Leigh, Lora. Dawn’s Awakening. (New York: Berkley, 2008). ISBN – 9780425219751.
Main Characters: Dawn Daniels and Seth Lawrence
Related Works: This is one of Lora Leigh’s the Breeds Series. See Lora Leigh’s Breed Chronology. This series includes the following:
- Tempting the Beast (Feline Breeds #1)
- The Man Within (Feline Breeds #2),
- Elizabeth’s Wolf
- Kiss of Heat (Feline Breeds #3)
- Soul Deep (Coyote Breeds)
- The Breed Next Door (part of Hotspell anthology with Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker, and Meljean Brook)
- Megan’s Mark
- Harmony’s Way
- Wolf’s Hope (part of Primal Heat anthology with Sherri L. King, Lori O’Clare, and Jaci Burton),
- Jacob’s Faith
- Aiden’s Charity
- Tanner’s Scheme
- In a Wolf’s Embrace (part of Beyond the Dark anthology)
- Dawn’s Awakening
- Jaguar’s Kiss (part of Shifter anthology)
- Mercury’s War (Feline Breeds)
- Christmas Heat (part of The Magical Christmas Cat anthology with Nalini Singh, Erin McCarthy, and Linda Winstead Jones)
- Coyote’s Mate (tbr – February 2009)
Description from book:
The runt of the lab she was created in Dawn Daniels endured years of torture by her pride brother and the Council soldiers. Finally freed from her torment, she’s now a Breed Enforcer, in control of her own life. Then she’s assigned to protect the one man destined to be her mate – and realized it’s far too easy to lose total control.
One of the Breeds’ most important supporters, Seth Lawrence has spent years trying to forget Dawn, knowing that her lost innocence has made it impossible for her to get close to anyone. But suddenly neither of them can find the strength to fight the overwhelming passion between them. At least until the most brutal tormentor from Dawn’s past reappears – and threatens to destroy their newfound love, along with their lives . . .
My Thoughts:
I know that I must have mentioned previously that I am absolutely addicted to Lora Leigh’s Breed series. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with this series because on one hand I love the series, but on the other hand I find it agonizing to have to wait for the next book to come out. Fortunately, Leigh seems to write books at an amazing pace. Yet, I actually get a bit depressed when I finish a new book because there are issues yet to be resolved – and I want to know all of the answers NOW! What is up with Cassie and the unnamed Breed sniper who was climbing out of her hospital window at the end of the book? When will we find out more? Will Jonas get a mate? What about the first Leo and the Vanderdales?
Despite my frustrations, I thoroughly enjoyed Dawn’s Awakening – as much as I have enjoyed all of the other Breed books. Leigh introduced Dawn early on in this series – and I have been waiting less than patiently for her story. We have known for some time that Seth Lawrence was her mate, but that they were not/could not be together. Dawn had been terrorized by her captors in the lab and by her pride brother Dayan. Her pride family knew that she was emotionally fraught and unable to deal with a physical relationship with a man. They thought it best that Seth leave Dawn alone, so he did – for 10 long years.
But when Seth’s life is threatened (and he is seemingly ready to move on with and spend his life with another woman), Dawn starts to wake up. Seth is hers, and her animal instincts will not let him move on with someone else. Neither will she allow herself to be left out of Seth’s protection detail. As she and Seth grow closer, Dawn starts to remember her life in the lab and has to deal with her painful memories. This time, she is able to rely upon her newfound love with Seth to help her through the experience.
I’ve always had a fondness for both Dawn and Seth – and am happy they are now together. I can only wonder what Leigh has in store for the Breeds next – and hope that the wait won’t seem to long.
Read first on February 8, 2008
Read again on April 27, 2008
[…] Holly, Shiloh Walker, and Meljean Brook), Megan’s Mark, Harmony’s Way, Tanner’s Scheme and Dawn’s Awakening (to be published in February 2008). See Lora Leigh’s Breed […]
By: Kiss of Heat - Lora Leigh « My Thoughts On Nothing Much At All on February 9, 2008
at 8:26 pm
[…] and Meljean Brook), Megan’s Mark, Harmony’s Way, Tanner’s Scheme and Dawn’s Awakening (to be published in February 2008). See Lora Leigh’s Breed […]
By: Harmony’s Way - Lora Leigh « My Thoughts On Nothing Much At All on February 9, 2008
at 8:29 pm
I kind of had the impression that the mysterious person sneaking around Cassie was Jonas… I’m glad to see someone else loves those books as much as I do though.
By: Heather on February 10, 2008
at 8:35 pm
Hmm!! Interesting thought! I got the impression that the person was acting as a sniper as was Jonas. Hopefully, we will find out at some point!!! 🙂
By: romancenovels on February 13, 2008
at 8:35 am
[…] read good reviews at My Thoughts on Nothing Much at All and at Thrifty […]
By: Dawn’s Awakening by Lora Leigh « Scooper Speaks on February 25, 2008
at 11:13 pm
[…] Dawn’s Awakening – Lora Leigh […]
By: Roundup for January 2008 « My Thoughts On Nothing Much At All on February 29, 2008
at 7:31 pm
All I know is Jonas is going to have a book its called “Lion Heat” but there are at least 5 more being written before it.
“Mercury’s War”- Mercury and Ria
“Christmas Heat”- Noble and Haley
“Coyote’s Mate”- Del-Rey and Anya
“Untitled”- Cabal
“Untitled”- Hawke and Jessica
then “Lion Heat”- Jonas
And I really want to know who has their eye on Cassie, too, It seems forever before I find out I kinda wish she’d write Like 8 Breeds books at once then 1 of each of her others then 8 more Breeds. But alas… no such luck. Anyway hope the info is helpful
By: Newfoundlove on June 30, 2008
at 9:57 pm
Thanks for the info!!! I’m definitely hankering for both Jonas and Cassie to get stories. I’m counting down the days until Mercury’s War.
By: romancenovels on July 1, 2008
at 11:08 am
[…] Dawn’s Awakening […]
By: Tempting the Beast - Lora Leigh « My Thoughts On Nothing Much At All on October 16, 2008
at 5:54 pm
[…] Who Loved Me – Julia QuinnDark Side of the Moon – Sherrilyn KenyonTempting the Beast – Lora LeighDawn’s Awakening – Lora LeighThe Secret – Julie […]
By: Shifter - Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day & Virginia Kantra « My Thoughts On Nothing Much At All on October 16, 2008
at 6:06 pm
[…] Dawn’s Awakening – Lora Leigh […]
By: Roundup for 2008 « My Thoughts On Nothing Much At All on January 1, 2009
at 6:03 pm
Just in case anyone doesn’t want to wait to read, I found out recently that you can buy and download some of Lora Leigh’s book from the publisher’s website, ellorascave.com. It has some of her non-Breed books, then the earlier breed stories, I guess she has a different publisher now. It’s great, I’ve been reading them all!!!
By: Pam on January 4, 2009
at 4:52 pm
I agree. I am eagerly awaiting Cassie’s story. Till date, Aiden’s Charity and Tanner’s Scheme have been my favorite, with Elizabeth’s Wolf coming a close third. But I am sure Cassie’s story would make a fantastic read.
By: panu on April 12, 2009
at 1:50 pm
I so can’t wait for Cassie’s story – or for Jonas’.
By: Jennifer on April 18, 2009
at 6:31 pm
Jonas and Cassie!!!! NO WAY!
Cassie’s mate will be a coyote breed, remember that part in Dawn’s Awaking where she says ” I dare you” that “you” says at the end of the novel ” Never dare me”
The whole daring thing is a coyote thing!
Plus there’s an age difference!
I think Cassie’s mate is that Coyote’s in Tanner’s scheme , the one who “seemingly” works for Scheme’s father!
By: Nadalein on June 21, 2009
at 7:36 am
I meant Cassie’s story and Jonas’ as two separate ones. I wasn’t thinking of them as a pair. I just want both stories to be published NOW!
I do agree that Cassie’s mate is the sniper from Dawn’s Awakening. Interesting thought about her mate working for Scheme’s father. That makes a lot of sense.
I hate all of the waiting!!!
By: Jennifer on June 22, 2009
at 12:40 pm
I know what you meant I just read all the comments and I replied 🙂
However, it’s good that someone agrees with me! Because you won’t believe how many readers think that Jonas is Cassie’s mate! and get this, some think that Dane is Cassie’s mate! WOW!
You know I wonder if Dane is going to have a story, and if we ever going to read Leo and Elizabeth’s story!
So far I think the most mysterious character is Dane!
By: Nadalein on June 22, 2009
at 12:52 pm
Just got through reading Dawn’s Awakening for about the fifth time and it is one of my favorites. I am leaning towards Dane as the the sniper. No one knew that he was a breed because they couldn’t “scent” him, only David could, Callan and Merimus son. Whoever Cassie mate going to be I can’t wait to read it. I read that Jonas mate will be “Rebecca”, I am not sure if that the name, and she is going to be pregnant, whether the baby is Jonas or not remains to be seen.
By: Sharone on June 22, 2009
at 11:02 pm
Hmm, I still think that there is no way Dane could be Cassie’s mate. A feline hybrid to mate with coyote-wolf-human breed ? It’s too much!
Plus I think Dane needs a different kind of mate!
Jonas mate is Rachel, she is his secretary or as Jonas thinks of her as “his redheaded robot’s office!”
We know that Jonas secretary is pregnant form Del-Rey in Coyote’s Mate:
“Jonas, with said secretary in tow, will be arriving at Haven again tomorrow,” Del-Rey stated. “She’s breeding. You can smell the scent of the child she’s carrying. I can’t believe Prima Lyons hired a pregnant female to work for Wyatt. It’s certain to scar the poor kid before it’s even born.”
If he can smell the baby, can’t he smell it’s Jonas??
I am not saying it’s not Jonas may be there is a hidden sub-plot there!
In Mercury’s War, Rachel had her baby and we get to know a little bit about her. That she is a mother, redhead, have a sense of humor but not with Jonas! hehehehe 🙂 can’t wait to read their book!
By: Nadalein on June 23, 2009
at 7:40 am
Interesting stuff!! I can’t wait to get to Jonas’ story. I have no clue about Cassie’s mate, but tend to think it isn’t Dane. I am feeling an obsessive compulsive need to re-read all of the books in the series to remember all of these clues!!!!!!
I do remember in one book Jonas was having sex with his secretary. Was that Rachel – or someone else? I definitely to do some re-reading. I am all confused now.
By: Jennifer on June 23, 2009
at 3:04 pm
No, no that was not Rachel. Rachel was mentioned- to my remembrance – only in two books; Mercury’s War and Coyote’s Mate!
You won’t find anything more than what I quoted. After I read somewhere on the net that the name of Jonas’s mate is Rachel I had to go back and look for her in the book. There isn’t much. I never would have guessed! I hope she gives him hell before submitting 🙂
By: Nadalein on June 23, 2009
at 7:40 pm
Yes, the name is Rachel instead of Rebecca, I knew that the name started with the letter “R”. Yes, I also read that Jonas mate will be Rachel. Do anyone know if they have had a previous relationship. I know that Elizabeth was mentioned as a matchmaker in Mercury’s War. She sent Ria to work so that she could come in contact with Mercury and the rest as they say is history. Also, wasn’t Elizabeth the one who got Rachel the job as Jonas secretary. There is a lot about Jonas that is unknown, and I can’t wait until his book comes out to find out all the details about him and how he developed into who he is now.
By: Sharone on June 23, 2009
at 8:02 pm
No they didn’t have a previous relationship ! She is his new secretary and Merinus is the one who got Rachel the job! Maybe she knows something that we the reader and Jonas don’t know!
In Mercury’s War, Ria is sent by The Leo and Dane, not Elizabeth! Elizabeth has nothing to do with it! The only Elizabeth who was mentioned is Leo’s mate. Not even Dash or Cassie were in Ria and Mercury’s story!
By: Nadalein on June 23, 2009
at 8:26 pm
Seriously, I need to go back and read these books again. Which means I need to go find them first.
Getting Leo and Elizabeth’s story would be awesome.
I agree about Dane being the most mysterious Breed. There has to be a fascinating story there.
By: Jennifer on June 23, 2009
at 8:50 pm
I’m confused about Rachel. She is referred to as being pregnant in Coyote’s Mate and a new mother in Mercury’s War. Doesn’t Coyote’s Mate come after Mercury’s War in the series?
By: Theresa on September 1, 2009
at 10:49 am
Seriously? I definitely need to go back and read these books. I have no clue because I can’t remember Rachel.
By: Jennifer on September 1, 2009
at 12:29 pm
Yes Coyote’s Mate came next but not the events! The books are becoming more complecated with new storied, event, character. Have you read Bengal’s Heart? It has more characters than we already know!
By: Nadalein on September 2, 2009
at 12:02 pm
I see… so in terms of events Mercury’s War comes after Coyote’s Mate. The question which then arises is whether Jonas is the father of her baby. I’m leaning towards yes but I’m curious as to how Lora Leigh is going to explain why no one else realized that Jonas and Rachel mated and had a child together. I do agree that the stories are becoming more intricate. I have now read every Breed story except Kane and Sherra and her style has changed over time. I am extremely excited to read Jonas’ story. He is definitely my favourite character.
By: Theresa on September 4, 2009
at 4:08 pm
No way Jonas is the father, in Mercury’s War he didn’t even like her. He thinks that she acts like a robot. We know that he finally knows that she is his mate in Bengal’s Heart.
Here is something from Mercury’s war: ” Jonas stared at the report, his eyes narrowing at the findings Ely had sent to him, before he pressed the intercom button into his secretary’s office. Or rather his redheaded robot’s office, he thought with a silent grunt. For a new mother, the woman was decidedly un-maternal at work.
“Rachel, I need the heli-jet prepped for a return to Sanctuary. Inform Jackal we’ll be heading out again.”
“Yes sir, Mr. Wyatt.”
He grimaced at her cool, competent voice. He missed his last secretary, Kia, but she’d left in a storm of tears for some damned reason more than three months before. He still hadn’t figured out why she was so upset with him. But at least she’d had a personality. The piece of cardboard manning the desk now was as dry as dust. …… ““Mr. Jackal is here now, sir,” she told him. “The jet will be awaiting your arrival on the roof, destination Sanctuary. Do you require anything else?” Yeah, a secretary with a sense of humor would be a nice start. Where the hell had Merinus Tyler found this droid? But at the moment a cardboard secretary was the least of his concerns
Here is something from Bengal’s Heart:
” “Cabal.” Jonas stepped back into the waiting area, his face heavily lined and somber as his secretary moved in behind him.
Rachel wasn’t timid, but she was quiet. Her gaze was filled with compassion, her composed expression saddened.
She was Jonas’s mate. Cabal had known it the moment he met her, and he was sure Jonas knew it as well………. Cabal: ““I’ll kill him for this, Jonas. He had no right to involve her this way.”
Rachel spoke up then. “She’s not a doll. You won’t put her on a shelf and dictate how she can or cannot live. If you do, Cabal, you’ll lose her.”
He glared at her, noticing absently how Jonas moved to block sight of her with his own body.
Hell, he knew better than to growl at her. She might not realize it, but Jonas was like a damn dog with a bone when it came to his little secretary.”
I hope this clears everything up!
By: Nadalein on September 4, 2009
at 5:27 pm
Thank you. I read both excerpts before but reading them together does make it unlikely that Jonas is the father. I suppose I’ll just have to wait and see like all the rest of the fans of this series. I am curious to know how Lora Leigh is going to explain why Jonas did not immediately know that Rachel was his mate. She must have a secret of her own.
By: Theresa on September 4, 2009
at 5:32 pm
Further to my last comment the only thing that makes sense is that Rachel was married when she became Jonas’ secretary.
By: Theresa on September 4, 2009
at 5:35 pm
Well this is Jonas we are talking about. We will know nothing till we read his book. I feel that there is something about Rachel. Why would Merinus choose her for Jonas’s secretary? There is something, can’t wait for the book!
By: Nadalein on September 4, 2009
at 9:56 pm
I also cannot wait for the book. I’m a fan of Nalini Singh’s psychangeling series and she has two books coming out before Lion’s Heat so that should alleviate the pain of waiting 🙂
By: Theresa on September 5, 2009
at 2:29 pm
I got hooked on to lora eigh books only recently. i was thinking that Cassie’s mate could be Dog. He’s coyote…….What do you think???????
By: Rad on September 13, 2009
at 7:38 am
I definitely think that’s a possibility.
By: Theresa on September 13, 2009
at 10:34 pm
I think it’s Dog!
By: Nadalein on September 14, 2009
at 12:08 pm
If it is, I cant wait for that story. I find Dog very interesting……in fact, at this point, more than Jonas (ducks to avoid the rotten tomatoes)!!
Maybe its b’cos over the last ew books we have had lot of info on Jonas, but Dog remains a mystery……..
By: Rad on September 21, 2009
at 7:01 pm
I totally agree about Dog. I can’t wait to learn more about him.
By: Jennifer on October 1, 2009
at 2:51 pm
I am going to throw rotten watermelon at you too——> kidding, but how dramatic ,right!
I can not wait for Jonas’s story.
But cleaver of Leigh to create so much mystery about Dog since soon all the mystery of Jonas is no more!
By: Nadalein on October 1, 2009
at 3:06 pm
Sorry I meant two not too 🙂
By: Nadalein on October 1, 2009
at 4:00 pm
It is definitely clever. Jonas has been the most intriguing character over the past several books. There definitely needs to be someone else to take his place. Of course, now there is also Patrick/Azrael. However, my list of interests right now are #1 Jonas, #2 Cassie and her mate #3 Dane #4 Dog and #5 Patrick.
By: Jennifer on October 1, 2009
at 4:59 pm
Whew! Watermelons certainly beat tomatoes!! I’ll make sure I’ll stay outta your way, Nadalein!
I cant wait for Jonas’ story either. After the anticlimatic way in which his mate was revealed, I hope he gets plenty of trouble from her in Lion’s heat.
