Shielding Connie

Morgan Thompson Security #2

by Danielle Pays

Dax

One night with Connie wasn’t enough. I craved more from the sexy lawyer, but I ruined any chance I had when I walked away. After seeing her again, I know what a huge mistake I made.

But the timing isn’t right. I have a mission to find my sister’s kidnapper and make him pay.

Connie

Morgan Thompson Security, the company Dax works for, is being sued and I’ve been asked to defend them. Career-wise, it’s an opportunity I can’t refuse.

Unfortunately, the moment I see Dax, my anger towards him returns. If I had known he was a player, I wouldn’t have wasted my time.

To my surprise, I see his softer side emerging as he struggles over his missing sister. Somehow, it reminds me of the man he was during our night together. I can't help but wonder if I judged him too quickly? Was there more to his abrupt vanishing act than he let on?

Join the men of Morgan Thompson Security for an action packed romantic suspense. You will also find three of Susan Stoker's characters, Bubba, Gumby, and Tex included too.

Genres: Second Chance, Contemporary

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2022

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

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is jam packed with action, intrigue, multiple bad guys and good guys, and a hot love story. There are multiple references to events that took place in the first book (which I have not read) so it took a while to get the gist of things that had already happened. I loved the camaraderie between the members of Morgan Thompson Security, was frustrated that one of the main enemies was able to evade the law, enjoyed the humor throughout the story and the back story on the call names, and hoped that Dax and Connie would find their way together. There is so much going on in the story that you won't be able to put the book down.

[Stox4story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story with Wonderful Characters

From the very first page, I was hooked. The suspense, the drama, the emotional turmoil and whatever other adjective you can think of, it’s all here.

Yes, this is about Dax but , as always, the team works together in this standalone. When I read the description I wondered how the author would pull together a ‘softer side of Dax’? Well, let me tell you she succeeds with that and a whole lot more. It’s all woven together expertly with lots of action…. very intense action at that, but also romance and teamwork. And of course, there’s humor thrown in. When it comes to Morgan Thompson Security guys, no way you can’t have some humor.

👁^👁 OBSERVATIONS

➦ If you like a second chance romance, this fits. If the ‘steam’ is a bit too much, it’s easy to skip over those parts.

➦ I love trying to guess Who-Done-It, and this book doesn’t make it easy. Hint: there’s not just one bad guy.

➦ Loved seeing characters from the previous book …. and loved Lucy’s vindictive side. Ouch, don’t mess with mama!

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Morgan Thompson Security series featuring Dax and Connie's action-packed slow-burn romance that will keep you turning the pages due to all of the action,danger, steam and suspense. When Connie is hired to defend Morgan Thompson Security when they're being sued she accepts the job knowing that she'll have to see Dax. Dax knew that the one night he spent with Connie wasn't enough but he ruined his chances when he walked away. Now that he's seen her again he realizes what a huge mistake he made but right now he has to focus on finding his sister's kidnapper. When Connie sees Dax again her anger rises to the surface if she had known that he was a player she would never have bothered with him in the first place. Then I am stunned when I see him struggling with his missing sister and his softer side reminds her of the man he was during their time together. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this action-packed story to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dax and Connie have history but Dax walks out on Connie and doesn’t reach out to her again. Many months have passed and they are once again in the same vicinity of each other and can’t avoid the other one anymore. Dax has a lot going on, his sister is missing, he’s been physically hurt but he can’t stop thinking of Connie. Connie is still hung up on being ghosted by Dax, and when she sees him all the feelings from their one night together come rushing back and when she sees him flirting with others…she’s done with him…or is she….
A good read with some steam, suspense and good characters. There were times I felt a bit lost with all the characters, seemed to be stories behind them but not explained. The story flowed OK, but there were times it was a bit stilted and to me who was after Connie was never fully resolved…was it Valerie, was it her old boss, was it someone else??? I did like that Dax was not a man wh*** after Connie and just a bit of drama between them and not over the top. Good lead into the next book. 3.5 stars
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review. This is a great sequel to Defending Sarina, the first book in this series. It is a stand alone but still connected by characters and storyline plot. We see all the characters from Morgan Thompson Security that we’re coming to know and Connie, Dax’s love interest. There was A LOT going on in this book. Dax’s sister is missing, Connie is still hooked on Dax and there is a mystery surrounding some sabotage, a theft ring in the Navy, sex trafficking and a lawsuit. Whew! I will say I got a little confused with all the subplots and so many characters to keep up with. However, it all worked to create a very intriguing story that was action packed. I absolutely loved the back and forth between Connie and Dax. She’s no push over and he’s an honorable man just trying to do the right thing, despite how he acted after their last encounter a year earlier. These two have great chemistry and the slow burn romance was very enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book coming up!

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely fantastic. Totally non stop roller coaster ride of a story that just took over.
This was about Connie, a lawyer who had history with Dax a security agent of the company that is being sued.
Omg, I adored the chemistry between Connie and Dax, or was rocky at the start as they had a bad history to work through. But once they got through that it was full on romantic and steamy.
There was lots of drama that happened with not just Connie but Dax's sister, Amber also. It was full on intensity and suspense. I love books like that. A heart stopping thrill ride at times.
This was a fantastic book and I can't wait for more to come, which I hope it does. Just a great story!!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

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

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Morgan Thompson Security (MTS) series. You don't have to read the first book but you will see previous characters. I loved Connie and Dax together. Dax ran away from Connie when things go too real. When he sees her again, he realizes how badly he messed up. Now he has his work cut out for him trying to convince Connie to give him another chance and he needs to do it while try to keep her safe while MTS try to find where the threat is coming from. Great story, steamy, well written, it was fun seeing some of Susan Stokers characters show up in this book. Really hope there will be more stories in this series and I'm really looking forward to the Reed Hawthorne Security Series which kicks off with Thunders story, you'll meet Thunder in this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shielding Connie is the second book in the Morgan Thompson Security series and I highly recommend reading the series in order because there are a lot of characters - both on the side of the good guys as well as the villains - that carry on from the first book. Even at the end of this book, there are a number of questions that remain unanswered and may or may not be addressed in the next book in the series. The 'main' characters, Connie and Dax, are both very likeable characters with quite a bit of chemistry, but I found their romance took too much of a back seat to everything going on around them which is a pity really.

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

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Danielle’s books that I have read. I was intrigued from the start. The action varies with which characters are involved at that point in time. However this is primarily the reconnection between Connie and Dax. Your in for the ride of you life with this one. Murder, explosions, fire, and generally a magnum of difficulties for all the hero’s and heroines in this series. For me I wish I would have read the first book first as this gave you an introduction to some of the scenarios that have a little carryover in this book. Also we have what seems to be a female villain who may or may not be totally bad. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

I was given an ARC Copy for my opinions on this book.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

A good story and set of characters. I had to read several section multiple times as the POV or the names kept changing, but the storyline was easy to follow and full of twists. Good blend of romance and action. Connie and Dax are both interesting characters who had an unfortunate ending to their first meeting. Now they are working on their relationship, but also dealing with several different work / case/ friend safety problems and cases. Multiple bad characters and the team solves several cases with them, but there are a few issues left unresolved for the benefit story. Seeing some of the other guys from the Reed security was a hoot and anytime we see Tex from SS is a bonus!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax is a former Navy SEAL. After his parents died he left the teams to help his younger sister. He now works for Morgan Thompson Security. Connie is an attorney helping with a lawsuit against the security company. She and Dax have a bit of history but Dax doesn't let people in easily. When Connie is in harms way, he realizes he needs to make a choice.

Shielding Connie is the second installment to the Morgan Thompson Security Team series. It is just as captivating and exciting as the first book. Danielle Pays writes great action packed, edge of your seat reads with twists and turns. She has wonderful well developed characters with depth drawing the readers in. This book is no different.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read that kept you guessing who done it, suspense, danger and life and death. Dax and Connie have a second chance to get it right this time if they give it a chance. When Connie is targeted, Dax gets really protective. Lucy's mother is at it again, which is par for the course. She really has a vendictive side and goes after Thompson Security. It's not just about Connie but everyone is involved some way. HEA for now, can't wait to read the next book and see what the deal is with Storm. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding Connie is Book #2 in the Morgan Thompson Security Series by Danielle Pays.

Danielle was a new to me Author, but no Author writing in Susan Stokers Operation Alpha World has ever left me disappointed. So i had high Hopes for this Book - and yes, Danielle delivered!

Dax and Connie had me hooked from the Start!
this Book is full of twists and turns and whenever you thing you know what's going to happen next, you are soooo wrong!
The Characters in this Book make me want to be Part of their World, not just look in.

Thank you, Danielle Pays, for writing this great Story! Can't wait for the next one.

I received a free ARC of this Book via Booksprout.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle is easily one of my favorite authors and this book is a great example why.

This story is well written and sets its hooks in you from the start. It's tense, sexy, hilarious at times and 100% entertaining.

Connie and Dax have off the charts chemistry that just can't be denied. Being a fly on the wall as they work on coming together and getting over past hurts was great. The story was perfectly descriptive so that I felt like I was right there with them through it all.

One of my absolute favorite parts of any Danielle story is getting to experience the dynamics between the characters. The team comradery and the individual relationships among them is hilarious and heartwarming.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax and Connie's attraction is off the charts but Dax stuffed up after their night together and now Connie does all she can to not be around him, however thanks to meddling but well meaning friends they keep running into each other. But Dax isn't just worried about getting Connie to see he is worth another shot, his sister Amber needs help as well MTS who have a law suit trying to cripple them. I loved how there was a few stories interweaved together and all had you hooked to see what would happen from danger, romance, twists and not knowing how man bad guys there were! . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could be considered a second chance as Dax met Connie and they only had one night. Connie was really upset as she felt he had ghosted her. Connie runs into Dax again when she's called to represent the Morgan Thompson Security. She has a hard time staying angry at him while he tells about his missing sister. I loved how the story flowed and there was lots of suspense, action, romance, sabotage, and steam. Their chemistry is still intense and there were cameos with other characters from the first book. Would recommend this series. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie and Dax had gotten together but when Dax started feeling too much, he bolted and ghosted her. A year later, she is helping the team and they have to see each other. He is kicking himself for leaving her but is distracted as his sister has been taken. The characters are terrific with intense feelings and determination. The storyline is action packed with multiple sub plots and tension galore. You will not be able to put this down until you get to the great ending. Fantastic series by a gifted writer. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2 nd book on the series and it doesn't disappoint. Dax and Connie get entangled in human trafficking, a continuing vendetta with a powerful vindictive woman trying to destroy the Morgan Thomas Security team and there family's
All the team from the first book are here trying to protect their work family
I love how this book can keep you on the edge of your seat while still making you smile at the antics of the guys .
The epilogue at the end of the book teasing the next story has me wishing it was ready now I'm hooked to these books !

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, and it was also the first time I read a book by this author. This is the story of Dax and Connie as they take you on a journey of action, danger, passion, danger and even murder. Twists and turns you didn't see coming. The interaction and the characters and their characters fit together very well. I can't wait for the next part, and I'm definitely going to read the other parts as well to get a little more background on the others and a little more about Dax and his team.

I have received an Advance Review and I am voluntarily leave my review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax and Connie have a history and things didn't end well. Now he is back in her life, and she isn't sure how she feels about that. Dax still wants Connie but knows that he really messed things up between them. Now he needs to protect her from a threat and things get complicate between them. Will Connie give Dax another chance?

This is a great story that will hook you from the first chapter on. this is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding Connie
By Danielle Pays
Main Characters: Dax and Connie
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
This is book two in The Morgan Thompson Security series. This is a steamy romantic suspense story. I love how this author makes us love her steamy alpha men and strong females. I love the make-up of the Security firm with all the strong characters. I am looking forward to Thunder's story next.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Morgan Thompson Security series and is a second chance suspense romance. This is Connie and Dax's story and is well written with lots of action, suspense, danger, romance and great characters. I highly recommend reading this series in order and am really looking forward to reading more of this series.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha/Morgan Thompson Security series. Connie and Dax’s story has suspense, drama, danger, a missing sister, villains and romance. The story is well written and grabbed my interest from the first page and did not let go until I was finished. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dax is part of Morgan Thompson Security who is searching for his missing sister. Connie is a lawyer who had a relationship with Dax in the past. When they meet each other again, the sparks are still there but due to certain circumstances, they did not hit it off right away. Will they be able to reconnect with all the danger that is happening around them?

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax is a member of the Morgan Thompson Security Team and had one night with Connie. He got scared of what he felt and left. Connie is a lawyer who got hurt when he left. Can he make up for the colossal mistake he made ? I love this series and the way she integrated Tex ( from Special Forces Operation Alpha series ) into it. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Dax’s sister is kidnapped and he is in the hospital from being shot when she was taken. But then he meets up with Connie again and the book has my hooked till the end. Plenty of action, suspense and steam. Can’t wait to read more stories about Morgan Thompson Security. Great Book by Danielle Pays.
I received an arc copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book in the series, and spent the first few chapters trying to figure out who was who among the group. Then the story took off. Dax messed up a year ago, and he has to figure out how to make things right again with Connie now that they're in the same circle. Filled with suspense and mystery, friendship and romance, the book is emotional and intense, and well worth the time to read. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic Suspense at it's finest!
The writing will draw you in after only a few pages and have you finishing the book in one sitting.
There is the perfect amount of angst and romance and grit to keep you hooked.

I loved how their relationship unfolded so we could see these amazing characters grow in ways you never expected.
I would suggest picking up a copy asap, you will not be disappointed.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the Morgan Thompson Security series, it is action packed, has serious heat and character interactions are amazing! Connie and Dax were together and he ran away when things got to serious. Now they meet again and he must protect her from harm and try to reconnect with her. The story is edgy, action packed with a lot going on at the same time. In the end the story comes together and I can's wait to see what's next for this group of people. I volunteered to review this story.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie and Dax have a bit of history, but after being ghosted, Connie is still having trouble letting her feelings go. After some time, Connie and Dax find themselves crossing paths, but there is more that is going on in Dax world that is keeping him on the edge. With his sister missing and the team in trouble, Dax and Connie's tale will take you a ride of danger, suspense and action.

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