Zero Day Exploit

Bayou's End #1.5

by Cole McCade

A bad decision never felt so good.

zero day exploit (noun):
1. An attack that penetrates a previously unknown vulnerability in a computer or system.
2. The kind of infuriating, manipulative man who gets under your skin and refuses to get out.

And now, a one-night stand may turn out to be the biggest mistake of Zoraya Blackwell's career.

In this free side story to the Bayou's End series, Ion Blackwell's ( A Second Chance at Paris ) younger sister Zoraya gets a rude wake-up call about her life, her programming career, and her love when a one-night stand turns out to be more than she can stand. But just when Evan James thinks he has her number, she’ll turn his world on its end, find her way into his heart...and make him realize the love he’s never wanted is everything he’s ever been missing.

GET A GLIMPSE INTO THE BLACKWELL FAMILY WITH A SIZZLING EXTRA IN THE BAYOU’S END SERIES!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Contemporary Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2014

About the author

Slender. Angry. (Part) Asian.

Yeah, that about sums me up.

Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.

Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.

That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.

There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.

But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.

...or you can poke me via:

* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/

And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - "I'm an odd duck, and odd ducks float." Stars!

Cole McCade is an author new to me, and having received a recommendation from a close friend as to how enjoyable his writing is, I didn't hesitate to snap up Zero Day Exploit from his website, it is free until 18th January, so I had absolutely nothing to lose.

http://colemccade.com/books-by-cole-m...

"Well,"... "That was unexpected."

The first thing that stood out to me was the skilled and engaging writing, Cole manages to take two average people and put them in a pretty uninspiring environment, and make them electric. Zero/Zoraya and Evan together gave me everything I want as a reader, great verbal sparring, sexy times, with plenty of relevant conversation and build-up in relation to this stories and backgrounds so that I got to know who they were and what motivated them as the novella developed.



Both quite insular people, as you would expect neither are looking for anything more than a few nights with the other as well as a little company, and I liked that Cole didn't over do it on the unnecessary angst or dramatics in relation to Zero and Evans developing feelings towards each other.



It always gives me a little buzz when I discover a new author with a writing style that I can engage in and relate to. Cole has certainly offered that up with this novella. You are given an excellent indication of the potential of this author for great work in the future with this story, with its unusual set-up, fluid and immersive writing style, not to mention likeable and relatable characters.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I make no secret of being a fan of Cole McCade's work; he has an exceptional writing style that absorbs you from the opening page and a gift of creating endearing characters with depth. Zero Day Exploit is a great read.



Holding every element I want to find in a romance, from the characters and their story, to the humour and those little moments that pulled on the heartstrings, I lost myself in Evan James and Zoraya (Zero) Blackwell's journey. Perfect in a completely imperfect way, Evan puts his brain in gear after his mouth has opened, yet has more sensitive side and is completely loveable (plus he has a beard; I'm a sucker for a bit of facial fluff). Zero was a woman after my own heart; bright, stubborn, snarky and standing out from the sea of perfection we often find in romance, she's a refreshing heroine. And when Evan approaches her in a bar, their chemistry ignites from the moment they meet, leading to a night filled with fire and passion...



Banter, snark and fight creates a couple who are both amusing and sexy together and the emotional angle is written in a way which makes it intimate throughout as these characters fight a losing battle against their desires. If you enjoy a light, sexy, fun romance with some emotion, then this is not to be missed.

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I have been getting teasers about this book from the author for some time now. Out of context they were great...reading the whole story--freaking awesome! It's hard to know where to begin telling you about all the goodness in this book, and I don't want to give spoilers if I can help it, so here goes: The heroine, Zoraya, Zero, Z, is smart, sassy,geeky, stubborn and oh so perfectly written, you will fall in love with her! She has met her match in Evan James and isn't quite sure how to take him. Oh, but she does take him...home...repeatedly...even when she tells herself not to. The comedic pacing between these to lovers is brilliant. I found myself laughing out loud in spots.

If you are looking for a hotness factor, these two characters have so much sexual tension, you may need to keep some water close by. The fitting room scene smoldered and was a turning point in the story for both characters:


He delved deep, stealing the sounds from her lips, sharing her every breath, until all was quiet between them---this secret moment, stolen in the midst of the bustle and cry of a busy city, a crowded department store. none of that mattered. All that mattered was her arms around his neck, her lips parting for his, her fingers clutching at his back as he tugged her panties aside and fitted himself to her waiting heat.

Ultimately, Zero and Evan need to decide what the future will contain for each of them.

Monotony, change, love, risks, family, self awareness.....



Cole was previously published in the Winter Rain anthology in 2014. The first book in his new Bayou's End series comes out January 18, 2015. Very much looking forward to the series--maybe we'll see these two lovers again?? Very happy to be reading this new author! Be sure to add him to your TBR for 2015!

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous story! If you are looking for a sexy, romantic, angsty and emotional read you will find it in this tale of love in the corporate world. Zoraya (aka Zero) was a wonderful character as a computer programmer who marches to the beat of her own drum, being forced to assimilate into the corporate vision her company has hired Evan to enforce. Her feelings for him are complicated from the beginning, having spent one night with him as a stranger to her, then discovering he's the one who is going to be making her work life hell. But while Zero is still able to remain true to herself despite the cosmetic outer changes, Evan is the one who really shows that appearances can be deceiving. His character draws the reader's empathy as the hotshot corporate executive who can pay lip service with the best of them but hides behind this mask to prevent his true loneliness from getting out. Zero makes Evan want to share things he's never shared with anyone, and the emotional effect of that is to alternately scare him away and draw him in. The sexual tension between them is at the heart of the story from the first time they meet and the resulting love scenes are steamy and emotional. Once I started reading this story I had a hard time putting it down! I'm looking forward to more of this series. 5 stars!

[Talking Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero Day Exploit by Cole McCade was a read full of witty dialogue, sass and abundant chemistry between Zoraya and Evan that has readers completely taken in from the first page till the last! From the start the story grips the reader with the tantalising scenes to the fast paced dialogue with so many over and undertones that have more than a few laugh out loud moments. Personality clashes and lots of HEAT generated between Zero and Evan make for one scorchingly enthralling read! :D

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on iBooks today (5/28/2018)!💝

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, definitely a favorite new author for me (thanks to Fabi)! I absolutely love his writing style! This short "novella" at the end of A Second Chance at Paris could have been a standalone book. It was so good!

I loved both of these characters.....Zoroya and Evan. Z was fiesty and funny and honest! Her sassiness was refreshing! And even though Evan could be a complete tool sometimes, I loved him too! Their banter was great, and their sexual chemistry was smoking..... like 5-alarm fire smoking!!!! And I just loved the Epilogue!

Looking forward to Ophelia's story!

[Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not TEAR myself away from this book. I was captivated, held hostage, until the final word on the last page. Was it a love story? Yes. Was it romance? Yes. But it was powerful! Two people, fighting to make the right decisions. Fighting against the life experiences that had made them into who they are. Fighting to be strong enough to reach out for happiness.

Unbelievably great book! I LIVED each character's struggles.

Not only a powerful book but an empowering one.

[Littlebookterror · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is clearly Cole McCade but the story does not feel like it was penned by him. I buddy-read this with Isa and we both were side-eyeing some of the choices our protagonists were making.

Zero Day Exploit follows Ian's sister Zoraya, who is suffering under her corporate job. When her company starts restructuring, she blows off some steam in a bar and picks up a guy... only to find out the next day he is the guy her company hired to clean up.
First off, the plot of the novella does not really fit the characters. The romance takes place over a week (aside from the epilogue), and it's just not enough time for these two characters to overcome their issues and connect on the deep level as the story wanted me to believe was happening. It's also way too dramatic - there were enough interpersonal things going on that we did not need two separate hospital visits to up the drama.

Both characters are intense and probably the only reason I felt they could make it work in the end was the fact that they matched each other's energy. Zero is a fine main character, I feel like we don't get to see much from her aside from the issues she has with her job, both the work itself and the limitations to her self-expression, but she is headstrong and determined. Most of my problems lie with Evan. So I am actually a fan of arrogant assholes with a chip on their shoulder and I trust McCade to not take this too far but he was on thin ice since the 20 and never left it.
Their initial hookup does not explain why he was suddenly unable to stop talking to her, her clear unwillingness to take this any further made it clear that she was not in a headspace for romance. In fact, while we see Evan fall for Zero and make a fool of himself in several occasions cause he does not know how to handle himself, Zero remains reserved until the very end. (If the novella had taken place over several months, with both spending time away from each other, it would have been more believable.
Anyway, Evan is one suave motherfucker and a part of the tension comes from the fact that Zero never knows if he is genuine or playing an angle. What is truly interesting (and shows McCade's skill even with this being one of his earliest works) is that Evan is aware of how his personality can be perceived in a negative way and how he still stumbles and resorts back to rude jibes to hide behind. Evan makes a lot of assumptions about where their relationship should head and never phrases his ideas as questions. While it never crosses any consent boundaries, he ends up taking a lot more than Zero does and the imbalance doesn't help their already weak connection. That said, Zero is complicit in every step and equally to blame for letting things get out of hand (lord, wipe my memories of the public sex scene).

McCade perfectly sums up their relationship: “That’s what it feels like, with us. We stood in each other’s fire, and we’ve been burning each other like hell. But that same fire’s what’s keeping me so warm right now.”


It's rough - but still, the writing is beautiful and there were some beautiful moments in this mess.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the title you’d think this is terminator style end of the world caused by an AI story, and it isn’t. It’s the familiar romance trope: I had a one night stand and then he turned up at my workplace.
Evan is the company’s new streamliner and he looking for ways to make it more profitable, efficient and cut staff if need be. He lives out of one suitcase, staying in town no more than a week to get the job done, and then he moves on.
Zero is a cubicle worker employed to check code and fix bugs. One of her workmates took credit for her work and got the promotion she wanted, and with him in charge the office is becoming unbearable. But it’s safe.
Once the rumour gets around the office that she had sex with Evan, it’s assumed she’s doing it to keep her job. The people she considered her friends are not happy about this.
When she starts following Evan’s advice, it looks even worse.
***
This ended up being pretty good. I think it is a sideline to a series concentrating on Zero’s brother Ion. He rates a few mentions and a long heart to heart call.
But this is Zero’s story. And Evan’s.

My favorite TV show is The X - Files . I’m allergic to fabric softener . I watch musicals . I watch a lot of musicals . (p. 149).

*eyes narrow* is that… a Wedding Date reference? I love that movie and I dislike Debra Messing… go figure.
I did cringe at Evan buying her the ‘right’ clothes for the job. Don’t change the people you fall in love with! But he worked it out.
4 stars

[Renée Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot, fun, banter, tension, breathless.

I enjoyed this book, with two characters who use snark to keep from feeling their feelings. A very intense read which dug deep into each of the characters with a satisfying ending.

[Battleaxe Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok afternoon read

This was ok. I just felt like there was so much missing from the story. I expected more said about Rick who stole her promotion and the layoff process and the fact everyone knew Zero was sleeping with Evan. Not really much of a story to it.

[Sierra Winson · Rating 5 out of 5]

was t expecting this to be that good

I really wasn’t expecting this book to be that good, it was in my kindle library and I was looking for something to read for book bingo that started with Z and I loved every minute of it.

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty entertaining story. The dialogue is snappy and entertaining. The writing is really good about 95% of the time. I didn;t read the 1st book and don't think it's neccessary to enjoy this story.

[Susan, aka Pooh Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting reading. First book read by Cole McCade. Definitely eager to read more.

[Rafa Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed Zoraya's story, who is Ion Blackwell's younger sister. Her character was really well written and so easy to relate to. Zero Day Exploit is a standalone, but if you haven't yet, be sure to read Second Chance At Paris by the same author.

[Candi~Dirty Laundry Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all types of books. Certain things I love. And then I read a book by Cole McCade and it’s just different. So different than what I’m used to reading. Cole has a way of sweeping me off my feet with his words and also looking for the nearest wall. And this story did exactly that!!

First we meet Zero Blackwell. Feisty, edgy, mouthy, independent, and a little rebellious. She’s stuck in a shit job. And soon has to make changes due to her job.…

Next up is Evan James. Asshole, sweet, sexy, honest, liar, and so god damn charming and funny!! I fell for Evan hard. I know my description might come off as confusing, but you’ll just have to read to know what I’m talking about. Evan is one of these lost souls. Just going through the motions of life. Had a sad childhood which explains the way he is. And made my heartbreak for him. He has a great paying job. Also, one that he isn’t happy with.

So when Zero and Evan come together (we will get to that in a few) fireworks go off. These two are so dynamic together. Explosive, stubborn. They spend a great deal of time fighting which sets off their passion. And HOLY EFFEN HOTNESS!! I might have seen fireworks myself when reading a certain scene or two…or three. Cole McCade gives great wall banging!! I will never look at a wall the same way again. Or a dressing room. Ahem.

These two teach each other. They have some bumps, but they teach each other how to overcome these bumps in life. I also have to mention Zero’s best friend, Ravi. They have such a special friendship that it actually brought tears to my eyes a couple of times.

Mr. McCade has done it again! Another 5 star read for me. I love when an author can literally make you feel like you are in the story. With his descriptive words, I felt like I became one of Zero’s friends. To me, that is great storytelling!!! Make sure y’all go 1-click this sweet, sexy, funny story! You will not be disappointed!

[Harper Daily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Cole McCade (guilty pleasures, sigh) and honestly? This book was a pleasant surprise.

It's shorter than some of his other works, just a small one-off - but it's sweet. And I love the characters. And I love the geekiness.

This is an underappreciated gem, in my opinion.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so it continues, the perfection from A Second Chance at Paris!
This is Zoraya's story, Ion's younger sister. I can't tell you how much I love her character, how much I love Evan, how much I love the 2 of them together.
Funny, sexy, sweet, charming, and thoughful, Zero Day Exploit, packs a lot of punch in a fairly quick read. I can't get enough of the Blackwells!
Zoraya, better known as Zero, is such a wonderful character- feisty, sassy, independent, I want to be her. Evan, watch out for Evan, he just might be your next bbf, asshole that he is!
And then McCade had to throw a little Ion in there, just to tug on my heartstrings a little more!
I have quickly become a huge fan of Cole McCade and I'm pretty sure I will be reading anything that he writes. I'd probably read his grocery list if it's written as beautifully as his books are...seriously.

[isa (queenofswordsandwords) · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's an interesting journey to go back to read one of my favorite author's earlier works.

the good : Zero is great, she's the relatable girl with tattoos and vivid hair that struggles to fit in the corporate world and it's need to have everybody be the same. she's a great character. the writting as always is beautiful, cole mccade really has this way to drag you in no matter what story he's telling.

the bad : Evan is not it. there are so many times a man can show up unannounced to a girl's place until it starts being creepy and if my count is right, we were at four times in a novella lenght story. he's arrogant, thinking he's always right and disminishing Zero's struggles because it's not important to him. sooo, let's just say i wasn't a fan.

so, i would suggest starting anywhere else if you want to get into this author's work. it's nice to see how a craft can evolve from a flawed story like this to a series i will never forget.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be Zero!

She is cool and funky. Her name alone Zoraya is so pretty. And she is creative, making strange stuffed creatures by taking them apart and re-arranging the limbs. Not in a horrid, Sid next door neighbour to Andy in Toy Story, kind of way, but in a cute, individual kind of way. I want a Zombie - rushes off to google zombie chimera dolls.

Z also did something I never have or never will, picked up a random bloke in a bar. Spectacular sex - Evan James - sexy man but caught up in corporate bull shit.

Evan James, my word, he is hot as sin.

It was a quick, entertaining read and I do actually love the way Cole writes. Yes, he can be heavy on the descriptive but hell so were Thomas Hardy and Emile Zola and they are my favourite male authors of all time. Ok, Cole don't let your head swell (either of them).

Looking forward to more!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★

This book was a pleasant surprise tucked at the end of Bayou's End #1 - A Second Chance At Paris. After finishing the book, I've decided it was more like a February bonus Christmas morning. Free, what!?

Absolutely loved this story. Two great leads, fiesty and kickass in their own ways, and a well plotted story - A real page turner I struggled to put down and sometimes failed ... Just finished this book at 2am, gotta be up in a little over 4 hours.

Another 5 star read. Can't wait for #2.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1.5 in Cole McCabe's Bayou's End series. I liked it as well, if not a smidge better, than the first book. It can read as a stand alone. Zero is Ion's sister from the first book in the series but the stories are very different. Zero is a computer geek working for a firm that is going through a downsize. Evani s the consultant coming in to the company to do the firing. He's not happy with his life and job and he is a dick, but something about Zero pulls at his heart. I'm really looking forward to more books from this author as they are very engaging.

[Susan Qualls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different kind of romance...but I liked it.

The story kept my attention and the secondary characters were a hoot! I will read more by Mr. Cade. I recommend this book as a good read. Happy reading. SQ

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one too!!!

[Sue London · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Zero is probably my favorite heroine ever.

[Cate Ellink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, sexy story. Awesome writing.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Techy heroine.

[Sheralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book and looking forward to reading Ion's story. A new must read author for me.

[Drita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome tale telling....Cole you rock my socks, you douchenozzle. :)