Regarding Dane…..has anyone noticed the timeline in the series?? In one book (i think Mercury’s War) the timeline suggests that he is around 50yrs. What I found wierd was that it was also suggested that he, along with Leo and Elizabeth , had stopped aging. That didnt make sense to me as he is still not mated……or did I miss something in the couple of books that I have not read so far??
If I find the text where there is info in this, I’ll post it here.
BTW, who is Patrick??
By: Rad on October 7, 2009
at 7:16 am
Patrick is Azrael from Bengal’s Heart. His story is a heart breaking one. I cried a lot.
You know,you are absolutely right about Dane. If he stopped aging; that means he mated. Note that he was and may be still in love with Harmony ( Jonas’s sister)
But looking at Patrick, no way Dane had mated and living normally without his mate. And no way he would fall in love with another.
Dane is a mysterious character. Don’t forget that he is a hybird breed. But I am sure he is in his fifties.
As for Jonas’s story, don’t worry he will get his
This is the synopsis of the book:
The story you’ve been waiting for. Jonas Wyatt. It’s time that bad boy Lion is brought to his knees. Or at least forced to have weak knees. Would he tremble for his mate? Would he bow before her? Is there anything or anyone that could actually be considered a weakness for our arrogant Director?
Soon you’ll see just how deep, how well and how savagely Jonas Wyatt can truly love.
I am so glad I found this place, I love it here!
By: Nadalein on October 7, 2009
at 2:04 pm
I think there have been suggestions that Leo and Dane are a bit different than other Breeds – that there be things about them that we don’t know. Dane has always been incredibly mysterious. Dane is one of my favorite characters. I loved him in Harmony’s Way.
By: Jennifer on October 7, 2009
at 7:13 pm
Thanx, Nadalein! I remember Patrick now. Is he going to have his own story?? I didnt know that. His mate is already dead!!
I loved Dane in Harmony’s way also. I really liked him in Mercury’s war, too. Cant wait for his story. Lora leigh needs to write books faster…….maybe one each month.. 🙂
I love this place too. Dont have anyone else I can discuss these books with. Thanks, Jennifer, for this awesome site.
By: Rad on October 8, 2009
at 3:26 pm
Rad, Lora Leigh hasn’t said anything about a story for Patrick. I just found him to be a compelling character. There has to be something for those Breeds whose mates have died. I find that whole scenario quite intriguing.
Yes, I would love it if Leigh wrote faster – although one has to give her credit for how fast she does write.
I’m glad that you guys enjoy discussing these books here!
By: Jennifer on October 8, 2009
at 8:45 pm
Absolutely obsessed with Lora Leigh’s books! Love the Breed series and like everyone else, awaiting Cassie and Jonas’ stories.
I agree, knowing in advance of the book, Jonas’ mate is a bit of a let down. I would have loved for it to have been a surprise.
Cassie.. damn, that’s a mind bender. I’ve a couple of theories. Dog, like others mentioned would fit and as she is part Coyote, it would work and the other possible is Ryan, Dane’s friend. I also wanna know Dane’s story too as he is one fascinating character.
I dont think there has been a set of books that has caused me to plot and wonder in my head as to what would happen next.
By: Angie on October 19, 2009
at 6:24 am
I’ve always thought Cassies mate was Dog as well.
By: Nicole on January 13, 2010
at 2:20 pm
I believe Cassie’s mate is Dog from reading Dawns Awakening and from hearing about Dog in Lora Leighs other novels
By: colleen on February 11, 2010
at 4:26 pm
I just can’t wait to read Cassie’s story – whoever her mate is!!!
By: Jennifer on February 11, 2010
at 8:46 pm
Please tell me (if you can) in which books Dog is mentioned! I’m a woman on a mission here.. 🙂
By: Selma on March 21, 2010
at 1:04 pm
I know for sure that he comes in Bengal’s Heart. I think he also makes an appearence in Coyote’s Mate, tho’ I’m not sure. Its been ages since I read these books. 🙂
By: Rad on March 26, 2010
at 12:17 pm
Cassie’s mate is Keegan.
By: solari on August 1, 2011
at 1:38 pm
WHAT! No no, that is so messed up. Keegan is an eagle breed. She is coyote and wolf bread. I can not see it. Are you sure about this? I still think it’s Dog or a coyote breed.
By: Nadalein on August 1, 2011
at 1:46 pm
Cassie’s mate seems to be Rhys Brannigan- a new bad boy mentioned in rule breaker. He is a sexy green eyed ice-man and he is Jonas second in command. I do remember reading somewhere that Cassie needed someone to take care of her and yes Rhys is a coyote and secretive. So i think he is her MATE
By: Janet etuk on July 13, 2014
at 2:31 pm