Consumed

Dare to Risk #4

by Danielle Pays

Josh Morgan swore he’d never return to Washington State. But when he gets a letter from the man, he learns is his father; he has no choice.

Shaw Seymour has had a hell of a year. She was framed and almost lost her license to practice law. With distrust at an all-time high, she’s learned to keep others at arm’s length.

When Shaw’s assigned to handle an easy estate matter. She never thought the client would be the man who broke her heart eight years ago. Josh never expected the lawyer assigned to his father’s estate would be the one who got away. He’s got a second chance, and he’s not going to let it go to waste.

When someone calls into question Josh’s claim to the ranch, they will do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn’t get it. 

Josh wants Shaw back, and Shaw just wants to do her job, but can they learn to trust one another before a legal dispute turns deadly?
 

Genres: Contemporary, Second Chance, Romantic Suspense, Romance

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 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

[Ana Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Guess what??

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well it could have been that this was a fourth book in series but it was the first one for me, so maybe I didn't get into the characters as others have because to me they didn't do it for me. We have secrets, lies betrayals.. But I needed the main characters to have more umpf.

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

[Megan Uhrynowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of predictable, but overall enjoyed reading this!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shawnie (Shaw) & Josh were young and in love. Promises for a future were made and everything looked beautiful in that way that only young love can. Then they were torn apart when Josh left to join the Navy SEALs. Now years later he's back when the man he had thought was his uncle summons him. Turns out Teddy's actually his father. Talk about a revelation. But that's not all Teddy has to tell him. Teddy has it in his mind that he's going to get Josh and Shaw back together, as she's the attorney he's requested to settle his estate before he passes. Yep, he's dying, too. Damn...

Josh has got a lot of work to do if he wants Shaw back, though, because she's got a vault around the heart he broke all those years ago. Oh, and Josh's previously unknown half-brother is around, and verrrry unhappy that he's been left out of the will. He's just another piece of the puzzle, though, as Josh and Shaw soon find out. Can they navigate the obstacles ahead of them and make their way back to each other or will it all be just too much for their re-established relationship to withstand?

Consumed is another fast paced romantic suspense in the Dare to Risk series. I like it even more than the other one in the series that I've read - Deceived. Josh and Shaw are a compelling couple and I loved seeing them get their second chance at love. Can't wait for more from this author and this series!



ARC via author for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teddy knows that his time here on earth is drawing to a close but before that happens, he must right the wrongs of the past. In order to do this, he must acknowledge the illegitimate son he never claimed and ensure that he gets a second chance with the only woman he has ever loved.

Josh is shocked and feels betrayed by the news that Teddy is his father, but he is just as shocked to find out that the lawyer handling the estate is Shaw, the woman he loved and left years ago to join the military. Shaw is not about to just forgive and forget the heartbreak of the past but when Josh’s inheritance is threatened and places them both in danger will they discover the only place they need to be is with each other?

This is my first story by this author but I would definitely read her other stories. Suspense, heats and heat all combine into an entertaining story you won’t be able to put down.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining storyline that kept me turning the pages. The characters are well developed and engaging. I felt the instant chemistry between the characters.

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

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a great summer of working, playing and living on his uncle Teddy’s ranch, instead of following through on the plans he’d made with the girl he wanted more than anything or anyone else Josh Morgan joined the navy. Josh broke his own heart and shattered Shaw Seymour’s. That was ten years ago. A letter from him is mother and a summons from Teddy changed things; including the shockers that Teddy was his father, his cousin James was his brother who would inherit nothing when Teddy died.

Teddy arranged for Shaw to handle his estate, aware it’ll force her to talk to Josh and; Josh is desperate to reconcile but Shaw can’t forgive him for shattering her heart. When James learns his father is dead, he happily plans the huge profit he’ll get from the winery he plans to sell to. While savoring that dream, James learns he inherited nothing, his brother Josh owns the ranch. When James’ accusation of Josh tricked Teddy out of the, he enlists help from former friends for future compensation and does all he can to destroy the ranch.
Rating: 4.5stars

[Ruth Gowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read book one earlier Meantime I went on to read book 4 Consumed
I enjoyed it very much you can see how Danielle is getting into her stride as a Romantic Suspense writer. I now have purchased the box set which I am looking forward to reading the other two. But I haven't enough hours in the day to read the others yet only excerpts hence my review of the box set on Amazon, which is really worth getting> I will edit and put more in my review as once I finish the set. Congratulations keep them coming, Danielle.
All I can say is "What a collection getting better and better!"

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh and shaw

Fabulous story..loved it completely. Everyone it's a real story full of love and special people.loved Cowboys story and ready for the next one.

[Soky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner!

Lord this book! The love story along with the thrillers kept me turning the page. I couldn't put it down!

[Samantha Yuri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cheesy. Cringy. Childish.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a yummy cover! Hello hotness! This is the fourth book in a series and my first by this author. I won this title off Facebook in a giveaway. It’s a beautiful second chance romance with all the feels. The book starts out with Teddy, an elderly man who is trying to right what mistakes he made years before. One... never telling Josh that Teddy is his real father... and two.... making Josh give up on Shawnie so she could go to college.

What did I like? The story was well written and just an easy read. Josh and Shawnie were amazing characters with fun chemistry. I hadn’t read any others in the series but this can be read as a stand alone.

Would I buy or recommend? I would definitely read more by this author, this book was fun to read.
I don’t have any buying info on the author, so this would make a great kindle buy. The book runs along the lines of romantic suspense, with a few close calls to their lives. I found it to be an enjoyable book.

Thoughts for the author? Congratulations on your new release! Thanks so much for the giveaway! I see that some of the reviews claim they got a copy from Booksprout so I’ll be sure to check you out on there. Four stars of entertainment!

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the title, this book definitely had me consumed right from the start. Secrets are spewed out, emotional intrigue has you trying to guess outcomes while plotting by a dying man trying to set things right stirs up feelings. And of course, there’s always the villain.

James: the ‘legitimate’ son who had a parting of the way with his dad. How will he accept his dad’s gift to the brother he never knew?

Josh: the son of an affair, who never knew his real father until he’s at the end of his life. How will the ‘reunion’ go? Will he ever find the truth?

Shaw: Or is it Shawnie? The girl whose heart was broken returns to town as a successful woman who knows how to fight and win. Nope not with her fists, but in a courtroom. Oh, but what about that broken heart? Has it ever healed?

Teddy: The dad who has a lot of wrongs to make right before taking his last breath. Unfinished businees needs settled, something very personal needs repaired. Will he be able to assuage his guilty conscience?

Josh, Shaw, Teddy: Just why did Teddy push Josh to end things with Shaw eight years earlier? What was up? And why is he arranging them to meet again after all that time? Teddy knew their feelings for each other back then. Why the duplicity? Can broken hearts be mended?

The Villain: The villain’s antics force Josh and Shaw to work together. Will that bring them back together? Will Shaw be able to forgive, will she understand that all was not what it seemed to be the night her heart was broken, the night her life was changed?

This is one ARC I was happy to review. I loved it. This is an author I want to follow.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniele Pays’ romantic suspense is tale of generational secret love, broken trust and betrayal. Pays leads the reader on a journey of twists and turns as Josh Morgan and Shaw (Shawnie) Seymour, secret, young lovers torn apart in the name of love, are reunited for a second chance at happily ever after. The couple is propelled towards love by the same man who separated them, Josh’s undeclared father, Teddy Ward. Eight years after parting—Josh to the military where he served as a Seal, and Shaw to college and law school—the couple are reconnected when Shaw is hired as an estate lawyer by the dying Teddy. Knowing that death is near, Teddy tries to fix the wrongs he created—not acknowledging the son of his lover—and separating that son from his own young love. But, for a man who loved two women at the same time—his wife and the woman he turned to when his wife was out of town—the fix is not simple. He still has to address the son who bears his last name, but who has been broken by the father who never gave him love and approval.

Consumed pulls the reader into a vortex of emotions—love, hate, betray and jealousy. The author examines the how an individual can engage in the risk of loving when disappointment and betrayal have been the outcome in the past. Tossed about in such a whirlwind of emotions and the fear of betrayal and disappointment, Ms. Pays helps her reader find closure and the promise of sunsets.

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

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm already a big fan of Danielle Pays, as I'm addicted to her writing in HUGE ways, however, Consumed took me a bit to get into to be honest. The backstory on Shawnie, aka Shaw, the heroine is that a boy named Josh broke her heart to pieces, then she was framed for something she didn't do at her last job, which almost lost her her license as an attorney, plus further cemented her distrust of men. Josh left Shaw broken when he decided to leave her, and join the Navy SEALS, though she didn't know that he had, because he made douchey decisions for her. Now he's back, because the man who he thought was his uncle, was really his father, so he's dealing with that as well. In the midst of all the tiptoeing around, Josh's father, Teddy, is dying, so Teddy hires Shaw to rewrite his will, although he has an underlying reason for the hire. Shaw wants nothing to do with Josh, and frankly, I can't blame her. The only reason why I got on board with him trying to fix things, is she was never right after he left, but if it wasn't for that, I would have been wishing for her to find someone else, because frankly, I'm over the heroes making the decisions. Anyway, there's also an underlying suspense factor, which brought about some twists that had me dropping f-bombs, and that's always a part that I'll LOVE HARD! So there's a second chance at love, a fair amount of angst, and my favorite, twists! One may ask, how does it all pan out?! Well, the answer for that is to one click Consumed to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book! It’s filled with betrayal, loss and love. Josh gets the shock of his life when his “uncle” tells him he’s actually his father. He’s back at Teddy’s, his fathers, ranch and remembers visiting once as a young man and loving it. He also remembers Shawnie. He has many regrets about that summer but none as meaningful as leaving her was. Shaw as she’s called now is an attorney. When she’s given Teddy as a client, she remembers him fondly from visiting the horse ranch as well but tries not to focus too much on how broken she was when Josh left her. When these two meet again Shaw is angry! How dare Josh act like he’s still attracted to her. She can’t work with him even though Teddy asked for her personally. They’ll just have to use someone else. But once this chain of events is set in motion things begin to come together and fall apart. When Teddy passes way before expected, his other son James comes back into the picture and he’s so mad about Josh and all that he’s received. This story is intriguing and has so many twists and turns. Sabotage, danger and so many betrayals keep coming. Through it all Josh is trying to win Shaw back. Will their love survive a second betrayal? Will Josh stick around this time or will Shaw be picking up the broken pieces of her heart once again?

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can they have a second chance if they survive

Consumed is the fourth book in the Dare to Risk series by Danielle Pays. This time it is about Josh and Shaw. They have a history that did not end well when he left to join the military and left her behind. Now Josh is back in town and has to work with Shaw in order to get his inheritance, a ranch, from a father he never knew. Shaw is a lawyer who has been burned professionally and is now just wanting to have an easy work life. When Josh shows up in her office for the execution of the will she is more than stunned. But everything does not go quite as planned which results in Josh and Shaw having to work together and learn to trust each other again to get the outcome they both want.
The only hitch is that Josh wants Shaw again but she is not ready to forgive him and let him into her life or heart again.

This second chance love story is well written and quite engaging. The characters are nicely developed and have depth to them. With some drama, mystery, danger and more than a little hot sizzling chemistry woven into the story-line it makes a for a great reading experience and addition to the series.

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consumed is a wonderful second chance romance which is part of the Dare to Risk series by Danielle Pays. The primary characters are Shaw (Shawnee), who is an attorney representing an estate inheritance for Josh, Shaw’ first love, who finds out his true father is a man who owns and wills a horse ranch to Josh upon his death. The will is contested at Josh’s true father’s death and Shaw legally assists him to keep his inheritance. Ten years prior, his father had separated Josh and Shaw who had been in love for the summer, but, his dad orchestrates the couple’s coming back together prior to his death.
This well written book has great characters, steamy chemistry, and a wonderful plot filled with intrigue, loss, emotion, and danger which is part of this couple’s complex journey to love. I could not put this marvelous book down. Dannielle Pays has written another phenomenal read and I strongly recommend this excellent book.

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

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good story about a former SEAL (Josh) who comes home to find out he is sole heir to the ranch owned by a man he didn't know was his father, even though he has a half-brother (who received nothing and is VERY angry). Shaw is the girl he loved and left eight years before to join the Navy even though there were many promises of love and the hope of a future together. Shaw is now a lawyer and is assigned the real estate case concerning the will and the ranch ownership. Shaw and Josh still seem to love each other so she needs to find out why Josh left her eight years ago. And Josh needs to solve the problems seemingly being caused by his half-brother, who is now threatening him and even Shaw. There is action, danger, and plenty of excitement as things work toward a resolution. I highly recommend this book!

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

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh Morgan is returning to the one place he always felt at home, until he left the one person that meant everything to him. Josh Morgan has just found out that the man he thought was his father wasn’t. Now he has a lot of changes to get used to because what he thought was his life has now changed.

Shawnee Seymour has had a rough time in the past year that she has to overcome, but nothing compared to what she will have to overcome in the near future, her past. A history that she really thought she wouldn’t have to face again. Will things turn out differently this time?

I really enjoyed reading this story. The suspense, danger, and intensity of this story kept the pages turning and my hope for a reconciliation kept my interest until the end. I give this story a 4.5-star review and recommend it to readers who enjoy reading second chance romance, stories with surprises, suspense and heat.

[Deborah Cantillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Pays has written another suspense filled book in the Dare to Risk series. Consumed is Shawnie's, now known as Shaw, story. Shawnie and Josh are young when their love is torn apart by a person they both trusted, only to have that person bring them back together again ten years later. Amid truth breaking through years of lies, heartbreak over the years lost, new family found, death, love being rekindled, threats, danger and sabotage, there is a great story. I began reading this book and finished it in a few hours because I was so intrigued I couldn't stop. It has definitely earned the five stars I'm giving it and has my recommendation to be a romantic, suspenseful book worthy of your time to read. I was given an ARC by the author in return or my honest review and now you have it.

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[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what another great addition to the Dare to risk series. This story will take you for a ride of emotions. Each character is consumed with intense of feelings of love, passion, hatred, loss, hurt, fear, surprise jealously and safety.

So on one hand you have Shaw and Josh, who were torn apart when they were young, and are brought back together by unfortunate circumstances. As they work through to understand the hurt of the past they have to deal with a loss of one they loved and the threats of someone they barely know.

Next there is James, whose pain and jealousy is from feeling of being left behind and not worthy. And Tyler, dealing with the loss of his friend and his wife's illness.

As you read the raw emotion of the characters in the story becomes totally consuming.

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

[Julia Red Hatter Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consumed is a beautiful second chance romance with lots of suspense to keep you guessing what will happen next!

Shaw had her heart broken once by Josh and even though ten years later they are forced back together she refuses to have her heart broken again. Shaw held tough to keeping Josh at arms length, but one kiss had her melting the walls she threw up. Josh has made a lot of mistakes in his life and views Shaw as his biggest one. He's steadfast on showing her she can count on him now. But, someone in the shadows wants what Josh has and refuses to give up.

These two had a lot of bumps to go over but their love was pure. I loved getting the sneak peeks in the "bad guys" head. It gave the story an extra dose of mystery!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh spend one summer at his uncles ranch and fell in love with Shaw until his uncle sent him away to the military now eight years later he is summoned back to the ranch where he learns his dying uncle is really his father and is leaving the ranch to him. The lawyer assigned to take care of the will is non other than Shaw and when his half brother protest the will he and Shaw have to spend time together something she is not happy about since he left her years ago breaking her heart. There is romance along with suspense in this book to keep things interesting.

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

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Josh Morgan swore he'd never return to Washington State, but has to go when he gets a letter from the man he learns is his father. Shawnie Seymour has had a crazy year. She was framed and almost lost her license to practice law. When Shawnie's (Shaw) assigned to handle an estate matter, she didn't think it would be Josh, the guy that broke her heart years ago. Josh is surprised to see Shawnie, but he's got a second chance, and he's not going to let it go. Josh and Shawnie's journey back to each other has many twists and turns. Really liked the happy ever after. Definitely recommend. Must read. I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Sondra Olbrias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh and Shawnie met as teenagers and fell in love. Josh left her behind to join the seals. Shawnie tried to move on and became the lawyer she always wanted to be. 10 years later Josh inherits a ranch from his uncle the father he never knew he had. Thanks to the meddlesome old man Shawnie is the lawyer assigned to the case. James his half brother is a dangerous man lost in anger and jelousy. They have to work thru the hurt while staying safe from constant threats. I have recieved a free arc copy to leave my review

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in the Dare to Risk series, each book is a standalone but it is well worth picking up the series and settling yourself in for some fantastic reading. This book is about Josh and Shaw's journey to possibly a HEA. Both of these characters have pasts and events that have left them scarred and jaded. Shaw is assigned to an estate case which just happens to involve Josh. Should be straight forward, right? Wrong, on all kinds of levels. Enjoy!

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. This is Josh and Shaw's story. These two were in love when he leaves to join the military, breaking her heart in the process. Now she is an attorney and he is back after being summed by the man he thought was his uncle. What a battle he has to face to win her back. The twist and turns are great!!! Great chemistry between the characters in this fast paced story. This is a wild nicely developed ride with some danger and Intrigue!

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a sweet, second chance romance.

There's not much back story on the main characters, though it is clear that there was a lot of history between them. With so many situations popping up in the present that keep them in constant contact with each other, old feelings re-emerge and give them hope for another chance to make their love a forever kind this time around.

I liked the banter and pace of the novel, though I really would have wanted a little more details from the past.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.