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Raine Taylor has one goal – justice for her murdered sister. She knows Genie's husband strangled her and left her in an alley – Peter had been threatening to kill his wife for years. The police said there was no proof Peter Northrup killed Genie. So it was up to Raine to make him pay. When Detective Connor Donovan answers a call about a trespasser outside Northrup's house, he finds a woman running down the street. When he tries to stop her, he's left holding her hoodie as she strikes out like a ninja then vanishes like smoke. Connor quickly realizes Raine is his mysterious trespasser. Now he has to figure out why she was outside Northrup's house at three A.M. Raine isn't his usual criminal – she's a schoolteacher who coaches a tae-kwon-do team of under-privileged girls. And he's wildly attracted to her. Raine needs to stay away from Connor. She has a plan to deal with Northrup, and she can't get involved with a cop. But like two magnets drawing together, she can't resist him. Can Connor help her find justice for Genie? Or will her sister's killer claim another victim before they can stop him?

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2014

650 people are currently reading
344 people want to read

About the author

Margaret Watson

105 books129 followers
USA Today bestselling author Margaret Watson is a two-time RITA Finalist with thirty books in print for Harlequin and Silhouette and many other award-winning romantic suspense novels.

When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession.
1,223 reviews3,695 followers
May 25, 2017
4 Love With A Side Of Justice Stars

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"Like what you see, Ms. Taylor?" he finally said. "Just wondering the same, Detective," she shot back. -Connor and Raine

Trust Me is the 4th book in the Donovan Family series and can be read as a stand alone. I haven't read any of the other books in this series and I didn't have any problems. Although as I got to know the Donovan family through this book and it made me want to go back and read their stories too. This book had a great plot and a steady pace. It kept my attention til the very last page. I really enjoy this book.

"Would you be happier about it if I said 'pretty please'?" She stared him down. "Is that what you say before you arrest someone? Pretty please put your hands behind your back?"-Connor and Raine

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"Have I rattled you, Ms. Taylor?" His breath tickled her ear and made her shiver. She elbowed him away. "No, Detective. You haven't." "Shame." He leaned closer. "You've rattled me."-Connor and Raine

Connor and Raine were both great. Connor was sexy, protective, loyal, determined, and a cop need I say more. Anyone who's ever read my reviews knows Cops, firefighters, Military men, or really any man in uniform just do it for me! They're like my weakness.

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"You're mine, Raine. I want you with me. All the time."-Connor

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Sorry Daydreaming again :)

So to say I loved Connor would be an understatement. The man made my knees weak. Although he wasn't written perfect he was human and did stupid guy things. He said sorry and he earned that Trust!! Raine was this sassy, kick ass tae-kwon-do teacher with a stubborn streak a mile wide. I loved that she was strong and could take care of herself. She was also loyal, caring and when she let her walls down and showed her vulnerable side I as a reader couldn't help but love her.

"Stop it! Don't touch me again! Do you want to be caught fucking in my van? In a public parking lot?"-Raine

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"Using your head instead of your muscles doesn't make you weak, Raine. It makes you smart. You're the strongest woman I know. And I don't mean physically. I don't know anyone who has more courage, more resolve, more guts than you."-Connor

Connor and Raine as a couple has some smokin' hot intense passion. Like can't wait another minute rip the clothes off passion, but I loved that as they fell in love they also had that sweet slow love making too. Their relationship wasn't bump free but they respected each other and I liked that. It made their love feel realistic. The bad guy was well written, evil and creepy without being ridiculous. I loved all the Donovans. They were a sweet tight knit family and I want more of them. I am thinking of reading Mac and Brendan's books but I really want to read Mia and Quinn's stories! This book is a HFN book so no epilogue :( Over all a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves Romantic Suspense!

"I don't want to need help, Connor." She spoke into his shirt, and he could barely hear her. "I don't want to rely on anyone. But...but I guess I'm okay with relying on you."-Raine

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Profile Image for S.A. Krishnan.
Author 31 books232 followers
July 14, 2020
Loved the story.
Connor and Raine have an amazing chemistry all through the book. With Raine trying to get justice for her sister and Connor being the detective who tries to stop her, their love story starts a little unexpectedly.
But the attraction that they share is mutual and amazing and neither can stay away from each other.
The story was great fun all the way especially Connor's relationship with his own family which was very cute.
Enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
June 15, 2016


**** 4.5 Cranky Stars ****

Although this is book four in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.



