What do you think?
Rate this book
All Your Firsts Without Me
Coming Spring 2021!!!
All Your Firsts Without Me
Arranging your own funeral is hard.
Planning for your wife to fall in love with someone else once you’re gone is harder.
He is giving me the greatest gift.
A chance to remain in her life after I leave this place.
I’ve spent my final days plotting and writing letters.
Letters to guide her for all her firsts without me.
If everything goes according to plan, she will love me even more, and if all goes correctly, she will love him just as much.
You think I’m crazy?
Maybe.
Only time will tell.
You might even find yourself falling in love with me.
Who knows? Life is full of surprises.
All Your Firsts Without Me
Arranging your own funeral is hard.
Planning for your wife to fall in love with someone else once you’re gone is harder.
He is giving me the greatest gift.
A chance to remain in her life after I leave this place.
I’ve spent my final days plotting and writing letters.
Letters to guide her for all her firsts without me.
If everything goes according to plan, she will love me even more, and if all goes correctly, she will love him just as much.
You think I’m crazy?
Maybe.
Only time will tell.
You might even find yourself falling in love with me.
Who knows? Life is full of surprises.
Unknown Binding
245 people are currently reading
1418 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Terry
15 books526 followersLM Terry is simply a crazy Gemini, writing stories that contain both light and dark elements. Her novels will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. But when you get off, she promises it will be with a happy ever after. LM Terry lives in a small town in the heart of the United States. She is a wife, mother, and book lover. You will find her most days with her head in the clouds.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
May 17, 2021
I cried from page 1 all the way through to the end. And not dainty little sobs that you can hide behind a cough, oh no. I cried big, fat, ugly tears with snot and everything.
Please don't let that put you off. This is a truly amazing book that starts at a point where you wonder how any joy, hope or happiness can thrive. You're worried that your loyalties are going to be split, because my god you're going to love David.
Don't worry though, he has it all planned. He knew what he was doing giving LM Terry this book to write. He did well to choose and trust her with his, and his family's story. By the end of the book you will have encountered joy, hope and happiness, enough to last a lifetime.
Please don't let that put you off. This is a truly amazing book that starts at a point where you wonder how any joy, hope or happiness can thrive. You're worried that your loyalties are going to be split, because my god you're going to love David.
Don't worry though, he has it all planned. He knew what he was doing giving LM Terry this book to write. He did well to choose and trust her with his, and his family's story. By the end of the book you will have encountered joy, hope and happiness, enough to last a lifetime.
May 18, 2021
This was the saddest but most beautiful love story of all time . The Notebook has nothing on this story ! Get your tissues ready and try not dehydrate because you’re going to cry .
This heroine had a bad past but was rescued by her hero . That hero , David was the most amazing man that you’ve ever read about and I fell in complete love with him . He was selfless and did everything humanly possible to ensure that April had a happy life. David was my favorite character in the book!
This is a story of pain , sacrifice , selflessness, and love and if it doesn’t rip your heart out and stomp on it, then you need to get that checked .
I’ve read several books by this author and she has an amazing way with words. She makes the story pop off of the page . This is a book that you don’t want to miss .
This heroine had a bad past but was rescued by her hero . That hero , David was the most amazing man that you’ve ever read about and I fell in complete love with him . He was selfless and did everything humanly possible to ensure that April had a happy life. David was my favorite character in the book!
This is a story of pain , sacrifice , selflessness, and love and if it doesn’t rip your heart out and stomp on it, then you need to get that checked .
I’ve read several books by this author and she has an amazing way with words. She makes the story pop off of the page . This is a book that you don’t want to miss .
May 30, 2021
I really enjoyed the first half of the book about her husband David but I felt like everything moved too quickly with Westin. I mean I couldn’t even fathom my husband dying and then already catching feelings for another man not even 4 months later. It felt too soon and I know the author repeats how life is short and who knows when is the right time. But I dunno, it just felt strange and unnatural to her character. I’m like wait how are you already in love so fast? After they meet the story kind of just rushes through their relationship and I got bored
May 21, 2021
This story is so beautifully written. Get your tissues ready cause y’all are going to need them.
I love how much David loves April and how selfless he was to want her to be happy even after he is gone, to make sure she is loved and finds love with every letter he wrote to her. I love that April was strong after everything she went through. I love how Westin was patience with April and letting her grieve and letting her know it’s okay to love and miss David. I did cry but it’s such an amazing love story
I love how much David loves April and how selfless he was to want her to be happy even after he is gone, to make sure she is loved and finds love with every letter he wrote to her. I love that April was strong after everything she went through. I love how Westin was patience with April and letting her grieve and letting her know it’s okay to love and miss David. I did cry but it’s such an amazing love story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
Nope. 👎🏼
You’re telling me that this girl marries the police officer who found her while she was being held captive, who is also 24 years older than her & we’re just not even batting an eye at those extremely bizarre circumstances?!
This book was so unrealistic.
Way too many plots in 200 pages, I couldn’t even keep up.
You’re telling me that this girl marries the police officer who found her while she was being held captive, who is also 24 years older than her & we’re just not even batting an eye at those extremely bizarre circumstances?!
This book was so unrealistic.
Way too many plots in 200 pages, I couldn’t even keep up.
February 7, 2024
The overall plot to the story was intriguing but I don't think it delivered like I would have wanted it too. I really liked the beginning and the end but I just felt like the middle was just very fluffy. I do think April and Westin falling so fast was very unbelievable...it was only 4 months. I think for April's character it was completely unlike her. The biggest shock for me was when it was revealed that April's neighbor was Westin's mom, I didn't see that coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
4.5 stars
June 19, 2022
This was a unique story. I’ve seen the concept a couple times, but this was the first I was interested in reading. April spent four years of her life trapped in a basement by her father. David was the responding officer who saved April. They spent years building a relationship of unconditional love before taking it to the next level. I wish it were longer. And that we got more David. He was portrayed as a very loving and selfless man.
3.8⭐️
3.8⭐️
August 6, 2021
Oh my goodness, this was an amazing story, very emotional and I cried most of the way through it. It gripped me right from the start and held my attention to the end, in fact I didn't want it to end, I could've read about Westin and April forever. The story was a unique concept, not the usual run of the mill romance and I would highly recommend it.
September 30, 2021
I'm sorry but I struggled to read this to completion, even though I eventually did.
A poor version of PS I love you, and sexing a baby at 3 months 🤦♀️🤷♀️ not for me, sorry
A poor version of PS I love you, and sexing a baby at 3 months 🤦♀️🤷♀️ not for me, sorry
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
There is A LOT going on in this book. It’s full of surprises but I know some of my safety girls don’t like that so this review is for you ladies! If you don’t want spoilers, don’t read my review! I will tell you guys it’s totally safe and I DO recommend going in blind bc the surprises are pretty good.
Check the triggers-parent abuse and neglect
Would I consider this safe: Yes
Cheating: No
OW/OM drama: No? April is married to David in the beginning. He knows he is dying and doesn’t want her to be alone to he wrote her letters and plans her relationship beginning with H2 (Westin). There is no jealousy. Both MMCs have a bond.
Third act breakup/separation: No
History: Nothing on H1 but he has a kid only 4 years younger than April 💁♀️big age gap but I can’t recall if we’re told what it is. H2 has been celibate since his accident (10 years). Our h….well she’s technically a V bc H1 is paralyzed from the waist down. She loses her V to H2
MMC 1: David. Story starts with him explaining that he is dying and wants to make sure his wife isn’t alone. I like him, but we don’t see too much of their relationship. I prefer that bc it makes the bond between her and Mason much stronger. David is a former cop but he is paralyzed after protecting mall shoppers during a shoot out. It seems he is dying of kidney failure?
MMC 2: Westin. We love him. He’s a song writer who calls April his muse. You find out why and how tightly they are truly connected. He was in a car accident 10 yrs ago that killed his parents and caused him to lose his leg. He is insecure about it and doesn’t date for 10 yrs. He also has an obsession with the FMC.
FMC: April is very complex. She is the girl in the basement. Her dad traps her in the basement for 4 years. The police officer who rescues her is David. She was 16. They start a friendship where he visits her weekly in her group home. She leaves at 18 and moves in with him and his son. They don’t start a relationship right away and he’s very reluctant. She depends on him for everything. He is her only person so when he dies she is lost. It’s why he created the letters and setup the meeting with Westin .
This book is full of twists and turns. The theme seems to be “inevitable “ and “everything happens for a reason “. I teared up a few times—it was pretty emotional and reminded me of the movie PS I Love You.
Check the triggers-parent abuse and neglect
Would I consider this safe: Yes
Cheating: No
OW/OM drama: No? April is married to David in the beginning. He knows he is dying and doesn’t want her to be alone to he wrote her letters and plans her relationship beginning with H2 (Westin). There is no jealousy. Both MMCs have a bond.
Third act breakup/separation: No
History: Nothing on H1 but he has a kid only 4 years younger than April 💁♀️big age gap but I can’t recall if we’re told what it is. H2 has been celibate since his accident (10 years). Our h….well she’s technically a V bc H1 is paralyzed from the waist down. She loses her V to H2
MMC 1: David. Story starts with him explaining that he is dying and wants to make sure his wife isn’t alone. I like him, but we don’t see too much of their relationship. I prefer that bc it makes the bond between her and Mason much stronger. David is a former cop but he is paralyzed after protecting mall shoppers during a shoot out. It seems he is dying of kidney failure?
MMC 2: Westin. We love him. He’s a song writer who calls April his muse. You find out why and how tightly they are truly connected. He was in a car accident 10 yrs ago that killed his parents and caused him to lose his leg. He is insecure about it and doesn’t date for 10 yrs. He also has an obsession with the FMC.
FMC: April is very complex. She is the girl in the basement. Her dad traps her in the basement for 4 years. The police officer who rescues her is David. She was 16. They start a friendship where he visits her weekly in her group home. She leaves at 18 and moves in with him and his son. They don’t start a relationship right away and he’s very reluctant. She depends on him for everything. He is her only person so when he dies she is lost. It’s why he created the letters and setup the meeting with Westin .
This book is full of twists and turns. The theme seems to be “inevitable “ and “everything happens for a reason “. I teared up a few times—it was pretty emotional and reminded me of the movie PS I Love You.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
April Langston was not ready to let her husband, David, go. But he had a plan involving Westin Miller in order to help her move on.
This book brought out all the emotions I wanted to purge. Even though towards the end everything seemed too easy and convenient, I was drawn to the story.
April and Westin were both broken in a different way, unknowingly becoming the glue each needed. However, I felt their relationship progressed a little rushed. I liked the supporting characters and their significance in the story.
All Your Firsts Without Me is a story of empowerment and unconditional love. It would appeal to readers who enjoy emotional romance.
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
April Langston was not ready to let her husband, David, go. But he had a plan involving Westin Miller in order to help her move on.
This book brought out all the emotions I wanted to purge. Even though towards the end everything seemed too easy and convenient, I was drawn to the story.
Sometimes these letters heal and other times it’s like picking at a scab, reopening old wounds.
April and Westin were both broken in a different way, unknowingly becoming the glue each needed. However, I felt their relationship progressed a little rushed. I liked the supporting characters and their significance in the story.
All Your Firsts Without Me is a story of empowerment and unconditional love. It would appeal to readers who enjoy emotional romance.
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
June 16, 2023
I have absolutely no words!!
Not gonna lie I was a bit uncertain about the foundation that David & April’s relationship but I quickly figured that didn’t even matter..
It hit me right in the feels. I actually have NO words..
Can say while I wasn’t actively crying the whole time (there were moments) my eyes at the very least were blurry with tears for the first 42% of the book.
This one is 100% gonna leave a mark!
Not gonna lie I was a bit uncertain about the foundation that David & April’s relationship but I quickly figured that didn’t even matter..
It hit me right in the feels. I actually have NO words..
Can say while I wasn’t actively crying the whole time (there were moments) my eyes at the very least were blurry with tears for the first 42% of the book.
This one is 100% gonna leave a mark!
February 20, 2024
I thought this book was going to be a sad tear jerker - but it was one of the most positive and uplifting books about death. It was actually very heartwarming!! I loved all the characters and the P.S. I love you type storyline was one of the best I've read!!! Also noting that in dealing with parental abuse/cult stuff this was also soooooo positive and also written without anguish - loved that!!!!
June 9, 2023
It reminded me of P.S I love you in some ways. But the age gap between her & her first husband (24yrs 🫣) and like kind of the way they got together? Maybe if they went a bit more deeper into that I could have maybe understood it but it gave me a big ICK. It gave like grooming/predator vibes idk😬 overall a somewhat good read?
July 3, 2023
This was exactly what I was looking for! I was searching for a book to make me cry, sometimes you just need a good cry, ok? Anyway, this delivered that! After I cried, I smiled. It was so good. I am more of a rom com/ romantasy girlie, so I don't typically read romance, but this was worth it!
July 6, 2023
I bawled my eyes out multiples times in this book, and I am not usually a crier. The idea of this book was super sweet and although heartbreaking an many ways, i like how it gives a different insight into mourning a loved one and remembering them as you build your future.
October 7, 2023
What a beautiful book. All of David’s letters were special - but the last one? 😭 I wish I could read this for the first time again.
April 26, 2023
Sooo many tears!
July 4, 2023
Whole story felt rushed and was kinda creepy in all honesty…..
January 28, 2024
Good but so sad ☹️
May 17, 2023
Love forever and a day
This was an amazing read. My heart has been stripped bare, torn, and put back together.
When I tell you I sobbed, I cried for a good part of this book. I laughed, and I smiled.
Losing someone is never easy, but finding someone who mends the pain and who soothes the aching heart makes the pain easier to bear.
I loved Westin, the way he was with April and the way he loved her. I felt the love, I felt the pain, and most of all, I felt the happiness in each paragraph. LM Terry put her heart into this book, and you can feel it.
I so wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I highly recommend reading this book. Just be prepared to be in all in your feels.
This was an amazing read. My heart has been stripped bare, torn, and put back together.
When I tell you I sobbed, I cried for a good part of this book. I laughed, and I smiled.
Losing someone is never easy, but finding someone who mends the pain and who soothes the aching heart makes the pain easier to bear.
I loved Westin, the way he was with April and the way he loved her. I felt the love, I felt the pain, and most of all, I felt the happiness in each paragraph. LM Terry put her heart into this book, and you can feel it.
I so wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I highly recommend reading this book. Just be prepared to be in all in your feels.
May 21, 2021
Heartbreakingly beautiful 😻
May 6, 2023
I don’t understand why this has high ratings. It wasn’t written well and the entire story felt very uncomfortable. The FMC was a victim the entire story and he first husband was the cop that found her? 24 years older? Paralyzed? Really weird book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2023
Crying at 6 am
I saw this on TikTok thinking there is no way I will cry over this. I was wrong by the first page I was already tearing up! The author captures the emotion of grief so well that you are grieving with the characters. My poor heart couldn't handle it! It is a HEA so that's definitely to look forward to! I've recommended this book to any romance lovers that want a good cry! Can't wait to read more from this author!
I saw this on TikTok thinking there is no way I will cry over this. I was wrong by the first page I was already tearing up! The author captures the emotion of grief so well that you are grieving with the characters. My poor heart couldn't handle it! It is a HEA so that's definitely to look forward to! I've recommended this book to any romance lovers that want a good cry! Can't wait to read more from this author!
May 4, 2023
one of my new go to favorites
This story is emotionally draining but in such an amazing way. I spent a good portion of this book in tears. This story just sucks you in with the human connection and doesn’t let go of your heart. Major book hangover. April has suffered so much and now is working towards the real fact, not possibility that she is losing her husband. And she can’t do a thing about it. David was amazing in his acceptance and love for his family. He wanted to make sure they would be ok without him and how he prepared will forever be the ripple of pebbles in April, and Westins life. Loved their story. Loved how even though David plotted and planned and that he made it seem like it was orchestrated to happen one way there were surprise moments of omg I can’t believe the chances and inevitability of fate. Loved how it all came full circle. Amazing end to an amazing story.
This story is emotionally draining but in such an amazing way. I spent a good portion of this book in tears. This story just sucks you in with the human connection and doesn’t let go of your heart. Major book hangover. April has suffered so much and now is working towards the real fact, not possibility that she is losing her husband. And she can’t do a thing about it. David was amazing in his acceptance and love for his family. He wanted to make sure they would be ok without him and how he prepared will forever be the ripple of pebbles in April, and Westins life. Loved their story. Loved how even though David plotted and planned and that he made it seem like it was orchestrated to happen one way there were surprise moments of omg I can’t believe the chances and inevitability of fate. Loved how it all came full circle. Amazing end to an amazing story.
October 28, 2021
What a beautiful story. Simply beautiful. It's not an exceptionally long book, but it's just what you need when you are looking for a wonderfully sad yet lovely story to bring tears to your eyes and love in your heart. I was teary-eyed from the beginning, and it only got sweeter, lovelier, and more beautifully written from there. It's a love story, but love can only truly be appreciated in full when you experience heartache as well.
I absolutely loved this story. The concept is unique, a dying husband preparing his soon-to-be widow to move on with life without him by setting her up to fall in love with someone new. It seems crazy, right? And perhaps in reality it would be. Or perhaps it truly would be the most selfless thing a person could do for someone they love, because they want them to continue living, to see the beauty in the world again, to learn to love again. So to facilitate that knowing you are dying and should otherwise leave your loved one alone.... selfless. And beautiful. How could you not appreciate David's love for April? So sweet. And Westin and April's love story is just a beautiful in its own way, and the twist was perfect. Each relationship structure had its ow beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, sad, beautiful love story.
*Spoilers* I know some people have commented on the fact that April falls in love so soon after her husband's death. That was literally the point though. It's what David wanted for her. He was afraid of leaving her alone and that she would go back to the darkness. And surprise surprise it's where her mind went, and he predicted it and saved her before she ever could. That is exactly why he wanted her to have someone else. He facilitated just that because he loved her. Perhaps it seems unrealistic that she would fall so fast, but he tried to ensure she would in order for Westin to be there to help mend her broken heart. And that's exactly what happened.
I absolutely loved this story. The concept is unique, a dying husband preparing his soon-to-be widow to move on with life without him by setting her up to fall in love with someone new. It seems crazy, right? And perhaps in reality it would be. Or perhaps it truly would be the most selfless thing a person could do for someone they love, because they want them to continue living, to see the beauty in the world again, to learn to love again. So to facilitate that knowing you are dying and should otherwise leave your loved one alone.... selfless. And beautiful. How could you not appreciate David's love for April? So sweet. And Westin and April's love story is just a beautiful in its own way, and the twist was perfect. Each relationship structure had its ow beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, sad, beautiful love story.
*Spoilers* I know some people have commented on the fact that April falls in love so soon after her husband's death. That was literally the point though. It's what David wanted for her. He was afraid of leaving her alone and that she would go back to the darkness. And surprise surprise it's where her mind went, and he predicted it and saved her before she ever could. That is exactly why he wanted her to have someone else. He facilitated just that because he loved her. Perhaps it seems unrealistic that she would fall so fast, but he tried to ensure she would in order for Westin to be there to help mend her broken heart. And that's exactly what happened.
October 5, 2024
I have no words, I attempted a full in depth review twice and it was ramble and nonsense because I am so shit at getting my thoughts out.
All I’ll say is Alexa play Invisible Strings by Taylor Swift.
This was so beautiful and so sad but so inspiring.
I normally hate the dead ex trope or when one of the MCs had a true love type of relationship before the h & H’s relationship but I was in the mood to cry and this book delivered and then some. David’s letters had me ugly crying every time.
I loved David and I loved April and Westin and their Hea was so deserved.
I can’t believe this was only 213 pages! It felt like a much longer book but in a good way.
-1st husband David was 24 years older than the h
-Not sure what the age gap was between April and Westin but at one point he says he’s 32 years old, I don’t remember if we were told Aprils age.
-Safe no owd/omd
-h is a virgin, her husband was paralysed but it’s insinuated they were intimate in other ways but nothing descriptive is shown.
H said he’d been celibate for 10 years, he lost a leg in a car accident and said he only tried to be with 1 woman after but she reacted negatively to his prosthetic leg then ghosted him so he never tried again.
-HEA
-Epilogue 5 years later, married with 3 kids
All I’ll say is Alexa play Invisible Strings by Taylor Swift.
This was so beautiful and so sad but so inspiring.
I normally hate the dead ex trope or when one of the MCs had a true love type of relationship before the h & H’s relationship but I was in the mood to cry and this book delivered and then some. David’s letters had me ugly crying every time.
I loved David and I loved April and Westin and their Hea was so deserved.
I can’t believe this was only 213 pages! It felt like a much longer book but in a good way.
-1st husband David was 24 years older than the h
-Not sure what the age gap was between April and Westin but at one point he says he’s 32 years old, I don’t remember if we were told Aprils age.
-Safe no owd/omd
-h is a virgin, her husband was paralysed but it’s insinuated they were intimate in other ways but nothing descriptive is shown.
H said he’d been celibate for 10 years, he lost a leg in a car accident and said he only tried to be with 1 woman after but she reacted negatively to his prosthetic leg then ghosted him so he never tried again.
-HEA
-Epilogue 5 years later, married with 3 kids
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2022
grab. box of tissues, this is the best book I’ve read all year.
I get invested in some books. But I’ve never really gotten emotional, never felt like tearing up. Been upset a few times or mad at the author for the way things played out for a character. This is the first book i almost cried to. My chest hurts. My heart aches. I feel like i lost David myself. April is strong, unknowingly how much. Weston, that beautiful man. He’s perfect for April, and in another timeline possibly the only one for April. I did not see the plot twist. Which is VERY Surprising to me. When it went over HOW I missed it (April missed it too) it never would have clicked for me. Author was playing chess while i was setting up the board. This book is truly heartbreaking. But it also heals. It teaches. Beautifully writes
I get invested in some books. But I’ve never really gotten emotional, never felt like tearing up. Been upset a few times or mad at the author for the way things played out for a character. This is the first book i almost cried to. My chest hurts. My heart aches. I feel like i lost David myself. April is strong, unknowingly how much. Weston, that beautiful man. He’s perfect for April, and in another timeline possibly the only one for April. I did not see the plot twist. Which is VERY Surprising to me. When it went over HOW I missed it (April missed it too) it never would have clicked for me. Author was playing chess while i was setting up the board. This book is truly heartbreaking. But it also heals. It teaches. Beautifully writes
September 24, 2021
This one was definitely different, the author stepped outside the box .. but it was a great read, maybe not for everyone but I loved it. I love how much David loved April, how fiercely he protected her and even in death loved her enough to guide her to her forever. It was heartbreaking at times, but I loved how much she grew and embraced the future he hoped she would have. I also love how patient Westin was, how they healed together and built something so beautiful. I love how they kept Kaden involved in their lives… And now I’m wondering if Kaden gets his own story .. I would love to read it all from his POV
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews