Sterling

by Dale Mayer

For Sterling, encountering Toby and the others at the Haven feels like a glimpse of redemption. He is adrift, trapped between the shadows of his past and the foggy uncertainty of his present. The proximity to his mother’s farm, now under his aunt’s control, only heightens his unease. Many years ago she had cast him into the foster system, and now he faces a continue on in silence or confront the storm brewing dangerously close. Does he really want to fully engage in this looming conflict and to stand firm to the end? Doesn’t he have enough on this plate already?

Lindsay arrives at the Haven with cautious hope, seeking to verify its promise. She is no stranger to the struggles of small rescues, and the possibility of a new ally offers a glimmer of relief. Meeting Sterling—and realizing he might be the cousin her friend had never known—adds layers of complexity to the situation. The revelation of his tangled past and the simmering current tensions only deepens the intrigue.

The impending clash promises to be brutal, and, as the stakes rise, two questions linger. Who would emerge unscathed? And could love find a way amid the chaos?

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 24, 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

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

Sterling arrives at the Haven feeling lost and weighed down by a painful past, especially with his estranged family’s farm so close and old wounds threatening to reopen. He must decide whether to stay silent or finally confront the turmoil he’s spent years avoiding. Lindsay comes to the Haven hoping it can truly help struggling rescues, but meeting Sterling — and discovering he may be the long‑lost cousin of her friend — complicates everything. His history, the tension surrounding his family, and the danger brewing nearby pull her deeper into the unfolding conflict. As a brutal confrontation looms, both Sterling and Lindsay are forced to face rising stakes, uncertain futures, and the possibility that love might still take root even in the middle of chaos.

This was a heartfelt, emotionally grounded story about a man caught in the fallout of long‑standing family conflict. Sterling’s aunt has created years of turmoil, and returning so close to his mother’s old farm forces him to confront wounds he’s spent a lifetime trying to outrun. The tension she stirs adds real weight to his journey and makes his struggle to find solid ground deeply compelling. What balances that heaviness beautifully is the hope that enters his life through new and renewed connections. Meeting Lindsay brings warmth, understanding, and the possibility of something good finally taking root. Reconnecting with his cousin and grandfather adds another layer of healing, giving Sterling the sense of belonging he’s been denied for so long. A moving, uplifting read about facing the past, finding unexpected allies, and discovering that family can hurt you — but it can also save you.

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

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this gentle but angsty series.
Sterling Monroe's life hadn't been a bed of roses, he had been in the care system since his mother died when he was eight years old, when he was old enough he joined the military and his comrades became his family, that was until he was invalided out.
With Badgers help, and sporting a prosthetic leg, Sterling made his way to Timber and The Haven.
Timber, and ex army colleague, had bought hundreds of acres of land, and with the help of other retired vets who were trying to find their way in life outside the army, he was building a refuge for animals, both domestic and wild but it was also becoming a refuge for people as well.
Timber was never short of volunteers but he could always use more, especially as Sterling had experience in training dogs.
The farm where Sterling spent his childhood was close to The Haven, his aunt was now in control along with her waste of space boyfriend, was his aunt entitled to the farm that had belonged to his mother ? had too many years passed for him to question it ? could he be bothered to face the upheaval and anger it would cause.
Financier, Lindsey Sagway , was another part time volunteer at The Haven, she befriended Sterling and she, along with his ex army brothers, urged Sterling to look into ownership of his mother's farm, what he uncovered left him speechless, facts that led him into life threatening danger but Sterling had the might of a small army of colleagues ready to stand in his corner.........Oh, and in true Dale Mayer style, he fell in love along the way. Another great story.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Sterling . Sterling Monroe arrives at the Haven after coming out of rehab . He finds himself needing to find a new purpose . Sterling has experience with training K9's . Timber is happy to hear that because they are getting a bunch of dogs that the shelter has no room for Timber agreed to take them . The haven is expanding faster than Timber expected . Lindsey Sagwey volunteers at the shelter and she comes to the Haven to make sure it will be safe and secure for the rescues . Sterling and her hit it off quickly . Both Loving animals . Sterling lost his mother at a young age and was abandoned to foster care when his aunt refused to raise him . His aunt living on the property that should have been his . he wants answers . As things escalate with the situation Sterling and Lindsey grow closer . This story is fantastic . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The passing of Sterling’s mom was difficult enough but to have to leave the family home and be placed in foster care only made it more difficult. In the military he found the people and the place where he belonged until an injury ends his career. Working at The Haven will give him the best of both worlds as he will not only be around other veterans but animals as well.

Lindsey has a deep affection towards animals which volunteering at The Haven helps her fulfill. When she meets Sterling there is no denying the connection they feel for each other and she wants to help him face the truth about his family and his past and the threats that go along with it.

Lindsey and Sterling are brought together by family secrets and lies but she is so supportive as every surprise is revealed and they find a love and romance that neither saw coming.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stirling is thrown straight into life at The Haven, nothing really stops there so something going on means all hands on deck. This place has come together really fast but I love the idea of domestic and wild finding a safe place. The wild just wander in and out as they want unless more help is needed. Fast paced and twisted plot, Stirling finds a lot of surprises before he gets his happy ending. Lindsey soon finds herself caught up in Stirling's life but is happy to step in and help. The Haven is growing and adjusting with each book and I love the diversity of directions, which it's going to need to keep it sustained with all the animals. Interesting with a couple of off the scale characters as well as the more loveable ones. Interested to see where the next one takes us.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sterling is the newest member showing up at the Haven. He is fresh out of rehab and not sure what to do or move forward. The Haven is exactly that, a Haven for humans and animals. Sterling was sent to foster care when he was 8. He ended up going into the service and was wounded. As he learns how the Haven runs he is also weighing options on his moms land that is under his aunts control. Lindsay comes out to Haven to see if it will work for all the animals they can no longer care for at the shelter. Reality is interwoven about shelters, people, struggles. There is a HEA, family good and bad and of course all the chaotic joy of the Haven. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Sterling #theHaven #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterling is working at The Haven, and avoiding his remaining family members. An Aunt put him into foster care when his Mom passed away, and then his Grandfather passed away right after, instead of taking him in. Turns out the Aunt was a conniving s.o.b., and was trying to take Sterling inheritance away from him. Lindsey is a great support system for Sterling, and pushes him to fight for his inheritance. Some surprises are waiting for Sterling, and an additional supportive relative is found. What a great story!.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Sterling is starting over again after getting out of rehab for his injury so he goes to Timber’s Haven to help out. That’s where he meets Lindsey. They have an instant connection. She helps him decide what to about his aunt who put him in foster care and took over his inheritance after his mother died when he was a kid. There was a lot of family drama. Sterling finds more family with Timber’s group as well as actual family he didn’t know about.

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the stories of The Haven. The characters are warm and caring, some new to the story and some from the previous books. Family is family until its not. In the case of Sterling, he had several reasons for joining Timber and the vets at The Haven. As he explores his options for his future he discovers his past. Family by blood and by choose. Bravo!.

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

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving love story but with many many animals involved but for Sterling it's also returning home. His Mother has passed,than put into foster care by his aunt and his grandfather no contact. While trying to find his live pathway he needs to confront his past but its not what he thinks. A moving story that touches your heart. And a bonus is a supporting relationship both with his girlfriend and a new family member.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timbers Haven is just what Sterling needs, the fact while working through what direction his life goes in now we get to see his K9 skills while helping the dog and puppies Lindsay arrives with. There is a lot of healing happening through out this book along with found family and lost family with love and acceptance above all.

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this newest book in The Haven series, it's a fast-paced and well-written story with some drama and intrigue.
Sterling goes to Timber's sanctuary to figure out his next phase in his life and to find out what actually happened to his family. He meets Lindsay and reconnects with family he never knew he had. Good Story, wonderful characters.

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

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterling has arrived at the Haven to figure out his next step when he finds out all the lies about his family and what really happened all those years ago because of his aunt. I loved the way the wild animals come into the yard when they need help. Suspense, good surprises, facing the past and meeting the future head on. Can't wait for the next one.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book. I love reading about the sanctuary and all the animals there. What Sterling found when he was at the sanctuary, all lies about what happened to his family because of his aunt. Lindsay was his saving grace. Some danger, but not much. HEA.

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

This is such a superb series, retired vets, many medically discharged have a place to go to heal. Not only a place to live but surrounded by the unconditional love of the many animals they volunteer to care for at The Haven.
Sterling is the latest, just out of rehab he heads out there to recuperate. Having a traumatic childhood he discovers more than he could imagine in this small town.
Lindsey arrives at the Haven with a truck load of dogs and puppies from a dreadful situation. She and Sterling have a connection immediately.
This was such a moving story about Sterling and his past, his connection with a grandfather he thought dead and a cousin he never knew. There was a lot of ugliness in this story as Sterling tried to claim what was his and the people that stood in his way.
Drama and danger afoot here but also love. Another great story in this series.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my interest and held on tightly. Sterling and Lindsey's story contains a captivating combination of drama, danger, emotions, twists and romance that stole my heart and kept me eager and desperate to read "just a little more" every chance I could.

[Read All About It · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven is back with a new member and a sweet love story along the way. If you’re an animal lover or just an avid reader this is a fantastic series. Some drama and suspense. These ex military men come together to form their own family. Another winner!!

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterling - Book 4 of The Haven
by Dale Mayer is another absolute MUST Read set in this exciting series.
Although a standalone I highly recommend reading in order.