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Going home wasn’t part of his plan …

Agreeing to travel home to Maine to hunt down Ketch, a K9 dog the system had lost track of, wasn’t an easy decision for Zane. It meant facing his drunk of a father, his cold older brother and, worst of all, Angela, his kid brother’s widow—who used to be his girlfriend.

Finding Ketch looked to be the easiest part of this dysfunctional homecoming. Only he wasn’t the only one hunting Ketch.

Angela has been through a whirlwind of emotions in the last few years. But the good thing in all of this was the hope that Zane would finally come home again. They had a history to clear up and a future to forge … she hoped.

A call for help brings the injured shepherd to Angela’s doorstep, plus a hunter looking to finish what he started. All thoughts of a future with Zane are threatened now and forever as the hunter decides two-legged prey are just as good as four-legged ones.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2019

628 people are currently reading
239 people want to read

About the author

Dale Mayer

939 books1,645 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Profile Image for Dita.
1,141 reviews13 followers
April 21, 2019
Yes this is another action-packed suspense romance read by Dale Mayer.
I really love that this one is packed with actions mix in with a hint of family affair and second chance romance. Oh yeah you will got all the feelings, frustrations, worries, and terrors. More K9's actions too and as a dog lover, I'm very happy, and I love those little fights between old flames. It might be a bit rushed at the end with the hunter and with those family stuff and I wished there's more sweet moments between Zane and Holly, it felt like they didn't solved all their problems and I find it hard to connect with them, I found them a bit annoying sometimes, not my favorite characters, but still a sweet couple. So overall I really enjoyed it.

If you're looking for suspense romance and you're a dog lover, this is the book for you.

*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book
Profile Image for Meg Kinch.
174 reviews
April 23, 2019
Great series, however...

I've really enjoyed the first two books in the K9 Files series. However, this one was lacking in a connection with Zane and Holly. Zane is sent back to his hometown to hopefully track down a misplaced K9 Katch. Holly is Zane's ex-girlfriend but also his baby brother Brody's widow. What I liked about the book was Zane and Katch. Dog and man really ended up connecting and although there are some obstacles for Katch due to be hunted, he and Zane bond very well. Catching the hunter and the reason why he was hunting felt something of an afterthought. It was more like an oh yeah, I forgot to include that so let's throw it in here. Zane also has issues with his cold older brother and alcoholic father and while it shaped his young years, he went into the Navy and seems the better for it. While there is some resolution with the father, the older brother, Butch, seems just as hard hearted and difficult to be around. It seemed no real resolution came from that. Another aspect of the book I didn't care for, and it's a biggie, is Holly. She and his family are really why this book gets just three stars. Holly seemed extremely selfish and when she couldn't get one brother to bend to what she wanted, she went after the baby Brody. She kept saying I'm an adult and I've grown up, but still goes back to the fact that Zane was in the military and left even though it was his dream. It was okay, however, for her to go to vet school and go after her dreams and I believe she even admitted that she wanted him there waiting for her when she went home on the weekends while in school, but didn't afford him the same consideration when he was deployed. I just never felt the connect between Zane and Holly. Even at the end of the book, Holly just seemed really selfish and I believe Zane, and Katch by extension, deserved much better.
Profile Image for Linda Carlson.
484 reviews
April 16, 2019
More!

Zane is back home! He is in the right place at the right time to rescue Katch from a hunter attempting to shoot him. This same hunter has been after Katch for some time, wounding and chasing him.

Katch is a war vet, a K9 trained by the military for all sorts of jobs. He has been retired/discharged at this point and was to be adopted but never got there because he slipped his cage at the airport and went on the run.

This fabulous story is about doing the right thing for our war vets and making sure that they are taken care of, both human and K9. Zane is determined to save Katch from this relentless hunter. Holly is a veterinarian who shares a history with Zane. It is fortunate that the two have met up in their home town, where Katch was last known to be, and share the same concern for this war dog. Katch has been shot and beaten and needs Holly’s medical treatment to survive.

I love the shared love of animals that Zane and Holly have and their chemistry has not dimmed in the least after several years apart. I also respect Zane’s attitude towards his estranged family and the way he settles his mind over it after recent repeated rejections he has endured. Zane is a man of his word and actions. I love his determination to save this dog from harm and to find him a good home. I enjoy Holly’s equal determination to see if she and Zane can rekindle their relationship.

