The Hacker (The Consultants #2) by Nancy Herkness-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N Paper / Indigo Paper /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2020

Dawn Galioto is an expert in self-defense and the most in-demand personal trainer at her Jersey gym—a perfect position for a woman fighting her way out of a troubled past and the anxieties that come with it. Then, after complaints about baffling Wi-Fi glitches at the gym, Dawn calls in disarmingly hot, high-powered computer consultant Leland Rockwell. If she can trust anyone to fix her on-the-job problems, it’s Leland. As for healing her off-hours fears, time will tell.

The cybersecurity genius of KRG, Leland sees a lot to admire in Dawn. She’s strong, quick-witted, and sexy. And something of a puzzle—one Leland wants very much to solve. If only she’d let him. Every new reveal brings him intimately closer to Dawn, but there’s another, more dangerous riddle to decipher. After going undercover to solve her Wi-Fi problem, Leland’s found a dark workplace secret. As Dawn’s past threatens a burgeoning romance, the deepening mystery they’re discovering threatens their lives.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE HACKER is the second instalment in Nancy Herkness’ contemporary, adult THE CONSULTANTS romantic suspense series focusing on three friends and business partners Derek Killion, Leland Rockwell, and Tully Gibson who own KRG Consulting Group and their Small Business Initiative offering complimentary assistance to local businesses . This is cyber security specialist Leland Rockwell, and personal trainer Dawn Galioto’s story line. THE HACKER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Dawn is Alice’s best friend (The Money Man #1).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dawn and Leland) THE HACKER follows the building relationship between cyber security specialist Leland Rockwell, and personal trainer Dawn Galioto, and the complaints regarding the Wi-Fi issues at Work It Out gym where Dawn is employed. Unable to get a decent response from the gym’s current owner and IT staff, Dawn’s friend Alice suggests cyber security specialist and her fiance’s business partner Leland Rockwell, an in effort to uncover what is happening and why. When all offers of help are refused by the owner, Leland Rockwell goes undercover as a member, in an effort to ferret out the reasons why. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Leland and Dawn, and the potential fall-out as Leland uncovers a dark web connection to the Work It Out gym.

The relationship between Dawn and Leland is an acquaintance to lovers relationship when Dawn is contacted by Leland Rockwell as a favor for his partner’s fiancé. Dawn has been attracted to Leland since the first time they met but Dawn felt intimidated by her lack of a degree and Leland’s genius status and overall smarts. Back and forth emails left Dawn wondering about the who and why of our leading hero when his attempts at getting to know Dawn stir something deep within our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large colorful and energetic cast of secondary and supporting characters including Derek and Alice (The Money Man #1), Leland and Derek’s business partner Tully Gibson, hair stylist and Alice’s friend Natalie, as well as gym owners Vicky and Ramon Vazquez, and trainer Chad.

THE HACKER is a story of intrigue and suspense; secrets and lies; relationships, friendships and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is flirtatious and seductive; the characters are dynamic and spirited. THE HACKER is a welcome and enjoyable addition to The Consultants series.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE MONEY MAN

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy