An exciting romantic suspense. It kept me turning the pages. I always enjoy K-9 tales. I did skip the intimate details. Grateful for the clues and being able to have correct suspicions. Interesting family back stories. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

When I’m looking for action-packed romantic suspense with subject matter ripped from the headlines, I pick up a Tee O’Fallon book. Her books are gripping with detailed and thorough research that only an experienced federal agent could understand firsthand.

Dr. Victoria “Tori” Sampson is a dedicated ER doctor who cares about her patients, so when another overdose victim is rushed into her ER, she wants no one in her way. Especially one big, handsome, broody DEA agent who refuses to leave his fellow agent and friend in her very capable hands. She didn’t trust the DEA because of what happened to her father, but his kindness for kids and the love of his dog may be a game-changer.

DEA K9 Agent Adam “Deck” Decker will not stop looking for the person who is killing dozens of people in the city. The selling of opioids on the street is rampant and there is a lethal cocktail out there that can kill simply by inhaling it. His sister died from opioid addiction and he didn’t trust any doctor who prescribed them. Namely, the hot ER doctor who was giving him grief as good as she got. The attraction grows, but will they be able to compromise and accept each other as they are?

Sparks fly when Deck and Tori meet in the ER. When Deck asks Tori to help him find the people selling the new drug called grey death she agrees despite it being outside her comfort zone. A place she had been in since her father’s arrest and her mother’s death. Against his better judgment Deck takes her on a couple of warrant arrests that put her in harm’s way. Something he vowed to stop. But Tori is bullheaded and not backing down. She took an oath to save lives. However, she never expected to walk on the wild side with a man who had no comfort zone. If he wanted or needed something he just did it. As they are forced together, they give in to their attraction for each other. But someone is trying to kill Deck with no regard if someone else is in the crossfire. He can’t risk her life so he stays away, but it’s too late and she’s the next target. Tori and Deck make a great pair in their dedication to their jobs and the people they have vowed to protect. It’s a match made under dire circumstances, but with a happily ever after that is worth waiting for.

Tori’s father is a good man who made a commendable but bad decision to help people who could not afford the high price of drugs for their families. He paid the price and what Deck does for him is such a wonderful gift. Deck feels responsible for his sister’s death because he didn’t see it coming, but he had faith in her doctors as they prescribed the drugs that killed her.

The author does a fantastic job describing the opioid problem with clarity and conviction. It’s a serious issue that has gotten out of hand and the idea of people creating deadly cocktails made from the worst of the drugs is frightening and eye-opening. Who is to blame for the problem? Is it Big Pharma, Congress, irresponsible doctors, etc.? Take your pick.

Pick up this book. It’s full of thought-provoking stuff, action galore, a love story, and, of course, a delightful, cat-whispering, ladder-climbing dog named Thor. For another exciting O’Fallon book read my review of Train ‘N’ Trace.

Thank you to Ms. O’Fallon for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I thought this was a really amazing read. The story quickly captured my interest and had me firmly focused on the outcome, in spite of any other things that required my attention. I found the writing sinfully smooth and wickedly easy to read. The combination of danger, emotion, drama, romance and action was a potent and heady brew that I found simply irresistible. The storyline here has a very current feel to it that gives a heavy coating of realism that makes the connection you feel to it pretty inevitable. I really liked Tori and Deck. They came across as very genuine and their chemistry sizzled. I loved it and if you enjoy reads that will have your heart rate pumping, keep you guessing, tug at your heartstrings and make you feel the heat, I believe you will too.

Tough Justice was an exciting read that had me guessing the entire time. I loved the action and suspense as Tori and Deck came together in the middle of an intense situation. It was really entertaining with the perfect amount of drama and heat that had me on the edge of my seat.

I loved learning about Tori and Deck and their motivations for their jobs and how dedicated they were. I liked the tension and push and pull between them when they meet since they’re in a high-stress situation. I liked them getting to know each other, working together, and letting their guard down as feelings come into play. It was wonderful to see Tori stepping outside her comfort zone and Deck facing issues from his past. All the while there is this really excellent mystery developing about the bad guys and I loved the build to the details.

This was a great series starter. I liked meeting Deck’s friends and the bonds they have and am looking forward to more stories since some really good groundwork was laid for them. The romance was sweet, sexy, and passionate, though it did feel a little fast-paced at times. I really liked Deck’s K-9 partner Thor, he was incredibly charming and smart and made me smile. The details were good but not overly in-depth, giving me just what I needed to keep me fully invested, looking forward to what would come next.

