The Me I Used to Be

Starred review from March 4, 2019
Ryan (Dirty Little Secret) delivers an intoxicating blend of hair-raising suspense, betrayal, and true love with this gripping contemporary set in the rich vineyards of Napa Valley. Evangeline Austen served four years in prison for a theft she didn’t commit; her arresting officer, Lt. Chris Chambers, is now confident she’s innocent. Evangeline is released on parole as news comes of her father’s death, and she helps Chris set a trap for the true criminals (including her ex-boyfriend, Darren) in exchange for her prison time being expunged from her record. At home on her family’s ranch, Evangeline finds her relatives judge her harshly, but then they learn the disturbing truth about the crime and fret when they find out she’s cooperating with the police. During Evangeline’s fight to clear her name, she and Chris fall in love, but Darren’s machinations could cost them everything. The strong characters—particularly Evangeline—are so skillfully created that they leap off the page, and the spot-on pacing will keep readers’ hearts in their throats as the shocking climax approaches. Ryan’s fans will devour this outstanding tale, as will the many new readers she’s bound to win. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary.