The second book in a heart-consuming series. Ollie.Forget everything you thought you knew. Hell, I don’t even know myself anymore. For seven months I’ve been gone only to come back to be tested in every way possible. They say keep your enemies close, and my demons welcomed me back with open arms. My downfall is a necessary evil. But Mia is my endgame.Mia.Seven months ago, Ollie surrendered to the … ago, Ollie surrendered to the darkness, abandoning me in the process. He stripped me of my walls only to leave me defenseless. Now he’s back, along with fresh new faces and obstacles standing in our way. He says trust no one. Not even him. How am I supposed to be strong for us both when I’m losing my grip?
“Just stay with me, Mia.”
“Even when you’re gone?”
“Especially when I’m gone.”
more
poetic!
This book is epic ! Brilliant ! Inexplicably intensely emotional !
Just take all my stars ! 5 isn’t enough !!!
The ride from the first book through to this one and soon to be a third which I’m sure will be equally as beautifully tragic!
Firstly , make sure you have read ‘stay with me’ first as this is the second book in the series and you will be totally confused and lost if you don’t , but don’t worry it’s addictively intense and equally as brilliant as this one.
Mia and OLLIE are poetic. Everything about them as individuals and together is intense and perfectly imperfect .
And Ollie … he’s way with words .. stunning !!!
This book has a few twists and surprises and had me hooked from beginning to end .
This author has a special way with words that will hook you, grab your heart and squeeze it, scare you, warm you and cover you in love, drown you in emotion until you feel like you almost can’t breathe only to release you in time , and draws you to the characters in a way that feels like your fully immersed in their world . Just brilliant !
I CAN NOT wait for book three !!
Trigger warning – issues such as sexual assault and suicide are talked about in this book and may be a trigger for some .
FIVE poem stars for MIA and OLLIE !!!
I still can’t believe that “Stay With Me” is Nicole’s debut book because it’s brilliant, but that is nothing compared to “Even When I’m Gone”, the second book this series !
The first book was an emotional roller coaster.
There were a few times when my tears were dropping trough my face but this one was also emotional and shattered my heart a lot of times.
Nicole Fiorina has a beautiful writing style that penetrates the soul.
I felt everything.
Every each word touched my heart.
My soul.
My mind.
In these two books, she wrote about true life problems, mental health and social issues in the way I didn’t find in any other book with these topics.
Mia and Oliver’s relationship is all but ordinary.
They started as enemies who fought each other until they became conscious of the connection between them.
And just when I thought they finally found their happily ever after, something happened to separate them apart.
Epilog shocked me and I can’t wait to read the next book in series !!!
If you’re looking for a book that wrecks your emotions, this is a book for you !!!
Highly recommended!!!
Twist, turns, suspense… A truly epic love story! This book will draw you in and leave you wanting more! I cannot wait for the next installment, I’m not so patiently waiting…Nicole Fiorina
‘Even When I’m Gone’ kicks us right back into the epic stories of Ollie and Mia. For seven months the two have been separated, Mia having no idea where Ollie is. When Ollie makes his return to Dolor, it’s not the heartwarming reunion that is hoped for. There are things happening that are working to keep Mia and Ollie apart. At the end of the day, they both know they love each other, but is their love enough?
This book was gut-wrenching. This one is one that consumed me while I was reading it. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, Nicole would throw me for a loop. I don’t think I have enough of the right words to describe this book. Parts had my in tears, parts of it had me smiling so wide my face hurt, parts had me wanting to scream. Every. Single. Emotion. That is what this book evoked in me while reading. It was the best though, honestly, this book was beyond perfection. The parts of life that many don’t think about, are the parts that Nicole is diving into head first in her books. I thought ‘Stay With Me’ was epic but holy smokes, ‘Even When I’m Gone’ is even more so. This is a must read, and a top read of 2019 for me.
Even When I’m Gone is the second book in the Stay with Me series by Nicole Fiorina. After finishing, all I can say is that I’m speechless! Absolutely SPEECHLESS!! My mind is reeling from this book. It was everything I have come to expect from this author since reading SWM, but times a thousand.
Ollie and Mia own my soul.
This series owns my soul.
Nicole is able to take real life mental health and social issues, insert them into a fictional world, and create some of the most impactful characters/stories I have ever read.
This novel takes you on one hell of a ride. There were times I was so mad at the characters that I was yelling at my Kindle, and then at other times I was so filled with sorrow because my heart was breaking for them. The unique twists and turns in the story-line kept me on my toes. I never really knew what was going to happen next or who the real villains were.
The only way to describe this authors writing is Poetic. Every single word, sentence, paragraph contained within EWIG takes you on an emotional journey which is like nothing I have ever experienced before. There is so much feeling contained within these pages that it is impossible not to get sucked into this world, become entangled with these characters, and experience the dangers and surprises within for yourself. EVERYTHING about this book speaks to me.
Nicole has become an automatic 1-click author for me. I cannot wait for book 3 in this series. Actually, I cannot wait for more writing P.E.R.I.O.D from Nicole Fiorina.
This book! I don’t even know how to review this! This is definitely one of, if not the top series I’ve read this year!
Nicole Fiorina is such an amazing writer. I seriously can’t believe these books are her debut novels. What incredible talent!
This book takes you on a totally emotional ride. This book tore me up & had my anxiety through the roof. I have a MAJOR book hangover and having serious trouble waiting for the next book.
It has so many elements and layers to it.
Angst
Tragedy
Suspense
Thriller
Romance
I can’t do this book justice. It has so many twist and turns that just keep you glued to the book to find out what happens next! I absolutely could not put it down. GO GET THIS BOOK, RUN AND ONE CLICK THIS SERIES.
There may be triggers for some in this book.
He was both the hero and villain in our love story, saving me only to ruin me.
Even When I’m Gone (Stay With Me series Book 2) by Nicole Fiorina. Let me just start off by saying, this book, as well as Stay With Me, has completely wrecked me! This is a three-book series so book one MUST be read first. If you have not read Stay With Me yet, you may want to skip this review, as there may be spoilers.
With that said, you know how some series, they usually peak at book one and then it’s all downhill after that? Well, I was worried that would be the case with Stay With Me and Even When I’m Gone. As freaking AMAZING as SWM was, I thought nooo freakin way could EWIG be anywhere even close to as captivating as that… yeaaa I was wrong!
It has taken me two weeks to sit down and finally write this review, and STILL, I doubt I’ll be able to properly express just how AMAZING this story really is. These books are far from an easy read. The journey we are on with Mia and Ollie is intense and most definitely not for the faint of heart, but I promise you, you won’t find ANYTHING like this emotional, gripping series!
For a love everlasting,
make her roses out of paper.
For a love as poetic,
make her roses out of literature.
And if you’re really lucky enough to find both,
remind her every damn day.
—Oliver Masters
There is no way I can review Even When I’m Gone without first talking about Stay With Me. Stay With Me is where we first learn of Dolor Reformatory Collage, as where we first meet Mia and Ollie. EWIG begins seven months later from where the story left off.
In Stay With Me, we have Mia, who felt absolutely nothing. But Ollie, Ollie felt EVERYTHING. Now, in Even When I’m Gone, their roles have reversed and it’s Mia’s turn to bring Ollie back from the darkness that his medicated mind has engulfed him in.
I want you to love me anyway,” a single, lost tear trickled down his cheek, “Give me a year to get better, and I’ll give you a lifetime.
But the process will be a heartbreaking, grueling one. If you think Ollie went through hell trying to save Mia from herself, you haven’t seen anything yet…
She was my life source, and even though I was confused by a lot. I was certain of one thing: I needed her. Like breathing, I fucking needed her.
The second half of Even When I’m Gone, has things FINALLY improving for Ollie and Mia… But this book is a rollercoaster of emotions and just when you think it’s OK to finally take a breath… BAM! The angst will slap you right across the face!
The cruel irony is
you are my forever
but not my right now.
—Oliver Masters
Even When I’m Gone is an emotionally, devastating, heartbreaking, new adult romance filled with so much angst that it will rip your heart to shreds only to turn around and piece it back together again. Just when I think that there can’t possibly be any more twists and that I’m starting to figure things out, BAM! I LOVE books that leave me guessing (because usually, I know what’s what right off the jump) but not EWIG! Fiorina kept me on my toes until the very last page, and even then, I was still guessing!
There may be a storm inside my head,
but never get between me and my heart.
That is a battle you will lose every time.
—Oliver Masters
The constant build-up in this book had my heart beating out of my chest… I was so anxious the entire time I was reading. I am so invested in these characters, and their relationship. There were some scenes where I couldn’t catch my breath because I had been holding it for so long, some scenes where I was literally shaking while reading because I was so upset with the choices they were making. My heart couldn’t catch up!
Because love is constant. When you love someone, you can be angry with them, you can hate them, you can be upset or disappointed in them, but you never stop loving them because love endures all other emotions.
I have NEVER, EVERRR cried as much as I have while reading these two books you guys! Nicole Fiorina is KILLING IT! I may or may not have a mini girl crush on her. I mean how can you not? Did you see her DEBUT novel? Shit like this just doesn’t usually come from a FIRST RELEASE! But here she is, with her SECOND release, killing it all over again! Nicole has created these perfectly imperfect, flawed characters that you will love anyways. They make mistakes, they fucked up, but still, you know who THEY are and you can’t help but continue to root for them. The way Fiorina composes this poetic dialogue, absolutely amazing. I highlighted so much of this book that it took me an hour just to go through and figure out which quotes I would add to my review because if I had added everything I highlighted there would have been nothing left for you to read!
Nicole Fiorina, remember the name ya’ll because I have a feeling we will be seeing a whole lot more of it EVERYWHERE!
Sometimes all we need
is someone who will
sit in the dark with us.
—Oliver Masters
I was so empathetic towards both, Ollie and Mia. I’ve dealt with my own mental health issues and in some aspects, I could relate to BOTH of them in different ways. I am so, so invested in this book, and these characters. BRAV-FUCKING-O Nicole, I know I said it already but YOU ARE FUCKING KILLING IT!
We’re Ollie and Mia. Not some bloody love story or fairy tale. Those all have endings… Real love never dies.
There is so much character growth with Mia in EWIG. She has overcome so much and STILL, she continues to battle. Battle her own mind, battle for Ollie and his love, battle an unknown prankster who is determined to hurt her… that girl is so much stronger then she gives herself credit for.
Because just as much as she was all— consuming, she was imperfect and honest—the representation of love. Consuming. Imperfect. Honest.
My Ollie He is such a beautiful, brilliant, unique soul. I fell in love with Ollie in SWM, but in EWIG, I felt so, so, so much more for him. We learn a lot more about Ollie’s background, and all the things that he had to endure as a child and as a young teen. Seeing who Ollie turned into while he was on those god awful meds… KILLED ME! In EWIG, Ollie wasn’t the Ollie that we all know and love. There were quite a few scenes that were literally hard to stomach, but I just tried to keep remembering, THIS wasn’t Ollie. Not our Ollie and afterward, no one could hate him more than he hated himself.
If you don’t walk out of here with Mia, know there are other fish in the sea.
In an instant, my smile faded. “You don’t get it. Mia is the sea.
I swear Ollie and Mia can’t catch a break. It’s one turmoil after another. They went through a lot in Stay With Me, but in Even When I’m Gone, I feel like EVERY single thing they went through was destined to tear them apart. But I absolutely love seeing their love push on through every single trial and tribulation. They prove time and time again, soulmates really do exist.
Utterly stripped, unarmed, and exposed, the unity of us was a beautiful thing, and there was only one word to describe it.
Poetic.
The secondary characters, I was really upset with most of them. All because of a cruel prank Mia, who at that point had already “lost” Ollie, then lost almost EVERYONE who was SUPPOSED to be her friend. Turns out they didn’t care nearly as much about her as they once claimed too. I will say, Mia, forgave way to easy. Which was yet again another way we saw how just how much more Mia had grown.
You’re Mia and Ollie. Never broken, only bent.
Then there was Zeke. The relationship that both Mia and Ollie have with him is the sweetest thing ever. We saw a little of that in SWM but we saw a lot more of the connection they both have with him, and him with each of them, in EWIG. Finding out Ollie’s plans for him and Zeke, as well as Mia, when they were finally able to get out of Dolar makes me Ollie him even more. I can’t even write about Zeke…
I just needed someone to hold me because when my eyes closed, the ache surfaced. Ollie wasn’t here to take it away, but Ethan was.
Ethan Scott became a very big part of the story this time around. We first met Ethan as the police officer who came to Dolar after the incident between Mia and Ollie’s brother Oscar. This time around, he is a security officer at Dolar and the seven months that Ollie has been gone, he’s developed a very unique relationship with Mia. He became her friend and her confidant when she had no one else.
You’re desperate, I know, but
his touch is never going to fix it.
You’re empty, I know, but
he can never fill the place I once did.
I warned you, my love, but
you’re stubborn and never listen.
—Oliver Masters
That ending, that epilogue… OMG, I am STILL speechless. I just KNEW that there was more going on, but just when I thought I had figured it out, something would happen and it would throw me off the trail. BUT, what ACTUALLY is going on, yea I NEVER saw that coming!!! SPEECHLESS!! Now I’m left feeling a plethora of emotions that I STILL haven’t been able to work out yet. Talk about a book hangover!!!
Perhaps you were here to remind everyone that
angels are real,
in the shape of humanity and the color of grace.
And for a brief moment in time,
we all sang the same song.
—Oliver Masters
Stay With Me and Even When I’m Gone are not only on my Top Reads Of 2019 list, but they are also on my top reads EVER list and I highly doubt they’ll be knocked off any time soon! Now I am impatiently waiting for book three. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking out Stay With Me and Even When I’m Gone.
Consuming, timeless, unselfish, love. I’d loved you in my darkest hour when I wasn’t myself, and I’ll love you in every lifetime after this.
.
The Emotion this book evokes from you, the characters – all the situations and words said – this book is SO AMAZING!! I’m mind blown, in awe, anger and love with Nicole Fiorina (I’ve already told her this btw!). This emotional, gut wrenching book is definitely one TOP 10 read of 2019!! This twisted, mental and emotional romance is so different and truly is a tale of emotionally-twisted lovers that never should bee, but are so PERFECT together.
Hands down – YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!!! It will ruin most of the other books you’ve read this year!! I flipped the pages of this book so fast – I got nothing else accomplished. It was an obsession I couldn’t stop thinking about and had to have no matter the consequences. Her words captivated me and when the ending came – the way I felt was overwhelming. I NEED MORE ALREADY!!!
I had to take about 4 hours to write this review. I was heartbroken, emotional, overwhelmed – you name it, I felt it. Her books gave me insight into these forbidden, unheard of parts of life. She throws this chaotic, psychotic, overwhelming, unemotional tale and BLOWS YOUR MIND!! I can honestly say I’ve never read a romance like this ever before. She broaches topics that are considered forbidden, but takes them and writes an unbelievable romance that will shake you to your core!!!
When starting with Stay With Me, I fell hard for Ollie and Mia. The ending slayed me. This book takes that book, leaves off where it the previous book left off, and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings that you don’t want – but can’t help but feel. I experimented such awe between the characters. The support, love, uncontrollable emotions (literally!), and everything that encompasses Ollie and Mia. Ollie and Mia’s dialogue are so perfect and will give you the willpower to continue on. Their words hit you deep and soak into your soul.
Ollie and Mia. Emotionally-crossed lovers that find each other, but everything has a tendency to get in the way of them. Medication – people – situations: you name it, it has happened. Their story is one that has you literally holding on for dear life!! I have NO WORDS to describe what happens without ruining the whole story for you. In this book, you learn some insights into the past, gaining perspective into WHY Ollie and Mia are the way they are. So many influences are at play in this book. Hold on tight – it’s a bumpy, sensual, overwhelming tale you won’t get over quickly!! (Warning: Book 3, I’m assured, is coming as quickly as she can!! This ends on a cliffhanger!!)
So do I recommend this book – HIGHLY!! Stars: 10+ stars
“ , .”
“ ’ ?”
‘ ’ .”
What have you done Nicole? I don’t know where to start I’m just in shock
Please tell me that the third book is coming soon, After all, the book cannot end there
After the previous stunning book, Mia and Oliver are now separate
Past months until fate brings them together again
Mia is now comforted by Ethan, who is her guard
She also has a good relationship with Zeke and girls
New characters enter the game, the series gets more complicated and exciting
Mystery, Action-packed, jealousy so many secrets in the book twists you can’t even imagine
The relationship between Mia and Olli is completely messed up,
And again, Mia is in danger if it seems that the problems are finally over,
this is just the beginning
Strange things are going to happen in school,
Someone plays terrible games with them
You can no longer trust anyone
This book kept me excited from start to finish,
the story is unfinished though there are answers who is behind these events,
there are still many questions out there and what happens next?
But I enjoyed this book even though it was emotional and dramatic that still made me cry
Story told Oliver and Mia point of views but also somebody else
Thank you!
I’m so beyond words right now you guys. My heart, my head. My feels all around are a jumbled mess. I knew going in I was in trouble, But what I didn’t think, what I couldn’t have anticipated was how much more I was going to become invested in this series, in these characters, in their lives. I legit felt like I was at Dolar. I was in these scenes with them, almost like I’m one of them. Me…The character with no name, but she’s there in the background, in a room, in the cafeteria.
Okay, but seriously!! Like that’s how good the writing is here, y’all. I felt every cut, hit, bruise and heartache, and devastating loss. Like in my heart!!
“The cruel irony is you are my forever but not my right now.”—Oliver Masters
I really don’t want to give anything about this book away, it really would be a disservice to Nicole’s hard work, so I will just say… buckle up! Ollie and Mia’s journey is a bumpy ride. It’s full of twists, and turns and unexpected hills and dips. It’s far from over. This is only the second of three books. And I feel though we aren’t anywhere near the surface yet we are starting to see some light. If that make sense?!? There are secrets and lies and I can’t imagine what’s going to happen to them when some of these things come out.
This book was crazy in that characters we loved in the first book absolutely shocked the doodle out of us this go round. Like total 180’s y’all. I was like who are you?!?! That’s how shocked you will be. Like mind blown kinda shock! (It was awesome)
One thing I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE is this author is giving us so many glimpses of different types of mental illnesses in the different characters personalities. Mental illness doesn’t fit in a box, and I love that she is opening up awareness to that. She has crafted this amazing story that’s allowing her to bring much needed awareness to some real world issues while also telling and spectacular story. But she’s doing it so well as not to pull us into a pit of dispair by the sad things that do happen in the book, and yes there are some sad things. But the way it’s written, is to remind us and get us thinking. That’s the mark of her talent y’all! I look forward to not only this third book, but what she does in the future with other books. I especially can’t wait for the rest of My Ollie and my Mia. Now I’m not exactly sure what’s just over the horizon for my loves, but because I believe they are inevitable and beautiful and perfectly made for each other I have faith that my HEA is coming in this next book and will be worthy of the journey it took to get there!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– This book is like putting your heart and head in a blender. It leaves you a jumble of a hot mess, and you knew it would going in and willingly did it anyways. AND I WOULD DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN! I’m in awe of Nicole Fiorina!! Ready for #3 now!
-ANY time Ollie and Mia are near each other sparks could literally ignite the building. They are made for each other. It’s hot, and smokin sweet totally #PERFECTION
Cliffhanger Warning- CLIFFHANGER. THIS IS BOOK OF A 3 BOOK SERIES
Trigger Warning- This book definitely has some subjects that are sensitive to some readers and could be considered triggers. Since I won’t post spoilers and this is a book that deals with mental illness, if you would like anymore information about possible triggers or sensitive issues, feel free to PM me.
The second part of Mia and Ollie’s story was not without heartache, but it was also filled with hope. This book is filled with darkness, twists and turns, and an ending that will have you longing for the rest of the story! I cannot wait to read the final book in this trilogy!
Book 2 in the Stay with Me series by Nicole Fiorina picks up a few months after book 1 and follows Mia and Ollie’s tortured romance. I will be honest, i was eager and afraid to read this novel. I wanted to read this book through my fingers, terrified that my heart was going to be destroyed. I devoured this book, unable to stop reading or put it down. The prose was just beautiful and conjured imagery that was almost tangible. The references to music interspersed throughout the story expanded the emotions and tone and Nicole Fiorina has a playlist as well which elevates the reader’s experience. I don’t think I have highlighted as many lines in a novel since I took literature classes during my undergrad, and never purely for pleasure. This novel addresses issues of mental illness, bullying, self harm, suicide, sexual assault and personal growth. These topics can be difficult to address but are done in such a way that the reader feels not only invested in the struggles of the characters, but also as if they too have grown simply by consuming the words on the page. This book will leave its mark on your soul, and you will not regret one word of it.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily give my honest review.
Holy hell in a handbasket…breath gone! I’ve been over here pacing back and forth waiting for this book since reading the last word in Stay With Me. How do you talk about a book when you don’t want to give anything away? How do you describe your feelings about a book when it feels like it’s come to life?…it must be real because I felt every emotion, every breath, every twist, every turn…everything!
Mia and Ollie need to get their HEA and I could not be more invested in seeing that happen, but damn, the odds are against them. Their love makes my heart soar, but then my heart would break. The ups and downs and ins and outs were the ultimate emotional roller coaster and there were so many times I was terrified to turn the page.
My heart, my tears, and my mind are all staying with this story while I continue to pace back and forth until Book 3 hits my kindle!
*I was generously provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I would say I’m speechless, but that is utterly incorrect. I simply have too many thoughts running around in my head to articulate them accordingly. So this is your warning that this may be a jumbled mess, but I promise it is a well-meaning jumbled mess.
If I could give this book all the stars in the book universe I would. In my honest opinion, this book is a complete and utter masterpiece. Nicole, please know that you truly are so very talented. You have quickly become one of my favorite authors. This is only your second book and yet, they’ve both managed to touch me so deeply. So thank you. And I hope that you’ll continue writing until you feel you’ve said everything you need to say. Just know I’ll always listen. You’re absolutely amazing & I’m in awe of your work.
I don’t want to get into specifics, but just understand that my love for this book (and now this series) runs extremely deep. I’m so in love with Ollie it’s scary. Not to mention Mia. Their relationship is real, complex, and so incredibly beautiful. The love they share is absolutely unbelievable & I cannot describe it to you. It’s just the best. You’ll have to read it for yourself on October 29th
I’ll say one more thing: this book reminded me why I love reading so much. My favorites are those books that make you feel. Any emotion really. From the moment you start them it feels like they have your heart and soul in a vise grip. You cry. You laugh. You scream. Maybeeee even throw things. The point is, the stories are told in a way that you’re completely wrapped up in every single character and what they’re doing. Their feelings are yours. And you feel as though you’re in the story. That is exactly how this book makes me feel. It flowed so effortlessly. Made me feel so completely that I never wanted it to end. I did all those things I described (and probably more. It’s honestly kind of a blur ). This book is truly one of my favorite things I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading and I hope with all my heart you’ll read it too
Oh and P.S. this is book 2 in a series so if you haven’t read Stay With Me yet, please do that first!!
P.P.S. Shout out to Zeke. I still love him with all of my heart. With book two, my love only became stronger
ARC REVIEW
Speechless.
That’s all that comes to my mind right now. I can’t form coherent thought, I can’t calm my erratic heart and I sure as h*ll can’t do anything without thinking about this book.
‘Even When I’m Gone’ by the extremely talented and shockingly poetic Nicole Fiorina.
This is the sequel of Ollie and Mia’s crazy story. It picks up right where we left off in ‘Stay With Me’ and just manages to bring you back to that crazy and unique world the author created with the very first words you read.
If you are like me, and read other books between ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Even When I’m Gone’, then you are in for a treat. Sometimes it’s to easy to remember all the actions, characters and feelings you had when reading a sequel of a book you know you loved, but its this one it was a whole other story.
I am not even sure how to describe it but as soon as I read the prologue of the sequel, it was as if a dam had been broken inside me and everything I had felt, read and loved from book one came rushing back to me, wrapping my whole being in this cocoon of memories. I never thought something like that was even possible, and yet Nicole Fiorina made it happen.
If you have read book one, then you know how out-of-the-ordinary Nicole’s writing is, how she creates magic and poetry with her words, how her characters speak to your soul and their actions reflect in your eyes. You know how crazy her books can be and how to always expect the unexpected.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when starting ‘Even When I’m Gone’ but man-oh-man was it nothing I ever imagined. This book is a very powerful, very crazy rollercoaster of emotions, and I mean this literally.
My heart was pumping so hard, my palms were sweaty and my nerves shot, all thanks to the power of some words.
This sequel is everything book one was and more. It is shocking, mysterious, maddening, infuriating and most of all powerfully passionate.
The events in this book might be triggers for some readers, and you might not agree with the character’s actions but let e tell you, if even one of those said actions was different, it would’ve impacted the whole book. Every detail, every whisper, every look is important in the making of this book to create such a powerful story that speaks to your soul and reflects the characters to a T.
Mia has come such a long way since the first book, she’s changed and matured, she is and isn’t the girl she once was. She is still strong and unstoppable, stubborn and a fighter, she doesn’t give up, doesn’t stop fighting no matter how hard it gets. But she is also loving and caring, ready to defend those she loves with all her might and soul, she is understanding and forgiving, even though sometimes you may not agree with her. Mia tries to do right by those that surround her, even when it hurts so much a gush of wind could break her, she puts all she has in her to do it, especially when it comes to Ollie.
Ollie is still the same sensitive guy we know and love on the inside, but on the outside there’s a constant battle going on, a constant battle between his body, mind and soul to do what’s right and to come to a mutual understanding. Sh*t gets hard for him real quick and he will have to constantly fight with all his might, to fight against the darkness and his demons, to fight against the numbness, even when giving up sounds like a delicious idea, he has to fight. Fight for himself. Fight for Mia. Fight for those who own a piece of his heart.
If I thought book one was crazy enough, then you can’t imagines my reaction when I started reading ‘Even When I’m Gone’ only to find out that on a scale from 1 to 10, the craziness was pumped up to a 100.
You will think you know what’s happening, you will be sure you have it all figured out, you will be confident you are a genius and prepare for what you think it’s going to happen.
But you will be wrong.
Every corner you turn you will be knocked down on you *ss. Every plot twist will have your head spinning. Even tear you cry will make you realized how powerful this book is. Every nervous, crazy, full-of-happiness laugh will make you think of how talented this new author is. Every break and tear your heart and soul will have to go through during this journey will only give way for these characters to infiltrate your whole being, making themselves a part of you until the end of times.
I might sound crazy, you might think ‘how can a book elicit all these reactions from a reader? All I can tell you is that even I don’t know.
I don’t know how something so weird and crazy can be loving and powerful at the same time. How simple words can help you build a world in your head that will be your safe haven. How an author can touch your soul through the story she decides to tell.
But what I Can tell you is that this book did it all. This book touched my heart and soul. This book made me laugh, cry, worry, smile and hurt, but I couldn’t be any more grateful, because this book opened my eyes and mind, because this book changed the way I think and inspired me to do things I never thought I’d be capable of doing.
And it will inspire you too, if only you are willing to bare your soul to it and start reading ’Stay With Me’, ‘Even When I’m Gone’ and everything that will come after.
Nicole, you did it again! You created magic in front of my eyes and challenged my mind and soul to be crazy, be wild, be free.
I applaud you and your amazing talent that can bring even the strongest of people to their knees.
Ohh how I love Ollie and Mia so much. They completely own my heart. Since the end of book 1, Stay with Me I have been eagerly awaiting book 2, Even When I’m Gone and I can tell you the wait was so worth it. I loved every single written word. This author is a master of her craft. Beautifully poetic writing like I have never read before. The emotion you feel will hold you captive from the first to last page!
The growth in Mia’s character from the start of book 1 until the 2nd book is TREMENDOUS. She is a FIGHTER! She has overcome so much and the fact that she is still pushing on is inspiring. I especially loved Mia’s relationship with Zeke. She has such a huge soft spot for him and it completely pulls at your heartstrings.
The book deals with anxiety, depression, suicide and other mental illnesses so be warned that this book is not for those that can not handle these sensitive subjects. But if you can you will appreciate the way Nicole tackles these subjects. It’s so real, raw and emotional!
Ollie’s character completely slayed me. He has such a unique soul. When he feels, you feel. In book 2 we learn more about Ollie’s background and what he had to endure growing up and once you realize how far he has come to get to where he is today you will be awestruck.
There is so much more I could say but I want to keep this review spoiler free. So just know that the minute you finish the last page you will be stunned and realing for the 3rd book because I know I was!
Thank you so much Nicole for another amazing book, and for generously providing me with an advanced reader copy, in exchange of an honest review.
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This book…. it is so utterly breathtaking. I cannot get over Nicole’s writing and how much emotion is pouring through each page. This series is so different from other books of this genre and I just can’t get enough of it. My heart skipped beats multiple times throughout this book and I was constantly fighting back tears. My eyes stayed glued to every word, a lump stuck in my through, and my heart pounding while I envisioned the turmoil that Mia and Ollie were going though.
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Mia and Ollie are everything. Their connection, their passion, their basic need for each other is felt throughout this entire book. Each of them is such a strong character in their own way. They have both been through hell and found ways to cope on their own but are so much stronger and better with each other. They breathe life into one another.
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This series became one of my favorites within the first chapter of Stay With Me and is only digging itself deeper under my skin with every continuing word. I have more highlights/saved quotes from these books than any other and that was just after the first read, I always add more with every re-read. I’ll just have to keep reading SWM and EWIG over and over again until book 3 gets released.
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Nicole has written another phenomenal book. I absolutely loved book 1 and instantly fell in love with Mia and Ollie.
I was so excited to read this but also nervous because how could it get better and WOW it so did, this book, this series is everything.
This is beautifully dark, insightful and so poetic that i got lost in the words and felt every bit of the emotion behind the words written.
Nicole’s writting is so descriptive that i could see the scenes of the story so vividly it was breathtaking.
Im in awe of her writting and in her detailed description of the human psyche of the character’s with mental illnesses. Simply outstanding.
Full of mystery, twist and turns, i was on the edge of my seat and so enthralled with all these diverse character’s. Mias poem to Ollie made me giggle and i still can’t get it out of my head. Sweet Zeke captured my heart. Can’t wait to know more about Ethan, im going crazy just thinking about him and his actions.
Mia and Ollie are evermore embedded in my heart and soul.
Thank you Nicole for writting such a remarkably insightful story that will stay will me forever.
Can you say BOOK HANGOVER? Because that is exactly what I am going through after reading this story. It was flawless and an epic story that more than two people falling in love.
I am so stunned by how phenomenal this book was. Nicole has a way with words that leaves me speechless.
I once again find myself struggling to put my thoughts into words when it comes to this story and this world that Nicole has created. I am just struck stupid after reading this. Every word packs a punch and holds a story or a memory behind it. Every encounter is important and every detail is crucial to the story.
Oliver and Mia’s Love is unmatchable. Their love for one another goes beyond your typical love story. Their passion and chemistry burned through the pages. It wasn’t about the sex. It was the connection that was important to them.
“Her body was my kingdom come. Her divine kiss was my salvation. Her soul was mine’s paradise. Mia was my evermore.”
Once again, Nicole has left me with my soul in her story and my heart in her hands. I can not wait to see what she brings next
”The most dangerous man is a man in love,” he faced me, eyes wild and calm concurrently, “because I’d tear off my own flesh before someone hurts you … and if I’d do that to myself, imagine what I’d do to someone else.”
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I’m not okay, not at all! My poor heart has been broken too many times while I was reading this book and still I loved every minute of it.Even When I’m Gone left me speechless, covered in goosebumps and chills. I laughed,cried and I was on edge the whole time. I’m still in shock because of that ending, I can’t recover from it. And now I have to impatiently wait for the third book in the series,ugh. I need it now!
Every single time I thought that I knew what was going to happen next I was proven wrong.I didn’t want to stop reading it and I really can’t wait to read more from this author.
I’m not going to talk about what’s happening in this book because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. And I don’t want to constantly repeat how much I love this book and Nicole’s writing. All I can say is that if you haven’t already read this series you need to,I cannot recommend them enough!These characters are so,so unique and there aren’t two characters that share the same connection that Mia and Ollie do. Their love for each other is so special and one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read. I couldn’t get enough of them and I don’t think I ever will. I love them with my whole heart.
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”Because love is constant. When you love someone, you can be angry with them, you can hate them, you can be upset or disappointed in them, but you never stop loving them because love endures all other emotions.”
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”People who can’t fathom or understand one’s complexity, blame it on a sickness. The people who can’t put you in a specific box, shy away. And the people who can’t open their hearts to those who are different from them, undermine. But where they see flaws, I see blessings.”