Played

Dare to Risk #3

by Danielle Pays

Someone knows Jake's secret.

If he doesn't pay up, everyone will.

But no way he's playing their game...
...until his blackmailer threatens Tara.

Tara's fought her way back from scandal once to build a successful career. With her own morning TV show, her life now is almost perfect.

Hiding out in a small cabin with Tara was not part of Jake's plan, but the latest threat includes her, and it's the only way he can protect her.

Tara's not having any of it. From her view, Jake is arrogant, infuriating, and does nothing but argue with her. (If he would only stay out of her fantasies.)

When sparks fly, with the blackmailer closing in, Jake's not sure who'll take him down first--the blackmailer or Tara.

There's a good chance both their lives may go up in flames....

Preorder Played now and share in the heat.

Genres: Romance

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 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

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Played (Dare to Risk - A Romantic Suspense Series Book 3) By: Danielle Pays
SomeOne's Decided He's A Perfect Target To Get "Played," But He's Not Playing Along Very Well!
SomeOne's threaten'n HIM!
Send'n HIM BlackMail Letters...
THAT Hold Private details Inside~ SECRETS!
Stuff THAT should be LONG Dead & Buried...
But this Person IS Resurrecting Secrets try'n to Hurt HIM & those He LOVES!
Including the NEW Gal He just met & wants to Date!
And wouldn't you know it... She's gett'n brought into this Drama,
As She's His Brother's GirlFriend's BestFriend... Talk about Trail by Fire!
Is He being "Played" with ALL these Threats,
or Is the Person Serious about their Demands...
Cuz, they keep Changing up this Game!
That's why it's HARD to figure OUT the Target & Shut IT DOWN!
Plus, there's too many unknown threads...
Why... That's Anyone's Guess!!
Who... With Sooo MANY Foes it's HARD to Narrow the Field!
What... Are their Actual Demands!
When... They're work'n AGAINST the Clock to Figure IT OUT!
And, with Each New Threat the DANGER just grows!
Are they gett'n "Played" for MONEY...
Are they being "Played" with for Revenge...
Only Time will Tell, or We'll find OUT Once this Game's "Played" OUT...
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Danielle Pays' "Played (Dare to Risk - A Romantic Suspense Series Book 3)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

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

A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!

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

[Deborah Cantillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it had characters from the previous book and tells us Jake and Tara's story. Jake is being threatened by an unknown person. His house has been burned down and his store burglarized. When Jake and Tara meet, verbal sparring goes on amid them dealing with a fiery, combustible sexual connection. A rollercoaster of a ride takes place as Jake and his brother, Ryan try to determine who is behind the threats to Jake and now Tara. I was so engrossed in the book and determining who was after Jake that I couldn't stop reading until the very end. I highly recommend this book along with the others in this series. This book was given to me as an ARC from the author in return for my honest review

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Daielle Pays and it was such an awesome book! It hooked me from the beginning and I could't put it down! I loved the chemistry between Jake and Tara. It's a well written and interesting story line, the characters are engaging with great chemistry and their interactions kept me interested through out the book. This is a fast paced love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and is a must read for any fan of Danielle Pays! I will definitely be reading more form this author!!!

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think Danielle Pays could write a book better than Pursued, but she has with her new book Played which is absolutely OUTSTANDING! Played is Jake and Tara’s story. The novel is intriguing, suspenseful, romantic, steamy, and full of unexpected twists and turns. The love story between Jake and Tara is wonderful. The theme of family is threaded throughout the book. Danielle Pays has published a well written and fast paced novel. I was consumed by this book from the first to the last page. I strongly recommend purchasing this book as well as the other books in Dare to Risk series!
I received a free ARC copy in return for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Dare to Risk series. Meet Jake, he has a secret, someone knows what it is and is going to expose it unless......he does what they say. Tara is a woman who has been through scandal and come out the other side. She has her life back in order until Jake walks into it and turns it upside down. These two characters clash as much as they are drawn to one another. The chemistry is so hot and sweet. Another great story in the series that contains everything you need from the great characters, suspense, secrets and steaminess. Enjoy!

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

[T.K. Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! Their chemistry was sizzling, the pacing was great, twists and turns, just really you can't ask for more from a story. I didn't read the other two, but wasn't overly confused. I do plan to go back and start with book one though! Really glad a got a chance to read this one.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this amazing series, and is Jake and Tara’s story. When Jake is being blackmailed by his past, he ends up putting Tara is danger as well.
This was a well written flawless story which is intriguing, emotional, romantic, steamy, and with twists and suspense throughout. I was enthralled throughout this addictive page turner, and recommend for all readers.

[PepperP0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

TV personality Tara Canley’s being sabotaged by her assistant and in no time the media has regurgitated that mistake of an affair; Jake Thiel’s struggling to get his new business off the ground and trying to ignore the threatening letters he’s been getting for two months. When Jake and Tara meet, it’s memorable if not romantic, shades of grade-school crushes later, Jake and Tara have a public hissy and just like that, Tara becomes a target of Jake’s elusive blackmailer. A fairly good read, cute with suspenseful elements but mostly CR
Rating: 3.5stars

[Ruth Gowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in this Dare to Risk series I binge read as part of the Boxset. Imaginative emotional steamy suspense. I loved the high maintenance Tara and the imaginative interactions with the arrogant, cocky, infuriating man who loved to push her buttons. Good suspense all through you'll should enjoy the romp.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has rebuilt her life and things are almost prefect so she is shocked when she ends up in a cabin. He will keep her safe no what happens. He can cope with dealing with things as long as long as it is him. No one threatens those he love. Will he be able to keep her safe? See if he can

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

[James Calhoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good four star!

Another good adventure novel written by Danielle Pays. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to you. The book is well written and enjoyable reading. The story line is good and easy to follow.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake has a big secret, and someone has said secret, so he's getting blackmailed. Gotta love a book that hits the ground running. However, Jake is tough guy, so he's absolutely not playing the game, but the blackmailer decides to threaten Tara. He's all like HELL NAH, so he decides that they need to hide out somewhere, and that place is a very small cabin. Now Tara is all HELL NAH, because see, she's finally got her life the way she wants it, with her successful morning TV Show, so she's not going along with Jake's plan to keep her and/or them safe. This story was super suspenseful, with a ton of twists & turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Not only did my heart continuously race, but since the twists were so turned out, while the turns were all twisted up, so I was dropping f-bombs right & left. On top of all the heart pounding goodness, (Yeah yeah, I know that I'm using all the words to describe how my heart was involved), there was chemistry in spades on the side, adding a steamy factor. Then there's the emotional part of it, and it seems like there's too much going on for anyone to get emotional, but yeah, it's totally there for all the drama queens who need it, and I include myself in that group. And there was a huge fun factor to it all, so Danielle Pays seriously ticked off all of my boxes with this very addictive story! So how does the blackmailer situation pan out? One click Played immediately to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[MzAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book...

...and I seriously love everything about Jake Thiel! He's sarcastic, witty, funny, sexy...I even loved that he was self-conscious and a little insecure about his past. (A past that was tied to his brother Ryan's. Technically, you don't have to read "Pursued" before reading "Played," as they are stand-alone, but I think it will help and provide some much-needed background.)

I really liked Tara. She's independent. She knows what she wants. She's proven that she's strong and resilient. (Again, you get a little of Tara's background in "Pursued.") I also liked that, when it came to Jake and his "witty banter," she gave as good as she got.

The drama in this book kind of rolls over from the previous book, and the danger and suspense is kicked up a notch.

I didn't like how the author dealt with the discovery of the fact that the Thiel brothers' father continued in his indiscretions...and the oldest brother, Paul, is totally ignored throughout both books.

Even with those issues, I still give this book 5 stars. I recommend this book, but I recommend reading "Pursued" first.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is the third book in the series and it can be read as a standalone but the author has included characters from the second book and you should give it a read as well. The supposed sins of the past are coming back to haunt Jake and it is taking everything within him to deal with the repercussions. Fortunately, he has his brother Ryan helping him. Tara is the best friend of Jake’s brother’s girlfriend and she is trying to rebuild her life after a scandal. When Jake and Tara meet, the verbal sparring attests to the way they are fighting the tension between them. When it looks as if things are coming together, the author throws in a surprising twist that the reader will not see coming. Enveloping storyline from the beginning will have any reader taking a ride as he or she tries to decipher who is behind the threats and how far will the person go to get his/her due? I received an advance copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a standalone, but there are characters and back-story from Pursued that will help you understand this book a little better. Jake is being threatened/blackmailed over something from his past - an incident when he was 15 - and Tara's been threatened now since they were seen together at a charity function. They're hiding out at Ryan's cabin in the mountains. There is absolutely explosive chemistry between Jake and Tara, even more than there was between Ryan and Katie in the last book. As much as they don't want anything to do with each other, they can't keep from innuendo and touching. So many twists and turns in this story - every time you think everyone is safe, there's another bomb dropped. I thought the last book was terrific - this one is even better!

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

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glued. Glued from the very beginning!! Holy cow!!!!!!!

Jake has been dealing with guilt since he was a teenager. He never let anyone get close to him outside of his family until he met Tara. Now he is being threatened by someone from his past who could possibly bring to light what happened years ago when he was a teenager. But the closer he gets to Tara the worse the threats become towards them and his brother. Jake will do what it takes to protect the people close to him even if he gets hurt in the process.

This series is phenomenal!! Danielle Pays has a way of keeping you guessing while on the edge of your seat and I can’t wait to see what she does next. 🖤🖤

[Kristina Simkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Played. It was full of suspense, twist and turns, stalkers, close calls, romance and true love.

Tara and Jake have chemistry that will melt your kindle. The tension between them in the beginning is thick. When a threat to both of them tosses them together their “hate” for each other turns into to so much more. Jake and Tara have to face their fears caused by past relationships while also facing their current fears caused by stalkers and threats.

Their journey isn’t easy or always beautiful but with the help of others they get through the hardships, get rid of their stalker and finally get their HEA!❤️

Highly Recommend

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lives up to its name. It has the seduction, the suspense, the intrigue along with the twist and turns of a wonderful romance.

The chemistry between Jake and Tara is smoldering waiting to burst into flames. Even with both their past haunting them in the present they find a way to move past and open up so they can trust again.

Unfortunately the family secrets are not stay hidden and more are revealed as the the need for revenge is desired.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

[Carol Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest book in the series.could not wait to read it .devoured it ,then felt gutted because it was finished.
The story of 2 brothers been terrorised by ghosts from both their youth and their cheating fathers past catches up with them.
As they rush to try and protect Jake and Tara the story they though they knew gets turned on its head and old secrets are uncovered.
As usual Danielle makes a fast paced tense story weave around a love story that has you both on the edge of your seat and routing for the couple to commit to each other.
Well done ,cannot wait for the next one x

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

They need to hide out together..................in a very small cabin

I really enjoyed and was pulled into the story of Jake and Tara from the first page to the last. Jake is very protective of Tara and wants to ensure that his issue does not affect her and the only way to do that is to hide out together in a very small cabin in the woods. Well what happens when sparks have already been flying and now you are in an enclosed space together..............a very big explosion!!!

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

[Karen Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enjoyable, Entertaining Book

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. I liked this really enjoyable, entertaining book by Danielle Pays. “Played” has a great, interesting, well written storyline that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I really liked and enjoyed reading about the lovely, engaging characters, their super chemistry and interaction really kept me interested in this book. I loved their story

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara and Jake had a very rough start when they first met. Their life's were threatened and they went into hiding and discovered that they liked each other. So they had to find out who was threatening them so they could go on with their lives. So when they trying to find who threatened them, they found out that Jake had another brother. Jake's mother ended in prison for what she did to Jake, Tara and his brother.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets from the past...

Played is the third book in the Dare to Risk series. Jake and Tara are wonderful characters that have steamy chemistry. The story is well written, with secrets, suspense, danger, twists and turns, and steamy romance. This book grabs your interest and keeps you engaged throughout. I hope there is another book coming for this series.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in the Dare to Risk series and it is a riveting and engaging read! It is well written, well developed, and a wild ride with drama, suspense, secrets, danger, and twists and turns. This book grabbed my attention from the first page and held my interest throughout. The characters are likeable; the chemistry between them is off the charts. Definitely recommended!

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

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.

I loved how the relationship unfolded so we could see these amazing characters grow in ways they never expected.

It is the type of story that clutches you at once and does not release you until you get to the end - then you find yourself pining over the fact that the book has ended.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! This book was utterly amazing! I happened to read the book before this one, and was hooked. Jake and Tara's story sure didn't disappoint. You get your steamy love story, but the suspenseful twists and turns are what I loved the best. I had no fingernails left by the end. You definitely won't be able to put this book down.

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

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. There was an instant attraction full of steam and heat between Tara and Jake. Danger and guilt surrounded Jake, keeping him from wanting more in his life. Tara had made her mistakes and tried to move beyond them. Their interactions together were amusing, touching, and steamy, making this an interesting and enjoyable story. I have enjoyed the series and this story.

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

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intense love story with tons of action and a fast moving plot line.

This was a great heart pounding read. The story was very well written with great characters. The story drew me in and I had it finished in one sitting. I would highly recommend this 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.