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Given a life that's been little more than an uphill battle, it's no wonder Shadow is so damn good at dealing with whatever's the hardest, the most hazardous and hellish.

The life of a SEAL is the one place where Shadow is most comfortable existing. He's certain of what he's capable of achieving, knows when to act and exactly how to do what needs to be done. But when he sets off on a mission to rescue Arianna and her family, his world goes from precise, controlled action to blown-to-smithereens chaos. Who is this woman and why does she rattle him the way no one else ever has?

Arianna has been plunged into a foreign state of affairs that includes kidnapping, beatings, threats…and Navy SEALs. The only good thing about this nightmare is the dark, dangerous savior watching over them. Shadow doesn't seem to have a clue what to do with her. Although she has a pretty good idea where she'd like to see their relationship go, will they ever get that chance?

She's been marked for murder, and it's up to Shadow to save her--or risk losing what he hadn't even realized he wanted, yet now can't live without…

177 pages, ebook

First published February 7, 2016

346 people are currently reading
397 people want to read

About the author

Dale Mayer

924 books1,646 followers
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

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5 stars
584 (58%)
4 stars
278 (28%)
3 stars
105 (10%)
2 stars
20 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
395 reviews12 followers
March 5, 2017
I didn't care for it. It wasn't exactly boring but it didn't capture my undivided attention. I had a problem with Arianna in the beginning. I don't like how she just threw herself at Shadow after he'd saved her life. Sure, he may not have had a ring on his finger but that doesn't mean he's unattached. Up until then, he was completely professional and offered no interest in her other than getting her and her family out alive. He was doing his job and saved her and instead of asking if he had someone special first, she just put her lips all over him without any indication he'd return her advances. You can't do that, make sure he's available first before making a fool of yourself, disrespecting him and his potential girlfriend, and possibly doing something he simply doesn't want from you.

I did like Arianna enough with the exception of her behavior in the beginning but both of them went way too fast. Everything went by so quickly that it was hard to tell if she had hero worship or truly did have feelings for him. I don't really understand what he saw in her besides her bravery for her brother. She was kinda childish, the way she spoke at times was not that of a twenty-five year old. I get that she wants to be the opposite of her father but there's only so far an adult can act like that before the behavior becomes weird and slightly annoying. The whole play on his name and how he based his life was fine the first two times but after that it became really lame every time the word "shadows" was mentioned. Shadow himself was fine but there wasn't anything special about him that I will remember him by. He doesn't stand out for me and he's just another one of those characters that likes to put on the dark and brooding loner show.

This was really short but I didn't enjoy it at all. I know the author is capable of making a short story that will deliver and make me wanna read it again (Cooper's story was awesome) but this book just didn't do it for me. I'll pass on this one but still plan to read the others and hope that she will give me another I can come back to read. As for this, not happening and moving right on along,
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,896 reviews41 followers
December 26, 2016
Shadow comes across as the quiet more lonely of the seal team, he has perfected the blending in with the scenery and not being seen either on ops or in home life. His background appears to be troubled and I must admit I would have liked a bit more detail on this, why, what and how? But all we get is vague. Scouting out the scene of possible location for kidnap victims being held something unexpected happens.
Arianna is trying to be calm, cool and collected. Her whole family have been taken hostage, for what or why she doesn't know. Mainly worried for her younger brother she knows they need a way to get out. Signalling silently from a window she can only hope someone is watching and will get help. Strong and independent, growing up lonely she has done her best for her brother not to suffer the same.
Action all the way as we are used to with these guys, it is great to see Shadow a bit lost for words and not really sure how to deal with this situation. What he does know is he wants the one thing he has never had, the one thing his mates are slowly finding for themselves.
In some ways this man broke my heart, even surrounded by his team he was often off on his own though still working in time with them. He seemed to have no-one but them and it didn't seem as though he was much of a dater, not even that many one night stands like the others had in the past. He seemed flummoxed that anyone would want him or care, let alone love. I still enjoy all the joking and teasing these guys give each other, oh and we finally get more of Cooper as well since he is allowed now back on active service. Lots of twists and turns, suspense, action and some violence all play their part in this story. But it is the instant connection Shadow and Arianna have that filled my heart with joy, that maybe he would end up having something special, someone to call his own.
Profile Image for Pam.
838 reviews
September 10, 2022
Shadow and his team are called in to rescue a senator and is family. Shadow and Arianna are attracted to each other right away but they are in danger and need to get to safety. The danger follows Arianna until they discover the source is closer to home than they thought. Loved the story and character. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Linda Carlson.
483 reviews
November 20, 2017
It’s Shadow’s turn!

Shadow and the SEAL Team have been called out to help rescue a U.S. Senator and his family that have been taken hostage and are being held in a remote cabin in Canada by a man that is a known terrorist and one of the top 10 most wanted men.

