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The Woman I Used To Be: A Small-Town Hamblin County Interracial Romance

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When life tries to break you, sometimes you have to let it. And when the door to your new life is literally locked, you get creative and break in. But when domestic abuse survivor, Melanie Davenport, does this, she doesn’t guess that a gun-wielding, small-town sheriff will catch her.Sheriff Zack Lawson admits meeting Melanie didn’t go great. The tiny woman screaming about bubble baths actually was NOT the crazed stabber stalking town that he was diligently looking for. But, technically, she HAD been breaking into his home. Something about the timid, confounding woman draws him in, though, affecting him like no one ever has. Zack may be harboring self-doubt about his track record as Hamblin County’s newest sheriff, but he knows one Melanie is everything he’s looking for in a woman.However, Melanie would rather slam doors in his face. She has every reason to distrust charming, smooth-talking men like Zack with a smile so sexy it thawed her icy heart... but only a little. The more time they spend together, the more Melanie sees him as a strong, caring protector who is helping her rediscover the vibrant, sassy woman she used to be. But if Melanie’s going to rebuild the shattered pieces of her life, she must confront the real reason she ran away from home because it wasn’t her abusive husband. And her secret could end up killing her and Zack.

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2022

190 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Sydney Cameron

1 book13 followers
Sydney Cameron read her first adult romance book when she was in the fifth grade. Her dad found her older sister’s book on the kitchen floor, handed it to her and said, “Here, read this. It’s Lindsey’s book and she’s smart so maybe you’ll learn something.” The book was a Harlequin Romance book titled, “In Need of a Wife” by Emma Darcy. Sydney doesn’t think her dad would have recommended the book to his 11-year-old daughter if he had bothered to read the title or look at the cover.

But Sydney read it and learned something; she really loved romance books.

Already a bookworm, she dreamed of writing her own romance novel one day, and even attempted to several times, but fear and doubt kept her from completing it.

She became a journalist instead, telling thousands of stories spanning a decade.

She found herself moving state to state every two years, covering national tragedies like the Charleston Church Shooting, the opioid epidemic in Northeast Tennessee, hurricanes, murders, and rocket launches on the Space Coast in Florida. She has crafted countless stories as people have trusted her to share their heartache and grief, successes, and dreams. But she never accomplished her own dream of writing a novel.

Now with children of her own, Sydney wants to teach them to be fearless and that starts with being fearless yourself. So, she wrote a romance book, despite the niggling doubt and insecurities that still flood her mind. It’s the culmination of a 20 year dream and now that she’s started, she plans to keep writing.

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5 stars
187 (50%)
4 stars
117 (31%)
3 stars
53 (14%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
4 reviews
December 18, 2022
Trigger Warning Needed!

This story has the potential to be good but it is riddled with too many graphic descriptions of the main female characters experiences with domestic violence and if you are easily triggered or if these are your triggers proceed with caution.
165 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2023
The start of the book was fine then I began to Lise interest. I became bored and started skipping pages. If Mel went through the so much abuse and assault, I’m a bit perplexed as to the “feelings” she acted upon. To me there was healing time.
There was a lot of unnecessary monologue going on with Zack’s family and others which had me bypassing and skipping a lot of pages. It was just ok for me.
28 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2023
My first review of a DNF

So normally I don't review DNFs, people DNF for many reasons that aren't necessarily the fault of the book but this book....This book is confusing and unpleasant. I DNFed at 25% the domestic violence is so well written, possibly too well written, that it is jarring to be in a romance novel. While the romance is underwritten an unromantic. Zach comes across as bad at his job as he is not picking up the obvious signs of Mel's past trauma. Nevermind the gun pulling. And Mel....I actually like which is probably why I dislike Zach and can't enjoy this story or read more flashbacks of her abuse.
Profile Image for Felicia Branch.
119 reviews
February 13, 2023
I didn't read any reviews but I should have. I had no idea that the book was filled with domestic violence and sexual assault. It wasn't a passing comment. It is fully described. More than once.

Even still, this was an excellent book. I don't think I have read this author before. There were some grammar and editing issues but not cringe-worthy.

I knew it was an interracial romance but it was hard for me to picture him because his race was mentioned exactly twice. And very briefly. Whereas hers was more than once. I create the scenes in my head when I read and it was difficult to do with so little description.

With all that said, I was fully engaged in the story. The nightmares. The panic attacks. The break-ins Zach was dealing with.

But the ending scenes. Wow. Wow. Wow. With all that going on, I really expected the scene with Calvin to have more oomph. So that was disappointing. But not enough to lower the star rating.

I love that the author includes Savannah getting therapy. Even the resistance to it felt believable as we mostly think we can handle the world on our own.

This was really well done.
287 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2022
It was a hard book to read but worth it.

