Second time's the charm! Evangeline's strength is inspiring, after everything she goes through in prison for a crime she didn't commit, she comes out even stronger and determined to get her life in order. Chris is the officer that put her behind bars, and he's the only person she has for support. Her family is wretched and I spent a lot of the time wanting to kick their teeth in. The Me I Used to Be is another amazing book from Jennifer Ryan, and I highly recommend this to fans of multiple romance genres!

Jennifer Ryan's "The Me I Used to Be" featured an intriguing setup and mostly likeable main characters, although Chris, the male protagonist, almost seemed like too much of a paragon to me by the end of the book. He was clearly a good guy and I liked that he was always looking out for Evangeline, the female protagonist, but for some reason he came across as a little too perfect to me. IMO, I think the author may have gone a little overboard in trying to redeem Chris for his past mistakes where Evangeline was concerned, which resulted in her being a little afraid of him when the book began. (She definitely wasn't afraid of him by the end!)

That said, I found the story to be mostly engaging, and it kept me invested because I wanted to see how things would turn out for Evangeline. I was a little surprised by how quickly and easily she seemed to readjust to life outside prison, however. In fact, the overall timeline of the story felt really rushed to me considering everything that happened.

In addition, I did not like Evangeline's family members at all. It really bothered me that they continued to treat her like dirt even after they learned the truth about what happened to land her in prison. They all raged against Evangeline for being selfish, when they were way more selfish than she was. Her brothers only seemed to be concerned about themselves, and her mother just seemed to want to find someone else to blame for all of her problems. Evangeline seemed to go out of her way to find solutions to all of her family's problems and ensure that they would all be happy and successful in the end, but I don't think a single one of them really acknowledged all of her hard work.

Overall, this was a decent read, but I don't think it's going to be a keeper for me. The (mostly) unlikable secondary characters and the rushed timeline kind of ruined things for me.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Evangeline kept a secret the four years she was in prison. She's come home now, after the death of her father, to find her family is even angrier with her now than they were before, chiefly because their father left her a chunk of money and control of the decision of what to do with the family ranch. She's remade her life but she's still got an obligation to Chris, the sheriff's deputy who arrested her to help break up the people who were really stealing wine. Her old boyfriend Darren and his brother- pond scum. Chris is a good guy and as things move along, well, things move along between the two of them as well. There are a few things to quibble about (no parole officer?) but this is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and the future. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a good book for a summer afternoon.

Evangeline Austen has served time for a crime she didn't commit. When she is finally released on early probation because of a family emergency and returns home, Evangeline discovers that nothing about her world is the same. Her father has died, her mother hates her, her brothers don’t trust her and the officer who arrested her wants her help. Evangeline’s life becomes even more complicated when her father’s will makes her responsible for the decisions regarding the future of the family’s failing ranch. Grief, family relationships, making peace with the past, remaking yourself and a dash of intrigue make this a satisfying novel.

On the plus side, this was an emotional novel with a likeable, down on her luck, heroine. Evangeline has a solid core and a heart of gold that makes you cheer for her to succeed. Our hero, Chris Chambers, is an honest, hardworking, law abiding guy who has always been attracted to Evangeline. They may a genuine couple and the feelings that develop between them as they work to solve the case are believable.

Some aspects of the story were less believable. Evangeline’s sentence and the facility she was placed in seemed overly harsh for a first-time offender. The anger felt by Evangeline’s family seemed extreme but understandable. Less understandable was the quick turn around of emotions when the truth about Evangeline’s incarceration was finally revealed.

While some aspects of the story were less than believable, The Me I Used to Be was an enjoyable book with a satisfying conclusion. 3.5 stars.

The Me I Used To Be by Jennifer Ryan 4 stars

This is not my first Jennifer Ryan book and I have been a fan for years. As far as I know, this is her first stand alone book. I enjoyed this book very much and was sorry to see it end. Evangeline was caught transporting stolen goods, she plead guilty and went to prison. As the book opens, she is in front of the parole board for her second try at getting out. The officer that arrested her arrives and has an order to let her out now. Her father has died and she is released from prison. Chris Chambers, the cop who arrested her has always known there was more to the story. Evangeline's stubborn insistence on staying silent caused a lot of misunderstandings with her family.

The reason why she went to prison is a major plot point, but suffice to say when she finally reveals everything her family changes their attitude. Chris has always been attracted to her and throughout the book there is a steady show of support from him. The good guys get the bad guys and a happily ever after is in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins / William Morrow Paperbacks for this ARC

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 powerful 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.

Evangeline served time in prison for a crime she didn't commit, but can't tell anyone why. The cop who put her away seems to realize she isn't the guilty party, and now enlists her help to find the real answers. Her family doesn't welcome her back with open arms and Evangeline has to work hard to prove herself. An enjoyable story of family, love, loss and the lengths one will go to protect her loved ones.

As soon as I read the summary of this book, I knew it would be special and that I needed to read it. I was so right, very special and a pleasure to read! Evangeline Austen is being released from prison, due to the death of her father, after serving four years for a crime she did not commit. While in prison, she was attacked several times and is now a very different Evangeline, tougher, smarter and determined to get justice. Lt. Chris Chambers, the cop who arrested her, is the only one trying to make the return to her former life easier. He has always been attracted to her and knows that there was more to her arrest, but she would not talk. He will have her record expunged if she helps him catch the guilty parties. Her families ranch is in financial trouble, her brothers do not agree on how to save the ranch and her mother blames her for her father’s death. Evangeline does everything that you want the heroine of a story to do…make smart decisions and attack the problem head on. I so thoroughly enjoyed this story, the characters, the emotion, the suspense, the beautiful love scenes and justice served. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

The Me I Used to Be by Jennifer Ryan was a really good book. Evangeline gets released from prison after four years. Her getting released should be a happy thing but sadly her father (who she wouldn't allow to visit her for the last 4 years ) has pasted away.

Chris the police officer who arrested Evangeline has always felt that she took the fall for someone else....... Now that is where I stop because I don't want to spoil anything. All you need to know is that this book is a must read!

I wasn't too sure of the story line when I first began reading and the main character was just being released from prison. However, as the story developed and I saw where the author was headed I warmed up to it. Evangeline spent four years in prison and is released in time for her father' funeral and the icy reception of her family. She works hard to start anew, exact revenge, reveal the terrible truth she's been concealing, secure her family's future, and start a relationship with the hunky deputy who originally collared her. A great story with a great ending.

Evangeline Austen served time for a crime she did not commit. She is released from prison when her father dies. Chris Chambers is the cop who arrested her. Chris was always convinced that Evangeline was taking the fall for someone else. Once he has definitive proof of his suspicions he feels guilty for everything that she has suffered and will do everything to clear her record.

Was debating between 4 and 5 stars for this one - despite a few flaws, I ended up going with five because this story really drew me in right from the get go. I don't want to give away too much about the plot, and some of the various plot twists are resolved too quickly, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I really enjoyed this book! I felt like this was different from the author's previous work but I liked it. It had a nice romance story line with some mystery thrown in. Recommended!

The book opens at a parole hearing for Evangeline, who has spent 4 years in prison, convicted of stealing and transporting cases of wine. Just when she is hopeful, Chris, the police officer who took such pleasure in arresting her, walks in dressed in full uniform. But, it's a good news-bad news situation. Good news... Her parole is granted. Bad news.. Her father, who she has refused to allow visit her in prison, is dead of a heart attack.

I don't want to give away too much, but I will say, every time there seems to be a twist or a problem, it's solved within pages.

This book was fine. It turned out to be a light, romance-like read, and at least the main character was likeable. Not my favorite book, but I wanted to see how it ended, although the ending was definitely expected.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC. It did not influence my review.

Sit back and enjoy this read (or listen as will be available as an audio book as well). The description gives you a basic overview, but it is so much more. Once you get started be prepared to lose track of time and all else that is going on around you. It is a compelling story that leaves you with so much to think about. Evangeline is an incredibly strong smart woman who spent 4 years and 27 days spent in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. While incarcerated she is attacked and beaten multiple times within an inch of her life. She is physically and emotionally scarred for life for which her family, the people who are supposed to love and trust her thinks she deserved and then some. They almost or maybe do wish she did dies while there so they can validate their righteous anger without ever thinking all may not be what it seemed. Almost immediately upon her arrest she realizes who actually the guilty party is and decides to plead guilty for what she believes is the greater good. She keeps it all a secret from her family and upon her release is treated with such disdain, anger and disgust by her family. If only they knew. Her mother even went so far as to throw out almost all of her belongings, empty put her room and blame her for her fathers death multiple times. When she is released from prison she makes her stay in a room in the house begrudgingly that is akin to the cell she was in for the crime she didn’t commit. If she could have put her in the barn she would have. Honestly I don’t think I know anyone who would have done what she did or been able to forgive them her abhorrent family. They did not have to approve of what they thought she did, but never once had even the slightest inkling that she was anything other than guilty and a disgrace. She deserved so much better and they do not deserve any of the kindness and compassion she showed to them. She then works with Chris, the policeman who arrested her, figured out the truth and the waited for her to get out to help him. Honestly, he should have done so much more and though I really happy for her in the end she deserved better than him. What kind of officer of the law allows someone to sit in prison knowing she is innocent? He wants her to help him to prove her innocence, but also it also is a feather in his cap and that is just a little bit self-serving to me. He does not deserve to have his guilt lessened. He kind of deserved to marinate in it for a lot longer! That said, she is an incredible character and deserves all that she wants and I was so happy got her HEA. Lots of emotions in this book and all of them worth the read!! I truly adored this book!!

Thanks so much to the publisher, William-Morrow/Harper Collins, NetGalley and the author, Jennifer Ryan, for granting my wish and allowing me an early read of this book for an honest review.

The is a very easy read, and was quick to get through. It is a very honest portrayal of how humans treat someone who has been in prison (or jail) when they get out, even if they are ultimately exonerated of the crime.

The only part of the book I had a hard time getting through was knowing that the cop/sheriff who put her in prison, is the person she ends up not being able to stay away from, and thinking about all of the time.

I would read many more books by this author, as I felt the story was thought provoking, dealt with issues that occur in today's society, and the main character was likable.

Compelling and captivating. This book has a bit of everything - romance, family relationships, moving forward, emotion, suspense, hope. I enjoyed this book - quite different from other books of hers that I’ve read. It’s a good read.

I enjoyed this read. You don't often find books written about a falsely accused and imprisoned woman. It's a good remind to woman that they can overcome their pasts, no matter how crazy. The sexy lientent didn't hurtvtge story either.

An inheritance she never expected…

After serving time for a crime she didn’t commit, Evangeline returns home to discover her father left her solely responsible for the family’s failing ranch, her mother blames her for her father’s death, and her brothers want her out of their way. With her family’s future squarely on her shoulders, she desperately searches for ways to save their home—before they lose everything.

A chance to right past mistakes…

Her only ally, Chris Chambers. The cop who sent her away is positive she took the fall for someone else. And if she helps him track down the real criminals, he’ll clear her record. 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 will finally bring her justice and pave the way for a bright future.

I enjoyed the book. Family and love. Finished in one day.

I used to love and trust many people in my life. I used to trust my father, my boyfriend and my family. Then I learned a hard life lesson. And then I didn’t trust anyone.
This is the basic lesson learned by the lead character in THE ME I USED TO BE by Jennifer Ryan. The lesson of whom to trust when things go badly. When life treats you unfairly – unjustly. When everyone you know disappoints you – with very few exceptions.
Jennifer Ryan dug deep into the development of Evangeline in THE ME I USED TO BE. Ryan treats her fans and readers to an interesting look into just how life can change the person you believe to be. Evangeline is probably one of Jennifer Ryan’s best characters which is saying quite a lot. Character development is one of Ryan’s strong suits and in THE ME I USED TO BE she flexes her muscles.
Sure there are characters that fall short of our expectations but that is true of people too. And that was the intent. Don’t overthink how a character/person should or would react to a situation. If you do very often you will be grossly disappointed. See art imitating life.
Evangeline’s release from jail for a crime she did not commit didn’t result in a happily ever after event. Her sentence would still follow her unless she made a deal. A sort of deal with the devil Chris. The policeman who arrested her and made sure she paid a price for what she had done. Problem was the whole episode was a set up. Evangeline was the person in the wrong place at the wrong time. There was no way Chris was going to buy that especially given the fact that Evangeline never professed her innocence. She pled guilty. But it just didn’t add up. Not to Chris. Surprisingly Evangeline’s family seemingly judged her actions harshly. They too couldn’t understand her involvement in this crime but accepted her plea. With one notable exception – her father.
After several years of prison with physical and emotional scars Evangeline is once again before the parole board. This time she hoped that her exemplary conduct would sway the board to allow her release. Unforeseeable events helped that along, including the death and funeral of her father.
Evangeline’s world outside the prison had undergone several changes. And this new smarter stronger Evangeline faced many extraordinary challenges. Not the least of them surviving the brash, often nasty comments voiced by the very people she needed to help her adjust to life outside of prison.
Chris offers Evangeline a deal she can’t refuse. Life is going to get even more complicated and perhaps dangerous now that she is no longer in prison. But this new tougher Evangeline is ready to face any challenges. The reward is too important. Her life depends on it. Her happiness depends on it.
Great job by Jennifer Ryan creating a multi-dimensional character like Evangeline in THE ME I USED TO BE. We are all affected by our lives and can only hope that at the end we are still standing. THE ME I USED TO BE is a testament to a person’s rights for a life filled with love, trust and justice.