He Knows When You’re Awake Summary, Characters and Themes

He Knows When You’re Awake by Alta Hensley is a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and complex power dynamics. The story follows Sloane Whitmore, a talented jewelry designer struggling to gain recognition in the competitive industry, and Cole Asher, a wealthy and enigmatic billionaire who becomes deeply fascinated by her work.

As their paths collide, their professional and personal lives intertwine, sparking a passionate and complicated relationship. The novel delves into themes of ambition, control, and trust as Sloane must navigate her growing feelings for Cole while maintaining her independence and creative vision. The high-stakes tension and complex characters make this a compelling read for fans of intense romance.

Summary

Sloane Whitmore is a gifted jewelry designer whose innovative pieces are consistently overlooked by the banking industry. Despite her remarkable talent, she struggles to break free from the constraints of her job at Moth to the Flame, where she’s forced to create mass-market designs.

Her true passion lies in creating unique, luxury jewelry, but she’s unable to get the financial backing she needs. Frustrated and rejected by the system, Sloane plans to take a bold step and quit her job to pursue her dream of launching her own line.

However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Cole Asher, a billionaire with a keen interest in her work.

Cole has been following Sloane’s career from the shadows, intrigued by her revolutionary designs. He sees her as the perfect candidate for a new venture that could rival Julian Voss, a competitor who has stolen designs from another artist for his own luxury collection.

In order to make Sloane’s potential a reality, Cole orchestrates a chance encounter between them, presenting himself as a stranger in a bar. Their meeting, marked by an awkward yet charming interaction, sparks a connection between the two, although Sloane is still unaware of Cole’s true identity and his intentions.

Sloane, still reeling from her career struggles, is initially hesitant about any business or romantic relationship. She is intrigued by Cole’s genuine interest in her work and their deep conversation about her creative process.

After their meeting, Sloane confides in her best friend Chloe, deciding to take the risk of quitting her job and pursuing her dreams. But even as she prepares to take that leap, Sloane continues to face rejection from investors.

Meanwhile, Cole moves forward with his plan, arranging for Sloane to meet him in Switzerland, where he provides luxury accommodations and a private jet to make her feel comfortable.

When Sloane arrives in Gstaad, Switzerland, she is overwhelmed by the opulence of her surroundings and becomes increasingly suspicious of Cole. Upon arriving at the Alpina hotel, she is confronted with the revelation that Cole is, in fact, Colsen Asher, the billionaire behind Asher Industries.

He admits that he has been monitoring her career closely, offering her everything she’s ever wanted: creative freedom, financial backing, and an opportunity to launch her own jewelry line. Sloane, feeling betrayed by his manipulation, struggles with anger and confusion but agrees to hear him out.

As they discuss his offer, Sloane is torn between her desire to retain control of her work and the reality that Cole might be the only person capable of making her dreams a reality. She decides to listen to his proposal, but remains wary of his methods.

Despite her reservations, she begins to feel drawn to Cole, despite the numerous red flags she notices in his behavior.

Sloane moves into Cole’s luxurious penthouse, where she begins to work on her jewelry collection with the best tools and resources available. However, there are strings attached to Cole’s support.

He insists that Sloane live under his watchful eye, with surveillance cameras monitoring her every move, even as he gives her privacy in her personal quarters. While Sloane resents the control he exerts over her, she can’t deny that the opportunity could help her achieve her goals.

The deadline for her collection is fast approaching, and Sloane feels the pressure mounting.

The relationship between Sloane and Cole becomes more complicated as they spend more time together. Despite her resistance to his control, Sloane finds herself increasingly attracted to him.

Cole, intrigued by Sloane’s independence and creative spirit, struggles with his desire to maintain control while also fostering a genuine connection with her. Their interactions are charged with sexual tension, and Sloane finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Cole and her need to maintain her autonomy.

Their relationship reaches a boiling point when Cole takes Sloane on a sleigh ride through Switzerland. Although she initially resists the idea of mixing business and pleasure, Sloane can’t help but feel the undeniable chemistry between them.

Back in New York, their dynamic continues to evolve as Sloane tries to keep things professional, while Cole pushes for more intimacy.

As the deadline for her jewelry collection approaches, Sloane creates a provocative necklace that represents the theme of control and surrender. This piece captivates Cole, and the two share a passionate and intimate moment.

Despite the complications in their relationship, Sloane finds herself unable to resist the magnetic pull between them. As they navigate their complex dynamic, Sloane must decide whether to embrace the opportunity Cole offers or walk away before it’s too late.

Sloane’s career continues to flourish, but her personal life becomes even more entangled with Cole’s influence. At one point, after a confrontation with Cole, Sloane seeks comfort from her friend Chloe, who warns her about Cole’s business dealings with Julian Voss, a dangerous figure from Cole’s past.

Despite the warnings, Sloane decides to press forward with her work, even as she grapples with her feelings for Cole.

As tensions rise, Sloane is kidnapped by Julian and forced to help him access a secured case containing a valuable jewelry collection. Cole, realizing that Sloane is missing, confronts Julian and rescues her.

Afterward, Cole and Sloane share a quiet moment, during which he expresses his regret and promises to make things right between them. Sloane, though still hurt, forgives him and agrees to continue their relationship.

In the final chapters, Sloane decides to take control of her own career and future. With Cole’s support, she launches her own jewelry line and begins planning for a new chapter in her life.

As they move forward, Sloane and Cole continue to navigate their complex relationship, now marked by a mutual understanding and respect for each other’s desires and ambitions. They agree to build a future together, one that’s free from the past’s secrets and manipulations.

Sloane’s journey ends with her decision to move in with Cole, marking a fresh start for their relationship.

Characters

Cole Asher

Cole Asher is a complex and intriguing character in He Knows When You’re Awake. As a billionaire and the head of Asher Industries, he is accustomed to control and perfection in every aspect of his life.

Initially, Cole appears to be a manipulative and calculating individual, orchestrating events in Sloane’s life from behind the scenes. His fascination with her jewelry designs leads him to take extreme measures to support her career, even if it means bending ethical boundaries.

Cole is portrayed as someone who values power and influence, yet his motivations for pursuing Sloane go beyond just business. His intense interest in her work and personal life hints at a deeper emotional connection, one that he struggles to navigate.

Throughout the story, Cole’s controlling nature is juxtaposed with moments of vulnerability, especially as he begins to question his actions and the consequences of his manipulation. Despite his flaws, he shows genuine care for Sloane, and his desire to make things right is evident in his efforts to win her over.

His relationship with Sloane evolves from professional to deeply personal, marked by a mix of dominance and submission, which complicates their dynamic. Cole is a character caught between his ambition and his emotional needs, making him both captivating and conflicted.

Sloane Whitmore

Sloane Whitmore is a passionate and determined jewelry designer, whose journey in He Knows When You’re Awake is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Her character is marked by her resilience and her desire to create unique and meaningful designs, which are often at odds with the commercial demands of the jewelry industry.

Sloane’s struggle to gain recognition and financial backing for her work sets the stage for her interaction with Cole. Although she is initially unaware of his true identity, she is intrigued by his interest in her designs and the support he offers.

Throughout the story, Sloane faces internal conflict, torn between her professional aspirations and her growing attraction to Cole. Despite her initial reservations about his controlling behavior, she begins to recognize the potential that Cole offers her, even as she grapples with the emotional and ethical implications of accepting his help.

Sloane’s character evolves as she learns to balance her creative freedom with the pressures of the business world. She grows in confidence, both as a designer and as an individual, ultimately finding her voice and asserting her independence.

Sloane’s complexity lies in her ability to both challenge and be drawn to Cole, as their relationship tests her boundaries and her commitment to her own values.

Chloe

Chloe is Sloane’s best friend and confidante, providing emotional support and guidance throughout the events in He Knows When You’re Awake. As a character, Chloe acts as a grounding force for Sloane, encouraging her to take risks and follow her passion, especially when it comes to pursuing her dream of starting her own jewelry line.

While Chloe’s role in the story is secondary compared to Sloane and Cole, she plays a pivotal part in Sloane’s decision-making process. She serves as a voice of reason and a source of comfort, especially when Sloane feels overwhelmed by the pressure of her career and the complications of her relationship with Cole.

Chloe’s advice to Sloane is often rooted in a pragmatic approach to life, urging her to focus on what makes her happy and to be cautious of the people she lets into her life. Her presence offers a sense of balance and stability to Sloane, reminding her of the importance of friendship and self-care amid the chaos of her professional and personal struggles.

Julian Voss

Julian Voss is a dark and menacing figure in He Knows When You’re Awake, whose presence in the story adds an element of danger and intrigue. As a business partner of Cole, Julian is a character who represents the darker side of the luxury industry, with his alleged criminal connections and manipulative tactics.

His relationship with Cole is complex, marked by a history of questionable dealings and power struggles. Julian’s actions throughout the story serve as a catalyst for many of the conflicts that arise between the characters, particularly when he kidnaps Sloane in an attempt to gain control of her late mentor’s final collection.

His character is driven by greed and a desire for control, and he uses psychological manipulation to try and destabilize Sloane’s confidence in Cole. Julian’s role in the story highlights the dangers of the power dynamics at play within the world that Sloane and Cole inhabit, as he serves as a foil to Cole’s more calculated but ultimately caring character.

Julian’s appearance brings a sense of tension and urgency to the plot, and his ultimate defeat signals a shift in the story, allowing Sloane and Cole to rebuild their relationship on new terms.

Vivienne Moore

Vivienne Moore is a famous model who plays a key role in one of the pivotal scenes of He Knows When You’re Awake. While she is not a major character throughout the book, her involvement in the photoshoot for Sloane’s jewelry collection represents a significant moment of growth for Sloane.

As Vivienne models Sloane’s designs, Sloane gains confidence in her abilities as a designer and steps into a more authoritative role in the creative process. Vivienne serves as a catalyst for Sloane’s personal development, helping her see the value of her work and reinforcing her self-worth.

Her character, while secondary, represents the world of luxury and high fashion that Sloane aspires to be a part of, and her presence underscores the contrast between the superficial nature of the industry and the deeper, more meaningful creative expression that Sloane seeks to achieve.

Themes

The Struggle for Creative Independence

Sloane’s journey is fundamentally about the desire for creative freedom, a theme that manifests throughout her experiences with Cole and her career in the jewelry design industry. She is initially trapped in a job that forces her to design mass-market pieces, which starkly contrasts with her artistic vision.

Her true passion lies in creating unique, innovative jewelry, but she faces constant rejection from investors and financial institutions that fail to recognize her talent. This frustration is amplified by her interactions with Cole, who initially appears to offer the key to unlocking her potential.

However, as the story progresses, the stakes of her ambition grow clearer. While Cole offers her the resources and platform to showcase her designs, it comes with the condition of being constantly monitored and controlled.

This sets up a complex dynamic where Sloane is forced to balance her dreams of independence with the reality of being under Cole’s influence.

The tension between creative autonomy and the support of a powerful figure like Cole is central to the narrative. Sloane is forced to confront the consequences of relying on someone else for success.

Despite the immense opportunity Cole provides, the constant surveillance and the subtle manipulation by him create a sense of entrapment for Sloane. Her personal and professional lives are intertwined in ways that she cannot easily separate.

This conflict speaks to the broader theme of what it costs to achieve one’s dreams and whether true artistic freedom can be found when someone else holds the power to define success. By the end of the story, Sloane’s decision to take control of her career—despite the challenges and setbacks—signals her reclaiming of her independence, both as an artist and as an individual.

The Power Dynamics in Relationships

The relationship between Sloane and Cole is deeply defined by a complex power dynamic, which evolves from initial attraction to an entangled mixture of control, submission, and mutual dependence. Early on, Sloane feels a sense of empowerment when Cole shows interest in her work, offering support for her career.

However, as the story progresses, the balance of power shifts. Cole’s control over Sloane’s life intensifies as he oversees her creative process, dictates her environment, and demands her submission, both professionally and personally.

Sloane finds herself drawn to him despite the way his influence over her life becomes increasingly stifling. This dynamic plays out not just through his professional backing but also in their personal interactions, where Cole asserts dominance and Sloane finds herself willing to surrender to him in ways that blur the lines between their professional and romantic relationship.

The psychological and emotional complexity of their power struggle is reflected in Sloane’s internal battle—while she resents the control Cole exerts over her, she also feels a magnetic pull toward him. This creates a deeply ambiguous emotional space where attraction, resentment, and trust collide.

As the relationship intensifies, Sloane’s resistance to Cole’s control shifts from defiance to reluctant acceptance, culminating in her willingness to embrace the role of a submissive partner. The concept of submission, however, is not purely one-sided; both Cole and Sloane have moments of vulnerability where they reveal their personal insecurities and past experiences.

This reciprocal vulnerability adds depth to their dynamic, making it clear that neither holds absolute power over the other. Ultimately, their relationship represents the complex negotiation between power and submission, control and freedom, and the consequences of mixing business with personal connections.

The Impact of Manipulation and Surveillance

From the very beginning of their relationship, Sloane finds herself under the constant surveillance of Cole, a billionaire who not only monitors her career but also manipulates her circumstances. His actions often tread the fine line between support and control, as he orchestrates their encounters under false pretenses and uses his resources to create an environment where Sloane feels both empowered and confined.

The theme of manipulation is explored in the way Cole approaches Sloane’s career. By keeping her in the dark about his true identity and motivations, he creates a sense of dependency where Sloane feels obligated to accept his offers despite the red flags.

Her career’s potential is tightly intertwined with her acceptance of Cole’s conditions, which involves constant monitoring of her work and personal life.

The surveillance aspect is particularly significant in the way it affects Sloane’s sense of autonomy and privacy. Although Cole assures her that her personal quarters are private, the knowledge that her every move is watched adds an element of paranoia to her existence.

This manipulation extends beyond just professional boundaries, bleeding into their personal interactions as well. The lack of transparency in their relationship forces Sloane to navigate a constant tension between trust and suspicion, ultimately questioning whether Cole’s support comes at too great a personal cost.

The theme of surveillance also mirrors the broader societal commentary on the loss of privacy in the modern world, where control can be exerted through observation and influence. Sloane’s decision to confront this manipulation and regain control of her life is both a reclaiming of her career and a rejection of the toxic power dynamics that have been imposed on her.

The Conflict Between Trust and Betrayal

Trust is a central theme in the relationship between Sloane and Cole, but it is also constantly tested. Sloane’s initial trust in Cole is based on his apparent interest in her work and his promises of support.

However, as the story unfolds, her trust is eroded by the revelation of Cole’s manipulative tactics. He follows her career in secret, orchestrates their meeting, and uses his influence to pull her into his world without fully disclosing his intentions.

Sloane’s growing suspicion of his motivations reflects the emotional complexity of their relationship—what starts as admiration for her talents morphs into a power play where Cole seeks to shape her career and life in ways that serve his needs.

The theme of betrayal is explored not only in Cole’s secretive actions but also in Sloane’s internal struggle. As she begins to understand the extent of Cole’s manipulation, she grapples with the sense of betrayal, not just by him but also by the world that has rejected her creative vision.

The trust that Sloane places in Cole is continually challenged, especially as she uncovers his connections to dubious figures from his past. Despite these betrayals, Sloane remains conflicted—her emotional attachment to Cole grows, and she begins to question whether his actions are born out of genuine interest in her or merely a reflection of his need to control and possess.

As the relationship deepens, both Sloane and Cole are forced to confront the idea of betrayal, forgiveness, and whether true trust can be rebuilt once it has been shattered. Ultimately, Sloane’s journey becomes one of reclaiming her ability to trust herself and make decisions independent of the influence of others.

Redemption and Forgiveness

The theme of redemption is explored most significantly through Cole’s character arc. Initially portrayed as manipulative and controlling, Cole’s true motivations are revealed over time, and his vulnerability begins to emerge.

His actions, while often crossing ethical lines, stem from a desire to make amends for his past and to earn Sloane’s trust. In his attempts to redeem himself, Cole goes to great lengths to show his commitment to Sloane, from making amends for his past mistakes to offering her the freedom to pursue her own career.

His growth as a character is rooted in his desire to fix the damage he has caused, not just to Sloane’s career but to their relationship as a whole.

Sloane, on the other hand, faces her own journey of forgiveness. She wrestles with the emotional pain caused by Cole’s deception but ultimately chooses to forgive him, realizing that his actions were motivated by a deeper, more complex need to protect and support her.

Their shared vulnerability, along with their efforts to communicate and rebuild trust, enables them to forge a path forward. Redemption is not just about fixing the mistakes of the past but also about moving forward and learning from those experiences.

In this sense, the theme of redemption speaks to the possibility of healing even in the aftermath of betrayal, as both Cole and Sloane strive to create a future where trust, respect, and love can flourish.