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The Key to Waking Up

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~Her~
It’s just one thing after another. Stolen from my home, taken from my friends, and robbed of my senses. I may have escaped the island, but I will live there forever. Locked in my own head, forced to relive every minute. Every second. The monsters are out to play. They haunt me, my nightmares, my existence. How can I remain the same person I once was?

~Him~
She’s just supposed to be an assignment– something to watch over and toy around with. I don’t know if I’ll be able to save her from her demons, but maybe she can eventually join mine.
If she could just wake up for me.

This is an 18+ Dark Contemporary Romance with MF, Touch Her and Die, Secret Identity, and Damsel in Distress. Please look in the front of the book for the Trigger Warnings. Revised and updated. Previously published as: The Key To Supernova and Waking Up For Him under my pen name, Natasha Nelson.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2023

68 people are currently reading
460 people want to read

About the author

Runa Nelson

4 books70 followers

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5 stars
73 (38%)
4 stars
53 (28%)
3 stars
31 (16%)
2 stars
22 (11%)
1 star
9 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany ⭑ Book lover.
300 reviews22 followers
April 3, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
5/5 🌶️

Wow. Have you ever had to just sit back and take a moment after finishing a book. A moment where you are just like what the f***k did I just read. This. I had to do this.

Nova is kidnapped and held on an island for months with 3 other people. Tyr keeps her sane and makes her feel whole again. Only, nothing is as it seems.

I don’t have words for what happened in part two of this journey. And journey it was. First, I read this in one day - I had a hard time stopping. I just couldn’t imagine what I was going to read next. This was probably one of the darkest books I have read (and I have read many). There is a lot of TWs that need to be read before you dive into this messed up world but if you do - hold on for a roller coaster ride. I feel like I can’t say much without spoilers but if you want something dark, deprived, and disturbing - this is it.
Profile Image for Alysa MacLaughlin.
75 reviews13 followers
April 3, 2024
A very dark read but so beyond worth it if you can handle it!

Runa is such a talented author and her mind is a crazy place. This book checked off every box for me. I love the character development and Norse relations. The spice is SPICY! And the twists are crazy. You literally never know what to expect while you’re reading.

If you’re looking for something that’ll keep you on your toes and wanting to ignore all other responsibilities… this is it. This is the read for you!
Profile Image for Dahlena Sampson PA.
149 reviews15 followers
April 12, 2024
This book was such a thrilling read! Runa knocked it out of the park with this joint of storylines and the character and story development is outstanding. Tyr, Nova, Loki… all of them are written with such deep emotion that you can almost feel it in your soul! Highly recommend you add this to your library!
Profile Image for Kathy Gioxaris.
198 reviews9 followers
April 12, 2024
Wow!!! Mind blowing 🤯!
The plot and twists had me at the edge of my seat the whole time!
This book is DARK!!
Please check Trigger Warnings!
Perfectly written and highly recommend!
Profile Image for Chaotic Bookworm.
502 reviews
April 2, 2024
In the authors notes Runa explains this story was inspired by a nightmare and honestly the thing of nightmares is exactly what it was!

First and foremost please check the TW the list is long and contents/scenes are not for everyone.

Have you ever read a book that at the end, you’re left speechless? I mean like a complete brain fried, staring into the abyss, not really knowing how to feel, kinda of speechless, well Runa did exactly that with this book.

This book is split into two parts. From the start I was hooked, just reading the terror Nova, Tyr, Kiyanna and Caleb had to endure in part one was heartbreaking.
Then part two, was like “oh… I wasn’t expecting that” it left me speechless in a good way.

This book is dark, depraved and twisted and I loved every second of it!
Profile Image for Erin Stapel.
706 reviews17 followers
April 9, 2024
Have you ever read a book then questioned your sanity for what you read and for enjoying it. This was one of those books. Take a moment before reading it and really read the trigger warnings. It is DARK it is spicy, and it is Twists AF. This author did and amazing job keeping her readers engrossed into this book. nothing in this book is what it seems, and the plot twists will keep you on your toes. nothing is as it seems. You literally never know what to expect while you’re reading. If you like Twisted and Dark but with a mix of spice this book is definitely worth reading just make sure you check your warnings first.
Profile Image for Anita Hickman.
611 reviews12 followers
April 12, 2024
This is a world where monsters where monsters are truly made from.
An island that holds 4 people.
Caleb, Kyyanna, Tyr, and Nova. 4 lives who will change forever on this abandoned island forever.

