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The Me I Used to Be Lib/E
9 hours, 14 minutes
In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan's bold new novel, Evangeline Austen returns to her family's sprawling Napa Valley ranch, determined to rebuild her life and expose the shocking truth about the past.
She's not the naive girl she used to be...
After serving time for a crime she didn't commit, Evangeline returns home to a cold welcome. Her mother blames her for her father's death, and her brothers want her out of their way. When Evangeline learns she's solely responsible for their failing ranch-putting her family's future squarely on her shoulders-she'll have to find a creative way to save their home before they lose it all.
She'll have her reckoning...
Her only ally: the cop who sent her away. Chris Chambers is positive she went to prison to protect someone else. He strikes a deal: help him track down the real criminals in exchange for clearing her name. But the closer Evangeline and Chris get to exposing the truth-and to each other-the deeper Evangeline is drawn into a dangerous sting that could finally bring her justice...or put her dreams on hold permanently.
She'll fight for the life she always wanted...
Everyone's lives moved on while Evangeline's stood still. Now she has a chance to rebuild her family ranch, her life, and expose the people who put her away, so she can become the woman she was always meant to be.
In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan's bold new novel, Evangeline Austen returns to her family's sprawling Napa Valley ranch, determined to rebuild her life and expose the shocking truth about the past.
She's not the naive girl she used to be...
After serving time for a crime she didn't commit, Evangeline returns home to a cold welcome. Her mother blames her for her father's death, and her brothers want her out of their way. When Evangeline learns she's solely responsible for their failing ranch-putting her family's future squarely on her shoulders-she'll have to find a creative way to save their home before they lose it all.
She'll have her reckoning...
Her only ally: the cop who sent her away. Chris Chambers is positive she went to prison to protect someone else. He strikes a deal: help him track down the real criminals in exchange for clearing her name. But the closer Evangeline and Chris get to exposing the truth-and to each other-the deeper Evangeline is drawn into a dangerous sting that could finally bring her justice...or put her dreams on hold permanently.
She'll fight for the life she always wanted...
Everyone's lives moved on while Evangeline's stood still. Now she has a chance to rebuild her family ranch, her life, and expose the people who put her away, so she can become the woman she was always meant to be.
Audio CD
First published July 2, 2019
677 people are currently reading
11960 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ryan
48 books1,888 followersJennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 462 reviews
September 1, 2021
This one started off very strongly. Plenty of mystery and a gutsy, don't-mess-with me heroine.
I couldn't wait for the mother to have to eat humble pie. That ending was worth waiting for, for that alone.
Things got a bit hackneyed after about 50%, but I would still give this one a 3.8 out of 5, just for the intelligent writing style and the entertainment value. (I've never watched Orange is the New Black, but it almost tempted me to give it a go. I rarely watch TV, though, so I doubt that I will! I'm not into watching violent series.)
I couldn't wait for the mother to have to eat humble pie. That ending was worth waiting for, for that alone.
Things got a bit hackneyed after about 50%, but I would still give this one a 3.8 out of 5, just for the intelligent writing style and the entertainment value. (I've never watched Orange is the New Black, but it almost tempted me to give it a go. I rarely watch TV, though, so I doubt that I will! I'm not into watching violent series.)
May 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!!!
I read this in one sitting because I could not put this down. There are a couple storylines woven into this story and it fits nicely.
The story begins with Evangeline facing a parole board after serving 4 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. She is released but is escorted out by the officer who arrested her, Chris. Chris makes her a deal to expunge her prison record and she agrees. He escorts her home to her family ranch where she faces her family who is so bitter and angry at her because they blame her for her fauther's death who recently passed away. She is filled with guilt and because she has no place to go, she is forced to stay with her family.
Chris's deal involves the reason for Evangeline's time in prison........he believes she is innocent and wants to solve this crime. He believes she also went to prison to protect someone that she cares for. Evangeline wants to move on with her life and will agree to Chris's risky plan to catch the real criminals. While she is managing this plan, she is also trying to reconnect with her mother, who is so angry at her, and her two brothers who have distanced themselves from their sister while she was gone. This changes as her father's will requires her to be the decision maker of how the family ranch must be managed. One brother wants to sell, while the other wants to keep the ranch. Her father trusted her to use her to make the best decision and the pressure to find the best choice is weighing heavily with her.
This author adds a love story that is not forced and feels like someting that the main character deserves. I really liked the layers of storytelling as you felt ineganged immediately. Alot of healing, forgiveness and feels, many feels. Evangeline's character is very strong and you are cheering her on as she embraces her independence and elevating the "me she used to be".
I read this in one sitting because I could not put this down. There are a couple storylines woven into this story and it fits nicely.
The story begins with Evangeline facing a parole board after serving 4 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. She is released but is escorted out by the officer who arrested her, Chris. Chris makes her a deal to expunge her prison record and she agrees. He escorts her home to her family ranch where she faces her family who is so bitter and angry at her because they blame her for her fauther's death who recently passed away. She is filled with guilt and because she has no place to go, she is forced to stay with her family.
Chris's deal involves the reason for Evangeline's time in prison........he believes she is innocent and wants to solve this crime. He believes she also went to prison to protect someone that she cares for. Evangeline wants to move on with her life and will agree to Chris's risky plan to catch the real criminals. While she is managing this plan, she is also trying to reconnect with her mother, who is so angry at her, and her two brothers who have distanced themselves from their sister while she was gone. This changes as her father's will requires her to be the decision maker of how the family ranch must be managed. One brother wants to sell, while the other wants to keep the ranch. Her father trusted her to use her to make the best decision and the pressure to find the best choice is weighing heavily with her.
This author adds a love story that is not forced and feels like someting that the main character deserves. I really liked the layers of storytelling as you felt ineganged immediately. Alot of healing, forgiveness and feels, many feels. Evangeline's character is very strong and you are cheering her on as she embraces her independence and elevating the "me she used to be".
July 2, 2019
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Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Me I Used to Be was a crazy intriguing story with a lot of heartfelt moments. The book follows Evangeline after she's released from prison where she served 4 years for a crime she didn't commit. There's no going back to her life from before she was in prison, so now she'll have to figure out how she's going to navigate this new life post-jail time. But with one major obstacle in the way - catching the real criminals.
I have to say, there was a lot of frustration from seeing how Evangeline's family treated her, and many moments where I just wanted to reach into the book and slap them. But I liked that the book had me reacting that strongly to the characters. It had me fully captivated by everything going on that much. Especially the mystery surrounding Evangeline's arrest and her crime. I loved the suspense that it added and how the mystery was the thing pushing Evangeline and Chris together.
Honestly there wasn't anything major that I didn't like about the book but as an overall story I felt like it lacked a little something. It kept me intrigued, but also had me searching for more depth from the characters. Sometimes things were maybe just a little too easy to fall into place and that's what had me feeling as if the story was lacking.
Bottom line, this was a easy and quick read that I found enjoyable. I liked Evangeline as our main character and I was definitely cheering her on as the book progressed. It gets a recommend from me and I think anyone that picks this book up will get sucked into it just like I did and hopefully enjoy it as much also.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Me I Used to Be was a crazy intriguing story with a lot of heartfelt moments. The book follows Evangeline after she's released from prison where she served 4 years for a crime she didn't commit. There's no going back to her life from before she was in prison, so now she'll have to figure out how she's going to navigate this new life post-jail time. But with one major obstacle in the way - catching the real criminals.
I have to say, there was a lot of frustration from seeing how Evangeline's family treated her, and many moments where I just wanted to reach into the book and slap them. But I liked that the book had me reacting that strongly to the characters. It had me fully captivated by everything going on that much. Especially the mystery surrounding Evangeline's arrest and her crime. I loved the suspense that it added and how the mystery was the thing pushing Evangeline and Chris together.
Honestly there wasn't anything major that I didn't like about the book but as an overall story I felt like it lacked a little something. It kept me intrigued, but also had me searching for more depth from the characters. Sometimes things were maybe just a little too easy to fall into place and that's what had me feeling as if the story was lacking.
Bottom line, this was a easy and quick read that I found enjoyable. I liked Evangeline as our main character and I was definitely cheering her on as the book progressed. It gets a recommend from me and I think anyone that picks this book up will get sucked into it just like I did and hopefully enjoy it as much also.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2019
2.5. I REALLY wanted to like this book, I did. The concept was interesting and the setting was relatable.
But I just couldn't get my head around it. Evangeline spends 4 years in prison pretty much getting the crap kicked out of her then the cop who helped put her away shows up. She makes a point of saying she's afraid of him and the power he has over her life, then BAM she can't get enough of him, can't stop thinking about him, and gives him MORE power over her life with her parole deal.
On top of that, is the behavior of Evangeline's family, who treats her like absolute crap. Their behavior only softens a little when she "proves she's worthy" by saving be her nephew. Then all is instantly forgiven once they realize she was innocent and protecting her dad.
Her mother wouldn't talk to her and accused her of being the cause of her dad's death. But all the verbal abuse is forgiven and forgotten in moments once her mother realizes she wasn't responsible, thus "worthy" of being treated like a human being again.
But I just couldn't get my head around it. Evangeline spends 4 years in prison pretty much getting the crap kicked out of her then the cop who helped put her away shows up. She makes a point of saying she's afraid of him and the power he has over her life, then BAM she can't get enough of him, can't stop thinking about him, and gives him MORE power over her life with her parole deal.
On top of that, is the behavior of Evangeline's family, who treats her like absolute crap. Their behavior only softens a little when she "proves she's worthy" by saving be her nephew. Then all is instantly forgiven once they realize she was innocent and protecting her dad.
Her mother wouldn't talk to her and accused her of being the cause of her dad's death. But all the verbal abuse is forgiven and forgotten in moments once her mother realizes she wasn't responsible, thus "worthy" of being treated like a human being again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
Very, very angsty read with a heroine who would have been better off raised by wolves than this family.
Falsely imprisoned she's released when her dad dies and the officer the arrested her says she has to help catch the bad guys. Her mom's first words were to her were more or less, "I wish you had died instead." Ouch. She was found guilty of a non-violent crime, but her prison term ended up killing her dad according to her mother.
I was pretty riveted with her rotten family and the re-emergence of the bad guys, but very ragey because they dismiss 21 years of being a family like she's nothing. Her family...not the bad guys. About halfway into the book she goes from a tightly wound Mary Sue Martyr to the Mary Suest of Mary Sues by solving her brothers money woes, fighting bad guys and balancing the national debt.
Falsely imprisoned she's released when her dad dies and the officer the arrested her says she has to help catch the bad guys. Her mom's first words were to her were more or less, "I wish you had died instead." Ouch. She was found guilty of a non-violent crime, but her prison term ended up killing her dad according to her mother.
I was pretty riveted with her rotten family and the re-emergence of the bad guys, but very ragey because they dismiss 21 years of being a family like she's nothing. Her family...not the bad guys. About halfway into the book she goes from a tightly wound Mary Sue Martyr to the Mary Suest of Mary Sues by solving her brothers money woes, fighting bad guys and balancing the national debt.
October 30, 2021
After four years in prison, Evangeline is up for parole. Imagine her surprise when her arresting officer enters the hearing room! A whispered conference with the parole board and she is immediately released on compassionate grounds. Immediately. Right now. Hit the road. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, and do not go through official channels for release. And don't let the door hit you on the way out.
That is just the first of a slew of improbable happenings in this book. Before it begins, Evangeline was arrested for a crime she did not commit, tried and sentenced in a period of about 4-6 weeks. Right.
She went in as a pampered co-ed at the age of 19, survived six violent episodes while imprisoned, four of which culminated in a hospital stay, at least one of which incidents was life-threatening, while at the same time getting a four-year degree with honors in web design. She also set up her own business which was against the rules. This last accomplishment was proudly announced later by said arresting officer.
Once out, she takes over the failing family business, making some savvy decisions that make her brothers and mother financially secure, suggests a business venture for her mother to keep her busy, helps solve the crime that sent her to prison and catches the guy responsible, sets up several amazing websites that AT ONCE send the profits for each business through the roof, and falls in love with the aforementioned arresting officer. She also mends the broken relationships with her family, who without exception thought she was guilty, and who treated her like dirt. All this in the space of about a month.
I'm not sure in what universe all this takes place, but the people there must surely die young. Of exhaustion.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank goodness I didn't buy it. If I had, I would be quite put out.
That is just the first of a slew of improbable happenings in this book. Before it begins, Evangeline was arrested for a crime she did not commit, tried and sentenced in a period of about 4-6 weeks. Right.
She went in as a pampered co-ed at the age of 19, survived six violent episodes while imprisoned, four of which culminated in a hospital stay, at least one of which incidents was life-threatening, while at the same time getting a four-year degree with honors in web design. She also set up her own business which was against the rules. This last accomplishment was proudly announced later by said arresting officer.
Once out, she takes over the failing family business, making some savvy decisions that make her brothers and mother financially secure, suggests a business venture for her mother to keep her busy, helps solve the crime that sent her to prison and catches the guy responsible, sets up several amazing websites that AT ONCE send the profits for each business through the roof, and falls in love with the aforementioned arresting officer. She also mends the broken relationships with her family, who without exception thought she was guilty, and who treated her like dirt. All this in the space of about a month.
I'm not sure in what universe all this takes place, but the people there must surely die young. Of exhaustion.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank goodness I didn't buy it. If I had, I would be quite put out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2021
1. Love the cover! This is what's attracted me to the book.
2. My first read from the author. The premise is very interesting. About an ex-con trying to build up her life after 4 years in prison.
3. The writing was smooth and fast pace, the story was straightforward. There were some secrets and revenge, but all were revealed quite early.
4. To be honest, there were too much problems for Evangeline to settled on her own. The writer wanted to have a very smart heroin, as opposed to a TSTL heroines out there, but so many things at the same time...hmm. Quite a superhuman, our Evangeline.
5. I think this was supposed to be a woman's fiction, but the voice of angsty teenagers were more dominating. It did feel like a YA book.
2. My first read from the author. The premise is very interesting. About an ex-con trying to build up her life after 4 years in prison.
3. The writing was smooth and fast pace, the story was straightforward. There were some secrets and revenge, but all were revealed quite early.
4. To be honest, there were too much problems for Evangeline to settled on her own. The writer wanted to have a very smart heroin, as opposed to a TSTL heroines out there, but so many things at the same time...hmm. Quite a superhuman, our Evangeline.
5. I think this was supposed to be a woman's fiction, but the voice of angsty teenagers were more dominating. It did feel like a YA book.
March 29, 2019
I don't typically read fluffy romance, most of my romance involves demons, dragons, aliens, vampires, or werewolves. But I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads contest and was more than happy to try it out. The book was cute and told a very simple and straight-forward story. I think I disliked two major things--first, the author over-explained tremendously. She would take paragraphs talking about how a character felt, but I think that by the action and conversation in a book we should be able to tell. She consistently went back over facts again and again, re-stating what had happened in a previous chapter or what someone was thinking. It was torture. The other problem is the spoiler here--everything is great--she falls in love, her brother gets his house, the ranch is saved, the bad guy is caught, everyone forgives everyone, and every single possible plot line in the story is resolved. It was rather absurd. It was fun to read about people falling in love (albeit quickly) and I was rooting for the "good guys", but overall the story was simplistic and formulaic. I did appreciate trying a new genre and the goodreads win to be able to review. But, this is a generous three star book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2019
Captivating ~ Enjoyable ~ Satisfying
tl;dr: Post-conviction daugther returns to family farm to fix things.
This book is like a Romance writer scripted the afterlife for the character from Orange is the New Black. The story has so many expected tropes: jealous siblings, insta-tropes, heart-of-gold lawman. Yet, Ryan seems to turn the expected into something surprising. This fast read is incredibly satisfying. The main characters are appealing, certainly, but Ryan's strength might be her pacing. The mystery at the center of the main characters convinction unfolds in an enjoyable pace. I didn't expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. Great summer read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter|
tl;dr: Post-conviction daugther returns to family farm to fix things.
This book is like a Romance writer scripted the afterlife for the character from Orange is the New Black. The story has so many expected tropes: jealous siblings, insta-tropes, heart-of-gold lawman. Yet, Ryan seems to turn the expected into something surprising. This fast read is incredibly satisfying. The main characters are appealing, certainly, but Ryan's strength might be her pacing. The mystery at the center of the main characters convinction unfolds in an enjoyable pace. I didn't expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. Great summer read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter|
July 15, 2019
I enjoyed the beginning part of this book until in the blink of an eye the main character Evangeline all of a sudden, after stating she didn't trust anyone at all, was in love with and trusted the cop that put her in jail. Then it was over the top with wanting him etc etc. And then the villain Darren immediately trusted her to get right back into helping him steal... no suspicions or anything that she was trying to get back at him. I skimmed over pages because of these situations. Even the parts where she saved the day with the family farm problems were so out there.... and the fire, helping all those displaced families etc all in what seemed a short period of time. I thought I was reading about Superwoman....
July 27, 2019
Rated 4.5 - THE ME I USED TO BE by Jennifer Ryan is a breath of fresh air for romance readers in need of the unusual mixed with the unexpected.
Anyone who follows my reviews understands I’m an eclectic reader, but do you know that my core prefers romance? Not the same-old-same-old we’ve come to expect. There is a formula romance authors follow to give us what we want. Romance readers don’t always like it when an author meanders away from that formula. I do – I want the unusual and unexpected.
THE ME I USED TO BE is the perfect example of an author who takes a risk that pays off in an excellent story.
Read the review in full color at my blog, TheZestQuest.com.
This novel begins on the day Evangeline Austen is released from prison. The first lines in this story set the stage for an emotional, and sometimes shocking, story. We know Evangeline is covering for someone, but who? And who is this cop who thinks he’ll bribe her with her freedom to tell him the truth? Surely, Lieutenant Chris Chambers is NOT the hero of this possible love story?
Evangeline is a sympathetic heroine but she’s not a wimp. Prison taught her to trust no one except herself. She’s scarred on the outside, as much as the inside, from her experience. But she made good use of her four years behind bars by earning a college degree she can use to turn her life around.
Evangeline returns home amidst turmoil. Her father died. The remaining family feels that her imprisonment, and refusal to see her father, is the cause. The family business is in trouble. This is where she has to live until parole allows something else. Can she make it on the outside?
THE ME I USED TO BE is very addictive. One shocking thing after another happens to make Evangeline’s world impossible for most people. But that’s where her strength proves to be essential. If they’re going to get out of this mess as a loving family, Evangeline needs to use her gifts to their best advantage.
It was hard for me to imagine that Chris would ever turn out to be a believable hero. He is tough, but he has a soft spot for Evangeline. I couldn’t figure out why, at first, but once I did, then I understood how this was meant to be.
That doesn’t mean this story is easy. Far from it. What it does mean is that author Jennifer Ryan is a gifted storyteller. She made me believe what I never thought possible.
Did I love everything and the way it was done in this book? Of course, not – I’m a Romantic Suspense (RS) critic who is always looking for that perfect style I crave. I didn’t love everything about the RS portion. Some of you will absolutely love it. I also didn’t like how some of the bad guy stuff caused more bad things to happen to more good people. But it had to be that way for this plot to work.
The part I disliked the most was the quick-fall-into-love section, while fighting the bad guys with the man who put the girl in jail. That’s a bit tough to swallow. Oh, I get it that Chris is one gorgeous, sexy, hard-to-resist cop. I melted into a puddle, too. He came off as a bit of a bad-ass as well. I felt their romance needed more backstory. Or maybe more time alone to simmer. It seemed to come about too quickly. And, then there were a couple TSTL moments from our heroine while in the danger-zone. Those always annoy me, but that’s part of that cranky RS reader again.
But – I forgave all that because I loved how the plot concluded. I really enjoyed how Evangeline used her empowerment as a smart, educated woman to resolve her family’s business issues. I was thrilled that she didn’t wallow in self-pity, which she had every right to do.
This woman went through four years in jail – fighting, literally, to survive something she didn’t deserve. As a young woman, she earned mental and physical scars most of us will never experience in a lifetime. That survival empowered her to become the “me” she needed to be. This is her journey and the bulk of the book is dedicated to her story.
That means that the romance takes a back seat until the last quarter of the book. Then it’s fast and furious, so much so that I wasn’t sure I’d believe it. But by the end, I was completely convinced and cheering her on.
The novel got too wordy about feelings and thoughts toward the end. I was ready for the conclusion, so I did speed read through some of that.
This is me as a cranky Romantic Suspense reader. I love them and hate them. It’s a tug of war most authors don’t win with me. Jennifer Ryan is a winner! I expected a lot from what I’d heard about her books, so I’m thrilled I chose this standalone title as my sample.
It’s really hard to categorize this book into a sub-genre of fiction because it’s so unusual. It does have some RS techniques, but it’s not typical. It leans heavily in the contemporary women’s fiction direction without the small-town connotations, with a good crime subplot. I can’t say much more than that because to appreciate this book, you really need to experience it for yourself.
THE ME I USED TO BE is full of surprises, including the very sweet ending. If you want different, and LOVE heartbreaking stories that make you smile in the end, give THE ME I USED TO BE a few hours of your time. I hope you’ll appreciate all its nuances like I did. With an almost 5 rating, I can’t wait for Jennifer Ryan’s next foray into the unusual.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. A digital advanced copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media. For more eclectic reading, check out my book section for more reviews.
Anyone who follows my reviews understands I’m an eclectic reader, but do you know that my core prefers romance? Not the same-old-same-old we’ve come to expect. There is a formula romance authors follow to give us what we want. Romance readers don’t always like it when an author meanders away from that formula. I do – I want the unusual and unexpected.
THE ME I USED TO BE is the perfect example of an author who takes a risk that pays off in an excellent story.
Read the review in full color at my blog, TheZestQuest.com.
This novel begins on the day Evangeline Austen is released from prison. The first lines in this story set the stage for an emotional, and sometimes shocking, story. We know Evangeline is covering for someone, but who? And who is this cop who thinks he’ll bribe her with her freedom to tell him the truth? Surely, Lieutenant Chris Chambers is NOT the hero of this possible love story?
Evangeline is a sympathetic heroine but she’s not a wimp. Prison taught her to trust no one except herself. She’s scarred on the outside, as much as the inside, from her experience. But she made good use of her four years behind bars by earning a college degree she can use to turn her life around.
Evangeline returns home amidst turmoil. Her father died. The remaining family feels that her imprisonment, and refusal to see her father, is the cause. The family business is in trouble. This is where she has to live until parole allows something else. Can she make it on the outside?
THE ME I USED TO BE is very addictive. One shocking thing after another happens to make Evangeline’s world impossible for most people. But that’s where her strength proves to be essential. If they’re going to get out of this mess as a loving family, Evangeline needs to use her gifts to their best advantage.
It was hard for me to imagine that Chris would ever turn out to be a believable hero. He is tough, but he has a soft spot for Evangeline. I couldn’t figure out why, at first, but once I did, then I understood how this was meant to be.
That doesn’t mean this story is easy. Far from it. What it does mean is that author Jennifer Ryan is a gifted storyteller. She made me believe what I never thought possible.
Did I love everything and the way it was done in this book? Of course, not – I’m a Romantic Suspense (RS) critic who is always looking for that perfect style I crave. I didn’t love everything about the RS portion. Some of you will absolutely love it. I also didn’t like how some of the bad guy stuff caused more bad things to happen to more good people. But it had to be that way for this plot to work.
The part I disliked the most was the quick-fall-into-love section, while fighting the bad guys with the man who put the girl in jail. That’s a bit tough to swallow. Oh, I get it that Chris is one gorgeous, sexy, hard-to-resist cop. I melted into a puddle, too. He came off as a bit of a bad-ass as well. I felt their romance needed more backstory. Or maybe more time alone to simmer. It seemed to come about too quickly. And, then there were a couple TSTL moments from our heroine while in the danger-zone. Those always annoy me, but that’s part of that cranky RS reader again.
But – I forgave all that because I loved how the plot concluded. I really enjoyed how Evangeline used her empowerment as a smart, educated woman to resolve her family’s business issues. I was thrilled that she didn’t wallow in self-pity, which she had every right to do.
This woman went through four years in jail – fighting, literally, to survive something she didn’t deserve. As a young woman, she earned mental and physical scars most of us will never experience in a lifetime. That survival empowered her to become the “me” she needed to be. This is her journey and the bulk of the book is dedicated to her story.
That means that the romance takes a back seat until the last quarter of the book. Then it’s fast and furious, so much so that I wasn’t sure I’d believe it. But by the end, I was completely convinced and cheering her on.
The novel got too wordy about feelings and thoughts toward the end. I was ready for the conclusion, so I did speed read through some of that.
This is me as a cranky Romantic Suspense reader. I love them and hate them. It’s a tug of war most authors don’t win with me. Jennifer Ryan is a winner! I expected a lot from what I’d heard about her books, so I’m thrilled I chose this standalone title as my sample.
It’s really hard to categorize this book into a sub-genre of fiction because it’s so unusual. It does have some RS techniques, but it’s not typical. It leans heavily in the contemporary women’s fiction direction without the small-town connotations, with a good crime subplot. I can’t say much more than that because to appreciate this book, you really need to experience it for yourself.
THE ME I USED TO BE is full of surprises, including the very sweet ending. If you want different, and LOVE heartbreaking stories that make you smile in the end, give THE ME I USED TO BE a few hours of your time. I hope you’ll appreciate all its nuances like I did. With an almost 5 rating, I can’t wait for Jennifer Ryan’s next foray into the unusual.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. A digital advanced copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media. For more eclectic reading, check out my book section for more reviews.
May 7, 2021
A story of total giving by the lead character. I was touched by the way the author handled the delicacy of the plotline.
Great characters. Fast paced. Lots of twists and we turns. Finally, a great ending after a major plot change 1/2 way through.
Loved the book and I highly recommend b
Great characters. Fast paced. Lots of twists and we turns. Finally, a great ending after a major plot change 1/2 way through.
Loved the book and I highly recommend b
October 8, 2019
2.5 stars ✨
May 21, 2019
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, and I wish I had paid closer attention to the description before entering. The plot looked interesting and the reviews were good, so I thought it would be a fun read. And I will say it fits the bill of fun, fluffy read, but that's about it.
Overall, the dialogue was unrealistic and cheesy. Whenever there was a scene where something would be revealed, there was no real build up to it before the reveal. None of the characters were developed enough for me to care about them aside from hating her family and being annoyed that the main character was such a pushover to forgive them for the way they treated her and also to do things with their interests in mind. In the end, there are more fun books to read for fluff that actually involve suspense and characters you'll care about.
