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With or Without Trust

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Sometimes, love is difficult to prove.Detective Sergeant Greg Anderson has never been one for following the rules. But even he knows it would be a mistake to give in to the fiery chemistry between him and the cute, young intelligence analyst.

Still … rules were meant to be broken. Especially when Greg finds himself caring for a homeless man’s ugly, foul-smelling, one-eyed mutt. Who better to help him than a country girl?

Becoming another notch on Greg’s bedpost is not in Emily Saunders’ plan. Everybody knows he never dates the same woman for more than a week. And she’s worked too hard to risk her job for a fling. But Emily can’t ignore a dog in need.

When a long-running drug investigation becomes unexpectedly personal, Emily and Greg’s budding relationship comes under scrutiny, forcing Emily to make a difficult decision to protect her career.

And when the case is blown wide open, they’ll have to choose what’s more love or pride.

Author’s With or Without Trust can be read as a standalone and has a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger. However, reader experience may be enhanced by reading With or Without Panties first.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

15 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

About the author

Karen Lieversz

11 books30 followers
Karen Lieversz writes romance and women’s fiction with heat, humour and a dash of irreverence.

With or Without Panties, the first book in Karen's Hot Cop series, was released on 17th October 2023. Packed with sizzling heat, humour and misbehaving canines, this series is perfect for readers of contemporary romance who enjoy their men in (or out of) uniform, and with a hint of suspense.

With or Without Panties was a finalist in three prestigious competitions - RWAus Valerie Parv Award in 2020, RWAus Emerald Award in 2022, and League of Romance Writers The Emily in 2023. And is a finalist in three categories of the ARR 2023 awards.

The second and third books in the Hot Cops series, With or Without Trust and With or Without Vows, are now also available to purchase.

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Lillie.
401 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2024
Thank you to Karen Lieversz for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book. This was the first book that I have read from this author. And I'm so freaking happy that I read this. The writing was great, the humor was wonderful, and I kept wanting more and more. The characters felt alive, and I really felt like rooting for them. I cannot wait to check out more of her works in the future.
Profile Image for Pandora.
417 reviews134 followers
March 13, 2024
I loved this light hearted, spicy workplace romance! It had me reading late into the night because I needed to find out how they would get their HEA. Greg is a grumbly but soft hearted playboy cop, and Em is a tomboy who can quite literally, kick your butt. They're the perfect match and their chemistry was perfect. Sadly I didn't get to read With or Without Panties beforehand, but I don't think it altered the story for me. I definitely can't wait to go back and read the story of Jake and Claire and I can't wait for the next instalment in the Hot Cops series. Big thank you to Karen for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
4,985 reviews55 followers
December 17, 2024
Fue el libro que menos me gustó de la serie.

Lo que ocurrió en el capítulo 9 le quitó muchos puntos a Greg.

Ojalá Felicity se hubiera divorciado de Troy y le hubiera quitado todo su dinero; lo que le hizo no tiene excusa y se merecía sufrir.
Profile Image for Lindsey Riley.
418 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2024
Karen Lieversz has an amazing way of writing that draws you in and gets you invested in her characters and their happiness.

As with the first book in this series, there is a police investigation that is woven through Greg and Emily’s story. It’s brilliantly written and provides a sense of suspense and mystery.

Greg definitely came across as a player in the first book and the beginning of this one. And while that’s true, I loved seeing that there is so much more to him. I adored how he was with Jimmy and Silas, there were so many heart-warming moments. While some of his assumptions about Emily were frustrating, I loved how gentlemanly and respectful he was with her.
“Why can’t we be good enough just the way we are?” In lots of ways this sums up Emily. She’s always pushing to prove herself because no one let her know she was amazing just as she is; this drives a lot of her decisions. I was so invested in their relationship that when she was put in a no-win situation at work I felt physically ill for her.

