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

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

• 
  Felicia Branch

  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.
• 
  Cammyjoe

  👍
  
  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!!
• 
  BreakingtheEpigraph

  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.
• 
  Victoria Ziglor-smith

  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.
• 
  Linda

  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.
• 
  LovelyLady Fox

  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.
• 
  MichelleVeiga

  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. 🥰
• 
  Tuere

  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.
  
  
• 
  CLorraine

  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.
• 
  A

  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.
• 
  Denetta Banks

  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.
• 
  Quin Nesselhauf

  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
• 
  Jacquela Garrison

  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.