Aiden

A 3.5 fast-paced fun suspense romance read.

This is the 18th book from The Maverick series, one of my fav series from Dale Mayer, because it's always entertaining and fun to read, a perfect read when I have a hectic day and there's no exception with this one, I enjoyed it a lot.

There's a lot going on in this book, domestic abuse, murder, blackmail, gambling, unreliable cop investigations, yup there's plenty twist and turns, lots of things to keep me turning page after page. Aiden and Mountain also the reason why I like this book, they're just a perfect alpha hero, overprotective, confidence and always get the things done perfectly.
What I don't like is Toby, from the get go her attitude is really annoying, she's a pessimist, always complaining, and I don't feel the sparks between her and Aiden, so I'm not a big fan of the romance part in this book.

Overall, it's a light entertaining romantic suspense read.

TrishAM

1,255 reviews

August 16, 2022

This is the 18th book in Dale Mayer's "Maverick" series, each one as good as the last.
Toby was a card dealer in a Las Vegas casino, she was good at her job and popular with the punters..........that is until she was accused of murdering her husband, Moscow, the same husband who she was blackmailed into marrying, the same husband who beat Toby and his Down's Syndrome sister, Michelle, black and blue, Toby would do anything to protect Michelle but would she commit murder ?
A number of gamblers that frequented Toby's table had also been murdered and their bodies dumped, the police were quite happy to pin them all on Toby, she had no one to fight her corner, her husband's father had influence in Las Vagus and money to bribe, he wanted Toby convicted.
Tony's own family had nothing to do with her except for Mountain, Mountain Bear Rode was her cousin, things between them were strained but Mountain would come to her rescue.
Aiden Bronte was a Maverick, the Mavericks were a black ops team, all highly trained with special skills, when his old buddy Mountain asked the Mavericks for help Aiden knew that it was his mission.
As the story unfolds, Aiden and Mountain set out to prove Toby's innocence, everything was stacked against Toby, there was corruption in the PD and above, her life was in danger, Aiden would do anything to protect the girl that he was falling in love with and prove her innocence. This story has fast action, suspense and a few surprises along the way, Oh, and of course the blossoming romance between Toby and Adam.

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

Lisa

934 reviews

This book is a little different than Dale Mayer’s other Mavericks stories. It has three main characters, Toby, Aiden and Mountain. Mountain and Aiden worked together when they were in the military. Toby is Mountain’s cousin.

Toby has been accused of murdering her husband, Moscow. She and Moscow had just gotten married before he died. Toby hated Moscow, because he is abusive and mean to her and his sister. She only married him because he blackmailed her into doing it. Moscow is murdered soon after they are married.

The police arrest Toby immediately even though they have no proof. Now she is out on bail awaiting her trial. Meanwhile, the police are not looking for anyone else. To make matters worse, five other men have been murdered. The police have charged Toby with those also, because she has no alibi for any of them.

Mountain talks the Mavericks into sending him and Aiden out to investigate Moscow’s murder and to prove Toby’s innocence. Their investigation is very inclusive. They check out Moscow’s illegal and nefarious activities. They also look into his hostile, greedy father who only cares about himself and Moscow. They also investigate Moscow’s relationship between him and his sister. He has been terrorizing her for years.

This story contains non-stop action and intrigue as Aiden and Mountain attempt to uncover the person who killed Moscow. However, the man had so many enemies that it could have been anybody. In addition to Moscow’s, Aiden and Mountain must solve the puzzle of how the five other murders fit into Moscow’s death. The answers are definitely a surprise!

CarolKat

2,280 reviews29 followers

August 22, 2022

Aiden Bronte has had a couple of relaxing days and was able to visit with family. Now it's his turn to a job for the Mavericks. His partner for this will be Mountain Bear Rode, the difference between most Maverick cases is that Corbin has no intel to provide. Mountain has that and he wants Aiden to hear it from his cousin.

Mountain's cousin Toby has been charged with the murder of her husband, Moscow and the police are trying to pin more murders on her. Toby's relationship with Moscow goes back to high school and now, years later, he came back. Toby really wanted nothing to do with him and told him so. However, he knew how close she was to his mentally disabled sister, Michelle and used threats against her to coerce Toby into marrying him.

Aiden and Mountain's job will be to prove her innocence. Something that's not going to be easy with her already charged and the police not looking at anything else. A big problem is more bodies are showing up and they want to charge Toby with those too.

Aiden and Mountain immediately hire her a lawyer, and start their own investigation. One that leads them to Moscow's apartment. There are many surprises in store there as Aiden almost gets caught.

The three of them go back and empty out all the important things and then make arrangements to meet with the detective Corbin found for them.

Things start heating up in many ways from here. Aiden and Toby definitely have chemistry and that's not going to be denied.

Plenty of intrigue, suspense, surprises, romance and some sizzle too.

Laura

257 reviews2 followers

Having just received my copy of Aiden, book 18 in The Mavericks series, and it being close to bed time I decided to start reading it. At 2 a.m I fell asleep only to wake up and finish the book.

It appears to be the last book in this series and it is filled with twists, turns, bad cops and something I wasn't expecting or could not predict.

Aiden, is assigned to assist Mountain's cousin Toby, prove her innocence the the murder of her husband of a couple of days and 5 or 6 or big winners at the casino she works at. The reasons for Toby marrying Moscow weren't expected and the guessing of who committed the crimes are confused by it being implied that all the men were killed in the same fashion. As time moves on and the truth comes out you realise you have been so drawn into the story you haven't put the book down yet.

There is interest in one another from both sides right from the get go. There interactions between Aiden and Toby are interesting. His positive and happy go lucky attitude and her cynical and sassy one. She and Mountain resolve their differences. She and Aiden get closer to their HEA.

A new series is born which will have Mountain a part of it and that seems to be just as full of suspense, surprises, intrigue and possible romance too as did all books in The Mavericks series . A good read all in all.

Mandy

4,902 reviews46 followers

July 16, 2022

Aiden's own mission turns out to be helping Toby who is accused of murdering her husband plus several other men and it is at the request of a colleague who he has high respect for. It seems to be clear as they understand further that she is being set up as a fall guy as there appears to be a lot of strings being pulled to make her the guilty party on what is only a vague connection. They soon find themselves in the murky underworld of power in Las Vegas as well as blackmail and corruption. Can they clear her before it is too late?

I enjoyed this story with the chemistry between Aiden and Rory, the investigation, the blackmail and the mystery of the ex-colleague who has his own secret mission. It was nice to be able to work on the mystery as to who was responsible for the killings and if there was any credible connection between any of them. At the basest level, it was actually quite a sad story and I was therefore thrilled that Rory was in her sister-in-law's corner. Easy to read and understand. Contains a little mature content at the end. of the story.

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

JigsawGirl

4,148 reviews

August 19, 2022

I did not expect this book to pull me in so fully that I would read it in one sitting.

With Toby being charged with murder, and Aiden and Mountain coming to her aid, I thought this would be a pretty straightforward read. Not so fast.

There were some twists in this book that completely came out of the blue. Moscow, having forced Toby into marriage, was bad enough. Once Aiden and Mountain started turning over rocks, all the slimy things started to slither out.

It was one shock after another. At least they were shocks to me. Maybe one or two things I expected, but for the most part, I guess the surprises were what kept me turning pages until the wee hours of the morning.

I liked Toby and Aiden's interactions, the snarkiness for example. This was not a book heavy on the romance, but they do develop a relationship. They also end up with their HEA. If you are looking for hot and heavy romance, just be aware, it's not here. There is a lot this book has to offer that was totally enjoyable. My recommendation would be to give it a read. I would give this book 4.5 stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

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Linda Carlson

483 reviews

August 21, 2022

Aiden & Toby

A captivating “Who Done It”!

The dealer would always be a prime suspect followed by the spouse in a murder investigation. Toby has the burden of proof she didn’t murder the winners from her table at the casino or her new husband. She is being accused of multiple murders with no evidence except she has no alibi. She’s being set up, but by who?

In comes Aiden and his partner Mountain from the Mavericks to do their special kind of digging for detailed evidence to clear Toby of the murders she didn’t commit. She also has to deal with being a victim of abuse and what that means in the murder investigation.

I love Toby’s moxie and perseverance throughout this horrendous ordeal. Aiden is supportive and determined to help in any way he can. I also champion Toby’s love and compassion for Moscow’s step sister, Michelle, who is mentally challenged, and her unwavering fortitude to protect Michelle from Moscow’s abuse.

A great deal of suspense, some sweetness, and many twists and turns to keep attention riveted on the plot. An unexpected surprise reveal at the end gives a satisfying completeness to the story. Loved it.

Rhonda

145 reviews1 follower

This book caught my attention from the first chapter and continued to keep my interest until the end of the book. There are three characters, Aiden, Mountain and Toby, who investigate and work at resolving the mystery of who really murdered Toby's Ex-husband.

This book has its twists and turns with the blackmail mystery, serial murders, and the complexity of Toby, Mountain and Toby's Ex-husband families, support and situations. Aiden recognizes Toby is in a bad spot with the law, her in-laws and family.

What complicates matters is additional murders are committed and Toby has no alibi when the these murders were committed. Are Toby's Ex-husband and the other murders connected? Or, who is making it look like Toby is at fault? You will have to read the book to find out.

By Aiden listening to and spending time with Toby, over time he recognized Toby and himself have good chemistry. It was refreshing to see this develop as well as the romance develop at the end of the book. The book was easy to read and it had a nice dialog between characters.

I received a free copy of this book for a honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys military romance and romance suspense books.

Judy

3,275 reviews

August 29, 2022

Aiden by Dale Mayer
The Mavericks Series Book Eighteen
Aiden Bronte isn’t happy about his mission. But, of course, nothing is challenging about going to Vegas to see why some woman is accused of murdering her husband…and a few others. But, when he finds out it’s Mountain’s cousin, that changes things. And when he meets her, it really changes things.
Toby isn’t too broken up about her once friend turned boyfriend, turned maniac, then-husband, being dead. But being blamed for his death has her fired up. And she’s all alone in this battle. That is until her cousin shows up with another guy to help her fight.
A surprise ending as to who the villains are. Fast-paced suspense story that ends with a romantic turn. Mountain Bear Rode’s story is next, not as a Maverick but in a new series called Shadow Recon.
**Sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

Meg Martin

247 reviews1 follower

August 20, 2022

It's difficult to believe this is book #18 in the Maverick Series and continues to be delightful. It remains one of my favorite series and I will read any of these stories again without fail.
In this book, Aiden joins Mountain, his long time friend to help Mountain's cousin Toby as she has been accused of murder, in fact multiple murders. The murders include her husband and the history of abuse is as old as time. Toby's story is complicated and interesting. The inclusion of betrayal, loyalty, family dynamics and romance make this a page turner you are sure to enjoy. The development of characters is such that you feel you have known these people for a long time and therefore have to root for the good guy! Another great addition to the Maverick series!.

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

Jean

3,708 reviews40 followers

August 21, 2022

This is book eighteen in The Mavericks series and it is Aiden and Toby's story. When Toby's husband and some other people are murdered it is Toby that is accused even though she didn't do it and needs help finding out who did so that she can clear her name. Maverick is Toby's cousin and he asks Aiden to go and help Toby solve the murders. With all the twists and turns this book takes you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout along with danger, suspense, betrayal, action, family, secrets, blackmail and some surprises that you definitely didn't see coming but kept you turning the pages wondering what would happen next. This series just gets better and better with each book written and I can't wait to read more book's in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

Debbie Caswell

6,527 reviews27 followers

Once again we are with the Mavericks where the assistant on the previous case becomes the lead in the next case This one belongs to Aiden and Cobin who he assisted should be the one to give him the information on his case But this one is different his friend Mountain is the one who has all the info because it is his cousin that they are trying to help

Toby a card dealer in Las Vegas has been accused of murdering her husband the man who beat not only her but also his own sister who has down syndrome and who she was blackmailed into marrying in the first place and her FIL is determined she will be charged especially as a number of the player on her table have also died. Who is trying to set Toby up will they be able to prove her innocence and can her and Aiden keep the history going and fall in love You will have to read to see

Julie

1,162 reviews5 followers

This book is part of a series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. The team of Mavericks is a Dark Special Ops team. Both Mountain and Aiden are a part of that team. Mountain’s cousin, Toby, is being accused of killing her husband and later other from the casino that she works at. Tony was essentially forced into marrying her husband, Moscow. Now that he is dead, his influential family along with dirty cops want to pin everything on Toby.
Aiden and Toby definitely have some chemistry going on but getting to the root of Toby’s problem, including threats on her life, are more important. That does not stop their attraction for each other.
This book was a great read, full of suspense, twists, and romance. I completely loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it!.

