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Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be
Rose Parker’s life in New York City is over with and dead. She fled the city looking to leave her life behind, including a toxic ex and an assault that she pledges never to remember.
Moving to Austin, Texas is supposed to be her new start, far away from her mistakes of the past. That’s where she meets Robert Alexander, a devilishly handsome man 20 years her senior.
While at first Rose has no idea he's a founder of one of the most successful tech companies in America, Rose is intrigued, and she falls fast. However, as the weeks pass, Rose realizes their love story is not without conditions, and she will have to risk losing herself to submit to his rules.
Rose tells herself that love isn’t supposed to look like this. But Rob makes it easy to forget. Until his past begins to come back to haunt him.
Perhaps Rob's long lost love, the wife he said was murdered in his home, was not actually taken away from him by her alleged killer. After an investigator finds Rose, she must face the facts and decide if she can ever truly trust a man again...and what exactly Rob did to his ex wife. Is it a far cry from what he would do to Rose?
Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be is a romance turned thriller that will appeal to fans of E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl.
Moving to Austin, Texas is supposed to be her new start, far away from her mistakes of the past. That’s where she meets Robert Alexander, a devilishly handsome man 20 years her senior.
While at first Rose has no idea he's a founder of one of the most successful tech companies in America, Rose is intrigued, and she falls fast. However, as the weeks pass, Rose realizes their love story is not without conditions, and she will have to risk losing herself to submit to his rules.
Rose tells herself that love isn’t supposed to look like this. But Rob makes it easy to forget. Until his past begins to come back to haunt him.
Perhaps Rob's long lost love, the wife he said was murdered in his home, was not actually taken away from him by her alleged killer. After an investigator finds Rose, she must face the facts and decide if she can ever truly trust a man again...and what exactly Rob did to his ex wife. Is it a far cry from what he would do to Rose?
Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be is a romance turned thriller that will appeal to fans of E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl.
- GenresDark Romance
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
About the author
Sabrina Black
5 books58 followersSabrina Black is an Austin-based author of dark romance and psychological thrillers. She is the creator of the gripping series that begins with Free Me From the Girl I Used to Be, followed by A Beautiful Lie and Guilty as Sin.
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Did Not Finish
June 13, 2026Triggering
January 15, 2026
DNFing this… I really really struggled to start this book and keep reading it, the author was kind enough to send it to me and i really appreciate it.
The thing is, I couldn’t follow and keep up with the writing style. The age gape usually doesn’t bother me when reading a book but in this one it really did, the SA was not something to just read it and move on, i really got disgusted by it. I felt sad and pitied Rose for what happened to her but I didn’t really enjoy the book.
The thing is, I couldn’t follow and keep up with the writing style. The age gape usually doesn’t bother me when reading a book but in this one it really did, the SA was not something to just read it and move on, i really got disgusted by it. I felt sad and pitied Rose for what happened to her but I didn’t really enjoy the book.
February 12, 2026
« 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙, 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙪𝙨.ᐣ 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙚’𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩.ᐣ »
Before anything else, please read the trigger warnings. This story deals with eating disorders, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, and heavy mental health themes, and I truly think it’s necessary to be in the right headspace before starting it. It had been quite a while since I last picked up a dark romance, and I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but this one ended up being a much more intense and personal reading experience than I anticipated.
One of the first things I struggled with was the plot itself. There is a lot happening at once, and I often found myself unsure of what the main storyline was supposed to be. At times I was deeply invested in the relationship between Rose and Rob, and at others I felt pulled toward the mystery surrounding Amelie, unsure which thread was meant to anchor the book. That slight confusion made the narrative feel scattered in places, yet somehow it also added to its intrigue. Even when I felt disoriented, I was still engaged. The emotional weight of the themes kept me turning the pages.
Rose is, without question, the strongest element of this novel. She is complicated in a way that feels painfully real. Her struggles with food, body image, insecurity, and unresolved family trauma are written with a vulnerability that makes her hard not to empathize with. There are moments where you see how deeply she is hurting, how much of herself she hides, and it becomes impossible not to recognize parts of that pain. I think many women will relate to some aspect of her story: the quiet calorie counting, the fixation on perceived flaws, the lingering wounds from childhood that shape adult relationships. And despite everything, Rose is incredibly strong. Not in a loud, dramatic way, but in the quiet persistence of someone who keeps surviving herself.
Rob, on the other hand, was much harder for me to connect with. There were moments where he came across as charming and attentive, but other times he felt controlling, manipulative, and even uncomfortable. I understand that his character is meant to be complex and somewhat mysterious, and by the end there is context that explains some of his behavior, but emotionally I never fully settled into him. He felt distant, sometimes even hollow, and that made the central romance harder for me to completely believe in. The secondary characters, unfortunately, felt more like narrative devices than fully developed individuals; at times it seemed like they existed primarily to push the plot forward rather than to stand on their own.
What stayed with me most, though, was not the romance but the raw exploration of insecurity and trauma. The book doesn’t only focus on Rose’s eating disorder; it digs into the deeper roots of her self-worth, her need for control, and the way family dynamics can quietly shape the way we see ourselves. There is something painfully honest about watching her try to reconcile the girl she used to be with the woman she is trying to become. The story feels messy because healing is messy. It feels confusing because trauma often is. And in that sense, the book succeeds in capturing something very real.
Overall, this is not a light or easy read, but it is a brave one. It’s imperfect, sometimes chaotic, and emotionally heavy, yet it lingers. Rose lingers. And even when I questioned parts of the structure or certain character dynamics, I couldn’t deny that the story left an impression on me long after I turned the final page.
Before anything else, please read the trigger warnings. This story deals with eating disorders, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, and heavy mental health themes, and I truly think it’s necessary to be in the right headspace before starting it. It had been quite a while since I last picked up a dark romance, and I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but this one ended up being a much more intense and personal reading experience than I anticipated.
One of the first things I struggled with was the plot itself. There is a lot happening at once, and I often found myself unsure of what the main storyline was supposed to be. At times I was deeply invested in the relationship between Rose and Rob, and at others I felt pulled toward the mystery surrounding Amelie, unsure which thread was meant to anchor the book. That slight confusion made the narrative feel scattered in places, yet somehow it also added to its intrigue. Even when I felt disoriented, I was still engaged. The emotional weight of the themes kept me turning the pages.
Rose is, without question, the strongest element of this novel. She is complicated in a way that feels painfully real. Her struggles with food, body image, insecurity, and unresolved family trauma are written with a vulnerability that makes her hard not to empathize with. There are moments where you see how deeply she is hurting, how much of herself she hides, and it becomes impossible not to recognize parts of that pain. I think many women will relate to some aspect of her story: the quiet calorie counting, the fixation on perceived flaws, the lingering wounds from childhood that shape adult relationships. And despite everything, Rose is incredibly strong. Not in a loud, dramatic way, but in the quiet persistence of someone who keeps surviving herself.
Rob, on the other hand, was much harder for me to connect with. There were moments where he came across as charming and attentive, but other times he felt controlling, manipulative, and even uncomfortable. I understand that his character is meant to be complex and somewhat mysterious, and by the end there is context that explains some of his behavior, but emotionally I never fully settled into him. He felt distant, sometimes even hollow, and that made the central romance harder for me to completely believe in. The secondary characters, unfortunately, felt more like narrative devices than fully developed individuals; at times it seemed like they existed primarily to push the plot forward rather than to stand on their own.
What stayed with me most, though, was not the romance but the raw exploration of insecurity and trauma. The book doesn’t only focus on Rose’s eating disorder; it digs into the deeper roots of her self-worth, her need for control, and the way family dynamics can quietly shape the way we see ourselves. There is something painfully honest about watching her try to reconcile the girl she used to be with the woman she is trying to become. The story feels messy because healing is messy. It feels confusing because trauma often is. And in that sense, the book succeeds in capturing something very real.
Overall, this is not a light or easy read, but it is a brave one. It’s imperfect, sometimes chaotic, and emotionally heavy, yet it lingers. Rose lingers. And even when I questioned parts of the structure or certain character dynamics, I couldn’t deny that the story left an impression on me long after I turned the final page.
December 28, 2025
I was blessed with the opportunity to be an ARC reader and wow!
Please know just about every tigger you can think of will pop up in this book! I love that Rose is writing a letter to Rob, however I wish there was one more chapter where it says what she is doing with the letter.
I think a lot of women can relate to some or all of this very well written story. So many of hide our insecurities and trauma from childhood and the way this story line plays out gives you hope that there is someone for all of us that will listen and give a poop. I have preordered book 2 already and can’t wait to read it!
It does give a 50 shades vibe but not deep dive it takes it a different way and I love that!
Please know just about every tigger you can think of will pop up in this book! I love that Rose is writing a letter to Rob, however I wish there was one more chapter where it says what she is doing with the letter.
I think a lot of women can relate to some or all of this very well written story. So many of hide our insecurities and trauma from childhood and the way this story line plays out gives you hope that there is someone for all of us that will listen and give a poop. I have preordered book 2 already and can’t wait to read it!
It does give a 50 shades vibe but not deep dive it takes it a different way and I love that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2026
Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be by Sabrina Black is an emotionally heavy story that begins as a romance and gradually takes a much darker, psychological turn.
First, I strongly recommend checking the content warnings. This book deals with trauma, abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders, manipulation, and several other sensitive subjects. It is definitely not a light read.
One thing I really appreciated was the author’s willingness to tackle subjects that many writers might shy away from. There’s a rawness to this story, particularly in the way it explores trauma, self-worth, and how our past experiences can influence our relationships and decisions.
Rose is a complicated character, but her vulnerabilities make her interesting. She’s attempting to rebuild her life while carrying the emotional weight of her past. Watching her navigate that process was both heartbreaking and frustrating at times, which I think adds to the realism of her character.
Rob was an entirely different experience. There were moments when his charm and protectiveness made sense, but there were equally as many moments when I questioned his intentions. The psychological elements surrounding their relationship added an unsettling layer to the story.
I enjoyed the shift from romance into suspense, particularly the mystery surrounding Rob’s past. However, I did find the beginning a little slow, and there were moments when the storyline felt scattered. There are several heavy themes and plotlines competing for attention, and occasionally I wanted a little more clarity and direction.
That being said, I remained intrigued. Even when I questioned where the story was heading, I wanted to know what would happen next.
For me, this is very much a mood reader’s book. It’s the kind of story you need to be mentally and emotionally prepared for. If you’re looking for an easy romance or something comforting, this probably isn’t the book to reach for.
However, if you appreciate emotionally complex characters, darker psychological themes, and authors who aren’t afraid to explore uncomfortable realities, there’s a lot to appreciate here.
Overall, a heavy but intriguing 4-star read that explores some difficult subjects with an admirable willingness to go beyond what’s comfortable.
Thank you to Sabrina Black for the opportunity to read and review her work. All opinions are my own.
First, I strongly recommend checking the content warnings. This book deals with trauma, abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders, manipulation, and several other sensitive subjects. It is definitely not a light read.
One thing I really appreciated was the author’s willingness to tackle subjects that many writers might shy away from. There’s a rawness to this story, particularly in the way it explores trauma, self-worth, and how our past experiences can influence our relationships and decisions.
Rose is a complicated character, but her vulnerabilities make her interesting. She’s attempting to rebuild her life while carrying the emotional weight of her past. Watching her navigate that process was both heartbreaking and frustrating at times, which I think adds to the realism of her character.
Rob was an entirely different experience. There were moments when his charm and protectiveness made sense, but there were equally as many moments when I questioned his intentions. The psychological elements surrounding their relationship added an unsettling layer to the story.
I enjoyed the shift from romance into suspense, particularly the mystery surrounding Rob’s past. However, I did find the beginning a little slow, and there were moments when the storyline felt scattered. There are several heavy themes and plotlines competing for attention, and occasionally I wanted a little more clarity and direction.
That being said, I remained intrigued. Even when I questioned where the story was heading, I wanted to know what would happen next.
For me, this is very much a mood reader’s book. It’s the kind of story you need to be mentally and emotionally prepared for. If you’re looking for an easy romance or something comforting, this probably isn’t the book to reach for.
However, if you appreciate emotionally complex characters, darker psychological themes, and authors who aren’t afraid to explore uncomfortable realities, there’s a lot to appreciate here.
Overall, a heavy but intriguing 4-star read that explores some difficult subjects with an admirable willingness to go beyond what’s comfortable.
Thank you to Sabrina Black for the opportunity to read and review her work. All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2025
This was a really good book. It’s got dark themes also so if you got triggers, check those before you start. There’s child abuse, sexual assault, etc.
It’s starts very slow. It’s takes a bit to get into but the beginning is like learning the past of the FMC and MMC and getting to know them as a character. It’s definitely needed so prepare for that going in.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I was on the Threads app and asked for book recommendations and the author commented so that’s why I picked it up.
Also, you’re left with a lot of unanswered questions, but from seeing the authors IG, she mentioned a second book coming in February that will resolve those.
It’s starts very slow. It’s takes a bit to get into but the beginning is like learning the past of the FMC and MMC and getting to know them as a character. It’s definitely needed so prepare for that going in.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I was on the Threads app and asked for book recommendations and the author commented so that’s why I picked it up.
Also, you’re left with a lot of unanswered questions, but from seeing the authors IG, she mentioned a second book coming in February that will resolve those.
February 14, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised by this one! I actually really liked the writing style and I absolutely adored Rose! I related and sympathized with her so much. I was so invested in her story!
my main issue was with Rob. I don't know how to feel about him lol on one hand he's very charming and kind, but he came across as super controlling and manipulative. Sure, I understood his reasoning by the very end of the book but Idk. He needs some therapy.
I also didn't like how he referred to Rose as "my little girl" lol wasn't a fan of that nickname
my main issue was with Rob. I don't know how to feel about him lol on one hand he's very charming and kind, but he came across as super controlling and manipulative. Sure, I understood his reasoning by the very end of the book but Idk. He needs some therapy.
I also didn't like how he referred to Rose as "my little girl" lol wasn't a fan of that nickname
April 24, 2026
First and foremost please read trigger warnings. This book contains heavy traumatic themes, I.e. childhood trauma, rape, domestic abuse, eating disorder, and mental health struggles.
I was invested in the characters and the relationship that was evolving. Rob the main male character seemed quite manipulative at times and once the mystery with Amelie came about, I expected it go down a different path. The trauma, self confidence and internal monologue of Rose all seemed to come from a very personal place. Don’t know if that’s the case and none of my business. Some things I think a lot of women can relate to which is why I was invested in these characters.
I’m a huge fan of the age gap but not so much of the manipulation aspect and what occurs to “make Rose feel wanted and loved.”
I was able to get an ARC of book three in this series and felt I needed to get the full scope of the characters before being able to give an honest review of three. On to book two. By the titles of two and three, I’m terrified of where this is going to go.
I was invested in the characters and the relationship that was evolving. Rob the main male character seemed quite manipulative at times and once the mystery with Amelie came about, I expected it go down a different path. The trauma, self confidence and internal monologue of Rose all seemed to come from a very personal place. Don’t know if that’s the case and none of my business. Some things I think a lot of women can relate to which is why I was invested in these characters.
I’m a huge fan of the age gap but not so much of the manipulation aspect and what occurs to “make Rose feel wanted and loved.”
I was able to get an ARC of book three in this series and felt I needed to get the full scope of the characters before being able to give an honest review of three. On to book two. By the titles of two and three, I’m terrified of where this is going to go.
December 5, 2025
This book starts off painfully slow however it’s necessary to understand Rose and her background…. The way Rob was written I just knew I would love him……..WRONG!!!!! The manipulation and abuse was WILD!! And not in a good way, the best part/ strongest plot was with like 100 pages left
January 26, 2026
**ARC review**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ | Dark Romance / Psychological Thriller
Free Me From the Girl I Used to Be completely caught me off guard — in the best way.
The story follows Rose, a woman fleeing a deeply traumatic past and trying to rebuild herself from the ground up. From the opening chapters, her trust issues aren’t just implied — they actively shape every decision she makes. When she relocates to Texas and meets Rob at a local bar, their connection unfolds slowly and deliberately, with Rose setting firm emotional and physical boundaries.
Rob is twenty years her senior, recently widowed, and immediately framed as a protector — a role Rose instinctively clings to. What stood out to me is that Rose isn’t reckless. She questions the age gap, resists the pull, and makes him earn every inch of trust. When their relationship finally turns romantic, it feels almost fairy-tale adjacent: extravagant dates, immense wealth, and the unmistakable reveal that Rob is a powerful tech mogul living an obscenely luxurious life.
But once Rose finally feels safe enough to surrender control, the story takes a sharp and unsettling turn.
What begins as intimacy quickly expands into total submission — not just sexually, but psychologically and emotionally. Rob’s need for control bleeds into every aspect of Rose’s life, and the dynamic becomes increasingly disturbing as she’s asked to give up agency in ways she never anticipated. The mystery surrounding Rob’s past — particularly the circumstances of his late wife Amelia — deepens the tension and keeps the reader questioning what’s real, what’s earned, and what’s being carefully engineered.
One of the strongest elements of this book is the dual POV, especially the way Sabrina Black writes internal thought processes. You’re not just switching perspectives — you’re dropped directly into each character’s mind. Conversations are layered with intention, manipulation, fear, and desire, and understanding what a character is thinking versus what they’re saying adds an incredible psychological depth to the story.
This was my first book by Sabrina Black, and I was genuinely impressed. The romance-to-thriller shift is bold, the power dynamics are uncomfortable in an intentional way, and the execution feels deliberate rather than gratuitous. It’s dark, twisty, and surprisingly thoughtful — a book that stays with you long after you finish it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ | Dark Romance / Psychological Thriller
Free Me From the Girl I Used to Be completely caught me off guard — in the best way.
The story follows Rose, a woman fleeing a deeply traumatic past and trying to rebuild herself from the ground up. From the opening chapters, her trust issues aren’t just implied — they actively shape every decision she makes. When she relocates to Texas and meets Rob at a local bar, their connection unfolds slowly and deliberately, with Rose setting firm emotional and physical boundaries.
Rob is twenty years her senior, recently widowed, and immediately framed as a protector — a role Rose instinctively clings to. What stood out to me is that Rose isn’t reckless. She questions the age gap, resists the pull, and makes him earn every inch of trust. When their relationship finally turns romantic, it feels almost fairy-tale adjacent: extravagant dates, immense wealth, and the unmistakable reveal that Rob is a powerful tech mogul living an obscenely luxurious life.
But once Rose finally feels safe enough to surrender control, the story takes a sharp and unsettling turn.
What begins as intimacy quickly expands into total submission — not just sexually, but psychologically and emotionally. Rob’s need for control bleeds into every aspect of Rose’s life, and the dynamic becomes increasingly disturbing as she’s asked to give up agency in ways she never anticipated. The mystery surrounding Rob’s past — particularly the circumstances of his late wife Amelia — deepens the tension and keeps the reader questioning what’s real, what’s earned, and what’s being carefully engineered.
One of the strongest elements of this book is the dual POV, especially the way Sabrina Black writes internal thought processes. You’re not just switching perspectives — you’re dropped directly into each character’s mind. Conversations are layered with intention, manipulation, fear, and desire, and understanding what a character is thinking versus what they’re saying adds an incredible psychological depth to the story.
This was my first book by Sabrina Black, and I was genuinely impressed. The romance-to-thriller shift is bold, the power dynamics are uncomfortable in an intentional way, and the execution feels deliberate rather than gratuitous. It’s dark, twisty, and surprisingly thoughtful — a book that stays with you long after you finish it.
December 7, 2025
Okay so I have thoughts on this one, so buckle up because my feelings were all over the place! I landed on 3 stars purely because I’m still processing what this book wanted me to feel.
First off, Rose. Sweet, chaotic, beautifully messy Rose. My heart genuinely cracked for her. The way her past destroyed her self-worth? Brutal, and yeah, her vanity got on my nerves a bit, but once I realised it's due to how broken she is, it makes sense.
Then we have Rob, the supposed knight in shining armour except, he’s also a 40-year-old man obsessed with someone much younger, and that definitely had me raising a brow. He felt heroic at times, but also... red flag with a nice body.
The writing style threw me for a loop too, it felt as if Rose was writing to Rob about their love story and it had me thinking the ending was going to go a completely different direction, and honestly? I kind of wish it did. I was rooting for a twist that never came.
First off, Rose. Sweet, chaotic, beautifully messy Rose. My heart genuinely cracked for her. The way her past destroyed her self-worth? Brutal, and yeah, her vanity got on my nerves a bit, but once I realised it's due to how broken she is, it makes sense.
Then we have Rob, the supposed knight in shining armour except, he’s also a 40-year-old man obsessed with someone much younger, and that definitely had me raising a brow. He felt heroic at times, but also... red flag with a nice body.
The writing style threw me for a loop too, it felt as if Rose was writing to Rob about their love story and it had me thinking the ending was going to go a completely different direction, and honestly? I kind of wish it did. I was rooting for a twist that never came.
March 2, 2026
The copy I was given to read from the author did not contain any trigger warnings, there should be an extensive list of trigger warnings for this book.
The beginning of this book was painfully slow, I had such a hard time keeping focused, that although a short read, it took me much longer than it should have. Having said that, the book did pick up in some parts that kept me intrigued enough to finish. I had picked up some early hints and thought I figured out the plot but was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong in the end. Overall, a good read, pacing could be better to keep readers flipping pages.
A love story of trauma and abuse. A young girl stumbles in to a dom relationship and continues to find herself in some pretty rough situations. Each character has a childhood of trauma that is explained to give reason for how they act now. Rose wants to escape herself but isn't sure how. Is losing herself to another life of trauma the answer? Is it trauma? Is this what she wants?
The beginning of this book was painfully slow, I had such a hard time keeping focused, that although a short read, it took me much longer than it should have. Having said that, the book did pick up in some parts that kept me intrigued enough to finish. I had picked up some early hints and thought I figured out the plot but was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong in the end. Overall, a good read, pacing could be better to keep readers flipping pages.
A love story of trauma and abuse. A young girl stumbles in to a dom relationship and continues to find herself in some pretty rough situations. Each character has a childhood of trauma that is explained to give reason for how they act now. Rose wants to escape herself but isn't sure how. Is losing herself to another life of trauma the answer? Is it trauma? Is this what she wants?
February 7, 2026
MAJOR TW!!
