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The Robin Hood Job #1
Zero Day Exploit
Asher “The Hunter” Hunt left black hat hacking for the safer work of IT security three years ago and hasn’t looked back. He’s a law-abiding citizen now, trying to forget the mistakes he made in the past. His latest job deals with a mortgage company, and even though they sent a burly security guard along, Asher doesn’t need anyone’s protection. He’s too much of a geek to be friends with a jock, so the heat he feels in his veins isn’t going to go anywhere.
Connar James is trying to find the right kind of thrill that he left behind while he was stationed overseas. His mind and body are a primed weapon, he just needs to be pointed at a bad guy. This job with a legal hacker is not it, even if the man himself is just Connar’s type: lanky, firm, and loyal. He’s not looking for anything complicated, though, so it’s better to keep his hands off the asset.
But the work isn’t what it seems, and Asher realizes he’s been played. Connar is ready to jump at the threat to defend what’s his, but Asher hesitates. Is it so bad to step into the black-hat world of hackers and conmen if it’s for a good cause? If they’re going to catch a thief, it’s going to take more than a computer nerd and his bodyguard. It will take a team. And Asher knows just the people for the job.
Connar James is trying to find the right kind of thrill that he left behind while he was stationed overseas. His mind and body are a primed weapon, he just needs to be pointed at a bad guy. This job with a legal hacker is not it, even if the man himself is just Connar’s type: lanky, firm, and loyal. He’s not looking for anything complicated, though, so it’s better to keep his hands off the asset.
But the work isn’t what it seems, and Asher realizes he’s been played. Connar is ready to jump at the threat to defend what’s his, but Asher hesitates. Is it so bad to step into the black-hat world of hackers and conmen if it’s for a good cause? If they’re going to catch a thief, it’s going to take more than a computer nerd and his bodyguard. It will take a team. And Asher knows just the people for the job.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2018
42 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Tami Veldura
130 books144 followersTami Veldura is an enby/aro/ace author of queer fiction. Their pronouns are they/them/Mx. They love romance, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal stories that push genre limits. Their work has been nominated for the M/M Goodreads Reader Choice Awards and they have been nominated and placed in the Rainbow Awards.
Website: Failure To Communicate
Twitter handle: tamiveldura
Email: tamiveldura@gmail.com
Website: Failure To Communicate
Twitter handle: tamiveldura
Email: tamiveldura@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
dnf
May 15, 201839% dnf meh
January 5, 2024
REALLY BAD & BORING AF
I was actually excited to see a freebie by this author since a friend had been enthusiastically recommending her work for some time now, so I was looking forward to reading this. This is only 140 pages and I had every intention to finish it, but good gods. It was pure torture even trying to get past the first chapter, let alone three more! To say I was shocked by the extremely obnoxious writing style and subsequent abhorrent-quality storytelling would be an understatement.
I haven’t read any other story of hers but if this is anything to go by: Tami Veldura does not know how to write characters. Everything about them was painfully pretentious and trying so hard to be edgy it affixed a perpetual cringe on my being and I could practically feel my brain cells disintegrating for each moment I forced myself to suffer through one of the most horrible writer voices I’ve had the displeasure of knowing my entire life. She was very awkward with the attempts at romance as well, it was all “his muscles this and his arse that”, but I guess that in itself is a testament as to just about how much substance (or lack thereof) Asher and Connar possessed because they’re so one-dimensional that there’s really nothing much else to describe in them that might be remotely desirable. Three god-forsakenly long (or maybe it was just that dull) chapters in and all that had been established is that both main characters have the emotional intelligence and communication skills of petulant toddlers, with Asher unable to form sentences that aren’t snippy or whiny; and Connar being an overgrown oaf of a man-child. Never mind how inconsistent or caricaturistic their personalities are: Asher is supposed to be a full-grown man but he cannot even manage to order food for himself at a cheap restaurant and needs someone to do it for him, yet he acts so self-entitled and smug about life and all-knowing about how other people should be treated like he’s an expert at socialising and is the most well-mannered person in the room; Connar is supposed to be a highly trained and skilled (IOW: disciplined) military veteran and all that, yet is insufferably snooty, self-righteous, and meddlesome—doesn’t seem to know his boundaries as a security detail and cannot even muster an ounce of professionalism on the job (weirdly, he’s also incredibly ignorant and moronic at times, as though he was but a recluse old man all his life). For some bizarre, unexplained reason, they’re just nasty and pugnacious towards each other right from the start. I repeat: FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. Gee, what a likeable bunch—the kind of human beings anyone in their right mind can easily relate to. NOT.
I could not believe that they are supposed to be this story’s main couple. They have as much romantic chemistry as a belligerent caveman-brained dad and his bratty, equally mentally-challenged son. Except a father and son with a dysfunctional toxic relationship where they have no common ground whatsoever, don’t connect on any level (except maybe their lack of maturity), and at best are indifferent towards each other if not disparaging, but—and here’s the kicker—they are constantly checking out each other’s bodies (because it’s only natural to do that sort of thing with someone whom you infantalise and treat with exaggerated levels of disrespect, yeah?). I kind of understand though. If this excruciatingly contrived (weirdly random suggestions of) lust is not forced into the story one way or the other, there would be zero zilch nada “romance” otherwise. (Hells, who needs natural progression and intellectual stimulation in a romance story anyway, right?? Such nonsensical bull is overrated these days anyway. As long as two men are checking each other’s bodies out every so often, that’s romance-y enough!)(Er. Newsflash: It actually isn’t.) I am not sure what the author was trying to achieve here, but if this was an attempt at some sort of “sexual tension”, well, I’m guessing Tami Veldura sort of missed the memo entirely about what that is and is just groping in the dark here by employing a standard formula: Put two men together who constantly find something to criticise about in the other for no valid reason, have them fantasise about each other’s muscles, and force them to spend time together, aaaand, voilà! ROMANCE! OMG NO. Taking into account the unsavoury “father and son” vibes they’re giving off, it’s just… kind of gross, really. (I’ve read pseudo-incest that were genuinely sexy; this is anything but.)
Of course, to make up for that utter lack of depth of character and plot, not to mention the stodgy pacing and all-over-the-place execution, Tami Veldura employs the quite popular nagger-ergo-very redundant narrator voice wherein everything must be overstated and reiterated ad nauseam. Even in the rare instances that she does manage to properly show us what’s happening, she will make sure to ruin that by needlessly rubbing it in via repeatedly spelling it out for the readers out there who might be too dumb to think for themselves, for good measure. (My intelligence is so flattered, I want to cry.) I think she also missed the “show; don’t tell” memo, because funnily enough, there are even times when nothing is shown but she will just tell readers what to believe anyway: e.g. Asher barely speaks at all in the first chapters—he almost has no dialogue at all; yet we are fed the very leading idea that he is “loquacious” from Connar’s (and everyone’s) very biased and railroading perspective. Heaven forbid! that audiences think for themselves and notice such an anomaly or even become aware of the (very obvious) fact that they are practically being manipulated into seeing what isn’t there. Ah yes. Storytelling at its finest.
The takeaway? If you’re not particular about your characters or even a fan of thinking in general, or if you’re the type who just likes to read—doesn’t matter what’s written or how– then you might be able to stomach this. If you find characters that are irrational and annoying relatable and even lovable? Then you might actually enjoy this. As for me? I didn’t hit any jackpots with this one, haha. I am just so glad this was free because if I had bought this (what with my already limited budget), it would have gutted me twice as hard, and that does make me twice as acerbic in my reviews.
I was actually excited to see a freebie by this author since a friend had been enthusiastically recommending her work for some time now, so I was looking forward to reading this. This is only 140 pages and I had every intention to finish it, but good gods. It was pure torture even trying to get past the first chapter, let alone three more! To say I was shocked by the extremely obnoxious writing style and subsequent abhorrent-quality storytelling would be an understatement.
I haven’t read any other story of hers but if this is anything to go by: Tami Veldura does not know how to write characters. Everything about them was painfully pretentious and trying so hard to be edgy it affixed a perpetual cringe on my being and I could practically feel my brain cells disintegrating for each moment I forced myself to suffer through one of the most horrible writer voices I’ve had the displeasure of knowing my entire life. She was very awkward with the attempts at romance as well, it was all “his muscles this and his arse that”, but I guess that in itself is a testament as to just about how much substance (or lack thereof) Asher and Connar possessed because they’re so one-dimensional that there’s really nothing much else to describe in them that might be remotely desirable. Three god-forsakenly long (or maybe it was just that dull) chapters in and all that had been established is that both main characters have the emotional intelligence and communication skills of petulant toddlers, with Asher unable to form sentences that aren’t snippy or whiny; and Connar being an overgrown oaf of a man-child. Never mind how inconsistent or caricaturistic their personalities are: Asher is supposed to be a full-grown man but he cannot even manage to order food for himself at a cheap restaurant and needs someone to do it for him, yet he acts so self-entitled and smug about life and all-knowing about how other people should be treated like he’s an expert at socialising and is the most well-mannered person in the room; Connar is supposed to be a highly trained and skilled (IOW: disciplined) military veteran and all that, yet is insufferably snooty, self-righteous, and meddlesome—doesn’t seem to know his boundaries as a security detail and cannot even muster an ounce of professionalism on the job (weirdly, he’s also incredibly ignorant and moronic at times, as though he was but a recluse old man all his life). For some bizarre, unexplained reason, they’re just nasty and pugnacious towards each other right from the start. I repeat: FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. Gee, what a likeable bunch—the kind of human beings anyone in their right mind can easily relate to. NOT.
I could not believe that they are supposed to be this story’s main couple. They have as much romantic chemistry as a belligerent caveman-brained dad and his bratty, equally mentally-challenged son. Except a father and son with a dysfunctional toxic relationship where they have no common ground whatsoever, don’t connect on any level (except maybe their lack of maturity), and at best are indifferent towards each other if not disparaging, but—and here’s the kicker—they are constantly checking out each other’s bodies (because it’s only natural to do that sort of thing with someone whom you infantalise and treat with exaggerated levels of disrespect, yeah?). I kind of understand though. If this excruciatingly contrived (weirdly random suggestions of) lust is not forced into the story one way or the other, there would be zero zilch nada “romance” otherwise. (Hells, who needs natural progression and intellectual stimulation in a romance story anyway, right?? Such nonsensical bull is overrated these days anyway. As long as two men are checking each other’s bodies out every so often, that’s romance-y enough!)(Er. Newsflash: It actually isn’t.) I am not sure what the author was trying to achieve here, but if this was an attempt at some sort of “sexual tension”, well, I’m guessing Tami Veldura sort of missed the memo entirely about what that is and is just groping in the dark here by employing a standard formula: Put two men together who constantly find something to criticise about in the other for no valid reason, have them fantasise about each other’s muscles, and force them to spend time together, aaaand, voilà! ROMANCE! OMG NO. Taking into account the unsavoury “father and son” vibes they’re giving off, it’s just… kind of gross, really. (I’ve read pseudo-incest that were genuinely sexy; this is anything but.)
Of course, to make up for that utter lack of depth of character and plot, not to mention the stodgy pacing and all-over-the-place execution, Tami Veldura employs the quite popular nagger-ergo-very redundant narrator voice wherein everything must be overstated and reiterated ad nauseam. Even in the rare instances that she does manage to properly show us what’s happening, she will make sure to ruin that by needlessly rubbing it in via repeatedly spelling it out for the readers out there who might be too dumb to think for themselves, for good measure. (My intelligence is so flattered, I want to cry.) I think she also missed the “show; don’t tell” memo, because funnily enough, there are even times when nothing is shown but she will just tell readers what to believe anyway: e.g. Asher barely speaks at all in the first chapters—he almost has no dialogue at all; yet we are fed the very leading idea that he is “loquacious” from Connar’s (and everyone’s) very biased and railroading perspective. Heaven forbid! that audiences think for themselves and notice such an anomaly or even become aware of the (very obvious) fact that they are practically being manipulated into seeing what isn’t there. Ah yes. Storytelling at its finest.
The takeaway? If you’re not particular about your characters or even a fan of thinking in general, or if you’re the type who just likes to read—doesn’t matter what’s written or how– then you might be able to stomach this. If you find characters that are irrational and annoying relatable and even lovable? Then you might actually enjoy this. As for me? I didn’t hit any jackpots with this one, haha. I am just so glad this was free because if I had bought this (what with my already limited budget), it would have gutted me twice as hard, and that does make me twice as acerbic in my reviews.
Want to read
March 19, 2018preordered
January 12, 2024
It was a good book. Connar took a while to accept his feelings for Asher but he got there eventually. The hacking part went way over my head but I liked it.
March 30, 2018
White hats, bodyguards and grifters, oh my!
I really enjoyed this book! REALLY enjoyed it. Asher Hunt, aka The Hunter is a white hat hacker with a grey past, but he's trying to stick to the straight and narrow now. Being busted by the FBI and coping a deal made Asher reevaluate his priorities and a broken heart made him reevaluate his loyalties so now he takes legit IT jobs where he hacks a client's security to find the holes in their system. Totally legit right? There's nothing shady about being set up in a mobile hacking center in an RV in the middle of no where with a bodyguard babysitter, is there? Mortgage companies are completely above board right? And Asher isn't noticing that the bodyguard, Connar James is totally drool worthy and just his type. Nope, he's here to do a job - a white hat job; except that it really isn't and their 'boss' is setting Asher and Connar up to take the fall for his shill game.
But Asher's past is closer to his present then he might like and his old friends from The Den, a network of hackers who live in the grey/black zone, might be the only ones who can help him clear his and Connar's names, give back the stolen money, and get justice against the man who tried to play them all.
And where does Connar fit in to all of this? He's a soldier without a mission, a man who lived for war even though he'd left the war behind him. He's a man who played fast and loose with the protection jobs he' taken, skirting the line of legality. So why was a bruiser hired to babysit a hacker? Why were they both being set up? And why was he feeling white hot lust for an annoying geek with horrible taste in music and a scary love of cheap Asian food?
Asher's past and his present collide with a man who could be his future. Now all he has to do is rob from the rich and corrupt, give back to the poor and maybe get what his heart desires in the process.
Tami Veldura's writing is fast, sharp and full of tension. Sie leaves you on the edge of your seat in the fast paced sections and hir attention to detail is phenomenal. Sie can convince you that you're sitting in the room full of hackers and computer geeks or in a boxing ring watching two ex-military men beat each other good naturedly. Very Impressed. Looking forward to the sequel.
I really enjoyed this book! REALLY enjoyed it. Asher Hunt, aka The Hunter is a white hat hacker with a grey past, but he's trying to stick to the straight and narrow now. Being busted by the FBI and coping a deal made Asher reevaluate his priorities and a broken heart made him reevaluate his loyalties so now he takes legit IT jobs where he hacks a client's security to find the holes in their system. Totally legit right? There's nothing shady about being set up in a mobile hacking center in an RV in the middle of no where with a bodyguard babysitter, is there? Mortgage companies are completely above board right? And Asher isn't noticing that the bodyguard, Connar James is totally drool worthy and just his type. Nope, he's here to do a job - a white hat job; except that it really isn't and their 'boss' is setting Asher and Connar up to take the fall for his shill game.
But Asher's past is closer to his present then he might like and his old friends from The Den, a network of hackers who live in the grey/black zone, might be the only ones who can help him clear his and Connar's names, give back the stolen money, and get justice against the man who tried to play them all.
And where does Connar fit in to all of this? He's a soldier without a mission, a man who lived for war even though he'd left the war behind him. He's a man who played fast and loose with the protection jobs he' taken, skirting the line of legality. So why was a bruiser hired to babysit a hacker? Why were they both being set up? And why was he feeling white hot lust for an annoying geek with horrible taste in music and a scary love of cheap Asian food?
Asher's past and his present collide with a man who could be his future. Now all he has to do is rob from the rich and corrupt, give back to the poor and maybe get what his heart desires in the process.
Tami Veldura's writing is fast, sharp and full of tension. Sie leaves you on the edge of your seat in the fast paced sections and hir attention to detail is phenomenal. Sie can convince you that you're sitting in the room full of hackers and computer geeks or in a boxing ring watching two ex-military men beat each other good naturedly. Very Impressed. Looking forward to the sequel.
March 23, 2018
What a great story line for a book.
Asher is a hacker, back on the straight and narrow, hired to test a company's security.
Connar is the personal security that has been hired to watch over the hacker.
Working together constantly leads to a tentative friendship until Asher discovers what he is truly doing and they have to work together to fix things.
I really enjoyed the plot of the story. At some points, things felt a little rushed as though we had to get to the next point in a certain amount of words but everything was easy to understand. The same kind of happened with the intimate scenes, felt more rushed than having them be close and connected. There are secondary characters that we meet; Dora, Kip and Pierce that I can't wait to read more about in future books. They brought support, aide and friendship when needed even to Connar on occasion. Axle is Connar's friend who they bring for more security as their game gets bigger and slightly more skewed. It get's intricate towards the end but the game of cat and mouse makes it so interesting, seeing where they will take you next.
We had a little bit of history with the MC's but not much. With such an injury on Asher I would have thought a bit more backstory/emotion would have been with it and maybe also with Connar in regards to his past with the Army. Their relationship together is very tentative for most of the book and eventually you're just wanting to shove them together to get them sorted but they get their act together eventually. Loved the epilogue as well, a hot kiss always makes for a good encore.
Looking forward to book 2!
I received an ARC and am happily providing a review.
Asher is a hacker, back on the straight and narrow, hired to test a company's security.
Connar is the personal security that has been hired to watch over the hacker.
Working together constantly leads to a tentative friendship until Asher discovers what he is truly doing and they have to work together to fix things.
I really enjoyed the plot of the story. At some points, things felt a little rushed as though we had to get to the next point in a certain amount of words but everything was easy to understand. The same kind of happened with the intimate scenes, felt more rushed than having them be close and connected. There are secondary characters that we meet; Dora, Kip and Pierce that I can't wait to read more about in future books. They brought support, aide and friendship when needed even to Connar on occasion. Axle is Connar's friend who they bring for more security as their game gets bigger and slightly more skewed. It get's intricate towards the end but the game of cat and mouse makes it so interesting, seeing where they will take you next.
We had a little bit of history with the MC's but not much. With such an injury on Asher I would have thought a bit more backstory/emotion would have been with it and maybe also with Connar in regards to his past with the Army. Their relationship together is very tentative for most of the book and eventually you're just wanting to shove them together to get them sorted but they get their act together eventually. Loved the epilogue as well, a hot kiss always makes for a good encore.
Looking forward to book 2!
I received an ARC and am happily providing a review.
March 25, 2018
Black hat hacker turns into a good guy. Asher is all about the safe, legal paycheck these days. When he’s hired to hack a mortgage company’s computer system, he figures a piece of cake. Why he needs a bodyguard, he isn’t sure.
Connar is still looking for his niche in life after the military. Babysitting some hacker isn’t really it. But the hacker does tick off all his check boxes for his type. But Asher is his job, so maybe not a good idea.
The job Asher has been hired to do isn’t what it seems and Connar’s job of keeping him protected just got harder. They both must work together to figure out who the bad guy is.
For me, it took a couple of chapters to get a feel for both Asher and Connar. They seemed so different, and annoyed each other so much, I wasn’t sure how a romance was going to work. It was fun to watch them both give in to the chemistry between them.
This story has a little of everything in it. It has romance, some suspense, it has heroes trying to do the right things and getting vengeance on the bad guys. It’s well written, and nicely paced. Loved the cast of characters that come to our hero’s aid.
Connar is still looking for his niche in life after the military. Babysitting some hacker isn’t really it. But the hacker does tick off all his check boxes for his type. But Asher is his job, so maybe not a good idea.
The job Asher has been hired to do isn’t what it seems and Connar’s job of keeping him protected just got harder. They both must work together to figure out who the bad guy is.
For me, it took a couple of chapters to get a feel for both Asher and Connar. They seemed so different, and annoyed each other so much, I wasn’t sure how a romance was going to work. It was fun to watch them both give in to the chemistry between them.
This story has a little of everything in it. It has romance, some suspense, it has heroes trying to do the right things and getting vengeance on the bad guys. It’s well written, and nicely paced. Loved the cast of characters that come to our hero’s aid.
October 8, 2023
This was one of the romance novels I got free in the sale. This one is about a hacker who has gone straight (legally) and his bodyguard for the job as they get into trouble and fall in love.
First of all, this book jumps straight into the middle of the job mentioned in the blurb. Asher and Connor have already met, formed opinions about each other and set into a rhythm. It was a little bit of a jarring start and it did feel like the rest of the book was like that. It was a lot of stopping and starting, where it feels like we've jumped past some development of the characters and the relationship.
The plot of the book, where the job all goes wrong and Asher and Connor have to deal with it, leads into a kind of Leverage style plot and a weird third act conflict where all the blame is put on Connor for not meeting Asher where he is (despite Asher telling Connor to leave and he didn't want him anyway?).
When it came down to it, I did like the characters and the premise but the pacing of the book just left me confused and bored. I didn't mind it in the end but I'm definitely not interested in reading anymore of the series.
2.5 stars!
First of all, this book jumps straight into the middle of the job mentioned in the blurb. Asher and Connor have already met, formed opinions about each other and set into a rhythm. It was a little bit of a jarring start and it did feel like the rest of the book was like that. It was a lot of stopping and starting, where it feels like we've jumped past some development of the characters and the relationship.
The plot of the book, where the job all goes wrong and Asher and Connor have to deal with it, leads into a kind of Leverage style plot and a weird third act conflict where all the blame is put on Connor for not meeting Asher where he is (despite Asher telling Connor to leave and he didn't want him anyway?).
When it came down to it, I did like the characters and the premise but the pacing of the book just left me confused and bored. I didn't mind it in the end but I'm definitely not interested in reading anymore of the series.
2.5 stars!
March 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and I think it is a great start for this new series. It is well-written, fast-paced and I loved all of the twists and turns in the story as it kept me engaged until the end. Asher is an intriguing character with a lot of depth and Connar is also a great character but I wanted more background information on him. Connar and Asher are strangers who are hired for a job and when they find out they are being played and set-up by their employer they decide to fight back. Both of their backgrounds give them unique skillsets and with the help of a few friends they set out to take down their employer. They also start a relationship that Connar is unwilling to define and Asher is scared of falling too fast. I really like them as a couple and I wish the book had been longer so they could have had more interaction and so their relationship could have been more developed. I loved the ending and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
April 4, 2018
This is the first book in The Robin Hood Job Series. This is a great book the writing was good. There are a few places that I would’ve liked more detail. But overall, I thought it was a wonderful read. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters likeable. The characters were developed and thought out. Connar James and Asher “The Hunter” Hunt are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, hackers, a conman, an RV, computers, Chinese food, a Post Office, loss, art, air vents, a Babysitter, sex and more in this book.
