What do you think?
Rate this book
Time To Wake #1
Time to Wake
Time to Wake is the award-winning first book in the Time to Wake Series.
Senlis is your typical artist. Empath, hater of mornings, and the bearer of a strange name passed down from her grandmother. With a penchant for caffeine and a pet ghost, she's just trying to live her best life.
Did she mention she also happens to devour souls? No? Well, it's a bit of a conversation killer… no pun intended.
When new neighbors move in across the street, Senlis strikes up an unexpected friendship with the equally quirky Katie. The two get mixed up in a party circuit that leaves a string of missing girls– and a trail back to Senlis' less than human origins. At the center of it all is a guy not smart enough to keep his distance. He's arrogant, frustrating, and terribly distracting… Just, please don't tell anyone she admitted that last part.
Is Hunter involved in the mysterious murders? Or is he just in the wrong place at the right time?
As she tries to figure out Hunter's motives, Senlis ends up learning what it means to be a Nephilim, and how her past is playing a role in the murders. "Time to Wake" is the first book of a new-adult paranormal romance series brimming with suspense and quirky laughs!
Note from the The books are New Adult and "PG-13" in nature, intended for upper YA and beyond due to the inclusion strong language, adult themes, underage drinking (not condoned, just present), intimate encounters ("open door", but non-explicit), and scenes of violence and implied domestic abuse. The Author did work to place most violence and abuse "off-page" to soften impact to readers but wants them to be aware it is present.
Senlis is your typical artist. Empath, hater of mornings, and the bearer of a strange name passed down from her grandmother. With a penchant for caffeine and a pet ghost, she's just trying to live her best life.
Did she mention she also happens to devour souls? No? Well, it's a bit of a conversation killer… no pun intended.
When new neighbors move in across the street, Senlis strikes up an unexpected friendship with the equally quirky Katie. The two get mixed up in a party circuit that leaves a string of missing girls– and a trail back to Senlis' less than human origins. At the center of it all is a guy not smart enough to keep his distance. He's arrogant, frustrating, and terribly distracting… Just, please don't tell anyone she admitted that last part.
Is Hunter involved in the mysterious murders? Or is he just in the wrong place at the right time?
As she tries to figure out Hunter's motives, Senlis ends up learning what it means to be a Nephilim, and how her past is playing a role in the murders. "Time to Wake" is the first book of a new-adult paranormal romance series brimming with suspense and quirky laughs!
Note from the The books are New Adult and "PG-13" in nature, intended for upper YA and beyond due to the inclusion strong language, adult themes, underage drinking (not condoned, just present), intimate encounters ("open door", but non-explicit), and scenes of violence and implied domestic abuse. The Author did work to place most violence and abuse "off-page" to soften impact to readers but wants them to be aware it is present.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2021
28 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
K. Thomas
3 books41 followersK. Thomas is a human, not a talking cat.
"Time to Wake" was her first novel. She meant to publish one sooner, but fell in love with her day job. Unlike her main character, she likes numbers and budgets almost as much as she likes words.
Her debut novel Time to Wake received a warm literary welcome with five star reviews from IndieReader and Readers' Favorite, as well as being awarded the 2021 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal in the New Adult Genre.
Follow K. Thomas on Facebook and Twitter for updates on book releases, book promos, and general shenanigans.
IndieReader Editorial Review:
IR Rating 5.0 out of 5.0 ~ IndieReader Approved
The highlight of TIME TO WAKE is its extensive worldbuilding—especially the backstory that sparks the bulk of the conflict and tosses out surprises left and right once the pieces begin falling into place. Nephilim lore gets a fresh update, and Thomas brings something original to the already crowded genre, which is not always an easy task. Passages where Senlis struggles with or learns more about her unusual power are captivating as they are effective. An exciting start to a series that wraps up one mystery while leaving a lot of fun breadcrumbs—and a last-minute reveal that packs an emotional wallop—for future installments.
A suspenseful new adult paranormal romance, TIME TO WAKE blends a tense, slow-burn mystery thriller with a completely original twist on supernatural lore. Clever storytelling and loveable characters make for a solid, unputdownable debut.
~Jessica Thomas for IndieReader
Five Star -- Readers' Favorite
"The leads are so lovely and infused with humor that it's easy to get caught up in the romantic and adventurous element of the story. K. Thomas will make you believe in love but break your heart at the same time. Time to Wake is a well-written story that redefines what it means to live a normal life when you are tied to circumstances beyond your control. Senlis struggles to unearth more truths about her identity while trying to make sense of the predicament they face. These are pressing imperatives delivered in a thrilling and dreamy storyline.
Despite impending danger, there is enough time to properly explore the relationship of Senlis and Hunter as it evolves from hostility to romance, and this evolution is how Thomas masterfully delivers the girl meets boy trope with an original twist. As the first installment in a new series, it meets expectations so that you will eagerly await the next book."
~Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
5 Star Readers' Favorite review for Not Right Now:
The second installment in a series is probably the most difficult one to pitch to your readers. You’ve proven that the concept works enough for a story, but now you need to prove that the characters you created and already pushed to their limit once have more room for development and growth. K. Thomas, however, rises to the challenge exceptionally, taking Senlis, Benny, and Hunter and continuing their journey by pushing them into new and exciting situations which show different sides to their characters and create a fascinating growth beyond the already fleshed out individuals we met in the first book.
Not Right Now is a masterclass in growing the world of the series in a manner that constantly adds and improves on the material in the first book without ever contradicting or overcomplicating the world. It is an excellent piece of paranormal fiction that I would happily recommend to any fans of the genre.
~ K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
"Time to Wake" was her first novel. She meant to publish one sooner, but fell in love with her day job. Unlike her main character, she likes numbers and budgets almost as much as she likes words.
Her debut novel Time to Wake received a warm literary welcome with five star reviews from IndieReader and Readers' Favorite, as well as being awarded the 2021 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal in the New Adult Genre.
Follow K. Thomas on Facebook and Twitter for updates on book releases, book promos, and general shenanigans.
IndieReader Editorial Review:
IR Rating 5.0 out of 5.0 ~ IndieReader Approved
The highlight of TIME TO WAKE is its extensive worldbuilding—especially the backstory that sparks the bulk of the conflict and tosses out surprises left and right once the pieces begin falling into place. Nephilim lore gets a fresh update, and Thomas brings something original to the already crowded genre, which is not always an easy task. Passages where Senlis struggles with or learns more about her unusual power are captivating as they are effective. An exciting start to a series that wraps up one mystery while leaving a lot of fun breadcrumbs—and a last-minute reveal that packs an emotional wallop—for future installments.
A suspenseful new adult paranormal romance, TIME TO WAKE blends a tense, slow-burn mystery thriller with a completely original twist on supernatural lore. Clever storytelling and loveable characters make for a solid, unputdownable debut.
~Jessica Thomas for IndieReader
Five Star -- Readers' Favorite
"The leads are so lovely and infused with humor that it's easy to get caught up in the romantic and adventurous element of the story. K. Thomas will make you believe in love but break your heart at the same time. Time to Wake is a well-written story that redefines what it means to live a normal life when you are tied to circumstances beyond your control. Senlis struggles to unearth more truths about her identity while trying to make sense of the predicament they face. These are pressing imperatives delivered in a thrilling and dreamy storyline.
Despite impending danger, there is enough time to properly explore the relationship of Senlis and Hunter as it evolves from hostility to romance, and this evolution is how Thomas masterfully delivers the girl meets boy trope with an original twist. As the first installment in a new series, it meets expectations so that you will eagerly await the next book."
~Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
5 Star Readers' Favorite review for Not Right Now:
The second installment in a series is probably the most difficult one to pitch to your readers. You’ve proven that the concept works enough for a story, but now you need to prove that the characters you created and already pushed to their limit once have more room for development and growth. K. Thomas, however, rises to the challenge exceptionally, taking Senlis, Benny, and Hunter and continuing their journey by pushing them into new and exciting situations which show different sides to their characters and create a fascinating growth beyond the already fleshed out individuals we met in the first book.
Not Right Now is a masterclass in growing the world of the series in a manner that constantly adds and improves on the material in the first book without ever contradicting or overcomplicating the world. It is an excellent piece of paranormal fiction that I would happily recommend to any fans of the genre.
~ K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 18, 2022
Well, this was awfully good fun. I was in a bit of a slump when I began this book, super-critical and unable to turn off editor brain. It says a lot about the quality of this book that after a few chapters I was hooked and read the first 50% in a day. I think I got through 80% by the end of it!
The characters are what really make this book shine. They felt like real people and the characterisation of the teenage ones was particularly accurate. Hunter is a definite hottie and it's soooo refreshing to finally read a story where instant attraction is still realistic and slow-burning. The emphasis on touch was just... *chef's kiss*
If you like paranormal romance, believable characters, witty banter and a few twists and turns, definitely give Time to Wake a go!
The characters are what really make this book shine. They felt like real people and the characterisation of the teenage ones was particularly accurate. Hunter is a definite hottie and it's soooo refreshing to finally read a story where instant attraction is still realistic and slow-burning. The emphasis on touch was just... *chef's kiss*
If you like paranormal romance, believable characters, witty banter and a few twists and turns, definitely give Time to Wake a go!
December 29, 2021
I'll be honest, I didn't quite know what to expect when I picked up this book. It came highly recommended on Twitter and I was excited to see what all the hype was about. Now I know! Time to Wake is AMAZING!
I love the premise so much. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I need to say the slow-burn romance between Sen and Hunter was fantastic, as were the details that were revealed regarding their relationship. Sen was a character I rooted for from the start and it was great being there in her head as the truth about everyone (and herself!) was slowly revealed to her. Not only was Sen amazing, but Time to Wake has a whole cast of incredibly lovable characters. Ryder, Kate (omg she was the sweetest and coolest!), BENNY!! Don't get me started about Benny! That reveal at the end about him was just so...*chef's kiss* In all honesty, the characters alone would've been enough to keep me engaged. But the plot was just as cool! Unique, fast-paced, and full of mysterious murders, Time to Wake has it all.
This review is already getting a bit long and if I don't wrap it up soon I'll be here all night talking about everything I loved. That would be a waste of your time though, valuable time you could spend actually reading it instead. I'll just end by saying K. Thomas is an insanely talented writer and I look forward to diving into book 2 soon!! 5 stars!
NOW GO READ TIME TO WAKE!!
I love the premise so much. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I need to say the slow-burn romance between Sen and Hunter was fantastic, as were the details that were revealed regarding their relationship. Sen was a character I rooted for from the start and it was great being there in her head as the truth about everyone (and herself!) was slowly revealed to her. Not only was Sen amazing, but Time to Wake has a whole cast of incredibly lovable characters. Ryder, Kate (omg she was the sweetest and coolest!), BENNY!! Don't get me started about Benny! That reveal at the end about him was just so...*chef's kiss* In all honesty, the characters alone would've been enough to keep me engaged. But the plot was just as cool! Unique, fast-paced, and full of mysterious murders, Time to Wake has it all.
This review is already getting a bit long and if I don't wrap it up soon I'll be here all night talking about everything I loved. That would be a waste of your time though, valuable time you could spend actually reading it instead. I'll just end by saying K. Thomas is an insanely talented writer and I look forward to diving into book 2 soon!! 5 stars!
NOW GO READ TIME TO WAKE!!
April 25, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book! The story, the characters, the pacing - it all felt perfectly on point for me. Senlis's abilities were super intriguing, as were those of the people she meets throughout the book. I adored Benny the ghost. He was probably one of my favorite parts. I don't know what else to say without spoilers, so let's just say I'm stoked the sequel is already out, because I don't think I'll be able to wait very long to see what happens next. Highly recommend checking this one out!
September 27, 2021
I bought this book for the awesome comments it receives on a regular basis. It's not my usual genre, so I decided to read the story without checking the blurb beforehand.
I was positively surprised! At the beginning of the story, you meet the MC, Senlis, and her pet ghost, Benny (my favorite character!). I related to Senlis right away. Being an introvert myself, I guess it was inevitable. Senlis perceives the energy of everyone around herself and it drains her of her own energy. If you are an introvert too, you know what I'm talking about.
The story is a mix of paranormal romance and murder mystery. The dialogue is fun and witty, the characters are quite unique, and once you close the book, you know you need to read the sequel right away.
I highly recommend it!
I was positively surprised! At the beginning of the story, you meet the MC, Senlis, and her pet ghost, Benny (my favorite character!). I related to Senlis right away. Being an introvert myself, I guess it was inevitable. Senlis perceives the energy of everyone around herself and it drains her of her own energy. If you are an introvert too, you know what I'm talking about.
The story is a mix of paranormal romance and murder mystery. The dialogue is fun and witty, the characters are quite unique, and once you close the book, you know you need to read the sequel right away.
I highly recommend it!
March 18, 2024
I didn't really know what to expect as I've never really dipped my toe in romantasy. But now I've finished I must reiterate a lot of the comments I've seen in other reviews - fun, intriguing, cute, great mystery and gripping until the end. I listened to the audio version so not only can I complement how easily the words flow from this author, but also the excellent narration.
Sometimes you need an easy read that's easy on the eye but is gripping enough to keep you interested. K. Thomas achieves that perfectly. It's a great evening winding-down-for-bed read, also ideal for the poolside or on a plane.
The last couple of years I've been trying to focus my reading far more towards indie authors. I'm rarely disappointed, and this is yet another example of the quality available. Go buy it!
Sometimes you need an easy read that's easy on the eye but is gripping enough to keep you interested. K. Thomas achieves that perfectly. It's a great evening winding-down-for-bed read, also ideal for the poolside or on a plane.
The last couple of years I've been trying to focus my reading far more towards indie authors. I'm rarely disappointed, and this is yet another example of the quality available. Go buy it!
July 23, 2021
Fans of Rachel Caine (Ill Wind) will absolutely love this, and you know what? That means I did too!
TIME TO WAKE is an absolutely breakneck-paced book that seats its subtle-but-spectacular world building in a high-on-stakes plot that doesn't tread too far away from the tangible and real. I think it's easy nowadays for urban fantasy and supernatural authors to lean too heavily into the supernatural for tension, but in K. Thomas's first novel, this isn't the case. Very human struggles of friendship, belonging, and family litter these pages as supernatural secrets and threats linger on the back-burner.
Thomas's characters are engaging, humorous, and fun. Among my favorites are, of course, Senlis (the protagonist--and yes, Review Reader, you're pronouncing her name wrong); her best friend Katie, and of course, Benny, a mystery unto himself.
Among the things I loved about TIME TO WAKE:
1) These characters are emotionally available and experience extremely familiar feelings of confusion, frustration, and adoration. This means they're not always making the best decisions -- which is exactly what good characters do!
2) There's a ton of lore under the surface, and this book feels very much like the lead-in to a series (this review has been written after the announcement of Thomas's new book, so yes, there's more coming). What breadcrumbs are dropped feel intentionally so, and I appreciate both not being overwhelmed and being trusted as a reader to fill in the blanks;
3) The dialogue is sharp, frenetic, and fun. These characters sound and read like people you and I know, and that makes them instantly lovable. There are a number of lines I laughed aloud at, and despite what you might think from the blurb and the serious, title-focused cover, there's a lot of fun to be had between these pages!
I'm on board with the next book and can't wait to see how the tangled webs of friendship, relationship, fear, and knowledge get pulled apart--or more tightly knotted together! TIME TO WAKE is definitely worth your read, and deserves its place among your favorite urban fantasy!
TIME TO WAKE is an absolutely breakneck-paced book that seats its subtle-but-spectacular world building in a high-on-stakes plot that doesn't tread too far away from the tangible and real. I think it's easy nowadays for urban fantasy and supernatural authors to lean too heavily into the supernatural for tension, but in K. Thomas's first novel, this isn't the case. Very human struggles of friendship, belonging, and family litter these pages as supernatural secrets and threats linger on the back-burner.
Thomas's characters are engaging, humorous, and fun. Among my favorites are, of course, Senlis (the protagonist--and yes, Review Reader, you're pronouncing her name wrong); her best friend Katie, and of course, Benny, a mystery unto himself.
Among the things I loved about TIME TO WAKE:
1) These characters are emotionally available and experience extremely familiar feelings of confusion, frustration, and adoration. This means they're not always making the best decisions -- which is exactly what good characters do!
2) There's a ton of lore under the surface, and this book feels very much like the lead-in to a series (this review has been written after the announcement of Thomas's new book, so yes, there's more coming). What breadcrumbs are dropped feel intentionally so, and I appreciate both not being overwhelmed and being trusted as a reader to fill in the blanks;
3) The dialogue is sharp, frenetic, and fun. These characters sound and read like people you and I know, and that makes them instantly lovable. There are a number of lines I laughed aloud at, and despite what you might think from the blurb and the serious, title-focused cover, there's a lot of fun to be had between these pages!
I'm on board with the next book and can't wait to see how the tangled webs of friendship, relationship, fear, and knowledge get pulled apart--or more tightly knotted together! TIME TO WAKE is definitely worth your read, and deserves its place among your favorite urban fantasy!
March 31, 2022
Going into this book, I wasn’t sure what I was going to be in for, but it was rather delightful. The characters all throughout the story are marvelous. Sen is a relatable main character for me, especially with her introverted nature. I absolutely adored her relationship with Katie. They had this wonderful, gal pal, sisterly type bond that was really wholesome. Sen’s budding romance with Hunter was also intriguing, as were certain revelations that come to pass about him and Sen. The story is a mixture of slice of life, paranormal, and mystery, and it makes for a surprisingly fun cocktail. Oh, and Benny. Cannot forget to mention Benny. I kinda want my own Benny now. Wonderful book and I will certainly be looking into reading the sequel.
May 10, 2021
WOW! This book was such a fun read! I enjoyed the story, the characters and honestly couldn't stop reading! I really wasn't sure what to fully expect heading in, but it quickly grabbed me and didn't let go. Sen, the MC has special abilities that has kept her a loner of sorts for most of her life, only keeping one real friend who didn't know about her secrets. With no family left living, she found herself living on her own as a young adult. Well she wasn't fully alone, she does have a ghost for a roommate! In the story she begins to meet others, first a new neighbor girl and a few of her friends, then a guy at a coffee shop and each new encounter seems innocent enough. However, she soon learns that nothing is as it seems with each of these people. A new world begins to open up to her and she is having a hard time understanding the full magnitude of it. It's confusing yet exciting. Then her dreams begin, dreams where she see's things. Dreams that may or may not be her, or the girls who are disappearing and being murdered in town. She has a lot to figure out and time is not on her side. She is navigating new friends, a potential new love and the discovery of her own self and it's all just so much. She isn't sure who is on her side, who she can trust yet she knows she can't do it all on her own! I can't say more or I will really give spoilers, which I don't like to do. The excitement and mystery is there from the start, while it's a slow burn romance and story, you still get something new in every chapter. I read this in one day, and it left me so happy and wanting more! I cannot wait to read more of her books in the future!!! Do yourself a favor and read it today!!!
July 1, 2022
HOW DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THIS?!
Okay, so I went into this blind (read: my brain is a sieve and I forgot what it was about because I bought it forever ago) and wow, did it go places I wasn't expecting. I'm going to tell you something and I want you to understand that I mean this entirely and honestly: I loved everything about this book. Everything. Every page, every character, every everything. This one's going on the 'favorites' shelf, folks.
Did I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with two specific characters? I did. I *feared* it. And that worry was so richly rewarded with the shoe not really dropping so much as being the sweetest pair of cinnamon rolls ever. Also can I just say that I love Benny? Like from the start I loved him and THAT ENDING. I am not okay. I'm not even coherent!
I urge you, if you like superb storytelling and wonderful characters, go buy this book RIGHT NOW. Read it, love it, review it, tell everyone you know about it.
Okay, so I went into this blind (read: my brain is a sieve and I forgot what it was about because I bought it forever ago) and wow, did it go places I wasn't expecting. I'm going to tell you something and I want you to understand that I mean this entirely and honestly: I loved everything about this book. Everything. Every page, every character, every everything. This one's going on the 'favorites' shelf, folks.
Did I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with two specific characters? I did. I *feared* it. And that worry was so richly rewarded with the shoe not really dropping so much as being the sweetest pair of cinnamon rolls ever. Also can I just say that I love Benny? Like from the start I loved him and THAT ENDING. I am not okay. I'm not even coherent!
I urge you, if you like superb storytelling and wonderful characters, go buy this book RIGHT NOW. Read it, love it, review it, tell everyone you know about it.
August 5, 2021
Review originally published at https://amanjareads.com/2021/08/03/ti...
Time to Wake is the first in a supernatural series of novels that features at least one ghost and a whole new set of empathic powers. It also has some romance, drama, and young adult elements that make it great for many different audiences.
Our heroine is Senlis, who goes by Sen or "Sin" depending on who you ask. She's an introverted webcomic writer who prefers drinking tea with her ghost than going to wild parties or dating. The ghost is Benny, the spirit who lives in her house and enjoys drinking human energy as much as Sen loves drinking tea.
That sounds like a lot. Time to Wake does a good job of creating a new fantasy/supernatural world for the audience without bogging us down with too much excess world building. We get to learn the power sets, the players, and how Sen fits into it all as the book proceeds through a missing girl mystery plot.
We also get to enjoy the growing friendship/sister dynamic of Sen and her young neighbor Katie. I love a good positive female friendship in a book! It's so darn refreshing to have this dynamic without the unnecessary love triangle or fated rivalry. They work together, they compliment each other, they help each other grow. It's great.
Time to Wake is a fresh take on the young adult supernatural story and it's a darned entertaining read. I just kept picking it up and finished it quite quickly. Toward the end I knew I was running out of pages though and sensed that it was actually the beginning of a series. My thoughts have been confirmed and I am disappointed I didn't know that going in. I like to know I'm not going to get a conclusion before I start the book!
But I will very likely pick up the next book in the series and continue this story. It's a quick read with entertaining and engaging characters, with magic that I'm not already totally overexposed to. What more could you want?
Go ahead and check out Time to Wake and get yourself a female protagonist who doesn't fall into all the usual stereotypes and traps. I'm excited to see what she does next.
Time to Wake is the first in a supernatural series of novels that features at least one ghost and a whole new set of empathic powers. It also has some romance, drama, and young adult elements that make it great for many different audiences.
Our heroine is Senlis, who goes by Sen or "Sin" depending on who you ask. She's an introverted webcomic writer who prefers drinking tea with her ghost than going to wild parties or dating. The ghost is Benny, the spirit who lives in her house and enjoys drinking human energy as much as Sen loves drinking tea.
That sounds like a lot. Time to Wake does a good job of creating a new fantasy/supernatural world for the audience without bogging us down with too much excess world building. We get to learn the power sets, the players, and how Sen fits into it all as the book proceeds through a missing girl mystery plot.
We also get to enjoy the growing friendship/sister dynamic of Sen and her young neighbor Katie. I love a good positive female friendship in a book! It's so darn refreshing to have this dynamic without the unnecessary love triangle or fated rivalry. They work together, they compliment each other, they help each other grow. It's great.
Time to Wake is a fresh take on the young adult supernatural story and it's a darned entertaining read. I just kept picking it up and finished it quite quickly. Toward the end I knew I was running out of pages though and sensed that it was actually the beginning of a series. My thoughts have been confirmed and I am disappointed I didn't know that going in. I like to know I'm not going to get a conclusion before I start the book!
But I will very likely pick up the next book in the series and continue this story. It's a quick read with entertaining and engaging characters, with magic that I'm not already totally overexposed to. What more could you want?
Go ahead and check out Time to Wake and get yourself a female protagonist who doesn't fall into all the usual stereotypes and traps. I'm excited to see what she does next.
March 11, 2022
I don’t know if this review actually has spoilers but just to be safe….
This book was right up my alley. It had love that spans lifetimes and supernatural abilities. My two favorite things! The characters were more than just filler space and they had depth to them. I wanted to learn so much more about ALL of them! I was also thrilled that there was this world that we got a sneak peek of. I hope more is explained about it because it sounded really interesting. And lordy, did I loved how it ended! Benny?!?! Come on!!! I knew something was up with him!
GoodNESS, I’m so happy that I have the next book so I don’t have to wait to read it! Shout out to my brother and sister who recommended this to me!
This book was right up my alley. It had love that spans lifetimes and supernatural abilities. My two favorite things! The characters were more than just filler space and they had depth to them. I wanted to learn so much more about ALL of them! I was also thrilled that there was this world that we got a sneak peek of. I hope more is explained about it because it sounded really interesting. And lordy, did I loved how it ended! Benny?!?! Come on!!! I knew something was up with him!
GoodNESS, I’m so happy that I have the next book so I don’t have to wait to read it! Shout out to my brother and sister who recommended this to me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2021
Make sure you have a lot of time on your hands because once you start this book, you won't want to stop reading until you've finished it! The plot really makes you run along with it! This story is fast-paced, well-woven, and the characters are unique and well-developed. The main character is amazing, and she's honestly super relatable despite her other-worldly powers (every time Senlis needs a snack, or wants pizza, I'm just like - same, girl, same). I just can't stress enough how much I enjoyed reading this book!! I can't wait for the next one.
September 5, 2021
Great slow-burn romance. Loved the characters and the unexpected ending. Snarky ghosts, mysterious murders, and lots of hormones. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
December 6, 2021
[Blog]::[Youtube]::[Twitter]::[Instagram]::[Pinterest]::[Bloglovin]
When I started reading “Time to Wake,” I didn’t know what to expect. The story begins a bit slow initially, but the concept immediately intrigued me was the concept of the ghost as the roommate. As the story progressed, the author slowly revealed the bigger picture, and the book turned out to be very entertaining.
The highlight of the story is the relationship between the characters. I thought Sen shared fantastic chemistry with Benny and liked seeing their ups and downs. Moreover, I enjoyed the bond Sen shared with Katie and how supportive they are of each other. Katie brings out Sen’s fun side as they go out and have a good time. Even Hunter initially intrigued me because of the connection to the missing girls. What’s lovely about the author’s writing style is how the author balances the intrigue and suspense with the light-hearted humor of the character’s dialogues.
Similarly, the plot is intriguing as the author slowly builds the world and explains the characters. The author also adds some surprising moments to the story, like when Sen enters the apartment to find Katie playing cards with Benny or when Sen feels a current inside of her when she is near Hunter. Even characters like Vincent and Ryder were interesting in their way. However, Will was someone who I felt was mysterious and stood out because you don’t know what his intentions are. The author also ends the story on a shocking note, where you want to pick up the next book and find out what happens next.
Overall, “Time to Wake” is an excellent start to the series, and I look forward to reading its continuation.
October 19, 2021
This debut novel by K. Thomas “Time To Wake” is an absolute stunner! I must admit I did with this book what I normally do with everything I read for pleasure—I went in 100% cold. I didn't read the reviews, nor any descriptions. The only thing I knew, was that a dozen good friends from the Twitter #writingcommunity had recommended it. So, I dove right in. I am so glad I did!
The story is a delight, and I found myself missing other deadlines every day so that I could spend time in the wonderful world of the author's imagination. The genre is paranormal romance, and while that may not be my preferred go-to kind of read, I promise you I was enthralled with this tale. The MC Senlis, and her “roommate” Benny (trust me, he's a hoot!) are introduced to an array of colorful characters—who quickly find themselves engrossed in a mystery with supernatural underpinnings.
The character development and the mythology are superb, however the interpersonal relationships and excellent dialog really stood out for me. I really hate putting all sorts of reveals in reviews, because I think that spoils the fun—just trust me and go and read this fabulous book! You won't be disappointed!
The story is a delight, and I found myself missing other deadlines every day so that I could spend time in the wonderful world of the author's imagination. The genre is paranormal romance, and while that may not be my preferred go-to kind of read, I promise you I was enthralled with this tale. The MC Senlis, and her “roommate” Benny (trust me, he's a hoot!) are introduced to an array of colorful characters—who quickly find themselves engrossed in a mystery with supernatural underpinnings.
The character development and the mythology are superb, however the interpersonal relationships and excellent dialog really stood out for me. I really hate putting all sorts of reveals in reviews, because I think that spoils the fun—just trust me and go and read this fabulous book! You won't be disappointed!
February 28, 2022
With her debut novel, K. Thomas has delivered one of the most entertaining stories I’ve read in some time. The dialogue is snappy, the characters unique (and amusing—looking at you, Benny), and the pacing is quick without sacrificing quiet moments to enjoy the relationships between the characters. One aspect I found particularly appealing was how, while this is an urban fantasy story, it feels incredibly normal. Characters eat and drink constantly (*ahem* Senlis), go shopping, and sleep in late. Many of the problems they face are very standard issues anyone could face: dysfunctional family, insecurity, knowing who to trust and how much. That said, the supernatural threat is threaded throughout, along with a tantalizing mystery that had me devouring the entire book in short order. Time to Wake was an outstanding read, and I can’t wait to dive into its sequel, Not Right Now.
February 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this creative story and the continuous development of the characters throughout. There were times I really (I mean, REALLY) disliked some characters and who they were as people... but then later I completely changed my mind and they became favorites! I had a lot of questions as I read the story, and I loved it that they were all answered by the end. As the answers unfolded, I was able to reflect on past scenes and realize they had been there all along. I really wish I had a Ghost Benny of my very own, and I can't wait to read more about their adventures in Book #2- which I have already downloaded to my Kindle! Easy 5 stars!
February 23, 2021
This was a fun read. The protagonist is snarky, the characters are fun, and the storyline makes this hard to put down. I’m not usually a paranormal romance reader but I really liked the mythology created in this book. I’m anxious to learn more about this magical world. I also appreciate the representation of non-binary characters. I can’t wait to see what the author does with them. I have a feeling it’s going to be fantastic.
April 19, 2022
Finished this book last night and I'm already wishing I had book #2 in my hands because I want more of the story. From the very witty dialog and banter that flowed seamlessly from character to character, to the slow-burn romance, to the intrigue and mystery of what's going on. All of it left me wanting more. Excellent novel, well worth the read!
May 19, 2021
I came for the snark, stayed for the story. The dialog is so well-done and natural that I forgot I was reading words on a page. I'm looking forward to the next book, but what I'd really like to know is this: Does anyone know where I can get a ghost?
May 3, 2022
The Ending Was My Favourite Part!
Honestly wasn't so sure about this one in the beginning. I thought it might flop at the end, but everything came full circle and the little things surprised me and I loved that! Such a great ending and a cliffhanger I didn't see coming. I love how everything unfolds slowly at first, but then unfolds faster and faster until it feels like you're being spun in a circle over and over while dancing. I fell in love with these characters and how they all fit together. So interesting. I started this book with so many and such a wide array of questions. I wasn't sure they were all going to be answered and if I was going to like the answers but I am very pleasantly surprised. I still have a few unanswered questions, but there I a sequel so I'm sure they'll be answered just as thoroughly and tastefully.
Honestly wasn't so sure about this one in the beginning. I thought it might flop at the end, but everything came full circle and the little things surprised me and I loved that! Such a great ending and a cliffhanger I didn't see coming. I love how everything unfolds slowly at first, but then unfolds faster and faster until it feels like you're being spun in a circle over and over while dancing. I fell in love with these characters and how they all fit together. So interesting. I started this book with so many and such a wide array of questions. I wasn't sure they were all going to be answered and if I was going to like the answers but I am very pleasantly surprised. I still have a few unanswered questions, but there I a sequel so I'm sure they'll be answered just as thoroughly and tastefully.
July 28, 2022
Audiobook review:
Thomas is a new to me author and they have definitely made their mark on the paranormal romance world with Time to Wake.
Filled with ghosts, a murder mystery, and a slow burn romance, Time to Wake has something for everyone to enjoy. Sen was a very relatable main character, and I loved her relationship with Katie, Benny, and Hunter.
All the characters in this book were so well developed. I instantly fell into their world and I was trying to piece everything together along with Sen.
And that ending! What a way to make me want more. I will definitely be diving into book two asap!
Thomas is a new to me author and they have definitely made their mark on the paranormal romance world with Time to Wake.
Filled with ghosts, a murder mystery, and a slow burn romance, Time to Wake has something for everyone to enjoy. Sen was a very relatable main character, and I loved her relationship with Katie, Benny, and Hunter.
All the characters in this book were so well developed. I instantly fell into their world and I was trying to piece everything together along with Sen.
And that ending! What a way to make me want more. I will definitely be diving into book two asap!
May 5, 2021
I couldn’t put it down...
I started reading this Sunday night. I have three children 6 and under and I haven’t read a whole book in YEARS. It can be such a struggle to try to read when you’re constantly being interrupted, but I just couldn’t put this book down. It’s now Tuesday night, about 48 hours later, and I kept tapping the last page aghast over the fact that another page wasn’t forthcoming.
I sure hope the next one is well on its way to release so I can once again feed my bookworm soul of days past.
I started reading this Sunday night. I have three children 6 and under and I haven’t read a whole book in YEARS. It can be such a struggle to try to read when you’re constantly being interrupted, but I just couldn’t put this book down. It’s now Tuesday night, about 48 hours later, and I kept tapping the last page aghast over the fact that another page wasn’t forthcoming.
I sure hope the next one is well on its way to release so I can once again feed my bookworm soul of days past.
March 6, 2022
Even before I'd finished reading the first chapter I knew I was going to love this book. The style of writing is one that I love. Its familier, It's comfortable and at times its downright sexy. It's a book I happily picked up and one that I hated putting down. If you love Anita Blake or Rachel Morgan then this book has your name written all over it. A fantastic offering from K.Thomas. Looking forward to more from this author.
May 2, 2024
I read this book in 24 hours! Granted I'm a fast reader, but this book keeps you enthralled. The characters are flawed, complex, and real. You root for them because you see the humanity in their decisions. Senlis is a fantastic heroine, she's smart, kind, and snarky.
For fans of the supernatural, with a nice touch of romance, I'd definitely recommend picking this up.
For fans of the supernatural, with a nice touch of romance, I'd definitely recommend picking this up.
May 19, 2022
Time to Wake is a feel-good novel. Plain and simple. You can be having a sad day, you can feel crushed under the weight of existential dread, you can be lonely or hurting, and Thomas's characters will have you smiling before you know it. Time to Wake gets a lot of things right, but for me, I feel like where this lovely little debut really shines is in its unflinching authenticity. And this gets into why I love indie books so much - you find authenticity and truth of spirit that's often lacking in big-box novels from fancy New York publishers. K. Thomas clearly knows what loneliness is; she knows it intimately. You can see it just between the lines. But instead of unloading her hurt on you, she - and her characters - shrug it off and show you their brave side. They immediately set about weaving a lovely tale firmly grounded in heartfelt friendship. Senlis and Katie, my favorite characters, are the friends I've always wanted. They're earnest and sweet, and they don't have a fake bone in their bodies. They give selflessly, they give with full hearts, and they're always looking out for each other.
Thomas accomplishes another task that I myself found difficult as a writer - delivering a high-stakes adventure with low emotional risk for you as the reader. Those aren't easy to write. This author knows what it is to hurt, as do her characters, but she's brave enough to shine all the light of a fun narrative on you, allowing you to hang out with her colorful cast for a little while and asking little in return. And while you're hanging out with these rich, heartfelt personalities, she's quietly unfurling those high stakes around you so that when she brings you into the story's inevitable sense of peril, you aren't dreading it. It all goes seamlessly, with minimal reader worry. It's a story with its heart in the right place.
The world needs more writers like K. Thomas.
Thomas accomplishes another task that I myself found difficult as a writer - delivering a high-stakes adventure with low emotional risk for you as the reader. Those aren't easy to write. This author knows what it is to hurt, as do her characters, but she's brave enough to shine all the light of a fun narrative on you, allowing you to hang out with her colorful cast for a little while and asking little in return. And while you're hanging out with these rich, heartfelt personalities, she's quietly unfurling those high stakes around you so that when she brings you into the story's inevitable sense of peril, you aren't dreading it. It all goes seamlessly, with minimal reader worry. It's a story with its heart in the right place.
The world needs more writers like K. Thomas.
October 9, 2025
I know that the author is new and I believe this is their first book. I don't want to be too harsh because of that but...this work really shows that this is an amateur writer. There isn't really a plot until halfway through, the supernatural elements are introduced abruptly and never explained, the ending reveal was incredibly anticlimactic because the character wasn't properly introduced (or if they were they were extremely forgettable). This book tries to have stakes but half of it is a romance plot that just really does not mesh well with the suspenseful/supernatural background. It feels like two books stapled together in the center because of that. The characters are...meh.
I don't think they're entirely flat, instead they're given one character trait repeated ad nauseam throughout the book as a substitute for actual character development/growth. The side characters though, are flat, to the point that I repeatedly forgot which character was which.
The writing in this was also lackluster, there was no real prose and there was tons of bloat in between the actual plot. There's also a very "tell don't show" approach to this author's writing that puts the story's momentum on hold to describe exactly what each character is wearing.
While I don't think it's a terrible book, especially for a new author, it definitely needed heavy revisions before being released.
I don't think they're entirely flat, instead they're given one character trait repeated ad nauseam throughout the book as a substitute for actual character development/growth. The side characters though, are flat, to the point that I repeatedly forgot which character was which.
The writing in this was also lackluster, there was no real prose and there was tons of bloat in between the actual plot. There's also a very "tell don't show" approach to this author's writing that puts the story's momentum on hold to describe exactly what each character is wearing.
While I don't think it's a terrible book, especially for a new author, it definitely needed heavy revisions before being released.
January 7, 2022
It is nearly impossible to write a review for K. Thomas' "Time to Wake" without including spoilers, because so many integral components of this well-written tale are hidden from the reader in the beginning. The result is a constant state of revelation throughout the novel, as the author reveals secret after secret.
I read TTW in two sittings, following Senlis on her journey of self-discovery as she races to prevent tragedy. Along the way, the author plays with perception – none of the characters are exactly who their first impressions suggest they will be. By the end of the story, the need for a second book is both clear and urgent.
For readers who like to cut straight to the action, have some patience – the opening scenes explore some necessary realities of the world according to K. Thomas, laying the foundation for the rest of the story at the cost of some momentum. It ends up being the right choice, and you will be grateful for it by the time you reach the first inflection point of the tale.
Well-written and exactly as long as it should be, "Time To Wake" is absolutely worthwhile. If you enjoy ancient mythos entwined with modern times, will-they-won't-they romantic arcs, and the roiling tension of a crime procedural, this should be on your list.
I read TTW in two sittings, following Senlis on her journey of self-discovery as she races to prevent tragedy. Along the way, the author plays with perception – none of the characters are exactly who their first impressions suggest they will be. By the end of the story, the need for a second book is both clear and urgent.
For readers who like to cut straight to the action, have some patience – the opening scenes explore some necessary realities of the world according to K. Thomas, laying the foundation for the rest of the story at the cost of some momentum. It ends up being the right choice, and you will be grateful for it by the time you reach the first inflection point of the tale.
Well-written and exactly as long as it should be, "Time To Wake" is absolutely worthwhile. If you enjoy ancient mythos entwined with modern times, will-they-won't-they romantic arcs, and the roiling tension of a crime procedural, this should be on your list.
August 5, 2023
Paranormal…mystery…romance!
Time to Wake takes us on a journey through the eyes of Senlis, a successful artist with a personality that many can easily relate to! Her inner thoughts throughout the story shows the reader how Senlis truly feels as she unravels the mystery of her past, present, and future. Not to mention she has a great sense of humor!
In the first part of the story (and sprinkled throughout), what stands out to me is her pet ghost, Benny, and the relationship the two have together. This only gets better as other characters eventually interact with him too. It brings enjoyable moments with witty banter readers can immerse in.
But the story has a much darker plot, one that takes you by surprise as it unravels itself masterfully making you want to keep reading to figure out the mystery.
For those of you who enjoy a good mystery, maybe some paranormal, and a little romance sprinkled in…then some more, you’ll enjoy Book 1 of K. Thomas’s series!
Time to Wake takes us on a journey through the eyes of Senlis, a successful artist with a personality that many can easily relate to! Her inner thoughts throughout the story shows the reader how Senlis truly feels as she unravels the mystery of her past, present, and future. Not to mention she has a great sense of humor!
In the first part of the story (and sprinkled throughout), what stands out to me is her pet ghost, Benny, and the relationship the two have together. This only gets better as other characters eventually interact with him too. It brings enjoyable moments with witty banter readers can immerse in.
But the story has a much darker plot, one that takes you by surprise as it unravels itself masterfully making you want to keep reading to figure out the mystery.
For those of you who enjoy a good mystery, maybe some paranormal, and a little romance sprinkled in…then some more, you’ll enjoy Book 1 of K. Thomas’s series!
February 27, 2021
Exceptional story telling. The background work for the story is detailed and creative. While many of the characters are supernatural, they are still very relatable. The descriptions of food were delectable. I am still craving a cinnamon roll, and a London Fog Latte. For those of romance readers, the authors description of one kiss will get your motor running and leaving wanting.
More personal note:
A little less ambiguity to the character descriptions, as well as their surrounding areas would be greatly appreciated, but that is more of a personal preference, than a necessity. It was still fun to create my own with my imagination, there was just a fraction of confusion here and there, which was probably my own issue, as my mind seems to work differently than most. Thus the five stars instead of four.
More personal note:
A little less ambiguity to the character descriptions, as well as their surrounding areas would be greatly appreciated, but that is more of a personal preference, than a necessity. It was still fun to create my own with my imagination, there was just a fraction of confusion here and there, which was probably my own issue, as my mind seems to work differently than most. Thus the five stars instead of four.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews