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Dare to Surrender #1
Chasing Her Trust
When Lauren Harrow's life is threatened, she's forced to rely on a man she doesn't trust, Detective Nick Moore. His good looks are overshadowed by his arrogance and she's done dealing with egotistical, controlling men. After her home is vandalized, she would rather sleep in her car than spend a minute with Nick. But when he's assigned to her case, sparks fly in all the wrong ways. Accepting his help might save her body, but could ruin her heart.
Lauren Harrow. Town princess and a pain in Nick Moore's neck and his... He transferred to Fisher Springs Police Department to redeem himself after the biggest mistake of his career. But as the newest hire, the only action he's seen are calls involving pets. But he'd take a cat rescue any day over working with Lauren. She's a heart breaker and his heart is closed for business.
The stakes are raised when someone wants Lauren dead; now Nick must work fast to keep her alive. She might not want his support, but like it or not she needs him.
With no obvious motives, everyone is a suspect and he won't rest until she's safe.
Lauren Harrow. Town princess and a pain in Nick Moore's neck and his... He transferred to Fisher Springs Police Department to redeem himself after the biggest mistake of his career. But as the newest hire, the only action he's seen are calls involving pets. But he'd take a cat rescue any day over working with Lauren. She's a heart breaker and his heart is closed for business.
The stakes are raised when someone wants Lauren dead; now Nick must work fast to keep her alive. She might not want his support, but like it or not she needs him.
With no obvious motives, everyone is a suspect and he won't rest until she's safe.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2020
666 people are currently reading
625 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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September 12, 2021Sample read. Not for me. Don’t care for MCs’ personalities. Don’t care for both MCs already going into way tooooooo much detail about their ex’s and failures. Poor pitiful me shit combined with holier than thou judgmental hyperbole.
May 3, 2021
What a crappy, confusing book. The flow of this story was absolute garbage. I was beyond confused just in the beginning trying to figure out Lauren’s life sitch. I kept thinking I missed a chapter explaining how she got where she was in life. And by the time it was all explained, I didn’t care. Neither of the MCs are very likable and spend most of their time together being dicks to each other. The progression of time was also poorly described. We went from a day passing to a few weeks.
As for the next in the series, maybe don’t have those MCs seem like a pair of idiots in this book. I barely cared enough about Nick and Lauren. I definitely have no desire to learn more about Harvey and Harmony.
As for the next in the series, maybe don’t have those MCs seem like a pair of idiots in this book. I barely cared enough about Nick and Lauren. I definitely have no desire to learn more about Harvey and Harmony.
February 10, 2020
This is my first time checking out Danielle Pays and I am so glad that I did! Chasing Her Trust has a bit of everything that a reader could want- Suspense, Mystery, Angst, Chemistry, and just a good story line!
This was definitely a new twist for me, the different turns that it took kept me hooked from the very beginning. The main characters were real and even though they had their flaws, were genuinely good people. Nick is definitely a kind of guy that I can get behind- alpha and a bit brash- and Lauren has been put through the ringer but faced each situation with a good head on her shoulder. Add in a bit of a suspense and you have a very enjoyable story!
All in all, Chasing Her Trust was a wonderful book to read that kept my attention and had me waiting with baited breath to see what was going to happen next, and boy is there a LOT! If you like romantic suspense novels with a great story and characters, I highly recommend you checking it out! 4.5 outta 5 from me!
PS: Thank you to Danielle Pays and Enticing Journey Book Promotions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
This was definitely a new twist for me, the different turns that it took kept me hooked from the very beginning. The main characters were real and even though they had their flaws, were genuinely good people. Nick is definitely a kind of guy that I can get behind- alpha and a bit brash- and Lauren has been put through the ringer but faced each situation with a good head on her shoulder. Add in a bit of a suspense and you have a very enjoyable story!
All in all, Chasing Her Trust was a wonderful book to read that kept my attention and had me waiting with baited breath to see what was going to happen next, and boy is there a LOT! If you like romantic suspense novels with a great story and characters, I highly recommend you checking it out! 4.5 outta 5 from me!
PS: Thank you to Danielle Pays and Enticing Journey Book Promotions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
July 19, 2021
Excerpt:
Her brow furrowed. "Oh? You've been up here for a while then?"
He called out, "Well if you run out of batteries for your pencil sharpener, let me know. I have something that could help you out."
"Only long enough to hear moaning and a vibrating sound coming from your room."
He'd never seen a woman flush as red as Lauren did in that instant.
Leaning down, he whispered into her ear, "What were you doing, Lauren?"
Her eyes widened. "What? Oh. That was probably my automatic pencil sharpener you heard."
"Automatic pencil sharpener?" He could barely contain his laughter.
She stood taller. "Yes, I like to write. It relaxes me."
Now his cheeks were hurting from grinning so big. "I bet it does."
"Well, goodnight." She turned and went into her bedroom.
He called out, "Well, if you run out of batteries for your pencil sharpener, let me know. I have something that could help you out."
"Never going to happen, Detective.”
Her brow furrowed. "Oh? You've been up here for a while then?"
He called out, "Well if you run out of batteries for your pencil sharpener, let me know. I have something that could help you out."
"Only long enough to hear moaning and a vibrating sound coming from your room."
He'd never seen a woman flush as red as Lauren did in that instant.
Leaning down, he whispered into her ear, "What were you doing, Lauren?"
Her eyes widened. "What? Oh. That was probably my automatic pencil sharpener you heard."
"Automatic pencil sharpener?" He could barely contain his laughter.
She stood taller. "Yes, I like to write. It relaxes me."
Now his cheeks were hurting from grinning so big. "I bet it does."
"Well, goodnight." She turned and went into her bedroom.
He called out, "Well, if you run out of batteries for your pencil sharpener, let me know. I have something that could help you out."
"Never going to happen, Detective.”
May 19, 2023
DNF @26%
This is not getting any better.
This is not getting any better.
June 12, 2021
Awww...love a small town romance!
Nick is a detective that just moved to a small town. On his first day he meets a fellow cop but gets talked down to because they don't think he adds up to the guy he's replacing. Then at the grocery store and meets a beautiful woman who is griping about her ex boyfriend. He even tries to help her with the water bottles she bought as they got stuck on her cart. So she yells at him. Then later he is called to a mansion on a disturbance call and it is the lady from the store. He finds out that her name is Lauren. There is graffiti painted on the front of the house and a firey bag of dog poop on the front porch. He asks Lauren who she thinks would have done this and she says she doesn't know.
More things start to happen around the house so Nick volunteers to stay with Lauren. Then her aunt and stepbrother move in and things get real interesting. Nick and Lauren really got started on the wrong foot. Things change as they learn more about each other and a real relationship begins.
Who is out to hurt Lauren and why? Can Nick find out in time and can he save her?
Great story. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Thank you Danielle Pays. Looking forward to reading more of your stories. Enjoy!
Nick is a detective that just moved to a small town. On his first day he meets a fellow cop but gets talked down to because they don't think he adds up to the guy he's replacing. Then at the grocery store and meets a beautiful woman who is griping about her ex boyfriend. He even tries to help her with the water bottles she bought as they got stuck on her cart. So she yells at him. Then later he is called to a mansion on a disturbance call and it is the lady from the store. He finds out that her name is Lauren. There is graffiti painted on the front of the house and a firey bag of dog poop on the front porch. He asks Lauren who she thinks would have done this and she says she doesn't know.
More things start to happen around the house so Nick volunteers to stay with Lauren. Then her aunt and stepbrother move in and things get real interesting. Nick and Lauren really got started on the wrong foot. Things change as they learn more about each other and a real relationship begins.
Who is out to hurt Lauren and why? Can Nick find out in time and can he save her?
Great story. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Thank you Danielle Pays. Looking forward to reading more of your stories. Enjoy!
July 12, 2021
This was my first read by Danielle Pays. The story was Ok. I think the author needs to look for better descriptions than the characters grinning and smirking. It was very confusing with mostly these descriptions to work out if they were happy, serious, mad or joking? Mostly I thought Nick was trying to be professional and serious but all the grinning and smirking made me think otherwise. Same with Lauren, I thought she was mad at Nick for not taking her seriously and the next she’s grinning at him which makes me think, maybe she’s not as mad as I thought.
But I gave this 3 stars because I mostly enjoyed that Nick and Lauren fought to be together.
But I gave this 3 stars because I mostly enjoyed that Nick and Lauren fought to be together.
May 24, 2023
The cover makes it seem like this book is a way steamier than it actually is. Because it barely has any spicy scenes, but instead it's more focused on a cosy mystery that I was surprisingly very invested in despite having the criminal revealed really early in the novel.
So... I had fun with this book. It was not what I expected and there were a lot of things that bother me, but overall I was intrigued and invested and I think the author could totally focus her time on writing cosy mysteries without any romance in them. Because the romance part was rocky - don't get me wrong, the suspense part was rocky too, but there was potential!
Our main characters are not the most likeable - they like to judge people based on first impressions and preconceived notions. But they did have chemistry and the bickering was a lot of fun. The time jumps (usually about a month or a few weeks between scenes) were a tad bit annoying because a lot of growth was happening during those weeks that you could not read about, which made it a bit annoying.
But I like small town romances (and detectives that save cats from trees) and cosy mysteries. I had fun. It was not perfect, the author could improve her vocabulary (too many adjectives were repeated), the spicy scenes could be better written and spicier (also the series title "Dare to Surrender" has nothing to do with the plot or the spice), but at the end of the day it was a quick read that kept me entertained and gave my brain a break.
So... I had fun with this book. It was not what I expected and there were a lot of things that bother me, but overall I was intrigued and invested and I think the author could totally focus her time on writing cosy mysteries without any romance in them. Because the romance part was rocky - don't get me wrong, the suspense part was rocky too, but there was potential!
Our main characters are not the most likeable - they like to judge people based on first impressions and preconceived notions. But they did have chemistry and the bickering was a lot of fun. The time jumps (usually about a month or a few weeks between scenes) were a tad bit annoying because a lot of growth was happening during those weeks that you could not read about, which made it a bit annoying.
But I like small town romances (and detectives that save cats from trees) and cosy mysteries. I had fun. It was not perfect, the author could improve her vocabulary (too many adjectives were repeated), the spicy scenes could be better written and spicier (also the series title "Dare to Surrender" has nothing to do with the plot or the spice), but at the end of the day it was a quick read that kept me entertained and gave my brain a break.
June 3, 2023
Loved it
This is my first time reading this author but it definitely will not be the last. Apparently I've had this book forever on my Kindle but never read it. When it was offered free from another author, I checked it out on Amazon and I already owned it. Enemies to lovers trope. Two people who have been hurt before and find each other. Suspense. I absolutely loved this book!
Lauren works at a diner and is living in a big mansion that belonged to her stepfather. He and her mother died a couple of months ago while on vacation. Lauren left her boyfriend when she caught him cheating and everyone in town is trying to get them back together. Nick is a detective and got a job in a little town. No one really likes him and Lauren's first impression is not favorable. When strange things start happening, Nick is the one sent to investigate. He moves in because he make her feel safe. They fake a relationship ( at first ) to get her ex to leave her alone. When it Lauren gets really sick, Nick rushes her to the hospital. After she's released they get into an argument and break up. Nick figures out what's been happening but can he get to Lauren in time?
This is my first time reading this author but it definitely will not be the last. Apparently I've had this book forever on my Kindle but never read it. When it was offered free from another author, I checked it out on Amazon and I already owned it. Enemies to lovers trope. Two people who have been hurt before and find each other. Suspense. I absolutely loved this book!
Lauren works at a diner and is living in a big mansion that belonged to her stepfather. He and her mother died a couple of months ago while on vacation. Lauren left her boyfriend when she caught him cheating and everyone in town is trying to get them back together. Nick is a detective and got a job in a little town. No one really likes him and Lauren's first impression is not favorable. When strange things start happening, Nick is the one sent to investigate. He moves in because he make her feel safe. They fake a relationship ( at first ) to get her ex to leave her alone. When it Lauren gets really sick, Nick rushes her to the hospital. After she's released they get into an argument and break up. Nick figures out what's been happening but can he get to Lauren in time?
August 2, 2022
Lauren was annoyed by Nick's helpfulness in the grocery story parking lot. He was trying to be gentlemanly but she didn't trust him. He took her for a rich, selfish rich girl.
She was temporarily moving into the mansion that her step-aunt invited her to stay in. But odd things kept happening, like threats painted on the outside of the mansion and porch railings being loose. She called the police, and who showed up but Nick, who was working temporarily with the police.
Her ex-boyfriend all of a sudden wants to get back with her, her step-brother arrives to stay in the mansion, and they are acting strangely. Even more unsettling things happen, including Lauren becoming interested in Nick.
There is a lot happening in this book and it was a very interesting read. There is some explicit sex scenes so this book so I recommend it for mature audiences.
She was temporarily moving into the mansion that her step-aunt invited her to stay in. But odd things kept happening, like threats painted on the outside of the mansion and porch railings being loose. She called the police, and who showed up but Nick, who was working temporarily with the police.
Her ex-boyfriend all of a sudden wants to get back with her, her step-brother arrives to stay in the mansion, and they are acting strangely. Even more unsettling things happen, including Lauren becoming interested in Nick.
There is a lot happening in this book and it was a very interesting read. There is some explicit sex scenes so this book so I recommend it for mature audiences.
July 30, 2022
This one held such potential at the beginning. Spicy enemies to lovers with a bodyguard twist. But for me, the progression from enemies to lovers was too quick. There wasn't much fighting the attraction, and then when they gave in, there was no back and forth.
It was like it lost its way half way through, but then it seemed to get itself together towards the end and I did love the ending.
And I have to say, the spice was *chefs kiss* and the characters were all well written and there was a lot of banter and humour.
I also always love a good small town romance, I find the characters tend to be more fun and I love when they are all connected.
It also set up the next story really well that I bought the next one already, which I believe is going to be friends to lovers.
It was like it lost its way half way through, but then it seemed to get itself together towards the end and I did love the ending.
And I have to say, the spice was *chefs kiss* and the characters were all well written and there was a lot of banter and humour.
I also always love a good small town romance, I find the characters tend to be more fun and I love when they are all connected.
It also set up the next story really well that I bought the next one already, which I believe is going to be friends to lovers.
January 27, 2020
Ahhh… we have one pain in the derriere fiesty ‘princess’…. but what is said about first impressions? They can be sooooo wrong. Fiesty, yes…. but princess? Nope. Lauren is not princess material. She comes across clueless. Her truths are far from reality and she is her own worst enemy.
Then we have one newly hired detective Nick Moore who learns quickly he’s not welcome in his new town or his new job.
And there’s a mystery of sorts where someone is gunning for that princess. We have her ex wanting her back. But why? Why does he want her now when he certainly didn’t want her when they were together. Why now?
Just who is the real culprit? What role does the aunt and step brother play. Is this a loving family or is everything all pretend? Betcha Nick can sniff it out. After all Nick is no small town detective… at least not normally. Nick Moore knows how to bring the A-game into play. And that A-game has him finding himself protecting Lauren.
Then we have one newly hired detective Nick Moore who learns quickly he’s not welcome in his new town or his new job.
And there’s a mystery of sorts where someone is gunning for that princess. We have her ex wanting her back. But why? Why does he want her now when he certainly didn’t want her when they were together. Why now?
Just who is the real culprit? What role does the aunt and step brother play. Is this a loving family or is everything all pretend? Betcha Nick can sniff it out. After all Nick is no small town detective… at least not normally. Nick Moore knows how to bring the A-game into play. And that A-game has him finding himself protecting Lauren.
August 6, 2023
This book started out slow and then decided to go full speed, throwing random plot points in without explanation, Insta-love (not sure), and spent more time on their exs than the actual relationship. Also the mystery through it all was so obvious and everyone was like umm are you sure? There were just so many cliches and it wasn’t like this was a short book where they had to get to the point fast. This was 300 pages of I could’ve explained that more and made it more believable but I would rather not.
Finished it so I could add it as a read book and some pages I just skimmed. 2 stars and to think I said I wouldn’t write a review
Finished it so I could add it as a read book and some pages I just skimmed. 2 stars and to think I said I wouldn’t write a review
December 8, 2024
When Lauren Harrow caught her boyfriend cheating, she moved back to the last home she was in with her now deceased mom but it’s also her ex’s home town and he followed her there. Nothing was cute about Lauren’s meeting with new detective in town Nick Moore. When Lauren had back to back issues at her stepdad’s mansion, she asked Nick to stay with her overnight. The next morning, Lauren’s ex saw the Nick and Lauren and blasted to social media how she cheated on him to get to Nick. Hours later step brother and step aunt move in the mansion as well and the step brother tries consistently tries to get Lauren to move but things keep getting in the way.
Rating: 4.25stars
Rating: 4.25stars
November 22, 2020
Ends well
I fought my way through the first chapters of this story, intent on giving it a chance, and I am glad I did. The characters were somewhat flat in the beginning, and it seemed the author was trying too hard, however, as the story progressed, the H/h became more interesting and the secondary characters developed into people who enlivened the story. I don't know any of this author's other works, so I would give her a second look if this was her very first book. It did end well.
I fought my way through the first chapters of this story, intent on giving it a chance, and I am glad I did. The characters were somewhat flat in the beginning, and it seemed the author was trying too hard, however, as the story progressed, the H/h became more interesting and the secondary characters developed into people who enlivened the story. I don't know any of this author's other works, so I would give her a second look if this was her very first book. It did end well.
October 21, 2022
Drawn in
Lauren and Nick start off on the wrong foot. Lauren moved back to a small town after breaking up with a cheating boyfriend. Nick moved there for a small town cop position. Neither think they will be in the small town for long. When Lauren's home is vandalized, Nick is sent to investigate. Sparks fly between these two. Then she had to make it weird by claiming Nick is her boyfriend. He agrees to the fake relationship to get her ex away from her. Add in a step brother and a step aunt to bring more chaos. I was truly drawn into this book.
Lauren and Nick start off on the wrong foot. Lauren moved back to a small town after breaking up with a cheating boyfriend. Nick moved there for a small town cop position. Neither think they will be in the small town for long. When Lauren's home is vandalized, Nick is sent to investigate. Sparks fly between these two. Then she had to make it weird by claiming Nick is her boyfriend. He agrees to the fake relationship to get her ex away from her. Add in a step brother and a step aunt to bring more chaos. I was truly drawn into this book.
May 30, 2020
Chasing Her Trust had romance, suspense and even those times where I found myself laughing. It had a good mystery to it and I wasn't sure who was behind all the threats that Lauren was receiving until the end. Lauren and Nick had great chemistry together and although started off not understanding each other, they got there pretty quickly with some funny times along the way. This was the first time I've read Danielle Pays and I look forward to reading more.
October 20, 2020
Loved it!
I love this book! I'm not one who usually takes the time to leave reviews but this one...I have to. There is mystery, suspense, murder, and love. And I love the ending, it made me laugh so loud that my husband thought I was a bit nuts! All in all, great writing, great story, and a happy ending. If you were on the fence, just jump on over and grab this book! You won't regret it.
I love this book! I'm not one who usually takes the time to leave reviews but this one...I have to. There is mystery, suspense, murder, and love. And I love the ending, it made me laugh so loud that my husband thought I was a bit nuts! All in all, great writing, great story, and a happy ending. If you were on the fence, just jump on over and grab this book! You won't regret it.
May 18, 2023
Both the MC's were unlikeable, but Lauren was just so bad. She was confrontational, snobby, and just super naive throughout most of the book. Nick was not much better but he was arrogant and unprofessional. The side characters didn't add much other than also being annoying. I could tell who the villain was the second they appeared and the flow of the story was just kind of choppy. It did keep me fairly interested until the end though.
January 30, 2020
Nick applied for a detective position in Fisher Springs and met Lauren. Between break-ins and stalking, we are kept on our toes trying to solve a romantic mystery. I always look forward to Danielle Pays books and never left wanting.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
July 4, 2021
Why? This is a reminder of why I cannot stand contemporary romance. Lauren is a giant B with her head in the clouds. Honestly! I hated her from the start. Nick had potential, but the author tried too hard for the cocky personality. This book was awful and I continued to roll my eyes at the “mystery” of it all.
July 13, 2021
Chasing her trust is a romantic story with some suspense. Nick is a detective who has been assigned to a smaller town due to some bad decisions. Lauren is visiting her aunt and living temporary in her house. Strange things are happening and Nick steps in to protect her. This is written in a fast paste and vividly. I. Loved it.
August 2, 2022
Trusting!
Chasing Her Trust: WOW! Exciting story of surprises, suspense and sparks. Great characters and fantastic writing! I really enjoyed the nail biting story! I like how even though Nick was an outsider he would do his best to fit in until he could back to his old job. I liked the sparks between him and Lauren. It was really a wonderful story.
Chasing Her Trust: WOW! Exciting story of surprises, suspense and sparks. Great characters and fantastic writing! I really enjoyed the nail biting story! I like how even though Nick was an outsider he would do his best to fit in until he could back to his old job. I liked the sparks between him and Lauren. It was really a wonderful story.
September 25, 2022
A Cozy read
This is a good storyline and wonderful romance that has mystery involved, which was very well written. I gave it 4 stars only because I HATE the F- bomb. Call me old fashioned, but I don’t believe it is necessary to the story, any story. The Hero is a bit of a mess and the heroine as well, but together they are great. I loved the banter as well.
This is a good storyline and wonderful romance that has mystery involved, which was very well written. I gave it 4 stars only because I HATE the F- bomb. Call me old fashioned, but I don’t believe it is necessary to the story, any story. The Hero is a bit of a mess and the heroine as well, but together they are great. I loved the banter as well.
February 7, 2023
This story draws you in with mystery, romance and small town hi jinks. Nick is new to the town and is not well received. Lauren is trying to get away from an ex and believes she is the subject of pranks. This story has twists and red herrings that will keep you second guessing. A fun read. I received this ARC and voluntarily give my review.
May 3, 2023
Cute and Fast
This was actually a great storyline for me. I had my guesses about the mystery and I ended up being right. I just didn’t know how or why. But about the spicy scenes, I felt like they were written very fast and to the point. There was a whole lot of buildup in the actual scenes themselves. But overall, a good read.
This was actually a great storyline for me. I had my guesses about the mystery and I ended up being right. I just didn’t know how or why. But about the spicy scenes, I felt like they were written very fast and to the point. There was a whole lot of buildup in the actual scenes themselves. But overall, a good read.
May 24, 2020
Heroine was too stubborn for her own good. The hero had his moments but was ultimately a push over. Would have liked to see him take charge in and out of the bedroom. Chemistry was ok and a lot of holes in the story. HEA✅
July 23, 2021
Ugh I’m sorry it’s just not that great.
The writing is good.
The storyline is somewhat interesting.
This couple…ugh no. No spark and constant arguing.
Three stars is lucky I would have given 2.5 if I could.
The writing is good.
The storyline is somewhat interesting.
This couple…ugh no. No spark and constant arguing.
Three stars is lucky I would have given 2.5 if I could.
April 2, 2022
This was a fun book to read. I enjoyed the characters and the writing was excellent. I loved the small town feel and the twists came out of nowhere! I loved it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun escape with some interesting mystery.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun escape with some interesting mystery.
September 25, 2022
Though Nick sounds like a judgemental jerk & Lauren sounds spoilt, it all unfolds. Their constant banter & sizzling chemistry leaves laughing & shivering. As the suspense unfolds, you can't help but feel for them. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews