Imagine what life would be like if panic ruled your world at the mere thought of going to bed at night.For as long as he can remember, Finnley Hollins has been crippled by his extreme phobia of sleep. Every night is a battle, and every morning isn’t without consequences. The root cause is something he’s ashamed to admit to anyone. It’s his war, and he will fight it alone. When an unexpected turn … unexpected turn of events lands the stunningly gorgeous Aven Woods at Finnley’s place of business, his life gets turned upside down.
All it would take is one night together for his secret to be exposed. Finnley wasn’t prepared to fall in love. More so, he wasn’t prepared for his phobia to completely consume his life. Not only is it affecting his job and his relationship, but now it’s affecting his health. What will it take for Finnley to finally admit he needs help?
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I absolutely loved this book! “Owl” suffers from a debilitating disorder that prevents him from sleeping because he’s deathly afraid. As a result, he’s living a horrible quality of life. But just like all of Nicky’s books, she helps these tormented characters find peace when the right person comes along to give them all the love and support they could ever hope for. Beautiful story and great start into this series! Five Sleepy Owl Stars!
Finn and Aven are a spectacular couple who are so relatable. A brilliant start to this series with plenty of heat, strong connections between characters and Adam Gold’s narration on the Audio is simply wonderful.
This book broke my heart but it was amazing!
Just… wow. What an incredible story this was. Unique and so intensely touching. It starts out with a very emotional, unsettling scene, drawing us into Finnley’s world and fears from the very first moment. Finnley’s extreme phobia of sleep is almost a third main character, the way it takes over his life to an almost crippling extent. His misery and hopelessness bleeds into the narrative, I marveled at his ability to endure. He so deserved a guy like Aven in his life! I simply loved everything about Aven and I loved the way he loved Finnley even more. Aven is all heart and patient understanding.
Both main characters were wonderfully complex and well-rounded, their story beautifully written and awe-inspiring. The story builds up slowly as we gradually learn more about Finn’s past and the roots of his phobia, and though Aven is Finn’s rock, his love is not a quick fix which I really appreciated and which lent even more depth and authenticity to Finn’s struggle to voice and overcome his fears.
I absolutely loved this book!
Nicky’s Trials of Fear series is one of my favorite series. It’s so unique and I love that she delves into mental issues, like phobias. Owl’s Slumber is the first in the series and it started off the series beautifully. Finnley and Aven are a wonderful couple. Finnley suffers from a sleep phobia, surviving on energy drinks, coffee, and Friends reruns. Aven means Finnley at the funeral home when he has to bury his FIL. He is a very understanding and patient character who falls in love with the shy, sleepy looking Finnley with a chronic cowlick.
Nicky James has done it again. She has written another absolutely brilliant book.
Finnley Hollins is afraid to fall asleep. This phobia has affected him since he was a child.
While at his work, in walks Aven Woods.
It takes a special person to help Finn with his phobia. With Aven’s patience and understanding, Finn’s walls slowly crumble and he seeks the help he desperately needs so that he can start to live as normal a life as his phobia allows.
I love how Mrs James writes mental health books. While reading Owl’s Slumber, I felt like I was in the same room with Finn watching and experiencing his fear with him. This book is beautifully written. It’s full of heart stopping moments, humour and it’s hot!
I can’t wait to read the next book in Mrs James’ Trials of Fear series!!
So, I’ve read this series out of order so far, starting with Book 3, then reading this one. I did see some cross over but I would say these are very much stand alone books.
I really, really liked this book, even though there were things that bothered me about it. If I didn’t let the issues get to me, it was a great, exciting read.
My main issues were the actual relationship between Finn and Aven and the fact that Finn kept himself closed in this box he wouldn’t let himself free from.
I loved Aven. He was such a good man. Honest and endearing and supportive. He had ALL of the qualities. And he truly loved Finn, but I don’t know why. Finn was a complete disaster, which, yes, I enjoy most of the time. A good angsty character adds a lot to a plot line. However, this was different. Finn couldn’t even conceive of a life that wasn’t surrounded by death. He’d never even though about it? Really? And the fact that he had ZERO hope to change or see a doctor about his phobia didn’t sit right with me. I wanted more for Aven.
By the end I could see the change in Finn and, to be honest, that helped me a lot with the relationship aspect of the story. I felt like there was SOME basis of love there.
I’ve truly enjoyed this series and I’m excited to read the next book!
Ive always been a fan of Nicky James’s work. Her new series, which focuses on phobia’s is sure to be a hit if the first book, Owl’s slumber is anything to go by.
The main characters, Finnley and Aven meet under not so normal circumstance, but yet, the attraction is there. And Aven doesnt hesitate to want to learn more about Finnley.
The start their relationship, and then we realise and find out why Finn is afraid to go to sleep.
And it broke my heart. Watching Aven supporting Finn, even though Finn doesnt really think he help.
Nicky has a way of writing characters that are believable, who burroes in your heart and stays woth you long after you finished the book. She tackles every day subjects but with sensitivity. This isnt a book where love cures all. Yes, love and patiepatieomce plays a big role, but it doesnt mean it will cure their demons, and magically everything will be ok. This is a story of trying to live with your demons and not let it rule your life. It takes hard work and determination. But mostly, it takes time. I really enjoyed this book and it will sure be a book that I will read over and over again, because both Aven and Finn has a special place in my heart.
James always writes the most unique love stories! And just like her other books, this was filled with fully-fleshed out characters, a swoony romance, and an intense plot.
This one is an angst filled rollercoaster! I loved Aven and Finn! I felt so bad for how much he struggled. Beautiful story!