Declan

The K9 Files #21

by Dale Mayer

Doing a wellness check on a War Dog—now in the care of a woman who trains therapy dogs—Declan sees the aftermath of an attack. The trainer hopes for some assistance in how to work with the War Dog, Shelby, but apparently someone didn’t want Carly working with Shelby at all. Or was the attack connected to something else in Carly’s past?

Carly has been through enough heartache for a lifetime. Her parents were murdered a few years back, leaving her alone in the world; even worse, the case was never solved, leaving her stuck in the past. She’d done her best to move on, … but this attack brings it all back.

The situation goes from bad to worse, as yet another attack involves an old friend, as he tries to explain something about her parents’ case to her. It’s hard for Carly to believe, but is it possible that the attacks on her connect to her parents’ murders? From Declan’s point of view, how can it not?

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Military Romance, Anthologies, Mystery

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2023

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

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

These War Dog stories are so amazing. It may start with something innocently enough, like checking on the dog to make sure it's healthy and thriving with its human guardian, but our wounded heroes always get into more than they bargain for and handle things using the training and honor that made them into the heroic men they are.

Declan Kantor hasn’t decided what his life should look like now that he's out of the military, so doing a wellness check on War Dog, Shelby, who's living with Carly Simpson, a support animal trainer, is an easy ask. When he gets Shelby's house, a man is just leaving and Shelby has been attacked. The more Declan looks into Shelby's attack, the more it seems connected with Shelby's parents' unsolved murder.

I can always count on this gifted storyteller for plenty of suspense and drama in the midst of romance. I love the connection that grows between Declan and Carly, and the way they work together and support each other. And if you’re an animal lover, you’ll cheer when Shelby gets her chance to shine when the bad guy gets too close. Riveting, heartfelt, and phenomenal, this is a terrific addition to the series and not to be missed!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best in the series

A little different from previous books in the series as the War Dog Shelby is not lost and needing to be found. But what should have been a quick welfare check for Declan becomes so much more and I really like that we still get the investigation part of the plot, just with a twist from the rest of the series. Declan is a protector through and through, and so doesn't hesitate to embrace the puzzle of the assault and Carly's safety completely. Their investigation leads Carly on a heart wrenching but ultimately cathartic journey, which uncovers secrets she could never have imagined and betrayal that is unforgivable. Thankfully she has Declan to keep her grounded and Shelby to offer support as only a dog can do.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the prologue of this book we learn that a woman has a war dog, but she doesn't understand why she has it. She gave Badger the id number from vet's scan, and it matches one of the cases they have. Badger is uneasy though since the woman sounded nervous. Declan's the choice for this one since he lives nearby and can get there quickly.

When Declan arrives, he notices a man leaving the house and walking away. He was checking the address when it happened, so he didn't give it a second thought. That is until he finds the front door ajar. No one responds when he calls out so he calls Badger. Since the woman had been nervous, Badger tells him to go in and check it out. He finds the woman in question unconscious on the kitchen floor.

Once the paramedics leave and she has refused to go to the hospital, Declan tries to figure out what happened to her. Carly Simpson isn't very forthcoming, but part of that could be the head injury as she struggles to remember things. She doesn't remember an intruder, and she's not sure where the war dog is either. Shelby isn't in her pen like the other dogs.

As they converse, she slowly remembers things including why she came across as nervous when she spoke with Badger. She also finally reveals she's moved several times over the last few years, all related to her parent's being murdered and the case unsolved. She also tells him of other threats telling her to move. Then she remembers who might have Shelby and the dog is returned.

Once she shows Declan the email threat, he decides he's not going anywhere until he's sure there will be no more threats to her.

Along the way they become friends as one thing morphs into yet another and another. Plenty of twists here. Of course, Shelby's wellbeing is also being accounted for here.

I love the way their relationship develops, slowly but surely and with just the right amount of sizzle.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all Dale Mayer's "K9 Files" series but I think this one has to be my favourite.
When Declan Kantor walked into the home of animal therapist, Carly Simpson, it wasn't a war dog that greeted him but Carly out cold on the floor with a nasty wound on her head.
Declan had been roped in by Badger an Kat to check on war dog, Shelby, who had somehow found his way to Carly's home.
Declan had been discharged from the navy after loosing part of his leg in friendly fire, he was at a crossroads of his life, this job would give him time to consider his options..
Carly had quite a few dogs that she trained as therapy dogs, visiting hospitals etc bringing comfort to the patients. Carly really wanted to keep Shelby but she realised that she may not be able to, and now this ruggedly handsome stranger was in her house to check on the dog but he seemed more worried about her.
Who was the young man that Declan had seen leaving Carly's house ? when Carly told him that her parents had been murdered six years ago and that she had been receiving threats Declan was determined to get to the bottom of this.
As this story unfolds there are so many twists and turns and a brilliant, convoluted conclusion, Oh, and of course in true Badger and Kat's matchmaking style, a gently romance between Carly and Declan was a given.
A great story.

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely a page-turner! The action starts on the very first page, when
Declan, who was sent by Badger to do a wellness check on a War Dog, enters Carly’s house, the current dog-owner. He finds her unconscious, on the kitchen floor, after an attack by an unknown person. From that moment on, Declan and Carly spend the rest of the book investigating who attacked Shelby and why.

Poor Carly has not had a happy life. Her parents, were never the touchy-feely type. Yet, in spite of that, she was heartbroken when they were murdered while she was in college. She has never gotten over the incident or how the police handled the murder. In the end, her parents’ case was never solved, and Carly has moved several times before she finally lands here.

Clearly, this new attack brings back memories of Carly’s parents’ murder. Especially since the police are not doing anything to solve the problem. Fortunately, Declan decides to stay with Carly to help her deal with her issues.

Declan is an unbelievably generous house guest and a remarkably caring person. He cooks all of their meals, takes care of Carly after the attack, and cheers her up when she is down. He also acts as her bodyguard as he helps her to solve her problems.

All-in-all, this story is full of non-stop action and riveting intrigue. Plus, readers will enjoy the many twists and turns and surprises that Dale Mayer includes in this gripping romantic suspense.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan is sent to do a wellness check on a war dog in the care of a woman who trains therapy dogs but when he gets there he finds her in the aftermath of an attack the mystery is was it because of war dog Shelby or for something else. Carly has had enough heartache in her lifetime after the unsolved murder of her parents a few years ago and then an attack on an old friend suffers another one as he tries to explain something about her parents' case to her. Declan thinks that the attacks on her are connected to her parent's murder and is determined to get to the bottom of everything.

I enjoyed this story with the dramatic introduction Declan had to Carly and the attacks that happened. It was also great to see how people underestimated Declan because of his prosthetic and that was an unfortunate mistake which gave him an edge. This was a historic murder mystery all wrapped into a current mystery which could easily end up in murder but that was all connected in the most surprising way. I think the reader and Declan will know what is happening before Carly does. Easy to read, feel and understand you might find yourself getting annoyed at Carly and how slow it was for her to work it out. Contains a little mature content at the end.

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

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan & Carly

Another interesting situation involving a War Dog. The mystery here focuses on a tragic event from several years ago and it escalates quickly when Carly is attacked, apparently for no obvious reason, just as Declan arrives to meet her for the first time about her acquisition of Shelby, the missing War Dog.

I love Declan’s unwavering determination to help, guard and take care of Carly. He quickly realizes that after Carly has been attacked, she is also dealing with another trauma all on her own. With little to no clues or information from the local police, they are forced to unravel this mystery relying on Carly’s memories.

I also enjoy how loving and friendly Shelby is toward Carly and then Declan. She has obviously been well cared for and not abused. Shelby is eager to go to work and use her skills to help Declan keep an eye on things surrounding Carly’s situation and her home.

A fast paced story with suspense and an interesting series of events which escalates nicely to keep you engaged and enjoying a fabulous journey for Declan and Carly, and don’t forget Shelby is right in the middle of it all.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan by Dale Mayer
K-9 Files Series Book Twenty-One
Declan Kantor is asked to check on a War Dog about three hours away. He arrives at an unexpected scene and to a woman who needs help beyond him just checking on the dog. So, as a protector, Declan stays to help her.
Carly Simpson hasn’t found any place to call home. Her parents were murdered six years ago, and it’s still unsolved. And now, she’s been having unwelcome visitors leaving “gifts” and breaking in. After being alone for so long, she welcomes the handsome man willing to protect her.
I always enjoy this series, and this book didn’t disappoint.
**Mild sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh Carly had a whole ton of stuff going on in her life and lots of twists, this story was definitely more about that than the war dog, thankfully no real threat in this book. Declan was awesome from the start and no question of trying to keep Carly safe, loved the attraction and friendship that blossomed over the few weeks they were together unravelling everything. The war dog was loving but still knew her training and was quick to switch roles when needed. Interesting and suspenseful with some action scenes, I enjoyed the mystery and uncovering the clues as they came along, but I also loved the romance of Declan being rescuer and looking out for her. Wonderful read.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly finds a war dog, does the right thing and reports her find. She is slowly falling for the dog. But turns out she is lucky for doing this. Declan takes on the welfare check of the dog but finds Carly knocked out in her kitchen. Things just aren't right so together they work towards finding answer. Carly has to face her parents murderer trying to close that case but also faces that fact of what she knew as a child wasn't the truth and finds herself facing more than she knew. Declan trying to work out where his future is going to take him. With all these two are facing sees very strong friendship which is growing into a chance at a lifetime together.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this story . Declan Kantor is sent by Badger to do a wellness check on Shelby a wardog . Declan lives in the same state as Carly Simpson the woman that has ended up with Shelby . Declan arrives and finds Carly on the floor someone has attacked her . After making sure she's ok Declan realizes something is going on and Carly is in danger . He works to figure who's targeting Carly and why . This story is intriguing and suspenseful with a little romance included . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a little different from most of the other K9 Files stories in that the location of the War Dog, Shelby, is known. So, all that is needed is for the wellness check to be done to determine if the Carly will be able to keep Shelby. But when Declan arrives, he finds that Carly has been attacked. And whether or not the attack is related to Shelby, there's no way the protector side of Declan will leave until answers are found. So many surprises as the events unfold and it becomes likely that the attacks on Carly are related to her parents' murder. Once the action starts, you won't want to stop reading.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby was a war dog, now retired and in the care of Carly who trains therapy dogs. Carly isn't sure how she acquired Shelby but she dutifully reports it to the War Department. Declan volunteers to do a well dog check but upon arrival at Shelby's home he finds her on the floor, unconscious and with a head wound and the dog is gone.
This caught my attention in the very beginning and did not let go till the convoluted mystery was solved. Great read for pleasure or escape or maybe both. All the characters are well done including Shelby!.

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly is a dog trainer who is uncertain how Shelby, a war dog, ends up her care. Ever since the death of her parents she has had nothing but questions about who was responsible. Suspicious things continue to happen and the latest is when she is attacked in her own home and is found by Declan.

After an injury ended his Naval career Declan is trying to decide what the future holds. When he is asked to track down Shelby he gets so much more than he expected when he finds Carly injured and his mission changes as now he needs to find out who has targeted her.

Intrigue and romance collide as Shelby becomes the matchmaker between Carly and Declan.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can he save them

Wow book 21 already and it did not disappoint at all. There was a plot twist. Declan is looking for the ward of Shelby. Carly is the person who has her but Declan finds her on the floor with a head injury. From there we are lead on a whirlpool of feelings and betrayal as the life Carly thought she had doesn’t exist and then has to deal with the murder of her parents. People aren’t who they seem and friends turn into enemy’s. Couldn’t get enough. I read it in 2 hours and now I want more. Great characters and storyline. Love badger and Kat still being the side characters.

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

[Rainbow Unicorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the awesome K9 series by Dale Mayer. This K-9 (War Dog) series is so amazing. It always starts off with something innocently enough, like checking on the dog to make sure it's healthy and thriving with its human guardian, or finding a lost/runaway dog and rehoming it, but our wounded heroes always get into way more than they bargain for and handle things using the training and honour that made them into the heroic men they are, and the fact that they just happen to meet their soulmate, strong courageous women along the way, that is just the icing on the top of the cake. I now anxiously await the next one in the series.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan is going out to do a wellness check on Shelby the War Dog who is now with Carly. Carly would like to use Shelby as a therapy dog but she would also like some training on how to handle Shelby. Declan arrives to see a man leaving Carly's home only to discover Carly has been attacked and is unconscious on the floor with a head wound. What has Declan stepped into? This story has everything you could want. The attack on Carly, threats, trespassers and being followed. Is Declan up to the challenge to keep Carly safe with the help of Shelby? This is a wonderful story that had me enthralled. The characters are amazing and the story is original.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this series always stays fresh. You have a bare premise, but even that is tweaked here and there. K9 and ex military its hard to go wrong. This one they know where the dog is all because of Shelby doing the right thing. Declan really had his act together and towards the end when he says "is it that awful" I teared up. A little intrigue and mystery thrown in with suspense makes this another great read in the K9 Files Series. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Declan #K9Files #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishingLTD #Booksprout

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing of Declan's arrival is impeccable not just for Carly's safety but to help her unravel the past so she can be at piece with it and also find out who was really behind her parents deaths. Things kick off right from the get go for Declan and Carly and has you asking many questions and trying to work out which of the many scenarios is the cause of what's happening now. There was no putting this one down until the end.

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

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Declan is sent to check on a war dog Shelby, he meets Carly, the woman who is looking after her and finds himself protecting Carly after an attack. Carly isn’t sure who is out to get her and is grateful for Declan looking after her. When her past meets her present and all the skeletons come out…will Declan be able to save her.
A good read with suspense, twists and turns, surprises and good characters. I liked these two, no drama between them and no denying their feelings.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan

Ok, another good story by Dale. This story is about Declan, Carly and Shelby, as well as her other dogs. The beginning was kind of disturbing but this is how these two met and, as they say, the rest is history. Carly's past was always troubling for her and to find out bad stuff about her parent's past is never pleasant. When the truth finally comes out, it is a bit surprising. Glad the bad guys were finally caught and answers were finally given. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would recommend this book!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story stands out from the other K9 file stories. When Badger asks Declan to perform a welfare check, of the war dog Shelby, he challenges Declan to be a hero. Declan accepts the challenge and arrives at Carly’s house to do the welfare check. There, he finds Carly unconscious on the kitchen floor. Although Shelby is fine, Declan refuses to leave until he is sure that Carly is safe. As they follow the leads, they uncover a tale of deceit, homicide, and fresh starts.

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

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan is sent to look into the care of a war dog who is in the care of Carly who trains dogs for therapy. When Declan gets there, he finds Carly unconscious and she's been attacked. Declan stays with her to help her figure out why someone would want to hurt her. This book is a little different than the other K9 books as we know where the dog is and she's happy where she is. This book centers around Declan and Carly. There's suspense, mystery, and danger.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly discovers a missing War Dog and when Declan goes to check on it he finds Carly has been attacked in her home. Declan sticks around to help find out who is harassing Carly. Is it related to the War Dog or to Carly’s parents murder years ago. This story has a lot of twists and turns and one big reveal that I did not see coming. I always like it when an author can surprise me so I really enjoyed this story.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan is sent to check on the health and welfare of the War Dog, Shelby. Carly, A therapy dog trainer, finds that she is in possession of Shelby so she contacts Burger and Kat for advice about training. Lots of strange occurrences in this one. In fact he finds Carly unconscious with a head injury when he arrives at her home and finds the door slightly open. Great read!.

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful well-written story in the K9 Files series, it can be read as a standalone story. As with the other stories in this series, it's fast-paced and has plenty of drama and action throughout. Carly has a war dog in her possession and Declan has come to check the dog and to see what has Carly so nervous when he finds her attacked and unconscious on her kitchen floor. Wonderful Story, I'm really enjoying this series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan

Declan really fell into a pile of trouble when he went to check on Shelby the War Dog. When he got to the correct address he saw someone leaving the house he was going to, then found the owner Carly knocked out on the kitchen floor. As they try to unravel everything that had happened to her, they grow closer to each other and Shelby. When the real trouble shows up will Declan be able to protect Carly and Shelby or will this be the end for each of them?

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a little different then the others in the series. Normally the War Dog has to be found, but this time she is already in a happy home, which I liked. Although, there is danger and suspense surrounding that home.

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

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delvers a powerful one-two punch of emotion and suspense that had no trouble stealing my breath and making my heart ache. I loved Declan and Carly's story so much. It pulled me in quickly and had me totally wrapped up in everything that was happening. An absolute winner that had me up quite late to finish it.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story! The suspense is high and it keeps you guessing. There are a couple of mysteries and they are full of twists. Declan and Carly are wonderful characters. The romance is a slow burn. And the ending left me wanting more books. There are two characters I'm very excited for.

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