Unfortunately this book did not work for me. I went in with the understanding it was a 50 shades of gray meets gone girl but I didn’t get either of that from this novel. The pov changed from first to third person randomly which messed with the pace. The topics were very dark and at points it felt like it was glorifying DV. The premise was good but overall the plot was very slow and repetitive with no thrill or enjoyment until 75% in. The overwhelming mention of the age gap as well as constant talk of abuse in all forms made me very uncomfortable and I really struggled getting through this one.
Unfortunately this book did not work for me. I went in with the understanding it was a 50 shades of gray meets gone girl but I didn’t get either of that from this novel. The pov changed from first to third person randomly which messed with the pace. The topics were very dark and at points it felt like it was glorifying DV. The premise was good but overall the plot was very slow and repetitive with no thrill or enjoyment until 75% in. The overwhelming mention of the age gap as well as constant talk of abuse in all forms made me very uncomfortable and I really struggled getting through this one.
September 16, 2026
5 STARS ✨️
Okay... this book had me questioning my own moral compass. 😂
I went into this thinking I knew exactly what kind of MMC Rob was going to be, and then Sabrina Black proceeded to give me about 17 different reasons to adore him, question him, defend him, side-eye him, and then somehow fall right back into the “okay, I totally get it” category.
And THAT is what IMPRESSED me most.
I was genuinely conflicted throughout this book. There were moments where I was completely swooning over Rob, moments where I was absolutely NOT okay with him, and moments where I was sitting there thinking:
“Am I supposed to be okay HIS BEHAVIOUR right now or should I be calling somebody?” 😭
But that emotional conflict never felt accidental. It made me think about the difference between love, control, protection, desire, trauma, boundaries & what we believe we deserve.
Rose is such an interesting FMC, because she is incredibly self-aware about some of the things that shaped her, while still struggling to break free from the patterns they've created. Watching her navigate that was heartbreaking, frustrating, and ultimately incredibly rewarding.
And the TITLE. 👏🏻
By the end, the meaning behind Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be hit completely differently.
It isn't just about escaping the people who hurt Rose. It's about confronting the version of herself that learned to accept pain, chaos, and unhealthy love as something she deserved.
One thing I absolutely loved about Sabrina Black's writing is how differently the inner dialogue feels depending on whose POV we're in. You don't just read what the characters are feeling. You feel like you're inside their heads, experiencing their thoughts & contradictions with them. And THAT made the emotional conflict hit so much harder.🤌🏼
This book also had me highlighting like my life depended on it.
Sneaky little quotes:
☆ “Who you choose is just a reflection of how you feel about yourself…
☆ You don’t believe you deserve happiness, do you?”
And Rob... sir. I have QUESTIONS. 😂
I don't think I'm supposed to walk away from this book with a simple “Rob is perfect” or “Rob is terrible.” He's complicated. Rose is complicated. Their relationship is complicated. And somehow, despite all the moments where my moral compass was screaming, I understood why Rose was drawn to him & why parts of their dynamic worked for her.
That ability to make me feel conflicted without making me want to put the book down is exactly why this gets 5 stars from me.✨️👏🏼
Sabrina Black you had me emotionally confused, morally concerned, occasionally swooning & then screaming & completely & invested.
This book in EMOJIs: 🥀👀🦄❤️🩹🔥🖤🚩
MY FINAL VERDICT:
I don't need a book to give me characters I agree with. Sometimes I need a book that makes me feel something, question something, and keep thinking about it after I close the Kindle.
This one did all three.👌🏼
Okay... this book had me questioning my own moral compass. 😂
I went into this thinking I knew exactly what kind of MMC Rob was going to be, and then Sabrina Black proceeded to give me about 17 different reasons to adore him, question him, defend him, side-eye him, and then somehow fall right back into the “okay, I totally get it” category.
And THAT is what IMPRESSED me most.
I was genuinely conflicted throughout this book. There were moments where I was completely swooning over Rob, moments where I was absolutely NOT okay with him, and moments where I was sitting there thinking:
“Am I supposed to be okay HIS BEHAVIOUR right now or should I be calling somebody?” 😭
But that emotional conflict never felt accidental. It made me think about the difference between love, control, protection, desire, trauma, boundaries & what we believe we deserve.
Rose is such an interesting FMC, because she is incredibly self-aware about some of the things that shaped her, while still struggling to break free from the patterns they've created. Watching her navigate that was heartbreaking, frustrating, and ultimately incredibly rewarding.
And the TITLE. 👏🏻
By the end, the meaning behind Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be hit completely differently.
It isn't just about escaping the people who hurt Rose. It's about confronting the version of herself that learned to accept pain, chaos, and unhealthy love as something she deserved.
One thing I absolutely loved about Sabrina Black's writing is how differently the inner dialogue feels depending on whose POV we're in. You don't just read what the characters are feeling. You feel like you're inside their heads, experiencing their thoughts & contradictions with them. And THAT made the emotional conflict hit so much harder.🤌🏼
This book also had me highlighting like my life depended on it.
Sneaky little quotes:
☆ “Who you choose is just a reflection of how you feel about yourself…
☆ You don’t believe you deserve happiness, do you?”
And Rob... sir. I have QUESTIONS. 😂
I don't think I'm supposed to walk away from this book with a simple “Rob is perfect” or “Rob is terrible.” He's complicated. Rose is complicated. Their relationship is complicated. And somehow, despite all the moments where my moral compass was screaming, I understood why Rose was drawn to him & why parts of their dynamic worked for her.
That ability to make me feel conflicted without making me want to put the book down is exactly why this gets 5 stars from me.✨️👏🏼
Sabrina Black you had me emotionally confused, morally concerned, occasionally swooning & then screaming & completely & invested.
This book in EMOJIs: 🥀👀🦄❤️🩹🔥🖤🚩
MY FINAL VERDICT:
I don't need a book to give me characters I agree with. Sometimes I need a book that makes me feel something, question something, and keep thinking about it after I close the Kindle.
This one did all three.👌🏼
January 22, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be is described as a dark romance and thriller. The story does have a slow build-up, but much of it is filled with details and emotion, and it's critical to the plot. Uniquely, the story is told in the form of narration. Rose is telling us, the reader, the story of what happened and how it started. Why is she the way she is? Her relationships with other men? And what led to her meeting Rob? Then Rob comes in with his part. It did take me a bit to get used to it, but once I was engrossed in the story, I was flowing with it.
As mentioned, Rose’s story is quite dark and emotional, and Rob has his own stuff too. Their relationship is non-traditional as Rob convinces her that he knows what’s best. And though this is the healthiest relationship she’s ever had and she’s the happiest, her spidey senses go off. And mine were too!
It was really interesting to see how the author developed the thriller portion of the story. How much of the narration's uniqueness shaped my, as the reader, connection with the characters. This, in turn, led me to get pulled in by Rob, just as Rose is—and question everything, just like Rose. I did read the sneak peek at the end of the book. I’m not sure if I should have, because now I have even more questions.
Note: This story may not be for everyone. It may contain Triggers for some. I don’t see any listed. It could be on the author’s site though. There is SA, Eating Disorder, Pyschological trauma, Childhood Aßuse, Violence w/ weapons, ß∂sm/power dynamics, drink gets tampered
Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be is described as a dark romance and thriller. The story does have a slow build-up, but much of it is filled with details and emotion, and it's critical to the plot. Uniquely, the story is told in the form of narration. Rose is telling us, the reader, the story of what happened and how it started. Why is she the way she is? Her relationships with other men? And what led to her meeting Rob? Then Rob comes in with his part. It did take me a bit to get used to it, but once I was engrossed in the story, I was flowing with it.
As mentioned, Rose’s story is quite dark and emotional, and Rob has his own stuff too. Their relationship is non-traditional as Rob convinces her that he knows what’s best. And though this is the healthiest relationship she’s ever had and she’s the happiest, her spidey senses go off. And mine were too!
It was really interesting to see how the author developed the thriller portion of the story. How much of the narration's uniqueness shaped my, as the reader, connection with the characters. This, in turn, led me to get pulled in by Rob, just as Rose is—and question everything, just like Rose. I did read the sneak peek at the end of the book. I’m not sure if I should have, because now I have even more questions.
Note: This story may not be for everyone. It may contain Triggers for some. I don’t see any listed. It could be on the author’s site though. There is SA, Eating Disorder, Pyschological trauma, Childhood Aßuse, Violence w/ weapons, ß∂sm/power dynamics, drink gets tampered
June 19, 2026
Secrets, Suspicion, & One Messy Love Story
Rose's story was definitely an emotional rollercoaster, and Besties... I had feelings about this one. From the very beginning, Rose is carrying so much trauma and emotional baggage that you can't help but want better for her. Watching her try to start over while still getting tangled up with people who clearly don't have her best interests at heart was frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. 💯
The relationship between Rose and Rob kept me intrigued. The age gap, secrets, power dynamics, and lingering mystery surrounding his first wife created a constant sense of unease that kept me turning pages. I especially enjoyed the suspense surrounding what really happened in Rob's past because it added an extra layer of tension to their romance. 😉
Now, with that said... the narration style occasionally pulled me out of the story. The shifts between perspectives and narrative styles felt unique but sometimes disrupted my reading flow. I also found myself wishing Rose would focus more on healing rather than jumping into another complicated relationship. 🤔
Overall, this was an interesting blend of romance, mystery, and emotional drama. While some elements didn't fully work for me, the suspense, secrets, and unanswered questions were enough to keep me invested until the very end.
My Ratings: ⭐ 3.5/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Rose's story was definitely an emotional rollercoaster, and Besties... I had feelings about this one. From the very beginning, Rose is carrying so much trauma and emotional baggage that you can't help but want better for her. Watching her try to start over while still getting tangled up with people who clearly don't have her best interests at heart was frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. 💯
The relationship between Rose and Rob kept me intrigued. The age gap, secrets, power dynamics, and lingering mystery surrounding his first wife created a constant sense of unease that kept me turning pages. I especially enjoyed the suspense surrounding what really happened in Rob's past because it added an extra layer of tension to their romance. 😉
Now, with that said... the narration style occasionally pulled me out of the story. The shifts between perspectives and narrative styles felt unique but sometimes disrupted my reading flow. I also found myself wishing Rose would focus more on healing rather than jumping into another complicated relationship. 🤔
Overall, this was an interesting blend of romance, mystery, and emotional drama. While some elements didn't fully work for me, the suspense, secrets, and unanswered questions were enough to keep me invested until the very end.
My Ratings: ⭐ 3.5/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
January 5, 2026
I had no idea what to expect with this book going in. I knew it was a dark romance, but that was really about it. I wasn't familiar with this book or this author so it was a complete blind read for me.
Initially I wasn't sure if I was able to connect and relate to Rose, as a character. She carried a lot of trauma that she experienced ups and downs with. Personally, I felt removed from her at first. Rob, right from the get go, I was fully on board with. He was a character that, though I am not like him and don't personally know anyone who is, I could understand him a lot more.
I liked this dynamic. It had me questioning a bit of why her, and what he saw in her, but in reality, that's what a lot of relationships look like to people on the outside. There is something there that clicks and works for the people involved and it doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.
After a few chapters I found I was hooked and becoming more and more invested with the story and I hadn't even realized when that had happened, just that it had.
I will tell you, the mystery, and the suspense, really had me for the last half of the book. I am not a big thriller reader but this one I had to know the outcome. I like to assess characters, situations, and the plot overall and make predictions for the end of the book. I did that many times but I did not see the end of this book coming. Being surprised like that isn't always easy for me and I loved it!
I enjoyed this book, a lot more than I thought I would in the beginning of the book. I am so glad I didn't get deterred early in and walk away. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
Initially I wasn't sure if I was able to connect and relate to Rose, as a character. She carried a lot of trauma that she experienced ups and downs with. Personally, I felt removed from her at first. Rob, right from the get go, I was fully on board with. He was a character that, though I am not like him and don't personally know anyone who is, I could understand him a lot more.
I liked this dynamic. It had me questioning a bit of why her, and what he saw in her, but in reality, that's what a lot of relationships look like to people on the outside. There is something there that clicks and works for the people involved and it doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.
After a few chapters I found I was hooked and becoming more and more invested with the story and I hadn't even realized when that had happened, just that it had.
I will tell you, the mystery, and the suspense, really had me for the last half of the book. I am not a big thriller reader but this one I had to know the outcome. I like to assess characters, situations, and the plot overall and make predictions for the end of the book. I did that many times but I did not see the end of this book coming. Being surprised like that isn't always easy for me and I loved it!
I enjoyed this book, a lot more than I thought I would in the beginning of the book. I am so glad I didn't get deterred early in and walk away. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
June 6, 2026
Rose Parker packed up her life and left New York City because she had to. She’s run away from a toxic relationship and a version of herself she needs to get away from. She lands in Austin looking for a fresh start and walks straight into Robert Alexander, a tech company founder twenty years her senior, who is magnetic and complicated and absolutely not the uncomplicated new beginning she had in mind.
But the question I had as I read is, is this man who he says he is or are there secrets lurking in the background. Also, will Rose find herself in the same situation she escaped from? These questions were answered as I read the book.
What I appreciate most about this book is that the author portrays and unravels the impact of Rose’s trauma in such an intentional way. Rose’s trauma sits at the center of who Rose is and every decision she makes comes from that place. The slow unraveling of her past alongside the pull toward something new and uncertain is written with a rawness that keeps you invested even when the story gets uncomfortable.
This is a dark romance turned thriller energy especially in the second half of the book. I liked the pacing
But the question I had as I read is, is this man who he says he is or are there secrets lurking in the background. Also, will Rose find herself in the same situation she escaped from? These questions were answered as I read the book.
What I appreciate most about this book is that the author portrays and unravels the impact of Rose’s trauma in such an intentional way. Rose’s trauma sits at the center of who Rose is and every decision she makes comes from that place. The slow unraveling of her past alongside the pull toward something new and uncertain is written with a rawness that keeps you invested even when the story gets uncomfortable.
This is a dark romance turned thriller energy especially in the second half of the book. I liked the pacing
July 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Free Me From the Girl I Used to Be by Sabrina Black is a dark romance thriller that really lives up to the dark part of the genre, so definitely check the trigger warnings before going in.
I really loved the female main character and honestly felt so sorry for everything she’d been through. She was easy to root for, and I found myself really invested in her journey. The male main character had me feeling so conflicted. One minute he was sweet and seemed perfect, and the next I was so frustrated with his behaviour. As the story unfolds, we get to learn more about both of their pasts, which helped me understand why they acted the way they did.
I really enjoyed Sabrina Black’s writing style, especially the dual POVs, which added so much more depth to the story. It was a bit of a slow burn to begin with, but I was hooked from the start and couldn’t wait to see where everything was heading. The ending definitely made the slower build-up worth it.
There are still a few unanswered questions, but knowing this is part of a series just makes me even more excited to pick up book two!
Free Me From the Girl I Used to Be by Sabrina Black is a dark romance thriller that really lives up to the dark part of the genre, so definitely check the trigger warnings before going in.
I really loved the female main character and honestly felt so sorry for everything she’d been through. She was easy to root for, and I found myself really invested in her journey. The male main character had me feeling so conflicted. One minute he was sweet and seemed perfect, and the next I was so frustrated with his behaviour. As the story unfolds, we get to learn more about both of their pasts, which helped me understand why they acted the way they did.
I really enjoyed Sabrina Black’s writing style, especially the dual POVs, which added so much more depth to the story. It was a bit of a slow burn to begin with, but I was hooked from the start and couldn’t wait to see where everything was heading. The ending definitely made the slower build-up worth it.
There are still a few unanswered questions, but knowing this is part of a series just makes me even more excited to pick up book two!
January 11, 2026
**Please read the trigger warnings before reading, touches on slightly dark topics**
This book had a slow start to develop the characters in the first half but picks up in the second half as new information came to be revealed, I was really on edge when some new characters came in, wondering what was real and what wasn’t. There was a moment for sure when we learned more about Amelia that had me in tears while I was reading.
Rose was relatable for me with her some of her traumas, view of herself and of men. I understood Rob was kind, patient and gentle with Rose when it came to her traumas but once the relationship got more... deep with how their dynamic changed, I feel it was a lot for me to read sometimes.
I feel like a lesson I got from this book is that no matter how messed up and unlovable you think you are or that you deserve the worst, there is a person out there who can see all your scars and pain but still love you and wants to bring out the best of you or help you heal.
I can’t wait for the second book to come out and learn more about everything!
This book had a slow start to develop the characters in the first half but picks up in the second half as new information came to be revealed, I was really on edge when some new characters came in, wondering what was real and what wasn’t. There was a moment for sure when we learned more about Amelia that had me in tears while I was reading.
Rose was relatable for me with her some of her traumas, view of herself and of men. I understood Rob was kind, patient and gentle with Rose when it came to her traumas but once the relationship got more... deep with how their dynamic changed, I feel it was a lot for me to read sometimes.
I feel like a lesson I got from this book is that no matter how messed up and unlovable you think you are or that you deserve the worst, there is a person out there who can see all your scars and pain but still love you and wants to bring out the best of you or help you heal.
I can’t wait for the second book to come out and learn more about everything!
September 4, 2026
Very Suspenseful
This author reached out to me about reading her latest book, and obviously I had to catch up on the beginning of the series. I am so glad I did. This book kept me captivated the whole time. Once I got used to her writing style I couldn't put this book down. Its so dark and emotional. I feel so bad for Rosie the FMC. She has really been through it. I'm still not too sure about Rob. At times I liked him and then other times I was like wrf?! Lots of trauma, emotions, kinks, secrets, and lies. Can't wait to read the next one! This one was so suspenseful.
This author reached out to me about reading her latest book, and obviously I had to catch up on the beginning of the series. I am so glad I did. This book kept me captivated the whole time. Once I got used to her writing style I couldn't put this book down. Its so dark and emotional. I feel so bad for Rosie the FMC. She has really been through it. I'm still not too sure about Rob. At times I liked him and then other times I was like wrf?! Lots of trauma, emotions, kinks, secrets, and lies. Can't wait to read the next one! This one was so suspenseful.
February 25, 2026
Emotional Journey
This is a raw and emotionally open journey through heartbreak, self-blame, and eventual self-forgiveness. The story gently reveals the process of letting go of a past love and a former version of yourself that stayed too long. While the writing is simple, it carries genuine emotion and relatability, making it comforting for readers in a healing phase. A reflective and empowering read, especially for those learning to choose themselves again.
This is a raw and emotionally open journey through heartbreak, self-blame, and eventual self-forgiveness. The story gently reveals the process of letting go of a past love and a former version of yourself that stayed too long. While the writing is simple, it carries genuine emotion and relatability, making it comforting for readers in a healing phase. A reflective and empowering read, especially for those learning to choose themselves again.
February 18, 2026
Overall, I liked this book a lot. There were definitely some dark parts. Probably need to check triggers before reading. I did not like the amount of control Rob demanded from Rose. I enjoyed the depth of the characters. I liked the way their histories were explained. Really enjoyed the ending. I like it when the truth of the situation is revealed in the end. Starting book 2 today!
March 12, 2026
Such an amazing read so heartbreaking, so much trauma, so much love 💕 and oh my gosh does it have some thrilling moments in there 😳 this one is a must read! 🙌 thank you so much to the author for providing me a copy of this book 🫶💕 #rose #rob #amelia #freemefromthegirliusedtobe #sabrinablack
Did Not Finish
July 2, 2026DNFing at 40% unfortunately. I just couldnt get into the story and I just couldn't get past the MMC wanting her to call him "Daddy". I'm not going to give it a rating as I feel that would be unfair of me.
September 30, 2026
I’m not entirely sure how to review this.
It was really hard to get through due to numerous things.
The trauma is hard to read about but after a few chapters that was the least of my worries.
It was hard to stay concentrated and really into the story due to how it’s told. It kind of flip flops tense and POV. I really didn’t know if the FMC was telling the story or not.
There is a lot going on. And it’s very sad and could be triggering.
It was really hard to get through due to numerous things.
The trauma is hard to read about but after a few chapters that was the least of my worries.
It was hard to stay concentrated and really into the story due to how it’s told. It kind of flip flops tense and POV. I really didn’t know if the FMC was telling the story or not.
There is a lot going on. And it’s very sad and could be triggering.
December 14, 2025
I struggled to complete this book. The writing style was confusing. The plot was predictable and I found myself wanting more twists or drama. I feel like all the big moments that should’ve had more story time had such swift resolution that it was hard to believe. Also, I hate that I was able to mark progress throughout the book by the personality trait that Rose made her entire persona. Bad dating decisions Rose. ED/Control issues Rose. Detective Rose. I found it difficult to relate to her character and found Rob to be a generic/stereotypical older MMC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2026
Let me start by saying I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It's not my typical read. I am a romance girly through and through, and romance was a subplot in this book. But the author took me on such a tumultuous journey, romance was the least of my needs. I don't normally read thrillers. In fact, I perused my library and I think I've only read one thriller in my past 200 books, so this book was definitely new and adventurous for me. All that to say, I really enjoyed it.
The book starts off with Rose, the FMC, fleeing her past to start anew in Austin. While trying to make friends in Austin, Rose stumbles into a local bar where Rob is bartending. The connection is established between Rose and Rob right away. I found Rob to be mysterious and intriguing while reading some of their first interactions, but I wasn't sure of his role at first (the author kept me guessing for a while). It's clear from the beginning that Rose is desperate to leave her past trauma behind while also struggling to fully leave the trauma behind - she's caught in the perpetual loop of codependency with one of her past relationships. FYI - This book focuses heavy on the FMC devaluing her self-worth due to past trauma...and there was a lot of trauma. In her quest for moving forward, Rose finds herself in precarious situations that could also be wildly traumatic. Fortunately, Rob is there to save the day. It's safe to say Rose has major trust issues and for good reasons.
Rob is 20 years older than Rose and widowed. He is patient with Rose, doesn't take advantage, does everything right to try to earn Rose's trust. Rose is guarded in her "friendship" with Rob. She sets very clear boundaries with Rob - mentally, emotionally and physically - and he respects her boundaries. The relationship between Rose and Rob happens slowly which is intentional and required for believability. Rose struggles with the age gap between her and Rob, but over time, she ultimately succumbs to his charm....and he is charming. Rob is wealthy, extravagant, a great friend to those in need, and Rose finds herself unable to stay away. But Rose's trust in Rob is very hard earned.
The author then takes us on a journey through Rose's trauma (read the TWs). Rob is there for every step of Rose's healing process. The relationship between Rob and Rose did turn very controlling. Rob is a very controlling man, but I didn't hate it (I normally do) because Rob made it very clear from the beginning his need for "ownership and control" and Rose agreed to it. I just want to say, the level of control Rob needed would be considered VERY DISTURBING in the real world (hence my 4 stars) and some of the pet names are normal icks for me. But I looked past them because I enjoyed the journey this book took me on. Also, Rose accepted it, so why shouldn't I? Through the relationship building, we learn more about Rob's relationship with his deceased wife and the mystery surrounding her death. This is why Rob's control was key to the story. The book starts by making you love Rob (I gave him all my trust). Then he turns controlling (I revoked some of that trust). Then the mystery of his wife is brought up (I started questioning everything about Rob). The author just set the stage so perfectly.
One side note, the POVs in this book were so cool. There are times Rose's internal thought processes were written like letters from Rose to Rob. I have NEVER read a POV like that and I loved it. The way Sabrina Black gave us a glimpse into Rose's mind through this unique POV truly stood out to me.
Wrapping up, I was guessing the plot until the very end. I didn't know if I should love or hate Rob until the bitter end, truly. The tense, toxic, emotional, unpredictable path I walked while reading this book kept me interested from the first page through the last. Now I realize, I love romance turned thriller books, so I will read more. I am excited to continue through this series.
The book starts off with Rose, the FMC, fleeing her past to start anew in Austin. While trying to make friends in Austin, Rose stumbles into a local bar where Rob is bartending. The connection is established between Rose and Rob right away. I found Rob to be mysterious and intriguing while reading some of their first interactions, but I wasn't sure of his role at first (the author kept me guessing for a while). It's clear from the beginning that Rose is desperate to leave her past trauma behind while also struggling to fully leave the trauma behind - she's caught in the perpetual loop of codependency with one of her past relationships. FYI - This book focuses heavy on the FMC devaluing her self-worth due to past trauma...and there was a lot of trauma. In her quest for moving forward, Rose finds herself in precarious situations that could also be wildly traumatic. Fortunately, Rob is there to save the day. It's safe to say Rose has major trust issues and for good reasons.
Rob is 20 years older than Rose and widowed. He is patient with Rose, doesn't take advantage, does everything right to try to earn Rose's trust. Rose is guarded in her "friendship" with Rob. She sets very clear boundaries with Rob - mentally, emotionally and physically - and he respects her boundaries. The relationship between Rose and Rob happens slowly which is intentional and required for believability. Rose struggles with the age gap between her and Rob, but over time, she ultimately succumbs to his charm....and he is charming. Rob is wealthy, extravagant, a great friend to those in need, and Rose finds herself unable to stay away. But Rose's trust in Rob is very hard earned.
The author then takes us on a journey through Rose's trauma (read the TWs). Rob is there for every step of Rose's healing process. The relationship between Rob and Rose did turn very controlling. Rob is a very controlling man, but I didn't hate it (I normally do) because Rob made it very clear from the beginning his need for "ownership and control" and Rose agreed to it. I just want to say, the level of control Rob needed would be considered VERY DISTURBING in the real world (hence my 4 stars) and some of the pet names are normal icks for me. But I looked past them because I enjoyed the journey this book took me on. Also, Rose accepted it, so why shouldn't I? Through the relationship building, we learn more about Rob's relationship with his deceased wife and the mystery surrounding her death. This is why Rob's control was key to the story. The book starts by making you love Rob (I gave him all my trust). Then he turns controlling (I revoked some of that trust). Then the mystery of his wife is brought up (I started questioning everything about Rob). The author just set the stage so perfectly.
One side note, the POVs in this book were so cool. There are times Rose's internal thought processes were written like letters from Rose to Rob. I have NEVER read a POV like that and I loved it. The way Sabrina Black gave us a glimpse into Rose's mind through this unique POV truly stood out to me.
Wrapping up, I was guessing the plot until the very end. I didn't know if I should love or hate Rob until the bitter end, truly. The tense, toxic, emotional, unpredictable path I walked while reading this book kept me interested from the first page through the last. Now I realize, I love romance turned thriller books, so I will read more. I am excited to continue through this series.
December 5, 2025
Not What I Expected!
The author really gives you a deep dive into the psychological makeup of the FMC and MMC. There is no heroine in this story, but rather two very broken people looking to find that dream of love. Do they find it? I'm not sure this story gives a precise answer to that. The relationship is all kinds of ways unhealthy and toxic, but it does pose the question that maybe healing is different for people, or that maybe they just manipulate and enable each other than actually seek real treatment from professionals.
I'm not going to lie, the book really starts off slow. I get why - the author had to give background into why each of these characters were "broken". If you are sensitive to triggers - don't read this book. The author delves into many various mental illnesses and trauma.
The FMC - Rose I honestly didn't like that much. She suffered from growing up watching her mother abused by her father, until they divorced. She also develops " Daddy Issues" because even while married to her mother, her father never showed her love or attention, and after the divorce even less. You get the feeling even though he was well off - saw his children (she has a sister) - he didn't supply any financial support because it's mentioned she went hungry many times. She goes through a string of men that have used and abused her, has been sexually assaulted, CPTSD, drugged, is anorexic, maybe some bulimia, degraded, dehumanized, extreme low self esteem, and several other issues. The reason I honestly didn't like her is she seemed a little overly whiny. She also seemed to flip out a little too much, and at many times judgemental and hypocritical. I don't want to give out any spoilers because I hate spoiling the story for others - so I won't go into specific scenes displaying those examples.
The MMC, Rob, comes with his own set of baggage and mental illness. In their first few encounters, after he saves Rose from a drugging - the story - to me - was foreshadowing he was leading her into pretty much grooming her - and I do think he was in some ways - to the "Extreme" BDSM lifestyle he desires. That's where the story borrows some things from "50 Shades Of Grey", he's a " billionaire with a sex toy/BDSM Room", but minus the contract and detailed "spicyness". In fact, if you are looking for a book that has a medium to high spice rating - you won't find that here. He's more like Christian Grey on steroids. He was beaten and abused by his mother and her various boyfriends, his mother was a methhead, and I strongly get the feeling - no not really spelled out - that because of that he has some deep rooted hatred for women.
About 40% in the book, after you get the background stories on the two main characters, the book picks up with the mystery of what really happened to Rob's first wife Amelia. That's when I didn't want to put the book down. You find out that maybe he isn't what he appeared to be. It really remains a mystery to the end for many reasons and leaves you wondering what the facts actually are. Is Rob lying and manipulating the facts still? Did he finally come clean? The author leaves us pondering that question to the end.
I'm not sure is I completely like the ending - it still leaves you with plenty of questions - and though I think the FMC is being blind, naive, and gullible at the end with her final decision it does leave you with a good lead into the next book which I will patiently be waiting for and look forward to reading.
The author really gives you a deep dive into the psychological makeup of the FMC and MMC. There is no heroine in this story, but rather two very broken people looking to find that dream of love. Do they find it? I'm not sure this story gives a precise answer to that. The relationship is all kinds of ways unhealthy and toxic, but it does pose the question that maybe healing is different for people, or that maybe they just manipulate and enable each other than actually seek real treatment from professionals.
I'm not going to lie, the book really starts off slow. I get why - the author had to give background into why each of these characters were "broken". If you are sensitive to triggers - don't read this book. The author delves into many various mental illnesses and trauma.
The FMC - Rose I honestly didn't like that much. She suffered from growing up watching her mother abused by her father, until they divorced. She also develops " Daddy Issues" because even while married to her mother, her father never showed her love or attention, and after the divorce even less. You get the feeling even though he was well off - saw his children (she has a sister) - he didn't supply any financial support because it's mentioned she went hungry many times. She goes through a string of men that have used and abused her, has been sexually assaulted, CPTSD, drugged, is anorexic, maybe some bulimia, degraded, dehumanized, extreme low self esteem, and several other issues. The reason I honestly didn't like her is she seemed a little overly whiny. She also seemed to flip out a little too much, and at many times judgemental and hypocritical. I don't want to give out any spoilers because I hate spoiling the story for others - so I won't go into specific scenes displaying those examples.
The MMC, Rob, comes with his own set of baggage and mental illness. In their first few encounters, after he saves Rose from a drugging - the story - to me - was foreshadowing he was leading her into pretty much grooming her - and I do think he was in some ways - to the "Extreme" BDSM lifestyle he desires. That's where the story borrows some things from "50 Shades Of Grey", he's a " billionaire with a sex toy/BDSM Room", but minus the contract and detailed "spicyness". In fact, if you are looking for a book that has a medium to high spice rating - you won't find that here. He's more like Christian Grey on steroids. He was beaten and abused by his mother and her various boyfriends, his mother was a methhead, and I strongly get the feeling - no not really spelled out - that because of that he has some deep rooted hatred for women.
About 40% in the book, after you get the background stories on the two main characters, the book picks up with the mystery of what really happened to Rob's first wife Amelia. That's when I didn't want to put the book down. You find out that maybe he isn't what he appeared to be. It really remains a mystery to the end for many reasons and leaves you wondering what the facts actually are. Is Rob lying and manipulating the facts still? Did he finally come clean? The author leaves us pondering that question to the end.
I'm not sure is I completely like the ending - it still leaves you with plenty of questions - and though I think the FMC is being blind, naive, and gullible at the end with her final decision it does leave you with a good lead into the next book which I will patiently be waiting for and look forward to reading.
February 11, 2026
This author reached out to me and sent me a copy of this read in exchange for my honest review.
Free Me From the Girl I Used to Be
**An intense, raw look at trauma—but come prepared.**
I’m so conflicted on this one. I couldn't put it down because the emotional stakes were so high, but it was a very heavy read. I have read a wide variety of dark romances and this one was somehow different than any of them!
⚠️Content Warning: This book is filled with triggers that I wish I had been prepared for, as the emotional toll is significant.
*Elements of BDSM, especially sadism and masochism, DDLG dynamics, abuse, childhood trauma, SA, manipulation EDs, etc. are prevalent throughout. Also be aware that the preview for book two, at the end of this book, has animal abuse in the first few pages.
The characters:
The FMC’s cycle of trusting the wrong men was frustrating, but it felt heartbreakingly realistic given her background. It wasn't 'bad character writing'; it was a painful, honest portrayal of how trauma can warp someone's judgment. She was just looking for love in all the wrong places.
The MMC was questionable at times and his ability to flip from protective and loving to threatening and possessive was jarring for me. I’ve read many posssive MMC’s but the dynamic with these two characters added another layer of complexity that was hard to process. His brand of care and possessiveness felt incredibly toxic, yet it walked a very thin line because it was what the FMC felt like she needed from him. It was a deeply intense and dangerous kind of love on both ends.
The plot:
The story is written in a first-person POV where the FMC speaks directly to the MMC. This direct address made the narrative feel incredibly intimate and confessional—almost like I was reading a private letter I wasn't supposed to see. Because the tone was so raw, it kept me waiting for a jaw-dropping, twisted moment at the end that I felt was being teased…
The story explores a level of sadism, masochism, and a desire for physical pain in intimacy that was difficult for me to wrap my head around. It made the relationship feel both deeply misunderstood but also somewhat unsettling.
While the build-up to the climax was a bit slow for me, the ending felt right for the story. I felt it lacked the shock factor I was expecting after such a long, intense build-up from that first person POV. But the ending was deeply emotional and I felt it answered all the questions the FMC had us asking.
The writing:
Sabrina Black has a very specific narrative voice. I’m the type of reader who tends to notice little details in phrasing, and I found the sentence structures a bit unconventional at times. Some common sayings were worded in ways I wasn’t used to, which occasionally pulled me out of the story’s intensity. It’s a very specific style and the way it stood out might just be a 'me' thing, but it was something I noticed throughout the read.
In conclusion:
Overall this is a powerful story and I HAD to know how it all worked out for the characters. Even if it was a difficult read for me personally, with all the trauma it entails, it was also very difficult to put down. In the end, solving the mystery of what really happened to the MMC’s ex wife gave me the closure I wanted but the Book 2 preview leaves you wondering if there’s still more to the mystery.
(However, I’m still deciding if I have the emotional energy to pick up Book 2).
Free Me From the Girl I Used to Be
**An intense, raw look at trauma—but come prepared.**
I’m so conflicted on this one. I couldn't put it down because the emotional stakes were so high, but it was a very heavy read. I have read a wide variety of dark romances and this one was somehow different than any of them!
⚠️Content Warning: This book is filled with triggers that I wish I had been prepared for, as the emotional toll is significant.
*Elements of BDSM, especially sadism and masochism, DDLG dynamics, abuse, childhood trauma, SA, manipulation EDs, etc. are prevalent throughout. Also be aware that the preview for book two, at the end of this book, has animal abuse in the first few pages.
The characters:
The FMC’s cycle of trusting the wrong men was frustrating, but it felt heartbreakingly realistic given her background. It wasn't 'bad character writing'; it was a painful, honest portrayal of how trauma can warp someone's judgment. She was just looking for love in all the wrong places.
The MMC was questionable at times and his ability to flip from protective and loving to threatening and possessive was jarring for me. I’ve read many posssive MMC’s but the dynamic with these two characters added another layer of complexity that was hard to process. His brand of care and possessiveness felt incredibly toxic, yet it walked a very thin line because it was what the FMC felt like she needed from him. It was a deeply intense and dangerous kind of love on both ends.
The plot:
The story is written in a first-person POV where the FMC speaks directly to the MMC. This direct address made the narrative feel incredibly intimate and confessional—almost like I was reading a private letter I wasn't supposed to see. Because the tone was so raw, it kept me waiting for a jaw-dropping, twisted moment at the end that I felt was being teased…
The story explores a level of sadism, masochism, and a desire for physical pain in intimacy that was difficult for me to wrap my head around. It made the relationship feel both deeply misunderstood but also somewhat unsettling.
While the build-up to the climax was a bit slow for me, the ending felt right for the story. I felt it lacked the shock factor I was expecting after such a long, intense build-up from that first person POV. But the ending was deeply emotional and I felt it answered all the questions the FMC had us asking.
The writing:
Sabrina Black has a very specific narrative voice. I’m the type of reader who tends to notice little details in phrasing, and I found the sentence structures a bit unconventional at times. Some common sayings were worded in ways I wasn’t used to, which occasionally pulled me out of the story’s intensity. It’s a very specific style and the way it stood out might just be a 'me' thing, but it was something I noticed throughout the read.
In conclusion:
Overall this is a powerful story and I HAD to know how it all worked out for the characters. Even if it was a difficult read for me personally, with all the trauma it entails, it was also very difficult to put down. In the end, solving the mystery of what really happened to the MMC’s ex wife gave me the closure I wanted but the Book 2 preview leaves you wondering if there’s still more to the mystery.
(However, I’m still deciding if I have the emotional energy to pick up Book 2).
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