While security operative Jason “Tuff” Tanner lives for dangerous assignments, he likes his downtime in his quiet neighborhood too. But that peacefulness is suddenly interrupted when his new next-door neighbor becomes a target for someone with nefarious intentions. Canine rescuer Concetta “Chet” Suarez brings all his protective instincts to the surface, along with feelings he’s never experienced … experienced with any other woman. Will he lose her before he ever gets a chance to make her his?
The Blackhawk Security series is a spinoff of the popular Trident Security series.
***Tuff Enough was previously published in the USA Today Bestselling anthology, Love Under Siege. New chapters have been added to this edition.
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Brought together by a dog….Jason “Tuff” Tanner and Concetta “Chet” Suarez are duplex neighbors who are both of the opinion that despite the chemistry they feel, it’s better that they are just remain friends in case things didn’t work out between them. Besides, neither is looking for any kind of relationship. She’s been burned and his job is too dangerous and unpredictable. Too bad they didn’t tell their libidos that. Something more than friendship is helped along by a rescue pitbull named Meatball, AKA Meat when Chet uses Tuff to help socialize the dog.
This book has a great fast paced story line with two genuinely likeable characters and one adorable mutt. Lots of strong emotions play out with a heart wrenching tragedy. Samantha A Cole can always be counted on to give her readers an exceptionally satisfying and entertaining reading experience.
Even though Jason “Tuff” Tanner has lived next to Concetta “Chet” Suarez for a while, it isn’t until she brings a rescue pit bull, Meatball/Meat, home that they start spending some time together. Tuff may find Chet attractive, but he doesn’t want to start any type of relationship with her for fear of how it would be if things don’t work out. Of course, the heart doesn’t always listen to the head and as they spend more time together, the chemistry becomes deniable. And then there’s the mystery of who is after revenge against Chet. There was good humor in the story that helped to balance the tragic loss of one of the Blackhawk Security employees.
I loved Tuff, Chet and of course, Meat. The neighbors turn to friends and friends with benefits. Things get complicated when their feelings grow and Chet is put in danger from Meat’s previous owner. I loved the humor and suspense and heat that Samantha A Cole puts in each of her books.
Tuff and Chet are next door neighbors who are instantly drawn to each other. Both knowing that hooking up with your neighbor is a dumb idea especially if it goes south. They try and be friends at first but eventually the chemistry wins out.
I really liked these two characters. They were both independent and loved their job. They both were smart about remaining friends but sometimes the heart doesn’t listen to the head. I liked reading about all the times that the two spent together just getting to know each other. To me, this is what really made me root for them as a couple. So much so that when Tuff is dealing with a loss and pushes Chet away, she is hurt but for the most part she just misses him. The sexy times are great but that fact that she misses him says a lot about them as a couple. Once Tuff gets his head together, he realizes he misses her also.
I also liked reading about Tuff and Meat’s relationship. From their first meeting where Tuff just lays on the ground to try and get Meat to trust him just showed what kind of man he was.
Love in unexpected places
Such a lovely story how Chett & Tuff find each and get together, slow and steady can be just as powerful as fast and explosive. I love the plot, one person can make the world a better place in many ways.
One of the main reasons I have been looking forward to reading Love Under Siege was the opportunity to find new author’s. I figured if one of my favorites (Abbie Zanders) was included in the anthology then the other’s probably have similar writing styles. I couldn’t be more happy about making that choice. Tough Enough by Samantha Cole was a really great choice to be included in this anthology as it introduces you to so many of her other characters. You will have plenty to add to your TBR list by the time you are done with Love Under Siege. I am very much looking forward to reading the other series one day soon. Happy Reading!