Review: Unique romance...with a bit of suspense and steam
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 22, 2014
Wake For Me is a unique contemporary romance that provides suspense, mystery, love, humor, and a bit of steam. While I ended up loving the book, I did have mixed feelings at first since it took me a good 75 pages or so before I was completely involved.I won't totally rehash the plot but briefly, Viola, who is a beautiful, wealthy, and spoiled young woman, falls into a coma. Her attending intern, the sweet, cute, nerdy Sam, is fascinated with her. He spends his time talking to her and sharing his thoughts and secrets, never thinking she could hear him. Of course during this time, strong feelings develop and as she awakes, the story takes some captivating twists and turns, drawing you in till the end.There is no question that Isobel Irons is a talented author, this book probably being a step above much of the romance out there. The author provides well developed characters who were so likeable, they had me emotionally invested...especially Sam. He is the anti romance bad-boy, and you'll love him. Viola, although rich and spoiled, was smart, witty and likable...seemed more than her 19 years. The side characters added to the story, especially Sam's best friend, Brady, who provided most of the comic relief.The chapters alternate between Sam's and Viola's POV. I may be in the minority, but my problem with the book came mostly during Viola's coma chapters. These combined Viola's abstract dreams along with disoriented memories of her past, the reality of what was going on in her hospital room, and the things that Sam was saying to her. While I understand the purpose of this and found it creative, it became frustrating to read after so much of it. I found myself distracted and having to force myself to read on. I felt that a little of the abstract "dreaming" went a long way and could have been edited out a bit...just my opinion. Also, later in the book, I was left with a couple questions that could have been explained, making the story a little more believable.I loved the slow buildup to romance. There was no gratuitous sex, but just enough steam in the right places to add to the story. I also loved the dialog, especially the "drunk dial"! I do wish there could have been just a bit more at the end, since it felt a little cut short. If you find yourself wondering if you will continue with the book, keep going because you will find a wonderful, sweet, and suspenseful romance.