What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
4 days and 09:41:46
100 copies available
U.S. only
Hannah Hall #2
The First Time I Saw Him
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26Win a free print copy of this book!
4 days and 09:41:46
100 copies available
U.S. only
Laura Dave continues Hannah Hall’s pulse-pounding journey in the riveting and deeply moving sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling blockbuster and Apple TV+ show, The Last Thing He Told Me.
Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.
But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.
Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their long-awaited second chance.
A gripping, rich, and deeply moving novel about the power of forgiveness, The First Time I Saw Him picks up right where the epilogue for the “genuinely moving” (The New York Times) The Last Thing He Told Me left off, giving listeners the eagerly awaited and absolutely exhilarating sequel to Dave’s global blockbuster.
Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.
But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.
Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their long-awaited second chance.
A gripping, rich, and deeply moving novel about the power of forgiveness, The First Time I Saw Him picks up right where the epilogue for the “genuinely moving” (The New York Times) The Last Thing He Told Me left off, giving listeners the eagerly awaited and absolutely exhilarating sequel to Dave’s global blockbuster.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 6, 2026
50223 people want to read
About the author
Laura Dave
19 books11.6k followersLaura Dave is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels including The Last Thing He Told Me and Eight Hundred Grapes. Her novels have sold more than six million copies and have been translated into thirty-eight languages. She resides in Santa Monica, California.
Her new novel, The First Time I Saw Him, will be released in January 2026
Website:www.lauradave.com
Instagram:www.instagram.com/lauradaveauthor
Her new novel, The First Time I Saw Him, will be released in January 2026
Website:www.lauradave.com
Instagram:www.instagram.com/lauradaveauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 516 reviews
September 8, 2025
Oh my word. This much-anticipated book is everything I had hoped for and more. And yet, I still feel greedy for a third installment…
Often when I see a question about strong FMCs, I think of Hannah Hall. She will forever be a superhero in my eyes. Having taken her husband’s mysterious note and subsequent disappearance in stride, working to emotionally and financially support a new stepdaughter who hates her, and at the same time, working to figure out how to help her missing husband, she easily became my literary icon.
And before I go on, if none of this sounds familiar to you, please stop reading this review immediately and go back and read The Last Thing He Told Me, the book that proceeds this one. In fact, I highly recommend a read of it, even if just a reread to refresh your memory— something I wish I had done prior to jumping into this book, in order to keep supporting characters straight.
While I had been okay with Laura Dave ripping my heart out à la “the could have been boys still love you”, I was over the moon to learn there was a sequel that would pick up just where the first story left off. And my friends, the transition was seamless. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought Dave wrote this book immediately after writing TLTHTM. Not a beat was missed, the action taking off right from the go. In fact, the action never let up until the very end (and oh does this fact show in my nails…eek).
To prevent the risk of any spoilers, I will end my review with one last thought. Read this book. If you are like me, and desperately wanted more to Hannah, Owen, and Bailey’s story, you’ve gotten it and it’s perfect.
Read if you like:
▪️action packed stories
▪️strong FMCs
▪️family dramas
▪️forbidden romance vibes
▪️dual timelines
▪️ensemble casts
▪️lovable characters
A huge thank you to Scribner Books for the advanced copy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTES WHILE READING:
100% done! Review to come very soon. In the meantime just know that I rate this book ♾️ stars and cried multiple times at the idea that I had to say goodbye to these characters once and for all (well who am I kidding, we know I’m a rereader 😉)
Update 75% - this book is everything I had hoped it would be. I’ve absolutely devoured it and am not putting it down again until I’m done.
A huge thank you to Scribner for the early e-galley of this book. The Last Thing He Told Me is an all time favorite, and one I’ve read and reread multiple times just to spend more time with these characters. I’ve anxiously awaited this book for years and I cannot believe it’s finally here!
One of my favorite quotes (from TLTHTM): “The could-have-been-boys still love you.” 🥰
If you have not yet read that one, that’s a great place to start. Keep in mind, it’s not a thriller, but a very beautiful contemporary fiction story with thriller and mystery vibes.
Often when I see a question about strong FMCs, I think of Hannah Hall. She will forever be a superhero in my eyes. Having taken her husband’s mysterious note and subsequent disappearance in stride, working to emotionally and financially support a new stepdaughter who hates her, and at the same time, working to figure out how to help her missing husband, she easily became my literary icon.
And before I go on, if none of this sounds familiar to you, please stop reading this review immediately and go back and read The Last Thing He Told Me, the book that proceeds this one. In fact, I highly recommend a read of it, even if just a reread to refresh your memory— something I wish I had done prior to jumping into this book, in order to keep supporting characters straight.
While I had been okay with Laura Dave ripping my heart out à la “the could have been boys still love you”, I was over the moon to learn there was a sequel that would pick up just where the first story left off. And my friends, the transition was seamless. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought Dave wrote this book immediately after writing TLTHTM. Not a beat was missed, the action taking off right from the go. In fact, the action never let up until the very end (and oh does this fact show in my nails…eek).
To prevent the risk of any spoilers, I will end my review with one last thought. Read this book. If you are like me, and desperately wanted more to Hannah, Owen, and Bailey’s story, you’ve gotten it and it’s perfect.
Read if you like:
▪️action packed stories
▪️strong FMCs
▪️family dramas
▪️forbidden romance vibes
▪️dual timelines
▪️ensemble casts
▪️lovable characters
A huge thank you to Scribner Books for the advanced copy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTES WHILE READING:
100% done! Review to come very soon. In the meantime just know that I rate this book ♾️ stars and cried multiple times at the idea that I had to say goodbye to these characters once and for all (well who am I kidding, we know I’m a rereader 😉)
Update 75% - this book is everything I had hoped it would be. I’ve absolutely devoured it and am not putting it down again until I’m done.
A huge thank you to Scribner for the early e-galley of this book. The Last Thing He Told Me is an all time favorite, and one I’ve read and reread multiple times just to spend more time with these characters. I’ve anxiously awaited this book for years and I cannot believe it’s finally here!
One of my favorite quotes (from TLTHTM): “The could-have-been-boys still love you.” 🥰
If you have not yet read that one, that’s a great place to start. Keep in mind, it’s not a thriller, but a very beautiful contemporary fiction story with thriller and mystery vibes.
October 22, 2025
5 days-10 months-24 days
That’s how long it’s been since Owen disappeared after leaving his wife Hannah with a bag of money and a cryptic note which said “Keep Her Safe”. He was referring to his 16 year old daughter Bailey, whose Mom was tragically killed when she was just 5 years old.
Since then, Hannah and Bailey have bonded with each other and with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and have started a new life. But when Owen makes a brief appearance at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger once again.
They are forced to put in play an escape which has been meticulously planned although Hannah had hoped that this day would never come.
Behind the scenes, Owen has been watching them, and he has been planning too.
Maybe-just maybe- he will be able to bring things full circle and get his family back.
This book continues the story which began in book one “The Last Thing He Told Me” which published in May 2021, and since I have probably read about 500 books since then, the details were long gone. What I do remember is that the first book focused more on Hannah’s struggle to connect with her step daughter and her need to figure out WHO exactly she had married. Laura Dave writes messy relationships well, and that is what appeals to me about her books.
Unfortunately, this book is more “Cat and Mouse” thriller with a lot of chapters about the past interspersed throughout to fill us in on the events with a Crime family which ultimately led to Owen having to leave in a hurry. The addition of these chapters made the story feel choppy, and slowed the pace. It’s a different style for this author and books like these are not really the kind of stories that I gravitate toward personally.
I also wanted more angst from Hannah and Bailey in both.
I think it’s best to read the books in order and not too far apart, to have a clear understanding about what has transpired. There is also an Apple TV series based on these books.
A buddy read with DeAnn and MaryBeth. Be sure to watch for their thoughts as they may differ from mine…
Expected publication date: January 4, 2026
Thank You to Scribner for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts
That’s how long it’s been since Owen disappeared after leaving his wife Hannah with a bag of money and a cryptic note which said “Keep Her Safe”. He was referring to his 16 year old daughter Bailey, whose Mom was tragically killed when she was just 5 years old.
Since then, Hannah and Bailey have bonded with each other and with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and have started a new life. But when Owen makes a brief appearance at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger once again.
They are forced to put in play an escape which has been meticulously planned although Hannah had hoped that this day would never come.
Behind the scenes, Owen has been watching them, and he has been planning too.
Maybe-just maybe- he will be able to bring things full circle and get his family back.
This book continues the story which began in book one “The Last Thing He Told Me” which published in May 2021, and since I have probably read about 500 books since then, the details were long gone. What I do remember is that the first book focused more on Hannah’s struggle to connect with her step daughter and her need to figure out WHO exactly she had married. Laura Dave writes messy relationships well, and that is what appeals to me about her books.
Unfortunately, this book is more “Cat and Mouse” thriller with a lot of chapters about the past interspersed throughout to fill us in on the events with a Crime family which ultimately led to Owen having to leave in a hurry. The addition of these chapters made the story feel choppy, and slowed the pace. It’s a different style for this author and books like these are not really the kind of stories that I gravitate toward personally.
I also wanted more angst from Hannah and Bailey in both.
I think it’s best to read the books in order and not too far apart, to have a clear understanding about what has transpired. There is also an Apple TV series based on these books.
A buddy read with DeAnn and MaryBeth. Be sure to watch for their thoughts as they may differ from mine…
Expected publication date: January 4, 2026
Thank You to Scribner for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts
December 14, 2025
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.
medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter
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.
medium.com
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Give me a second while I dry my tears… After all, I cried at multiple points as I raced through this novel. Both a heart-pounding game of cat-and-mouse and a poignant exploration of family, love, and forgiveness, The First Time I Saw Him was the perfect continuation of Hannah and Owen’s heart-rending story from The Last Thing He Told Me. Filled with family drama, evil villains, and adrenaline-fueled scenes, this sequel seamlessly picked up where the last book left off. You see, not only did it make tears stream down my face but it had my heart pumping away as the action took us from the streets of L.A. to the shores of the South of France. Evocative, thought-provoking, and full of surprises, I was quickly swept up in this genre-bending tale to the extent that I couldn’t put it down for even a minute. Yup. That’s absolutely right. It was a one-sitting read that I gave up sleep to finish.
All said and done, I just don’t know how Ms. Dave does it. Beautifully interweaving dual timelines and multiple POVs, the story of what happened then was entwined perfectly with the consequences of now in a way that only a true master can manage. From flawlessly placed “WTF?!” twists to the ultra high stakes, the twisty plotting was second to none. I do have to say, though, that the endearing, cheer-worthy characters were what sucked me in yet again. Giving us a deeper look at their thoughts and motivations, the somewhat morally gray feel to each of them only made me love them even more. Altogether, it was immersive storytelling at its best. Lyrical, heartfelt, and yet also undeniably thrilling, it was everything I love in a novel. So, despite the fact that it was all wrapped up neatly by the end, please tell me, Ms. Dave, that there’s a third book on the way? I’ll beg if I have to. Rating of 5+ stars.
P.S. I highly recommend reading these two books in order. It’s too complexly plotted and depends too heavily on the past to be able to figure out what’s going on by the seat of your pants.
SYNOPSIS:
Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.
But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.
Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their long-awaited second chance.
Thank you Laura Dave and Scribner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: violence, gun violence
All said and done, I just don’t know how Ms. Dave does it. Beautifully interweaving dual timelines and multiple POVs, the story of what happened then was entwined perfectly with the consequences of now in a way that only a true master can manage. From flawlessly placed “WTF?!” twists to the ultra high stakes, the twisty plotting was second to none. I do have to say, though, that the endearing, cheer-worthy characters were what sucked me in yet again. Giving us a deeper look at their thoughts and motivations, the somewhat morally gray feel to each of them only made me love them even more. Altogether, it was immersive storytelling at its best. Lyrical, heartfelt, and yet also undeniably thrilling, it was everything I love in a novel. So, despite the fact that it was all wrapped up neatly by the end, please tell me, Ms. Dave, that there’s a third book on the way? I’ll beg if I have to. Rating of 5+ stars.
P.S. I highly recommend reading these two books in order. It’s too complexly plotted and depends too heavily on the past to be able to figure out what’s going on by the seat of your pants.
SYNOPSIS:
Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.
But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.
Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their long-awaited second chance.
Thank you Laura Dave and Scribner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: violence, gun violence
August 15, 2025
4+
This is the much anticipated sequel to the excellent “The Last Thing he Told Me” which has been made into a television series. Sometimes it’s possible to read the follow-up novel but in this case I think it’s best to have read the above.
Nearly 6 years on.
Owen makes a brief reappearance at one of Hannah‘s exhibitions in LA, they don’t speak, make eye contact or attempt to communicate in any way as it’s too dangerous. He does manage to secrete a flash drive for Hannah which she hopes will help what could come next. However, the next day a message arrives on Hannah‘s phone from an unknown number. “Get out of there now”. She doesn’t question it, she and daughter Bailey just run. Why has Owen come back now? Hannah ponders this as she makes her way to an airport and duly arrives in Paris. Who is watching Hannah and Bailey? Are Owen’s enemies poised for revenge? The quickest route to him would be via his loved ones. Will they ever be able to stop looking over their shoulders?
It’s fair to say this hits the ground running at 100 miles an hour from the word go. The pace is quick throughout, there are moments where the action is exciting and exhilarating, with sky high tension and almost constant suspense. The author takes us back-and-forth in time to help explain it all and she does a good job with this as she manages to keep the flow going alongside the light bulb moments.
The relationships between key characters are well done, especially between Hannah and Bailey, that really warms the heart but it’s also good between Bailey’s grandfather on her deceased mother Kate‘s side. He is pivotal to what unfolds.
What is especially enjoyable is that you’re not sure how it will all play out as there are plenty of twists and turns as it builds to a good ending. Is this it or dare we contemplate number three?
Overall, this is a worthy sequel to a smash hit book.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to
Random House UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
This is the much anticipated sequel to the excellent “The Last Thing he Told Me” which has been made into a television series. Sometimes it’s possible to read the follow-up novel but in this case I think it’s best to have read the above.
Nearly 6 years on.
Owen makes a brief reappearance at one of Hannah‘s exhibitions in LA, they don’t speak, make eye contact or attempt to communicate in any way as it’s too dangerous. He does manage to secrete a flash drive for Hannah which she hopes will help what could come next. However, the next day a message arrives on Hannah‘s phone from an unknown number. “Get out of there now”. She doesn’t question it, she and daughter Bailey just run. Why has Owen come back now? Hannah ponders this as she makes her way to an airport and duly arrives in Paris. Who is watching Hannah and Bailey? Are Owen’s enemies poised for revenge? The quickest route to him would be via his loved ones. Will they ever be able to stop looking over their shoulders?
It’s fair to say this hits the ground running at 100 miles an hour from the word go. The pace is quick throughout, there are moments where the action is exciting and exhilarating, with sky high tension and almost constant suspense. The author takes us back-and-forth in time to help explain it all and she does a good job with this as she manages to keep the flow going alongside the light bulb moments.
The relationships between key characters are well done, especially between Hannah and Bailey, that really warms the heart but it’s also good between Bailey’s grandfather on her deceased mother Kate‘s side. He is pivotal to what unfolds.
What is especially enjoyable is that you’re not sure how it will all play out as there are plenty of twists and turns as it builds to a good ending. Is this it or dare we contemplate number three?
Overall, this is a worthy sequel to a smash hit book.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to
Random House UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
October 26, 2025
Picking up straight after The Last Thing He Told Me, Hannah is reeling after seeing her husband Owen at her exhibition, and she’s not sure how to feel, but there’s little time to think about it, as the next day she gets the news that Nicholas, her step daughter, Bailey’s grandfather is dead, and along with him, the promise of their protection.
They need to go on the run, as they are no longer safe from the Organisation, however Hannah finds a flash drive that Owen planted on her the night before, which contains cryptic clues about where she and Bailey should go. Will this ultimately bring them all together, or will it mean the end of them all? This is a story about a family trying to survive, in the best way that they can.
We also find out more about Nicholas and how he came to be involved in the organisation in the first place, and about his friendship with Frank Campano Pointe II the head of the Crime Syndicate. We also catch up with Owen and find out where he went when he left Hannah and Bailey.
It’s a fairly tense and fast paced thriller, I don’t personally think it’s as strong as the first book, but if you enjoyed that one (which I did), then this is definitely worth a read.
The only negative for me was the author’s writing style, which I hadn’t noticed with the first book. There are a lot of repeated words/phrases from one sentence to the next and it made the story, for me, slightly stilted.
That being said, I still enjoyed it overall, and it’s a solid 3 stars from me.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Cornerstone and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is out on 15th January 2026. 📚
They need to go on the run, as they are no longer safe from the Organisation, however Hannah finds a flash drive that Owen planted on her the night before, which contains cryptic clues about where she and Bailey should go. Will this ultimately bring them all together, or will it mean the end of them all? This is a story about a family trying to survive, in the best way that they can.
We also find out more about Nicholas and how he came to be involved in the organisation in the first place, and about his friendship with Frank Campano Pointe II the head of the Crime Syndicate. We also catch up with Owen and find out where he went when he left Hannah and Bailey.
It’s a fairly tense and fast paced thriller, I don’t personally think it’s as strong as the first book, but if you enjoyed that one (which I did), then this is definitely worth a read.
The only negative for me was the author’s writing style, which I hadn’t noticed with the first book. There are a lot of repeated words/phrases from one sentence to the next and it made the story, for me, slightly stilted.
That being said, I still enjoyed it overall, and it’s a solid 3 stars from me.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Cornerstone and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is out on 15th January 2026. 📚
December 9, 2025
I found this book to be Fast Paced and Went through the Pages Quickly. Owen shows up briefly at Hannah’s work and she immediately knows something is amiss. Definitely, recommend reading the first book, The Last Thing He Told me before hitting this one. Really, not too suspenseful, more a psychological play on the relationships of the two crime families, Nicholas, Bailey’s Grandfather who she is very tight with as well as Hannah has come to love Nicholas, too. Then, Frank, the Leader of the Organization. So, understanding the background of Nicholas and Frank I found to be the most interesting. In the present, you are always wondering what will happen to Owen, Hannah, and Bailey. Will any of them be safe. Is a reconciliation possible or will everyone possibly perish?
The book plays on the ties of family and how we will do anything to protect those we love, I thought that was a bit of a stretch. There certainly were strong elements of that at play, but also think both men’s actions were quite self-serving and then used to justify family love. Nicholas, I thought was the most fleshed out character and you see his slippery slope into making compromises to help an evil organization. It was psychologically a good read.
So, I think if you enjoyed the first book, you will find this one fills in many of the unanswered questions that were left hanging in the first. I don’t think it was as strong as the first, but enjoyed reading this one. Recommend it for fans of the first.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for a Copy of this Book. I always leave reviews of books I read.
The book plays on the ties of family and how we will do anything to protect those we love, I thought that was a bit of a stretch. There certainly were strong elements of that at play, but also think both men’s actions were quite self-serving and then used to justify family love. Nicholas, I thought was the most fleshed out character and you see his slippery slope into making compromises to help an evil organization. It was psychologically a good read.
So, I think if you enjoyed the first book, you will find this one fills in many of the unanswered questions that were left hanging in the first. I don’t think it was as strong as the first, but enjoyed reading this one. Recommend it for fans of the first.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for a Copy of this Book. I always leave reviews of books I read.
November 8, 2025
Was this a necessary sequel? ABSOLUTELY.
With the cliffhanger at the end of book one, I had to know what happened next!
Author Laura Dave’s sequel highlights the efforts we choose to keep making, regardless of the cost, to show up for the people who need us.
She reminds us that:
✔️We’re never safe when we love someone
✔️Being mad is a luxury
I was so thankful this wasn’t a story about vengeance. I had the luxury of rereading book one and continuing book two immediately and I noticed that the writing style, tone and characters remained constant. Although I had an idea of how the story would end up, the journey to get there surprised me. I hope this isn’t the end!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
With the cliffhanger at the end of book one, I had to know what happened next!
Author Laura Dave’s sequel highlights the efforts we choose to keep making, regardless of the cost, to show up for the people who need us.
She reminds us that:
✔️We’re never safe when we love someone
✔️Being mad is a luxury
I was so thankful this wasn’t a story about vengeance. I had the luxury of rereading book one and continuing book two immediately and I noticed that the writing style, tone and characters remained constant. Although I had an idea of how the story would end up, the journey to get there surprised me. I hope this isn’t the end!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 19, 2025
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!
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!
August 12, 2025
Before reading this, I should say that there are no spoilers contained in this review for The First Time I Saw Him however I do reference the ending of the first book The Last Thing He Told Me so if you haven't read that (and plan on doing so before reading this) then you may want to skip this review.
