#NetGalley Book Review: Lock 'N' Load (Federal K-9) by Tee O'Fallon

I enjoyed this romantic suspense but there is too much cursing for my tastes.
Lock 'N' Load (Federal K-9)
by Tee O'Fallon

File Size: 1165 KB
Print Length: 300 pages
Publisher: Entangled: Amara (May 28, 2018)
ASIN: B07CWRYKPV
Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Crack CIA analyst Trista Gold is a whiz with the computer, but not so much with people. She hides behind her job, analyzing Top Secret code and making recommendations on national security. She doesn’t need a man in her life. But she will, very soon...
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 doesn’t dare act on his attraction. He’s a loner and always will be. Keeping away from Trista is a must-do directive. Until he doesn’t have a choice...
During a routine assignment, Trista stumbles across a cryptic exchange. She doesn’t think much of it...until someone tries to murder her—twice. Both times, Matt had been there to save her. But now she has to hide. And her new bodyguard, Matt, and his K-9 are the only hope she has against the powerful forces that want her dead.

Review:
Trista is a crack CIA analyst who is sorely lacking in self-confidence and social skills. Presumably she was a computer nerd through her growing years and never met a boy or man to show her the world beyond computer code. Then she meets CIA K-9 officer Matt Connors. He is a hunk, of course, and Trista is flabbergasted to be saved by him --- twice in one day! He is so kind to her, but she knows a man like him couldn’t be interested in a geek like her. And it doesn’t help that she has been frightened of dogs since a bad encounter as a child.

Matt has always been able to get any woman he wants but he makes it clear there will be nothing beyond a good time. He has a guilt-ridden soul that tells him he doesn’t deserve love or happiness. He sees beyond the geeky Trista to the beautiful woman behind the mousy clothes. He is glad to help her and hopes to show her she is more than a computer nerd, but he can’t allow himself to respond to the pull of attraction and longing for something more that he feels when he looks at or thinks of her.

Trista has uncovered a suspicious, mysterious and threatening chat but her identity was exposed by a few minutes of computer breakdown. She doesn’t want to think the night time attack on her has anything to do with what she saw but a second attack on her life convinces everyone else around her that her life is in danger. Security assigns Matt to be her body guard so the pair are reluctantly thrown together.

Matt takes her to the safest place he knows – his own home where a handful of his old training buddies are visiting. Each one is a man-worthy canine officer within different branches of enforcement. Their attentions help Trista to come out of her shell while raising the jealous nerves for Matt. But he has to concentrate on keeping her safe before he can face his own demons to try to be the man she challenges him to be.

I did like the chemistry between Trista and Matt even though I couldn't relate too well to Trista's rather wimpy character. Fortunately she grows through the danger. And of course, I love the canine element although it is secondary to the romantic suspense. I also enjoyed the banter of the hunky friends. I imagine there could be great romantic suspense stories for each friend. The suspense, danger and action are all laid out well to keep the book moving along at a good pace. The sexual encounters are an addition, not the focus, and they are sizzling without being crass. The romance has conflicts that provide for realistic growth for both characters.

My only objection with the book is the free and liberal use of foul words. Sadly, that distracts and detracts from my enjoyment of the story. I acknowledge I am sensitive to foul language – I don’t use it and don’t like it. I’ll accept a little but not continuous through the book. If the series came with an edited version I would read every one. Otherwise I will most likely pass for other less vulgar works. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong romantic suspense with all the good elements: romance, suspense and action. Just be cautioned about the language.

Source: NetGalley Selection 2018. This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2 by Stephen W. Bennett

This is good adventure with interesting futuristic weapon detail.

Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2

By: Stephen W. Bennett

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Series: Koban, Book 2

Length: 22 hrs and 11 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-16-14

Language: English

Publisher: Stephen W Bennett

Genre: Alien Invasion, Colonization, Sci Fi, Space Opera

My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Book 2 of the Koban Series

Already faster and more powerful than the last 17 species that they have destroyed or subjugated, the Krall have set their sights on humankind. After testing humans on their future home world of Koban and finding them worthy opponents, the Krall start a war of slow extermination with the rest of humanity. The war is intended to last generations as they apply their own version of "natural selection" to cull their weaker warriors in combat, purifying the Krall gene pool with their finest warriors for breeding. Why? The Krall desire to rule the galaxy someday, from their future home world of Koban, where the impossibly fast and powerful animals have proven to be too fast and strong for them to match. Only through the attrition of war will the Krall perfect their bloodline to become the masters of Koban. When the Krall departed Koban to start their war with humanity, they destroyed the protections that kept their prisoners safe. They left the human test subjects to fall victim to high gravity, and the deadly predators. Big mistake. The bio scientist left behind enhanced the human genome with Koban genes, forming the next generations of humans. They are becoming what the Krall sought to be. The fastest, most powerful species in the galaxy. The men and women trapped on Koban, locked in a struggle for their own survival for twenty years, return to the stars to help defend Human Space. The Krall have had their way with human worlds, killing when and where they wish. Outnumbered, the new Kobani will now take the war to the Krall.

©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett

Review:
This picks up from Book One when the Krall, a vicious killing species, abandon captured humans on Koban expecting that the hostile environment to kill the humans. Instead the humans have learned to survive. A progressive group has thrived by accepting gene therapy to improve their abilities. Several married couples have produced the first generation with enhanced genes. This group plan to be ready for battle if the Krall ever return. And if they can find a way off planet they will face the Krall where they threaten other humans.

I was pulled in following the characters from book one as they developed friendships with other native species. In addition to becoming allies, they are adding more special skills to the human gene pool. Meanwhile the Krall begin a slow war and eradication of the human colonies.

I like the multiple perspectives, from the Kobani humans, the humans being attached on colonies and the enemy Krall. There are a few slow areas with detail of weapons and technology, but even that was fascinating due to the author's imaginative creation. I recommend this to readers who enjoy space sci fi, alien battles. I enjoyed the audio experience and will be getting the next in the series.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does an excellent job of narration. He provides distinct voices, emotions and energy. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the excellent, engaging story.

Source: 2017 Audible Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Audio Book and Alphabet ("K" title) Challenges.

Happy Memorial Day - Thank you!

Sunday Post May 27, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 28, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I am making better progress at the office with the help of a new assistant for my law practice. We had to get a new computer set up and do training but it is going to help a lot.
Our weather remains nice in the high 70s to mid 80s. Of course we have had rain and may be getting outer bands of the first tropical storm of the season.

My reading was steady but I had to push to finish three of the books on Sunday. Finiahsed: 1 Audible, 1 Audio, 1 ebook and 1 print. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited only 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week for Books of My Heart which is a new to me blog site. Looks like she enjoys Audios and some genres similar to me.:-)
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 20, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 21, 2018.

• eBook Tour 2018- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Deadliest Sport by June Trop; Historical Fiction, Mystery; my rating 4.0.

• eBook Author TBR- Book Review: Hearts Under Fire by Antonio Scotto di Carlo; Mystery, Romance, Suspense; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 25, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/31/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Geekerella by Ashley Poston; Adaptation, Fairy Tale, Romance; my rating 4.0.

• NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida; Adventure, Clockwork, Middle Grade, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 27, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
Series: Koban, Book 2
Length: 22 hrs and 11 mins
This is a good adventure plus interesting futuristic weapon detail.
Source: 2017 Audible Credit Purchase("K" title).
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley 2018)

Lock 'N' Load (Federal K-9)
by Tee O'Fallon
I enjoyed the romantic suspense; 
too much cursing for my tastes.
Source: NetGalley Selection 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/MP3 (TBR SYNC) 

The Raven Boys
by Maggie Stiefvater
Read by Will Patton
This is a YA story with strong, sometimes dark, magic elements.
I pulled this out for Alphabet Challenge.
Source: 2013 SYNC("R" title).
"Do you believe in magic?" Answer that after you've listened to the first title in Stiefvater's new Raven Boys series. Narrator Will Patton takes you into a world of psychic powers, legends of the Welsh King Glendower, and the ley lines (mystical energy fields) that transect a sleepy Virginia town. Patton inhabits young Blue Sargent, who is raised in a family of psychics but whose own power amplifies what others see or sense. Blue is justly wary of the boys from the elite private academy, known as the Raven Boys. Listeners, like Blue, are fascinated and snared by the quest for Glendower led by Raven Boy Gansey. Patton is masterful with the suspense and the mysticism and seductively plays the emotional line of real and imagined events. Don't miss this compelling listen, and pray that Will Patton has already signed on for the other titles of the series. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2012]

4. LBCPrint (TBR)

A Simple Change, Home to Amana Series #2
By: Judith Miller
This moved along once I settled into it.
Source: Christianbook.com on sale.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author TBR)

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love Book 4)
by Lindzee Armstrong
I wanted to fit in at least one more book for May and this was short. It's fun so far.
Source: 2017 Author Newsletter Sign up.
Nothing slows love down like the friend zone.
a No Match for Love prequel novella
Sixteen-year-old Brooke Pierce doesn’t need her mom to tell her all boys are trouble. After watching her dad break up the family for a woman half his age, dating is the last thing on her mind.
On the first day at a new high school Brooke meets Luke, the school flirt with a reputation for heartbreak. He’s interested. She’s not. That only makes him chase her more.
After a shocking revelation from her dad, Brooke and Luke form an unexpected bond, complete with crazy rules to keep them safely in the friend zone. Problem is, that’s the worst place to be when you’re falling in love.
Part of the No Match for Love series, Meet Your Match is a delightfully sweet prequel novella that can be read as a stand-alone. It's sure to delight readers who love Hallmark movies and sweet romance. This series combines complex characters with smart dialogue and a fast-paced plot.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

The Vanished Man
A Lincoln Rhyme Novel
By: Jeffery Deaver
Narrated by: Adam Grupper
This is my "V" title for Alphabet Challenge.
Source: 2004 Audible Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
It begins at the prestigious music school in New York City. A killer flees the scene of a homicide and locks himself in a classroom. Within minutes, the police have him surrounded. When the scream rings out, followed by a gunshot, they break down the door. The room is empty.
Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are brought in to help with the high-profile investigation. For the ambitious Sachs, solving the case could earn her a promotion. For the quadriplegic Rhyme, it means relying on his protégé to ferret out the master illusionist they've dubbed "the conjurer", who baits them with gruesome murders that become more diabolical with each fresh crime. As the fatalities rise and the minutes tick down, Rhyme and Sachs must move beyond the smoke and mirrors to prevent a terrifying act of vengeance that could become the greatest vanishing act of all.
©2003 Jeffrey Deaver (P)2003 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All Rights Reserved

3. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent)
by A B Endacott
I like how this is starting.
Source: 2017 NetGalley. "Q" for Alphabet Challenge.
“Your Majesty, I take life. I am not certain that my skills actually extend to preserving it.”
There are always those who are willing to pay for someone else’s death. Having grown up amongst the Family of Assassins, ELEN-AI knows well the prices people are willing to pay to see their enemies fall quickly, quietly, and discreetly. When she is asked to preserve life rather than take it, she is surprised. Upon hearing that her charge is the Queen’s only child GIDYON, who is secretly being groomed to succeed his mother, she is horrified. To ensure political stability, no man has ever sat on the throne of the Queendom of the Seven Lakes. Yet one does not easily refuse a Queen, and so reluctantly, Elen-ai accepts the contract.
Her fears only deepen upon meeting the sixteen-year-old Prince Gidyon, who treats her as no better than a petty murderer. However, following an attack on his life, Elen-ai is forced to admit that the danger of leaving this boy-prince alone may be even worse than leaving him to his own devices. Elen-ai reluctantly accompanies Gidyon across the country to identify those within the seven most powerful families who are responsible for the attempt on the Prince’s life.
Somewhere in their travels from the calm waters of Lake Tak to the looming cliffs above Lake Bertak, the two form an unlikely yet profound friendship, and Elen-ai begins to see that Gidyon has the makings of a great ruler within him. As they meet with the families of power, it becomes increasingly clear that secrets and power games run far deeper throughout the Queendom of the Seven Lakes than either of them ever suspected.

May 27, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 4 reviews. This puts me up to date with 4 reviews due.
I need to find time to add more reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 13. I have two newer author titles in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests but I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received one author title for review, one new NetGalley title and a new book of Ladies Book Club.
I picked up two Audible daily deal titles this week.
I also purchased one Kindle deal this week.
I got two free SYNC audios.
I also picked up some free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

5/24/18 DD $2.95
The Mistake
By: K. L. Slater
Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis
Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
Release date: 11-28-17
I like Slater for suspense.

5/27/18 DD $3.95
Sweet Tea and Sympathy
By: Molly Harper
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 11-21-17
This is different for Harper but I like her humor.

I picked this up for $.99 with a $3.00 credit from Amazon.

Extracted (Extracted Trilogy Book 1)
by RR Haywood
Can these three heroes, extracted from their timelines at the point of death, save the world?

Free

I missed the first three weeks of SYNC but downloaded week 5 titles:

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon Read by Sneha Mathan, Vikas Adam
Baker's Magic by Diane Zahler Read by Tavia Gilbert, Michael Crouch, Stephen DeRosa, Kenneth Cavett, L.J. Ganser, Robin Miles, Stina Nielsen, Elisabeth Rodgers

I added only 18 free titles to my Kindle library this week. (Again I was too tired most nights to download titles.) Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 27, 2018

This morning we had numerous families out visiting others for the long weekend. The youth Sunday School teacher brought the youth and led our class. He spoke about Memorial Day from the informed perspective of a Veteran who has lost brothers during a search and rescue mission. Ultimately the message narrowed down serving something bigger than ourselves and learning to love one another – even, or especially, the unlovable and those who don’t love us.

Pastor reminded us of the sacrifice of so many for the freedoms we enjoy. Then he completed his Relationslips Sermon series.

Pastor summarized the earlier lessons noting that all earthly relationships are impacted by the status of our relationship with God. Having dealt with obstacles and elements necessary for healthy relationships he asked, “Are we ready and able to receive love from others?”

When we open ourselves to love, we also open ourselves to pain. The young may have more recent experiences but those who have lived many years have a long history of relationships from our experiences. When some experience pain, Including injuries in church groups. they close themselves off or place limits on their relationships hoping to avoid new pain. Pain can cause us to be cynical.

Our ability to receive love is influenced by our past and present relationships. Do we allow our past to control us? Healthy relationships allow us to recognize an unlimited, or at least growing and expanding, capacity to love and be loved.

John 13:3-9 tells about Jesus, the anticipated King, stooping as a servant to wash the feet of the disciples. This was unexpected, and the Apostle Peter initially said “no.” But Jesus noted that accepting His love and service is a sign of belonging. This is often how we love – through service.

Pain is obstacle that keeps us from receiving love. These obstacles include guilt, anger, pain, fear and pride. We may have cause to feel unworthy. But Jesus took the pain, guilt and shame of all men. We must remove the obstacles as explained in the earlier sermon messages (confession, forgiveness, generosity and thankfulness). Sometimes we must learn to accept professional help.

We must remember the elements of love as set forth in “the love chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. Ultimately, we must take the burden of guilt and pain to the place where they were piled on one person. We must take them to Jesus and leave them at the cross.

I found this song for today's message

Verses for Today
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (NIV)
13 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Lord - Only with Your help can I truly love others and accept love. Please guide me and help me.