Austin

The K9 Files #29

by Dale Mayer

Austin, The K9 Files book #29, description coming soon.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Military Romance

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2025

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the K9 Files. Prepare for warmth and challenges, past history and present reflections. A missing War Dog and revisiting family. It was a page turner as complications keep ensnarling Austin and his family.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Rox have unresolved issues that have affected her family. Family dynamics of natural children and step children can be a set up for problems. Jealousy, entitlement and everything in between. There's action, a missing War Dog and a coming home. HEA.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful story in Dale Mayer's "K9 Files" series.
Kat had assured Austin that it was a good idea, Austin wasn't convinced, but he capitulated and took the job anyway.
Kat and Badger had yet another war dog that had gone off the radar, this one vanished in Texas and devious Kat knew that the owner of the war dog, Cowboy, was non other than Austin's wife Rox, they had been separated for five years but neither of them had moved on, could Kat's magic work again ?
All was not well at Rox's family ranch, her parents welcomed Austin back but what kind of a reception would he get from Rox ?
Rox's step brother, Chris, was causing problems, the ranch desperately needed more help to survive, Rox's parents weren't getting any younger but the problems proved to be far more serious and far more dangerous that any of them could have imagined, was Austin up for this complex job ? would his military background be enough ? would they find Cowboy ? and would love be rekindled between Rox and Austin.
This is a lovely gentle romance with just the right amount of angst.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin by Dale Mayer
The K9 Files Book Twenty-Nine
Kat managed to convince Austin McFarland to go to Texas to find a missing War Dog. Once he arrived at the farmhouse he knew so well, he wondered how Kat had done that. Talked him into returning to a place he was sent away from five years ago. Yet, she was right. He’d left things unfinished for five years. It was time to find closure. But first…he had a War Dog to find.
Rox loved the ranch. She knew her dad always wanted a son, but she was what he was stuck with. Five years ago, she was young and selfish, and she did something stupid. It affected so many lives. Nothing she could do about that. Now that Austin was here, she hoped to find closure, not for herself, but for a dog.
What neither of them expected was the trouble that started once he arrived. Austin found himself needing to do a lot more than find Cowboy, the War Dog. Excellent, fast-paced story.
**Mild sexual content language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin & Rox

This energetic story seems more intense than the previous K-9 stories by this author. I don’t know which aspect makes it so, but it is a great story that includes young love and regret, new found respect and a love for animals.

I loved how Rox’s character realized she might have acted immaturely, impulsively, and harshly when she gave Austin an ultimatum to choose her or the Navy. Yes, Austin took her a little to literally and obviously chose the Navy and left without looking back, ouch.

It’s an in-depth and emotional journey for these two that also affects her parents, Amie & Jake, who love Austin like a son and were devastated when he left without saying goodbye. Then factor in the missing War Dog, Cowboy, and you have a very exciting series of events.

This keeps you engaged and entertained throughout the entire book. Great read.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Austin married Rox he thought it would be forever until their visions of their future created a rift that they were never able to overcome. Years later his search for a missing K9 forces him to face both the woman he has never stopped loving and the past that has never been able to move past.

Rox isn’t sure how things escalated to the point where they have been living different lives with no contact. When he comes back into her life searching for a missing K9 it only reinforces the hole that his departure left in his life but will this be their second chance or are they destined for heartbreak once again?

This is a story about second chances and new beginnings as Austin and Rox take us on an adventure filled with action, intrigue and drama.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous mix of characters that are very different individuals and interesting. Lots of twists and drama keep the focus high and invested in the outcome. Threats from the unknown give suspense and add a fast pace in places. There is plenty of angst, pain and emotional blame, this was a family torn apart and each lost a lot at the time, now is second chances and stronger groundwork and bonds. The love of animals shone through especially the close relationship with Charlie and Cowboy who also had clearly bonded with each other as well, their sensitivity and empathy to things around them and their humans made this something really special. Absolutely loved it.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me a K-9, this series is always a winner. It's Austins turn to search for a missing War Dog, but in his cases it's at his in-laws' ranch where his wife is. Talk about a lot on his plate. Dysfunctional family time for sure, with stepparent/child and a few surprises. I knew who the main perp was before they appeared on the page, but there was no distraction I wanted to see how it all came together. Angst, anger, hope abound. Freely admit I am in love with Charlie (horse) and Cowboy (K-9). Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #Austin #TheK-9Files #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Rox have not seen each other in 5 years but neither has taken the steps to get a divorce. When Rox reports that the War Dog her family adopted has gone missing Austin decides it might be a good time to see if they still have a chance or if they both should move on. There was a lot of hurt on both of their sides that they needed to work through. Things take a turn at the ranch shortly after Austin arrives and the action is non-stop until the end of the book. There was a nice little twist at the end that I did not see coming.

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

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would call this a romantic suspense. Our hero is a wounded veteran who is putting his life back together. He has been sent to find a War dog that has gone missing from the family that adopted him. The fact that the family happens to be one he left behind just might complicate things. What he finds is so much more than a missing dog.
There is a lot of danger to face and the past to repair.
This is an action packed story from the first to last page. The series doesn't have to be read in any order. Each book has it's own lead characters that only slightly link to each other.
I've thoroughly enjoyed every one that I've read and will continue to buy them.
Great fun.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Austin . Austin is sent to find out what happened to the war dog that disappeared after being adopted . It just so happens that this went down in his hometown and the woman just happens to be his estranged wife Rox and they have unfinished business between them . Austin arrives to much more than just a missing K9 . As Austin looks for answers dangers closing in . This story is action packed and suspenseful with a dash of romance . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

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

When you want a feel good story then this is your series.
Each story stands alone and I've loved all of them. The hunt for missing war dogs is run by Kat and Badger, well known to the military due to prosthetic work.
Austin is returning to a place he knows well, the ranch where he left his wife behind 5 years ago. They've both matured since then however he's there because of a missing dog.
The hunt for the dog is only a tiny part of this story with a lot going on.
What a great action packed story, I couldn't put it down.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Austin's main mission is to try and find a missing War Dog, he knows that he will also need to deal with closure of his marriage. It doesn't take long after he arrives before threats are made to the ranch and he gets involved. There is so much action with surprising twists as they investigate what is happening on the ranch plus the challenges for Austin and Rox as they work through whether to give their relationship another try. Over the past five years, both of them have grown and reflected on their actions. And Cowboy, the War Dog, has a part in bringing down the bad guys.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Rox has a past. They were married and it didn't work out. Austin had his orders and couldn't stay amd Rox didn't want to leave the farm.
Years later, Austin has return to look for a war dog. The small town didn't realise the government would do something like that. Having to face each other, Austin has walked into things that has turnt nasty and working together they not only face their past, but the past of her mother, brother and more. A really nice love story working together they solve the issues together and get a second chance.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is forgiveness possible?

Austin is looking for Cowboy, the War Dog, but the moment he returns home he realises he actually wants answers, forgiveness, redemption and possibly the future that Rox stole from them. This K9 file becomes a very complex case with numerous threads that are not only crossed but knotted too, it's dangerous, heartbreaking and could possibly rip a family apart.
Whilst I really like Austin, Charlie and Cowboy, this book isn't a favourite of the series for me.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin has been estranged from his wife for five years. They had an argument and she told him to leave so he did! Now he is working with Kat who made a prosthetic for him. She has a dog Cowboy missing and it just so happens that Austin’s wife is the owner. When Austin gets to,the ranch a lot of things are happening that are suspicious. With Austin’s help the family find Cowboy and the mystery of wha is going on at the ranch comes to light.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of unresolved feelings between Austin and everyone at the ranch where Cowboy the war dog went missing on, however there is soo much more going on than anyone realised. I liked seeing the dynamic between everyone change the longer Austin is there and enjoyed trying to work out what else was happening and who was behind it all with a good twist at the end!.

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

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read! Austin is sent to Texas to find Cowboy, the war dog. His exgirlfriend Rox had the dog, and he went missing. Now they are dealing with sabotage, theft, and danger. Chris is Rox's stepbrother, and he is furious over what he will receive when Rox's dad passes away. Chris is responsible for creating a dangerous situation on the ranch. Nothing like an inheritance to bring out the vultures in a family.

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Rox have been separated for 5 years when he is sent back to the ranch to find Cowboy and missing war dog. There's lot of unresolved problems that have affected the whole family dynamics there's jealousy, guns runners, drugs and action with Austin and Rox finding their way back to each other and getting their HEA.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure suspense magic!! The perfect kind of suspense romance… Sucks you in, makes you swoon, turning the pages and leaves you utterly satisfied at the end!! Another fantastic hit by this amazing author. Do love a suspense romance and this Just had everything I love. Couldn’t ask for more. Definitely be back to read more. Happy reading

[Cecelia Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely fantastic all the way!

Wow each book is written so perfectly. It is hard to believe how powerful these stories are. I just can't put them down and walk away until I have read every last word. Then I fill like a could have kept reading even more hours. There is a perfect ending every time.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All for second chances.

Austin has his lead to follow the missing war dog, right back to his wife. He did what she wanted and that was to go, 5 years later and his is back. Rox just wants to run the ranch but someone connected to it has other ideas we see a tug between the good and bad but all is it what it seems. Great read and I can't wait for the next.

[Michael D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the K9 Files!

Dale Mayer has been bang-on for 29 books in this series, and it saddens me to think that Mateo in Book 30 might be the last of this series. These books are profoundly impactful. Each and every one of them have a HEA ending, and it makes me warm and comfy reading them. Please keep more coming Dale......

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the others, Austin doesn't intend to visit old wounds while in Austin. He is there for the War dog and nothing else. However, Kat and fate have different ideas. Couldn't put this book down. Action and second chance love. Totally recommend.

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Austin by Dale Mayer

Another excellent read for this amazing series of K9 Files. So much action in this who done it storyline. Lots of twists and turns. Austin and Rox are both so stubborn. They both have done some very high level soul searching. A very enjoyable read. Love this series so much. Can't wait for the last installment of the K9 Files.

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these K9 books! I hope you do as well!

They are married! Separated for 5 years! She has lost her war dog! Too any weird things are going on! Found Cowboy just fix things! Enjoy

[Cynthia Siermienski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin (The K9 Files Book 29)

Great story. The intricate blending of romance and intriguing action was fantastic. It was sad about how the family was fractured. But the ending was awesome.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful and entertaining story in The K9 Files, fast-paced and well-written, this story pulled me into the lives and past dramas in Austin and Rox's past while looking for the lost K9, Cowboy. Good Story.

[Michele Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I absolutely love this series. Each book always has just the right amount of romance and suspense. Dale Mayer, you are such an amazing author. Thank you for all the books in this series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect as I turned the pages, which made me want to keep reading. Suspenseful and well written.

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