katkinney's review
5.0
I was super excited to see this third book in the Bennett Security romantic suspense series! Computer expert Sylvie Trousseau has had to restart her life after a complicated and hurtful break with her family. She now works for Bennett Security. When she’s assigned to perform a security system installation at the house of mobster Dominic Crane, the chemistry is instantaneous, even though Sylvie doesn’t want to be drawn in. Dominic was forced to take over the Silverlake Syndicate by his family and now is under house arrest, torn whether he should turn on the mob and go into witness protection, or stay silent and remain loyal to family. I found the chemistry between these two to be intense and the romance to be surprisingly sweet for a bad boy romance where someone is in organized crime. Both Sylvie and Dominic have difficult pasts to overcome that they connect over. There was a section in the middle of the book where they exchanged slightly adorkable text messages that melted my heart. And as with the previous books, the steamy scenes are HOT!
I received a complimentary copy of Hard Wired as one of its beta readers. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of Hard Wired as one of its beta readers. This is my honest and voluntary review.
undrcvrbookahlc's review
4.0
What an enjoyable read! I love a good female hacker story and LOVE when we get to see a nerdy girl show off. Our FMC, Sylvie, is a 30 y/o hacker who can write code like no other. At multiple points throughout the story she gets to crack down on her laptop and show off her skills. Dominic, our MC, is enamored by her intelligence and wit. When they first meet, Sylvie gets all tripped up by how attractive she thinks Dominic is and adorably stumbles through their initial interaction. This leads to witty banter and an intense growing attraction - and of course some steamy scenes.
These characters feel pretty well written but I would've liked to see a little more depth to Dominic. To not give anything away, throughout the book he is conflicted about what path he should take (A or B) and at the end of the book, he mentions that the path he chose (path C) "felt like him." But throughout the story, we don't get much in terms of inner monologue or discussion with Sylvie about who he is outside of his mobster identity. Path C kind of felt like it came out of left field... I would've liked to see some more conversations about their potential future between him and Sylvie maybe in the form of daydreaming together or "would you rather" types of conversations.
One thing I absolutely LOVED about this book was the open and honest conversation about Sylvie's inability to orgasm. Dominic is not only immensely willing but also extremely enthusiastic about helping her with this. The dialogue and conversations regarding this topic felt so real, especially when so many women find it hard to achieve orgasm with male partners. There was no shaming and no teasing when it came to Sylvie and her body. I absolutely think that if more men were like Dominic, we'd have a lot more happy women on this earth.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read that I really enjoyed! Can't wait to check out more from this author. :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
These characters feel pretty well written but I would've liked to see a little more depth to Dominic. To not give anything away, throughout the book he is conflicted about what path he should take (A or B) and at the end of the book, he mentions that the path he chose (path C) "felt like him." But throughout the story, we don't get much in terms of inner monologue or discussion with Sylvie about who he is outside of his mobster identity. Path C kind of felt like it came out of left field... I would've liked to see some more conversations about their potential future between him and Sylvie maybe in the form of daydreaming together or "would you rather" types of conversations.
One thing I absolutely LOVED about this book was the open and honest conversation about Sylvie's inability to orgasm. Dominic is not only immensely willing but also extremely enthusiastic about helping her with this. The dialogue and conversations regarding this topic felt so real, especially when so many women find it hard to achieve orgasm with male partners. There was no shaming and no teasing when it came to Sylvie and her body. I absolutely think that if more men were like Dominic, we'd have a lot more happy women on this earth.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read that I really enjoyed! Can't wait to check out more from this author. :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
bookswithdawn's review
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
This was a wonderful romantic suspense novel. Dominic was looking for the best way out of the lifestyle he was forced to live. Sylvie has always been lovely and brilliant, but it was revealed she had some scars as well. They helped the other realize that they are not defined by their family, their history, or the opinions of others, and that they can grow and improve.
I loved the open talk about Sylvie's inability to orgasm and Dominic's eagerness to help her, especially because many women have difficulties attaining orgasm with male partners.
Some of Dominic's abilities could have been introduced and developed on earlier in the novel, in my opinion. His final career decision was unexpected, and there was no sign that he had this interest/talent previously.
There was tension and ambiguity, which made the plot much more compelling. Overall, I'm liking the series so far and can't wait to read what's next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the open talk about Sylvie's inability to orgasm and Dominic's eagerness to help her, especially because many women have difficulties attaining orgasm with male partners.
Some of Dominic's abilities could have been introduced and developed on earlier in the novel, in my opinion. His final career decision was unexpected, and there was no sign that he had this interest/talent previously.
There was tension and ambiguity, which made the plot much more compelling. Overall, I'm liking the series so far and can't wait to read what's next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
More...