Although I have seen Shelly Crane's books around the blogosphere a LOT, this is the first time I read one of her books. And I'm glad I did so .The story is narrated by Emma Walker who wakes up from her six month coma to find out that she has no memory whatsoever of her life prior to the accident. She's wakes up and realizes that she has a family of who she has no recollection of. Finding out that pre-accident Emma was a bitch with a capital B was the icing on the cake.Her friends, her family and her 'boyfriend' expect her to go back to being the pre-accident Emma. But post-accident Emma is nothing like the pre-accident Emma. Shelly Crane paints a clear picture of the struggles that Emma faces during her journey to find herself. Shelly forces the readers to experience every ounce of frustration, disappointment, regret and hope that Emma feels. Despite Emma's history it was hard not to like her and empathize with her. Mason is her physical therapist-the guy who both literally and figuratively helps Emma stand on her own two feet. He was a refreshing change from the bad boys that seem to be taking over the Contemporary Romance genre. He was honorable, caring and he did the sweetest things ever for Emma!"More than a poor boy that had nothing to offer, more than a tattooed guy who always had to prove he was something from judging eyes, more than I deserved. I took her face in my hands and then took her mouth. That mouth that owned me, that mouth that made me forgot who and what I was and made me feel like I was better than all that." The fact that the MCs were well thought out and lovable was a strong point for Wide Awake. But the supporting characters especially pre-accident Emma's friends fell kinda flat. Shelly portrayed Emma's moments with her mother really well. I would have loved to see more of this kind of interaction between Emma and her siblings too. That being said Wide Awake had a great concept that was executed quite well. Each chapter starts with a useless fact-this added a nice, quirky touch to the book!Useless Fact #1: A duck's quack doesn't echo and no one knows why.Useless Fact #: It's possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs.I'd definitely recommend Wide Awake to Contemporary fans who enjoy reading about second chances, hope and love.