Overall, the dialogue was unrealistic and cheesy. Whenever there was a scene where something would be revealed, there was no real build up to it before the reveal. None of the characters were developed enough for me to care about them aside from hating her family and being annoyed that the main character was such a pushover to forgive them for the way they treated her and also to do things with their interests in mind. In the end, there are more fun books to read for fluff that actually involve suspense and characters you'll care about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2019
From start to finish, The Me I Used to Be drew me in and kept me riveted until the last word. This is a story of deception, fractured family issues, forgiveness, and embracing the future.
The Me I Used to Be is a quick read with a compelling storyline and characters you’ll fall in love with. You’ll find yourself at the edge of your seat as Evangeline works through the secrets and lies that put her in prison in the first place. You’ll find yourself wanting to step into your kindle to help Evangeline confront her family and her past. You’ll find yourself smiling like crazy when good defeats evil. You’ll find yourself cheering Evangeline on as she re-establishes her life and finds love with Chris.
A wonderful book with a terrific ending! ~ Missy, 5 stars
The Me I Used to Be is a quick read with a compelling storyline and characters you’ll fall in love with. You’ll find yourself at the edge of your seat as Evangeline works through the secrets and lies that put her in prison in the first place. You’ll find yourself wanting to step into your kindle to help Evangeline confront her family and her past. You’ll find yourself smiling like crazy when good defeats evil. You’ll find yourself cheering Evangeline on as she re-establishes her life and finds love with Chris.
A wonderful book with a terrific ending! ~ Missy, 5 stars
August 30, 2019
This is not a happy book because it is about Evangeline who has spent the last four years in prison for a crime she did not commit. She said she did it to protect someone else. At her parole hearing, she is released because of a family emergency. Her father has died. The arresting officer, Chris is there to drive her home. She has been put in charge of determining the fate of the family farm. Everyone is at odds about the future of the land. Everyone is disappointed and angry at Evangeline. I really enjoyed this book and was glad to read the happy ending.
July 9, 2019
Amateurish writing. Could not follow the plot line. After 50 pages flipped to the end to find -surprise!- the heroine ended up with the sheriff who put her in jail. Not worth the read or the money I paid for it
July 23, 2020
This novel had some heart felt moments, a predictable plot and a strong female character. Note to editor.....please correct adverbs! As a reader and retired teacher, I dislike seeing and hearing the lost ly being eliminated. Sorry....my pet peeve.
July 3, 2019
Initially I liked the family drama but it kind of fizzled out in the end, and the ending was too perfect and unrealistic for my liking. The heroine was far too nice and forgiving to her family; I feel like she should of held more bitterness and resentment towards them. They all acted like she's a mass murderer when all she did was steal some wine, personally I don't think that's reason enough to abandon and hate your family, call them stupid? Sure. Also I've got to say for an ex-convict she was very well adjusted with a life plan and everything. There didn't seem to be an adjustment period; she knew what she was doing and seemed to do it without any hiccups or obstacles.
Thoughout the book it felt like the heroin was always trying to repent or earn back her family's love. Personaly I think it should have been the other way around.
I didn't particularly like the romance it didn't feel like they got to know each other, it all felt rather random and not explored enough. They didn't have enough screen time to see any development in their relationship.
Everything I've mention does seem to be overly negative but I didn't hate this book. I found it rather consumming, I just wanted to nitpick everything that kind of annoyed me in the book. You should probably read it if you like a bit of family drama.
Thoughout the book it felt like the heroin was always trying to repent or earn back her family's love. Personaly I think it should have been the other way around.
I didn't particularly like the romance it didn't feel like they got to know each other, it all felt rather random and not explored enough. They didn't have enough screen time to see any development in their relationship.
Everything I've mention does seem to be overly negative but I didn't hate this book. I found it rather consumming, I just wanted to nitpick everything that kind of annoyed me in the book. You should probably read it if you like a bit of family drama.
September 3, 2019
The author used the phrase "closed the distance" six times. What is it with romance novels and this phrase? Here it was used even in non-romantic situations. Just stop, romance writers. Get a new phrase!
In other news, this book started off great — good family drama, compelling nice girl turned ex-con, stern but regretful cop as romantic lead — and then the pacing took some unexpected turns and not always in a good way. I particularly despised how the main character, Evangeline, fell in love with the cop who first put her in jail and then got her out under the agreement that she help him nab some wine thieves. They spent almost no time together and spoke only of her incarceration and stopping the people responsible for the crime for which she was convicted, yet she was convinced she was in love with him within a few days and a few very short interactions. It's called lust not love.
Also, it was completely ridiculous that this cop who is her handler starts making out with her because that's inappropriate on many many levels - I get he's a cop with a heart of gold but he's also the guy who could send her back to jail and her handler, so he sort of holds all the cards and this girl was massively traumatized in prison, so it might be best not to make any snap decisions, especially when her father is recently deceased, her mother and brothers hate her, and she's got to save the family ranch. Nothing about their romance rang true for me, and I almost hesitate to call it romance since the majority of the story was about her getting her entire wrecked life back...within the span of a few weeks. I know romances have happy endings and I love them for it, but this just didn't work for me.
In other news, this book started off great — good family drama, compelling nice girl turned ex-con, stern but regretful cop as romantic lead — and then the pacing took some unexpected turns and not always in a good way. I particularly despised how the main character, Evangeline, fell in love with the cop who first put her in jail and then got her out under the agreement that she help him nab some wine thieves. They spent almost no time together and spoke only of her incarceration and stopping the people responsible for the crime for which she was convicted, yet she was convinced she was in love with him within a few days and a few very short interactions. It's called lust not love.
Also, it was completely ridiculous that this cop who is her handler starts making out with her because that's inappropriate on many many levels - I get he's a cop with a heart of gold but he's also the guy who could send her back to jail and her handler, so he sort of holds all the cards and this girl was massively traumatized in prison, so it might be best not to make any snap decisions, especially when her father is recently deceased, her mother and brothers hate her, and she's got to save the family ranch. Nothing about their romance rang true for me, and I almost hesitate to call it romance since the majority of the story was about her getting her entire wrecked life back...within the span of a few weeks. I know romances have happy endings and I love them for it, but this just didn't work for me.
August 8, 2019
What a bore. If you want to read a book where the main character is having the same three conversations with six different people and you can see the end coming a mile away then this is the book for you.
May 28, 2019
This was silly. Great premise for a novel, but it was sexist as hell. It moved slowly and it was repetitive.
June 28, 2022
Not a fun book to read overall.
September 5, 2021
3.5 stars
Evangeline Austen spent 4 years in prison for a crime she didn't commit. She's now out on parole thanks to Chris Chambers, the very cop who had arrested her. Chris believes Evangeline is innocent. So he requests her help to catch the real criminals in exchange for clearing her name and record.
The premise of this book was too good to resist. An ex-con romancing the cop who arrested her?!?! Such an interesting and unique set up. I had to read it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. But unfortunately, the romance is secondary to Evangeline's personal journey and her family drama. After leaving prison, Evangeline wants to begin her career, but she is now also responsible for her family's ranch. And on top of all that, she's helping Chris track down the criminals who framed her. I liked Evangeline's personal journey, but the family drama was way too much. Her family is just plain awful and they pissed me off until the very end of the book. I almost DNF the book because of Evangeline's shitty family. But I pushed through for the romance.
I liked the romance between Chris and Evangeline, but I wish the author had spent more time on them. The romance only became the focus of the story in the final act. I needed more chapters from Chris's POV, especially at the start, to accentuate the romantic tension and the pining between him and Evangeline. Chris doesn't even get a POV chapter until 60% into the story, which was waaaayyy too late. At that point, we had already gotten multiple chapters from Evangeline's mom's POV as well as Evangeline's brother's POV. Why? Because the author prioritized the family drama over the romance for majority of the story.
A couple of odd things:
1. Evangeline got attacked by women of colour in prison because she's white...that whole part of the story is summed up in two lines only. And I really didn't get it? Was Evangeline the only white woman in prison? What does this say about the author's view of prison and race? I wish the author had expanded on that more.
2. Evangeline gets hired at a winery so quickly without a background check and it was just so damn unrealistic. They trusted her immediately and Evangeline got so many clients so quickly despite being an ex-con.
Audiobook:
I listened to this one on audio, but I also had the ebook copy borrowed from the library. I noticed a few changes here and there in the final ebook copy, but only in terms of minor sentences being rephrased. The audio is narrated by one of my faves, Brittany Presley.
To summarize:
The family drama irritated me. Evangeline's journey is interesting if unrealistic. The romance is great, but it should have been the focus of the story. I wanted and needed more romance, and thus, more POV chapters from the hero.
Evangeline Austen spent 4 years in prison for a crime she didn't commit. She's now out on parole thanks to Chris Chambers, the very cop who had arrested her. Chris believes Evangeline is innocent. So he requests her help to catch the real criminals in exchange for clearing her name and record.
The premise of this book was too good to resist. An ex-con romancing the cop who arrested her?!?! Such an interesting and unique set up. I had to read it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. But unfortunately, the romance is secondary to Evangeline's personal journey and her family drama. After leaving prison, Evangeline wants to begin her career, but she is now also responsible for her family's ranch. And on top of all that, she's helping Chris track down the criminals who framed her. I liked Evangeline's personal journey, but the family drama was way too much. Her family is just plain awful and they pissed me off until the very end of the book. I almost DNF the book because of Evangeline's shitty family. But I pushed through for the romance.
I liked the romance between Chris and Evangeline, but I wish the author had spent more time on them. The romance only became the focus of the story in the final act. I needed more chapters from Chris's POV, especially at the start, to accentuate the romantic tension and the pining between him and Evangeline. Chris doesn't even get a POV chapter until 60% into the story, which was waaaayyy too late. At that point, we had already gotten multiple chapters from Evangeline's mom's POV as well as Evangeline's brother's POV. Why? Because the author prioritized the family drama over the romance for majority of the story.
A couple of odd things:
1. Evangeline got attacked by women of colour in prison because she's white...that whole part of the story is summed up in two lines only. And I really didn't get it? Was Evangeline the only white woman in prison? What does this say about the author's view of prison and race? I wish the author had expanded on that more.
2. Evangeline gets hired at a winery so quickly without a background check and it was just so damn unrealistic. They trusted her immediately and Evangeline got so many clients so quickly despite being an ex-con.
Audiobook:
I listened to this one on audio, but I also had the ebook copy borrowed from the library. I noticed a few changes here and there in the final ebook copy, but only in terms of minor sentences being rephrased. The audio is narrated by one of my faves, Brittany Presley.
To summarize:
The family drama irritated me. Evangeline's journey is interesting if unrealistic. The romance is great, but it should have been the focus of the story. I wanted and needed more romance, and thus, more POV chapters from the hero.
October 21, 2022
I listened to this audiobook and if I could give the narrator, Brittany Presley, a thousand stars I would. She is the best narrator / voice actress in the business.
But even she couldn’t save this book. The beginning was heartbreaking and held me spell bound, but then I was able to figure out the twist at about the 50% mark and everything the FMC did seemed to work out perfectly from there on out, so it felt a little too contrived and lack luster as it progressed. It’s a damn shame though because I almost cried multiple times in the first few chapters, which I never do and am always hoping I’ll finally find a book that will move me to tears
But even she couldn’t save this book. The beginning was heartbreaking and held me spell bound, but then I was able to figure out the twist at about the 50% mark and everything the FMC did seemed to work out perfectly from there on out, so it felt a little too contrived and lack luster as it progressed. It’s a damn shame though because I almost cried multiple times in the first few chapters, which I never do and am always hoping I’ll finally find a book that will move me to tears
September 21, 2021
Chris and Evangeline's story is like no other. I really did enjoy this sweet romance. I highly recommend this sweet getaway. I hope that you will enjoy it to.
June 18, 2019
This book started strong as the reader experiences what Evangeline is going through as she sits in front of her parole board and then faces her family, who is convinced she betrayed them and broke the heart of the family patriarch, sending him to an early grave. There's a powerful buildup as readers recognize that Evangeline is holding some big secrets close to her scarred chest. I was engaged, my heart pounding and hurting for this woman.
And then the story fell flat. What should have been a powerful, emotional reveal happened with a fizzle (so much so that I reread it a second time to see if I missed anything). From there the array of conflicts thrown at readers roll out pretty much the same way in almost eyeroll-worthy moments. From Evangeline being left in charge of the family ranch at 24 after spending the last 4 years in prison to her being in love with a man she feared just weeks earlier, the reader must suspend belief time and time again.
There was so much potential in this book and I'm so disappointed in how it played out.
3 stars for the strong start.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
And then the story fell flat. What should have been a powerful, emotional reveal happened with a fizzle (so much so that I reread it a second time to see if I missed anything). From there the array of conflicts thrown at readers roll out pretty much the same way in almost eyeroll-worthy moments. From Evangeline being left in charge of the family ranch at 24 after spending the last 4 years in prison to her being in love with a man she feared just weeks earlier, the reader must suspend belief time and time again.
There was so much potential in this book and I'm so disappointed in how it played out.
3 stars for the strong start.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
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May 15, 2019o perfect
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December 10, 2024I only just started this book, I’m only at 4%, and I don’t have a clue how the drama will play out but I have to say the punishment doesn’t match the crime. While the crime is so silly it can only be an issue for pale people, there is NO way a first time offender, who would be a nobody in a grander theft ring from what is implied so far, and a white woman at that, would have lost nearly five years of their life for four bottles of over priced wine! Most of her sentence would have been probationary and fines. Nor would she have been placed in such a violent prison. The FMC would have been in one of those minimum security prisons, temporarily at that if she had to serve any time at all. If the author wanted to make this believable, it should have been for drugs or prostitution or something. But since this can’t be a serious crime in a fascist propaganda type book, then it had to be about wine. Lmbo.
All I’m saying is the MMC, who was the one to arrest the FMC, had better lose an arm AND a leg and have a donkey sized dick who knows how to use it, to make up for the sufferings and loss of the FMC. But from the few books I’ve read from this author, the FMC’s have brutal sob stories that are ALWAYS at the hands of the MMC’s and all they get is the hallmark HEA’s that should have been theirs to begin with. So it usually leaves me feeling like it’s too little too late. However, the books always end with that as enough when it should only be the start of the MMC’s penance to the FMC’s. Just saying this is already starting out as a doozy I won’t like. Smh.
21% UPDATE
This book screams white people problems. lol. These people act like the FMC killed someone because she was a terrible careless person to begin with. It’s just wine! AND she’s clearly not the one who stole it so it’s most accomplice to a crime kind of thing. Besides the amount of time she paid for all of this her family is treating her like a black sheep which she never was. Maybe it’s because I’m from New York City and the lower income areas and I have seen people lose decades of their lives for petty crimes like this, but they were always welcomed home as a loved one should be.
The unfairness of the amount of timed served alone should negate any feelings of betrayal by this family that was supposedly tight knit, big brothers who were supposedly overprotective of the FMC as she was the only girl and the youngest. The visual and verbal proof that the FMC had to fight for her life in jail, all because she was white, should have squashed any residual resentment, that honestly shouldn’t have existed to begin with, away completely. It also makes no sense that not one person tried to stay in touch or reach out after a while. Like the dynamic being told to us of this family before and after the jail time doesn’t add up.
Also I think the MMC is creepy. I can already tell he will be written as always having had a thing for the FMC and even though he had to arrest her he always checked on her and was fight to find a way to get her out sooner rather than later. Personally, you arrest me over wine and I have attempts on my life more than once’s that leave me permanently scarred for life, I will take a HARD pass at being in any kind of relationship with you. The MMC would be a forever no go for me. So this plot is absolutely something I’m not going to like.
I honestly just want to know if it was the FMC’s father or her then boyfriend/OM, who clearly set her up to take the fall for everything that happened. That’s all I want out of this story now. I won’t believe or like the romance and I can’t just walk away from this book now that I’ve started it.
33% UPDATE
So we find out the FMC’s father and her then BF were the ones to set her up. The FMC went to jail to protect her father and the rest of the family. Her dad left the whole family in the dark and allowed them all to hate on her because of this one stupid petty crime. Yet the author keeps saying how loving this family was before the incident. However, I don’t buy it. It’s a trumped up story just like it’s a trumped up crime and punishment. This was all I needed to know.
No loving father would have let his child rot in prison. He would have confessed in the beginning to save his beloved daughter. And considering how the FMC’s mother is behaving, it enforces my belief that this was never a loving family therefore would make the father’s betrayal and letting his daughter rot in jail more believable. The brothers who were supposedly such great protective loving siblings are beyond selfish and narcissistic in these first few chapters that I hope they end up in an office job somewhere under someone else’s thumb. That’s all they deserve.
I did skip to the epilogue and all I got was the FMC moving in with the creepy MMC. She’s not married with kids owning the ranch free and clear of her selfish family as I would expect for this to be a true romance. All she got was the creep and a room for her online business and half of his bedroom. Yeah not worth this story to me. Granted I skipped so she could be a millionaire but it’s just not interesting enough to get past this shitty family and fake story to read.
46% UPDATE
Well the FMC’s shitty family finally found out the truth at the 44% mark and now we are on to the crime drama and cringey romance part. The family still sucks though. They are still more focused on the ranch deal than on making amends or just being better to each other. As for the cop MMC creepy Chris, I just find him icky. In the first chapter the FMC went from afraid of him to having mild symptoms of BBS. I hate when any romance relies on the inexplicable BBS as the sole driving force to a romance. Because honestly who ends up with a cop who arrests them? It’s not rational or healthy to do that. Smh.
73% UPDATE
The scope of this book is narrow. A lot of different things happening while not enough of anything.
FINAL UPDATE
The book ends at 93%.
All I’m saying is the MMC, who was the one to arrest the FMC, had better lose an arm AND a leg and have a donkey sized dick who knows how to use it, to make up for the sufferings and loss of the FMC. But from the few books I’ve read from this author, the FMC’s have brutal sob stories that are ALWAYS at the hands of the MMC’s and all they get is the hallmark HEA’s that should have been theirs to begin with. So it usually leaves me feeling like it’s too little too late. However, the books always end with that as enough when it should only be the start of the MMC’s penance to the FMC’s. Just saying this is already starting out as a doozy I won’t like. Smh.
21% UPDATE
This book screams white people problems. lol. These people act like the FMC killed someone because she was a terrible careless person to begin with. It’s just wine! AND she’s clearly not the one who stole it so it’s most accomplice to a crime kind of thing. Besides the amount of time she paid for all of this her family is treating her like a black sheep which she never was. Maybe it’s because I’m from New York City and the lower income areas and I have seen people lose decades of their lives for petty crimes like this, but they were always welcomed home as a loved one should be.
The unfairness of the amount of timed served alone should negate any feelings of betrayal by this family that was supposedly tight knit, big brothers who were supposedly overprotective of the FMC as she was the only girl and the youngest. The visual and verbal proof that the FMC had to fight for her life in jail, all because she was white, should have squashed any residual resentment, that honestly shouldn’t have existed to begin with, away completely. It also makes no sense that not one person tried to stay in touch or reach out after a while. Like the dynamic being told to us of this family before and after the jail time doesn’t add up.
Also I think the MMC is creepy. I can already tell he will be written as always having had a thing for the FMC and even though he had to arrest her he always checked on her and was fight to find a way to get her out sooner rather than later. Personally, you arrest me over wine and I have attempts on my life more than once’s that leave me permanently scarred for life, I will take a HARD pass at being in any kind of relationship with you. The MMC would be a forever no go for me. So this plot is absolutely something I’m not going to like.
I honestly just want to know if it was the FMC’s father or her then boyfriend/OM, who clearly set her up to take the fall for everything that happened. That’s all I want out of this story now. I won’t believe or like the romance and I can’t just walk away from this book now that I’ve started it.
33% UPDATE
So we find out the FMC’s father and her then BF were the ones to set her up. The FMC went to jail to protect her father and the rest of the family. Her dad left the whole family in the dark and allowed them all to hate on her because of this one stupid petty crime. Yet the author keeps saying how loving this family was before the incident. However, I don’t buy it. It’s a trumped up story just like it’s a trumped up crime and punishment. This was all I needed to know.
No loving father would have let his child rot in prison. He would have confessed in the beginning to save his beloved daughter. And considering how the FMC’s mother is behaving, it enforces my belief that this was never a loving family therefore would make the father’s betrayal and letting his daughter rot in jail more believable. The brothers who were supposedly such great protective loving siblings are beyond selfish and narcissistic in these first few chapters that I hope they end up in an office job somewhere under someone else’s thumb. That’s all they deserve.
I did skip to the epilogue and all I got was the FMC moving in with the creepy MMC. She’s not married with kids owning the ranch free and clear of her selfish family as I would expect for this to be a true romance. All she got was the creep and a room for her online business and half of his bedroom. Yeah not worth this story to me. Granted I skipped so she could be a millionaire but it’s just not interesting enough to get past this shitty family and fake story to read.
46% UPDATE
Well the FMC’s shitty family finally found out the truth at the 44% mark and now we are on to the crime drama and cringey romance part. The family still sucks though. They are still more focused on the ranch deal than on making amends or just being better to each other. As for the cop MMC creepy Chris, I just find him icky. In the first chapter the FMC went from afraid of him to having mild symptoms of BBS. I hate when any romance relies on the inexplicable BBS as the sole driving force to a romance. Because honestly who ends up with a cop who arrests them? It’s not rational or healthy to do that. Smh.
73% UPDATE
The scope of this book is narrow. A lot of different things happening while not enough of anything.
FINAL UPDATE
The book ends at 93%.
August 5, 2019
Originally posted on Undeniably Book Nerdy book blog
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
I was very eager to pick up this book because I don't remember ever reading about an ex-convict heroine--it's usually the heroes who serve a stint in prison. I was very curious how it will play out in the story and I have to say, it did not disappoint! Actually, The Me I Used to Be has a very interesting premise altogether...
We have a young woman, Evangeline Austen, who had served four years in prison for a crime she didn't commit, but she's not talking. She's clearly protecting someone, but who? Then, we have the arresting officer, Chris Chambers, who had every complicated feelings for Evangeline. But, when the chance to clear her record comes up, Chris and Evangeline must work together to expose the truth. On the flip side, we also have some intense family drama because while Evangeline was in prison the only person who had tried to visit her was her father, who she had refused to see. When she got out, her entire family (especially her mother) blames her for putting her father in an early grave and wants nothing to do with her. BUT, in her father's will states that Evangeline gets the final decision on the future of her family's failing ranch, which got her whole family in an uproar.
I was seriously hooked during the first half of the book--I was dying to know who was Evangeline covering for and why. It was frustrating how tight-lipped Evangeline was, especially with her mom verbally attacking and condemning her at every opportunity. I was screaming JUST TELL THE TRUTH ALREADY!!!! while throwing my book across the room [well, pantomiming because I didn't want to damage my book]. Oh man, did my roiling feelings made me turn the pages faster though. When the truth finally came out, I became much more calm but still highly invested in the story as Evangeline kind of had to work undercover to get the evidence Chris needed to put the actual baddies in prison.
I did not always agree with the decisions Evangeline made, but I rooted for her to finally get her well-deserved happily ever after. I love that she just didn't jump into dangerous situations willy-nilly, but instead carefully thought about covering herself and getting backup. Hooray for smart heroines! And also hooray for awesome female friendships, because I love Evangeline and her best friend Jill's relationship. I did want to throat-punch her family though, but I get it. Still, Evangeline was a saint because I personally would've just given them a big FU and let them rot in their crummy ranch.
As for Chris, he was okay. I didn't dislike him, but I have lukewarm feelings toward him in terms of the romance. It kind of bordered on insta-love in my opinion. Fortunately, the romance took a backseat in this one, which I appreciated since I was way more interested in the family drama and getting the bad guys.
Overall, The Me I Used to Be was an entertaining read with a heroine to root for, interesting secondary characters, engrossing family drama, just enough mystery and thrill to keep the tension up, and enough romance to satisfy. I highly recommend this book!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
I was very eager to pick up this book because I don't remember ever reading about an ex-convict heroine--it's usually the heroes who serve a stint in prison. I was very curious how it will play out in the story and I have to say, it did not disappoint! Actually, The Me I Used to Be has a very interesting premise altogether...
We have a young woman, Evangeline Austen, who had served four years in prison for a crime she didn't commit, but she's not talking. She's clearly protecting someone, but who? Then, we have the arresting officer, Chris Chambers, who had every complicated feelings for Evangeline. But, when the chance to clear her record comes up, Chris and Evangeline must work together to expose the truth. On the flip side, we also have some intense family drama because while Evangeline was in prison the only person who had tried to visit her was her father, who she had refused to see. When she got out, her entire family (especially her mother) blames her for putting her father in an early grave and wants nothing to do with her. BUT, in her father's will states that Evangeline gets the final decision on the future of her family's failing ranch, which got her whole family in an uproar.
I was seriously hooked during the first half of the book--I was dying to know who was Evangeline covering for and why. It was frustrating how tight-lipped Evangeline was, especially with her mom verbally attacking and condemning her at every opportunity. I was screaming JUST TELL THE TRUTH ALREADY!!!! while throwing my book across the room [well, pantomiming because I didn't want to damage my book]. Oh man, did my roiling feelings made me turn the pages faster though. When the truth finally came out, I became much more calm but still highly invested in the story as Evangeline kind of had to work undercover to get the evidence Chris needed to put the actual baddies in prison.
I did not always agree with the decisions Evangeline made, but I rooted for her to finally get her well-deserved happily ever after. I love that she just didn't jump into dangerous situations willy-nilly, but instead carefully thought about covering herself and getting backup. Hooray for smart heroines! And also hooray for awesome female friendships, because I love Evangeline and her best friend Jill's relationship. I did want to throat-punch her family though, but I get it. Still, Evangeline was a saint because I personally would've just given them a big FU and let them rot in their crummy ranch.
As for Chris, he was okay. I didn't dislike him, but I have lukewarm feelings toward him in terms of the romance. It kind of bordered on insta-love in my opinion. Fortunately, the romance took a backseat in this one, which I appreciated since I was way more interested in the family drama and getting the bad guys.
Overall, The Me I Used to Be was an entertaining read with a heroine to root for, interesting secondary characters, engrossing family drama, just enough mystery and thrill to keep the tension up, and enough romance to satisfy. I highly recommend this book!
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