Cat's Meow

Broken Protocols #1

by Dale Mayer

After a year of hell, Dani Summerland's life is just getting better when she's tossed unceremoniously a few hundred years into the future with her orange Persian cat, Charmin Marvin, in her arms. With no way to fight it, no way to go back, things are only looking to get worse fast.

Breaking protocol is cause for severe consequences in the time and world Levi Blackburn lives. But, after a year of government regulation, the crackdown is easing up and he begins to relax. Everything he's worked for is hinged on keeping his reckless brother in check. But, while he's been protecting Milo from falling under the government's ever-vigilant radar, his brother has been working on a surprise present for him, one that's the cat's meow… Dani is that gift--a woman from the past that Levi has been fixated on.

Milo never anticipated having his brother's dream girl come to their time with a snarky cat that can not only talk but doesn't have a clue how or when to shut up!

Formerly Book 1 of the Charmin Marvin series.

Genres: Romance, Time Travel, Science Fiction, Mystery, Amazon, Fantasy, Futuristic

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

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

[Yodamom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars, it was too short for a 4 star rating
I really enjoyed this author's pacing, character and world building. She fit a lot into a short story that left me wanting more.
The Star was a talking cat that was of course a bit of a snarker, Charmin. His snarky comments and cubby body won my heart. The humans were not so bad either, btw. Sexy hunk meets girl from past, generations past and they co mingle. You don't need more it's a cute little romance with a talking cat.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/3/2019)! 🎁

[Kira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe I made myself read something so stupid and idiotic lol and still managed to have fun.

Mind you, nothing about this book makes sense. The characters are irritating at best, even the talking cat Charmin Marvin couldn't have saved this one but there was something about it that despite everything wrong about this book, I found myself continuing page after page and reading the entirely of how Levi and Dani "fell in love."

Milo has to be the most excruciatingly painful character in this entire book. I understand him being a genius and all but his obnoxious attitude came off as displeasing at best rather than a charming one I am sure the author was aiming for.

2 stars.

[Sandee · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I have really enjoyed Dale's other books so picked this one up. It is different. Lani is pulled into a future several hundred years in the future along with her cat. I found the premise for how and why this happened weak. Not too much happens in this short story that leaves us hanging at the end. Dale's writing is wonderful and the character development also good. It is the cliff-hanger ending and the weak premise that took away from the story for me.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Broken Protocols" is a fun read, with Milo filling the role of idiot genius.

Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo is a genius with the understanding of a sixteen year old. He does things he thinks he has thought through but has no clue of the consequences of his actions to himself or others. Milo's does something he thinks is awesome and as his brother Liev witnesses it, he knows not only does he have to fix it he hasn't a clue how.

Dani Summerland's life is finally getting on track, she has a job she likes and now she has a date. Before getting ready she grabs a glass of wine and her cat doing a little bit of a dance, then in a flash of light and what seems to be an explosion she's somewhere else. Not a thing is recognizable except for one of the men standing there. He looks just like her ex, Lawrence.

After running from an inspection, Dani lets loose on both of them.

Even knowing that Liev isn't Lawrence doesn't help the animosity she is feeling for both of them. Her life has been irreversibly altered and she has much to learn about this world of the future.

To top it all off, her cat Charming can talk and is doing many impossible things.

I laughed, cried, held my breath a few times and was totally taken by surprise at the end.

I am so totally hooked now that I bought the other books in this series as a collection. This first book was free so I wasn't really repeating a purchase which is a definite plus in my book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat's Meow by Dale Mayer
Broken Protocols Series Book One
Lani Summerland was just feeling as if her life was getting back on track. It had been a rough year. But she was going to start over. Only, that fresh start was a bit different than what she planned when Lani and her cat, Charming, were whooshed a couple of hundred years into the future.

Liev Blackburn had his hands full with his younger brother, Milo. His brother was a genius but didn't always use his head to think things out as he should. They got in trouble a year ago when Milo tested out his time-travel program...and now he was at it again.

Lani earned an unwanted one-way ticket to the future, and Liev was going to do the best he could to make her new life comfortable for her. Fixing his brother's mistakes once again. This is just the first part of the story. Fun and easy to read.
**Sexual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting and very different type of story. I must admit I love paranormal almost as much as MC, military, mystery and others, but this is my first wholey time jump read. Loved Charmin, sarcastic, forthright and loving cat. Milo I really struggled with, for a so called 16 year old with the brains he has I would have thought he would not just be a bit more sensitive and understanding but more savvy of the danger he put all of them in. Levi and Dani had a lot of sympathy for, neither asked for the troubles or the pain and expense that Milo caused but both were empathetic to it all and each other. Exciting concept and vision while still delivering a story that is interesting and refreshing, that also has some angst, suspense and love, with a dose of humour thrown into the mix. Can't wait to dive straight into the next part, because yes this carries on. Started 30/11/21 Finished 1/12/21

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. I enjoy all of her books but usually read the K9 series, this one was a delightful departure from those.
Being a cat lover just had to read this one and am so happy I did.
It is the 1st in a series and it definitely leaves you wanting to read the rest in the series.
Charming the gorgeous cat in the story and Dani get sent to the future and wow is it different from their past!
Charming is a sarcastic and witty cat who can now talk thanks to a "slight" mistake on Milo's part!
Full of fun, adventure, and uh oh's this is a book that anyone would enjoy.
Way to go to the author.

[Deeann Pullman · Rating 5 out of 5]

love This new Series

I've Read most of Dales Books and I absolutely love them this Book is about q woman named lani and her Cat named Charming who lived in the 21st Century and one Day was transported into the future not by accident but By 2 guys Milo and his Brother who are tech geniuses But more so By Milo who did it to find his brother A wife and to Prove his Invention worked But theres more to the Story With Lani . Being there it Is illegal Checkout what happens, you'll love this series I can't wait to Read the Rest of this Series

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was rather different, but very interesting!

I absolutely enjoyed this book! Not sure what
to call it --- romance or mystery or what. I do
know that I'll be diving in to this series! Its
characters very interesting. Especially the cat!
I really liked Charming! I enjoyed the setting
in the future and am really curious to see
where it goes from here. Another great series
to keep up with!!!!

[angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.25🌟

Looking at that cover, I would assume it will be a middle grade book or a cozy mystery but this one is actually sci-fi.

Lani was dragged to the future together with her cat Charming. This was a fun read for me. I dislike Milo a bit but Liev seems to be a nice fit for Lani.

There isn't that much plot yet and the world isn't that established yet. A lot of possibilities for the next books. Can't wait.😄

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book at all. I love all the other Dale Mayer books, so I thought I would give this one a try. The only down side is this reads more as a serial and not a stand alone book in a series. It may have stated this when I purchased it, but I don't remember seeing that particular warning. Still, this was an enjoyable short, easy read.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Part 1 of 4; it’s not the whole story. This audio version was a little over four hours long, so it’s a quick listen. It’s an Interesting premise and a reasonable setup for what will undoubtedly follow. I would not consider this a standalone story, therefore, it’s tough to rate. I’ll call this one part average, hence 3 stars.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book

I think this book was great. I've been reading your books for a while now, and I just can't stop. I must say, I thought this book was just a bit strange in the beginning, but I still love it as much as I love your other works. Just keep writing please. You are really amazing. I see you.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A talking cat

Interesting story, where a 21st century woman is pulled into the 23rd century. Milo dragged Lani into his time without her knowledge or permission. A little confusing. A CLIFFHANGER STORY. don't really like cliffhangers.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea and I thought the characters were well-written. The plot moved too fast and some incidents were implausible.

The worst was the narrator. The leading man was Levi, but she said "Liev" (rhyming with Kiev) most of the time. And the leading lady was "Dani" or "Lani" alternatively.

[Cheryl Nobles · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a fun read.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome! A much needed break from C-19. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Tammie Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly? Not my favorite book. I want to punch Milo for his ridiculous, juvenile behavior. And I hate that the book is a cliffhanger. I will not be reading the rest of the series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative and delightful story - very much enjoyed it.

[Adele Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book?

This is definitely not my k I ND of reading material. Could not even finish it. Would not recommend it.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and unexpected!

Fun read! Unique and hard to put down! Refreshing to finally have something not expected!! I’m looking forward to reading more!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read but microwave pace

I felt that there was so much more missing that was needed to flesh out the story. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy it

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting vision of the future. I liked Charming as a character.

I wouldn't mind the med pod!

[Cat Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I'm finding this series cute. It's way different than the other Dale Mayer books I've read. It's fun ....

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very impressed

This was a complete surprise. The premise interesting, the characters on point, love Charming, and with just enough detail to keep the pages turning instead of the book closing.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't bad. Was it the best book ever written......no. Was it the worst book ever written..not even close. BUT, it did leave me with lots of unanswered questions.

I think, but I'm not sure that the book had an HEA. This could possibly lead to another book but I don't know if it would star the same people (I hope it would so some of the questions could be answered) but the way it was written and ended, there was no hint as to there being possibly more (except for the Charmin Marvin, #1) Still doesn't tell me if it will be about Levi and Dani or if it will be Milo's story or what. So I guess I will just have to wait.

All in all, the story concept was good but the description to detail was sort of lacking. We know that Dani was shocked by the things around her, but we really didn't get much detail. Yes we assume things will be different 200 years from now but I would like to know the authors idea of what those things look like. (as in the outside world) We did get a peek at the interior but not a whole lot.

If I was Dani, and I had been yanked over 200 years into the future, I don't think I would have taken it as well as did...no mater how hot the guy is (esp if he looked like my ex loser). I am glad at least the reason for the talking cat was explained.

This was a multi pov thank goodness. I really liked Levi but would have loved more of his pov. Some of he sections were really small (almost like filler) We needed more back ground history....how things have changed, why things have changed over the years, etc. Where Levi got the picture. Maybe these are things that will be cleared up in later books, I don't know. One can only hope.

The ending was so abrupt I wasn't sure that I had really reached the end. I was expecting more.

***revised*** Huh...I went back to the story where it had ended...or what I thought was ended because it said "Authors Note" I'll be honest...I normally don't read those. Something made me go back and click past (3 hours later when I got home since I had been reading while at lunch at work) and lo and behold! A preview! I guess there is going to be a number 2 LOL....In my opinion....don't put an authors not before a preview...granted after I looked back at the bottom of the authors note it did clearly state "If you'd like to read about the second book in the series, Broken Protocols 2, please turn the page" Huh....It was there the whole time but again, I don't usual read those. Go figure :)
It includes 2 chapters for the next book so here is my situation....I normally don't read chapters from the next book that is in as a teaser (not that you asked to know that) cause I am afraid that if by reading that and when I finally get the next book, I'll start reading and think "Well gee!!! I already read this" and will then stop reading when in fact I hadn't read it. I would rather have a mini teazer (1 page or 2) not full chapters or a synopsis like what you have on the back cover. But that's just my opinion.

Anyway.....Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes, I have to. I'm curious as to what is going on and hope my questions will finally have answers.

Oh!! And in case you were wondering?? No, I didn't read the preview...I'll wait :)

[Bettye McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pseudo dystopian time travel story in which the cat is the most likeable character.

4