Timber

The Haven #1

by Dale Mayer

Welcome to an exciting new series by USA Today Bestselling Author Dale Mayer. The Haven is a sanctuary for both animals and humans in need. Step into Timber's world, a beloved character from the popular K9 Files series, where cherished animals receive the care they deserve, and friends find a helping hand.

This series blends romance, suspense, and has a deep focus on character development. Follow these men as they stand at the crossroads of a new life, using their time at The Haven to discover their paths and the companions who will join them.

Genres: Romance, Military Romance, Animals

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 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

[Read All About It · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is trouble brewing from the beginning of this story which is totally different from anything I’ve read by this author before. A animal sanctuary run by an ex Navy Seal. Timber wants to help all animals but as usual small town drama is around every corner. This is the first book in a new series that looks to be a winning combination.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this start of a new series where love of animals and friends/family is front and center. Enjoyed the characters and interactions even the four legged characters. Well done! I am looking forward to the second book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of a new series but with some familiar characters. An animal haven but also for people as well. Working as a team and growing a new family. Prepare for warmth and protection and so much more. Bravo!.

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

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haven is a sanctuary for both animals and humans in need. Timber, the first book in The Haven series by Dale Mayer is an excellent read. I highly recommend.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This looks like the start of another great series from Dale Mayer. Timber is fixing up land he bought to turn it into an animal rescue but runs into trouble. Tiffany is the local vet who wants to help Timber get the rescue up and running and ends up getting caught in the crossfire. I loved the feeling of found family you get from all the guys, especially Toby and Dwight, who show up to help Timber get work done on his place. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timber finally realises his dream of opening an animal sanctuary, a peaceful refuge hidden from the chaos of society. As a natural loner, he finds joy in rescuing animals, but he never anticipated the deep friendships that would emerge—or the overwhelming number of creatures seeking shelter. Tiffany, a dedicated veterinarian, is thrilled by the sanctuary’s opening and sees a chance to collaborate, though Timber’s reluctance makes it a challenge. Despite his preference for animals over people, a growing bond between them begins to shift his perspective. However, not everyone welcomes his mission, and hostility threatens the sanctuary’s success. Together, Timber and Tiffany must navigate opposition while discovering that their shared passion may lead to something even greater—love.

I loved this new series and the first book, which concentrated on the themes of transformation, emotional growth, and overcoming adversity. I loved the way that a tough ex-soldier could become mush over a pet, even though much of this story concentrated on the way that some people appear to be just evil. Easy to read, feel and understand. This has some heartwarming moments that will make you smile.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent start to a new series. I couldn't wait to read Timbers story. You won't be disappointed with this book. Sure he and Tiffany have trouble with outside sources, but Kat and Badger come to the rescue. There's danger, camaraderie, animals and new beginnings. HEA.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd little book. Dale Mayer is one of my favorite writers, but her books can be inconsistent. She’s written some of the best I’ve ever read, and then some that are less so. This one, unfortunately, is less so.

While reading this book, I felt as if it were rushed and largely unedited. There are mistakes that would have been caught by an editor, and certainly by a proofreader. That’s what hurts this book so much. The plot is good. The main characters are good-hearted, and the main villain is dark, lost, angry, and without remorse for his terrible acts of violence.

Timber Woodland is the eponymous name of our hero. That’s a fine name, the first two words of the book, and it made me laugh. It seemed a harbinger of an interesting read. The story began well. We learn that Timber was injured in combat—he was a Navy SEAL—and lost a leg for which he has a prosthesis which is a technical marvel.

Timber is working on building a sanctuary, a haven, for animals who need a safe refuge. He’s working alone and that’s the first of many disconnects in the book. He refuses to ask for help, intent on building what he needs all by himself, regardless of how long that will take. He’s a former SEAL, with a boatload of Veterans who are his true friends. He’s experienced teamwork, something he mentions more than once in the book, yet he cannot ask his teammates, also retired or discharged for medical reasons, for help? That’s far-fetched, even if he is a loner. He welcomes every one of his buddies when they find their way to his haven, accepts their help with only superficial grumbling, and isn’t put out at those who come because they see he needs them.

Tiffany is a veterinarian, our hero’s love interest, and we’re not told her last name. “Dr. Tiffany” is the closest we come. She is at times a bit of fluff and at other times a staunch ally in aiding animals in need of a safe haven. The two have a curious courtship: there's little romantic involvement from either of them. It’s inevitable that they’ll be together, although they need the help of two of Timber’s Veteran friends to push them along. They are not romantic, but they do have a firm friendship. Even at the end, when sex is introduced, their relationship is clinical and detached, unemotional. Very odd for a romance.

The archvillain’s name is Max Killerman. Again, a chuckle of a name. We know immediately he’s a bad, bad man and indeed, he is. There is no redemption for him. He’s a serial killer with a strong streak of indifference to others. Max’s son, Brian, is cut in his father’s image – he hurts animals for fun, leading him towards human victims. The grandfather, Andy, is ineffectual and waffles back and forth. On one page, he appears surprised that his son and grandson are so depraved, and on another page, he’s admitting that his son, Max, has always had something wrong with him, harming animals for fun, and beating up on Andy.

That’s a serious disconnect. The relationship triangle of grandfather-father-grandson is distinctly odd. Andy is touted as being a good man, but we don’t see it. We see an old man who goes back and forth, insisting his son needs a second chance and can be saved, then admitting that Max has been beating him up and leading his own son, Brian, down the same destructive path. And this is repeated again and again, page after page. We get it. We got it the first time. The grandfather may be a good man who’s in denial, but we aren’t shown this. We’re shown a man who dithers, and we can’t be sure why. We don’t know why Andy is hiding Max. Filial love? Fear? We don’t know – we aren’t shown nor are we told his motivation. We can surmise that Andy is scared of his son, but his behavior and reaction don’t support this.

We’re shown that Andy knows his son is “off.” He tells Timber:
 “…something’s wrong with him, something is broken, something is sick. He’s absolutely loving the prospect of inflicting pain. He’s always been like that though.”
 “He’ll kill me without a second thought. He’s wanted to for years.” and “I’m not kidding. Something is very wrong with him. At this point, I don’t think he cares anymore.”
 “He hunts for the pleasure of killing things… Something’s wrong with him, and I don’t know how to fix it.”
 “He’s been wrong for a long time, long before he joined the military…I just wasn’t able to stop him, … Now he’s gone too far.”
And yet, Andy keeps begging everyone around him to save his son, regardless of what he has done and what he is in the process of doing (it’s a spoiler to say what he’s doing – but it’s heinous) and how many times he’s beaten Andy and Brian. I can understand a father being heartbroken that his son has turned out so bad, but it’s been going on for that son’s whole life. Max must be in his thirties (at least), and the writer has created in him an evil that is proving to be unstoppable. This grandfather-son-grandson triangle is a headscratcher.

As villains go, the father and son (Max and Brian) are painted so dark that there is no humanity in either of them. They become cardboard villains. They feel like symbols, metaphors maybe, of evil. They border on the banal because they have no depth but have plenty of evil behaviors.

Richard is a deputy and represents the law with his partner, Foster. Richard served with Timber overseas and their reunion is a happy one, but the relationship becomes strained because of Max and Brian. This isn’t explained very well, nor are we shown why Richard, who is from the area, might side with Max and Brian over Timber. Presumably, he’d be aware of how “off” Max is since Max has been a problem his whole life. Richard’s partner, Foster, is belligerent and hostile to Timber. Richard seems content to let that be. There’s some name-calling and almost adolescent behavior between Timber and Foster. Then, we don’t hear about Foster ever again. In chapter 10, Timber alludes to Foster being “related to that punk kid,” Brian, and that’s the last we hear of Foster. I’m not sure what purpose Foster served. There are already myriad characters wandering through the book.

There is confusing dialogue from time to time. An editor would have caught the problems. For instance:
 Tiffany and Timber are talking about bullets fired at a pregnant doe who was previously shot with an arrow and left to die by the villainous Brian. Timber mutters, “I hope they didn’t get her [the doe],” and Tiffany says, “I didn’t hear it [the bullet] hit anything … but than I guess I would feel better if I’d heard the bullet hit something.” This stopped me. Why would she feel better if she’d heard the bullet hit something? That something could’ve been the doe, or another animal already at the haven. It isn’t in character for Tiffany to think this way. I think there’s a typo here. I believe she would have been more likely to say, “I didn’t hear it hit anything…but then I guess I wouldn’t feel better if I’d heard the bullet hit something.” That makes sense. She’s a veterinarian and certainly wouldn’t feel better if she’d heard the bullet hit something…like an animal in the sanctuary.
 Conversations are at times problematic. Here, there are two different speakers in one paragraph:

She nodded. “That would make sense to me.” He looked back over at what she already thought of as the clinic building. He smiled and pointed. “You want to take a look at the most recent progress?”

Because this is one paragraph—and the rules of writing dialogue require each speaker to have his/her own paragraph—this appears to be one person talking. That’s possible, of course, except that it’s Tiffany who speaks after the action tag, “She nodded.” And it’s Timber who is showing her the most recent progress on the sanctuary’s buildings. There are several ways to correct this. For instance:

 She nodded. “That would make sense to me.”
 He looked back over at what she already thought of as the clinic building. He smiled and pointed. “You want to take a look at the most recent progress?”

It’s obvious now that not only are there two speakers, but we can tell which one is saying what.

Disconnects continue through the book and hurt the reading momentum. For instance:
 Two dozen men are on the Haven property working to build it into an animal sanctuary; several are on sentry duty, yet the villain is able to shoot arrows into the tires of Timber’s vehicle and place a dead duck on Timber’s front porch. How did this happen? These are retired Veterans, many of them SEALs and friends of Timber. The villain, Max, was in the military, but he wasn’t a team player and (apparently) not a good warrior.
 Towards the end of the book, Timber and his crew are on a manhunt and two of them take horses. Why? They know where their target is located by the time they start. Timber is told that “Max is well known for…shooting the horse out from under you.” Timber, prosthesis and all, is a combat-seasoned veteran in good shape who could easily walk or take one of the quad vehicles instead of endangering a horse. It goes against his character. He’s building a haven for animals. Surely, he wouldn’t deliberately put his horse in a position to be shot?
 Additionally, Timber is talking with Richard who tells him, “Just be aware that Max will likely take down the horses just because that’s who he is.” To which Timber replies, “Right, so he’ll kill the horses, put us on foot, and try to take us out that way.” That is so blasé coming from a man who is an animal lover building a haven for helpless animals. We can infer that he doesn’t care about the horses; they are just an asset that might be removed, leaving him on foot. I think we need some sort of reaction from him to indicate that the horses’ fate concerns him.
 Timber and Tiffany return to her house after an ordeal, and it’s odd when Tiffany says, “I have two dogs, but I’ll text my neighbor and ask if he can take them out and feed them.” What? Tiffany and Timber are at her house. The dogs are at her house. Why can’t Timber and Tiffany let them out and then feed them? Why cause a neighbor to come over to her house—again, where she currently is—to feed the dogs that are in her house? I wonder if the writer had Tiffiny spending the night at Timber’s house initially, then didn’t edit this neighbor-statement out? It’s intrusive and a stopper.
 Timber is falling asleep next to Tiffiny and his mind is wandering. We’re told, “He hadn’t asked her where her phone was, then realized it was probably still in his truck, unless it was back in the clinic.” The next morning Tiffiny admits she’d forgotten about her phone, figuring she’d lost it. Timber replies, “No, I picked it up from the clinic last night but forgot to bring it in.” This is a disconnect that an editor would have pointed out.
 When Timber and Tiffiny get to her clinic after all the excitement is over (the book is 96% complete), Timber hops out of his truck and checks the perimeter, then thoroughly checks the clinic. Why? We’re given no reason. The villains have been vanquished. The excitement is over. This is part of the denouement. What causes him to become super-cautious now? He hasn’t done this previously when the danger level was high. Are we missing something? Nope…the end of the book arrives, and no more danger presents itself. Another headscratcher.

There are some word usage and punctuation issues in the book. For example:
 Ms. Mayer seems to like ellipses. They propagate all over the pages of this book, and they are punctuated oddly. Both the ellipses and the punctuation are distractions. For instance:
-- “Yes, … that bad, the worst.”
-- “Right, … well I don’t”
-- “Nope. … I’ll be the one”
-- “No, … maybe not”
-- “Yeah, … well,”
-- “…you know, … getting”
-- ”… one day, …”
This is a small sample of all the ellipses that appear throughout the book. Ellipses need to be used judiciously; they indicate an omission of words or an incomplete thought. They can also be used to indicate a pause in a speaker’s thoughts or words. When overused, they become redundant and lose their importance. Also, the punctuation is wrong. A common rule is to omit punctuation on either side of an ellipsis. CMOS likes spaces around the ellipsis, but some publishing company guidelines do not. I favor leaving off the spaces for clarity, such as:
-- “Yes…that bad, the worst.”
-- “Right…well, I don’t.”
-- “Nope…I’ll be the one.”
However, most of these examples do not need an ellipsis at all. There are no words left out and the characters’ thoughts—or sentences—are not omitting any words. Here’s the better way, I think:
“Yes, that bad, the worst.”
“Right, well I don’t.”
“Nope, I’ll be the one.”
The sentences are easier to read without the ellipses.
 The writer doesn’t appear to like the word “said” very much although that word is ubiquitous, so it's scarcely noticed by readers. However, Ms. Mayer uses a veritable cornucopia of words as synonyms for “said.” For example, on two pages, these words are overused (i.e., used more than once): admitted, shared, stated, muttered, noted, suggested. In every example, these words are used as synonyms for “said,” when the word, “said,” would be more appropriate because these replacement words don’t mean quite the same as “said.” For instance, “muttered” implies a muffled quality to a speaker’s voice. It’s used 134 times in the book and usually does not mean a lowering of a speaker’s voice; it’s used as a substitute for “said.” “Shared” is used 72 times. “Stated” is used close to 90 times. “Noted” is used over 100 times. “Said,” itself, is used 159 times, but I didn’t notice it as I did these substituted words – and there are other replacement words used in addition to these.
 Another example of a replacement word for “said” jars us: “Come on. Let’s get you inside,” Timber whispered. Timber and Tiffany are in the middle of a conversation, using normal voices. There’s no reason to whisper. Why is Timber whispering now? There’s no purpose, so it causes a reader to wonder if there’s a reason that the reader missed. Nope. Just another substitute for “said.”
 Either an article is missing in this sentence, or a pleural form should have been used: “We’ve got load of spuds.” This should read, “We’ve got a load of spuds,” or “We’ve got loads of spuds.”
 A verb is missing here: “It not normal to be so hateful like you are.” This should read, “It’s not normal…”
 The same word is sometimes used in a sentence more than once, unnecessarily. For example, “They then made arrangements for the weekend, then got back to work...” The word, “then,” is used twice. It’s a crutch word and doesn’t need to be here at all.
 There’s a dependent clause used to modify the wrong person in this sentence: “Max had killed Dwight’s pregnant wife, the psycho who killed Dwight’s family.” This would be humorous if it weren’t for the pathos of such an act. The way the sentence is structured, it’s Dwight’s pregnant wife who was the psycho killing the family. It needs rewording, for instance, “Max, the psycho who killed Dwight’s family, had killed Dwight’s pregnant wife.” The clause, “the psycho who killed Dwight’s family” isn’t necessary since Dwight’s wife and unborn child are his family. The phrase should be omitted (IMHO): “Max had killed Dwight’s pregnant wife.” This says it with a bleak finality that is more apparent without the dependent clause. This is in chapter 24, and we’ve already been told about Max killing Dwight’s family in chapter 15. Readers won’t have forgotten this.

I rated this book 3.5 stars and rounded down because it doesn’t meet the standard that Ms. Mayer has set for herself. There is a lot of repetition that fills up pages with information we don’t need. Many conversations feel strained. There are some good concepts that come up in discussions such as being in combat, affects of PTSD, death by cop, the meaning of friendship, and other worthy topics…but…they occur at strange times. For instance, Timber’s crew is on their way to a battle and we get more iterations of previously revealed topics like Dwight’s history with Max, Andy’s relationship with Max, Timber’s reluctance to have anyone else involved and in the line of fire, and the way life doesn’t turn out as expected. These are all good topics, most already hashed out previously, and highly unlikely subjects to be embroiled in at the beginning of a battle.

The plot is solid, but the characters remain aloof and feel incomplete. All the pieces are here, but they don’t fit…almost, but not quite. It’s a vaguely unsatisfactory read. There’s an epilogue, but it doesn’t serve its purpose which is to tie up loose ends in the story. What happened to Andy? And Brian? And Foster? And Timber’s receptionist who had an absorbing crush on Brian? And others who came and went with unclear purposes? Ms. Mayer's epilogue serves as an introduction to a new character, Burke. And sure enough, he’s the protagonist of the next book in the series, which we discover at the conclusion of this epilogue where we’re given an opportunity to click on a hypertext that will allow us to read about this second book.

I’m unsure about continuing with this series. I like the camaraderie among the former military Veterans who come en masse to Timber’s aid because they feel it’s the right thing to do. A couple of them in particular—Toby and Dwight—are charming in their rough way. Even grumpy George, the electrician, is shown to have a heart of gold. I dislike the disconnects in the story, the places where an editor would have helped. A few errors are common enough, but there are too many in this story, and it makes parts of the book difficult to get through. I’m sure I’ll read more of Ms. Mayer’s books. I usually love her style. Her word choices are better than what we experience here, and I wonder if it’s because this book was written too quickly and did not get the benefit of a ruthless edit. I may not read more in this series, but I will definitely be reading more books by Ms. Mayer.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series, Dale Mayer has cleverly incorporated The Haven with elements from the K9 War Dogs series.
Timber Woodland is a loner, a loner with a deep love of animals, he is an ex navy SEAL, invalided out due to life altering injuries.
Timber is on the cusp of achieving his lifelong ambition to open a sanctuary for both animals and humans, he has purchased a large piece of land and hopes to purchase more, the more land he has the more animals he can shelter.
Tiffany is the local vet, she has many animals in her care that need new homes, Timber will need the services of a vet so they are both hoping that collaboration will be beneficial to both of them.
There is an instant attraction between the loner, ex SEAL and the pretty but feisty veterinarian but before they can develop any interest there is trouble for Timber with a capital T, trouble in the form of an ex military dropout, a man who has feeling for no one, a man who kills animals for fun, a man who could put their lives in danger, a man who could also stop the purchase of the land.
Timber wasn't afraid of Max Killerman but Tiffany was worried and Tiffany knew just who to call when she knew that there was a serial killer and his troubled son on Timber's land..........Badger and Kat join the battle along with an army of ex military personnel who have all passed through the hands of badger and Kat, all willing to help Timber secure his sanctuary and build his dream, all brothers in arms.
This is a lovely, heart warming story with wonderful characters and of course, with a little push from Kat and the crew, a gentle romance between Tiffany and Timber...........did Timber really need a push ?.

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

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber is fulfilling his dream of opening an animal refuge he calls The Haven. He plans on having a sanctuary far from the chaos of society where both he and the animals he rescues can have peace. As a loner, Timber bonds with animals and his heart swells every time he saves a creature who needs help although there are more than he expected at first. But Timber didn't expect the friendships that develop as he builds something more than just an animal refuge.

Tiffany is a local veterinarian and is thrilled about a new shelter opening up and hopes she can persuade Timber to help her with foster animals. And even though he's better with animals than people, she feels a spark between them. But not everyone is happy about Timber's mission and some are outright hostile. Still, Timber and Tiffany have a heartwarming bond forming and face the challenges together.

This is the first in a new series by Dale Mayer and it was an absolutely amazing read! I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from beginning to end. The book was well-written with well-rounded characters and a fast-paced plot. There's a strong sense of friendship and close bonds in this book that really add the story. In addition, there was intrigue, suspense, and sweet romance in this tale. As typical of Dale Mayer books, this was one I simply didn't want to put down. I loved this book and am looking forward to the next one.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber by Dale Mayer
The Haven Series Book One
Timber Woodland had been working for Badger on and off, and he also helped design his prosthetic with Kat. Now, it was time to set his dream into motion. He’d bought sixty acres from Andy Killerman and hoped to add to that. He was going to have an animal sanctuary. Timber had a way with animals; one had already come to him for help. One with an arrow stuck in it. That marked the beginning of a significant issue for Timber. He had someone on his land shooting at animals for no apparent reason. That was not going to fly with him. Not at all.

Tiffany owned the veterinary clinic in town and was looking forward to Timber opening his rescue. There were always unwanted or abused animals for whom it was difficult to find homes. However, after visiting his place, Tiffany realized he had a long way to go before he could open. That is, until the most amazing thing happened. Men gathered together to help him.

This new series is exciting and page-turning. Timber had been mentioned in the K9 Files series, so Badger and Kat are also part of this.

**Mild sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber & Tiffany

Timber finally is here! He has been a hidden entity we’ve wondered about. He has been talked about, but not seen or heard from between Badger and Kat and their desire to help him when he is ready. It’s exciting that he is the star in this new series.

I just love that Timber’s passion is a refuge for animals in need, seeking a home and tender loving care. Timber is that man who can provide all that is needed. He has his plan in place. All he needs to move things along is a little help in the way of more people to help build up the sanctuary before more animals can be there. Badger and Kat are on the mission!

Tiffany is the local vet who lends a helping hand to Timber whenever she can. Together they are helping the homeless animals heal and find forever homes. She is very impressed with Timber’s plans for his refuge and helps out in her own special way.

A very rewarding and sweet story with a bit of spice, action and thrill mixed in. I loved the unity of veterans who step in to help Timber when danger comes to his piece of paradise. It shows that loyalty and integrity is forever. Love this new series!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Timber . Timber retired Veteran bought property to start an animal refuge he finds that he prefers animals over humans . When he finds trespassers on his land he is furious . Tiffany is a local veterinarian and one of Timbers new acquaintances . They bond over the care of animals . When trouble comes from the trespassers Timber's friends come out in a huge way to assist him in building the rescue as danger increases Tiffany and Timber find themselves growing closer . As it all comes to a head the troops step up. This story is suspenseful and intriguing and just a outstanding story . I highly recommend taking the time to read.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) Book 1 and it takes off running. Timbers' dream is coming to reality. Refuge for 4 legged and 2 legged. The Haven. Timber is ex-military with a prosthetic from Kat and Badger. He's been mentioned in the K-9 series, and we meet him here. Tiffany is a vet who is helping Timber as needed. He has plans, plans that will take time, after all he is one man. There are trespassers and more running through the story and slowing down his build till Badger asks for volunteers. Toby and Dwight are the first two and then the show up in droves. Great world building for this series one that brings the love of fellow man and animals to heart. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Timber #TheHaven #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

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

What a great story to a new series, this sort of continues on from the K-9 series with recognisable characters.
Timber, a non-active SEAL with a prosethic leg from Kat has bought land to open a sanctuary.
Like a lot of ex military he prefers the quiet away from people. Some trespassers on his land start a lot of trouble for him. Is this small town drama or something more dangerous. His connections with other veterans gives him a helping hand with a job that would have taken a year of so not becoming weeks. Trouble is around them though when bullets are flying.
I really enjoyed these men find their way with the healing of physical labour and the unconditional love of animals. I'm looking forward to the next story.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Timber’s career as a Navy Seal came to a premature he needs to find a new driving force in his life. Due to his connection with animals, he decides to open a refuge however his attempts to distance himself from other people is proving to be difficult both when it comes to Tiffany, who wants the refuge completed, and by those who don’t want the refuge completed.

Tiffany has a huge heart and would never turn away an animal in need. Even though Timber can be closed off she senses a kindred soul in him, but she never expected that working as a team would threaten both their lives.

Surprises, action and the deepening relationship is only enhanced by the additions of the animals which only make this story more heartwarming.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not a weakness to ask for help....

... especially if you are asking for the animals and not yourself. Timber is overly independent, he would never think of asking anyone for help, thankfully Tiffany doesn't ask if she can, she just does, she contacts Kat and Badger who in turn rally the troops and Timber has more help than he ever imagined possible.
I love the idea of The Haven, a safe place for animals and/or humans to find shelter and heal. Timber and his friends are fantastic characters with a great mix of personalities, backgrounds, ages and strengths. I look forward to many more books in this series.

[Si Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

haven sanctuary for all

I love Timber. Tiffany is a lovely person and hates with a passion anyone who hurts animals. She is a Vet after all. Andy is a lovely old guy who has a son and a grandson who are total scumbags. Max is a psycho. Brian is a bully and a frightened young man thanks to his dad Max. Toby and Dwight are cute older ex-military men who are looking for somewhere to settle down and work where they are needed and where it is calm and peaceful. Badger and Kat as usual get involved and help Timber with sorting out the work that needs doing to make the Haven ready for the 2 and 4 legged who need sanctuary.
Love the story and cannot wait for No. 2. Thank you

[Avidchic reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to dale's seals of steel series and really enjoyed it.
however as much as I like animals and seals this was too convenient in lots of places.
there was no steam, very little romance and not enough connection between H an h, for me.
I liked that previous characters popped up to play an integral role in the plotline but some dialogue was weak and didn't really need to said.
I found myself wanting to hurry through as I was losing interest.
the storyline was just too perfect im places for me.
don't trust going to book 2. even though the dust jacket sounds good.
Tristan was pleasant enough to listen to.

[Marybelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books a reader buys and puts aside for later, and then forgets it’s there. You mean to go back and read it, but for some reason you keep overlooking it. Which is really sad, because it’s a really good book. I love the character development and how each character is unique. Not only unique, but for the most part, people you would love to meet and get to know; while the antagonists are people you really love to hate.

The one thing missing is finding out what happens to Brian. However, we might find out in book 2. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, which will not take me five months to read.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series starts with Timber, an ex seal, who was injured and now faces life with a prosthesis and fulfilling his dream of an animal refuge called the Haven. Well he's starting anyway and about to face more challenges with evil. However, a nearby veterinarian Tiffany and the support of his fellow military guys are about to right multiple wrongs! It makes for delightful reading that goes by much too quickly. Great new series!.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the big plans Timber had for his slice of land and more land if he can get it as well as how he and Tiffany get on so well and there is an attraction simmering from the start but I really liked how she understood he had a lot going on. Adding to the mix Badger and Kat and others coming together to make his dreams come to fruition along with his new besties Dwight and Toby made this a wonderful read and the danger always at the edge due to Max added that extra layer!.

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Timber by Dale Mayer

What an amazing read for the first book of The Haven series. Love love the family aspect of the team members helping Timber. Loved catching up with Kat and Badger and some other characters. A very important storyline dealing with elder abuse and animal abuse. Lots of action in this book, good and bad. Amazing storyline about returning soldiers and their physical and mental needs. A must read. Can't wait for the next installment of The Haven series.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always knew Timber would get a story but boy! What an epic one it is. A new series, based on his dream to start a refuge for animals and maybe a lost human along the way. I'm not going to say too much because I really want readers to get the full beauty, joy, inspiration and spirituality that I got from this read. Yes there are bad apples to give it extra dimension but this truly is an amazing idea of humanity, friendship and family along with some gorgeous animals

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great start to a new series. Timber gets to fulfill a dream of his by starting an animal refuge. Tiffany is the towns vet who loves animal's as much as Timber and is glad to see the Haven take shape with Badger and Kat offering to send help to get things done faster. Lots of feelings, animals, the way the guys all got along and falling for the animals too. New beginnings and some danger to round out the story.

[Shyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brand new series that will captivate you. Timber is fixing up land he bought to turn it into an animal rescue but runs into trouble. Tiffany is the local vet who wants to help Timber get the rescue up and running and ends up getting caught in the crossfire. Help arrives when Badger and Kat join the battle. This is a lovely, heart warming story with wonderful characters. I'm eagerly awaiting the next in the series. You won't be disappointed with this book. 

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber and Tiffany's story got this new series off to a perfect start. The animal sanctuary concept is so appealing and serves as a great backdrop and fuel for this series. As usual, this author delivers a smart combination of suspense, romance, danger, drama, emotion and action that is thrilling and swoon worthy. Really looking forward to reading many more entries in this exciting and heartfelt series.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After making it back home, new dreams are made but others seem to get in the way. Teaming up sees his mates plus many more come to help get that dream off the ground. Finding a new team, moving forward in lots of way and just not him. His team also but before any of this can happy he needs to deal with some of the towns folk which brings some families face to face and that means not all have a god ending. Keeps you on your toes wanting, needing more.

[Trisha Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read

I really, really loved this book. The wonderful story line, strong female character and I love the wounded warriors finding a good place to be. I am so glad that every other chapter is sex just to fill pages, it is all just amazing writing and storytelling. I buy the books when I can save enough money for them because they are so worth it. This new series, the K9 series are always on my save to purchase list.

[Trina Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haven, a. Wonderful story of human resilience.

Dreams are very much in reach with hard work and friendships that are to become an extended families. God really made,the plane to heal our bodies and mind, I enjoyed hours of being so involved in the story plot.The,animals were a joy. God is there for the warriors, that has wounded souls who try to do the right.
Thanks for the encouragement to live, and not die.. God Bless