Woke

CHICK-LIT:  When she is drugged on her 21st birthday, Aurora spends the next decade in a coma.  After a long road to recovery, it is time for Aurora to reclaim her life and discover what happened that night. While Kincade has his own reasons for helping Aurora, for now, he is keeping that and his true identity to himself. He cannot, however, hide his growing feelings for the one-time socialite. When the two join forces, nothing can stop them from finding the answers they seek or stop the powerful emotions developing between them as they search for the truth.

For readers who want a bit of suspense with their romance, “Woke” is a modern retelling of “Sleeping Beauty.”  The story has a slow pace and the suspense is fairly predictable with the ending foreseeable practically from the first chapter. Although the poisoning aspect feels more suitable for a daytime soap drama, the story as a whole never comes off as cheap or gimmicky. The romance takes a backseat to the mystery and the heroine’s growth, making the novel more about personal strength and perseverance. The characters are dynamic as well, with a tender, swoon-worthy hero and secondary characters readers will love—and love to hate. Some readers may be put off by the abrupt ending that concentrates on another couple’s happily ever after versus the main couple, but it feels consistent with the rest of the book. That being said, there are many who will appreciate the powerful final paragraphs for their simple yet potent message.

Arec Rain