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Awakened #0.5
Sleepwalking
How many times have you walked past your soul mate before you noticed her?
Leah McAllister is a journalism student realizing that a lot of the things in her life are not as concrete as she thought they were. Print is dead, the job market is grim, and when her best friend brings her to a gay bar, she even begins questioning her sexuality.
Morgan Park, on the other hand, has it all together – at least she did until her long-time girlfriend starts showing signs of bipolar disorder and Morgan’s carefully laid plans for her life begin to unravel, along with her strength to keep Allison from falling apart.
An interview for the school newspaper brings Leah and Morgan crashing together in a meeting that will change both of their lives – and hearts – forever. The attraction is undeniable and the tension keeps mounting as they try to ignore it, but whether they’re ready to admit it or not, they are exactly what each other needs.
This steamy 15,000-word novella is the prequel to Cara Malone’s first novel, Awakened (April 2017). Intended for readers 18 and over.
A Lesbian Romance Novella
Leah McAllister is a journalism student realizing that a lot of the things in her life are not as concrete as she thought they were. Print is dead, the job market is grim, and when her best friend brings her to a gay bar, she even begins questioning her sexuality.
Morgan Park, on the other hand, has it all together – at least she did until her long-time girlfriend starts showing signs of bipolar disorder and Morgan’s carefully laid plans for her life begin to unravel, along with her strength to keep Allison from falling apart.
An interview for the school newspaper brings Leah and Morgan crashing together in a meeting that will change both of their lives – and hearts – forever. The attraction is undeniable and the tension keeps mounting as they try to ignore it, but whether they’re ready to admit it or not, they are exactly what each other needs.
This steamy 15,000-word novella is the prequel to Cara Malone’s first novel, Awakened (April 2017). Intended for readers 18 and over.
A Lesbian Romance Novella
60 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 12, 2017
196 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Cara Malone
68 books479 followersI write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 14, 2018
She writes well, no argument, but this is so short you sneeze and you miss it. But she writes well.
November 22, 2023
3.5stars rounded up
August 30, 2023
What a great novella, that good I've gone and downloaded book two to read next. The book follows Leah and Morgan. Leah is a student discovering herself, and Megan, who has just gotten some bad news with her girlfriend of six years.
When the two meet towards the end of the novella there is an instant connection that is palpable and the sexual tension is real.
I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series 'Awakened' to see how they both turn out following this book.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
When the two meet towards the end of the novella there is an instant connection that is palpable and the sexual tension is real.
I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series 'Awakened' to see how they both turn out following this book.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2020
2.5 rounded down.
It started well enough for a solid three. But it's a short story and contains more plot than the words convey. I'm not sure I really liked the characters that much, although Morgan sounds decent enough. One main character doesn't see herself with women, yet has a quickie pressed against the wall in an alley, and then meets a perfect stranger and engages in a rest room lip lock.
Girls? I think they might be women really. There are some typos and some moments when the facts don't match. A glass of water seems to become cough medicine. She scroll down her phone whilst in a queue, and then sits back and closes her laptop.
The end is very abrupt. I think the whole thing should have been longer and then more thoughts and words could have been spent on some pretty important issues.
It started well enough for a solid three. But it's a short story and contains more plot than the words convey. I'm not sure I really liked the characters that much, although Morgan sounds decent enough. One main character doesn't see herself with women, yet has a quickie pressed against the wall in an alley, and then meets a perfect stranger and engages in a rest room lip lock.
Girls? I think they might be women really. There are some typos and some moments when the facts don't match. A glass of water seems to become cough medicine. She scroll down her phone whilst in a queue, and then sits back and closes her laptop.
The end is very abrupt. I think the whole thing should have been longer and then more thoughts and words could have been spent on some pretty important issues.
April 1, 2023
3.75/5 stars rounded up
This was cute, definitely think this could have been longer. I did enjoy it a lot and I’m happy to be able to read the next book for free :)
This was cute, definitely think this could have been longer. I did enjoy it a lot and I’m happy to be able to read the next book for free :)
April 5, 2024
Hard story to get into, but once you get into it it's a good one.
I expected the ending differently. On the one hand disappointing, on the other hand very beautiful.
"No one knows what they're doing. It's a lie perpetrated by people who are afraid to admit that they're flailing around just as aimlessly as the rest of us"
I expected the ending differently. On the one hand disappointing, on the other hand very beautiful.
"No one knows what they're doing. It's a lie perpetrated by people who are afraid to admit that they're flailing around just as aimlessly as the rest of us"
June 6, 2017
Sleepwalking: A Lesbian Romance Novella. — Cara Malone (12 chapters) June 6, 2017
I read this book in the early morning hours when I was having trouble falling to sleep. It was a quick read, but I didn’t understand what the title referenced. I didn’t know this was a “prequel” when I read this book. The ending just ends. I thought maybe I had a version that was missing pages. I’m not sure if I will continue onto the full book (Awakenings,) mainly because I really like Christy and she wasn’t a main character. She may have been a catalyst for Leah, but nothing more. That kind of disappointed me. (Sometimes I get caught up in my own likes and feelings.)
This book would have benefited more by being a complete story instead of a teaser. /shrugs
Three stars.
I read this book in the early morning hours when I was having trouble falling to sleep. It was a quick read, but I didn’t understand what the title referenced. I didn’t know this was a “prequel” when I read this book. The ending just ends. I thought maybe I had a version that was missing pages. I’m not sure if I will continue onto the full book (Awakenings,) mainly because I really like Christy and she wasn’t a main character. She may have been a catalyst for Leah, but nothing more. That kind of disappointed me. (Sometimes I get caught up in my own likes and feelings.)
This book would have benefited more by being a complete story instead of a teaser. /shrugs
Three stars.
July 19, 2018
Okay, I just finished reading Sleepwalking/Awakened, but I'll leave a review on the last one separately.
Sleepwalking it's very short story, just 70 pages and it gives you a background on how Morgan-Leah first know each other and gives you some more info about the situation.
I love it, it was a good introduction to Awakened and if you want to read it, I truly suggest you read Sleepwalking first (also, Amazon has the paperback version of Awakened and includes Sleepwalking, so you're getting a 2x1 kind a deal)
Sleepwalking it's very short story, just 70 pages and it gives you a background on how Morgan-Leah first know each other and gives you some more info about the situation.
I love it, it was a good introduction to Awakened and if you want to read it, I truly suggest you read Sleepwalking first (also, Amazon has the paperback version of Awakened and includes Sleepwalking, so you're getting a 2x1 kind a deal)
June 1, 2017
Only a part of the story. Second half is continued in another book.
May 15, 2019
Soulmates or Just Extreme Lust? . . .
I get that this is a prequel and was meant to be short yet still intrigue readers. But honestly, was more invested with Leah and her quickie date, than Leah and Morgan. Also I don't do cheaters and though all things were leading to Leah and Morgan, just nope. Plus there was a scene with Morgan and her girlfriend that in the moment I was reading it, all I could think was - isn't this book supposed to be about Morgan and Leah?!
Sorry but won't continue on with this story, Leah was too confused on labeling herself despite her obvious attractions and Morgan is shackled to a unwanted relationship with a crazy partner.
I get that this is a prequel and was meant to be short yet still intrigue readers. But honestly, was more invested with Leah and her quickie date, than Leah and Morgan. Also I don't do cheaters and though all things were leading to Leah and Morgan, just nope. Plus there was a scene with Morgan and her girlfriend that in the moment I was reading it, all I could think was - isn't this book supposed to be about Morgan and Leah?!
Sorry but won't continue on with this story, Leah was too confused on labeling herself despite her obvious attractions and Morgan is shackled to a unwanted relationship with a crazy partner.
November 27, 2018
I wanted to give this book two stars. But that felt punitive to me. But I was in a punitive mood. The title promised a novella. But it felt more like an oversized sample. I likely would have downgraded the rating had the book not promised a free copy of the following book.
So, I enjoyed the read: a quick read and not too deep. It wasn’t great, but it was enjoyable. And it felt like it ended just as I started to care about its characters. Just don’t expect to finish with a feeling of satisfaction at the end of this book; it seems to just end.
So, I enjoyed the read: a quick read and not too deep. It wasn’t great, but it was enjoyable. And it felt like it ended just as I started to care about its characters. Just don’t expect to finish with a feeling of satisfaction at the end of this book; it seems to just end.
March 23, 2023
I really struggled with this novella, it really wasnt something that I enjoyed. I didn't like either character.
Leah, at first seemed shy, but that wouldn't make sense for her character, nor for how she reacts later at an interview. She's also self described as a straight, but is quick to have sex with a girl.
Morgan felt controlling and aggressive in her methods of "helping" Allison. Then, she cheated on her because it was easier for her to imagine herself with someone else than confronting the real issues.
I just personally didn't vibe with this novella.
Leah, at first seemed shy, but that wouldn't make sense for her character, nor for how she reacts later at an interview. She's also self described as a straight, but is quick to have sex with a girl.
Morgan felt controlling and aggressive in her methods of "helping" Allison. Then, she cheated on her because it was easier for her to imagine herself with someone else than confronting the real issues.
I just personally didn't vibe with this novella.
July 10, 2025
This novella is a prequel to Awakened, the 2nd book in this series.
It sets the stage by giving context to both Leah's and Morgan's actions that led to that stunning moment in the cafe. And it provides a grounding for why there is instant chemistry when they meet again, a year later, in Awakened.
While a short intro novella like this could be problematic, Cara Malone handles it exceptionally well and we're clear where this is going when it ends.
I recommend this book, and so far, I'm going to recommend Awakened.
It sets the stage by giving context to both Leah's and Morgan's actions that led to that stunning moment in the cafe. And it provides a grounding for why there is instant chemistry when they meet again, a year later, in Awakened.
While a short intro novella like this could be problematic, Cara Malone handles it exceptionally well and we're clear where this is going when it ends.
I recommend this book, and so far, I'm going to recommend Awakened.
July 21, 2017
It was ok
This is a prequel to Awakened and is very short so you get introduced to our main characters and their issues therefore you'll have to get Awakened in order to know how the story develops. That being said there is not much to comment because technically is just and introduction. At least I can say that it got my attention good enough to made me want to buy the next book.
This is a prequel to Awakened and is very short so you get introduced to our main characters and their issues therefore you'll have to get Awakened in order to know how the story develops. That being said there is not much to comment because technically is just and introduction. At least I can say that it got my attention good enough to made me want to buy the next book.
September 1, 2019
Truly tragic. Like everything about this was bad. From people deciding when this girl should come to cheating and everything in between. One girl compared her bipolar girlfriend to the girl from the exorcist. Also consent is no longer a thing I guess. The girl says maybe we should stop but the other girl keeps going and then it’s just magically ok. Honestly this book was gross and harmful.
March 17, 2019
Intense and steamy
Intriguing peek into the experiences of two women questioning their lives. Characters are relatable. The romantic scenes are riveting, a bit graphic but not gross.
Intriguing peek into the experiences of two women questioning their lives. Characters are relatable. The romantic scenes are riveting, a bit graphic but not gross.
November 15, 2019
Sensitive and Satisfying
Cara Malone does a wonderful job portraying women who fall outside the “bell curve”, and the women who love them. The spotlight shines on challenges of life for those who are not “normal”, and Malone shows us an honest and sensitive snapshot.
Cara Malone does a wonderful job portraying women who fall outside the “bell curve”, and the women who love them. The spotlight shines on challenges of life for those who are not “normal”, and Malone shows us an honest and sensitive snapshot.
September 18, 2020
Enjoyable Quick Read
My first experience with Cara Malone and I'm thrilled the writing is good, and the story captivating. I'm going to read more of her work.
If you are unfamiliar with her, I highly recommend this quick dip into her style and expertise.
My first experience with Cara Malone and I'm thrilled the writing is good, and the story captivating. I'm going to read more of her work.
If you are unfamiliar with her, I highly recommend this quick dip into her style and expertise.
February 17, 2023
sleepwalking
This left me wanting for more story. Several characters were fleshed out more than others but their interactions made me want to see where they would end up and with whom?
This left me wanting for more story. Several characters were fleshed out more than others but their interactions made me want to see where they would end up and with whom?
January 8, 2025
Honestly, the pot was OK kinda hard to follow but honestly, I feel like it does not need to be a series. The ending was so dry and I feel like the story could’ve kept going and didn’t need to be split up into a bunch of mini books redundant
December 18, 2017
I hadn't realised this was a prequel to Awakened and I enjoyed it in spite of the non-ending. It intrigued me enough to want to read more.
April 12, 2018
Good little short story
Good little short story, this really introduces the characters nicely ready for the sequel. A couple of good steamy love scenes.
Good little short story, this really introduces the characters nicely ready for the sequel. A couple of good steamy love scenes.
June 26, 2018
Easy quick read
November 8, 2018
It’s great reading 👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
Not a good one
I know it’s a short sequel but it’s not a good one. It’s predictable and too messy. It’s way too fast paced for my liking
I know it’s a short sequel but it’s not a good one. It’s predictable and too messy. It’s way too fast paced for my liking
January 20, 2019
Good book
I just got done reading Awakened and I found this book so I just got done reading it and I loved it so now I might shove to read Awakened again.
I just got done reading Awakened and I found this book so I just got done reading it and I loved it so now I might shove to read Awakened again.
April 17, 2020
Wonderful story
This was the story of how Leigh and Morgan had meet and little more about their life before Awaken began.
This was the story of how Leigh and Morgan had meet and little more about their life before Awaken began.
October 20, 2022
Nice build-up
I was considering reading Awakened when I found out about this prequel novella. It was a good into and I'm looking forward to reading the novel.
I was considering reading Awakened when I found out about this prequel novella. It was a good into and I'm looking forward to reading the novel.
November 4, 2022
Not a fan of her writing but i was invested in the story
October 20, 2023
Short story prequel. Made me really want to read Awakened!
“Love is fucking hard no matter who you’re with.”
“The mania always stole [her] honesty and took her emotions hostage…”
“Love is fucking hard no matter who you’re with.”
“The mania always stole [her] honesty and took her emotions hostage…”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews