Burke

The Haven #2

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, Action, Military Romance, Suspense, Horses, Animals

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 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]

This series is so different than what I’m used to from this author in a lot of ways. Still a whole bunch of super crazy going on. Never a dull moment that’s for sure.

Shirley and Burke make a great couple. The poor woman just needs to start a new life away from nasty family and Haven is the perfect place for that.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burke seeks a fresh start at Timber’s refuge, hoping manual work will help him recover from a toxic past. But trouble follows when his vindictive ex steals his identity, and her sister Shirley bravely warns him—at risk to her own safety. Burke offers Shirley protection at the Haven, where the peace they find together sparks a quiet, blossoming love. As danger encroaches from the outside, their bond becomes a shelter in itself—but they know hiding is only temporary, and the confrontation they fear may be unavoidable.

I enjoyed this story with its beautiful undercurrent of tenderness, woven into tension and resilience. There was lots of drama thanks to Shirley's sister and her new boyfriend but Burke and the men at the Haven had her back. A heartfelt and well deserved HEA at the end.

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haven offers healing. It is Burke's turn. A friend steps forward to help Burke even as her sister threatens. Familiar faces in this story add to the richness of the story. I opened the book and had difficulty putting it down. Bravo!.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a messed up family, Shirley has been through it all. Burke is fully aware of that dynamic. Something that Burke found out had led him back to dealing with that family. Danger towards the end with a HEA.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley contacts Burke to let him know her sister, his ex, has credit cards in his name and is running up debt with her new boyfriend. Things spiral from there with her sister now coming after Shirley. She takes refuge at the Haven with Burke where she discovers what family truly means and how they should treat each other. It is so different from her experience with her sister and father. Shirley brings her skills to help Timber with all that he has going on and Burke and all the others at Haven rally around Shirley to help her out.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Burke . This is the second story in The Haven series . This story is outstanding . Burke is staying at The Haven . He's trying to decide what's next in his life . When he gets a call from his ex girlfriend's sister Shirley. He finds his ex stole his identity and has several cards in his name . Shirley tells him her sister and father are both criminals and have no problem taking from others . Shirley finds herself targeted by her sister and her new boyfriend . Burke and Timber bring her to The Haven for her safety . But things take a bad turn . This story is twisted and intriguing and suspenseful with a touch of romance . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second delightful visit to The Haven Refuge, reading the first book in the series isn't essential but I would sincerely urge doing so, you won't be disappointed.
With the help of Badger and Kat, Timber Woodland was on his way to realizing his dream, a refuge for animals whether domesticated or wild, animals that needed help, the refuge also turned out to be a sanctuary for other ex military personnel, a restful place where they could adjust to life on the outside, a place where they could work for their keep.
Burke Thomas had served with Timber and he needed a place to lick his wounds, he had walked away from a toxic relationship, Silvia was beautiful but she was also avaricious, self serving and conniving, her father was a hardened criminal and the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree. The only good apple in the barrel of bad ones was Shirley, Shirley wanted nothing to do with their criminal activities much to the family's disgust.
Burke was surprised to receive a phone call from a disturbed Shirley, warning him that Silvia and her crooked boyfriend were maxing out his credit cards, cards that he knew nothing about. On further investigation, Burke discovered that they had stolen his identity.
As this story unfolds, things hot up very quickly, Shirley's life is in danger, Burke was becoming very fond of Shirley and he wouldn't let anything happen to her.
This is a lovely heart-warming story with just the right amount of action and a tender romance between Shirley and Burke. I really enjoyed reading about the wonderful, diverse characters at the refuge and the varied wild animals that visited The Haven. I am now looking forward to the next book in this captivating series.

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

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke heads to Timber's place seeking refuge after ending a toxic relationship. He's heard great things about the Haven and is looking forward to working there, both with the animals and doing anything else needed. But Burke soon learns that his past isn't quite done with him. He learns from his ex's sister, Shirley, that the ex has opened several credit cards in his name to make him "pay" for the breakup. Shirley risked her own safety to let Burke know what was going on so when things get too dangerous for her, she's invited to the Haven. Burke and Shirley soon finds themselves facing trouble together and a deeper bond forms between them. A love builds that promises to heal old wounds and allow for new beginnings.

I love Dale Mayer's books and this new series is promising to be awesome. The Haven is a refuge for both animals and people which I loved. There's a sense of friendship and found family throughout the book. This book was written well with a fast-paced plot and wonderful characters. The story has intrigue, mystery, and suspense, as well as a sweet romance. I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from beginning to end. Dale Mayer is an excellent author and storyteller whose books are a terrific escape allowing you to relax and read the hours away. I highly recommend both book and series.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke is working at Timber's sanctuary, after a breakup from a relationship with Silvia. The last thing he is expecting is a call from Shirley. She is the sister of his ex girlfriend Silvia, and is calling with a warning. Her sister has in effect stolen Burke's identity, and taken out credit cards in his name.
Turns out Silvia has ordered things using Burkes name, and now she's defaulting on payments.
Silvia's father is in jail, and Shirley is the only one of the family that is a law abiding citizen.
Shirley calls to warn Burke about the identity theft, and now she's in danger from her sister's shady boyfriend.
Poor Shirley has to give up her apartment, and move out to the sanctuary. In exchange for living there, she helps out Timber by taking on the role of project manager for the sanctuary, creating a white board, organizing tasks by priority. Burke and Shirley have a lot in common, and make a great couple. Timber, Burke, and the rest of the guys are ready to protect Shirley if need be. Danger, romance, and the HEA we love to read about.

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke & Shirley

I love this new series! Timber has a wonderful plan that he is making a reality. Burke is a great addition to The Haven.

The subject matter of stolen identity and credit card fraud is indeed, reality and not just fiction. A person can break out in cold sweats when they realize someone has violated their trust and stolen from them.

I appreciated Shirley’s moral and personal obligation to contact Burke about what his ex, and Shirley’s sister, Silvia, along with her newest boyfriend, Frankie, are up to with Burke’s credit cards. It’s a maddening situation when someone feels so entitled that they will take and commit fraud without any remorse thinking they deserve whatever they can get by any means necessary.

I loved how Timber and those living at the Haven step up and help Burke with securing his finances and Shirley’s safety. It’s a haven for more than just animals. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey Burke and Shirley are on to overcome the chaos and financial repercussions Silvia and Frankie cause in this fantastic and intense story. Loved it!

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this new series by Dale, she has a way of writing that not only draws you in as a reader but keeps you coming back for more and still wanting more after that. Great plots and fascinating mix of animals, I adore the names of those turning up like Billy-Bob. This is a series that can grow and expand along with the characters, just as Burke and Shirley do in this one. From a rough take all, one-sided relationship, Burke has retreated to find peace and some worthwhile work with his friend Timber, but the past doesn't stay away and his is drawn in to protect himself and Shirley. I loved that everyone saw Shirley's worth and supported her as well as Burke. I felt in this day and age of scammers that this was quite realistic of how entitled some people can be. Kept me engrossed and entertained, had me smiling or shouting, ducking my head at times as well as I was so into the scenes. Amazing read.

[Si Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burke revisits history

Burke has a rude awakening when his ex-girlfriend’s sister contacts him. Shirley tells him that her sister has 3 credit cards with his name on them.
At the same time he has been getting phone calls complaining that the cards bounced and he owes money. He instigates an investigation and finds his ex has spent a lot of money of his. The good news the cops know about it and are looking for his ex (Silvia). She tries to get her sister’s savings but Timber and Burke warn her to move her money to another bank, just in time.
Shirley gets shot by her sister and then Frankie ( her sister’s boyfriend) tries to shoot her when she is in hospital just getting over surgery to remove the bullet her sister put there. It all works out in the end.
I have only given it 4 stars instead of 5 because there are spelling mistakes, words missing from some places. Please don’t allow this to spoil the books as I do love reading them.
Thank you

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke by Dale Mayer
The Haven Series Book Two
Burke Thomas needed a place to stay for a while. Where better than to his friend Timber? And it was a great choice. Working with and taking care of animals was just what he needed. What wasn’t relaxing was the fact that his identity may have been stolen, and the person had credit cards in his name.
Shirley realized that there was no way Burke had given his credit cards to her sister, Silvia. He’d broken up Silvia, so why would he? She had to go to the police, even if Silvia’s latest boyfriend scared the bejesus out of her. For Burke, though, she’d do it. When Shirley’s life starts going downhill because of Silvia, she needs help. And Burke, along with the men from the Haven, finally gives Shirley some hope.
Loved the characters, both two-legged and four-legged. A unique, intriguing series.
**Mild sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) The Haven is one of my favorite series by Dale Mayer. Can you imagine, a place to go to that is a "Haven" for 4 legged and 2 legged. Such a beautiful concept. The Haven is still being built, by while in progress they are taking in 4 legged and 2 legged. There is a menagerie of animals and humans. Burke is a recent add as he wonders what he wants to do with his future after leaving a greedy ex. Shirley is the ex's sister and comes from a dysfunctional family. When things go from bad to worse she ends up at the Haven. Enjoyable read, some suspense, awesome variety of animals and seeing what unfortunately can happen and does happen in the world. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #Burke #TheHaven #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley chooses doing what is right over loyalty to her family when she reaches out to Burke, to warn him what her sister and his ex is doing. Shirley knew that her sister would seek revenge, but she hadn’t expected the lengths she would go to or that Burke would offer to keep her safe because of the sacrifice she made.

Burke was just grateful to escape his last relationship and The Haven, and its inhabitants will give him the peace he needs. Finding out his girlfriend isn’t done with making his life difficult wasn’t surprising but the feelings he was developing for her sister Shirley were a surprise he didn’t see coming.

Both Shirley and Burke need a fresh start after what they both have endured at the hands of her family as they take us on an action filled journey and find a love that neither expected along the way.

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

We're only on book #2 but I'm very invested in this series. Not only heartfelt but so far with a mystery and some danger to keep your pulse pumping.
Burke is the latest to drop into the Haven to see his buddy Timber. He needed a place to decompress and what better than working with animals.
Shirley is the sister of Burke's ex and reaches out to him to with some worrisome news. Her sister is mixed with bad company and it involves Burke in a way he didn't see coming. Shirley needs help as her sister tries to drag her into her mess and Burke brings her to Haven.
I couldn't put this story down as it gets more and more danger before a dreadful incident. Will the good guys come out of this alive?
I can't wait for the next story.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not just fraud and betrayal, it's dangerous!

I love visiting The Haven, it's so welcoming for animals and humans alike and this makes it a joy to visit. Burke is looking for his own shelter, a place to heal and find a future he can look forward to, but when Shirley needs a safe place to hide out. He and Timber don't hesitate to offer her shelter and safety, the time together reminds Burke exactly why he liked Shirley so much before. I love that Burke doesn't hold Shirley's sisters faults against her, he doesn't judge her by her sisters attitude, illegal activities or crazy behaviour and that is the only thing you can ask of anyone....to be judged for yourself....not your family.
I am looking forward to many more books in this series.

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke has come to the Haven to find peace after a bad breakup from a girlfriend. Now this ex is making trouble for him by stealing his identity when her sister Shirley calls him to let him know. Now Shirley is caught in the crosshairs of her sister, and her new boyfriend. When she needs a safe place to go, she heads to The Haven. As more trouble comes her way everyone has her back something she's never had before. A dysfunctional family along with danger all the wonderful characters 2 legged and 4 make for a great story that will keep you wanting to find out what happens next for this bunch at the Haven.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Burke by Dale Mayer

Another great read by Dale Mayer. Love reading about the Haven and all of its very interesting characters. Burke and Shirley do not disappoint. Love how everyone is scared of Shirley and the dreaded whiteboards. Always love reading about the camaraderie with team members. The lengths that everyone does to get the Haven operational is truly amazing. Great storyline with a little intrigue, some action, and a little romance at the end. It's a little sad when you can picture someone taking advantage of people by credit card fraud. Can't wait for the next installment of the Haven series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haven for animals and people alike. This book was intense with Shirley's sister and the boyfriend. I'm sure there are people in the world that are exactly like them and that is a very scary thought. I am enjoying watching the sanctuary and people grow. The main characters are always good wholesome people that make you believe in humanity.

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

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke finds things happening and not sure whats going on so he decides to head to The Haven to catch up with his mates. While there he gets a phone call from the sister of his ex and things start to fall in place. Working to get his name clear and fix, see them working together with the police and when things start to heat up, Burke brings her to The Haven for safety. They work together and his friends help support her when things go wrong. A wild ride, keeps the pages turning wanting more.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really shaping up to be one of my favorite series to read. I just love the premise behind this series and that makes every new edition a very welcome one. This book gives us Burke and Shirley's story, and I thought it was a really good one. Intense emotions, tension, drama. raw feelings, heart, suspense and a sharp genuineness make for a tale that grips onto your heart and your attention and has you deeply focused and fiercely invested.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how Burke and Shirley had a connection already and when she comes to Haven she fits right in and also made me hungry with her cinnamon rolls lol This is really about both Burke and Shirley finding their place in life unfortunately that gets a bit dangerous but there is support and attraction which make a difference.

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

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burke and Shirley find Haven

This second book in the Haven series brings together two wonderful folk who fit together. Both Burke and Shirley share the venom of her sister, Sylvie's, lifestyle. Identity theft, credit card fraud and just all around con jobs are the keystones of the misery she brings to others. Fortunately, the sanctuary that is the Haven brings solace and rescues these two good hearts.

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second story in The Haven series .This book gives us Burke and Shirley's story. Burke is working at Timber's sanctuary healing from his last relationship. Shirley is the sister of Burke's ex and reaches out to him. This story is twisted and intriguing and suspenseful, the kind of book you just can't put down.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone but best read in order.
Burke needed a safe place to clear his head when he goes to his friend, Timber(book 1), New sanctuary, The Haven. He learns his ex has opened credit in name and her sister, Shirley also phoned him to warn him about the drama that will most likely unfold. Good Story, wonderful characters.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke and Shirley should have gotten together in the first place. Now that they have, sparks are flying. As they navigate the stormy weather Shirley 's sister and Burke 's ex has created, their bond only gets stronger. The Haven turns out to be the only safe harbor for both of them.

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

[gloria marquardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

I really liked this book. One sitting is all it took. The mix of animals is great and the way they react to Timber is something I love reading about. The romance between Burke and Shirley also kept my interest.

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animals can be dangerous but humans more so!

Maybe humans should have Havens as protection! Notice animals do seek help 🙏 from humans! A young woman is shot in back by her sister! She received aid from those working at the Haven!

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. I love Dale Meyer's books. I hope she never has to give writing. I love all of her books!

I can't wait for next book and hopefully soon.
I have read most of her series and am starting on Simon Says series now.