This was an excellent follow up to The Last Thing He Told Me. I appreciate how the story is told in real time and also flashback, coming together nicely at the end with a twist I didn’t see coming. Laura Dave delves deeper I to Soren and Hannah as characters, but also into Nicholas and the story that brought everyone to the present. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

ARC read!

3.5 ⭐️ This was a pretty good sequel, although not as good as the original. The ending was very abrupt. I feel like an epilogue would help a lot. Quick and easy read.

I recommend reading the first right before because I forgot a lot and it doesn’t go back over all the backstory so I was kind of confused.

I dropped all my current reads the minute this hit my NetGalley shelf. I absolutely adored book 1 and I was so excited to see how Laura Dave would wrap up this story. She did not disappoint! The First Time I Saw Him starts right where book 1 left off and the action does not let up. I loved all the perspectives we got to see over the course of the story. This was action-packed and I did not want to put it down. My one complaint is that the ending felt a bit abrupt. After the non-stop action I would have appreciated a moment to let the characters process what had just happened but on the whole I devoured this book and am so thrilled to have read it. Definitely go check this one out if you loved The Last Thing He Told Me!

I really enjoyed The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave. From the very beginning, the mystery and suspense pulled me right in and kept me turning the pages. This is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me, and I’d definitely recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate the story. The plot does move back and forth in time, which can get a little confusing, but honestly it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the book. The characters and the tension kept me invested all the way through. If you liked The Last Thing He Told Me, this one is a great follow-up and definitely worth reading.

Thank you NetGalley for the preview!

Some reviewers of The Last Time I Saw Him poked holes in the plot in ways that don't jive with the way I read and review books. I'm a native Texan and really don't care that their are geographical mistakes and mafias instead of cartels and etc. These details don't take away from the enjoyment of the book. Those people will also have a problem with The First Time I Saw Him. It's engaging with the same likeable and unlikeable characters. The plot was predictable, but good. I looked forward to picking it up nightly and finished reading it in about 3 days. If you are a Laura Dave fan, you'll like The First Time I Saw Him.

Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the ARC!

This makes me so excited for season 2 on Apple TV. It was a very satisfying ending! Definitely reccomend if you enjoyed Hannah and Bailey’s first “adventure.”

I liked this sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me even more than the original book. This book is a constant thrill ride from start to finish. That is a surprising comment from me because many of the chapters in the book actually backtrack to things that happened BEFORE the time period in The Last Thing He Told Me. But, this is the rare book that even the backtracking chapters work to propel the overall story forward. I also like that Laura Dave gives enough background from the first book that you understand this story without having to re-read the first novel. This was a master class in a sequel that goes both forwards and backwards in time and also references the prior novel. I don't know if I have ever seen this done as well.
It's a compelling mystery/thriller with interesting characters and settings. I also have to say I like this version of Bailey must better than the pouting teenager in the original book. Having everyone grow up, get stronger, smarter and more confident was great to see. Just an excellent book, even more because it was an excellent sequel which isn't easy to do.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing me with this free advance e-book copy to read.

I certainly loved The Last Thing He Told Me. It’s one of those novels I proudly keep on my shelf, a forever favorite. That heartbreaking ending left me sobbing for hours—like shards of glass stabbing straight into the heart. But tell me honestly: how many of you begged for closure? For a second chance for Owen and Hannah—even though he put her in danger, abandoned her in the dark, and left her to pick up the pieces? Did you secretly wish they might find their way back to each other, that Hannah would be strong (or vulnerable) enough to forgive him because she loves him with her whole heart? Well, I’ll admit it—my answer is a resounding hell yes! Give this miserable reader a happy ending!

I don’t want to give too much away about the sequel, but I can say this: it’s pure adrenaline. The kind of book you inhale like your favorite snack—you keep reaching for just one more handful until suddenly, the box is empty. I couldn’t stop; my heart was in my throat, my pulse racing, like being in a car flying down the highway without brakes toward the cliff.

The story picks up exactly where the first book left off: Hannah, stunned, meets an older, worn-down Owen at the gallery opening, his cryptic words cutting the air. Why would he reappear after five years, just as she and Bailey finally started to heal and move forward? Hannah has built a quiet life in California, Bailey graduated, wrote her first musical, and found her first real job. Together, with Nicholas—the loving grandfather who shielded them like a fortress—they’ve created a fragile but steady family. But Owen’s return threatens to shatter all of it.

Then, the suspense ignites: a supposed gas leak, a text from an unknown number (almost certainly Owen’s) urging Hannah to run, and Nicholas’s sudden, suspicious death. Before we can breathe, Hannah and Bailey are once again thrown into chaos—on the run, chased by old enemies and new threats. With Frank’s vengeful children bent on finishing what their father started, the danger escalates. Can Owen’s brilliant mind devise a way to keep them safe, or will he sacrifice himself for their future? Every page burns with the question: is there still hope for this family—and maybe, finally, a long-awaited happy ending?

Overall: If you’re anything like me—a fangirl screaming from the rooftops for this sequel—you need to grab it immediately. It’s gripping, twisty, exhilarating, and utterly unputdownable. Five blazing stars from me!

And a very heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for sharing this ARC with me. I was praying to get my hands on it, and devouring it was an absolute gift

this was a fine read, but this book did not need to be written. the first book was great, but this one was an overdramatic soap opera knockoff comparatively. all the characters fell a little flat, and the plot started out far too slow, then ended too quickly. I did like the way the story ended though. thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this earc in exchange for an honest review!

This was fast-paced and I think I liked it better than the first book. Dare I hope for a third installment?

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fabulous sequel. That said, it would be best to read “The Last Thing He Told Me.” first because it provides background and context for this story. This is a great read as the plot moves quickly and the characters are relatable and well defined.

The development of the characters and their relationships to each other was especially enjoyable. I specifically liked how the grandfather’s relationships and depth of family values were depicted. The book makes one question how far will one go to support those values. and how choices determine your life.

The author does go back and forth in time which i occasionally found a little confusing but it provides necessary background to support the relationships.

The writer did a good job of keeping her reader and main character unsure of exactly how this story will play out. The book is full of unexpected twists that one doesn’t see coming.

Thank you to Random House and Netgallry for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

From the very first page, this story drew me in and held me there. The writing is smooth and engaging, the characters feel layered and real, and the emotions running through the story made it hard to step away. I loved how the tension built steadily while still leaving room for heartfelt, human moments. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to keep reading just to stay in its world a little longer.

read if you like:
🕵🏻 organized crime
📖 THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME
🏡 family loyalty

summary:
When I heard that the miniseries “The Last Thing He Told Me” was coming out with a season 2, I realized….there must be a sequel coming. And WOW. If you were floored by the first book, buckle up, because this one moves quickly.

It is five years after THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME, and Hannah and her daughter, Bailey, are living normal lives, after Hannah’s husband and Bailey’s father, Owen, had to disappear five years prior after getting caught up in an organized crime family. Despite his absence, Hannah and Bailey picked themselves up and started over again….that is, until Owen appears, and Hannah realizes that the deal she struck five years ago might be at risk. The deal with Bailey’s grandfather, Nicholas, to keep them safe if Owen disappeared.

Crossing continents, Hannah and Bailey run from the life they know, desperate to stay safe from the life Owen was a part of. But like they say, all good things must come to an end, and they are forced to face the reality of the life they left behind.

Dave keeps you ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT for this entire book. It moves quickly, and I promise you won’t be able to put it down. It highlights the strong female protagonists from the first book — Hannah, a devout wife and parent determined to protect their child, and Bailey, who has now grown into a mature and confident adult that wants her mother to stay safe. While the story itself is slightly far fetched (unless you know people in organized crime…), the roller coaster it brings you on makes up for it. Much like the first book, I truly had all the feels — I was nervous, scared and finally emotional at the end. Happy tears or sad tears? You’ll have to read to find out.

THANK YOU to Scribner and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and make sure you preorder this before it releases on January 6, 2026!

