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The Awakening
What if you had to betray your god to save the one you love?
The woman Nathan loves has been taken from him, and now his wolf is restless. The half-vampire hybrid will tear the world apart to find her. But what he discovers is more than what he bargained for. Hurt and betrayed, he will face his legacy.
Caleb awakens as the goddess's son and the instrument of her vengeance. How will he react when he meets a woman he can't kill? The vampire assassin is soon faced with a choice for which nothing could have prepared him.
After discovering the truth about the birth of the elven race, Elaine must find a way to save their magic, even if it means bringing dragons back to life. But her path is strewn with pitfalls, and the king has been tainted by darkness.
In this tale of passion, lust, betrayal, and death, enemies ally as they share a common goal: to restore the draconic race.
The woman Nathan loves has been taken from him, and now his wolf is restless. The half-vampire hybrid will tear the world apart to find her. But what he discovers is more than what he bargained for. Hurt and betrayed, he will face his legacy.
Caleb awakens as the goddess's son and the instrument of her vengeance. How will he react when he meets a woman he can't kill? The vampire assassin is soon faced with a choice for which nothing could have prepared him.
After discovering the truth about the birth of the elven race, Elaine must find a way to save their magic, even if it means bringing dragons back to life. But her path is strewn with pitfalls, and the king has been tainted by darkness.
In this tale of passion, lust, betrayal, and death, enemies ally as they share a common goal: to restore the draconic race.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2024
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Paquette-Harvey
41 books121 followersDanielle Paquette-Harvey is an Award-Winning, Amazon International Best Selling author of romantasy novels. Her books have sold thousands of copies worldwide. Her stories include vampires, werewolves, dragons, elves, magic, morally gray characters, steamy romance, and much more.
Her books have been translated into French, and they are currently being translated into Italian and Spanish.
She is a self-published author living on the south shore of Montreal, Canada, with her husband, children, two cats, and an Australian Shepherd.
Her books have been translated into French, and they are currently being translated into Italian and Spanish.
She is a self-published author living on the south shore of Montreal, Canada, with her husband, children, two cats, and an Australian Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 18, 2024
*SPOIL FREE REVIEW*
This is the second book to the Blood and Kisses series. The stakes are higher, the characters are thrown into unpredictable circumstances, and a mad queen has gotten exactly what she wanted.
There is nothing not to like when diving into a book by Danielle. The writing is crisp, the plot straightforward, and the characters fun to love and hate. Just when you think you know someone, you don't. Danielle does a great job at exploring the theme of betrayal.
I particularly love the final moments for our assassin, Caleb. He has been through quite the journey and just when you think his path is fixed, there's a twist that changed everything. He's got an immense amount of potential and I can't wait to see where his journey takes him!
Make sure to read Cursed King first before diving into this one ♥️
This is the second book to the Blood and Kisses series. The stakes are higher, the characters are thrown into unpredictable circumstances, and a mad queen has gotten exactly what she wanted.
There is nothing not to like when diving into a book by Danielle. The writing is crisp, the plot straightforward, and the characters fun to love and hate. Just when you think you know someone, you don't. Danielle does a great job at exploring the theme of betrayal.
I particularly love the final moments for our assassin, Caleb. He has been through quite the journey and just when you think his path is fixed, there's a twist that changed everything. He's got an immense amount of potential and I can't wait to see where his journey takes him!
Make sure to read Cursed King first before diving into this one ♥️
September 8, 2024
I give this one 4 stars! I really liked it. The story is good, it feels different from other fantasy books that I've read. I normally read higher fantasy with much more world-building, so it's nice to read one that's much more character and plot-driven. It makes it a quick, easy read. It's very clear which characters we're supposed to dislike and which ones we're supposed to love.
I like this one a little bit more than the first one just because there's more of the story here. The writing is very simple and direct, which also makes it an easy read. If you like less involved fantasy, these are definitely the way to go. I like reading them for sure.
I like this one a little bit more than the first one just because there's more of the story here. The writing is very simple and direct, which also makes it an easy read. If you like less involved fantasy, these are definitely the way to go. I like reading them for sure.
September 21, 2024
Great second book to the Cursed King! So much action and fun fantasy elements. The writing is so easy to read, dialogue crisp and characters easy to enjoy all the emotions. I loved the multi POV too.
My favorite parts are always the romance so I loved quotes like this:
"I couldn't live without her. I had to tell her I loved her. To think I had been ignorant enough not to see it. Guilt panged in my stomach when I remembered I had made her cry."
Looking forward to where this series goes!
My favorite parts are always the romance so I loved quotes like this:
"I couldn't live without her. I had to tell her I loved her. To think I had been ignorant enough not to see it. Guilt panged in my stomach when I remembered I had made her cry."
Looking forward to where this series goes!
August 28, 2024
Wow!! The way this book had a chokehold on me!! This is a great continuation of Cursed King (book 1 of Blood & Kisses). I highly recommend reading Cursed King before reading this one!
I love the characters so much! They are all so well thought out and you will go through so many emotions (yes, I cried wv) right along with them. There’s plenty of excitement, suspense (you WILL be on the edge of your seat turning pages!) and drama.
I will come back and update this review more as everything that happened sinks into my head! I just finished it and my mind is in a whirl desperately awaiting the next book!! So, so good!!! Get ready to be hooked!!
I love the characters so much! They are all so well thought out and you will go through so many emotions (yes, I cried wv) right along with them. There’s plenty of excitement, suspense (you WILL be on the edge of your seat turning pages!) and drama.
I will come back and update this review more as everything that happened sinks into my head! I just finished it and my mind is in a whirl desperately awaiting the next book!! So, so good!!! Get ready to be hooked!!
September 7, 2024
This is the second installment in the Blood & Kisses series and submerges the reader back into the multi-pov fantasy world the author crafted.
Cursed King left us on a cliffhanger and in The Awakening we dive right back into the action. An easy read with lots of magic and fantastic creatures galore. Fated mates, friends finding their way into being more… reading the story from the point of views from many different characters adds layers and complexity to the narrative.
Cursed King left us on a cliffhanger and in The Awakening we dive right back into the action. An easy read with lots of magic and fantastic creatures galore. Fated mates, friends finding their way into being more… reading the story from the point of views from many different characters adds layers and complexity to the narrative.
August 30, 2024
This was an easy read. Going from book one to book two was very easy. Complex characters, lots of magic. You get werewolves, elves, dwarves, vampires, humans, there is something for all the fantasy readers. War, fated mates, enemies, friends, found friends and lovers! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!!! Left on a great cliffhanger and i cant wait for the next book!! Definitely recommend
January 17, 2025
The Queen has become mad with power and focused on an ancient artifact to bring a dragon back from the dead.
The Cursed King is still looking for his fated mate and is finding out more about himself, as his journey continues.
The Assassin, hellbent on his mission to kill the Cursed King, finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew.
There is a lot of deception taking place that will have you questioning what some characters true intentions are. While magic is the star of this book. It is woven though out and will play a major rule going forward.
Danielle continues to draw you into her world with her descriptive writing style. Making you want more with every word that is consumed.
The Cursed King is still looking for his fated mate and is finding out more about himself, as his journey continues.
The Assassin, hellbent on his mission to kill the Cursed King, finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew.
There is a lot of deception taking place that will have you questioning what some characters true intentions are. While magic is the star of this book. It is woven though out and will play a major rule going forward.
Danielle continues to draw you into her world with her descriptive writing style. Making you want more with every word that is consumed.
August 19, 2024
4.5
I loved the continuation and the ease of flow from the 1st book to this one. A well written fantasy. I loved all the heart racing, action-packed scenes. There is spice, but just enough to add to the plot and not takeover.
I loved the continuation and the ease of flow from the 1st book to this one. A well written fantasy. I loved all the heart racing, action-packed scenes. There is spice, but just enough to add to the plot and not takeover.
June 27, 2025
I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. Book Two of Blood and Kisses. Elves and dragons, magic and mayhem, passion and peril, this is a breathtaking fantasy romance where love is both the greatest weapon and the deadliest curse. If you crave forbidden romance, ruthless assassins, and epic battles, this story will sweep you into a world where the line between love and fate is dangerously thin. Dare to enter? This story has a vampire assassin, bad, in all the best ways, a sexy half-vampire, half-werewolf King, elves, dragons, magic, and betrayal. In a realm where magic reigns and destiny is unforgiving, an impossible love has forged a ruler unlike any before him. In this tale of passion, lust, betrayal, and death, enemies ally as they share a common goal, to restore the draconic race. What if you had to betray your god to save the one you love?
The woman Nathan loves has been taken from him, and now his wolf is restless. The half-vampire hybrid will tear the world apart to find her, but what he discovers is more than what he bargained for. Hurt and betrayed, he will face his legacy. Caleb awakens as the goddess's son and the instrument of her vengeance. How will he react when he meets a woman he can't kill? The vampire assassin is soon faced with a choice for which nothing could have prepared him. After discovering the truth about the birth of the elven race, Elaine must find a way to save their magic, even if it means bringing dragons back to life, but her path is strewn with pitfalls, and the king has been tainted by darkness. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
The woman Nathan loves has been taken from him, and now his wolf is restless. The half-vampire hybrid will tear the world apart to find her, but what he discovers is more than what he bargained for. Hurt and betrayed, he will face his legacy. Caleb awakens as the goddess's son and the instrument of her vengeance. How will he react when he meets a woman he can't kill? The vampire assassin is soon faced with a choice for which nothing could have prepared him. After discovering the truth about the birth of the elven race, Elaine must find a way to save their magic, even if it means bringing dragons back to life, but her path is strewn with pitfalls, and the king has been tainted by darkness. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
December 24, 2024
Fans of The Cursed King will LOVE this fast-paced and fiery sequel!
I was enthralled by the complex plot and full palette of magical beings from vampires and werewolves to elves and orcs. Plus DRAGONS and very intriguing Shadow Weavers. This story pulses with magic!
Similar to book one, The Awakening has lots of twists and turns – some expected and some a shocking surprise. One of the elements I love about Paquette-Harvey’s writing is that I never know what to expect.
Looking forward to the next installment in this epic series of passion, deception, lust, and vengeance!
I was enthralled by the complex plot and full palette of magical beings from vampires and werewolves to elves and orcs. Plus DRAGONS and very intriguing Shadow Weavers. This story pulses with magic!
Similar to book one, The Awakening has lots of twists and turns – some expected and some a shocking surprise. One of the elements I love about Paquette-Harvey’s writing is that I never know what to expect.
Looking forward to the next installment in this epic series of passion, deception, lust, and vengeance!
March 14, 2025
Danielle Paquette-Harvey’s The Awakening is an epic blend of dark fantasy and supernatural romance, weaving a tale of fate, power struggles, and forbidden love. It follows multiple characters, werewolves, vampires, elves, and other mythical beings each navigating their destinies in a world teetering between chaos and order. At its heart, the story is about Nathan, a hybrid caught in an identity crisis, struggling with his dual nature as he embarks on a dangerous quest to save his fated mate, Emerald. Alongside him are allies and enemies, each with their own agendas, creating a rich and layered narrative filled with intrigue, action, and heartache.
The book hooked me right away with its intensity. The prologue, where Samantha watches the destruction of her city by a dragon, is breathtaking. The scene is painted with fire and blood, capturing a sense of loss and helplessness that sets the tone for the entire novel. The way Samantha feels disgusted by the looters but still finds herself entangled in the beast’s fate was one of my favorite moments. This is not a story where characters neatly fit into hero or villain roles; they are deeply flawed, sometimes selfish, sometimes noble, but always compelling. I appreciated how the author allowed them to make mistakes and struggle with their decisions rather than handing them easy victories.
Nathan, the brooding and tormented protagonist, is both frustrating and fascinating. His internal battle between his vampire and werewolf halves adds depth to his character, making him more than just another supernatural hero. His relentless search for Emerald is emotional, and his despair when he thinks he’s lost her is palpable. But what really got me was the contrast between his ferocity in battle and his vulnerability in his quiet moments, especially when he dreams of Emerald and wakes up aching for her. The romance doesn’t feel forced or overly sentimental, it’s raw, messy, and full of longing.
One of the standout aspects of The Awakening is its world-building. The different supernatural factions, the history behind their conflicts, and the magic system are all well thought out. I particularly liked the Shadow Weavers and their eerie presence throughout the book. The idea of secret cults and forbidden knowledge always pulls me in, and Paquette-Harvey handles it masterfully. There were moments when the exposition felt a little heavy-handed. I do feel that some sections, particularly those explaining spells and rituals, somewhat slowed the pacing. That said, the action scenes more than made up for it, fast, brutal, and cinematic, they kept me flipping pages late into the night.
The Awakening is perfect for readers who love dark fantasies with a strong romantic undercurrent, deep character conflicts, and an immersive world. This book thrives in the morally gray, and that’s what makes it so engaging. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next installment.
The book hooked me right away with its intensity. The prologue, where Samantha watches the destruction of her city by a dragon, is breathtaking. The scene is painted with fire and blood, capturing a sense of loss and helplessness that sets the tone for the entire novel. The way Samantha feels disgusted by the looters but still finds herself entangled in the beast’s fate was one of my favorite moments. This is not a story where characters neatly fit into hero or villain roles; they are deeply flawed, sometimes selfish, sometimes noble, but always compelling. I appreciated how the author allowed them to make mistakes and struggle with their decisions rather than handing them easy victories.
Nathan, the brooding and tormented protagonist, is both frustrating and fascinating. His internal battle between his vampire and werewolf halves adds depth to his character, making him more than just another supernatural hero. His relentless search for Emerald is emotional, and his despair when he thinks he’s lost her is palpable. But what really got me was the contrast between his ferocity in battle and his vulnerability in his quiet moments, especially when he dreams of Emerald and wakes up aching for her. The romance doesn’t feel forced or overly sentimental, it’s raw, messy, and full of longing.
One of the standout aspects of The Awakening is its world-building. The different supernatural factions, the history behind their conflicts, and the magic system are all well thought out. I particularly liked the Shadow Weavers and their eerie presence throughout the book. The idea of secret cults and forbidden knowledge always pulls me in, and Paquette-Harvey handles it masterfully. There were moments when the exposition felt a little heavy-handed. I do feel that some sections, particularly those explaining spells and rituals, somewhat slowed the pacing. That said, the action scenes more than made up for it, fast, brutal, and cinematic, they kept me flipping pages late into the night.
The Awakening is perfect for readers who love dark fantasies with a strong romantic undercurrent, deep character conflicts, and an immersive world. This book thrives in the morally gray, and that’s what makes it so engaging. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next installment.
October 2, 2024
Four overall Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for The Awakening by Danielle Paquette-Harvey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Storyline: impeccable. Execution: perfect.
As always, the different characters’ voices blend together perfectly to tell a fully fleshed-out story. Absolutely worth the read!
Then why only four stars? Yes, this time I give different ratings for different story parts. Here is why, plain and simple. Too much unwarranted violence.
⭐️⭐️ The higher powers pictured are just plain cruel.
👹 Alastor, demon of spirit and vengeance and his vampire puppet Queen Samantha favor a holocaust: “l would kill all hybrids and restore our purity, crushing all that oppose.”
Samantha follows Alastor’s Great Prophecy. Alastor’s essence was split into six beings: a human, a werewolf, an elf, a vampire, a dwarf, and a dragon. Samantha’s goal is to restore him, what results in too much violence and unnecessary bloodshed.
👿 Aeris, goddess of deception and betrayal thrives on violence: “Spread chaos throughout the city. Kill them!”
Minions under her spell: 1. Assassin Caleb, doing her bidding, reveling in the act of killing not just for defense but for his own enjoyment. 2. The elven King Erendriel, even going to war with the dwarves for her.
All in all, these characters glorify violence for the act itself … I understand the necessity to show how evil they are for the sake of storytelling, but it was a lot to stomach.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Then there are those who are not directly associated with a higher power, but driven by revenge. Xavier, and Elaine, holding grudges for losing someone dear. How far will they go to achieve their goals? Here at least, I understand the characters’ emotional struggles and their motivation for violence.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ To me, the only one yet withstanding the hurricane of violence that seems to draw everyone in is Nathan. Despite the urgency to find his soul mate, Nathan never succumbs to darkness. Even when his wolf awakens, he struggles to overcome the loss of control, turning weakness into strength. I sincerely hope he perseveres and is able to gather enough allies to turn a world around that has currently set course toward darkness and desolation at full speed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Storyline: impeccable. Execution: perfect.
As always, the different characters’ voices blend together perfectly to tell a fully fleshed-out story. Absolutely worth the read!
Then why only four stars? Yes, this time I give different ratings for different story parts. Here is why, plain and simple. Too much unwarranted violence.
⭐️⭐️ The higher powers pictured are just plain cruel.
👹 Alastor, demon of spirit and vengeance and his vampire puppet Queen Samantha favor a holocaust: “l would kill all hybrids and restore our purity, crushing all that oppose.”
Samantha follows Alastor’s Great Prophecy. Alastor’s essence was split into six beings: a human, a werewolf, an elf, a vampire, a dwarf, and a dragon. Samantha’s goal is to restore him, what results in too much violence and unnecessary bloodshed.
👿 Aeris, goddess of deception and betrayal thrives on violence: “Spread chaos throughout the city. Kill them!”
Minions under her spell: 1. Assassin Caleb, doing her bidding, reveling in the act of killing not just for defense but for his own enjoyment. 2. The elven King Erendriel, even going to war with the dwarves for her.
All in all, these characters glorify violence for the act itself … I understand the necessity to show how evil they are for the sake of storytelling, but it was a lot to stomach.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Then there are those who are not directly associated with a higher power, but driven by revenge. Xavier, and Elaine, holding grudges for losing someone dear. How far will they go to achieve their goals? Here at least, I understand the characters’ emotional struggles and their motivation for violence.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ To me, the only one yet withstanding the hurricane of violence that seems to draw everyone in is Nathan. Despite the urgency to find his soul mate, Nathan never succumbs to darkness. Even when his wolf awakens, he struggles to overcome the loss of control, turning weakness into strength. I sincerely hope he perseveres and is able to gather enough allies to turn a world around that has currently set course toward darkness and desolation at full speed.
April 20, 2025
I read this one a while ago and meant to leave a review sooner but completely forgot. This book is just WOW! I loved Cursed King. I had questions. I found answers to questions I didn't know I had! And now I'm left with even more questions! Haha
I can't wait to read the next book in the series! It can't come quickly enough!
If you're a fan of Sarah J Mass, or Rebecca Yarros, you MUST read this series! Seriously! You won't regret it. This needs to become the next hype.
What are you waiting for?
I can't wait to read the next book in the series! It can't come quickly enough!
If you're a fan of Sarah J Mass, or Rebecca Yarros, you MUST read this series! Seriously! You won't regret it. This needs to become the next hype.
What are you waiting for?
September 21, 2024
Continuing the journey from The Cursed King this book has the reader gripped from the first page. The characters are engaging and the reader can identify with them. It is essential to read The Cursed King First.
September 14, 2024
Unbelievable!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews