And Then I Wake Up

by Jéssica Rodríguez, Stéphanie Xavier (Illustrator)

Isabella Cruz has died more times than she can count, just never in her own body.

At twenty-three, she’s stuck working in her mother’s small-town bar, drowning under responsibility and secrets. Do you know what it feels like to die? To have your breath stolen, your lungs burn as you drown, to feel a bullet tear through you or a blade split your skin? Izzy does. Because dreaming isn’t just dreaming for her. When Izzy dreams, people die. And she feels every last breath as if it were her own.

When a string of murders twists into something terrifyingly personal, claiming the lives of those who once wronged her, Izzy must race against time to find the killer before it’s too late. Or worse, she becomes the very murderer she’s been searching for.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2026

Reviews

[A.J. Turner]

This is not my normal go to genre, but I went into this read with an open mind and boy it did NOT disappoint! And Then I Wake Up, follows a woman named Isabella Cruz who starts having disturbing dreams as a teenager. She experiences other peoples deaths days/weeks before they occur. When she attempts to file a police report they brush her off and tell her mom to get her some professional health. Then, a few weeks later, a body is found, killed in the exact manner Isabella described to them.

This author does a wonderful job developing supporting characters in a way that makes the reader care about them. The found family vibe was strong and Im here for it. I will say, I thought that I had this book figured out/who the killer was but I was wrong. However, when the killer is introduced to the reader I did quickly begin to suspect them but I did not see the plot twist coming.

The only thing that I didnt love was the insta love between the two MCs. The FMC went from hate to love very quickly but the story made it believable.

If you want a story that grabs you from the first page and keeps you hostage til the last, add this to your TBR immediately!

[Denise]

Mystery and a little spice, what more can you ask for! This book will keep you guessing until the end and have you on the edge of your seat. Loved it!

[Michelle Gillchrest]

If you enjoy mystery, a touch of romance, and plenty of unexpected twists, this book is for you. The concept is remarkably original, something I rarely encounter, even as an avid reader. It kept me utterly captivated from start to finish. I found myself second-guessing my predictions and racing through the pages, eager to see what would happen next. I can honestly say this has earned a spot in my top ten favorites. Can't wait to see what else this author has up her sleeves! <3

[Stephanie Mitrowka]

It is so hard for me to find a book that is original and refreshing to read since I read CONSTANTLY, but this book did it for me. I loved the mystery, the concept, the humor, and most of all Turner aka Santa. There’s even some romance spread throughout for us romance girlies 😉. I hope there’s a sequel coming because I need more of these characters in my life!

[Brianna Wenrich]

So good. This book had me at the edge of my seat let me tell you. I am usually strict romance reader. But this definitely changed my mind. Loved it