This sequel answers questions…from the beginning, this is a fast paced story with realistic characters…at times, I almost gasped at the surprises. This book with red herrings is suspenseful and mysterious. What happened to Owen? What happened to Nicholas? What will happen next? Can Bailey be kept safe? Stepmom and wife…Hannah tries to keep her safe. Will Owen return? Not only does this family story continue, this talented author gives us needed background stories. Different timelines work with this book. Thanks Netgalley

The sequel The First Time I Saw Him absolutely gripped me from page one and wouldn't let me go. Within hours I had devoured every last page with moments filled with heart stopping anxiety, tears (lots of them) and bittersweet relief at the ending. Hannah is one of the strongest FMC I've read in a long time, her fortitude and strength pour through every page in her absolute refusal for anything less than a safe life for Bailey, which is only further proved in this sequel. This book was jam-packed with action from the first few pages, twists and turns you don't see coming and moments that break your heart. If Laura ever decides to write a third installment I'll be first in line for it! I'd like to thank Netgalley, the publishers as well as the author for the ARC and hope you all choose to preorder and read this book!

Thanks to Scribner for the gifted ARC!

THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM is a perfect continuation of THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME. It’s on the shorter side, fast-paced, and just perfectly written to tell the ending of this story. I loved getting to learn more about all of these characters and was on the edge of my seat as their fates were decided. I blew through this one because I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this thriller duology!

3.75 ⭐️

The First Time I Saw Him is the follow-up to The Last Thing He Told Me, picking up five years after Owen Michaels’s disappearance. Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter Bailey have managed to rebuild their lives—until Owen suddenly reappears, thrusting them into a dangerous escape that eventually leads them toward Paris.

Having read both The Last Thing He Told Me and The First Time I Saw Him, I can honestly say the sequel felt even more engaging. Where the first book leaned heavily on mystery resolution—unraveling Owen’s past and slowly piecing together the truth—the second shifts into high-stakes thriller mode. It’s faster paced, more urgent, and layered with emotional reckoning that adds a richness the original only hinted at.

One of the biggest strengths of the sequel is how much stronger the character development felt. Hannah is no longer the hesitant stepmother fighting to prove herself; she’s a decisive, protective figure who fully embraces her role. Bailey, now older, has more agency and depth, and her bond with Hannah adds real weight to the story. Even Owen, who was more of a shadowy figure in the first book, steps into focus, forcing everyone to confront the cost of his absence.

While I enjoyed the original for its suspense and the way it built trust between Hannah and Bailey, I found this follow-up more emotionally resonant. It’s not just about solving a mystery anymore—it’s about survival, forgiveness, and whether broken bonds can be repaired. That shift made the sequel feel not only more compelling but also more meaningful.

While Laura Dave is undeniably a strong storyteller, this book didn’t have elements that stood out as particularly unique. For me, the plot felt a little too simple, with twists that were predictable and a mystery that lacked the complexity I was hoping for. At times, the pacing also stumbled—especially in the middle, where the momentum slowed and the investigation lost some of its drive.

All said, I think The First Time I Saw Him will likely appeal to readers who enjoy domestic suspense with strong emotional stakes, especially fans of The Last Thing He Told Me. It’s a character-driven thriller suited for those who like high tension without heavy violence, a blend of family drama and danger, and a cinematic sense of setting.

I appreciate NetGalley and Scribner for providing me with an advance copy in return for my honest review.

I mostly enjoyed this sequel. Most of the time I think sequels are unnecessary but this one not only wrapped up the story but gave some backstory to fill in the first book. It was very action packed but sometimes it was a little confusing. Overall a strong story!

I loved The Last Thing He Told Me so I was excited to see what happened to Hannah and Bailey. But then Owen shows up... this novel has lots of drama and I flew through it. There are lots of twists so be ready. This book still has lots of emotions and action too. This was a great sequel and I I could even read a third book about these three!

Laura Dave doesn’t again. The pacing was excellent and it had me feeling all the feels. Definitely read this one if you were a fan of the previous book.