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

Wendy Hodges

2,896 reviews41 followers

July 18, 2022

With only a few lines in, it was obvious Toby was innocent and being set up. Thank goodness for Aiden and Mountain, between the three of them they pretty soon start working the case and all the twist and surprises that pop up. I must admit one was a complete left hook I didn't see coming. What nasty people though, families and others, I'd have left town ages ago. Toby is strong and independent which is great for her dealing with all this, however I'm glad that at least one person in her family stepped in to help along with Aiden. Some action but this is mostly a sleuthing mission, steady pace and interesting plot. Gripped me and held my attention through the hottest day on record where I live, so that says it's good. Loved it.

Fleur

3,723 reviews30 followers

I really liked how Toby and Mountain were cousins and he instigated The Mavericks to help her and boy does she need it with what they start to uncover. Toby's no nonsense is just what both Toby needs and I love how Mountain calls them out before they even really think of the attraction to each other. You really are scratching your head to work out who is behind all the deaths being pinned on Toby and some twists leave you heartbroken while others angry. Aiden and Toby really are perfect for each other and getting to know Mountain more I really hope when he needs the help with what's brewing he gets all the help possible.

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

2022

Miriam Wolfe

733 reviews9 followers

I enjoyed this book as there was so much teamwork and building attraction between Aiden and Toby that it was fun to watch the progression.

Aiden was dragged along to Vegas by Mountain without knowing any details of the mission. When he gets to Vegas, he finds that Mountain's cousin, Toby, has been accused of murdering her husband as well as some other men.

Since the police in this investigate are on the take, nothing is being done to investigate and with no evidence at all, pin all the murders on Toby.

Mountain, Aiden, and Toby work together to figure out who really murdered the men so that they can clear Toby's name.

Great HEA and lead into the next book.

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

2,295 reviews18 followers

When Aiden is requested to assist Mountain to help him with his cousin Toby, he finds that she is being accused of multiple murders, including her husband’s, which he believes she didn’t commit. With no hard evidence but cops and DA who are corrupt they want to pin it on Toby because of influence from her dead husband’s father. The three of them gather evidence to clear Toby but the real killer is still out there and the killer hasn’t stopped….will they figure it out or is Toby going to be the scapegoat.
A good read with a touch of steam, suspense, a mystery, surprises and good characters. I liked these two, no drama, no misunderstandings and they fit together nicely.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

2,083 reviews16 followers

September 7, 2022

This is the 18th book in the Mavericks series by Dale Mayer. This is Toby and Aiden's story oh and you might just add in Mountain. She is a card dealer in a Las Vegas casino, who was accused of murdering her husband, Moscow. He used blackmail to get her to marry him, used to who beat Toby and his Down's Syndrome sister, Michelle, black and blue, Toby would do anything to protect Michelle. But, would she commit murder? the police have corruption in their ranks, arrested her for murdering her husband and now bodies are starting to pile up, her life is in danger. Can Aiden and Mountain prove her innocence? If so, who is responsible for the murders?.

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

Kat Hall

220 reviews8 followers

April 7, 2025

Black ops, mystery, romance.

Former Navy Seals are part of an elite organization that doesn't have restrictions like the Navy. They do the same thing but have more leeway to get the job done. Two-man teams get an assignment to rescue victims. Each story lead finds romance/partner.

Interesting story. Gambling, abuse, crooked cops, murder charges, friends that are enemies. Aiden has his hands full trying to figure out who killed her husband and 6 others while trying to keep her safe. Twists and turns keep the story interesting.

The men all sound the same, with the same values in life, who want justice for the victims and to make the world a better place to live. There will always be evil people in the world. Their jobs will never end in the fight against evil.

Shannon

4,099 reviews31 followers

July 26, 2022

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is the 18th book in the series and can be read as a standalone story. Well-written with an intriguing storyline that pulled me in. Characters that are really likable and relatable. Aiden's mission is in Las Vegas helping Mountain's cousin figure out who had killed several men because she's been blamed and arrested. Aiden has a steady, friendy and playful manner and genuinely wants to help Toby. They have a wonderful connection between them and their banter is great fun to see especially with all the turmoil surrounding Toby. Wonderful Story. Can't wait to see the new series....

read-2022

Cheryl

1,885 reviews27 followers

August 8, 2022

(4.5) What an engrossing quick read. Mountain is an enigma wrapped in a mystery. He asks for help to prove his cousins innocence and he has a short window before hes called away for his own task. His task is mysterious. Aiden is picked to help and they are in Las Vegas listening to Toby (cousin) and trying to figure out what is going on. 6 murders, not just her husband. This has some real hot button topics woven through. Some surprises, a shocker and a HEA. If your looking for a quick read that also entertains, this would be for you. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Aiden #Dalemayer #Mavericks #Booksprout

arc black-ops booksprout

Deborah

900 reviews2 followers

A suspenseful story full of twists and turns. As well as gambling, money laundering, corruption, murder, and blackmail. So who else are they going to turn to? “The Mavericks. A covert black ops team that steps up and breaks all the rules … but gets the job done.”

Aiden and Mountain are headed to Vegas. “To stop a series of loan sharks involved in gambling and money laundering and help a supposedly innocent victim in it all.” Not just any victim but Mountain’s cousin.

Toby has been accused of murder. She has no family or friends to help her. But when there's a knock on her door, she stares at Aiden in confusion. Then her gaze lands on Mountain. “Wow. What the hell brought you back?”

Kari Hansen

12.2k reviews91 followers

Toby may have found herself in a marriage she didn’t want but she would never have resorted to killing her husband as it isn’t only herself she needs to protect. Now she needs to find a way out of the escalating situation she finds herself in and the only man she can count on is her cousin Mountain and he has brough Aiden to assist.

Aiden would do anything for Mountain and that includes his family as well. As Aiden and Toby find themselves working together to uncover the truth they find themselves not only facing the escalating danger but their feelings for each other as well.

Action, surprises and suspense as Toby and Aiden take us on quite the adventure.

Rachael Bromley

1,656 reviews17 followers

Book eighteen of The Mavericks series already and it is Aiden turn for his story. The Mavericks have been asked to help the cousin of Mountain Rhodes, Toby. She has been accused of murdering her husband plus other men whom she met at her job at a casino as they played at her table. Lots of twists and turns as they try to uncover corruption at the police station, blackmail and the person who did kill her husband and the men. I have to be truthful. it wasn't the person i pegged it to be. Toby also has to deal with her father in law who seems to be spearheading the investigation.

I am so looking forward to hearing about Mountains story. i just cant get enough of these books.

Amanda Marlowe

2,418 reviews25 followers

August 19, 2022

Aiden's task is to go to Vegas and help Toby, by proving she didn't kill her husband and six other men, who had all played at her table in the casino, and won big.
Mountain, Toby's cousin and also a Maverick, is there too.
The police are being spectacularly unhelpful, there's little evidence against her. Who's pulling their strings? Who wants her convicted? Were all the men killed the same?

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

A great romantic suspense from Dale, with a great twist.

Laura R

2,030 reviews8 followers

August 19, 2022

Aiden's mission seems to be a little different from what the other Mavericks have been sent on. He's to go to Las Vegas to help out a relative of Mountain. For some reason, Toby has been accused of not only her husband's murder but also the murder of five other men. But given her stature, how could she possibly have put these men in dumpsters. And regardless of that, the cops are dead set on her being the killer.

The more that Aiden, Toby, and Mountain investigate, the more surprises and twists they find. It is a quick read that will have you turning the pages until you get to the end.

Paula

1,957 reviews6 followers

August 21, 2022

Aiden is one of The Mavericks team member. His mission is to head to Las Vegas and help Toby . He soon finds out she's accused of murdering her husband . The police are also trying to put several murders on her . She just happens to be Aiden's long time friend Mountains cousin . Together they will investigate and clear her of the charges . Of course during all this Toby and Aiden's attraction ignites . I really enjoyed reading Aiden . It's well written and intriguing . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

dale-mayer

Tesh

2,679 reviews32 followers

August 22, 2022

Toby was arrested on murder charges of her husband when her cousin, Mountain called in Aiden a special ops guy to help investigate.
This was fast paced, dramatic and intense as they go through the investigation. A little romantic but I didn't really feel the romance in the relationship significantly. It was sweet though. Both holding themselves back I felt.
This was a great book and well plotted. Wonderful story!.

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

Tracy

295 reviews1 follower