It Hurt So Good

5 out of 5 stars

Every once in a while, I stumble into an audiobook that just reaches right in and grabs my heart, and Told You So is exactly that kind of story. From the very first moment, Lee Anderson, quietly awaiting his execution on death row, you know this is not going to be a fairy tale. But what unfolds is a love story so raw, so deeply felt, and so beautifully human that it will stick with me for a long, long time.

Lee is about as flawed and vulnerable as a main character can be. He’s not perfect, but he loves fiercely, especially when it comes to Delilah Novak. Their love isn’t just a plot device; it’s the heartbeat of the story. Watching them fall for each other, build a life together, and support one another through heartbreak, cults, and impossible choices was both uplifting and devastating.

I have to give credit to Sarah Asermily for handling such heavy themes—child loss, trauma, faith, and sacrifice—with such compassion. The writing flows so naturally between Lee’s past and present, painting him as a stoic man shaped by a hard upbringing but softened and made whole by the people he loves most. Even when the story wades into tragedy, it always feels honest and, weirdly, hopeful.

Ray Conley’s narration? Absolute perfection. His gruff yet tender delivery captures every bit of Lee’s southern soul. At any speed, he nails the emotional beats and brings Lee’s world to life in a way that feels both intimate and epic.

By the end, I was a blubbering mess (in the best way). Told You So is ultimately about love—messy, powerful, imperfect love—and the ways we protect the ones who mean the most. Even if you think this isn’t your genre, trust me, this audiobook will make you feel.

Book Description:

Told You So
Sarah Asermily
Narrated byRay ConleyLength7 hrs and 30 minsPublished bySelf Published · May 1st 2025
Mystery
Brian's rating★★★★★
Publisher description

Lee Anderson is on death row, and his time has officially run out. With his last meal warm and fragrant in the confines of his prison cell, the prison’s chef asks the question that’s haunted Lee for decades after his crime was committed: “Why did you kill them?”

This time, for the first time since his arrest, Lee decides to answer it.

As the clock ticks down, Lee recounts his life, set against the rolling hills of the Kentucky countryside. After an early life of trouble, he ventures to work in the coal mines, where an unforeseen accident leads him to the love of his life, Delilah Novak. From there comes a sweeping love story that unfolds beneath a sky of hope, where love and sacrifice create a bond stronger than time itself. Years pass, and when Lee finds himself ensnared in the tendrils of a religious cult, he’s forced to confront how far he will go to protect those that he loves.

In this gripping narrative that weaves between past and present, Lee reveals the complexities of his character and the choices that ultimately sealed his fate. With each revelation, the truth behind his crime comes to light, challenging readers to confront the blurred lines between love, loyalty, and desperation. With a relatable cast and an ending you won’t see coming, Told You So is a tale about allowing ourselves to be loved, even when we think we don’t deserve it, and no matter the cost.