Honor 'N' Duty

Federal K-9 #6

by Tee O'Fallon

Two years after his brother’s murder in jail, Department of Homeland Security K-9 Officer Kade Sampson is still haunted by guilt. No man should ever have to arrest his own brother, even if he is laundering money for a drug cartel. Fortunately, Laia Velez—his brother’s gorgeous widow—never learned the truth about Kade’s involvement. But when she asks him for help, he knows that trouble with the cartel is far from over…

Kade is the last person Laia wants to call. But between her house being thoroughly trashed and the uneasy sense that she and her young daughter are being watched, Laia isn’t taking any chances. The cartel wants something from her. And Kade and his K-9 partner, Smoke, are her only chance to survive whatever fresh hell is coming their way…

Now Laia and Kade are trying to stay one step ahead in a game that’s growing more deadly by the minute. But what the cartel wants, the cartel gets. And Kade is running out of time to save the woman he loves from the same fate that killed his brother…

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Fiction

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2022

About the author

Tee O'Fallon is the author of the K-9 Special Ops, Federal K-9, and NYPD Blue & Gold Series. Tee spent twenty-three years as a federal agent conducting complex, long- and short-term criminal investigations, including undercover operations, across many agencies at the federal level, and multi-state investigations as a police investigator. It felt only natural to combine her hands-on experience in the field with her love of romantic suspense. Tee has lived in New York State most of her life with a five-year stop in Colorado. When not writing, she enjoys cooking, gardening, chocolate, lychee martinis, and all creatures canine.

Be sure to follow Tee on BookBub for the latest on sales and new releases: https://bit.ly/BookBubTeeOFallon

Sign up for Tee's newsletters at https://teeofallon.com/subscribe/ to receive a FREE digital copy of Lock 'N' Load!

Tee loves hearing from readers and can be contacted via her website https://teeofallon.com.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the sixth book in the Federal K-9 series. I had not read any of the other books in the series. The beginning of this book was slow to pull me into the storyline, but I think it was because I had not read the other books in this series. I do think this is one of those series you need to read in order to get the most for the series. I did put everything together, but it took a little bit. I did fall in love with the characters of this book, and I loved all the action/suspense in this book. There were some really steamy times in this book. The little girl and the k-9 dogs in this book were just so cute and I love them so much. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Entangled) or author (Tee O'Fallon) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, fast paced, romantic suspense novel. It has a likable female protagonist, a strong and capable male protagonist, an adorable child, a heroic K-9, intrigue, mystery, suspense, family drama, supportive friends, and a happily ever after ending. This novel can be easily be read as a stand alone, but is even better enjoyed after reading the previous novels in Ms. O'Fallon's outstanding "Federal K-9" series. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Vanessa Daniels, has a lovely voice and does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overall series arc shares cases and the romance of friends who are in the K-9 officers’ unit of various branches in the US. Each can easily be read/listened to as a standalone, but they’re so good, you’ll want to read them all.

Laia and Kade meet on the day his brother announced Laia is his fiancee’. Despite a sizzling attraction, Kade wishes them well and stays away. He befriends their daughter at his parents’ house. Fast forward, and Laia is a widow living alone with her daughter when someone breaks into their home. She reaches out to Kade. The story that unfolds has suspense, plenty of swoons and a slow burning romance as they stumble with miscommunication, duty and her deceased husband.

Rosa (Laia’s daughter) and Smoke (Kade’ K-9) stole the show a few times, and I adored it. The story, while suspenseful, had some fun moments.

The romantic premise deals with love at first sight and duty. As we get to know more about Laia’s marriage and the events that led up to her becoming a widow and Kade’s role in that were well done. The suspense centers on the cartel and something they believe Laia has.

A solid romance with plenty of build up, character growth and tender moments. I laughed, held my breath, and swooned.

Vanessa Daniels did a wonderful job of providing both characters’ point of view and capturing the tone of the tale. Her pacing and delivery enhanced the story and made listening a pleasure. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Tee O'Fallon]

Hi Everyone! I'm excited to announce that Honor 'N' Duty, book 6 in the Federal K-9 series, is up for preorder! This is Kade Sampson's story, the one you've all been asking for. And check out the dog on the cover! Look familiar? Smoke, the K-9 hero in this book, is a Belgian sheepdog, the same breed as my dogs. Not too many police departments utilize the Belgian sheepdog. Mainly, they use shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Some of my favorite parts of this story are the first and last chapters because there is a Puerto Rico connection. I've been to Puerto Rico many times during my career and fell in love with it. I hope you enjoy Honor 'N' Duty! Tee

[Melissasfandomworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was, as always with a Tee O'Fallon book, a highly enjoyable read from beginning 'till end. A very solid mix up of romance and suspense and a good addition to the K9 series that I've come to love so so much over the years.

Feeling wise, this isn't my fave of the series because I missed a bit more connection between characters here and there I think? It's hard to put my finger on what it exactly is because in general I really liked the characters though. But I think that the connection of the handler & K9 wasn't as much spotlighted as it normally is so that could be it. This is not a major issues for me though, it's minor, but it's a little hurdle that just couldn't get me to give it an even higher rating I think.

But really, overall seeing, this was just yet again a really solid, fun and sexy romantic suspense, that left me craving more when finished.

It has the steamy but solid build up romance I crave for, a cute kid and dog relationship that I always find so endearing, it has of course the sexy K9 handler himself (can we ever get enough of that combination of awesome K9 dog and the handler? Not me!) and it has the welcoming suspense elements which were really exciting and well written down and took the story on to a next level I think!

And I need that Jamie book now!
The anticipation for that story is real, lol.

You can read this story as a stand alone,
but I highly recommend to pick up the other books in the series as well!

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so excited to have won a copy of Honor ‘N’ Duty (Federal K9 #6) by Tee O’Fallon. It is the only book I have read in the series, but now I have my eye on her. I love romantic suspense and the characters quickly grew on me. After reading her impressive bio, I saw why she could write such a believable story with realistic characters. I think most of us know how dangerous and savage cartels can be, but would they kill a child to get what they want?

I was gripped from the meeting in the elevator. Do you believe in love at first sight? What if the woman is marrying your brother? Even though I knew MOST of what was to come, it didn’t stop me from rapidly flipping pages, having to know what comes next. Kade, hubba hubba. Laia, sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do, no explanations. At times Rosa and Smoke steal the stage. I mean, who doesn’t love pineapple pizza and whipped cream directly from the can.

I highly recommend the series and have my fingers crossed that more will come my way.

[Laura.has.too.many.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

* You do not need to read the previous books to understand this story.

Two years after his brother was murdered in jail, Kade Sampson is still wrestling with the guild and grieve that comes from that loss. So when his sister-in-law Laia calls him after her house has been broken into and trashed, Kade and his K-9 Smoke see no other option than come to the rescue right away. But he has wrestled with his feelings for his SIL for years and nothing of that seems to have gone away. And when it seems the murderer of his brother now after the rest of his family, Kade has his work cut out for him.

Pro's:
+ This is another high action entry in the series, with a murderer from Kade's and Laia's past that comes back to haunt them. Even though you know a lot about the ending of the book in the beginning of the story, the way you reach it is entertaining enough to not make it boring.
+ Even though I usually not really about children in books, the bond between Rosa and Smoke was really fun and felt true childlike. There were so much fun little moments and it was really heart-warming to read all of them all.

Con's:
- For me, this book lacked a lot of the magic the previous books had and I'm not really able to put the finger on where the problem really lies. The story felt quite shallow and was really predictable. Also, the characters, except for Smoke and Rosa, are easily forgettable.

Even though this was an easy and quite a light read, I felt like it was a lot less fun than the other books in the series. The only thing it really did was make me curious to Jamie's story, for the rest of it I mostly couldn't be bothered. Even the dog's personality doesn't really shine in this entry and that might be the biggest con for this book in all of it. All in all, I still really like this series, but this book is just one of the lesser entries in it. So will pick-up the next book when it comes out and advise you to skip on this one if you want to.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book of the series, but have no fear. You won’t be lost if this is your first foray into the series either. Relationships, friendships, and past events are all clearly explained without bashing the reader over the head here. And the misery that both Laia and Kade endure over an unwanted love that’s thought to be unrequited by the other is all too heartbreaking for a little bit. But then? Oh, then the danger really makes itself known. And the twists to the end of the road have a bunch of false turns and switchbacks to watch out for along the way.

Laia and Kade both had a lot of guilt to get past, and they lacked the trust in their situation to believe that maybe, just maybe, this is real and not the product of grief of loneliness or simply danger. But neither was willing to give up hope entirely, which worked when one was losing faith and the other was gaining it. And finding that the reason they’d stayed apart was also the thing drawing them back together, with one final apology and blessing, made all of the secrets finally come out. I loved that Laia kept her head when some particularly painful ones were exposed and didn’t rush away from the love she deserved with Kade, and I loved that Kade felt the same need to do anything necessary to save the day. Luckily, these two make it through in the end, but I’m wondering about Jamie now. I’m pretty sure he’s got quite the tale to tell.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving these Federal K9s. We’re on the sixth book of these interconnected series, and just to ensure we get even more of a doggy fix, we always get an assist from one or more of the previous pooches. Honor ‘N’ Duty sees Homeland security officers Kade Sampson and his partner Smoke trying to protect both his sister in law and niece from the drug lord who had his brother killed. They’re against the clock as the odds are stacked against them. There’s also the added complication of their attraction to each other, something they’ve been fighting for a few years. Lots of action, intrigue and drama as the story unfolds. Truly wonderful characters, Kade is the perfect hero, the perfect gentlemen and the perfect uncle to Laia’s daughter Rosa, who by the way is adorable. An entertaining, addictive and sexy romance. Highly enjoyable. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Ms. O’Fallon has created a fast paced, action filled story where one bad decision has a ripple effect and changes the course for many!

Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honor "N" Duty by Tee O'Fallon is the sixth book in the Federal K-9 series. Department of Homeland Security K-9 officer Kade Sampson fell in love with Laia Velez when they were trapped together in an elevator in Kade's brother Josh's bank building. Kade was on his way to meet his brother Josh. Laia was on her way to Josh's office too. Josh was meeting with Kade to announce his engagement to Laia. Laia agreed to marry Josh because she was pregnant with their child. Then things deteriorated for all three from there. Josh got entangled with a nasty cartel drug lord and ended up arrested and killed in prison. When the drug lord gets out of prison he wants what he thinks Laia has and will stop at nothing to get it. Enter Kade Sampson to the rescue.

This was a tense, fast-paced story. I really liked the suspense and danger elements. I am familiar with the New Jersey locations, especially North Plainfield, mentioned in the book as I lived in the area and really enjoyed reading about these familiar locations. I loved that Kade's K-9 agent "brothers" did not hesitate to step in and help when needed. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the action, all the feels!

Laia's life was destroyed when her husband, Josh, was arrested and then murdered for his involvement with a drug cartel. But when it appears that the cartel is after her again, two years later, she calls his brother, Kade, to help keep her and her young daughter safe. Despite all the water under the bridge between her and Kade.

This is a fast-paced action-packed story that beautifully balances the ever-present threat and the even more undeniable passion between Laia and Kade, all while gradually teasing out the secrets they've been keeping from each other since before she married his brother.

A lot of times with action/crime drama romances the romance gets a bit short-changed in the story. Not so here. There's a lot of depth to their history and the reasons why they weren't in each other's lives for so long. Even so, I loved the way Kade's relationship with Rosa, his niece, was a continuous thread that showed so much about what kind of man he is.

This was a book I couldn't put down until I finally got to their triumphant HEA. I loved every bit, especially Rosa's relationship with Kade's K-9, Smoke. If you like reading about heroic K-9 officers and their sexy handlers, this is your new favorite author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A five-star read that will bite back, if Smoke has his way and finds you’ve been naughty that is. This is number six in the Federal K-9 series, and they all tell us the story of a different K-9 and the man they support, they do pop up in each other’s stories as they are a supportive team across all boards, but you can read them as stand-alone if you want. Laia has been through so much, she just wants to move on and make a life for her and Rosa, but sadly some people just don’t want that to happen, but if Smoke has anything to do about it, him and Kade will do anything they can to make sure she does, as the bond Smoke shares with Rosa, is like pineapple on pizza, just meant to be.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another thrilling read by this talented author, so much so it was almost instantly was a certainty for my top reads list.
From cover to cover of this page turning read you'll be unable to look away.
Both main characters endured years of heart breaking pain for similar but also different reasons.
If they don't steal your pounding heart, the secondary characters definitely will. Both furry and pint sized.
Can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

[Carina Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I will admit that this trope of brothers and a girl is really not for me, and I avoid them more often than not. However, that said Tee O'Fallon is one of my favourite authors, so I will always give it a go, and I'm glad I was honoured with an ARC of this book. As always it is beautifully written and the characters are wonderful. Kade is the perfect hero, expressive of his feelings, whilst fighting his honour and loyalty, and I just loved Laia, her character development was so good. She grew into an independent woman who lived for herself, and no one else, finally made decisions that made her happy. Really love seeing that growth in a character. Plus we had the added bonus of Rosa, a funny, sweet little girl which brought the whole story together. Of course there is angst, mystery, action and drama thrown in as we learn just how deep Josh was in it with the wrong people and how the band gets together to finally bring this little foursome some peace and their HEA. Last but most certainly not least, is Smoke. The true star of the show. Perfect Hero. Furry, fluffy, beautiful, loyal and the cutest of all. Absolutely love any story with such a clever brilliant dog.

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor 'N' Duty (Federal K-9 #6) by Tee O'Fallon
Tee O'Fallon is becoming one of my favorite authors. I love how she brings me right into the book with all the suspense, angst, terror, humor, tears, friends and coworkers, his K-9 Smoke and the other K-9's, and there is plenty of steam. Department of Homeland Security K-9 Officer Kade Sampson and Laia Velez and his brother's widow and her daughter need his help. The cartel is after something they think she has. This book kept me on the edge of my seat till the end. I can't wait for more.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Tragic Tear-jerker Romantic Haunting Entertaining Easy-to-read Witty Unpredictable Happily Ever After Action-packed Scary Informative Wonderful character Page-turner Steamy.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What made this one interesting was Kade and Laia's past and the choices they made and didn't make. It gave them a history, yet made them strangers too, despite being related. I liked that when Laia needed help she reached out to Kade, not knowing if he would be there to help. I was also glad that these two were able to talk about the past and why they made the choices they did, but I was also glad that they were able to make different choices at the end, one where they could be together and know they were safe too.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Tee O'Fallon writes an amazing series full of rich characters and believable stories. I always enjoy reading her books and have to force myself to turn out the light at night. Fair warning a binge read of her books is in your future

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was good. A little long but really good. It was cute and fun read.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Honor ‘N’ Duty is the sixth title in the Federal K-9 series, and although I’ve only read the more recent titles (so far) in this series, I wasn’t lost at all in regards to the series’ arch story. It is my intention to go back to the beginning but for now, I enjoyed Kade, Laia, and of course Smoke (Kade’s dog) and Rosa (Laia’s daughter) so very much. There were times when Rosa and Smoke stole scenes (which I adored while enjoying a smile at their antics) and the bond between a little girl and pup was so realistic and believable.

Kade was attracted to Laia long ago, but she was his brother’s girlfriend and then wife so he never let that attraction get out of hand usually by not being around them much which his work made rather easy. But Kade had the painful duty to arrest his brother for his dealings with the cartel, and when his brother was killed Kade’s guilt knew no bounds. It’s been years since he’s seen Laia and Rosa but his brother’s widow has reached out to him when her home was ransacked and she and Rosa were being watched by someone. It’s time to put the past behind them and step up to protect the woman he could see a future with and his niece that he’s falling more in love with each day. But to reach that future they have to survive and discover just why the cartel is after Laia.

I enjoyed being back in this world. The danger is intense, but so is the growing attraction between Kade and Laia. They each have baggage concerning Kade’s brother, and the truth will eventually come out. Running from danger is one thing, but neither of them can outrun the sizzling chemistry between them nor the love that is steadily gaining ground. I loved Smoke, and wish he had a larger part to play in this story, but that is one amazing dog.

I had fun here in a story that is both intense and lighthearted in spots, a perfect combination. If you enjoy a well-written, believable romantic suspense along with the adorable antics of a dog and the tiny human he’s adopted then you’ll feel right at home with Honor ‘N’ Duty.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I love these books in the Federal K-9 series because of the dogs who work and the law enforcement aspects.  The author has 23 years as a federal agent and it shows.  I like it because the dog has a personality and a role in the story.  We get at least brief mentions, if not short scenes, with those from earlier books.

It's sometimes a challenge to know exactly how to rate a story.  I really enjoyed listening to Honor N Duty.  I had fun with the romance, and the suspense.  The K9s in these stories are wonderful and I love learning a bit about them and their abilities.  The police procedures, investigations and mysteries are all great to follow.  The bromance between these federal guys who have K9s is the best.

So I had to suspend some disbelief here.  Kade falls for a women when he meets her only to learn a few minutes later she is his brother Josh's finance, Laia.  He shuts himself away from her, even after Josh is arrested at a drug bust.  He does get to know his precious niece.  Josh is murdered in jail but Kade keeps himself away from her until she calls when her house has been ransacked.

Now the drug cartel is searching for something Josh had on them.  They will do anything to get it, putting Laia and her daughter in danger.   Kade, of course, protects them falling for her all over again.  Laia does some things which are very stupid even though she is generally very smart.  Kade crosses some lines but does figure out a way to help them.  The story has a pretty fast pace and some tense action.   I had a good time with this story.

 
Narration:
Vanessa Daniels has narrated all the books in the series and I enjoy her performance.  There are appropriate differences in male, female and child voices.  I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip:  HERE 

 

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think the last book of the series was the best, this talented author changes your mid as she delivers another outstanding story filled with heart and honor.
This time the story belongs to DHS K-9 Officer Kade Sampson.
Almost six years ago, Kade met the woman that in a short time stole his heart and then broke it when he realizes she had given her promise to someone else, his brother.
Two years after his brother’s death, Kade has kept his distance but when Laia Velez, his sister-in-law, calls him for help, Kade drops everything to help her.
The attraction is still there, even more intense, but Laia’s and her daughter’s, Rosa lives are in danger. Keeping them safe is his first priority.
In this action packed story, we feel the internal struggles of these characters. The need to do the right thing, honor the family, but also search for happiness. A reminder that life is not white and black, but variations of gray.
The obstacles are immense, and when things seem to be going their way, another more intense danger puts everyone’s life in danger.
Will they survive the danger? If they do, will they find their HEA, or will the past always be in the way?
It was wonderful to see the support of the brotherhood of his K-9 officer friends. Some whom we have met in previous books.
All in all another winner and one that leaves this reader anxious for the next book in the series. Will it be Jamie’s?
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the ‘Federal K-9’ series. This is a stand alone novel, so you don’t have to read the previous books in the series. But it does help having read them to grasp the friendships between all the K-9 agents.
In ‘Honor ‘N Duty’ Department of Homeland Security K-9 agent Kade Sampson is struggling with his part in helping with the arrest of his brother for money laundering. Knowing his brother was killed while in prison doesn’t help matters. After little contact since his brothers death, his wife Laia Velez, suddenly contacts him seeking his help.
Laia is scared, especially for her daughter, when she comes home to find it completely trashed. Knowing the best person to help her is Kade, she reluctantly calls him for help.
Together, Kade and Laia need to find a mystery ledger in order to start one step ahead of the cartel looking for them.
In a race to find a mystery ledger before the cartel does, Kade and Laia need to try and put their past behind them as well as fight their growing attraction to each other in order to stay one step ahead of the danger coming straight for them.
This was a great, fast paced romantic suspense, filled with funny characters, steamy scenes and best of all dogs! I really enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were well developed, the writing was superb and the romance believable. A great 4 stars read.
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher**

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you fall in love while being trapped in an elevator with a beautiful woman for 40 minutes? Evidently, because Kade Sampson did. Unfortunately the woman turns out to be his btother's new fiancée. Tee O'Fallon knows how to capture your attention immediately and hold it throughout her books. Cartels, kidnapping, murder, the hunt for a ledger and so much more make Honor "N" Duty a captivating tale.

The last person Kade expected to reach out to him would be his former sister-in-law, Laia Velez. Finding her amidst the mess in her trashed duplex was not what he expected but he immediately moves into protector mode. Taking Laia and his precocious five year old niece, Rosa, home with him is a no brainer. It's the place where he and his K9 Smoke can keep them the safest. It may not be the wisest idea because his unrequited feelings for Laia have not abated. For her part, she's never really understood why Kade has always distanced himself from her even after her husband, his brother died. She also had no idea how much of a bond he's formed with Rosa but every hour with him brings new revelations it seems. The head of the cartel who has Laia in his sights is relentless and keeps Kde and Laia on their toes trying to find the evidence they need. Meanwhile, the secrets they've both been keeping finally come to light and these two give into their feelings. But you know that can't be the end of it. Once again, the next to last chapters are chock full of action, suspense and danger. Phew! What a ride.

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge romantic suspense junkie (Thank you, Nora Roberts, for spawning my addiction!). I’ve read all of Tee O’Fallon’s Federal K-9 books and have absolutely enjoyed every bit of the time I’ve spent in this world she has dreamt up for us. So, of course, I was going to read the next one. All the books are standalone titles, but besides being a romantic suspense junkie, I’m also a series junkie, so my default is always to recommend reading all of a series in order. Even with standalone titles, I still feel like you get a better reading experience this way. That said, you can jump in with this book and not feel lost.

There is plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, and steam within the pages of this book. But I usually have a hard time with the whole I want my brother’s girl trope, so I was a bit hesitant as I began reading. However, when it was all said and done, the way the author unfolded the story had me wholeheartedly rooting for these two to find their HEA. And there was this adorable little girl who stole my heart along with these K-9s who stole it from the very first book in the series. The fast pace kept me engaged, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down when life intruded upon my reading time. Once the required adulting was finished for the day, it was a rush to return to the story.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SMOKES!!!! And I’m not just talking about Kade’s K9 Smoke, the plot, the steam, the suspense and the main characters, Kade, Laia, Rosa and Smoke. Kade is Laia’s brother in law and from the moment he met her, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Now six years later, after marrying his now deceased brother, he has stayed away from her but not his niece in the last five years. Laia calls him when her house is broken into and she will do anything to protect her daughter, even rely on Kade after ghosting her for years but she needs help and protection as the cartel suspected of murdering her husband, will stop at nothing to get what they want. Now Kade has to keep his feelings that are still strong after so many years….or does he and does Laia feel the same way about him….read and find out.
I LOVED this read, Kade was very swoon and sign worthy, strong, protective, amazing with Rosa, loyal and knew his feelings and was not confused by them. Laia was an amazing mom and what she went through and was feeling towards Kade….OH BOY!! Not only was the steam, passion, fireworks between these two, the story flowed beautifully with amazing characters all around and with the added suspense, twists and turns and surprises….HOLY SMOKES & so WORTH IT!!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how I get my doggie fix!

DHS K9 handler, Kade Sampson, pretty much fell in love with Laia at first sight. There was just something about her that lit him up. But he soon found out that he was going to have to quash that flame - Laia was engaged to his brother!

Fast forward a few years and Kade has kept Laia as far from him as possible but managed to maintain a relationship with his niece, Rosa. His brother may have ended up on the wrong side of the law but Kade never wanted him to die the way he did. When Laia contacts him for help, he drops everything to come to their aid.

I loved the tension between Laia and Kade. They both felt the flames of passion but Laia was in an impossible situation and Kade had too much honour to dismantle his brother's dreams. I enjoyed the way that Kade and Rosa had their own little uncle/niece in-jokes and the bond between them was strong. Laia and Kade were both guilty of miscommunication and over-reacting

Quick-paced, taut with tension and a heap of smexy passion. One particular midnight swim left me breathless! Bonus with this book is getting to meet all the previous MMC's and most of their K9's. I did guess the hiding place of the ledger before the MC's - Yay me!!!

I received an ARC via NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Federal K-9 series but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. In this one we get Kade and Laia's story. Two years after his brother’s murder in jail, Kade is still racked by guilt. No man should ever have to arrest his own brother, even if he is laundering money for a drug cartel. Fortunately, Laia Velez—his brother’s gorgeous widow—never learned the truth about Kade’s involvement. But when she asks him for help, he knows that trouble with the cartel is far from over. Kade is the last person Laia wants to call. But between her house being trashed and feeling like she and her daughter are being watched, Laia isn’t taking any chances. Kade may be their only chance to survive whatever is coming their way.

Ok so I really wanted to love this story. It sounded great from the blurb. But I had a hard time getting into it. I'm not really sure why it wasn't as great as I had hoped though. Kade and Laia are likable characters. The action and suspense are on pace and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen. But, it almost seemed like the story was following an outline and it had to hit these points for each part. That's about the only way I can put it. It's not like the story is bad, because it definitely isn't. But it isn't my favorite of the series and I was so hopeful that it would be up there with the rest for me.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It pulled me in from beginning to end and was interesting. I loved getting to see what was behind Kade's gruff exterior and why and who he was hung up on. We saw him in previous books of the series and got a little hint here and there but not much. This can be read as a standalone though. It was great getting to know Laia and Rosa through the story and watching Laia and Kade figure things out. There both have secrets and acted accordingly with those and it has created quite the wall between them with some misperceptions as well that they need to clear up. Kade gets a call from Laia when her house is broken into and searched thoroughly. When he shows up it quickly becomes clear that more is going on and looks like the past has come back to haunt them. Her husband was laundering money for the cartel and had just been arrested before he was killed and now it looks like they are back and looking for something that they think Laia has. Kade has to figure things out and keep both Laia and Rosa safe while also dealing with the feelings he still has for Laia. I thought the story was well done and flowed well. The narrator did a good job with the story and bringing it to life. I enjoyed getting to see the other guys from previous books as well, was a bonus and I can't wait to get Jamie's story and see what is going on with him.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaia has finally got her life back on track. She has a job, her child is happy, they have a nice place to live, and she is going back to school to become a vet. Everything changes when they get to their home and her place is trashed. She immediately calls the one person who she thought could help, Kade. Kade got the call and floored it to get to her. They all know what this is about. Her husband was arrested and put in jail and before she could even come to talk to him he was killed by another inmate. Josh had hid so much from her in their marriage and a lot of it was illegal stuff. He had mentioned something to his lawyer about a ledger but it was never found and now it looks like they are looking for it again. Kade packs up Kaia and her daughter stuff and head to his house. Kade has always had feelings for Kaia since they were trapped in an elevator, but they weren’t meant to be together then. Maybe now is their chance but first Kade has to keep them safe and hidden while also looking for the ledger that caused is brother to be killed and left Rosa without a dad. Will they find it in time and still have a relationship after it all ends? I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.