I completely enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next one to come! Excellent job! I loved it!
2,075 reviews13 followers
April 4, 2020
Action-packed story that grips you from the beginning and won’t let go. This one is a mixture of full out action, family troubles and a second chance romance, all while trying to keep their K9 dog, Katch alive. Zane and Holly are thrown together in a situation that may or may not lead to a reconciliation. Will they be able to forgive themselves and each other for what happened all those years ago? This is a great story and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,767 reviews56 followers
April 9, 2019
The best book yet so far in Dale Mayer's K-9 Files series, Zane made my pulse race and my heart sigh! I loved every minute of this fast paced, sizzling read. There was lots of suspense and action and some incredibly tender moments.
376 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2022
I disagree with the basic premise the writer has created for Zane. His father truly hates him and is deeply angry that Zane did not die instead of his younger brother. His younger brother married his ex-girlfriend and when his brother died, Zane attended the funeral and found his ex to be clingy and expecting Zane to step into his brother’s shoes. Zane left after the funeral. His older brother ignores him and barely speaks to him. I can’t think of better reasons to leave and stay away. I don’t blame him at all for not wanting to return and deal with a load of emotional crap.

The book starts slow and gets even slower. At 14% completion, I started speedreading to hurry and get through all the dysfunctional people who are uncommunicative in the extreme and too far gone. I skimmed several chapters homing in on Katch, the War Dog who is featured in this 3rd book of The K9 Files series.

Ms. Mayer is good at creating strong, dominant male leading characters, but her females seem lacking for all that she makes them independent and career professionals. The bad guys tend to be nefarious cardboard cutouts, placed in the book as devices and tools to move the story along. They do not have much character development, so there is no real suspense built up.

When Zane meets up with Katch, the dog is almost feral having been beaten and shot twice in deliberate acts of cruelty. Zane has no dog training experience, but we are told he has a way with animals. I’m dubious because Katch is a War Dog, not someone’s pet. He’s been trained to protect and to kill. It’s a bit naïve to expect even a well-intentioned dog lover to be able to control such a dog without some kind of training.

Zane catches sight of Katch and estimates his weight to be 140 or 180 pounds. That’s an odd range and a huge difference in size. It made me pause in my reading and wonder about why the writer used such an odd weight estimate. While it’s suitable for a weight range for a dog breed, it’s an odd range when looking at – and sizing up – a dog. A Rottweiler might weigh 135 pounds; a Belgian Malinois might weigh 80 pounds and a German Shepherd, 90 pounds. St. Bernards could weigh 180 pounds. The weight differences among these breeds, for instance, is vast. A 180-pound German Shepherd cross would be HUGE and highly improbable.

Holly is Zane’s ex-girlfriend (the one who married his brother). She’s a veterinarian now and based on their reminiscing, they would have made a terrible couple. She was (and still is, actually) angry that he joined the Navy because he wouldn’t be there for her on weekends when she would return home from college. She was – and remains – egregiously selfish and totally self-involved. I had a difficult time figuring out what he saw in her and why he would ever consider staying.

Holly is still kind of horrible. At the book’s 74% completion mark, Holly continues her self-serving behaviors. It’s all about her. Zane has to stay for her. Zane can’t leave her. Zane’s always leaving her. Wow…what a whiner! She married his brother and is so myopic that she cannot see how that might affect Zane. She really is dreadful. Zane is better off without her, but at this 74% mark, I am sure the writer is going to push them together. There’s a schism here: the characters are not a good couple. The writer is forcing them together when, left to their own devices, they would be fine going their separate ways. There is no depth to them, to their relationship. There is an uncomfortable shallowness to them as a couple.

Zane has a name change at 76% book completion. “Moving the very tired Katch with him back to the office, Zach stepped inside and closed the door.” Zane is the one who stepped inside the veterinary clinic with Katch.

Zane catches up with Katch’s abuser and finds his ID and discovers his name is John McAfee; on his driver’s license is his address and Zane takes a photo of it with his phone. Question: why didn’t Zane call Titanium Corp to get intel on the man? We’re given clues that something happened to a relative (brother, possibly) of McAfee’s in Afghanistan and McAfee held a grudge against War Dogs. This seemed to be the reason McAfee was torturing Katch. Why didn’t Zane put Titanium Corp resources to work on solving that little mystery?

Some things are worth standing and fighting for. Some are not. Zane’s brother, father and ex-girlfriend were angry that Zane chose to go into the Navy to serve his country. Zane’s father and brother had even mocked his choice, further fueling their belief that everything Zane did was wrong. Why on earth would Zane want to stay in such a toxic environment?

Somehow, in the end, just going to bed together (to use Holly’s terminology) will make it all better. I would have liked for them to have become friends but am doubtful about their getting back together. From the discussions between Holly and Zane, we find that Holly slept with Zane, broke up with him then slept with his younger brother, and then married the younger brother. Yuck. Too weird.

The end of the book was “eh.” It was worthy of 1-star. So much is left up in the air: what happens to the dysfunctional family with the prosaic belief that dogs should just be put down when they can no longer fulfill their purpose (hunt, herd cattle, function as War Dogs, etc.)? Will Zane come to his senses and leave for good? Will Zane’s older brother learn to communicate using more than one word? And what about Naomi? [Sorry – couldn’t help myself – I watched too much of The Electric Company when I was younger.]

I rated this book 2.5 stars, rounding up to 3 stars. I loved the first book (Ethan) in the K9 Files series. The second, and now the third, books are not up to the standards set in the first book. I am disappointed. Dale Mayer is a good writer, and I cannot fathom why these last two books are so sub-par. Perhaps it’s the fast pace of writing that has thrown off these stories. I will read another book in this series, perhaps skipping ahead a bit and hope the stories get better. We’ll see….
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
October 29, 2019
DNF. Totally hated the romance that was inferred... I got to them going to get something to eat... and just thought 'No'. Total suckage.
937 reviews
April 29, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the third book in Dale Mayer’s new series, The K9 Files. Each book in the series is about completely different people in totally different settings, it is very possible to read these books in any order.

All of these books deal with K9 dogs who, at one time, were “War Dogs.”These dogs were originally trained by the military and were stationed in a war zone with its handler. However, when they retired, the War Dogs were shipped back to the US. Here they were given to people who would love them and treat them well.

It turns out that the Naval Commander has a list of a dozen War Dogs who have disappeared since they were sent stateside. As these dogs were veterans and heroes, the Navy wants them all found to make sure they are healthy and happy. He has enlisted the help of a company, run by a group of retired SEALS, to help him. In spite of these similarities, each book has an entirely different plot.

Zane, a retired SEAL, is not a professional trainer, but he loves dogs. Therefore, when he hears about the search for these dogs, he asks to be a part of it.

Zane is sent to Maine, his hometown, to look for Katch. He did not want to go back home because he was estranged from his family. His father is a drunk who hates Zane, his older brother is cold and distant, and his younger brother was dead. His former girlfriend, Angela, married his brother after they broke up. Kane has not spoken to her and his family in years.

The characters make a lot of mistakes, and their continual misunderstandings, continue to keep this group of people apart from each other. These problems, also, complicate the relationship of Zane and Angela, even though they still love each other.

Added to all of this is a wounded, abused War Dog named Katch, and Ms. Mayer creates a story that is an enthralling page-turner. In fact, there is enough adventure and intrigue in this book to keep the reader sitting on the edge of her seat for hours.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Connie.
1,671 reviews6 followers
May 5, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I absolutely loved this book. I sat down and couldn't stop reading it. I love this series. It is such a heart-breaking one. Each book touching on one war-dog. There are twelve war-dogs that have gone missing in some way or another. A wounded vet is assigned to one dog to locate and see if the living conditions are such for an honored hero. What each dog has gone through after service to the country is just a tear-jerker. This one had my teary eyed a lot.

Zane is assigned to go to Maine and locate Katch. A large shepard mix who is suffering from PTSD. Unfortunately the dog was last to be in the company of a hunter. It is the worst place for a dog suffering from PTSD to be. Zane doesn't want to go to Maine as he is from there. His ex-girlfriend, Holly married his baby brother after they broke up and he left for the military. His brother is dead now but Holly seemed to want to get back together with Zane and he isn't exactly sure how he feels about being with her now.

Holly is a veterinarian. She has never stopped loving Zane but when they were younger, she couldn't deal with Zane going into the military. Holly is no longer the selfish young girl that she was but she is afraid that Zane will leave again. These two come together to locate and help Katch. Unfortunately Katch is being hunted down and tortured. As the story goes on, reading the dual POV format really helps to understand Holly's side of their history and how she is dealing with the situation of him being there and possibly leaving afterwards. I really needed this as I initially had a hard time in understanding her actions.

The events that go on throughout this story will keep you glued to your e-reader as well. The action starts right from the beginning and doesn't stop. Just when you think it does, watch out. I highly recommend this to everyone. You really don't have to read the prior stories but I would. Each one will tug on your heartstrings for both the dog and the man.
Profile Image for D. Harley Jean .
121 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2019
I was kindly provided this book as an ARC; in exchange for my honest review. This is book 3 of 6 (so far) in The K9 Files series. This book centers around Zane and Holly.

Zane is not a former military K9 handler like the previous “dog rescuers;” but, he is 1 year out of the Navy; after a medical discharge. He has a strong affinity for animals and is now tasked by Titanium Security (see SEALs Of Steel series) to locate/rescue one of a about 10 of the original 12 dogs potentially in trouble that had gone missing or were in bad situations. The dog assigned to Zane to follow up on is Katch, a PTSD, medically retired military K9.

Zane was convinced (forced) to go home to Maine to hunt down Katch, a K9 dog the Military had lost track of. Going home wasn’t an easy decision for Zane. It meant facing his dysfunctional family “demons.” Finding Katch seemed like the easiest part of his homecoming. Sad part was, Zane wasn’t the only one “hunting” Katch.

Holly has had a rough few years. But, she held hope that Zane would come home again so they could work things out. The missing dog (Katch) has been shot and ends up in Holly’s vet clinic for recovery, where a hunter keeps trying to “finish” what he started.

Truthfully, this is just a sad, sad story. People hating an innocent K9 veteran and trying to kill the precious boy. Then a wounded guy who never resolves anything with his horrible family.. Just very sad. The story moves quickly, is well written and worth a few hours of your time. 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.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
531 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2019
This is an action packed suspense filled romance story.Zane asks to be part of the war dog mission.Badger tells him the next dog was last seen in Stetson Maine.Zane asks if there is anywhere else he can go.When Badger says why?Zane tells him that he's trying not to see his brothers widow because he's still in love with Angela .He tells him Angela was the one that he will always love. When Dane discovers Merch and he's in bad shape a vet close by save Merch when Zane gets a call that the vets office has been broken into an the guy was going to kill Latch they decide to move Merch thinking they won't know where sketch is an it will give them a little time.Zane and Angela stay the night at the clinic way hung over Match .They have a long talk when she finds out his father told him she's been cheating on him with his brother while he was deployed,an it almost made him break.He took extra dangerous missions feeling he had nothing to come home too.She says after he broke up with her she was devastated and that Brody was there for her that when she married him that she was in love with him but grew to love him.They were happy.But that she's never stopped loving him and if she's have known she never would have married his brother.She's still in love with him and if all she can have is a few nights with him she'll take what she can get.Zane decides he's not leaving he can find work anywhere.Will Zane get over the fact that she married his brother?Will they have a second chance of love ? The danger,suspense and romance to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.
178 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2019
Zane is another gripping, action-packed episode in Dale Mayer's K9 files saga. The plot is a variation on the "coming home" theme. Zane has no good memories of his Maine home town, and only reluctantly accepts Badger's invitation to take over the search for a missing former war dog.
Upon his arrival, and before even starting his mission, he has to face his alcoholic father, his cold older brother and, most importantly, his ex-girlfriend, a local veterinarian who is also his younger brother's window.
Enlisting Holly's help, Zane starts following the dog's track, soon becoming the target of his psychotic chaser.
The atmosphere of the book, especially in the first half, reflects the characters' spirit: most of the action happens at night while the overall mood of the cast of characters is dark and broody. After the first few chapters, the pace of the story becomes faster, marked by a gripping sequence of events and quite a few twists. The narration keeps accelerating culminating in the dramatic finale. The last few chapters, set in plain daylight and punctuated by witty and spirited dialogues, close the story with a heartwarming and inspiring ending.
Overall, Zane is an energetic, dramatic but optimistic tale that brings a strong message of hope and strength, a story that entertains while inspiring the reader to consider and respect the difficulties that the war veterans have to face to readapt to civilian life.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own
60 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2019
A new twist on working at home…

The K9-finders’ experiences are getting attention at Titanium Corp. Zane Carmichael actually approached Badger for an assignment. While not a military handler or trainer Zane was raised with dogs and believes he has a special connection to them. What he didn’t volunteer for, though, was that his target dog was last known to be in Stetson, ME, where Zane has family and history. His father and older brother live there, as does the widow of his deceased younger brother– a young woman who had been Zane’s girlfriend first. After they broke up, she connected to and married Zane’s younger brother, Brody, who became ill and died of a staph infection after only a couple years into the marriage.

A young male shepherd mix named Katch is the dog Zane will be seeking. Unlike Sentry and Salem, Katch was released from service for not being able to execute commands well enough under fire following a particularly bad bombing left him with PTSD. Rumored to have been passed from his host family to a hunter, this dog was doomed for failure if subjected to more gunfire. So off Zane went, to rescue Katch and confront his own demons with his hard-drinking, hostile and distant father and the former girlfriend-turned-sister-in-law from whom he’d tried to stay away because there seemed to be some unfinished business there. Hearing that, Badger realized that home was exactly where Zane needed to be, not only for Katch’s sake but also for Zane’s.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
April 14, 2019
Katch, the dog Zane is sent to check on is quite possibly in the worst situation he could possible be in, with a hunter. His last known location was Maine, near Zane's hometown. Now Zane has to face all the reasons he's stayed away as he searches for Katch.

The last time he was home was for his younger brother's funeral, where his father made it known that it should have been him. Even worse was the fact that his brother's widow Holly, had been his girl once upon a time, and those feelings still lived inside him.
Then there is his older brother Butch, he's so much like his father but his wife Sandra seemed to balance him a bit.

What does surprise him is the attitude about the dog. Everyone seems to think the dog should be put down because he has PTSD from being in a war zone for so long. While it's true the dog could be dangerous, the dog just like any other soldier, deserves to be treated for his illness.

Holly is now a veterinarian and actually is helpful in finding the dog. Someone had brought an unconscious shepherd mix to a colleague of hers, unfortunately he now can't get close to him now he's awake.

I loved the interactions of Zane and Katch. The added intrigue of the hunter, and Zane's unreasonable father had me turning pages and crying over the attitudes.

Then there's Holly, these two belong together and seriously always did. Such an emotional read and one I couldn't put down.
Profile Image for Char Davis.
583 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2019
When Dane asks Badger about the search for war dogs.Badger asks him if his was a part of the K9 corps he says no but he was raised with a father who trained dogs and he;s good with them.Badger says the next dog in the list is Ketch last seen in Stetson Maine.Zane asks if he has anywhere else he can send him.When Badger asks why.Zane says hes trying to stay a way from Angela his late brothers widow.But that the widow was his girlfriend first.So Badger tells him he;s going to Maine it;s time.When Zane finds an injured Ketch he helps him to a vet down from Angela practice the dogs in bad shape but the vets able to save him.When a call comes in the the clinic is broken into an they were there to kill Ketch Zane says they will probably back.So they take Mercy to Angela clinic an he an Angela stay with Mercy someone wants Mercy dead and will kill anyone in the way as things heat up with danger for Ketch and Angela Zane an Angela find they both still love each other.Can Zane let the fact that she was once married to his younger brother.So many twists an turns to this story will keep you riveted til the very last page .I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel like their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,944 reviews45 followers
April 7, 2019
Zane is less than impressed at going to Maine to find K9 veteran dog Ketch as he knows he will have to face his drunk father, cold older brother and his ex-girlfriend Angela who is now his brother's widow. He felt finding Ketch would be the easy part of the trip home, but in actual fact, it was complicated when someone else was looking for him too. From Angel's perspective, she has gotten over her husband's death and is please when ane returns - they have some history to clear up and discuss. However, when she has to handle an injured shepherd and a hunter looking to finish the job he started, the future becomes a distant prospect when he turns his attention to two-legged prey from the four-legged he started with.

I loved this dramatic story which had so much danger and drama in it, as well as some heavy emotional discussions around the events around Zane and Angela. I enjoyed the way it showed that sometimes you just have to accept your family for what they are and let it slide in order to get on with life. I loved the way that even though the interference hadn't helped them in the past they could accept that there were also not mature enough to handle things (and that after their life paths they had turned the corner). Another book I couldn't put down until I had finished it.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2019
Zane works for the Titanium Corp. but he is restless and not sure what he wants to do with his life. He is from a very dysfunctional family but we never find out the full story. Badger sends him to Maine, back to his hometown to find Ketch who never made it to his adoptive family. He doesn't want to go to Maine because his long ago ex-girlfriend, now his brother's widower is there as well as the family who doesn't want him.

Holly was the girl he left behind to join the military. She had dreams of becoming a vet which she did do. Now Zane needs her help to find and protect Ketch from a madman who is hunting them. The love is still there as are all the emotions that were never dealt with.

Ketch is misunderstood and mistreated. It is really sad how badly people treat animals especially ones that served their county. The mentality of the people in his town is that of shoot the animal first, who cares, they get what they deserved. It's sad but one that I am sure exits.

It's a race against time to save Ketch from his would be assassin. Along the way Holly and Zane must face their past in order to move forward.

I did love this story. I did have a question about his father's treatment of Zane, that to me was never really revealed. I love Ketch's spirit and determination to survive all that he has been through. This was a quick read and full of action.
Profile Image for Judi.
69 reviews
April 7, 2019
Zane: K9 Files, Book 3

Zane Carmichael is the third Veteran to be hired by Titanium Corp (formed by team members from SEALs of Steel) to locate the whereabouts of a missing military War Dog and to insure the canine is enjoying the good life he earned in combat.

But going back to Maine was not at all to Zane's liking. Some people look forward to a visit with family, but not many have a history like his. From his father to older brother Butch to Holly, widowed wife of his younger brother and also his ex girlfriend.

Then there is K9 Ketch who escaped on arrival to Bangor and appears to be either in the possession of a hunter or on the run. Not good for a hero dog suffering with PTSD. At least Zane understands the anguish of war.

While Holly has questions about their past, her Veterinary clinic and connections prove helpful in the search for Ketch. But no one was prepared for the danger that was stalking this canine and the relationship that demanded answers.

Zane: K9 Files, Book 3 is another powerful novel from Dale Mayer with a healthy mix of suspense, action, romance, great characters and those military attributes of respect, honor, loyalty.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,297 reviews18 followers
April 22, 2019
Zane is tasked to find Ketch, the third K9 that has gone missing and needs to be found and to be sure he is OK. He ends up going back to his hometown, where his ex, Angela, his only love and a woman who married his brother, still lives. Since her husband’s death she has been hoping that Zane comes back to her and when he ends up looking for a dog, a dog that’s hurt and ends up being treated by a fellow vet, she’s hoping that Zane decides to stay this time, especially when she starts treating Ketch and the man who wants the dog dead will stop at nothing.
I’ll be honest, not my favorite by this author, I have loved every single one of her books but I couldn’t like Angela no matter how hard I tried. I couldn’t get over the fact that she married his brother, no matter what forces played in that part and how she wants Zane back with all that she is. If it was a friend, cousin or any other relation but a brother, I would have been OK with it...but a brother...nope. I did enjoy the suspense, some action and how strong and resilient Zane is considering the emotional and mental abuse he had/has to live with because of his brother but I couldn’t get over the brother part....but that’s my issue.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Donna Ferriola.
406 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2019
Zane- K9 files

This is another amazing action packed book in the K9 series with Zane sent off to Maine to track down Katch a retired war dog suffering from PTSD that is being hunted by someone. This is where Zane grew up with a painful past that he was putting off revisiting until Badger assigned him to find Katch. He had broken up with his girlfriend years ago and she ended up marrying his younger brother Brody that his father was very happy about. Zane joined the military and became a SEAL which should have made his father proud but he hated him Instead for leaving. His brother ended up dying two years later from a staph infection and his alcoholic father told him it should of been him. He is a horrible parent and hwhen Zane came back he was no better towards him. His ex became a veterinarian and she helped operate on Katch and take care of his injuries from being shot twice. Now this crazed man was out to kill Katch at all costs. It was exciting to read how the police with Zane's, Holly and Katch's help capture this crazed man and start a new life together. Zane forgave Holly and understand why she had married his brother but they were still annual in love and were willing to start over even caring for Katch as well. This is an amazing series as you read all the hardships our wounded warriors have to go through and this includes our K9 force as well. I am looking forward to the next release in this series.
3,095 reviews13 followers
October 27, 2021
Holly and Zane split up, Holly married Zane's brother, Brody.
Brody died. Zane stayed the hell away from Holly …. until he doesn't!
Again, just like the premise behind finding all the missing dogs (see my review of book 1, Ethan), it makes absolutely no sense that he is sent to Bangor, Maine, exactly where he doesn't want to go.
Zane is back in town, searching for missing War Dog Katch - he finds him quickly, but the dog has been shot and injured, and someone is dead set on finishing the job!
And, of course, the local vet is none other than Holly! She's still in love with Zane, she never fell out of love but circumstances drove them apart. Zane, on the other hand, doesn't know what he thinks about Holly.
There's an inevitability about the story, both in terms of Katch, Holly and Zane – the reader is pretty sure how it will end and it is not the type of series where all three go down in a hail of gunfire!
“Zane” is at its best when moving swiftly, it's not so good dealing with human emotions, they never appear to have any depth.
It all comes to a very sappy end - immediately followed by a second ending which unnecessarily finalising a part of the story which didn't need closure.
A fairly solid though formulaic read.
2.5 Stars rounded up.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
April 10, 2019
Time for Zane to return home and rescue another War Dog.

Zane has his hands full with his ex-girlfriend, his late brother's widow, and the sexy local vet who is helping him take care of Ketch, the latest War Dog that needs to be found and resettled. The problem is, all three are the same woman - Holly - and to say that these two have a lot of emotional baggage to unpack is a huge understatement. While they're figuring all that out, they also have to find and protect Ketch from the local hunter who wants the dog dead.

Because of the intense history between Zane and Holly, this book focuses more on the romance than the previous two in this series did. But there's no let-up on the action, either, as they move from one tense, bullets-flying scene to the next. And let's not forget that Zane has to deal with his relationship with his older brother and his father, as well. There's a lot going on in this book, making it a truly exciting read with a wonderfully satisfying HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,299 reviews
April 17, 2019
Zane by Dale Mayer
The K9 Files Book Three
Zane Carmichael is at loose ends after leaving the military...not by choice. Medical discharge. When Badger, from Titanium Corp, offers him a chance to go back home to do a welfare check on a War Dog...his answer is no. Which only has Badger pushing to get him back there and deal with his past.

Holly Carmichael has always loved Zane. Even though she ended up married to his kid brother. But now, she's a widow and Zane is back in town. This may be her last chance to get him to stay.

Katch, the War Dog, is being hunted and Zane, with Holly's help, are doing all they can to keep him safe. I'm really enjoying this series. Unique dogs who've done incredible work saving humans...and just like so many human veterans...these dogs are also at loose ends when coming home.
**Sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,893 reviews27 followers
April 20, 2019
Let me preface by stating I am not a fan of second chances, mainly because they trot down the same path. Surprise, surprise, this one did not. There was some of it, but not a lot. Thank you Dale Mayer.
I was also a little unsure of the dog whisper (Kane) when he wasn't a K-9 handler, but if we can adopt them then it should be no surprise he would be able to handle. This one made my heart hurt. For Ketch and for Zan. His dad is an A-hole and his big brother, sigh, just like some of the pigheaded people I know. The abuse on Ketch made me hitch a breath. Fortunately it is a HEA and I like that Angela decided to grab the bull by the horns and get everything out in the open, Kudos to strong enduring women. This series is about our hereos, four legged and two. They endure a lot for us at war and at home. Every single one deserves HEA. Thank you Dale Mayer, Booksprout for the opportunity to read Zane. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,131 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2019
Zane

WOW! Another exciting story about a War Dog. This story is about Zane finding Katch. The only problem for him was going back home. He tries to avoid his ex-girlfriend - Holly - but to no avail as she wants him back in her life. Zane has a tough time reconciling his feelings for Holly. Zane finally finds Katch only to try and save him from the guy trying to kill him. Everything comes to a head when the bad guy is released from jail and goes after Katch once again. Once the threat is eliminated, these two work on their future. It's unfortunate that his dad has so much hatred in him that he tries to kill Katch and Zane. His dad is pretty much on his death bed but Zane has no sympathy for him as he figures his dad is a lost soul. I am happy that Zane can find happiness with Holly and Katch by his side. FANTASTIC job Dale! Can't wait for the next book! I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,904 reviews42 followers
April 10, 2019
Not sure who my heart broke for more in this story, Zane or Ketch. Both have had their fair share of abuse, physically and mentally throughout their lives. Full of action and some angst in a fast flowing plot that really does have you feeling the suspense, it is well written and a story to get lost in reading. I just want all of these now, I want these dogs found and saved, I want all these damaged guys to get their happy and to be settled. I love how different each series is that Dale writes, i know some characters pop up over all the ex military series but the plot for each go in very different ways. Keeps it interesting while still having bits of previous characters crop up and since I already love all of them, that's a bonus. Fabulous new series that is exciting as well as heart breaking, so glad the first three all came out together so I could get stuck in.
Profile Image for Linda.
149 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2019
Zane has been asked to check on a War Dog Hero that was last seen in and around his old hometown. He is less than enthused and has no good reason to go back there. Absolutely not. Too many bad memories. He cannot turn down an animal in distress so he takes the assignment. He will find Ketch and do what he can to save him. Little did he know what all that would entail. There are a lot of surprises, twist, and turns. Very surprising, I might say. Ms. Mayer has a way with words, plots that surprise you and endings that well we all love happy ever after right? That is all I will say as I do not like nor will I give spoilers unless it is something that cannot be helped.
You will love this book and this series... Happy reading everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,847 reviews9 followers
May 1, 2023
This is the third in the K9 Files Series. It is labeled a Romantic Suspense. I felt it was more of a thriller. The main story for me was the creep that wanted to kill Katch. Throughout the story we do not know why. It is revealed near the end.

This is a second chance romance. Zane and Holly dated in the past until Zane joined the Navy & left.
Zanes’ family is dysfunctional. The rest of them believe a bullet is the answer to a problem dog.
Zane is determined to check on the dog & ensure he gets a fair chance at a better life since he’s a veteran. I liked the ending and knowing Katch found a good home.

The book felt formulaic. I could not connect with the couple but was more intrigued with the suspense portion of the story.

The narrator did a very good job. I was drawn by the wounded veteran and dog storyline
249 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2019
Zane is the 3rd book in the K9 series and is another great story. He winds up in his old home town looking for a missing veteran K9 where the tale begins. However, the start of this is actually years ago as Zane was growing up here. His dad, his older brother and his brother's wife are here. Also here is his old girlfriend, who eventually became his younger brother's wife and is now a widow. So as you can see there is a lot of history. This is located in Maine, hunters territory and someone is hunting Katch (K9). There are family dynamics involved and it explores many feelings on many sides including those concerned with our soldiers leaving home to protect our homes. It also involves honor and love. Not a long book but a potent one that is well worth reading.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
April 14, 2019
Zane has retired from the Navy and although it wasn’t his first choice he has been convinced by Titanium Security to head back to his hometown to look for a missing K9 dog, Katch. Going home means facing his past which includes a father and brother who would rather he wasn’t there as well as his ex-girlfriend who also happens to the be the town vet and his deceased brother’s wife.

When an injured Katch ends up at Holly’s clinic they must work together as not only does the guilty party want to the finish the job he started with Katch, but now Holly is in danger as well. Will this be their second chance or is the pain of the past too much to overcome?

Full of suspense, action and romance it has you hoping that both Zane and Katch get the happy ever after they both deserve.
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