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While I Was Away
You were in a car accident.
They say true love can last forever.
You hit your head, which caused your brain to swell.
Can span any distance, stretch across time, last beyond death.
The pressure against your skull damaged your brain.
Which leads one to wonder …
The damage left you unresponsive to most kinds of stimuli.
If you fall in love in your dreams,
And this unresponsive state is what's known as a coma.
Can you find that love when you wake up?
Full length Romantic Drama standalone.
They say true love can last forever.
You hit your head, which caused your brain to swell.
Can span any distance, stretch across time, last beyond death.
The pressure against your skull damaged your brain.
Which leads one to wonder …
The damage left you unresponsive to most kinds of stimuli.
If you fall in love in your dreams,
And this unresponsive state is what's known as a coma.
Can you find that love when you wake up?
Full length Romantic Drama standalone.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2019
335 people are currently reading
1308 people want to read
About the author
Stylo Fantome
27 books4,765 followersCrazy woman from a remote location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since ... forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball - I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I'm clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT.
I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.
Yeah. I think that about sums me up.
I also write contemporary romance under the name Penny Sixsmith
I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.
Yeah. I think that about sums me up.
I also write contemporary romance under the name Penny Sixsmith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
November 15, 2022
I love Stylo Fantome’s books especially Kane Trilogy, Best Laid Plains, Church are my favorites. She writes real deep, mind bending dark romances full of emotional turmoils !
This book is so different from her usual genre, softer, lighter, lyrical, written about life and death, our choices, looking for your soulmate to reach your eternal happiness.
She brought out a good story. Some parts are so heartwarming like Adele’s ( our heroine who lives in limbo and finds her soulmate after her car crash)relationship with her brothers. I liked three of the brothers especially Ocean, who is her best friend and second father to her.
But two things about this book made me cut points. Firstly, when I read a book, I like to read only one couple’s story. So I didn’t like to read Ocean’s love life when I was excited to know how Adele made her soulmate/ guardian angel believe in their togetherness.
Second thing I didn’t like was final cliffhanger. It was unnecessary drama, heartbreak for me.
In some ways this book is romantic version of Inception. Sometimes you got lost to understand which part is dream and which part is real but it’s really smartly written one and I liked!
PS. In my opinion SF’s dark romance books are so much better!
This book is so different from her usual genre, softer, lighter, lyrical, written about life and death, our choices, looking for your soulmate to reach your eternal happiness.
She brought out a good story. Some parts are so heartwarming like Adele’s ( our heroine who lives in limbo and finds her soulmate after her car crash)relationship with her brothers. I liked three of the brothers especially Ocean, who is her best friend and second father to her.
But two things about this book made me cut points. Firstly, when I read a book, I like to read only one couple’s story. So I didn’t like to read Ocean’s love life when I was excited to know how Adele made her soulmate/ guardian angel believe in their togetherness.
Second thing I didn’t like was final cliffhanger. It was unnecessary drama, heartbreak for me.
In some ways this book is romantic version of Inception. Sometimes you got lost to understand which part is dream and which part is real but it’s really smartly written one and I liked!
PS. In my opinion SF’s dark romance books are so much better!
March 13, 2019
I have ZERO idea where to start with this review. As of this moment this book sits on the top of my list for best book I have read so far this year. This story completely blew me away, and I teared up SO many times. I will leave this review somewhat vague because I think this story is best experienced without a lot of prior knowledge. Just trust me you'll want to read this book as soon as it is released.
So onto the deets...this was an amazingly well-written book. A good portion of it had an almost surreal Alice In Wonderland feel to it I loved. It is a fairly long book, clocking in at around four hours of reading time. However, I never once found myself bored or needing to skim. It was told in multiple POVs, which was one of the things I think worked SO well. I loved getting an inside peak at the thoughts of Adele's brothers and her BFF. It added so much depth to the story and set the stage for the secondary romance that plays out in the book. There was no OW or OM drama. This wasn't a steamy read, and that didn't bother me in the least since that aspect fit with the overall plot. One of the standout things about this book were the secondary characters. Especially Adele's brothers (River, Ocean, and August). My heart broke reading their POVs. I also loved Adele's BFF and her ex Charlie, who was such a nice guy. Both Adele and Jones were fantastic main characters. The journey they took together was amazing, and heartbreaking. Last, it all wraps up in a very satisfying way. I hope we get to see more of these characters in the very near future.
March 16, 2019
WHILE I WAS AWAY: Is a full length standalone romance novel by Stylo Fantome. Spoken in multiple POVs
Whilst at a co-workers birthday party, Adele Reins and her long term boyfriend Charlie Kassen end their three year relationship amicably both realising how stagnant it had become.
Driving home that very night they are in a car accident leaving her in comatose state in hospital, her family is beyond themselves, especially her brothers (River, Ocean, and August) who berate themselves that they didn’t make more time for their little sister.
Not knowing if and what condition she will be in when and if she wakes up has brought her whole family back home and has made them re-evaluate their lives and which direction they are going in.
While I was away flits faultlessly between fantasy and reality until they merge seamlessly into one.
It's whilst Adele is in a coma that she's transported into another world that touches on her memories, going as far back as her childhood home, but it's also during this time where she makes a otherworldly connection, or so it seemed. She was stuck in purgatory with a man she'd never met before; a man whom she was pretty sure was her soulmate.
This was one of my most highly anticipated reads of March so I beyond excited when this landed on my kindle. This was nothing like I expected it would be, mystically unique, it made me believe in soul mates, I was pulled into the story line as soon as I started, once I’d started it was easy to inhale.
March 27, 2019
3.5-3.75 Stars
It’s been a long time since I’d read one of SF’s books, I missed her writing. This was really good! it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind but still, it surprised me and I enjoyed it! Loved all the characters and I liked that besides Jones & Adele’s story, there was a secondary one as well. I suggest you go in blind for this, the less you know the better! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel, well-paced with well-developed characters and beautifully well written. All in all, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
It’s been a long time since I’d read one of SF’s books, I missed her writing. This was really good! it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind but still, it surprised me and I enjoyed it! Loved all the characters and I liked that besides Jones & Adele’s story, there was a secondary one as well. I suggest you go in blind for this, the less you know the better! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel, well-paced with well-developed characters and beautifully well written. All in all, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
November 15, 2022
Great new twist on an old classic!
There have been many books, TV, and Movie plots about people in coma’s walking around either in the hospital where nobody can hear or see them, or in a dream or alternate reality where they try to fix something in their life or fall in love. This was a new twist on that theme and it was done much better than I expected. It started just a bit slow, but once it grabbed me, it just kept getting better and better. I loved it. It also had some extremely funny bits. Check out the quotes below:
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There have been many books, TV, and Movie plots about people in coma’s walking around either in the hospital where nobody can hear or see them, or in a dream or alternate reality where they try to fix something in their life or fall in love. This was a new twist on that theme and it was done much better than I expected. It started just a bit slow, but once it grabbed me, it just kept getting better and better. I loved it. It also had some extremely funny bits. Check out the quotes below:
They told me you visited me a lot at the hospital. That you painted my nails,”
Adele smiled. “Yup. Once a week. And your toes. You owe me.”
“I do.”
“If I'm ever in a coma, I want Brazilians every two weeks.”
“No one can ever be that much in debt,”
Adele burst out laughing. “Please, I don't want a wolf-puss while I'm out.
“Yup,” he said. “Here I am, trying to lose my virginity as quietly as possible, when my sister starts screaming bloody murder from down the hall. She woke up my parents and told them she could hear a ghost moaning. She told them she thought I must be possessed. They came bursting in, turning on all the lights, everyone starts screaming, I think I even started crying.”
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March 19, 2019
Genre: Romantic Drama
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person
Rating:
Adele Reins decided to make a major change in her life. Sad of letting go, but excited with new possibilities, she never thought a single blink could possibly change the course of her life.
Before starting this book I had completely no idea what it’s about. I’m happy to say I really enjoyed it, especially that it touched on a subject I’m fascinated with. I absolutely loved the surrealism element and how it was injected with romanticism in the story. Though, I have to say it is a bit straightforward and somewhat predictable.
I loved the characters in this book (even those who are a handful) and there were plenty of them. The story didn’t just focus on the main couple but also gave a glimpse of the lives of others and how Adele’s situation affected them.
While I Was Away is a story of finding love from unexpected circumstances. It would appeal to readers looking for a romance with a fantastical element.
♦ 🥀 ♦ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ♦ 🥀 ♦
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person
Rating:
Adele Reins decided to make a major change in her life. Sad of letting go, but excited with new possibilities, she never thought a single blink could possibly change the course of her life.
“Love isn't always easy or fair, but that doesn't stop it from being true.”
Before starting this book I had completely no idea what it’s about. I’m happy to say I really enjoyed it, especially that it touched on a subject I’m fascinated with. I absolutely loved the surrealism element and how it was injected with romanticism in the story. Though, I have to say it is a bit straightforward and somewhat predictable.
“I've got you,” she was vaguely aware of a whisper coming from above her. “I'll fall with you. Just let go.”
I loved the characters in this book (even those who are a handful) and there were plenty of them. The story didn’t just focus on the main couple but also gave a glimpse of the lives of others and how Adele’s situation affected them.
“I don't want to go home if you're not there.”
While I Was Away is a story of finding love from unexpected circumstances. It would appeal to readers looking for a romance with a fantastical element.
♦ 🥀 ♦ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ♦ 🥀 ♦
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 22, 2019
4“Just Find Me” Stars
I love this author. She has a way of storytelling that I have loved from her very first book. She doesn’t always write the same genre, she is a chameleon in her writing. So with each and every release I am always thoroughly excited.
This book is a beautiful idea. People in comas and what they hear and dream are all truths in my mind. To the extent is all subjective. Who is to say how much or how little one can hear and internalize?
It’s very hard to review this story without spoiling. This is a love story, a story of fate and believing in soulmates. It’s a little unusual because of the dream sequences that involves Adele, Jones and her memories. They are complicated dreams/memories and they can be construed as fantasy or real, once again who is to say. While I love the idea, I just found it a little hard to feel the full instant connection.
I loved Adele and her 3 brothers. Her being the only girl and the baby of the family added a sweet aspect to the story. And then Adele’s best friend Zoey sparkled with a fiery sass. There was another budding love story between Zoey and one of the brothers that I adored.
I will say that this story is sweet, loving, and its very different. It’s infused with some humor, sadness, nostalgia, fantasy, and mostly a sense of believing in soulmates. I loved the possibility of the story and can fully buy into it, but I just think that the envelope may have been pushed a little too far for me. I did Love Love Love the epilogue and it brought the story full circle and it was perfect.
Would I recommend this book, yes. But just with a caveat that it’s a little out there and one should have an open mind about finding love in the most unusual of ways.
*advance copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
I love this author. She has a way of storytelling that I have loved from her very first book. She doesn’t always write the same genre, she is a chameleon in her writing. So with each and every release I am always thoroughly excited.
This book is a beautiful idea. People in comas and what they hear and dream are all truths in my mind. To the extent is all subjective. Who is to say how much or how little one can hear and internalize?
It’s very hard to review this story without spoiling. This is a love story, a story of fate and believing in soulmates. It’s a little unusual because of the dream sequences that involves Adele, Jones and her memories. They are complicated dreams/memories and they can be construed as fantasy or real, once again who is to say. While I love the idea, I just found it a little hard to feel the full instant connection.
I loved Adele and her 3 brothers. Her being the only girl and the baby of the family added a sweet aspect to the story. And then Adele’s best friend Zoey sparkled with a fiery sass. There was another budding love story between Zoey and one of the brothers that I adored.
I will say that this story is sweet, loving, and its very different. It’s infused with some humor, sadness, nostalgia, fantasy, and mostly a sense of believing in soulmates. I loved the possibility of the story and can fully buy into it, but I just think that the envelope may have been pushed a little too far for me. I did Love Love Love the epilogue and it brought the story full circle and it was perfect.
Would I recommend this book, yes. But just with a caveat that it’s a little out there and one should have an open mind about finding love in the most unusual of ways.
*advance copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
March 23, 2019
4.5★★★★Stars
Genre: Romantic Drama
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person
❝ Now is here. Or was. Now it's now.❞
Adele Reins was in the middle of a life changing decision. She was needing a new start, something felt empty and she was found to find what she was missing. Life had other plans for Adele and what started as her possibly new beginning became an entire different thing she didn't see coming.
❝ Something was missing from her life. She couldn't quite put her finger on what it was, it was out of reach, but it was definitely there. ❞
I honestly went in blinded without any expectations of what this story was going to be about and I am glad because I found myself immerse in this story. There were so many emotions going through me and I didn't know what to do with myself with what I felt.
❝ No dream could ever compare to us, Adele. No fantasy, no mirage, no fairy tale. You and I, we're something bigger. Something better. ❞
This book was so fascinating to read. While I Was Away wasn’t your typical love romance which I found it refreshing. The story had me hooked from page one and wasn’t able to stop until I finished it. I loved seeing all the point of views of various characters. We had the main couple and a side story within the story which I thought was different and well written. Overall, I highly recommend this book to readers looking for something different and refreshing. Readers who enjoy stories with not so ordinary circumstance will find this story appealing.
...This was a F(BR) with CC & War...
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 21, 2019
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
With a touch of surrealism, Stylo Fantome explores the thoughts of a comatose woman and the strange awakening she has. Adele Reins is departing from a party after making a major life decision when she and another are in a car crash. Life continues to go on, but Adele is trapped inside a world in her head filled with brilliantly colored poppies, ever changing scenery, and a man who leaves such an impact that it is he she thinks of her when she finally opens her eyes. While her family and friends have rallied around her, starting new lives in the city of Los Angeles, Adele can't move forward and forget the man. When she sees him again her soul calls for him, but he doesn't know the love she knows.
"Tomorrow. Tomorrow I start on a new life. A new adventure. Tomorrow I find ... something."
Adele is a vivacious woman with a massive heart, she's so easy to like. Of course, we only know this form of Adele for a short while, as the impact of her dream state changes her drastically. From the moment she wakes up the story gets a bit strange, but in a way that kept me turning the pages, captivated by the romantic notion that soulmates and love can carry over from dreams into reality. Adele's coma world is so interesting and it takes up a large portion of the novel. This allows us to turn her dream state into a reality, with it leaving its mark even after she awakens. In this case, the dream world is unforgettable and Adele is left searching for it and her lover. I found myself loving the romanticism, especially once we finally meet the man in real life. He's far more real than the dream version of him, which keeps the novel interesting and keeps it from being too insta-love and mushy. Of course, there is the drama of Adele's family who have moved closer, her best friend who has grown comfortable with them, and her ex who has stayed close despite their separation.
I did enjoy some of the multiple POVs and I really appreciated that Stylo Fantome didn't focus only Adele and the impact her coma had on her just her, but on all the secondary characters. However a miss for me, and it seems like this might just be an "it's me, not you" complaint, was the addition of her brother's POV's, I really didn't enjoy them. It's almost like there might have been opportunity for other novels to come about the brothers, but ultimately it was combined into one. Their spacing comes across as a bit out of place and I did get them confused as their voices were very similar. I do think it took away from the overall story and it distracted me from the main romance.
"'Always,' she agreed. 'We'll always come back to the place where we found each other.'"
While I Was Away is a clever novel that kept me intrigued from start to finish. The premise itself was interesting enough for me, but Stylo Fantome takes this surreal idea and turns it into a contemporary romance that is impossible to put down. It's the sort of book you finish and you don't immediately pick up another, instead you sit in the feelings she leaves you with. Romance readers looking for something different, particularly those with an interest in the fantastical, will enjoy While I Was Away.
ARC provided.
With a touch of surrealism, Stylo Fantome explores the thoughts of a comatose woman and the strange awakening she has. Adele Reins is departing from a party after making a major life decision when she and another are in a car crash. Life continues to go on, but Adele is trapped inside a world in her head filled with brilliantly colored poppies, ever changing scenery, and a man who leaves such an impact that it is he she thinks of her when she finally opens her eyes. While her family and friends have rallied around her, starting new lives in the city of Los Angeles, Adele can't move forward and forget the man. When she sees him again her soul calls for him, but he doesn't know the love she knows.
"Tomorrow. Tomorrow I start on a new life. A new adventure. Tomorrow I find ... something."
Adele is a vivacious woman with a massive heart, she's so easy to like. Of course, we only know this form of Adele for a short while, as the impact of her dream state changes her drastically. From the moment she wakes up the story gets a bit strange, but in a way that kept me turning the pages, captivated by the romantic notion that soulmates and love can carry over from dreams into reality. Adele's coma world is so interesting and it takes up a large portion of the novel. This allows us to turn her dream state into a reality, with it leaving its mark even after she awakens. In this case, the dream world is unforgettable and Adele is left searching for it and her lover. I found myself loving the romanticism, especially once we finally meet the man in real life. He's far more real than the dream version of him, which keeps the novel interesting and keeps it from being too insta-love and mushy. Of course, there is the drama of Adele's family who have moved closer, her best friend who has grown comfortable with them, and her ex who has stayed close despite their separation.
I did enjoy some of the multiple POVs and I really appreciated that Stylo Fantome didn't focus only Adele and the impact her coma had on her just her, but on all the secondary characters. However a miss for me, and it seems like this might just be an "it's me, not you" complaint, was the addition of her brother's POV's, I really didn't enjoy them. It's almost like there might have been opportunity for other novels to come about the brothers, but ultimately it was combined into one. Their spacing comes across as a bit out of place and I did get them confused as their voices were very similar. I do think it took away from the overall story and it distracted me from the main romance.
"'Always,' she agreed. 'We'll always come back to the place where we found each other.'"
While I Was Away is a clever novel that kept me intrigued from start to finish. The premise itself was interesting enough for me, but Stylo Fantome takes this surreal idea and turns it into a contemporary romance that is impossible to put down. It's the sort of book you finish and you don't immediately pick up another, instead you sit in the feelings she leaves you with. Romance readers looking for something different, particularly those with an interest in the fantastical, will enjoy While I Was Away.
ARC provided.
March 22, 2019
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"You and I, we're something bigger. Something better."
Fantastical
Mystical
Eclectic
Mind Boggling
Super Natural
Wonderous
I can use any and all of those words to describe this newest addicting romance by Stylo Fantome. I picked up the book and never put it down. What a trip!!! If you like a different type of read, one that makes you think outside the normal spectrum of reality, this is the book for you. This book, for me, was seriously a one-off from my norm, but also one that has me excited to talk about. There were some neat understandings coming to light as I was reading it and I was seriously giddy while I was trying to explain it to someone! This was SO good!!! So neat!
Stylo's writing is definitely a different style. More....eclectic of sorts. The existence that we count as our norm doesn't always come in her books, and while that makes her a sometimes scary pick for me, I have enjoyed more of her books than not. So this one, the journey was so different and so bizarre, yet so catchy and so intriguing. I want to discuss this one!!! The intricacies. The wonder. The love. All of it. I loved this book. I can say, the only issue I had was in the very beginning when we started this trip, er....I mean, this book because I was almost questioning the trope that this was. I was almost wondering if it was a women's fiction/science fiction type of read. But once I settled in, I seriously could not put it down.
"What if this is a dream?"
"Then I hope we don't wake up."
This book had magic written all over it. Thinking waaaay outside the box, but also a jaunt into the in between netherworlds. This book seriously gave me LIFE. It provided me some giggles, some smiles, a few gasps and I actually got teary-eyed. I want to talk and discuss and vent and debate and explain and ARGH!! I want to watch you like a creeper while you read it so I can say, "Right?? I told you so!!" I want to relive this through someone else's eyes. I really, really liked this one and falling in love with this couple just kinda made me slow down and sigh. Fate. Dreams. Reality. Understanding. Oh my gosh....it just made me kinda question things and yet, it made me accept and believe. So. Darn. Good. I want so badly to say, look for this or pay attention to this, but there is so much about this book that you just need to immerse yourself in and discover. Pay attention and soak it up. It's so wonderful. So neat. I know I sound like a broken record now....
And just remember: Here is Now.
"Just because you can't recognize me, doesn't mean your soul can't."
~BEE
AMAZON AA LINK: https://amzn.to/2U4hRtH
ENTER HERE TO WIN A COPY: http://bit.ly/2UPH7B0
I beg you.....grab this book. It's $.99 for release, so I hope you grab it!!
"You and I, we're something bigger. Something better."
Fantastical
Mystical
Eclectic
Mind Boggling
Super Natural
Wonderous
I can use any and all of those words to describe this newest addicting romance by Stylo Fantome. I picked up the book and never put it down. What a trip!!! If you like a different type of read, one that makes you think outside the normal spectrum of reality, this is the book for you. This book, for me, was seriously a one-off from my norm, but also one that has me excited to talk about. There were some neat understandings coming to light as I was reading it and I was seriously giddy while I was trying to explain it to someone! This was SO good!!! So neat!
Stylo's writing is definitely a different style. More....eclectic of sorts. The existence that we count as our norm doesn't always come in her books, and while that makes her a sometimes scary pick for me, I have enjoyed more of her books than not. So this one, the journey was so different and so bizarre, yet so catchy and so intriguing. I want to discuss this one!!! The intricacies. The wonder. The love. All of it. I loved this book. I can say, the only issue I had was in the very beginning when we started this trip, er....I mean, this book because I was almost questioning the trope that this was. I was almost wondering if it was a women's fiction/science fiction type of read. But once I settled in, I seriously could not put it down.
"What if this is a dream?"
"Then I hope we don't wake up."
This book had magic written all over it. Thinking waaaay outside the box, but also a jaunt into the in between netherworlds. This book seriously gave me LIFE. It provided me some giggles, some smiles, a few gasps and I actually got teary-eyed. I want to talk and discuss and vent and debate and explain and ARGH!! I want to watch you like a creeper while you read it so I can say, "Right?? I told you so!!" I want to relive this through someone else's eyes. I really, really liked this one and falling in love with this couple just kinda made me slow down and sigh. Fate. Dreams. Reality. Understanding. Oh my gosh....it just made me kinda question things and yet, it made me accept and believe. So. Darn. Good. I want so badly to say, look for this or pay attention to this, but there is so much about this book that you just need to immerse yourself in and discover. Pay attention and soak it up. It's so wonderful. So neat. I know I sound like a broken record now....
And just remember: Here is Now.
"Just because you can't recognize me, doesn't mean your soul can't."
~BEE
AMAZON AA LINK: https://amzn.to/2U4hRtH
ENTER HERE TO WIN A COPY: http://bit.ly/2UPH7B0
I beg you.....grab this book. It's $.99 for release, so I hope you grab it!!
March 21, 2019
One night, Adele Reins realizes she wants more out of life and love. After making a big decision, Adele is in a car accident and suffers a head trauma. While recovering, she has vivid experiences that weave into her memory creating a grey area of fantasy and reality. But when Adele realizes the connection, she has to convince others of the truth.
“But where is here?” “Here is now.” “Now?” “Now was then. Now we’re here.”
Playing significant roles in this story are Adele’s three brothers, a best friend and a confidant known as Jones. All have unique personalities and each foster Adele’s healing in different ways. As Adele is trying to piece it all together, she remains dedicated to her dreams and what her heart conveys.
“You either go forward, or you go back. You can only stand still for so long, Adele.”
What this story offers is a unique storyline into how the mind and body are linked, even during inexplicable times. With a theme is romantic in notion, the plot delves into the concept of how fate can bring people together. Adele is a strong character who is willing to fight for what she believes to be true no matter how others might perceive her intentions. While there are challenges these characters face, they all support each other and I liked the unity they shared. Ultimately, the connection Adele feels is heartwarming.
While I was Away is a romantic narrative combining fantastical symbolism with reality. This book will appeal to those seeking a romance with heart and soul.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 25, 2019
3.75 stars!
March 14, 2019
What happens to people when they are in a coma? They say that the person can often hear people talking to them but where do they really go? This thought is explored in this really interesting story from Stylo.
Adele is the victim of a car accident one night and as a result, slips into a coma. She is the youngest child in her family and has three older brothers. While the family struggles to come to terms with what has happened we are treated to alternate chapters of them and what is going on for Adele as she lies there.
You know how sometimes you can have the weirdest dreams where things and places morph into each other and you wake up wondering how on earth your mind even took you there? Adele lives this. She is in a coma, not dead but living in this alternate universe.
This tragedy has brought everyone in her family back home. Her brothers are working through their own issues and feeling guilty for all the instances they have missed spending time with Adele. If anything, this has forced them to think about what they are doing with their lives. The fear of losing someone you love always make you more aware of your own mortality.
Meanwhile, Adele is experiencing her own journey, visiting places she hasn’t been to before and meeting people she didn’t know in her ‘awake’ state. It’s all very confusing but also, at times, a nice place to be. In fact, sometimes she wonders if she ever will go back to her real life or will she live in this surreal, alternate existence forever? It seems that she has a choice to make and time is not her side.
There is so much more to this story than what I have mentioned as I wanted to keep this as spoiler free as possible. This is a real unique story about soul mates and I suppose a bit of fate too. It was really refreshing to read something so different.
Adele is the victim of a car accident one night and as a result, slips into a coma. She is the youngest child in her family and has three older brothers. While the family struggles to come to terms with what has happened we are treated to alternate chapters of them and what is going on for Adele as she lies there.
You know how sometimes you can have the weirdest dreams where things and places morph into each other and you wake up wondering how on earth your mind even took you there? Adele lives this. She is in a coma, not dead but living in this alternate universe.
This tragedy has brought everyone in her family back home. Her brothers are working through their own issues and feeling guilty for all the instances they have missed spending time with Adele. If anything, this has forced them to think about what they are doing with their lives. The fear of losing someone you love always make you more aware of your own mortality.
Meanwhile, Adele is experiencing her own journey, visiting places she hasn’t been to before and meeting people she didn’t know in her ‘awake’ state. It’s all very confusing but also, at times, a nice place to be. In fact, sometimes she wonders if she ever will go back to her real life or will she live in this surreal, alternate existence forever? It seems that she has a choice to make and time is not her side.
There is so much more to this story than what I have mentioned as I wanted to keep this as spoiler free as possible. This is a real unique story about soul mates and I suppose a bit of fate too. It was really refreshing to read something so different.
April 19, 2019
I spent A LOT of time and emotions and thoughts on this book.
Did you ever watch that cheesy movie "Simply Irresistible", the one with Sarah Michelle Gellar? It's not necessarily "good", but … it's also not bad HAHAHAHA In the movie, she's a chef, and also possibly-unknowingly a witch, who cooks her emotions into the dishes she creates (and along the way, she accidentally entices a young and HOT Sean Patrick Flanery! He alone makes it worth watching).
And basically, I try to capture the same thing with my books - I try to "cook" in my emotions. I try to infuse whatever it is I emote into my writing, and I think "While I Was Away" captures this perfectly.
If you cry while reading certain parts, trust me, I was probably crying while writing that part.
If while reading it, you think "I GET this!", then trust me, I was getting it, too.
If you ever think to yourself "wow, I never thought of that before!", TRUST ME, I had the same confusion, too!
My writing style was literally born of PNR - that genre is where I cut my teeth, going all the way back to the age of eight. I like fantasy, I like drama, I like the possibility of the unknown.
And I think "While I Was Away" touches on my true roots.
I love it.
I hope you do, too.
Did you ever watch that cheesy movie "Simply Irresistible", the one with Sarah Michelle Gellar? It's not necessarily "good", but … it's also not bad HAHAHAHA In the movie, she's a chef, and also possibly-unknowingly a witch, who cooks her emotions into the dishes she creates (and along the way, she accidentally entices a young and HOT Sean Patrick Flanery! He alone makes it worth watching).
And basically, I try to capture the same thing with my books - I try to "cook" in my emotions. I try to infuse whatever it is I emote into my writing, and I think "While I Was Away" captures this perfectly.
If you cry while reading certain parts, trust me, I was probably crying while writing that part.
If while reading it, you think "I GET this!", then trust me, I was getting it, too.
If you ever think to yourself "wow, I never thought of that before!", TRUST ME, I had the same confusion, too!
My writing style was literally born of PNR - that genre is where I cut my teeth, going all the way back to the age of eight. I like fantasy, I like drama, I like the possibility of the unknown.
And I think "While I Was Away" touches on my true roots.
I love it.
I hope you do, too.
October 3, 2019
4.5 Stars ⭐️
March 20, 2019
4.5 captivating stars!
“I’ve got you, I’ll fall with you. Just let go.”
Have you ever read a scene in a book, a romantic scene that speaks so much to the heart, is so incredibly profound and beautiful it quite literally takes your breath away? Well, we experienced exactly that in While You Were Away. We experienced a moment so sincere and beautiful we had to take time to fully absorb every meaningful word through heartfelt tears. Wow! What a moment!
“Always,” he whispered. “Always remember me, always.”
“Always,” she agreed
“And always, always remember us.”
“I will. I always will.”
This was such a warm and thought-provoking story, and one we can honestly say held us captive from start to finish. Stylo Fantome managed to communicate directly to our romantic hearts, and for two true believers in fate and soulmate love, we hung on to, and became completely captivated by this somewhat otherworldly story……or was it?
“No dream could ever compare to us, Adele. No fantasy, no mirage, no fairy-tale. You and I, we’re something bigger. Something better. Something…. magical.”
We’ve all had a sense of Déjà vu, they take us by surprise, but do these experiences have a hidden meaning, is it fate’s way of telling us to keep our eyes open, so a moment doesn’t pass us by? Stylo Fantome explores this and so much more in While I Was Away, and we devoured it.
“How can I love someone I’ve never met?”
We firmly believe this is one of those stories you need to go into blind. Do yourselves a favour and allow Stylo Fantome to guide you through her story, because the twists and turns left us gasping, tearing up, smiling and swooning. This really was a romantic hearts dream!
‘Please let me dream tonight. Let me dream of us and let it be good and let it be the last time ever.’
Along with Jones and Adele’s story, there’s also a secondary age gap love story happening in the background which only made our hearts sing louder. What a delight and double the swoon!
“There’s never, ever, been a moment in time more perfect than this one.”
Not only do we hear Adele’s point of view, through her ‘dreams’ and real life, we also have her three brothers povs, and oh wow did we fall in love with those Reins men! Ocean, River, and August (yes, their parents were hippies in their younger years lol), three burly blokes who loved and cared for their sister deeply, and the effect Adele’s situation had on them broke our hearts.
“You’re not broken.”
“I’m so broken I can’t even be put back together.”
Including their perspectives gave the story a sense of family as well as a romantic one, and the supporting characters were fabulous! Adele’s best friend Zoey was a breath of fresh air. A sassy, prickly young lady who was loyal to Adele with every fibre of her being! Every girl needs a Zoey!
“I believe in you…and I’ll find you.”
“I believe in you, too.”
Stylo Fantome has beguiled us time and again with her emotional, in-depth storytelling, her mesmerizing characters, her ability to deliver a love story that keeps us guessing whilst giving our hearts a workout, and she delivers it with distinctive and clever writing. While I Was Away has now been added to that list. Only one small issue, a twist of sorts towards the end prevented this from being a 5 star read. For us personally, it felt a little unnecessary, however apart from tiny hiccup we loved every minute. Every heart aching and heart-warming minute! What a story!
Available to purchase for ONLY 99c/99p
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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March 21, 2019
“How can I love someone I've never met?”
“Someone I don't really know?”
Well...stylo does the unthinkable and shows you HOW!!!
A stunning story oscillating between fantasy and reality till they sync orbits and merge as one love story
Compelling and captivating, it's a story of a young girl- Adele Reins, who's in a coma after her horrible accident. She'd been feeling detached and dispassionate for a long time and the accident just happens at the wrong juncture of her life.
Nothing, and yet ... she wanted more. It was like a piece of her had been missing for a long time, and she was just noticing.
While in coma, her dreams come alive. how the dreams and reality spin like a coin in her sleeping brain is very fascinating. The beautiful revelation is what causes these dreams!!
“All of this is because you imagined it. You created it. You fell asleep, and you dreamed a dream so wonderful, you didn't want to wake up.”
Stylo is known for her thought provoking stories. Her muscle memory had touched upon the subject of coma patient and this book is more elaborate and shocking than that
This book has two parallel stories running between two sets of couples. Adele is struggling with and against Johannes Lund and Zoey her best friend with one of her brothers.
I shall stop right here, won't give you any more deets.
Read this book for a rollercoaster ride...
Something Bigger
Something Better
Something Magical....
4 stars for soulmates
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“Someone I don't really know?”
Well...stylo does the unthinkable and shows you HOW!!!
A stunning story oscillating between fantasy and reality till they sync orbits and merge as one love story
Compelling and captivating, it's a story of a young girl- Adele Reins, who's in a coma after her horrible accident. She'd been feeling detached and dispassionate for a long time and the accident just happens at the wrong juncture of her life.
Nothing, and yet ... she wanted more. It was like a piece of her had been missing for a long time, and she was just noticing.
While in coma, her dreams come alive. how the dreams and reality spin like a coin in her sleeping brain is very fascinating. The beautiful revelation is what causes these dreams!!
“All of this is because you imagined it. You created it. You fell asleep, and you dreamed a dream so wonderful, you didn't want to wake up.”
Stylo is known for her thought provoking stories. Her muscle memory had touched upon the subject of coma patient and this book is more elaborate and shocking than that
This book has two parallel stories running between two sets of couples. Adele is struggling with and against Johannes Lund and Zoey her best friend with one of her brothers.
I shall stop right here, won't give you any more deets.
Read this book for a rollercoaster ride...
Something Bigger
Something Better
Something Magical....
4 stars for soulmates
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
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March 14, 2019
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
While I Was Away is about Adele, who falls into a deep coma after an accident, where she meets and finds her soulmate. This plot isn't explored that often in contemporary romance, but I think it was refreshing and also unpredictable. So why the three star rating you may ask. It was just too fast-paced. I just couldn't connect to the characters, and I felt that they grew close very quickly. One moment Adele falls into a coma, and the second she is falling for this guy. It just really caught me by surprise if I am honest. I would've loved for the couple to get to know each other better, and spend more time together. I wanted to see the growth happen in real time. I wanted to feel them falling in love with each other.
Furthermore, there was also a secondary romance involving Adele's brother, which I think was a nice addition to the story, but it also took my attention and interest away from the main romance. I thought the romance got better after Adele came out of her coma, but because of the disconnect I felt between the main characters during the coma, I felt like I was missing pieces. Also something happened the last quarter of the book, that in my opinion happened too late into the story to be fully explored. So it felt rushed and unfinished. Which was a pity, because I think the story could've been fine without it. Overall, I thought Stylo's writing style was easy to read, and I really was invested into the relationships and wanted to find out what would happen next. Adele's brothers presence was a nice touch to the story, and I enjoyed reading about them. I liked the premise of the story but wanted more to be able to fully connect to the characters.
While I Was Away is about Adele, who falls into a deep coma after an accident, where she meets and finds her soulmate. This plot isn't explored that often in contemporary romance, but I think it was refreshing and also unpredictable. So why the three star rating you may ask. It was just too fast-paced. I just couldn't connect to the characters, and I felt that they grew close very quickly. One moment Adele falls into a coma, and the second she is falling for this guy. It just really caught me by surprise if I am honest. I would've loved for the couple to get to know each other better, and spend more time together. I wanted to see the growth happen in real time. I wanted to feel them falling in love with each other.
Furthermore, there was also a secondary romance involving Adele's brother, which I think was a nice addition to the story, but it also took my attention and interest away from the main romance. I thought the romance got better after Adele came out of her coma, but because of the disconnect I felt between the main characters during the coma, I felt like I was missing pieces. Also something happened the last quarter of the book, that in my opinion happened too late into the story to be fully explored. So it felt rushed and unfinished. Which was a pity, because I think the story could've been fine without it. Overall, I thought Stylo's writing style was easy to read, and I really was invested into the relationships and wanted to find out what would happen next. Adele's brothers presence was a nice touch to the story, and I enjoyed reading about them. I liked the premise of the story but wanted more to be able to fully connect to the characters.
March 22, 2019
Safe and sweet read.
I didn't felt the connection between the Hero and the Heroine. There was too little couple time in this book for my taste. They're only "together together" for a couple days and then there's a skip to the epilogue 1 year later. I had the feeling that I was missing out on so many things about them and their lives together. And the epilogue was the grand finale of another couple.
I was way more interested in Ocean and Zoey. I felt their connection and love despite only reading a few pages about them. So I rooted for them and the Hero and Heroine took a backseat while reading.
The writing style was good and I enjoyed reading the book.
I didn't felt the connection between the Hero and the Heroine. There was too little couple time in this book for my taste. They're only "together together" for a couple days and then there's a skip to the epilogue 1 year later. I had the feeling that I was missing out on so many things about them and their lives together. And the epilogue was the grand finale of another couple.
I was way more interested in Ocean and Zoey. I felt their connection and love despite only reading a few pages about them. So I rooted for them and the Hero and Heroine took a backseat while reading.
The writing style was good and I enjoyed reading the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2019
4.5 Stars
This story was like a magical fairy tale romance smashing headlong into reality, parts of each bleeding into the other. My emotions were all over the place and my brain was in over drive. It was such a hauntingly beautiful story that reminded me of the kind of romance I dreamed of as pre-teen, when all things were possible, where fated lovers and soulmates overcame all odds and all obstacles to be together. Only this was real, wasn't it? ;)
While I was Away was all the things I've come to expect from Stylo's books. Quirky original characters, flawless writing with that unusual Stylo flair and an unexpected and compelling story line. So why not go for all 5 stars? Because I'm a picky b!tch that's why and there were just a couple spots that I wanted more, needed more, and I think an opportunity to make this a truly exceptional story was missed. Still, it was pretty great as is.
This story was like a magical fairy tale romance smashing headlong into reality, parts of each bleeding into the other. My emotions were all over the place and my brain was in over drive. It was such a hauntingly beautiful story that reminded me of the kind of romance I dreamed of as pre-teen, when all things were possible, where fated lovers and soulmates overcame all odds and all obstacles to be together. Only this was real, wasn't it? ;)
While I was Away was all the things I've come to expect from Stylo's books. Quirky original characters, flawless writing with that unusual Stylo flair and an unexpected and compelling story line. So why not go for all 5 stars? Because I'm a picky b!tch that's why and there were just a couple spots that I wanted more, needed more, and I think an opportunity to make this a truly exceptional story was missed. Still, it was pretty great as is.
March 20, 2019
4.5 captivating stars!
“I’ve got you, I’ll fall with you. Just let go.”
Have you ever read a scene in a book, a romantic scene that speaks so much to the heart, is so incredibly profound and beautiful it quite literally takes your breath away? Well, we experienced exactly that in While You Were Away. We experienced a moment so sincere and beautiful we had to take time to fully absorb every meaningful word through heartfelt tears. Wow! What a moment!
“Always,” he whispered. “Always remember me, always.”
“Always,” she agreed
“And always, always remember us.”
“I will. I always will.”
This was such a warm and thought-provoking story, and one we can honestly say held us captive from start to finish. Stylo Fantome managed to communicate directly to our romantic hearts, and for two true believers in fate and soulmate love, we hung on to, and became completely captivated by this somewhat otherworldly story……or was it?
“No dream could ever compare to us, Adele. No fantasy, no mirage, no fairy-tale. You and I, we’re something bigger. Something better. Something…. magical.”
We’ve all had a sense of Déjà vu, they take us by surprise, but do these experiences have a hidden meaning, is it fate’s way of telling us to keep our eyes open, so a moment doesn’t pass us by? Stylo Fantome explores this and so much more in While I Was Away, and we devoured it.
“How can I love someone I’ve never met?”
We firmly believe this is one of those stories you need to go into blind. Do yourselves a favour and allow Stylo Fantome to guide you through her story, because the twists and turns left us gasping, tearing up, smiling and swooning. This really was a romantic hearts dream!
‘Please let me dream tonight. Let me dream of us and let it be good and let it be the last time ever.’
Along with Jones and Adele’s story, there’s also a secondary age gap love story happening in the background which only made our hearts sing louder. What a delight and double the swoon!
“There’s never, ever, been a moment in time more perfect than this one.”
Not only do we hear Adele’s point of view, through her ‘dreams’ and real life, we also have her three brothers povs, and oh wow did we fall in love with those Reins men! Ocean, River, and August (yes, their parents were hippies in their younger years lol), three burly blokes who loved and cared for their sister deeply, and the effect Adele’s situation had on them broke our hearts.
“You’re not broken.”
“I’m so broken I can’t even be put back together.”
Including their perspectives gave the story a sense of family as well as a romantic one, and the supporting characters were fabulous! Adele’s best friend Zoey was a breath of fresh air. A sassy, prickly young lady who was loyal to Adele with every fibre of her being! Every girl needs a Zoey!
“I believe in you…and I’ll find you.”
“I believe in you, too.”
Stylo Fantome has beguiled us time and again with her emotional, in-depth storytelling, her mesmerizing characters, her ability to deliver a love story that keeps us guessing whilst giving our hearts a workout, and she delivers it with distinctive and clever writing. While I Was Away has now been added to that list. Only one small issue, a twist of sorts towards the end prevented this from being a 5 star read. For us personally, it felt a little unnecessary, however apart from tiny hiccup we loved every minute. Every heart aching and heart-warming minute! What a story!
Available to purchase for ONLY 99c/99p
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
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March 11, 2019
While I Was Away
By: Stylo Fantome
4 Stars
Stylo Fantome has certainly made a name with me in her ability to write stories that make you think while reading them. This one was no exception!
Adele has been in a coma for 4 months, living the life. Celebrating and traveling all the things she loves. Her companion Jones certainly takes her to some fantastic places. It’s just the life she had always dreamed about living.
Jones never answers the many questions that Adele is asking. It’s more of a riddle me this type answers. Even though the questions never really get answered, the two are inseparable.
When the day comes that the leap of fate has to be made, will Adele ever find Jones again? Coming back to the real world, certainly her soul mate will be around somewhere easy for her to find.
This was a very unusual book for me to read. I’ve often wondered people who are in coma’s do they have thoughts, dreams, or can they hear what is going on around them? This book takes you on a journey like no other book I’ve read before.
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By: Stylo Fantome
4 Stars
Stylo Fantome has certainly made a name with me in her ability to write stories that make you think while reading them. This one was no exception!
Adele has been in a coma for 4 months, living the life. Celebrating and traveling all the things she loves. Her companion Jones certainly takes her to some fantastic places. It’s just the life she had always dreamed about living.
Jones never answers the many questions that Adele is asking. It’s more of a riddle me this type answers. Even though the questions never really get answered, the two are inseparable.
When the day comes that the leap of fate has to be made, will Adele ever find Jones again? Coming back to the real world, certainly her soul mate will be around somewhere easy for her to find.
This was a very unusual book for me to read. I’ve often wondered people who are in coma’s do they have thoughts, dreams, or can they hear what is going on around them? This book takes you on a journey like no other book I’ve read before.
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March 18, 2019
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 Baffling Stars
Excuse me for this incoherent review. In truth, I have no idea how to truly review the novel.
While I Was Away was most certainly original and unique, yet I wasn't blown away. There was just something that kept me from fully engaging with the story and the characters. There are many points-of-view, offering a different take on the world in which this takes place. Adele, her three brothers, her best friend, her boyfriend, and Jones. While not a large cast, all connecting to Adele, their stories are shown to add the depth to enrich the story.
The opener resonated with me, knowing exactly how Adele and Charlie felt in that moment. I experienced it in the middle of a restaurant, while sharing a meal, feeling as if reality was the dream, and I wanted to wake up and not be there with that person anymore.
Rendered comatose from a car accident minutes after breaking up with her boyfriend, Adele draws the reader on a trippy journey. While many will probably find this a beautiful portion of the story, I need to be honest. After a few 'trips', I starting skipping it to get to what was happening in reality. Not because I'm not a fan of the fantasy, but because it was too... perfect.
Truth be told, I missed the emotionally stunted train wrecks I'm used to reading- never thought I'd admit that, to be honest, always begging for a more mature take in books.
Adele is PERFECT.
Jones is PERFECT.
Adele's brothers are perfectly flawed in a way that makes them interesting, as is her best friend. That's what I was missing, were the flaws. I was torn because I enjoyed Ocean's storyline more than Adele's, because it felt 'real'. Even after waking and finding Jones, it still had a fogginess of anti-reality cast over the story, which took away from my enjoyment.
Charlie is shipped as being a good guy, but it only made him look like a spineless coward, along with the co-worker looking a bit predatory- wish them luck in a relationship predestined for failure due to the shady beginnings. What type of woman befriends someone to get 'close' to their significant other? Good luck, Charlie- you're going to need it. Even if it wasn't 'cheating' it still left a nasty taste in my mouth. Had nothing to do with the relationship ending/beginning and everything to do with how those who see themselves as nice guys generally aren't. Be a man, grow a set, and stop gaslighting the brothers for protecting their sister's honor, because you're too nutless to be honest. What crappy brothers would they be if they didn't say anything when catching their comatose sister's boyfriend macking on a her coworker in the hospital parking lot? Sure, we readers know, but the brothers didn't. Upon waking, perfect Adele gaslit her brothers too, wanting them to apologize for defending her against someone they saw as spineless. Not mind-readers, just saying...
That is my issue in a nutshell, the perfect Adele, Charlie, and Jones got on my nerves, as the rest of the imperfect cast shined brightly, because I found them interesting. Even the predatory co-worker was shown as being good, heart in the right place, to make Charlie happy. The rest of it felt too quick, instantaneous in the emotions before they had time to develop, to an fantasy genre degree. Ocean's storyline overpowered Adele's with the realism, overshadowing what was to be the beauty of the story.
I do feel bad for writing this review, as I warned it would be incoherent. I wanted to like it- I tried. I got what Fantome was attempting to create, and I'm sure it resonated with many readers, but for me, it missed the mark.
I won't forget the novel, that's for sure.
3.5 Baffling Stars
Excuse me for this incoherent review. In truth, I have no idea how to truly review the novel.
While I Was Away was most certainly original and unique, yet I wasn't blown away. There was just something that kept me from fully engaging with the story and the characters. There are many points-of-view, offering a different take on the world in which this takes place. Adele, her three brothers, her best friend, her boyfriend, and Jones. While not a large cast, all connecting to Adele, their stories are shown to add the depth to enrich the story.
The opener resonated with me, knowing exactly how Adele and Charlie felt in that moment. I experienced it in the middle of a restaurant, while sharing a meal, feeling as if reality was the dream, and I wanted to wake up and not be there with that person anymore.
Rendered comatose from a car accident minutes after breaking up with her boyfriend, Adele draws the reader on a trippy journey. While many will probably find this a beautiful portion of the story, I need to be honest. After a few 'trips', I starting skipping it to get to what was happening in reality. Not because I'm not a fan of the fantasy, but because it was too... perfect.
Truth be told, I missed the emotionally stunted train wrecks I'm used to reading- never thought I'd admit that, to be honest, always begging for a more mature take in books.
Adele is PERFECT.
Jones is PERFECT.
Adele's brothers are perfectly flawed in a way that makes them interesting, as is her best friend. That's what I was missing, were the flaws. I was torn because I enjoyed Ocean's storyline more than Adele's, because it felt 'real'. Even after waking and finding Jones, it still had a fogginess of anti-reality cast over the story, which took away from my enjoyment.
Charlie is shipped as being a good guy, but it only made him look like a spineless coward, along with the co-worker looking a bit predatory- wish them luck in a relationship predestined for failure due to the shady beginnings. What type of woman befriends someone to get 'close' to their significant other? Good luck, Charlie- you're going to need it. Even if it wasn't 'cheating' it still left a nasty taste in my mouth. Had nothing to do with the relationship ending/beginning and everything to do with how those who see themselves as nice guys generally aren't. Be a man, grow a set, and stop gaslighting the brothers for protecting their sister's honor, because you're too nutless to be honest. What crappy brothers would they be if they didn't say anything when catching their comatose sister's boyfriend macking on a her coworker in the hospital parking lot? Sure, we readers know, but the brothers didn't. Upon waking, perfect Adele gaslit her brothers too, wanting them to apologize for defending her against someone they saw as spineless. Not mind-readers, just saying...
That is my issue in a nutshell, the perfect Adele, Charlie, and Jones got on my nerves, as the rest of the imperfect cast shined brightly, because I found them interesting. Even the predatory co-worker was shown as being good, heart in the right place, to make Charlie happy. The rest of it felt too quick, instantaneous in the emotions before they had time to develop, to an fantasy genre degree. Ocean's storyline overpowered Adele's with the realism, overshadowing what was to be the beauty of the story.
I do feel bad for writing this review, as I warned it would be incoherent. I wanted to like it- I tried. I got what Fantome was attempting to create, and I'm sure it resonated with many readers, but for me, it missed the mark.
I won't forget the novel, that's for sure.
March 21, 2019
5+ Stars
I don’t think I have access to the words that would do this review just. I’m in utter AWE of the originality of this story. I’m STUNNED by the incredibly beautiful imagery of the sceneries and landscapes this story took me to. I’m BREATHLESS from the amount of emotion this story evoked in me. My heart soared at all the highs and was in free fall during all the lows...but one thing is for certain, my heart was in this story from the very beginning. And now that the story has ended, I feel like I left a part of me inside those pages. My chest aches with a combination of sadness and fulfillment. Fulfilling because the story spoke to my every dream of what love is and should be. Sad because in a real world, love isn’t always that beautiful. But we can only hope. And hope is what I take away from what I just read. Hope is what we all need to make ourselves, the people around us and even the world a better place. This BOOK made me FEEL good in so many ways.
Adele is in the prime of her life but at a point where she knows/feels like something is missing. Life is stagnant. But it’s not until the accident that she enters another realm where colors are brighter, and magic feels normal and the greenest eyes speak to her soul. No ones knows everything the mind is capable of. And we can only speculate what is possible for those in a coma. But whose to say that in a state like that, magic isn’t possible? Because, in my opinion, a story like this is magical. The possibility is in the eyes of those who believe. Soulmates are real and those lucky enough to find their soulmate are blessed. And with a love as transcendent as what Adele finds; where she believes whole-heartedly, without doubt that the love she found is more real than anything in her life - that’s magical. The conviction, the passion and strength she used to fight for and hold on to this deep burning, brilliantly shining and never-ending love...it had me a believer.
Stylô Fantome has always impressed me with her writing and story telling and I wouldn’t expect anything less than perfection; however THIS story has absolutely blown me away. It was gentle in its delivery, subtle in the way it captured my heart and captivating at how it never let go. Even writing this- my chest still feels fluttery and my head feels foggy. This is most definitely a book hangover I’m feeling and I can’t even imagine how ill feel tomorrow.
I don’t think I have access to the words that would do this review just. I’m in utter AWE of the originality of this story. I’m STUNNED by the incredibly beautiful imagery of the sceneries and landscapes this story took me to. I’m BREATHLESS from the amount of emotion this story evoked in me. My heart soared at all the highs and was in free fall during all the lows...but one thing is for certain, my heart was in this story from the very beginning. And now that the story has ended, I feel like I left a part of me inside those pages. My chest aches with a combination of sadness and fulfillment. Fulfilling because the story spoke to my every dream of what love is and should be. Sad because in a real world, love isn’t always that beautiful. But we can only hope. And hope is what I take away from what I just read. Hope is what we all need to make ourselves, the people around us and even the world a better place. This BOOK made me FEEL good in so many ways.
Adele is in the prime of her life but at a point where she knows/feels like something is missing. Life is stagnant. But it’s not until the accident that she enters another realm where colors are brighter, and magic feels normal and the greenest eyes speak to her soul. No ones knows everything the mind is capable of. And we can only speculate what is possible for those in a coma. But whose to say that in a state like that, magic isn’t possible? Because, in my opinion, a story like this is magical. The possibility is in the eyes of those who believe. Soulmates are real and those lucky enough to find their soulmate are blessed. And with a love as transcendent as what Adele finds; where she believes whole-heartedly, without doubt that the love she found is more real than anything in her life - that’s magical. The conviction, the passion and strength she used to fight for and hold on to this deep burning, brilliantly shining and never-ending love...it had me a believer.
Stylô Fantome has always impressed me with her writing and story telling and I wouldn’t expect anything less than perfection; however THIS story has absolutely blown me away. It was gentle in its delivery, subtle in the way it captured my heart and captivating at how it never let go. Even writing this- my chest still feels fluttery and my head feels foggy. This is most definitely a book hangover I’m feeling and I can’t even imagine how ill feel tomorrow.
September 14, 2019
While I Was Away - was a unique story of love that makes you believe in fate and soulmate. It transcends between dreams and reality. Stylo's writing was amazing, as always, it captivates me right from the start to finished. The secondary characters are worth meeting too. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and if you haven't read a book by this author, I recommend this one.
March 15, 2019
"From the first moment I met you, I knew you. Our souls were meant to meet, and will always meet. In this lifetime, in the next, in any reality, in any dream, wherever, whenever. I believe in that."
I am honestly at a loss for words as to how to start this review. I've read a couple of books by this author before and they were dark, raw and gritty. While I Was Away was nothing like that. It's a very unusual and original tale of a beautiful and intense love between two kindred spirits. But it's not just a love story. It's so much more than that. It's a story of hope and the strength of love. It's a story of grief and heartache. It is a story of strength and never giving up. This story will tear your heart out and then put it back together again.
Adele Reins was in a terrible accident, which left her in a coma for months. In this unconscious state, she meets Jones who brings all of her dreams to life. They travel around visiting such wonderful and exciting places. She thinks of him as her guardian angel all the while slowly falling in love with him. They are two souls destined to be together forever. But then the day comes when it's time to wake up and get back to reality. Will she ever see her beloved Jones again?
This story was such a powerful and thought provoking read. The writing was absolutely phenomenal. I felt like I was right there with these characters experiencing life as they did. In the end, I was left with the happiest of tears and the fullest of hearts. This left my emotions a mess, but in the best possible way. It gave me all of the feels and I couldn't possibly ask for more. This story is one that will touch everyone's life and take you on the most amazing journey.
I am honestly at a loss for words as to how to start this review. I've read a couple of books by this author before and they were dark, raw and gritty. While I Was Away was nothing like that. It's a very unusual and original tale of a beautiful and intense love between two kindred spirits. But it's not just a love story. It's so much more than that. It's a story of hope and the strength of love. It's a story of grief and heartache. It is a story of strength and never giving up. This story will tear your heart out and then put it back together again.
Adele Reins was in a terrible accident, which left her in a coma for months. In this unconscious state, she meets Jones who brings all of her dreams to life. They travel around visiting such wonderful and exciting places. She thinks of him as her guardian angel all the while slowly falling in love with him. They are two souls destined to be together forever. But then the day comes when it's time to wake up and get back to reality. Will she ever see her beloved Jones again?
This story was such a powerful and thought provoking read. The writing was absolutely phenomenal. I felt like I was right there with these characters experiencing life as they did. In the end, I was left with the happiest of tears and the fullest of hearts. This left my emotions a mess, but in the best possible way. It gave me all of the feels and I couldn't possibly ask for more. This story is one that will touch everyone's life and take you on the most amazing journey.
April 14, 2019
2 indifferent shrugs. I felt zero chemistry between the main couple. The side characters were all more interesting than the MC's.
March 20, 2019
Reading a book written by Stylo Fantome equals a journey into the unknown. She never ceases to amaze me. I should have known by now that reading the blurb of “while I was away” would do nothing in the way of preparing me for what was to follow actually reading the book.
Already wayyyyyyy before this book came I gave exactly this kind of plot a lot of thoughts due to some private reasons. So it was a no brainer that I had to see how Ms. Fantome worked on the obstacles and logistics. And she did good – with all the twists and turns – ups and downs she squeezed into the plot – gosh – there were times I really lost my way in this plot and I was wondering what might be happening next – and that is a something that does not happen to frequently.
Still I can not help myself but for the second time within one week I have the line “Alice in Wonderland” on the tip of my tongue - . And if this would be a movie there would be a Johnny Depp in the cast because this whole plot is an explosion of color. It is bizarre to say the least – and still it manages to be romantic. It is a rollercoaster of emotions and at the same time you think there have to be drugs involved in this story.
I think this book is one of a kind and I would recommend it with a line like … If you ever felt you wanted to read a love story for adults that felt like Alice in Wonderland – look no further.
My “negative” point … (if you can call it that) I felt there were to many plot strings. Meaning – while I loved all the secondary characters all of their plot strings were to prominent. Sometimes I was about to loose my way wondering which character should have the main attention…
Which makes me wonder in hindsight – maybe that was intentional by the author – I would not put it past her … I just wonder why ? hmmmm
Anyway – 4 stars for this really surprising book Beautifully written and I will never hesitate to pick up a book by this author if the blurb appeals to me as she never ceases to amaze me.
While it really surprised me in a positive way - I felt I could not keep my focus on the leading characters and therefore I was not 100% into the emotional rollercoaster as I should have been.
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March 21, 2019
"Here is now.”
I absolutely love diving into a new Stylo Fantôme without reading the blurb, I love the surprise. And what a surprise it was! Stylo once again explored a new thematic, in a stunning universe and a gripping story.
“You won't lose me,” she promised. “You'll fall!”“Fall with me.”
The visual I had all along was vivid and truly dashing. The colors, the paintings, the scenery seemed to a be a part of the book, as much as the characters and their emotions.
“Love isn't always easy or fair, but that doesn't stop it from being true.”
Tragic and yet so beautiful, Adele and Jones' connection, their epic love felt incredible. This is definitely a book that made me feel good. The energy, the positivity and magic surrounding the protagonists wrapped me in a bubble I would have loved staying in, just like them.
Sweet moments swirled with heartbreaking scenes.
"How do you keep going forward when there's nothing ahead of you?"
The fantasy and the magic enhanced the poetry the author instilled in her book.
The idea of destiny was amazingly handled, with ingenuity and great taste.
“I like that. This now. Let's be in the now together.”
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
I absolutely love diving into a new Stylo Fantôme without reading the blurb, I love the surprise. And what a surprise it was! Stylo once again explored a new thematic, in a stunning universe and a gripping story.
“You won't lose me,” she promised. “You'll fall!”“Fall with me.”
The visual I had all along was vivid and truly dashing. The colors, the paintings, the scenery seemed to a be a part of the book, as much as the characters and their emotions.
“Love isn't always easy or fair, but that doesn't stop it from being true.”
Tragic and yet so beautiful, Adele and Jones' connection, their epic love felt incredible. This is definitely a book that made me feel good. The energy, the positivity and magic surrounding the protagonists wrapped me in a bubble I would have loved staying in, just like them.
Sweet moments swirled with heartbreaking scenes.
"How do you keep going forward when there's nothing ahead of you?"
The fantasy and the magic enhanced the poetry the author instilled in her book.
The idea of destiny was amazingly handled, with ingenuity and great taste.
“I like that. This now. Let's be in the now together.”
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
April 9, 2019
This was such a cute and heartfelt book. I loved it. I did feel as though the end was rushed a bit, I wish there had been more time to see Jones really get into grip with the whole true love thing. Still, it was a wonderful book.
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