This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Trista was a complex woman and it took me a while before I really liked her. Some times she seemed so insecure and others she was the total opposite and quite bold. Matt was a steady guy but really held back by an incident in his past that he felt was his fault. (Of course, it was not his fault and just had survivors guilt).

I was so glad when Trista confronted Matt and told him that he had to decide and she could not take the back and forth with him - he could not have it both ways!!

The romance was hot and I loved the addition of the intrigue as Trista kept searching for who was behind the hits on her life and the story that was worth killing people over.

And how can you not love a story with not only dogs but a cat! I would hate to not love on a dog and worry that they could not do "their job" so felt sad when Sheba got into trouble but was kind of cute!

All of Matt's friends were quite a hot batch of men and I hope that there will be future books with them as the main character!

Lock ‘N’ Load by Tee O’Fallon was absolutely fantastic! I haven’t enjoyed a government based romantic suspense so much in a long time. I really enjoyed the premise of the story, and the K-9 element was an added bonus.

This was a romance, but the suspense theme was constant. Just who was involved in the cryptic message that Trista intercepts was a source of intrigue and it was a case of putting all the puzzle pieces together. The climax was a genuine nail-biter that kept you turning the pages.

The author has a lovely writing style that flows well and keeps you engaged. I loved her characterisations. Trista was amazing to read as the nerdy computer whiz that is socially awkward, with confidence and body issues. It was refreshing to read a character that is completely aware of her social awkwardness and perceived unattractiveness when in the company of someone of interest but is so very confident in dealing with everyone else and when it comes to her skill set. It was effortless to identify with Trista and commiserate with her social ineptitude.

Matt was another great character with a massive case of PTSD about which he is in complete denial. His relationship with Sheba though, was beautiful to read, especially when Trista starts to unashamedly ‘spoil’ her. I must admit though there was a point towards the end that I really want to smack Matt upside the back of the head and tell him to deal with his PTSD. His stubborn, cut off your nose to spite your face attitude was starting to tick me off; but ultimately he was a great guy, and I was more than happy with the final outcome.

I think the following books are going to cover the other members of the K-9 gang. Although they didn’t play a huge role in the story, what we did see of them led me to believe they’ll be great main leads in their own right.

This was my first experience with Tee O’Fallon, and I can guarantee that it won’t be my last. I loved this book, and if you enjoy romantic suspense with a government conspiracy type theme, I’d highly recommend this one.

Wow!

Action packed, suspenseful, funny, intriguing, and a tear inducing ending! I couldn’t put it down.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Lock N Load

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is packed with action and a slow burn that will keep you on your toes. Matt is a broody, sexy K-9 agent who will do anything to protect someone and Trista is a quiet, firecracker who will make an impression on Matt that he won’t forget. The interaction between them keeps things interesting and there is never a dull moment. Their attraction is electric and you don’t want to miss what happens next.

Trista is most at home with her computer and making her way through chat rooms. As an analyst with the CIA there is never a dull moment for her, and when the sexy new K-9 handler starts, she is immediately drawn to him. But she knows she would never have a chance with him, one she doesn’t like dogs and two why would a guy like that be interested in someone like her.

Matt can’t help but notice Trista. She stands out like no one ever before. But she is hesitate around him and his dog, Sheba. After an attack one night, he can’t help but wonder who would want to hurt her and what can he do to protect her. When things get too dangerous, he brings her to his home and things get interesting.

Once they are thrown together their chemistry can no longer be ignored. But do they really stand a chance at a relationship? Is Matt ready to live finally and let go of the past? And will they be able to figure out who is after Trista before it’s too late?

Top-notch thriller romance….

I LOVED this author’s NYPD Blue & Gold stories and was beyond excited for this new series to begin. Trista and Matt had sparks from their first meeting and that was just the start of an action-packed, romantic romp through Washington’s alphabet agencies and the men and women who inhabit them…

Trista’s job is everything. Without it, she is lost and when Matt is part of that mess, he is the last person she would go to, or ask for help. Trouble is, he has saved her life, more than once, and he is not going anywhere when her life is still at risk. Too bad she’s a cat person and he’s a dog keeper…. Super smart, easily likable, Trista may be shy when it comes to romance but there is nothing timid about her – and she’s going to go toe to toe with Matt – with anyone who stands in her way…

Matt is a sexy, strong and equally smart agent who is going to protect Trista no matter what the cost. He’s been silently fighting his own demons for years and he’s ready to give it all to ensure her safety. Yeah, there’s a lot of that so the heart fluttering on this side of the kindle was non-stop….

These two were a great mix of strength and vulnerability as they opened up to each other, bonding over extreme circumstances and the life-threatening situations they found themselves in. They were sweet, combative and always at each other’s backs when needed. Throw in a group of supportive police/military friends and this story had it all. ALL!

I’m in book-stalker mode for the next in this series and anything else this author wants to write. I hope it’s a lot. And soon…

I always like the nerdy girl gets hot guy stories. Lock ‘N’ Load is just such a book.

Trista Gold is on the far wrong side of socially awkward. She’s all about her job as a CIA analyst. Her social circle includes only two close friends at the agency and her perpetually absent parents. She’s perfectly happy in life and the home she shares with her cat. There’s this one cop at the CIA who she’s totally crushing on but always from afar. Matt Connors is huge, gorgeous and makes Trista so nervous she stammers. And his dog, and all dogs terrify her.

Matt Connors is taken with Trista who he considers to be a natural beauty but he can tell she’s completely unaware of her attractiveness. He’s more than happy to become her personal bodyguard after the agency decides she needs security.

Lock ‘N’ Load is full of international intrigue, spies, murder, and mystery. During it all, the sizzling attraction between Trista and Matt keeps the reader wondering if and when they’ll get together and then how can they find their happily ever after against these odds.

I got a little lost with Matt’s canine officer buddies. There are so many of them staying at his house with their dogs. I suppose Fallon wanted to introduce them for the upcoming series but they didn’t add much to the story. It was good to see Trista enjoying their friendship and Matt getting jealous but one other officer was all that was needed to accomplish this.

Matt’s got a demon that gets in the way of his ability to have a relationship and it’s a whopper he can’t let go of. He clings to his misplaced guilt far too hard and hurts Trista in the process.
When the shit hits the fan, Matt is, of course, in full protective mode and will do whatever it takes to save Trista. Soon Matt, his dog Sheba and all of his houseguests are rushing to rescue Trista from her captors.

This book was chock full of action and intrigue, the sit on the edge of your chair kind. I really liked Matt and Trista and was invested in their future. I wanted to see them get together and find their happiness. If you like an equal part of suspense and romance, this book is for you.

reviewed by Jem

For me this is a tough one to rate. This book has good and bad parts but overall it's not a bad read. The characters are interesting, there is plenty of suspense, and the story is intriguing. Bonus points for the hot guy with a great dog. The problem I had with the story was that is seemed to drag in places with a lot of nonsensical dialogue. Also I didn't feel the chemistry between Trisha and Matt. I found some parts of the story hard to believe as well. With all that said the suspense part of the story kept me interested even though the romance part of the story was lacking for me.

K9 to the Rescue.
Loved this story, the first I have read by this author. It had everything you could possibly want - danger, suspense, romance and obstacles that have to be overcome for the Hero and heroine to get their HEA. Flawed but likeable characters, hot chemistry and a delightful dog. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hot guys, dogs and danger this story has it all. I loved smart and sweet Trista. Sometimes being brainy can be isolating but she doesn’t let it get her down. She is great at her job and she loves it. Her job is what lands her in trouble and what tosses her into the sphere of hot cop Matt Connors. Matt has issues and I was about to give up on him when he finally started to get his stuff together. Fans of Piper J. Drake will enjoy this book. The series has possibilities and I look forward to getting to know these guys and their K-9 partners.

Along similar lines to the great K9 Rescue Series by D.D. Ayres but unfortunately not in the same league.

Trista Gold is a mousy, computer analyst for the CIA, her speciality is a computer program that she designed which allows her to overhear conversations on the dark web and she has been tracking the movements and conversations of a Russian spy called Alexy Lukashin. She overhears an intriguing conversation in one chat room which talks about a mysterious 'someone' who is not what he seems, a reporter called Thomas George, and refers to a place called Iqaluit.

Sergeant Matt Connors and his dog Sheba are a K-9 unit in CIA security. Trista is afraid of dogs and seeing Sheba throws her off balance and she falls over in the security line in front of Matt. Later that evening Matt is just in time to stop Trista being dragged into the woods by a man. Taking no chances, the CIA revokes Trista's clearance and puts her on administrative leave until they can determine whether the attack had anything to do with her work or Lukashin. As Trista's life is in danger she and Matt work together to try to piece together the meaning of the conversation that she overheard and why Lukashin wants her dead.

I don't know whether I am exceptionally bad tempered recently or whether I am just in a string of books in which the characters have to tick every possible cliche but this was another one. Matt has issues dating back to his teenage years which mean he believes he can never be happy, or at least shouldn't be allowed to be happy. He must atone for the tragedy in his past and is building a centre for troubled teens where they will work alongside rescue dogs. Trista is a 30-ish virgin in frumpy clothes who suddenly becomes a goddess overnight after putting on a t-shirt and jeans. And of course as soon as she has sex she is suddenly a vixen in bed - yep, she's a sexual unicorn!
For a virgin, her inherent sense of just how to drive his body crazy with need was beyond amazing.
Trista's terror of dogs is miraculously cured by Matt in one afternoon, oh and he also buys her new clothes (after another attack on her means she can't leave the house) including a sexy green silk negligee - creepy or not? There's a 40 year old mystery to solve, a political situation to unravel (which of course both Matt and Trista instantly understand), psychotic Russians, incompetent FBI agents, kidnappings and multiple murders. And TBH, I still don't understand WHY Lukashin wanted Trista dead, he must have known that she had shared the transcript of the conversation with the CIA, after which killing her was pointless. This book could have done with less things going on.

However, despite the 'kitchen sink' approach to plotting, this was an enjoyable CIA/FBI mystery which kept me reading on a long-haul flight. It is clearly intended to be a series featuring Matt's incredibly good-looking group of friends with their K-9 companions, each of whom works for a different law enforcement group. I will definitely read more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A riveting five star read. I have found twenty-five new authors to read in the last few months but, I have to say this author is in the top two. Lock 'N' Load is just that Lock 'N' Load from the first chapter until the last. This is a suspenseful ride that you don't want to get off of. It has an excellent storyline, great characters, suspense from the beginning until the end, danger, mystery, great secondary characters and last but not least a loveable dog and cat that will win your heart. I can't wait to read the next book by this author. I would definitely recommend this book.

This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last. I very much enjoyed this story. It was action packed and had likeable relatable characters. I loved that it had K-9s in it. Sheba just helped to make the story. I look forward to future books with Matt's friends.

Lock N Load is a terrific romantic suspense. I loved the plot! The author is new to me and I enjoyed her writing style and will be reading more of her books.

I found this story riveting. I love the premise of the cop/K9 and look forward to this series. I also love a story with a geeky brainiac gal, and Trista fit the bill perfectly. I got a little frustrated with Matt's back-and-forth, but the way things worked out was wonderful. The suspense aspect of this story kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a new-to-me author, and I'm really glad to have found her. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next one in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC for review.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
This was a new author to me and the cover and the synopsis of the book drew me in but after that with the turn of the first page I was hooked. This book has it all. Great edge of the seat plot, a male lead that is smoking hot, smart female character , a dog to die for and a host of guy friends that will star in their own books I hope. Great start to a series. I could not put it down. I even shed a few tears at the end. Really good read.

I picked up this one because the plot sounded interesting--despite the cover that had me wondering how much smutty content would be present. I decided I wouldn't toss out a good plot simply because the guy's glossy, waxed chest reminded me of a dime-novel cover. I believed there might be a good plot worth reading...
So I gave it a shot.

But seriously...half way through and I think I'm finished with this title--and that was be being extremely forbearing as a reader. I don't mind a little moon-eyed lovesick silly content where things get a little mushy and "wow they are so hot" cause everyone appreciates a beautiful human, but come on! Every single encounter was over-sexualized To. The. Hilt. I got so ticked off, because everything--EVERYTHING--from a simple look to a simple touch or WORD--was like some hot and steamy foreplay. Ew. Yuck. Gross.
And French-kissing for the first kiss--what is up with that? Matt (the dude) couldn't keep his raging sex-drive in check. That's incredibly unattractive. Not being able to keep his eyes in his head and stop from ogling Trista every chance he gets. So basically--instead of being a regular guy with a sex drive, all we got with Matt was a guy who can't keep his eyes (or tongue) to himself, and needs a serious talk about respecting womankind, because at this point, he almost reaches creepy, sex-obsessed man status. And he's a cop. He knows better.
And honestly, if I ever hear someone use the word "breasts" in a novel again, it will be too soon. And do I WANT to know about Matt's private bodily reactions in response to simply being in a pretty woman's presence--absolutely not. It was disgusting--and I skimmed over a TON.

I got this ARC because I thought--hey, the plot sounds pretty cool, and of course, a romance between these two characters would be cool.
But this wasn't even a romance in my estimation, it was a textbook on sexual reactions to the opposite sex. That's not romance in my books.

I am disappointed, because the plot truly sounded interesting, and I'd love to see how this one panned out, but alas--too much verbal vomit in the sexual department and "see ya later, pal." I sincerely hope that Matt grows some manners in the second half of the book and starts to realize that a woman is more than her curves and sex-appeal and should be treated like a human being, not a sex icon.
But alas, I'm not sticking around to see if he changes.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

I truly enjoyed this story. All gifted children / adults have a complex - thinking they're not attractive to the opposite sex. Trista and Matt really heat up the sheets - while they try to solve a murder mystery / Russian mafia problems. Matt is assigned to protect Trista from the Russians - after she overhears them on the Dark Webb speaking about overtaking a province of Canada. Matt has been fighting a battle of guilt - over the death of his best friend twenty years ago. He feels that he should never be happy - due to his friend died a horrible death while they were both drunk was teenagers. Matt and Trista are in love - but both are fighting their own battles inside. I strongly recommend this story for Cherry Adair / Linda Howard and Suzanne Brockmann fans.

Trista Gold is a computer genius and lives for her work. Seriously, her work is all that she feels that she has to make her life meaningful. Due to an attack on her, Trista's security clearance is revoked, so she is locked out of her work. For her, potential harm to her life has no meaning. Instead, she is devastated because she can't work.

Sgt. Matt Connors is the K-9 officer at the CIA and takes Trista into protection. Needless to say, they find each other attractive, but Matt is well aware that he should not do anything that would jeopardize their professionalism. Plus, he carries a secret that he never wants to reveal.

This was a pretty straight forward story with lots of thrills. Sheba, the dog, was a great character and essential to the story. In fact, there is an incredible rescue at the end.   There is plenty of chemistry between Trista and Matt, and I also enjoyed the slow burn aspect.

Hot covers aren't a guarantee you get a steamy hot story. But in this case you do! Military guys are always exciting but a K-9 officer with the CIA is a different kind of exciting. The passion he exudes for his dog and the job are inspiring. The analyst he guards is a beautiful geeky computer brain that developed a program to hide in the dark web. She caught onto something dangerous and needs protection. The story is intense, exhilarating and unstoppable. My first book by this author and I can't wait to see how she continues the series, there were six other K-9 officers. I wrote this review voluntarily after reading an early copy.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review. This was my first Tee O'Fallon book. Trista Gold is a CIA Analyst and Sgt. Matt Connors is a CIA K9 officer/handler. Trista is shy and trys to make herself as invisible as possible Trista stumbles on some intelligence that has the Russians trying to kill her. Matt happens to come along in time to save her life both times. The story is how Matt tries to protect her from the hitman out to kill her. Matt has demons in his past that Trista tries to help him overcome as he helps her come out of her shell.

I really liked the author's writing style. There are several of Matt's former military team that are also dog handler's for various agencies. I am guessing the rest of these handsome men will get their own stories and I will be watching for them. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.