Dawn has a troubled past. She was assaulted a few years ago, and instead of wallowing in self pity, she vowed to move forward and get self defense classes. Ramon the owner of the gym, offered her a job as a trainer, knowing this would make her more self assured plus she was excellent at her job.

When Dawn’s customers complain about the gym’s WiFi, she reports it to Ramon, and his crazy wife Vicki, who also happens to be there, says she will take care of it. The odd thing is that it continues to happen, this is when Dawn contacts KRG. Her best friend Alice had an issue with hackers and they solved her problem, plus Alice is now engaged to one of the owners. After Leland contacts her, he tells her that he’s going to join the gym and do his sleuthing undercover. What he finds out is really scary. This puts them working together, and their chemistry is red hot!

Leland has never met a woman like Dawn and he would like to take this chemistry further and see where it takes them. However, Dawnmis holding back and he can’t figure out what it is.

This book had everything, romance, suspense and great sex! I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!

I generally don’t review books that are DNF’s for me. However, my reason for not finishing Nancy Herkness’s The Hacker was because I felt blindsided by what was in the book, and left shaken. I wanted to warn others, so they wouldn’t feel the way I did.

The Hacker is one of those books that NEEDS to come with a trigger warning. Nowhere does Nancy or Montlake mention that there is at least one scene in the book that could be a trigger for someone. Not on a page at the front of the book, not on Nancy’s website, or any of her social media accounts. The blurb only mentions the heroine, Dawn, has a troubled past.

Dawn and Leland know each other because their best friends from The Money Man are now engaged to be married. The two have spent time together as part of the group, but have never really been one on one with each other. When some of Dawn’s clients at the gym she works for start complaining about wi-fi not working and attempts by management to fix the problem seem to fail, Dawn turns to Leland for help. What he uncovers is more than he expected and becomes a problem he can’t turn his back on. During this time, the two act on their mutual attraction. Leland knows that Dawn is holding herself back, but he doesn’t know why.

60% into the book, Dawn relives what happened to her at the age of 19/20 years old when she was seconds away from being sexually assaulted by three guys. I think Nancy is a wonderful author. She writes scenes that really put the reader into them. Dawn reliving the most tragic day of her life was no different. As I said, there was no warning this scene was going to be in the book. Dawn and Leland went from having a really good time in the pool, to her remembering what the day was like and what she was doing. Now, for some people, this might not be a big deal. But for others, this is real. The scene Nancy described has happened to someone. In fact, I will say it has happened hundreds of times to multiple someones. I feel it is callous to put the scene into the book and just be like oh well. It’s as if the thought is that someone who has been assaulted wouldn’t read a romance book. The romance genre is all about overcoming your past to find love.

Reading is escapism for people. Reading romance allows you to fall in love over and over again. People need to know that they are worthy and deserving of love. People need to know that their past doesn't dictate their future. Men and women need to know that there are good, decent, understanding people in the world, just waiting to meet them and fall in love with them. People who won't treat them poorly. Authors and publishers are in a fantastic position. They have the power to let readers know that through the books they produce that all of this is true. They just need to remember there's a fine line between fiction and reality. Things authors and editors think up can, will, and do happen. Give readers a heads up. Let them decide if they are in a place where they won’t be traumatized.

While I stopped reading The Hacker at 60% of the way through, I can say the true suspense part is extremely slow going. Outside of knowing something really bad is happening at the gym, the suspense is non-existent. I have no doubt that there will be a scene or chapter that will ramp things up and have you on the edge of your seat, as Nancy did in The Money Man.

Rating: 1 Star DNF at 60%

This book was a pretty enjoyable read. But for me it was a little slow starting out but it really picked up in action in the last 25%. I liked the fact I didn’t really know till half way through the book who the bad guys were. It really had me guessing. This a new to me author and I cannot wait to read some of her other books. I can’t wait until Tully’s story comes out.

I didn’t realise when reading this book that it was part of a series. It didn’t matter than I hadn’t read book 1 as the book focussed on two different characters and the author introduced them fully in this book.
The story was the standard baseline of this genre (girl meets boy, girl resists boy, they get together) but it had a storyline which kept me enthralled all the way through. I liked that Dawn had her own story and you slowly uncovered it as the book went on. I’m not sure if reading book 1 would have spoilt this.
All in all, this was the perfect book to pick up if you need to wind down and I enjoyed it. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

3 stars

Unique mystery to solve but I couldn't connect with Dawn and Leland's characters.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

I'm really enjoying this new series from Herkness that marries sensual contemporary romance with tightly-woven suspense. Dawn and Leland have smoking sexual chemistry, and I thoroughly enjoyed that part of their relationship, but I was even more invested in their emotional connection. Both bring some emotional baggage with them; Leland is still grieving the recent death of his mother and Dawn struggles with a traumatic event from her college days. I like how their deepening relationship gives each of them the courage to share their stories with one another. Dawn, especially, begins to finally heal and allow herself to be vulnerable. I was glad to watch that process take place slowly and not be an "insta-fix." By the end of their journey, I was fully confident in their ability to have a strong, trusting, happy life together.

The suspense portion of the book slowly builds until hitting a crescendo near the final chapters. While the bad guys are pretty obvious throughout much of the book, it's still fun to watch how everything plays out.

Another facet of this book - and the entire series, really - that I especially enjoy is the tight bond of friendship among business partners Derek (The Money Man), Leland (The Hacker), and Tully as well as the close female friendship among Alice (The Money Man), Dawn (The Hacker), and Natalie. Herkness brings them all to life on the page, so much so that reading The Hacker was like a visit with old friends that has me already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The hacker is the second volume in The consultants series by Nancy Herkness. I reviewed the first one, The money man.
This book tells Leland Rockwell and Dawn Galiato ‘s story. Leland is the second KRG’s cofounder and Dawn is a personal trainer in a Jersey gym. She’s also one of Alice’s best friend who was the heroine in the first book.

I loved this novel. The characters are very nice and their love story evolves slowly both because of the heroine and the hero.
Dawn thinks she’s not good enough for our hero because she gave up College and she doesn’t have any degree. Plus, she suffered a trauma a few years ago and she’s not recovered yet. So she doesn’t trust men and doesn’t let people closer to her.
The hero lost his mother a few months ago and they had a relationship so exclusive that he’s not recovered yet and he’s afraid to build new lasting relations. He threw himself body and soul into his work and his friends are afraid for him.
When the story begins, our heroes already met and see each other from far away. As they are attracted to each other, Dawn enjoys the excuse of the Wi-fi problem to get in touch with Leland, and the latter makes the most of this situation to flirt with her.
At first, the relationship is slowly because they have to know the other better as well as their personality. For that purpose, at first, they talk to each other by emails and exchange subtle teasings. They first make love later in the book, that’s unusual with Nancy LOL but understandable.

On the suspense side, I found that the investigation was well lead. I had quickly a global idea of the puzzle’s resolution but I didn’t know all the ins and outs until the end of the book.

As for the secondary characters, we see the previous heroes, the third best friend (Natalie) and the last cofounder (Tully Gibson). In theory, Natalie and Tully should have their story together but for now, there isn’t any interaction between them so I don’t know. Stay tuned.
In any case, there are a lot of harmony and mutual assistance from all the characters and I loved this aspect of the book.

To conclude, I loved the book and its characters. Although it’s the second one in the series, we can read it as a standalone, but I recommend the first one too in order to have a better introduction to the characters. There is neither any common thread so each investigation ends at the end of the volume.

Getting to know these characters some in book 1 made me excited for this story, and I really enjoyed it!

Dawn Galioto is a self-defense expert and personal trainer, who works at a gym in New Jersey. The gym, and the owner who hired her, are all she really has other than her 2 best friends, Alice and Natalie. She has some demons from her past that keep her uber-vigilant about safety, and it's hard for her to trust other people. After some clients complain about the gym's WiFi being down for an extended period, and the people hired by the owner's wife haven't been able to fix it, she reaches out to her best friend Alice. Alice's fiance is head of a big-time consulting firm in NYC, and one of his 2 partners, Leland, is the computer expert for the firm. Alice says Leland would be glad to help, so she loops him in. Leland emails Dawn right away, and he offers to do what he can. Dawn enjoys their email interactions quite a lot, and she's disappointed when the owner and his wife turn down the offer of help, since it means no more interactions with Leland.

Leland Rockwell is all work and no play. He was raised by a single mother, who worked 3 jobs to put him through school, and he's always wanted to feel worthy of all that hard work. Especially now, a few months after his mother's death. He's become a workaholic, only really leaving to swim in the lap pool on the roof, or go home to sleep, which he doesn't do much of. When Dawn, who he's been drawn to from their first meeting at Derek and Alice's engagement party, asks him for help, he's eager to converse with her. But, when a new problem pops up, and Leland looks into it on his own, he's even more intrigued by the mystery. He decides to join Dawn's gym, to try and figure it out. But, he never imagined how his life would change, or the danger they would both be in.

Leland and Dawn had mega chemistry from the start, but Dawn was very reticent to be involved with such a brilliant, powerful man, given her history. Leland doesn't think he has anything real to offer Dawn, with his crazy work schedule, and his lack of real relationship history. They are both basically loners, with only a couple very close friends in their inner circle and I loved watching them find their way together.

I enjoyed the small amount we got of the side characters in Leland and Dawn's friend groups in this story. They both have people that really care about them, and I liked watching them open up to their friends about their issues. I'm very much looking forward to Tully and Natalie's book next!

The suspense plot here was interesting, and exciting at times. There were people I suspected from the beginning, and others I didn't really think of, that ended up being involved too. I liked how capable Dawn was in her own right, and how she wasn't your typical damsel in distress. She and Leland made a great team, and their connection was also super strong and steamy the whole time. I think what I enjoyed the most was watching them come to really trust each other, and talk to one another about all their issues.

I've really been enjoying this series so far, and I can't wait for book 3!

Content Warning for on-page recollections of prior sexual assault.

Thanks go to the author, publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of The Hacker by Nancy Herkness for the purpose of reading and reviewing, prior to its release. My opinions are my own and no one influenced them.

The Hacker is the second book in Ms. Herkness’s series, The Consultants. As with Ms. Herkness’s novels, The Hacker is a well-written novel with characters that pull you into the story and having you routing for them to succeed.

Dawn Galioto’s character has a troubled past that led her to her career as a sought-after self-defense and fitness trainer with the NJ gym she works at. That past has her questioning her ability to have a meaningful relationship with a man, though. I could understand her concerns. Trauma always has a lasting effect on an individual. When she reaches out to the hero, known for his hacker skills, she’s immediately attracted to him. Her confused emotions toward Leland tugged at my heart.

Leland Rockwell is a great hero. He’s a computer nerd and yet not your typical computer geek. For one thing, he has muscles from years of swimming. He has a great many facets to his character. Raised by a single mom, and with no contact or support from his wealthy father, he’s plagued by guilt when his mother dies unexpectedly. He’s determined to excel in her memory. His mother worked three jobs to see he received the best education in his younger years. As a member of KRG Consulting, the company he and his two friends founded, he has proven his success as their cybersecurity expert.

The story line is one that has plenty of suspense and the climax is exciting. I will admit though, it was easy to figure out the culprit behind the issue with the wi-fi at Dawn’s gym. The mystery is whether it involves her mentor, something that would break her heart. I felt her anguish at the thought of his involvement.

The romance between Dawn and Leland is combustible at the beginning and burns hot throughout the book. Although I would have liked a bit more emphasis on the emotions behind the physical attraction, nonetheless, I enjoyed their love story and wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with a hot billionaire, then you will like The Hacker. The Money Man is the first book and is my favorite of the two so far. I look forward to Tully’s romance. It’s sure to be full of suspense since he’s ex-FBI. Happy reading!

The Hacker has an interesting storyline with the perfect balance of romance and suspense. I really enjoyed Dawn and Leland's story and loved getting updates on Alice and Derek. I absolutely love The Consultants series! I'm eagerly awaiting Tully's story.

Dawn Galioto has mostly recovered from an event in her past that shaped her need to be able to protect herself. Dawn is working as a personal trainer when she notices an internet issue at the gym. Mentioning the issue to a friend brings her in to contact with Leland Rockwell from KRG Consulting. Leland is an amazing hacker and part owner of KRG. He volunteers to check in to the situation and his attraction to Dawn is a bonus. When Leland uncovers disturbing information about the gym, he seeks help from his friend, a former FBI agent. I loved the interaction and attraction between Dawn and Leland. He realizes an issue from her past is affecting their relationship and gives her time to get to know him as they soon become lovers. Strong male and female leads make this an enjoyable read. I have not read the first book in the series, but look forward to it as well. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Dawn is a personal trainer at a local gym when a few of her clients complain about the wifi not working properly she mentions it to her best friend who is also a client. Alice recommends she call Leland who works with her fiance Derek. Leland, Derek, and Tully run KRG together and Leland is the computer genius.
Dawn and Leland send a few emails that have a flirty vibe to them. As they talk back and forth the sizzle between them grows. Then they come up with a plan for Leland to pretend to be a new client so he can check out the wifi. What he finds out is not what they were expecting.
Is Dawn's beloved boss a part of the mess they find? Will Their relationship end when they solve the wi-fi issue? Will there be a HEA for Dawn and Leland?
I really liked this story and the suspenseful side of the story was the best for me. I love romantic suspense and Leland & Dawn are a great couple. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for Tully. This is a really good series if you are looking for a fun, flirty story with a HEA for each couple.
**Copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion**

"Darlin', I know how strong you are but I just found you. If I lose you, who will I wake up when I can't sleep?"

Another swoonworthy billionaire from Nancy Herkness! The Hacker was a fab addition to The Consultants series. I found myself quickly invested in Dawn and Leland's foray into suspense and mystery and, of course, happily ever after. So much so that I neglected some of my other duties to keep reading through to the end—something I did with a smile on my face.

I do so love the way Ms. Herkness writes her heroes—arrogant, quirky, and sexy as can be—and her heroines—strong, smart, and brave even when scared. It just makes for easy-to-read-and-enjoy romance. And that's definitely what this one is. A quick, fun, and heart-racing read, with a touch of relatableness in Dawn, and a dash of fantasy in Leland. And okay, a little eyebrow-raising at the scope of the suspense side, but sue me. I'm a sucker for anything that gets my whole body involved in reading: blood pumping, leaning forward, lip biting, heart thumping. An altogether jittery feeling but in a good way, you know?

Add to that the fact that I loved seeing Alice and Derek again, and am absolutely salivating over Tully, the cowboy/former FBI agent/billionaire, and yep, you have a winner in The Hacker. Definitely worth neglecting a few chores (and more) for!

Dawn needs help with an annoying wi-fi issue at the gym where she works. Her boss's wife assures her she is on top of it. When Dawn confides the issue to her friend Alice, word trickles down to Leland, Alice's fiancee's partner. Leland sees this as a two-sided coin. One, a new puzzle to solve, and two, the time he can spend with Dawn.

As the two work together to find the problem, they stumble over a deeper and darker mystery.

The romance simmers to a boil as they chase clues to find the truth. But the bad guys are looking too.

I so enjoy the element of intrigue in Nancy Herkness's stories. They keep you on the edge and make you into a co-sleuth with the characters. Dawn and Leland's story is fun and involved, with that element of danger.

When a series of mishaps bring them together, will it be enough to keep them united...

Once again Mrs Herkness does not disappoint, I wondered what a computer genius and a personal trainer would have in common outside so lustful thoughts, and she made it work.
When Leland was an only child with a single parent, Dawn has many siblings and happily married parents. She dropped college when he went to the bests. Yet they both hide their scars under driven personality, mostly focused on their job. How they get involved together.
Leland as a tribute to his late mother is unable to say no and refuse a job, so he must juggle his many assignments, his attraction to Dawn, his lack of sleep and so on. He copes from his loss by burying himself under a stack of work until one becomes more.
Dawn recovered from her ordeal with her boss support, why she is so devoted to him and her job. So when little events occur, she just wants to help improve her friend’s business.
Did she know she would step in a web of rats.
Leland and Dawn were cute to observe navigating toward the other, their chemistry is high but they held back, not certain to be ready for more than a fling and a bit afraid to be left hurt.
It was fun to see them fumble around the other, getting close then stepping back to finally find a common ground, enough to share their past issues and the changes it brought for them.
4.25stars

Now, what await Tully and Natalie.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Montlake, Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

THE HACKER was a deliciously enjoyable read! I made an immediate connection with both Leland and Dawn. They are two of the best book characters in recent memory. I particularly liked how their relationship began quickly, as they wasted no time exploring their feelings and getting to know one another. This made me happy!

Nancy Herkness provides readers an action packed read filled with heated excitement and intrigue. THE HACKER kept me on pins and needles from beginning to end. It's nail biting plot was masterful!

This book was a great take me away read; a great escape from the daily grind of life; a wonderful breath of fresh air. Kudos to Ms Herkness on a job well done! Thank you!

I didn't read the first in the series but was told he can be read as a stand a lone. The story is blah nothing stand out as the characters life moves from moment to moment. Dawn isn't enough of what reader might be hoping for and Leland is well just as bland.

The story flows and the writing is ok. Nothing stands out giving this the book that readers might be looking for in a romance or a mystery.

The book is bland, boring and very much self absorbed with its own story telling.



Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Nancy Herkness The Hacker.

I love Nancy Herkness' writing style. She has a special way of including action, excitement and emotion in her stories. In this book, The Hacker, which is the second book in her Consultants series Ms. Herkness had me turning the pages and reading as fast as I could to get to the end of the story to see who was guilty and how Dawn and Leland would get together. There was so much going on that saying the story was fast-paced doesn't really describe the action and suspense really well. I loved this story!

Dawn is a personal trainer at a local gym, and when people start complaining about the WiFi issues, her friend Alice suggests she get help from her fiancés firm, KRG Consultation through their SBI program.
KRG’s Cyber security expert, Leland, is intrigued by the problem at Dawns gym, and since the bosses have not given their approval, Leland joins the gym to find out more about the problem. Dawn and Leland have always had a thing for each other, now while working together, it seems best to explore those feelings.
I enjoyed reading this book. There is a sense of danger that keeps you hooked, some drama, and hot chemistry keeps you entertained. The culprits were not really a suspense, but what they were dealing in, was.
This is the second book in the series and I have enjoyed them both. Eagerly awaiting Tully’s book now.

A lot of romance with some good suspense!

Dawn Galioto loves her job as a trainer at Work It Out but when the Wi-Fi started becoming unreliable, she decided to ask Leland Rockwell if he could check it out quietly for her because the clients at the gym were complaining and the boss said it would be a while. Leland Rockwell is the computer specialist for KRG Consulting, and he originally thought that it would be a simple fix. The fix was anything but simple when the problem was tracked to the dark web and people trying to sell illegal items.

The Hacker by Nancy Herkness is a romantic suspense that is so much more than I expected with some very good suspense with the problems with the dark web and realizing they have fallen in love!

The Hacker is the second book in The Consultants Series, and I can’t wait for Tully’s story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.