The Hacker by Anna Hackett {a review}

My name is Laura, I just read my first book in the Norcross series by Anna Hackett, and I want to go binge the entire series. If romantic suspense with former military members are books that you enjoy, then you need to go read The Hacker by Anna Hackett. Just trust me on that!

In The Hacker, we catch up with Ace and Maggie. They recently had a very memorable night together, and neither is able to forget it. One thing Maggie wasn't planning on was becoming pregnant, yet here she is. She knows she needs to tell Ace, but he's been out on assignment so she hasn't been able to. Now Maggie is getting ready to take clients out in her helicopter, so she can't focus on any of that right now. Her mind needs to be on her job. After that flight, things are suddenly going a bit crazy around Maggie. Someone hacked her drone, tried to hit her with it, and eventually crashed it. Maggie is angry, and rightfully so. Thankfully Vander swooped in to save her, and all was well. Even though they had no idea who was behind this chaos. Later that night, Maggie is going to a Norcross event, where she finally is face to face with Ace. She tells him her news, and he puts his foot in his mouth. They have to work through all of that though because Ace needs to figure out who hacked Maggie's drone, and see if they can figure out who is after her (and why!). So who is behind this attack against Maggie? Will they be captured? Can Maggie and Ace have a relationship, or will Maggie be a single parent?

This story. OH THIS STORY. At the very beginning I was just kind of meh about it. But then when the drone situation happened, and even before that when Maggie realized something out her clients on the island, I was all in. I absolutely love romantic suspense, and this book was definitely bringing it. Yes, the love story between Maggie and Ace was nice too, but dang if that didn't take a backseat to the action! I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of this book. Every time the action scenes kicked in, I was ready. I was ready for the villain(s) to be found, and for Maggie to just be safe at last! I absolutely loved the suspense, the characters, and the setting. I want to go back and binge the original 4 books in the series, and am already looking forward to the next. Anna Hackett has grabbed my attention, and I look forward to devouring this series. (as well as checking out her other books.)

I said it before, and I'll say it again, if romantic suspense is your sub-genre of choice, then GO READ THIS BOOK! If you enjoy romances with former military members, GO READ THIS BOOK! If you have a KU subscription, go add this book NOW! You won't regret it.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Hacker. I hope that you'll read it. I truly think, if you're anything like me, you'll devour this story. (and fall for the characters.)

Laura

She’s accidentally pregnant and someone is trying to kill her…and now her one-night-stand is her fierce protector.

Helicopter pilot Maggie Lopez is focused on building her helicopter and drone photography business—and she has the loans to prove it. She takes one night off to trade her jeans for a designer dress, and attend a fancy gala…and ends up spending a very steamy night with her panty-melting crush—Ace Oliveira. He’s tall, sexy, and the guru of all things tech at Norcross Security. 

She wasn’t supposed to fall in lust, or fall in love, and she really wasn’t supposed to fall pregnant.

Ace Oliveira’s life is just how he likes it. After years protecting his country at the NSA, he now puts his special computer and hacking skills to good use at Norcross Security. He gets paid well. Has good friends. Enjoys the hell out of his carefree bachelor lifestyle. Relationships and kids are not on the cards for him—ever. He has his reasons.

But then feisty, saucy Maggie—who snuck out of his bed like a thief—drops a bombshell.

Before they can even process the surprise pregnancy, it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Maggie. A series of deadly accidents are all centered on her, and Ace will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. With the men of Norcross at his side, he’ll track down a killer, fight his own demons, and convince skittish, independent Maggie to fall in love with her baby’s daddy.

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Kindle | Paperback

or read for free with Kindle Unlimited.

Add The Hacker to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Anna Hackett

Anna Hackett is a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled contemporary and science-fiction romance.

She loves writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals.

Some of her bestselling series include Galactic Gladiators, Eon Warriors, Treasure Hunter Security, and Team 52.

Anna lives in Australia with her real-life hero and their two little boys. 

For more information on Anna and her books visit: www.annahackett.com.

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Thank you to Anna Hackett, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Hacker.

Falling for the Country Boy by Michelle Rene{a review}

Are you in the mood for a country romance? How about a little opposites attract situation? Country boy vs city girl? Well if that sounds intriguing to you, then check out Falling for the Country Boy by Michelle Rene. It is the first book in the Blossom Creek series, and it just released TODAY!

In Falling for the Country Boy we meet Aubrey and Kenny. Aubrey is in town to attend a college football game. Her parents had purchased the tickets, but were unable to attend at the last moment. So Aubrey took one ticket, and then her parents sold the other. At the stadium is where Audrey and Kenny meet. Turns out this country boy bought the ticket. He was just coming to enjoy the game, so sitting next to this beautiful woman is just an added bonus. As the two talk, a friendly wager is placed. That wager ends up with our characters going out after the game. Which then leads to an amazing weekend spent together. Audrey is struggling with the fact that she has to return home when she really just wants more time with Kenny. Kenny is feeling the same, and a plan is hatched. Can these two make long distance work? Or is it going to cause issues?

This book was just a quick and easy read that was full of romance and steam. Kenny and Aubrey hit it off right away, and their relationship was just a whirlwind. I enjoyed the story. I loved the setting, and while I didn't bond with the characters, I still appreciated them and the journey they went on. I will say that I do wish there had been a bit larger of a dramatic moment between our couple. The moment they had was just so minor that there wasn't a moment where you build up the scene in your head and wait for it to play out. Or maybe that just happens to me. The other thing that I struggled with was in regards to Audrey's job, and subsequently the move. I get that her relationship with Kenny was moving fast, and that making this change was bound to happen. That being said, in my mind she just gave up everything. At the beginning of the book I thought that Audrey was going to be this strong, independent character who would push back and challenge Kenny. That apparently wasn't the case. So that disappointed me a bit.

At the end of the day, I enjoyed the story. No it wasn't perfect in the sense that it didn't have all the romance story elements that I prefer. While I say that, I have to admit that I am curious about the next story in the series (which has no name nor a release date).

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Falling for the Country Boy. I hope you'll give this book a read. Especially if you are a KU subscriber. 

Laura

College football, stadium food and a hotel spa in New Orleans was all Aubrey Evans thought she needed to regroup and mentally recharge. At least, it was until the handsome stranger, wearing the wrong shade of red, with a panty-melting smile and sexy southern drawl standing in front of her offered her a hot dog and beer.

It’s been a few years since Kenny “Hutch” Hutchinson was last in the Big Easy. When the opportunity arose to see his alma mater play for a national championship he couldn’t resist and purchased a ticket online. Little did he know, he’d be sitting among the opposing team’s fans, much less have a beautiful blonde with sparkling blue eyes sitting beside him.

When a friendly wager between them sparks an undeniable chemistry, their memorable weekend turns into an unexpected relationship. Are the feelings they share enough for a city girl to survive life on the farm or is falling for the country boy going to be another lesson learned?

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Available for purchase on Amazon!

US | UK | CA | AU
or read for free with Kindle Unlimited

About Michelle Rene

Michelle Rene is author of The Strong Hearts Collection, Blossom Creek Series and several standalone novellas. She is also the co-author of The Winter Haven Series, which she writes with Xana Jordan.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Michelle grew up in Florida where she still lives today. In 2020, Michelle joined millions of women in becoming an ovarian and uterine cancer survivor. A story she is sure to tell in a book someday.

When not spending time with her family and friends, you can find her writing, or cheering on the Florida Gators. Due to her one-click addiction, Michelle spends her downtime reading one of the many books on her Kindle.

Follow Michelle here:

Website | Newsletter | Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Social Media Links:

Facebook | Strong Hearts Readers Group | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

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Thank you to Michelle Rene and DS Promotions for providing me with a copy of Falling for the Country Boy.

Rebel Yule by Kate Meader {a review}

 

Are you a fan of the Rookie Rebels series from Kate Meader? If so, then go grab Rebel Yule now! This novella, set during the Christmas season, will have you falling for Erik!

Casey has been working as Harper's assistant for a while now, and every time Erik Jorgenson has a meeting with Harper, Casey cringes. He acts as though he doesn't remember her, but Casey remembers Erik quite well. It may have been one night, but she thinks about it fondly. Meanwhile Erik cannot figure out why Casey dislikes him so much! What did he do? He's friendly, he asks questions, and he tries not to pester, but it's always the same. It isn't until the night of the party at Harper's house that Erik's questions are answered. And those answers? Well it's allowed him to explain something major, and he fills Casey in on a few things. While Erik wants forever with Casey, she's offering him a holiday fling. Can it stick to that? Or will these two ride off into the sunset together?

I fell for these two big time! I love how passionate Erik is about Christmas, and about his family. I love how invites the team over for these holiday celebrations. I love the time that he and Casey spent together. Yes my heart hurt for the years that these two had to be apart, but now things are headed in the right direction. Everything that happened between these two just felt right. From the way things ended all those years ago, to Casey's reaction to seeing Erik again, to the way their story unfolded. Loved it, and wish it was a full novel versus the novella. Of course I also loved getting to see the familiar faces from previous stories making their appearances. 

If you're a hockey romance fan who enjoys a good second chance romance, then go grab Rebel Yule now! Or save it for a bit closer to Christmas, and read it during December.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts about Rebel Yule. 

Laura

A holiday entry in the Rookie Rebels series, featuring a player who’s been here from the start . . . 

Goalie Erik "Fish" Jorgenson finally gets his shot at love . . . but first he'll have to figure out what he did to offend the woman he's had his eye on for some time. Can a little Yuletide cheer get him into her good graces, warm bed, and frozen heart? Or will he fumble the puck and lose his chance? 

Join the Chicago Rebels this holiday season and find out if Erik is as good at saving Christmas as he is at saving goals!

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook

Add Rebel Yule to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Kate Meader 

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, fire hose, or hockey stick, and she’s there. 

Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with big-hearted guys and strong heroines - and heroes - who can match their men quip for quip.

Connect with Kate Meader 

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub | Reader Group | Amazon Author Page

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Thank you to Kate Meader, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Rebel Yule.

