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I Thought I Knew: A Women's Fiction Novel
Nicole saw her future as bright and independent—until it became something she had to fight to keep.
It’s 1995 in Upstate New York, and Nicole Doherty is days away from her college graduation—that is, if she graduates—ready to move into her own apartment and start a new job at a prestigious accounting firm when an unseen assailant attacks her, only steps away from the safety of her dorm, changing her forever.
Nicole is desperate to move on, vowing never to tell anyone what happened to her, but her past continues to follow her and pull her back. She’s forced to relearn how to trust herself and thrive in an uncontrollable reality, navigating relationships, old and new, often left wondering, do you ever really know someone?
I Thought I Knew is an emotionally grounded women’s fiction novel about the long aftermath of choices made in silence, and the quiet resilience and determination required to keep building a life after trauma.
It’s 1995 in Upstate New York, and Nicole Doherty is days away from her college graduation—that is, if she graduates—ready to move into her own apartment and start a new job at a prestigious accounting firm when an unseen assailant attacks her, only steps away from the safety of her dorm, changing her forever.
Nicole is desperate to move on, vowing never to tell anyone what happened to her, but her past continues to follow her and pull her back. She’s forced to relearn how to trust herself and thrive in an uncontrollable reality, navigating relationships, old and new, often left wondering, do you ever really know someone?
I Thought I Knew is an emotionally grounded women’s fiction novel about the long aftermath of choices made in silence, and the quiet resilience and determination required to keep building a life after trauma.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2024
About the author
Melissa Trombetta
2 books191 followersMelissa Trombetta writes emotionally grounded contemporary romance about second chances, reinvention, and the kind of love that shows up when you least expect it. She is a wife, a mother of two grown kids, and a longtime member of corporate America who dances at country music festivals like no one is watching. Her stories are inspired by real life, imperfect choices, and the belief that it’s never too late to start again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
April 4, 2024
This is a story about a woman who overcomes a traumatic event and then finds herself again.
It’s 1995 Nicole Doherty is just days away from her college graduation, she’s excited to see what her future holds, she’s ready to move into a new apartment and to start her new job in a reputable accounting firm. That is until the day that changes everything, steps away from her dorm she’s attacked by an unknown assailant. The attack haunts her but she vows to try to put it behind her, never telling anyone what happened to her. She now has to relearn to trust people, but deep down wondering if she was attacked by someone she knew or was it just a stranger? Her mind helps wandering back to her attack. Leaving the question unanswered do you ever really know someone? I loved how empowering the lead character was and her strength through such a horrific time. It was a quick read and the story was such an important one.
It’s 1995 Nicole Doherty is just days away from her college graduation, she’s excited to see what her future holds, she’s ready to move into a new apartment and to start her new job in a reputable accounting firm. That is until the day that changes everything, steps away from her dorm she’s attacked by an unknown assailant. The attack haunts her but she vows to try to put it behind her, never telling anyone what happened to her. She now has to relearn to trust people, but deep down wondering if she was attacked by someone she knew or was it just a stranger? Her mind helps wandering back to her attack. Leaving the question unanswered do you ever really know someone? I loved how empowering the lead character was and her strength through such a horrific time. It was a quick read and the story was such an important one.
January 24, 2024
What a great book! I loved the empowered female lead. I finished it in one day! Great story, relatable characters, perfect ending.
July 27, 2026
Nicole is graduating from Wheeler College in three days. Nicole and her friend Megan were leaving a pub that is nearby the college campus late at night to Megans dorm, Nicole then walks alone to her dorm and gets attacked. She doesn’t report the rape to the police or go to the hospital.
Nicole graduates on Saturday with honors and has a job waiting for her at home with an accounting firm. She asks her friend Jesse whom she has known since she was a young kid to catch a ride and to help her bring her stuff back home.
Nicole is jumpy, scared, and afraid since the attack. One day her sister Jaime who is getting married soon asks her to go with her to a class at the gym. When class is over Nicole sees a post on a board offering a class in self defense called Model Mugging. She decides to go and listen to the instructor and participate in the class.
This is a well written book that deals with complicated situations and relationships. A very good read.
Nicole graduates on Saturday with honors and has a job waiting for her at home with an accounting firm. She asks her friend Jesse whom she has known since she was a young kid to catch a ride and to help her bring her stuff back home.
Nicole is jumpy, scared, and afraid since the attack. One day her sister Jaime who is getting married soon asks her to go with her to a class at the gym. When class is over Nicole sees a post on a board offering a class in self defense called Model Mugging. She decides to go and listen to the instructor and participate in the class.
This is a well written book that deals with complicated situations and relationships. A very good read.
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February 20, 2024Hi!! My debut novel, I THOUGHT I KNEW is by far one of the scariest, but also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life - up there with birthing my two children!
Initially, I struggled to share my writing because, in my world, when I share, I am vulnerable, which means I am opening myself up to be judged. Eeek! But then I remembered my “why” for writing this book, quieted my inner sabotager, and put myself out there because to move the needle on my mission to empower the next generation of women to be stronger and more confident in their convictions and decisions, I needed to be vulnerable.
Thank you to my readers and especially to the women who have trusted me with their empowering stories of survival - you are the reason I continue to share Nicole’s story.
For no other reason than believing in myself enough to take a chance, you bet I’m giving my newest baby 5 shiny stars🤩
🌻💛Melissa
Initially, I struggled to share my writing because, in my world, when I share, I am vulnerable, which means I am opening myself up to be judged. Eeek! But then I remembered my “why” for writing this book, quieted my inner sabotager, and put myself out there because to move the needle on my mission to empower the next generation of women to be stronger and more confident in their convictions and decisions, I needed to be vulnerable.
Thank you to my readers and especially to the women who have trusted me with their empowering stories of survival - you are the reason I continue to share Nicole’s story.
For no other reason than believing in myself enough to take a chance, you bet I’m giving my newest baby 5 shiny stars🤩
🌻💛Melissa
August 25, 2024
I was sent this book and I have been trying g to get to it for the longest time. I’m so glad that I finally picked it up and read it. I wish I would have read it sonnet!!!! This book makes the statement that women are strong and empowered. The main female character has something terrible happen to her one late night on her way home. She has trust issues because of the incident and keeps herself closed off. She finally lets someone from her childhood in and a romantic relationship develops. After a few months, things start to fall into place. The things that fall into place may cause a huge ripple in the characters lives.
April 19, 2024
I Thought I knew
By Melissa Trombetta
Genre: literary fiction | women’s fiction
Format: Book 📕
Publication date: 1st April 2024
🌟: 5/5
Check the Trigger warnings before reading - features emotional abuse, Trauma, SA and discussion of.
Oh god the beginning of this book is so confronting. It’s heartbreaking.
However I did really enjoy reading it, it’s gripping from the start and very well written, paced well and kept my interest.
Without giving anything away, I think it was very obvious who her attacker was from the start but I think that’s kind of the point, it’s rare for it to be a stranger.
That being said I also wanted it to not be who I thought. I, as the reader was maybe brushing over some red flags at the start and really hoping for the happy ending, so it’s a clever book playing on how we all can easily see what we want to rather than what is there.
I so thoroughly enjoyed reading the women’s journeys, not just Nic’s but her mum and sister’s too. Finding themselves and knowing their own worth, it’s very much a woman centred story. I so wanted them to find their own voices and feel empowered.
I maybe wished for a little more justice but as in real life it’s not a fairytale and Nic found her own happy ending and I enjoyed that. An emotional and inspiring read.
By Melissa Trombetta
Genre: literary fiction | women’s fiction
Format: Book 📕
Publication date: 1st April 2024
🌟: 5/5
Check the Trigger warnings before reading - features emotional abuse, Trauma, SA and discussion of.
Oh god the beginning of this book is so confronting. It’s heartbreaking.
However I did really enjoy reading it, it’s gripping from the start and very well written, paced well and kept my interest.
Without giving anything away, I think it was very obvious who her attacker was from the start but I think that’s kind of the point, it’s rare for it to be a stranger.
That being said I also wanted it to not be who I thought. I, as the reader was maybe brushing over some red flags at the start and really hoping for the happy ending, so it’s a clever book playing on how we all can easily see what we want to rather than what is there.
I so thoroughly enjoyed reading the women’s journeys, not just Nic’s but her mum and sister’s too. Finding themselves and knowing their own worth, it’s very much a woman centred story. I so wanted them to find their own voices and feel empowered.
I maybe wished for a little more justice but as in real life it’s not a fairytale and Nic found her own happy ending and I enjoyed that. An emotional and inspiring read.
January 31, 2024
This was a spectacular read!!! It’s heartwarming,uplifting,heartbreaking and empowering all in one !!! I will definitely read more from this author and I highly recommend this book to everyone!!! Definitely 5 plus stars!!!! The writing is so beautiful .. read it in one day!! Go read this book!!!
January 25, 2024
Great book with an empowering female lead. All the characters were well developed, the author really made you care about everyone involved. I found it to be a quick read with a somewhat predictable ending. However it is a great story about a woman overcoming a traumatic event and finding herself again.
May 29, 2024
Please check trigger warnings before reading..
There is emotional, mental (abuse) and SA discussions
First of all, wow is all I can say. I have never read such a raw, jaw-dropping, emotional, and empowering book. If I could, I would give this one 10 stars. Not only does it tackle difficult topics that many women face, but it does so with respect and class. The writer is truly classy and kept the pace of the book perfect. I was never bored and literally lost sleep over this book because I couldn't put it down. Every woman should read this book, which is beautifully written and sheds light on the harsh realities of our society. While it broke my heart, it also put it back together and left me feeling empowered. If you're looking for a book that will stay with you forever, this is it! Just go ahead and read it; you won't regret it!
There is emotional, mental (abuse) and SA discussions
First of all, wow is all I can say. I have never read such a raw, jaw-dropping, emotional, and empowering book. If I could, I would give this one 10 stars. Not only does it tackle difficult topics that many women face, but it does so with respect and class. The writer is truly classy and kept the pace of the book perfect. I was never bored and literally lost sleep over this book because I couldn't put it down. Every woman should read this book, which is beautifully written and sheds light on the harsh realities of our society. While it broke my heart, it also put it back together and left me feeling empowered. If you're looking for a book that will stay with you forever, this is it! Just go ahead and read it; you won't regret it!
May 29, 2024
"I Thought I Knew" by Melissa Trombetta is a mesmerizing journey through the complexities of self-discovery and human connection. Trombetta's storytelling is both poignant and powerful, weaving a narrative that captivates from the first page to the last. Her characters are richly drawn and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs that echo real-life experiences. The prose is elegant and evocative, making it impossible to put the book down. Trombetta's masterful blend of emotion and insight makes "I Thought I Knew" a must-read, leaving readers profoundly moved and contemplating their own paths in life. This debut is nothing short of remarkable.
May 13, 2024
could not put this down!
I flew through this in a day. A very heavy subject handled well, and something that will be relatable to a lot of people. I was totally invested in all the stories. Great read!
I flew through this in a day. A very heavy subject handled well, and something that will be relatable to a lot of people. I was totally invested in all the stories. Great read!
September 3, 2024
Great read. I thought I had some of it figured out, and I did, but what a story getting there. It certainly is accurate to what I know of rape and women’s self-defense programming from my experience as a police officer and instructor for over 20 years. Super job Melissa!
February 14, 2024
This book was spectacular!!! Absolutely loved how empowering the lead was and the story was just amazing!! Thank you for the opportunity to read this!
May 30, 2024
I Thought I Knew is a powerful and emotional story. A gripping story about survival, second chances and overcoming trauma. Raw, unflinching and difficult to read at times, but in the end is inspiring.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
January 28, 2024
Wow! What a great story. I was completely hooked by the end of the first page. The protagonist Nicole is such a likable and relatable character. The adversity and transformation that she goes through feels like your own. While you are cheering her on to make positive changes in her life, you are also intrigued to find out who sexually assaulted her. LOVE this book. It’s a must read!!
May 29, 2024
I Thought I Knew is a poignant, gripping story about overcoming trauma and abuse in more ways than one. It does start off with a heartbreaking scene, it really got to me. It can definitely be triggering so make sure to check trigger warnings. As I kept reading though the message of this book became very clear and the author did a phenomenal job of conveying it. This is not a whodunit, we sort of know who the attacker is, but it's the whole point of raising awareness that usually it is someone close.
Nicole the FMC is such a strong, resilient woman. She just wants to take back control of her life after the attack, but one can imagine how hard that is. The author did a fabulous job at conveying the emotions and feelings that a person goes through after suffering such a traumatic event (will not go into details but I can relate is all I will say). I felt so seen, heard and understood while reading this book. The female empowerment was amazing and the character growth beautiful to see.
The writing was descriptive, captivating it held my attention throughout the whole story. The pacing was great, I loved that there were many side characters that we got to see their POV's as well, it added to the storyline. I loved this book even if the subject matter is a hard one ! It's worth the read !
🎧 The narration by Catherine Hein Carter was really good. She held my attention all throughout. Her tone was great, her emotions were felt in her voice and she conveyed the message perfectly !
✨️ Thank you to @melissatrombetta for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole the FMC is such a strong, resilient woman. She just wants to take back control of her life after the attack, but one can imagine how hard that is. The author did a fabulous job at conveying the emotions and feelings that a person goes through after suffering such a traumatic event (will not go into details but I can relate is all I will say). I felt so seen, heard and understood while reading this book. The female empowerment was amazing and the character growth beautiful to see.
The writing was descriptive, captivating it held my attention throughout the whole story. The pacing was great, I loved that there were many side characters that we got to see their POV's as well, it added to the storyline. I loved this book even if the subject matter is a hard one ! It's worth the read !
🎧 The narration by Catherine Hein Carter was really good. She held my attention all throughout. Her tone was great, her emotions were felt in her voice and she conveyed the message perfectly !
✨️ Thank you to @melissatrombetta for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2024
What an amazing break out book for new author, Melissa Trombetta! (FYI-This review is written with the hope that no spoilers will be relieved!)
I Thought I Knew|207538519] is a story of resilience. The subject matter is one that sadly will be far too familiar for many women. However the main character, Nicole demonstrates how strength comes from within and can empower you to recover in ways you never thought you could! The author so importantly demonstrates that dealing with a traumatic event by utilizing avoidance can never truly free you. Through Melissa Trometta's powerful writing, which left you wondering if this was a real life experience for the author, Nicole is taken down a path of empowerment where deciding not to let one horrible event define her, but instead seeking the tools needed to rise above it and move forward in a productive way, healing will finally begin! I hope this book will help many women to find their 'inner Nicole' and give them the courage to heal as well.
I Thought I Knew|207538519] is a story of resilience. The subject matter is one that sadly will be far too familiar for many women. However the main character, Nicole demonstrates how strength comes from within and can empower you to recover in ways you never thought you could! The author so importantly demonstrates that dealing with a traumatic event by utilizing avoidance can never truly free you. Through Melissa Trometta's powerful writing, which left you wondering if this was a real life experience for the author, Nicole is taken down a path of empowerment where deciding not to let one horrible event define her, but instead seeking the tools needed to rise above it and move forward in a productive way, healing will finally begin! I hope this book will help many women to find their 'inner Nicole' and give them the courage to heal as well.
February 5, 2024
Trigger Warnings: violent sexual assault, emotional abuse
This is an amazing story that hooked me from the start! Melissa pulled us quickly into the worst night of Nicole's life, and we walk beside her as she works through the fallout and reclaims her life.
Along the way, we also meet her sister, Jamie, as she plans her wedding alongside her domineering future mother-in-law, and her childhood best friend, Jesse, who has hopes their friendship will turn into something more. All three of these main characters work through past traumas as the story unfolds, and we see how they bleed into interactions in the present day.
Chock full of 1990s nostalgia, Melissa crafts relatable characters in believable situations. Although I might not agree with certain (in)actions, I am painfully aware of the attitudes of the time, and could have possibly reacted in a similar way myself.
All in all, an excellent story. I look forward to what Melissa writes next!
This is an amazing story that hooked me from the start! Melissa pulled us quickly into the worst night of Nicole's life, and we walk beside her as she works through the fallout and reclaims her life.
Along the way, we also meet her sister, Jamie, as she plans her wedding alongside her domineering future mother-in-law, and her childhood best friend, Jesse, who has hopes their friendship will turn into something more. All three of these main characters work through past traumas as the story unfolds, and we see how they bleed into interactions in the present day.
Chock full of 1990s nostalgia, Melissa crafts relatable characters in believable situations. Although I might not agree with certain (in)actions, I am painfully aware of the attitudes of the time, and could have possibly reacted in a similar way myself.
All in all, an excellent story. I look forward to what Melissa writes next!
June 16, 2024
This was heart wrenching, heartfelt & the most relatable book I've read in a while.
There are trigger warnings so please check before you read this, but as a survivor & fighter of abuse, it hit me right at my core.
The way Trombetta portrays & writes about the internal carnage that rages after such things, regardless of the type of abuse, it helps alleviate that everyone goes through the same but very different experience.
I absolutely loved the character relationships and development and was screaming at it when the red flags started appearing 🫣 and crying my eyes out at every internal fight & step to overcome that Nicole took.
A beautiful book, well written & definitely recommend.
There are trigger warnings so please check before you read this, but as a survivor & fighter of abuse, it hit me right at my core.
The way Trombetta portrays & writes about the internal carnage that rages after such things, regardless of the type of abuse, it helps alleviate that everyone goes through the same but very different experience.
I absolutely loved the character relationships and development and was screaming at it when the red flags started appearing 🫣 and crying my eyes out at every internal fight & step to overcome that Nicole took.
A beautiful book, well written & definitely recommend.
July 27, 2024
Set in Upstate New York in mid 1990’s where, just a blink away from graduating college, Nicole finds herself attacked and raped by an unseen assailant. Left behind a dumpster steps away from safety she picks herself up and carries on. Although she tries keeping her life (and plans) on track she starts to lose herself. Then she (and her sister, yes, there’s a story there too) gets empowered. But there’s so much that happens between the assault and her empowerment that you just have to read this story to find out. Great read!
February 8, 2024
This was a powerful book filled with emotion. Trombetta writes in such a way that you feel everything the character is feeling. I’ve found myself crying throughout the book as Nicole went through various stages of her own recovery. While none of the scenes in this story are graphic they are written so well you can’t help but feel like you are in the moment.
This is not a light read but it is so worth reading. It’s filled with strong female characters, empowerment and works to bring tough topics to light. This book will stick with me for a long time.
This is not a light read but it is so worth reading. It’s filled with strong female characters, empowerment and works to bring tough topics to light. This book will stick with me for a long time.
March 11, 2024
This is a great read. This book is pretty visual and descriptive so a warning to those that have previously dealt with any kind of SA. I loved how realistic it was and really respected the mental view of Nicole, it was heartbreaking and wonderful, such a strong, intelligent character. Cant wait to see this book take off even more!
March 31, 2024
One of my favorite things about this book is that I could sit curl up with it and read it for hours at a time! Nicole, Megan, Jesse, Jamie, and Zuke are all characters that you can relate to or say, “I have a Megan in my life!” This was such a heartwarming, uplifting, and relatable story! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
May 6, 2024
Please look at the Trigger warnings before reading - features emotional abuse, Trauma, Rape … but is also a story of bravery, courage and survival!!
I was heartbroken at the beginning of this book!! - However … I enjoyed reading it! - it’s gripping from the start, well written, and kept me reading until the end!!
This book is An emotional and inspiring read!
Without giving anything away, I think it was very obvious who her attacker was from the start but I think that’s kind of the point, it’s rare for it to be a stranger.
it’s a clever book playing on how we all can easily see what we want to rather than what is right there in front of us! - this book tells the main characters story of finding her own voice as well as feel empowered while on her journey of survival!
May 30, 2024
This book tells the story of countless women. It should be read and discussed in schools. Women still experience victim shaming and often blame themselves. It is NEVER your fault. I read this book in one sitting and highly recommend it.
January 31, 2024
Wow! What an empowering story! It was nostalgic and really opens your eyes to how things were in the 90s with SA victims. This is a must read! I can’t wait to see what else Melissa brings to the world.
February 6, 2024
Read this as a ARC in exchange for a review and loved it! The beginning catches your attention right away and I think a lot of girls can relate to the way Nicole feels through out the book. It gives great tips and advice through out the story and the ups and downs of dealing with trauma. I'm pleased with the ending!!
May 3, 2024
I was so lucky to win this book, on audible, from the author! I listened to it the past few days and it hooked me right away! The main character goes through a traumatic event before graduating from college, and from there she begins a long road of recovery. Great character development and the story is so well told that I really wanted to keep listening when life made me stop and do other things. I very much look forward to reading more by the author!
January 31, 2024
This book!!!! Wow wow wow definitely had me emotional! But such a great read. Definitely recommend. Already recommended to a few friends
October 22, 2024
Solid but predictable. Like the character development and I could empathize with all of the characters and their internal struggles.
Trigger warning of rape.
Trigger warning of rape.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews