Pierce

The K9 Files #2

by Dale Mayer

Welcome to the all new K9 Files series reconnecting readers with the unforgettable men from SEALs of Steel in a new series of action packed, page turning romantic suspense that fans have come to expect from USA TODAY Bestselling author Dale Mayer. Pssst... you'll meet other favorite characters from SEALs of Honor and Heroes for Hire too!

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense, Military Romance, Contemporary Romance

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2019

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce is a member of Titanium Corporation and his assignment is find the missing K9 Salem. Her owner is a veteran who has now been placed in a rehab facility and has been betrayed by the people he trusted to look after Salem and his home.

With the help of Deputy Heidi they find out that Salem is not the only one that has been mistreated and it will take all their strength to stop the corruption and they not only need to protect each other but also those that can’t protect themselves.

This is a story about doing the right thing which is filled with romance, suspense and twists.

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what an intense suspense story, my heart racing most of the times.
Police corruption, abusers, bullies, gunfight, good guys vs bad guys, yes everything is making me on the edge of my seat, I keep turning page after page, there's no stopping for me. The suspense in this book is thicker and more intense than the previous book, not much actions involving the dog as much as I wanted to, and I kinda wished there's a little bit more the sweet love moments between Pierce and Hedi, but with all those thrills, I'm still a happy reader.

If you love suspense romance read, I think you'll love this one.

*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a bit different from book 1 which was nice. Lots of action but less attention on the dog in this book. The romance was non existent then almost seemed forced because there was nothing leading up to it, maybe because the length of the book. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really torn with this one and not entirely for the book itself. I listened to the first one by audio, the narrator did a good job. I liked how the dogs and the guys were both a bit broken and how with the guy trying to find the dog, sort of helps to heal/fix himself and the dog. I planned on checking out the rest of the series by audio, as those are easy for me to add to my tbr, can listen to them while I work and not be so bored. However, this 2nd book was narrated by AI, which has a flat monotone voice with no inflections. It was a struggle to get through the book, despite liking the story line. So here ends my journey with this series. Maybe I'll read the e-book at sometime, if I feel like I have an opening in my schedule, but most likely not. I don't want to support AI in the arts, as it seems like real people can/do get short changed and their work stolen.

Now on to my thoughts about the story of this book.

By looking for the dog, Pierce got pulled into so much more and because he is a stand up guy, he did the right thing, something this area needed. I felt for Heidi, who knew how the police should be first hand, felt for Pete, who was getting screwed over by someone who should have had his back. I was glad to see it all work out, that those that were screwing over people got taken care of and that the community will be in good hands now.

[Valérie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une romance militaire, mais avec pratiquement pas de romance. Oui, c’est très étrange, mais l’auteur joue surtout sur la tension et l’attirance entre les protagonistes. Cette série militaire a pour héros des vétérans retraités ou démobilisés pour cause de blessures. Ces hommes travaillent pour une branche de l’armée qui est chargée du suivi des chiens de guerre.

Pierce doit retrouver une chienne appartenant à un vétéran hospitalisé et qui a disparu dans des circonstances tres bizarres. Il va se rendre dans la petite ville d’où est originaire le vétéran et où la chienne aurait dû se trouver puisque le frère de celui-ci était censé s’occuper de sa maison et de sa chienne.

Pierce va découvrir très vite que les choses ne sont pas si simples, la ville est gangrenée et aux mains d’un sherif véreux. La piste va être longue pour retrouver la chienne K9 , heureusement l’adjointe du shérif va aider Pierce.

J’ai apprécié cette histoire pour la crédibilité des personnages, la chienne et le message porté par ce récit.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could be read as a standalone, but it helps to have read the earlier series so that you know who the background people are. The storyline is very well written. It grabbed my interest from the beginning and I found it hard to put down. The attraction between Pierce and Hedi was subtle at first, but by the end of the book, it was obvious to everyone around them. I loved the way Pierce was able to get Salem to trust him after being mistreated for so long. This was a lovely story.

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

There seems to an undercurrent of a theme with all of DM's tales that I have read so far. It seems that the 'baddies' just took a wrong turn somewhere... irrespective if they are abusing kids, adults... animals whatever... they all just seem to suddenly say'oh yeah, I could kill you given half the chance, but that doesn't matter cos there are no repercussions for me...' - and there rarely is. Frankly, I'd shoot the lot of them. If they ever do get out of prison you can bet your patootie that they will look for revenge - in the easiest way.

