What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackhawk Security #1
Tuff Enough
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 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.
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.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2018
505 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Samantha A. Cole
99 books1,498 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author and Award-Winning Author Samantha Cole is a retired policewoman and former paramedic. Using her life experiences and training, she strives to find the perfect mix of suspense and romance for her readers to enjoy.
Awards:
Wannabe in Wyoming (co-authored by J.B. Havens) won the bronze medal in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the General Romance category.
Scattered Moments in Time won the gold medal in the 2020 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the Fiction Anthology category.
The Road to Solace won the silver medal in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Awards in the Contemporary Romance category.
Samantha has over thirty-five books published throughout several different series as well as a few standalone novels. A full list can be found on her website - www.samanthacoleauthor.com.
Newsletter—https://samanthacoleauthor.com/newsle...
BookBub—www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-a-cole
Awards:
Wannabe in Wyoming (co-authored by J.B. Havens) won the bronze medal in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the General Romance category.
Scattered Moments in Time won the gold medal in the 2020 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the Fiction Anthology category.
The Road to Solace won the silver medal in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Awards in the Contemporary Romance category.
Samantha has over thirty-five books published throughout several different series as well as a few standalone novels. A full list can be found on her website - www.samanthacoleauthor.com.
Newsletter—https://samanthacoleauthor.com/newsle...
BookBub—www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-a-cole
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 14, 2020
Fabulous and Furrocious
Love love love this story!!! Romance, suspense, hot alpha man with a soft spot for his woman and her softer spots :) just perfect
Love love love this story!!! Romance, suspense, hot alpha man with a soft spot for his woman and her softer spots :) just perfect
April 26, 2019
Loving meatball
Taking a scared pit bull named Meatball and showing him love also shows love from her neighbor. Meat likes Tuff and he doesn’t like men so Tuff is special. They all show love in different ways.
Taking a scared pit bull named Meatball and showing him love also shows love from her neighbor. Meat likes Tuff and he doesn’t like men so Tuff is special. They all show love in different ways.
August 26, 2020
4.25⭐
It's been ages since I last read a Samantha A. Cole series, but having just read Blood Bound and being a big fan of the Trident Series, I thought I'd check out the first Blackhawk Security book, and I'm glad I did; And I have to say I really liked how different they are in the Trident books, even though the characters are from a similar military background and are now working in a similar environment.
And Tuff Enough was, so wonderfully easy to read with just enough heat in the romance, and drama and mystery in the story to keep me invested and the range of characters were very entertaining and altogether it made for a truly enjoyable and engaging story.
Would recommend.
It's been ages since I last read a Samantha A. Cole series, but having just read Blood Bound and being a big fan of the Trident Series, I thought I'd check out the first Blackhawk Security book, and I'm glad I did; And I have to say I really liked how different they are in the Trident books, even though the characters are from a similar military background and are now working in a similar environment.
And Tuff Enough was, so wonderfully easy to read with just enough heat in the romance, and drama and mystery in the story to keep me invested and the range of characters were very entertaining and altogether it made for a truly enjoyable and engaging story.
Would recommend.
March 8, 2019
I love all Samantha A Cole’s books and this one was just as good. Tuff and Concetta (Chet) are the perfect couple that is if and when they can get it together. The story is about Blackwark Security who have helped Trident Security before so to read about these sexy men is great. I absolutely loved Meat the dog is fantastic.
November 9, 2018
Samantha Cole has fast become one of my favorite authors. Her stories are intriguing with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages and sexy enough that you need a fan or ice water when you come to the sex scenes. Chet and Tuff are neighbors. As much as Tuff wants to, he tries to avoid Chet but the woman just gets under his skin. She trains dogs for service work and has a huge dog, Meat, that she is training. Meat may be a dog, but he is very important in this story. I love the slow buildup to Chet and Tuff's relationship. There's sexiness, intrigue, some danger but it's not over the top! We also get to see a couple of characters, briefly, from Trident Security. I won't say who, you'll have to get the book to find out! I HIGHLY recommend this book.
May 15, 2019
This was my first read from this author and I did enjoy it. There does seem to be a lot of people from two different network working together so it was kind of hard to keep up on all the people and who they worked for. All in all a good read and I would read more from this author.
April 22, 2019
Loved it!
October 11, 2020
Loved the story it is the kind of book you read over and over
January 3, 2019
This is the story of Jason ( Tuff ) and Concetta (Chet), Jason is an private security operative who works for Chase ( if you’ve ever read any of Sams books you can’t help but know who Chase Dixon is ) and Concetta is a humane officer . These two have sworn off love and relationships due to their own set of reasons but these neighbors just can’t resist the spark . Throw in a dog fighting ring and a danger to Chet and you have a beautiful but suspenseful romance .... again this is just one of eight , but this set while you still can !!
May 29, 2019
Tuff & Chet
Samantha Cole’s Trident Universe has multiple series that all interconnect with each other. It’s an outstanding BDSM/Military/Special Ops/Security/Action/Suspense/Romance Series. (This book is the first Samantha Cole’s spin off series Blackhawk Security, it does not have a BDSM theme.)
Definitely follow the authors reading order to get the most out of this series.
Tuff’s new neighbor Chet is an animal enforcement officer and has rescued a pit bull named Meat, Tuff offers to help get him comfortable with men and the sparks fly. I really enjoyed this storyline and can’t wait to read more!
Samantha Cole’s Trident Universe has multiple series that all interconnect with each other. It’s an outstanding BDSM/Military/Special Ops/Security/Action/Suspense/Romance Series. (This book is the first Samantha Cole’s spin off series Blackhawk Security, it does not have a BDSM theme.)
Definitely follow the authors reading order to get the most out of this series.
Tuff’s new neighbor Chet is an animal enforcement officer and has rescued a pit bull named Meat, Tuff offers to help get him comfortable with men and the sparks fly. I really enjoyed this storyline and can’t wait to read more!
November 29, 2018
This is the first story that I've read from this author. I'm not really into bdsm so that is why I haven't read her other books. This was sexy but not what I would consider bdsm. Both mc's agree to friends with benefits. Hero slept around in the past, doesn't want to commit because of his job. h is divorced. Hero had a work incident and ignored h for a bit but all was forgiven. They also realize what they have is so much more, glad the hero finally committed. This was almost 3/4 into the story. Loved the dog. Interested in seeing where the next story goes.
May 24, 2019
I love a romance with a dog!
Tuff is the hero. Meat is the dog and Chet is the heroine. Keeping the names straight was a little challenge me, but the story is captivating and we'll developed. I would like to read more about these characters.
Tuff is the hero. Meat is the dog and Chet is the heroine. Keeping the names straight was a little challenge me, but the story is captivating and we'll developed. I would like to read more about these characters.
August 15, 2020
High marks
Love this first book in this series. It has connections to the Trident series but can be read as a stand alone. Its action packed and sexy. Our main couple is great and the lovable dog has great funny moments as well. Loved the crossover characters and the start of a new mystery.
Love this first book in this series. It has connections to the Trident series but can be read as a stand alone. Its action packed and sexy. Our main couple is great and the lovable dog has great funny moments as well. Loved the crossover characters and the start of a new mystery.
March 8, 2020
I tried really hard because I wanted to love it for the dog and because I'd already quit so many books. The writing was not good. The author described things to the most ridiculous detail. The sex scenes were so terrible I couldn't take anymore so I added another dnf to my list
August 8, 2020
BHS #1
Another fantastic start to a new series.
Are we Tuff enough to be able to endure? Bring it on I say!!
Another fantastic start to a new series.
Are we Tuff enough to be able to endure? Bring it on I say!!
January 29, 2021
I liked it. This story starts off with Tuff (Jason Tanner, first introduced in Salvaging His Soul) returning from the mission in the Caribbean with his boss (Chase Dixon, who is the lead in the 2nd Blackhawk Security book Blood Bound) and settling back into his normal routine (work a lot, don't make personal connections with people in case you die). We don't get the first-ever meeting between Tuff and his neighbor Chet (Conchetta Suarez) but we do get the first meeting between Tuff and Meat and it is heart pumping. Tuff and Chet try to deny their feelings for each other but we all know how that ends.
Overall if you were to breakdown how the story was written it is very basic; boy meets girls, the boy can't resist girl, there's an emotional issue and an external issue, it's not groundbreaking but that's the thing I love most about Samantha Cole's writing, she's built a world you want to live in. If you've read the books in order, (which I have, even if I'm not reviewing them in order) they build on each other. She took the momentum from the first book and keeps it going up to the last book (and the first time I read all of her books I started with Leather & Lace and didn't stop until I got to Blood Bound, which was her last published book of 2020 based on the reading list you can download from her website https://samanthacoleauthor.com/).
So while Tuff Enough maybe a little generic in its structure, you want to read the story because you want to spend more time in this world with these characters, and that (at least, to me) is the mark of a great writer. She takes a generic structure and makes you want to read the story over and over again and you're still sad when it ends (and you have to click on the next book in the series, thank god for Kindle Unlimited or I'd be poorer than I already am).
Highly recommend especially if you've already read her other stories. If you haven't, start with Leather & Lace, it does have BDSM in but it's not the main focus of the story, it's an element of the story. Then read all the rest, they are that good.
Overall if you were to breakdown how the story was written it is very basic; boy meets girls, the boy can't resist girl, there's an emotional issue and an external issue, it's not groundbreaking but that's the thing I love most about Samantha Cole's writing, she's built a world you want to live in. If you've read the books in order, (which I have, even if I'm not reviewing them in order) they build on each other. She took the momentum from the first book and keeps it going up to the last book (and the first time I read all of her books I started with Leather & Lace and didn't stop until I got to Blood Bound, which was her last published book of 2020 based on the reading list you can download from her website https://samanthacoleauthor.com/).
So while Tuff Enough maybe a little generic in its structure, you want to read the story because you want to spend more time in this world with these characters, and that (at least, to me) is the mark of a great writer. She takes a generic structure and makes you want to read the story over and over again and you're still sad when it ends (and you have to click on the next book in the series, thank god for Kindle Unlimited or I'd be poorer than I already am).
Highly recommend especially if you've already read her other stories. If you haven't, start with Leather & Lace, it does have BDSM in but it's not the main focus of the story, it's an element of the story. Then read all the rest, they are that good.
January 4, 2026
Okay, first of all - hot dog y'all there's a Trident and spin offs best reading order at the author's website! (pun totally intended) Since reading the first book in the Trident series I've been hooked on Samantha Cole's books, and I can't recall whether I noticed this was a spinoff when I got it, but I figured it out in the first few pages.
So first, if you haven't read any of the Trident books yet you're still green to read this one without any concerns about not being able to follow along.
Second, the link to the author's recommended reading order can be found at the end of the review (although to be fair I know I'm not going to be able to wait to read the last last one last because I'm not even sure whether I could have waited to read it last of 13!)
Third, if you're familiar with Trident but not interested in reading books with a BDSM element, or only interested if there's a BDSM element, you'll want to know that this book only mentions BDSM; none of the main characters are in the BDSM lifestyle.
Last but most definitely not least, I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you like action and romance in a perfect balance. If I were roughly quantify the split, I'd say it's 70/30 action/romance. There's high action in the form of Tuff's job and the threats to Chet, we get some action in Chet's job, there's good storytelling and dialogue, and of course, romance. On the action side, almost everything is wrapped up, although I think one element with be a thread in at least the next book (oh sorrow! I just looked up the full series list and there were only 2 books! I need a moment of silence...)
Now where was I... right, action side wrapped up and on the romance side, while Tuff and Chet were attracted to each other from the start, there was friendship building before FWB, both were rational about wanting to be friends even if the benefits side went sideways, and the continued development of the relationship felt was handled with some "over the next few/past few weeks" type skips that kept things from getting bogged down while not asking the reader to believe that the characters went from "bad idea to date your neighbor" to "I hope your mom likes me" in a hot minute.
Tuff Enough your first Samantha Cole book and you want to know where to go next?
https://samanthacolebooks.com/pages/b....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So first, if you haven't read any of the Trident books yet you're still green to read this one without any concerns about not being able to follow along.
Second, the link to the author's recommended reading order can be found at the end of the review (although to be fair I know I'm not going to be able to wait to read the last last one last because I'm not even sure whether I could have waited to read it last of 13!)
Third, if you're familiar with Trident but not interested in reading books with a BDSM element, or only interested if there's a BDSM element, you'll want to know that this book only mentions BDSM; none of the main characters are in the BDSM lifestyle.
Last but most definitely not least, I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you like action and romance in a perfect balance. If I were roughly quantify the split, I'd say it's 70/30 action/romance. There's high action in the form of Tuff's job and the threats to Chet, we get some action in Chet's job, there's good storytelling and dialogue, and of course, romance. On the action side, almost everything is wrapped up, although I think one element with be a thread in at least the next book (oh sorrow! I just looked up the full series list and there were only 2 books! I need a moment of silence...)
Now where was I... right, action side wrapped up and on the romance side, while Tuff and Chet were attracted to each other from the start, there was friendship building before FWB, both were rational about wanting to be friends even if the benefits side went sideways, and the continued development of the relationship felt was handled with some "over the next few/past few weeks" type skips that kept things from getting bogged down while not asking the reader to believe that the characters went from "bad idea to date your neighbor" to "I hope your mom likes me" in a hot minute.
Tuff Enough your first Samantha Cole book and you want to know where to go next?
https://samanthacolebooks.com/pages/b....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2020
Light and entertaining
This is clearly part of a long running series of books. This particular book was basically a romance with some suspense tossed in. I read it because there was a dog involved. The standalone romance part of the book was kind of sweet, however if you object to frequent very graphic sex scenes you will want to skip this book and probably the entire series. I don’t find the sex offensive but did find it rather coarse and repetitive. The main couple were nice people and the dog was great. If you enjoy reading about rescue dogs and rehab for dog fight dogs, you will like that aspect of the plot. It also touches on the responsibilities of animal control officers.
As a book in a long series with many ongoing characters, there were way too many characters to keep sorted. Since I had read no other books in the series, I found this boring. Again, since I am guessing the series involves plots that stretch across books, there was only a tiny bit of interesting action and plot points about espionage and terrorism and those don’t occur until about 80% into the book and were never resolved at all. The other suspense portions were more run of the mill; abusive prior spouse, retribution from the dog fight ring, and an odd bit about a wacko rookie animal control candidate. But those plot points did have closure.
I imagine if you are a fan of this series you would be accustomed to the uneven pacing and what I found irritatingly detailed irrelevant descriptions and vast cast of characters. I would have preferred the espionage case be more front and center, it was interesting, but in all honesty I knew from the book blurb that this was basically a romance and featured a dog. So it met my expectations, was a quick read, few typos or grammar issues, and no glaring idiotic behavior by the characters. It was a fine light diversion. I doubt I will read any other books from this author but I can see how others might enjoy the series and following the characters from one book to the next.
This is clearly part of a long running series of books. This particular book was basically a romance with some suspense tossed in. I read it because there was a dog involved. The standalone romance part of the book was kind of sweet, however if you object to frequent very graphic sex scenes you will want to skip this book and probably the entire series. I don’t find the sex offensive but did find it rather coarse and repetitive. The main couple were nice people and the dog was great. If you enjoy reading about rescue dogs and rehab for dog fight dogs, you will like that aspect of the plot. It also touches on the responsibilities of animal control officers.
As a book in a long series with many ongoing characters, there were way too many characters to keep sorted. Since I had read no other books in the series, I found this boring. Again, since I am guessing the series involves plots that stretch across books, there was only a tiny bit of interesting action and plot points about espionage and terrorism and those don’t occur until about 80% into the book and were never resolved at all. The other suspense portions were more run of the mill; abusive prior spouse, retribution from the dog fight ring, and an odd bit about a wacko rookie animal control candidate. But those plot points did have closure.
I imagine if you are a fan of this series you would be accustomed to the uneven pacing and what I found irritatingly detailed irrelevant descriptions and vast cast of characters. I would have preferred the espionage case be more front and center, it was interesting, but in all honesty I knew from the book blurb that this was basically a romance and featured a dog. So it met my expectations, was a quick read, few typos or grammar issues, and no glaring idiotic behavior by the characters. It was a fine light diversion. I doubt I will read any other books from this author but I can see how others might enjoy the series and following the characters from one book to the next.
October 27, 2021
Tuff Enough
Blackhawk Security #1
by Samantha A. Cole
Narrated by Gunnar Qualen and Jenna St. Claire
I absolutely love Samantha A Cole. Her writing always draws me in and keeps me in the story til the very end. This spinoff of the Trident Security series is off to an amazing start. Meet Jason Tanner, or Tuff as we know him. Ex-military, he lives for the mission and working with Blackhawk Security he still gets his fill. But when not working, he enjoys the quiet. When Concetta, aka Chet, moves in next door though, silence is the last thing he gets. He's attracted to her, and loves her foster dog, Meat so that's not the problem. The danger lurking near her is though. All his alpha tendencies stand at attention, and he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Cole has created an amazing new world with this first book. Different from her other series, she keeps us on edge with an amazing story and the blazing romance will make you blush. I love Tuff and Chet, but I have to say, my favorite character in this one is Meat. That dog is the best! I am looking forward to the next in this series as we get to know more about Blackhawk.
Gunnar Qualen and Jenna St Claire are one of my favorite narration teams. This duet narration radiates their chemistry and lets us feel the love building between Tuff and Chet. But it's not all the romance that shines. The building suspense with their performance keeps the tension high. It's an all around entertaining listen and one you do not want to miss.
#ALC #comingsoon #romanticsuspense #audioromance #contemporaryromance #blackhawksecurity #samanthaacole #gunnarqualen #jennastclaire
Blackhawk Security #1
by Samantha A. Cole
Narrated by Gunnar Qualen and Jenna St. Claire
I absolutely love Samantha A Cole. Her writing always draws me in and keeps me in the story til the very end. This spinoff of the Trident Security series is off to an amazing start. Meet Jason Tanner, or Tuff as we know him. Ex-military, he lives for the mission and working with Blackhawk Security he still gets his fill. But when not working, he enjoys the quiet. When Concetta, aka Chet, moves in next door though, silence is the last thing he gets. He's attracted to her, and loves her foster dog, Meat so that's not the problem. The danger lurking near her is though. All his alpha tendencies stand at attention, and he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Cole has created an amazing new world with this first book. Different from her other series, she keeps us on edge with an amazing story and the blazing romance will make you blush. I love Tuff and Chet, but I have to say, my favorite character in this one is Meat. That dog is the best! I am looking forward to the next in this series as we get to know more about Blackhawk.
Gunnar Qualen and Jenna St Claire are one of my favorite narration teams. This duet narration radiates their chemistry and lets us feel the love building between Tuff and Chet. But it's not all the romance that shines. The building suspense with their performance keeps the tension high. It's an all around entertaining listen and one you do not want to miss.
#ALC #comingsoon #romanticsuspense #audioromance #contemporaryromance #blackhawksecurity #samanthaacole #gunnarqualen #jennastclaire
January 17, 2019
First off, this is a new author to me and I didn't realize that this is a spin off series to a previous one called Trident Security. Now, this is not a bad thing at all but it sent me into research mode to find this previous series and add them all on my TBR list. Don't get me wrong, this is a new series of its own and you do not need to go back to the previous one but the characters do cross over and you just get a top layer view. This book is about Jason 'Tuff' Tanner and Concetta "Chet" Suarez, these two are neighbors that share the same outlook of no serious relationship and no doodoo in your own sandbox. However, this doesn't work out all that well as Chet works for Animal Control and she is fostering a rescue pit bull named Meat that doesn't like men. Meat is rescue from a dog fighting ring that was broken up. Tuff is a dog lover but doesn't have time for his own so he volunteers to help Chet rehabilitate Meat. Of course, this leads to spending more time together and the boundaries are pushed. Tuff and Chet agree on a friends with benefits type relationship but as time goes by both of them start to realize they may want more. This book has a few events and twists that keep the book interesting and make it a really good read. The book was well written and has great characters. This is a great start to a new series and cannot wait to see what this group of guys has in store for us.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems.
January 19, 2019
Holy smokes this was an awesome read about Jason aka Tuff, who works for a private security firm and Concetta aka Chet, his beautiful next door neighbour. These two meet and try to stay away from the intimate stuff, Jason who doesn’t do relationships and even though he wants to be with Chet, when he breaks it off or moves on, it would make it awkward considering they are neighbours. Chet has the same thoughts but not because she doesn’t do relationships, she does, but she is also worried about the awkwardness if things don’t work out. Try as they might the chemistry keeps pulling them together and when vandals, an ex and a murder seem to revolve around her, Jason has finally found the one woman he doesn’t want to walk away from.
I LOVED this read and these two have made it in my top 10 of a couples. The story flowed beautifully with just the right amount of everything w/o it going overboard or being ridiculous. I LOVED how quickly Tuff came to his feelings and didn’t shy away from them and I LOVED how strong and resilient Chet was. The steam and intimate scenes made me melt and the suspense kept me turning the pages with an ending I did not see coming...WOW WOW WOW !!! 5 stars does not do it justice and I’m now going to go find more reads from this author.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
I LOVED this read and these two have made it in my top 10 of a couples. The story flowed beautifully with just the right amount of everything w/o it going overboard or being ridiculous. I LOVED how quickly Tuff came to his feelings and didn’t shy away from them and I LOVED how strong and resilient Chet was. The steam and intimate scenes made me melt and the suspense kept me turning the pages with an ending I did not see coming...WOW WOW WOW !!! 5 stars does not do it justice and I’m now going to go find more reads from this author.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
December 18, 2021
Tuff Enough by Samantha A. Cole, Blackhawk Security book #1
Narration by GQ and Jenna St Claire
Jason “Tuff” Tanner
Concetta Chet Suarez with meat (short for Meatball) the dog.
Samantha Cole knows how to write romantic suspenseful stories and the start of the Blackhawk series in filled with suspenseful moments and definitely romance.
Tuff craved tranquility when at home especially when he’s back from an operative job.
Chet is a walking hard-on but she’s the neighbour and he doesn’t want to go there since they’re neighbours. And then he loves the big brut of a dog she has Meat!
I’m always wrapped into Cole’s characters right off the bat and this book was that. It has suspenseful situations when Chet is targeted by someone and it brings out Tuff’s alpha protective tendencies. Chet is of course a strong woman which is why I love Samantha’s characters! This spin off series is off to an amazing start and I can’t wait for more of the Blackhawk team.
The narration team of Gunnar Qualen and Jenna St. Claire are just the team of professionals for this genre. They really project the emotions that showcases all of the vulnerabilities and strength of the characters and really keep me fully engaged with the story.
#SuspenseRomance
#SamanthaCole
#GunnarQualen
#JennaStClaire
#BlackhawkSecurity
Narration by GQ and Jenna St Claire
Jason “Tuff” Tanner
Concetta Chet Suarez with meat (short for Meatball) the dog.
Samantha Cole knows how to write romantic suspenseful stories and the start of the Blackhawk series in filled with suspenseful moments and definitely romance.
Tuff craved tranquility when at home especially when he’s back from an operative job.
Chet is a walking hard-on but she’s the neighbour and he doesn’t want to go there since they’re neighbours. And then he loves the big brut of a dog she has Meat!
I’m always wrapped into Cole’s characters right off the bat and this book was that. It has suspenseful situations when Chet is targeted by someone and it brings out Tuff’s alpha protective tendencies. Chet is of course a strong woman which is why I love Samantha’s characters! This spin off series is off to an amazing start and I can’t wait for more of the Blackhawk team.
The narration team of Gunnar Qualen and Jenna St. Claire are just the team of professionals for this genre. They really project the emotions that showcases all of the vulnerabilities and strength of the characters and really keep me fully engaged with the story.
#SuspenseRomance
#SamanthaCole
#GunnarQualen
#JennaStClaire
#BlackhawkSecurity
December 11, 2018
This is the story of Tuff, Chett, and Meat. Now if that collection of names doesn’t spark your curiosity, I’m not sure what will. Tuff and Chett are neighbors and they’ve fallen victim to my favorite set-up in the world: they don’t want to get involved with each other. Now, you and I both know Fate loves and challenge. Tuff thinks he’s a bad relationship bet. Blackhawk Security sends him out of town more often than he’s home and nearly every assignment he’s given is something he can’t talk about. Chett recently exited a bad, and I mean BAD, marriage. Right now, her whole focus is on her job as an animal control officer and her foster rescue pitbull, Meat. Since we know there’s nothing Fate loves more than screwing with mortals’ plans, this story was an adrenaline-filled, often zany, tale of how this pair tried to resist each other through gang violence, loss, and just good old neighborly charm. I can’t wait to read more about Tuff and the Blackhawk team. And I will definitely be backtracking to read about Trident and their collection of spin-off series.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
January 6, 2026
It's a 4.5* read.
This book is connected to the author's Trident universe with some crossovers and while you can read it absolutely as a stand-alone, those who read the Trident books will love the connection and drop-ins.
It's a non-kink book, it does mention the club, The Covenant, but there is nothing in relation to Chet and Tuff.
Tuff and Chet are great characters, I love how Chet is her own woman, nothing annoys me more than FMCs who constantly needing rescue or "needing a man to be fulfill them" types.
Both have baggage and while there is plenty of attraction don't want to fall in love. It doesn't really work out that way and it's engaging to read.
The story is engaging, it is fast paced and while the conclusion is coming a bit out of nowhere at the end, it's an interesting read you don't want to put down.
I am not too sure that the small side story about Chet's past and her probie were really necessary, they don't bring a lot to it.
There are plenty of good secondary characters adding to the well rounded book.
Meat is definitely stealing the show here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is connected to the author's Trident universe with some crossovers and while you can read it absolutely as a stand-alone, those who read the Trident books will love the connection and drop-ins.
It's a non-kink book, it does mention the club, The Covenant, but there is nothing in relation to Chet and Tuff.
Tuff and Chet are great characters, I love how Chet is her own woman, nothing annoys me more than FMCs who constantly needing rescue or "needing a man to be fulfill them" types.
Both have baggage and while there is plenty of attraction don't want to fall in love. It doesn't really work out that way and it's engaging to read.
The story is engaging, it is fast paced and while the conclusion is coming a bit out of nowhere at the end, it's an interesting read you don't want to put down.
I am not too sure that the small side story about Chet's past and her probie were really necessary, they don't bring a lot to it.
There are plenty of good secondary characters adding to the well rounded book.
Meat is definitely stealing the show here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2018
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.
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.
November 21, 2018
The heroine was in an abusive marriage and found the strength to leave her abusive husband. She moved away to start a new life and is working with dogs.
She is currently fostering an abused pit bull named meat whom is weary of males.
Her next door neighbor what she thought he was like she was completely wrong. He is covered in tattoos and he is a good guy working at a security firm. And doesn't mind helping out. Tuff is attracted to his neighbor but refuses to make a move because he is not a relationship type of guy.
When Chet car is vandalized Tuff is the one to step in and make sure his neighbor is protected. I loved that they both like each and have dreams about one another but does nothing about it in the beginning.
I even liked the character of the pit bull meat. He truly captures your heart.
This story I loved it and this was my first time reading a Samantha A Cole story.
The characters in this story really speak to you and it makes it feel like you are there with them I loved that about this story.
January 15, 2019
I received this book as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review. It is the first book in Samantha A. Cole's Blackhawk security series, but it is a spin off of some of her other series. There are a bunch of characters that filter through which you realize they have a story, but it doesn't detract from the current one if you haven't read those books.
Jason "Tuff" Tanner works for Blackhawk security. He has a new neighbor in his duplex, Animal Control officer Concetta "Chet" Suarez, and her foster pitbull Meatball. The poor pitty was part of a fighting ring that had been broken up and he doesn't have a lot of trust in men. The neighbors begin to get to know each other over training of the dog Tuff has offered to help desensitize the dog. From there a relationship blooms and a wild ride that keeps you guessing. There's murder, and Mayham, an Ex husband with a restraining order, a terrorist plot and a few other curve balls thrown in. I look forward to the rest of this series, and I keep picking away at her other books, some day I'll get them all read :)
Jason "Tuff" Tanner works for Blackhawk security. He has a new neighbor in his duplex, Animal Control officer Concetta "Chet" Suarez, and her foster pitbull Meatball. The poor pitty was part of a fighting ring that had been broken up and he doesn't have a lot of trust in men. The neighbors begin to get to know each other over training of the dog Tuff has offered to help desensitize the dog. From there a relationship blooms and a wild ride that keeps you guessing. There's murder, and Mayham, an Ex husband with a restraining order, a terrorist plot and a few other curve balls thrown in. I look forward to the rest of this series, and I keep picking away at her other books, some day I'll get them all read :)
November 19, 2018
An exciting introduction to what I hope will be a new series!
I have read all Samantha A Cole's work and this book is about a Black Hawk Security operative. Black Hawk Security often work with Trident Security and I'm delighted that Black Hawk have got a book! The hero, Jason "Tuff" Tanned is an alpha male with a good heart. He is attracted to his new neighbour but reluctant to get involved because of his career. Add in a rescued dog called Meat who has been rescued by The heroine, Chet, and we have a great storyline! The path to true love is never smooth. Add to that Samantha's immense story telling talent, her great sense of humour and sizzling hot love scenes and she has a winner here. Also seeing my favourite Trident characters was an added bonus. Top marks for another great read and I hope this is the first of many Black Hawk Security novels. Keep them coming Samantha!
I have read all Samantha A Cole's work and this book is about a Black Hawk Security operative. Black Hawk Security often work with Trident Security and I'm delighted that Black Hawk have got a book! The hero, Jason "Tuff" Tanned is an alpha male with a good heart. He is attracted to his new neighbour but reluctant to get involved because of his career. Add in a rescued dog called Meat who has been rescued by The heroine, Chet, and we have a great storyline! The path to true love is never smooth. Add to that Samantha's immense story telling talent, her great sense of humour and sizzling hot love scenes and she has a winner here. Also seeing my favourite Trident characters was an added bonus. Top marks for another great read and I hope this is the first of many Black Hawk Security novels. Keep them coming Samantha!
January 14, 2019
Exciting, emotional and entertaining
Tuff Enough by Samatha A. Cole is an awesome first book in her newest series. In her true fashion, Samantha has created yet another wonderful story featuring these alphas we adore and love to read about. Jason "Tuff" Tanner is no exception, she took her inspiration and ran with it creating an awesome storyline with fantastic characters, especially Meat!
As a fan of military romanctic suspense, this book checks every box for me. Former military alpha protector, strong female lead, exciting plot with danger and suspense and plenty of butt kicking by alphas and the leading lady alike. Best of all, the hero and heroine fall for each other and fall hard, right into their HEA.
Overall a very well written book, that promises more great stories in this series to come that this reader can't wait to read.
I read an ARC from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Tuff Enough by Samatha A. Cole is an awesome first book in her newest series. In her true fashion, Samantha has created yet another wonderful story featuring these alphas we adore and love to read about. Jason "Tuff" Tanner is no exception, she took her inspiration and ran with it creating an awesome storyline with fantastic characters, especially Meat!
As a fan of military romanctic suspense, this book checks every box for me. Former military alpha protector, strong female lead, exciting plot with danger and suspense and plenty of butt kicking by alphas and the leading lady alike. Best of all, the hero and heroine fall for each other and fall hard, right into their HEA.
Overall a very well written book, that promises more great stories in this series to come that this reader can't wait to read.
I read an ARC from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
November 12, 2018
Simply Adored “Tuff’s” story. This is one of my favorite series with character that you can’t help but love and root for. Ms. Cole has such a flare for words and storylines that are sexy yet gripping, that she quickly became one of my favorite authors and I always watch for her new releases.
Tuff is a lovem and leavem kind of guy, his lifestyle and job doesn’t leave room for strings and relationships. Especially with Chet, the sexy woman who moved into the other half of his duplex. But when her life is in danger from an unknown threat, Tuff and his special op training can’t help but get involved. But helping Chet and not falling for her is not an easy task as he does everything in his power to keep her out of harm's way.
2 Thumbs up for a great read. I highly recommend reading Tuff Enough as well as the entire Trident Security Series.
Tuff is a lovem and leavem kind of guy, his lifestyle and job doesn’t leave room for strings and relationships. Especially with Chet, the sexy woman who moved into the other half of his duplex. But when her life is in danger from an unknown threat, Tuff and his special op training can’t help but get involved. But helping Chet and not falling for her is not an easy task as he does everything in his power to keep her out of harm's way.
2 Thumbs up for a great read. I highly recommend reading Tuff Enough as well as the entire Trident Security Series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews