"She's so pretty that pretty isn't even the word for it. It's something that makes me feel like I can't breathe on the rare occasions I see her smile."

In this book we follow Olivia, a Division 1 cross-country runner, navigating life after an incident at her previous school that forced her to transfer in order to keep her scholarship. Having suffered and survived through childhood trauma, Olivia unknowingly copes by sleep running through the night. Always barefoot and miles from home. Enter Will, the young, handsome, broody coach hoping Olivia will be his team's chance at earning a championship. After finding out about her condition, Will crosses the line as her coach and gets a little too involved to protect Olivia during her nighttime fits.

There were a few moments in this book that had me in my feels. Those deep, buried away feelings that sneak up on you just when you thought you were fine, but then something happens to take your breath away while you cry and sob through the heartache. Before going in to Waking Olivia, I knew this book had made other readers cry, but the moment of the reveal took me by surprise. Learning of the trauma that Olivia faced as a child shook me. I was left reeling and broken, while wanting to protect young Olivia with my whole being.

This slow burn, enemies to lovers, taboo romance between a college athlete and her cross country coach was one that simmered just long enough for my taste. Both Will and Olivia's head strong attitudes made for some great banter throughout the story which led to tension and angst worthy of devouring.

Although this is a romance, please know that this is a story containing dark traumatic elements, so I strongly advise you check trigger warnings before picking this up!!

This is a story that will stick with me, and one I may be brave enough to return to in the future.