Pursued

Dare to Risk #2

by Danielle Pays

Don’t mix business with pleasure. At least that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Ryan Thiel, known as Seattle’s most eligible bachelor instead of Seattle’s most powerful businessman, all because a local magazine changed its story direction after taking one look at him. He gets it, he’s hot. But he’s not happy about it. He has no interest in dating. Last time he tried, it ended in disaster. Then he meets Katie and all that changes.

Katie Capone is starting over after discovering her ex-boyfriend slept with her coworkers. Now at a new job, she won’t make the mistake of mixing business with personal ever again. Then she meets Ryan.

Forced to work with Ryan, Katie struggles to keep their relationship professional. Hard to do with the steamy looks he keeps giving her.

Ryan wants Katie and this time, he is willing to wait. But when his past comes back and threatens to hurt Katie, Ryan must decide between the woman he wants or exposing a past he has buried.

Surrounded by danger, Katie must decide if she can trust Ryan or if she is being used again.

Pursued was selected as a finalist for the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. This is a steamy, stand-alone, HEA romantic suspense romance.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2019

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

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie is starting over after catching her boyfriend cheating with their coworkers. She is swearing off men, setting new rules and planning on having much me fun. While out with her best friend one night she literally bumps into the handsome Ryan. After going their separate ways neither can stop thinking of the other and fate steps in.

I’m loving this series by Danielle Pays. I can’t wait for Jake’s story next in Played. 🖤🖤

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pursued (Dare to Risk - A Romantic Suspense Series Book 2) By: Danielle Pays
SomeTimes... Being "Pursued" Isn't ALL It's Cracked Up To Be! It Just Depends Upon Who's Doing The Chas'n!
She's supposed to be OUT for a One-Night-Stand... For a Dare!
But She's NOT Feel'n IT at ALL, & She actually just wants to leave!
That's when She Bumps into HIM by Chance,
And wouldn't ya know IT... They've got an Instant Connection!
But MORE than THAT...
It's Chemistry that's OFF the Charts, & an outta Control PASSION that Actually Scares Sooo MUCH He RUNS HIM Away!
Well... Just com'n OFF a BreakUp, She's HURT & Dejected!
Thus, She doesn't take TOO kindly to being "Pursued" by HIM,
Especially at work the VERY NEXT DAY!
But... After careful consideration, She agrees to take the project...
And as far as being "Pursued,"
Well... That'll GO on hold until Her work's DONE!
Which gives Her THREE months of being "Pursued" in Li'l Ways,
Before the H€@T is Ramped UP full force!
of course, ONCE She's being "Pursued" for Real...
That's when the REAL trouble begins for them TOO!
But, if you wanna find OUT what happens when they're "Pursued," you'll have to One-Click "Pursued" & Read IT for YourSelf!!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Danielle Pays' "Pursued (Dare to Risk - A Romantic Suspense Series Book 2)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own recommendations. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about a man named Ryan who was chosen by a magazine to be Seattle's Most Eligible Bachelor (and who has a lot of money, too)! A young woman named Katie meets Ryan at a bar, not knowing who he is, and they are intensely attracted to each other. Each of them has trust issues, however, because of things that happened in the past, and they have to deal with those. A situation arises which causes them to have to work together for months, and a co-worker of Katie's is extremely jealous. There is a tricky plot involving a State Senator and some trouble-making half-siblings that turns dangerous. All must be resolved before Ryan and Katie can have an HEA. I highly recommend this book!

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

[Carol Peake]

As usual Danielle Pays weaves a story within a story.Theres the sweet romance that starts .falters and starts again woven through a darker tale of deceit.corruption and hidden family secrets. You are kept on the edge of your seat and as usual with Danielle's books once you start her book you cannot put it down till you get to the end.The only fault with this book ? The next ones not available yet !

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie and Ryan are facing off. He wants a chance but shes been burned by a co worker before. When Ryan tries to focus on more practical things visions of Katie are floating through his mind. He just wants a chance to be what she needs. But if she doesn't snap out of her funk she will miss out on a great life with her HEA.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and flowed nicely. The turn of events were done beautifully and the ending was terrific!

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

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

As if he didn’t have enough women wanting him for his money, Ryan Thiel was none too pleased that the interview he’d done as businessman of the year and was published as eligible bachelor of the year! Meeting project manager, Kate Capone at a club he co-owned and was immediately smitten. She was quite a breath of fresh air, she seemed to like him for himself plus he could tell she wasn’t pretending to not know who she was, she really didn’t.

Kate was puzzled and annoyed Ryan abruptly ended their kiss and hurried away Friday; it didn’t help that she couldn’t stop thinking about him all weekend but things got worse when he came to her office Monday, bringing all his prestige and asking specifically for her to work a project. That was almost fine until he wanted to mix business with pleasure and even worse the creepy co-worker seated next to her paid a lot more attention to her than he should have as Ryan and Kate got closer.
Rating: 4.5stars

[Ruth Gowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not hard to believe why Pursued was selected as a finalist for the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. This is a steamy, stand-alone, HEA romantic suspense romance. Danielle just gets better and better. I dare you to read this one!! Part of the 4 book set which i completed.

[Tori Byrnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book by a new to me author that was a one sit readthrough. Loved the characters and storyline. Can't wait to read more.

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

[Janet Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read.

Ryan and Katie a match made in writers heaven. I enjoyed their characters and thought to myself this would make a great wee film. Just the right amount of anxt, humour, and sexy scenes. And a good story weaving it all together.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the first one better

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Pays is a new to me author, and after cutting my teeth on Pursued, I can honestly say that I'M IN LOVE with her addictive writing! Our hero is Ryan Thiel, who is a bit of a tortured soul, and because of his past, he refuses to see a woman more than once, and only for hooking up. However, he never saw our heroine, Katie Capone, coming, and she sent his controlled world into chaos. See, Katie was just out of her one long time relationship which went very badly. Not only did she have to start over by finding a place to live, but also a new job because her ex was so ingrained in her world. Her friends dare her to have a one night stand, she's never had one, so she ends up at a club that Ryan owns with his brother, and Ryan is trying to pick her up. It goes badly when Ryan freaks out, so Katie feels rejected, especially since they have some serious chemistry. Ryan can't get her out of his head, so he hunts her down at her new job, with an offer. Now, she's working with him, and the more time she spends with him, the more she wants him. And trust me, when their electric chemistry won't be denied anymore, they light the sky up! Unfortunately, they don't get to enjoy their new dating life, because twists come out of nowhere, and I mean INSANE twists that had me dropping f-bombs right & left. All of a sudden, there's some huge danger to Katie in their way, and I'm not talking just some random drama either. So Katie has to decide if she can trust Ryan or not, while Ryan has to choose between his past demons being put out there, and/or keeping Katie. How does it all pan out?! Please just one click this amazing story to find out, because I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Cranky Stars


Katie was off men after being in a long relationship which was stale and she found out that he had cheated on her many times.


Her friends were trying to help her by getting her to have a one night stand to get over him.
Ryan was rich, famous and good looking, he only ever had one night stands and never saw the same woman twice. Once bitten twice shy.


They met in his night club, Katie had no clue who he was, but was dumbfounded when he took her to a back office. After both of them realised that there was chemistry between them, Ryan panicked and ran out on her.


Ryan could not stop thinking of her the whole weekend which was against everything he believed, what he didn't realise is that Katie was doing exactly the same only her thoughts were tainted with anger for being left the way she was.


On the Monday, Ryan found out by the clubs security who she was and tracked her down at her work place. Using his influence he employed her company to do some work with him, just so that he could see her again.


Heard it all before you say!! Well carry on reading, this book takes you on an intriguing tale with twists, turns and suspense.

The second half of this book is a true page turner, I couldn't put it down.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night stand goes wrong and turns into a job offer

Pursued is Book 2 in the Dare to Risk series by Danielle Pays and it does not disappoint in it's delivery. This is the story of Katie and Ryan. There is a lot going on with these two, both individually and as a possible couple.
Ryan is the quintessential playboy only seeing a woman once and then never again. Katie is the complete opposite as she has had only one long term relationship and it has recently ended badly. In order to move on Katie finds a new place to live and a new job. Katie and her girl friends go to the club that Ryan and his brothers own for a fun night and because of a dare. Ryan tries to pick Katie up as they have some major chemistry between them and he succeeds, the dare being taken. However, things don't quite go as smoothly as normal for Ryan and Katie ends up feeling rejected. She moves on but Ryan cannot stop thinking about her. So he hunts her down and offers her a job at the club. Now they are working together and also getting to know each other as friends, even if there is still the little matter of the chemistry sparking off.
As with the first book in the series, Deceived, this story is filled with a lot of twists and turns, interesting secondary characters and story-lines, some of which I scratched my head about, suspense, romance and a lot more. Danielle has written another really enjoyable book with interesting characters and a solid story-line. I look forward to reading the next book in this series,.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always looking for new to me authors that write romantic suspense and Danielle Pays fit that bill. While Pursued is the second book in this series it can be read as a total standalone (like it was for me).

