Title: Passion Awakened
Author: Katherine Diane
Genre: Urban Fantasy / PNR
Release Date: May 2020
⭐ rating ⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶 rating 🌶🌶🌶/5

I believe this is the author's debut novel and I was not disappointed.

This has such an interesting take on the usual vampire romance books that I have been reading of late.

The story is well written and although it took me a while to settle into the POV switches in the beginning, the writing kept me hooked.

First thoughts on the two main characters:

Mira - typical stereotyped 'officey' female lead, initially gave off serious damsel vibes but her development over the story was a welcomed surprise.

Kyr - "had some shit going on" for the first few chapters. He was likeable even with his attempts at being an ass. I'm a sucker for an Alpha with a soft side.

The rest of the Hush were introduced with enough intrigue that I'm assuming we will get a story for each. I'm interested in Ronan and Rhys the most!

Overall:

The addictive flow of the chapters kept me turning the pages until I finished this in one sitting.

I wouldn't say this is a slow burn romance, the sexual chemistry/build up just wasn't there for me. However, when they do get down to it - it's pretty hot!

The first time was a little clumsy and I loved that.

I enjoyed experiencing the different emotions of each of the characters and there were a few adrenaline filled moments where I had to rush to the next chapter!

This doesn't end on a cliffhanger as such - but certainly leaves it open for the next book, which I'm assuming will be centered around Nox.

Wish list:

I do love an Alpha male with a soft side, but for a vampire Kyr felt a little too emotional for me. I would have loved for him to have been a little darker - or hid his feelings a little better in the beginning.

More Ronan and Rhys please!

A few words felt a little repeated in the first couple chapters "sprawled" comes to mind, that, and along with the constant disposition - was part of the reason I struggled to settle into the story at first. I actually think if we came in from Mira's first scene it would have kicked it off much better for me.

Would I recommend?

Yes! I really enjoyed this book. If like me you like a little plot with your steamy PNRs, this is definitely a fun read. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Link to review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3272493676

Kyr is the leader of a group of vampires, that hunts demons. When his group starts acting secretive, the head of the organization brings in Mira, a therapist, to help reach out and help them. A good first story, and a lot of possible stories to come with the different group members. Being the first book, a lot is set up to introduce the reader to this new reality, so at times a little slow (but needed). Didn't like the girls kidnapped (skimmed those parts), otherwise I liked the story and would recommend it. Look forward to more in the future in the series.

What a delicious and delightful vampire romance. The story was unique and well-written. A good set of main characters. Oh I just loved Kyr.

Passion Awakened explores the ins and outs of the vampire brotherhood known as "The Hush." Living in a world of vampires, demons, and humans, this story tells the tale of their leader Kyr, as well as introductions of the remaining brothers characters (hopefully a lead to multiple future novels?). The Hush work together as a subset in a vampire agency, and unfortunately someone in the midst has betrayed them, turning over vampire information to the demons (their enemies), leaving them vulnerable to be hunted down and killed. This is thoroughly enjoyable storytelling with a delightfully and intricately woven plot. Kyr's romantic interests are brought in as well, exploring the blossoming of his and Mira relationship throughout the story in some of the more mature vampire erotica I've seen written in some time. It is not cheesy at all; rather, the scenes drew me in a told their story in such a romantic way. I can not WAIT for novel 2! Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for a completely unbiased review.