Exploited
Zero Day #1
By A. Meredith Walters
Releasing July 25th, 2017
Loveswept
In Exploited (Zero Day #1) by A. Meredith Walters, Hannah Whalen is determined to expose the evil committed by various corporate and government bodies that have been getting away with corruption for far too long. However, being a notorious hacktivist means Hannah doesn't let people in easily. But that all changes when she meets the FBI agent assigned to find out just who 'Freedom Overdrive' is. She knows getting involved with him is a stupid idea, but what other choice does she have if she wants to stay one step ahead of him discovering her secret identity. Will Hannah be able to keep her identity a secret, or will the man she's fallen in love with discover the truth?
What a fascinating, fast-paced, exciting read Ms. Walters has delivered in this first book of her Zero Day series, which ends with an exhilarating cliffhanger, and is also a story worth diving into even if you're not a fan of stories that end in such a way. The way this story started had me sympathizing with the heroine, as she's suffered with the loss of a loved one and she's determined to make things better for those left behind by the aftermath. Will her plan succeed? Will she get caught?
As for the dialogue, it was intense and emotional due to the main characters back stories that had me empathizing with their losses and had me determined to figure out what would happen to Hannah, as the danger and someone's determination to have Hannah all to themselves closes in. Will Hannah discover the person's identity? Will Hannah be able to face off against someone that has skills that rival hers and may just be better than her when it comes to hacking? However, the dialogue wasn't all intense and I liked the growing relationship between Hannah and Mason. They have really strong chemistry, which is palpable through their romance, yet I felt sorry for Mason because their relationship is built on lies and a secret Hannah is desperate to keep. Just how far is she willing to go to make sure Mason never knows the truth?
Both the main characters were utterly entertaining and I loved both their back stories. Hannah believes she's doing the right thing, but it's palpable she's in way over her head. I also liked how strong and brave the heroine was and her determination to do everything she could to help her sister, even if it's in a way that could see her in jail if she gets caught. While the hero, he's smart, tenacious and I liked that he didn't give up on discovering the person responsible behind the hacking, even though it seemed impossible he was going to find whoever was taking down corrupt companies that definitely deserved what happened to them. I also liked that he gave Hannah a chance, although his career as an FBI agent has made him permanently suspicious of people's motives.
Overall, Ms. Walters has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this pair was instantaneous and had me wondering how things would turn out for Hannah and Mason in the end, especially since I knew this book ended with a cliffhanger. The way this story ended took me totally by surprise because of what Mason learns and the trouble coming Hannah's way that has me wanting to get my hands on the next book to find out how things will turn out for this couple. Will Hannah be able to get herself out of trouble? I would recommend Exploited by A. Meredith Walters, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Karina Halle, LP Dover, Samantha Young and Penny Reid.
BLURB
In this pulse-pounding novel from the bestselling author of Butterfly Dreams, a vigilante hacker plays a seductive game with the agent who’s chasing her online—and sharing her bed in real life.
At first glance, I’m nothing out of the ordinary. I am a daughter. A sister. A friend. When you look at me you won’t see anything that warrants suspicion. I don’t look like a criminal.
My name is Hannah Whalen, but most people know me as freed0mov3rdr1v3, or “Freedom Overdrive”—one of the world’s most prolific and notorious hacktivists. My goal—my purpose—is to shed light on the evil that lurks behind the corporate and government lies we have been force-fed for too long.
My story begins with the best possible intention. Devoting my life to exposing the corrupt. The dishonest. The unethical. For that, they label me a cyber-terrorist. Wanted by the FBI, I’ve always been one step ahead.
Until I fell in love.
Because I’m sleeping with the man who’s hunting me. And he has no idea that I am his prey. Now I have to decide what’s more important: my freedom or my heart.
At first glance, I’m nothing out of the ordinary. I am a daughter. A sister. A friend. When you look at me you won’t see anything that warrants suspicion. I don’t look like a criminal.
My name is Hannah Whalen, but most people know me as freed0mov3rdr1v3, or “Freedom Overdrive”—one of the world’s most prolific and notorious hacktivists. My goal—my purpose—is to shed light on the evil that lurks behind the corporate and government lies we have been force-fed for too long.
My story begins with the best possible intention. Devoting my life to exposing the corrupt. The dishonest. The unethical. For that, they label me a cyber-terrorist. Wanted by the FBI, I’ve always been one step ahead.
Until I fell in love.
Because I’m sleeping with the man who’s hunting me. And he has no idea that I am his prey. Now I have to decide what’s more important: my freedom or my heart.
Note: Exploited ends on a cliffhanger. Hannah’s story continues in Aftermath.
BUY LINK: Amazon
This sounds intriguing. I'm looking forward to reading this and the conclusion to the duet, because I really enjoy this author's books.
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