Trust is a huge part of Greg and Emily’s story, both trusting each other but also others in their lives. These two deserved to find love and I absolutely adored that they were able to trust their hearts with each other.
Profile Image for Marie.
783 reviews15 followers
March 14, 2024
Emily has always wanted to be in the police, but failing twice she's happy to be just a data analyst for a few years, then hopefully she'll prove she's worth the job. Now dressing the part and trying her hardest she works hard and keeps her head down. Although a certain detective makes it hard work to stay away. Greg is most definitely a player and doesn't try to hide it. That is until a certain curly redhead catches his attention. But he's only into one night stands and she's worth more than that. Then suddenly he's left dog minding Silas, he's not into dogs so he gets help from Emily. Why do they keep crossing paths. Can the both keep it professional. Can somebody finally she she's worth more. Trust and honesty are essential and when push comes to shove can they trust each others. This is a story of many different levels and intrigue, both characters have their own issues but can they pull together and rebuild each other and find what they both need LOVE. I enjoyed reading this story and although it's part of a series this is the first I've read and didn't feel I needed the previous book to help understand the story
46 reviews
February 12, 2024
This is a fun and engaging page turner. I read it in one swoop. I loved that the previous book characters played a large part in this story. I loved all of the different parts. And the twist?!? I did not see that coming.

Greg is an aging womanizing cop that needs a steady hand. He is fighting his own demons. Em is a straight shooter that wants to make a career for herself. Greg fights his demons and walks away with a temporary dog, Silas, who steals the show. Seriously, this dog!!!
All of the pieces of theirs lives add up to a minor disaster, and the fall out.

I would have liked a little more spice, but this is plot heavy. And it was fantastic.
Profile Image for Thebluereadingchair.
134 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2024
Emily and Greg are colleagues but they are attracted to each other. Too bad Greg is a massive play boy and Emily doesn't want to be another notch in his belt.

When Greg needs help with a dog he takes home from a crime scene, he knows Emily is the person to help him and it's a great way to show another side of himself. But maybe the dog is more trouble than he is worth.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between these two characters and how Greg had to prove himself first. Their initial dates were some of my favourite moments of the book. I also liked that both of these characters are heavily underestimated and that makes a great reveal for the twists.

Again Karen has a way of showing those laugh out loud moments contrasted with tension and angst. There were some plot points though that I think could have been explored or tied up a little more for the audience.

Overall I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for the third book.
Profile Image for Tracey 'BookBooksBookish'.
38 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2024
Thank you Karen for the opportunity to read With or Without Trust the 2nd book in the Hot Cop Series. (ARC via Bookfunnel).

Set in Western Sydney Australia. Karen has us stepping back through the doors of Parramatta's Police Department. We follow our two main characters Detective Sergeant Greg Anderson and Emily Saunders an Intelligence Analyst.

With or Without Trust is told in dual POV. As the reader we go inside Greg and Emily's head riding the wave of fear and emotions that a couple go through when they first start dating and the strain and complexities a workplace relationship can have on some couples. The third act break up ties in nicely to the story line and it was something I didn't see coming.

I enjoyed where Karen went with this book at times having the romance take a back seat to the long time drug investigation that Greg and his Boss/best friend Jake had been working on.

Karen has done it again writing an engaging and enjoyable read. I found myself wanting to read this book from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed. I was immersed in the story and world of Greg & Emily.

Oh, how could I forget a little shout out to the cutest dog, Silas who stole the scene at times.

I look forward to Book 3!

Hopefully one day we will see Dylan's story (a side character in Books 1 & 2). :)

Thank you again Karen I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,436 reviews72 followers
March 29, 2024
With or Without Trust is book 2 in the Hot Cops series. It's a steamy, OTT, romantic office comedy. Emily is a sassy badas# analyst for the police force. She wants to be a cop but has missed out in the past as she has been underestimated. Greg is a hunky, cocky, playboy, and womanizer cop. The two are super attracted to one another, but Emily doesn't want a one night stand. When Greg brings home Silas, a dog from a crime scene, he asks Emily to help, hoping to get to know her better. I swear Silas is one of the stars in the story. The characters had amazing chemistry and also a lot of laughs and witty banter. Greg was working hard to build trust with Emily. The dates were sweet, but we do have some drama and angst both personally and with the case that are trying, but we do end on a happy note. I really loved With or Without Panties, so seeing those characters again was fun. This was another great story from Karen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Natalie (Novels__&__Needles).
617 reviews34 followers
March 19, 2024
Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.

🚔 Workplace romance
🚔 Cop x Data Analyst
🚔 Slight suspense

This was a really lovely written fluffy romance novel. It was my first read from Karen and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The relationship between Greg and Em was so nicely done with just the right amount of chemistry to keep you turning that page to find out how they got their HEA. I was vouching for them from the beginning. The underlying suspense element from the case that runs throughout, which was a nice added touch to keep the story interesting.

Although this was book two in the series it didn’t feel like reading book one was an absolute must to enjoy it, which is a plus for those that don’t want to commit to a full series I will probably be going back to read the first one though as I liked this so much.
Profile Image for Carrie Clarke.
Author 7 books47 followers
March 20, 2024
Another great read from new author Karen Lieversz, and a great addition to the Hot Cops Series.

Greg likes to think he's a hard-bitten, seasoned detective, but under that shell beats the heart of a man who wants nothing more than to trust in love. And who better than a feisty redhead to crack that shell? Greg and Emily both have emotional scars. All they need is a good excuse to bring them together. And Silas the homeless dog gives them that in spades.

This book will make you laugh, and cry, and swoon.

If you love a bit of spice and a touch of suspense with your romance, you can't go past this fantastic series. Bring on Book 3!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews357 followers
March 20, 2024
Emily and Greg’s Story . . .

Emily Saunders is a civilian intelligence analyst who reports to Detective Inspector Jake Matthews at the Parramatta Police Station. Right now, she is attending his and Claire’s party to celebrate their engagement. She watches Detective Sergeant Greg Anderson dance with real estate agent Monica Reynolds, jealous but telling herself she does not want to be another notch on his bedpost. So she steps outside to escape the party. When a voice asks if she was also escaping the noise inside, she startles as Greg walks up to her. She has had too much champagne and she worries she will make a move on her handsome colleague. She stumbles on the path and he catches her. Continuing to hold onto him, she licks her lips and notices his response to her. Maybe if she gives in, she won’t want him anymore. She will worry about any regrets the next day, but tonight, she wants him. And she almost gets him, until she calls him “Detective” and he instantly stops, kisses her forehead, and walks away. He is definitely a player, but she is worth much more than a one-night-stand to him.

When Greg ends up having to take care of a homeless man’s dog, which is not in his skillset, he goes to Emily to ask for help. Will she help him? Will being with each other open them to a relationship, hopefully built on trust? Or will they be crossing lines here that should not be put at risk?
Profile Image for Lisa J Page.
Author 3 books46 followers
February 21, 2024
Loved this story of Emily and Greg as who would of thought that you could tame the player and their complex story wants you to read it in on sitting which I nearly did. Looking forward to reading more of the Hot Cops series to see who else Karen Liveresz will write about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Enya Miche.
219 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2024
Coming in strong with her second novel, Karen Lieversz takes us back to the world of dream worthy police officers – reintroducing us to Jack’s best friend, Greg. Having met him in “With or Without Panties,” we already suspected something was brewing just under the surface between Greg and Emily. “With or Without Trust” picks up at Jack’s engagement party where Greg and Emily’s simmering tension promises to boil over.

“Big things come in small packages,” Em reminds herself as she counters the common misconceptions about her height. Standing just five feet tall, Em is a spirited redhead with a black belt in kickboxing. Her dream of becoming a cop is only hindered by what she sees as an agree-to-disagree point: her impulse control issues. Despite an undeniable draw to a certain detective, she doesn’t believe she has impulse control problems—even if she did impulsively throw herself at Greg during an engagement party. Determined to maintain professionalism, she’s convinced no man should compromise her career. However, her willpower wanes when Silas, a one-eyed sweetheart of a dog, enters her life. As Em becomes more involved with Silas and Greg, the lines of professionalism begin to blur; especially as Internal Affairs starts investigating the Drug Task Force and discovers Em’s whereabouts at night. Presented with an uncompromising proposition, Em is torn between pursuing her career at all costs and protecting the man who has surprisingly captured her heart.

I couldn’t get enough of the internal struggles within the main characters. Their insecurities were continuously projected onto those around them. Emily’s feeling of never being enough—good enough, strong enough—provided a solid foundation to achieve the goals she wanted in life, but it also clouded her judgment and perspective. The same was true for Greg. Watching the character development of these two was incredible because their “ghosts” and “skeletons” created a vast chasm between them. They were so occupied with believing they were not enough that they didn’t realize they were doing an excellent job of convincing each other of the same.

Jimmy and Silas are secondary characters I absolutely adored! When you hear “homeless,” you might immediately write the person off as a drunk or a druggie, as exemplified by Greg’s dad’s views. However, Karen, through Greg, reminds the reader that these are real people with real problems—some self-inflicted, many serving as cautionary tales—all deserving of common decency.

Similar to “With or Without Panties,” Karen tends to spoon-feed the readers through redundancy and the constant reiteration of pertinent facts. As a seasoned writer, I would love to see her place more faith in her readers—that her writing is engaging and strong enough for the reader to retain the importance of Em’s dreams of becoming a cop, Greg’s avoidance of relationships, and the impact of Internal Affairs. These points, while crucial to the overall story, are emphasized too heavily—so much so that when they are mentioned again later in the narrative, the temptation to skip them is strong because we feel the urge to say, “We know! We get it!”

The intimacy in the book sizzles, with Greg and Em’s connection leaping off the page. That said, the subtle and more sensual scenes that reveal the depth of love between the two characters are more impactful. Honestly, while I appreciate a good dose of spice in a novel, the moments when Greg displays tenderness and vulnerability towards Em rank among the hottest.

Karen also took the time to address several social themes that were truly appreciated: the traditionalist views of Em’s parents, the underbelly of politics and how it can impact a family and marriage, the callousness of miscommunication (or lack thereof), the plague that is Internal Affairs (from the perspective of a police officer), and gender roles in general.

Overall, “With or Without Trust” lives up to its title. Throughout the book, we learn about the importance of self-trust and placing trust in those around us. The story teaches us that communication fosters trust while lies undermine it. Moreover, we discover that trust manifests in various forms, such as believing someone has your back even when it may not appear so. Kudos to Karen for another job well done!
Profile Image for Bianca.
315 reviews30 followers
July 2, 2024
✍️ Emily works as an intelligence analyst for the Police Department who always dreamed of being an officer. Greg is a Police Officer and a playboy. The two are attracted to each other but Emily wants something lasting. A crime that occurs has Greg looking after a dog called Silas who he asks Emily for help with which then sees them both running into each other in more ways than one.

The "Hot Cops Series" is a Steamy, Romantic and Thrilling Series by @karenlieversz and one of my Favourites. After reading the first book "With Or Without Panties" I was Excited to get stuck into this one.

What I like about this series is that not only does it have a lot of Romance and a lot of Steam, but it also contains an Action packed story that keeps you Engaged throughout. A good balance between the various themes.

I Revelled in the Police Investigation as well as the Romantic side of the story which had me turning the pages in Excitement and Anticipation for the next chapter. The Reacquainted Characters from the first book were a welcome addition to the story.

I thought that the characters of Emily and Greg were both aligned with each other flawlessly and they had the right amount of chemistry, emotion and personality to make them stand out in a very unique way.

Can't wait for more books in this series.
34 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2024
With Or Without Trust is book two in the Hot Cops series. And it is another fabulous Aussie contemporary romance.
We're back with the drug squad at Parramatta Police Station and this time it's Dectective Sargeant Greg Anderson's turn to be bitten by the love bug. He knows fraternising with Intelligence Analyst, Emily Saunders, is not a good idea.
But when he takes in a homeless man's one eyed dog and Emily offers to help him with Silas, he can't stop himself from asking her out.
Em's had workplace trouble before and doesn't need any more by getting involved with womaniser, Greg, but she can't stay away from the muscle bound hunk, either. Can Em and Greg let go of their pasts, gain their superiors' approval, solve a crime and learn to trust each other so they can have a future together?
There's a lot of obstacles for these two badass sweeties to over come and watching their journey to happiness was wonderful. I especially liked Em. She was tiny but mighty. An intelligent ninja. You go, girl!
All the things that I loved about Karen's writing in book one is here again. A smart plot, humour and lots of spice.
I can't wait for book three in this series. This can be read as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,698 reviews16 followers
March 27, 2024
Steamy good read - Emily and Greg are ill-fated from the beginning. Each has trust issues to overcome so it's no wonder the bond they started when caring for a victim's pooch is so easily severed. He's got abandonment and trust issues from his dad walking away from the family and she wants to prove she's more than a womb to her loving but old-fashioned parents.

