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Waking Estella
After the death of her husband, Estella disappears into the shadows of her home - starving herself, barely speaking, and surrendering to a numb, endless silence. She lets David’s closest friends into her space, but not her heart. They cook, clean, and try to reach her… but she’s lost.
Bennett, steady and patient, is the first to break through.
Atticus, gentle but bold, coaxes her into the sun.
Milo, quiet and haunted, watches from the sidelines; until the truth comes out.
Beneath Estella’s grief lie bruises and scars no one wanted to see. But now, they can't be ignored. And Milo has a secret of his own… one that could destroy everything.
As the men care for her, touch her, claim her in ways that bring her back to life, Estella begins to bloom again but not without consequences. The past is closing in. The police are asking questions. And Estella must protect the man who saved her... or let him go.
It’s not just a story about healing. This story is about finding light in the ashes and choosing who you’d set the world on fire for.
Waking Estella is a why-choose, post-traumatic romance. There will be plenty of spice but also confronting themes including DV, depression and more. Please check TW's prior to reading.
Bennett, steady and patient, is the first to break through.
Atticus, gentle but bold, coaxes her into the sun.
Milo, quiet and haunted, watches from the sidelines; until the truth comes out.
Beneath Estella’s grief lie bruises and scars no one wanted to see. But now, they can't be ignored. And Milo has a secret of his own… one that could destroy everything.
As the men care for her, touch her, claim her in ways that bring her back to life, Estella begins to bloom again but not without consequences. The past is closing in. The police are asking questions. And Estella must protect the man who saved her... or let him go.
It’s not just a story about healing. This story is about finding light in the ashes and choosing who you’d set the world on fire for.
Waking Estella is a why-choose, post-traumatic romance. There will be plenty of spice but also confronting themes including DV, depression and more. Please check TW's prior to reading.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.7 📚 overall story
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice level
I loved some parts of this quick read and didn't like some parts as well.
Estella is dealing with the aftermath of her husband's death and she leans on 3 of their mutual friends for emotional support.
This turns into a RH poly relationship towards the end which involves some MM 💗
I really liked his the relationships developed between all of the characters but I HATED the way the antagonists of this story kind of got off easy.
One, we'll 2 not so much but the others...yea.. That's what decided my rating for this one.
Her husband's family were toxic af and I don't feel like they got what they deserved in order for me to be satisfied with their ending 😂
That being said Estella, Milo, Bennett and Atticus did get a very cute HEA in the epilogue 💗
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice level
I loved some parts of this quick read and didn't like some parts as well.
Estella is dealing with the aftermath of her husband's death and she leans on 3 of their mutual friends for emotional support.
This turns into a RH poly relationship towards the end which involves some MM 💗
I really liked his the relationships developed between all of the characters but I HATED the way the antagonists of this story kind of got off easy.
One, we'll 2 not so much but the others...yea.. That's what decided my rating for this one.
Her husband's family were toxic af and I don't feel like they got what they deserved in order for me to be satisfied with their ending 😂
That being said Estella, Milo, Bennett and Atticus did get a very cute HEA in the epilogue 💗
December 27, 2025
ARC REVIEW
4 ⭐️/ 3 🌶️
Waking Estella - Ivy Lane
Tropes: Childhood Friends, Why Choose (MMFM) with (MM scenes), Hurt/Comfort, Spicy Scenes, Morally Gray, It Was Always You, Second Chance
Triggers: Death (mentioned), Manipulative In-Laws, Scandal, M—der (mentioned), DV (mentioned), Unknown S—cide, Depression, Infertility, Scarring, DA (mentioned)
I enjoyed this novella, it was emotionally deep and comfronting, but also healing. Estella’s been through the hard yards.
I love a why choose, but I did feel like atticus was a bit of a throw in. Milo and Bennetts chemistry is amazing in a way, but also felt like Milo came around VERY quickly to his new sexuality. In saying that though, this isn’t a slow burn, it’s a quick novella, it’s good, provides touching topics, and the spice scenes are amazing
thank you to Ivy Lane for the ARC opportunity!
4 ⭐️/ 3 🌶️
Waking Estella - Ivy Lane
Tropes: Childhood Friends, Why Choose (MMFM) with (MM scenes), Hurt/Comfort, Spicy Scenes, Morally Gray, It Was Always You, Second Chance
Triggers: Death (mentioned), Manipulative In-Laws, Scandal, M—der (mentioned), DV (mentioned), Unknown S—cide, Depression, Infertility, Scarring, DA (mentioned)
I enjoyed this novella, it was emotionally deep and comfronting, but also healing. Estella’s been through the hard yards.
I love a why choose, but I did feel like atticus was a bit of a throw in. Milo and Bennetts chemistry is amazing in a way, but also felt like Milo came around VERY quickly to his new sexuality. In saying that though, this isn’t a slow burn, it’s a quick novella, it’s good, provides touching topics, and the spice scenes are amazing
thank you to Ivy Lane for the ARC opportunity!
December 31, 2025
Oh my gosh! What a wild ride! Waking Estella was definitely a perfect way to end my 2025! The relationship that Estella, Atti, Bennett, and Milo had 🥵 WOW! Waking Estella was a perfect mixture of sad, pain, joy, and just PURE SPICE!! If you want a book that gives you every single emotion possible in a quick, fast paced read, THIS IS IT!
I received an ARC copy of Waking Estella, all opinions about this amazing read are my own ❤️
I received an ARC copy of Waking Estella, all opinions about this amazing read are my own ❤️
December 31, 2025
Love this book! It’s had me hooked from the start to finish! Must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved reading this. From the beginning it had me hooked.
Bennett, Milo and Atticus are all so different but have one thing in common.
I loved each of these men for different reasons.
The story of Estella and what she has been through hits home for me and to feel through her story, the resilience and strength made me feel good.
I read this in one sitting and devoured it.
Fav quote "I would have flayed him alive for touching you"
Bennett, Milo and Atticus are all so different but have one thing in common.
I loved each of these men for different reasons.
The story of Estella and what she has been through hits home for me and to feel through her story, the resilience and strength made me feel good.
I read this in one sitting and devoured it.
Fav quote "I would have flayed him alive for touching you"
Review of advance copy received from Author
Estella is now a widow as her husband has passed away. She finds herself heavily relying on her best friend Bennett, her husband’s cousin, her friend Milo, which is her husband’s best friend and her ex, and then Atticus, her husband’s business partner. She has always had unresolved feelings for Milo as they used to be together. But for Bennett and Atticus they are very close to her and all 3 will help and support her while she grieves.
What she doesn’t realize is all 3 of these men love her, want to be with her and would do anything for her. These men take care of her better than her husband ever did in more ways than one and each one treats her differently. And each one is a way she wants and loves from them.
It comes to light that her life wasn’t easy and secrets were held until recently. Because of these secrets lives are changed and decisions have to be made.
We watch these men care for a woman who is going through anger, grief, sadness and love. And she is trying to see how she can move on with a new life in a completely different way. So are these men. This shirt novella is spicy with a good plot. I don’t know if you would really call it bi-awakening or if more than just a deep connection between the two. But definitely a polyamorous relationship. I wish there was more to the epilogue though.
Thank you to Ivy Lane for the ARC.
What she doesn’t realize is all 3 of these men love her, want to be with her and would do anything for her. These men take care of her better than her husband ever did in more ways than one and each one treats her differently. And each one is a way she wants and loves from them.
It comes to light that her life wasn’t easy and secrets were held until recently. Because of these secrets lives are changed and decisions have to be made.
We watch these men care for a woman who is going through anger, grief, sadness and love. And she is trying to see how she can move on with a new life in a completely different way. So are these men. This shirt novella is spicy with a good plot. I don’t know if you would really call it bi-awakening or if more than just a deep connection between the two. But definitely a polyamorous relationship. I wish there was more to the epilogue though.
Thank you to Ivy Lane for the ARC.
January 1, 2026
I loved that this book jumps straight into the thick of it. Estella is a widow struggling to cope with her new reality, and she starts out completely broken and numb. Given how suddenly her world is turned upside down, her grief feels raw, real, and entirely understandable.
Thankfully, she isn’t alone. She has three men who step in to support her through the slow, painful process of healing. Each of them cares for Estella in a way they couldn’t when her husband was alive, and now they’re no longer hiding it. Through their patience, devotion, and love, they help her move from merely existing to truly feeling again.
As Estella begins to realize that each of these men is in love with her, she starts to see them differently. Bennett gives her the care and steadiness she’s always needed but never fully had. But Atticus completely stole my heart. He’s such a gentle, sweet soul who cares deeply for Estella, yet constantly doubts that he’s good enough for her. His quiet devotion was incredibly touching.
This was an emotional, healing story that handled grief and love with care. I received this book as an ARC, and these thoughts are my honest opinion.
I wanted a family.
I wanted to be part of this family.
Thankfully, she isn’t alone. She has three men who step in to support her through the slow, painful process of healing. Each of them cares for Estella in a way they couldn’t when her husband was alive, and now they’re no longer hiding it. Through their patience, devotion, and love, they help her move from merely existing to truly feeling again.
As Estella begins to realize that each of these men is in love with her, she starts to see them differently. Bennett gives her the care and steadiness she’s always needed but never fully had. But Atticus completely stole my heart. He’s such a gentle, sweet soul who cares deeply for Estella, yet constantly doubts that he’s good enough for her. His quiet devotion was incredibly touching.
This was an emotional, healing story that handled grief and love with care. I received this book as an ARC, and these thoughts are my honest opinion.
I wanted a family.
I wanted to be part of this family.
December 3, 2025
💦 💦 💦
Okay so if Ivy doesn’t continue to give us why choose - I’m going to riot!
This book was chefs freaking kiss! I started it expecting to just read a few chapters before bed - but nope - I devoured nearly all of it and stayed up way too late!
It is and was that bloody good!
If you need to - put a star on the book and call it Christmas - coz it had me feeling like a hohoho
Imagine your husband dies unexpectedly and his family are horrible? You don’t speak to your own, what do you do?
Lucky for Estella, she’s got her (and her husbands) friends to help her get though - and help her they do🥵
This story had a subplot that had me so intrigued but the main story - that had me frothing!
The men in this book are top tier! I can’t even begin to explain how amazing they are - but I am forever grateful that Ivy introduced us to Atticus 😇
The way she has him throwing me between horny teenager and schoolgirl kicking her legs around - just wow!
Do yourself and favour and jump on 😈 this straight away
Okay so if Ivy doesn’t continue to give us why choose - I’m going to riot!
This book was chefs freaking kiss! I started it expecting to just read a few chapters before bed - but nope - I devoured nearly all of it and stayed up way too late!
It is and was that bloody good!
If you need to - put a star on the book and call it Christmas - coz it had me feeling like a hohoho
Imagine your husband dies unexpectedly and his family are horrible? You don’t speak to your own, what do you do?
Lucky for Estella, she’s got her (and her husbands) friends to help her get though - and help her they do🥵
This story had a subplot that had me so intrigued but the main story - that had me frothing!
The men in this book are top tier! I can’t even begin to explain how amazing they are - but I am forever grateful that Ivy introduced us to Atticus 😇
The way she has him throwing me between horny teenager and schoolgirl kicking her legs around - just wow!
Do yourself and favour and jump on 😈 this straight away
January 3, 2026
This is a quick book and doesn't stray away from the issues as it's an action pack novella to deal with the issues that are folding . The book starts in the midst of the drama and it's left to us the readers to read the clues and unpack what is happening as there is a lot going on. Estella is an widow and it seems she is she free now to start and make new beginnings.
However it's not clear cut it seems and Lane weaves a story where all the MC have secrets that they are holding that could turn the relationships into something more. The drama is at the heart of this story causing twists and turns as Estella works out what she wants from her life and how it's not as clear cut as the world made it out to be. This was a fun novella that had different elements that most worked together well. It could have been longer given the time to nut out the little twists and turns that added to the story. It was a great first read from this author to try a new author out and definitely won't be the last if they decided to write more in this genre.
However it's not clear cut it seems and Lane weaves a story where all the MC have secrets that they are holding that could turn the relationships into something more. The drama is at the heart of this story causing twists and turns as Estella works out what she wants from her life and how it's not as clear cut as the world made it out to be. This was a fun novella that had different elements that most worked together well. It could have been longer given the time to nut out the little twists and turns that added to the story. It was a great first read from this author to try a new author out and definitely won't be the last if they decided to write more in this genre.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ivy Lane is a go to spicy author for sure, and when it I discovered this was a why choose I was ALL IN!
Estella's husband has passed away, and on the day of his funeral his best friends - and hers - have gathered to support her in this difficult time. Atticus, his business partner, Milo, his childhood friend, and Bennett, his cousin ALL feel particularly attached to his widow... And of course, it's just not a funeral without a bucket load of family drama to cause a scene!
What I did not see coming (excuse the pun) was the absolute spice fest that fills the days following the funeral as confessions and awakenings and secrets are spilled - and we learn so much about all four of our main characters.
For a shorter book this packed a heck of a punch, with all the emotional highs and lows I would expect from a much longer book! I hope Ivy continues to bring us why choose in the future, as she clearly has a knack for it!
Estella's husband has passed away, and on the day of his funeral his best friends - and hers - have gathered to support her in this difficult time. Atticus, his business partner, Milo, his childhood friend, and Bennett, his cousin ALL feel particularly attached to his widow... And of course, it's just not a funeral without a bucket load of family drama to cause a scene!
What I did not see coming (excuse the pun) was the absolute spice fest that fills the days following the funeral as confessions and awakenings and secrets are spilled - and we learn so much about all four of our main characters.
For a shorter book this packed a heck of a punch, with all the emotional highs and lows I would expect from a much longer book! I hope Ivy continues to bring us why choose in the future, as she clearly has a knack for it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Waking Estella, written by Ivy Lane, is not only a book about digging yourself out of the ashes of life that crumbled around you and no longer serves you, but finding hope and healing on your terms. Waking Estella is a why-choose, post-traumatic romance that touches on sensitive topics like domestic violence, depression, and cheating.
The book focuses on Estella, reeling from the death of her husband. Barely functioning and taking care of herself, her husband’s closest friends step in. With the help of Bennett, Atticus, and Milo, she regains control of her life and finds love again.
This one was emotional and fulfilling to read. The spice was nice and perfectly placed in this fast-paced novella. I loved each of the men, but my favorite was Atti, with his gentleness.
Thanks to Ivy Lane for gifting me an eARC of Waking Estella. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book focuses on Estella, reeling from the death of her husband. Barely functioning and taking care of herself, her husband’s closest friends step in. With the help of Bennett, Atticus, and Milo, she regains control of her life and finds love again.
This one was emotional and fulfilling to read. The spice was nice and perfectly placed in this fast-paced novella. I loved each of the men, but my favorite was Atti, with his gentleness.
Thanks to Ivy Lane for gifting me an eARC of Waking Estella. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 8, 2025
This is a beautifully written Why Choose novella from the Spicy Mind of Ivy Lane.
While the spice absolutely does not disappoint, with our MC's exploring all of the positions and configurations that Why Choose at its finest give us, we also get to see inside the individual lives and relationships between the characters on a deeper level than I expected.
There are some triggering issues in this book, so check the list at the start to see if its for you.
The issues are however treated with the respect and seriousness that they deserve
While the spice absolutely does not disappoint, with our MC's exploring all of the positions and configurations that Why Choose at its finest give us, we also get to see inside the individual lives and relationships between the characters on a deeper level than I expected.
There are some triggering issues in this book, so check the list at the start to see if its for you.
The issues are however treated with the respect and seriousness that they deserve
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book hit me in the best way! OMG, this why choose was a mind blowing beautiful novella. Estella broke my heart. The men put it back together. This was such an emotional and traumatic read. For being a novella, this really put the emotions, the drama, the love and spice, into such perfect precision. It didn’t feel rushed. It had so much depth and intensity. I’m impressed that so much banter from so few pages. This wraps you up and holds you until you’re finished. You definitely didn’t finish this feeling the same way as you did when you started.
September 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this very first why choose novella by Ivy Lane.
I was very lucky to be selected to be a BETA reader for this newest work of art.
I absolutely loved Esella and the dynamics she shared with all the MMCs. I would have to say Atticus stole my heart and will forever be my "Daddy."
if you want a spicy whychoose filled with traumas and healing, this is definitely a good choice.
this book has some hard-hitting triggers so ensure to check them before diving in!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
I was very lucky to be selected to be a BETA reader for this newest work of art.
I absolutely loved Esella and the dynamics she shared with all the MMCs. I would have to say Atticus stole my heart and will forever be my "Daddy."
if you want a spicy whychoose filled with traumas and healing, this is definitely a good choice.
this book has some hard-hitting triggers so ensure to check them before diving in!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
December 10, 2025
This was my first book by Ivy Lane but it won't be my last. Often, the plot is fighting to stay relevant in spicy novellas, but in this case, the plot and spice were on par with each other.
There was considerable character development, not just for Estella but also for Bennett, Milo, and Atticus. That alone is quite impressive given the length of the book.
Check the TWs before reading and enjoy!
There was considerable character development, not just for Estella but also for Bennett, Milo, and Atticus. That alone is quite impressive given the length of the book.
Check the TWs before reading and enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
After suddenly becoming a widow, Estella heals with the help of his business partner, cousin and best friend. Waking Estella is a fast paced, reverse harem with a lot of spice, where she finally gets a well deserved happily ever after. Twists and surprises throughout. Some triggering topics, make sure you read the warning.
1 woman with 3 men, age gap, crossing swords, a good time for all involved.
1 woman with 3 men, age gap, crossing swords, a good time for all involved.
January 2, 2026
I REALLY enjoyed waking estella it wasn't just a straight forward run with you being able to clearly tell what's coming next which I loved. There was aspects of mystery and the spice I feel was just the right amount for this book with what was going on in the actual story line. Over all I loved this book and would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a relatively quick read with characters you'll love and a story line that'll keep you hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
These three men are everything! The way they protect, care for, and worship Estella is amazing. I loved seeing the men’s relationships grow and each of them decide they couldn’t live without this found family. The plot was well done and the pacing was nice. I couldn’t put it down. The spicy scenes were perfect!
February 1, 2026
Such a great read
This was my first read from this author and she didn’t disappoint. I loved the plot and the spice. When Estella loses her husband, she gains men who love her more than words can express. Milo, Bennett, and Atticus have always harbored feelings for Estella, now they can tell her. But will her feelings be mutual?
This was my first read from this author and she didn’t disappoint. I loved the plot and the spice. When Estella loses her husband, she gains men who love her more than words can express. Milo, Bennett, and Atticus have always harbored feelings for Estella, now they can tell her. But will her feelings be mutual?
September 29, 2025
Why choose and Ivy Lane don’t normally go hand in hand but OMG it does now!
This was an extremely well written book with a few twists and turns that I struggled to put down.
I can’t wait to read more why choose from Ivy in the future.
This was an extremely well written book with a few twists and turns that I struggled to put down.
I can’t wait to read more why choose from Ivy in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very fast paced.
So SPICY!
I honestly believe so much fit in to that many pages! I’m happy she got what she deserved in the end. I didn’t see the twist coming but I LOVED it
Big trigger: domestic violence
So SPICY!
I honestly believe so much fit in to that many pages! I’m happy she got what she deserved in the end. I didn’t see the twist coming but I LOVED it
Big trigger: domestic violence
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book as an ARC. It was ok. It had some plot and spice. It was a short read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for this book and I am not disappointed at all. The smut is great and it is a nice little short book. It is a great break if you have been reading too many really long books.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews