I read Diablo Lake: Moonstruck about 5 years ago and was delighted to see another Diablo Lake story from Ms. Dane. This one had all the wonder hallmarks of a Lauren Dane paranormal - strong females who know their power and worth and sincere and strong men who cherish the women's presence in their life. This is what you'll find here, along with a few bad apples that get properly put in their place. I enjoyed this read and look forward to the next offering in the series.

I have read many other books by Lauren Dane, and I wasn't disappointed with this one! I seem to have a habit of choosing interesting-sounding books to read on NetGalley that end up being the third or final book in their series. I loved reading about Ruby and Damon's respective families and all the drama therein. I haven't read any of her supernatural books before, but I enjoyed them. I read it so fast, and I want to read the rest of the books in the series. The magic workings were interesting, but I loved the description of how the characters experienced magic. It was so sensual and easy to visualize. I highly recommend this book.

Returning back to Diablo Lake is so good to see the positive changes. There is still some ways to go as there is a deep secret that has been buried too long. For the most part, this is a romance with two delightful characters. It isn't till near the end of the book that this foreboding skeleton in the closet finally comes out into the open.

For those who like second-chance romances, Damon and Ruby's second time around is delightful. I appreciated how the two of them didn't have a bad break up previously. Instead, they let it end because they were moving onto different phases of their lives. With Ruby coming back to her home town with more witchy and medicine skills is a big bonus. Especially as Diablo Lake is more than just a small town. It is a supernatural town filled with werewolves and witches. The supe groups do not always get along, but when they do, it is magic.

Damon and Ruby's romance is refreshing because for the most part, there is no drama. Damon's courting and wooing of her is adorable. Their families are awesome too. I love the interaction between Damon and Ruby's parents and grandparents, specifically Ruby's cute grandma. Damon may not have parents but his grandparents, brothers and aunts are supportive of him and give that great sense of community. It is a breath of fresh air to have a couple that is relatively drama free and no contrived misunderstandings. These two are going at their own pace for their relationship. But it isn't a Ms. Dane story if there isn't a bit of tension and conflict. The issue is kept in the background and doesn't overwhelm the love story. However, it does pack a punch when it is all said and done. Nicely executed, Ms. Dane - hats off to you.

This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who love second chance romances.

This is the third part in series. I have not read the others and I do think it would probably help to have some of the backstory but it did not prevent me from understanding the situation. I loved Ruby and Damon. Lauren Dane creates great characters and stories that get the reader hooked from the beginning. I couldn't put it down once I began.

This book is the third installation in the Diablo Lake series by Lauren Dane. While it is not necessary to read the prior books before reading this one, some of the actions and conflicts carry over from previous situations. Diablo Lake is a town inhabited by witches and shifters. I found Ms. Dane’s lore to be both appealing and fascinating. Unlike other similar stories, humans and shifters are not mated or matched; in fact, humans are forbidden entry into the town for fear of discovery. The town has two key shifter families (Dooley and Pembry) who are living in relative peace but continued to be plagued with some episodes of turmoil and manipulation. After a six-year absence, Ruby Thorne has returned to Diablo Lake and again is in the orbit of Damon Dooley. Damon Dooley, wolf shifter, has spent the years apart learning the ends of outs of being second in common to his pack leader, now it is time to do something for himself. Six years ago, neither Damon nor Ruby was ready for a commitment; she was going off to school, but he had the patience to wait. As soon as he saw her again, Damon knew the waiting was over; this gifted, green witch belonged to him and his wolf. I loved Ms. Dane’s lyrical description of Ruby’s magic and how the magic weaves itself into her connection with Damon. Ruby and Damon make an excellent match. Ruby stumbles on long hidden secrets and effectively alters the town’s trajectory. Awesome read!!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book from Netgalley and this review is of my honest opinion.

Part of a series, which I think is better to read before you dig into this story to get a better understanding of what is going on.
Ruby, who is a witch, is back in Diablo Lake after a few years of being gone. She starts a relationship with Damon, who is a wolf shifter. Their relationship is great and has a good development - which I love about them.
There is some drama of course, and it's related to Ruby's family history, in which she intervenes.
A great read for those that like strong characters with drama in a paranormal setting.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin/Carina Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is part of a series. I have not read the others, but it reads great as a stand alone. They are connected, but not necessary to enjoy this one. I liked the book. Enjoyable characters, with chemistry. A just fun read. There is drama and angst and secrets in the book. It is a small town remember. But the chemistry between Damon and Ruby is great. Well worth a read. 4 stars

How I love a good Lauren Dane book. This one was excellent. Witches and wolves, oh my. Ruby was a powerful witch who had come back to Diablo Lake to live. She had left 6 years ago for training and was now back. The spark between her and Damon was alive and well. Along with their romance (which was very hot) there was a vote coming up that would tell alot of secrets that some people did not want coming out. When Ruby found out what they were from her family's journals, she had to intervene. LOTS of drama. Damon's interaction with Ruby's two little dogs was so sweet. I Loved it. The whole book was a great read

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Diablo Lake: Awakened
Lauren Dane
Ruby and Damon
Ruby has come back to this magical town to open a health center. Damon is an enforcer for the Dooley Wolfpack. They dated as teenagers and the magic is still there. Watching the love and bond that grows between them is magical. But there are secrets that are about to explode. And they weather the storm together. This is another hit by Lauren Dane and a view into another pair in Diablo Lake. It was fun to see characters from previous books. However this can be read as a stand alone. I would recommend this book to my patrons.