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This is Me #2

This is Then.

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Asists are machines, imitations of human life. But can their feelings be artificial when they seem so real?


In this collection of four stories, C.E. Wilson introduces readers to a time before Rogan fell in love with Chloe, before Bree met Fitz and before Monica hated Asists…

A cocky brat finds out there are worse things her father can do than cheating on her mother… A lonely country boy in the city finds a friend where he least expected it… A tiny Asist who’s been through hell and back gets more than she imagined with a kind owner… and a young woman realizes that there’s more science than fiction when it comes to activating an Asist for the first time.

A collection of clean science fiction romances, This is Then. delivers a quick glimpse back into a word where Artificial Intelligence not only exists amongst people, are hidden amongst them as well.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2017

2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

C.E. Wilson

21 books576 followers
C.E. Wilson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, grew up in Millersville, Pennsylvania, and has been living in Pittsburgh since 2009. For the first few years living in Pittsburgh, she was an English teacher. Her first book, "Oath of Servitude," was published in 2012. In 2013, she quit teaching to be a full time author and hasn't looked back since. She loves spending time with her daughter and husband.

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5 stars
14 (66%)
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5 (23%)
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1 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews26 followers
May 15, 2017
Stories are connected during the plot, but still, each of them features different character.
General opinion
A great collection of stories in very interesting world. I will read for sure book 1 in the series.

A small change
Gary is a young man, that try to follow his own way. But what will happen when he starts to feel lonely? And add to it huge interest about Asist (robots that look like a human) and bad people try to abuse them. great beginning of collection!

Confession
Bree is a small Asist that was used very badly by her previous owner. What will happen to her when Gary found her and would treat her well. Will she bealive in humans again even after funhouse she was treated like a sexdoll? Very interesting POV from "robot" perspective.

The silver fox
This one is from perspective of Monica a daughter of college professor that was very handsome. Their family had some problems but each family Has them. Add to IT unexpected love to someone you shouldn't consider in feeling? And we will get interesting story from perspective of a girl that needs to learn what was going on. What will she learn?

Awakening
For me this story was the most interesting one. Here we get to know a process how Asist begin to funcionate right after turning them on.
Profile Image for Mandy Peterson.
Author 4 books145 followers
May 19, 2017
In this collection of short stories (which brought me out of my reading doldrums, btw), C.E. Wilson fills in the backstories of the characters you love and love-to-hate from her recent innovative novel This is Me. In an attempt to keep this review spoiler free, I'm likely going to frustrate you. Sorry about that. :)
First, I really appreciated that this collection was short and polished. Nothing was excessive or overdone. The author's tone held true throughout the stories, and everything felt like it rang true. I was able to breeze through it in two short sittings, but I wish I had done a single story in each sitting instead. It was just so good - I couldn't stop! (Like potato chips)
Second, some real issues are brought up in these stories. Human trafficking, what makes a human vs machine, infidelity, acceptance, and striking out on your own are a few. One story in particular will resonate with survivors of abusive relationships and incidents. Without being gruesome, the writing hits you right in the gut. However, it is a story of healing, not one of torment.
Finally, I am glad I read This is Me first. I am not sure I would have known what to do with these characters had I read This is Then first instead. However, it does look like some early readers are going that direction and having no issues. From her website, it looks like this author has more stories planned in this universe! YAY! I'm strapping in.
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,994 reviews27 followers
May 24, 2017
I love this collection of Science Fiction Romances. All four short stories are fantastic. A distinctive set of short stories with tantillating plot's & bewitching characters. In this extraordinary world of (Artificial Intelligents) the author creates & sets the tone that makes each story pique & hook you in. Awakening was great to read about Rogan & Chole from This Is Me before Rogan (The Asist) became Chloe's companion. I highly recommend reading this fantastic set of Science Fiction Romances as they are unparagoned. I volunteerly reviewed an advanced reading copy of this novel.
Profile Image for Bookish_Sally.
391 reviews10 followers
May 20, 2017
I received this ARC In exchange for an honest review. Without giving anything away, this was an interesting book and just like the other stories I've read by this author this story/stories kept me intrigued. This is a collection of short stories that all come together with a particular interest. This isn't your typical romance or fantasy this is a keep an open mind and enjoy the stories for what they are. With that out of the way just a quick note, This book cover is gorgeous.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,626 reviews33 followers
May 22, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

I did not read book 1 of this series. I loved how there were 4 short stories in the collection but they were tied together by one thing. I really enjoyed seeing different perspectives about the Assists. It was interesting to see such varying opinions on them. This book really intrigued me and I am curious about this odd world. I am definitely going to go back and read book 1.
Profile Image for Ms. Just One More Book  (Kris Miller).
154 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2017


In a world where the appearance of artificial intelligence is barely discernible between humans, is it possible that they have true feelings as well? In a collection of short stories that can be read as a standalone, or in addition to THIS IS ME, C.E. Wilson delves deep into what makes someone human versus just property. A thought provoking read, THIS IS THEN will have you rethinking what constitutes love and life.

~ I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Natalie.
554 reviews41 followers
June 12, 2017
CE just amazes me every time I read her books. I just wonder where her imagination comes from. I just love that her books are sooooo different and I am always soooo upset when I miss them coming out..LOL Thank you so much CE for giving me the opportunity to read your work :) If you LOVE CE's work you WILL NOT be disappointed by this book!!
Profile Image for Linda.
374 reviews
May 24, 2017
A unique world and characters where Asists are computers made with human like bodies to be companions and help humans.
Can Asists love and have feelings? Can a human fall in love with a Asist?
I voluntarily reviewed this ARC book. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Diane.
950 reviews16 followers
May 25, 2017
This is a set of four back stories to the book This is Me. If you've not read this book first it doesn't matter you can still read this book. I enjoyed the book and it was nice to know the backgrounds of the characters. I recommend this enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Esther Haddie's Haven.
903 reviews58 followers
May 23, 2017
Gimme more!!

Yes!! I loved reading Fitz and Bree's story of how they met. Where Bree comes from . . . *heartache* . . . and Monica, and where Rogan comes from. *sighs* love it!!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
263 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2017
CE Wilson never fails to amaze me...these back stories showcase where things began... get your copy today and sit back and enjoy!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
6 reviews
July 1, 2017
Yay

Loved it. Can't wait for more! Went so fast and was very addictive and exciting.
Well worth a read and even a reread.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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