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Awake my Heart
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26I shouldn’t be here after hours. I know that.
I shouldn’t know the rhythm of her breathing — the subtle hitch before the monitor steadies, or how her heartbeat slows when the room grows quiet. But I do.
Some nights, I tell myself I’m just checking her vitals one last time. But that’s a lie I stopped believing weeks ago.
My hand finds hers before my mind can argue. Her fingers are warm, soft, unmoving — and yet, somehow, they calm the chaos inside me. I trace the curve of her knuckles with my thumb, memorizing a touch that shouldn’t mean anything. But it does.
Every morning, I let go before the guilt has time to settle, whispering silent promises she can’t hear.
I’m her neurosurgeon.
I’m supposed to save her, not fall for her.
And yet here I am… sitting in the dim light of her hospital room, realizing the unthinkable —
I’m falling in love with my patient.
___________
On what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, Anna Mathews finds herself in a devastating car accident on her wedding day, plunging her into a deep coma while her new husband recovers within weeks. As the months pass, hope dwindles; Anna remains silent, trapped in a world of darkness, while her husband, unable to bear the weight of her medical expenses, seeks a divorce, granted by the court, to move on with his life.
With Anna's father also unable to afford her care, her husband authorised to cut off life support. But Dr. Collins, her brilliant but emotionally detached neurosurgeon, becomes captivated by the stories he overhears during visiting hours—tales of Anna’s infectious laughter, her charitable spirit, and her deep love for children. Moved by her plight, he offers to become her temporary guardian, allowing him to use his medical benefits to continue her care, just until her young student’s wealthy parents can assume responsibility. .
As he spends more time with Anna, Dr. Collins finds himself drawn to her in ways he never anticipated. Despite her unresponsive state, he begins to fall in love with the woman he has never truly met. Motivated by a fierce desire to save her, he embarks on a relentless quest to find a miracle that could awaken her from her slumber.
In this heartrending story of love, sacrifice, and the fight for life, "Awake My Heart" explores the thin line between hope and despair, as one doctor’s dedication to a patient transforms into a deep, abiding love that could change everything. Will Dr. Collins' unwavering belief in Anna's recovery be enough to bring her back to life, or will he have to confront the painful reality of letting go?
I shouldn’t know the rhythm of her breathing — the subtle hitch before the monitor steadies, or how her heartbeat slows when the room grows quiet. But I do.
Some nights, I tell myself I’m just checking her vitals one last time. But that’s a lie I stopped believing weeks ago.
My hand finds hers before my mind can argue. Her fingers are warm, soft, unmoving — and yet, somehow, they calm the chaos inside me. I trace the curve of her knuckles with my thumb, memorizing a touch that shouldn’t mean anything. But it does.
Every morning, I let go before the guilt has time to settle, whispering silent promises she can’t hear.
I’m her neurosurgeon.
I’m supposed to save her, not fall for her.
And yet here I am… sitting in the dim light of her hospital room, realizing the unthinkable —
I’m falling in love with my patient.
___________
On what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, Anna Mathews finds herself in a devastating car accident on her wedding day, plunging her into a deep coma while her new husband recovers within weeks. As the months pass, hope dwindles; Anna remains silent, trapped in a world of darkness, while her husband, unable to bear the weight of her medical expenses, seeks a divorce, granted by the court, to move on with his life.
With Anna's father also unable to afford her care, her husband authorised to cut off life support. But Dr. Collins, her brilliant but emotionally detached neurosurgeon, becomes captivated by the stories he overhears during visiting hours—tales of Anna’s infectious laughter, her charitable spirit, and her deep love for children. Moved by her plight, he offers to become her temporary guardian, allowing him to use his medical benefits to continue her care, just until her young student’s wealthy parents can assume responsibility. .
As he spends more time with Anna, Dr. Collins finds himself drawn to her in ways he never anticipated. Despite her unresponsive state, he begins to fall in love with the woman he has never truly met. Motivated by a fierce desire to save her, he embarks on a relentless quest to find a miracle that could awaken her from her slumber.
In this heartrending story of love, sacrifice, and the fight for life, "Awake My Heart" explores the thin line between hope and despair, as one doctor’s dedication to a patient transforms into a deep, abiding love that could change everything. Will Dr. Collins' unwavering belief in Anna's recovery be enough to bring her back to life, or will he have to confront the painful reality of letting go?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know those stories that don’t just break your heart… they hold it gently in their hands and whisper, “trust me”?
This is that story.
Awake My Heart is soft. It’s aching. It’s the kind of romance that feels like sitting beside a hospital bed at 3am, fluorescent lights buzzing, praying to gods you’re not even sure you believe in.
Anna Mathews was meant to be living her forever. Instead, she’s trapped in silence after a tragic accident leaves her in a coma — abandoned by the man who vowed to stay. And then there’s Dr. Collins. The man who was only supposed to be her doctor… but becomes the only one who refuses to walk away.
And LISTEN — this isn’t loud romance. This isn’t grand gestures and fireworks. This is devotion in the quiet. This is love that grows in the in-between moments. This is yearning that feels almost forbidden.
The emotional tension? Exquisite.
The moral conflict? Deliciously painful.
The hope woven through heartbreak? Chef’s kiss.
What absolutely wrecked me is how love in this story isn’t about possession — it’s about presence. It’s about choosing someone even when they can’t choose you back. And that? That’s terrifying and beautiful all at once.
If you love: ✨ slow burn tension
✨ emotional vulnerability
✨ morally complicated devotion
✨ romance that feels like it’s wrapped in fragile glass
…then welcome home.
This book feels like a whispered prayer to the gods of second chances.
I finished it feeling soft. A little shattered. And strangely hopeful.
— May your heart always dare to wake. 🕊️📚✨
This is that story.
Awake My Heart is soft. It’s aching. It’s the kind of romance that feels like sitting beside a hospital bed at 3am, fluorescent lights buzzing, praying to gods you’re not even sure you believe in.
Anna Mathews was meant to be living her forever. Instead, she’s trapped in silence after a tragic accident leaves her in a coma — abandoned by the man who vowed to stay. And then there’s Dr. Collins. The man who was only supposed to be her doctor… but becomes the only one who refuses to walk away.
And LISTEN — this isn’t loud romance. This isn’t grand gestures and fireworks. This is devotion in the quiet. This is love that grows in the in-between moments. This is yearning that feels almost forbidden.
The emotional tension? Exquisite.
The moral conflict? Deliciously painful.
The hope woven through heartbreak? Chef’s kiss.
What absolutely wrecked me is how love in this story isn’t about possession — it’s about presence. It’s about choosing someone even when they can’t choose you back. And that? That’s terrifying and beautiful all at once.
If you love: ✨ slow burn tension
✨ emotional vulnerability
✨ morally complicated devotion
✨ romance that feels like it’s wrapped in fragile glass
…then welcome home.
This book feels like a whispered prayer to the gods of second chances.
I finished it feeling soft. A little shattered. And strangely hopeful.
— May your heart always dare to wake. 🕊️📚✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into ARC expecting romance, but what I got was something far deeper. This story doesn’t just make you swoon; it makes you feel. Every moment between Collins and Anna is layered with tension, restraint, and the kind of emotional pull that keeps you turning pages long past bedtime.
What stood out most is how real the conflict feels. This isn’t instant love or easy choices. It’s messy, complicated, and achingly human. The author captures that dangerous space where longing and morality collide, and you can feel the weight of every glance, every almost-touch, every decision they struggle to make.
Collins completely surprised me, strong yet restrained, protective without being controlling, and Anna’s emotional journey felt raw and honest. Their connection builds slowly, making every intimate moment feel earned rather than rushed.
If you enjoy emotional, character-driven romances with a strong slow burn, this one is definitely worth reading.
What stood out most is how real the conflict feels. This isn’t instant love or easy choices. It’s messy, complicated, and achingly human. The author captures that dangerous space where longing and morality collide, and you can feel the weight of every glance, every almost-touch, every decision they struggle to make.
Collins completely surprised me, strong yet restrained, protective without being controlling, and Anna’s emotional journey felt raw and honest. Their connection builds slowly, making every intimate moment feel earned rather than rushed.
If you enjoy emotional, character-driven romances with a strong slow burn, this one is definitely worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC received from the author. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I think the premise made for the perfect contemporary romance. I was really enjoying the characters and their situation. The writing style is good, it’s light and sweet.
My only regret is that feelings accelerated at mid point and it felt like the HEA was already there. It felt too quick to get to this point. I wished that there would be more build up.
I was a bit underwhelmed at this point and did not enjoy the second portion of the book.
The overall story was good though, so maybe it was just no for me.
For readers that enjoy sweet loving stories I am certain that you will really find what you are looking for .
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I think the premise made for the perfect contemporary romance. I was really enjoying the characters and their situation. The writing style is good, it’s light and sweet.
My only regret is that feelings accelerated at mid point and it felt like the HEA was already there. It felt too quick to get to this point. I wished that there would be more build up.
I was a bit underwhelmed at this point and did not enjoy the second portion of the book.
The overall story was good though, so maybe it was just no for me.
For readers that enjoy sweet loving stories I am certain that you will really find what you are looking for .
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was really enjoyable. I've been following this author now since last year, and when I tell you there are so many improvements. Her work keeps getting better and better and it would be a shame not to join her for the ride.
This book... the romance? the couples? they were so poetic, intentional, well thought out, fleshed out properly. Some scenes and some quotes from this book really made me melt. I enjoyed the conflicts just as much, you've got the classic characters that were meant to have you tear your hair out and they did stress me out at times XD (as they should). All in all, this was a good read.
Can't wait for more!!!! xx
This book... the romance? the couples? they were so poetic, intentional, well thought out, fleshed out properly. Some scenes and some quotes from this book really made me melt. I enjoyed the conflicts just as much, you've got the classic characters that were meant to have you tear your hair out and they did stress me out at times XD (as they should). All in all, this was a good read.
Can't wait for more!!!! xx
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so greatful for this Arc. I've been waiting for this book patiently. This was such a beautiful love story. Where do I find a Dr Collins? He is the standard! The way he cares for Anna, The things he does to make her life convenient, The pining, and the beads? This man made me swoon. This author always get me with a plot twist I don't see coming. And Now I can't wait for Marlon and Nancy's story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I say this is my favourite book by The Elusive Authoress yet, I mean it. I went into this one with some reservations because of the premise, but I'm glad I kept an open mind. The yearning, the tension, the betrayals - worth it. Full of emotional vulnerability and questionable ethics, Awake My Heart has a HEA that leaves you wanting.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews