girls’ and transcripts from the police’s radios outside the scene of the robbery. It’s smart, paced well and quick-witted, and an excellent read if maybe you don’t read much action/thriller - if you can call it that - like myself.

But also heads up that it does get heavy at points, with discussions of trauma, abuse, and sexual assault.

Can’t wait to see it on the small screen!

Trigger Warnings: Hostage situation, robbery, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, arson, shooting, explosion, violence, blood, murder.

I am really into my YA thrillers at the moment, so when I heard about The Girls I’ve Been I knew I had to read it as soon as possible. The concept behind the book sounded incredibly fascinating, and from the get-go, I had a feeling it would be unlike any YA thriller I have read previously and let me tell you this…I was right.

Nora is the daughter of a notorious con-woman and has had to take on different identities. For five years, however, under the care of her sister, she’s been trying to fit into normal life. This doesn’t particularly go to plan though, as her ex catches her with her new girlfriend, the morning after they head to the bank to deposit money they have all raised for an animal shelter and as soon as they get into the bank they are held hostage by two guys wanting to rob the place. Nora is determined to survive and make the robbers know who they are dealing with.

First of all, this was such an intense read that will have you compelled to keep on reading. I found myself totally caught up in all the mystery and action surrounding it, and if I’m being honest I was utterly hooked on it. It was so compelling and addictive that you did just want to finish it in one sitting. Throughout the story, you are waiting on tenterhooks, and are left wondering what will happen next at several places, and I did find my heart pounding through most of my time reading.

he thrilling, intense plot is what kept me engrossed in the book, and not wanting to put it down. What I found most interesting about it was the mix of timelines; you get a mix of the current day, where the bank robbery is taking place, and Nora’s past, where she is essentially being forced to take part in her mother’s cons. Through this we got the sense of Nora as a character, and how she is just trying to escape her past and try to start her life anew, albeit it not going particularly to plan. Nora is damaged and is flawed by her past and we discover more as the story progresses. The way that she brings some of the skills she’s learnt through her upbringing to help manipulate the situation she is in and escape it ultimately saves not only her but the others around her. Come to the end, Nora accepts her past, and knows that she will have to face up to it at some point.

The topic of found family is prominent within the book, especially in regards to Nora and Wes. You could see how much they both cared for one another and wanted to keep each other safe, despite going from a couple to exes, to somewhat friends. The way they stayed strong for one another proves that if you do want to protect someone, you will, no matter what they are to you. Wes’s upbringing, despite being somewhat different to Nora’s, is slightly similar and I think this could be one of the reasons why they ended up so close and forming this little family between them. The relationship between Nora and Iris’s relationship was also intriguing. We see Iris want to have this future with Nora, but with Nora hiding her past, it does put a strain on them at times. However, we do see how much they do tend to each other and have this close-knit bond, through the events that take place throughout the book.

The Girls I’ve Been was an electrifying, heart-stopping, thrilling read that left me breathless the moment I finished the final page. It’s unlike any YA thriller I have read before and I am rather excited for the Netflix adaptation.

I absolutely loved this book. The truly unique idea is paired brilliantly with excellent execution of it. The small cast of characters we meet are (mostly) lovable and easy to feel affection and concern for when the situation starts to escalate. The wonderful way that Nora is brought to life makes her just jump off the page.

I also think the author deserves credit for the representation she gives both to those with endometriosis and to those who have been through abuse. The healthy example of how therapy can help, regardless of your trauma, is of credit to her also.

This will be one of those books I recommend to everyone.

Looking for a fast-paced thriller that doesn’t let up on the action and drama? The Girls I’ve Been is the one for you! Nora is an ex-con artist. So she also was Ashley, Rebecca, Samantha, Haley, Katie, and well, you get the picture. Her mom brought her into the life of the con. So when her mom fell for their mark, Nora took the opportunity to escape the conning life. After five years, Nora finds herself in the middle of a bank heist and will be forced to use all the skills she gained from the conning life to get her and those close to her out alive. The characters are engaging and the writing is fast-paced. This one is also primed to be a movie on Netflix! Highly recommended!

Nora is trying to forget her past and move on with her ex boyfriend turned best friend and her girlfriend. But little does she know when they turn up at the bank one morning and are caught in the middle of a bank robbery, that she is going to have to use everything she’s learnt over the years to try and stay one step ahead of the robbers and help her and her friends get out alive.
Split between the present moment and scenes from her past that highlight what she had to grow up with and how that has affected who she is today, this is a fast paced thriller full of action and drama that will keep you turning the pages right until the end! While the breaking up of the story did keep interrupting the tense drama in the bank robbery, the stories were all perfectly placed to help better understand Nora's character fully.
Each character had their own definitive personality, you could even see clearly the difference between all of the girls Nora had been forced to be in the past. Iris was headstrong and caring, Wes was loving and both characters were not just there to be side characters, they also had their own background history and good character development. Their friendship was amazing to see, how they’d made each other family after all the things they’d been through and they stuck by each other always.
The bank robbery was highly intense but Nora was smart, taking control of the situation and thought of all these little things to do to create friction between the two robbers and make sure everyone was safe. The last 10% was Nora’s biggest con yet and it had a lot of things riding on it to work out and I loved the ending (which you are going to have to read to find out!).
This is a book that you will not be able to put down and is a really easy read with a fast paced plot that is intense from beginning to end.

An absolutely gripping page turner that is already set to be a Netflix adaptation.
Having been a teacher for years and now a school librarian, I wanted to read this book as I’m trying to reach out into the YA world of books, leaving my comfort zone of MG, and what a superb book for one of my initial forays! I just know that the teens are going to love this book. Nora’s story is told in such an engaging style as if she’s talking to you, the reader, that I’m sure even the most reluctant readers will be hooked after the first few pages.
Nora finds herself caught up in the middle of a bank heist and her natural reactions kick in - survival. Interwoven through the minute by minute, hour by hour account of the heist, Nora begins to unravel and share with us her past - the girls she’s been - and we also learn about her two best friends who are stuck in there with her. The book is fast paced, brutal and doesn’t hide behind issues, but Tess Sharp deals with everything in a really appropriate and sensitive way. Absolutely brilliant and I’ll be keeping my eye out for it on Netflix!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for a review.

This was a book that I Really enjoyed this read and I would recommend to others easily, I will be looking out for other titles by this author.

‘The girls I've been’ by Tess Sharpe is one of the most original YA thrillers I have read; the story opens with friends Nora, Wes and Iris getting held hostage during a bank robbery that goes wrong from the start. But what the robbers don’t know is that Nora isn’t just your usual teen girl, she has acted as many girls over the years and faced far more dangerous situations than this. In short, they have no idea who they are dealing with.
Nora has lived many lives with her con-artist mother but thanks to her sister she escaped but not even her best friend or girlfriend know all of the lies and secrets she lives with. Nora could lose everything though if she doesn’t use some of her old tricks to outwit the robbers but once she stops being Nora and confronts her past who will she end up being?
I loved this twisty thriller because Sharpe takes you straight into the action but also threads in Nora’s backstory perfectly with the drama of the bank heist. Nora is a flawed, imperfect character which makes her instantly likeable to me. The truth and scars that she hides are buried deep but by letting in the people she loves the most she can truly begin to build a life as herself not the other girls she has been.