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The First Quarto #1
They Told Me I Was Everything
Auggie is starting his first year at Wroxall College. It’s a punishment, and he’s determined to make his way through the year, prove himself, and earn the right to go back home.
Theo is a grad student recovering from a terrible car accident. He’s lost his husband and their daughter, and he’s trying to figure out how to keep going.
When both are tangled up in a murder, though, they have to set their personal problems aside and work together—first to clear their names, and then, when the killer turns his attention on them, to survive.
But what might really kill them is finishing a seminar together on King Lear.
Theo is a grad student recovering from a terrible car accident. He’s lost his husband and their daughter, and he’s trying to figure out how to keep going.
When both are tangled up in a murder, though, they have to set their personal problems aside and work together—first to clear their names, and then, when the killer turns his attention on them, to survive.
But what might really kill them is finishing a seminar together on King Lear.
373 pages, ebook
First published October 13, 2020
235 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,800 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
January 1, 2021
Audiobook - 5+++stars
Story - 4.5 stars
I saw it was J.F Harding narrating this book and all my Gaaaahhz came out. His voice is so good. 🤗 Please let him be the voice of Theo and Auggie until the end.
Starting this story I didn't know what to expect and I was blown away. This was really good and enjoyable from the first chapter. The writing is so good as usual. I love Greg's characters, they feel so real, warm and raw. It's like meeting new friends and coming home.
Our Mcs:
Theo the Professor- Gaaah I have found another book boyfriend, he is such an amazing character, well written, fleshed out and so real. I felt his pain, the way he is hanging on just trying to survive picking up himself after the death of his husband. 😭 I loved that he is a nerd too. Clearly my kind of guy.
Auggie the Influencer - Auggie is your typical 18 year old. I freaking loved him too. He is adorable and annoying at the same time. I loved the way he interacted with Theo, he is funny, jumpy and makes some good vlogs.
I guess this is going to be a slow burn. Good thing the chemistry between these two is off the charts. Their banter and conversations are engaging and interesting, I am looking forward to many more.
The mystery part was scary and interesting. I was afraid on behalf of Theo and Auggie. Those Ozark volunteers are scary. Detective Somerset. 😍Whoop.. Whoop.😍 I am so excited this is set in the same town as Hazard and Somerset series. I hope to see Hazard in the near future. 🤞🏾
The side characters are well written and compliment the MCs nicely, even weird Orlando. Yaap, I kinda liked him.
I had a good time with this book. My last book of 2020 and it didn't disappoint.
A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Story - 4.5 stars
I saw it was J.F Harding narrating this book and all my Gaaaahhz came out. His voice is so good. 🤗 Please let him be the voice of Theo and Auggie until the end.
Starting this story I didn't know what to expect and I was blown away. This was really good and enjoyable from the first chapter. The writing is so good as usual. I love Greg's characters, they feel so real, warm and raw. It's like meeting new friends and coming home.
Our Mcs:
Theo the Professor- Gaaah I have found another book boyfriend, he is such an amazing character, well written, fleshed out and so real. I felt his pain, the way he is hanging on just trying to survive picking up himself after the death of his husband. 😭 I loved that he is a nerd too. Clearly my kind of guy.
Auggie the Influencer - Auggie is your typical 18 year old. I freaking loved him too. He is adorable and annoying at the same time. I loved the way he interacted with Theo, he is funny, jumpy and makes some good vlogs.
I guess this is going to be a slow burn. Good thing the chemistry between these two is off the charts. Their banter and conversations are engaging and interesting, I am looking forward to many more.
The mystery part was scary and interesting. I was afraid on behalf of Theo and Auggie. Those Ozark volunteers are scary. Detective Somerset. 😍Whoop.. Whoop.😍 I am so excited this is set in the same town as Hazard and Somerset series. I hope to see Hazard in the near future. 🤞🏾
The side characters are well written and compliment the MCs nicely, even weird Orlando. Yaap, I kinda liked him.
I had a good time with this book. My last book of 2020 and it didn't disappoint.
A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2024
4.75***** stars
I AM SERIOUSLY HOOKED! What a ride! The storytelling was amazing I hadn’t had even one dull moment. (and yes I admit, this is my very first Gregory Ashe book)
The focus on the relationship between the MCs is constantly there but the romance itself is somewhat low key and veeery slow going. Here, it was totally fine by me and absolutely fitting for the story we’re following. Theo not only recently lost his husband but he is also Auggie’s professor and ten years his senior. It’s obvious how Theo struggles with his attraction to Auggie for these various reasons but at least the attraction is mutual. I might be the least biggest fan of slow-burn (and I'm so freaking glad, no one told me before!!) but an attempt at telling this love story any differently or faster would’ve seemed inappropriate to me and would’ve done this romance no good. So I’m glad it progressed that slowly.
Honestly, I really liked how Auggie and Theo managed to become some sort of friends with each other first, through all that happened to them regardless of their mutual attraction.
What was very prominent to me throughout the book was the fact that Gregory Ashe didn’t let us drown in the pain and grief Theo felt over the loss of his husband and what had happened to him and his little family but it was nonetheless so very evident . And it pulled massively at my heartstrings.
And then there was the mystery part of that crazy story that was also the reason why Theo’s and Auggie’s paths crossed in the first place. Man, that was a wild ride. Honestly, for the first ten, fifteen percent of the book I was constantly asking (no one in particular) what the fuck is happening right now? And who are these people??? And again, wtf is happening?? And it hadn’t gotten much better the longer I listened to this book. And as usual I had no clue at all and hadn’t seen anything coming. *lmaooo
Speaking of listening. JF Harding did a fantastic job narrating it. I’m glad there is one more audio already available until I have to test my patience until the audios for the last two books release, probably early next year. So yes, I can’t wait to continue with this series.
As for the covers: This book is not as dark and angsty as the cover might suggest but I'm happy for the change bc this book is also not even remotely as funny or lighthearted as the initial covers would let you think.
***********
side note & question: Timeline-wise this whole series takes place before the first of GA’s popular Hazard & Somerset series - we actually meet Somerset in this one. So it’s 2013/2014 and because I was still stuck on Facebook back then, can anybody tell me if Instagram was really already this big ten years ago? I mean, Auggie has a 100k profile where his fans fight his online fights and a lucrative marketing deal lining up.
**************
The First Quarto Series:
Book 1 - They Told Me I Was Everything - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Yet a Stranger - read, no rating
Book 3 - The Fairest Show - read, no rating
Book 4 - A Fault Against the Dead - 4.5 stars
Short Story Collection - Thuggiana - read
I AM SERIOUSLY HOOKED! What a ride! The storytelling was amazing I hadn’t had even one dull moment. (and yes I admit, this is my very first Gregory Ashe book)
The focus on the relationship between the MCs is constantly there but the romance itself is somewhat low key and veeery slow going. Here, it was totally fine by me and absolutely fitting for the story we’re following. Theo not only recently lost his husband but he is also Auggie’s professor and ten years his senior. It’s obvious how Theo struggles with his attraction to Auggie for these various reasons but at least the attraction is mutual. I might be the least biggest fan of slow-burn (and I'm so freaking glad, no one told me before!!) but an attempt at telling this love story any differently or faster would’ve seemed inappropriate to me and would’ve done this romance no good. So I’m glad it progressed that slowly.
Honestly, I really liked how Auggie and Theo managed to become some sort of friends with each other first, through all that happened to them regardless of their mutual attraction.
What was very prominent to me throughout the book was the fact that Gregory Ashe didn’t let us drown in the pain and grief Theo felt over the loss of his husband and what had happened to him and his little family but it was nonetheless so very evident . And it pulled massively at my heartstrings.
And then there was the mystery part of that crazy story that was also the reason why Theo’s and Auggie’s paths crossed in the first place. Man, that was a wild ride. Honestly, for the first ten, fifteen percent of the book I was constantly asking (no one in particular) what the fuck is happening right now? And who are these people??? And again, wtf is happening?? And it hadn’t gotten much better the longer I listened to this book. And as usual I had no clue at all and hadn’t seen anything coming. *lmaooo
Speaking of listening. JF Harding did a fantastic job narrating it. I’m glad there is one more audio already available until I have to test my patience until the audios for the last two books release, probably early next year. So yes, I can’t wait to continue with this series.
As for the covers: This book is not as dark and angsty as the cover might suggest but I'm happy for the change bc this book is also not even remotely as funny or lighthearted as the initial covers would let you think.
***********
side note & question: Timeline-wise this whole series takes place before the first of GA’s popular Hazard & Somerset series - we actually meet Somerset in this one. So it’s 2013/2014 and because I was still stuck on Facebook back then, can anybody tell me if Instagram was really already this big ten years ago? I mean, Auggie has a 100k profile where his fans fight his online fights and a lucrative marketing deal lining up.
**************
The First Quarto Series:
Book 1 - They Told Me I Was Everything - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Yet a Stranger - read, no rating
Book 3 - The Fairest Show - read, no rating
Book 4 - A Fault Against the Dead - 4.5 stars
Short Story Collection - Thuggiana - read
March 11, 2025
Every now and again (3 times to be exact) I read a book and it makes me UPSET that I didn't vibe it because everyone else did 😭😭😭
I felt NO connection between these MC's. Takes "slow burn"to a whole new level. The level where I didn't even care if they were together. The MC's had more chemistry with their respective side-hoe side characters. "slow burn" that requires you to call the gas company and check your house is even still connected to the gas line.
It's a story of a broken man with tragic back story, and the most BORING CUNT 18 year old to ever exist with no personality except for the fake one that he posts on insta, and together, they try to solve a murder/town mystery or face consequences from local criminals.
I think the problem with this book, is me.
I hate the Instagram influencer part, at least it's relevant to the main lot of this book but it still makes me cringe.
And I especially hate when the influencers influence is based purely 100% off being hot to strangers on the internet, it feels icky af.
The writing was jarring to my brain.
August was as thrilling as a fart in a glass jar.
Inappropriate touching by 24%. (Not sexually, but why are you stalking your professor to his house and putting your gross ass feet under his thighs?)
Theo takes drunk advantage of Auggie which is gross.
Theo kissed his dead husbands bestfriend and then yelled at him and said it was his fault.
Auggie is going on dates with some other dude at 65% in, so struggle to ship the MC's when one is dating and the other is like "we cant be together i'm too fucked up" but im gonna kiss you randomly sometimes, and get jealous over your date and then keep saying we should and can only be friends? Dumb and exhausting.
There is the weird scene with OTT drama when a bully goes mental on Auggie for touching his girlfriends leg, and Auggie escapes by pretend fucking the professor under a window/deck? very logical, very demure, very makes sense much it does.........
This felt like... being mid way through a really great sandwich, and looking down to find half a cockroach.
IF I EVER READ THE WORDS "BRO FLOW" TO DESCRIBE HAIR, I'M GOING TO
I felt NO connection between these MC's. Takes "slow burn"to a whole new level. The level where I didn't even care if they were together. The MC's had more chemistry with their respective side-hoe side characters. "slow burn" that requires you to call the gas company and check your house is even still connected to the gas line.
It's a story of a broken man with tragic back story, and the most BORING CUNT 18 year old to ever exist with no personality except for the fake one that he posts on insta, and together, they try to solve a murder/town mystery or face consequences from local criminals.
I think the problem with this book, is me.
I hate the Instagram influencer part, at least it's relevant to the main lot of this book but it still makes me cringe.
And I especially hate when the influencers influence is based purely 100% off being hot to strangers on the internet, it feels icky af.
The writing was jarring to my brain.
August was as thrilling as a fart in a glass jar.
Inappropriate touching by 24%. (Not sexually, but why are you stalking your professor to his house and putting your gross ass feet under his thighs?)
Theo takes drunk advantage of Auggie which is gross.
Theo kissed his dead husbands bestfriend and then yelled at him and said it was his fault.
Auggie is going on dates with some other dude at 65% in, so struggle to ship the MC's when one is dating and the other is like "we cant be together i'm too fucked up" but im gonna kiss you randomly sometimes, and get jealous over your date and then keep saying we should and can only be friends? Dumb and exhausting.
There is the weird scene with OTT drama when a bully goes mental on Auggie for touching his girlfriends leg, and Auggie escapes by pretend fucking the professor under a window/deck? very logical, very demure, very makes sense much it does.........
This felt like... being mid way through a really great sandwich, and looking down to find half a cockroach.
IF I EVER READ THE WORDS "BRO FLOW" TO DESCRIBE HAIR, I'M GOING TO
April 18, 2023
Reread April 2023
i think maybe i'm mellowing in my old age because i just reread my original review and was like...
i'm not sure what exactly my problem was but i'm going with pandemic rage. anyhoo, i'm over it now and i thoroughly enjoyed this reread. i liked both Auggie and Theo and think they were both fleshed out pretty well as characters. there are some slight similarities but none were glaring.
truth be told, i started this reread after starting The Fairest Show and realizing i didn't really remember the events of the first two books of this series, aside from what an asshat Albert Lender is/was/whatever. dude's a douchecanoe is all i'm saying and i'm ready for him to get his.
the banter alone between the two of them is worth the price of admission to this series, so a solid 4 stars from me on the reread.
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original review October 2020
i'm somewhere between 3 and 4 ⭐️ on the latest slow burn from this author.
i own my obsession with Hazard and Somers so maybe i'm prone to seeing similarities that aren't necessarily there but Theo has a tendency to drink to excess, make an ass of himself whilst 3 sheets to the wind and doesn't take responsibility for his asshattery like a certain tattooed police officer we all know and love. granted, Theo has suffered a terrible tragedy the likes of which would level most. a fact i kept reminding myself of whenever he slipped into asshattery.
Auggie, on the other hand, is very clever for his age, hot as all get out and witty beyond his years which made the banter between them reminiscent of a couple of beloved knuckleheads at times.
like i said, could be i'm seeing shadows but there seemed to be numerous parallels. though that's not necessarily a bad thing. both Theo and Auggie grew on me and the mystery storyline held my interest especially when characters from H&S Wahredua showed up. so i will definitely be continuing with this series.
i'm just hoping i don't get murdered by the slow burn.
i think maybe i'm mellowing in my old age because i just reread my original review and was like...
i'm not sure what exactly my problem was but i'm going with pandemic rage. anyhoo, i'm over it now and i thoroughly enjoyed this reread. i liked both Auggie and Theo and think they were both fleshed out pretty well as characters. there are some slight similarities but none were glaring.
truth be told, i started this reread after starting The Fairest Show and realizing i didn't really remember the events of the first two books of this series, aside from what an asshat Albert Lender is/was/whatever. dude's a douchecanoe is all i'm saying and i'm ready for him to get his.
the banter alone between the two of them is worth the price of admission to this series, so a solid 4 stars from me on the reread.
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original review October 2020
i'm somewhere between 3 and 4 ⭐️ on the latest slow burn from this author.
i own my obsession with Hazard and Somers so maybe i'm prone to seeing similarities that aren't necessarily there but Theo has a tendency to drink to excess, make an ass of himself whilst 3 sheets to the wind and doesn't take responsibility for his asshattery like a certain tattooed police officer we all know and love. granted, Theo has suffered a terrible tragedy the likes of which would level most. a fact i kept reminding myself of whenever he slipped into asshattery.
Auggie, on the other hand, is very clever for his age, hot as all get out and witty beyond his years which made the banter between them reminiscent of a couple of beloved knuckleheads at times.
like i said, could be i'm seeing shadows but there seemed to be numerous parallels. though that's not necessarily a bad thing. both Theo and Auggie grew on me and the mystery storyline held my interest especially when characters from H&S Wahredua showed up. so i will definitely be continuing with this series.
i'm just hoping i don't get murdered by the slow burn.
November 6, 2022
***4.0 rating***
"He could feel Theo watching him from the porch all the way to the end of the street; when he turned onto the main road, he heard from a distance the thunk of the door shutting. Auggie walked another block until he was sure he was safe, his eyes burning hotter and hotter, and then he pulled out his phone and placed a call."
Well, here we are with another GA book and series. Theo and Auggie, another slow burn, another rollercoaster of emotions. This was a great first book in the series, I am excited and prepared for what I am sure is more angst, tension, and another rollercoaster of unwanted emotions. Having read the first batch of Hazard and Somerset series, I am familiar with GA and his superb writing. This man gets it. He engages his readers deeply with the plot and you are invested in the characters and their turmoil.
I liked both Auggie and Theo, I understood why Theo friend zoned Auggie but my heart hurts for my cute little influencer. Auggie was at times annoying but he was a sweetheart and well Theo had a lot of baggage to jump into a relationship with a guy 10 years younger than him.
I was here for all the angst and drama. The mystery was interesting but it was on the light side. I just want to wrap sweet Auggie in a big hug. Nobody puts baby in the corner. I want justice for my Auggie. GA damn your fab writing, I am hooked. I'll be reading the next book...now. Good day.
"He could feel Theo watching him from the porch all the way to the end of the street; when he turned onto the main road, he heard from a distance the thunk of the door shutting. Auggie walked another block until he was sure he was safe, his eyes burning hotter and hotter, and then he pulled out his phone and placed a call."
Well, here we are with another GA book and series. Theo and Auggie, another slow burn, another rollercoaster of emotions. This was a great first book in the series, I am excited and prepared for what I am sure is more angst, tension, and another rollercoaster of unwanted emotions. Having read the first batch of Hazard and Somerset series, I am familiar with GA and his superb writing. This man gets it. He engages his readers deeply with the plot and you are invested in the characters and their turmoil.
I liked both Auggie and Theo, I understood why Theo friend zoned Auggie but my heart hurts for my cute little influencer. Auggie was at times annoying but he was a sweetheart and well Theo had a lot of baggage to jump into a relationship with a guy 10 years younger than him.
I was here for all the angst and drama. The mystery was interesting but it was on the light side. I just want to wrap sweet Auggie in a big hug. Nobody puts baby in the corner. I want justice for my Auggie. GA damn your fab writing, I am hooked. I'll be reading the next book...now. Good day.
August 29, 2022
"And then, tomorrow, I'm going to come over and do my homework on your new couch and get Dorito crumbs everywhere. And we're just going to be friends."
"Friends," Theo said.
"With cuddles," Auggie said.
"Platonic, completely nonsexual cuddling."
Auggie rolled his eyes.
"No wandering hands," Theo said.
"Yes, Mother Superior."
[4.5] superlative in its on-brand clumsy, raw, and fallible characters against a tightly plotted mystery backdrop laced with comedic zingers ✨
Gregory Ashe defends his title as the King of Slow Burn once again by taking the formulaic romance genre and flipping it on its head, and as intensely frustration-inducing as the story can be, he's doing something right because my emotional investment in these characters has grown a hundredfold since first meeting them as an already-established happy couple in H&S.
**chronologically speaking, The First Quarto takes place before the Hazard & Somerset series, but i would personally recommend reading at least the first arc of H&S before hopping into this one as it reveals a major future villain**
- Theo: 28 y/o, grieving grad student/professor whose life irrevocably changed after an accident six months prior. juggles prescription drugs and alcohol while slaving away on his thesis on Shakespeare.
- Auggie: 18 y/o social media influencer & Wroxall College freshman who ends up in Theo's class. plays up his online persona but is tired of no one knowing the real him. from a troubled family, his foul-mouthed brother Fer (who gets his kicks from teasing his siblings but would do anything to keep them safe) acts as his main pillar of support.
the investigation portion takes on a fresh coat of paint as now we have two average joes forced on threat of their well-being to solve the Case of the Missing Flash Drive (trust me, it's more intense than it sounds lol). intertwined with palpable ust, witty dialogue, sublime humor and you have me absolutely enthralled by this first installment. and honestly, i might've given my neighbors a scare with the way i was cackling like a witch at some banter as i moved about the house doing chores 😚
it's obvious Hazard and Somers are at the top of my Gregory Ashe Couples Ranking (you don't go through three incredibly emotional arcs for nothing), but suffice to say, they have strong competitors vying for that number one spot in Alyssa's heart 😉🥇
December 31, 2020
Before I made it through the first 30 minutes of this audio, I knew Gregory Ashe was going to do it to me again, in the "why the hell do I keep doing this to myself?" kind of way. I guess because I'm addicted to fantastically plotted, well written, brutal crime fiction with complicated, broken men who frustates me equally much as they make me love them? 🤷♀️ *considers* Nope, not my fault, I'm still blaming Ashe.
Theo is a grad student who is suffering the loss of his husband and daughter in an accident that left him with painful injuries, and not just the physical kind. He spends a lot of his time in an insulated fog of prescription drugs or *and sometimes both* alcohol, and lives with deliberate carelessness. His only saving grace is teaching in his grad program, which he actually enjoys, and gives him his one bright spot of normalcy.
Auggie is an eighteen year old internet personality and has a presence on all the major social media platforms. He has a business plan to grow his brand and make money hand over fist, and he's well on his way to that. His whole life consists of Instagram moments and YouTube videos, at least the ones he scripts and performs. A terrible incident off-script and a bad breakup derails his plans for a while so Auggie decides college at Wroxall in Wahredua, MO will get his image back on track. Nobody, literally nobody, knows the real Auggie, only the image he lets them see. And the real Auggie is really kind of lonely. He gets so damn tired of the character he's forced to play that the pressure builds up until it pops. And bad shit happens.
Auggie ends up in Theo's class and neither is impressed with the other, particularly since they meet before that in less than ideal circumstances. Since this is Wahredua, which we already know is populated with more than its fair share of shady people, those not-ideal circumstances end up pulling them both into a murder investigation. Worse, it makes both of them the focus of really dangerous people who think Auggie and Theo have something they want.
Theo and Auggie have to work together, much against Theo's will. There's an attraction there, but Auggie is an eighteen year old and Theo is not going to go there, even if his head and his heart were in the place to do it. But things get tangled up, and that includes their kind-of friendship. Not gonna lie, sometimes Theo is an asshole, and both he and Auggie make some of the shittiest decisions ever. But under all the issues, they're good guys and they need each other, I think. By the time the case is resolved, and both of them come close to not making it out, Auggie and Theo have a bond between them. Not the one Auggie wants, but they care about each other, and friends is what they'll have.
Do I need to suspend belief a little bit? Well yeah. Did I care? Not at all. Auggie's very young and Theo is a twenty-eight year old grad student, neither are detectives. But they are smart *and motivated* and that's part of GA's magic pen, that he makes you believe it. I honestly want to run right to the next one but I already know what Ashe is going to do to me for however many books. So I need a break.
On the side of the audiobook, no lie, I actually squeed when I saw the narrator was J.F. Harding, and he did not disappoint! ❤ His performance was part of the reason I loved Theo and Auggie so much and he had the personalities and uncertainties down for both perfectly. I'm crossing my fingers we get him for the whole series. I don't know if I'll be able to wait for the audio on Yet a Stranger *coughI already own the kindlecough* but you best believe that I'll be listening to it whether it's a first read or reread, either way!
Disclaimer: A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Theo is a grad student who is suffering the loss of his husband and daughter in an accident that left him with painful injuries, and not just the physical kind. He spends a lot of his time in an insulated fog of prescription drugs or *and sometimes both* alcohol, and lives with deliberate carelessness. His only saving grace is teaching in his grad program, which he actually enjoys, and gives him his one bright spot of normalcy.
Auggie is an eighteen year old internet personality and has a presence on all the major social media platforms. He has a business plan to grow his brand and make money hand over fist, and he's well on his way to that. His whole life consists of Instagram moments and YouTube videos, at least the ones he scripts and performs. A terrible incident off-script and a bad breakup derails his plans for a while so Auggie decides college at Wroxall in Wahredua, MO will get his image back on track. Nobody, literally nobody, knows the real Auggie, only the image he lets them see. And the real Auggie is really kind of lonely. He gets so damn tired of the character he's forced to play that the pressure builds up until it pops. And bad shit happens.
Auggie ends up in Theo's class and neither is impressed with the other, particularly since they meet before that in less than ideal circumstances. Since this is Wahredua, which we already know is populated with more than its fair share of shady people, those not-ideal circumstances end up pulling them both into a murder investigation. Worse, it makes both of them the focus of really dangerous people who think Auggie and Theo have something they want.
Theo and Auggie have to work together, much against Theo's will. There's an attraction there, but Auggie is an eighteen year old and Theo is not going to go there, even if his head and his heart were in the place to do it. But things get tangled up, and that includes their kind-of friendship. Not gonna lie, sometimes Theo is an asshole, and both he and Auggie make some of the shittiest decisions ever. But under all the issues, they're good guys and they need each other, I think. By the time the case is resolved, and both of them come close to not making it out, Auggie and Theo have a bond between them. Not the one Auggie wants, but they care about each other, and friends is what they'll have.
Do I need to suspend belief a little bit? Well yeah. Did I care? Not at all. Auggie's very young and Theo is a twenty-eight year old grad student, neither are detectives. But they are smart *and motivated* and that's part of GA's magic pen, that he makes you believe it. I honestly want to run right to the next one but I already know what Ashe is going to do to me for however many books. So I need a break.
On the side of the audiobook, no lie, I actually squeed when I saw the narrator was J.F. Harding, and he did not disappoint! ❤ His performance was part of the reason I loved Theo and Auggie so much and he had the personalities and uncertainties down for both perfectly. I'm crossing my fingers we get him for the whole series. I don't know if I'll be able to wait for the audio on Yet a Stranger *coughI already own the kindlecough* but you best believe that I'll be listening to it whether it's a first read or reread, either way!
Disclaimer: A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2025
I did it, I survived ish!?
I wanted this book to be my 180 book of the year, because I wanted a special book, and damn did I get one . Gregory Ashe has been on my tbr forever, I always put it on hold because his kind of angst leaves me very uncomfortable, and oh yeah it did exactly that.🥹
But now I’m invested, pissed, frustrated, greedy and I fucking need Theo and Auggie to just grrrrrrrrr get their shit together! They are so complex and broken… damn…STUPID!! The road is bumpy to say the least.
So, I’m here for them, that end left me with a sour taste and I need goddamn sugar like yesterday!
Loved the case shenanigans 🤌 poor babies the amount of physical violence was too much… they being alive it’s a miracle itself…
PS: Cart kindly fuck off 🖕Orlando grow a adult backbone!
Omg how could I forget, Fer and his foul mouth 😂😂😂😂😂
I wanted this book to be my 180 book of the year, because I wanted a special book, and damn did I get one . Gregory Ashe has been on my tbr forever, I always put it on hold because his kind of angst leaves me very uncomfortable, and oh yeah it did exactly that.🥹
But now I’m invested, pissed, frustrated, greedy and I fucking need Theo and Auggie to just grrrrrrrrr get their shit together! They are so complex and broken… damn…STUPID!! The road is bumpy to say the least.
So, I’m here for them, that end left me with a sour taste and I need goddamn sugar like yesterday!
Loved the case shenanigans 🤌 poor babies the amount of physical violence was too much… they being alive it’s a miracle itself…
PS: Cart kindly fuck off 🖕Orlando grow a adult backbone!
Omg how could I forget, Fer and his foul mouth 😂😂😂😂😂
November 6, 2022
Auggie and Theo are so cute! 🥰
April 28, 2025
I like Auggie and Theo so much, but I'm reluctant to get too attached to the idea of them being together yet because this is not my first Gregory Ashe rodeo 😂 There's going to be angst before we get to the good stuff and I'm ok with that - if I can deal with John-Henry Somerset exasperating me and pissing me off consistently for ten books but still loving his character too, I can cope with Theo and Auggie!
That said, I related to Theo quite a bit. My son is also mentally disabled and the idea of not being able to stay at home with him to give him the round the clock care he needs, or even have him living with me, is absolutely devastating. That would kill me so I can totally understand Theo's inner turmoil. I cannot even imagine being in that circumstance and I know I'm so lucky to be able to do what I do. So yes, I feel bonded to Theo already - pretty much how quickly I bonded to Emery Hazard too, but no one will replace Emery as my favourite character in the Hazardverse!
Auggie is very cute but so naive, and I also don't really get the whole social media thing. Mostly because I grew up without it, but even though I have it now I can't say I'm obsessed with it or with getting likes or interactions - it sounds so fucking exhausting! I'm hoping Auggie's self-belief and confidence to just be himself will be developing through the series though.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect, even if I did get frustrated at times. How difficult was it to listen to them say they literally met this Robert guy for maybe 40 minutes between the two of them! I mean, you have a longer relationship with the food you're cooking/eating for dinner than they did with Robert 😂😂😂
I don't like Cart, he's sketch AF and so immature. I also don't like Orlando, again sketch AF and super fucking creepy.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series though and no doubt the emotional turmoil these two are going to put me through!
That said, I related to Theo quite a bit. My son is also mentally disabled and the idea of not being able to stay at home with him to give him the round the clock care he needs, or even have him living with me, is absolutely devastating. That would kill me so I can totally understand Theo's inner turmoil. I cannot even imagine being in that circumstance and I know I'm so lucky to be able to do what I do. So yes, I feel bonded to Theo already - pretty much how quickly I bonded to Emery Hazard too, but no one will replace Emery as my favourite character in the Hazardverse!
Auggie is very cute but so naive, and I also don't really get the whole social media thing. Mostly because I grew up without it, but even though I have it now I can't say I'm obsessed with it or with getting likes or interactions - it sounds so fucking exhausting! I'm hoping Auggie's self-belief and confidence to just be himself will be developing through the series though.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect, even if I did get frustrated at times. How difficult was it to listen to them say they literally met this Robert guy for maybe 40 minutes between the two of them! I mean, you have a longer relationship with the food you're cooking/eating for dinner than they did with Robert 😂😂😂
I don't like Cart, he's sketch AF and so immature. I also don't like Orlando, again sketch AF and super fucking creepy.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series though and no doubt the emotional turmoil these two are going to put me through!
August 19, 2020
I read this as a serial that was released daily to newsletter subscribers. It came during the early stages of the pandemic and it was the perfect, soothing balm, giving me a daily boost of happiness. With Theo and Auggie, we get a grumpy vs sunshine and two damaged souls. I loved it. In true Gregory Ashe fashion, settle in for a sloth slow burn. Things are nowhere near a happily ever after or even a happily for now by the end. I’ll write an actual review later when this is released and I can reread it in novel form.
P.S.-Hello 😉
P.S.-Hello 😉
dnf
February 24, 2023Audio - All the stars because JF Harding is EVERYTHING
Story - DNF @ 75% (sucks to be me)
Story - DNF @ 75% (sucks to be me)
May 30, 2023
4 stars for not-a-romance, but a not-quite-platonic-friendship-building and an almost perfect murder-mystery.
I know I’m late to the party with this one, and as it’s my first book by this author, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I knew from the beginning that it’s a book that’s not high on steam, but after seeing all the good reviews, I decided to give it a try.
And I wasn’t disappointed: it’s about Theo, who’s teaching literature at a college, and who lost his husband and his daughter (kind of) in an accident a few months earlier.
And Auggie, a freshman/influencer who’s doing everything to „build his brand“ and make a career of it. Both get thrown together when Auggie almost runs Theo over with a car when Theo decides to drunkenly walk in the middle of a street at night.
Things get messy when both are accused of being involved with a murder/disappearance, and not only one, but two different parties start pressuring them into finding the guy who disappeared.
The murder mystery is good, but not perfect - I really couldn’t figure out the culprit until the very end, but we’ve had a few loose ends that I would have loved to see tied up. Llike… there guy with the yellow glasses - I would have wanted to see him go down. Or the final piece of evidence that disappeared - who took it? Was it the glasses guy? Why not have him take the fall? (please notice how I try to stay vague and spoiler free - but those of you who read it know what I mean…)
But anyway. As I said, I knew we won’t get a HEA here, seeing as the relationship between Theo and Auggie is very slow burn (understandable, seeing the age gap and their very different life situations), so I didn’t mind that part. On the contrary, I enjoyed the careful build up and the pining.
What I LOVED was the excellent narration by J.F. Haring - perfect choice for this book.
Even though I loved this book, I’m not sure if I want to continue, having read the blurb of the next book - I don’t want both Theo and Auggie dating other people, even if it’s temporary ☹️
I know I’m late to the party with this one, and as it’s my first book by this author, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I knew from the beginning that it’s a book that’s not high on steam, but after seeing all the good reviews, I decided to give it a try.
And I wasn’t disappointed: it’s about Theo, who’s teaching literature at a college, and who lost his husband and his daughter (kind of) in an accident a few months earlier.
And Auggie, a freshman/influencer who’s doing everything to „build his brand“ and make a career of it. Both get thrown together when Auggie almost runs Theo over with a car when Theo decides to drunkenly walk in the middle of a street at night.
Things get messy when both are accused of being involved with a murder/disappearance, and not only one, but two different parties start pressuring them into finding the guy who disappeared.
The murder mystery is good, but not perfect - I really couldn’t figure out the culprit until the very end, but we’ve had a few loose ends that I would have loved to see tied up. Llike… there guy with the yellow glasses - I would have wanted to see him go down. Or the final piece of evidence that disappeared - who took it? Was it the glasses guy? Why not have him take the fall? (please notice how I try to stay vague and spoiler free - but those of you who read it know what I mean…)
But anyway. As I said, I knew we won’t get a HEA here, seeing as the relationship between Theo and Auggie is very slow burn (understandable, seeing the age gap and their very different life situations), so I didn’t mind that part. On the contrary, I enjoyed the careful build up and the pining.
What I LOVED was the excellent narration by J.F. Haring - perfect choice for this book.
Even though I loved this book, I’m not sure if I want to continue, having read the blurb of the next book - I don’t want both Theo and Auggie dating other people, even if it’s temporary ☹️
March 26, 2024
I've given this an A for both narration and content at AudioGals
Anyone who follows my reviews already knows I’m a MASSIVE fan of Gregory Ashe’s work, so it will come as no surprise whatsoever when I say that I did the happiest of dances when his latest audio release hit Audible. Book one in The First Quarto series, They Told Me I Was Everything is a compelling blend of intricately plotted mystery and slow-burn romance featuring complex, well-rounded and intensely likeable leads who are obviously meant for one another but who have quite a bit of work to do in order to be together. (So no HEA in this book – but the UST and the genuine affection that grows between the leads is gorgeous and totally wonderful).
Wroxall College freshman Auggie Lopez is a social media star with tens of thousands of followers who, after a serious screw up at home in California, is determined to keep out of trouble, focus on building his brand and business, and looks forward to securing a lucrative sponsorship deal. His internet persona isn’t who he really is, though; he’s tired of continually hiding his true self, (and his sexuality) behind kooky, funny “Internet Auggie”, and longs to be truly seen. On the Saturday night before the semester begins, Auggie goes to the Sigma Sigma pledge party, where he meets a fellow pledge named Robert; they get talking and Auggie, who is more than a little tipsy and a lot angry and frustrated with the need to keep playing a role, declares he wants to go “fuck some shit up”. Robert steals a Porsche and with Auggie at the wheel, they hit the streets of Wahredua at high speed – and on the road out of town they only narrowly miss hitting a man wandering along the road by swerving off into a drainage ditch.
Graduate student Theo Stratford lost his husband in a car accident over the summer, and is getting ready to resume his job as a teaching assistant in the English department at Wroxall. He’s still grieving and recovering from his injuries, and by the time Saturday night comes around, he’s exhausted from his long daily commute by bike (he can’t handle getting behind the wheel of a car), and from preparing his classes, and he’s sick to the back teeth of all the well-meaning but useless comments and sympathy from his colleagues. He’s lost in more ways than one and has turned to drink and pills to dull the pain; working his way through a four-pack of beer on top of a Percocet (for his bad leg), he’s more than slightly wasted when he decides it’s a good idea to go outside. He ends up walking along the road towards the lights of the city – and is almost mowed down by a speeding car. When the kid who was driving gets out and runs screaming at him, Theo punches him, but is pulled off before he can land another one by the other kid – who runs off at the sound of police sirens.
Auggie arrives at his first lecture on Monday morning, and quietly admires the rear-view of his new professor as he writes his name on the board… only to realise when the man turns around that it’s the asshole who’d punched him on Saturday night. Theo beckons Auggie outside and tries to get him to drop the class on the grounds that they have ‘history’ but Auggie refuses and returns to his seat. As the lecture starts, his phone starts pinging with notifications – he’s been tagged in a video which is getting loads of comments – a video which shows him at the wheel of the Porsche, screaming his head off, then cuts to him and Theo standing together on the road, and then shows someone with a bag over their head being dragged along while calling for help. Then – white text on a black background – “you just saw a murder.”
Things go from bad to worse later in the week when Auggie is visited by a man who forces his way into his dorm room and smacks him around, demanding to know where Robert is. Auggie has no idea – which is when the slaps turn into a targeted punch to the face and real threats of worse when the man pulls a gun. In desperation, Auggie says he’ll find Robert – and with a warning not to go to the police or he’ll kill him, the man departs. Terrified and having no idea of what to do next, Auggie goes outside – only to see a huge man with a shaved head and a tall thin woman with a swastika tattooed on her cheek heading his way. He runs – to the only person he thinks might be able to help him.
That’s the setup for the mystery, which is gripping and very clever, as Theo and Auggie find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of lies, murder and betrayal and having to depend on one another to survive. Unlike the protagonists in some of the author’s other series (Hazard and Somerset, Borealis Investigations) Theo and Auggie are just regular guys who have no idea how they’ve ended up in the middle of this mess, and it all seems pretty random to them until the author very skilfully starts pulling together those seemingly arbitrary threads and the bigger picture begins to emerge. But as is always the case with Mr. Ashe’s books, the lead characters and the relationships he forges between them are just as integral to the story as the mystery, and in Theo and Auggie, he’s created another truly memorable central couple whose interactions just ooze chemistry and sexual tension. But they’ve got a way to go yet. Theo is still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that ripped apart his family and frankly, he’s on the verge of going under. He’s going through the motions every day until he can get home and commence Operation Get the Fuck Out of His Own Head and has no idea what he’s doing with his life – until he meets Auggie and finds himself reluctantly agreeing to help him. Something about Auggie draws him in – even though he tries to resist it – and he starts to emerge from his self-destructive funk. And in Theo, Auggie at last finds someone he can be himself with, someone who sees the real him and likes him anyway. They find friendship and comfort and affection in each other… and the undercurrent of attraction that underlies all of it is palpable.
J.F. Harding is an excellent narrator and a personal favourite; my happy dance at seeing this novel come to audio included a few moves to celebrate his involvement ;) I love his voice, which is deep and rich with just a bit of gravel, and the performances of his I’ve listened to so far have been well paced and expressive with strong characterisations and clear differentiation, so I knew I was in for a great listening experience. His performance here, however, goes way beyond that, because I honestly can’t find a single thing to criticise. Gregory Ashe’s books typically have fairly large supporting casts, and Mr. Harding skilfully employs a variety of tone and timbre to bring all the secondary characters to life, from the bit-part roles to the important characters of Orlando, Al Lender and Cart, Theo’s late husband’s best friend and work partner, who sounds exactly as I heard him in my head when I read the book earlier this year. His portrayals of Theo and Auggie are the absolute star-turns though; they’re beautifully contrasted, Theo’s voice deep and a bit raspy, and Auggie’s lighter and higher pitched so there’s never any confusion as to who is speaking in their scenes together, and best of all, he absolutely nails the truth of their relationship, the teasing and the underlying attraction and the honest understanding that grows between them.
They Told Me I Was Everything delivered everything I’ve come to expect from a Gregory Ashe novel, and J.F Harding’s intelligent, engaged performance does the impossible and takes it to another level. This is their first collaboration, but Ashe/Harding is already on the list of my favourite author/narrator teams. I can’t wait for more!
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
Anyone who follows my reviews already knows I’m a MASSIVE fan of Gregory Ashe’s work, so it will come as no surprise whatsoever when I say that I did the happiest of dances when his latest audio release hit Audible. Book one in The First Quarto series, They Told Me I Was Everything is a compelling blend of intricately plotted mystery and slow-burn romance featuring complex, well-rounded and intensely likeable leads who are obviously meant for one another but who have quite a bit of work to do in order to be together. (So no HEA in this book – but the UST and the genuine affection that grows between the leads is gorgeous and totally wonderful).
Wroxall College freshman Auggie Lopez is a social media star with tens of thousands of followers who, after a serious screw up at home in California, is determined to keep out of trouble, focus on building his brand and business, and looks forward to securing a lucrative sponsorship deal. His internet persona isn’t who he really is, though; he’s tired of continually hiding his true self, (and his sexuality) behind kooky, funny “Internet Auggie”, and longs to be truly seen. On the Saturday night before the semester begins, Auggie goes to the Sigma Sigma pledge party, where he meets a fellow pledge named Robert; they get talking and Auggie, who is more than a little tipsy and a lot angry and frustrated with the need to keep playing a role, declares he wants to go “fuck some shit up”. Robert steals a Porsche and with Auggie at the wheel, they hit the streets of Wahredua at high speed – and on the road out of town they only narrowly miss hitting a man wandering along the road by swerving off into a drainage ditch.
Graduate student Theo Stratford lost his husband in a car accident over the summer, and is getting ready to resume his job as a teaching assistant in the English department at Wroxall. He’s still grieving and recovering from his injuries, and by the time Saturday night comes around, he’s exhausted from his long daily commute by bike (he can’t handle getting behind the wheel of a car), and from preparing his classes, and he’s sick to the back teeth of all the well-meaning but useless comments and sympathy from his colleagues. He’s lost in more ways than one and has turned to drink and pills to dull the pain; working his way through a four-pack of beer on top of a Percocet (for his bad leg), he’s more than slightly wasted when he decides it’s a good idea to go outside. He ends up walking along the road towards the lights of the city – and is almost mowed down by a speeding car. When the kid who was driving gets out and runs screaming at him, Theo punches him, but is pulled off before he can land another one by the other kid – who runs off at the sound of police sirens.
Auggie arrives at his first lecture on Monday morning, and quietly admires the rear-view of his new professor as he writes his name on the board… only to realise when the man turns around that it’s the asshole who’d punched him on Saturday night. Theo beckons Auggie outside and tries to get him to drop the class on the grounds that they have ‘history’ but Auggie refuses and returns to his seat. As the lecture starts, his phone starts pinging with notifications – he’s been tagged in a video which is getting loads of comments – a video which shows him at the wheel of the Porsche, screaming his head off, then cuts to him and Theo standing together on the road, and then shows someone with a bag over their head being dragged along while calling for help. Then – white text on a black background – “you just saw a murder.”
Things go from bad to worse later in the week when Auggie is visited by a man who forces his way into his dorm room and smacks him around, demanding to know where Robert is. Auggie has no idea – which is when the slaps turn into a targeted punch to the face and real threats of worse when the man pulls a gun. In desperation, Auggie says he’ll find Robert – and with a warning not to go to the police or he’ll kill him, the man departs. Terrified and having no idea of what to do next, Auggie goes outside – only to see a huge man with a shaved head and a tall thin woman with a swastika tattooed on her cheek heading his way. He runs – to the only person he thinks might be able to help him.
That’s the setup for the mystery, which is gripping and very clever, as Theo and Auggie find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of lies, murder and betrayal and having to depend on one another to survive. Unlike the protagonists in some of the author’s other series (Hazard and Somerset, Borealis Investigations) Theo and Auggie are just regular guys who have no idea how they’ve ended up in the middle of this mess, and it all seems pretty random to them until the author very skilfully starts pulling together those seemingly arbitrary threads and the bigger picture begins to emerge. But as is always the case with Mr. Ashe’s books, the lead characters and the relationships he forges between them are just as integral to the story as the mystery, and in Theo and Auggie, he’s created another truly memorable central couple whose interactions just ooze chemistry and sexual tension. But they’ve got a way to go yet. Theo is still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that ripped apart his family and frankly, he’s on the verge of going under. He’s going through the motions every day until he can get home and commence Operation Get the Fuck Out of His Own Head and has no idea what he’s doing with his life – until he meets Auggie and finds himself reluctantly agreeing to help him. Something about Auggie draws him in – even though he tries to resist it – and he starts to emerge from his self-destructive funk. And in Theo, Auggie at last finds someone he can be himself with, someone who sees the real him and likes him anyway. They find friendship and comfort and affection in each other… and the undercurrent of attraction that underlies all of it is palpable.
J.F. Harding is an excellent narrator and a personal favourite; my happy dance at seeing this novel come to audio included a few moves to celebrate his involvement ;) I love his voice, which is deep and rich with just a bit of gravel, and the performances of his I’ve listened to so far have been well paced and expressive with strong characterisations and clear differentiation, so I knew I was in for a great listening experience. His performance here, however, goes way beyond that, because I honestly can’t find a single thing to criticise. Gregory Ashe’s books typically have fairly large supporting casts, and Mr. Harding skilfully employs a variety of tone and timbre to bring all the secondary characters to life, from the bit-part roles to the important characters of Orlando, Al Lender and Cart, Theo’s late husband’s best friend and work partner, who sounds exactly as I heard him in my head when I read the book earlier this year. His portrayals of Theo and Auggie are the absolute star-turns though; they’re beautifully contrasted, Theo’s voice deep and a bit raspy, and Auggie’s lighter and higher pitched so there’s never any confusion as to who is speaking in their scenes together, and best of all, he absolutely nails the truth of their relationship, the teasing and the underlying attraction and the honest understanding that grows between them.
They Told Me I Was Everything delivered everything I’ve come to expect from a Gregory Ashe novel, and J.F Harding’s intelligent, engaged performance does the impossible and takes it to another level. This is their first collaboration, but Ashe/Harding is already on the list of my favourite author/narrator teams. I can’t wait for more!
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
May 29, 2021
Perfect marriage of story & narrator
I read this when the author released it as daily chapters, serial style. I remember liking it a lot but this time around? I loved it. ❤️❤️ I'm sure prepublication the author polished up the writing and sharpened some plot points which really makes the narrative shine but what put me over the moon, aside from the characters & their journey, is the audio narration by J.F. Harding. Perfection.
This isn't a story that will satisfy romance purists as it doesn't end in a HEA or even a HFN. In fact there isn't even sex! But it was perfect. The story is a combination of a modern NA (Auggie) and loss (Theo). The rest is a mystery for our MC to solve while being visited by a not insignificant amount of grief.
Auggie Lopez is that utterly recognizable young person. He's 18 and trying to make it in the cutthroat world of Instagram and sundry social media platforms. He's come to college in Missouri to stay out of trouble, grow his brand, and hopefully score big endorsements. Needless to say Gregory Ashe has other plans for him such as figuring out who he is, dealing with a fraught family background, and crossing paths with Theo Stratford.
Theo is graduate student instructor at Auggie's school. At the opening of the book he's still physically & emotionally reeling from the car accident that took away his husband and, in a sense, their daughter. Ten years and a cultural chasm separate Auggie & Theo and yet ... they make absolute sense together. Even if that togetherness won't happen anytime soon. Besides the physical attraction these two compliment each other in all the ways that matter and I can see how that will grow and deepen as the series progresses. In the meantime all that can reasonably happen in the time span of the book does. I was satisfied.
The story takes place in the same fictional town of Wahredua of the Hazard & Somerset series, and though chronologically it takes place before, I'd recommend reading it after at least the first arc in that series. You'll get spoilers you don't want and when you do get around to it you'll get a peek at brand spanking new Det. John-Henry Somerset.
Needless to say I'm already reading/listening to the next book because GA has the key to my inner masochist.
I read this when the author released it as daily chapters, serial style. I remember liking it a lot but this time around? I loved it. ❤️❤️ I'm sure prepublication the author polished up the writing and sharpened some plot points which really makes the narrative shine but what put me over the moon, aside from the characters & their journey, is the audio narration by J.F. Harding. Perfection.
This isn't a story that will satisfy romance purists as it doesn't end in a HEA or even a HFN. In fact there isn't even sex! But it was perfect. The story is a combination of a modern NA (Auggie) and loss (Theo). The rest is a mystery for our MC to solve while being visited by a not insignificant amount of grief.
Auggie Lopez is that utterly recognizable young person. He's 18 and trying to make it in the cutthroat world of Instagram and sundry social media platforms. He's come to college in Missouri to stay out of trouble, grow his brand, and hopefully score big endorsements. Needless to say Gregory Ashe has other plans for him such as figuring out who he is, dealing with a fraught family background, and crossing paths with Theo Stratford.
Theo is graduate student instructor at Auggie's school. At the opening of the book he's still physically & emotionally reeling from the car accident that took away his husband and, in a sense, their daughter. Ten years and a cultural chasm separate Auggie & Theo and yet ... they make absolute sense together. Even if that togetherness won't happen anytime soon. Besides the physical attraction these two compliment each other in all the ways that matter and I can see how that will grow and deepen as the series progresses. In the meantime all that can reasonably happen in the time span of the book does. I was satisfied.
The story takes place in the same fictional town of Wahredua of the Hazard & Somerset series, and though chronologically it takes place before, I'd recommend reading it after at least the first arc in that series. You'll get spoilers you don't want and when you do get around to it you'll get a peek at brand spanking new Det. John-Henry Somerset.
Needless to say I'm already reading/listening to the next book because GA has the key to my inner masochist.
June 24, 2024
4.5 stars
OMG the angst! It was great reading about the origins of Auggie’s and Theo’s relationship since I’d read all the series in the Hazardverse and crossover Iron and Iron series beforehand. Auggie’s persistence in pursuing Theo was pretty much borderline harassment, but it was also funny and cute. And Theo badly needed a friend given how messed up he was after the tragedy he’d suffered. The quote below perfectly sums up their dynamic throughout the book.
”Auggie wiped his eyes.
Struggling to control his voice, he said, “You don’t know how to text.”
“I can text perfectly fine.”
“You don’t have any social media presence.”
“I know how to get on Instagram on my computer.”
“Oh my God, sometimes I wonder if you can even hear yourself. You don’t watch any good TV shows.”
“I would be willing to make some sort of television compromise.”
“All my friends have to be in my videos.” “That’s a hard no.”
“Please, Theo. You’d get final say, and you’re so grumpy sometimes that you’d be perfect.”
Theo was making a strangled noise, and finally he gave Auggie another shake and said, “We can discuss it further.”
“Friends with benefits,” Auggie said.
“That’s also a hard no.”
“Cuddles.”
“Oh my Christ,” Theo whispered. “It’s like opening Pandora’s box.”
“I’m taking that as a yes,” Auggie said with a smirk.
OMG the angst! It was great reading about the origins of Auggie’s and Theo’s relationship since I’d read all the series in the Hazardverse and crossover Iron and Iron series beforehand. Auggie’s persistence in pursuing Theo was pretty much borderline harassment, but it was also funny and cute. And Theo badly needed a friend given how messed up he was after the tragedy he’d suffered. The quote below perfectly sums up their dynamic throughout the book.
”Auggie wiped his eyes.
Struggling to control his voice, he said, “You don’t know how to text.”
“I can text perfectly fine.”
“You don’t have any social media presence.”
“I know how to get on Instagram on my computer.”
“Oh my God, sometimes I wonder if you can even hear yourself. You don’t watch any good TV shows.”
“I would be willing to make some sort of television compromise.”
“All my friends have to be in my videos.” “That’s a hard no.”
“Please, Theo. You’d get final say, and you’re so grumpy sometimes that you’d be perfect.”
Theo was making a strangled noise, and finally he gave Auggie another shake and said, “We can discuss it further.”
“Friends with benefits,” Auggie said.
“That’s also a hard no.”
“Cuddles.”
“Oh my Christ,” Theo whispered. “It’s like opening Pandora’s box.”
“I’m taking that as a yes,” Auggie said with a smirk.
August 31, 2022
Oh lordy, where do I start? I've been on a roller coaster of emotions from the very first page. I laughed so hard at times that my dog kept doing wellness checks. I cried for nearly every character (not the bad ones) and then listened to "Unmade" by Thom Yorke on repeat to squeeze another gallon of tears from my lacrimal glands (that one's for you, alyssa, because I know you're reading this!). I also found myself perched at the edge of my seat multiple times because, damn, this author is not afraid to put his characters in harms way. This book was everything I wanted and didn't know I wanted combined. In other words, it was SO GOOD!
Before starting my first foray into a Gregory Ashe series, I was adequately warned that the burn would not only be slow, but completely unhurried. Like, snails pace with a ton of hurdles and setbacks to make things interesting. And, god, was that true. It hurt, sometimes really bad, but it felt necessary and realistic. Theo was in a bad place. He was only 28 and had lost so much and was truly struggling to face each day. The way his grief was portrayed was poignant. It was present in everything he did, sometimes as a sharp sting and other times as a dull ache, but always there. Auggie was 18 and such an endearing character. It was impossible not to root for him. He had his own share of demons, but he tried to keep them at bay in order to protect the internet persona he'd carefully curated for himself. I usually favor one character over the other, but I loved Auggie and Theo in equal measure and for very different reasons. I tried to love the side characters too, but could only find room in my heart for Fer and Orlando. Cart seemed like a caring guy, but I felt uncomfortable every time he was around and wanted him to do something unforgivable so Theo would send him away for good. I have no idea why I felt that way, but it was a pervasive and constant feeling for me throughout the entire book.
The mystery had me guessing the whole time. It was obvious where the missing item was and at times I wanted to shake Auggie for not thinking of it, but I couldn't figure out what was going on, who all was involved or why any of it was happening. There was so much going on at all times that I hated having to put the book down for dumb things like sleep, food, exercise, work, etc. I'm actually a little annoyed that I'm still writing this review when I could be reading the next book already, which is exactly what I'm going to do now.
Before starting my first foray into a Gregory Ashe series, I was adequately warned that the burn would not only be slow, but completely unhurried. Like, snails pace with a ton of hurdles and setbacks to make things interesting. And, god, was that true. It hurt, sometimes really bad, but it felt necessary and realistic. Theo was in a bad place. He was only 28 and had lost so much and was truly struggling to face each day. The way his grief was portrayed was poignant. It was present in everything he did, sometimes as a sharp sting and other times as a dull ache, but always there. Auggie was 18 and such an endearing character. It was impossible not to root for him. He had his own share of demons, but he tried to keep them at bay in order to protect the internet persona he'd carefully curated for himself. I usually favor one character over the other, but I loved Auggie and Theo in equal measure and for very different reasons. I tried to love the side characters too, but could only find room in my heart for Fer and Orlando. Cart seemed like a caring guy, but I felt uncomfortable every time he was around and wanted him to do something unforgivable so Theo would send him away for good. I have no idea why I felt that way, but it was a pervasive and constant feeling for me throughout the entire book.
The mystery had me guessing the whole time. It was obvious where the missing item was and at times I wanted to shake Auggie for not thinking of it, but I couldn't figure out what was going on, who all was involved or why any of it was happening. There was so much going on at all times that I hated having to put the book down for dumb things like sleep, food, exercise, work, etc. I'm actually a little annoyed that I'm still writing this review when I could be reading the next book already, which is exactly what I'm going to do now.
December 9, 2020
I put off reading this because the cover makes it look very YA and fluffy. Neither of which are my thing. I should have known better with this author though. This was angsty and emotional and all the other things I love about his work. Complicated characters going through really hard times. Brought together by a murder mystery. I really enjoyed this. It's going to be a SLOW burn so if that bugs you, you might want to wait till more books are out.
It's set in the same world as Hazard and Somerset but takes places a few years before. You'll see appearances by some of those characters including Somerset.
It's set in the same world as Hazard and Somerset but takes places a few years before. You'll see appearances by some of those characters including Somerset.
September 6, 2022
Thank you Shile for your review - I loved this and book 2!!!
