I have liked this series from the beginning because they were already married when the first book began. Working through married problems makes for a very different read than new love. This third book in the series continues plot lines begun in Allure, and brings in a couple new threads as well. Dean is still dealing with the sexual harassment allegations at work, while Liv has to figure out what she wants to do as Allie's bookstore is closing, and as usual, extended family pops up to add to the tension. 
 In Awaken, Liv makes huge personal growth. She was so dependent on other people, especially Dean in the first two books, and finally she starts asserting herself, figuring out what it is she wants to do. She takes risks for herself and is determined to prove that she has a strength that she's never seen before. The personal journey she makes over the course of the book was amazing. A few well placed words from those around her, and Liv starts making real changes that turn her life in the direction she's always wanted to go. I particularly loved this aspect of the book and character development. 
 Dean also has several personal hurdles to jump in this one. I love how protective of Liv he always is, and that trait definitely drives a lot of his decisions. One of his major hurdles is to let Liv take chances on her own without him holding her together and letting her deal with her past by herself, something he struggles with throughout, but watching him learn how to let go of control was fascinating and so important for Liv's personal growth. 
 The world both spins and steadies around me, a cascade so thrilling because I know that no matter how far and wildly I fall, Dean will always be there to catch me. 
 I had forgotten how driven by sex Liv and Dean's relationship is. The scenes are hot, but at times I had to skim over them when they felt like that's all they were doing. The chemistry between them is strong, even with the challenges they face here. For once their challenges are not coming from within their relationship, but are all about keeping their relationship strong despite outside stressors. 
 "Dean, how many things in the universe had to fit together for us to have met, let alone fallen in love?" Liv asks. "And how many of those things changed our lives forever?" 
 It took me a little bit to really immerse myself in this story, but I remember the same thing happening when I read the first two books in the series. Once I was in it though, I didn't want to put it down. The way Nina threaded family and both character's pasts (particularly Liv's) was the big piece of this story that kept me glued to the pages. This was a great third tale in Dean and Liv's story and wrapped up the series nicely. 
 Thanks to Nina Lane for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.