Axel

Reed Hawthorne Security #6

by Danielle Pays

One witness. One protector. Zero room for mistakes.

Former Navy SEAL, Axel, doesn’t do damsels in distress—especially not Savvy, his sister’s sharp-tongued best friend. They've never gotten along, and he’s fine keeping it that way. But when she witnesses a crime and someone starts hunting her down, Axel has no choice but to step in.

What begins as a reluctant favor turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse across city streets and shadowed hideouts. Forced into close quarters, their fiery clashes ignite something neither of them saw coming.

Now Axel isn’t just protecting her—he’s falling for her. But with a relentless killer closing in, it’s not just her life on the line…it’s their chance at something real.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

About the author

Danielle Pays writes romantic suspense with twists and a hint of humor. When not trying to write her characters into some kind of trouble, she can be found chasing her dog or annoying her kids. Unless the sun is out. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and if the sun comes out, it is a requirement to go outside before it hides again.

Reviews

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel works at Reed Hawthorne Security. But, he and his sister are out finding a summer cabin on the lake to share. His sister is pretty much the only one who calls him by his name, Hunter. Most everyone else calls him by his call sign, Axel. His sister, Maria’s bestie Savvy Williams is the realtor that they are dealing with. Axel & Savvy start off on the wrong foot- like stepping on thorns bad. lol. We get to see all of the other guys and most of their sig others. We learn some more about the new hire, Moose. Moose & Axel’s next assignment is working with FBI Agent Blaese. Things go to heck from there on out. Savvy ends up seeing things she shouldn’t and so her life is in danger. This dovetails with Moose, Axel & Blaese’s assignment. things go even more to heck and Axel protects Savvy, but the baddie keeps finding her. Things turn scary and scarier. I found myself with the AC on high, chewing on my nails, muttering curses, etc. I got upset a lot during this book. Then another FBI guy comes in and things get worse for all involved and it also gets freaky. Savvy & Axel are drawn to each other but Savvy had a bad experience in her past with a military guy. I was a bit upset that she had that and then listened to Maria instead of actually talking with Axel. I wanted to yell at everyone, numerous times during the book. The book is fun, funny, scary, exciting, romantic, thrilling, suspenseful, steamy and answers a few old questions from previous books that I still had. All in all an awesome read. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Oh and there is a blast from the past that causes more problems.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like lots of action and suspense, this book is loaded with it. Then include some romance with the suspense and it’s perfect.

I love how Danielle Pays keeps me turning the pages… wanting more. She’s the best when it comes to games of cat and mouse and this book is no different.

Savvy just might be a turnoff in the beginning but don’t worry, things can change quickly. When she first meets Axel she makes no bones about the fact that military men are not her favorite. She was burned by one and now lumps them all in the same category … hot headed womanizers who just use women and love ‘em and leave ‘em. But little does she know that Axel also is in the recovery process of a bad breakup.

However, circumstances have a way of changing things…. and boy do they change. Saavy overhears something she’s not suppose to, something dangerous, something illegal taking place … and now she needs protection. Not the simple kind of phoning the police and stay in your house while they go pickup the bad guy. Nope, she is running for her life. Now Axel has to step in to protect her. And who could be better for that job… after-all he’s a former Navy Seal trained to handle tough guys and dangerous situations. And let’s not forget he now works with Reed Hawthorne Security doing all types of perilous missions.

And during all this time of staying alive by keeping one step ahead of the bad guys, Saavy and Axel just might start seeing things differently … in the love department.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former SEAL Hunter “Axel” Chase joined Reed Hawthorne security after leaving the military. Joining, with former friends and teammates, has given him a needed purpose. When his sister’s friend and local realtor, Savanah “Savvy” Williams, believes that her boss might be involved in something dangerous, she turns to Axel. Would her boss know that she was at his warehouse or that she made an anonymous call to the FBI? When assigned to show a property to an interested, but unknown client, Axel accompanies her. When the client leaves, they barely make it out of the building before it explodes. Now they know that someone is trying to silence her. Axel had thrown away her phone, but could they be tracking her in some other way? After a meeting with the FBI, they learn that a cartel is also involved. They flee from place to place, from her boss, the cartel, and a podcaster who continues to get in their way. Axel promises to keep her safe as the feelings between them soon promise a chance at a future, for them, if they can survive the ongoing threats! I enjoyed the updates on former characters, too! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Carolyn Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel is a fantastic addition to the enemies-to-lovers genre, packed with tension, humor, and heart. Savvy sees Axel as a womanizing jerk, while Axel finds Savvy uptight and insufferable - but when they’re forced to work together to protect her, the chemistry is undeniable and the sparks truly fly.

Danielle Pays has crafted a fast-paced, addictive romance filled with witty banter, suspense, and strong, memorable characters. The dynamic between Savvy and Axel is electric, and their gradual shift from animosity to attraction is both believable and satisfying.

Fans of the Reed Security series will love checking in with the always-entertaining Hawthorne crew, whose loyalty and hilarious practical jokes add depth and charm to the story.

This is a compelling, page-turning read that’s hard to put down. Highly recommended for romance lovers - and I can’t wait to see what Danielle Pays brings us next!

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy is Axel’s sister’s BFF, they don’t get along. She’s had a bad experience with military guys and he doesn’t need the aggravation. He’ll be nice for his sister’s sake, after all Savvy is their realtor. Both are polite as long as his sister is there and until the deal is done. But one day, Savvy sees something she really shouldn’t and her life is instantly in danger. It just so happens Axel is an expert at protection and his case coincides with Savvy’s criminal boss. This story goes deep, the blurb is not wrong, they are chased everywhere! No matter what they do, more creeps keep coming out of the woodwork and no place is safe. It got so crazy! Then there’s their chemistry, super hot but it was definitely a slow burn because so many things keeps coming between them. There’s a crazy blogger, her boss, mafia members, and an undercover cop who keeps using Savvy as bait. This book is nonstop start to finish and I’m here for it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simmering passion just waiting for the fuse to be lit

Axel is the sixth book in the Reed Hawthorne Security series. Hunter, aka Axel is a former Navy SEAL who is part of the company. He is what you think when you picture a man with the call sign Axel and a SEAL...protective, calculating, lethal, action packed, and so sexy you want to climb him. Axel is close with his younger sister Maria and her best friend is Savvy. Axel and Savvy do not get along, there has been friction from the beginning. But beneath that snark burns something much deeper which neither have ever wanted to acknowledge. When Savvy witnesses something she shouldn't her life is put in danger. It is Axel who will steps in to protect Savvy and from there things will get very complicated between them.
This is another fantastic book in this series. It is packed with action, danger, suspense, secrets, family and friends, excitement, romance and of course some sizzling hot and steamy passionate fun.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing fast paced, suspense book.

When realtor Savvy over hears her Boss Bob is involved with illegal guns she is running for her life when her best friend's brother, RHS operative Axel steps up to protect her.

So much danger, suspense and drama in this book. Friction too as Savvy doesn't trust Hunter initially. She first like military guys but soon warms to him.

To tell the truth I didn't like Savvy and her attitude towards Hunter at the start. She was whiny and not truthful with the way she treated him blaming him for the attitude. But she soon warmed to me and him. Certainly helped they had attraction and a chemistry.

So well done. Two very real people facing a stressful situation but supporting each other through it. I very much enjoyed the book and recommend it highly.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel
By Danielle Pays
Main Characters: Axel/Hunter and Savvy
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
This book has a little of everything. There is of course suspense, action, chemistry, and eventually love. Axel is a former Seal who is now working for Reed Hawthorne Security. Axels’ sisters best friend, Savvy lets him know right off the get go that she doesn’t much care for military men. When Savvy, who is a realtor sees something she shouldn’t, she ends up with Axel trying to help protect her. There is Savvy’s criminal boss, mafia, a blogger, and a law officer wanting to use her as bait more or less. A slow burn romance keeps getting interrupted but eventually prevails. I love reading this series and I think you will also.

[Josephine Morningstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved Axel

But not the woman that he was paired with, it just didn't feel right It turned him into a wuss! Not a good way to treat the guy that was really spot on for everything, he started missing obvious signs that he had caught in other books, so it was the writers lack of detail suddenly, that set me off to not like him this union. As many times as axel's back door was broken into you'd think he would change it? No most of the time he forgot check the peep hole before he opened the door that's not like him, even when there was nobody there he just flung open the door and it wasn't who I thought it was He's insecurity He should know that in another book it went into great detail about how well he was and this one,? It fell short that's why I gave it to four stars

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel is a great enemies to lovers story. It is the latest book in the Reed Hawthorne Security series. I love these goofy, intense, protective men that Danielle Pays has brought to life. Axel and Davvy got off on the wrong foot when they met. She thought he was a womanizing jerk. He thought she was uppity and pleasant. When Savvy sees something that she shouldn’t Alex’s sister asks him to protect beer. Then they catch feelings. It is a suspenseful, sexy page turner, and I couldn’t sleep until I finished it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The twists and turns will keep you guessing.

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t want to give this great book away but I will say it’s action packed! Savvy is best friends with Axel’s sister and that’s how they meet. It did not go well lol. When Savvy sees something she shouldn’t, she needs protection. Axel is who she turns to. This book is so twisty and they’re in constant danger. Add in a sleazy blogger and you’ve got yourself a crazy ride! These two clash at every turn, misunderstandings abound and their chemistry is off the charts. It doesn’t seem like they stand a chance at love or even survival but it’s so fascinating you can’t put it down. I received an ARC of this book and am happily leaving my review.

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an action-packed page-turner. At their first meeting, Savvy showed dislike toward Axel. However, when she discovered something she shouldn't have, she needed protection. Every time Axel and Savvy thought they were safe from whoever was chasing them, boom, they were discovered. The more time they spent together, the more they learned about each other. The characters had flaws and were complex, making them believable. Between the lies, a podcaster, cartel members, and a dishonest FBI agent, can they find a way to their HEA?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel is full of action and chemistry. Axel and Savvy have never gotten along, but try to for the sake of his sister who is Savvy's best friend. She is also their realtor finding them a weekend cabin. Savvy's curiosity gets the better of her and she winds up seeing her boss doing illegal activities. Axel's sister insists that Axel help Savvy and the book becomes a wild ride of running from the cartel, her boss, a crazy blogger, and the FBI agent trying to use her bait. As their chemistry gets hotter so does the chase leaving them no time to explore their feelings. Will this end in a HEA or are they doomed to be separated by death or witness protection? Great book in a great series.

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy might not like Axel however, she knows she needs him. He might be the only thing that can make sure she survives the fallout from something she was never meant to see.
From the start you can feel the tension between the pair. When he does agree to help Savvy things get explosive really quickly and Axel barely survives.
Loved this suspense read it’s got angst banter great characters with the inclusion of the rest of the Reed Hawthorn team. If Savvy and Axel can outwit a determined killer they might get a HEA they least expected.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Reed Hawthorne Security adventure. This is Axel (Hunter) and Savvy's story. You know the saying "Curiousity killed the cat", well Savvy makes an unannounced visit to her boss, Bob and the string of events to follow make for very fun read. Axel and his sister, Maria just bought a cabin together with her friend Savvy as the realtor. Maria asks Axel for a favor - to keep an eye on Savvy which turns into a full FBI sanctioned assignment. There is plenty of chemistry and witty, a glimpse of all our favorite characters along with some suspense and adventure to round everything out perfectly. Enjoy!

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axel meets Savvy because she's a great friend of his sister's, Maria and she's the estate agent showing them cabins by the lake. She seems to have taken an instant dislike to him on hearing he's a Seal. He's no idea why.
Then she sees something she shouldn't and as Axel is now part of Hawthorn Security, he's tasked with keeping her safe, except she doesn't take orders well!
Can they find and detain the boss before she's killed? Will Axel be able to protect her from the enemy and himself?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A good romantic suspense in the series from Danielle.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced book that will keep you glued to the book until the very last page. Axel and Savvy are not big fans of each other but when his sister’s best friend is threatened, there is no stopping him from protecting her. With danger coming at them from so many angles can they find their HEA? I thoroughly enjoy books by this author as she gives a perfect blend of humor, team camaraderie, danger, suspense, twists, sizzle and love. Even though this can be a standalone, I recommend reading the previous books.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong suspense:
I thought that this book's strength lay in the mystery and suspense aspects. There were plenty of twists and turns and I was kept guessing as to how it was all going to play out. Unfortunately I found the main characters to be a bit two dimensional and it was more like I was told about their chemistry as opposed to feeling it for myself. I did like Axel and Savvy and was happy that they got to be together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This security and protection team has its romantic moments as the ex Seals each meet their women and Axel is no different, despite not getting on with Savvy, his sister's best friend. The author has thrown a lot into this storyline. Mafia interest to supply the danger element, being a witness to a crime with life threatening moments for the drama, protective instincts from hate to love for the slow burn romance..great reading.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner! This mile-a-minute action-filled story will keep you on the edge of your seat. I thought, dang these people cannot catch a break and I was right there for every single minute of their harrowing ride. Danielle can pen a story that will keep you glued to the pages and keep you tense the entire ride of the story. I also loved the slow burn. It was perfect for Axel and Savvy’s road to a HEA.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savvy has worked hard to achieve her success but briefly being in the wrong place at the wrong time paints a target on her back. Axel is a great guy who was burnt badly by an ex and therefore struggles to trust women but he knows how to protect them. An action packed romantic suspense where the good guys always seem to be a step behind. Another great book in the series but easily read as a standalone story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axel is non-stop action when his sister’s friend Savvy’s life is in danger after witnessing something she should not have. He and Savvy may mix like oil and water with her trust issues of military men but this protector and his brothers are determined to save her anyway they can, even putting their own lives on the line to protect her from the mafia. When feelings come into play, all bets are off.

[Anne (Izzie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced book which will keep you turning the pages. Axel meets Savvy, his sister’s friend as she was showing them a house for sale. Unfortunately she has a thing against military men, but after seeing something she shouldn’t which puts her life in danger, Axel becomes her protector. Gradually her opinion of at least one former military man changes as he does everything he can to keep her safe. Really good read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy is his sister's best friend and doesn't like military men because of an ex boyfriend. Axel(Hunter) needs to know why. Savvy gets into a mess bigger than she realizes and needs Hunter and all his friends to keep her alive. She on the run from her boss, the Cartel, a rogue FBI agent and a podcaster who is giving away her hiding spots. What's a girl got to do to get some sleep. So, so ,so good.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sayvi and Axel are like oil and water until Sayvi needs assistance. Which turned into full mode help. When the not so good guys and bad guys enter the equation, the Team, Axel and Sayvi turn left and right. Trying to stay ahead and out of harm.
This fast paced story keeps us on your tows and on edge until the end.

[Liz Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this one grabs you from the first chapter and keeps you reading till the very end. Axel and Savvy are like oil and water when they first meet. She’s Axel’s sister best friend and doesn’t like military men. He’s still trying to recover from a bad break up. When circumstances throw these two together let the sparks fly. How this all works out is a wonderful entertaining read.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axel and Savvy take frustration to explosive levels, keeping you fustrated. The dual threats—corporate chaos & the danger shadowing Savvy—create a whirlwind of twists & turns that never let up. Amid the chaos, a slow-burn attraction simmers, layered with vulnerability as both Axel & Savvy begin to lower their guards. Tension, heat, & high stakes collide in a gripping ride.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us an enemies-to-lovers story that pulls us into the lives of Axel/Hunter, Savvy and his sister/her best friend, Maria. The suspenseful story keeps us turning the pages with danger, danger, action, connection and steam.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel and Sayvi are polar opposites and fight like cats and dogs. Everything changes when Sayvi is in trouble; he transforms into someone who will do anything to protect her and keep her safe. They must save themselves and stay ahead of the bad guys if they want to escape unscathed.








I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an edge of your seat read. Axel and his sister were looking at property with her best friend Savvy. They've never gotten along. When she sees something she shouldn't have he steps up to protect her. There was lots of action and suspense with a lovely romance thrown in. Received a free copy.