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Life or Death #1
Wake for Me
When winery princess Viola Bellerose has a fight with her "up and coming" Irish rock star boyfriend, she blows off steam in true diva fashion--by making out with a hot stranger in a bar and promptly crashing her Mercedes into the East River. Whoops.
Now Viola spends her days trapped inside the prison of her own body. When she isn't eavesdropping on the private conversations of her hospital caretakers, Viola is lost in a world of vivid and terrifying dreams, in which a tall and brooding doctor appears in a sizzling romantic role.
First year intern Sam Philips is barely surviving his complicated life, juggling family drama, the pressure of looming exams, and competition with his fellow interns. His daily solace is the time he spends with his favourite patient, the young girl he's nicknamed Sleeping Beauty. Convinced that Viola will eventually pull through and wake up, Sam spends hours at her bedside, telling her everything from the minute details of his day to some of his deepest secrets.
But what Sam doesn't know is that his Sleeping Beauty is aware. That he's the only thing still tethering Viola to reality. That she's falling for him.
And what Viola can't tell Sam, is that someone is trying to make sure she never wakes up.
Now Viola spends her days trapped inside the prison of her own body. When she isn't eavesdropping on the private conversations of her hospital caretakers, Viola is lost in a world of vivid and terrifying dreams, in which a tall and brooding doctor appears in a sizzling romantic role.
First year intern Sam Philips is barely surviving his complicated life, juggling family drama, the pressure of looming exams, and competition with his fellow interns. His daily solace is the time he spends with his favourite patient, the young girl he's nicknamed Sleeping Beauty. Convinced that Viola will eventually pull through and wake up, Sam spends hours at her bedside, telling her everything from the minute details of his day to some of his deepest secrets.
But what Sam doesn't know is that his Sleeping Beauty is aware. That he's the only thing still tethering Viola to reality. That she's falling for him.
And what Viola can't tell Sam, is that someone is trying to make sure she never wakes up.
286 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2013
31 people are currently reading
1133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 10, 2014
I really loved WAKE FOR ME. Viola’s winery-heiress status and Sam’s medical intern gig automatically cast an alluring aura of glamour. Both characters are physically attractive – ain’t nothing wrong with that. BUT, those aren’t the elements that sucked me in.
Here’s what did:
1. The intriguing cocktail of interwoven realities (coma dreams muddled with real life). And here I must add that the author's descriptions of Viola’s dreams depict a world that is lushly beautiful and savagely terrifying, with a twist of haunting melancholy. And honestly, dream passages generally don’t do much for me…
2. Suspense. I suspect the author won’t mind if I call her a dominatrix when it comes to plot twists and turns. But suspense only holds my attention if I care about the players. The underlying theme of betrayal engaged my emotions as well as my intellect.
3. Vulnerable characters. Viola and Sam may look “perfect”, but they aren’t. Even more than I wanted them to fall in love and kiss and such, I wanted them to trust each other, which was far more difficult for both of them.
4. Humor. My fondness for dark things is no secret, but I’m also a sucker for funny. Ms. Iron's razor sharp wit gleams along the edges of her writing and adds an extra dimension of pleasure to the read.
5. There is NO doubt in my mind that Ms. Irons is going places. And I want to be able to say “I read her when…”
And there you have it, indisputable proof that you should read WAKE FOR ME.
Here’s what did:
1. The intriguing cocktail of interwoven realities (coma dreams muddled with real life). And here I must add that the author's descriptions of Viola’s dreams depict a world that is lushly beautiful and savagely terrifying, with a twist of haunting melancholy. And honestly, dream passages generally don’t do much for me…
2. Suspense. I suspect the author won’t mind if I call her a dominatrix when it comes to plot twists and turns. But suspense only holds my attention if I care about the players. The underlying theme of betrayal engaged my emotions as well as my intellect.
3. Vulnerable characters. Viola and Sam may look “perfect”, but they aren’t. Even more than I wanted them to fall in love and kiss and such, I wanted them to trust each other, which was far more difficult for both of them.
4. Humor. My fondness for dark things is no secret, but I’m also a sucker for funny. Ms. Iron's razor sharp wit gleams along the edges of her writing and adds an extra dimension of pleasure to the read.
5. There is NO doubt in my mind that Ms. Irons is going places. And I want to be able to say “I read her when…”
And there you have it, indisputable proof that you should read WAKE FOR ME.
July 22, 2016
***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
Viola, a spoiled rich girl, wakes up in the hospital and learns she had been in a car accident and then in a coma for days. That would explain all the weird dreams.
Sam is an intern assigned to Viola's case. He takes care of her and talks to her while she is in a coma. He talks about Ben and his best friend Brady. He talks freely because she can't hear him anyway. Or can she?
Once Viola comes around, she tries to piece everything together that had happened to her. But it just doesn't make sense. And those dreams, they were dreams right?
The author kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. What's going to happen next? Just one more chapter... And those crazy weird dreams...were just crazy. And weird. But it made the book that much better with how vivid these dreams were!
Viola, a spoiled rich girl, wakes up in the hospital and learns she had been in a car accident and then in a coma for days. That would explain all the weird dreams.
Sam is an intern assigned to Viola's case. He takes care of her and talks to her while she is in a coma. He talks about Ben and his best friend Brady. He talks freely because she can't hear him anyway. Or can she?
Once Viola comes around, she tries to piece everything together that had happened to her. But it just doesn't make sense. And those dreams, they were dreams right?
The author kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. What's going to happen next? Just one more chapter... And those crazy weird dreams...were just crazy. And weird. But it made the book that much better with how vivid these dreams were!
April 10, 2014
When I received this, I just knew I was in for a great read. After reading Isobel Irons' Promiscuous and now Wake For Me, she is undecidedly one of my new favourite contemporary authors. Irons is just so good at writing not only attention grabbing plot lines that aren’t all fluffy and overly lovey-dovey, but also wonderful characters that pull on the heart strings with their compelling back stories and the way they act and think and develop. You can’t help but grow attached to them all! And the plot, well let’s just say I felt like I was watching a hit drama on the telly! I just couldn’t put it down.
Speaking of the plot, let me just explain that to you a little. The story revolves around our two main characters, Viola and Sam, with the chapters alternating between their POVs. Viola is a rich heiress of her father’s very successful wine company. Sam is just your average guy facing his troubles and trying to survive his first year of internship. As fate would have it, they meet one night, just for a moment, and the next day Viola winds up a patient at the place Sam is working, trapped in a coma. Unbeknown to everyone, Viola is actually rather aware during her coma, and can hear everything Sam says as he tells his Sleeping Beauty all about his childhood, his fears, and his life in general. They are surely falling for each other without really realising it and without even having spoken to one another (I don’t count the couple of sentences from the bar haha!). That just a brief summary of what happens in life the first half of the book. Thereafter things become 50 kinds of crazy and…well, you’ll have to read it to find out!
In terms of writing style, Irons has not disappointed me. Whilst reading from the POV of Viola whilst she is in her comma, I genuinely felt like I was struggling to differentiate between reality and dream (or nightmare). The images her writing conjured up in my mind were equally glorious and terrifying. I felt Viola’s frustration and battle with the horrific images her mind managed to conjure up, which just shows how brilliant Irons’ writing is! The pace was pretty good, and I loved how the events flowed well, without the feeling of being pulled from one scene and thrown into the next. The only issue I had was the ending, as I felt it was a bit abrupt, like it was cut short. I felt it could have been written in a little more detail as a couple of things weren’t too clear and could have been concluded a little better.
Character wise, Sam had to be my favourite. He was so sweet and innocent, and his constant timidity and need to apologise was adorable (in that annoying kind of way). He was just so kind and caring that you couldn’t help but love him. Viola was a great character, and was definitely one I alternated between loving and hating. I loved her strength and perseverance, her unwillingness to let her coma affect her future and her decided determination to get better, find out what was happening to her and who (if anyone) was after her. Equally, I hated her prissy stuck up attitude which is a result of her rich background, her rudeness towards Sam at times and her using him to her benefit. She became a bit childish at times which bugged me but is kind of to be expected after everything she goes through. Either way she was just written so well. The secondary characters are all extremely likable but aren’t so central to the plot. Sam’s best friend and fellow intern is probably my favourite of the secondary characters and I cannot wait to hear his story!
All in all, this book was a definitely brilliant contemporary read with enough drama and suspense to take it to the next level. Brilliant addition to the NA genre and I’m just so pleased I got to read this! I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary with more to the plot than just the romance. A well-deserved 4 stars!
*This book was kindly offered to me in exchange for an honest review*
Speaking of the plot, let me just explain that to you a little. The story revolves around our two main characters, Viola and Sam, with the chapters alternating between their POVs. Viola is a rich heiress of her father’s very successful wine company. Sam is just your average guy facing his troubles and trying to survive his first year of internship. As fate would have it, they meet one night, just for a moment, and the next day Viola winds up a patient at the place Sam is working, trapped in a coma. Unbeknown to everyone, Viola is actually rather aware during her coma, and can hear everything Sam says as he tells his Sleeping Beauty all about his childhood, his fears, and his life in general. They are surely falling for each other without really realising it and without even having spoken to one another (I don’t count the couple of sentences from the bar haha!). That just a brief summary of what happens in life the first half of the book. Thereafter things become 50 kinds of crazy and…well, you’ll have to read it to find out!
In terms of writing style, Irons has not disappointed me. Whilst reading from the POV of Viola whilst she is in her comma, I genuinely felt like I was struggling to differentiate between reality and dream (or nightmare). The images her writing conjured up in my mind were equally glorious and terrifying. I felt Viola’s frustration and battle with the horrific images her mind managed to conjure up, which just shows how brilliant Irons’ writing is! The pace was pretty good, and I loved how the events flowed well, without the feeling of being pulled from one scene and thrown into the next. The only issue I had was the ending, as I felt it was a bit abrupt, like it was cut short. I felt it could have been written in a little more detail as a couple of things weren’t too clear and could have been concluded a little better.
Character wise, Sam had to be my favourite. He was so sweet and innocent, and his constant timidity and need to apologise was adorable (in that annoying kind of way). He was just so kind and caring that you couldn’t help but love him. Viola was a great character, and was definitely one I alternated between loving and hating. I loved her strength and perseverance, her unwillingness to let her coma affect her future and her decided determination to get better, find out what was happening to her and who (if anyone) was after her. Equally, I hated her prissy stuck up attitude which is a result of her rich background, her rudeness towards Sam at times and her using him to her benefit. She became a bit childish at times which bugged me but is kind of to be expected after everything she goes through. Either way she was just written so well. The secondary characters are all extremely likable but aren’t so central to the plot. Sam’s best friend and fellow intern is probably my favourite of the secondary characters and I cannot wait to hear his story!
All in all, this book was a definitely brilliant contemporary read with enough drama and suspense to take it to the next level. Brilliant addition to the NA genre and I’m just so pleased I got to read this! I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary with more to the plot than just the romance. A well-deserved 4 stars!
*This book was kindly offered to me in exchange for an honest review*
April 12, 2014
4.5 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC provided in exchange for a honest review ***
Further to a car accident Viola Bellerose finds herself in a coma, imprisoned between dreams, nightmares and the soothing voice of lovestruck intern Sam Philips, who finds solace in baring his soul to her unconscious body, without even knowing that every word registers with her.
"That was what Brady called the coma ward. The Matrix. It was probably in bad taste, but Sam kind of liked to think it was possible that all these unconscious people were living full, meaningful lives in some alternate reality."
When Viola finally wakes up, her memory is slowly coming back to her and her nightmares fill out the blanks. They complete the puzzle that paints out the circumstances of her accident, and she will have to relay on Sam - to whom she felt a connection since he started talking ot her - to help her figure things out.
Wake for Me was yet another great ARC read, which I truly enjoyed! First of all, I really loved the characters. Sam was the perfect-book boyfriend, in a very refreshing way: he's the nerdy intern specialized in internal medicine, a bit of a coward with a few family issues... but he's totally hot and doesn't actually know it. Viola might be seen as a bit of a bitch at first, but then she turns out to be a very sharp and tough girl, with a great sense of humor and repartee, although still hotheaded at times.
I found it a bit unrealistic that Viola could have developed feelings, or at least a special connection with someone she'd only heard talking to her during her 2-week comatose state, but the book doesn't only revolve around their story and relationship (and the difficulties around the doctor/patient relationship, memory loss, awkwardness etc.) No - it is also about the whole intrigue that caused Viola's car accident, which I must admit - is a very suspenseful one.
I was impressed with the writing in this book - words just flowed coherently and I loved the fact that the vocabulary in this book was a lot more refined than your average book, yet accessible. And Wake for Me was also written in third-person, alternating between Viola and Sam's POV. From the tons of books I've read so far, third-person is always the most difficult POV to write in, but Isobel Irons mastered it completely. She does however make an exception for Viola's dreams/nightmares, as they are written in first-person.
Those dreams are confusing, but they play an important part in this book, as a source of symbolism and the gate to a person's subconscious, which will eventually help Viola put back the pieces. I greatly appreciated the author's research work for this book (around this subject in particular, but also around the hospital milieu and its medical terms), which made it seem that much more real. Every chapter of the book starts with a quote from Freud, generally around subconscious and dream-interpretation.
"Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways." - Sigmund Freud
All in all, it was a book with a suspenseful intrigue, a complex love story, and which included many details and "side-stories". To me it ticked all the boxes of a very good read that I would recommend to anyone who likes a suspenseful and unusual story (and doesn't mind a little lack of steam).
This is book 1 in the series, and book 2 - Say Anything - will pick up the story of Sam's promiscuous friend and fellow intern Brady, and I will definitely check this out. As in, right now.
*** ARC provided in exchange for a honest review ***
Further to a car accident Viola Bellerose finds herself in a coma, imprisoned between dreams, nightmares and the soothing voice of lovestruck intern Sam Philips, who finds solace in baring his soul to her unconscious body, without even knowing that every word registers with her.
"That was what Brady called the coma ward. The Matrix. It was probably in bad taste, but Sam kind of liked to think it was possible that all these unconscious people were living full, meaningful lives in some alternate reality."
When Viola finally wakes up, her memory is slowly coming back to her and her nightmares fill out the blanks. They complete the puzzle that paints out the circumstances of her accident, and she will have to relay on Sam - to whom she felt a connection since he started talking ot her - to help her figure things out.
Wake for Me was yet another great ARC read, which I truly enjoyed! First of all, I really loved the characters. Sam was the perfect-book boyfriend, in a very refreshing way: he's the nerdy intern specialized in internal medicine, a bit of a coward with a few family issues... but he's totally hot and doesn't actually know it. Viola might be seen as a bit of a bitch at first, but then she turns out to be a very sharp and tough girl, with a great sense of humor and repartee, although still hotheaded at times.
I found it a bit unrealistic that Viola could have developed feelings, or at least a special connection with someone she'd only heard talking to her during her 2-week comatose state, but the book doesn't only revolve around their story and relationship (and the difficulties around the doctor/patient relationship, memory loss, awkwardness etc.) No - it is also about the whole intrigue that caused Viola's car accident, which I must admit - is a very suspenseful one.
I was impressed with the writing in this book - words just flowed coherently and I loved the fact that the vocabulary in this book was a lot more refined than your average book, yet accessible. And Wake for Me was also written in third-person, alternating between Viola and Sam's POV. From the tons of books I've read so far, third-person is always the most difficult POV to write in, but Isobel Irons mastered it completely. She does however make an exception for Viola's dreams/nightmares, as they are written in first-person.
Those dreams are confusing, but they play an important part in this book, as a source of symbolism and the gate to a person's subconscious, which will eventually help Viola put back the pieces. I greatly appreciated the author's research work for this book (around this subject in particular, but also around the hospital milieu and its medical terms), which made it seem that much more real. Every chapter of the book starts with a quote from Freud, generally around subconscious and dream-interpretation.
"Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways." - Sigmund Freud
All in all, it was a book with a suspenseful intrigue, a complex love story, and which included many details and "side-stories". To me it ticked all the boxes of a very good read that I would recommend to anyone who likes a suspenseful and unusual story (and doesn't mind a little lack of steam).
This is book 1 in the series, and book 2 - Say Anything - will pick up the story of Sam's promiscuous friend and fellow intern Brady, and I will definitely check this out. As in, right now.
February 9, 2014
Viola is a spoiled, rich heiress dating a rockstar. Sam is an earnest, boy-next-door medical intern who is still trying to resolve his grief after a family tragedy. After their chance meeting in a bar and a kiss that blows his mind, Sam's world is turned upside down when Viola arrives at the emergency department of his hospital after a serious car accident.
Through a series of intriguing dream sequences and Sam’s narrative as he watches over her, we come to understand that even though Viola is in a coma, she is aware of him in some way. As Viola tries to piece together fragments of her trauma, Sam tries to reconcile his promise to take care of her despite her dire circumstances.
Wake for Me is a fun, mostly fast faced-paced adventure that meets all the requisites for a good romance. Charmingly modest (but hunky) male lead? Check. Feisty, independent female protagonist? Check. Chemistry between them? Check. Throw in some suspense and a great secondary character (in the form of Sam’s best friend, Brady) and you have an enjoyable tale that would make for a great holiday read.
Ms. Iron’s writing is solid and she has a knack for sexual banter in her dialogue. There are a few exchanges between Sam and Viola that were funny AND sexy. Her interest in psychology is evident and she uses Viola’s dream imagery to good effect, creating some chaotic and creepy dreamscapes. However, while Sam and Viola were well-developed leads, there were a few other characters that felt a bit flat, and there were a few loose threads that weren’t explored well enough to really understand them, particularly regarding her relationship with her parents and an incident from her high school days.
My only other complaint is that Wake for Me is marketed as a new adult suspense, but it doesn’t really have the new adult flavor of the current market (which may not be a bad thing). I was surprised when about two-thirds of the way through this book I was reminded that Viola was supposed to be nineteen years old. Even allowing for her prep-school sophistication, she felt much more like a character in her mid-twenties. I would have been cool with that, as it wouldn’t have changed the story in any way, but trying to imagine her as a teenager felt false.
Overall, Wake for Me is a fun read that delivers on it’s promise of romance and suspense and is recommended for fans of the genre.
Through a series of intriguing dream sequences and Sam’s narrative as he watches over her, we come to understand that even though Viola is in a coma, she is aware of him in some way. As Viola tries to piece together fragments of her trauma, Sam tries to reconcile his promise to take care of her despite her dire circumstances.
Wake for Me is a fun, mostly fast faced-paced adventure that meets all the requisites for a good romance. Charmingly modest (but hunky) male lead? Check. Feisty, independent female protagonist? Check. Chemistry between them? Check. Throw in some suspense and a great secondary character (in the form of Sam’s best friend, Brady) and you have an enjoyable tale that would make for a great holiday read.
Ms. Iron’s writing is solid and she has a knack for sexual banter in her dialogue. There are a few exchanges between Sam and Viola that were funny AND sexy. Her interest in psychology is evident and she uses Viola’s dream imagery to good effect, creating some chaotic and creepy dreamscapes. However, while Sam and Viola were well-developed leads, there were a few other characters that felt a bit flat, and there were a few loose threads that weren’t explored well enough to really understand them, particularly regarding her relationship with her parents and an incident from her high school days.
My only other complaint is that Wake for Me is marketed as a new adult suspense, but it doesn’t really have the new adult flavor of the current market (which may not be a bad thing). I was surprised when about two-thirds of the way through this book I was reminded that Viola was supposed to be nineteen years old. Even allowing for her prep-school sophistication, she felt much more like a character in her mid-twenties. I would have been cool with that, as it wouldn’t have changed the story in any way, but trying to imagine her as a teenager felt false.
Overall, Wake for Me is a fun read that delivers on it’s promise of romance and suspense and is recommended for fans of the genre.
April 14, 2014
Wake For Me is a unique contemporary romance that provides suspense, mystery, love, humor, and a bit of steam. While I ended up loving the book, I did have mixed feelings at first since it took me a good 75 pages or so before I was completely involved.
I won't totally rehash the plot but briefly, Viola, who is a beautiful, wealthy, and spoiled young woman, falls into a coma. Her attending intern, the sweet, cute, nerdy Sam, is fascinated with her. He spends his time talking to her and sharing his thoughts and secrets, never thinking she could hear him. Of course during this time, strong feelings develop and as she awakes, the story takes some captivating twists and turns, drawing you in till the end.
There is no question that Isobel Irons is a talented author, this book probably being a step above much of the romance out there. The author provides well developed characters who were so likeable, they had me emotionally invested...especially Sam. He is the anti romance bad-boy, and you'll love him. Viola, although rich and spoiled, was smart, witty and likable...seemed more than her 19 years. The side characters added to the story, especially Sam's best friend, Brady, who provided most of the comic relief.
The chapters alternate between Sam's and Viola's POV. I may be in the minority, but my problem with the book came mostly during Viola's coma chapters. These combined Viola's abstract dreams along with disoriented memories of her past, the reality of what was going on in her hospital room, and the things that Sam was saying to her. While I understand the purpose of this and found it creative, it became somewhat frustrating to read after so much of it. I found myself distracted and having to force myself to read on. I felt that a little of the abstract "dreaming" went a long way and could have been edited out a bit...just my opinion. Also, later in the book, I was left with a couple questions that could have been explained, making the story a little more believable.
I loved the slow buildup to romance. There was no gratuitous sex, but just enough steam in the right places to add to the story. I also loved the dialog, especially the "drunk dial"! I do wish there could have been just a bit more at the end, since it felt a little cut short. If you find yourself wondering if you will continue with the book, keep going because you will find a wonderful, sweet, and suspenseful romance.
I won't totally rehash the plot but briefly, Viola, who is a beautiful, wealthy, and spoiled young woman, falls into a coma. Her attending intern, the sweet, cute, nerdy Sam, is fascinated with her. He spends his time talking to her and sharing his thoughts and secrets, never thinking she could hear him. Of course during this time, strong feelings develop and as she awakes, the story takes some captivating twists and turns, drawing you in till the end.
There is no question that Isobel Irons is a talented author, this book probably being a step above much of the romance out there. The author provides well developed characters who were so likeable, they had me emotionally invested...especially Sam. He is the anti romance bad-boy, and you'll love him. Viola, although rich and spoiled, was smart, witty and likable...seemed more than her 19 years. The side characters added to the story, especially Sam's best friend, Brady, who provided most of the comic relief.
The chapters alternate between Sam's and Viola's POV. I may be in the minority, but my problem with the book came mostly during Viola's coma chapters. These combined Viola's abstract dreams along with disoriented memories of her past, the reality of what was going on in her hospital room, and the things that Sam was saying to her. While I understand the purpose of this and found it creative, it became somewhat frustrating to read after so much of it. I found myself distracted and having to force myself to read on. I felt that a little of the abstract "dreaming" went a long way and could have been edited out a bit...just my opinion. Also, later in the book, I was left with a couple questions that could have been explained, making the story a little more believable.
I loved the slow buildup to romance. There was no gratuitous sex, but just enough steam in the right places to add to the story. I also loved the dialog, especially the "drunk dial"! I do wish there could have been just a bit more at the end, since it felt a little cut short. If you find yourself wondering if you will continue with the book, keep going because you will find a wonderful, sweet, and suspenseful romance.
April 22, 2014
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
We have our two main characters Viola Bellerose and Sam Phillips.Viola is a rich spoiled winery heiress whereas Sam is a medical intern who is barely managing to swim through his problems.One day he goes to a party with his friend Brady where he meets a beautiful,enigmatic girl who gives him one of the best kisses of his life and abruptly leaves.When he goes back to the hospital the girl(Viola) comes into the ER after a car accident.
Viola is now in a coma.But Sam doesn't want to give up on her.He nicknames her Sleeping Beauty and tells her about his problems,daily life and his past whenever he can.Little does he know that Viola is actually listening to him.
As Viola lies in a coma she is haunted by her vivid dreams which seem to hold some meaning to her.The only bright spot of her day is when Sam talks to her and she is slowly falling in love with him.
Soon Viola wakes from her coma and Sam is surprised to know that she was actually able to hear everything that he told her.Viola is as feisty and snarky as ever even when she wakes up.In a few weeks she has regained her speech fully and is able to move around.But she is devastated to discover that while she was in a coma her parents had also died in a car accident.But someone doesn't want Viola around and they are trying to kill her.Who are they and will they succeed??Do Viola's dreams mean something or is she just being delusional??
I loved Viola's character.She is a force of nature even in times of adversity.She is a perfect complement to Sam.Though in the beginning I was a wee bit irritated with Sam's spinelessness, Viola brings out the man in him.She encourages him to stand up for himself and seize the opportunities.I loved their relationship dynamic.We could also see that Viola regretted the things she did in the past.She knew that she had done bad things and accepts responsibility.She is willing to change.Brady is a great side-character.Though disgusting at times he provides great comic relief.I can't wait to read Say Anything from his POV.
I also just read the blurb for Bad For You..Why??Why Ms.Irons Are you trying to kill us??*weeps silently*
We have our two main characters Viola Bellerose and Sam Phillips.Viola is a rich spoiled winery heiress whereas Sam is a medical intern who is barely managing to swim through his problems.One day he goes to a party with his friend Brady where he meets a beautiful,enigmatic girl who gives him one of the best kisses of his life and abruptly leaves.When he goes back to the hospital the girl(Viola) comes into the ER after a car accident.
Viola is now in a coma.But Sam doesn't want to give up on her.He nicknames her Sleeping Beauty and tells her about his problems,daily life and his past whenever he can.Little does he know that Viola is actually listening to him.
As Viola lies in a coma she is haunted by her vivid dreams which seem to hold some meaning to her.The only bright spot of her day is when Sam talks to her and she is slowly falling in love with him.
Soon Viola wakes from her coma and Sam is surprised to know that she was actually able to hear everything that he told her.Viola is as feisty and snarky as ever even when she wakes up.In a few weeks she has regained her speech fully and is able to move around.But she is devastated to discover that while she was in a coma her parents had also died in a car accident.But someone doesn't want Viola around and they are trying to kill her.Who are they and will they succeed??Do Viola's dreams mean something or is she just being delusional??
I loved Viola's character.She is a force of nature even in times of adversity.She is a perfect complement to Sam.Though in the beginning I was a wee bit irritated with Sam's spinelessness, Viola brings out the man in him.She encourages him to stand up for himself and seize the opportunities.I loved their relationship dynamic.We could also see that Viola regretted the things she did in the past.She knew that she had done bad things and accepts responsibility.She is willing to change.Brady is a great side-character.Though disgusting at times he provides great comic relief.I can't wait to read Say Anything from his POV.
I also just read the blurb for Bad For You..Why??Why Ms.Irons Are you trying to kill us??*weeps silently*
April 22, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Viola Bellerose is in a coma. Caught in a cycle of strange dreams, the only time she becomes conscious of her surroundings is when a young intern visits, spilling all of his thoughts and memories to her, unaware of the fact that she can hear everything. Dr. Phillips is the only person who truly seems to believe that Viola will ever wake again.
After an unforgettable kiss with a beautiful stranger earlier in the night, Sam Phillips is called into work, to find his next patient is the mysterious girl from the club. Sitting with his sleeping beauty over the next few weeks, Sam tells her all about his life, discovering that spending time with her is the only time he feels truly peaceful.
Upon waking up, Viola discovers that her whole world has changed whilst she was sleeping. When she decides that her accident might not have been so accidental after all, she tries to enlist the help of Sam. The only person she trusts and the one doctor to believe that she is not crazy, Viola sets out to find the truth and seek her revenge, with the possibility of finding true love along the way.
Wake for me was a very intriguing and captivating read that I found hard to put down. With the chapters alternating between the perspectives of Sam and Viola, it allows the readers to understand and see the story unravel from both characters point of views. Whilst this can sometimes be confusing if not told right, Isobel Irons manages to capture the story perfectly, making each chapter flow well in to the next. There are only a few books I have read that involve a coma patient as a main character, but I loved this story and how well the author has managed to create Violas reality so well, describing her bizarre dreams alongside the events happening in real life, without the plot getting too confusing or hard to follow.
Overall this book was well written and explained throughout. A pleasure to read that I would definitely recommend to everyone!
Viola Bellerose is in a coma. Caught in a cycle of strange dreams, the only time she becomes conscious of her surroundings is when a young intern visits, spilling all of his thoughts and memories to her, unaware of the fact that she can hear everything. Dr. Phillips is the only person who truly seems to believe that Viola will ever wake again.
After an unforgettable kiss with a beautiful stranger earlier in the night, Sam Phillips is called into work, to find his next patient is the mysterious girl from the club. Sitting with his sleeping beauty over the next few weeks, Sam tells her all about his life, discovering that spending time with her is the only time he feels truly peaceful.
Upon waking up, Viola discovers that her whole world has changed whilst she was sleeping. When she decides that her accident might not have been so accidental after all, she tries to enlist the help of Sam. The only person she trusts and the one doctor to believe that she is not crazy, Viola sets out to find the truth and seek her revenge, with the possibility of finding true love along the way.
Wake for me was a very intriguing and captivating read that I found hard to put down. With the chapters alternating between the perspectives of Sam and Viola, it allows the readers to understand and see the story unravel from both characters point of views. Whilst this can sometimes be confusing if not told right, Isobel Irons manages to capture the story perfectly, making each chapter flow well in to the next. There are only a few books I have read that involve a coma patient as a main character, but I loved this story and how well the author has managed to create Violas reality so well, describing her bizarre dreams alongside the events happening in real life, without the plot getting too confusing or hard to follow.
Overall this book was well written and explained throughout. A pleasure to read that I would definitely recommend to everyone!
December 31, 2024
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love a story that keeps me guessing and on the edge of my seat with suspense, almost as much as a good romance. So when I find a story that combines the two, I am a pretty happy reader. Wake for Me was a good combination of the two.
Viola is in a coma and is having dreams that are pretty frightening. An intern at the hospital named Sam seems to spend a lot of time in her room talking to her, even though she is in a coma and can’t hear him. Or can she?
The circumstances of the car accident that caused Viola to end up in the hospital and in a coma are mysterious. Her dreams piece together parts of a puzzle, but the heiress to a vineyard and winery, might have someone out to get her.
Sam develops feelings for the beautiful girl in the coma, who he met hours before her accident. When she finally wakes she realizes she has met him before.
Viola is rich, pampered and privileged, but has a lot of fight in her and is a good match for Sam who has a lot of insecurities, despite being a 4.0 med student and a champion swimmer back in school.
I do not want to spoil the book by saying more about the plot but it kept me guessing until the end. I loved the chemistry between Viola and Sam and I even began to love Sam’s crazy best friend and fellow intern, Brady. The book ended very abruptly, which made me a little sad. I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to these characters.
I love a story that keeps me guessing and on the edge of my seat with suspense, almost as much as a good romance. So when I find a story that combines the two, I am a pretty happy reader. Wake for Me was a good combination of the two.
Viola is in a coma and is having dreams that are pretty frightening. An intern at the hospital named Sam seems to spend a lot of time in her room talking to her, even though she is in a coma and can’t hear him. Or can she?
The circumstances of the car accident that caused Viola to end up in the hospital and in a coma are mysterious. Her dreams piece together parts of a puzzle, but the heiress to a vineyard and winery, might have someone out to get her.
Sam develops feelings for the beautiful girl in the coma, who he met hours before her accident. When she finally wakes she realizes she has met him before.
Viola is rich, pampered and privileged, but has a lot of fight in her and is a good match for Sam who has a lot of insecurities, despite being a 4.0 med student and a champion swimmer back in school.
I do not want to spoil the book by saying more about the plot but it kept me guessing until the end. I loved the chemistry between Viola and Sam and I even began to love Sam’s crazy best friend and fellow intern, Brady. The book ended very abruptly, which made me a little sad. I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to these characters.
September 1, 2016
* I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review *
I was excited to read this book after reading the synopsis and ended up really enjoying this book. Viola and Sam have a quick crossing before life changed for the both of them. Viola ends up in a coma and one thing I found to be very visual and provoking were the dream scenes. The dream scenes were interwoven in throughout the book and makes you view someone in a coma in another light. It is possible for them to truly retain what they hear? It was thought provoking for me. I thought it was very well written and enjoyed watching Viola find herself and become her true person. I loved Sam as a character and thought the other people in the book helped make their story that much better! I look forward to more from this author.
I was excited to read this book after reading the synopsis and ended up really enjoying this book. Viola and Sam have a quick crossing before life changed for the both of them. Viola ends up in a coma and one thing I found to be very visual and provoking were the dream scenes. The dream scenes were interwoven in throughout the book and makes you view someone in a coma in another light. It is possible for them to truly retain what they hear? It was thought provoking for me. I thought it was very well written and enjoyed watching Viola find herself and become her true person. I loved Sam as a character and thought the other people in the book helped make their story that much better! I look forward to more from this author.
February 22, 2014
Wake For Me by Isobel Irons is a well written,exciting medical romantic suspense. The most interesting part of the story was the interlinking of Viola’s dreams with the reality of what Sam was facing and the unique romance which was born because of that. I liked how Isobel so vividly describes the dreams that you can actually see all that happening in your head. Viola was /is a nineteen year old singing sensation and a heiress to a million dollar worth wine company. I liked her spirit and her boldness which was a contrast to the reserved nature of Sam who is equally adorable. The chemistry between both of them made the romance even more believable.Read More
March 17, 2014
3.5/5.0
From the very first sentence of this story, the reader is hooked with this unique story!
Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
From the very first sentence of this story, the reader is hooked with this unique story!
Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 6, 2025
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
We have our two main characters Viola Bellerose and Sam Phillips.Viola is a rich spoiled winery heiress whereas Sam is a medical intern who is barely managing to swim through his problems.One day he goes to a party with his friend Brady where he meets a beautiful,enigmatic girl who gives him one of the best kisses of his life and abruptly leaves.When he goes back to the hospital the girl(Viola) comes into the ER after a car accident.
Viola is now in a coma.But Sam doesn't want to give up on her.He nicknames her Sleeping Beauty and tells her about his problems,daily life and his past whenever he can.Little does he know that Viola is actually listening to him.
As Viola lies in a coma she is haunted by her vivid dreams which seem to hold some meaning to her.The only bright spot of her day is when Sam talks to her and she is slowly falling in love with him.
Soon Viola wakes from her coma and Sam is surprised to know that she was actually able to hear everything that he told her.Viola is as feisty and snarky as ever even when she wakes up.In a few weeks she has regained her speech fully and is able to move around.But she is devastated to discover that while she was in a coma her parents had also died in a car accident.But someone doesn't want Viola around and they are trying to kill her.Who are they and will they succeed??Do Viola's dreams mean something or is she just being delusional??
I loved Viola's character.She is a force of nature even in times of adversity.She is a perfect complement to Sam.Though in the beginning I was a wee bit irritated with Sam's spinelessness, Viola brings out the man in him.She encourages him to stand up for himself and seize the opportunities.I loved their relationship dynamic.We could also see that Viola regretted the things she did in the past.She knew that she had done bad things and accepts responsibility.She is willing to change.Brady is a great side-character.Though disgusting at times he provides great comic relief.I can't wait to read Say Anything from his POV.
I also just read the blurb for Bad For You..Why??Why Ms.Irons Are you trying to kill us??*weeps silently*
We have our two main characters Viola Bellerose and Sam Phillips.Viola is a rich spoiled winery heiress whereas Sam is a medical intern who is barely managing to swim through his problems.One day he goes to a party with his friend Brady where he meets a beautiful,enigmatic girl who gives him one of the best kisses of his life and abruptly leaves.When he goes back to the hospital the girl(Viola) comes into the ER after a car accident.
Viola is now in a coma.But Sam doesn't want to give up on her.He nicknames her Sleeping Beauty and tells her about his problems,daily life and his past whenever he can.Little does he know that Viola is actually listening to him.
As Viola lies in a coma she is haunted by her vivid dreams which seem to hold some meaning to her.The only bright spot of her day is when Sam talks to her and she is slowly falling in love with him.
Soon Viola wakes from her coma and Sam is surprised to know that she was actually able to hear everything that he told her.Viola is as feisty and snarky as ever even when she wakes up.In a few weeks she has regained her speech fully and is able to move around.But she is devastated to discover that while she was in a coma her parents had also died in a car accident.But someone doesn't want Viola around and they are trying to kill her.Who are they and will they succeed??Do Viola's dreams mean something or is she just being delusional??
I loved Viola's character.She is a force of nature even in times of adversity.She is a perfect complement to Sam.Though in the beginning I was a wee bit irritated with Sam's spinelessness, Viola brings out the man in him.She encourages him to stand up for himself and seize the opportunities.I loved their relationship dynamic.We could also see that Viola regretted the things she did in the past.She knew that she had done bad things and accepts responsibility.She is willing to change.Brady is a great side-character.Though disgusting at times he provides great comic relief.I can't wait to read Say Anything from his POV.
I also just read the blurb for Bad For You..Why??Why Ms.Irons Are you trying to kill us??*weeps silently*
February 2, 2019
Woman is in a coma, but can hear people around and can dream. Weird, but an interesting POV.
Her doctor, Sam, is the only one who believes that she'll wake up. He can't explain his need to be near this mystery girl.
Story is written in the POV of both Sam and Viola. Sometimes this is confusing because you don't know what's what or whose thoughts we're in. And Viola's dreams/memories only confuse the reader. They don't make sense, nor do the propel the story forward. What's the point?
The life of a doctor is so boring, but none more so than the life of a coma patient. I guess this is an ER love story that doesn't make a lick of sense. I mean, how can you fall in love when one is in a coma? Stupid.
Her doctor, Sam, is the only one who believes that she'll wake up. He can't explain his need to be near this mystery girl.
Story is written in the POV of both Sam and Viola. Sometimes this is confusing because you don't know what's what or whose thoughts we're in. And Viola's dreams/memories only confuse the reader. They don't make sense, nor do the propel the story forward. What's the point?
The life of a doctor is so boring, but none more so than the life of a coma patient. I guess this is an ER love story that doesn't make a lick of sense. I mean, how can you fall in love when one is in a coma? Stupid.
August 25, 2017
review to follow
January 31, 2014
I heard about this book on a DBSA podcast, and the idea of a doctor falling in love with a girl in a coma, while she can hear him, just pinged my romantic senses. Girlfriend in a coma, y’all!
Viola is the girl in question. Her car crashed into an icy river, and while she was in the ER, she had a reaction of some kind that sent her into a coma. Sam is an intern (“doctor in training,” as some people refer to him) assigned to her case. He was in the ER when she was brought in; he saw her fail to recover; and now he visits her during his off-hours and talks to her.
The novel is told in alternating points of view. From Viola’s perspective, we get dreams, nightmares, and pseudo-flashbacks, along with her recognizing the chlorine and cotton smell of Sam, and hearing his voice.
As it turns out, Viola is a rich wine heiress who’s traveled the world, and Sam is a smart middle-class guy who works all the time. He realizes that Viola is a fantasy in more ways than one, because their backgrounds and lifestyles would keep them apart, but hey, a guy can dream.
This is the first contemporary romance I’ve read that features a realistic doctor hero, because the working hours of doctors are not conducive to romance. I should know, I dated a medical student. He would call me once during the week, and we would go out on the weekends, but not too late, because he had to be up early to volunteer at a clinic. Luckily we met during the summer when he was still an undergrad, otherwise neither of us might have bothered (aww, romantic!). As it is, I married him right before his internship and now he’s a real doctor with a real job and he’s gone for 12 hours a day unless he’s working a 24-hour shift. I know this isn’t all about me, so I’ll just say that, unless you’re working with or living with the doctor in question, you’re not going to see him much, so he does make a challenging romance novel hero. And that’s why TV doctors only have sex with their co-workers. Moving on!
I hope I’m not spoiling things when I say that Viola does eventually wake up. An entire novel of coma girl would be creepy, I think. I read this hoping for a sweet, Sleeping Beauty-type romance, but Viola is not exactly sweet. She’s tough and sarcastic, and waking up from a coma is kind of the least of her problems. Her relationship with Sam didn’t progress the way I expected, mainly because there were unexpected plot twists. In fact, the post-coma part of the book was more of a psychological mystery than a romance. The chapter headings are all quotes from Freud, to give it context. Plus, there were times while I was reading that I thought we were heading for a cliffhanger (we weren’t).
I have to rate the romance separately from the plot. I’m used to seeing deepening emotions and a build-up of trust in a developing relationship, but I felt like that connection happened off-page. During the coma, Sam and Viola had feelings for each other, but afterwards they kind of danced around it and second-guessed themselves. They did learn how to tease each other, and they had off-page sex (heat factor: 1 for kissing), but they didn’t have any “how would this even work as a relationship?” talks, so I didn’t know if they were on the same page until the end.
I enjoyed the characters and loved the set-up, but the romantic elements didn’t bowl me over. Still, it was fun and written well. The sequel features Sam’s doctor friend Brady and a female doctor with Asberger’s, and I’m totally going to read it because I trust this author to pull off a hospital romance and I’m curious too see Brady get smacked around (metaphorically, of course). Plus, I might get a little insight into Sam and Viola’s HEA.
So I give this book a B+ as a romance, A- as a fun book with romantic elements.
This review was originally posted on Red Hot Books at: http://redhotbooks.com/2014/01/review...
Viola is the girl in question. Her car crashed into an icy river, and while she was in the ER, she had a reaction of some kind that sent her into a coma. Sam is an intern (“doctor in training,” as some people refer to him) assigned to her case. He was in the ER when she was brought in; he saw her fail to recover; and now he visits her during his off-hours and talks to her.
The novel is told in alternating points of view. From Viola’s perspective, we get dreams, nightmares, and pseudo-flashbacks, along with her recognizing the chlorine and cotton smell of Sam, and hearing his voice.
As it turns out, Viola is a rich wine heiress who’s traveled the world, and Sam is a smart middle-class guy who works all the time. He realizes that Viola is a fantasy in more ways than one, because their backgrounds and lifestyles would keep them apart, but hey, a guy can dream.
This is the first contemporary romance I’ve read that features a realistic doctor hero, because the working hours of doctors are not conducive to romance. I should know, I dated a medical student. He would call me once during the week, and we would go out on the weekends, but not too late, because he had to be up early to volunteer at a clinic. Luckily we met during the summer when he was still an undergrad, otherwise neither of us might have bothered (aww, romantic!). As it is, I married him right before his internship and now he’s a real doctor with a real job and he’s gone for 12 hours a day unless he’s working a 24-hour shift. I know this isn’t all about me, so I’ll just say that, unless you’re working with or living with the doctor in question, you’re not going to see him much, so he does make a challenging romance novel hero. And that’s why TV doctors only have sex with their co-workers. Moving on!
I hope I’m not spoiling things when I say that Viola does eventually wake up. An entire novel of coma girl would be creepy, I think. I read this hoping for a sweet, Sleeping Beauty-type romance, but Viola is not exactly sweet. She’s tough and sarcastic, and waking up from a coma is kind of the least of her problems. Her relationship with Sam didn’t progress the way I expected, mainly because there were unexpected plot twists. In fact, the post-coma part of the book was more of a psychological mystery than a romance. The chapter headings are all quotes from Freud, to give it context. Plus, there were times while I was reading that I thought we were heading for a cliffhanger (we weren’t).
I have to rate the romance separately from the plot. I’m used to seeing deepening emotions and a build-up of trust in a developing relationship, but I felt like that connection happened off-page. During the coma, Sam and Viola had feelings for each other, but afterwards they kind of danced around it and second-guessed themselves. They did learn how to tease each other, and they had off-page sex (heat factor: 1 for kissing), but they didn’t have any “how would this even work as a relationship?” talks, so I didn’t know if they were on the same page until the end.
I enjoyed the characters and loved the set-up, but the romantic elements didn’t bowl me over. Still, it was fun and written well. The sequel features Sam’s doctor friend Brady and a female doctor with Asberger’s, and I’m totally going to read it because I trust this author to pull off a hospital romance and I’m curious too see Brady get smacked around (metaphorically, of course). Plus, I might get a little insight into Sam and Viola’s HEA.
So I give this book a B+ as a romance, A- as a fun book with romantic elements.
This review was originally posted on Red Hot Books at: http://redhotbooks.com/2014/01/review...
May 31, 2014
Viola Bellerose, a wine heiress, was in a car accident and is now in a coma. Sometimes she is aware and can hear what is going on around her. Other times, she dreams. Outside of her dreams, she hears the voice of Sam, an intern at the hospital, who talks to her of his life as if she is awake and whom she forms a strong connection. She does not always know what her dreams are trying to tell her, but in them lays the truth about what happened to her, and with her parents. First she has to wake up, figure out if she is still suffering from her injuries, or just imagining it all, including someone wanting her dead. Sam seems to be the only one that believes her, but will she scare him off before she is safe and truths are found?
Sam Philips is an intern in the hospital that Viola is admitted to, and a strong bond forms between them. Every day he visits and talks to her as if she is awake and he calls her Sleeping Beauty. Somehow he blames himself for her accident and the resulting coma, thinking he missed something somewhere when she was admitted. One night he gets a strange feeling, causing him to visit her. He is just in time to save her as she had stopped breathing. He believes there is more to Viola than what people think and she is not for him, regardless of how he feels. Is her Uncle Jack right about her being a liar and a schemer? Is there really someone trying to kill her? In spite of everything, does he still want to try and be with Viola?
After almost dying once more, she wakes from her coma and has to practically learn to do everything again, even to talk in full sentences. She detests the condescending way that everyone talks to her, except Sam, who even braved her reaction to tell her about her parents. Viola struggles to remember what happened that night. Is her rock star boyfriend still her boyfriend? Did she really see who she thought she did in the club that night? Meanwhile, her dreams continue, making her question the links between her father, mother, and Uncle Jack. After leaving the hospital with Sam, Viola plans to find the truth about her accident, parents, and Uncle Jack, The bond between them grows stronger, and Viola disappears to escape the distraction that is Sam. After finding some surprising truths, Sam races to track down Viola before the killer does.
There was a lot of waking going on in this book, besides just waking from a coma. Viola wakes from what she thought was a perfect, privileged family life, to Sam having to wake from the tendency he had to just “go with the flow” instead of grabbing what he wanted. They were two broken and ostensibly different people, who were actually perfect for each other, finding out after dealing with Viola’s car crash, coma, her stint in the psych ward, shocking family secrets, Sam’s tendency to cave and cover things up when the going gets hard, and multiple attempts to kill Viola. I loved all of the characters—including the secondary ones like Brady. Some of them seemed simple and easy to predict, but had hidden depths to them, which were shown as the story went on. The switch in POVs between Viola, her dreams—which were quite colorful and insightful—and Sam were well done, each melding into each other to give a better view of the story. The end, can we say “surprise?” I know I was stunned and was totally not expecting what was revealed. I loved this story. I just wanted to learn more about Viola and her Uncle. I definitely want to read the next book—which is to be about Brady—and recommend reading this book, which is a great start to a series.
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Sam Philips is an intern in the hospital that Viola is admitted to, and a strong bond forms between them. Every day he visits and talks to her as if she is awake and he calls her Sleeping Beauty. Somehow he blames himself for her accident and the resulting coma, thinking he missed something somewhere when she was admitted. One night he gets a strange feeling, causing him to visit her. He is just in time to save her as she had stopped breathing. He believes there is more to Viola than what people think and she is not for him, regardless of how he feels. Is her Uncle Jack right about her being a liar and a schemer? Is there really someone trying to kill her? In spite of everything, does he still want to try and be with Viola?
After almost dying once more, she wakes from her coma and has to practically learn to do everything again, even to talk in full sentences. She detests the condescending way that everyone talks to her, except Sam, who even braved her reaction to tell her about her parents. Viola struggles to remember what happened that night. Is her rock star boyfriend still her boyfriend? Did she really see who she thought she did in the club that night? Meanwhile, her dreams continue, making her question the links between her father, mother, and Uncle Jack. After leaving the hospital with Sam, Viola plans to find the truth about her accident, parents, and Uncle Jack, The bond between them grows stronger, and Viola disappears to escape the distraction that is Sam. After finding some surprising truths, Sam races to track down Viola before the killer does.
There was a lot of waking going on in this book, besides just waking from a coma. Viola wakes from what she thought was a perfect, privileged family life, to Sam having to wake from the tendency he had to just “go with the flow” instead of grabbing what he wanted. They were two broken and ostensibly different people, who were actually perfect for each other, finding out after dealing with Viola’s car crash, coma, her stint in the psych ward, shocking family secrets, Sam’s tendency to cave and cover things up when the going gets hard, and multiple attempts to kill Viola. I loved all of the characters—including the secondary ones like Brady. Some of them seemed simple and easy to predict, but had hidden depths to them, which were shown as the story went on. The switch in POVs between Viola, her dreams—which were quite colorful and insightful—and Sam were well done, each melding into each other to give a better view of the story. The end, can we say “surprise?” I know I was stunned and was totally not expecting what was revealed. I loved this story. I just wanted to learn more about Viola and her Uncle. I definitely want to read the next book—which is to be about Brady—and recommend reading this book, which is a great start to a series.
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
January 6, 2015
What can I say? I like this book, it's interesting and definitely different from any and all of my normal NA reads so kudos to you Ms. Irons.
I like Viola, I like her snarkiness and her tough exterior. She could do so much better than Sam.
Sam, he has got to be the world's most spineless hero. He's doing his residency to be a doctor and he's swimmer, which means he's got brains and brawn. You would think. True, he's got a good body apparently but that brain of his is useless, seriously.
He has allowed his mind to be filled with tales about Viola and in his narcissistic (yes narcissistic) mind and misplaced guilt he has let those tales take root and allowed himself to be bribed. How do you not see that the one thing you wanted and didn't have the balls to go after was just handed to you because you did what they asked? Sam, are you sure you're a doctor?
The shit about his brother, useless and pointless. When I heard the full story, I was like "that's it." He's not special, why the need to feel so guilty over something you couldn't control? And believe me, I tried to understand but his level of guilt was NOT appropriate, whatsoever. I really think he just likes being some kind of martyr.
The Viola deal, not his fault either, yet he still feels guilty. Okay, I can deal with that, now go do something to help HER to alleviate your guilt.
Viola wakes up, yay! She's ballsy, fearless, and tiny from what I can tell. I like her, a lot. She deserves someone who believes in her and who is willing to stand by her while she rights this terrible wrong. Not some spineless dude who thinks she's a psycho. Even if she is a psycho, she's a psycho with a valid point and as a doctor you should be able to help prove or disprove her crazy theory.
What really upsets me about Sam is his unwillingness or blindness ( I don't which it is) to believe in Viola. Why does she have to be crazy? And for someone he has such a strong pull and connection to I'm finding it very frustrating to read that he allowed stories told by outside parties about her AND after being with her, he still seems to believe shit. A) Have a little faith and B) Use your own opinions, your mind, your own feelings, and stop allowing people to fill your mind with nonsense you stupid man!
His idiocy knows no bounds and he is by far the worst part of this book. It's good but if Sam wasn't in it, it could have been great. The story line was interesting, the plot got me, I really wanted to see how they pulled it off so well, and psychology or how the brain works during a comatose state is really interesting!
Viola don't need no man! She is tough on her own and could have done without the stupidness that is Sams personality.
I like Viola, I like her snarkiness and her tough exterior. She could do so much better than Sam.
Sam, he has got to be the world's most spineless hero. He's doing his residency to be a doctor and he's swimmer, which means he's got brains and brawn. You would think. True, he's got a good body apparently but that brain of his is useless, seriously.
He has allowed his mind to be filled with tales about Viola and in his narcissistic (yes narcissistic) mind and misplaced guilt he has let those tales take root and allowed himself to be bribed. How do you not see that the one thing you wanted and didn't have the balls to go after was just handed to you because you did what they asked? Sam, are you sure you're a doctor?
The shit about his brother, useless and pointless. When I heard the full story, I was like "that's it." He's not special, why the need to feel so guilty over something you couldn't control? And believe me, I tried to understand but his level of guilt was NOT appropriate, whatsoever. I really think he just likes being some kind of martyr.
The Viola deal, not his fault either, yet he still feels guilty. Okay, I can deal with that, now go do something to help HER to alleviate your guilt.
Viola wakes up, yay! She's ballsy, fearless, and tiny from what I can tell. I like her, a lot. She deserves someone who believes in her and who is willing to stand by her while she rights this terrible wrong. Not some spineless dude who thinks she's a psycho. Even if she is a psycho, she's a psycho with a valid point and as a doctor you should be able to help prove or disprove her crazy theory.
What really upsets me about Sam is his unwillingness or blindness ( I don't which it is) to believe in Viola. Why does she have to be crazy? And for someone he has such a strong pull and connection to I'm finding it very frustrating to read that he allowed stories told by outside parties about her AND after being with her, he still seems to believe shit. A) Have a little faith and B) Use your own opinions, your mind, your own feelings, and stop allowing people to fill your mind with nonsense you stupid man!
His idiocy knows no bounds and he is by far the worst part of this book. It's good but if Sam wasn't in it, it could have been great. The story line was interesting, the plot got me, I really wanted to see how they pulled it off so well, and psychology or how the brain works during a comatose state is really interesting!
Viola don't need no man! She is tough on her own and could have done without the stupidness that is Sams personality.
August 4, 2014
Viola's in a coma. Sam's an intern at the hospital. Hours before Sam had met Viola at a club. They had a strange interlude, ending with a kiss. He can't get her out of his mind. She can't stop dreaming of him. Viola has many strange dreams while she's in her coma, all clues of what happened to her. When she wakes, she's disoriented as any patient would be. One thing she is sure of...Sam. She feels safe around him and is not quite sure why. He tries to remain distant as her doctor, but finds that's hard to do. It's spoiled rich girl meets dedicated doctor, and there's heat between them. But there's more to the story than that, Viola realizes she can trust no one, maybe not even Sam. Was her car accident really an accident? Or something more?
Wake for Me is told from the two main characters' perspective. That can be confusing in some books, but not in this one. The reader views the story from each character's side. Sometimes you want to scream at Sam to stop being so straight-laced and see what's right in front of him. You cheer for Viola as she figures out what happened to her instead of giving in. She is feisty and refuses to back down. This is one little rich girl a reader will like.
I was a little confused at the beginning while reading the coma scenes. I know Viola was hearing the nurses' voices and the TV. Some of that was mixed into her visions. Brady, Sam's best friend and also a doctor, got on my nerves by the end of the book. I only saw a one dimensional character who only cared about making jokes and finding one night stands. He had an opportunity at the end of the novel to make amends for that, but his personality stayed the same.
Overall, I found Wake for Me suspenseful and a good romance. It kept the reader guessing and trying to figure out what happened to Viola right along with her.
Wake for Me is told from the two main characters' perspective. That can be confusing in some books, but not in this one. The reader views the story from each character's side. Sometimes you want to scream at Sam to stop being so straight-laced and see what's right in front of him. You cheer for Viola as she figures out what happened to her instead of giving in. She is feisty and refuses to back down. This is one little rich girl a reader will like.
I was a little confused at the beginning while reading the coma scenes. I know Viola was hearing the nurses' voices and the TV. Some of that was mixed into her visions. Brady, Sam's best friend and also a doctor, got on my nerves by the end of the book. I only saw a one dimensional character who only cared about making jokes and finding one night stands. He had an opportunity at the end of the novel to make amends for that, but his personality stayed the same.
Overall, I found Wake for Me suspenseful and a good romance. It kept the reader guessing and trying to figure out what happened to Viola right along with her.
January 8, 2014
*3.5 Stars
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
How is a girl supposed to fall in love with her doctor (and vice versa) when they have never interacted since she's in a coma? That's the question that I asked myself after reading the synopsis for this book and I, of course, had to read it and see how the author was going to make that happen.
Viola is in a coma after a car accident. Most her time is spent in these frightening nightmares that she can't seem to escape and start getting mixed with reality. Sam stops by his favorite patient's room as much as he can to talk about what's going in his life and is one of the few people that believe that she will wake up. I liked Sam. He was sweet, protective and a little dorky (which I loved). Viola feels like her and Sam are a perfect match even though she has only heard his voice and doesn't even know anything about him other than what he tells her on his visits. She was feisty and had a take-charge attitude throughout the story.
I liked the whole doctor/patient in a coma plot. It kind of played in my head like a Grey's Anatomy episode as I was reading it. I also really liked that the book is written in dual pov so I was able to not only be in Viola's head, but I also got to see what was going on with Sam. There's a little mystery thrown in. Someone is plotting against her and she has no idea who could it be. I did find it boring at times and I felt like a couple of questions I had were left unanswered.
Overall, I liked this book. It had romance, a different kind of plot, and a little mystery and suspense. The characters were likeable and relatable. I recommended it to anyone who's looking for something a little different.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
How is a girl supposed to fall in love with her doctor (and vice versa) when they have never interacted since she's in a coma? That's the question that I asked myself after reading the synopsis for this book and I, of course, had to read it and see how the author was going to make that happen.
Viola is in a coma after a car accident. Most her time is spent in these frightening nightmares that she can't seem to escape and start getting mixed with reality. Sam stops by his favorite patient's room as much as he can to talk about what's going in his life and is one of the few people that believe that she will wake up. I liked Sam. He was sweet, protective and a little dorky (which I loved). Viola feels like her and Sam are a perfect match even though she has only heard his voice and doesn't even know anything about him other than what he tells her on his visits. She was feisty and had a take-charge attitude throughout the story.
I liked the whole doctor/patient in a coma plot. It kind of played in my head like a Grey's Anatomy episode as I was reading it. I also really liked that the book is written in dual pov so I was able to not only be in Viola's head, but I also got to see what was going on with Sam. There's a little mystery thrown in. Someone is plotting against her and she has no idea who could it be. I did find it boring at times and I felt like a couple of questions I had were left unanswered.
Overall, I liked this book. It had romance, a different kind of plot, and a little mystery and suspense. The characters were likeable and relatable. I recommended it to anyone who's looking for something a little different.
January 28, 2014
In Wake For Me we get the intersting and mysterious story of Viola Bellerose. She is a wine heiress who is involved in an accident which leaves her in a coma. The only comfort she gets from the horrible nightmares which are plaguing her are the conversations from Sam. Sam is the intern on her case. The problem is that Sam has feelings for his comatose patient. Interestingly, he met her just prior to her accident and had a memorable kiss with her. Sam is conflicted on how to handle his feelings and his responsibility to Viola.
Things get a little crazy from there. Viola's parents both die in a car wreck. Then Viola almost dies while in the hospital. Luckily that event is what likely brings her back to consciousness. During her recovery she spends more time with Sam and feelings develop. But despite it all, crazy dreams keep coming to her and soon she is worried that everything that happened was not an accident.
I have to say this book was interesting. There was a definite element of suspence and honestly her dreams were all a little disturbing. But towards the end as everything is going down it really picks up and you can't help but want to find out why. The plot twist truly was not what I had expected but fit really great.
A highlight in the story for me were the supplemental characters. Sam's buddy Brady and the night time file clerk Julia interjected some great comedic moments into this story. Top it off with an ending the comes together nicely with a HEA, and you have an overall enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Things get a little crazy from there. Viola's parents both die in a car wreck. Then Viola almost dies while in the hospital. Luckily that event is what likely brings her back to consciousness. During her recovery she spends more time with Sam and feelings develop. But despite it all, crazy dreams keep coming to her and soon she is worried that everything that happened was not an accident.
I have to say this book was interesting. There was a definite element of suspence and honestly her dreams were all a little disturbing. But towards the end as everything is going down it really picks up and you can't help but want to find out why. The plot twist truly was not what I had expected but fit really great.
A highlight in the story for me were the supplemental characters. Sam's buddy Brady and the night time file clerk Julia interjected some great comedic moments into this story. Top it off with an ending the comes together nicely with a HEA, and you have an overall enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2014
This was definitely different! I feel funny starting a review this way but I found myself going back and forth on how I felt about it, especially in the beginning. I definitely enjoyed it though! As the story progressed I found myself absorbed by their story like I was trying to weave my way through everything just as Viola and Sam were.
Sam is a young intern at a hospital and Viola is a patient there and in a coma. Sam likes to stop by Viola’s room and talk to her, hoping that one day she will wake. Viola spends her time battling through horrific dreams to find Sam’s voice. Even though she is in a coma she still knows that Sam is different from her dreams, something real. In his visits, Sam finds that he has real feelings for Viola – ones he struggles with, after all it’s a girl in a coma.
Their story was so different from what I expected but intriguing to say the least! I loved Sam from the very beginning; he seemed the perfect combination of hot nerd. He was amazingly sweet and I loved how he seemed to feel every emotion to the fullest. I couldn’t decide how I felt about Viola right away, I have to admit I was a little confused by some of her dreams, but I loved her personality and the edge she carried. These two together definitely amused me and made me fall for them.
There was a great blend of humor, romance and suspense in this book – enough to keep me guessing and reading. The additional characters in the book were perfect (as in Brady!) and I really felt the chemistry between them! Again, not at all what I expected but I definitely enjoyed Wake for Me.
I received a complimentary copy for review for SMIBookClub
Sam is a young intern at a hospital and Viola is a patient there and in a coma. Sam likes to stop by Viola’s room and talk to her, hoping that one day she will wake. Viola spends her time battling through horrific dreams to find Sam’s voice. Even though she is in a coma she still knows that Sam is different from her dreams, something real. In his visits, Sam finds that he has real feelings for Viola – ones he struggles with, after all it’s a girl in a coma.
Their story was so different from what I expected but intriguing to say the least! I loved Sam from the very beginning; he seemed the perfect combination of hot nerd. He was amazingly sweet and I loved how he seemed to feel every emotion to the fullest. I couldn’t decide how I felt about Viola right away, I have to admit I was a little confused by some of her dreams, but I loved her personality and the edge she carried. These two together definitely amused me and made me fall for them.
There was a great blend of humor, romance and suspense in this book – enough to keep me guessing and reading. The additional characters in the book were perfect (as in Brady!) and I really felt the chemistry between them! Again, not at all what I expected but I definitely enjoyed Wake for Me.
I received a complimentary copy for review for SMIBookClub
December 10, 2014
There was a lot of waking going on in this book, besides just waking from a coma. Viola wakes from what she thought was a perfect, privileged family life, to Sam having to wake from the tendency he had to just “go with the flow” instead of grabbing what he wanted. They were two broken and ostensibly different people, who were actually perfect for each other, finding out after dealing with Viola’s car crash, coma, her stint in the psych ward, shocking family secrets, Sam’s tendency to cave and cover things up when the going gets hard, and multiple attempts to kill Viola. I loved all of the characters—including the secondary ones like Brady. Some of them seemed simple and easy to predict, but had hidden depths to them, which were shown as the story went on. The switch in POVs between Viola, her dreams—which were quite colorful and insightful—and Sam were well done, each melding into each other to give a better view of the story. The end, can we say “surprise?” I know I was stunned and was totally not expecting what was revealed. I loved this story. I just wanted to learn more about Viola and her Uncle. I definitely want to read the next book—which is to be about Brady—and recommend reading this book, which is a great start to a series.
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
July 16, 2016
If you like romance with a bit of mystery, this book is for you. I personally like both and enjoyed it very much!
Viola is an interesting heroine who I suspect I wouldn't have liked much if I'd met her before the book began. As the story unfolds we learn through little glimpses, via memory and dream, that Viola was a bit of a directionless, spoiled, almost but not entirely self absorbed girl in the past. Now she is a beautiful coma patient that our hero, Sam, is sweetly drawn to. Viola slowly re-enters the world of the living and grows into someone I could both like, respect and root for. The path to the young woman she becomes is littered with small clues and false tidbits tangling her reality. Viola's efforts to understand the truth only lead her further into danger as the plot reveals which are real, and which are fantasy.
Sam is a young medical student working toward his future, but without any real passion driving him. That is until he sees the lovely Viola admitted to the hospital where he works, mere hours after an all too brief chance encounter in a bar. Initially Sam's feelings are of responsibility and a need to protect, but all too soon he finds himself in love with the mysterious young heiress. Sam does have some typical romance hero traits, but he is less than perfect in his own way and manages to come off as an overall unique and engaging character.
Viola is an interesting heroine who I suspect I wouldn't have liked much if I'd met her before the book began. As the story unfolds we learn through little glimpses, via memory and dream, that Viola was a bit of a directionless, spoiled, almost but not entirely self absorbed girl in the past. Now she is a beautiful coma patient that our hero, Sam, is sweetly drawn to. Viola slowly re-enters the world of the living and grows into someone I could both like, respect and root for. The path to the young woman she becomes is littered with small clues and false tidbits tangling her reality. Viola's efforts to understand the truth only lead her further into danger as the plot reveals which are real, and which are fantasy.
Sam is a young medical student working toward his future, but without any real passion driving him. That is until he sees the lovely Viola admitted to the hospital where he works, mere hours after an all too brief chance encounter in a bar. Initially Sam's feelings are of responsibility and a need to protect, but all too soon he finds himself in love with the mysterious young heiress. Sam does have some typical romance hero traits, but he is less than perfect in his own way and manages to come off as an overall unique and engaging character.
August 25, 2016
(Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book, but I don't usually write out a whole review unless I really LOVE or really hate something.)
I've been waiting for a book like this to come along in NA. As someone who didn't party a lot in college or join a sorority or get married in Vegas, I wanted to see an author portray the career side of being a "new adult," entering the full-time work force straight out of college and trying to balance the crazy pressure of a serious job with the more popular problems faced by fictional late-teens and early twenty-somethings.
This book does that and so, so much more. In addition to showing a more intelligent NA, it gives us a fun--yet deep--romance. The characters aren't perfect, but that's what makes them so relatable.
I loved Viola, especially because she's not your typical nice girl, or really even all that nice. And Sam, well he's sexy in a polite, Tom Hiddleston way that just makes you want to corrupt him.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book, and anything else Isobel writes.
I've been waiting for a book like this to come along in NA. As someone who didn't party a lot in college or join a sorority or get married in Vegas, I wanted to see an author portray the career side of being a "new adult," entering the full-time work force straight out of college and trying to balance the crazy pressure of a serious job with the more popular problems faced by fictional late-teens and early twenty-somethings.
This book does that and so, so much more. In addition to showing a more intelligent NA, it gives us a fun--yet deep--romance. The characters aren't perfect, but that's what makes them so relatable.
I loved Viola, especially because she's not your typical nice girl, or really even all that nice. And Sam, well he's sexy in a polite, Tom Hiddleston way that just makes you want to corrupt him.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book, and anything else Isobel writes.
April 19, 2014
*Copy sent by the author in exchange of an honest review*
This book is really something different from the books I've reading lately. I'm also not 100% sure it's a NA, to me it resembled more a thriller sometimes.
I Liked Sam, especially the fact that he isn't your average NA male leading character: he's beautiful in the eyes of an enamored Viola, but before that he is just an average good looking, smart, polite guy.
Another thing I liked was a part of Viola: the stubborn, self-assured one.
I didn't like very much Viola's dreams. I felt the were too many for too long: the last two I actually caught myself thinking "Oh no, another one.. maybe I can skip it..".
Also, and I'm very sad about this, I didn't particularly care for them and their love story: it didn't give me the chills, ever.
That said, the plot was good, carefully constructed, if not partìicularly original.
I loved the writing style: simple but elegant.
All in all, this is good, I'm happy I've read it but honestly I won't put this between the best I've read.
This book is really something different from the books I've reading lately. I'm also not 100% sure it's a NA, to me it resembled more a thriller sometimes.
I Liked Sam, especially the fact that he isn't your average NA male leading character: he's beautiful in the eyes of an enamored Viola, but before that he is just an average good looking, smart, polite guy.
Another thing I liked was a part of Viola: the stubborn, self-assured one.
I didn't like very much Viola's dreams. I felt the were too many for too long: the last two I actually caught myself thinking "Oh no, another one.. maybe I can skip it..".
Also, and I'm very sad about this, I didn't particularly care for them and their love story: it didn't give me the chills, ever.
That said, the plot was good, carefully constructed, if not partìicularly original.
I loved the writing style: simple but elegant.
All in all, this is good, I'm happy I've read it but honestly I won't put this between the best I've read.
May 23, 2014
“Wake For Me” is a twisted tale of mystery, suspense, and romance. Isobel Irons is a talented author with the gift of prose combined with a bit of a Freudian hang-up.
The story revolves around two richly-developed characters. Viola, a spoiled, wealthy, winery heiress, wakes up in the hospital after a long coma and a mysterious car accident. Sam is the cute, nerdy intern assigned to Viola’s case who talks to her while she’s in the coma. Once Viola awakens, the two slowly fall in love as they attempt to unravel the fragmented pieces of her dreams. And boy does she have some crazy dreams, maybe a bit too crazy. The dream sequences are the only part of the book that I didn’t quite completely like, but they do make you wonder what people in comas experience.
Although I guessed the antagonist, the antagonist’s motives and the rest of story kept me guessing as it twisted and turned to the very end.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story revolves around two richly-developed characters. Viola, a spoiled, wealthy, winery heiress, wakes up in the hospital after a long coma and a mysterious car accident. Sam is the cute, nerdy intern assigned to Viola’s case who talks to her while she’s in the coma. Once Viola awakens, the two slowly fall in love as they attempt to unravel the fragmented pieces of her dreams. And boy does she have some crazy dreams, maybe a bit too crazy. The dream sequences are the only part of the book that I didn’t quite completely like, but they do make you wonder what people in comas experience.
Although I guessed the antagonist, the antagonist’s motives and the rest of story kept me guessing as it twisted and turned to the very end.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2014
( I've received an eARC copy of this book as an exchange for a honest review)
Wake for Me is about Viola, who have been on coma due to a car accident, while Sam is an intern in the hospital where Viola is admitted. But before the accident the two already have a close encounter and it turns out Viola became Sam's patient. I really love the book because the story is like breathing a fresh air. It's a new timeline for me since most of the NA novels I've always have the daddy issues or mommy issues, or high school sweet heart gone wrong etc so I was relieved that this is different. I would say that the book is a page turner. It always kept me hanging whenever another page is read. Viola's dream is such a mystery, the person behind his accident is a mystery, even at the ending I was surprised. Overall it was a really good book. I would definitely recommend this to my colleagues. Two thumbs up for this.
Wake for Me is about Viola, who have been on coma due to a car accident, while Sam is an intern in the hospital where Viola is admitted. But before the accident the two already have a close encounter and it turns out Viola became Sam's patient. I really love the book because the story is like breathing a fresh air. It's a new timeline for me since most of the NA novels I've always have the daddy issues or mommy issues, or high school sweet heart gone wrong etc so I was relieved that this is different. I would say that the book is a page turner. It always kept me hanging whenever another page is read. Viola's dream is such a mystery, the person behind his accident is a mystery, even at the ending I was surprised. Overall it was a really good book. I would definitely recommend this to my colleagues. Two thumbs up for this.
September 14, 2015
Viola is in a car accident that leaves her in a coma. Sam is a first year intern and Viola quickly becomes one of his favorite patients. He finds himself looking forward to their daily "chats." Little does he know that while she isn't "awake", Viola can hear everything he is saying.
This was not one of my favorite books, although it did get better further in. The book was told from altering points of view between Viola and Sam. Both of their points of view were told in third person, except for when Viola was dreaming, which was told in 1st person. This was kind of confusing. I liked that their was a "mystery" component to the book and understand that Viola's dreams were a part of that, but I hated them. I found myself skimming through them very quickly.
Although I didn't love this book, I am planning on reading the next one. I really loved Dr. Brady and am interested in reading a book with a main character who has been diagnosed with Asperger's.
This was not one of my favorite books, although it did get better further in. The book was told from altering points of view between Viola and Sam. Both of their points of view were told in third person, except for when Viola was dreaming, which was told in 1st person. This was kind of confusing. I liked that their was a "mystery" component to the book and understand that Viola's dreams were a part of that, but I hated them. I found myself skimming through them very quickly.
Although I didn't love this book, I am planning on reading the next one. I really loved Dr. Brady and am interested in reading a book with a main character who has been diagnosed with Asperger's.
March 19, 2014
4.5 Diamonds
*Review on behalf of BestSellers and BestStellars of Romance*
I love reading about strong feisty women. Woman that challenge those around her.
Viola Bellrose is that and so much more…. I was sucked into this book just as forcefully as Viola was sucked into her own dreams. I felt a range of emotions from anxiety (what’s happening, what’s going to happen, and that DID NOT just happen!!), confusion (a good kind of confusion), laughing out loud (Brady cracked me up) and envy (tender moments between Viola and Sam *sigh*).
I tend to read books by trying to figure out what’s going to happen before I finish it. Although it was evident who done it, I was NOT expecting THAT! WOW!!!
Fabulous read! Wake For Me had everything I would expect and I can’t wait to read the next.
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