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 … 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?
more
Where do I start with this review….. I have no idea because this is one of those stories that is so amazing you can’t do a review without giving away the story because you want to tell you the reader so much because this is one story you have to read.
I had so many emotions reading this book, I cried and I laughed and I got a little angry with this story. I just could not believe what I was reading and Jones and Adele are amazing in this story. The story is told by Adele who is in a coma and she tells such a great and flawless story about love and soulmates.
Have you ever had a dream that you met someone and then you go out and met that person. It is scary but you know you are supposed to be with this person and it scares you but your decide to be with him. The relationship you have is amazing and flawless that you know right off the bat you are soulmates.
This is one of those stories and it is amazing and you need to read it. So go on and one click this lovely truly amazing story!
First let me be sure I am in reality and I am not dreaming. Because my mind sincerely doesn’t know the difference after reading While i was Away by Stylo Fantome. She dragged me to the deepest, darkest and most fascinating parts of human psyche. And the experience was unique and extraordinary. I don’t know how to label this book. It is romance, it is drama, it is psychological thriller and the combination of everything.
Adele has just broken up with her dull boring relationship with her best friend aka ex boyfriend Charlie. She is so excited for a fresh start. She didn’t imagine it would involve a severe car accident and going in coma. And she meets someone in her comatose brain. Is it a dream? Is it the aftermath of near death experience? I really can’t compartmentalize it. And she lives in this alternate reality and breathtaking fantasy world with her guardian angel Jones. She doesn’t want to wake up. But she had to. And now Jones is gone. And she is in love with someone she met in her mind. Is she crazy? Well it appears she is not. But how does it happen? Is it possible to find the soulmate in unconscious mind?
Stylo Fantone has made me feel a burning aching morbid curiosity and eagerness throughout the story. I am a Psychiatrist for real so it was more meaningful and interesting to me. I love how she included Adele’s brothers and friend in the story. Such a trauma doesn’t affect the person only. Everyone feels the epic impact and changes for ever. And she captured the process in a kaleidoscope of secondary stories yet never losing concentration on the main couple. I lost the sense of time and boundary of reality somewhere down the line. Her writing is so poetic, lyrical and hypnotizing. The storyline was sensational. My heart stopped beating so many times. I wipes tears so many times. Yet the ending was so satisfaying and epic.Everything was chaotic, messy, fragmented, unreal and on a whole different plane. Yet everything made sense like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Pick up this book if you want to read a book about true human emotions and life changing experience. It will shake you to the core and make you question every rational thing you know. Pick up this book if you want to read about the kind of special love that transcends time, space and psychological boundary. Pick up this book if you want to believe in miracle and magic.
Received ARC for Honest Review
“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 love this quote so much and it encompasses the feeling of this book!
Adele Reins was in a horrible car accident coming home from a party where she and her boyfriend had amicably decided to break up. The accident leaves Adele in a coma for 4 months. During this time, she meets Jones, who she views as her guardian angel of sorts. He becomes her companion as she travels to different times and places. As she spends more time with Jones, she develops strong feelings, to the point that when he tells her that her time with him is almost over, she almost doesn’t want to return to the land of the living. He assures her that she will find him again somehow, someway. When Adele awakens, will she ever be reunited with Jones?
This story is unique and I love the way it goes in depth to Adele’s thoughts and feelings while she is in a coma. Adele has 3 older brothers and I adored the way they love and care for their sister and each have their own individual special relationship with her. I loved how supportive Adele’s ex-boyfriend was and she has a fantastic best friend that remained at her side while she was “away” as well. It seemed like there was a lot going on in this one story but I was able to keep up. I really thought this was a beautiful story and I wish it didn’t have to end! Highly recommend!
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.
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.
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.
Wow … This book was AMAZING! I definitely recommend this for a read! I love Stylo’s perspective from someone in a Coma. This book is an emotional roller coaster. I don’t want to give any spoilers so all I gotta say is you MUST READ IT!
I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book going in, but I’ve never been disappointed by one of Stylo Fantome’s books before… and her record holds! Her writing just blows me away! This book was so unusual, but so filled with emotion! I’ve wondered before what a person experiences in a coma; after reading this book, I can easily imagine it being similar to her description.
I really liked Adele, who was ready for a change, ready to move on in her life, when she’s in an accident and ends up in a coma. In the coma, she meets her soulmate, Jones. But what happens when she wakes from her coma? How will she ever find her soulmate in the real world, and how will they recognize each other? It was a bizarre story, in fact, Adele jokes about if she took acid in the beginning. It does almost feel like a romance on drugs. But it’s so entertaining, and sweet, and heartbreaking and emotional, all at once. I hit the 90% mark in the book and was ready to throw my kindle and scream at the author for doing that to them, for doing that to ME! LOL! But, it was definitely worth the read, and I would recommend it to anyone!
I’ve read quite a few different books by Stylo but this one blew me away, its a stunning piece of writing that weaves fantasy and reality until it merges into one big love story surrounding the ideal of finding a soul mate and how fate comes into play as well.
I think its also one of those books best read going in without knowing too much before hand, as this will spoil your read otherwise. A lot of this story is very surreal, like being in a fairy story, but so intricately done and so cleverly done with how it all fits together. I really loved this aspect of it, very unique!
Adele and her boyfriend Charlie of 3 years have just broke up after their relationship went stale. They are involved in a car crash which leaves Adele in a coma. Her whole family including her 3 brothers and her best friend are besides themselves with worry, but as time passes and Adele does not come round the family start to take stock and re-evaluate their lives.
The story is told from many different POV’s which work really well, the brothers and her BFF were brilliant I could definitely read more about each of these. But a big part of the story is about Adele and what happens to her whilst she is in her coma. For me this was brilliantly done.
This was an utterly compelling read for me, very unique and was a delight to read.
4.5 stars
I finished this late last night and wanted to get my thoughts in order before I even attempted to write a review. I haven’t slept. This story is stuck in my head and my heart. I’ve spent all night thinking about the characters and what they go through. I love a book that makes me think and this one…this is something special. I’m not going in to details at all. The blurb tells you everything you need to know going in to this book and there’s nothing I can add without spoiling it.
I’ve read a lot of this authors work but this story hit me hard. It sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. The characters are all fantastic. Adele’s friends and family add another layer to an already emotional story and I was just as invested in their stories as I was with Adele’s.
Another great book from Stylo Fantome.
“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.”
4 stars. Wow! While I Was Away is good and so different than anything I’ve ever read. So unpredictable and genre-bending. This is a book that you should go into blind. I cannot describe the plot without giving anything away, but at its’ heart, it is about soulmate connections and how true love will always find a way, no matter the time or distance.
I enjoyed this book very much and could not put it down. This is a romance that is focused on a spiritual, magical connection between the characters. It has strong emotions, humor and love. There is also a fantasy element that was so fun and original. The story was very good and I loved all of the characters. They were in such difficult situations, but remained strong and made the most of what life handed them. There is a low heat level, but I did not care one bit. I did want to see a little more resolution firsthand and to see a bit more of what life was like for everyone at the end. But, overall, While I Was Away is a good read.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book. It is one of the most original books I’ve ever read. While I Was Away is an amazing adventure and should not be missed.
This was such an amazing book that dealt with heartbreak and a unique way of seeing a person in a coma from a completely different view.
I loved that Charlie and Adele were able to part as friends and really saw their relationship as changed but they knew they would always be close. My heart broke for the car accident and I really felt sorry for Charlie having to remain in a relationship with Adele while she was in the hospital all the while knowing that they had split up.
I liked how each of the brothers dealt with the tragedy and I really hope we get a more in depth look at each of them. They each had their own issues to deal with but Adele was their heart and soul and I loved how they all came together to be there for her and most importantly never gave up on her.
I really loved how we saw Adele in her coma and it honestly just brought such peace to the whole situation. I absolutely loved it and I understood why she was scared to leave.
When everything happens after my heart was so broken for Adele as she was almost living in two different worlds as the person she thought she truly knew wasn’t necessarily the person that was out there and it broke her heart when she finally really came to terms with it all. I was so sad for her!
I loved when certain pieces began to fall into place but then the ride home just destroyed me!!
After holding my breath for what felt like forever I was so pleased with the ending but I truly need so much more!!
4.5/5 STARS
See my review in French here
Yep. I believe Stylo Fantôme can write ANY kind of stories and NEVER disappoint.
I’ve just finished the book, so I’m struggling with the way I could deliver a decent review.
If I had to choose just one word, I’d pick “unexpected”.
My best advice would be: dive into the story completely blind, and just let go.
Without expectations nor theories.
Just enjoy the journey, the main characters and the supporting one (they’re all amazing)
And brace yourself too… until the very last page.
I enjoyed every single moment, trust me.
Is it about soul mates?
Or was it just a dream?
Trust the author, be in the “now” and open your heart. It will surely hurt and bleed but it worth the headache.
Another Stylo Fantome’s side I loved.
***ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
Visit my French blog: https://isalacroqueusedelivres.wordpress.com
I can’t even begin to put into words how much this book blew me away. You never know what you’re going to get with this author. But as always she has written a perfectly emotional book with such great characters. There were times I thought my heart just might beat out of my chest with the amount of emotions I was feeling. This is one author I will always read, you definitely need to read this one. I wish I could give it more than five stars, the book really deserves more.
I’ve read in the past books by Stylo Fantome but none has led me to crying… until I’ve read While I Was Away. The story described in it contradicts all the laws of the real world, dreams are mixed with reality, the heart conflicts with the mind and yet the author is forcing the reader to believe in a higher power that magically connects two people.
Adele after a car accident falls into a coma for several months. In her dream she meets the mysterious Jones, who’s becoming her guide and also the Guardian Angel and he helps her reach the place when she’ll be ready to wake up and return to the real world. However, Adele falls in love with a man from her dreams. Will they be able to find each other in the real world? Yes, but as it turns out, Jones is not the same man she met while in a coma. How much of this experience was a dream and how much the reality? And the most important thing – is destiny able to deny the laws of science?
I’m touched by this story. Together with the heroine I was confused, frustrated and hopeful. Hopeful that everything that happened to her was not a figment of her imagination. The descriptions of the surroundings were almost magical and I felt like I had this amazing journey with Adele. Her determination to prove her convictions to Jones was admirable. You must have a lot of faith in you to not undermine situations that haven’t happened in the real world. This book consumed me completely and woke a dreamer in me who, with all my strength, wants people to believe in the mighty power of destiny. Regardless of the situation, we should believe in the ties that connect us with other people and do everything in our power to make these ties last.
Bravo, Stylo. I’ve loved your books before but this emotional rollercoaster made me an even bigger fan. While I Was Away is an incredible book.
I’m not really sure how to review this book. I struggled with a few things but also loved a few things. The plot was so unique and I loved it. The idea of soul mates has always intrigued me and I think the author had an amazing imagination when it came to the dream world. The characters were awesome. I liked the pull they had and being soulmates it really showed with them.
One fact about this book that took me out of the overall story was that it focused on more then just Jones and Adele. It was in 3rd POV so it was a lot of bouncing around from the main character to her brother and his blooming love. I’m not saying I hated that and I get while when she was in the coma we needed it from other people’s perspective but then to see a romance bloom with Zoey and Ocean….. it got tedious after a while. I wanted the main focus to be on Jones and Adele and I get that this other relationship kinda took away from them.
Overall the plot-line was very intriguing and unique. When I first started reading I wasn’t sure what I was hoping would happen but I was very pleased with the outcome of the overall story. I have enjoyed other books by this author and will continue to read her books, but I will admit that while I love the premises of this book, I struggled when it was all said and done. This is just my option and my rating is going to be based off of my overall enjoyment while I was reading the story, it doesn’t in any way make it a bad story. 3 stars #2OCCReviews
***5 ‘Just How It Always Was’ Stars***
If you were ever skeptical about soulmates, fate, karma or how one act (conscious or not) could change the course of one’s life you won’t be after reading this baby. This book makes you believe that the impossible is possible and that everything – the good, the bad and the ugly – happen for a reason.
Now, you all are gonna hate me because this is gonna be a vague as all get out review, not only be because I truly believe you need to go into this book blind, but because I’m almost at a loss as to how to convey just how I felt while reading this book – which is somewhat disconcerting considering I am supposed to be doing the #reviewthing. So here’s what I can tell you…
I devoured this book in one sitting. A couple of hours and boom, done. I was all in from the start and at no time did I want to put it down. I NEEDED to find out what was going to happen next.
I adored all of the characters. Yes ALL OF THEM. There wasn’t one I didn’t like and want more of them (crossing toes that there will be more because there are a couple who’s heads, and hearts, I’d love to root around in – #justsayin)
This may be one of my favorite books my Ms Fantome to date, which is saying a lot considering how many of her books I’ve enjoyed. But while this is a romance, it’s also so much more and I love how…for lack of a better term…well rounded it was. A lot goes on, more than I expected, but she wove everything together in such a way that it all made perfect sense that they occurred while she was away and had me feeling that if they hadn’t then the story as a whole wouldn’t be complete.
So, bottom line to this: I loved and adored the story and am crossing my toes that we will see some of these characters in the future.
~ Copy provided by Give Me Books & voluntarily reviewed ~
What did I just I read? This story was captivating, original, whimsical, and oh so addictive! Unlike anything I’ve read recently, I was swept away, and the creativity of this Author was awe inspiring to take it where she did. It brought the feels, the tears, and the smiles, and I felt it deep in my gut for these characters. I enjoyed the multiple POV that lent insight and a completely vivid look into something that not many books breach, and I was completely sucked in. Kudos to this Author and an absolute MUST READ!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
A Dream For Always
An emotional read that will have you thinking, questioning your own beliefs, asking what’s real? It’s a love story that transcends time and space. Do you believe in soul mates? If not, you will.
An accident leaves Adele in a coma. Life goes on, but Adele is off in another world kind of in limbo. Maybe it’s all just a dream?
Adele has a life to get back to. How do you leave what you have always been searching for…with the promise of finding your way back.
Linked souls, whether in this world or the next, fate would bring them together because they were two halves of a whole. Destined to be together ALWAYS!
I read this story not really knowing what to expect. It was something fresh and different. Great characters and side stories. It was just beautiful.
4 soul searching stars!!
This is another beautiful book by the wonderful Stylo Fantôme!
This is a story of love, loss, hope and magic. This story made me believe in something more.
Adele is the main female character and she is a miracle. But she goes through multiple tragedies that I would not wish on one single person. This book was beautiful. Adele and Jones’s story was magical.
Now I think my favorite part of the book was the brothers!! These three (August, River and Ocean) were the best!! Therefore the love story of Ocean’s was my fave!!
This book evokes emotion and makes you want to believe.
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
“What if this is a dream?”
If you loved the movie, While You Were Sleeping and Just Like Heaven, I think this is definitely a book for you. Adele feels like something is missing in her life and just as she resolves to make a change, Fate decides to kick-start that change. What is brilliant about this story is that we not only get to see life continue on around Adele but what’s happening with Adele. Life hasn’t stopped and as the reader we see the ripple effects one moment can have on the people left to gather up the pieces. Her brothers, her parents and even her best friend try to come to terms with the situation and each copes in their own way. I loved seeing the lives of Adele’s brothers, particularly Ocean and her best friend Zoey. There interactions were entertaining and endearing.
Adele is somewhere she doesn’t quite understand but she finds herself a guide. A kind and gentle soul and you can’t blame Adele for falling in love with him. He is a constant in a sea of uncertainty, guiding her to where she needs to go. But can your dreams become reality? Or was it all just a beautiful dream? I’m reminded of the quote from the last Harry Potter film spoken by the wise Professor Dumbledore: “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?” This quote fits so well with this tale. Why shouldn’t Adele’s experiences be real? Her feelings and connection? But sometimes dreams aren’t reality. No matter how much you want them to be. So how far would you go to make dreams into reality?
The story had surprises I was not expecting. This was a beautiful story that captured my imagination and renewed my belief in soul mates. I think Adele found a reality that was better than any dream because she wasn’t afraid to believe. Reading this story made me smile so much. It was captivating, magical and heart warming.