3.5 stars for this suspenseful book filled with awesome characters.

I, oftentimes, find the first book in a suspense series arc to be a bit slow as the author builds up the drama for the remainder of the series. This book felt a bit long even though it really wasn't. There was a lot going on with backstories, character introductions, plot twists, suppositions, back and forth between the MCs and then things wrapped up kind of quickly in the end. Overall, I felt it was a good start to a series with a lot going on, but I am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.

This book has a kick-butt hacker heroine who is intelligent, independent and strong despite her fears and a hero who is stoic and alpha, but can be sweet and honest and not afraid to confront his emotions. And tattoos. Lots of tattoos.
It was a fast-paced story with just enough suspense to keep me reading. I was on the edge of my seat multiple times wondering how our MCs were going to get out of situations and whether everyone was going to make it through the mission.
Both Roarke and Wren are flawed, some of their lack of communication and assumptions of their youth bled into their adult interactions. This was probably the most frustrating part of the story for me. They do figure things out, but I thought their leap from "we can't" to "we are doing this" lacked a certain something. I do love a book where both adult MCs figure out an effective way to communicate, which they do. And the fine art of forgiveness - Wren does it better than I would have!

The hacker aspect was everything I was hoping for. Nothing too over my layman's head, but not so much information dumped that I lost interest.

I really loved Wren, her character as a whole worked for me. I wasn't quite on board with her lack of trust in her brother with her own agenda. Even if she wasn't as forthcoming with the team as a whole (considering their newness), I felt like her relationship with Eric, and his obvious confidence in her, would have warranted a bit more openness on Wren's part.
Then we have Roarke. Something about a guy who looks within himself and knows that his capacity to take another hit to his heart, to be able to acknowledge that he even *has* emotions, is a joy to read.

As far as secondary characters go, this group is special. This group of intelligent misfits has broken the nerdy mold, but they are definitely computer geeks. They all have an extra dose of attitude, but each of a different brand. Wren's brother and Roarke's best friend, Eric, respects Wren's abilities and her decisions. Longtime friends, he was all in for Roarke's revenge plot. I can't wait to learn more about Eric in his book (which I believe will be book 3). Jock is all sorts of amazing, quiet and strong with a hefty dose of compassion. I think he might be a superhero. Marisol has her own brand of strength, snarkiness, and femininity that translates well to an easy friendship with Wren. And Dade. I can't...I want so much more of him.

I jumped athe chance to read this book because 1, it’s from a favourite author and 2, the hype. Unfortunately it didn’t live up to the hype for me. I just couldn’t get into the story at all and ended up giving up and moving onto other books. But that said, I am going to go back and try it again at a different time. Thank you for the opportunity.

Noteworthy experiences while reading this book: The start was slightly confusing but that worked out in the end.

Check out author's other books? YES
Recommend this book? YES

Notes and Opinions: This was a solid 4 stars for me. I was a little confused in the start of this one but it ended up being ok. I really loved Roarke and Wren and man was this book sexy, dark, and sassy!! I love me snark in a book. I really loved the fact that although Roark and Wren know each other and have the hots for each other for some time that the passion and yummies don't start right off the bat. I really liked how the author built up to them being together. It was nice to have it take some time before they got together.

This one also has a lot of twists in it and a few bumps for our sexy duo. Each one brings you closer to the end and I really liked that this was inspired by the movie Hackers which was one that I grew up with and die hard loved.

If you are looking for a sexy revenge plot with a little sister twist. Then check this one out now!

Go Into This One Knowing: Sexy, Well Paced, Twists

So... Zero Hour. I've been intrigued by this book when it was first announced mostly because of the hacker angle and how that would be portrayed. On that front, Megan Erickson does a great job of keeping it real, accurate and understandable, which I greatly appreciated in this story.

Roarke is out for revenge after his brother is murdered. He's got a team of hackers that are helping him achieve his goal. When his best friend's sister Wren wants in on the action, he takes the protective stance and tells her no. What a mistake! In spite of an attraction between Roarke and Wren that predates their current activities, Roarke doesn't really know Wren's abilities and she's a master at the game as much as he is.

For most of this book I thought Roarke was basically a mess. He's focused on revenge, he's got some serious anger issues, and he just doesn't seem to be able to hold his mud in most cases. He's a hard man to like. Wren on the other hand is fiesty and doesn't take no for an answer and is usually mad at Roarke for something stupid he's said.

I did have a bit of a tough time getting into this book. I had a hard time liking these characters, especially Roarke. It started to click for me when Erick, Wren's brother and Roark's best friend divulges exactly why he wants revenge too. That was a super touching scene and it pulled me into this book emotionally. It had me turning the pages until the end.

The final scenes of the book are full of action which I absolutely appreciated. I loved how the hacking team banded together and became more than just hackers behind a computer screen. There are some serious skills on this team and I'm eager to learn more.

So, overall, a good effort to start and I'm looking forward to more in this series.

An ARC was provided for review.