JF Harding was amazing. It has been some time since I read GA and I now remember how much I adore his writing. I need to get on the second Hazard series asap. It’s the suspense and slow build, yet you can feel the chemistry
JF Harding was amazing. It has been some time since I read GA and I now remember how much I adore his writing. I need to get on the second Hazard series asap. It’s the suspense and slow build, yet you can feel the chemistry
September 8, 2022
I'm going to end up loving Theo and Auggie just as much as I love Hazard and Somers. And, it's Gregory Ashe - 'nuff said.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
October 17, 2022
Okay, so I'm exaggerating. A little bit. It’s been two years since my last Greg Ashe fix. It still feels like forever, you know?
I guess I’m off the wagon again. 🤷♀️
August 7, 2021
I am kind of surprised that I liked this one as much as I did, because it usually takes me a couple of books into Gregory Ashe's series to really start liking them. This was pretty good but it was not my favorite JF Harding narration, he was a bit dry and on the monotone side but still not bad.
I liked both MCs as well. Theo was in a bad way mentally and physically which was understandable. Auggie was a very typical 18 yo but smart and funny. His times of maturity and bravery were believable but the author still made him awkward at other times revealing his youthfulness.
The secondary characters were not one dimensional either. I felt bad for Orlando even though his actions were not okay, but once again, he was young and in lust and thought it equated with love.
Kart(?) was all over the place although I was waiting for him to reveal that
I will definitely keep going because although they are definitely not in the same league as Hazard and Somerset, they are still good to read about.
I liked both MCs as well. Theo was in a bad way mentally and physically which was understandable. Auggie was a very typical 18 yo but smart and funny. His times of maturity and bravery were believable but the author still made him awkward at other times revealing his youthfulness.
The secondary characters were not one dimensional either. I felt bad for Orlando even though his actions were not okay, but once again, he was young and in lust and thought it equated with love.
Kart(?) was all over the place although I was waiting for him to reveal that
I will definitely keep going because although they are definitely not in the same league as Hazard and Somerset, they are still good to read about.
February 7, 2025
5⭐️♾️ I LOVED this so much I cried at the end because of how adorable they are. Auggie and Theo are everything. They’re not even really together yet, which makes sense because Auggie is so much younger (18, to Theo’s 28) and he has some growing up to do, and Theo is only 6 months out from losing his husband and needs time to heal.
But, damn, the way they orbit each other, the way they banter and let their guards down. Their friendship, their chemistry, their desire. Ugh, it’s so good! I live for this type of angsty, slow-burn romance.
The mystery in this one was great too. I had no idea what was going to happen. We’re back to Hazard and Somerset-level mysteries.
It was nice getting the little Somerset cameo. This story takes place years before Hazard moves back and their romance ensues so baby Somerset is still a beat cop.
But, damn, the way they orbit each other, the way they banter and let their guards down. Their friendship, their chemistry, their desire. Ugh, it’s so good! I live for this type of angsty, slow-burn romance.
The mystery in this one was great too. I had no idea what was going to happen. We’re back to Hazard and Somerset-level mysteries.
It was nice getting the little Somerset cameo. This story takes place years before Hazard moves back and their romance ensues so baby Somerset is still a beat cop.
January 3, 2025
4.0 ⭐️
So much angst and pain! 🥺
So much angst and pain! 🥺
September 15, 2024
February 2022. Book 1 in a MM romance mystery series about two amateur sleuths, a college freshman and a grad student who find themselves embroiled in a missing persons’ case that has multiple groups coming to them and threatening them if they try to get the cops involved.
Another 5/5 stars Gregory Ashe book, full of warmth and humor and longing and mystery and corruption and past trauma and the struggling blur of friendship versus something more between two characters that connect almost immediately but aren’t in a place to be together.
Really adore Auggie and Theo and the humor and moments of vulnerability together. With other series like Hazard and Somerset and North and Shaw the characters have such a history built into their interactions, and I’ve really enjoyed two different people coming together for the first and finding a connection and working as a team and figuring each other out and seeing it all happen.
Got the audiobook on Audible, and JF Harding does a phenomenal job.
A quote from the book about their dynamic back-and-forth:
“sometimes a grainy picture would show up, and Auggie would have to squint, and eventually he’d give up and type: is that an octopus in a ballroom gown?
And of course a message would come from Theo at the exact same time, because his timing over text was atrocious, and it would say something like: I think you could use this in one of your videos.
what? like dancing with the stars
It’s an installation at the Norell.
wtf is an installation?
What is dancing with the stars?
They could go for hours”
“Auggie had used the pretext of searching for Robert as a way of firmly establishing his right to come and go at Theo’s house whenever Theo was around. Then it settled into a routine: Theo working on his thesis on the sofa, Auggie sprawled next to him and reading or doing homework or managing his accounts.”
Another 5/5 stars Gregory Ashe book, full of warmth and humor and longing and mystery and corruption and past trauma and the struggling blur of friendship versus something more between two characters that connect almost immediately but aren’t in a place to be together.
Really adore Auggie and Theo and the humor and moments of vulnerability together. With other series like Hazard and Somerset and North and Shaw the characters have such a history built into their interactions, and I’ve really enjoyed two different people coming together for the first and finding a connection and working as a team and figuring each other out and seeing it all happen.
Got the audiobook on Audible, and JF Harding does a phenomenal job.
A quote from the book about their dynamic back-and-forth:
“sometimes a grainy picture would show up, and Auggie would have to squint, and eventually he’d give up and type: is that an octopus in a ballroom gown?
And of course a message would come from Theo at the exact same time, because his timing over text was atrocious, and it would say something like: I think you could use this in one of your videos.
what? like dancing with the stars
It’s an installation at the Norell.
wtf is an installation?
What is dancing with the stars?
They could go for hours”
“Auggie had used the pretext of searching for Robert as a way of firmly establishing his right to come and go at Theo’s house whenever Theo was around. Then it settled into a routine: Theo working on his thesis on the sofa, Auggie sprawled next to him and reading or doing homework or managing his accounts.”
September 18, 2023
Updating this review after I finished my second read of the whole series.
It doesn't get any better than this series. It's so smart, so astute, so deep, so layered. You won't find anything better. If you are considering giving Gregory Ashe a try, I'd strongly advise you to start here.
Original review :
Full disclosure I read this book because I couldn't focus on the non GA book I had started and this was a way too slowly withdraw from Hazard and Somerset, a sort of gradual weaning if you will.
To the surprise of absolutely nobody this turned out to be fantastic and as a result I am now obsessed with Theo and Auggie *as well*
It's fine, I'll just have to accept that I will read Gregory Ashe books forever. Thank God he's a prolific author.
So, about this book. The set up of how Theo and Auggie are involved in the mystery was a bit artificial to my taste and for a few chapters I thought I would finally prove to you all that I was objective when it comes to GA by rating one of his books a 4.
BUT then things happened, like the mystery really taking off, secondary characters interfering with our MCs relationship, and surprise visits from old H&S characters.
AND the two most adorable MCs ever written. Like I'd die for them. Each individually and as a couple, I can't express what they do to me.
No need to say that I jumped straight into book 2 "Yet a stranger", I'm already half way. Didn't even think about interrupting my reading to come and review here. But then I thought I owe it to the world... Don't miss out!
It doesn't get any better than this series. It's so smart, so astute, so deep, so layered. You won't find anything better. If you are considering giving Gregory Ashe a try, I'd strongly advise you to start here.
Original review :
Full disclosure I read this book because I couldn't focus on the non GA book I had started and this was a way too slowly withdraw from Hazard and Somerset, a sort of gradual weaning if you will.
To the surprise of absolutely nobody this turned out to be fantastic and as a result I am now obsessed with Theo and Auggie *as well*
It's fine, I'll just have to accept that I will read Gregory Ashe books forever. Thank God he's a prolific author.
So, about this book. The set up of how Theo and Auggie are involved in the mystery was a bit artificial to my taste and for a few chapters I thought I would finally prove to you all that I was objective when it comes to GA by rating one of his books a 4.
BUT then things happened, like the mystery really taking off, secondary characters interfering with our MCs relationship, and surprise visits from old H&S characters.
AND the two most adorable MCs ever written. Like I'd die for them. Each individually and as a couple, I can't express what they do to me.
No need to say that I jumped straight into book 2 "Yet a stranger", I'm already half way. Didn't even think about interrupting my reading to come and review here. But then I thought I owe it to the world... Don't miss out!
July 3, 2021
So I went to the author's website in hopes of finding a suggested reading order because the dude is prolific and lo and behold it existed! So I've started with this one. And holy shit I was pulled in and invested almost from the first page.
I'm so close to giving it five stars but there were a few elements that felt a tiny bit unrealistic (I know, I know, I suspended so much disbelief already, why not go all the way.. can't explain it) but the writing? I loved. The characters? I loved more. I think I'm already obsessed.
I highly doubt I'll be putting together any real reviews for this binge (and I mean binge, I have a scribd trial going for some of these and I'll be switching to a KU trial, too, so, yes.. I mean business) but honestly I'm just here for a good time. A good time is long overdue.
4.5 stars
I'm so close to giving it five stars but there were a few elements that felt a tiny bit unrealistic (I know, I know, I suspended so much disbelief already, why not go all the way.. can't explain it) but the writing? I loved. The characters? I loved more. I think I'm already obsessed.
I highly doubt I'll be putting together any real reviews for this binge (and I mean binge, I have a scribd trial going for some of these and I'll be switching to a KU trial, too, so, yes.. I mean business) but honestly I'm just here for a good time. A good time is long overdue.
4.5 stars
March 23, 2025
Really enjoyed these two characters!!!
January 13, 2024
Let's deal with the easy part first...the narrator and in this case it was J.F. Harding. He was simply delightful. Sometimes I think that when it comes to audio books a good narrator is more crucial to the story than a good story but when your lucky enough to get a good narrator and a good story...well that my friend is like winning a literary lottery (say that one 5 times really fast, go ahead you know you wanna')
Now for the more challenging part...the story! Firstly I'm a huge fan of this author. I mean seriously without fail it never ceases to amaze me how emotionally invested I become in his stories.
I honestly had no intentions of ever delving into this particular series because while I don't have any triggers when it comes to reading, like most people when it comes to what I read, I do have likes and dislikes (for lack of a better term) and while its not as much of a dislike for me as it use to be age gaps are still on that list. Especially when it falls into the range that Auggie & Theo are on (18 - 28).
Add to this the fact that quite honestly Auggie frequently falls into the TSTL category. I realize this is a bit harsh but like most people when they are/were Auggie's age (myself included) Augie frequently makes poor life choices. The kind that will one day leave him wondering how he managed to survive in this world as long as he has.
Meanwhile Theo may have more life experience to draw on allowing him to make hopefully smarter choices, those same experiences have also left him a very broken man...broken to the point that I'm no sure that he'll ever truly be fixed...even with some heavy handed use of gorilla glue...so very broken 😭
Sadly when these two are together they can become toxic and yet for some crazy inexplicable reason I have become invested in their story and I find myself wanting their relationship to work for them.
Add to all this the fact that the author is writing a series that will connect Hazard & Somerset/North & Shaw/Tean & Jem with Auggie & Theo and I found myself revisiting my decision to take a pass on this series. I'm almost finished with the third book in this series and looking forward to "A Fault Against the Dead" which is the last book in "The First Quarto" series and I truly regret nothing.
Gregory Ashe writes characters that are if not broken at the very least life's challenges have left them damaged. They are fallible and no matter how perfect they may seem on the surface it is frequently pure stubbornness and an underlying strength of character that even his characters don't realize they possess until it's needed that sees them through whatever life throws their way. These are ordinary people living through what are oftentimes extraordinary circumstances. They are people that many if not all of us can relate to on some level.
I can't say that Auggie & Theo are my favorite pairing by this author because for me that honor belongs to Tean & Jem with Hazard & Somerset an extremely close second but they are definitely a pairing that I'd love to have more about especially a few years down the road to see how Auggie changes as he matures.
Forget recommending this book...I'm just going to wrap it up with 'I strongly recommend this author'.
Now for the more challenging part...the story! Firstly I'm a huge fan of this author. I mean seriously without fail it never ceases to amaze me how emotionally invested I become in his stories.
I honestly had no intentions of ever delving into this particular series because while I don't have any triggers when it comes to reading, like most people when it comes to what I read, I do have likes and dislikes (for lack of a better term) and while its not as much of a dislike for me as it use to be age gaps are still on that list. Especially when it falls into the range that Auggie & Theo are on (18 - 28).
Add to this the fact that quite honestly Auggie frequently falls into the TSTL category. I realize this is a bit harsh but like most people when they are/were Auggie's age (myself included) Augie frequently makes poor life choices. The kind that will one day leave him wondering how he managed to survive in this world as long as he has.
Meanwhile Theo may have more life experience to draw on allowing him to make hopefully smarter choices, those same experiences have also left him a very broken man...broken to the point that I'm no sure that he'll ever truly be fixed...even with some heavy handed use of gorilla glue...so very broken 😭
Sadly when these two are together they can become toxic and yet for some crazy inexplicable reason I have become invested in their story and I find myself wanting their relationship to work for them.
Add to all this the fact that the author is writing a series that will connect Hazard & Somerset/North & Shaw/Tean & Jem with Auggie & Theo and I found myself revisiting my decision to take a pass on this series. I'm almost finished with the third book in this series and looking forward to "A Fault Against the Dead" which is the last book in "The First Quarto" series and I truly regret nothing.
Gregory Ashe writes characters that are if not broken at the very least life's challenges have left them damaged. They are fallible and no matter how perfect they may seem on the surface it is frequently pure stubbornness and an underlying strength of character that even his characters don't realize they possess until it's needed that sees them through whatever life throws their way. These are ordinary people living through what are oftentimes extraordinary circumstances. They are people that many if not all of us can relate to on some level.
I can't say that Auggie & Theo are my favorite pairing by this author because for me that honor belongs to Tean & Jem with Hazard & Somerset an extremely close second but they are definitely a pairing that I'd love to have more about especially a few years down the road to see how Auggie changes as he matures.
Forget recommending this book...I'm just going to wrap it up with 'I strongly recommend this author'.
January 18, 2023
They Told Me I Was Everything by Gregory Ashe is the first book in a new series featuring the dual amateur sleuth concept, and in true Ashe format, these stories are dark, gritty, tense, and absolutely addictive!
I read Book 1 of The First Quarto way back when it was being serialized, then again to refresh myself when Ashe had the time to wrap up Books 3 and 4. This series wouldn’t be written by Ashe if there wasn’t Easter eggs of some sort, so if you recognize the name Wroxall College, yes, the university is in the fictional town of Wahredua, and expect certain personalities from the Wahredua PD to make cameos! What’s great about this is, if you’ve read the Hazard and Somerset series, you’ve got that one-up on Auggie and Theo, but still don’t know what might happen. And if you haven’t read it, there’s no spoilers, since The First Quarto takes place several years before H&S.
Auggie Lopez hails from California and is a freshman at Wroxall. He’s got a popular presence on social media, is focused on growing his audience more than he is his schoolwork, and is intending to stay in Missouri for only one year before transferring elsewhere and taking a Communications major with him. That is, of course, before his run-in with Theo Stratford, a grad student teaching courses on Shakespeare at Wroxall, and recent survivor of a car accident that took his young family away from him. Auggie is alone in a new place, feeling like a cardboard cutout as he hides who he really is, and Theo is mentally, emotionally, and physically, barely surviving.
The two crash (almost literally) together in the worst way, with a mystery surrounding the campus grounds that leads to social media threats, a missing flash drive, the dreaded Ozark Volunteers (in this universe, a conservative, dangerous, drug-dealing gang of country misfits who love to create violence and chaos for our various heroes), a certain corrupt cop, and a traumatic but gentle slowburn blossoming between our student and professor leads.
The mysteries in this series are great, but I think Ashe excels at characterization and growth here. By all accounts, Auggie and Theo are in rough shape when we meet them. Auggie is eighteen and a closeted influencer—that right there is often enough for people to wince and say, no thanks. But watching Auggie learn, make mistakes, and grow into a competent young man is such a gratifying and satisfying adventure, (in between the murder and violence and mayhem that inundates Wahredua, of course.) And Theo is deeply grieving, has addiction issues, and is barely hanging on to a job you know he adores but is self-sabotaging, and yet, like Auggie, we watch Theo take the pains to mend his heart and mind, to care for himself, to occasionally slip up but try harder the next time… Writing flawed humans who make mistakes but still seek out and embrace love is Ashe’s true skill, and he absolutely shines in They Told Me I Was Everything.
I read Book 1 of The First Quarto way back when it was being serialized, then again to refresh myself when Ashe had the time to wrap up Books 3 and 4. This series wouldn’t be written by Ashe if there wasn’t Easter eggs of some sort, so if you recognize the name Wroxall College, yes, the university is in the fictional town of Wahredua, and expect certain personalities from the Wahredua PD to make cameos! What’s great about this is, if you’ve read the Hazard and Somerset series, you’ve got that one-up on Auggie and Theo, but still don’t know what might happen. And if you haven’t read it, there’s no spoilers, since The First Quarto takes place several years before H&S.
Auggie Lopez hails from California and is a freshman at Wroxall. He’s got a popular presence on social media, is focused on growing his audience more than he is his schoolwork, and is intending to stay in Missouri for only one year before transferring elsewhere and taking a Communications major with him. That is, of course, before his run-in with Theo Stratford, a grad student teaching courses on Shakespeare at Wroxall, and recent survivor of a car accident that took his young family away from him. Auggie is alone in a new place, feeling like a cardboard cutout as he hides who he really is, and Theo is mentally, emotionally, and physically, barely surviving.
The two crash (almost literally) together in the worst way, with a mystery surrounding the campus grounds that leads to social media threats, a missing flash drive, the dreaded Ozark Volunteers (in this universe, a conservative, dangerous, drug-dealing gang of country misfits who love to create violence and chaos for our various heroes), a certain corrupt cop, and a traumatic but gentle slowburn blossoming between our student and professor leads.
The mysteries in this series are great, but I think Ashe excels at characterization and growth here. By all accounts, Auggie and Theo are in rough shape when we meet them. Auggie is eighteen and a closeted influencer—that right there is often enough for people to wince and say, no thanks. But watching Auggie learn, make mistakes, and grow into a competent young man is such a gratifying and satisfying adventure, (in between the murder and violence and mayhem that inundates Wahredua, of course.) And Theo is deeply grieving, has addiction issues, and is barely hanging on to a job you know he adores but is self-sabotaging, and yet, like Auggie, we watch Theo take the pains to mend his heart and mind, to care for himself, to occasionally slip up but try harder the next time… Writing flawed humans who make mistakes but still seek out and embrace love is Ashe’s true skill, and he absolutely shines in They Told Me I Was Everything.
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