Wilden

The K9 Files #31

by Dale Mayer

Wilden was eager to return to his grandmother’s side, now that his father was gone. She had sent him away for his safety, and he had stayed away. Yet what awaited him was far from what he had imagined. Retrieving the War Dog from the animal clinic and the mystery of its missing veteran owner just added to the intrigue.

Vivian had reached out to Kat, the expert on War Dog issues, never anticipating how one phone call would alter her life forever. The agitated dog was just the beginning.

Discovering Vivian with Sarge was a relief for Wilden, but it also brought a whirlwind of questions about his father’s death and the missing War Dog’s owner. Wilden was determined to uncover the truth. With Vivian by his side, Wilden didn’t foresee the storm of animosity that would challenge their growing bond—or their very lives …

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Suspense

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

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]

This is a lovely gentle romance but with plenty of action, and for dog lovers, not one, but four beautiful canines.
Wilden Hookman had lost the lower part of a limb whilst on military service, while he was trying to sort out what to do with the rest of his life, he was helping Badger building homes for military vets.
Badger's wife, Kat, as well as designing high tech prosthetics and helping Badger trace war dogs that had gone off the radar, was also a dab hand at matchmaking and she had Wilden in her sights.
Wilden's father, a cruel, heartless criminal had been murdered and Wilden needed to return to Wichita be with his traumatised, but strangely thankful, Nan, the war dog just happened to be in Wichita.
Sarge, the war dog, had been found distressed, wandering round the town, his chip had been checked by local vet, Vivian Lee, who had then contacted Kat.
What Wilden found when he returned to his hometown was his traumatised nan, not traumatised by her son's death but by his ruthless, greedy actions, actions that were still being carried on by his two dangerous cohorts.
Sarge's owner, disabled military vet, Jackson Russell, had disappeared and no one seemed interested in searching for him, apart from the pretty vet.
Wilden and Vivien teamed up in the search for Jackson and what that found, with Sarge's help ,horrified them, especially when they became aware that another military vet was missing. Why were the local police so uninterested ? Wilden knew that it was time to get Badger, and his influential friends involved.
This is a great story with lots of action, Vivian and Wilden's lives were in danger but he would pull out all the stops to protect the pretty vet.........Oh, and of course, along the way, they fall in love. Dale Mayer then tantalizingly leads into the next book in the series and I can't wait.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilden by Dale Mayer
The K9 Files Book Thirty-One
Wilden Hookman left his home in Kansas a decade ago. He joined the military and never looked back. He missed his grandma, but he couldn’t be in the same house as his dad. And Grandma was happy his dad had returned, so he left. Now that he was out of the military on disability and working with Badger, Kat asked him to help with a K9 around his hometown. Once she told him that his dad was dead, it was a no-brainer. Time to see Nan again and help find the missing veteran that the K9 belonged to.
Dr. Vivian Lee was busy. She moved out of the big city and bought into this veterinary practice. Her partner in the practice had recently left, so she had to buy him out. She really needed more help. Not to mention Sarge, the K9 whose wonder was missing. The dog was intent on leaving, and she couldn’t handle him for much longer. Thankfully, a handsome man arrived and took control of the dog with just a few words.
Wilden’s dad had been a jerk, and it didn’t take long to arrive in his hometown before he found out his dad hadn’t changed. He’d mistreated Nan…and worse yet, he’d run a con to steal from older people and veterans. And he had active cohorts. Finding Sarge’s owner turned out to open a can of worms that he hadn’t expected.
**Mild sensual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilden is off to his home town to check on Sarge, the retired war dog that showed up at a Veterinary Clinic, without his owner.
With Vivian the veterinarian's help, Wilden is trying to figure out what happened to Sarges owner Jackson, a wheelchair bound veteran that has gone missing.
Wilden isn't just there for Sarge and his owner though. He is also in town to check on his Grandmother. His father was recently murdered, and he wants to be sure that his Nan is okay. What he finds is disturbing, because while he was alive, Wilden's father was engaged in criminal behaviour. That behaviour was targeting war veterans, and also targeted at his own Mother. Even though Wilden's father has been murdered, he is still causing major problems thanks to his buddies that are also involved in the horrendous scams.
Lot's of drama, danger, and the happily ever after we love from this author. Another wonderful novel by Dale Mayer. Well deserved 5 stars!.

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

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilden finds himself at split roads for his future, finds out his father died and now he can return home to his Nan and while therefore into a war dog issue. Seeing the state his Nan is in and the damage his father has left he gets a call from the local vet about Sarge. Picking up Sarge, Wilden goes to Jackson's house to see why Sarge was left behind.
Vivian the local vet goes a hand in dog, and Wilden takes on another dog Dagger, who together with Sarge sets out to find Jackson.
A wide story take you on a journey, introduces 2 more dogs, missing war vets, saying bye to pasts and a chance at new beginnings.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarge and Dagger were definitely the hero's in this with help from Wilden and Vivean they took the lead and ran with it. Bad guys that felt they were owed something for nothing. This was full of excitement, on edge moments and twists. It is painful family memories and reuniting with and helping those that need it. It's righting things in a town gone bad, great scenery and characters that bond and belong together. It throws a curve ball now and then and held my attention throughout, kept me reading and holding my breath a time or two. It doesn't seem to matter how many books Dale writes there is always something a little different and definitely I'm coming back for more.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) New take on the K-9 Files, Book 31. It keeps it fresh. Wilden hears his dad passed away and he wants to return to see his grandmother. There is a missing war dog in his town so he goes to tackle both. Vivian is a vet and has Sarge at her facility. A tale of mystery and suspense in a small town. It really brought to light what can transpire with our Veterans and our aged something we all should heed. Loved how Sarge was present in the plot and how Wilden and Vivian were relatable. Sure would like to have seen Granny and Jackson connect :) Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Wilden book thirty one in the K9 files . This series never gets old . We find Wilden heading to his hometown he's searching for a veteran that's missing . The man adopted the veteran wardog Sarge . Sarge was found but no one knows where Jackson is . Wilden finds himself attracted to the town's Veterinarian Vivian . Wilden has his hands full figuring out what is going on in his hometown and putting a stop to it . This story is outstanding . It's intense and intriguing and definitely suspenseful with a bit of romance . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was a wild story. Wilden goes back home to check on a War Dog that vet Vivian is taking care of but can’t control because his owner is missing. Wilden’s father, who was an awful man, has died so Wilden is able to reconnect with his grandmother. Even after his death Wilden’s father is having a huge impact on everyone’s lives. Vivian and Wilden have a great connection. I also loved the secondary characters and of course the dogs.

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wondered what makes this series so addicting but didn't have to think about it very long. Men willing to go into the service to protect our country, come back wounded yet manage to get back on their feet and help both people and animals again? Sure, I'm hooked! In this case Sarge, our war dog hero was in the care of a veterinarian who notified the war department as the owner was missing and Wilden came to the rescue of more than the dog! Great reading!.

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

[Shannon]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is a wonderful addition to the K9 Files series, it's a fast-paced and well-written romance that is packed with plenty of drama, action and intrigue. Wilden is sent by Kat to return to his hometown to look for a missing war dog and to help is grandmother. He meets veterinarian, Vivian, who called about the war dog and his missing veteran owner. Wilden and Vivian embark on a mission to find the missing veteran and the shenanigans going on in town.

Good Story, wonderful characters.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's terrifying to think there may be people this diabolical in the world

This book has a great cast of characters, from Wilden, Vivian, Sarge and Dagger to the feisty Gran and outspoken Jackson, they are all enjoyable characters to get to know. I like that this time it's not the dog that is lost, it makes a nice change to the series, although it is a little worrying that there could be this amount of corruption happening with nobody being aware. A great read in a series where the dogs are always the best characters!

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilden definitely returned home at the right time to be there for his Grandma not only to help support her and get thing back on track, but also show the town he isn't like his father. Wilden and Vivien are great together and I really enjoyed seeing them get closer while also trying to juggle work for her and the mystery of Sarge's missing owner turns into a more twisted story.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilden

When Wooden accepts the assignment to check on a War Dog and his missing handler he was also anticipating reconnecting with his grandmother. He never for a minute thought it would lead to a chance with the vet who had taken care of his assignment, a kidnapped veteran and learning how badly his father had been treating his grandmother. It is a mess that just continues to spread cause pain a d heartache.

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringing Everyone Home

Well written story of Wilden heading out to help, Sarge, an abandoned War Dog. Once there he finds his grandma's situation is tied to the veterinary helping Sarge and Sarge's missing owner. All these pieces require Wilden to pull it all together and solve the mysteries. Which he will do with Sarge, the pack he's adopted, and the pretty vet, Vivian. Good story of going home and finally finding the good.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat matches her vets well. In this case of a missing war dog named Sarge (and his owner) she sends Wilden to discover answers. With the help of an animal vet and her dogs discoveries are made. Another page turner from Dale Mayer.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline. This one made me stop and think about a few things in my life based on comments by the characters. You didn't know what was going to happen as you turned the pages.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The war dog situation is different from the others, he's at the vet and his owner is missing. Some bad guys are targeting the veterans and the elderly for their pensions/Veterans benefits. There's danger, crooked cops and a HEA.

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilden
Book 31 of The K9 Files
by Dale Mayer is another exciting book set in this must read series. I throughly enjoyed.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Trisha Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always great!

I absolutely love this series, they have happy endings, talk about issues Vets have and the amazing War Dogs that come back home and get to retire.

[Yvonne Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly Fantasic

This is of course one of the best series It makes you feel so great and the ending is just right. Keep on writing your works is so special Thank you again

[Cynthia Siermienski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilden

Other great book. The twist in this story was sad. Kidnapping, murder and intimidation made the plot very thick with action and romance.

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

This series is always excellent as K9s are found or in this case it's the hunt for his owner.
Wilden Hookman has been sent back to his hometown on this mission. His father has died and his grandmother alone and in need of help.
Vivian is the local vet, she and Wilden are on the hunt for the missing Veteran owner when it seems foul play is present.
Something evil is happening in this town.
Drama, action, danger and attraction. This story has it all and I can't wait for the next book.

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilden gets more than he bargained for when he returns home after his no count father has been murdered. He goes back because Sarge the war dog whose owner has gone missing and no one seems to care what happened to him. Sarge is now at the Vivian's office waiting for Wilden to come and get Sarge and to find out what happened. As Wilden digs more he finds out another vet has disappeared also. What's going on and why don't the police seem to care. Danger, drama and dirty cops and an HEA for Wilden and Vivian.