I like story but it was hard for the subject matter hit close to home for me. I had to be brave an finish it because for me it was a journey I needed to take and see the end. For Savannah is every woman who have been in her place and don't know what to do or who to turn to for help. I like how the author address the issue. The author didn't take away from Savannah as a character but help her grow into so much more that made the story ending so beautiful because of the all the pain she endure because of a bad husband and father in -law ,Savannah earn that new begin. I hope other read this book and not judge her being weak because most women feel that their abuser is all they have and it takes them a long time to realize they can leave and others never make it out. This is for all of them , for it is their story. Hope it touch your heart and we all be like Val, and a friend and help when we see the signs. With that Happy reading😘
Profile Image for Cammyjoe.
1,430 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2023
👍

She was no pushover, but somehow found herself in a situation that wouldn’t wished her worst enemy in. She became a man’s punching bag and then more…
When the worst thing happened to her she finally said ENOUGH and running for her life and sanity… but as the saying goes: “ you can run, but you can’t hide “…
She wasn’t looking for love, but love found her in the handsome sheriff with green eyes, who’s first words were: “ put your hands up with a gun pointing at her !!!
Wow! However, She is on survival mode, with so many secrets and demons that she can’t afford to let loose and explore freely what could have been. But when Zack wanted something he went for it with all he got… and he wanted “Melanie”. Mel wanted him as well, but she has to be careful, too much at stake.
See for yourself what happened!!
Ps. I love Val, hopefully we will see more of her,Harrison & little Lexi .
Great read!!
Profile Image for BreakingtheEpigraph.
1,291 reviews14 followers
December 4, 2022
𝔸𝕨𝕖𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕓𝕦𝕥

Okay, Ms. 𝑆𝑦𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑛! I have to say this was one of the most gripping debut stories I have read to date. This story contains triggers of violence, such as abuse and non-consent. If you are easily triggered this story is not for you.

Savannah/MelanieDaveport is finally free. She never thought she would end up where she found herself. Sheriff Zach Lawson made the wrong assumption about Melanie at their first meeting. There is no denying the strong attraction they both feel toward each other. One storm is about to come to an end. They have no idea there is another storm on the horizon and is about to disrupt their life. Savannah/Melanie hasn’t disclosed all of her secrets. One is about to blow up her new life and love.

I look forward to seeing what this author delivers in the future.
Profile Image for Victoria Ziglor-smith.
784 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2022
I’m Re-reading This

This is just too good and I know I will be re-reading this. I can really relate to all that Mel or Vannah went through. The only difference is there was no children involved, unfortunately for me, there was other victims my children in my messed up marriage. You do think for a long time you deserve it, I stayed in my marriage for 31 years, he didn’t hit me, but verbal and mental abuse is just as bad. Until I got in counseling I never realize, how scared I was I let him take my voice.
But this was very eye opening, Zack showing Vannah how a man is suppose to treat a women was sexy. So is there a story for Zack, sister Val & Henderson. That seems it would be good as well. I’m glad this story is in my rotation, this is a great read.
36 reviews
May 19, 2023
What an awesome debut!!

The Woman I Used To Be, definitely knocked it out of the park. It is such a beautiful love story to me. I loved Zach and Savannah's story. Savannah is a survivor in every sense of the word. Her story speaks to a lot of women's reality. Getting out seems like an impossibility. When you consider the alternative, it's really the only option. That takes guts! Zach is so thoughtful and aware of what lies beneath the surface right from the start. He shows up like a real man. I immediately went looking for more books written by Sydney Cameron, ready to buy them all. Only to find that this is the first. I will be watching and waiting for the next book. I'm confident it will be as big a hit as The Woman I Used To Be!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,584 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2024
TW this book does contain graphic details of domestic abuse and rape. If that is not your thing pass this book up and not give it one star just for that content alone. I picked up this book because it was interracial but while reading it the characters race/skin tone was a bit ambiguous, which left me to imagine what each character looked like. The author did well with handing the domestic violence and rape with sensitivity but reality. Not every experience is the same but there is generally only two outcomes, you leave or you die. You need a Zack in your life not a Calvin.

On a lighter note I really want to know what's up with Val and Henderson, I'm really hoping that there may be a book with those two.
Profile Image for LovelyLady Fox.
204 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2022
Wonderfully written!!!

This was a great story. MELANIE & ZACH had great chemistry. Zach was a goner at first sight. Melanie had issues and real insecurities that she desperately need to overcome and conquer. Although I had never been through that situation I had known women who had and those insecurities and fears are real. I loved the fact that ZACH never judged her he constantly let Melanie know he had her back and always in her corner.

I am looking forward to hopefully get to read VAL & HENDERSON’s story.

Just to be warned if you are a issues regarding domestic violence this book has triggers.
552 reviews
January 25, 2023
Outstanding

This is an intense and awesome book, even with all the heart ache, pain,fear and man's insane brutality and lust to control women. The characters are well developed, strong yet vulnerable. The story flows easily and effortlessly. You are on the edge of your seat waiting for the outcome that will show that love is more powerful than fear and evil. You will also love the many characters in this book and the strong and loving family dynamic. This book will not disappoint. Outstanding.
824 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2022
She’s not that woman anymore!

What an excellent book! You will not be able to put it down. The author has love, intrigue, hatred, infidelity, domestic violence, rape, hostage situation and retribution. Savannah had paid a hefty price to a defiant and love deficient brutal husband and father-in-law. Then the Heaven’s smiled on her and gave her a new love filled life and a new man.
Profile Image for MichelleVeiga.
230 reviews
December 7, 2022
Never too late.

Savannah is running for her life & a new direction when she meets small town sheriff Zeke. She has been hurt not only life but by the person who took vows to cherish her. Savannah/Melanie is starting over & romance is the last thing on her mind. However love doesn't wait for the right time. I enjoyed this debut novel & look forward to the next one. Enjoy. 🥰
91 reviews
December 14, 2022
Good book

Wow! I loved this book! I cried and laugh all the way! I definitely love a happy ending! Can't wait to read more from the author! Great story! Loved her courage! Glad the sheriff didn't give up! I definitely agree that she had her reason for being scared. Again great book!
Loved all the characters! Please tell me Val has a story coming!

Profile Image for Tuere.
46 reviews6 followers
December 16, 2022
Layers. This has layers

I normally love twists in stories. But this story did have a twist, more so a deeper layer to delve into.

This was a bit slower-paced than I normally like but the pace served a purpose. I liked that.

I want to learn more about the characters and see what they are into next.

Definitely recommend this one.

Profile Image for CLorraine.
1,784 reviews21 followers
December 22, 2022
Sweet Story

Savannah/Mel was trying to start over and leave the ghosts of the past behind. She settles in a small town in GA renting from the town’s dreamy Sheriff. Zach is blown away by the lovely woman in his next door rental….but can he banish the shadows in her eyes or will her past destroy them both? Excellent story.
Profile Image for A.
416 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2023
not for the faint at heart ❤️

This story is filled with lots of triggers. Tread softly and slowly if domestic violence sets you off.

Savannah aka Melanie was a soldier to fight for herself. She survived. So many don’t.

It’s a slow burn. Once it gets started, it held my attention. I wanted o know what happened next.
Profile Image for Denetta Banks.
3,809 reviews22 followers
February 1, 2023
Good

A good story, with a title that describes the story within. The abuse the main character dealt with had me so emotional. Finally leaving and started a new life. But the past comes back full force. Trying to take her back her father in-laws is worse then her husband. Th author delivers a five star read.
1,587 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2023
Excellent

A very good read, touching on a very difficult subject matter. Well told, enjoyed the characters, would have liked more information about Val's situation. Great storytelling, important to note this could be triggering for some readers, that said I would still recommend, I enjoyed this book.
244 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2023
Enjoyable

Chose this because it was a 1st effort and wanted to read it. Delivers the romance with suspense. Hope this author continues writing, I want to know what happens with Val and Henderson. Melanie and Zack story was a nice slow burn. Loved the steps to coming together in their story.
504 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2023
Good book.....

This was a really good book. It is so sad to be alone, friendless when you are being abused. The abuse was gut wrenching. How she survived it is a trick to me. The next worst thing was the father abusing her. To have a man love you like Zach loved Melanie/Savannah is awesome. I can keep rating this book, but this is a book that needs to be read by you.
Profile Image for Janet R.
617 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2025
Sweet Suspenseful ❤

I had this book on my TBR list for awhile & was a bit hesitant to read it because of the DA , but the ✍️penned a great story arc that handled it with realism. I cheered for the MFC's resilience & triumph over evil. It was fantastic to see Sheriff Zack & Savannah (aka) Melanie find their path to joy & well deserved happiness in this sweet suspenseful ❤Happy Reading🍷
81 reviews
December 24, 2022
A surprising hit!

This is first time reading this author’s work and I have to say I was not disappointed. It was a good story plot, pace and development. I really enjoyed Savannah/Mel & Zach’s story. 5 stars.
725 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2022
First Time’s the Charm

Congratulations to Ms. Cameron for this sizzling debut! Suspense, swoony chemistry, shocking conclusion:✅✅✅ We all need a Zack and Mel love triumphs over tragedy love story!
80 reviews
December 29, 2022
Just Wow!

This is a new to me author and I'm already looking forward to the next offering. From beginning to end the characters are engaging and the story is intense. There was such a great flow to the story I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this read.

24 reviews
December 30, 2022
Omg!!!!

This is the best f#@$ing story!!! Omg,like I want to say so many things about these characters!!! I felt every character! It's so refreshing to read and be able to feel a experience! Great job!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Quin  Nesselhauf .
28 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2023
Through trial and tribulation

This book was sad, funny, beautiful, and disturbing. Mel's and Zack's story was a hard one, Mel had so much trauma, and Zack just wanted to protect, love, and show her that love isn't abuse and manipulation
352 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2023
Can be triggering

Author covered her bases and told the story in its entirety. It can definitely be triggering for people with past trauma. I wasn't expecting that twist in the end. However, I liked the chemistry between the main characters. I want to read Val's story too.
306 reviews
January 27, 2023
Foolish First Love

Now amazing second love. What a bad start in finding support through love but the end justifies the truth that somewhere out there when one least expects things can work out for the best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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