Shane

The Mavericks #12

by Dale Mayer

Her kidnappers demanded Shane arrive. Finding out his best friend was held as a pawn just pissed him off. Finding out rescuing her was a test made him seriously angry. He hates being used. These men mean business though, as Shane finds a body count too high for comfort.

Shelly knew Shane would come for her. No way he wouldn’t. She was lucky to have Shane there for her, especially when learning a second woman had been kidnapped and held for over six months. The simple rescue of Shelly turns into something more to find this second woman.

But is there one killer boss out there or two? As the pair try to secure their own freedom, it gets even murkier, until finding a way through is paramount. Otherwise no one gets a happy ending.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2021

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

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!

A deadly hostage situation has Shane flying to New York City to rescue his best friend, Shelly, from an unknown group of hostile and impatient men looking to do anything to get what they want.

These killers are determined to make Shane come to them when they say so and on their terms by holding Shelly, along with her co-workers, hostage in their office building downtown New York City. It will take Shane’s special skills along with his partner, Diesel, to find a way inside the building without letting the bad guys know they are there. When Shane and Diesel rescue Shelly, they seem to have outsmarted the bad guys only to realize that the danger has just begun.

Fast paced and intense right from the very beginning. There is action, murder, dangerous and arrogant people all around with many twists and turns that keep you guessing who the bad guy really is. There is also a very touching and satisfying level of kindness and hope that rounds out this adventure as well as an unexpected love come to light.

Great story! I loved it!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This is another installment in Dale Mayer’s “The Mavericks” series. Reading the other books in this series will enhance the enjoyment. However, this book easily stands alone.

Shane and Shelly have known each other since they were kids. They have become best friends who always keep in touch with each other. Shane works for a covert black ops group and is constantly away from home.

On the other hand, Shelly has just started a new job and has moved to New York. Unfortunately she is kidnapped at work as a means to coerce Shane to rescue her. That is just the beginning of the action.

As Shane is moving Shelly to a safe place, he learns that his sister and her family have been kidnapped. The kidnappers will not return them until Shane has rescued a woman who was kidnapped six months ago.

Shane is a strong, well-trained man. He is also loyal, ethical and caring. Shelly is tough and independent. She can, and will, attempt to save herself no matter how dangerous it is. She has loved Shane for a long time, but he has never thought of her as anything but a very close friend.

Ms. Mayer has skillfully written a complex, action-packed, plot with lots of suspense and excitement. The reader will be taken on an amazing roller coaster road that never seems to stop as Shane and Shelly hunt for a way to end their dilemma.

Ms. Mayer leads the reader through many intriguing and dangerous surprises before Shane and Shelly are able to consummate their love and find their happy ever after.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Shane gets the call for his assignment he is shocked to find out his best friend Shelly is involved. She always did find trouble though, but this is different, they want Shane. His partner for this is one of his Navy buddies Diesel. There were a couple of twists when they got her out, but the 'fun' was just the beginning. Once Shelly's checked out they take a cab to her apartment to grab some stuff for her. There's no way they are staying there until the kidnappers are all captured and this is done. An interesting turn of events when the cab and driver were switched and Shelly is almost taken again. She got away and Shane got the driver before he could do anything else. I loved the aftermath of this though, Shelly is quite outspoken and independent.

This is just the beginning as they realize the situation with Shelly was just a test. The man in charge wants Shane to get his daughter back, she's been held captive for a long time. To add to this they've taken Shane's sister and her family to ensure his cooperation.

What ensues is a battle of wits between Shane and Shelly with Diesel being amused by every exchange. Of course the severity of the situation is not one to make light of. Now they need to rescue both Shane's family and the guy's daughter.

A convoluted and twisted path to the end of all of this, including Shane maybe understanding that both he and Shelly want their relationship to go further.

Once again Dale has grabbed my attention from the first page and doesn't let me go until I turn the final page.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series that just keeps giving, it is the twelfth book in the brilliant Maverick series'
The Mavericks are a black ops group, all highly trained ex military who work within the government but without the restraints of the military, they work in pairs and they get jobs done.
Shane Andrews and Shelly Berkshire had been best friends since kindergarten, neither were prepared to take things further in case their friendship was compromised.
Shane answered a call for another mission and was mystified to find that he had been specifically requested , a whole floor of a high rise had been annihilated and Shelly was being held captive. Diesel was to be his partner.........this was just the start of a story that is packed with action, an escalating body count, nail biting suspense, MI6 corruption and covering three continents.
What has Shelly's kidnapping to do with the incarceration of Aleah, the pregnant only child of a middle eastern drug running tycoon ?
Why was Shane pin pointed to rescue her ?
Who is the other party trying to get to Aleah and why ?
This is a gripping story from beginning to end, there are more twists than a corkscrew, it is definitely one that you wont want to put down. Oh, and yes, the friendship between Shelly and Shane blossoms from love to being in love. A well earned five stars

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

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane's first Mavericks job is personal - childhood friend Shelly has been kidnapped and the kidnappers have demanded that Shane is the one to rescue. When he finds out the rescue is actually a test for him it makes him seriously angry - he hates being used. However, these men mean business as Shane finds a body count too high for comfort. Shelly knew Shane would come for her especially when they learn a second woman has been kidnapped and help for over 6 months. So they have to find this woman and rescue her next. The question is, is there the one killer boss or are there two as it becomes very confusing. As they all try to secure their freedom they need to find a way through all the murky waters that are confusing things - if they can't then no one is going to have a happy ending.

I loved this story which had at its core friendship and trust between Shane and Shelley and on the opposing side ownership, zero respect and abuse. It gave an interesting comparison and it made it far more noticeable because they were so different. Well written and easy to read, I found myself addicted to this story and was reading faster and faster as I just needed to know what happened next - would they survive or perish? Contains some sexual content at the end of the story.

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

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting action packed suspense filled thriller that has romance in it too. Shane is just walking into his home he drops his bag an his phone rang he figured Gavin was checking on him but then he asked him if he had a mission already Gavin said yes an he was quite he was asked what's going on then Gavin said that She'll was being held hostage in New York by someone who asked for Shane by name an said if he didn't come home She'll would pay.Gavin asked how She'll got into trouble this time but Gavin said she was working at the company when she was taken.He also said to meet Diesel in New York. There are so many twists an turns to this story that you will be riveted until the very last page an leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes an you can feel their emotions an their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane and Shelly have been friends since they were kids, best friends forever so when Shelly gets into a hostage situation and the kidnappers specifically request for Shane to try and rescue her, he doesn’t hesitate. Shelly is scared and is worried about Shane since the men who have her want Shane. There is more to the request of having Shane show his rescue abilities and soon the two with Diesel end up on a more dangerous rescue that involves another young woman, M16 agents and powerful evil men. The two have never thought of each other than more than friends, not wanting to lose their friendship but with Diesel coaxing on the sidelines....will they give it a shot.
Another great read with some steam, friends to lovers, suspense, twists and turns, action and surprises. I love the no drama, no other women and the flow of the story with great characters....can’t wait for Diesel’s story!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane by Dale Mayer
Mavericks Series Book Twelve
Shane Andrews is heading out for a new mission with the Mavericks. Some idiot was holding his childhood friend hostage and demanded that Shane be the one to show up to rescue her. So, along with Diesel, they head to New York City. They aren’t sure who their unseen enemy is, but they’ll find him.

Shelly Berkshire has only been at her job for a short time. Her boss is dead now, and she has no idea what is going on...only that they seem to want Shane. And, just like he’s always done all her life, she knows he’ll come and get her.

Things seem to go somewhat smoothly...until they don’t. Someone thinks this is a game, and they expect Shane to follow their rules. Not happening. He will win. Thankfully he has a unique team behind him, now that he’s part of the Mavericks. Great series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane is called on a mission - his lifelong friend Shelly is being held hostage at her new job. As Shane and Diesel work on a plan to rescue her, the question remains as to why Shane has been targeted. Does someone have a grudge against him? Or are they after his skill set?

After Shelly is rescued, Diesel wonders why Shelly and Shane are not a couple as they appear to be the perfect match for each other. Shane tells him that his friendship with Shelly is special and he doesn't want to chance messing it up.

They learn that another woman was kidnapped 6 months ago. And when Shane's sister and her family are kidnapped, he has no choice but to try and rescue the kidnapped woman. Along the way, there is a lot of suspense. And Shane and Shelly wonder if maybe there can't be something more to their relationship. You won't want to put the book down until you find out what happens.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane doesn't expect his mission to be rescuing his best friend Shelly. Shane also doesn't expect the rescue to be a test of his abilities. After Shelly has been rescued, Shane discovers that he needs to rescue another woman. Her father's enemy kidnapped her six months ago. With Shelly still in danger, Shane will need to take her with him to keep her safe. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This suspense in this book is almost non-stop and the danger doesn't let up for long for Shelly. I didn't want to put this book down. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book. I also like seeing Shane and Shelly start to realize that there is more than friendship in their relationship. This is an excellent romantic suspense book, which I enjoyed reading very much.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane works for the government in a dark ops organization nicknamed the Mavericks. When Shane gets back from his last mission, Gavin calls him and tells him that he needs to get to NY to rescue a hostage. When Shane asks why, Gavin tells them that the kidnappers would only deal with him and his best friend Shelly is the hostage. Once he rescues Shelly, the story gets interesting. The mystery behind their need for Shane to help them and what was behind the kidnapping keeps the reader guessing. The ending of the story was something I did not see coming which is why I likes this series so much. This is Book 12 in the Maverick series and just like when I read the other books I am looking forward to the next.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) Well done captivating suspenseful read with our Black Ops member Shane and assistance from Diesel. The friendship with Shelley (since 3rd grade) was sincere, believable as we went along on their adventure. Nothing felt too fast or out of place with them Bodies galore in this one. Starting at the get go and running till the end. It blows the mind that some one could do that, albeit a psychopath or two. The twist at the end was unexpected, but certainly explained the two "bad guys" and how it wove together. I absolutely adored Shane and Shelley, wondering, thinking, more than friends? Do they, don't they and what happens if they do. Well done. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book and I absolutely loved it, fast-paced, quick to read with an intriguing best friend storyline.
Shane has been sent to rescue is best friend, Shelly. She has been kidnapped at work and the kidnappers are asking for him. Things aren't as easy as just rescuing Shelly, soon Shane, Diesel and Shelly are across the pond in England looking for another kidnapped woman and trying to save Shane's sister and her family from harm. I Love Shane and Shelly together, they have known each other forever and the interaction between them is steamy and fun.

This is the 12th book in the series, they can be read as standalone stories, well-written, interesting dramatic storylines and wonderful characters.

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay it's Shane's story, I already love this man from the previous book, he's such a sweet man and this time it's his turn to become a hero, to save his best friend and his family and rescue a stranger and defeat bad guys, yup it's complicated and packed with actions with splashes of romance. There were parts that felt rushed and too unbelievable that bothers me a lot, but still enjoyed it nonetheless, especially team work between Shane and Diesel and the sparks between Shane and Shelly and I adore Shelly, she's super feisty and so temperamental, so reckless but very kind and thoughtful person.

Great actions, characters, and romance, totally recommended to those who's looking for a light fast-paced suspense romance read.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Shane .
This story is fast paced . It takes off from the start . Shane Andrews is on his own mission for the Mavericks . He is assisted by Diesel . He finds it is on a very personal level . His best friend since childhood Shelly has been taken hostage . They want Shane or they will kill her .
Shane and Diesel set out to rescue her .
They soon find out there is more going on than they thought . As the story unfolds Shane and Shelly they not only love each other they are in love . It will take Shane and all he is skills to protect and save Shelly . This story is action packed, intriguing and definitely intense .shane and Shelly are the perfect couple . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Shane’s best friend Shelly is being held captive there is nothing he won’t do to rescue her. Finding out it was nothing but a ploy to test his skills, and that the abductors have upped the ante by placing those he loves in jeopardy to force him to complete a mission, was a surprise he wasn’t expecting.

Shelly isn’t a damsel in distress and isn’t about to stand idly by Shane places himself in the line of the fire. They will need to work together to ensure that everyone emerges with their lives and along the way they may just have to face the fact that their feelings for each other are so much deeper than friends.

This story takes us on a wild ride filled with intrigue, surprises and romance.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane and the Double, Double Cross.

I loved this book! What happens when your best friend in the world is being held hostage and all you are told is they are waiting for You? And just after things get cleared away you find out it was all a test run? And later you find out there's more than one asshole involved. As you can imagine Shane was Not happy.
As things develop he gets sent on a mission inside a mission. This was yet Another Amazing Mavericks book and l couldn't put it down. Dale Mayer is an Incredible Writer no matter the story or series she's involved with. I would recommend this book in particular to anyone and everyone who wants and needs to be taken on an adventure, thriller, romance to some place they weren't sure about going to.....Enjoy the Ride!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane's best childhood friend has been kidnapped and Shane is expected to rescue her. He and Shelly went to school together helped each other when one or the other had a bad relationship. That is what best buds do. Shelly is worried about the pregnant lady and why she was kidnapped and held for six months. Things get more convoluted and murkier the more Shane digs into how to rescue them all. People are dying all over the place and more than one person seems to be calling the shots. What is going on and why? There is some serious action in this book. One question leads to more questions and very few answers.

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

They wanted Shane so they kidnapped his friend Shelly so he would come. They had been friends since kindergarten so it wasn't a surprise Shane would respond. Shelly is feisty and ready to help. She has a history of being a bit of a trouble maker and magnet but also has a tendency of getting out of trouble with ease. A lot of twists and turns, some surprises as well, kept this a lively read. About the time you think you have it figured out--you don't. Great characters, easy to relate to and enjoy. I may have to read this again soon as I read too quickly wanting answers. I'm looking forward to it!
The epilogue hints at Diesel heading to China which certainly peaks my interest.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite of the series. Shane and Diesel are definitely my favorite heroes! They are dragged into a case involving Shane's best friend that leads back to Shane himself. The villain is one of the most twisted. There is a ton of action and tension. Several twists are thrown in and they will leave you shocked. The friends to lovers romance between Shane and Shelly is a slow burn full of chemistry. I loved Shelly's personality. Some of her antics had me laughing out loud.
Just when you think Dale Mayer can't top herself, she absolutely does! I can't wait to read Diesel's book.

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

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this read with relatable characters and an exciting action-packed story that kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages faster than ever and unable to put the book down until I read the last word. I love the Mavericks, a covert black ops team that steps up and breaks all the rules to get the job done and "Shane" was a perfect addition to this must-read series when he goes to rescue his best friend Shelly who is being held as a pawn. If you enjoy well-crafted, can't-put-down military suspenseful romance, don't miss this book. I received an advance reader copy from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Better things are out there than perfect'

But what if you actually are perfect for each other, you just didn't realise it until now?
Shane and Shelly have known each other since they were 5, with that comes an ease when together, a rightness that cannot be explained, but we also see sparks, chemistry, understanding, acceptance and love, unfortunately it takes Shelly being kidnapped multiple times for them to come to their senses. Can Shane rescue her everytime? And will it be explosive or weird when they finally come together?
A great, fast paced series with gorgeous heroes and the sassy, feisty women who bring them to their knees.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly is just freaking hilarious, level headed (well most of the time lol) and awesome, I loved her right from the get go and she is the perfect match for Shane having known each other since forever so they totally get each other. Trying to work out who was behind not only the initial hostage situation that Shelly was in but everything that happens after that is complex and and layered as well as fraught with danger, deaths and double crossing. This has the perfect mix of a friendship which could change to romance and a game of cat n mouse with plenty of action, mystery and bad guys!

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

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane has been called in to rescue his childhood friend Shelly from a hostage situation. Shelly has a habit of getting in trouble but this time she gets caught up in Shane's trouble. Shelly is the only one who survives the hostage situation with help from Shane and his partner for the mission. The trouble continues to follow them at every turn. When the hostage takers don't get the results they want, they kidnap Shane's sister and her family to force Shane to do what they want him to do. Will everyone survive in end and will Shane and Shelly have a chance to explore the love that has been building between them over the years of their friendship?

[Kat Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black ops, mystery, romance.

Former Navy Seals are part of an elite organization that doesn't have restrictions like the Navy. They do the same thing but have more leeway to get the job done. Two-man teams get an assignment to rescue victims. Each story lead finds romance/partner.

Interesting story. The stories are more authentic when using their skills to rescue victims.

The men all sound the same, with the same values in life, who want justice for the victims and to make the world a better place to live. There will always be evil people in the world. Their jobs will never end in the fight against evil.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane is the next maverick up for his own mission but is hoping for a few days off after completing his last mission with his mate. But this changes with a phone call, his best friend since childhood has been kidnapped and they will only speak with Shane. After freeing Shelly Shane finds out this was only a test and the kidnappers now has his sister and her family. Shanes special skills are needed to get his family back and to keep Shelly alive. During this ride Shane faces the fact that he live Shelly but will they get their happy ever after? A great read.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane has to rescue long time friend Shelly, who's being held captive as leverage. Then Shane and Diesel find out Shelly being held is only part of the very convoluted situation. Aleah was kidnapped over six months ago, and now Shane and Diesel have to rescue her.. but wait.. there's another kidnapping tied into this as well.
Shane and Diesel definitely kept me on my toes trying to figure out how they could resolve this mission without any more innocent people being murdered. Another gripping read in the series!

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

Another action packed, suspenseful read in this fabulous series. Shane's mission is personal, his life long friend Shelly is involved in a hostage situation. There was so much more to this than they could believed.
Kidnapping, murder, double crossing agents and a pregnant woman to save. What an exciting tale of intrigue this all made, I couldn't put it down.
You'll be wanting Shane and Shelly to wake up and see what's under their noses...The pregnant lady to survive to have a HEA... and to learn more about Diesel.
Great book, wonderful characters, I loved it.

[Julia Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when your best childhood friend is kidnapped and held hostage? You go in for the rescue! Shelly is a hoot, she argues every point and has an answer for everything. But Shelly isn't the one the kidnappers want, they want Shane, but for what? They work on solving the mystery of the why, and sadly feelings will be hurt and people will die. This story take a world wide trip, and goes back in history for Shelly and Shane. Mostly they figure out they missed so many signals into their own personal lives! An edge of your seat, action packed story!

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning to the end, the story grabs your attention and takes you on a rollercoaster ride that you’re not sure when and if you’ll ever get off. I was hooked on this story right from the get-go. Filled with action, suspense, drama, and of course romance that makes you not able to put this story down…This series is fantastic and the author shows her ability to write these incredible stories that keep you awake late at night and leave you wanting more. I’m loving this maverick series. Definitely going in my all time favourite reading series list. Happy reading everyone!!