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reeyabeegale's review
4.0
I received an e-ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read romance novels that involve characters working in the DEA or FBI so I didn't know what to expect. The closest action-romance I read involved a group of private investigators.
I enjoyed the action and the mystery behind the drug and its supplier. It was quite predictable, though there were a lot of scenes and characters that have the ability to throw you off. Every time I second-guessed myself, I got even more invested in the story.
Sadly, I was expecting more from the mystery. I wanted the book and the story to expound on it--even to the point of discussing the other characters' involvement in the drug dealings. Towards the end, the drug case ended abruptly. There were a few more things, such as accusations made, that I wanted to be clarified or discussed. It was as if these characters were just used to distract and throw you off, and had no particular significance in the story or the plot -- unless their connections will be revealed or expanded within the 2nd book.
The romance was okay, it wasn't swoon-worthy, but it was acceptable. It was realistic in some way, though the timings can be construed as insta-love, even if they didn't like each other (almost like a hate-to-love) in the beginning.
I loved reading about Thor!
If you want a fast-paced and action-packed romance, with talented dogs and a good mystery, then this is something you'll enjoy.
I haven't read romance novels that involve characters working in the DEA or FBI so I didn't know what to expect. The closest action-romance I read involved a group of private investigators.
I enjoyed the action and the mystery behind the drug and its supplier. It was quite predictable, though there were a lot of scenes and characters that have the ability to throw you off. Every time I second-guessed myself, I got even more invested in the story.
Sadly, I was expecting more from the mystery. I wanted the book and the story to expound on it--even to the point of discussing the other characters' involvement in the drug dealings. Towards the end, the drug case ended abruptly. There were a few more things, such as accusations made, that I wanted to be clarified or discussed. It was as if these characters were just used to distract and throw you off, and had no particular significance in the story or the plot -- unless their connections will be revealed or expanded within the 2nd book.
The romance was okay, it wasn't swoon-worthy, but it was acceptable. It was realistic in some way, though the timings can be construed as insta-love, even if they didn't like each other (almost like a hate-to-love) in the beginning.
I loved reading about Thor!
If you want a fast-paced and action-packed romance, with talented dogs and a good mystery, then this is something you'll enjoy.
lynguy1's review
4.0
Tough Justice by Tee O’Fallon is a suspenseful and heart-pounding romantic suspense novel set in and near Denver, Colorado. Dr. Victoria (Tori) Sampson is a dedicated emergency room doctor who saves Dan Prince’s life. Dan is a DEA agent and is accompanied into the ER by Adam Decker (Deck), a DEA K-9 officer. Deck refuses to leave his friend and co-worker’s side. Both Tori and Deck have experiences that cause them to mistrust the other’s profession, but amid an opioid crisis with a new drug on the street called gray death, they agree to team up.
Tori and Deck are both relatable and likeable characters with a few flaws and a lot of strengths. Their relationship developed gradually as they both tried to understand their feelings for one another and rationalized the barriers that needed to be overcome for it to be a success. There are also some strong secondary characters including Deck’s K-9 partner, Thor.
The opening of the story is heartbreaking and memorable and pulls readers immediately into the narrative and the lives of those affected by the opioid crisis. There are plenty of emotional and handwringing moments as the action unfolds. The world-building was terrific. I was able to easily visualize the settings. There are plenty of twists and a few red herrings as the story deals with important themes of drug use, recovery, the opioid crisis, love, respect, compromise, acceptance, trust, death, grief, how one’s actions affect others, and much more. There’s also some occasional humor which provides an opportunity for readers to relax for a moment before the next crisis. This story was a mix of investigation, planning, romance, and action that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was kept fully invested in them finding the source of the dangerous drugs.
Overall, this book was fast-paced, action-oriented, and entertaining. If you enjoy romantic suspense with plenty of action that has both strong male and female characters, then this may be the series for you. I can’t wait to find out what is next for the K-9 Special Ops team.
Entangled Publishing, LLC – Entangled: Amara and Tee O-Fallon provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 29, 2022.
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Review to be posted around 3/1 - 4 weeks before publication per publisher approval guidelines.
Tori and Deck are both relatable and likeable characters with a few flaws and a lot of strengths. Their relationship developed gradually as they both tried to understand their feelings for one another and rationalized the barriers that needed to be overcome for it to be a success. There are also some strong secondary characters including Deck’s K-9 partner, Thor.
The opening of the story is heartbreaking and memorable and pulls readers immediately into the narrative and the lives of those affected by the opioid crisis. There are plenty of emotional and handwringing moments as the action unfolds. The world-building was terrific. I was able to easily visualize the settings. There are plenty of twists and a few red herrings as the story deals with important themes of drug use, recovery, the opioid crisis, love, respect, compromise, acceptance, trust, death, grief, how one’s actions affect others, and much more. There’s also some occasional humor which provides an opportunity for readers to relax for a moment before the next crisis. This story was a mix of investigation, planning, romance, and action that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was kept fully invested in them finding the source of the dangerous drugs.
Overall, this book was fast-paced, action-oriented, and entertaining. If you enjoy romantic suspense with plenty of action that has both strong male and female characters, then this may be the series for you. I can’t wait to find out what is next for the K-9 Special Ops team.
Entangled Publishing, LLC – Entangled: Amara and Tee O-Fallon provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 29, 2022.
---------------
Review to be posted around 3/1 - 4 weeks before publication per publisher approval guidelines.
iffer's review
3.0
I enjoy Tee O'Fallon's books. I'm a sucker for any books with dogs in them, especially clever ones, since accidentally adopting a malinois from the local shelter. O'Fallon's books always have fast pacing, likeable characters, and are generally free of incorrect dog training information that insists working dogs "need a heavy hand." While these books are certainly not "realistic," and a drug-sniffing dog who can not only also serve as a therapy dog, but is also a cat whisperer is definitely unrealistic 😆, they're great escapism and entertainment reading for me.
mistysreads's review
5.0
Tough Justice was an action-packed, jaw dropping, chemistry burning romance novel that draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very last page. Decker and Tori are both relatable characters. They have had things happen to them in their past that has shaped the way they look at things. Decker's little sister died, after an opioid addiction, when he was a teenager making him leery of doctors. Tori is leery of the DEA after her father was arrested and her mother died not long after. Both of these events shaped them, but with their chemistry and the draw of one another, they were able to get to know each other as a person not based on their career. Decker's partner is a K9 named Thor. Thor is by far one of the coolest dogs, he can climb ladders, spin, is a cat whisperer, and is determined when it comes to protecting Decker.
Tough Justice was an addicting book and a great first book of the series. I absolutely loved this book. Every time I though I had the bad guy picked, I realized I was wrong. I have loved every book I have read by this author and am always looking forward to the next, she creates such alpha men and lovable K9 characters. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review
Tough Justice was an addicting book and a great first book of the series. I absolutely loved this book. Every time I though I had the bad guy picked, I realized I was wrong. I have loved every book I have read by this author and am always looking forward to the next, she creates such alpha men and lovable K9 characters. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review
snaze6's review
5.0
Loved it!
This book has two career-driven characters who have had a history with the other’s profession that is traumatic and tragic. Deck asks Tori to help with his Special Operations Task Force to help save lives of agents serving high risk sea rich warrants. Tori is an ER physician who saved his friend’s life after exposure to a very deadly street drug.
Tori usually stays well within her careful life’s comfort zone, until Deck and his K-9 partner Thor enter her life. The storyline has a suspenseful with lots of clues and red herrings as to who the bad guy is. The chemistry between Deck and Tori is sizzling and undeniable. Thor is fantastic and adds quite a bit to the storyline and relationship between Tori and Deck.
This book has two career-driven characters who have had a history with the other’s profession that is traumatic and tragic. Deck asks Tori to help with his Special Operations Task Force to help save lives of agents serving high risk sea rich warrants. Tori is an ER physician who saved his friend’s life after exposure to a very deadly street drug.
Tori usually stays well within her careful life’s comfort zone, until Deck and his K-9 partner Thor enter her life. The storyline has a suspenseful with lots of clues and red herrings as to who the bad guy is. The chemistry between Deck and Tori is sizzling and undeniable. Thor is fantastic and adds quite a bit to the storyline and relationship between Tori and Deck.
books_and_more_books_byt's review
5.0
DEA K-9 agent Adam “Deck” Decker has personal reasons for working so hard fighting to eliminate drugs on the street. The outbreak and deaths due to overdoses in the city have reached an alarming number from a new and deadly opioid that is on the street. In order to discover who is making the drug, he must put aside all his dislike of doctors and work with the ER doctor who has been seeing the cases come through the hospital.
ER Dr. Tori Sampson has personal reasons to be wary around DEA agents. After losing a young teenager to the devastating effects of the new drug and she wants to help before more innocent people die. Unfortunately, that means working with Deck to solve the case. Can they overcome their personal feelings about each other’s jobs and work together?
This was the first book in the K-9 Special Ops and it was a phenomenal start for the series. I have come to love this author and her books of intrigue, twists, and adorable dogs. This book was a perfect example of why I enjoy her books. The characters and their issues were genuine and have many layers to them. The chemistry between Tori and Deck was intense from the beginning but watching them overcome their judgment of each other’s careers was tremendous. I loved watching their friendship, trust, and respect for each other grow as they worked to solve the case. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ER Dr. Tori Sampson has personal reasons to be wary around DEA agents. After losing a young teenager to the devastating effects of the new drug and she wants to help before more innocent people die. Unfortunately, that means working with Deck to solve the case. Can they overcome their personal feelings about each other’s jobs and work together?
This was the first book in the K-9 Special Ops and it was a phenomenal start for the series. I have come to love this author and her books of intrigue, twists, and adorable dogs. This book was a perfect example of why I enjoy her books. The characters and their issues were genuine and have many layers to them. The chemistry between Tori and Deck was intense from the beginning but watching them overcome their judgment of each other’s careers was tremendous. I loved watching their friendship, trust, and respect for each other grow as they worked to solve the case. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
labraden's review
3.0
Dr. Tori Sampson is tired of losing patients in her emergency room to drug overdoses. When a DEA agent is brought in due to accidental exposure, Tori meets Agent Adam Decker. Deck is amazed at how well Tori handles his friend's case even with his distrust of doctors. Tori is skeptical of Deck's plan to help prevent more drug overdoses, but reluctantly agrees to help when she loses another teenage patient. Even though their relationship is contentious, Tori and Deck find common ground and an undeniable attraction as they work together more closely.
The star of Tough Justice is definitely Thor, Deck's K-9 partner. The other characters in the story lack depth, leading to very little emotional content. The plot involving a new drug on the streets in Colorado is interesting and maintains the suspense throughout, but is still fairly predictable. The insta-love relationship between the characters also lacks depth and takes a back seat to the mystery. Overall, Tough Justice has enough story to make it a decent romantic suspense, but adds nothing new to the genre.
The star of Tough Justice is definitely Thor, Deck's K-9 partner. The other characters in the story lack depth, leading to very little emotional content. The plot involving a new drug on the streets in Colorado is interesting and maintains the suspense throughout, but is still fairly predictable. The insta-love relationship between the characters also lacks depth and takes a back seat to the mystery. Overall, Tough Justice has enough story to make it a decent romantic suspense, but adds nothing new to the genre.
teresajluvs2read's review
5.0
Tough Justice by Tee O'Fallon (K-9 Special Ops book # 1)
**I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own own and not solicited.**
I have to say I look forward to reading each and every one of Ms. O'Fallon's books because they are action packed and every handler and K-9 dog has a personality that will make you fall in love with them. You'll get wound up into the story quickly until you realize that its 2 am in morning and you've finished it.
This is Adam "Deck" Decker and Dr. Tori Sampson's story each has a distrust for each other due to their professions and will join together to find the "Big D" who is distributing a powerful drug that almost took the life of one of the officers. When Tori starts to put all the puzzle pieces together as the drug lord seems to be one step ahead it will be Thor, Deck, Brett, Evan and their dogs helping rescue her from certain death because she knows too much. Deck and Thor would like to have Tori to be their HEA so they will do whatever it takes to keep her alive.
**I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own own and not solicited.**
I have to say I look forward to reading each and every one of Ms. O'Fallon's books because they are action packed and every handler and K-9 dog has a personality that will make you fall in love with them. You'll get wound up into the story quickly until you realize that its 2 am in morning and you've finished it.
This is Adam "Deck" Decker and Dr. Tori Sampson's story each has a distrust for each other due to their professions and will join together to find the "Big D" who is distributing a powerful drug that almost took the life of one of the officers. When Tori starts to put all the puzzle pieces together as the drug lord seems to be one step ahead it will be Thor, Deck, Brett, Evan and their dogs helping rescue her from certain death because she knows too much. Deck and Thor would like to have Tori to be their HEA so they will do whatever it takes to keep her alive.
daisyknox's review
4.0
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
The DEA tore Tori Sampson’s family apart and broke her heart. She loathes everything about the agency. So when Agent Decker turns to her for help, she has no interest in working with him, even if he’s gorgeous. Tori’s taken an oath to help people though and realizes she can fill a unique role in the efforts to stop the opioid epidemic so she reconsiders. This is a fast-paced story with interesting characters and lots of action, which I really enjoyed. The characters drew me in, especially Thor. Tori and Deck are great together and their story left me wanting more, although I did enjoy the ending.
inmyhumbleopinion's review
5.0
Tough Justice pits an ER doctor with a hate on for the DEA and a DEA agent who doesn’t trust doctors the each have reasons for their distrust. They both hate the “gray death” on the streets that is killing people enough to work together. They find that maybe they can trust each other and maybe more.
This story takes on the fight against the opioid epidemic the country is facing with a story ripped straight from the headlines. With a love story thrown in that will make you smile.
GSD Thor will steal your heart.
This story takes on the fight against the opioid epidemic the country is facing with a story ripped straight from the headlines. With a love story thrown in that will make you smile.
GSD Thor will steal your heart.