-----------------------------------
A follow up to The Last Thing He Told Me? Yep, I'm here for it.
Taking up from the end of TLTHTM, we meet Hannah and Bailey again, trying to live their life without Owen. However, one morning Hannah receives a message "Get out the house. Now" Living as she has, Hannah knows who sent this message and what it means, and the danger this spells for her and Bailey.
However, given the deal that was agreed at the end of TLTHTM, Hannah can't help but wonder what has changed.....
I often think sequels can be released unnecessarily, often written to generate sales than actually needing to follow up the previous novel. However, after the end of TLTHTM, I was keen to read what would happen next to Hannah and Bailey and whether there was a 'happy ever after' or at least a 'safety ever after' for the two of them.
This is a relatively short novel at just over 250 pages however I think that is a good thing. The plot starts of quickly and there is no drag at all, all the way through to a great conclusion.....or is it actually concluded? Read on to find out.......
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Century for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-----------------------------------
A follow up to The Last Thing He Told Me? Yep, I'm here for it.
Taking up from the end of TLTHTM, we meet Hannah and Bailey again, trying to live their life without Owen. However, one morning Hannah receives a message "Get out the house. Now" Living as she has, Hannah knows who sent this message and what it means, and the danger this spells for her and Bailey.
However, given the deal that was agreed at the end of TLTHTM, Hannah can't help but wonder what has changed.....
I often think sequels can be released unnecessarily, often written to generate sales than actually needing to follow up the previous novel. However, after the end of TLTHTM, I was keen to read what would happen next to Hannah and Bailey and whether there was a 'happy ever after' or at least a 'safety ever after' for the two of them.
This is a relatively short novel at just over 250 pages however I think that is a good thing. The plot starts of quickly and there is no drag at all, all the way through to a great conclusion.....or is it actually concluded? Read on to find out.......
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Century for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2025
Laura Dave is back with a much anticipated follow up to her amazing book The Last Thing He Told Me with The First Time I Saw Him. I did not intend to read the whole book in one sitting but that is exactly what happened 😅 I just couldn’t stop reading it. So addictive,
I loved the first book so I had high hopes for this new one and it did not disappoint at all. 5 years after Owen disappeared, Hannah and Bailey are now living in Southern California and soon find themselves in danger again after Hannah thinks she sees Owen. They are quickly on the run again, looking over their shoulders at every step.
Talk about a roller coaster of emotions! An incredibly fast read that kept me turning pages into the night to find out what was going to happen to everyone. There were some clever twists and I really enjoyed the multiple timelines and character points of view that brought the story together.
If you loved the first book like I did you are in for a treat here. Publishes on January 15th, get yourself a copy and enjoy. Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for my early copy to read. Such a pleasure.
I loved the first book so I had high hopes for this new one and it did not disappoint at all. 5 years after Owen disappeared, Hannah and Bailey are now living in Southern California and soon find themselves in danger again after Hannah thinks she sees Owen. They are quickly on the run again, looking over their shoulders at every step.
Talk about a roller coaster of emotions! An incredibly fast read that kept me turning pages into the night to find out what was going to happen to everyone. There were some clever twists and I really enjoyed the multiple timelines and character points of view that brought the story together.
If you loved the first book like I did you are in for a treat here. Publishes on January 15th, get yourself a copy and enjoy. Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for my early copy to read. Such a pleasure.
December 2, 2025
"Never let fear make your decisions"
The sequel I didn't know I needed but now I can't imagine not having it.
The sequel I didn't know I needed but now I can't imagine not having it.
December 3, 2025
3.75⭐️ 0🌶️
The ending was kinda lack luster for me. I also was confused with Nicholas.
The ending was kinda lack luster for me. I also was confused with Nicholas.
August 16, 2025
What an absolutely incredible sequel that I didn’t even know was in the works! This picks up right where “The last thing he told me” leaves off. It was nonstop action from the first page and I couldn’t help but finish it in a day.
So many questions from the first book were answered in this one. We get to see how everything went down up close and personal and whether Owen will end up back with his wife and daughter.
One of the things I love so much about Laura Dave’s writing is that her books always have very strong themes of love and loyalty. We see people make bad choices yet at the core of their motivation we always see love.
So many questions from the first book were answered in this one. We get to see how everything went down up close and personal and whether Owen will end up back with his wife and daughter.
One of the things I love so much about Laura Dave’s writing is that her books always have very strong themes of love and loyalty. We see people make bad choices yet at the core of their motivation we always see love.
August 12, 2025
4.5 stars
Highly recommend doing a reread of The Last Thing He Told Me prior to reading this one, as it literally picks up where the last left off. Dave packs a ton into this less than 300 page read, and you will find yourself totally consumed. Multiple perspectives and time periods are offered, which allows for the reader to get a complete picture. Having watched the TV show, it was easy for me to visualize Jennifer Garner and Angourie Rice back in action-- I really hope that Hello Sunshine picks up the sequel!
Highly recommend doing a reread of The Last Thing He Told Me prior to reading this one, as it literally picks up where the last left off. Dave packs a ton into this less than 300 page read, and you will find yourself totally consumed. Multiple perspectives and time periods are offered, which allows for the reader to get a complete picture. Having watched the TV show, it was easy for me to visualize Jennifer Garner and Angourie Rice back in action-- I really hope that Hello Sunshine picks up the sequel!
August 7, 2025
I LOVED the first book - can't wait to see what will happen now!
The story starts right where we left them in The Last Thing He Told Me .
A few years after Hannah and Bailey went back to Sausalito to live their life without Owen, he suddenly shows up at a furniture expo in Los Angeles - where they now live.
As quickly as he appeared he left again. But later that day a phone call warns them to leave immediately.
And that's what we do. This book is basically the story of Bailey and Hannah running from the bad guys and towards Owen, we hope? But it won't be easy - even with all the planning and preparing that has been done on all sides.
Will we finally get a happy end for the little family?
══════════════════
I was so excited to get a second book for Hannah! And it was beautiful.
We not only get Hannah's POV... we get a lot more!
I loved reading this.
It was way too short, I wanted it to be soo much longer. But it was perfect the way it was.
This time we're not in beautiful Sausalito - we travel to a lot of beautiful places. I loved that!
We get a bit of background info about the past and a lot a excitement and suspense and hope for the future. All wrapped up in Laura's beautiful writing. I loved it!
THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM was the perfect sequel! Hannah and Bailey fleeing the bad guys from one beautiful place to the next to maybe, finally get that happy end for their whole family! If you loved the first book, you will love this one too!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
October 11, 2025
Book Review: The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I first finished The Last Thing He Told Me years ago, I was left wanting more—more of Hannah, Owen, and Bailey's story. I also wanted to know what really happened between Nicholas and Owen in the past.
The First Time I Saw Him truly delivers. This long-awaited sequel picks up exactly where the first book left off, and it does not disappoint. The story is fast-paced, full of tension, mystery, and heart. Laura Dave gives us a deeper look into the characters we loved, while expanding the world around them in ways that feel both surprising and satisfying.
I loved every minute of it—especially how it ended. If you enjoyed the first book, this one is an absolute must-read.
Thank you to Netgallery and Simon and Schuster for this free ARC in exchange form honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I first finished The Last Thing He Told Me years ago, I was left wanting more—more of Hannah, Owen, and Bailey's story. I also wanted to know what really happened between Nicholas and Owen in the past.
The First Time I Saw Him truly delivers. This long-awaited sequel picks up exactly where the first book left off, and it does not disappoint. The story is fast-paced, full of tension, mystery, and heart. Laura Dave gives us a deeper look into the characters we loved, while expanding the world around them in ways that feel both surprising and satisfying.
I loved every minute of it—especially how it ended. If you enjoyed the first book, this one is an absolute must-read.
Thank you to Netgallery and Simon and Schuster for this free ARC in exchange form honest review.
Want to read
August 15, 2025ooooooh I love book 1 : The Last Thing He Told Me
** UPDATE ARC REC'D THANK YOU!!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
** UPDATE ARC REC'D THANK YOU!!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
September 8, 2025
laura dave i love you. hannah and bailey (and owen) i love you!!!!! [REDACTED] I LOVE YOUUUUU!!!!!!! need to go sob it out for a little while longer.
August 21, 2025
4.5 rounded up
I love the characters and the story.
I love the characters and the story.
November 14, 2025
*paperback
This one had a bunch of characters in it and it’s been so long since I’ve read the first book it took me a bit to settle in and get reacquainted.
Overall, it was a decent read, I was interested from start to finish. I just wish the books were released a little closer together because I think I would’ve enjoyed them even more.
I think of all the characters I liked Owen, Bailey and Nicholas the most…which is odd since Hannah is the MC. Hannah’s character was just a bit dull & flat to me. My review for the first book talked about how great Hannah was…I didn’t get those vibes in the sequel. I feel like something was missing. Frank’s character intrigued me, and his kids were perfect spoiled bratty rich kids making stupid decisions. Hannah was the least interesting of all.
In conclusion - I liked it, but did we need a sequel? No, not really. It was a fine read though. I didn’t hate it but didn’t love it either.
This one had a bunch of characters in it and it’s been so long since I’ve read the first book it took me a bit to settle in and get reacquainted.
Overall, it was a decent read, I was interested from start to finish. I just wish the books were released a little closer together because I think I would’ve enjoyed them even more.
I think of all the characters I liked Owen, Bailey and Nicholas the most…which is odd since Hannah is the MC. Hannah’s character was just a bit dull & flat to me. My review for the first book talked about how great Hannah was…I didn’t get those vibes in the sequel. I feel like something was missing. Frank’s character intrigued me, and his kids were perfect spoiled bratty rich kids making stupid decisions. Hannah was the least interesting of all.
In conclusion - I liked it, but did we need a sequel? No, not really. It was a fine read though. I didn’t hate it but didn’t love it either.
October 16, 2025
The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave picks up right where The Last Thing He Told Me left off. After Hannah bartered a truce with Nicholas Bell, she and Bailey have lived peacefully for five years. But when an unexpected event puts them both in danger, they’re forced to drop everything and run. Fortunately, Hannah has planned for this moment—and she’s more prepared than anyone could imagine.
I loved the multiple POVs in this story. In addition to Hannah, we also see through the eyes of Owen and Nicholas. As the past intertwines with the present, the pieces slowly come together to reveal how they got here, how they prepared for every possible outcome, and how each of them is working to secure a safe, promising future for the one person they all care about most—Bailey.
The story begins in Southern California but soon sweeps readers away to the Italian countryside. The First Time I Saw Him is full of mystery and intrigue, exploring how far love, loyalty, and family bonds can stretch when put to the ultimate test. What wouldn’t these characters do to protect the ones they love most?
It was such fun to be back in this world where “the Organization” has shaped so many lives. I loved seeing the major conflicts resolved and getting that sense of closure. I also really enjoyed the Apple TV+ adaptation of the first book and hope they’ll follow through with a second season!
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the multiple POVs in this story. In addition to Hannah, we also see through the eyes of Owen and Nicholas. As the past intertwines with the present, the pieces slowly come together to reveal how they got here, how they prepared for every possible outcome, and how each of them is working to secure a safe, promising future for the one person they all care about most—Bailey.
The story begins in Southern California but soon sweeps readers away to the Italian countryside. The First Time I Saw Him is full of mystery and intrigue, exploring how far love, loyalty, and family bonds can stretch when put to the ultimate test. What wouldn’t these characters do to protect the ones they love most?
It was such fun to be back in this world where “the Organization” has shaped so many lives. I loved seeing the major conflicts resolved and getting that sense of closure. I also really enjoyed the Apple TV+ adaptation of the first book and hope they’ll follow through with a second season!
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2025
So… I got an ARC of this book this week and realised quickly it was a sequel, and I hadn’t read the first one “The Last Thing He Told Me”. So I went off and downloaded that to read. Which took me approximately 4 hours to blaze through and then another 3 hours to read this one in literally one hit.
The First Time I Saw Him is Hannah and Bailey’s story, their life *after* Owen’s disappearance. I loved it, I loved all of it.
Hannah and Bailey’s relationship is now nothing like what it was in the first book, they truly are a family and Nicholas is a huge part of this, back in his granddaughter’s life and loving it. But what is Owen doing? All becomes clear as they discover more about the past.
This book has it all, the suspense, the twists, the emotional rollercoaster. Wholeheartedly recommend reading both books.
The First Time I Saw Him is Hannah and Bailey’s story, their life *after* Owen’s disappearance. I loved it, I loved all of it.
Hannah and Bailey’s relationship is now nothing like what it was in the first book, they truly are a family and Nicholas is a huge part of this, back in his granddaughter’s life and loving it. But what is Owen doing? All becomes clear as they discover more about the past.
This book has it all, the suspense, the twists, the emotional rollercoaster. Wholeheartedly recommend reading both books.
August 29, 2025
I breezed through this installment just as swiftly as The Last Thing He Told Me. An all-around fabulous read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2025
This is the best sequel I've read in, well possibly, forever. It cleared up a lot. It lets you get to know some of the secondary characters from the first book. And you get to see just how strong Hannah really is. How much her relationship with Bailey has grown. Her feelings for what Owen did. And how she comes to feel about Nicholas.
This book really does pick right up where the first one, The Last Thing He Told me, ended. You won't feel lost in any way and no it is not a standalone. You must read the first book.
Hannah and Bailey are coming to grips with Owen disappearing. Hannah is trying in every way to keep Bailey and herself safe. Getting to know Bailey's grandfather Nicholas too. And his son. Bailey has family that she didn't know anything about. Their life is fairly peaceful five years after Owen's sudden disappearance. They have no idea where he is.
Nicholas died. That changed everything.
Then a text comes for Hannah. "Get out of the house. Now." Hannah doesn't give it a second thought. She has planned for this day and planned well. She grabs what she needs, texts Bailey, and leaves. Now they are about to begin a whole other kind of life. One that should possibly, hopefully, make them stop having to run. Stop having to worry.
The rest of this story is an excitement you won't believe. Told from several people and gives you so much insight into what is happening along with what did happen. Back when Nicholas's daughter and Owen's wife was struck and killed. How it changed everything. What lengths Owen was willing to go to in order to keep Bailey safe. The animosity that Nicholas feels toward Owen for taking his granddaughter away. To not get to know her.
Is Nicholas willing to help Hannah though.? Help her find the way for a life without fear? From the start to the finish this book keeps you turning the pages. I didn't want it to end but had to know what happened too. Maybe there will be a third, though I honestly can't see any being as good as this one.
This author takes her story to a whole new light. The descriptions make you feel the intense hostility. The love. The loss. The beauty of walking up to a party that will change a family forever. One way other the other. The story is truly beautiful even through the most intense parts. From the US to France and a few more places you take this journey with Hannah, Bailey, Nicholas, and Owen.
I loved most all of these characters. My favorite being Hannah. She's one strong woman. She knows what she wants and she fights for it. I also loved Nicholas after getting to know him better. Maybe found a soft spot for Owen and why he ran. And Frank. Frank who was best friends with Nicholas. As much as an organized crime boss can have a best friend.
Well done. So well done.
Thanks to Scribner for this ARC.
Five huge stars.
This book really does pick right up where the first one, The Last Thing He Told me, ended. You won't feel lost in any way and no it is not a standalone. You must read the first book.
Hannah and Bailey are coming to grips with Owen disappearing. Hannah is trying in every way to keep Bailey and herself safe. Getting to know Bailey's grandfather Nicholas too. And his son. Bailey has family that she didn't know anything about. Their life is fairly peaceful five years after Owen's sudden disappearance. They have no idea where he is.