This was my first time reading this author and I'd definitely read her again. There were a lot of great elements in play that kept me turning the page. Even though there were bad guys doing horrible things, it never felt heavy, it was more on the lighter side for me. I didn't feel stressed out, just really excited as everything unfolded. Exciting was pretty much the theme. I totally enjoyed this!

Well.... Tee O'Fallon has done it again. This is a great read. Interesting characters, a wonderful dog, dialogue that makes you smile and awesome suspense. There are some parts that will keep you guessing, and the last few chapters are excellent and make you not want to put it down. Deck and Tori are two people who've had some sad losses in their lives, making both cautious in general and requiring some growth in the how to have a relationship department. You root for them to work it out and for them to make it through some of the dangers surrounding illegal drugs - both coming across it in their jobs as DEA agent and ER physician. You will enjoy this book. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

This is a story of a DEA agent “Deck” and a doctor “Tori”, how intriguing is that. The story has a dark plot with a fresh bloom of romance in it and the climax is very challenging since dealing with drug cases does not end well. It’s a very well-written story with a realistic frame and insecurities, having a tough past does that to people. The story starts on a very emotional level and touches the soul, it’s not easy to deal with losing someone. Deck and Tori met under very crucial circumstances and as they help each other irrespective of their beliefs makes it even better. A well timed storyline with proper ups and downs kept me hooked. The challenges shown in the DEA line of work garners more respect at every step. The best and the best one is THOR, the federal dog who stole my heart away.

A new author to me and I am hooked. I plan to check out everything she has written and her to my favorite author list! This was one of those books that you can’t put down. The main characters Tori and Deck have the kind of chemistry that we all love to read about – intense, steamy, as well as driven. They combust on the pages! Great read and I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

They mixed like oil and water. DEA Special Agent Adam “Deck” Decker didn’t trust doctors. Emergency room doctor Tori Sampson wasn’t a fan of the DEA. Given a choice they’d have nothing to do with each other. But there’s a deadly drug infecting Denver. The number of overdoses is climbing every day. Deck and his DEA colleagues need help and he knows just the person to ask. Tori couldn’t believe what Deck was asking of her, but she’d seen one too many teenagers in her ER lately. So, she reluctantly agrees to help.

At first, all Tori needs to do is contact Deck when one of the overdose patients survives and agrees to talk to him. But with each passing day she’s pulled farther into the investigation. She finds herself joining him as he serves search warrants and going on stake outs. Despite the gravity of the situations they find themselves sharing, or perhaps because of them, Deck and Tori each begin to see the other through a different lens. The animosity lessens and a mutual respect begins to grow.

When the clues they gather start to point close to home, Deck and Tori become targets. People they thought were friends become suspect. When their lives are hanging in the balance, they have only each other to depend on.

The beginning of the story sets the emotional tone for the rest of the book. From the heartbreak caused by drug use to the unfeeling greed of the dealers to the danger faced by the men and women who fight to the drugs off the streets. This book shows it all in a tension filled, non-stop page turner of a story. The author’s use of misdirection works well to keep the reader guessing even as Deck and Tori get closer to the answer. To break up some of the heaviness of the subject, we are treated to some light hearted interludes between the K-9 agents and the canines they work with. Ms. O’Fallon did a superb job of depicting the true partnership and caring between the agents and their canines. This is an excellent start to her new K-9 Special Ops series and a book you won’t want to miss.

I Received a ARC for a honest review this was my first read from this author and I really did enjoy the writing style and the storyline. I must say that her cover caught my attention first and then the blurb.I work in the medical field and have a pet peeve of when I read anything related to the field and it's blatantly wrong I get annoyed I can honestly say the facts were spot on especially in the ER.Tori was a likeable character but I didn't connect to her until further into the story Deck and Thor were great to me from the start the build up to the relationship was nice and the adult times were pretty good the suspense fell a little flat to me I figured out who the antagonist was fairly quickly but it could be because I love suspense and thriller books. It was a good read and I would give it 4.5 stars it's definitely worth checking out

Un-put-downable!

If you are looking for a reality-based, “capture all your attention”, romantic suspense than you have found it. This author is a ‘must read everything she’s ever written’ kind of writer for me. She deftly pairs the wonder of falling in love with the struggles of everyday life – making me believe that anything is possible, even at the darkest moments…

The opener was a heart-breaker and set the scene for the urgency of the work to come. The characters were utterly likable – including the furry, four-legged one! Hard to pick a favourite when they all stood out. While they dealt with a dark corner of life, they also made me smile as the banter broke up the seriousness of the situations they found themselves.

The buildup was steady on all fronts and kept me glued to my seat and the kindle to the very end. Another great read from a favourite author. A first in a new series – the happy dance hasn’t stopped…

Tee spent a lot of years working in federal investigations and I really think that experience comes out in her books and in her writing. She's not afraid to push the envelope of her knowledge though; she admits that a lot of research and time went into getting the medical aspects of this book just right - I appreciate when an author pushes themselves to learn something, but also admits that it was work!

Sometimes I struggle with romantic suspense books, that one aspect of the other feels left behind, but I can say that in both books I've read from Tee, that she strikes that balance really well. Once again, I thought I had this one all figured out, and it turns out I was very wrong - I appreciate when an author can trick me!

I loved that both Dek and Tori had their own backstories that made this particular case very personal to them, and also gave them perspectives that needed to be changed and altered in order to have a chance to be together. This was a wild ride and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, hopefully featuring some of Dek's friends we met along the way in this one..

This is going to be a great series. Deck & Tori are an interesting pair & I loved watching them find their way. This story felt like you were side-by-side with Deck as he is investigating the drug crisis. The emotion, passion and dedication they have for their job & each other really stands out. I loved the villain reveal, it was suspenseful but not long & drawn out. I cannot wait for the next book.

This talented author has written another amazing read. Spellbinding is how I would say this suspenseful read unfolds. It pulled me in from the beginning and kept me riveted until the end. I stayed up late because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Tori and Deck were wonderful characters with great chemistry. Add in Thor the K-9 and this book is a MUST READ. I can't wait to read the next book.

I loved it. First book in a new series and what a way to kick off that series. It is a quicky moving series with a sizzling romance and a page turning suspense filled read. Bring on the next in the series.

This is book one in a new series for Tee. All books by Tee will never disappoint. They are full of great characters with strong men and woman plus pets too. This one is no different.
What a different story right from the start. We have an overdosed DEA Agent, an overprotective part of his team and a top emergency room Dr. DEA Agent Adam Decker is not letting anything more happen to his friend, Dan. After being overdosed at drug raid. Dr. Victoria (Tori) Sampson is fighting to save the life of a DEA agent and doesn't have time for his buddy in her ER room. Deck doesn't trust Doctors and Tori has no love for the DEA agents either.
Both have had bad experiences with the other. When Deck finds out that there has been a lot of overdoses at the hospital all by the same drug, he knows they have bigger problems. As much as he distrusts Doctors he knows he needs her help. Tori wants nothing to do with any DEA agents, but after losing other kid she need to do more about the opioids outbreak. As they work together a lot of strange things start to happen. Both start to learn the other is more than just an Agent or just a Dr. . When the drug dealers turn up the heat putting Tori in danger, Deck tries to distance himself but Tori doesn't take orders well. This is a very fast paced suspense novel, with lots of twist and turns you will not see coming. The romance is a bonus, but the mystery, danger, and intrigue are the best....
Once you start reading you will not be able to put it down. What a great start to a series. Can wait to see which agent is next. You will fall in love with K-9 agent Thor he is the best of the best...
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

"KILLER COCKTAIL KILLS FIVE MORE!"

Adam "Deck" Decker, DEA K-9 agent feels like he's fighting a losing battle to stop the death of so many youths that are dying from the "Gray Death", an extremely strong, but cheap Opioid being sold on the streets of Denver, Colorado. After his fellow agent is exposed, and rushed to the hospital, he meets Dr. Victoria Sampson who saves his friend's life. An uneasy alliance is formed between the two to assist the DEA Agents to find out who the drug distributor is, as well as giving them additional training if they're exposed to the "Gray Death".

When Tori goes with Deck on a drug bust, the bullets fly, and Tori's in danger, Deck realizes he's developing feelings for her. But, how can he feel these things when he believes that drug peddling Doctors are responsible for turning his 16 yrs. old sister into an addict, and her death that follows. Tori's feels guilt because how can she have feelings for a DEA Agent which cost her family so much, with the arrest of her father, because of his assisting patients with chronic disease to suicide.. As far as Tori's concern DEA is responsible for the death of her mother that gave up on life when her husband was sent to prison.

Things escalate and a hit is put on Deck, and Tori's in danger as she investigates, and realizes that the distributor is closer than anyone thinks. Tori's kidnapped, and time is running out, as Deck, and his K-9 dog, Thor hunt for Tori. Will Deck get there in time so he can tell Tori he loves her?

Nice plot twist. Action, and car chases. You can tell the author research information on the Opioids epidemic, as well as what the DEA agents deal with in real life. I really enjoy the realistic, emotional, and mature journey that Deck, and Tori took to find each other, and let go of a past they had no control over. They love, respect, and in the end learn to compromise, so they both can continue to do the jobs they love. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the K-9 Special Ops series.

Tori is a doctor who is dedicated to her job and her patients. When a patient is brought into the ER she will do everything she can to help even though Deck, the DEA agent who brought him in, is more of a hindrance than a help. When Deck asks for her assistance to investigate a deadly new drug that has recently appeared she tries to put aside her feelings about the DEA for the greater good.

Deck is a DEA agent who has a K9, Thor, as his partner. His past experience with doctors had devasting results which has made trusting them difficult. When they find themselves working together both he and Tori realize that there is more to the other than their biases against the others career which sends them on an action-packed adventure as they try to stop the production of a drug before it claims anymore victims.

Suspense and romance combine as both Tori and Deck are compelling characters as well as Thor. The twists and turns of the investigation will keep you guessing until the end.

An amazing beginning to a new series and a thrill ride from beginning to end! When a colleague of DEA K-9 Adam “Deck” Decker is almost killed by exposure to a dangerous new street drug, he refuses to leave him alone in the ER room. His actions infuriate Doctor Victoria “Tori” Sampson, who has the responsibility for saving the man’s life. Deck doesn’t trust doctors after the overdose and death of his sister and Tori dislikes DEA agents who she feels destroyed her family’s life. As they work together to educate other DEA officers, they are attracted to each other, but not wanting to be. When Tori offers to aid him in his warrant searches, she puts her life and his case in jeopardy. He tries to stay away from her, but needs to be with her, to know that she is safe. When she inadvertently uncovers information that may put her life in danger, will Deck and his team be able to follow her message to find her and take down the drug ring? WOW! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

In Tough Justice, the first in a new series from Tee O'Fallon, DEA K-9 agent Adam "Deck" Decker is focused on bringing down the dealers that are contributing to the opioid crisis. When one of his colleagues is exposed to "gray death" a type of manufactured opioid similar to heroin and ends up in dire condition in the hospital, Deck meets Dr. Tori Sampson, an ER physician that saves Deck's colleague's life.

It's a tenuous relationship at first because Tori does not like the DEA based on a past incident, and Deck isn't fond of physicians either. But when Deck reaches out to Tori for help with the opioid epidemic, she decides to help him. Their relationship goes from professional to friendship to something more. I absolutely adored the slow build of their relationship from friends to lovers in Tough Justice.

There's plenty of action in this story which I also loved. It kept everything moving along just right and the ending is pure suspense and action and all those good things that make for an exciting story. This is my second book by this author and I'm totally hooked on the storytelling here.

And I would totally be remiss if I didn't mention Thor. Deck's K9 partner is just awesome, amazing, wonderful -- I'm not sure I can even adequately describe how much I loved Thor in this story. Everything just worked for me in this story and I just had to keep reading.

Overall, a really terrific romance wrapped around a suspenseful crime drama. I'm looking forward to more in this series.

I’m a huge romantic suspense junkie. (Thank you, Nora Roberts, for spawning my addiction!). Tee O’Fallon’s Federal K-9 series cemented her as one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, so I was extremely excited to dive into the first book of her K-9 Special Ops series. And Tough Justice did not disappoint. It's bound to be an exciting journey to a HEA when you throw a doctor with a heavy mistrust of the DEA and a DEA agent with a serious mistrust of doctors together with sizzling chemistry. The plot was timely and flowed very well. With lots of action, a hefty dose of suspense, and definite steamy moments, this book had me reading as fast as I could and frantically turning the pages until the very end.

Romantic suspense fans, it’s hard to be disappointed in a Tee O’Fallon book, so I wholeheartedly recommend Tough Justice as well as all of her Federal K-9 series books and any of her backlist.