This was a good story and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Our main character is given an identity that is not her own and after that, it becomes impossible to predict what will happen next. Think of it as a play on Charlie’s Angels but more spy and less hero. Secret identity and location, with mysterious boss giving instructions. But what happens when your real identity gets taken over by someone else? Who can be trusted? Evie, our main character, thinks she’s always one step ahead but this was one thing she did not see coming. Is her boss trying to get rid of her? Is someone out playing a cat and mouse game with her? These are the questions that she has to seek out to stay alive. This was one of my top reads and I highly recommend.

A twisty, fast-paced thriller with a clever premise and gripping plot that keeps you guessing. While the characters’ secrets unfold with intensity, the story’s sharp turns and unexpected reveals make it an engaging and entertaining read

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. I enjoyed this book. The concept was interesting and the story was well paced.

I was keen to finally get into this one after seeing it get so much love, and it started as a standard twisty thriller with some clever shenanigans to pull you along. You learn that ‘Evie’ is working a job, and her mark is Ryan… and then she meets a woman that has her real name, and this is when I was really pulled in. Just what the heck is going on?!?

FLW continues with those clever and twisty shenanigans, and it’s after this point that I started to lose my way with it. I really enjoyed how you see ‘Evie’ in the flashbacks that show more of how she came to be who and what she is, but instead of focussing on her inner turmoil of coming to terms with what she’s done, and if she’s a bad person, the story focuses more on the plot points to progress the story along. Other readers will probably gel with this one more than me!

Thanks to NetGalley, the team at Headline, and the author for the opportunity to read this review copy.

I didn’t know at first what to fully expect from this book. And I did find it very interesting, and also slightly confusing at the start. However as the story developed I became even more interested and intrigued to what was going to happen next. And as the characters developed and the mystery behind certain aspects of the book was figured out/informed about, the more I was wanting to figure more out. And I enjoyed the ending of the book.

A cleverly-plotted thriller full of twists. I loved the multiple perspectives covering Evie's backstory and previous assignments. A real page-turner that I couldn't put down. Highly recommended for fans of the mystery/thriller genre.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wow Wow Wow!!!

I was surprised at least three times while reading this ADDICTIVE, TWISTY and thoroughly ENTERTAINING novel but that’s because I didn’t read the Publisher’s blurb before starting so I suggest you do the same and go in blind!

She is now “Evie Porter”.

Once she’s given a name and location by “Mr. Smith”-her mysterious boss-she learns everything there is to know about her mark and the new assignment.

The new target: Ryan Sumner.

But this time, the job is different. She is falling for Ryan and she’s starting to imagine a different kind of life for herself. But “Evie” can’t make any mistakes--ESPECIALLY because of what happened LAST TIME…..

Yes, I am being purposely vague, so that you can experience the maximum shock value for yourself.

I didn’t think I really enjoyed books about CONS-turns out-I was wrong!

When done right, like this one-I enjoy how CLEVER and DEVIOUS our CON ARTISTS can be!

Ashley Elston is transitioning from writing YA novels to the adult market with a new publisher, and she has penned one of my favorite reads of the year! I can’t wait to read what’s next!!

This was a great original thriller plot line for me. Completely had me gripped. I like Evie was wondering who to trust. And I was surprised a fair few times by some of the twists.
Evie hides her identity. And then takes on new ones. All the while she is actually working for a mysterious Mr Smith. Not even Evie is sure of who he is. She just does th jobs he tells her too. And we learn more about these woven through the chapters.
But things get complicated when her feelings for her latest mark take on a new and therefore dangerous for her tone. She's crossed a line and now need to figure out where her loyalties lie. And if she is already in too much danger.
She's now in dangers. And has to figure out what lies to tell. And also who is lying to her.

Firstly, a huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me access to read and review this book early.
A gripping, face paced book with lots of twists and turns! Great character development all round as well. Thoroughly enjoyed!

2.5 stars.

Firstly, a huge thank you to the publisher for allowing me access to read and review this book early.

This just wasn't for me. It was by no means awful, but I just didn't enjoy it. I really disliked the main characters and, when this happens, I find it really hard to feel invested in the storyline.

The final 20% was definitely the best part of the book, when everything started being tied together. The twist in the story was good- I didn't guess that it was going to go this way so I am glad that I finished it.

I remember reading the blurb of this a while ago but when I went to pick it up, I had forgotten and I'm glad as this one really took me by surprise.

Ashley Elston's "First Lie Wins" is a slick and twisted story of deception and disguises where no one can be trusted and readers will be on edge from start to finish. We meet Evie Porter, a seemingly perfect Southern girl with a wholesome life. In actual fact —Evie Porter doesn't exist. Evie adopts new guises as a covert asset handler for "Mr. Smith", an enigmatic boss whom Evie has never met and their only communication is via calls he makes using a voice distortion software. When feelings for her latest mark, Ryan Sumner, start to develop, Evie finds herself battling between her professional obligations and personal emotions. Before long, Evie finds herself caught in her own web of deceit and multiple players are out to catch her red handed. The only rule: the first lie wins.

This is my first read by Ashley Elston and I was invested in this unique story. Elston is fantastic in penning out the premise and creating a quick-thinking, fierce and intriguing protagonist. I really enjoyed Evie's duality and the use of previous "jobs" as chapters to show how Evie starts out and advances in her career, her morality and compassion whilst she juggles her emotions with the tasks humanises her and adds depth to the narrative.

The supporting characters are all well developed and add significant meaning to the story - I say this to the point I was rooting for Evie and one of the bad guys before the unexpected plot twist at the end so this book definitely keeps you on your toes! Ryan and Evie's chemistry and romance was a welcome relief to the fast paced cat and mouse chasing and tension and I enjoyed the way their angle was dealt with in the book.

The only reason for the story not being a five star for me (but very close!) is I felt it may have been slightly too long/required further editing but that does not take away from the reading experience as I overall enjoyed this book alot and finished it in a couple of days! I would absolutely recommend it for readers who are looking for a gripping psychological suspense and mystery with a twist.

Thank you @Netgalley and @HeadlineBooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest unedited review.

This book! It made me do something I’ve not done in a very long time-it made me gasp out loud!
Full of twists, it follows Evie Parker who has had a few identities and is working for the mysterious Mr Smith. But does Mr Smith still want Evie working for him?
I really enjoyed this, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy in return for my honest review.

I tried to read this a couple of times and eventually managed it.
However for some reason I just couldn't get into this book - I did finish and it was a struggle so this just was not for me - sorry!

What a crazy ride. I was continuously changing my mind on what was actually going on. Having watched a lot of criminal minds in short succession there is one thing I would have added but can't say because spoiler.

And you do not want this one to be spoiled!

This is a delightful blend of wit, suspense, and masterful storytelling that hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Elston’s knack for crafting sharp, charismatic characters shines in this clever tale of deception and secrets, making it a standout read in the mystery genre.

The story follows Evie Porter, a con artist with a penchant for bending the truth, who finds herself entangled in a high-stakes game of lies. As the layers of the plot unfold, Elston weaves a tightly paced narrative filled with twists that keep you guessing. Each revelation feels earned, and the stakes grow higher with every page.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its balance of humor and tension. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the protagonist’s wry observations add a refreshing layer of charm to the suspenseful plot. Elston’s ability to create vivid, memorable characters ensures that even the supporting cast leaves an impression.

First Lie Wins is a fast-paced, character-driven story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A gripping and fast paced book.
First Lie Wins was different to a lot of thrillers that I’ve previously read and it leave you wondering who is truly the good guy.
I love duel timelines in book, especially thrillers as you end up racing through it and trying to figure out how point A becomes point B before the book reveals it to you.
This was fun and I’d definitely recommend.

I really enjoyed this! I'm not usually one for thrillers anymore however, after recently having my first baby I've needed more fats paced books and this was a treat. It kept me hooked, had a good pace to it, and best of all I didn't correctly guess the ending of the book without the first 20%!! I thought it was a really good story! I would definitely read more from this author

First Lie Wins
This is a speedy, enthralling story where nothing is what it seems. It's aimed at a young, light, frothy audience - I'm none of those things but I really enjoyed it.
Our heroine has a chameleon like ability to take on new persona and identities, mostly moving forward until her emotions become entangled.
She works for the mysterious Mr Smith who we find, isn't necessarily the good guy. What does that make his employee?
As the body count stacks up against her there is still a thread of support that you find yourself willing her on so she finishes up with the home of her dreams and the man she unintentionally loves, however unlikely this outcome seems.
I liked it improbability and all.

The story revolves around two best friends who get caught up in a tangled web of lies after one of them makes a shocking confession. I really enjoyed how Elston built suspense, and the twists kept me guessing throughout the book.

However, I did find the pacing a bit uneven at times. Some plot points felt rushed, which made it hard to fully absorb everything that was happening. That said, I appreciated the depth of the characters and how their friendship was portrayed, adding an emotional layer to the suspense.

I loved this, racing through in just a few sittings. An old school thriller where twists and turns are unexpected and left me guessing!