Nicholas died. That changed everything.
Then a text comes for Hannah. "Get out of the house. Now." Hannah doesn't give it a second thought. She has planned for this day and planned well. She grabs what she needs, texts Bailey, and leaves. Now they are about to begin a whole other kind of life. One that should possibly, hopefully, make them stop having to run. Stop having to worry.
The rest of this story is an excitement you won't believe. Told from several people and gives you so much insight into what is happening along with what did happen. Back when Nicholas's daughter and Owen's wife was struck and killed. How it changed everything. What lengths Owen was willing to go to in order to keep Bailey safe. The animosity that Nicholas feels toward Owen for taking his granddaughter away. To not get to know her.
Is Nicholas willing to help Hannah though.? Help her find the way for a life without fear? From the start to the finish this book keeps you turning the pages. I didn't want it to end but had to know what happened too. Maybe there will be a third, though I honestly can't see any being as good as this one.
This author takes her story to a whole new light. The descriptions make you feel the intense hostility. The love. The loss. The beauty of walking up to a party that will change a family forever. One way other the other. The story is truly beautiful even through the most intense parts. From the US to France and a few more places you take this journey with Hannah, Bailey, Nicholas, and Owen.
I loved most all of these characters. My favorite being Hannah. She's one strong woman. She knows what she wants and she fights for it. I also loved Nicholas after getting to know him better. Maybe found a soft spot for Owen and why he ran. And Frank. Frank who was best friends with Nicholas. As much as an organized crime boss can have a best friend.
Well done. So well done.
Thanks to Scribner for this ARC.
Five huge stars.
October 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book as a deeper look at the backstory from Book 1 and what happened after. It added some emotional weight and context that I appreciated. That said, it dragged a bit in the middle, and I really wished there was more from Hannah’s POV. Still, a solid read if you liked The Last Thing He Told Me.
ARC via NetGalley
ARC via NetGalley
August 14, 2025
I loved Dave's first two novels so knew this would be a winner! This one features Hannah and daughter, Bailey as Hannah receives an odd message: "The could have boys still love you." Intrigued, she has no idea what it means. Then we go back five years when the FBI is involved. Apparently Owen is back but must stay hidden from others! It's another wonderfully convoluted cat-and-mouse game that keeps you guessing until the bitter end!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 25, 2025
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.
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.
December 9, 2025
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing me with the audio of this book — I’ve been eagerly hoping for an advanced copy, and I was thrilled to receive it.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was curious (and a little nervous!) to see how a follow-up could possibly capture me in the same way. I’m happy to say it absolutely did — and in some ways, I think I loved this one even more.
The story picks up five years after Hannah’s husband disappeared. Hannah and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have built a new life in Southern California and grown close to Bailey’s grandfather, Nicholas, as they try to move forward. But things shift quickly. Hannah believes she spots Owen during an art exhibit she’s hosting, and the very next day news comes that Nicholas has passed away.
Soon after, a representative from the gas company insists they need access to her apartment — a signal Hannah immediately recognizes. The danger they feared might return is suddenly right at their doorstep, and they’re forced back into survival mode. They always hoped this day wouldn’t come… but it has.
The novel alternates between past and present, exploring the intricate business ties between Frank and Nicholas, how Owen became entangled in their world, and the attempts to dismantle Frank’s empire. In the current timeline, Owen wrestles with whether Hannah and Bailey will ever truly be safe after Nicholas’s death — a fear that proves to be well-founded.
Once you start this book, clear your schedule — you will be hooked from the very first chapter.
While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book to fully appreciate the emotional depth and history between these characters.
For me, this installment was even more gripping and satisfying than the original.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was curious (and a little nervous!) to see how a follow-up could possibly capture me in the same way. I’m happy to say it absolutely did — and in some ways, I think I loved this one even more.
The story picks up five years after Hannah’s husband disappeared. Hannah and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have built a new life in Southern California and grown close to Bailey’s grandfather, Nicholas, as they try to move forward. But things shift quickly. Hannah believes she spots Owen during an art exhibit she’s hosting, and the very next day news comes that Nicholas has passed away.
Soon after, a representative from the gas company insists they need access to her apartment — a signal Hannah immediately recognizes. The danger they feared might return is suddenly right at their doorstep, and they’re forced back into survival mode. They always hoped this day wouldn’t come… but it has.
The novel alternates between past and present, exploring the intricate business ties between Frank and Nicholas, how Owen became entangled in their world, and the attempts to dismantle Frank’s empire. In the current timeline, Owen wrestles with whether Hannah and Bailey will ever truly be safe after Nicholas’s death — a fear that proves to be well-founded.
Once you start this book, clear your schedule — you will be hooked from the very first chapter.
While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book to fully appreciate the emotional depth and history between these characters.
For me, this installment was even more gripping and satisfying than the original.
October 3, 2025
First off, I didn't know Laura Dave was ever coming out with a sequel to the last thing he told me, but I am so glad she did. Once I started this book, I could not put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat with an elevated heart rate for the majority of the book. Dare I say that this book may have been better than the first? Even with the multiple perspectives and timelines, which usually make me lose interest in stories pretty quickly, I really enjoyed it. I loved finding out all the background information of Nick and Frank and how their journey started. Ugh, this book was just so good. Thank you, NetGalley, for my eArc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 516 reviews