Steele Trap

by Dale Mayer

Cyan, after years of planning, finally makes her unannounced visit to Terk and his team. Not specifying her arrival date and time leaves her to face unexpected barriers. Locks and unfamiliar woods stand in her way, and she curses her lack of foresight. As she navigates the dense forest, she encounters Steele, the man who helped her save several lives eight years ago. Shocked and intrigued, she struggles to maintain her distance, her heart racing with unresolved emotions.

Steele, disoriented and lost, wanders through the woods, trapped in a surreal dreamscape. His memory is a blur, and he senses an unseen threat closing in. Confusion and fear grip him as he battles an invisible enemy, unaware of Cyan’s presence and the connection that binds them.

When Steele is ambushed, Cyan comes to his rescue. Now, both are targets, desperate to reach the safety of Terk’s place—a goal that proves far more elusive than they imagined.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 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

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

Terk is back with a new series that is complex and at times a little hard to understand what’s going on.

Steele and Cyan are being called to the Beacon. A fortress compound but along the way some seriously crazy stuff is happening.

“I don’t know what to tell you, but something’s …” He shrugged. “Something’s off.” “Yeah, it’s not just off,” Rick noted, “it’s bizarre.”

A great start to a new series that looks to be a winner.

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

Cyan’s unannounced visit to Terk’s team goes wrong from the start. Locked gates and unfamiliar woods leave her frustrated — and then she unexpectedly runs into Steele, the man she worked with eight years ago and never forgot. Steele, lost in a dreamlike haze with his memories slipping, doesn’t realise Cyan is nearby or that danger is closing in. When he’s ambushed, Cyan steps in to save him. Now both of them are targets, and reaching Terk’s safe compound becomes a tense, dangerous race.

The mysterious, shifting reality created by the Beacon gives this story a wonderfully tense edge, trapping Cyan and Steele in a world designed to protect Terk and the castle’s residents. I loved how they had to navigate that engineered illusion while facing an enemy pulled straight from Steele’s past — forcing them to work together and revisit old memories in order to survive. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent throughout, with plenty of feelings woven into the danger, yet the characters still approach each challenge with clear, logical problem‑solving. That balance made their journey easy to follow and deeply engaging.

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

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series and I have to admit that I have never read anything quite like it, but I do look forward to seeing how the stories unfold.
Terk, along with all his operatives, operatives each with their own psychic power, has set up his base at a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands. Ever conscious of security and the need to welcome healers and otherers with their unique psychic skills, Terk has erected a beacon, a beacon that transmits a message to like minded people to come and join them, but the beacon takes on a life of its own..........is this for the good of Terks people or is this for the bad ?
Cyan Lowell and Steele Romans both answer the beacon's call, both have have been acquainted in the past as together they rescued passengers from a road traffic accident, both had also been acquainted with Terk in the past but would the beacon welcome them ?
This story follows Cyan and Steele as they traverse the castle's dark, misty forests fighting an unknown entity and all the time securing a deep emotional bond.
I found this book intriguing and I look forward to more stories of the beacon.

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

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyan and Steele are both trying to get to Terk's castle. Cyan is expected, but she's later than she thought she'd arrive. Steele just followed the call of the Beacon, and ends up attacked by some unknown person/entity. Cyan can sense a familiar energy in the woods, and goes to find who was attacked. First novel in a new series, and it's looking like this will be filled with all kinds of new twists, due to a Beacon that is rapidly evolving, and has it's own set of rules for entry. Terk set up the Beacon to draw others with abilities to the castle, but also to protect everyone inside, so the Beacon is really just doing what was asked of it. Really enjoyed the first novel, and look forward to what happens in the next.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele Trap by Dale Mayer
The Beacon Series Book One
Steele Romano is heading towards the beacon he feels calling him to Terk’s castle. As he almost reaches it, he can’t get through the deep fog. As he tries the back way, through the woods, things get weird.
Cyan Lowell had told Terk she’d be coming, but it’s taken her a few months. Now that she’s here, she can’t seem to get through the fog, and she isn’t able to get through to Terk either.
As Steele and Cyan find each other in this odd place, they realize it’s some alternative space. It seems that Cyan would be welcome, but not Steele.
Another new series that looks exciting; this first book definitely intrigued me. It’s connected to Terk and the gang, but more about the Beacon Terk set up to protect the castle.
**Language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Steele Trap . This is an outstanding start to another new series .
If you enjoy a thriller with a psychic /romance twist this is perfect . Cyan is finally headed to Terk and his teams castle when she finds herself stuck in the forest with locks and gates she finds Steele trying to navigate along with her to arrive at Terk's castle . unseen forces are keeping them trapped in a dreamscape and danger is closing in . Cyan and Steele met years ago saving lives together and as the fight an unseen force their bond grows as does their attraction . This story is fantastic . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a start to a new series! Boy I was totally wondering what on earth was going on at times, mind blowing idea and plot. Characters were witty, interesting and I could sense the bond tying them tighter. I'm anxious to see where this will take us with the ever changing energy and boundaries. I love the ideas of just what psychic energy and the mind can achieve. Complex and action-packed story, needs and got focus and interest. Brilliant.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedOriginalPage-turnerScaryTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terk created the Beacon as a way to lead others like them to his place. Steele is following the Beacon while Cyan is coming specifically to see Terk and gets sidetracked by the Beacon. They have to work together to figure out what is going on and how to get to Terk’s place. This was an interesting book with a lot of potential for the series. Cyan was wary of Steele at first but the more they worked together the more she began to trust him. I can’t wait to see what the Beacon has in store in the next book.

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

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyan has finally arrived at Treks only to be caught in Terk's new security system that protects and hides the castle to keep everyone out. While trapped there she runs into Steele who she knew 8 years ago. As they try to figure out what's going on someone or something attacks them. The Beacon is constantly developing and changing. As they try and figure out how to get to the castle they face more challenges along the way. A great start to a new series and I can't wait to see what the Beacon does next.

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series based around Terk's new security system, the Beacon, which is a psychic version of AI. It's main mission is to stop anyone from getting to the castle that is a danger to the inhabitants.

As Cyan and Steele are trying to make their way to the castle, they run into barriers and are also attacked. But is the same person/entity responsible for both? And is the Beacon doing what it was programmed to do or has it evolved to where it is making decision on its own? There are plenty of surprises as they finally find their way inside.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary Prospect! New series by Dale Mayer. Is the Beacon Evolving and if so, what does that mean for everyone involved? Cyan and Adam (Steele) are both on their way to the castle separately. They each encounter fog and leave their cars to walk. They both feel another presence and encounter gates. That is all I am going to say, no spoilers! If you like psychics, sy-fi and a little romance with suspense you will enjoy book 1. Thank you for the advance copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #SteeleTrap #TheBeacon #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely a page turner! Cyan didn't share with Terk just when she was going to visit and found herself in a forest close to his home where she became lost and confused. Meanwhile Steele is also on his way to Terk's home where he also comes upon this strange forest. Their story was so intriguing for me that I raced through the first reading then slowed to read it again to enjoy it once more. This is the first book in a new series "The Beacon" and I can't wait for #2.

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series from the pen (or computer) of Dale Mayer. Terk has developed a new layer of protection for his family in the castle. In the meantime, Steele and Cyan are called (by energy) to meet with Terk. Their journey was interrupted and challenging. A page turning at its best. I am looking forward to more of the series and the development of The Beacon. Bravo!!.

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

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A defense or an energy loop?

Steele and Cyan find themselves trapped in a dreamscape, but are they trapped By The Beacon, by their own minds or by a third party with malicious intentions?
I loved both the Terk series that came before this, but I found this book a little too bizarre and a bit too close to AI taking over, I like Steele and Cyan and I will try the second book in the series when it is released, but this is not one of my favourites.
I listened to this on Audible.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Terk adjacent story that's different but quite good. Almost the entire book takes place outside Terk's place. Beacon, Terk's psychic homing beacon (for want of a better word), has called Steele in. He runs into Cara who is finally coming to see Terk. Here's where things get interesting. Beacon has evolved and considers one of them a danger to Terk's household and won't let them in. What happens next is very, very different from anything previously seen but it's very cool.

[Si Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyan Steele

I enjoyed this storyline but it was a little long and convoluted for my taste. We didn’t get much about what actually Cyan and Steele can do with the energy. How there talents work. Most of Terks people have had their talents explained, and how they are becoming stronger as they learn that the talent is changing. Being around other talents is having an effect on everyone.
I would like to see where Cyan and Steele go from here.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very charming, insightful, and shocking. Another fantastic book written by Ms. Mayer. Terrific strong characters joined by powerful friends we've read in previous books. Along with a new entity, simply called Beacon. Definitely recommend.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so excited we have a new series linked to Terk and this first book was a perfect intro to it. I really enjoyed Cyan and Steele having a past as it added a more complex dynamic to them that wasn't all smooth sailing.
The Beacon may be calling, but getting to Terk and his castle is filled with suspense and danger but when is anything ever easy when it comes to joining with Terk.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thoughts behind this book is mind blowing showing what an amazing writer Dale Mayer is. Suspense from beginning to end. You do not know what to expect from one door (page) to the next.

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

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets this new series off to an intriguing start. Cyan and Steele's story latched on and held on tightly. Thrills, danger and action got my pulse racing, and the friends, family and romance got my heart to melting. One thing is for sure; this new series is highly addictive.

[Crystal L Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Concept

A new twist with a paranormal AI unusual talents. Twists and turns around every corner. Thought provoking plot and characters.

[Maryjane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to start a new series. Can Steele and Cyan survive the Beacon? Terk and his team made a security system out of all their energies to hide the castle and keep everyone in it safe from predators. However, when Steele and Cyan come to visit they can't get passed the shield and get attacked by someone or something unseen. When the team gets an alert they realize something is wrong because the Beacon is getting an attitude. Now they have to fix it so Steele and Cyan can get through. I won't say anything more as not to give the good stuff away. I give it four stars.

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

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

This is a great start to a new series with familiar characters.
Terk and his team have made an energy barrier around their home. Called the Beacon it's evolving and chasing out the threats.
When Steele and Cyan pay a visit, first separately before meeting the can't access and are attacked by someone or something.
Inside and outside something is off, strangely off. Terk and his team try to have the Beacon understand.
This was a twisty story of psychic energy and the people who create it.