Veena’s review of Moon Struck (Diablo Lake, Book 1) by Lauren Dane
Paranormal Romance published by Carina Press 24 May 16
Katie has come full circle. She had lusted after Jace Dooley briefly in high school, but a few kisses and an evening together faded under the attraction of Darrell Pembry. When he left her for another woman – at the altar no less – she left Diablo Lake. Now she’s back and moved into a building owned by the Dooleys, with Jace Dooley her next door neighbor. Let’s get ready for the fun and excitement that’s about to ensue as their red-hot chemistry lights up the town and the Pembry wolves challenge the Dooley wolves to hang on to Katie. So why do the Pembry’s feel like they have any right to dictate how Katie lives her life? Go figure…
Darrell Pembry is the one who had an affair with one woman while engaged to another. Yet when he finds out that Katie is living in a building owned by the Dooleys and hitting it off with Jace, he’s not happy about the turn of affairs. He solicits the help of his parents and friends to escalate fights and tension in the town. Jace is hard pressed as the police chief to maintain a neutral role while calming the tension around town and keeping Katie safe.
Jace is happy to have another chance with Katie and quickly jumps into high gear, making inroads with Katie herself and with her family and friends. This is a sweet story about a small town and a second chance at romance for the protagonists. Katie is blossoming in more ways than one. As she gains her confidence being Jace’s lover, she’s also coming into her own as her witch and starting to own the magic she’s inherited from her parent. She makes no bones about putting her stamp on the Dooley shop by setting up a display to showcase her witchy skills and alignment to the Dooley clan.
Ms. Dane introduces a bit of a conflict with the battles between the two wolf packs and mystery surrounding Jace’s father. While this is an enjoyable story, it does not come close to the depth of the paranormal stories that I’ve read and enjoyed from this author.
Grade: C+
Summary:
In Diablo Lake, Tennessee, a town populated by werewolves, witches and more, magic woven deep into the earth protects the town’s secrets from outsiders.
Katie Grady left Diablo Lake to get over a humiliating breakup. But her family needs her help, so she’s back, in a sublet right across the hall from the guy she’s lusted after for years. Jace Dooley is hotter than ever, and their friendship picks up along with massive doses of grown-up chemistry.
The very scent of Katie sharpens Jace’s canines, makes the wolf within him stir. There’s nothing more alluring to a Pack Alpha than a sexy female who is so very in charge. She won’t be coddled, but if he plays his hand just right she might be convinced to become his.
Katie presents a challenge to Jace’s wolf nature, whose chief instinct is to protect. Especially now that she’s coming into the magic that is her birthright—and suddenly Jace isn’t the only one who’s interested in Katie or the raw power she’s just learning to use.
No excerpt available.
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