Who Would Like This Book:
If you love a slow burn, forbidden romance with plenty of angst and emotional depth, "Waking Olivia" will hook you right from the start. The story weaves college athletics, unresolved trauma, and found family vibes into a compelling package. Olivia and Will both leap off the page with authentic flaws, growth, and sizzling chemistry. If you're drawn to characters with complicated pasts and enjoy seeing them fight for healing and connection, this one’s for you. Fans of sports romance, opposites attract, and strong, unique heroines will especially love it.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you dislike forbidden student/coach dynamics, emotional cheating, or characters making messy, sometimes frustrating choices, you might find "Waking Olivia" hard to enjoy. The heroine's prickly attitude and the heavy focus on trauma might not work for those preferring lighter reads. Some readers also found the pacing uneven, with a dragged-out ending and over-the-top drama. And if you’re sensitive to depictions of past abuse or disordered eating, you’ll want to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
About:
Waking Olivia follows the story of Olivia, a troubled girl with a troubled past who is now at a lower division school in a smaller town. The book explores Olivia's self-destructive tendencies, her vulnerabilities masked by sarcasm, and her developing relationship with Will, a young track coach. The plot unfolds with a slow burn romance between Olivia and Will, delving into Olivia's mysterious past and the challenges they face due to their forbidden attraction.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include mentions of past abuse, trauma, disordered eating, parental neglect, and PTSD.
Has Romance?
There is a strong romantic element that progresses throughout the story.
From The Publisher:
"That girl isn't just trouble of the not-a-team-player, not-a-reliable-runner variety. She's trouble of the devious, manipulative, too-f***ing-hot-for-her-own good variety. She's the kind of girl who causes trouble merely by existing, and then makes sure to cause more.
And the last thing I need right now is more trouble."
A failing farm.
His father's debt.
And a struggling college track team.
Will Langstrom has too many responsibilities, and the last thing he needs is Olivia Finnegan, a beautiful but troubled new transfer student.
A smart mouth.
A strong right hook.
And a secret that could destroy her.
Olivia is her own worst enemy, with a past she can't seem to escape, and the last person she wants help from is a cocky track coach she can never seem to please.
Refusing to be pushed away, Will is determined to save her.
And determined to resist an attraction that could destroy them both.
more
Ratings (79)
Incredible (20) | |
Loved It (29) | |
Liked It (17) | |
It Was OK (10) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (151):
Read It (83) | |
Want To Read (36) | |
Did Not Finish (5) | |
Not Interested (27) |
2 comment(s)
Loved this! Was on my tbr way to long. Actually think it might put me in a slump. Need more like it asap!
I really enjoyed this authors style of writing. Love the storyline, the pace, and the surprises throughout the story as she tells more about Finn’s past.
What can you read after
Waking Olivia?
About the Author:
Elizabeth O'Roark is a former medical writer who lives in Washington, DC with her three children. She is an avid runner when able to escape the aforementioned children.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