Ryan and Katie's story was more than rich playboy falls for the good girl. There was a depth to these characters. They had both lived through a lot, survived a lot, and found a way to get by. But something was missing. That something was the other. Sparks flew the first time they met. Although that night ended poorly, they couldn't stop thinking about each other. So Ryan did something about it.

They spent a lot of time together working on a major project. But there was no funny business. Katie wouldn't have it. I liked that she didn't back down to Ryan like everyone else did. He liked it too. But there were some people who didn't. The sexual chemistry was off the charts and the anticipation was high. And just as they were about to be free to be together, things went off the rails.

The final third of Pursued was wild. There was so much going on. Katie was in the middle of a twisted scheme that involved the FBI and a Senator. And when it was revealed how Ryan was tied to it all, my jaw was on the floor. I feel like there is some unfinished business with these characters and my fingers are crossed that Danielle Pays will tie it all up in future books of this series.

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing level of suspense! Ryan had some rough spots in his childhood, but now as an adult he has a successful business and is named Most Eligible Bachelor, meaning the majority of the town knows who he is. When visiting his brother at their bar, he runs into Katie, and attraction is instant and strong on both ends. Getting out for the night trying to get over her ex, Katie is attracted to Ryan, but when he abruptly changes his mind, she’s more hurt than she lets on. When Ryan decides he wants more, he finds her through the rich powers that be, and intertwines himself in her life through her job. As the pair work on the project together though, the attraction continues to grow, but they decide they cannot do anything as co-workers. But when Katie’s volunteer work and Ryan’s past become connected involving a senator and blackmail, the storyline takes an interesting, yet suspenseful turn. While I was not expecting the suspense and storyline within the correlation between the senator and Ryan, it really added something different to the book and made it really enjoyable. This was my first read from Danielle but I will definitely go back and read the first book in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Deborah Cantillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading books with romance, suspense and sub-plots, then this book is for you. Katie and Ryan meet, sparks fly, leaving them both thrilled, confused and cautious due to the baggage they carry from past relationships. Ryan decides he wants to see Katie again and has the company she works for do a project for him. Now Katie is assigned to work closely with Ryan, while having to deal with the emotions and sexual energy that flows between them, not to mention, Katie having to deal with a pestering co-worker that keeps asking her out. Add in a philandering senator, who pushes his way into the final stages of the project, along with Katie wondering about the senator's true motives for establishing a group home for prostitutes, who want to reform and change their lives. Sub plots are interwoven into the story which culminate in a suspense filled climax. Past and future books in this series have some characters inter woven into them, which allows you to keep up with their lives. That additional feature makes this a nice series to read and enjoy. I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the Dare to Risk series and just as good as the first one. I love her way of writing. Brings you in with a gripping interesting storyline and keeps you there with amazing characters who bring the storyline to life. Katie is given a dare one night at the bar. A one night stand. She runs into Ryan but doesn't realize who he is. Ryan cant seem to get her out of his head. She is different and he wants more. He will go to no length to talk to her. He goes to the company that she works for with an opportunity. But Katie will not work with someone while in a relationship with them. But what is even more interesting is the intense suspense these two seem to be involved in with Denton the man that is also involved with this app that they are working on. I absolutely loved this one. I loved the chemistry and the relationship that grew between Ryan and Katie. This was an intense interesting storyline with some very interesting moments that had you gripped waiting to see what was going to happen next. That is what made for a good book. Danielle knows how to keep you interested and she does it well. Cant wait to read more from this series.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Dare to Risk series, I have read book one as well but this one can be read on it's own. This book is Ryan and Katie's story. Katie is starting over - no more boyfriend, new job as her ex was cheating on her with her coworkers and no more mixing professional and personal. Simple really, well Katie thought so until she meets Ryan. Ryan is a powerful businessman, he agrees to do an interview for an article but the piece becomes not about his business scenes and success as much as it changes focus to his bachelor status. The chemistry between Katie and Ryan is sizzling and they try to stay apart as neither one of them is too sure about taking a chance. The leap is taken and now a whole new layer comes undone, Ryan's past. Can these two find their HEA or are they torn apart? This is a well written, suspenseful story with great twists to keep you turning the pages from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more in the series. Enjoy!

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

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie makes out with Ryan in a bar, and he disappears. Issues in his past make him avoid relationships - hookups only for this guy. He can't stop thinking about her, though. He shows up at her job with a proposal for an app, and wants her to be the lead on its development. She finally realizes that he's Seattle's Most Eligible Bachelor, and backs off. Which makes him want her even more. There's suspense caused by a state senator who can't keep it in his pants, and drama with her co-worker who wants a date. This was a terrific book. I spent much of this book on the edge of my seat - and enjoyed every minute of it. The characters were so well-suited for each other, once they got past their issues and opened up. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read by Danielle Pays. Katie has sworn off relationships after finding out her long-time boyfriend has been cheating with all their co-workers. She reluctantly agrees to go out to a club with her friend Tara where she meets Ryan Thiel. They share a brief encounter but he panics and runs out leaving her hurt and confused. Katie has no idea the stranger she met was Seattle's most eligible bachelor. Ryan cannot seem to get Katie out of his mind to the point he becomes almost obsessed. She is the woman not impressed with money or status. Ryan decides he needs to see her again so he tracks her down and she is forced to work with him on an app he wants developed. But his past, a jealous co-worker and a few twists I won't reveal threaten their HEA. You definitely won't be able to put this down once you start reading... 5 stars!a

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable, intriguing read by Danielle Pays. Business and pleasure should not mix. Katie learned this, but with the instant heat between her and Ryan, she found it hard to keep them separate. I liked when Katie started listening to her friends to move beyond her lack of trust in men. The steam increased between her and Ryan, and he was such an adorable hero as he stumbled through earning her trust. With pasts coming to the front, they learned to believe in what they had. I recommend this story.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

What story with all the twist and turns, plus the surprise you did not see coming.

Ryan, a successful businessman, crosses path with Katie, someone picking up the pieces of her life. From the start the chemistry knows no bounds. And the pursuit begins.

Katie is not wanting to make the same mistake, tries to stay away from getting involved with any coworkers. But it's hard when unwanted advance are continually being made.

Secrets are uncovered, lies and cover ups are blown wide open.

This is a page turner as just when you think you know what is going on, the plot takes a turn.

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

[Red Hot Romance Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little confused about Katies’s reaction to Ryan showing up at her work the first time. I get him walking away didn’t feel great but you had just met. I don’t think her reaction and anger when he wanted to work with her was warranted. I also wish he was a little less of a good guy. Totally my own preference but I like a little bit of a challenge. It was an ok story and I know we all want a man who can put their feeling out there but for my book boyfriends, I need them more secure and not so easy to get.
I wrote this review based on an advance reading copy that the publisher sent me.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan is Seattle's most eligible bachelor he has trust problems. Katie works in IT and she just split from her Ex, after he slept with other coworkers. Ryan and Katie met at a bar and they had an instantaneous attraction. Will they be able to deal with their emotional problems to find their happily ever after? There is also a lot of suspense going on, surrounding a charity. I can't wait for Jake's story to come out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Pays just wrote a book that made me want more by her this being this first book that I've read by the author just made me want more after reading Pursued . This was a story that just drew me in from start to finish I was just hungry for more by the end . Katie and Ryan have both been burned by past relationships but once those two meet it's a instant attraction . I really felt for the characters everything they went though just made me love it more when they connected on so many levels . I can't wait to read more by the author really excited for what's to come .

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, consistent, fast pace, and just awesome suspense romance. The storyline is very interesting with scenes that are very intense. It is action packed, suspense, danger, and twists and turns. The characters are likeable, the chemistry between them is off the charts, and sex scenes are well written and steamy. This book has a very unique feel about it and I look forward to reading more books in this series.

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this new "Dare to Risk" story! It's a romantic and suspenseful story that keeps you completely hooked. The twist and turns are great!!! This is Ryan and Katie's story. He is a a very influential wealthy business man that does not believe in relationships or commitments; one night only. She is sweet and completely off of men. These two are off the charts together. Great chemistry. They are working on a project together and try to keep it professional. This is a wild nicely developed ride with some danger and Intrigue!

[madtrekkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the Dare to Risk series. Katie is given a dare one night at the bar. A one night stand. Katie and Ryan meet, sparks fly. She finally realizes that he's Seattle's Most Eligible Bachelor, and backs off. Katie is a woman not impressed with money or status. Ryan decides he wants to see Katie again and has the company she works for do a project for him. But his past, a jealous co-worker and a few twists threaten their HEA. Well written, consistent, fast pace, likeable characters, chemistry, suspense romance, and the sex scenes are well written and steamy! There is a HEA!

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie got out of a ten year relationship and her friends dared her to go out and have a one night stand. She met Ryan at a bar, sparks happened but he got scared and took off and made her feel like she wasn’t worth anything. So Ryan needed an app made so he found where Katie worked and said that she had to work on it. But the senator kept changing things on the app, then Ryan fired her but things came out ok for them!!