Title: Black Hat Hacker
Author(s): Soraya Naomi
Series: Chicago Syndicate, #6, #6
Published by Jasmine Books on March 28, 2017
Pages: 298
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Mafia
Source: Author
Format: eBook
Purchase: Amazon
Rating:
A standalone. Although part of the Chicago Syndicate world, Black Hat Hacker is a complete standalone and can be enjoyed either with or without reading the rest of the series.
You don’t know me.But that’s only because I don’t want you to.
I have the most lucrative job in the country as a hacker in the notorious underworld. I’ve built entire systems and destroyed evidence for career advancement while stealing and exploiting data for personal gain. I’m the black hat hacker for the Chicago Syndicate and hold all the dirty secrets of the most powerful men in the U.S. in the palm of my hands, just a keystroke away from mass ruination.
However, no one knows my dirty secret, a decision from my past that’s just aching to blow up in my face and shatter my future. Especially when a certain wavy haired brunette begins to demand my attention with her odd ways and her carefree attitude.
She’s a woman who makes me go against everything I’ve ever believed.A woman whom I’m forbidden from having my usual one-night stand with, even if she was available.A woman whom I have to keep from getting herself killed, whether she likes it or not.
You don’t know me, but neither does she…yet.
A New Adult Mafia Romance.
From Soraya Naomi, Bestselling Author of For Fallon and For Luca. Novel Grounds Semi Annual Literary Awards 2014 winner of Best Breakout Novel For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate, #1).
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
The Story
I enjoyed the pacing and loved the way the story flowed from start to finish. The narration of the story in alternate first person POVs was a plus for me. It allowed me to get into the heads of the main characters, causing me to relate to thoughts, actions and emotions. I did not agree with their actions at times, but I understood their reasons. The twists the author strategically placed throughout the story enhanced my enjoyment. The writing style is good, and I found myself immersed in the story. The scenes, which were funny, emotional, suspenseful, intense and dramatic, were well developed.
Characters
I had mixed feelings in relation to the characters. They are interesting, but I thought they needed a little more development. Initially, Mary grated on my nerves. She acted immature, made dumb choices, which placed her and others in harm’s way. However, as I went deeper into the story, I watched her evolved and I appreciated her. I like her passion for life and her need to offer help where needed. However, it would have been nice to have insight about her life, prior to discovering that her brother were the syndicate.
I enjoyed getting to know Henry. Who knew computer nerds could be so hot. He is a complicated character. I understood why women flocked him. He has experienced a lot for his 24 years; his experiences scarred him emotionally. As a result, he had issues with trusting others and he shied away from committed relationships. His feelings for Mary shocked him to his core, and he struggled through most of the story. He desired to spend time with her, but his trust issues and his inability to connect on an emotional level proved a hindrance.
I disliked some of his actions. I did not appreciate how he felt the need to keep secrets about his past from Mary. Secrets, which has the power to wreck his relationship Mary and his employers. Nor did I like his reaction when everything blew up in his face. He lied to everyone about his past. I knew why he did it, and I empathise with what happened to him, but he did not have to lie. His past collided with his present and his lies came to light and he found himself coming under pressure.
The Romance
I had a hard time connecting with Mary and Henry as a couple. I enjoyed their banter but their conversations and interaction lacked the depth that one would expect from a couple in love. For most of the story, the focus was on the physical aspects of their relationship. Although the sex scenes were well written, I had hoped for an in depth interaction. I was not convinced about Henry’s feelings for Mary until the moment they shared a near death experience. From that moment, I became invested in their relationship and hoped they would get their happy ending.
Conclusion/Recommendation
In spite of the flaws, the story proved to be an enjoyable read. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