Arianna, Kevin, her 8-year-old little brother, step-mother and father are being terrorized by their captors. Her father, the Senator, has already sustained an ugly beating. The terrorists are deadly and determined to make their point.

Shadow and his team will have to attempt to rescue the family during a raging storm, without backup and without knowing just how many terrorists are inside the cabin holding the family. Shadow is a very quiet, mysterious and introverted person. His name fits him perfectly as he gives off an attitude of unreachable stillness and the ability to disappear without notice. Adrianna is a young beautiful woman who is afraid that the terrorists are going to kill them all. She is very protective of her little brother who has had a very emotionally cold childhood. Kevin’s mother doesn’t really care about the boy and gives him very little affection. Arianna tries to make up for the sweet boy’s lack of parental attention.

Arianna is immediately in tune with Shadow and his lack of social skills. She doesn’t see the aloof, growly man, she sees the quiet, lonely man underneath. Shadow sees a fearless, brave, young woman determined to protect her little brother.

I love the excitement and fast-paced storyline of this book. The immediate attraction between Shadow and Arianna is obvious and very touching. Shadow is a fearless warrior who is determined to save Arianna and her family. The intricate and subtle details enhance this story making it an exciting page-turner. I love the obstacles the Team have making their task almost impossible to accomplish but their skills insure their success. Dale Mayer brings another SEAL love story to life. While Shadow is fierce and aggressive in his fighting ability, he is also a very sweet, humble man that is powerless when falling in love. Remarkable story! I loved it!
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
March 29, 2019
As the men of Mason's team find a woman that can deal with all that comes with loving a SEAL, the few remaining single men wonder if they will find love too.

This mission is high profile, a Senator and his family being held hostage at their vacation cabin in Canada. With all the windows it's a challenge to find a way to approach without being seen.

Arianna and her brother have been sent to bed, and they hear the awful sounds of her father being beaten and told to comply. Knowing they have to get out of there not only for Kevin but also to prevent these men from touching her Arianna searches out the window for her options.

Shadow is successful in getting Arianna and her brother out of the second floor window as the rest of the team prepares to get the Senator and his wife. Of course this isn't going to be easy.

Arianna saves Shadow and takes a bullet to her leg, and things just get more complicated as they head to extraction.

Apparently Arianna is a target and when they fail to get her out they are all still in danger.

So much action, suspense and intrigue as this story unfolds, Shadow's admiration for Arianna and her understanding of the situation will just make you love them more.

A page-turning read you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,895 reviews46 followers
June 26, 2019
Shadow has ignored the uphill struggle of life concentrating instead of being a great SEAL until he has to go and rescue Arianna and her family when his world goes from controlled to chaos. Arianna struggles to cope with the world of kidnappings and beatings that she has been plunged into although there is one very good thing (or person) - the darkest and most dangerous saviour she has ever met. Shadow has no idea what to do with her, although she has a few ideas - however she is marked for elimination and he has to save her before he loses something he had no idea he wanted in the first place, and now he realises he can't live without. Can he save her?

This is a great story with a dark and dangerous SEAL not realising what he has until almost the last moment. It had lots of drama, danger and excitement as he fought to save Arianna. A sweet story even if there were times I seriously wanted to cuff him around the head and explain the way things were developing between them both. A great HEA at the end to make you feel all gooey. Well written and enjoyable.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2018
Shadow has met his match in Arianna, the Senator's daughter he is trying to keep alive.

His teammates have all met their matches in the line of duty and Shadow is no different. He is silent and keeps to himself but Arianna sees the real man underneath and she show strength, courage, intelligence and compassion. She is a woman he thinks that is too good for him.

His teammates know better. They are constantly on the run and her life is in danger but Shadow vows to protect her although she does some protecting of her own.

I read this in one sitting, not wanting to leave a minute of the action. Shadow was a bit of a mystery and while we learned a bit more about him, him still remains a mystery.

I look forward to reading the rest of the series and getting to know the rest of these hot, sexy, alpha Seals who don't always know what is good for them until fate intervenes.
Profile Image for Sandy Lopez.
67 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2021
The shyest Man in the group, Shadow never new what hit him. Arianna is spunky, smart, sassy, and sexy and boy he didn’t have a chance. Shadow is the best of the best. Keeps to the job and protects lives. This woman is someone that catches his heart and brings light into his dark side. The story line is Excellent. The details which had me guessing up to the end were mind blowing. The things people do to each other. Unbelievable! I loved this book. I highly recommend it. If your into Gorgeous Navy Seals! ❤️
216 reviews
March 23, 2023
Shadow

In Shadow, a Senator and his family are kidnapped and a Navy Seals team is sent in to rescue them. During the rescue the Senator's daughter not only takes care of her younger brother but continually helps b the Seals team even after she is shot. This Senator's daughter like all salon in Dale Mayer's books are strong both of mind and spirt, but soft enough to take care of all those around her. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves read romance and intrigue books.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,124 reviews8 followers
February 1, 2018
Shadow

WOW! Another great story! This story is funny throughout the book. Arianna is a day of sunshine compared to Shadow's darkness. The way these two talk, it is funny yet endearing. This story certainly has its twists. Never would have expected the step-uncle being a greedy character. The wife I could see being greedy. Then there is Kevin - he is so adorable. I am so happy these two found their happily ever after. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would recommend this book.
1,925 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2020
Arianna is on a weekend trip with her family. She wanted to be there for her little brother. They have been taken hostage. Shadow and his team have been brought in to rescue a senator and his family. He can't believe when he looks up at the window and the young lady was signing to him.
Shadow doesn't want to be interested in Arianna. He is supposed to be alone. She won't let him be. He isn't so sure anymore he wants to be. The team needs to find out who is behind the kidnapping and why.
Profile Image for Cheriwinkle.
1,157 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2021
Shadow has been my favorite book in this series so far. I rarely give a book 5 stars, but I loved Ariana and Shadow. Ariana is a role model any girl can look up to! This book is read by Daniel Henning, who does a nice enough job—but of the three men who have narrated so far (Tristan Wright and Michael Rahhal are the other two and are outstanding), Mr. Henning is my least favorite. (I wish his voice was deeper.)
3,133 reviews47 followers
May 26, 2025
Brilliant narration from Daniel Henning


Shadow and his team are sent on a mission to save a Senator and his family. When he meets the daughter Arianna he know he
Shadow is the silent one of his team and keeps to himself. Arianna sees the real man , the man of strength, courage, intelligence and compassion. With danger around the corner he knows he must protect the woman that truly sees him and his worth; the woman he thinks that is too good for him.


Action, drama, romance and spice.
7,759 reviews50 followers
August 18, 2021
SHADOW
My Favorite. A loner, invisible in life and on a mission. Until Adrianna comes into his life and opens the blackness. A mission that was two fold, and figuring out what the next move was going to be was one attack after another, of surprises with the plans being changed. Delightful to read.
Profile Image for Shella Ferguson.
176 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2024
I really enjoy reading this series. However, the women in some of these annoy me. The young lady in this book was impressive in parts. She was smart, strong, courageous, and even witty. Then there were parts were she seemed to be as dumb as a box of rocks! She also seems desperate for Shadow to the point of throwing herself at him. It was too much. Over all it was a good story.
Profile Image for Lady.
25 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2019
I loved the whole opposite attraction and the light and darkness of the whole story. Ever since the first book I have been in love with Shadow! I really enjoyed his story and a glimpse into his darkness.
Profile Image for Rebecca Delio.
1,116 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2019
Wonderful Story

I lo ed Shadow's story and the ending though sad was a very happy one. I loved the stories of this seal team. This is the second team I have read and Am looking forward to many more.....
Profile Image for Marie.
1,420 reviews
December 28, 2020
I read this book in a boxed set. Another great read. Could not put it down. Great storyline of greed but amazing characters in Shadow and Arianna. Can't wait for the next instalment of Seals of Honor.
Profile Image for Paula Galvan.
211 reviews
Read
July 24, 2021
Wow, what a twist!


The humor between the team was hilarious.

Ariana's pollyanna attitude is perfect for Shadow.

Out of one fire and into another. The reason behind the attacks on Ariana and her father is a surprise.
269 reviews
May 25, 2024
Loving the series and every book so far. It’s like I can’t get enough of these seals and who they will find for their mates. Love the banter between the guys and how they kid each other on if they are keeping the girl.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,455 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2017
Very good

I enjoy every book in this series. The strong loyal men and women, the suspense and action, the romance and fun all make for an enjoyable book.
772 reviews
November 5, 2017
Shadow

I just knew shadows story would be a great read and I wasn't disappointed. I can't get enough of these books
67 reviews
May 3, 2018
This book is Shawdow’s story. Each seal has his own story. I liked the heroine she was great and willing to help him overcome his reluctance to persue a relationship.
Profile Image for Nerissa Golden.
Author 23 books13 followers
May 9, 2018
Favourite story from all six because Arianna had lots of spunk and smarts and she wasn't afraid to use it.
129 reviews
March 14, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It deserves a sixth star rating.
Profile Image for Felicia.
452 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2020
narrator was very bad ended up reading it which was so much better!!!!!!!!!!
13 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2021
Shadow

Dale Mayer is one of the best authors I've read over the years. I've read most of her books they keep you on edge. Thank you for great books and awesome heroes!!
2,472 reviews10 followers
May 30, 2022
wonderful

Yay. Shadow gets his happy ending. I loved her. Smart, sweet, and so perfect for shadow. Loved them. Did not want to stop reading!
557 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2023
What a wonderful read and such a sweet HEA! Read it (and the series), you won’t regret meeting these wonderful men and following them as they meet their loves!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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