Kano's Keep

Bullard's Battle #5

by Dale Mayer

Kano's Keep book 5 of Bullard's Battle Catherine.

Catherine. DeeDee. Paris. Kano had hoped to never deal with the three again. The woman he loved, her dragon of a mother, and a city to bring the best—and worst—memories to mind. A return trip leads to a conversation with DeeDee, which sheds more light on who is behind Bullard’s murder in that planned plane explosion.

After seeing Catherine again, Kano can’t stop thinking about her. That young woman matured into someone he couldn’t have imagined and now can’t forget. However, he’s afraid her powerful mother is setting him up to die—yet again.

Catherine hadn’t expected to see Kano again, but this time she’s not letting him walk away. And she’s prepared to face off against her snake of a mother to save him. Catherine must plumb the depths of her own soul and that of her family to save Kano—and herself.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 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

[Kim Otis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this book. I don’t know why I just couldn’t connect with the characters and it seemed very disconnected from what happened to Bullard. In all honesty the whole book seemed very disjointed and not connected to anything. I will of course continue the series because I want to find out what happened to Bullard. This was by far not my favorite book.

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy!

A past relationship comes back around with additional clues surrounding Bullard’s plane crash. Kano and his teammate Fallon, are determined to question Bullard’s competitor, The Black Widow (DeeDee). Unfortunately, Kano’s ex-love, Catherine, is no other than The Black Widow’s daughter. Their breakup was ugly. She was too young and still a mama’s girl, he was shocked that Catherine failed to see what a monster her mother was back then, so he walked.

Can things get any more complicated or weird? DeeDee lines up her next few husbands like she’s making a grocery list. The bad part is, they always end up dead. The clues are slow in coming, the twists and turns are many. It’s anyone’s guess if Kano and Fallon will make any headway in their search for Bullard and those responsible for his crash along with the attacks on several of Kano’s team mates. They can’t trust anyone other than their own team, even Catherine.

Kano can see how much Catherine has changed and grown up. She is a doctor now and has accomplished more than he ever expected. Has she seen the light as far as her mother’s criminal history goes, is she her mother’s pawn or is she part of the problem?

I love this story and Catherine’s snarky attitude as well as Kano’s snark right back at her. They both have some hard lessons to learn about each other as things between them heat up! Great read!

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone was trying to wipe out Bullard's security team, Bullard's plane was blasted from the sky, many of the team injured, Bullard had disappeared over the ocean....was he still alive ? his team needed to find him before anyone else did.
This is the fifth book in this brilliant series and although it is a standalone I would suggest reading the series in sequence to get the most enjoyment.
Kano Stavros, along with fellow team mate Fallon, had travelled to Paris to explore the possibility that the head of Kingdom securities, the evil but powerful Dee Dee, was behind all this. Kingdom Securities were Bullard's biggest rivals and Bullard's team were being targeted one by one, it had to stop.
Kano wasn't looking forward to this, the greatest love of his life, the love that he had walked away from, was Catherine, the beautiful, gentle daughter of Dee Dee, Catherine wasn't prepared to accept what her mother was and the evil that she perpetrated.....could she have changed ? Kano never forgot Catherine.
This is an action packed story of one evil vindictive woman against the brilliance that was Bullard's team....but was she responsible ? Could she win ?
This book is a roller coaster of twists, turns and surprising revelations.
Would sparks still fly between Catherine and Kano ?Could Catherine turn her back on her mother ? Dee Dee hated Keno and would stop at nothing to see him dead, Dee Dee loved no one......or did she ?
This is a powerful story of love, Hate and everything in between, I loved it.

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

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kano and Fallen are heading to question Catherine's mother.Catherine was the woman Kano loved Catherine but he had to let her go. One she was young and two she was under her mothers thumb. Now just before Kano an Fallen go to dinner with the evil woman Kano decides to call Catherine if she wants to join them.Catherine has learned a lot about her mother since losing Kano.But she's determined to win him back if he's still single.Her mother is shocked when Catherine walks in an she isn't pleased.But Catherine sets next to Kano an says mother I know about your devious actions so I'm staying.When they asked she had anything to do with the plane being shot out of the air and Bullard missing maybe dead she said no.When they asked her more questions she answered but some they didnt believe.When they were ready to leave Catherine told them she wouldn't hurt Bullard because she wanted him for husband four or five.But that her mother was hiding something.After Catherine got in a cab an left Fallen asked if he thought Catherine was safe he said he wasn't sure since Catherine shocked him taking on her mother an her mother doesn't take that from anyone.There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page an will leave you begging for more.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kano’s Keep by Dale Mayer
Bullard’s Battle Series Book Five
Kano Stavros is heading to Paris, not somewhere he wants to be...or near the black widow he has to go there for. Seven years ago, he left a woman he cared for because she was too blind to see how evil her mother was. DeeDee cared for no one but herself, and she hated Kano for even trying to open Catherine’s eyes to the truth.
Dr. Catherine Sutherland had grown up. Finally. She became a child psychologist and loved helping people. The opposite of her mother, who she had finally realized and accepted who she really was. When she heard Kano was in town, something buried deep came back to the surface. Maybe she could finally see that he was only trying to help her back them, too.
While Kano and Fallon were in Paris to find out if DeeDee, head of Kingdom Securities, had anything to do with Bullard’s plane being blown out of the air, they have to watch their backs. They just didn’t seem to be finding answers to what happened. Instead, more men were gunning for them. A fast-paced, page-turning series as Bullard’s men search for answers and keep up hope that Bullard is still alive.
**Mild sexual content language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Bullard's Battle series by Dale Mayer. Kano and Fallon are on a mission in Paris to follow a lead on who is behind Bullard’s possible murder in the plane explosion. The only trouble is that Kano has a past with Catherine the daughter of the woman they need to speak to and DeeDee does not like him. DeeDee is cagey, deceitful and very dangerous, that is only part of the reason they call her the "Black Widow". Kano hasn't seen Catherine for seven years, they broke up because Catherine needed to grow up and accept who her mother really was. In the last seven years Catherine has done a lot of growing up and has learned even more about who and what her mother really is. Catherine has separated her life from her mothers and has gone on to become a doctor and help special needs children and their families. Kano and Catherine meet up again at a dinner DeeDee told her about and the spark is still there. Will they be able to start a new relationship during all the turmoil that is going on around them? I love this story, the characters are amazing, the story is original and there is a lot going on. You have kidnapping, murder, deceit, family secrets, past love and a hostel take over. This is a must read and I am so excited for the next book.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullard's still missing and his team is determined to find him and eliminate those who are trying to do the same to them. All the clues are leading to DeeDee and her crew which doesn't make sense but yet it does.

Kano has history here, DeeDee's daughter Catherine is someone he loved a long time ago, but she wasn't ready to know the truth of everything around her.

As we get our first look at Catherine her mother tells her Kano's coming and the conversation somehow turns to DeeDee's husbands and the fact they're all dead. She really hoped Kano would stay away from her mother, but obviously that's not going to happen. A text to Kano gets a response that has her going to the dinner they're having with 'the black widow'.

The dinner is just the starting point, there are still many unanswered questions.

Catherine's profession also adds some interesting twists in this tale as the guys help her out. There's plenty of attraction between her and Kano, but there's also the problem of her mother.

With action, suspense, more than a little intrigue and a love that never really died, we get closer to the truth of what's happened with Bullard.

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love this Bullard's Battle series, it's all about finding who's responsible for the attack and attempted murder to all Bullard's team with extra case in each book.

This book it's like we're getting close to find all the answers, but yet it ended with lots of questions and still no news on Bullard's whereabouts, but that what's makes everything more interesting, I'm really curious who's the bad guy is, really can't wait for the next book.

We're also getting to know Kano and his past love life which is really crazy. There's Catherine, Kano's ex and her crazy mother and many people who's trying to hurt and kill Kano, there's kidnapping, there's betrayals, there's domestic abuse, there's attacking, yup there's a lot of thing going on, which makes this book a page-turner one. Although there's a lot of things that really bothering me, such as the heart to heart talks that appears everywhere and a character that giving me whiplash with all the change of attitude and heart through all the book, I still enjoying this fast-paced light suspense with a lot of actions and sweet romance.

[Lisa Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of Kano and Catherine was full of twists and turns and a surprise or two. Kano and Fallon travel to France to meet with DeeDee an evil woman with a touch of humanity left. She actually has a list of husbands to marry and Bullard in #4 or is it #5. Catherine and Kano had a relationship years ago when she was young and very naive. Kano had to break her heart in order for her to mature and figure out who her mother was. In hurting Catherine, he gained an enemy in DeeDee. DeeDee unknowingly provides another piece to the puzzle of this ongoing story about who is after Bullard and his men.

This was fast-paced and will leave your head spinning. Catherine may have been young and naive then but she is a strong woman who will face one shock after another as she and Kano find their way back to each other while trying to stay alive.

I enjoyed this installment of the series and I am still trying to figure out who wants Bullard and his crew dead and why. Can't wait to find out what puzzle piece is uncovered next in this fast-paced series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) Did not see that twist coming! Talk about a cold hearted woman, makes all moms look like fairy god mothers. Suspense, twists, intrigue, second chances and following the mystery of who blew up the plan. Kano and Fallon meet Dee-Dee the vicious, cold hearted mom of Catherine, the girl Kano use to have a relationship with and walked away from when she wouldn't see her mom for what she is. Years later Catherine finds out her mom is meeting Kano for dinner and sends a text to warn him that she is evil. Kano invites her to be at the dinner. She accepts and this book takes off down alleys, in warehouses, kidnapping, and along the way we see the women that Catherine has developed into, the Dr she is helping children. Great read and another step closer to the finding out who was behind the explosion and what all is really going on. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance after many years apart for Kano and Catherine, whose mother is a piece of work and the reason Kano walked away in the first place. Catherine has grown up since then, not as naive as she used to be where her mother Deedee is concerned and now that Kano is back, she hopes he sees her for who she is now. Kano is very leery of the two women, especially Deedee but Catherine still has a hold on him and when he sees she has changed....he hopes he gets to explore it as Catherine get entangled in the middle of it all.
A good read with a bit of steam but I was missing the heart to heart between these two and the ending of how cold Catherine was after what happens to Deedee....didn’t endear me to her, considering her back and forth on her emotions towards Deedee. I did like the suspense, twists and turns, surprises and getting closer to finding out what happened to Bullard.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Carol orr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre

No plot spoilers
I honestly can't recommend the series, so far, at book five, there is nothing to differentiate between all five.
Each lead character is the same just with a different name.
Every single one of them say 'interesting ' a lot.
Then there are the location issues.
Her practice is New York, but she also works in Paris. Hello? Not likely.
Then there are the people who live in Paris, you know, Angus and Jeremy . . . Oh yeah, and Reginald. No French people live in Paris apparently.
Every bad guy is seriously misogynistic, and who calls a woman 'a dame' these days? they say darn it quite a bit and have no problem beating someone up or shooting them but they don't swear.
It was the same in every book.
In the previous book set in London the bad guys all said 'man' a lot (someone needs to tell the author people in England don't use many Americanisms and 'man' is not acceptable

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his last dealings with Catherine's mother, Kano is wary about dealing with her again. There is a reason that they call DeeDee the black widow. Kano believes that DeeDee could have information on what happened to Bullard's plane. After hearing that Deedee is having dinner with Kano, Catherine decides to invite herself. Catherine doesn't trust her mother and is concerned for Kano's safety. Before long Catherine is in danger herself. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The more that I read of this series, the more I enjoy it and its continuing mystery. With another clue to follow in this book, I like how Catherine has grown since Kano last saw her. She is now a strong professional woman who can stand on her own feet. I enjoy their second chance romance as well as the suspenseful story.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got to know Kano had a bit of a past with DeeDee but when we find out why there is so much well hatred towards Kano it makes you grimace a bit. but you also get why Kano did what he did. Now he is face to face with his past, not just DeeDee who fyi is fully seated on the crazy train, but also Catherine DeeDee's daughter and the women he had to let go who now has her eyes much more wide open about her Mum. I just didn't trust anything DeeDee said she did or didn't do as well as what she might know about Bollard and the plane crash. There is soo much double crossing going on within this book that Kano, Fallon and Catherin need to keep a level head to stay alive especially when twists and surprises come out and blind side you.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Bullard Battle series. Bullard owns a security company based in Africa. Someone blew up the plane that Bullard and two of his team were flying in. This series of books takes the reader through the clues the team is following to find out who was behind the bombing. In this book Kano with his teammate Fallen, head to Paris to Meet with DeeDee the ruthless owner of Bullard’s main competitor. I loved how the action just went from one scrap to another. Kano was in love with DeeDee’s daughter, Catherine. Catherine finally grew up and realized her mother wasn’t the person she thought she was which opened the door to romance. I am looking forward to the next book, so I can see where the clue leads.

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kano goes to Paris to further investigate Bullard's disappearance in the plane explosion. Bullard's men have been put in danger too and they want to solve the mystery before any more injuries happen. Kano thought he was in love with Catherine in the past however her continued denial of her mother's actions caused a rift between them. Now Catherine is well aware of her mom's involvement with evil and seems to be willing to help Kano get the information he needs. Family dynamics, evil, determination, honor and so much more are covered in telling this story which makes it really difficult to put down. The epilogue talks of Fallon continuing the search in Africa which will be book 6 in this exciting tale in the Bullard's Battle series. Very exciting and I can't wait!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Kano's keep . Kano Stavros is looking for more answers about Bullard's disappearance and the attacks on the team . With Fallon by his side they head to Paris . Kano is not looking forward to meeting DeeDee . She not only is evil and not to be trusted she the mother of Catherine the woman he left behind . As Kano , Fallon and Catherine Dodge bullets and unknown enemies . Catherine and Kano discover they still love one another. This story is fantastic and well written . The characters are very unique . It is full of suspense and action . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intense, convoluted and crazy

Kano has come to Paris with his partner Fallon to continue the search for those hunting them and their teammates who work for the missing Bullard. He's meeting with the mother of the woman he loved, year's ago, to see how the mom is involved. Catherine has matured, realized her mother's foibles and missed Kano for the years they've been apart. Her mother, DeeDee is a hard, unscrupulous, hard core, criminal of a woman still trying to control Catherine's life. The interaction between these individuals is very complicated, sometimes confusing and definitely tied to the underbelly of the dark, sinister, ruthless criminal world. Another interesting step toward finding, and ending Bullard's Battle.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many unanswered questions as Kano and Fallon search for clues to the downing of Bullard's plane. It is a page turner with so many twists and turns. It is a standalone tale but it is far better to read in the series (step by step unravelling the mystery of the downing of a plane and attacks on Bullard's men). Beloved characters within the series and from another series (Heroes for Hire). Second chances for Kano as he encounters a love from his past (yeah, romance). Another great story and one more step to solving the mystery. Bravo!

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

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kano had hoped not to ever have to deal with Catherine and her vindictive mother Dee Dee again. Years ago when they were a couple was cruel and drove them apart. Kano and his part ner Fallon are sent to Paris to find out what clue Dee Dee has regarding Bullard's plane being blown up. Kano is pleasantly surprised to find that Catherine has matured and is a kind hearted women no longer under her mothers thumb. She can now see what her mother is truly like.

Well written story with a few twists and turns that readers will appreciate.
This is my favorite book so far in the series.

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

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old flames reconnect to uncover more clues about the plane crash and just who is targeting the team, but even this isn't clear cut as way more is going on in Catherine's mother's business. With lies and betrayal, bad guys at every turn it's a fight for survival that keeps this an edgy read from beginning to end, on top you have a love that never died. I for one really enjoyed this, though so many nasty's did get a little confusing at times on if they were with or against DeeDee. Fallon is up next and hopefully they will get some results. As always plenty of action and violence, lots of suspense and many twists, even a little love. Started 1/7/21 Finished 2/7/21

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kano knows he has to face is past to move forward in the search his teammis currently in for Bullard.
First an old girlfriend who was let go so she could facexwhat her mother is, so Kano let her go. The mother is a very powerful woman whomis know for killing first than asking questions later.
Catherine had her heart broken twice once by Kano and the other her Mother. Facing who her Mother is was not easy and Catherine is hating right now as she has been pulled into that world.
With Kano at her side she faces more stuff her Mother kept hudden when she finds herself trying to stay alive.
A very nice pace story that keeps you turning the pages.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense, double crosses, second chance at romance, and so much more in this latest addition to Bullard's Battle. Kano and Fallon go to Paris to meet with DeeDee. But when Catherine finds out about the dinner, she invites herself to join them. This is the first time Kano has seen Catherine since they broke up. It turns out that during their time apart, Catherine has come to terms with what her mother does.

In addition to the action that happens while they are trying to get more clues as to who is behind Bullard's plane being blown out of the air, Kano and Fallon also help to save one of Catherine's patients and his mother.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kano and Fallon head to Paris to track down DeeDee as she is a competitor in their world and may have information on who sabotaged the plane that Bullard was in. She is ruthless and a real viper so they know they have to be on guard. Kano once dated her daughter Catherine and doesn't expect old feelings to resurface, but they do. His showing up also puts Catherine in danger. It's a fast-paced read with action and danger throughout. The guys get a few more answers and the set-up for the next book seems like it will be a good one too. Love this series so much! I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since when is falling in love a mistake?

.....When the woman you love has a psychopath for a mother and enemies that multiply by the minute! But Catherine is the furthest thing from a psychopath, she is kind, caring, innocent and determined to help those who need it most....until she is kidnapped...again. she and Kano have stumbled into more than just a plot to kill Bullard, and some enemies are far closer than anyone could imagine. Watching the two of them come together to fight the shadows and rekindle their love, gives you hope. Bullard's team still have no idea who is behind his attack...but they have more puzzle pieces and they also remove more suspects from the list.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The investigation into who was responsible for the attack on Bullard and his team and why continues. The trail forces Kano to face his past as they believe that the person responsible is also the mother of his first and only love Catherine who was responsible for the demise of their relationship.

Catherine is not the same woman that Kano left and has a much clearer picture of who her mother really is. She has never stopped loving Kano and wants a second chance but first they must find out what part, if any, her mother plays in the situation.

Intrigue to keep you on edge, surprises you don’t see coming and a love that time not distance has diminished.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kano have meets Catherine in Paris he is surprised at how much she has matured. Since the last time he had seen her. At one time they were lovers, until he broke it off because she would not believe the evil of her mother. This book was so exciting I could not put it down. The action continued from the front page to the last page. I loved seeing how Catherine grew from a young innocent girl into a strong independent woman and that Kano had the ability to forgive her for what had happened in the past. There were a couple of surprised thrown in at the end to make it more exciting.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots and lots of bad guys in this story. Kano and Fallon seek out DeeDee, the leader of a prominent security company to see if she has any information about Bullard and/or who may have wanted him dead. So we have the group who is trying to find proof Bullard is dead, DeeDee who wants Kano dead and a splinter group of DeeDee"s men trying to take.her.down. Not to mention all the people who were kidnapped! Good read.

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is the 5th book in the Bullard's Battle series, I do suggest reading them in order. We follow Kano and Fallon as they head to France on the search for clues about who wants the team gone. Kano meets up with the only woman who won his heart and her cold hearted mother who's a real piece of work.

Fast-paced and quick to read, plenty of drama and action throughout. The interaction between Kano and Catherine is still filled with plenty of chemistry and emotion. Loving this series.

[Evelyn Wark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The battle to find out what has happened to Bullard continues. Kano takes lead on this step of the journey along with Fallon. They travel to Paris to seek out an adversary Dee Dee to try and determine if she has anything to do with Bullard's disappearance. Dee Dee happens to be the mother of Catherine, With whom he had a relationship with but ended because of her Mother and the conflict between them. This a great read with many twists and turns along with budding romance. The race to find Bullard continues.