Xavier

Hathaway House #24

by Dale Mayer

Welcome to Hathaway House. Rehab Center. Safe Haven. Second chance at life and love.Self-sabotage isn’t a concept Xavier is familiar with, until he ends up at Hathaway House—his application sent in with his buddy’s. When Xavier’s application was accepted, but his friend’s wasn’t, Xavier struggles with success. Even his arrival at Hathaway is bittersweet, knowing his friend has been rushed back to the hospital. Tilly, a patient coordinator at Hathaway House, witnesses Xavier’s arrival, her heart tugging at his obvious sense of guilt. Even with Xavier’s stomach barely holding down food and with his mind and soul emotionally struggling without his buddy, she knows Xavier’s got what it takes to make a great recovery here—if he just focuses on his own life. Hathaway is about progress, as Xavier’s about to find out, … with friends and without.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2024

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heartwarming story in Dale Mayer's "Hathaway House" series.
Xavier Hortense had been accepted to Hathaway House but it was bitter sweet and he didn't know whether he was going to accept. Zander his best friend, a friend who had fought side by side with him, a friend who had saved his life, a friend injured by the same explosive device, a friend whose application to Hathaway House had been declined. Zanders condition had worsened and he had to be admitted to hospital but he had persuaded Xavier to go ahead and perhaps help pave the way for him.
Hathaway House was nothing like what Xavier expected, it was a rehabilitation centre like no other, each patient was treated holistically with a personal plan to suit their different needs, the staff, although overworked, were caring, the food was out of this world and the surroundings beautiful but could Zavier survive being away from Zander.
Xavier had all sorts of problems when he arrived at Hathaway House, he couldn't keep food down, his stomach cramped, he was loosing weight and energy, he was fighting his own demons but he hadn't banked on the persistence of Dennis and Ilse in the kitchen, tailoring food just for him and patient coordinator, Talia Sweeting who took him under her wing.
Hathaway House worked it's magic and although Xavier's journey was very bumpy, Talia was by his side. Talia wasn't quite sure what was going to happen when Xavier was fit to make his own way in the world, but the attraction between them blossomed into love.

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

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Xavier’s application was accepted, but his friend’s wasn’t, Xavier struggled with success. Even his arrival at Hathaway is bittersweet, knowing his friend has been rushed back to the hospital. Tilly, a patient coordinator at Hathaway House, witnesses Xavier’s arrival, her heart-tugging at his obvious sense of guilt. Even with Xavier’s stomach barely holding down food and his mind and soul emotionally struggling without his buddy, she knows Xavier has what it takes to make a great recovery here - if he focuses on his own life. Hathaway is about progress, as Xavier’s about to find out with friends and without.

I enjoyed this story as Tilly struggled to help Xavier see that he deserved to use this chance to recover and look after just himself. Lots of deep discussions as Xavier made some mistakes before he fixed them and moved forward again. Easy to read and feel this was an MF story with a little mature content at the end.

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

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier & Talia

Another sweet love story founded in selfless caring and support.

Xavier is so worried about his buddy, Zander, he doesn’t pay enough attention to his own body’s issues and care. It will take some soul searching for Xavier to get past his own guilt to start his recovery. I feel his angst for his buddy, Zander and the long road Zander has to travel to get to come to Hathaway House himself. This story is uplifting in a way most don’t realize. A buddy system that is as strong as it can get where they look out for each other no, matter what.

In the meantime, Xavier is finding out how sweet and caring Talia is and despite his self-sabotage of his own progress, she still supports his recovery.

I love how all of Hathaway House watches as this relationship grows into something wonderful. I enjoy the camaraderie of the staff in support of all their residents and believe in the success of the center for all. Full of supportive encouragement, purpose and love. And of course, a new relationship is born! I love this.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier faces some hard truths

It is never a smooth road to healing after injuries as bad as they see at Hathaway House, but for Xavier it is not just the physical healing that is difficult. It's the mental and the psychological and it's facing that some of his journey must be made alone, because only he can take those steps. He has to stop allowing his mind to mess with his physical healing and he has to face his poor attitude to working through subjects he doesn't want to face....but through it all Talia shows her support, it never wavers, even when she points out he is acting like a sulky two year old! They are a sweet couple who grow together as they gradually fall in love.
It's a tough battle but Xavier's time at Hathaway House shows the wide scope of treatment and support they offer as the battle weary and damaged fight their way to find their new normal and understand exactly what their bodies are capable of.
We are finally, finally getting Dennis's book next - yay! I cannot wait!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier knows that the opportunity to stay at Hathaway House is his best chance to live his life to the fullest but the fact that Zander, his former teammate’s, recent medical challenges meant that he could not come away is something he is struggling with. Experiencing the care and support only makes him wonder how much better it would be if Zander had the same opportunity.

Tara works at Hathaway House, and she wants every patient to succeed but seeing that Xavier feels he is not worthy only makes it more important for him to succeed. Even though the journey was difficult she and the staff are there to keep him on track when he experiences any setbacks.

This is a heartwarming story about making peace with the past and finding hope for the future. Xavier isn’t sure how to move forward from all the challenges he is facing, both physical and emotional, but Tara shows him that his future is his to choose.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier by Dale Mayer
Hathaway House Series Book Twenty-Four
Xavier Hortense hated leaving his friend Zander at the VA hospital to go to Hathaway House without him. They’d been through a lot together, including the IED that sent them here. Finally, Zander convinced him to go and put a good word in for him when he was healthy enough to be moved.
Tilly found something interesting about the new patient. She tried to visit him often, but he had a lot of ups and downs—especially with emotional issues, like what if he failed. And there were things that he wasn’t telling her, too. She had to try to stand back and let things work out.
Another heart-warming story from Hathaway House. A special place for veterans to go when it seems there is nothing more to help them. And…there’s been a rash of romance happening there too. I have always enjoyed the stories in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Cheryl]

Xavier has physical challenges but a lot is brought on by emotional and stress. His buddy through thick and thin isn't doing well and could not come to Hathaway House. Xavier is feeling like he let him down, or doesn't deserve to be here. Tallia (I know I spelled this wrong) is staff. She teaches Yoga.
There was not a lot of in depth with Shane except for a big pivotal moment. Heartwarming and heart pulling. This series on our ex military in rehab is quickly coming to a close. Each book brings to light so many of the real issues out there. Shared in a fiction setting and provides a HEA. Still a couple more to go but I have loved watching all the ones before pop up. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Xavier #HathawayHouse #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this series.

Xavier is his own worst enemy. Not going to Hathaway for his own health because of his friend would be a silly thing to do. He gets there, he regrets it because of no bed, he starts to do the programme but is hesitant until one member of staff gives him the bare bones truth and it sets him on the path of self destruction.

Talia loves her job and has come to care and love Xavier, until he starts to back away and starts to change the course of his future. I loved both of these characters. They had so much depth to each of them. Talia because of her caring ways but like all she had her own insecurities and Xavier because he doesn't want to leave a friend behind and see the truth. I can't wait for the next book because it's gonna be huge with Dennis.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two spent time together and talked a lot about progress and other stuff but really only surface and general things to do with their relationship, both knew what they wanted but didn't really voice it to each other. Xavier was pretty mixed up emotionally over Zander and it took words and errors to straighten his head out. As with all this series this was uplifting, interesting and full of feeling, different injuries require alternate techniques to get the patient where he needs to be. Hathaway house is team work and family, they care and go the extra mile or ten and sometimes all are needed in one way or other. Beautiful setting, wonderful characters and a steady pace of well written moving story. I completely invested in the HEA.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier almost turns down the chance to go to Hathaway House, because his buddy Zander hasn't been accepted yet, due to ongoing medical issues. Xavier finally agrees to go, and still ends up slowing his progress because of guilt about leaving Zander behind. He even turns on Shane for a time, asking for a different physiotherapist. That's almost his undoing, but he accepts responsibility and gets back on Shane's roster. Tilly is featured as the love interest for Xavier, and it's a long slow road to romance for the pair. Finally they sit down and discuss a future together and their relationship blossoms. A super romance with all the feels, which is something you know will happen with these novels. In a perfect world, all rehab centres would run this way.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Xavier . This is another wonderful romance at the Hathaway House . Xavier is feeling guilty when he arrives at Hathaway House without his best friend . His best friend needs more than Hathaway House can do for him . Xavier meets patient coordinator Tilly as they get to know each other Romance blossoms . Unfortunately Xavier may ruin their chance of a happily ever after while he struggles with his rehabilitation also . This is a sensational and moving romance . The characters are fantastic . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and communication are not only accepted and encouraged here but it's actually a way of life from people that care. Difficulties are abundant here with the caring for the injured. The ways around these difficulties are discussed at length and offer life lessons to us all. I could only wish that all facilities had that level of confidence and caring. Can't wait for Yvonne's story as it seems to include Dennis which is everyone's favorite.

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

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier's application to Hathaway house has been accepted and he's on his way but feels guilty because his best friends still hasn't gone thru because his health just won't let him be accepted yet. He has a lot of guilt over this and it's making his recovery long and hard with setbacks. He makes some mistakes when he doesn't want to hear what Shane is saying to him but, with the team and Talia healing does come with an HEA.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romance founded in rehab. She's staff and he's a patient with a lot of self doubt. Guilt for getting into Hathaway House when his best friend was too sick to come.
His guilt and mental issues were holding him back, his physical issue and digestive.
This series always has a heart warming story of fighting back to have a life and finding love.
I really enjoy this series and highly recommend it.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! Xavier has been accepted at Hathaway House where his rehab will be intense. He is feeling guilty because his best friend Zander who convinced him to apply was not able to go because of his health. He meets Talia when he arrives and she is huge helping him adapt. When Xavier arrives he has a lot of pitfalls emotionally and physically that he has to deal with. When he finally realizes that he is sabotaging his recovery things start to turn around.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Xavier and Talia's story. Veterans have a lot to deal with emotionally and physically, so upbeat support is essential. I wish Talia was a stronger woman, sure she was supportive, but her own pity party was not needed in this situation. They finally came together in the end. HEA. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is plenty Xavier has to work through at Hathaway house, not just getting his body in working order but also his mind and heart, while Tilly also gets to see how working there can change your future as well. Recovery isn't linear and there are hiccups along the way so as log as you learn as you go you can succeed.

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying these stories in the Hathaway House series, sweet and emotional romances.
Xavier is a well-written story with a heartfelt storyline, he had to leave his best friend at a different rehab facility and he didn't adjust well at Hathaway House. He meets Talia and they have an instant connection. Both are really likable characters. Good story.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a recovering vet and a special lady at Hathaway House. Healing comes in many forms and the staff of Hathaway (many familiar faces) work to help Xavier. And the healing comes in unexpectant means. Bravo.

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

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier: Book 24 of Hathaway House by Dale Mayer is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Set in this heartwarming series that shows a HEA can be achieved no how challenging life can be. Another remarkable story.

[Heather Gibbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the series. Xavier and Talia’s book. This was an emotional read with amazing characters. Loved the ending.

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

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier and Tilly are perfect for each other. I love every aspect of the this heartwarming series. I fall a little bit in love each time. They are realistic, charming and encouraging.

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

[Cynthia Siermienski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier: A Hathaway House Heartwarming Romance

This book was really interesting. Seeing the mental toll it took on Xavier was sad. Looking out for his friend and trying to get better was a difficult job. Talia was a kind and intriguing woman.

[Rainbow Unicorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the Hathaway House series. A series of sweet love stories founded in selfless caring and support of men and woman broken physically, mentally and emotionally whilst serving their country.

[Anne Blyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a very sweet mix of interaction between people as severely wounded patients are brought back to being able to live relatively normal lives. Romance is still very much on the cards regardless of physical & mental barriers that need to be overcome.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I love this book Hathaway house series is captivating and addictive., and one of my favourites. I highly recommend this book

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Xavier

I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels. She is an awesome writer!