Affliction by JL Stray {a review}

There's a new addition to the Salvation Society series!

Affliction by J.L. Stray just released, and it was pretty darn good. If you're wondering about the familiar faces that will appear, it is Catherine, Jackson, and a few guys from Cole Security. I will tell you that Jackson and crew do not make an appearance until the second half of the story. Meanwhile Catherine is there from the beginning.

In this second chance romance we meet Mia and Terry. Mia has followed her passions and has opened up her own shoe company. And this company is very successful. So much so that they have a photo shoot and interview coming up with InStyle! One thing Mia doesn't know is that Terry has been asked to be the photographer. Terry and Mia have quite the history. They were in a serious relationship for many years, and all was going well, until the day Terry took a job in London. That lead to heartbreak, anger, frustration, and loneliness. During their 5 year separation, Terry and Mia would see each other at events, but never talked. They always stayed away from each other. Now here we are 5 years later, and these two are about to spend a lot of time together. A bit of forced proximity with a connection that cannot be denied is going to lead to a reunion. Or is it? Someone from Mia's past is determined to not let that happen.

You all know that I love a second chance romance. It is one of my favorite tropes, and I love to see people fall back in love with each other. It makes me happy. I gave Affliction 3.5 stars on Goodreads. For me it was a decent story, but I didn't feel the draw. This story wasn't calling to me for the first half of the book. It felt slow. It didn't grab my attention, and to be honest I didn't feel the connection between Terry and Mia. Yes they have history together, but it just wasn't working for me. I say that only to go on and say that I enjoyed the second half of the book. I know, I know. But you see the second half is when the suspense kicks in. It is when things start happening, and Jackson's crew is brought in. It is also during this time that we have our dramatic moment between Terry and Mia. I understand why Mia did what she did, but I'm with Hawkeye on this one, and it didn't need to happen. Also, I find myself wondering if J.L. Stray named the villain Chad because of the tiktok moment that happened in September. (Chad made a video about the romance genre, and well the romance readers came for him.) At the end of the day, I am glad that Terry and Mia had their HEA. They overcame a lot to get to that point. 

There is a trigger warning for this book! If domestic violence is a trigger for you, then bypass this book. It is a minor element to the story, but it is definitely there.

If you've been around my blog for any length of time, then you know that I almost always recommend that you all read the books that I read. I truly believe that ratings are so personal, and are influenced by various factors, so it's hard to take them at face value. Also, the mood that we are in when we read the book can affect the way we reflect on the book. So while I gave this book 3.5 stars, and said that the first half was slow moving, you may not feel the same way. You may think it's the best thing ever. That's the joy of reading a book, we all walk away with different thoughts and feelings about that story.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Affliction. I appreciate you stopping by, and I hope that you'll give the book a read.

Laura

~He wants me to remember and I want to forget he ever existed. The past holds too much pain.~

He left me with a simple, “I’m sorry I can’t.”

Now he’s back. And he’s everywhere. Showing up in all the places that we frequented, and invading the newly created normal I made for myself when he left me. His expertise has even been sought at my company, Shoegasm. Making it impossible to breathe without thinking of him and what could have been.

Terry should have stayed gone, I can’t be with him. Ghosts from the past, who afflicted so much pain, are back. And I can’t go down that road again, knowing Terry could end up hurt. This time it’s me who has to protect him.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet J.L. Stray

J.L. Stray has always enjoyed reading books and writing stories.

Finally, she gathered up enough courage to publish one herself. 

A former Policy Specialist and current Consultant, she spends any extra moment she has writing, outlining and scheming her next book. 

Raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, she graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. Most days she uses one of those degrees in either her career or dealing with her children. 

J.L. lives with her husband in that same small town, where they raise their three very active children, who always have them at a diamond, field or court.

She is a lover of books, shoes, beaches, and a strong drink. 

Connect with J.L. Stray

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Thank you to JL Stray, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Affliction.

Check out this cover from Brit Benson!

 

Better with you is coming on November 23!

Better With You is the second interconnected standalone in the Better Love series by Brit Benson.

This enemies-to-lovers new adult romance is sassy, sexy, and has a guaranteed HEA.

It is not necessary to read Love You Better before enjoying Better With You, but Better With You will contain minor spoilers for Love You Better.

Riggs Stanton is a thief.

He’s also a liar, a jerk, and a playboy jock.

Sure, I might have thought we had a connection.

I might have thought he was worth breaking my “no dating” rule.

He might have even given me the best orgasm I’ve ever experienced to date.

But it was a farce.

A trick.

Another lie.

And I don’t make mistakes twice.

Now he says he needs me.

One week of my help and I never have to deal with him again.

For ten grand, I can suffer anything for seven days.

Even Riggs Stanton.

Except…

The more time I spend with him, the more I get to know him, the more I question myself.

What if what we shared before was real, and it’s everything else that’s fake?

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Brit Benson

Brit Benson writes romance novels that are sassy, sexy, and sweet.

When she’s not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she’s reading. 

When she’s not reading, she’s probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods.

Brit currently resides somewhere near the Blue Ridge Parkway with her husband, daughters, and dogs.

Connect with Brit Benson

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