Garret's Gambit

Bullard's Battle #4

by Dale Mayer

Garret's Gambit book 4 in Bullard's Battle

Stronger than he had any right to be after the plane explosion and still angry about it all, Garret’s seriously unimpressed to fly to London to speak with an ex-fiancée who’d screwed him over with his own brother. But she had information on his missing brother, who was a link to the plane crash that sent Garret into the ocean.

Yet Astra, not Amy, waits in London for Garret, to explain the little she knows, hoping he’ll let go of some of his resentment and help her look for her sister, Amy—who disappears just before Garret’s arrival. Some coincidence there. Then her sister hasn’t faced the music for any of her actions in a long time. Today is no different. Too bad Amy and Garret hadn’t broken up much earlier. It might have given Astra a chance with the man she has loved since forever.

Still, if finding Astra’s sister leads Garret to finding his brother, who might be able to give them answers regarding the sabotaged plane, then Astra’s happy to play the game. However, it’s not that easy, as the men who failed to kill the two team members are still looking for their chance to finish the job. And to take out anyone who is close by …

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 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

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story chaotic. I still don’t know who was behind all of it. The feeling it gave me that the bad guys were at random and had nothing to do with the end goal these stories are working to. I don’t know what else to tell you.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garret feels stronger than he ought to be after the plane explosion and is as angry as hell about it. Now he finds he has to fly to London to talk to his ex-fiancee who screwed him over with his own brother. But she says she has information about his missing brother who is linked to the plane explosion. When he gets there, it's not Amy but her younger sister Astra waiting for him to explain to him what little she knows and asking for help to find her missing sister. To him, it seems like once again this is an example of her never facing consequences for her actions. Astra can't help wondering why he hadn't broken up with Amy sooner so that he had a chance with her as she has loved him since forever. Garret just hopes that finding Amy will help him to find his brother who can give him answers about the sabotaged plane and so Astra is happy to play that game, although it's not going to be easy as the men who failed to will some of their team and looking for their chances to finish the job taking out anyone who is close by. Can they find everyone, survive and can Astra and Garret have a chance at happiness together?

This was definitely a dramatic instalment of the series as Garret tried his best to find his brother, his ex-fiancee, and more information on what happened to the sabotaged plane he was in and who was actually behind it. It was definitely full of drama, excitement, moments of violence and times where they had to just trust each other. I loved Astra and her relationship with Garret which was strong and feisty as she was definitely the stronger of the two sisters. Amy was definitely suitably irritating and there were definitely times that I just wanted to give her a slap and tell her to get real. Well written and easy to read and understand. Contains a little sexual content at the end of the book.

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

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go Garrett!

Garrett finally gets his chance to help in the hunt for those responsible for shooting the plane he and teammate, Ryland and their team leader, Bullard, out of the sky sending them aggressively into the ocean below. Severely injured himself, Ryland keeps an unconscious Garrett above water until they are rescued. Bullard’s body has not been recovered so his status is still unknown.

Garrett deserves his story! He and his teammate, Kano, are going to London where they will meet up with Garrett’s ex-fiancé, Amy, to find out any information she has on Garrett’s missing brother, Gregg. Little does Garrett know, Astra, Amy’s sister, will be picking them up from the airport. She too is invested in this mystery and will be sticking around in the search. Garrett is not looking forward to this meet up. Amy is his ex-fiancé because she and his brother had a relationship behind Garrett’s back while he was deployed, so the atmosphere between them is somewhat strained. Now Gregg is missing and Amy has information relating to that situation and Garrett will put aside his feelings to find his brother.

This story gets ramped up right from the beginning with the unknown condition of Garrett’s brother and the events leading up to Amy disappearing as well. Full of twists and turns, the drama surrounding Amy becomes pivotal in Garrett and Kano’s search for Gregg. I enjoy the addition of Astra in the mix, which keeps Garrett thinking about Amy’s younger sister a little more than she is comfortable with.

I am totally excited for Garrett being healthy enough to be team leader in this leg of the journey in finding clues about Bullard’s status and those responsible. This story definitely delivers a satisfying resolution for the pieces to this part of the puzzle. I loved it!

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the exciting "Bullard's Battle" series.
Team leader Bullard had, along with some members of his team, had been blown out of the sky when the plane they were in exploded, Bullard hasn't been seen since.
Garret Balderson had suffered life threatening injuries in the explosion and was now back doing missions. When Garret was contacted by his ex fiancé Amy he wasn't amused, Amy had cheated on him with his brother Gregg and was now pregnant but Garret had to follow up on Amy's call and fly to London because his brother had disappeared.
It was no nonsense Astra, Amy's sister, who was to meet Garret in London, Amy had also disappeared. Garret, along with his team buddy, Kano and Astra set about finding Amy and Gregg.
This story twists and turns, MI6 are involved, blame was being directed at Gregg for the plane explosion, but would Gregg murder his brother ? Garret didn't think so, someone wanted the rest of Bullard's team eliminated but who and why....they needed to find Bullard.
As the search continues and despite their lives being in danger, Garret finds that he is much more attracted to Astra than he ever was to her whinging sister and love blossoms.
This story is action packed and suspense filled and the author cleverly leads you into the next story in the series, I look forward to reading Keno's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

When they land in London, Garret and Kano are not even a little surprised to be met Jonas from MI6. If you've read the 'Heroes for Hire' series you'll be aware how much Interpol and MI6 dislike either Levi's or Bullard's teams coming to town. It's quite amusing to see Jonas get flustered with them.

Originally Garret and Kano were supposed to meet with Garret's ex Amy to get information about his brother Gregg's disappearance. Jonas, however, informs them that Amy is missing. Her sister Astra made the report and Jonas wants to know what they know. Surprise, they know nothing about Amy's disappearance but tell Jonas about Garret's brother. That's something Jonas didn't know.

They meet Astra at her hotel, with Jonas trying to get information none of them have. What Astrid does know is in an email from Amy saying she had information that may help find Gregg. Not very helpful at all now that Amy's missing.

Astra and Garret talk more once Jonas takes his leave.

Of course Astra did leave one little detail out, Amy had been staying in this hotel. They get a bit of a break when a couple of men enter Amy's room while they are there.

Kingdom Security keeps coming up in this a wild game of hide and seek. Still no sign of Bullard but no one is giving up.

More than a little bit fun of finding out Astrid has always been in love with Garret. Then of course Garret eventually realizes Astrid is really the one for him.

I really can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in this series and this time it’s Garret who was injured in the plane explosion and is now searching for his brother who may have had a hand in what happened. He goes to London and meets up with Astra, his ex fiancee’s younger sister who is also looking for her sister Amy.
Astra has had a crush on Garret since the moment she met him but with her sister cheating on him with his brother, she’s worried he will never see her in the way she wants. As the clues lead them from one place to another, she proves she is nothing like her sister and decides to take a chance and let Garret know she wants more....but first they have to find her sister and her brother.
A good read with a bit of steam, mystery, suspense, and an annoying sister. I like this read but would have liked more one on one with Garret and Astra as they were always around others. I also would have liked more of an ending with her sister and brother....is he OK, is she OK, where do they end up, are they still together and why did they want his brother so badly...what did he know? Otherwise another enjoyable read with little to no drama between the couple and no others coming between them.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garret’s Gambit by Dale Mayer
Bullard’s Battle Series Book Four
Garret Balderson had just finished a mission with Eton. No sooner had he got off the plane...that he was met by Kano and heading off again. His brother, Gregg, was missing. Even though he hadn’t seen Gregg since he’d caught him with his ex-fiancée, it was still his brother. Looked like it was time to face the past...if they found Gregg alive.
Astra had been in love with Garret since the moment her sister, Amy, came home with him. And then, after what Amy did to him...she figured he’d never want anything to do with her. But for now, they were together in London to find his missing brother, and Amy had gone missing too.
These are stand-alone stories, but book one had a plane crash with Garret, Ryland, and Bullard. Bullard is still missing, and it’s not known if he’s dead or alive. This carries through each book, even if it’s not mentioned often.
**Mild sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book and I absolutely loved it.

This is the fourth book in the Bullard's Battle series, I do suggest reading the previous books first to get into the thick of things. We are still looking for whoever it was that took down the plane and we are still searching for Bullard. However Garret is feeling much better after the plane crash and now is in England looking for his missing brother, he's not happy about having to deal with his lying cheating ex who's now engaged to said brother. Astra, the ex's sister has loved Garret since they first met is determined to help him find his brother and get her man....

Well-written story, fast-paced and packed with plenty of drama, action and intrigue. I enjoyed the interaction between Garret and Astra, fun and steamy. Can these guy's solve the case before anyone else gets hurt? I can't wait for the next book.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garret’s search to uncover the truth of who was responsible for violent act that resulted in so many teammates being injured, and Bullard being injured has led him back to the past he has tried to move forward from. He not only finds himself searching for the two people he thought he could trust but who betrayed him which are his brother Gregg and his ex-fiance Amy.

Astra is Amy’s sister and her feelings for Garret have always been much deeper than those of a future brother in-law, but she never thought anything would come of it. When they find themselves working together to search for their missing siblings as the danger escalates around them so do the feelings and chemistry between them.

This story takes you on an action-packed adventure filled with secrets, surprises and suspense as Garret and Astra’s search for the truth leads them to a much more important discovery which is each other.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have not read books 1-3 you an still read Garret's Gambit as Dale Mayer provides enough info that you are not lost. I would however recommend you read 1 through 3 so you see the progression. Garret is still recovering from the plane crash that almost took his life . His ex girlfriend, Amy, reaches out with word his brother was involved in the crash. He finds that difficult to believe and with Kano as his wingman he goes to get answers. Upon arrival there is no Amy just her sister Astra. So begins a tale of mystery and intrigue. We meet an old friend and a semi one, we search for answers with Garret and watch his past show him new possibilities and reminders why Amy is his ex. We are given tidbits of info that draws us closer to a resolution. Bullard's Men make your heart beat and your toes curl. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting action packed suspense filled romance story.Garret isnt happy to be heading to London to meet Amy because his brother is missing an she implied that he had something to do with the plane being shot down.When Garret and Kano got out of the plane Garret said that they needed to rent a car but Mano said Charles arranged a ride but when they walked out there was Jonas M16 an Garret wasn't happy but Jonas said he'd take them to the hotel he needed to talk to Astra because her sister is missing.Garret said Amy's missing he said yes I thought that was why you were here he said no my brother is missing.Mano asked who Astra was an Garret said Amy's little sister.But when the voice said I'm not a little girl anymore I'm a woman.Garret couldn't believe how beautiful Astra was.There's danger,suspense so many twists an turns you'll be riveted until the very last page.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garret's Gambit

Could we possibly be getting closer to finding either Bullard or who is responsible for the plane crash? Garret and Kano end up in London after Garret's ex, Amy, calls saying she has information regarding the plane crash and his brother Gregg. However, when they arrive they find Amy's sister Astra instead. She lets them know that not only is Gregg missing but now so is Amy.
As they all begin to work together to unravel the current mess the feelings Astra has always had for Garret become obvious and he feels the same way. Their mission can not wait and the trouble that builds is rather unexpected. Will they find Amy and Gregg or at least one of them? Will all their trouble bring them any closer to the truth?
Don't miss this book, great action and intrigue from the very beginning!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Bullard Battle series. Garret and his team are trying to find out who was behind the airplane explosion which put him in the coma. After being in the coma for weeks, Garret is finally ready to get back into the action. When the team gets a lead that his ex-fiancé Amy has information concerning his brother Gregg and his possible involvement, Garret needs to investigate. To start his search for Gregg he needs to find out what Amy knows. When he gets to her hotel room, she is missing, and her sister Astra is looking for her. They need to find Amy and Gregg before time runs out. Hopefully, finding Gregg will lead the team closer to finding who was behind the explosion. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down.

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

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yup it's a light fast-paced suspense romance read. Easily to be read in short time.

It's Garret's turn to find out who's behind the attack to Bullard's team and because he's the victim of the explotion it's really personal for him and it's get more personal when his brother and ex-fiancee throw in to the mix and there's also gorgeous and smart Astra that's a perfect match for Garret. Yup this one definitely a bit complicated but still entertaining. Sometimes you will want to slap someone and other times you will smile with the sweetness, the sparks between Garret and Astra, and the team work between Bullard's team, Jonas MI6 and Charles. Action, betrayal, questions, romance, you've got it all.

A perfect read for a light suspense romance readers.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tangled web of secrets, betrayal and corruption

Your heart goes out to Garrett, having to face Amy again after she betrayed him has his usually calm demeanor boiling over in anger and frustration. Unfortunately it appears Amy is still just as immature and selfish as she always was, happy to lie and twist tales to suit her needs...I am not sure how Garret resists shooting her! She is just an awful, spoilt person.
Astra however is the total opposite, I loved her determination and drive to do right, she doesn't hesitate to protect and thinks of others before herself, which tips Garret over the edge when she is in danger...but he also respects her for it.
The puzzle keeps getting darker and more twisted, who targeted Bullard and is he still alive?

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last thing Garett ever wanted to do was see his ex again especially with what went down between her and his brother, however if she holds the key to finding Gregg who has gone missing. Firstly can I just say I sooo wanted to strangle Amy many many a time, thankfully her sister Astra is more tolerant of her but she also has her limits along with the others. There are so many twists within this story as well as laughs, great people ie Charles boy is he an absolute hoot! an attraction between Astra and Garett is simmering as well as the past that needs to be addressed oh and lets not forget the need for answers about the plane crash seem to be getting closer!

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

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garret is on a mission to find out who was responsible for the attack on his team. A call comes in to the team from a woman Garret hoped to never see again, his ex fiancé Amy. Amy implied that Garret's brother Greg knew something about the airplane crash that injured Garret. Amy is up to her old tricks again. It wasn't bad enough that Amy cheated on Garret with his brother, now Greg is missing and Amy is pregnant. When Garret and Kano arrive to met with Amy thy discover Amy is now missing as well and her sister Astra is trying to gather information in an effort to find her sister. I love this story, there are so many twists and turns it had me on the edge of me seat. This series is a must read.

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening Moves

Garret Balderson has already barely survived a plane crash in which the boss of his security company was lost at sea. He and his latest partner, Kano, have been following the trail of crumbling clues across Europe to discover who is determined to kill their team members. And now they're flying to London. Garrett's ex-fiancee, Amy, has asked for help. Garrett's brother, Gregg, has disappeared, and Amy has tied him to Garrett's plane crash. But when they arrive, Amy has also vanished. So the two men must work with Astra, Amy's younger sister, M16 and a semi retired super spy, to find two missing people and follow the cryptic clues they stumble upon about their team's danger. Good read of mystery, suspense, danger and romance.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting edition of Bullards series, full of action. Fast paced read with lots of twists and turns along the way, great characters, some equally as twisted as the plot. Constant lies and back tracking made this a read I had to concentrate on at times trying to out figure the character. A plot to really get stuck into to work out who's who and what's what, nothing is straight forward. The friendship and blossoming romance with Astra after a bitter breakup with her sister is just what Garrett needs and Astra is with him all the way. Compelling and wonderful read. Started 17/4/21 Finished 18/4/21

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Garrets Gambit .
Garrett and Keno head to London . Garrett is looking to get information from his ex Amy who is dating his brother . His brother Gregg went missing and it may have something to do with the plane explosion that almost killed Garret . Upon arriving he finds Amy has disappeared. Her sister Astra who has grown up and is not only beautiful but also smart is searching for her. Together Garret and Keno and Astra set out to find both Amy and Gregg . This story is action packed and Suspenseful, full of intrigue . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett is not thrilled to hear from his ex-fiancée Amy that his brother Gregg is missing and might have been involved in Garrett's plane crash. Garrett hasn't trusted Amy since she cheated with his brother, but he needs to travel to London to get answers. When Garrett arrives, he finds out that Amy is missing. Garrett works with Amy's sister Astra to start his search for answers. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. There is plenty of action in this latest book in the series. I like seeing the relationship start between Astra and Garrett. Astra is a strong resourceful woman very different from her sister. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garret is looking for his missing brother because some Intel supports that Gregg was involved with Bullard's plane crash. Garret doesn't want to believe this but Gregg did steal Garret's fiance, Astra. Garret and Kano fly to London where Astra was last seen. When they get to the hotel they find Amy, Astra's sister, has shown up looking for her sister who is also missing. Lots of action in this chapter of the search for Bullard and his crashed plane. Was he in it or did he escape and was laying injured somewhere? Good series.

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

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Garret's mission and it's a doozy! His brother has gone missing and along with Kano, the hunt is on. His brother has been accused of being part of the plot against Bullard's team and if that wasn't enough, Garret also has to confront his cheating ex-fiancé. Who is now with his brother. The bright spot comes in his ex's little sister Astra. She is by far my favorite heroine of this series. I love her personality and the way she backs up Garret, even against her own sister, who I loved to hate. The mystery is complicated with a large cast of bad guys. We are another phase closer to answers to the overarching plotline. I can't wait to see what happens in Kano's story.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down from the first page to the last, with unforgettable characters and an action-packed story. I loved the undeniable attraction and chemistry between Garrett and Astra when he and Kano go to London looking for who may have sabotaged the plane Garrett had been on and his ex-fiancee Amy (Astra's sister) had contacted him that his brother Gregg is missing and may have the information he desires. Once again, Ms. Mayer has given us a winner in book four of Bullard's Battle series. Don't miss "Garrett's Gambit". I received an advance reader copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Julia Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett is recovered and back to join the search for Bullard. His team received a message from Amy, his ex finance and his brother current soon to be baby momma, that she has info about Bullard, but what they find when they arrive in London is Astra, Amy's sister. Amy is also now missing, but Astra may know where she is. The problem is, Amy is not doing as she's told and they keep getting drug into danger because of her. Good thing she has Astra with her, to keep her alive. Since the girls, have now been taken and being held. It's up to Garrett and Kano to get them back alive, and find Garretts brother. And maybe rekindle some interest between Astra and Garrett hmmm.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garret had my interest since the beginning of this series as he was one of the victims of the airplane crash. Gambit is determined to return to action and our hearts, while Astra is trying to find out what happened to her sister; not knowing Garret just found out his brother is missing. Knowing the two have serious family drama with the missing duo sparks your interest even more. Pick up a copy to find out if Garret can figure out who has truly loved him all along. Very exciting action packed book. Cannot wait until the next installment.

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

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garret's Gambit

Another great story by Dale! This story involves Garret and Astra. Apparently Astra has always loved Garret since she first laid eyes on him but he was into her sister, Amy. They got engaged but Amy did the unthinkable, she cheated on Garret with his brother. Many years later, they meet up again because his brother went missing. The situation gets pretty sticky but the majority of the bad guys took out each other. There was a saying that was very prominent throughout the story. It was interesting. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would recommend this book. On to the next!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and exciting read. It was good to catch up with Charle's again. Garret and Kano were on their way to London. Garret is coming face to face with his ex fiance and his brother Gregg and how to deal with that mess. But still on the hunt with what/where Bullard is. You still have plenty of action, meeting new guys on different jobs and of course Charles. Really love him. Hopefully this next suspect will give them some missing clues. HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett is sent to track down his missing brother Gregg who may have information on who shot down his and Bullard's plane. When he arrives he finds that Amy, Gregg's girlfriend and his exfiancee is missing too. He finds in her place her sister Astra. The romance quickly heats up between the two as does the search for answers. The plot thickens into the mystery of who is behind everything and the strings are slowly unraveling. It's nonstop action. Another excellent read by the author. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astra has contacted Garret to help her find her sister. When Garret and his partner Kano arrive in England Astra's sister Amy has disappeared and she is pregnant with Gregg's baby. First thing to do is find Amy and then go on looking for Gregg. In the meantime the hunt is still on to find who took down Bullard's plane. Is Bullard still alive? Or did he die in the crash?
This is a continuing story and I suggest your read the previous books in this series first.

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