And... why oh why are the 'baddies' so chatty? I've never known anything like it.

( and I say 'baddies' cos they are like really bad Scooby Doo caricatures... )

[Cheriwinkle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ryan Francona. READ THE BOOK. This is a great story completely ruined by Ryan Francona’s completely monotone ( and I mean MONOTONE) reading. Francona has a wonderful deep voice, but his flat monotone and no-pauses reading was just agony. I can’t believe that anyone would allow this audiobook to be released.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like one and a half stars, I did consider not finishing this. The credibility of the plot line with the corrupt sherriff was tenuous.
I felt like the book went over the same ground way too often.
At least the lead female could kick ass, that's always good to see.

[nancy cashmere · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

The first book was great! It focused on Ethan and the dogs. This book paid little attention to the dog and all the attention on rotten people.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have a town filled with evil, from a corrupt sheriff to the people who keep him in office. It’s visited by Pierce Carlton who is there ostensibly to search for Salem, a missing War Dog who was the K9 partner of Pete Lowery both of whom were seriously injured during the war. Pete is in rehab, believing he’ll never be able to leave and therefore cannot keep Salem.

Hedi Miller is the daughter of the previous sheriff who was as good as the present sheriff is corrupt. I had a hard time believing in her as a deputy. She lacks good cop sense. The writer seems confused about her capabilities as well. An abusive man, crazed from alcohol points a gun at her and shoves her with it; she doesn’t know what to do. Really? The sheriff will not support her and sends her alone into dangerous situations and she doesn’t know what to do. Really?? The other two deputies, along with the sheriff, make snide sexual comments about her and she doesn’t know what to do. Really??? Later in the book she takes down another crazy-evil man and calls it aikido (the way of spiritual harmony). It’s an even more tense situation this time. She also seems to believe the sheriff, who is a ruthless liar, when he tells her Salem is difficult. Again, really? (Tut! Tut!)

And…Deputy Hedi says (seriously), “possession is 9/10 of the law.” Holy cow. Where did she study law? A deputy would know this isn’t a law. It’s a rule of force and it may apply to human nature, but it’s not the law. Possession does not mean ownership. If you loan me your car, I’m in possession of it, but I still don’t own it no matter what I may claim.

Hedi also seems a bit muddle-headed. For instance, she complains – vociferously – about the lawlessness in her county and that there’s no one to do anything about it. When Pierce arrives and helps the situation, she finds fault with him too and can’t decide whether to trust him or not. She spends a lot of mental dialog thinking that over. She seems unsatisfied a good deal of the time.

There’s a small confusion regarding Salem, the mistreated War Dog. Hedi is musing about Salem: “Hedi had even seen him [Pete] bawling as he left because his dog couldn’t go with him.” When did Hedi see this? Pete was a soldier and Salem was a War Dog, not his pet. Both were injured during their time at war. Pete was sent to a hospital, then to a rehab center. He had not been home since he was injured. When would Hedi have seen the two together? She couldn’t have.

Another point of confusion, this time about Pierce who had “been in a couple [rehab centers] himself but always on a short-term basis.” Pierce has lost “lots of tissue, muscle, a chunk of liver, gallbladder, one kidney, and [he is] missing the lower leg.” Loss of muscle and a lost limb require a lot of consistent rehab, not just short stints here and there.

Ms. Mayer likes the verb “walk” and uses it 111 times in this book. People do a LOT of walking around this book. That’s not an error, just interesting – I checked because I kept reading the word and wondered why it seemed to be used so often.

There are some errors, somehow expected in this quickly written genre:
==) “Find upstanding citizen you got here.” Within context, that should be “FINE upstanding citizen….”
==) Talking about Ross, Pete’s brother living in Pete’s house on Pete’s money: “…but I bet he’s been living off of Pete’s pension. And probably stocking it away for himself.” The expression is “socking it away.”

The word, parameter, is used twice and while in the vernacular it has become almost synonymous with “boundary” (as in perimeter), still it’s a word better applied in science and math (Geometry, in particular).

All in all, Ms. Mayer is a good writer. I loved the first book in this K9 Files series, Ethan. I read it a year and a half ago and still remember it well and fondly; I rated it 5 stars. This book seems to have been written in a hurry and the writer appears to have less control over the plotline. It feels as if she wrote it without knowing precisely where she was going to end up, or perhaps changed her mind and did not go back into the story to clean up her previous storyline? There are several inconsistencies, some of which I’ve already mentioned. The main characters, Pierce and Hedi, seem off somehow. Their relationship feels naïve and not quite believable. These are two professionals, one a seasoned war veteran, the other an experienced cop. They don't behave that way and it doesn’t quite play.

Still, I like Dale Mayer’s writing style. It’s a pleasure to read and the books I’ve read do not appear to be rehashed versions of previous plotlines. That’s a gift right there. I particularly like the way Ms. Mayer portrays the relationship between canine and human species. Dogs and humans go well together when both are treated with love and respect, something Ms. Mayer brings up in her K9 books. This book will not disappoint, despite some of its inconsistencies. I appreciated it and am looking forward to the next in the K9 series. I rated it 3.5 stars and rounded up because I so enjoy reading her work.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the second book in Dale Mayer’s new series, “The K9 Files.” The concept of this series is that the Commander is looking for a dozen retired K9 dogs who were somehow lost after they were shipped back to the U.S. He feels that, since they served our country by working alongside the men in the Navy, these dogs deserve to live the rest of their lives treated with respect and love.

The first dog, Sentry, was found in the first book. Pierce, the hero in this book, is looking for Salem, the second dog on the list. He travels to a community outside of Fort Collins where Salem was last seen.

What Pierce discovers is that the original owner of Salem, Pete, has lost his legs and is in rehab. He has given his brother, Ross, permission to live in his house until he can return. Ross believes that Pete will never be able to come home. Therefore, he considers Pete’s house is now his house and Pete’s money is now his money. Plus, he allows Salem to disappear.

The sheriff of this town is crooked and does not even pretend to do his job. Two of his deputies are useless and do not do anything either. The only deputy who does any work is Hedi. However, since she is the only female in the office, the sheriff and the other deputies have no respect for her and are constantly demeaning her. I was infuriated by their sexist attitude.

I was also outraged by other characters’ attitudes in this book. Ross has no conscience. He assumes his brother will spend the rest of his life in a rehab hospital, and he uses that “knowledge” to take advantage Pete. Jed, a friend to Ross, Pete and the sheriff, is a drunk who abuses his wife and his children. The Billy Brothers are just plain evil. And the sheriff ignores all of them.

On the other hand, Hedi and Pierce both have strong and compassionate personalities. Their conscience and their independence allow them to fight off the “bad guys.” They also work in their spare time to alter Pete’s house so he can come home quickly.

Each book in this series is a stand-alone book. Except for the fact that they are looking for these K9 dogs, neither story has anything to do with each other. The main characters are totally different, and the two books take place in totally different parts of the country.

This book is exciting and intriguing. Pierce and Hedi are constantly under attack by the “bad guys.” Unfortunately, since the sheriff and his deputies are useless, there is no back up to help Pierce and Hedi. They are on their own as they work to alter Pete’s house, try to save his pension, return his dog to him and try to get Pete home as soon as possible.

This is a great book!

[Kathie Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

The depth of the interactions and level of trust forged between the men and dogs in the K9 series continues to warm my heart and feed my soul. After Ethan’s success in rescuing Sentry, Badger assigns Pierce Carlton to determine the whereabouts and condition of war-dog Salem, a black female shepherd. Like Sentry, Salem had been released to live with her handler, Pete Lowry in Fort Collins, CO. Life got in the way when Pete had to be admitted to a rehabilitative nursing home about an hour away, leaving his brother in charge of his home and Salem. Very-small-town politics and prejudices create huge obstacles in locating Salem. Only one deputy, Hedi Miller, is willing to help; and together she and Pierce risk their lives and livelihoods to find and secure Salem’s safety. In a town where money talks and weak men are allowed to abuse women and dogs without fear of reprisal, Pierce’s protective instincts and high level of integrity stand clear and strong, making both him and Hedi targets for the bad guys.

My favorite parts in these first two books in the K9 series are those that reflect the amazing intelligence, loyalty, and training that military dogs have – and their ability to recognize and respond to kindness and respect, and to remember their humane training even after months of starvation and physical abuse. As an animal lover myself, I understand completely the impact that love and mutual respect have on the human bond with animals, whether working animals or family pets. I see my dog in these dogs whose hearts are pure and senses are sharp. Dale Mayer’s portrayal of these situations in her storylines has also heightened for me the awareness of similarities between war veterans and the dogs who assist and protect them. We owe them our loyalty, support, and profound gratitude.

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

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

All I can say is WOW!!! I started this late at night and stayed up until the early morning to finish it. The plot just grabbed me in right from the beginning. Pierce, a former military K-9 handler, is assigned to locate Salem a large female black German Shepherd that has gone missing since her injured handler went to a rehab facility. He goes to her last known location and meets Hedi, a deputy sheriff in Arrowhead, CO. The action is immediate and just keeps coming from all over the place. I couldn't stop until I had finished.

Pierce is a strong alpha former soldier who hates to see women and children being disrespected and abused as well as evil men taking advantage of others. He is the ultimate hero. He fights to stop injustice while trying to locate and rehabilitate, Salem. She has lost her handler, Pete, when he goes to a rehab facility. Pete's brother Ross is supposed to take care of her and Pete's house and property. Ross is just after himself. Ross files a report with the Sheriff, that Salem bit his friend. Over several months, Salem is abuse, tortured and goes missing. She no longer trusts anyone. Pierce with his military K-9 training, starts the process of trust once she is located.

Hedi is a strong, confident deputy sheriff who is fighting to protect innocent people against a corrupt Sheriff and his cronies. Two other male deputies are worthless and are slacking in fighting crime as well. Hedi comes to realize that Pierce is a "good man" as he stirs up trouble with the town's evil men and joins in the fight to help him.

I really enjoyed the POV format as there was so much action that getting a glimpse in the characters' mind really helped me to see the connect forming between these two.

This is a really good story. It isn't necessary to read the prior book as this a stand-alone. I highly recommend this book!

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great spin off series from Seals books by Dale Mayer. When Badger gets a call from Commander Cross asking for a favor.When Badger asks Pierce if he's interested in being a part of the the team to find the war dogs an make sure that they are being cared for .Pierce said he's good with animals but when they said not to get attached to the dogs because they may be sent to someone else or on a special assignment Pierce knew he couldn't do it.So he was given Pete's dog to check on.Pete assigned shape an didn't know if he's ever come out of rehab.When Pierce gets to town to check on Salem he hears that the Sheriff knows what happened to the dog.The waitress says that the Sheriff should be in at anytime.The Sheriff shows up he says someone cut the pen an the dog is gone.An if anyone sees the dog they will put a bullet in him.A sheriff deputy so pretty comes in an the sheriff is a total ass to her.After she finished her pie she goes out to go on the domestic call.Pierce asks where Pete's house is she says follow her then takes him points to the driveway .He goes an knocks an a drunk ass man asks who he is.When he says he's looking for the dog he says it needs to be shot an he doesn't know where it is.The twists an turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.The out rage I feel when it seems the brother is screwing over his wounded brother an his dog makes me want to punch him.I love the way Pierce helps Pete and Salem.I also love the chemistry between Pierce an Hedi.The way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce is the second book of Dale Mayer's K9 series. Like in other books in this series, human and canine characters hold the key roles, and the focus of the story lies in the interactions and the relationships between them.
The plot is particularly rich, with a comprehensive cast of characters, whose intertwined tales create a lively and multi-faceted picture of the small community where the narrative is set.
Both protagonists have unusual and intriguing personalities.
Pierce, a veteran dog handler, has a positive and assertive attitude. He does not let his past circumstances undermine his future; to the contrary, he moves forward with drive and determination.
Hedi, the heroine, is intelligent and strong-willed, competent and skilled, and has a generous and loving disposition.
The third protagonist, Pete, is a wounded veteran whose recovery is marred by solitude and depression. His beloved war dog is missing, and his greedy brother is on a quest to take over all his possessions.
The story is centered on Pierce becoming the catalyst for the overturning of Pete's life. With relentless energy, Pierce wins the support of Pete's friends, finds his dog, and fights back on his behalf.
The plot is gripping, full of twists, and keeps the readers glued to the page. There is plenty of action, but there are also many sweet and touching moments.
Overall, Pierce is a very good novel that entertains and inspires, makes time fly and gifts the reader with a few hours of emotions and joy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

This series is really gearing up! This is a fantastic story about a group of military trained dogs retired/discharged from the military who lost track of them along the way through budget cuts and the like.

Pierce is a war veteran himself and has his own scars to prove it. He is on a mission as a favor to a Commander to help find a particular war dog. He finds the K9 he is looking for, but Salem has been abused and neglected. Pierce is going to do everything in his power to save this dog, he deserves it.
Heidi is a Deputy Sheriff that is dealing with a boss that is drunk on his own power, lazy and looks the other way when the town bullies cause trouble. He has no respect for women and even less for women in the police force. This is a story that has multiple levels and has several underlying issues all going on. The corrupt Sheriff and his cronies are more than happy to send a lone, female Deputy into nasty situations and handle them without any backup while they sit at their desks and do nothing.

This story deals with town bullies, domestic situations and unemployed men who drink to solve their problems. I love the comaraderie between Pierce and Heidi as they deal with the town problems and also help gain the trust of the K9 Pierce was sent to locate. They also help Salem’s previous K9 handler get his life back along with his home.

Such a heartwarming story. There is a lot of satisfaction in the successes experienced here. There are good people in this world. There are many twist and turns that make this story so memorable. You discover that there are heroes on many levels.

Excellent job! I loved it!
!

[Lisa Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce heads to Arrowhead, CO to find Salem. She is a war dog who got separated from her handler when he went into rehab. Piece stirs up trouble in the town which has to do with the dog in part but also because it's the right thing to do for a fellow Army vet who is down on his luck. Pierce knows what it's like to be where Pete, Salem's handler, is and how hard it is to fight back from serious injuries.

Heidi is a deputy whose father was the sheriff before an accident changed all of that. She never worked under her father but for his replacement. The sheriff believe that women only belong in the kitchen and should be making babies. Heidi is surrounded by this mentality and it makes her job that much harder.

Together they help Pete get his life and his dog back. Along the way they stir up several hornets nests but also do a lot of good.

I really like this series so far. Salem has been through enough while serving her country and yet she is brought home and treated very poorly but so called humans. Ms. Meyer's stories bring some insight into what may happen when war dogs come home and their handlers can't take care of them or they get lost along the way. Pierce is a typical alpha male but he doesn't go completely alpha and try to keep Heidi from doing her job. He treats her as an equal because he knows she can handle her job. Heidi is strong and brave and has Pierce's six.

Can't wait to read more about this special breed of men that volunteer to find these lost war dogs.

[D. Harley Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly provided this book as an ARC; in exchange for my honest review. This is book 2 of 3 (so far) in The K9 Files series. This book centers around Pierce and Hedi.

Pierce former Navy K9 handler is severely injured and his dog, Trigger killed. Now, Pierce is out of the Navy and tasked by Titanium Security (see SEALs Of Steel series) to locate/rescue one of a about 12 dogs potentially in trouble that had gone missing or were in bad situations. The dog assigned to Pierce to follow up on is Salem, a K9 military dog that belonged to Pete, a veteran, who was severely injured and forced to return to the VA rehab. Pete thought he’d left his beloved dog in the safe hands of his brother Ross. Only to learn his brother and others had abused her and were threatening her life.

No one has Salem’s or Pete’s best interests in mind. Pierce arrives in Arrowhead, CO to discover a county in crisis and a potential new love in Hedi.

I’ll state this story definitely flowed much more easily than the first in this series and didn’t feel so “laid-out.” Again, it seems the author is moving more toward writing mystery/suspense rather than straight alpha type romance that this genre typically falls in. It’s still very good, but may not be what the reader is expecting. As always, the grammar, editing and spelling are top-notch (which anymore is NOT common and makes me crazy 🥴.) Of course the dogs will grab your heart.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) One I started, I read this straight through, well done! We continue the new series K9 Files with Pierce. He is a member of the Titanium Corporation and searching for Salem. Salem came home with his wounded handler,Pete. Circumstances puts Pete in rehab and his dog Salem is missing. Book 2 is a little shorter than book 1, but still packs a wallop. As Pierce searches for Salem, with the help of Deputy Heidi he realizes that most of the Sheriff office is corrupt, Pete has been done wrong (not intending to rip off a country song) and Salem has been misused and abused. This takes place in a small town that is in the throes of poverty due to the mill shutting down. We meet people who step up to the challenge and those who buckle and wallow. Through it out Pierce stands true and with the help of Heidi, and a few others, he endeavors to turn Pete and Salems life around. We have our former seal, our smart intelligent heroine, our deployed two leg (or legless) and 4 legged heroes wrapped in suspense with a dose of the required sex (that appeared to be just that - required, which is the reason for the 4.5) Thank you Book Sprout, thank you Dale Mayer. All thoughts and opinions are my own an were unsolicited.

[Donna Ferriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce- K9 files

This is a very interesting series as it gives you insight as to what our wounded veterans have to go through as they rehabilitate their injuries and build new lives after serving our country as does the K9 corp. handlers and their dogs. They are passed around and left to fend for themselves without people understanding the training they went through and how to handle them. This is what happened to Pete and his dog Salem when Pete was rehabing, Pete's brother Ross gave him away to his friend Jed who was trying to make him a hunting dog. Pierce steps in to help Pete out when Badger asks for his help in locating Salem. With the help of Deputy Heidi they take on the bad guys and find Salem. It is an exciting action packed story as Pete gets his home and his dog back with their help. They also get the corrupt Sheriff thrown out of office along with his other deputies when they refuse to do their job and help Heidi and Pierce when they are being attacked by Ross and his friends. Ft. Collins police officials came to help them out. Pierce and Heidi also fall in love in the end and they fix Pete's house so he can live there with Salem. This was an amazing story and I cannot wait to read the next release in this series.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce wasn't sure he was ready to join the Titanium group, but when he heard this assignment he had to take it. Pete was in rehab and his dog Salem had fallen through the cracks of the system. When he arrives in town he stops at the diner and gathers unexpected intel on the dog. She'd bitten someone and was caged at the sheriff's office.

The Sheriff leaves much to be desired, but one of his deputies Hedi was someone Pierce could respect and support.

As the sheriff is dismissive of Salem, Hedi was concerned. Unfortunately the sheriff is just as dismissive of Hedi and her abilities as a deputy.

There is a lot going on in this little town. Much caused by the Sheriff's obvious misogynistic view of women. A trait shared by many of the men in town.

Pierce's concern over Salem is now extended to Hedi as he takes a stand to bring Pete back home.

Betrayal of the highest order, not only by Pete's brother but also the Sheriff.

This book had me crying, holding my breath and crossing my fingers for Pierce and Hedi.

I can't wait to read the next book. I am loving the HEA for both these dogs and the men sent to find them.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment in the K9 series with another veteran, Pierce getting his story and meeting the one, Heidi. Pierce is on the hunt for Salem, a K9 who is being used and abused by his current owners and the dog happened to escape, brining chaos to a small town and the people in it fearing him. Pierce is on a mission to find the dog and reunite him with his owner from the military, Pete. Along the way he runs into a deputy, Heidi, who has her own struggles in the Sheriff’s department and it seems that Pierce is the only one who respects her abilities and treats her with respect. She also has a soft spot for Salem and it’s owner...can the two of them thwart the men who want to bring down Salem and keep Pete away.
A great read with the perfect ending with a bit steam. I loved Heidi’s strength and how she faced everything and everyone against her, holding her head high and not fighting her feelings when it came to Pierce. I also loved Pierce, his determination and what he does for Pete as well as the town that needed a strong leader and also how he too doesn’t fight his feelings towards the deputy.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce by Dale Mayer
K9 Files Series Book Two
Pierce Carlton was at loose ends, so when Titanium Corp had a job for some of the guys who worked the K9 unit, he accepted. A War Dog, Salem, had fallen through the cracks when her owner ended up not being able to take care of her. She needed to be checked up on. Sounded simple enough, but nothing is ever simple.

Hedi liked being a deputy, sadly she was the only one on their small force who took her job seriously. And the sheriff...she had no respect for the man who was her boss. And the more she found out about him while helping the stranger in town...the more she disliked him.

Badger's men (SEALs of Steel Series) have started Titanium Corp. After being asked to follow up on War Dogs, they look for fellow military brothers to take up the baton and help them search. Really good series and this book was really good. A real page-turner and heartstrings puller.
**Sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Brenda . · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had really great hopes that a new series would freshen up the writing style. I was disappointed. I liked the idea of adding some canine rescue in there especially the military dogs . I think the government has a very dark past in the K-9 units. But the actually story was good except she only did a small blurb on the romance and then all of sudden BAM there it was in like the last chapter. No things leading up to it, no indications. And meaningless conversations with the bad guys. Geez. They really are kind of stupid. Plus the coffee thing in ALL her books are really getting annoying. Not EVERYONE cares/likes or is obsessed with coffee. The author obviously is. Makes such a big to do about oh almost out of coffee, got to have coffee to calm down blah blah blah. Like it is such a big fuss. Enough with the damn coffee. I have persisted and bought the next book but I think I am done with this author. I really liked her earlier books but these later books have lost the mojo for me.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Pierce”, second in the K9 series by Dale Mayer differs from the first in that halfway through it there is still no sign of the missing War Dog, Salem.
While the search is constantly mentioned the story revolves around a sheriff who's playing God, a war veteran condemned to a convalescent home, his brother who has taken over his home and his finances, and an out of control drunk and his violent buddies.
Pierce Carlton is in Arrowhead, Colorado, looking for Salem and getting involved in all sorts of trouble along the way.
At his side is the only deputy sheriff worth a damn in the area, Hedi Miller.
“Ethan”, the first in the series was mostly about relationship, “Pierce”, on the other hand, concentrates on the action.
There's a rather odd belief, stated several times, that there no bad people, just people who have made the wrong choices. It, quite simply, does not ring true.
For a series about K9s it is rather remarkable just how small a role Salem plays until the finale.
It's a fast read, quite good, but not quite as readable as “Ethan”.
2.5 Stars rounded up.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veteran Pierce is on the hunt for Salem - a missing K9 veteran who has become missing after his veteran handler Pete was stuck in a hospital in recovery. When he arrives in Colorado it becomes clear that she has been labelled as dangerous and now the law is involved. It seems no one has Salen's bests interests at heart and it appears they don't seem to see Pete as anyone other than someone to forget while they take everything that is his. Pierce is determined to change all that no matter what anyone else thinks! Heidi is a young deputy who is unable to do anything to help Pete and Salem against a background of bribes, greed and corruption - but when Pierce arrives she sees in him someone who will ensure that the right thing is finally done - even if the locals won't appreciate it - so there is soon to be war different to anything Pierce as experienced overseas but he is determined that this one will be one he will win.

OMG - this story was so dramatic and it had so many twists and turns. Amazing to see how corrupt the folks in that area could become and their behaviour and so I was thrilled when Pierce decided to sort the whole sorry mess out. Heidi and Pierce made a great team and it was so nice to realise that they actually had a mutual attraction too. As for the ending wow that was great and perfect for them all (definitely, a happily ever after is ever I read one!). Well written and very enjoyable you will be drawn in by the story which will stop you from putting the book down until you finish it.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce: K9 Files, Book 2

Titanium Corp (founded by the members from SEALs of Steel) has tasked Pierce Carlton with the mission to locate a Veteran War Dog named Salem, who went missing after her wounded Handler was forced into a rehab unit due to his injuries.

However, no one anticipated that Pierce would walk into an area where not only was the dog in serious trouble, but also her Veteran (Pete Lowery) and the community itself.

Deputy Hedi Miller is one of a handful of folks who steps up to support Pierce, Pete and Salem as they face the dangerous side of greed and lawless bullies. Three Wounded Warriors fight to survive and claim a life on this side of their military service.

Book 2 in the K9 Files series is as much a page turner as one expects from Dale Mayer with twists, turns, ups, & downs in a powerful story.

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

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salem is a war dog a hero and now assigned to Pete. Pete is ill and in a nursing home to help him heal and Salem is suppose to be being taken care of by Petes brother.
Pierce is a veteran that was asked to check on the War Dogs who had come home and been assigned to familys. Some were missing and or not being treated with the respect they had earned.
Pierce heads to Colorado to find Salem and finds a lot more. This story is heart breaking and full of love and trust. I cannot say much more without doing a spoiler and I hate to do those. If you love dogs and veterans you will love this book and the whole series. Each book is so different and full of surprise twist and turns you do not expect.
Dale Mayer has done it again. Her books are amazing and touch on so many subjects. They will make you laugh, cry and keep turning the pages to see what happens next.

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce is off to Colorado to find Salem, a missing K9 who is a former military dog. He (Pierce) finds much more on this endeavor. Pete, Salem's partner, is now back in rehab and his brother, Ross, has volunteered to take care of Salem at Pete's home. This is much worse than it sounds as Ross is actually not caring for the dog, the property or the home but rather taking Pete's retirement money and planning to leave. Along the way we meet a lazy sheriff, his equally lazy deputies and some icky residents who are pretty sure they can prevent Pete from ever returning home. Thank goodness we also meet Heidi, the good deputy, her dad the ex-sheriff and people who are willing to fight for what they believe. We learn some lessons about persevering, love, honor and standing by the ones who need us. Excellent book!