DNF at 40%

I was fond of the concept, but the plot focused almost entirely on only one aspect of the revenge plot, and a kind of contrived aspect at that. (Wren fake-dating the mark's son.) I wanted to like Wren and Roarke, but I also wanted some mf-ing hacking and sneaking!

But I gave up when I did because Roarke started punching the wall right next to Wren's head *immediately* after she escaped from a rapist and then tried to pull the "but it's just because I care so much about you" line. I don't care if it is only one scene; there's other books out there with *zero* such scenes I can spend my time on.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Zero Hour by Megan Erickson
Book One of the Wired & Dangerous series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Hacker extraordinaire Roarke Brennan lives each hour - each breath - to avenge his brother's murder. His first move: put together a team of the best coders he knows. They're all brilliant, specialized, and every one an epic pain in his ass. Only now Wren Lee wants in too, threatening to upset their delicate balance. The girl Roarke never allowed himself to want is all grown up with sexy confidence and a dark past ... and she's the wild card he can't control.

Roarke might still think she's a kid, but Wren's been to hell and back. Nothing and nobody can stop her - especially the tatted-up, cocky-as-all-hell hacker. But when years of longing and chemistry collide, Wren and Roarke discover that revenge may be a dish best served blazing hot.

What I Liked:

Megan Erickson has quickly become one of my favorite romance authors. I've been reading her books for years, and I can't say I've ever really been disappointed. She produces so many stories and at such great quality, and I am always looking for more. This new series of hers is a thrilling romantic suspense series, with a little more action and blood than her other books, but no less swoony and sexy in terms of the romance. I enjoyed Zero Hour and I am definitely looking forward to reading Darkest Night.

Roarke Brennan wants revenge for his little brother's murder, and he will stop at nothing to get it. So he rounds up a crew of fellow hackers, the best of the bunch: his best friend Erick, who he has known since childhood; Marisol, Jock, Dade Kelly... and Erick's little sister Wren, who pushes herself into the mission, against Roarke's wishes. He wants her safe, but he hasn't known her in ten years, and doesn't know what she is capable of. Wren has her own reasons for wanting to take down the man that had Flynn Brennan murdered, reasons that have nothing to do with Flynn or Roarke or the crew. She has been in love with Roarke for most of her life, but his protectiveness won't stop her from helping the crew. Roarke and Wren are bound to collide, as sparks fly and the stakes intensify.

No one writes a grumpy but lovable hero like Megan Erickson. I adored Roarke from page one and wanted to hug him throughout the book. He is stuck in pain and repressed grief, with a permanent scowl and bags under his eyes. He is a good guy with good intentions, but he is intent on getting revenge. He's a genius hacker and sometimes more robot than human, and sometimes he needs to be reminded of his feelings and emotions. I adore grumpy, protective heroes, and Roarke was not hard to love. He is respectful of boundaries and he doesn't try to control Wren, even though he doesn't want her on the mission.

Wren is a tough lady with a lot to lose and a lot to prove. She knows she is capable of helping the crew, which is why she doesn't back down even when Roarke tells her no. She has been through so much in the past, and she has her own reasons for wanting revenge. I love how open and direct Wren is - especially when it came to Roarke. She saw through his walls and armor and pushed him to communicate and help her understand what was going through his head. I thought it was great to see a heroine who wouldn't take the hero's BS, but also didn't run away or push him away indefinitely.

As a couple, Roarke and Wren really fit together. Roarke is a leader and a great hacker, stoic and aloof and cool. Wren is a risk-taker and she's direct and blunt. There are so many moments of bickering and tension between the pair, and I love some good back-and-forth banter! They had fierce chemistry too, both subtle and obvious. Things heated up between them quickly, though not from page one.

I liked the "best friend's little sister" trope in this book! Roarke had liked Wren since they were kids, and Wren had liked Roarke since then as well, but then Wren went off to college and ten years passed and only now are they seeing each other. There is a smidgen of the whole "forbidden" aspect of their relationship initially, because that's how they each thought of it, when they dreamed of being with the other in high school. BUT I liked that Erick wasn't the reason why they didn't get together in this present time. And when Roarke decided to talk to Erick about things, Erick didn't flip out. This trope actually worked for me!

This is a romantic suspense novel and I really enjoyed the action! Trying to take down the man - or men - that killed Roarke's younger brother comes with its obstacles, that's for sure. It's clear from the ending of the book that that plot isn't quite over, though certain things are resolved. This book is the first of a companion series, so catch Jock's book next!

Overall I am pleased with this book and will be reading Jock's book! I can't wait for his, because I loooove the strong silent types (and Jock is definitely both of those things).

What I Did Not Like:

Nothing really specific! I would have loved to meet Fiona (Wren's best friend) in this book, but that's okay. I also wouldn't have minded more steamy interactions from Roarke and Wren. *wink*

Would I Recommend It:

If you like romantic suspense, or any of Megan Erickson's previous novels, I highly recommend giving this book a chance! The "hacking" aspect of the book is really light (like, suuuuuper light in terms of terminology), but very important for the plot, but not overwhelming. There is no romance drama (thank you, Megan!), and the ending is fairly wrapped up though you'll be wanting to read book two to catch up with other characters. I know I want book two now!

Rating:

4 stars. Erickson hasn't disappointed me yet and I'm sure she won't! I hope book two will be just as good or even better. I trust her and I always know what I can expect from her books in terms of romance - very little unnecessary drama! My favorite.

3.5 Stars
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*

Alright so I started off this book being very distant, I was not emotionally invested in these characters so I had a very meh feeling about it all. Then around 50% I can feel the edges of care creeping in but I continue lying to myself. Then 72% in was like a slap in the face and I was hooked, couldn't put the Kindle down, on the edge of my seat dying to know what happens next. So while the story starts off slow, by the end be prepared to fall in love.

I fell hard for this rag-tag team of misfits and I am dying to know more. Dare I say that the ending left me with more questions than answers? Roarke while is your typical brooding male, he is also an air-tight mystery, no emotion in and no emotion out. There is an underlying current between him and Wren that becomes explosive. While there relationship felt a little rushed, I couldn't help but jump aboard the ship train. What really makes this team is the hilarious banter between them! I loved Marisol's burst of personality, the mystery that surrounded Dade, the silent heart of Jock, and the over-protectiveness of Erick. I hope they all get their own story and I am dying to know more about the ellusive Maximus.

The storyline outside the romance was addictive. The seedy world of the Dark Web and the life these guys and gals live is not for the faint of heart. The real kicker through was that Megan was able to surprise me with not one but two plot twists. Usually I can see these things coming from a mile away but damn after each reveal I was left reeling. Okay lets be honest, the reveal at 72% I am still recovering from...I mean how dare she. I am still in shock and not happy about it. So kudos to Megan for that and I am looking forward to seeing what the next book in this series has in store.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Thriller, Romance
Triggers: Murder, Rape, Stalking

This was a great start to this series. You are given a lot of background about the group, but you don't really know many of the individual players – just them as a whole. I liked that because it allowed me to think of scenarios in my own head.

Roarke and Wren have been friends since they were kids. Wren's brother and Roarke and Roarke's brother all grew up together. Wren and Roarke have always had a thing for each other, but never acted on it.

When Roarke's brother is murdered trying to do the right thing, the team is assembled, revenge is on their minds. Their story is beautifully woven together and with each passing minute, you are given a little more information.

The romance is a back story, but one that makes doing their jobs somewhat difficult for Wren and Roarke. When they truly allow their feelings to come to light, they have great chemistry and the history to back up their passion.

I loved this story and despite some unanswered questions, I really enjoyed this story. I do hope that all of the crew get their own stories – they are a very interesting bunch.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is an exciting and complex story about a group of grey hat hackers seeking revenge for the death of a brother and a friend. The group uses their many skills to destroy the father and son team who are responsible for murder, human trafficking, and illegal dealings on the dark web.

This first story focuses on Roarke, the leader of the group, who is grieving his brother. It is also the story of Wren, a woman who has crushed on Roarke from a distance since childhood. But she isn’t a child anymore and her skills and contacts make her an essential member of Roarke’s team.

Wren is the kind of woman I want to read about. She is fierce, skilled, and clever. I loved and admired her from the start and I had a serious girl crush by the end. It took me longer to warm to Roarke. He’s a darker character but he is a worthy partner for Wren.

I don’t know much of anything about hacking, cyber warfare, or dark web activity but I still really enjoyed this story about an eclectic group of kick ass warriors. I enjoyed the murky blurring of good/bad boundaries and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

First book of Megan Erickson's Wired & Dangerous series. Action-packed and nerdy what else can a girl ask for? This is a first Megan Erickson for me and I liked it, I understand this is very different from her other stuff. In the blurb they liken it to Mr. Robot and The Fast and the Furious, I wouldn't know about the Mr. Robot I don't watch it there were parts of it that reminded me of the movie Hackers and also a little bit of Sneakers. But the book definitely leans more to the action side rather than the hacker side, it does have a lot to do with the story it's just not always the main focus on what they are doing but the pivotal thing the secondary characters are doing in the background. The action and suspense is good, well paced and an incredible plot. The romance on the other hand got kind of annoying, the back and forth wishy washy got old fast but both Rourke and Wren are freakin' smokin' hot. Although I really hope she wasn't that stupid to wear a short black mini skirt and straddle a motorcycle and drive off, really my maternal instincts are yelling at her not to be that stupid besides black leather pants are just as sexy as a short skirt and so much safer than one especially when on a motorcycle. I am aware books are fantasy but I also want fictional characters who have common fucking sense.

Rourke's brother, Flynn, was murdered and he knows it he just needs the help of some of the best hackers and coders he knows to prove it and incriminate the guilty party. He chose this accomplices with care first off Erick his best friend since they were kids and right hand man, Jock programmer extraordinaire and former military man with one hell of shot. Marisol master of disguise, coding, and excellent people skills. Dade the loose cannon, the man of mystery, and probably an even better hacker than Rourke with even more resources. Rourke never counted on Wren, after what does she know about hacking and computer programming. Apparently a lot more then either her brother Erick or Rourke ever knew, especially Rourke who kinda stalked her since college. But Wren hid it pretty well she was even trained by Dade. Wren wants to help get justice for Flynn and she has an ulterior motive for getting involved one that started her whole foray into the hacktivism circle. Rourke doesn't want her in for her own protection but when Wren proves she has an in with their marks son does he gives in and only after Rourke tells her why he hates the position she put herself in, which he basically tells her how he feels. Rourke has always liked Wren but never made a move because he didn't he was good enough for her, you know he couldn't give her the things she wanted. Wren always loved Rourke but never though she had a chance with him, now that she know he feels the same she wants to act on it but Rourke can't compartmentalize his feelings for her and keep his head on straight for the mission. Well that doesn't last long but it's not that easy. The mission leads to a very twisty and turny kind of events that raises more questions than it answers and it keeps you on your toes before an explosive and climatic ending with a teaser epilogue.

Overall, it was a fun read very enjoyable although I liked the secondary characters so much more than Rourke and Wren. I hope the next book is Jocks. There is going to be a continuing story arc throughout this book and the next book(s) so I definitely want to catch the next book.

Sometimes romances set in the modern day can seem like a giant bubble of happiness. Sure, there are big moments when the bad guy appears, or the hero giantly sticks his foot in his mouth. Quite frequently I don’t connect with heroines, and there is pretty much always an ex-military good guy looking to stop the world from blowing up in one way or another. Basically, though, I read a lot of romances that look at the world through rose-colored glasses. And I like that rose-colored world for the most part. I can appreciate feeling good at the end of the day and, in general, like looking at things optimistically.

Enter Megan Erickson’s Zero Hour. Geez, I love Erickson’s work. For lack of a better word, her romances are always “gritty”. Her books bring me back to earth and show the love stories that almost no one else is writing. Erickson’s books are just a little bit darker than the average romance; the shine on the world isn’t quite so bright. And although I couldn't imagine only reading books on the darker spectrum of romance, I love venturing into Erickson’s worlds once in awhile (side note: please, please read Daring Fate if you haven’t already). Zero Hour is no exception. This first-in-a-series romance introduces us to a ragtag group of hackers avenging the death of one of their own.

The hero and heroine of this book are Roarke and Wren. They knew each other growing up and although not quite a second-chance romance, these two definitely harbored feelings for one another in the past. Hacker trained via different methods, Roarke doesn’t even know Wren is a hacker at the beginning of this book. He still imagines her as the pretty, off-limits little sister of his best friend. But because this is Erickson’s world, both Roarke and Wren are dumped into some seriously mess-up, scary situations right off the bat. They can’t help but cling to one another as the story progresses when they could very well never see each other again.

'“I cared, Wren. Every day, all the time. I still fucking care. I told myself I wouldn’t…” He blew out a harsh breath, pupils dilating. “Fuck it. This is why it kills me to see you involved in this, because all I wanna do is see you safe. I cared back then when you were young, and I still care now that you’re back, all woman and hot as fuck and still so goddamn untouchable.”
Her entire body awoke from a ten-year slumber at his worlds, arousal pooling in her gut, heat spreading to every limb. How long had he kept this to himself?'

The group of hackers that Roarke brings together to not only brought some much-needed levity to this book, they kept me invested even when the darkness threatened to overtake every page. It was hard to not fall in love with the entire group right away.

'“Everyone just shut up, for fuck’s sake,” Roarke growled. “Swear to God, this is like herding cats.”
“Well,” Erick pointed out, “we’re your cats. That you handpicked from the shelter. So that’s on you. I prefer wet food by the way.”
“My catnip is for medicinal purposes,” Marisol piped up.'

So, if you think you can handle a bit of darkness and grit in your nightly reading I highly recommend Zero Hour. 4 stars for this witty, menacing, and slightly unnerving romantic suspense.

The beginning had me on the edge of my seat. Definitely I felt the anger Roarke was spewing. There were some laughable parts as well. All the way up to maybe 75%, I couldn't put it down. the last maybe 15% I was struggling to finish. I just wanted it to end already. It was predicable most of the time. I didn't feel 100% connected to Wren and Roarke's relationship. I really wish Dade Kelly or even Marisol are getting a story. (view spoiler) From what I know book 2 and 3 are Jocks are Ericks stories. I'm assuming from reading the excerpt of book 2 there are going to be a general story arc that goes into all 3 books, but I think these are classified as interconnected stand alones. I might need more time to decide if I read book 2 at this point in time. Overall, this was an okay read.

Full of suspense and heat... Loved this new series from Megan Erickson releasing Jan 20. A crew of hackers set on finding revenge for their brother/friend who was murdered when he blew the whistle on a Zero Hour virus he found.

Roarke is ready to avenge his brother's death. Even though it's been ruled a suicide, he knows that he was killed by his boss. So he's gathered a group of hackers to help him find the true killer. What he never expected was for Wren Lee, to show up and want to be a part of the crew. Wren was the girl who got away, and now she's back and she has an agenda of her own, but she also is there to help her brother the one man she always wanted but could never have.

Fast-paced and addictive! I can't wait for the remaining books in the series.

Over the years, I’ve went on quite the journey with Megan Erickson. I started with one of her new adult M/F titles [Make It Last], then quickly devoured all the M/M titles she started writing [Trust the Focus], including the ones she co-wrote with Santino Hassell [Cyberlove series]. Last year she started two new series – a post-apoc paranormal with werewolves (M/M so far) and a modern-day paranormal with vampires (M/F so far). I’ve loved all of those books; some more than others, sure, because that’s the nature of reading, period. Now Erickson is starting 2018 out by kicking off another series and subgenre: romantic suspense. After reading Zero Hour, I’m totally here for this and I’m looking forward to not only the rest of this series, but literally anything else she sends our way in the future. Erickson, at this point I will follow you wherever your writing takes you. (Well, as long as it's romance because that's my reading hard limit, tbh.)



Roarke’s brother, Flynn, was killed for knowing too much about his boss’s dark side. Now Roarke’s entire focus is set on getting revenge for Flynn and bringing down his brother’s boss and murderer. He’s good at what he does (hacking) but he’s still going to need some help to pull this plan off. He starts gathering his old hacker friends together as a crew for this project and everything is lining up – until two surprises show up. First, Dade, a rival/enemy hacker; he’s still on the fence about trusting this mysterious guy, though he can’t deny that he’ll be very useful to the crew. And second, Wren bursts in, demanding a part on the team. Wren is his best friend’s little sister, and she’s been off limits for years. He’s yet to shake those non-brotherly feelings for her, but he also doesn’t want her in danger. Wren’s not taking no for an answer, especially since she has her own reasons to go after Flynn’s murderer, and her own revenge plan to carry out.



Everyone thinks Wren is just a journalist, but secretly she’s been hacking for years. It all started after her and a friend had a terrible trauma happen to them in college (they were both drugged, and the friend was raped on camera; Wren was able to get away first). Since then, Wren has been looking out for Fiona and trying to catch Darren red-handed, so the authorities could stop him from doing this to anyone else. To do that, she needs to get into his computers and files to find proof. This mission will be a two-for-one deal -- if they can pull it off -- revenging both Flynn and Fiona. But things are not as easy as they thought, and it turns out they don’t know all the players on this chess board . . .



I love that this is a different kind of romantic suspense – at least, different from what I’ve read. There’s danger and action, yes, but it’s also set around hackers who can kick ass, rather than being set around current or former hyper-masculine military dudes. Nothing wrong with those RS titles, of course, but it was nice to get something else for once.



He was still a fine, fine man.
His chest had filled out some since Wren had last seen him, and his posture was more confident. Standing there in a ball cap, torn jeans, bloody shirt, and a scowl, Roarke Brennan was a dream.
Well, if a girl’s dream was a tattooed tech-head who was now glaring at her like he wanted her to disappear.
Okay, so the dream needed work.



Wren is Korean American and has some tatts, plus the whole “hiding-her-hacking-skills-under-an-innocent-mask” going on. Roarke also has tatts – a lot more than she does, including some across his hands/fingers, which I hear hurts like a MOFO – and, like Wren, originally started hacking to protect someone he cared for. [Spoiler: it was for her. He started it to help her out.]



“I cared, Wren. Every day, all the time. I still fucking care. I told myself I wouldn’t…” He blew out a harsh breath, pupils dilating. “Fuck it. This is why it kills me to see you involved in this, because all I wanna do is see you safe. I cared back then when you were young, and I still care now that you’re back, all woman and hot as fuck and still so goddamn untouchable.”



They’ve both carried around some unrequited love for the other, but it still takes a good portion of the book before they act on those feelings. Which is understandable, considering everything they’ve got going on to pull this stunt off and not, you know, die. The romance gets put on the backburner for a bit, making it a slow burn. Again, that’s fine, I was okay with that, as I was also interested in the story and action going on around the romance.



And it doesn’t hurt that when these two do get together?



He’d never been one to talk much to his partners, but the sight of Wren had the words dripping from his tongue. “Oh baby.” He smiled. “That’s what you want, right? You want my hand on this wet, hot pussy?”
Her mouth was open, her hands braced on his chest. “Roarke,” she gasped out.He yanked the fabric to the side and stared down at the glistening curly hair around her folds. He sucked his thumb into his mouth and placed it right on her clit.
“Oh fuck,” she cried out, and rolled her hips harder.
He was going to come in his jeans. The solid ridge covered with denim was wet with her arousal. He thought about pulling himself out and jacking off right there, but he didn’t want to take his eyes off Wren or interrupt her desperate chase to get off.
He slipped two fingers inside her, and she gasped, stilling for a moment. She was picture perfect—tits out, skirt up to her waist, mouth open with kiss-swollen lips. A spot of red on the side of her neck, where he’d sucked up a patch, stood out against her light skin. Good, he hoped it was there for days. Weeks.
Her hips swiveled, and he curled his fingers, possessiveness for her slithering into his blood every moment she let him touch her.



Oh. Yeah. They burn the pages a bit. First with a hot fingerbang while she’s grinding on him, later with a kitchen table quickie, and finally in an actual bed. Those scenes were excellent, and their chemistry and dirty talk made me a very happy reader. As always, Erickson did not disappoint.



One thing I do wish we could have seen somehow? Peeks into their teenage years, when they first started having feelings for one another. I’ve mentioned this before with many books that build the romance from a previous relationship the couple had in the past – even if it wasn’t romantic/sexual then. I want to see where it all started for them. We don’t get any of that here and between that and the fairly quick time frame for this story, I did feel like I wanted a bit more from their romance. It’s not that I was disappointed by what we got, but I would have liked a bit more to build up to their final HEA, you know?



Later in the book, we find out that Roarke first started hacking to get back at a cheating boyfriend Wren had in school (he hacked into the guy’s computer at school and had it automatically play porn). I can’t say that I’m mad about him doing that, especially since that’s a pretty harmless thing. But here’s where I had a problem with Roarke’s actions: that wasn’t the last time he did something via hacking to affect her life. In fact, he’s been “hacking her life” ever since that day, everything from helping her to win a year’s supply of free gasoline in a contest one year to making sure that she got in at this place or that job or whatever. And he’s been keeping an eye on her in the years that she’s been away, also through the computer/hacking. When he finally tells her this, she gets mad – understandably! But after yelling at him for a minute, it’s just sorta brushed under the carpet and never brought up again. And THAT bothered me. Because there’s a difference between looking out for someone that you love, and trying to control their life behind the scene. To me, what Roarke was doing, even if everything turned out how Wren wanted her life to be anyway, it felt a bit too much like the creepy-controler hero side of it, rather than the protective hero side. I didn’t hate Roarke or anything, but I still had to give him a side-eye. Or twenty. And, as I said, the thing that really bothered me was that it wasn’t really addressed and is instead shrugged off by Wren after she yells at him for a minute.



So the chemistry was there, as well as the action/suspense, while the romance was a bit uneven for me, though still managing to be quite satisfying overall. There were some things kinda left hanging, or at least unclear, but considering this is the first in a connected series, I am assuming it’ll all play out in the future books.



All in all, this was a good start to a new series and I had a good time reading it. The thing I loved the most – besides the hot sex, obviously – was meeting the rest of the crew and having that moment of “Oooooooh. I WANT THEIR STORIES. COME TO ME, LOVELIES, AND TELL ME EVERYTHING.”



A wolf whistle sounded in the cavernous space, and he whipped his head around to see Marisol wiggling her eyebrows. “No one told me there’d be pretty eye candy on the team,” she said.
There was a beat of silence before Wren started giggling. He narrowed his eyes at Marisol. “No fraternizing with other members of the team.”
She rolled her eyes at the empty threat. “You’re a buzzkill.” She beckoned to Wren. “Come on over, sweet cheeks. I don’t bite, and I’m really good with my hands."
Roarke dropped his chin to his chest. “Fuck me.”



Seriously, they better all be getting their own book because the need is real. From Wren’s brother, Erick, to mysterious Dade, to kickass and sexually confident Marisol. And I can’t forget big, quiet Jock, who apparently has a military background and, I think, is going to be paired up Wren’s friend, Fiona. I love when that happens: when an author can create a cast of characters that you are excited to return to, and you have to find out their individual stories RIGHT NOW. And Erickson certainly did that here. I can’t wait for book two!



4 STARS!

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I love suspense books, guys. LOVE. I also don't read enough suspense books, but this book manages to fulfill everything I could possibly hope for. We have hilarious banter! Sexual tension! Broody men! Kickass women! A Korean American love interest! And my favorite...hackers making techie jokes during sexually charged moments. I love everything about this book and will do my best to review this when all I want to do is fangirl over it.

Zero Hour starts off introducing a lot of characters right from chapter one. We have Roarke Brennan and he is putting together a team to avenge his brother's murder. What he needs is a team of hackers, but hackers aren't exactly known to work in groups and are much more prone to do solitary work. But Roarke can't do this type of work by himself and he calls in the help of his childhood best friend - Erick Lee, and meets up with Dade Kelly, who is one mysterious guy. There's also Marisol, who works as the group's social engineer and can get answers from anyone, and Jock, the quiet, a hacker of few words. On the way to setting up his team, Roarke meets his childhood crush for the first time in 10 years, Wren Lee.

Wren is Erick's younger sister and has had a crush on Roarke for years. There is so much unresolved sexual tension between Roarke and Wren, that all their meetings are more than a little charged. By the end of chapter two I was already rooting for these two to get their happy ending.

This is a revenge plot seeping in sexual tension. There is also a whole cast of characters to get to know and love. Roarke's brother, Flynn, died, but in no way did Roarke believe it was an accident. In order to seek Flynn's killer, he assembles the best of the best and we learn pretty quickly that this book means business.

Wren has an "in" of sorts with the main suspect's son, Darren Saltner. He's...creepy. And not in that hot, evil guy sort of way. This book describes him as a guy who dresses like Patrick Bateman from American Psycho. He's not the redeemable bad guy. He's just a terrible person. I was initially worried about what exactly Wren's undercover job might lead to, but thankfully, it never gets too far, and the team is almost always nearby.

Trigger warnings include mentions of sexual assault and sex trafficking, and definitely for scenes between Wren and Darren that some might find uncomfortable.

There's a lot of spy-type undercover work and it does get action-packed near the end. I could not put this book down, you guys. The book is intense and has a way of drawing you into the story that makes it impossible to stop reading. The ending though? It's not really a cliffhanger, but it sort of is? The relationship is more of a HFN, I think, considering all the stuff that's happening in the plot. The story that leads into the next book though...I need Jock's book immediately. There is a tiny excerpt for book two, but it's not enough! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK. *weeps*

The Wired and Dangerous series might turn into my favorite series by Megan Erickson! Guys. I love how Megan writes in so many different sub-genres within romance because there is something for everyone. Zero Hour is suspenseful with bold characters and action-packed sequences that had me on the edge of my seat.

***Thanks to Forever Romance for providing me an ARC on NetGalley as part of a bookstagram tour***

"Remember this moment, because it's real and human. No computers or wires or code. Just me and you."

Megan Erickson is an auto-buy author for me. She writes it. I read it. No questions asked. Any genre. Any pairing.

Unfortunately, Zero Hour didn't meet my expectations. While enjoyable, it missed the mark in certain areas.

When I first heard Megan Erickson announce this series, I was BEYOND excited! She mentioned it was inspired by the movie Hackers and well, I freaking LOVE that move so I was all in.

As I cracked this book open, I was immediately sucked in. A revenge plot, plus a best friend's little sister trope wrapped around me instantly. I loved how grumpy Roarke was...closed off, bitter, a ball of fury. He was getting a team together to take down those involved in killing his brother. Nothing would stop him. Nothing would get in his way.

Except Wren.

And she sure made an entrance. Confidence pouring off her. Lavender hair, badass bike....experienced hacker. She wanted in. Not just to avenge Flynn...she had her own demons to battle.

And at first, I loved the UST constantly bubbling between Roarke and Wren. Roarke was in awe of the woman Wren turned in to. He hadn't seen her in a decade, but that didn't mean he wasn't keeping tabs on her behind a computer screen.

She was all grown up now, and while he could visually see that, he had a hard time letting go of his vision of her from when they were younger. The girl who dreamed of a husband, a white picket fence, 2.5 kids....the girl he'd never be good enough for. How was he going to get through this mission with her constantly on his mind?

Wren has seen and lived through all kinds of situations. Things that very few know about. So few that she could count them on one hand. She knows what she's capable of, and she's set herself up to being a vital part of this mission. Feelings for Roarke, the guy she's had feelings for since she was a teenager, will just have to be put to the side.

And so began way too much back and forth & push and pull for my liking. For about the middle 40% of the book it was too much whiplash.

An almost kiss, then someone runs away. Rounding of a couple of bases, a confession, then someone storms off. Finally sex! Then a truth bomb and you guess it....someone storms away.

And in each instance, after every encounter that ended with someone walking away angry....the next morning it was "I'm so mad, but my body is burning up" and quickly they're over the anger. I love a good push and pull conflict, but there was too much going around in circles here for my tastes. It got very frustrating.

However, I have to say that Megan Erickson created a hacking team that I am beyond intrigued with (though I wish we would have seen how this team came together).

If everyone is getting a book....I'm so IN and ready for it! Especially Jock....OMG give me a stoic and cold man with a hint of heart underneath any day of the week. I can't wait to meet the woman who breaks his hardened shell!

The suspense element, while intriguing, kind of bored me. I expected more "edge of my seat" action and instead ended up with a mystery that never fully grabbed me and then an anti-climactic ending.

But I think what disappoints me most is the editing here. No disrespect to self-publishing AT ALL, but I have certain expectations when it comes to traditionally published books..and the editing I got here ain't it.

*misspelled words
*Extra words in sentences
*Missing words
*Wrong name used during a scene
*Continuity issues (start scene in one location and then all of a sudden they're somewhere else or start scene dressed one way and then wearing something else)

The errors here really surprised me.

So...overall, this was a book that didn't meet my expectations, but still left me excited for the rest of the series, and in my eyes that's a win.

It’s no secret I love Megan Erickson’s M/F romantic series as much as I love her heroes in her gay romance books, may it in her single-written book or those with her evenly amazing and talented co-author Santino Hassell.
With Zero Hour Megan Erickson is mixing two amazing topics: hacking and action. As someone who has a pretty good insight in the computer sciene through friends and family reading this book filled my heart with glee.

The crew of amazing hackers is fueled by the mission to take revenge of the death of a dear member in their group, the brother of main character Roarke, Flynn, who found information about things he shouldn’t ever know.

The plot is thick of events, full of twists which are well displayed and handled. I loved how Megan Erickson created a solid plot, something you could totally get into, a plot who engrossed you, with a lot of personal aspects, hence the emotional part of the book was amazing next to the cool hacker action and the fierceness of the main characters.

Next to the unstoppable thirst to take vengeance on his brother’s killers Roarke is also fueled by his unyielding and ever-present yearning for his best friend’s little sister Wren, who he knows since they are teenager. He is tangled between his desire for her and his wish to keep her protected, to keep her save, not being in the crosshairs of their enemies, being a living, breathing target.

The mix of overboiling feelings, mixed with the hurt and grief after his brother is taking its toll on Roarke but the rest of the team is also effected by the death of the charming young man they mourn. Within the book more secrets are revealed, more devastating facts are coming to the surface and the reader is left with a HFN but there is the promise of an eventful second and third book.

The chemistry between Roarke and Wren is constantly there from the first to the last page. The fact they share a past and have seen the other’s highs and lows is a great basis, on the other hand they have their own secrets living their own lives and the true feelings for each other aren’t revealed until later.
The hot scenes, their intercourses are steamy and hot, combine the deep emotions with carnal lust & need, but also shows the deep bond between the two.
I loved how Megan Erickson balanced these parts with the rest of the book. Never are the sex scenes dull or ill-placed. And together the other parts where Roarke and Wren share their secrets, their fears and vulnerable sides it truly shows that the author is a pro in creating believable characters you cheer with.

Other than 5 stars wouldn’t do the book its justice. Wholeheartedly recommended and really, pick this book up.

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words

I think this is the first Megan book I've ever DNF'd and that makes me sad.

Do I think others will love this book, yes.
But for me, I'm already 52% and absolutely nothing has happened. I feel like it's just one big emotional circle between Wren and Roarke.
I'm thinking if there's ever a book about Dade in it though, I'll be all over it.

Sadly, this book isn't for me, but I hope it does well, because I love the idea of this book. Hackers are hot, after all ;)

zero hour kicks of a new romantic suspense series by megan erickson. roarke brennan and his ace team of hackers are out for revenge and find themselves wrapped up in a plot that will pit them against the baddest of the bad.

among the highly skilled people roarke has recruited is wren lee. the one girl he's always been in love with. and the one girl that he's always been convinced deserved better than him. he's idolized her for so long he's not quite sure how to handle the real thing. wren is smart and strong and has secrets.

he thinks he knows all her secrets. but he doesn't.

and this realization forces him to look at her differently. and suddenly she's not the unattainable woman he's dreamed of. she's flesh and bone and pure sex appeal. and she's his.

so even as their whole revenge scheme goes to pieces, that's the one constant. she is his. he is hers. somehow with all the crazy they'll make it work.

**zero hour will publish on january 30, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 stars--ZERO HOUR is the first instalment in Megan Erickson’s contemporary, adult WIRED AND DANGEROUS romantic suspense series focusing on a group of computer hackers and coders. This is hacker Roarke Brennan and Wren Lee’s story line-a story line that introduces the players in a dangerous game of betrayal and revenge.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Roarke and Wren) ZERO HOUR follows Roarke Brennan as he gathers a team of expert computer hackers on his way to avenging his brother’s death. Two years earlier Flynn Brennan, hired by the Saltner Defense computer security software company, discovered a situation that would place the world’s computers at risk, and for it, found his life forfeited by the man in charge. Fast forward to present day wherein Roarke Brennan, along with his best friend Erick, and Erick’s sister Wren, set a plan into action to take down the CEO of Saltner Defense -Arden, and his son Darren Saltner. What ensues is the best friend’s little sister / friends to lovers romance between Roarke and Wren, and the fall out when their need for revenge doesn’t go according to plans.

Roarke Brennan has loved his best friend’s little sister for most of his life. Wren Lee was physically off limits but that didn’t stop Roarke from keeping electronic ties on the woman he vowed to protect the rest of his life. Wren Lee knows a thing or two about revenge, and Roarke’s plans are the perfect set up for our heroine to do a little digging of her own.

The relationship between Roarke and Wren is one of palpable sexual attraction but an attraction that is tempered by the best friend’s little sister scenario-a scenario Roarke is quickly willing to push aside the longer Wren is back in his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Roarke’s crew of computer hackers and coders: Dade Kelly; former army sharpshooter Jamison ‘Jock,’ Bosh, Marisol Rosa; and Wren’s brother, Roarke’s childhood best friend Erick Lee; dance club proprietor Darren Saltner and his father, Arden Saltner, the CEO of Saltner Defense.

ZERO HOUR focuses on the need for revenge; on the betrayal brought about by a software firm willing to sell out to the highest bidder. There is a little bit of action and suspense; romance and love; vengeance and retribution. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance involves the push and pull of yes and no, maybe or maybe not; the characters are eclectic and colorful. ZERO HOUR does not end on a cliff-anger but on a HEA for now when bigger players in the game warn the crew about furthering their need for revenge.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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