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Dare to Risk #1
Deceived
When a tragic car accident thrusts Brooke into the ownership of her parents' winery, deceit and lies become her near-constant companion, making an already stressful transition even more unbearable.
And while Matt, the ever-loyal yet disturbingly possessive accountant is all too eager to help Brooke manage every aspect, including herself, she can’t help but feel something even more unsettling is brewing behind his calculating eyes.
Declan’s family business is his pride and joy, and if he wants to run it someday, he has to keep their biggest client happy. Their current demand? A prominent local winery-and the land it sits on. No doubt it would only take one visit for him to charm the owners into selling.
But his plan hits a snag the second he lays eyes on the alluring woman, dead-set on maintaining her family legacy. For the first time, he can see a forever with a woman. A forever that’s threatened when she discovers who he really is.
Then the unthinkable happens: Declan is arrested for a catastrophic attack, threatening both their livelihoods and futures. And even though he maintains he’s innocent, Brooke’s trust is stretched so thin she doesn’t know what to believe.
Or who’s really to blame.
Who do you trust when everyone lies?
This is a steamy, stand-alone, HEA romantic suspense.
And while Matt, the ever-loyal yet disturbingly possessive accountant is all too eager to help Brooke manage every aspect, including herself, she can’t help but feel something even more unsettling is brewing behind his calculating eyes.
Declan’s family business is his pride and joy, and if he wants to run it someday, he has to keep their biggest client happy. Their current demand? A prominent local winery-and the land it sits on. No doubt it would only take one visit for him to charm the owners into selling.
But his plan hits a snag the second he lays eyes on the alluring woman, dead-set on maintaining her family legacy. For the first time, he can see a forever with a woman. A forever that’s threatened when she discovers who he really is.
Then the unthinkable happens: Declan is arrested for a catastrophic attack, threatening both their livelihoods and futures. And even though he maintains he’s innocent, Brooke’s trust is stretched so thin she doesn’t know what to believe.
Or who’s really to blame.
Who do you trust when everyone lies?
This is a steamy, stand-alone, HEA romantic suspense.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2019
237 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Pays
33 books297 followersDanielle 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 25, 2019
Brooke wanted to run her parents' vineyard some day, but not this way. Not because they had been killed in a car accident. And then there's Matt. He's been loyally working for her parents for years, but there's something off about him and he can't seem to get the hint that she isn't interested in him like that. So, thank God she meets a gorgeous man at the winery, who asks her out right after their first meeting.
But there are things, outside forces that don't want her and Declan together. When he's accused of something he says he didn't do, will Brooke stand by him or let others' opinions stand in the way of their developing relationship?
I really like Brooke and Declan's story. It's fast-paced, sexy, and suspenseful. I will be sure to keep an eye out for more from this author!
ARC via Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.
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July 9, 2019
This author always delivers gripping suspense, fantastic chemistry and well developed characters that are interesting and engaging. The characters are developed and easy to like. The plot was interesting and not one I have come across before. The book is really well written with great main and supporting characters. The book is packed with chemistry, suspense, hot-headed individuals and fantastic surprises! This Author did another fantastic job with this book and I would highly recommend this to all.
August 29, 2021
I went into Deceived expecting more romance than anything else, so I was left disappointed by my own expectations.
The focus of this book was more on all the drama and wild things that kept happening, and I found that I was both interested and bored while reading. There was so much drama, that it started to feel repetitive, and I didn’t feel like I really knew any of the characters. I couldn’t connect with them, and so I just felt like they were all acting badly in the situations.
Brooke is the new owner of Knowlton Winery after the death of her parents. Her accountant, Matt, has always creeped her out, but she never does anything about this. If she’d only dealt with this situation in the beginning, the whole book wouldn’t have happened. Declan works for his dad’s property managing business which means that he’s Brooke’s landlord.
When Declan goes to investigate why the winery hasn’t been paying rent, he sees Brooke. There was a little bit of insta-love feelings during Brooke and Declan’s first meeting, and their relationship formed from there. We don’t get to see much of their relationship building up, and instead we only get the parts where they’re already acting like they’re falling completely in love.
I thought the writing was good, and I was interested enough in the book to read it in one sitting, but I didn’t really get a lot of romance or suspense out of this one.
The focus of this book was more on all the drama and wild things that kept happening, and I found that I was both interested and bored while reading. There was so much drama, that it started to feel repetitive, and I didn’t feel like I really knew any of the characters. I couldn’t connect with them, and so I just felt like they were all acting badly in the situations.
Brooke is the new owner of Knowlton Winery after the death of her parents. Her accountant, Matt, has always creeped her out, but she never does anything about this. If she’d only dealt with this situation in the beginning, the whole book wouldn’t have happened. Declan works for his dad’s property managing business which means that he’s Brooke’s landlord.
When Declan goes to investigate why the winery hasn’t been paying rent, he sees Brooke. There was a little bit of insta-love feelings during Brooke and Declan’s first meeting, and their relationship formed from there. We don’t get to see much of their relationship building up, and instead we only get the parts where they’re already acting like they’re falling completely in love.
I thought the writing was good, and I was interested enough in the book to read it in one sitting, but I didn’t really get a lot of romance or suspense out of this one.
July 25, 2019
I will admit, this is my first book by this author! I loved everything about Deceived!The characters are well developed and it’s refreshing to read a plot that I’ve never read before.
Although she would rather be making the wine, Brooke has always known she would be running her parents winery someday. After a tragic accident that claims the life of her parents, that day is here. Matt the creeper, the winery’s accountant, can’t take “NO” for answer, and is out to win her love. Until the day Declan walks in....
Declan just wants “a real women who can carry on a conversation”, which doesn’t include anyone his brother try’s to set him up with. It’s hard to find one when you are working sixteen hours a day, but Declan is ready to take over the family business, and you can’t do that when putting in the minimal, like his brother Patrick.
Join Brooke and Declan as they take on the their enemies and figure who/or what is being Deceived.
Arc kindly provided my Enticing Journey Book Promotions and this my honest, voluntary review
Although she would rather be making the wine, Brooke has always known she would be running her parents winery someday. After a tragic accident that claims the life of her parents, that day is here. Matt the creeper, the winery’s accountant, can’t take “NO” for answer, and is out to win her love. Until the day Declan walks in....
Declan just wants “a real women who can carry on a conversation”, which doesn’t include anyone his brother try’s to set him up with. It’s hard to find one when you are working sixteen hours a day, but Declan is ready to take over the family business, and you can’t do that when putting in the minimal, like his brother Patrick.
Join Brooke and Declan as they take on the their enemies and figure who/or what is being Deceived.
Arc kindly provided my Enticing Journey Book Promotions and this my honest, voluntary review
July 25, 2019
When Brooke's parents are killed in a car accident, she's left to run the winery. Matt has worked there forever, and feels like he is part of the family, so he's a tad upset that he gets nothing but a job recommendation when the will is read. He wants more than friendship from her - much more - but she's not interested in him that way. Another local winery (the guy who makes crappy wine) wants to buy Brooke out. She meets Declan, and the attraction between them is immediate. He reveals is involvement in the real estate issues, and that almost destroys any chance of a relationship with Brooke. This is a really great read - so much suspense, I had no idea who to trust. Brooke and Declan's relationship is super steamy, and they are just perfect for each other. This is the second book from this author that I've read recently - both have been super reads - and I'm looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2019
I’m not particularly a fan of books told in the 3rd person however I really enjoyed this book. It’s not your average romance novel because there’s an element of suspense which I wasn’t expecting but actually really liked. The characters are interesting and I really liked Declan, a reform playboy as well as Brooke, who is really kindhearted but naive young woman and add in Matt and you’ve got yourself a really well written story. If your looking for something a little different then this story is definitely for you.
July 24, 2019
Brooke has just lost her parents an inherited there winery. She had always planned on working there and one day running it but only after she had years to learn everything from her father. Now she is forced into not only being nice but trusting the one man she can’t stand. When she starts suspecting something is wrong she meets a man that she is instantly drawn too and this is a first for her. Will Brooke be able to let her past go and trust him or will she allow someone to fill her with doubts??
Declan has been working for his father since he graduated college in hopes to run the family business one day until he finds out one of his clients is up to no good. At the same time he meets a beautiful young woman that catches him off guard. He isn’t the relationship kind of guy but all the sudden he sees things differently. Once the truth comes out will he be able to convince her he is on her side no matter what or will each new obstacle stand in his way of the one thing he wants??
Trouble is brewing around every corner for these two, will they be able to trust each other enough to get through it all or will it all go up in flames before they even really get to begin??
We get three POV’s in this story which is necessary for this story. This was the first story by Danielle Pays I’ve ever read and I’m looking foreword to reading more. 🖤🖤
Declan has been working for his father since he graduated college in hopes to run the family business one day until he finds out one of his clients is up to no good. At the same time he meets a beautiful young woman that catches him off guard. He isn’t the relationship kind of guy but all the sudden he sees things differently. Once the truth comes out will he be able to convince her he is on her side no matter what or will each new obstacle stand in his way of the one thing he wants??
Trouble is brewing around every corner for these two, will they be able to trust each other enough to get through it all or will it all go up in flames before they even really get to begin??
We get three POV’s in this story which is necessary for this story. This was the first story by Danielle Pays I’ve ever read and I’m looking foreword to reading more. 🖤🖤
July 24, 2019
This is a new author to me, and I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Brooke, Declan, and Matt, what complex characters!! One is obsessed, antagonistic and crazy, and the others have trust issues, with intense chemistry, and many obstacles along their paths to overcome. This is a well written story which is thrilling, action packed, engaging, romantic, and with twists and suspense, which all lead to an intriguing and interesting read. I recommend for all readers.
July 25, 2019
This is a great first story in the Dare to Risk series. The storyline is excellent and the book flows nicely. The characters are well developed and there is a lot of suspense and intrigue.
Who can Brooke trust - the man she just met or the man she has known since grade school?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who can Brooke trust - the man she just met or the man she has known since grade school?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2019
This is the first book I have read from this author, and I plan to read more. The storyline was well-written, full of intrigue and romance. The characters were well-developed. Declan and Brooke have trust issues from past romances and the issues run over into their business dealings. They are both strong and fight for what they want.
July 24, 2019
Superbly written, well developed consistent plot, twists and turns, ups and downs, suspense, likeable characters with instant and hot chemistry between them, deceit, and embezzlement make this book a masterpiece and one not to miss. This is a must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2019
Love this book. Cany wait to read the next book in the series.
July 23, 2019
Loved it! So much happened to Declan and Brooke it's a wonder they ever got together. It was good reading a guy chasing a girl so hard it makes you believe anything is possible. The characters are well written and awesome. One of the best suspence romance I've read in a while.
July 22, 2019
To say that this was an excellent story is putting it extremely mildly. I could not get enough of it and actually rather sad when it ended. It is definitely a keeper. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.
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August 10, 2019
I loved Brooke & Declan's story. Great characters. This was a new author & loved her writing. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a free copy of the book via booksprout.
July 17, 2019
I loved this suspense romance, it kept you on you toes. Brooke has trust issues, but ends up giving the trust to the wrong people, even knowing it to be wrong. As for declan, has goals and fears are held back by his family but his perseverance with the woman he loves turns his life in a new direction. This is a three way story, telling who is the bad guy and the girl doesn't know who to believe. Great read.
July 12, 2019
I am amazed at all the twists and turns in this romantic suspense book. The author did a great job of creating her characters: the heroine Brooke, the hero DeClan and the crazy antagonist Matt. Both the hero and heroine have their share of trust issues with each other while trying to form a relationship, not to mention dealing with their jobs, a recent tradgedy for the heroine and all the evil plans of the crazy bad guy, Matt. With each new development in the book comes the twist and turns cunningly devised by Matt, who has been obsessed with Brooke since grade school. Non-stop action kept the story moving and me guessing if Matt would ever be found out for all his lies, embezzelment, deceit and evilness. I was given an ARC from the author in turn for my honest review of the book. I highly recommend reading this story and I look forward to more great stories from this author.
July 18, 2019
Really well written. Just the right amount of suspense and romance mixed perfectly together.
July 29, 2019
I’m truly sad to give this book a star review because the writing was truly beautiful and the book did not cause any grammar related annoyance. The plot also had potential for me to enjoy, but it quickly went south.
First of all, what kind of idiotic business owner finds out their accountant is embezzling money from them and decides to keep them on for at least 2 weeks while they learn the business!?! And then as if that wasn’t bad enough, you find out that this accountant is trying to destroy your business yet you believe just about every word of rubbish that comes out of his mouth!?!
Another example of Brooke’s stupidity was when she knew that Matt might have been responsible for the murder and arson that happened at her winery, yet she gets into a car with him and follows him to his freaking apartment. WHAT KIND OF “INTELLIGENT” PERSON DOES THIS!?!?!
It was like Brooke had no mind of her own, it took her boyfriend, whom she supposedly loves almost going to jail for crimes that Matt committed before she FINALLY reported him to the authorities. And this was after her boyfriend repeatedly told her that something wasn’t right with Matt, and that he is capable of some truly terrible things.
Heck just about everyone in her life told her drop the dead weight knows as Matt, but the Idiotic girl kept him on. All I have to say is if she had been smarter a lot of the tragedies that happened in this book could have been avoided.
I truly wanted to love this book, and I can clearly see that I’m in the minority in my rating, but this how I honestly feel.
First of all, what kind of idiotic business owner finds out their accountant is embezzling money from them and decides to keep them on for at least 2 weeks while they learn the business!?! And then as if that wasn’t bad enough, you find out that this accountant is trying to destroy your business yet you believe just about every word of rubbish that comes out of his mouth!?!
Another example of Brooke’s stupidity was when she knew that Matt might have been responsible for the murder and arson that happened at her winery, yet she gets into a car with him and follows him to his freaking apartment. WHAT KIND OF “INTELLIGENT” PERSON DOES THIS!?!?!
It was like Brooke had no mind of her own, it took her boyfriend, whom she supposedly loves almost going to jail for crimes that Matt committed before she FINALLY reported him to the authorities. And this was after her boyfriend repeatedly told her that something wasn’t right with Matt, and that he is capable of some truly terrible things.
Heck just about everyone in her life told her drop the dead weight knows as Matt, but the Idiotic girl kept him on. All I have to say is if she had been smarter a lot of the tragedies that happened in this book could have been avoided.
I truly wanted to love this book, and I can clearly see that I’m in the minority in my rating, but this how I honestly feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 24, 2019
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was provided by Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. From the description, I was expecting a bit more suspense and action, but I felt a bit let down by how the story unfolded. This is the story of Brooke, who having recently lost her parents, and is therefore trying to keep the family winery. From the beginning of the story, you meet Matt, who has been in her life since childhood, and now acts as the business manager of the winery, but she does not feel comfortable around him. She then meets Declan, who she has instant chemistry with and they begin dating, but she has no idea that his family runs the company trying to get her winery and land it sits on.
There are quite a few misunderstandings about who Declan is and what is going on with Brooke’s business. I found most of it tedious, and Brooke’s lack of action annoyed me. I felt she acted very immature and the group of friends who are supposed to be so close to her, did not seem to help as much as I would expect. The story dragged at times and I just wanted to get to the end. I just felt there were better ways to have the issues to play out.
There are quite a few misunderstandings about who Declan is and what is going on with Brooke’s business. I found most of it tedious, and Brooke’s lack of action annoyed me. I felt she acted very immature and the group of friends who are supposed to be so close to her, did not seem to help as much as I would expect. The story dragged at times and I just wanted to get to the end. I just felt there were better ways to have the issues to play out.
August 27, 2019
Who can you trust? Brooke knew that one day she would take over her family’s winery and learn everything she needed to know from her father but unfortunately fate had other plans. Now she is dependent upon the man controlling the finances, Matt, who gives her a bad vibe. Declan has been working for his family’s business with aspirations of one day heading up the entire company. However, he has to convince his father that he is a better man than his brother for the position. When Brooke and Declan realize that there are bad seeds in the mix, each tries to weed out the rot and begin to plant again. From the first page the author lures the reader into a fast paced, emotional, steamy, action packed storyline filled with twists and turns. The attraction between Declan and Brooke is felt in every pore of one’s body. The sly cunning of Matt is portrayed as an obsessed stalker with a sense of entitlement and superiority. I highly recommend this suspenseful romance that will keep any reader on the edge of his/her seat until the final word is read. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
July 24, 2019
This is book one in the Dare to Risk series. I enjoyed meeting Brooke and moving through her story with her. Brooke has pictured herself working for her families winery, maybe even running it one day but she never expected it would be after her parents pass suddenly and she has not had nearly enough time to learn everything involved. Brooke has two men that are trying to influence her, the accountant (Matt)that she is not she should trust him completely and then there is the landlord (Declan). Brooke has to learn to go with her gut and to trust it in the decisions that she is faced to make. But can she? What happens when she finds instant attraction to one of these men? There is a few twists and turns in this story that definitely keep it rolling. This was an entertaining read and I am definitely interested in what the series holds, see where it goes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2019
Who has been Deceived and who is doing the Deceiving............Sometimes you just can't tell!
Deceived is the first book that I have read by Danielle Pays so I was not sure what to expect. But the description looked interesting so I thought I would take a chance on discovering a new author. I was really surprised at just how well she has written a well thought out story with nicely developed characters and fast pace. It mixes suspense, romance, mystery, intrigue, and a whole bunch of sizzling sexy chemistry between the main characters.
Brooke and Declan have an interesting relationship with really nice back and forth between them as the story progresses. There are more than a few twists in this story that I was not really expecting which added to the enjoyment as I was reading.
I am looking forward to the second part of this story when it comes out.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Deceived is the first book that I have read by Danielle Pays so I was not sure what to expect. But the description looked interesting so I thought I would take a chance on discovering a new author. I was really surprised at just how well she has written a well thought out story with nicely developed characters and fast pace. It mixes suspense, romance, mystery, intrigue, and a whole bunch of sizzling sexy chemistry between the main characters.
Brooke and Declan have an interesting relationship with really nice back and forth between them as the story progresses. There are more than a few twists in this story that I was not really expecting which added to the enjoyment as I was reading.
I am looking forward to the second part of this story when it comes out.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
July 11, 2019
It's love at first sight for Brooke & Declan but they really don't know who the other is. When they do it's on for young & old. Add in a weirdo & obsessed accountant Matt & it turns out to be a comedy of errors for this couple. While Matt plods along he does his best to intimidate the playboy Declan. Poor guy finally finds a decent girl & everything is blowing up in his face! So who really is the one who has it in for Brooke? There's a few with ulterior motives all wanting to get their hands on the winery. I think there's more baddies in this than good guys!
At times this was suspenseful, add in the chemistry of our couple, a bit of an air head in Brooke & a bumbling Declan & it makes for a good tale. Seriously Matt was creepy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At times this was suspenseful, add in the chemistry of our couple, a bit of an air head in Brooke & a bumbling Declan & it makes for a good tale. Seriously Matt was creepy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2019
The author was new to me, but I was pleasantly surprised. She can create a world that I am totally engrossed in by her words and situations she presents on paper. The characters were amazing with real, relatable pasts. The plots were attention-getting because you feel for the men, hope the woman makes the right choice, and what an ending! The suspense was on target as well. It was a tale of twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The way she does the three people point of view was done masterfully! This will be an author I read all of her books!
These three are intertwined and in a bad way. Brooke, Matt and Declan are all intertwined by their jobs. When things go bad, one wants revenge. Brooks must be able to find out the truth and choose it quickly. The clock is ticking!!
These three are intertwined and in a bad way. Brooke, Matt and Declan are all intertwined by their jobs. When things go bad, one wants revenge. Brooks must be able to find out the truth and choose it quickly. The clock is ticking!!
August 12, 2019
This is the first book I have read from this author. It was given to me as a gift. I absolutely loved this one. It was interesting, had some suspense in it, intriguing and some romance. It hits and grips you right from the start. Brooke now has to run the family business. Unfortunately she doesn't know the accounting side of the family business. But Matt the person who does she believes she can trust. Little does she know she will soon learn that she will not know who to trust. I loved the storyline and the characters. I absolutely loved how well written this one was. It keeps you gripped in the storyline and the characters. It is a page turner in wanting to know what is going to happen next. I love Brooke and Declan together. There is some strong chemistry between them. Danielle gained a fan with this one and I cant wait to read more from her and this series.
January 3, 2021
Pretty good
Brooke inherits her family’s winery after her parents are killed in a car accident. She loves making the wine but knows nothing about the business side, so she keeps Matt, an accountant and a guy who was obsessed with her years ago. Declan’s family owns a real estate company and they are Brooke’s landlord. When their rent payments stop coming, Declan goes to discuss it with them. He meets Brooke but doesn’t know she’s the owner. Brooke investigates missing money and other strange activity by Matt. Then Declan is arrested for assaulting Matt. Brooke has trouble trusting and when Declan keeps secrets, she might just give up on relationships completely.
Was good until Brooke started losing confidence in Declan. Then Declan almost gives up on Brooke. Just because he hadn’t told her he was fired, she breaks up with him. Suspense, sex, and crazy co workers.
Brooke inherits her family’s winery after her parents are killed in a car accident. She loves making the wine but knows nothing about the business side, so she keeps Matt, an accountant and a guy who was obsessed with her years ago. Declan’s family owns a real estate company and they are Brooke’s landlord. When their rent payments stop coming, Declan goes to discuss it with them. He meets Brooke but doesn’t know she’s the owner. Brooke investigates missing money and other strange activity by Matt. Then Declan is arrested for assaulting Matt. Brooke has trouble trusting and when Declan keeps secrets, she might just give up on relationships completely.
Was good until Brooke started losing confidence in Declan. Then Declan almost gives up on Brooke. Just because he hadn’t told her he was fired, she breaks up with him. Suspense, sex, and crazy co workers.
August 10, 2020
I really loved this story of Declan and Brooke. Declan has been burned in the past and when he finds out that Brooke is the owner of the winery he is trying to evict, he has already been on a date with her and has feelings. Thanks to the deceiving Matt who has always been burning a candle for Brooke, he doesn't get the chance to tell her himself before she finds out. This causes a bit of back and forth throughout the book where he doesn't tell her a few things up front, things that are understandable that he is waiting to tell her. They overcome this and Matt's deceit to move into a happily ever after!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews