Jeneva Rose takes a turn from her usual thriller territory with The Girl I Was, and gives us a surprisingly heartfelt and nostalgic story about second chances. Alexis wakes up in 2002 and comes face to face with her 18 year old self. Watching the two versions of Alexis navigate early 2000’s college life and try to fix the future is hilarious! It’s like talking to your younger self and realizing you were kind of a mess. If you’ve ever wished for a do over or felt stuck in your own story, this book is basically therapy in fiction form!

Thank you, #Partner @htpbooks @htp_hive @netgalley and #mirabooks, for my #gifted (free) copy. New revised standard edition coming 7/15/25.

This is my first time reading this book, so I can't compare it to the old version, but this version was amazing! It reminded me of the movie "13 Going on 30". Boy, the nostalgia came back when we went back into the early 2000s with all the music and gadgets. This was such a unique book, and my goodness near the end completely broke me! I think I kept putting this book off because it's categorized under sci-fi and fantasy, but let me tell you it is 100% worth the read, and I promise you, you haven't read anything like this.

Alexis just lost her job and boyfriend on the same day. She goes on a bender with a special bottle of vodka she saved from her college days, and when she wakes up, she is not in her bed, but in a bed she doesn't recognize. She comes to find out she is back in her college town and in the year 2002....This book really makes you think about all your past choices that have made you into the person you are today. 4.5 stars!

5 stars

Things I loved:

The time-travel-meets-self-confrontation premise (so fun, so messy)

Early 2000s nostalgia with just the right amount of cringe

The unexpected emotional gut punch that totally snuck up on me

I read the original release and loved it, but this extended version hit even harder. Alexis waking up in her college town in 2002 and coming face-to-face with her chaotic 18-year-old self is exactly as entertaining—and painfully relatable—as it sounds.

There’s real heart here, especially in the way it explores self-sabotage, regret, and what it means to actually grow up. Watching Alexis reckon with her past, her choices, and herself had me way more invested than I expected. I laughed, I cringed, and I felt seen in a way I didn’t know I needed.

This one surprised me in the best way. I highly recommend it, especially if you’ve ever looked back and wanted to shake your younger self while giving them a hug.

I was introduced to Jeneva Rose like many, through the perfect marriage. This was completely different and I appreciate a new style. This book was just ok to me though. I didn’t love it and it didn’t leave a mark on me.

“The Girl I Was” is by Jeneva Rose. I liked that Ms. Rose noted at the beginning of the book that this one was not like her other books. I cannot say that I liked the characters this book (besides Claire and Katie), but I did like this book. It’s a slightly different twist on the time-travel trope - in this case the character who goes back in time is the same age as in the present and meets up with her younger self. Although this book started off a bit slowly (it picks up pace as the storyline progresses) it was, overall, an enjoyable read. I did like the comment from Alexis regarding changing technology - a cute throwaway scene regarding Blockbuster and Netflix was a nice moment of levity.

I adore Jeneva Rose. Every time she drops a new thriller, I know I’m in for a wild ride—and The Girl I Was definitely delivered on the bingeable suspense front. The premise pulled me in instantly, and her signature fast pacing made it so easy to fly through in a single sitting.

There were moments I really felt the tension, and watching the layers of the main character’s past peel back had me constantly guessing. But I’ll admit, I wished for just a bit more emotional depth—some parts felt a little surface-level, and I didn’t fully connect with the characters the way I have in some of her other books.

That said, I’ll read anything Jeneva writes, no question. Her stories are addicting, her twists always hit, and she knows how to keep readers on edge. The Girl I Was is a solid thriller that’s perfect when you need a fast, twisty read.

This book was really well done. I’ve been blessed to read this once before back in 2022 when it was originally published and now again as an arc now that it’s been rewritten and revised and now traditional published. I thought it was good before and I liked it. But now I think it’s even better somehow. I think like many books sometimes you read it with this different views or moods and this time I just felt it even more. I love Jeneva rose and her writing and how she can write thriller but then write stories like this as well. I think this story is funny and interesting . It really dives into the if we could go back in time and change things would we and what would we change? To look back at your younger self and treat them kindly or to learn from that younger version and accept the healing or growth we go through. I would recommend this to anyone and this author cause she’s mother goose and we love her.

5 Stars!! Jeneva Rose does it again with The Girl I Was! This book completely pulled me in. I loved the fresh take on time travel and how it was used not just as a plot device, but as a way to explore personal growth and self-forgiveness. Watching the main character confront her past and realize that her younger self was capable of learning and changing was so powerful. It reminded me that we’re all a work in progress—and that sometimes, healing comes from recognizing how far we've already come! Keep the books coming Jeneva!

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, and Jeneva Rose for this advanced reader copy! Publish date: Jul 15, 2025

Despite being used to Rose's thrillers, this was a nice change of pace for her genre and I really enjoyed it! Once hitting rock bottom after an unrenewed job contract and a failed almost-engagement, Alexis wakes up back in her college town, "13 Going on 30" style!

While this wasn't what I expected, I really enjoyed following Alexis' story and found a lot of her personality and life lessons relatable despite not going through quite the same things that she had. I LOVED the early 00s references and found myself chuckling at some of the nostalgia! I feel like, as human beings, we're constantly worrying about the "what-ifs" of the past, and this book was a reminder to try to stay in the present as much as possible and our rose-tinted memories aren't always as great as we remember them.

While the start took a little while to take off, once I settled in it was hard to put down. I didn't read the original version to compare so I'm not totally sure what all was added, but I felt that this one was a heartwarming, relatable story with great character development, coming full circle in the end. Thanks so much for this ARC!

📖 Book Review 📖 I’m a social worker so I was trained in the we listen and we don’t judge movement before it was even viral but I also am not supposed to diagnose or offer advice on people without their consent…but as this book is fictional and Alexis Spencer is not actually based in truth, I *think* I am in the clear to speak my truth in this review. While Alexis has a succulent that she entrusts her hopes and dreams of a successful career in and a litany of cliche optimistic quotes, her arrested development is rooted in unresolved wounds and perhaps some complex post traumatic stress disorder from her youth.

Alcohol is never the solution. A very old bottle of vodka with a cryptic note about drinking to forget and then repeat is especially problematic. But listen, whatever was in that questionable bottle of vodka makes for one hell of a story and I am here for it. Waking up in a bed you don’t recognize: college behavior. Waking up in a decade you don’t recognize: next level storytelling. Healing from the past comes in many shapes and forms and for Alexis, this journey through magical realism to the past is one hilarious yet touching cathartic journey that I am thrilled to be along for.

Please world, do not send me back to 2002 (or bring frosted tips back), but more healing and self-love would be great…and music from that era too.

If you could travel back in time and connect with your 18-year-old self, would you? What advice would you give? What lessons would you learn? And what, if anything, would you change?

The Girl I Was is a funny, witty, and sometimes tear-jerking story that paints a very real picture of what it feels like to believe you’ve failed or that life has somehow passed you by.

From the very start, our FMC, Alexis, loses both her job and her boyfriend. Spiraling into self-pity and blaming her younger self for her current “failures,” she stumbles across a bottle of vodka — and drinks herself right back to 2002. But is this her chance to right her wrongs? Or will she realize the change she truly needs must come from within?

This book really resonated with me. It had me reflecting on what I would do if I could go back — to witness my teenage struggles firsthand and ask myself what I would, and wouldn’t, change.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC. I absolutely loved and will recommend this beautiful story to so many friends!

Get ready for a hilarious journey through time with Jeneva Rose's revamped novel that'll make you laugh, cry, and seriously question your past self! The book follows a woman who magically gets the chance to revisit her younger self, armed with all the wisdom and sarcasm she's accumulated over the years. It's like a self-help book met a comedy special and had the most incredible book baby you could imagine.

Let me tell you about the absolute gem that is "The Girl I Was" by the one and only Mother Goose (aka Jeneva Rose). This isn't your typical thriller that Rose is known for creating. Instead, it's a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud adventure that'll have you questioning every life choice you've ever made.

First off, this book is a total glow-up. Originally published in 2021, Rose has now added six brand new chapters that totally transform the reading experience. And let me tell you, those additions are like the secret sauce that takes this book from really, really good to "I can't put this down" amazing.

Rose's wit is absolutely next-level. I found myself cackling out loud multiple times, much to the confusion of anyone within earshot. Her writing style is so delightfully snarky that I want to be her best friend. Case in point: My absolute favorite quote that had me dying: "My guess is he thought I was a diamond in the rough that needed time to develop. Turns out, I was actually just a dirty rock." I mean, come on! That's comedy gold right there.

What truly sets this book apart is its incredible character development. Rose takes us on a tender journey of self-discovery that's both hilarious and deeply touching. It's like a time-traveling therapy session with your funniest friend giving you life advice.

The Vibes It Brings:
🕰️ Time-travel shenanigans
🤣 Laugh-out-loud comedy
❤️ Self-discovery journey
🌟 Personal growth adventure
💁‍♀️ Sassy inner dialogue
🔍 Retrospective insights

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for allowing me to read this book in advance of its release. These opinions are my own. If you're looking for a book that'll make you laugh, cry, and seriously reflect on your life choices, "The Girl I Was" is your ultimate companion. Jeneva Rose has done it again, proving that she's not just a thriller queen but a master of heart and humor.

Alexis has not put much effort into her life, and eventually it blows up in her face. Her absolute angel of a boyfriend had a surprise for her after the worst day of work, and instead of hearing him out, she blew up at him, & in turn, blew up her life. She gets blackout drunk & wakes up in 2002, to find her living parallel to her past self, Lexi. Can she convince Lexi to get her shit together before it’s too late?

At first, the story started out slow & irritating, as Alexis and Lexi fought each other nonstop, trying to establish dominance. No one is going to tell Lexi what to do, not even the future version of herself, who is begging her to not make the same choices she did.

As Alexis & Lexi try to figure out the whole time travel situation, the book takes some unexpected turns, and really ramps up, the plots become more complicated, the characters begin to grow together, but will they find a solution before it’s too late?

Once I got about a third of the way into the story, I could not put it down, and honestly? I want more.

This book made my heart happy! I absolutely loved this fictional, new adult fantasy novel! It took me on a ride back in time that gave me all the nostalgia feels. This is my new favorite Jeneva Rose book so far! This story was thought provoking and had lovable characters in it. Even the minor characters stood out to me. I found the female main character to be relatable, funny, smart, witty, caring and understanding. The time travel aspect in this story and the way it was presented was perfection. It felt like I was watching a movie that I didn’t want to end. Seeing how this author can write both thriller books and heartfelt fantasy books shows how much talent this author truly has! The themes explored in this book are the power of choice, self acceptance and understanding, regret and redemption and second chances. It made me cry, laugh, feel sadness and even had me heartbroken while reading this.

“The Girl I Was” is about a woman named Alexis blacking out while she was drinking, only for her to wake up and find out she time traveled back in the 2000’s! However, she quickly figures out that there are two of her now. Her regular older self and her 18 year old self named Lexi, in two separate bodies, at the same time. As this story unravels, she discovers new things and it gives her a different perspective on life. Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 star rating!

Content warnings include death, grief, alcoholism and body shaming.

I think anyone that loves reading heartfelt books about time travel and second chances would enjoy this book. This also reminded me of the movie 13 going on 30!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Jeneva Rose and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this digital advanced revised copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This book is expected to be published on July 15, 2025!

I wanted to read this because I LOVE Jeneva Rose's books. I've read all of her thrillers and she is my absolute favorite thriller author. When I saw she was writing something other than a thriller, I had to see what it was.

Unfortunately, I do much prefer her thrillers. (I'm so sorry, I love you!)

This book definitely did have its good moments that were enjoyable and funny, but I just couldn't really get connected with the stories or even the characters that much. I think the biggest problem (at least, for me) was the pacing. The first half of the book felt quite slow and almost confusing for me, but then it sped up and was quite enjoyable during the second half. If anything, I prefer a faster and more engaging first half of a book because it gets me into the story and I can tolerate a slower second half.

This book does delve into some important and serious topics, so do be aware of that when you go to read it. This touches on grief when it comes to loss and that is very heavy subject.

We get a little bit of a time travel situation with our main character ending up back in time with her college self. They work together and get to experience a lot of things together. It's the kind of story where the main character goes through a lot, learning about herself.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

I’m conflicted on this one. I really resonated with the FMC and her constant state of emotional turmoil. Reading about her self destructive tendencies felt like reading my own autobiography. However, I lost that connection when it came time for the “time travel” . The idea behind it was great, and it could be my lack of sisterhood in my life….but I lost interest half way through. I carried on reading, but lost my connection to the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all I love Jeneva Rose and I’ve read all her books including this one but it was so fun to reread it! Love Alexis so dang much we could totally be besties. The whole plot so good. It was hilarious and serious. Just all around a damn good read. Can’t wait to order the special edition of it!

Jeneva Rose leaves a note at the beginning of this book telling readers that if they've come looking for a thriller, they are in the wrong place. This is her first book and she does an excellent job. Make sure to read the notes at the end to understand how the book is similar to her own life.

This is the story of Alexis Spencer circa 2016. She loses her job and her longtime boyfriend and, in her alcoholic meltdown, she wishes herself right into 2002 when she is a freshman in college. Now it is up to her to work with her younger self to try to rectify the future.

There have been many travel back in time to change the future, and in Jeneva Rose's capable hands, the story feels fresh and exciting. I knew how I wanted it to play out and was still left guessing at the outcome.

The Girl I Was is quick read who's second half gave me all the feels. I enjoyed the first half too but the second half is such an emotionally layered read that will be sure to make you think of your own life and where you've been.

This book tugged at my heartstrings with its lovely story of looking back and realizing how your choices have brought you to your present. There is a sense of longing for what was and what can never be. I'll also admit to crying a hearty dose of tears over the feelings of impending loss portrayed here. 4.25 stars for this deeply, emotionally layered, nostalgic read.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is quite different from the other two books I’ve read of Jeneva Rose and again was pleasantly surprised with how good it was!

Alexis Spencer hits obstacle after obstacle and can't seem to catch a break. So she decides to drown her sorrows in alcohol and ends up waking up in a different year. She's taken back to her past and gets some new perspective on life. If you need some life motivation here ya go! It really makes you think about how you are living life and how the decisions you make affect your future and others around you. This story was super fun and Alexis' spunky attitude had me giggling throughout.

Jeneva's most known for her thriller reads so this one was so fun and an escape from reality!