Rubin

by Dale Mayer

Welcome to a captivating new series by USA Today best-selling author Dale Mayer. Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones as Mason sets off on another exhilarating journey. With a fresh department, a dynamic team, and countless thrilling adventures, immerse yourself in the action, as Mason and his Aces work to save the world …

When Mason put out the call to assemble a covert black ops team, Rubin hesitated. But his friend Trent insisted, promising a break from the monotony of red tape and brass BS. With a leap of faith, Rubin entrusted his fate to Mason, unaware of the chaos that awaited …

Tricia was on the cusp of completing her master’s degree, her future bright, when a night out turned into a nightmare. As she returned to her dorm, shadows closed in, and she was thrust into a van with two other captives. Her world spiraled into chaos, leaving her questioning if she was a target or simply a victim of cruel chance.

Then Rubin appeared. Seizing the moment, Tricia escaped her captors, but the path to safety was fraught with peril and unexpected twists. As danger loomed, an undeniable connection sparked between Tricia and Rubin, turning their escape into a journey of suspense and burgeoning romance …

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

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

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

This is looking like it will be a great series.
Mason from previous stories is heading a new team, all chosen for their expert skills.
Tricia, a senator's daughter has been kidnapped from her University and Rubin and the guys are on a mission to rescue her. As this story unfolds the danger grows. She might be rescued but the kidnappers are right on their tale all the way.
This story was suspense filled and action packed all the way.
If you've read this author before you'll know the girl always falls for the guy...will it happen here or will they all even get home unscathed?
I'm looking forward to more in this series.

[Shyla]

Mason from previous stories is heading a new team. Tricia, a senator's daughter has been kidnapped from her University. Rubin and his team are sent overseas to find and return Tricia. As this story unfolds the danger grows. This story was suspense filled and action packed all the way.

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic suspenseful start to a new series that looks to be a keeper.
Mason is back and the head of a new team. Their first mission is to find a senators daughter and bring her home but that’s easier said than done.

Rubin and Trisha along with a few other team members are in a race to outrun the bad guys. A little romance along the way makes for a great adventure.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series, a series that incorporates well loved characters from Dale Mayer's previous series.
Commander Mason Callister had spent months unconscious in hospital after an attempt on his life, but now it was the start of something new, he had been asked to form a special ops team with a difference, a team with none of the military constraints, a money no object team.
Rubin Martin had been unsure, he was tired of military red tape so, with the encouragement of his friend Trent, he joined his old friend Mason.
Rubin's first mission was to rescue the daughter of a US senator who had been kidnapped. Tricia Forman was a bright student just about to finish her masters degree before returning to the US, she and two more students had been kidnapped from their place of study, no one knew why these particular students had been targeted and it was up to Ruben and his team to locate and rescue them.
As this story unfolds, the task is far more dangerous than any of the team anticipated, their adversaries were always one step ahead of them, Tricia had been smuggled out of the country and had no papers to return.
The team quickly rescued Tricia, but that was only the start of their problems, Tricia had injuries and the cat and mouse chase was to cover many miles and countries, this story is action packed, suspense filled, Tricia begins to trust and rely on Rubin, they get close, Rubin isn't looking for a relationship but can he didge Cupid's arrow ? The story has witty banter, the teasing of Hayden and the team, the characters are likeable, Rubin, the handsome, focused, protector, sassy, straight talking Tricia. A really enjoyable read.

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

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

Mason forms a covert black ops team — the Aces — to take on missions that cut through bureaucracy and deliver real results. Rubin, hesitant at first, joins at the urging of his friend Trent, unaware of the chaos and danger that lie ahead. Meanwhile, Tricia, a graduate student with a bright future, is abducted during a night out, her life suddenly thrown into peril. Captive and terrified, she questions whether she was targeted or simply unlucky. Her chance at survival comes when Rubin intervenes, giving her the opportunity to escape. Their path to safety is fraught with danger, unexpected twists, and relentless threats. Amid the suspense, a powerful connection grows between Tricia and Rubin, turning their fight for survival into a journey of courage, trust, and burgeoning romance.

I loved this story which was about action, suspense, and the unexpected bond between two people who find love while fighting for survival. I liked how chaos became the crucible for both the special ops team and Tricia where resilience and courage are tested, and control is reclaimed through action. I also loved that the story asked whether heroism is born of fate or choice, and how one act can alter lives forever. A very enjoyable story that clearly showed the collision of chaos and control, where survival sparks resilience, loyalty fuels heroism, and love blooms in the most unlikely, perilous circumstances. Clear and easy to understand feelings and emotions. I did find the quick ending of Rubin and Tricia being together a bit abrupt. This was an MF story with a little mature content at the very end.

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

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rubin & Tricia

A lot of exciting action and suspense in this new series. Mason is in charge of his own Back Ops team he hand picks Rubin, Trent, Oakley and Hayden to head up a team to go and look for a U.S. Senator’s daughter, Tricia Forman, who has been kidnaped from her university campus.

Having no clues to this puzzle, it’s up to the team to find any connection to the Senator’s position and if Tricia is being used as leverage. This is a new slant to a corrupt area to control how our government is being manipulated for votes.

I like how Rubin uses his team’s skills to figure out where to look for Tricia and most of all, how they use their instincts to try to get ahead of the bad guys and stay there. This story combines fear of the unknown for Tricia and why she was taken and her classmates beaten and murdered. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding how the bad guys transported Tricia around the country to conceal her identity.

I also enjoyed Tricia’s moxy and unflinching bravery in the face of a man that was just plain mean. She has an extroverted personality allowing her to think outside the box when needed. Rubin also has a strong personality and isn’t afraid to do what it takes to keep Tricia safe. They both have what it takes to make a great team, but need to figure out that it’ going to take to make sure Tricia stays safe and Rubin is the man for the job.

Great new story, can’t wait for more!

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series with Commander Mason Callister having been put in charge of a new department. He's been given free range to hand pick the members of his team with the promise of less red tape than in the normal lines of command. We get an introduction to some of the members of this team and Rubin is in charge of their first mission.

Rubin and his team are sent overseas to find and return Tricia, the daughter of a US Senator. You'd think once they find her, it would be relatively simple sailing however it seems that there is danger around every corner. And they aren't sure of the reason why she was taken. There are some other twists they will encounter before the case is resolved.

There is a great mix of characters, plenty of banter between Tricia, Rubin and Hayden, and lots of suspense. I'm looking forward to learning more about the team and what missions they will be sent on.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The appeal of working with Mason’s team is too appealing for Rubin to turn down as it will let me help others while having the freedom to not be restricted by military protocol. When he embarks on his first assignment it sounded straight forward enough as he is needed to rescue to Tricia, who has been abducted, but that was only the beginning.

When Tricia is abducted her only thought is escape first and find out who is behind it and why after she is safe. When she is rescued by Rubin she thought the danger was over, but she and Rubin are about to find out she couldn’t be more wrong.

Suspense, intrigue, action and surprises as Rubin and Tricia find themselves fighting for their lives and find romance under the most unlikely of circumstances.

[Paula]

I really enjoyed reading Rubin . Rubin answers the call when Mason is building a new Black Ops team . Tricia was taken along with two other women she was out with . As they were headed to their dorm . Held captive and beaten she's not sure if she's the target or just unfortunately taken along . Rubin and some of his team come to her rescue but they soon find themselves on the run as the bad guys close in . While Rubin and Tricia are on the run their attraction turns to more if they can end this nightmare . This story is action packed and intense all out sensational . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted politics?

Or something even more sinister?

Mason has barely moved into his new office when his team are dragged into a crazy kidnapping with political ties. Rubin takes lead but the tangled web of deceit is only one of his problems, his matchmaking partner and the gorgeous but feisty woman they rescue have him questioning his sanity as they race across Europe evading capture. It's dark and dangerous, but there is also a light-hearted teasing banter that appears as Rubin and Tricia get to know each other, even running from crazy criminals can't stop the chemistry that sizzles between them.
A good first book in the series, I look forward to Hayden's book next.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason has a new team (Mason's Aces). Their current assignment is to locate and rescue a young woman. Prepare for page turning intrigue, colorful characters, moments of humor and romance, and often more questions than answers. This will be an ongoing journey (the initial quest accomplished but there is more to the story). I look forward to where this journey goes (and the strong men and stronger women encountered). Bravo!.

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is proving to be an exciting new series staring Mason as he gets back to business gathering men he trusts to run Black ops. Rubin is one of the chosen and this book is his story rescuing a woman Tricia and their adventure to gain freedom as they dodge obstacles along the way. Great story, wonderful characters and intrigue, so how can you not truly enjoy this tale. I stayed up way past my bedtime waiting for answers.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Series and some old friends to start us off. Mason is recruiting for his black ops. Tricia is kidnapped from the University abroad. Her father is a senator and Mason's team is tapped. Rubin is the lead in this fast paced twisty tale. There is snark, suspense and a romance that begins. We have trains, planes and automobiles as they run for safety. As a reader I new immediately where and why they were being surprised. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Rubin #Mason'sAces #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teasing and banter even during the toughest of times, absolutely loved the characters and how the guys switched around as support for Tricia and Rubin. It was exciting with some chases and action along the journey. Brilliant plot that kept me motivated to carry on reading to the end. Dale is an excellent author with a range of genre's that she manages to keep interesting and full of characters I want to know.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great start to a new series from Dale Mayer. Mason has a new team and their first mission is to rescue Tricia who has been kidnapped. Mason sends Rubin and his team to get Tricia back. There was a lot of action as they run from the kidnappers who keep finding them. I loved the banter between Rubin and Tricia and all of Hayden’s teasing. I can’t wait for the next book.

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

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new team, they get their assignment get the girl back from kidnappers.
They start tomove, find things don't go as expected and see plans change as they move. Splitting up to cover more ground they find their lady and the fun begins there. Hiding her as things don't go right, sees her separate from them only to find she is kidnapped again. A wild race to get her back a second time, find out who is behind this and taking another chance on love. A great story.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things happen in quick succession in the beginning and then once Rubin has Tricia in a safe house we really get to know her more as well as Rubin and some of the team. I really liked how Tricia knew where she stood with her father so was forging her own path and this attitude helped her when she was first taken and going forward. You get a growing romance, danger nipping at their heels along with some well placed humor.

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

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason has been given a new team of Black Ops, and their first mission is to find Tricia a senator's daughter who was kidnapped. Tricia has no idea why she was a target, but Rubin and his team get her out but, it's a race to keep her safe. Action, danger, suspense, lots of questions and some humor added in.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful novel with murder, intrigue, mystery, and a romance thrown in. Poor Rubin doesn't stand a chance once Tricia starts to fall for him. After surviving the kidnapping and trauma surrounding it, Tricia only feels safe with Rubin and Hayden. A page turner that kept me guessing. Another keep me up all night read.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, chases, laughs, I felt for the characters, a little bit of everything. A perfect book to read and an amazing kick off to a new series! Rubin has his hands full with Tricia.

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

[Xantippi Leska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is a great start for a new series, There are lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing what is coming. Loved the characters and the story line.

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

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rubin: Mason’s Aces by Dale Mayer is truly another captivating book set in this series. I absolutely did not want to put down. Can’t wait for more.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new series, Mason's Aces, Mason is back after his shooting with a promotion to run a new team, Rubin is leading the investigation on a kidnapped senators daughter, Trisha.

Fast-paced and packed with plenty of drama and intrigue. Plenty of chemistry between Rubin and Trisha, he's the strong silent type and Trisha has plenty of charm and strength. Good story, I can't wait for the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very, very good fast-paced read. The characters were a hoot, especially Trisha at times. I'm hoping Hayden gets his comeuppance in the next book.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kicks this new series off and right into high gear. Thrills, chills and romance are seamlessly combined into a gripping story that gets you on the edge and hanging off every word.