This is a really good story, with great new characters taking center stage and Jake, Claire and a host of extras, to include a one-eyed sweetheart of a dog, adding to the atmosphere. Emily and Jake's chemistry is off the charts. But their hangups hold them back from embracing the affection everyone sees in their eyes.

The drug case's outcome is a surprise, a twisted plot that embroils Greg's family in the intrigue. And a dirty cop is involved. Behind bars is too good for the fiend.

A good read from beginning to end. I can't wait to see who's next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,445 reviews19 followers
March 7, 2024
more please
I am so glad I discovered this author, her books seem to be tailor made for me. I love how her characters are relatable, you might not agree with their way of life but you get a good explanation why they act the way they do. The interaction between the protagonists tells you a lot about their characters, we meet again with Jake and Claire from book one who are friends with Greg an Em and also have an influence on their developing relationship. I admit Greg was my favourite character, he might be a womanizer on the outside, but the way he cares about homeless poeple and Silas the dog in need, his relationship with Monica, his inner gentleman telling him he has to treat Em in a special way that goes beyond his usual MO... So this book has all it takes to make me happy: a strong heroine, a caring and protective police officer with a big heart and a tendency for mischief, true friends and a cute dog - what else could I ask for?
Profile Image for J.
4,017 reviews18 followers
March 24, 2024
This is book 2 in Lieversz's Hot Cops series but the first I've read in this series or by this author. That said, it won't be my last! What a delightful romance read! Can easily be read as a standalone, this well written and captivating journey has a great balance of sweet and heat along with great humor that makes for a perfect, lighthearted romance! Our main characters Greg and Emily are great and Lieversz makes them come alive. I loved their dynamic, Greg comes thru as a grumpy, play-boy cop and Emily is a determined, kick but tomboy not looking to be another notch on Greg, or anyone's nightstand thank you very much. Greg's tender heart peeks thru and well, those playboys fall hard. A great rom-com I would definitely recommend, and I can't wait to read more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J Williams.
264 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Detective Sergeant Greg Anderson is a bit of a player, it appears to everyone that no woman sticks after a week or so. Emily Saunders is an intelligence analyst who takes her career seriously. Greg and Emily are strongly attracted to each other, they give in to a kiss during Claire and Jake's engagement party but Greg puts a stop to it.

A few months pass and Greg ends up caring for Jimmy, a homeless man's dog- Silas, so he enlists Emily's help. Greg and Emily grow closer as they spend time together taking care of Silas. There is a drug investigation that is heated up and now all eyes are on them. Will Greg realize that Emily is more than a short term relationship? Will Emily risk her career to be with Greg?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,077 reviews23 followers
April 21, 2024
Em and Greg have noticed one another over the last year, but their mixed messages heat up at their friend's engagement party. I love how their slow burn ramps up after that little non-starter of a love affair. I like how Em works hard, sticks to her guns and wants to do so much more with her life. I'm glad she grows and overcomes her feelings of inadequacies she has imagined from her misunderstandings throughout her life. I'm glad Greg wises up. I love how he acts with Em and with his foster dog, Silas. I love his compassion with the homeless, especially his two homeless friends. I like that his relationship with his brother seems to improve. I love Em's family and all their friends and work mates.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria Brown.
Author 9 books7 followers
June 17, 2024
As the second book in the hot cop series, this one does not disappoint. It's a page-turning, sexy-hot story; that through their common interest in a very wayward dog, Silas, - loved him to bits - Greg, a 100% womanizer, and Emily, a very insecure, uni drop out, struggle to admit their feelings. A beautiful transformation for both evolves as they work together on solving a serious crime.

Well done, Karen. I'm happy to give this read 5 stars.
1,984 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2024
A fun and fast paced read. Greg and Emily work together, he is older and a player so will she give him a chance? I liked how it was told from both points of view.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,333 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2024
Emily is a country girl who has moved to a large city and works as an analyst at a police station. Greg is the playboy of the precinct and there is some sizzle between the two. I liked how the author wide spicy scenes in with the suspense of trying to find the “bad guys” and the stings going sideways! Overall the book was fun and I LOVED Silas! He added humor to the novel and allowed me to see Greg as a closet softie instead of the playboy everyone else sees.
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