Make sure you read the trigger warnings. Some of it is REALLY descriptive and a little unsettling..
There are 2 parts to this tale of this book.
The first part will tell you how the four of them got there and the horrific things they all had to endure and what they did to be able to leave...

The second part is not what it seems.
This the plot twist I was NOT expecting.
THIS IS where you will gasp for air because of what you have discovered.
This book .... ... this book, the content, everything in it, well... .is where the twist begins.

This book was really well-written.. it definitely was a wild ride. One I won't forget.
Just remember carefully read the warnings for this book. Some are a little graphic ..
Profile Image for Meagan.
161 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2024
This was by far one of the darkest books I’ve read. It was very intense and I felt it had almost a psychological thriller aspect that. I would highly recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading. This is one book that will stick with me for a long time, but I will be recommending it for any dark romance lovers I’ve come across. Especially those who enjoy a psychological ✨m!ndfûx.✨

Spice: 3/5
Character Development: oof… uh, 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Profile Image for Ree Reads Smut.
33 reviews
April 4, 2024
What did I think you ask…

I actually don’t know. I don’t know what to think. I feel like I stopped having the capability to think about anything other than the next page, next paragraph, next word and I still haven’t fully come back online.

Do you ever read something and think WTF is wrong with me, and then just keep reading because you can’t stop? My husband watched my facial expressions, asked me if I was ok and why I was still reading..

IDK WHY OK. MAYBE BECAUSE ITS SO GOOD? MAYBE I JUST NEED THERAPY?!

Runa… this book was so good in all the wrong ways and I have serious questions about my mental health considering I’m giving this 5 stars 💀

It was Spicy. It was Messy. It was a Twist and it was a f’kn TRIP.

Mind yah triggers. There’s a few. But you will eat this book faster than a bowl of mom’s spaghetti. 🤌
Profile Image for Laura (Stars and Vellum).
91 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
I wanted to love this book, I really did 😭 the premise sounded amazing. However I just couldn’t get pulled into the story.

The story itself was interesting, but the pacing was off. It was like the story was moving so quickly that I didn’t get a chance to connect with any of the characters.

There are a lot of Norse mythology references in this book, and as someone who studied and is pretty well versed in Norse mythology some of them were pretty perplexing and did not make sense in the context they were used. It read as though someone copy-pasted a Wikipedia article on Norse mythology. And the pronunciation guide at the start of the book having þormundr pronounced poor-men-dur is bizarre (þ is “th”) and Mimir as Mi-Mirror is so strange to me. Using algiz and then not using the proto-Germanic kenaz but rather kaunan is strange to me as well. Honestly I wish I’d have kept notes while reading 😅

I will say the twist near the end was a nice touch, but I found it so hard to actually believe it because of the FMC’s reaction. It read as if she found out she was hallucinating and then was immediately okay with it and there was little to no adjustment other than asking a few questions… like GIRL would you not be reeling and trying to figure out what is real?!

Overall this book was a vibe, but I just don’t think I’m the target audience for this book. I am definitely open to reading more of the author’s work in the future because the story was interesting but this one fell flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gerlie Mae.
74 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
Plot: 🥵🖤🔥👀
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

The tag warnings are REAL!!!! This book will never humor you! I has just a few sleep today because i can’t put it down. I hope i won’t have nightmares tonight. Everything about this book is dark🖤☠️😱. The spice? Ooohhh it’s devilishly spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥… This is my first book from her and it shooked me👀. The kinks are all there!! This will be forever my darkest ( i dnf The Life of Anna, i had a hard time knowing Anna’s going thru). I’ve read a lot of dark books but this one is just woah! Thank you author for this amazing piece 😘 I’m looking forward for more.
Profile Image for TJ | TheEclecticBookFairy .
122 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2024
This book blew my mind.
FIRST DIVE INTO GORE FOR ME.
I was so torn with what was happening.
Then the freaking plot twist had my crying, angry breathing a sigh of relief.

This book is dark.
READ THE TRIGGERS BECAUSE WOW!!
This book will play with your mind and having you saying wt f.

Fantastic work Runa🖤
Profile Image for Marian Jones.
25 reviews
December 24, 2024
After almost a month of trying to slog through her book I have decided that this is just trash writing. The plot is weak at best and from what I seen of this i understand why her pr team is going after WAY more talented authors. No class and poor writing bad form save your money there are way better authors to back than this!
Profile Image for Niamhyyy12.
234 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2024
DNF around 45% and ended up skimming the rest of the book

I don’t even know why I read 45% of this book - the writing is flat and cringy also felt like it was written by a 16 year old wattpad writer- emotionless characters I really wanted to enjoy this but it disappointed me 1⭐️
Profile Image for Jillian Day.
311 reviews11 followers
May 28, 2024
ARC - I’m sorry this is so late😭
Honestly enjoyed this book so much. Was definitely a dark read and the gore was goring but I enjoyed it sooo much. The story was amazing and it was written so well.
Profile Image for Melissa Reid-Ciferri.
49 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2025
Wtf did I just read 😳😵‍💫☠️

I don't even know where to begin. This whole book had me on the seat of my pants from the beginning to the very end. Every time I thought I knew what was happening, nope it threw me on another loop. I do not have triggers & this book is dark AF.

**DETAILED REVIEW & SPOILERS**

Story Part 1 is about a girl, Nova, who gets kidnapped. She is taken to this house on an island, where she is kept with 3 others, Tyr, Kiyanna, & Caleb. They are all tortured, BRUTALLY, in every way possible by this psycho Roger. Tyr falls for Nova from the get go, & is in love with her, & they soon develop a relationship. Roger finds out about Tyr & Nova & goes ballistic. He grapes Nova & makes Tyr watch as punishment. Like wtf 😭 Tyr becomes unhinged & they all end up getting their revenge. Oh happy day!

Now fast forward to after they return to the land of the living. And this is where it all starts to turn, cray cray! Part 2 of the story delves into life after their escape and how they try to overcome their trauma. You better hold on, & keep your hands & feet inside the vehicle cause the twists, turns, & holy sh**balls that you take on this rollercoaster ride of the dark, depraved, & completely insane will have you questioning your own sanity at times. I was literally gasping every other page. And whoa-zers, there is high spice sprinkled, dashed, & thrusted in every direction throughout, no pun intended 🥵🔥 Did I also mention there's a secret society? Everything i thought i knew was happening, no, no i didn't. In the end, I was not expecting a happy ever after, if that's what you call it 🥴 Definitely a worth-while read.

**Please, check your TWs if you have them y'all cause there are so so so many….you have been warned!**

FAV QUOTES/SCENES:
"The moment I lay my eyes upon her broken body hanging from the rafters is the exact moment I realize I would ☠️ for her."...I want to touch her. I want to use her body in a way that only she will allow me. I want to own her.

This place is broken, and we are all just recycled toys.

I vow to never let another soul, aside from mine, touch her.

Let me remind you who we could be. Let me show you what you can't see yet.

Nova is a pretty little thing, and I will have fun with my new toy. Even if she is fu**ed up.

“We barely know each other, but you want me as much as I want you. You just haven’t admitted it yourself yet. Wake up and realize that I’m right here!”

“Look at what you’re making me do! I don’t want things to be like this, but this is the only way I know how to teach you a lesson! You made me this way, and you're gonna fix it, too! " I can’t talk– it won’t help. The man that held me beneath the stars, the man that comforted me, the man who took my innocence, is now gone. In his place stands a monster, an evil person who uses violence to explain things...“I told you, Nova; you’re mine. I own you.”

“Yes, Nova. That’s it. That’s a good girl,” he growls into my ear. “Cry, scream, fight. No one's gonna hear you.”

I’m going to have to break her down further just to fix her up, and I don’t know if I’m ready to commit to that. How can I ruin someone's perspective on life and expect them to suddenly be okay?...“Odin,” I speak softly. “What have you done?"

The hurt in Nova's eyes was almost unbearable. The only thing that kept me going was the fierceness behind the pain. She’s stronger than anyone believes. I want to be the only one who sees her every emotion. I want– no, need– her rage, pleasure, fright, and sadness. She’s the dose of every drug that I could ever want. I want to cut it out of her, suck the life from her, and drink it down as fast as possible. The need to be high on her is more than enough to keep me going until I ☠️.

“Just listen to my heart. This is real, you’re real. Just breathe.” When did this woman become my safe haven? When did I become hers?...I don’t know if I’ll be able to save her from her demons, but maybe she can join mine. Time will tell.

His little smiles and smirks aren’t needed, but I revel in them. He’s joining the darkness inside my heart instead of pushing it away, and I know at this moment– He is My Soul. My Life. My Love. This is who I am. This is who I want to become. I no longer want to pretend to be okay for everyone else. With Alek by my side, I can be myself. Be Nova. Dark and deranged. Sick and twisted. Bloody and turned on.“Yes, this is real. Join me, beautiful. Feast with me. Stay with me in the dark, Min Myrkr Stjärna.”

“You’re like a storm. You sucked me in and did the damage. I don’t want you to pass over me, though. I want to be stuck in this perpetual spin of life, tangled against each other. It’s okay if you need to sweep over me because I will do what everyone else does when a storm passes… I will mark it in the history books, erect a memorial, and remember the time we had together until the day I cease to exist. I love you.”

“You’re mine now, baby girl”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ✨✨ Claire✨✨.
1,131 reviews58 followers
April 10, 2024
Its taken me 2 days to sit with the aftermath that is this awesome book in my head. And still I'm not sure how to offer a satisfactory review of my usual packed reel of clips... This book.....i thought I knew what was happening. But I didn't. I was so far from the mark i could have been on another planet..... But it was brilliant. I loved it!

I urge you to take note of the TW in this as the author is not messing around with them.

We start our book with our FMC, Nova who is abducted from her time at the beach with her best friend Aimee and taken to a dungeon by a strange man who doesn't tell her what she's really there for but she needs to behave. After being prodded and poked by him, she learns she's not alone here, and is taken care of by Tyr, who falls in love with Nova on sight. There are two other people who are secondary characters to this but help her survive in here.

Tyr and XXXXXXC plot to drug Roger and overtake him one night and let the girls in whats happening. Between them, they get their Revenge and ultimately kill him.

But they're still trapped in the house, unable to unlock the front door or get anywhere open and running out of food. They need to fully investigate the house for secret rooms and keys to help them.

Upon being rescued Nova is questioned and this is where part one ends,part two and Novas new life begins.

Its here that she and Tyr begin to live a life as a couple.
But it's not all that simple. The abduction changed Nova, and probably anybody else who was lucky enough to escape.

Part two is jam packed full of Twists and turns. We learn she's still being watched but not quite sure why until much later on.
We are mindful of a pov of loki who is watching her and gets closer to her than his "boss" intends for him to be. Again, pulled in by her inner and outer beauty he can't help himself. He tries to keep his distance, but makes his presence known by a small fender bender with Nova.....

I'm purposely not giving much more away here because it's a mind blowing book that I really recommend going into as blind as possible as you can (besides the TW of course!!). It took me days to be able to put my head straight to put any kind of review down! The last 20% is just.... *pow* so hard to explain, I cant!

Such a unique read, Dark areas, not so much smutty dark but life dark, written well!

Be prepared for the roller-coaster....!
Profile Image for Pennie.
246 reviews11 followers
April 6, 2024
I had the privilege of reading this book. I had already read Key to Supernova and the book Waking up for Him by this author when she used another Pen Name. This book is basically those two books combined, with some extra to tie them together smoothly.

Nova and her friend are just relaxing on a beach one day enjoying life. She has no idea that a trip to the bathroom is about to change her life drastically. She is kidnapped and taken to an island by a sick individual. You will not understand why until much much later in the book. There she meets Tyr and he’s her savior and they fall in love. And no this is not a spoiler, but they are eventually rescued. She is smitten with him and they decide to move in together.

Things are suddenly changing drastically. Tyr is not the sweet and caring man she saw on the island. He is nothing like he was on the island. She meets Aleksandr, who is worried about her. Their attraction is so instant. And he is a very likable character. Unfortunately, Nova does not realize that he has a secret.

Odin has sent Loki to watch over Nova. She is to be protected. The Society is a dark group of Vikings. They have many rituals. Loki does watch over her and protects her so much. He may eventually have to tell her the truth and change her life even more drastically again.

This is such a great dark Viking romance. With so many twists and turns. I yelled “oh my God” at one part because I absolutely did not see it coming. This is a total page turner that you cannot put down. Just make sure you check out those triggers, wow! If you aren’t easily triggered like I am, I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as possible!
Profile Image for Leah.
182 reviews28 followers
May 7, 2024
Sometimes when reading or finishing a book, my first thought is.. what a crazy place this Author's mind must be. Not in a bad way, in a way in which makes me grateful that a human can have this much talent to bring such an immensely mind boggling, unhinged but incredible story.

My mind is currently so far out of reach that even the lost boys in neverland haven't managed to find it. This book will question your reading choices, your mind set. Its just, wow.
This is the first book in a while, maybe even ever, that has made my stomach queasy during one particular scene. I think I turned a little green.

God, was it good though!! The whole plot was something your mind could never come up with, twists and turns round every little corner that had me, angry crying. Anger for the characters, anger towards them.. this book will have you in a chokehold. You expect none of it. I thought I had it figured out and then BAM.
Not leaving out those spicy scenes, don't get me wrong, there isn't a lot but they are good. Whoever decided to turn the sun on in the UK today I hope you are pleased. I am sticky in so many ways and no amount of cold showers will fix it. This book has me dripping.

I can't describe it other than, you feel like you are in the book. Incredible.

A short 4 pages full of triggers warnings. Read those. This isn't for the faint hearted. Never tell yourself that just because you have never had triggers before, that you won't. Feelings change and you mental health is way more important than a book!
Profile Image for Between The Covers .
445 reviews13 followers
April 12, 2024
Please note read the TWs as they are intense and on page.

Let me just say that boy did this book take a turn that I absolutely did not expect. It spun me for a loop. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, I was slammed back and highly mistaken. Beginning middle and end. It will definitely push your boundaries to the max. There were many times when I had to stop and say “wtf?!”, “Do what now?!” and then reread that section again just to still get the same response. It's very rare for me to find a book that will knock me off my seat when reading. This one almost did it.

That being said, I absolutely loved it and the characters in the book. They were thrilling, intense, and amazing. The suspense will have you craving more. The crap they had to endure and overcome, especially Nova, is crazy. And then BAM, the story unfolds, and the truth is found out.

This book is a Pitch Black Romance, and it is filled with TWs, so please be sure to check them before diving head first into it.

#darkromance #darkromancelover #darkromancereads #darkbookstagram #pitchblackromance #runanelsonauthor #thekeytowakingup
Profile Image for Kerrie Porter.
188 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2024
I am just going to start and say holy crap!! This was book has two parts to it, the first part you meet Nova who is at the beach with her bestie Amiee, where an unfortunate event occurs to Nova where she ends up waking up on a desolate island where she then meets Roger the man who ended up taking her there, where he already has 3 other people at the island which include Tyr, Caleb and Kiyanna. They all survive the island together making sure to have everyone's back, and making a plan to get off the island. The second part is where you meet Loki aka Aleksandr, Marcus, and Odin. You also learn about a secret society that Loki is a part of. I wont say anymore so that I don't give away anything, but this book kept me wanting to keep reading to find out what was going on. The plot was amazing and it sucked you right in, which is a plus on my list, the spice is spicing. This is a very dark book so you will definitely want to check out your triggers before you read this book because your mental health matters.
Profile Image for Tara Malta.
169 reviews12 followers
April 2, 2024
Wow. Idk how else to describe this book. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. There is a laundry list of triggers so make sure you check that out before you start this book! The Key to Waking Up is a dark, spicy, psychological thriller. The first part gives you the background of how Nova comes to be in the state of mind that she is in. It depicts how she is kidnapped, kept on an island with three others where the are all tortured and abused, and then their eventual escape. Part two depicts the life of Nova and Tyr after the escape and how they try to navigate their trauma. The plot and writing get more into detail and it is where you get sucked in with all the twists and turns and revelations. It dives into a Viking vibe where a secret society is introduced and you find there is more going on than what you ever thought possible.

Definitely DO NOT read this book after you eat! I made that mistake twice. Overall, this book was a RIDE and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Amoyisreadingxoxo.
319 reviews
April 9, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes: Secret society, touch her and die, PLOT TWIST(has me gasping hahaha), cannibalism lol, emotional

I felt like I was in a fever dream that I didn’t want to end😂😂
This book played literal mind tricks on me when it came to questioning whether the events happening were real or fake, and I loved it! The picturing of where everything took place was SO VIVID, and I loved how the author took us through each event and what took place.

Ahh my poor Nova was going through itttttt😫 but she is one strong woman to survive all that she has!! Sadly people accept the love they think they deserve which I think was her case, but as I followed her on her journey I was so glued as to where she might end up and I was not disappointed😭😏

You guys, this book was so GOOD, idk how many times I can say that lmao. But please read the triggers because this one had me SWEATING, but I loved it lol🖤🖤


Profile Image for Harleys book corner.
61 reviews11 followers
April 17, 2024
The Key To Waking Up by Runa Nelson & Elsa Gryte

⭐️ 4/5
🌶 4/5

🔨 Touch Her & 💀
🔨 Secret Society
🔨 K!dnapping
🔨 Huge Plot Twist

WTF did i read.... like i am not going to lie i loved this book, it was really quite gruesome but the plot twist had me questioning my sanity and if i had actually read what i was reading 🥲 Do not take the trigger warnings lightly it is very necessary to read them, this book is very gruesome with very triggering themes in it, remember your mental health comes first.

I don't know where to begin... this book had me feeling so sorry for the FMC Nova she had been through so much and then that huge plot twist came in and everything just got flipped into what felt like another dimension, even i questioned everything i had read up until that point. This book is so clever in the way that it is written and the storyline, i did cringe quite a few times and it is very hard to do so seeing as i am a true crime and psychopath fan 😅

If you are looking for a book that is going to completely blow your mind and make you completely rethink what you know about dark romance, please read this as long as you can get past the trigger warnings, because it is honestly so worth it and i am so happy that i came across it and was given the oportunity to read it.
37 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2024
When I say there are no words... there are literally no words for this. First thing I will say is CHECK THE TRIGGERS, they are not to be taken lightly. However, if you get through those you're golden. This is the first Runa Nelson book I have read and it was not for the faint of heart. It was truly the most messed up book I have ever read (in the best way possible). This book is split into two parts, the first where the FMC has been held captive and the second part is after captivity. I started to think I had it figured out (a few times actually) and I was wrong every damn time.
If you are looking for a book that will take you on every twist and turn imaginable.. look no further. I just finished this minutes ago and am already planning on reading it again to pick up every detail I missed!
Profile Image for Toni.
63 reviews9 followers
April 12, 2024
First of all.. wow!
Please be aware of the the trigger warnings, they are no joke.
This book is graphic.
Having said that, if you love extremely dark trauma romance, like I do, this book is for you!

I enjoyed this book. I love character bonds in the midst of trauma. The MC's of this book go through so much, and only have each other to lean on. Yet, most times nothing is really what it seems! It really felt like a nightmare I'd never want to have!

Parts of it literally made me heave. But, if a book dosen't make me feel something why am I even reading it. I guarantee this book will make you feel..something.

The plot twists! Wowsers! So many secrets, lies, and plot twists! My mouth was hanging open half the time. If you love pitch black romance, get on this depraved ride immediately!
Profile Image for Christi  Elaine  Camacho .
91 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2024
This is a dark romance make sure to check the triggers warning! 

  

This book will have you questioning yourself. Simply because you like what you read. Nova the FMC is kidnapped and held on an island with three other people. Tyr keeps her sane, her safe person, making her feel whole again.  


This is one of the darkest books I have read, nothing is as it seems. Your in a rollercoaster ride in this book. 


The spice is spicy ladies and gents. The twist are our of this world. You never know whats going to happen. I didn't wanna put this book down. I wanted to know what happen. Not wanted needed to know. Such an amazing read! 


I love the characters development and the norse relations. This book has left me speechless.
Profile Image for Whitney Gray.
252 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2024
I'm still processing what I just read. It is very dark, the FMC is k!dn@ppëd and is åssáûltêd throughout the book. I know I always say this, but check every trigger warning on this one! This is great example of an extremely dark romance meets psychological thriller.

Runa did a great job of pressing every boundary in this book and kept me on my toes throughout the entire story. The twists and turns you go on through the journey that is this book had my head spinning and needing to know what happens. It gave me Shutter Island type of vibes in a good way and I will for sure think about this book for a long time to come!

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

🔥Touch Her and ☠️
🔥🩸 play
🔥CNC
🔥N0nc0n
🔥Tr@uma
🔥Morally Black MMCs
🔥Very Dark Romance
Profile Image for Sami Elaine.
41 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2024
This book takes you for a ride and if you don't come prepared you will get lost in the darkness. The Key to Waking Up is the first book by Runa Nelson that I have read and I can say that I am a fan. The writing style is superb and provides plenty of imagery without going overboard. The pacing is very good which helps to keep you engaged but honestly the story itself doesn't need help in this department.

From page 1 you are with Nova on her journey. The story twists you up and wrings you dry and then leaves you chasing the plot. There is plenty of tasteful and intense spicy and even more dark and tough to stomach situations. I would strongly recommend this book for those who can handle it (check the triggers before diving in) and I am excitedly anticipating Runa's next story.
Profile Image for Mickyla Hatch.
97 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2024
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. So definitely check TW's.

Here I am minding my own business just reading a book and bam! We have the first shock! But it didn't stop there...no it kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next. I kept thinking ok I think I know where the author is going with this, and then bam, take me on a whole other path.

Then you get to part 2, and it just gets crazier from there. I had so many WTF moments, and I just couldn't put it down. Even on the parts that made me gag.

Runa has a way of sucking you in and then keeping your attention with the twists and turns that she throws at you. And I was living for it.
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