This story centers on Connor Donovan and similar to the rest of his family, he’s involved in law enforcement.



A detective, Connor usually doesn’t take the type of phone call about people trespassing. It’s below his jurisdiction, but that fateful call is going to change his life.



Arriving at the scene, he encounters a woman running and when he engages her, all he’s left with is an item of clothing and a bruised chest from the kick she delivers before vanishing. Not one to be deterred, Connor is determined to uncover the mysterious woman.



Raine Taylor is a martial arts sensei, training underprivileged girls. Her goal, however, is to find the evidence to prove her brother-in-law murdered her sister. This may take her to the edge and over legal channels. The last thing she wants is to get involved with a cop.



If you like romantic suspense, this was a great story with twists and turns along the way. The tension between the two leads was palpable.



Raine is a force to be reckoned with and sometimes, I found her trying. She’s still likable and heroic though.



Connor’s relationship with his family was fantastic. They support each other and they’re the type of family we all want.



I can’t wait to read more from this author and am about to pick up earlier works in the series. I’m a big fan now of the Donovan family.



With thanks to Shy vs. The Writer.

http://twistedbookcur.blogspot.ch/201...
Profile Image for Rogetwhi.
1,237 reviews11 followers
July 7, 2020
This book could have been 4 stars with a good editor if not for that ending!!! What the hell? That was no ending at all! It just stopped! Almost like freaking mid-sentence! We don’t even know how the awful grandma reacted to the guy getting caught for murder and her granddaughter getting shot! Did these two move in together? Date for years? What?!?! And if anyone says “oh you find out in the next few books?” Hell no! I’m done
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
March 4, 2016
Title:Trust Me
Author: Margaret Watson
Series: The Donovan Family Series, Book #4
Publisher: Margaret Watson
Release Date: November 12, 2014
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 342
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Raine Taylor has one goal – justice for her murdered sister. She knows Genie's husband strangled her and left her in an alley – Peter had been threatening to kill his wife for years. The police said there was no proof Peter Northrup killed Genie. So it was up to Raine to make him pay.

When Detective Connor Donovan answers a call about a trespasser outside Northrup's house, he finds a woman running down the street. When he tries to stop her, he's left holding her hoodie as she strikes out like a ninja then vanishes like smoke.

Connor quickly realizes Raine is his mysterious trespasser. Now he has to figure out why she was outside Northrup's house at three A.M. Raine isn't his usual criminal – she's a schoolteacher who coaches a tae-kwon-do team of under-privileged girls. And he's wildly attracted to her.

Raine needs to stay away from Connor. She has a plan to deal with Northrup, and she can't get involved with a cop. But like two magnets drawing together, she can't resist him. Can Connor help her find justice for Genie? Or will her sister's killer claim another victim before they can stop him?


“She put her hand on his arm, and every muscle tensed. He wanted to touch her, to feel the softness of her skin, the strength in her body. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and pull her against him.”

4 trusting stars! I love the Donovan family so much!!

Raine is seeking vengeance against her brother in law. She’s convinced he murdered her sister, but the police say she doesn’t have any proof. So she’s out to get him back. Even if that means stalking her brother in law's house. Detective Connor shows up to the house to investigate the trespasser and he sees Raine running down the street, the only clue he’s left with is her hoodie. He figures out who the trespasser is and now he wants to know why she was stalking her brother in law. She wants nothing to do with Connor, he’s interfering with her plan, but she can’t deny the attraction she has for him. But can Connor be the one to find the proof to her sister’s death or will they become a victim to the killer's hands?
I swear I thought Quinn was my favorite Donovan and then I meet Connor and it changes my opinion completely!! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat while you’re reading…..you think you know where it’s going and then BAM, takes a turn!! Great book!

me alphabookclub
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club description
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,009 reviews33 followers
May 3, 2016
ARC REVIEW

I jumped on this bandwagon a little late. This is book four of Margaret Watson’s Donovan Family series it can be read as a stand-alone just fine, but now I want to go back and read the other three. This is my first Margaret Watson book and I like her style so far. It was very engaging and well-paced the characters are relatable and likeable. The sexual tension was delectable and even after the H/h had sex the tension was still there, probably because the situation it happened in. I loved the story the premise and the execution of the story was very well done.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, preferably after weeks of psyching out your prey and making him extremely paranoid. Raine Taylor has everything planned out to avenge the death of her sister, she has been working on the plan for a while the time is getting closer to when she will provoke her brother-in-law to attacking her and she can claim self-defense and as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do she believes she could easily take him on. Connor Donovan is a detective he wasn’t even technically supposed to take the prowler call but it kept his sister from pulling overtime and sent her home sooner. Connor is glad he took the call the prowler was a female who managed to take him by surprise and kicked him in the chest. One thing he’ll never forget is the fine ass at the top of those dangerous legs. The next day he is volunteered to watch the department sponsored after-school Tae Kwon Do Club, can you see where this is going? Yeah, Raine is a teacher and a Tae Kwon Do instructor. Connor recognizes that fine ass of hers. After a bit of convincing and wooing, Raine admits to Connor what she is doing. Connor as a cop and as someone who cares about Raine is adamant that she does this legally and starts to investigate the murder of her sister. Connor has a tough time trying to convince Raine that if her brother-in-law is cunning enough to get away with murder than Connor and Raine need to be even more smart and sneaky to get the evidence they need. Along the way Connor is fully aware that he wants a serious relationship with Raine and he needs to convince Raine that he’s in for the long haul.

Overall, this was a great suspense. I loved the romance and interactions between the characters. I really need to go back and read the other three.
Profile Image for Casia Pickering.
Author 22 books63 followers
August 15, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author, Margaret Watson, for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Trust Me is a suspense police romance. It has a strong willed kickass female lead and a male lead who has trouble trusting, until he meets his match.

Let me start with the story. The writing is easy to get into and easy to disappear from reality. There is no heavy wording and the story had a good balance of steam and actual story. I got in very fast, but I found the middle to be slightly boring. I'm not sure if that was because I was sick at the time or the writing, but it took me a while to get through. About 75% in, I was back in the flow.

If you are expecting a female lead who needs saving in the end, you're not going to get that. Raine is everything her character is supposed to be. She has an inner drive and physical strength that puts men to their knees. She has a sharp tongue, sharp brain, and possibly a sharper kick. I loved how it ended with her. I was hoping that she was going to shine brighter than she had in the middle, and I wasn't disappointed.

Connor is an acceptable male lead. He has a complex where he thinks he's an alpha, but there's an undercurrent of a scared puppy. That isn't to say he doesn't show his own chops. He does, it's just that Raine makes him putty (even when they are angry). I found him attractive enough and the perfect match for Raine's own emotional issues. Together, they work well.

There is plenty of arguing and plenty of sexual tension to keep you reading their romance. I wanted a bit more tension centered on her sister's death, but the overall story wasn't bad.
Profile Image for Celia Lewis.
203 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2018
Whew! What a rollercoaster!

Excellent story, mystery, romance - I couldn't put the book down until I read the final page!! Much-too independent Raine and Connor - Detective Donovan - spent much of the story trying to figure out not only the truth about her sister's murder, but also what on earth was happening between the two of them. They didn't do long-term relationships, they misunderstood each other's reactions - What a mess! Blood, nightmares, and Tae Kwon Do, plus a big warm caring family -- this story had it all. Ienjoyed how both Raine and Connor managed to find their way to a happy ever after. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kay.
395 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2020
Couldn't finish it.

I'm really sorry, I couldn't finish the book so my review is based on a personal view. Raine is portrayed as a delicate flower that everyone tiptoe around. She's stalking her ex-brother in law who she suspects killed her Sister. Yet has sex against a lamppost with a Cop, right outside the Brother in laws house.......Erm yeah! Then after chasing Raine and having very public sex, he's back to asking permission to kiss her and scared of getting his body too close. The whole ridiculousness of this prevented me from enjoying what seemed a good book. I couldn't continue after that point.
Profile Image for Clarie Giselle Speights .
538 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2020
Good plot but..

It just felt short for me because I wanted more suspense and less he like me he likes me not. It gets old and no one likes repetition. And another thing that bugged me is why leave the bad guy part to very end and instead focus on their lust filled supposed romance that basically has had them doing it against a tree. There was no sense of time and excessive description and inner monologue dragged this story for me that I skipped a lot. Trust me don’t read this story if you are looking for suspense because you’ll be left wanting.
Profile Image for Dana Wood.
631 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2020
I don't know. This one fell flat for me. A Chicago detective sees a teacher who also helps teen girls learn tae kwon doe and then they both turn into rutting deer. No self control. He is scared of commitment and she has enough baggage that he should be ashamed of how he treats her. But they solve the crime and fall in love.
230 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2020
This book frustrated me. I had a hard time with all the lying from Raine.
Profile Image for Krissys Bookshelf Reviews.
1,640 reviews81 followers
October 14, 2025
Author: Margaret Watson
Title: Trust Me
Series: The Donovan Family, #4
Cover Rating:
Silver Star

Book Rating:
4 stars



About the Book:
Raine Taylor has one goal – justice for her murdered sister. She knows Genie's husband strangled her and left her in an alley – Peter had been threatening to kill his wife for years. The police said there was no proof Peter Northrup killed Genie. So it was up to Raine to make him pay.

When Detective Connor Donovan answers a call about a trespasser outside Northrup's house, he finds a woman running down the street. When he tries to stop her, he's left holding her hoodie as she strikes out like a ninja then vanishes like smoke.

Connor quickly realizes Raine is his mysterious trespasser. Now he has to figure out why she was outside Northrup's house at three A.M. Raine isn't his usual criminal – she's a schoolteacher who coaches a tae-kwon-do team of under-privileged girls. And he's wildly attracted to her.

Raine needs to stay away from Connor. She has a plan to deal with Northrup, and she can't get involved with a cop. But like two magnets drawing together, she can't resist him. Can Connor help her find justice for Genie? Or will her sister's killer claim another victim before they can stop him?



My Thoughts:
As the fourth installment, and the first book I've read in the series I was skeptical to get started this far in. However the author makes it fairly easy to jump right in despite the fact that I hadn't read any previous books. Although I would be interested in reading the previous books I am excited about the interesting start to this series I've made.

Trust Me is thrilling, its fun and has just enough meat on its bones to hint that the previous installments are just as great. I look forward to seeing or reading as it were how great they are in the near future.



Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!

3,124 reviews
June 30, 2020
Good

Raine has promised to get justice for her murdered sister. The cops say it was a mugging but Raine knows it was her husband Peter. Raine begged her sister to leave him because he was beating her but she always refused. Now she visits his house every night to watch him. Connor is a homicide detective and
answers the call about a prowler at Peter’s. He chases the prowler away and pulls off their hoodie. The next day he goes to a tao-kwan-do match and meets Raine. He is instantly attracted but there is something about her that’s familiar. He realizes she’s the one he chased off and wants to find out what she’s up to. Raine doesn’t want to get involved with a cop but Connor is irresistible. Can they prove Peter killed her sister before he comes after Raine?
Suspense and sex. First time reading this author and I really enjoyed this story. The only thing that got me was at the beginning Raine was brave and tough. My the middle she was scared and a little clingy. Connor would get mad at her and it would be his fault. Even with those things I couldn’t put it down.
288 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
Better in the second half

Raine and Connor are strong, determined, interesting characters and after they meet they cannot control the constant flow of lustful thoughts. The situation that initially brings them together is intriguing and dangerous but is slow to progress in the first half. The second half of the book is the best as there is plot development, the story moves forward, we see a genuine connection developing and growing between Raine and Connor, there is closure, family, love, and HEA.
I enjoy steamy sexy times but the constant and repetitive thoughts of what they would like to do and the replays of their intimate encounter was monotonous and distracting and made the story drag too much in the first half, and the editing mistakes often took me out of the story.
Profile Image for Heather.
749 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2020
I felt somewhat neutral about this book when I finished it. There were moments I loved and moments I didn’t. This book has a good storyline and characters, but I always get a little frustrated when the lead couple pushes and pulls at the building relationship.

This was Raine and Connor’s story. Raine is determined to nail her sisters murdering husband and Connor is the cop determined to make her stop and let the law handle it.

They have an instant attraction of course, but neither one of them can admit it. We battle this through the whole book as they agree to work together to solve the murder. Raine is a tough one though and I liked that about her. Connor is just as tough and the two butt heads, but finally towards the end they both finally realize it is ok to give in to love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
July 3, 2020
4.25 Star This romantic suspense had an original plot, which I found refreshing. Connor Donovan is a wonderful character. He is a detective, but he isn’t an over the top alpha male. He threads lightly making sure to protect Raine without being a brute or all controlling. Though, he sure was alpha in the sexy scene by the tree.
It took awhile for me to warm up to Raine. I tried to understand her behavior, knowing she was grieving her sister and having to deal with her mean, rich, old bat of a grandma and a social path former brother-in-law. I just loved the Donovan family. So much so, I just might check out the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,410 reviews14 followers
June 28, 2020
The chemistry between Connor and Raine is immediate and off the charts. Neither are looking for anything lasting, but their attraction is strong and soon overrides their reticent natures. This is a fast-paced tale filled with captivating drama, nail biting suspense, and hot, steamy passion. It’s a story that grabs your interest from the start and holds it throughout, making this hard to put down. The Donovans are a strong, compassionate, and passionate family and each of their stories are well worth the read. I highly recommend this extremely entertaining and engaging series!
Profile Image for Judi Easley.
1,496 reviews48 followers
December 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. That said, I could have done with a little less of the insecurity from these two. Yes, she had baggage, but it got repetitious. And he was just scared to commit. We never found out what Grandmother-Beatrice's reaction was to the truth of Genie's killer. And we don't know what happens in the relationship between Ms. Taylor and Detective Donovan. Their future looks good, but what happens? The ending wasn't tied up well enough. I wanted more. But I still will read others in this series as the writing style was good and the characters were great. Recommended
459 reviews
June 28, 2020
fed up

I was able to skip the sex scene s It's too bad the author felt it was necessary to use the Lords name in vain throughout this book. I will not be ordering any more of her books! I read 4-5 books a week so I know there are a lot of excellence authors that do not need to use foul language to write a good book. Unfortunately this author doesn't know how to write without the garbage.
21 reviews
July 15, 2020
It is an excellent story, one that is hard to lay down to eat. I found small items that were bothersome such as Raine put the dishes away before she left her apartment the first morning Connor made her breakfast, yet when she came home that evening the dishes in the drainer reminded her of Connor. There were several incidents like that and made for bumpy reading. I found fewer grammatical errors in Trust Me than I have in most other ebooks.
Profile Image for Meryl.
1,508 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2021
Brilliant.

Wonderfully written, fast paced story. I was invested in Raine’s justice from the word go. I loved her character; she was strong, independent and motivated to help young girls learn to protect themselves. Connor is the yummy, hot, sexy detective who helps get involved with her cause.

The story is action packed, thrilling and filled with wonderful characters. Some steam.
Profile Image for Patricia.
93 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2021
Good

Maybe it's just the way I'm feeling today, but this story got to me! The loss of her family and cold grandmother and her need to feel close to someone all came together to make her who she was! Then Conner came into her life! The last chapter left tears in my eyes! Like I said this story got to me! Worth reading, just wish it's read the first 3 books ! Hate reading a book out of order!🙂
Profile Image for Eliza Lagonia.
242 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It's more of a 3.75 star book.
The mystery was a little predictable and I would have liked a scene with Donovan and the other detectives when he picked up the case. Also, there were a few timeline issues towards the end, like there was an edit and a few words weren't changed making it a little confusing.

Other than that, the love story was good. I'm intrigued to read the other books in the series, but not in a rush.
38 reviews
October 29, 2025
Full of action

The Donovan men protect 'their' women who resist protection. The women are as strong and determined as the men. Connor and Raine's relationship evolves from one fast paced dangerous situation to another. Watson's prose is very evocative; it's like watching a movie where you not only see, smell, feel and know what's in the minds of the characters. They are so real. Once you start the series, you'll want to finish it.
550 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2020
Lots of suspense

She's after her sister's killer. She knows who it is, and she just needs to prove it and get him to slip up. Then she meets a police detective and has to decide if she can trust him...no other police have really tried to find the killer. But the detective wants to date her, but she refuses to date a cop. Good writing and character development and an HEA.
Profile Image for Zoe.
513 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2020
Raine and Connor
Raine is a feisty teacher Connor a detective.
I liked the idea of this suspense romance more than the actual book. It had a strong female lead, I liked both the main characters but a couple of time’s I questioned if it would be a dnf for me. It did get better.
It reads as a stand-alone novel with hea but is part of a series.
Profile Image for Barbara R. Cady.
1,080 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2020
Hot,sexy,action packed

New author for me but man oh man, what a great book! Great characters, great story and lots of action that makes the book move quickly. Even though this is book four, I think I need to go back and start with book one!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
July 1, 2020
curious about these other reads from this series. i will check out more.
book 4 ... series for 9 "The Donovan Family" i enjoy this cover i see ... there are apparently several out there. i prefer this one. i really enjoyed this read. great style. will read more from Margaret Watson soon enough.
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