Yay! Another book where the girl is a computer geek (my favorite kind of girls as a bit of a nerd myself. You can also try The Wrong Kind of Compatible). Meet Trista, absolute brilliant with a computer, but absolutely hopeless in talking to the opposite sex. She prefers her laptop to a hot guy, or so she tells herself. But when Trista accidently stumbles upon a conversation in a dark room on the web, she gets exposed. Not even 24 hours later, she is ambushed and nearly robbed on her way home.

CIA K-9 officer Matt happened to see the robbery on Trista, after having met her at the office. He rescues her, but Trista shrugs it off as a random robbery. She is convinced it has nothing to do with her line of work. When another attempt is made on her life, Matt is sure she has seen or heard more than she should have. And now someone wants her dead.

The only way to protect her, is to take Trista away to the remote home of Matt, where several of his friends are bunking, with their K-9 dogs. But Trista is terrified of dogs, and so is her cat. So, that will be an interesting mission. Meanwhile Matt tries to deny the mutual attraction between him and Trista. He carries a lot of guilt and doesn't want to be involved with someone. However, when Trista is in danger, he just wants to hold her and protect her.

Will they get their HEA? Find out for yourself in this explosive story. And if you like a cats-and-dogs fight, you are in for a treat! Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

The book had me loving Matt and his K-9 buddy. He was a good guy and trying to help Trista. Trista I was alright with. As she spent more time with Matt I liked her more. She began a little to much in the my job is my life category. As the book went on and she was with Matt and his buddies and their dogs she loosened up.

I always felt like there was more going on than was let on throughout the tale. Like something strange was up and Trista was caught in a spider’s web. Really kept me on the edge wondering what would happen next. The romance was fun and sexy. These two began like oil and water in some aspects and the banter was a hoot. Matt was a really good and stand up character. The attraction sizzled and really had you rooting for these two.

you get clues as to who was behind it all but with the red herrings it was hard to tell so the conclusion was a good resolution and the story has you wanting to be a part of the investigation with the characters that draw you in like Matt and his friends with their K-9′s.

CIA analyst Trista Gold is a genius with computers, but dealing with people is a different story..

CIA K-9 officer Sgt. Matt Connors suspects that beneath Trista’s uptight appearance, there’s a sexy woman itching to cut loose. But he is reluctant to act on his attraction.

During a routine assignment, Trista stumbles across a cryptic exchange that puts her life in danger. Now she has to go into hiding and her new bodyguard is Matt and his K-9.

Action packed and exhilarating! With the start of a brand new Federal K-9 series, Tee O'Fallon quickly draws us into the heart of a case that will keep us on our toes throughout. We meet the hero and heroine who quickly catch our attention, plus meet an extended group of friends who I can only assume will be the stars of books going forward. There's a fun camaraderie among them all that makes them a great edition to the book. The plot was well developed with a lot of action and suspense.

CIA analyst Trista Gold knows computers like the back of her hand, but people ... yeah, people have always been awkward for her. Her job with the CIA brings her biggest passion to life as day in and day out she cracks code and passes along invaluable information regarding national security. She never thought her latest bit of intel would change her life so drastically!

CIA K-9 officer Matt Connors happens to be on check-point duty one day and meets Trista. She might think she's socially awkward, but to him, she's adorable. Luckily he still has her on his mind later than night when danger comes knocking! When two attempts are made on her life in a short amount of time and Matt rescues her from both, he decides he's not leaving her side until he finds out who's after her ... and why!

4.5 stars!!

<b>As far as suspense romance goes, this first book in a new series is a HIT.</b>

I have a weak spot when it comes to K-9 dogs in books, so when I came across this book I got really excited to read it since one of the main characters is a sexy K-9 handler and the synopsis sounded intriguing and angst-ridden. And I wasn't wrong to be excited! I'm normally not all that into thrillers, but the thriller elements in this story are so perfectly balanced out with the rest of the story-line and the developing romance, that I came to love the thriller elements A LOT. And there's so much more to tell about this book, so let's go;

<b>the Characters</b>
Matt was a really interesting and well-written character. I mean; he's a K-9 handler so obviously, he loves his dog a lot, which turned me into a puddle of swoony goo, lol [I love it when characters in the book show their love for animals]. I also loved Matt's protective streak in general, but especially towards Trista. He was falling so hard for this woman and I enjoyed every second of it while wearing a big giant grin on my face. I felt so bad for what happened to him in the past and how it was still affecting him so much 20 years later. How he held himself back from becoming happy and just continued letting himself being dragged down again and again. I really liked his character development overall, but given the dire circumstances of his mental health throughout most of the book, I found the development a bit too fast-paced towards the end though.

Trista is this introvert computer 'geek' when we first get to meet her and she blossoms into something 'more' and I love characters like hers. Her character development was really well written I think, definitely seeing what she's going through with hitmen wanting to kill her and such, and I loved seeing her coming 'into herself'. A lot of her development was thanks to the presence of Matt. These two characters really bring out the best in each other and the author did a wonderful job of writing about it, without it becoming to cliché or anything, you know? It was their individual character development that came first and then their amazing bond developing them further when the romance side of it all takes off. Just really well written!

So yeah, overall; all of the characters are well developed and the banter between Matt and Trista is so great in combination with their off the charts chemistry they're both trying to fight. The presence of some minor characters, like Matt's (K-9 handlers as well, dayum) friends was really well written and I'm so excited to read more about them in the future books! I loved how they bonded with Trista and how she became their 'little Pixie' and theirs to protect. She was so deserving of having more friends in her life!

<b>the Animals</b>
The K-9 dog, Sheba, is such a JOY to read about and deserves to be mentioned separately. Her presence in the book adds so much more awesomeness to this reading experience. She made me laugh, she made me swoon as only dogs are able to with their little demeanors. The author made Sheba feel so very real like she was lying right next to me, looking up at me with her pleading doggy eyes or her howling or barking. She was just phenomenally written <3 And don't forget Trista's cat, lol. Poofy [It's his actual name and it fits him so good, lol, I didn't make this up, I swear] was really fun to read about whenever he was present. I loved the way Matt and Trista love their animals and how the author made it abundantly clear, without it overpowering the story itself. The addition of these animals is a treat for every reader out there who loves animals.

<b>Story-line</b>
And then there's the story-line. An angst-ridden story-line that had me on the edge of my seat right from the start until the end. It was like a really great action movie revolving around American politics, the Russian mob, some CIA and FBI present, K-9 dogs and their handlers, interesting characters and a really hot, well developed and realistic romance. Everything I could've wished for in this book beforehand was present I think and all of the elements balanced each other out perfectly.

<b>the Conclusion</b>
A great first book in this new series and I'm so already excited to get my paperback copy of this book and to look forward to new books in the series. I can't wait to read about the other K-9 handlers and their dogs, whom we got to meet as minor characters in this one and hopefully a bit of Matt and Trista as well, as them being minor characters in a next novel? One can hope hehe.
But really; if you love an angst-ridden storyline with a really hot, well-developed romance and a really amazing dog present, this is definitely a book worth reading! It's already one of my favorite K-9 romance stories out there to date!

Gotta admit but I am a sucker for any romance with a dog in the cover, but this book also delivered a nice story with great characters!

Holy cow! Combine hot guys and dogs with a great romantic suspense story and you have a fantastic story that I didn't want to put down. Great story!

This was my first Tee O’Fallen book. Lock N Load is the first book in her new federal K-9 series. Trista Gold is a computer genius working for the CIA as an analyst. Her work gets her in trouble with the Russians and suddenly her life is in danger. Enter Matt Connors, a CIA K-9 officer. He ends being in the right place one night and saves Trista from an attack. From that point forward, he becomes invested in finding out what is going on.

The book was really well written and the plot was very well developed. I enjoy romantic suspense and this hit all my buttons. The only thing that sort of bothered me at times was the heroine’s lack of self-confidence. I don’t mind a shy or introverted heroine but there were times that Trista’s lack of self-worth rubbed me the wrong way.

What a brilliant start to a new series this proved to be - I really can’t wait to read the subsequent books in the series!

Take Trista Gold - one, shy, introvert, CIA computer geek, someone highly talented at analysing, programming and searching for evidence of spies on the black web . . . . make her a talented Russian linguist - then have her inadvertently make herself a target for those she’s endeavouring to uncover. A target they attempt to assassinate not just once but twice! Now have her saved both times by a handsome CIA K-9 officer, Sergeant Matt Connors, even though she’s scared of dogs!

This is a brilliant spy thriller and romantic suspense story. The main characters are superbly developed, both strong in their own way yet having vulnerable aspect that help make them easy to relate to. The situations in which they find themselves are action packed, life threatening and portrayed so you almost feel you are there with them. The attraction may be there from very early but, for very different reasons, neither act upon it until they had built up a relationship based on trust. This action packed story is packed with intrigue and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into it. There are other excellent characters in Matt’s friends and their K-9 partners - I’m hoping some of these will feature as the main characters in future stories in the series! If you enjoy romantic suspense -  with the stress on suspense - and stories involving K-9s you’ll probably love this story, too.

I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

CIA analyst Trista Gold is very good at her job. However, while investigating something that should have been easy enough for her to reconnoiter without someone discovering her identity, she stumbles across something that could make her a target. Luckily, she has Sargeant Matt Connors to watch her back after someone tries to end her life -- not once but twice. Will Matt be able to keep her safe or will the pair lose their shot at happy ever after?

If you've never read anything by Ms. O'Fallon before, this book would be an absolutely brilliant one to start with, as it takes readers on a memorizing suspense-filled journey almost right from the beginning and just keeps getting more entertaining with everything the main characters go through on their journey to happy ever after. Really, the way this story started introduces the main characters superbly and had me reading quickly, determined to discover how much danger the heroine faces because of what she learns. Will the hero be able to keep her safe?

As for the dialogue, it was highly entertaining and had me loving the danger these two face, as they don't know who they can trust besides the secondary characters that Matt has really tight friendships with. Moreover, throughout this story the heroine continually surprised me with her grit and determination and I liked that she wasn't afraid to call the hero out, especially when it came to his past and the fact that he finally needs to face it to be able to heal in hopes they can have a future together. I also liked the growing friendships she had with the secondary characters in Matt's friends, as they're just as protective of her as Matt is. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was her determination to do her job no matter how much danger she places herself in. What information will she discover that anyone would do anything to keep buried?

While the hero, he's absolutely brilliant and I loved him from the moment he was introduced. He's confident in his skills as an K-9 officer and I liked the tight relationship he has with his dog; a dog that knows all the tricks to get its way (well, at least with the heroine once she faces her fear). I also liked how protective the hero was of the heroine and that he would do anything to keep her safe. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was the decisions he makes in order to have a chance at forever with the heroine. Will he be able to face his past and finally be absolved of the guilt he's felt for years?

Overall, Ms. O'Fallon has delivered a fantastic and unputdownable read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance was hot and had me loving how determined Matt is to take care of Trista because she doesn't have much experience with men; and the ending had me loving the lengths the hero was willing to go to for the heroine when they finally face off against the bad guys. However, it was how determined the hero was to make things right with the heroine that I loved most about the ending. Really, it was heart-warming and had me crying happy tears, especially combined with what Matt does in the epilogue in order to show the heroine he wants forever with her. I would recommend Lock 'n' Load by Tee O'Fallon, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the opposites attract trope, the sexy protector trope, or books by authors Laura Griffin, Katie Reus, Katie Ruggle and Piper J. Drake.

Trista can get lost in her job. It's the only thing she feels she is any good at. She may be beautiful but she never seems to believe that. When she stumbles onto something she shouldn't she doesn't realise the danger she is in. She may just need the help of the hot cop stationed at Langley. Pity he is attached to a K9 officer and she is deathly afraid of canines!

Matt is loving his new job. Something different from his job in the military but letting him still work with K9's. His friends all work in different LEO jobs but all with K9 and they are descending on his house to help out at the big political shindig coming up. But Trista gets his protective side going but he notices that she kind of floats along in her own little bubble. He might need to keep her safe from everyone...including herself!

Matt is the eponymous hero and I loved meeting his friends and their dogs. Trista kind of reminds me of my niece, who has Aspergers. She is great when in her comfort zone but take her out of it and she falls apart. I did get annoyed with Poofy the cat, but then I'm defo a dog person! I actually quite liked her made up swear words, reminds me of when my son was wee and trying not to swear in front of him. They were oil and vinegar and never should mix but Trista and Matt were adorable. I'm going to enjoy the rest of this series for sure!

OMG I loved this book!

First off we have HOT Matt and his K9 partner; they are absolutely adorable together!!

Second we have Trista who is afraid of dogs despite how friendly Sheba is when not in work mode. Trista eventually has to face her fears though when someone tries to kill her not once but twice.

Third, we have a bunch of HOT guys and their dogs who rally together to protect Trista when danger comes calling.

Fourth, we have Matt's back story. Que the heartbreak...you will need tissues.

I want more! Can we get the other guys' stories please!!!

I absolutely adored this book. It is one of those books that immediately suck you in and is impossible to put down. The suspense and romance of this book were perfect. It was a good balance between the two. The suspense is one that kept building until it finally crested and we know it all. And wow what a plot!

Matt is the kind of guy most women wish they had. He is strong, protective and when he lets someone in it is all the way. Trista is a lot like him when it comes to working with people, but she may be worse. Her first meeting with him sets off a domino effect of events that have both their lives changing. The romance is a beautiful one and of course not so easily achieved.

I enjoyed this book so much and can not wait until the next book releases. This first book was an excellent start to this awesome series. I very highly recommend it.

I do so love a good one with it being centered around a good officer. This one by this author has a added plus with a four footed officer by his side. Can not say I have read many with K-9 being part of the main character but sure would do so some more. Computer CIA Trista will cross paths with Matt and his K-9. What starts out as one direction will soon turn into danger from a stranger where she will need some help. Both have their own perceptions but they will get turned upside down when they are side by side. Since I myself do not curse it was amusing to see that this character could spout out some funny words. Anyways this one is a fantastic start to a series I hope to catch again.

He didn’t know where any of this was going, but the more time he spent with her, the more he understood one thing with unerring certainty.
For her, he’d do just about anything.

Tee O’Fallon has quickly become one of my go-to authors for romantic suspense. Her blend of edge-of-your-seat action and heart-pounding realness with sexy, swoony love always makes for an engaging and addictive read.

Lock ‘N’ Load is no exception.

Matt and Trista were secrets and chemistry and gah, infuriating back-and-forth (I’m looking you, Sgt. Connors), and the way they—and scene-stealing Sheba—came together worked for me. Hard.

The slow spark and burn of this romance made it damn near impossible to put down. I kept one-more-chaptering Lock ‘N’ Load well into the night, and again first thing the next morning, and though I wanted to growl at Matt at times, and cuss on behalf of Trista, mostly, I was just desperate for answers . . . and a HEA.

And now that I’m done, I’m desperate for the next book. I mean, I was all-in with this series before the appearance of Matt’s fellow Federal K-9 officers, and now I’m pulling at the leash wanting more. Nick, perhaps? Kade? Romeo? I don’t mind, so long as it happens.

Soon.

“I can’t live without this. I can’t live without you.”
“Then don’t.”

~ 4.5 Pixie STARS ~

✦Review: LOCK 'N' LOAD (Federal K-9) by Tee O'Fallon https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aJU
Publication Date: May 28, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

What a wild action-packed story! Full of intrigue and romance. There were only two things that kept it from being perfect: 1. Trista, a CIA Agent, did a few reckless things that weren’t in keeping with what her training would have been. 2. I tend to get frustrated when one person is fighting their love all through the book. That being said – I couldn’t put the book down. I kept rooting for them both and couldn’t get enough of Matt’s co-workers and K-9’s. Ms. O’Fallon wrote a story that didn’t delve too far into CIA or computer jargon, yet still managed to give a place and time that kept me riveted. I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next one.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $3.99 https://amzn.to/2kv48cc

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. Lock ‘N’ Load is the first book in the new Federal K-9 series and it was so good. I loved getting to enter this new world and meet Trista Gold and Sgt. Matt Connors. I just fell in love with this story and these characters and I am so excited to see what this author writes next.

in lock 'n' load, cia analyst trista gold has never thought of herself as a damsel in distress. mostly her job with the cia keeps her out of danger, since she's generally poking around corners of the dark web and figuring out codes and ciphers. but from the moment matt connors comes to her rescue when a kid tries to jump through the building's security line, it seems that danger suddenly has her on speed dial.

at first things seem to be random, but matt is not so sure that the attacks on trista aren't related to her cia work. when the danger escalates and trista's home is burned down and she is nearly killed, matt takes her into protective custody. with everyone at the cia and fbi acting downright shady, trista and matt work together to figure out where the danger lies.

of course, the crazy attraction between them grows the more time they spend with one another. but matt has baggage he needs to deal with before he can commit to a relationship with trista. and getting to that point is no easy feat.

**lock 'n' load will publish on may 28, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (amara) in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down which is a problem when it's 1am and you need to go to bed, haha!! I loved all the characters in this book. Trista is such a kitty underneath all that hidden plainess. It's good Suspense romance. Both Matt and Trista need to get over somethings in their past and they both help each other to accomplish that. Matt also becomes her protector against the evil after her. All the other K-9 men in this book sound like guys I would want to know in real life. Also who couldn't love Poofy and Sheba!! I hope there are more in this series!

This is a very well written suspenseful read that keeps you glued with its twists and turns until the end.
I enjoyed reading about brainy CIA analyst and K9 officer and their romance, even thou Matt did made me angry on few places in the book.
It is a book for romance suspense and crime readers, too.
I'm glad to know that this is a first book of the series and we will have a chance to read about the other K9 officers and their love stories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own