When I got this, I knew I’d like it because it’s Megan Erickson. She’s just a great storyteller, you know? What I didn’t expect was just how much I’d love it. And I’m not surprised so much as really fucking pleased.

Zero Hour has this exciting thriller/mystery/revenge plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was difficult to put down as each chapter lead into the next, leaving me wondering what the heck was going to happen to my heroes, how they were going to get out of the mess they were in, and when we might get Jock’s book. Well, as it happens, I know that Jock’s book is next in this series, and I could not be more excited. As for the rest? Lets just say that yea, they get into it. Really into it. The problem is, it’s never just hacking that needs to happen. Sometimes, to do a a job, you need to actually talk to the bad guys in person, go undercover, plant a virus, and do other various highly illegal or suspicious things. So this team of hackers not only need to know their way around a computer, they need to be willing to go all out.

All out is what this team does best. Sort of… I mean, they’re not perfect. They really are hackers first, so all of those things that also need to happen don’t come easily and problems pop up. So one of the things I absolutely loved about this book is the fact that they make mistakes, they get out of situations by the skin of their teeth, and not everything runs smoothly.

Another thing I loved, loved, loved, is the balance between action/hacking/romance. Because in all honesty, at its heart, Zero Hour is a romance novel too. Erickson does a great job of keeping the romance in balance with everything else, giving readers a chance to take a breath, just not too long of one, before the next batch of action takes place. And these characters, Wren and Roarke, they are really well developed. Past history is clearly and succinctly explained, lending to the way the romance plays out. So when these two are having all the feels, and trying to deny them, it feels right. Having the history so well laid out made for a more believable connection. They’re also seriously hot together. Steaming. Add in the rest of the team, all of whom have interesting backgrounds I’m wanting to explore, and I’m a happy camper. Wren and Roarke also butt heads… a lot. But my dude seriously has a boundaries problem and when he oversteps them, he really oversteps them. Having Wren put him in his place was a thing of beauty.

Speaking of the team… Not only does Jock, new love of my life, get the next book, but also coming will be Erick, Wren’s brother. His story is one I’m also very excited for based on all the information we learn in Zero Hour. To say I have a bunch of theories about how his book will play out is an understatement. I’m also crossing my fingers that other team members Marisol and Dade get their own book(s). They’re both mysterious and compelling, so help me convince all who need to be convinced to make this happen, would you?

To close, I loved this book, in case you couldn’t tell. This was a lot of fun to read and I’m adding this to my reread rotation.

Cheers Megan! You knocked this one out of the park.

Zero Hour is a thrilling read full of suspense, thrills and romance. The characters draw readers in with their strong, compelling presence and the fast paced story keeps the anticipation building throughout.

The story is a bit misleading because you expect it to be more sedate than it is because of the stereo typing belief that hackers are all about their computers. That is definitely not the case here as readers find out almost right off the bat. The hero and heroine, Roarke and Wren are two characters that demand attention and captivate readers with their charismatic personalities that are somewhat expected but are so much more than expected that I just had to get to know them better. Which leads me to their romance, it is full of emotional turmoil which adds lots of depth and tugs at heartstrings.

Now, we get to the thrilling suspense of the story, it is not only fast paced, I have to agree with the “Fast & Furious” feel of the story. It has lots of twists and unexpected surprises that really keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the anticipation builds throughout. Along with the question of whether these characters will let revenge rule their lives, will revenge be enough, will it come between the growing relationship and even the question of whether they will survive?

Zero Hour is the first book that I have read by Megan Erickson and what a great one to start out with. I was glued to the pages from beginning to end and found the world exciting and daring and the author brought it vivid life, so I am looking forward to not only reading the next book in the Wired & Dangerous series but more books by Megan Erickson.

Before I started the book, I was worried that since I know little about computers and nothing about hacking, I'd have a hard time keeping up. That was not the case. A lot of the story is about how the characters feel and what drives them, not techno talk. And when they do get to the technical stuff, it's explained in a way that a reader like me would understand.

The mysterious Dade Kelly and the colorful Marisol quickly became my favorites; I adored them both from the moment they showed up for the first time in the novel. The other members of Roarke's crew - Jock, Roarke's friend Erick and Erick's sister Wren might've not won me as much as Dade and Marisol, but they all have their individual characteristics and strengths and they form an interesting mishmash of a crew that somehow makes it work. And then there's another hacker - even more mysterious and secretive than Dade - who shows up later and isn't a part of the crew; I'm not going to get into detail about them - mostly because not much is known, but also to avoid spoilers - but their presence is ominous and hints at the threats that would face the wired and dangerous crew in later novels.

If you are looking for a book with a lot of techno babble, this isn't for you; if you are looking for a non-sweet romance with action and complications in and outside the romantic plot, then you might enjoy this.

I was really excited to get back into the geeky hacker world with Megan Erickson but I have to say this isn't the same geekiness that we have had from Megan before and while it threw me for a bit of a loop I really enjoyed this story. What makes it different? It's a total suspense novel, a lot grittier than we have seen before and a little darker.

I was a tad concerned that it would go over my head with computer speak but I can say that was not a problem at all, in fact I felt a little torn about the fact that there was not a more in depth description about the hacking the group does. I loved the suspense, I loved the romance, I loved the friendships, but I missed seeing the group in the trenches of the hacker world. Now, I will admit this is probably a difficult place for Megan to find herself in as she writes this series. She can't go so in depth that we the average reader gets lost in the muck and the mire of a world we don't understand and yet at the same time she has to give us a close look into the world so that we can actually feel like we are in there with the characters and maybe learning something along the way. She will likely find herself in the place where she can't please us all sadly, but I mention all of that because for me it is just about the only thing that kept me from giving it a full 5 stars. I just didn't feel as invested in their world as I would have liked to have been.

All that said, I am so curious about all the characters that she has given us, especially about this mystery hacker that we have only gotten a small glimpse at. I have this bad habit of always falling for the 'bad guy' and even though we barely (and I mean barely as in the tip of the iceberg type of barely) I kinda already am hoping for some wild redemption story, haha.

Wren for me stole the show in this book. This is a badass woman who's style, attitude, flair, guts, etc... I wish I could have. She has no problem taking on these boys and showing them that she is every bit as good as they are. On that note before you think I am saying she has to prove herself, she doesn't have to in the sense that they think some in general aren't capable hackers, just that she is the little sister of the best friend of the hero; someone they have tried to keep out of their world so she has to prove to them that she is as good just because they don't expect her to ever be in their world in the first place. There is definitely not a men hackers are better than women hackers attitude in this book so don't be afraid.

Roarke and Wren have basically been in love with each other since they were teens, but there is the whole best friend's little sister issue that has kept them apart all these years. I really enjoyed seeing them work through their issues and find out they have both been pining after each other for years. I will admit it took lame a while to get into the book but once I did I couldn't turn away from these two, especially once they decided that trying to stay away from each other wasn't going to happen.

There is a lot of action in this book and a pretty deep story line that revolves around sex trafficking. I love that through this book Megan is bringing a terrible world issue to the fore front. It's a frightening world out there and Megan gives it to us with brutal honesty. I have to say I would have hated having to do the research for this book, I am pretty sure I would have been in a state of teary anger the entire time I was writing it. It's so worth the anger you may walk away with though and honestly we should all be angry that this is happening all around us everyday.

I missed a little bit of the light heartedness I have come to love from Megan Erickson but I also appreciate that this is out of her comfort zone and that she is bringing us something new. As I said earlier it was a little bit slow for me in the beginning and it took me a while to get into the story but once I did this was a pretty quick read and definitely a series that I will be keeping up for. We've got several romances in our future with this series, possibly several M/F's and at least one M/M and like I mentioned earlier maybe if I am a very good reader a bad boy redemption story, haha!

This was awesome! I loved the build to the romance and the suspense was captivating. I was exciting while and on the edge of my seat!

Wren and Roark were fantastic characters. I liked that push and pull they had on one another. A bit of animosity mixed with simmering chemistry. I liked learning their history and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop in the midst of their mission and all the drama that was going on. Both Wren and Roark had their own motivations for what they were doing and I was fascinated by their personal stories. It was intense and emotional. I loved everything that I learned and that build those details created as all the pieces connected.

I thought the suspense element was excellent, it added a nice amount of intensity. I loved the hacker element as well, learning the ins and outs of it, and the lingo. It was something new to me and it made it more fun to read since it was fresh. I loved the exceptional cast of characters that was introduced. I am so curious about all the other members of Roark’s crew, they each had such distinct personalities and were so full of secrets. They intrigued the heck out of me and I need more of them!

Writing wise I thought there was a great flow to the story, I liked the depth and details, I was hooked and turning the page because I couldn't wait to learn what would happen next. The world the author created is elaborate and I really enjoyed it.

Excellent way to kick off a series! There's a bit of heat, a lot of passion, and the perfect mix of mystery and drama mixed in leading up to a very action packed ending that had me holding my breath. There was closure but a definite opening for the next book. Sign me up! This was a winner!

This is an extraordinary book.. Not only is there a really well thought story but within that story there’s an arc set up for at least three books! I have lots more to say but it has to wait ..... full review coming soon.

OMG, how did release day get here so fast for Zero Hour?!?! Okay, so it’s time for me to explain why this book was extraordinary for me.

First, the story was edge of your seat anticipatory. Both the suspense tension and the romantic tension were spot on. I also found it twisty enough where I can definitively say that not everything you read is what is … hmmmmm …. So PAY ATTENTION. Seriously ….. pay attention lol

Second, here I was, reading this ridiculously well plotted story, thinking it’s just about one thing when … NO, it’s about multiple things. Here’s where my review gets tricky. I don’t actually want to spoil it for you so I have to be careful what I reveal. This story is SO much more than a simple romantic suspense with a revenge plot. It’s a story of forgiveness and friendship and family . It’s a story of love and hidden truths and smoking mirrors . And If I’m right about the ending of this book, it’s a story that sets up an ARC story-line that will follow thru at least three books in this series . Not all your questions in this book will be answered and even the ones you think were answered … maybe think again lol So PAY ATTENTION ;) The only think I know for sure is that Wren and Roarke get past their hurdle and take the romantic plunge … suspense wise, hmmmmmmmmmmm ….

Third, Megan Erickson wrote such compelling characters that I was not only invested in Wren and Roarke (our leads) but every single other person in the team. Seriously you guys, this is a team of misfits. Ridiculously talented misfits, but misfits just the same. And I loved every single moment of them. They are all so very unique yet fit together like a well-oiled machine. This is one team of hackers I won’t be forgetting any time soon.

I am so thrilled with not only this story but the stories it set up to come that my gut is telling me it will end up in my top reads for 2018! This is unlike anything I have read by Megan before and altho I don’t want to say it’s her best work yet, it’s pretty fucking close!

Copy provided by NetGalley for review

If coding is your kryptonite, and fast paced action gives you a special kind of thrill, or a slow burn romance that is nothing short of destined is your passion, then you’ll find all of that and more in Zero Hour.

As the opening story in the Wired & Dangerous series there is definite world building in Zero Hour. I never found it overwhelming rather it blends in with the ongoing story very well, but there are things that need to be established as we dive into this world of hackers, villains and lovers who were always meant to be. Roarke is determined to have those responsible for his brother’s death pay, and pay big time. His team of coders, hackers and geniuses of the web will make certain that happens. It’s merely a matter of having everything in place and timing. When a woman Roarke has wished for his own and denied them both for years wants in on his plans, well it’s hard to say no to Wren. Their’s is a truly slow burn romance that gathers speed until it almost explodes off of the page. I never doubted for a second that they were meant for each other, but they did indeed work their way together.

Secondary characters come alive in this story, and I’m looking forward to when other members of the team take the spotlight. The mystery and suspense will keep you on your toes, the bantering and friendship among the team will have you laughing and understanding that closeness – and Roarke and Wren will tear your heart apart and put it back together again. Their pasts, together and separately, have defined them but it’s up to them as to what their future holds.

I enjoyed Zero Hour very much and would recommend it to any reader of Romantic Suspense. Darkest Night is up next and I’ll be watching for that one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story.It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Received in exchange for a honest review.

First the book is good but I do think that a book before this one would help. Why? We learn that everyone is getting together to get revenge for Flynn, Roarke’s brother. We learn why flynn was murdered but I think that book about Flynn would truly help us see it all in a bigger picture. We will see what it was Flynn discovered, why he was so liked. Really get a backstory on him and the other characters more. That would help relate more to the characters and the story itself.

Saying that though doesn’t mean I didn’t like the book, I did. I liked the suspense and seeing what Daren and his father were truly up to. I liked seeing the different situations and how roarke and his team handled them. It was a cat and mouse that was fun and Dade was interesting. So is Jock. We see a group of antisocial independent people come together and form a rag tag team and a bond even when they weren’t trying to. We see Marisol find people to trust and a friend in Wren. Dade find like minded people and people to be allies when needed. Erick is able to find solace with those who love him and feel comfortable in who he is and heal or slowly heal. Jock finds people to understand him and be comrades with. Roarke finds himself and moves on from anger and revenge to finding a family in this team but also his best friend Erick and him get closer and Erick’s sister Wren and him act on their feelings and let love into their relationship.

We see how these hackers think and work. We see them work together for a common goal and see that they want to thwart bad and use their skills to do it.

Roarke is a complex character. Very gruff and angry. His feelings for WRen are obvious from the beginning when she comes in but he also has one thing in mind. Revenge. That and keeping her the way he always saw her. It is Wren and her desire for her own revenge that gets her on board with the crew. Only she has kept secrets herself and even her brother has to learn to forgive her secrets and move on to get the job done. His feelings for Wren began when they were kids and only intensified as he got older and with time. But he felt he didn’t deserve someone like her because of his anger and desire for revenge. He practically raised his brother and was afraid to let someone in and mess them up He didn’t want to hurt anyone and that was his fear with Wren. Now their sexual tension could be cut with a knife and is felt by all around them. She is undercover and in the most danger of all. Over time they can’t contain their feelings and chemistry and just wow.

Wren is strong and stubborn. She has a score to settle and uses the crew to do it even if it means keeping them in the dark. It is this that can get them all killed but she doesn’t care. Until she is faced to see her feelings and Roarke’s. These two play their own game of cat and mouse with their feelings and it is entertaining. to watch unfold.

Erick is in so much pain but holding up. He is the one you just want to hug and tell all will be okay.

this group is in a dangerous game to bring down some very sinister people. They find out things that will make skin crawl and you just root for them to win. Only what they find once they get through the layers is that there is always someone controlling the slime and that is more dangerous.

the story is one that is fast paced and full of danger and intrigue.It is the story of how Roarke and this group avenge flynn and end up as a team but also how roarke lets go and finds love. We have a romance that the characters struggle with due to the situation but cannot control their feelings and succumb. We get the beginning of a series that brings a group of people together that normally wouldn’t be together but they build a trust and camaraderie with one another they also become like a family and are now on a mission together in the end. A good beginning to the series because it shows us how this group came together and what they do. We get mystery behind some of the characters that will be hopefully unfolded over time and we see one character broken that could use love to help them heal.

Zero Hour is new a suspenseful hacker series that will have you begging for more.

Roarke is ready to avenge the death of his brother and gets a crew together. Reluctantly Wren is along for the ride and not afraid to put her own life on the line. Roarke and Wren have a history, but also have this passion for each other that is undying.

Megan has a different type of writing style. Usually, I can’t get into stories that aren’t in the first person anymore. I’m not sure why, but it’s happened. She was able to draw me into the story and keep me there. I had to see what would happen next and it’s a pretty wild ride.

Overall, Four Boundless Stars

3,5-4 stars

This was a great story, I was intrigued and I wanted to know more about Roarke!Also I wanted to know about his history with Wren.I loved the premise in this one because it was so different from whatever I have read so far!I enjoyed most of the story.I have some issues in the beginning, I was confused with what is happening but soon the story keep up and everything was ok for me!Roarke is dark,broody and sexy.Wren is fun,sassy and sexy.Their romance is sexy and slow burn and I liked a lot!I loved the secondary characters so much, they were perfect!I'm excited for the next book and I'm sure it will be better!

I’m trash when it comes to familial and friendship bonds, and this book was overflowing with that. This book follows a badass group of hackers, specifically Roarke and Wren. Roarke is on a mission to avenge his brothers death and he puts together this band of misfits to get it done. He’s thrown by surprise when his best friend’s sister joins the team for her own reasons.

I adored both Wren and Roarke. Roarke was protective and a bit broody, and most importantly, he was never afraid to admit when he was in the wrong. Wren was a goddess in her own way. She never took Roarke’s crap, and was never afraid to stand up for herself. Zero Hour was filled with wonderful side characters, who will be getting their own books eventually.

This was a phenomenal start to what I’m sure will be an action-packed series, and I can’t wait to see all of these hackers get their story!

“You like seeing me cave, don’t you? You like breaking me in half, ripping me open, and getting me to show you what I’d never show anyone else.”

It’s safe to say that this new series from Megan Erickson has me wired and is very dangerous to my Kindle.

I’m sorry about the puns. But I’m NOT sorry about recommending you get to know Roarke, Wren and the rag-tag crew of white-ish-hat hackers that feature in Zero Hour. For starters, these people skirt the line of good and, err, not-so-good (Dade, guys. I need to know). Plus, they’re not your typical romance heroes and heroines. They’re unique. Smart. Stoic. Feisty. They cross the spectrum and they’re interesting. I’m already on the hook for Jock, and Erick, and Marisol and . . . well, whatever Ms. Erickson plans to give me, honestly.

Zero Hour is excellent as a first-in-series. Though a little slow to start—establishing characters and plots and hacking skills—once it hits its stride, it’s edge-of-your-seat action mixed with a little forbidden-but-fated love. It’s oh, so sexy, and, as it inches closer to the end, damn near unputdownable.

Which is why I approached midnight—and those final chapters—with eyes that raced through every word, a wired mind desperate to process what had happened and was happening, and a Kindle at risk of being thrown with each new development.

Dangerous, indeed. And just the beginning, if that ending is to be believed . . .

“You think love is protecting her from beyond a keyboard. Meanwhile, all she ever wanted was a scrap of your attention. A tiny bit of emotion. She wanted words out of your mouth, not a change in her coding.”

~ FOUR Little Bird STARS ~

The concept for this series had me salivating to read it.  I generally feel like I read the same old story when I pick up a romantic suspense book and I was dying for something new.  The added bonus that this was pitched like a hacker Fast and Furious had me running to crack it open.

In ZERO HOUR, the hero, Roarke is putting together a team of hackers to bring down the people responsible for killing his brother.  His brother thought he was just doing his job and that landed him in the sights of the wrong people in the Dark web.  I thought the overall storyline was very well developed and kept me interested.  This is the type of suspense story that keeps you on your toes and wanting to know what happens next.  The plot was fast paced, as was the romance.

I immediately fell for the heroine.  Wren is a great mix of soft and badass, and she was usually smart about her moves.  The times when she wasn't as smart there was always a motive and she was very aware of the risks she was taking.  I really liked that about her.  It could've easily gone into TSTL territory had it been done any other way, but I ended up admiring her for what she's accomplished on her own.

The chemistry between Roarke and Wren was instant but I had a harder time believing that after all these years of Roarke being able to control his feelings and not acting on them, all of a sudden he couldn't hold back at all.  It didn't feel gradual enough I guess for me.  The situation they are in made everything more heightened and explosive and that certainly translated to the romance as well.

While I liked the plot and the characters (even the side characters), the dialogue got on my nerves.  It felt like it was trying too hard and didn't feel natural (or if that was natural it made me want to pull my hair out).  The jokes weren't really working for me and it just didn't come across mature enough for my taste.  And yes, I get that our characters are pretty young still.  I guess I have a low tolerance for that.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I think the beginning of a promising series.

Zero Hour has all of the action and excitement I love in a romantic suspense series. But it's also a little bit different than most of the ones I've read since the hackers are kind of an ad hoc group, rather than a full time team. They all have some shared history, though much of it's just allusion at this point. I wondered at times if this is a spin off from a previous series that introduced some of the characters.



Is "reunited high school crushes" a real romance trope? Even if it's not, I loved Wren and Roarke together. I love that she's just as smart and capable as the guys in the group, even if it took Roarke a little while to realize it. And I loved the fact that the first time he touched her, he said "Is this OK?" (I've been having issues with consent in my PNRs lately. More on that in a future post.)



The one thing that bugged me about Wren, which I admit is minor, is her hair. I love lavender hair (I mean, have you seen Amanda Bonilla's Instagram pics?) but there was a lot of buzz last summer about what's wrong with the "hair streaks indicate a rebellious Asian girl" thing (Wren's Korean-American) and I couldn't help thinking about that even though it was her whole head, not actually streaks. Her full sleeve tattoos alone would have conveyed the same thing without a racially-specific cliche. And then there's the fact that she kept wearing red dresses which, while great for her skin tone, would clash with her hair.



So TL;DR I love Wren but hate her hair. There's also a big reveal that I saw coming pretty early on, even though the characters were surprised.



I loved the ensemble cast, though not much is revealed about most of them yet. I would have liked a little more explanation about how some of these computer nerds learned spy craft, but I hope that some of that will come later. Erickson is definitely setting up a series. She's introduced enough characters to carry three or four books so far, as well as an enemy that will carry over at least in to the next book. And I'm good with all that because I'm so interested in their world. I'll definitely be watching for book two!

Hackers are not usually my style but the story line includes a tattooed hero and heroine, shutting down a rape video ring, and avenging the death of a whistle-blowing brother. This is the beginning of a new series featuring a crew of hackers that hold unique skills on top of their insane computer skills. You do not need to be a computer expert or even know how to turn one on to enjoy this book. They dig for information as if by magic.

Roarke has assembled a team to take down the person or persons responsible for killing his brother. An unexpected addition to the team is Wren, his long time crush. Their chemistry has been simmering a long time but threatens to complicate the mission. Wren is their ticket to getting the information they need. She will need to risk it all for the cause.

Their team of six is united to honor Flynn and to avenge his death but they also have individual agendas that both compliment and conflict with the primary goal. I can't wait to see where the team will go next.

First things first... Let me start out by saying, that this book is an MF book. As far as I know the first two books will be MF. After that there might be MM, but I am not completely sure.

I myself read both, and since Megan Erickson has become a favorite author of mine with her MM books, I figured I would give this MF one a shot too.... Also, it's about hackers and I think hackers are so freaking SEXY !!!!! For some reason code really turns me on :P

Roarke (hacker extraordinair) wants to avenge the death of his brother Flynn, and he gets a team of hackers together, to help him out on his mission. He knows who's responsible for his brothers death...and he wants to make sure this person goes down !!

What he wasn't prepared for, was his friend's sister also joining the team. Wren has her own reasons for wanting to help out the team.

These two have been crushing on each other for a long long time and its quite obvious that the attraction between them hasn't simmered down over the years.

It does take them some time, but then they finally reach the point, and do something about it :P

It isn't an easy ride and there are quite a few bumps on the road but these two do make it work. I also really enjoyed the fact that Wren wasn't a doormat, even though Roarke was pretty Alpha....

A nice "slow burn" romance with some mystery and suspense mixed in ;)

An ARC was generously provided to DirtyBooksObsession, in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession

hackers! revenge plot! best friend's sister trope! Well this one had everything i enjoy and it's a solid start to Megan's new romantic suspense series. And i gotta say I was grabbed from the beginning right up until that epilogue...which I'm now side eyeing Megan for because now I need book 2 immediately and i can't have it yet!

I loved the heroine Wren, she's Korean/American and a hacker in her own right and the best thing is when she doesn't let Roarke get away with anythiiiiiing. I always love when the heroine gives the hero a run for his money and let me tell you Roarke was pissing me off...alot!!

I think Megan did a good job of redeeming him for basically inserting himself in Wren's life, via hacking, without her knowing. i'm glad that wasn't glossed over, how wrong he was for doing that. Glad that Wren called him the eff out for that nonsense cuz >.>

i loved these two together, even though yes Roarke got on my nerves multiple times but the best thing about this book is the team, the friendships, the secondary characters are amazing!

Right away i fell in love with them, especially Dade with his mysterious self and Marisol who is pansexual i think. I just adore her and I want both Dade and Marisol to have books or a book idk i maybe sorta shipped them...maybe lol. I know the next book is Jock, then Erick but pretty please can i have a Marisol and Dade book too???

Erick was hilarious as well, the joker in the bunch and i loved his relationship with his sister and Roarke, Roarke is so grumpy trying to herd his team that Erick was a good balance to that.

I' eagerly looking forward to learning more about this other hacker they came up against who is obviously gonna cause more problems later on.

and that epilogue made me smile for reasons, but also i'm just here like WTF :O because that phone call?? how very dare...

so a good start to this series, i'll be eagerly waiting for book 2, because i feel like there's a lot of mystery to Jock as well, he's so quiet and I want to know more about him and his LI. And Erick also needs his HEA so i'm waiting on book 3 as well just give everyone a book is what am saying !

Hacker Roarke Brennan has only one thing on his mind nowadays: getting revenge for his brother Flynn's murder. He's got his crew waiting in the wings, and a plan in place. A plan that doesn't include his best friend's younger sister.

Wren Lee will be involved in Roarke's plan whether he likes it or not. She feels the loss of Flynn just as much as Roarke does. She's been building her skills up for years and she can definitely contribute to the crew. However, when she sees and opportunity to make herself the inside(wo)man, she takes it despite it being extremely dangerous.

Roarke has secretly cared for Wren from afar since they were teenagers. If he wants to exact his revenge, Wren's plan is the best, but he wants her nowhere near this operation, and especially doesn't want her in the thick of things.

I thought the premise of the book sounded really good. I've not read a book before where the main characters and the main plot point was hacking. It seemed interesting and in may respects it was. It was pretty easy to follow along with. But I kind of felt like something was missing. I felt like there was a prequel short story or novella that I missed somewhere that would have eased me into the storyline a little more. As is was, I just didn't feel that connection with the characters, or the connection that they're apparently supposed to feel for each other. It all just came about too fast.

First off, Flynn, Roarke's murdered brother. The crew is together for him. We're supposed to believe that he inspired this camaraderie in this group of people who are notoriously known as loners because of his outgoing and bright personality. They ban together in his loss. I just didn't feel the pang of that loss in the group. I felt like we were dropped into the middle of the conflict without the emotional build-up. Maybe a prologue prior to Flynn's death would have filled that void for me.

Also, the idea of Wren trying to infiltrate the bad guys, as the case may be, didn't sit right with me either. Her character just screamed amateur, which was disappointing because she talks a good game, but I felt like realistically, she was pegged from the beginning. In fact the whole operation felt a little wonky to me. I know I say "realistically" and you say "fiction", but I then come back and say, I want it to at least feel like it makes sense. I wanted to feel like this group of people were really capable of delivering the revenge they planning on, getting the bad guys. That they are truly bada** hackers. I just didn't feel this way particularly.

It may sound as though I didn't enjoy much about this book, but I liked the idea and this idea has enough of a promise that I'm willing to see what happens next. I'm willing to see how this group goes because if one thing is for certain at the end of this book, their fight is not yet finished.

I look forward to seeing this group build the bonds that I feel like they're supposed to have. The secondary characters are built up wonderfully. We're given just enough background to pique the interest and I'm interested how their stories will effect the big picture at least as it's built up by the end of this first book.

So, overall, a promising read that I'm willing to continue in hopes that things start to come together better over time.

Megan Erickson's one of my favourite authors writing in the MM Romance Genre but I've also enjoyed her MF romances, particularly the Gamers Series, and I mostly enjoyed this one.

I think there were elements which didn't work as well for me personally (the push/pull of a couple who have always fancied each other really annoys me when it goes on too long) and the lone wolf element of Wren's hidden second objective felt a bit shoehorned in.

Other than that, it's a well crafted romance hitching a ride on a hacker/mystery/suspense narrative which did work well and which set up the rest of the series without leaving a huge cliffhanger.

Roarke is one passionate man, and he can be a bit blood thirsty with that passion, “this is going to be a effing disaster,” he muttered almost to himself, as his gaze began to roam. Down her neck, across her chest, which heaved with deep breaths, and then down to where his hand was tucked between her legs. “He’s going to make one wrong move, and I’m going to eff up the whole thing by blowing his brains out.” Roarke tends to get all flustered when trying to get his feelings out in the open, “yeah, a thing…” He blew out a breath. “First, thanks for letting me in and not slamming the door in my face. I know you wanted to.” I liked this book, I loved Roarke.