Here is a quote from the book, “Hey,” Connar’s hand landed heavily on Asher’s shoulder. “What’s going on?” Asher flinched, then dropped his head into his hands. Was this why Linch had hired real security? To make sure he stayed on task when Asher inevitably discovered the con?”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Here is a quote from the book, “Hey,” Connar’s hand landed heavily on Asher’s shoulder. “What’s going on?” Asher flinched, then dropped his head into his hands. Was this why Linch had hired real security? To make sure he stayed on task when Asher inevitably discovered the con?”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
January 7, 2024
M/M crime insta-love romance.
Told in alternating POVs, Asher and Connar come across as one dimensional characters.
Asher is a hacker who is supposed to be socially awkward but somehow has no real problems facing Connar with his needs. Connar is a veteran and lone wolf security for hire.
Somehow the plot completely sidesteps why Connar was truly hired to ‘guard’ Asher or why did he continued to have free rein over that assignment! Not to mention that there was no follow up on his storming Linch’s office demanding a meeting!
Asher’s hacking job surprisingly used some proper technical terms but the whole reverse ‘con’ was bits of every cliched movie about heists and hackers.
The secondary characters were equally one dimensional and weirdly amiable for supposedly bad asses that can’t be trusted!
The writing style wasn’t good, with no real chemistry between the MCs. Just teenage level lust that’s turbo charged to insta-love after a week or so of working together!
The sex scenes were stilted too.
This author isn’t for me.
Told in alternating POVs, Asher and Connar come across as one dimensional characters.
Asher is a hacker who is supposed to be socially awkward but somehow has no real problems facing Connar with his needs. Connar is a veteran and lone wolf security for hire.
Somehow the plot completely sidesteps why Connar was truly hired to ‘guard’ Asher or why did he continued to have free rein over that assignment! Not to mention that there was no follow up on his storming Linch’s office demanding a meeting!
Asher’s hacking job surprisingly used some proper technical terms but the whole reverse ‘con’ was bits of every cliched movie about heists and hackers.
The secondary characters were equally one dimensional and weirdly amiable for supposedly bad asses that can’t be trusted!
The writing style wasn’t good, with no real chemistry between the MCs. Just teenage level lust that’s turbo charged to insta-love after a week or so of working together!
The sex scenes were stilted too.
This author isn’t for me.
March 23, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this story but there was something missing for me and I’m not sure what it was. Asher is hoping for an easy paycheck but when he realizes how the man who hired him is trying to frame him it becomes a whole lot more complicated. Connar hasn’t found where he fits since getting out of the military, he is looking for adventure but can’t find the right amount or kind.
Asher and Connar have lots of chemistry in bed but have trouble talking out of it. Connar is a bit gruff and Asher is shy and they both don’t know how to approach their feelings. We got to see both of the characters thoughts and feelings throughout the story so I could connect with them a bit, I just continued to feel as if I was missing something in their behaviors. Both come from very different backgrounds though seem to be able to blend them pretty easily. I think this was a nice beginning for a new series and will probably try to read the next one when it comes out.
I liked this story but there was something missing for me and I’m not sure what it was. Asher is hoping for an easy paycheck but when he realizes how the man who hired him is trying to frame him it becomes a whole lot more complicated. Connar hasn’t found where he fits since getting out of the military, he is looking for adventure but can’t find the right amount or kind.
Asher and Connar have lots of chemistry in bed but have trouble talking out of it. Connar is a bit gruff and Asher is shy and they both don’t know how to approach their feelings. We got to see both of the characters thoughts and feelings throughout the story so I could connect with them a bit, I just continued to feel as if I was missing something in their behaviors. Both come from very different backgrounds though seem to be able to blend them pretty easily. I think this was a nice beginning for a new series and will probably try to read the next one when it comes out.
March 23, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Tami Veldura, and I enjoyed the story quite a bit. The blurb was reminiscent of the basis for the show Leverage, of which I am a huge fan and so was a big draw for me. It is a relatively quick and rather fun read. Connar and Asher are opposites in just about every way, but are drawn to each other from the start. Of course, that doesn't mean things are easy or that they can communicate very well, so there are quite a few bumps in the road. While I thought the relationship aspect of the story was compelling, I do think it could have used a little more development... but that did not take away from my enjoyment of the book much. The crew Asher gets together is fun and quirky.. what else could you expect from a bunch of hackers and grifters and a couple of ex-military hitters? I liked all of them quite a bit and love where the author went with the ending. I hope there are more books to come about this Robin Hood crew and their mission!
March 26, 2018
Such a cool take on the Robin Hood theme! Asher is a computer guy/former hacker who was hired to do a legal hacking job to test a company's internet security. Connar is the gorgeous bodyguard who is hired to help Asher out if needed. Of course nothing turns out like it is supposed to, and Asher gets pulled back into the hacker world he tried to leave.
I liked the romance and relationship between Asher and Connar. Connar was very serious about his job, but longed for adventure of some sort. While unexpected, this job gave it to him. I liked how Asher and Connar established a minor friendship first; this helped Connar believe Asher when he came forward with concerns. The relationship developed after all of this, and I thought this made them stronger together.
Great book and secondary characters, and I am looking forward to more from the Robin Hood crew.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book provided by the author
I liked the romance and relationship between Asher and Connar. Connar was very serious about his job, but longed for adventure of some sort. While unexpected, this job gave it to him. I liked how Asher and Connar established a minor friendship first; this helped Connar believe Asher when he came forward with concerns. The relationship developed after all of this, and I thought this made them stronger together.
Great book and secondary characters, and I am looking forward to more from the Robin Hood crew.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book provided by the author
March 25, 2018
Intricate plot and fast paced action, create a page turner you will enjoy! A romance and so much more!! I was immediately pulled into this story and never came up for air. What a great roller-coaster of a ride that got me caring about the characters and rooting for them to take down the bad guys.
Asher and Connar are both intense and strong men who chase a bit of adrenaline rush in their lives. Each find that rush in very different ways, however as the story progresses they find a commonality that has the possibility of a future.
Story flows so well and the plot is well thought-out, this being the first in a series makes me very excited to see what is next. Lots of groundwork was laid here, introducing us to a group of people and giving us enough background that become interested in more than just the MC's relationship. I am so looking forward to more of this series!!!
Asher and Connar are both intense and strong men who chase a bit of adrenaline rush in their lives. Each find that rush in very different ways, however as the story progresses they find a commonality that has the possibility of a future.
Story flows so well and the plot is well thought-out, this being the first in a series makes me very excited to see what is next. Lots of groundwork was laid here, introducing us to a group of people and giving us enough background that become interested in more than just the MC's relationship. I am so looking forward to more of this series!!!
March 24, 2018
This is a very enjoyable story that is a great start to a new series. Great storyline that is fast-paced with twists and turns but flows smoothly. Asher and Connar are total opposites but they click together very well and they have great chemistry. Now if they could just find a way to open up and make it work out of bed as well as it does in bed, that would be perfect! As they work together to unravel the scam that Asher has unknowingly been dragged into, will they figure out a way to get their HEA? Great secondary characters that should make this series very interesting.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
March 29, 2018
Love the color. Loved the blurb. So I took a chance and enjoyed this story. The beginning moved a bit slow for me and I wasn't sure what was going on but then it picked up speed and just kept moving along. Asher and Connar were good together. Slow burn. Interesting internal monologues. Definitely enjoyed the secondary characters. I will definitely read book 2. will it be more of Asher and Connar - I hope so! or Axel?
August 27, 2025
This was a very nice novella. I felt like there was good balance with the romance and the main plot as it didn't feel like one was overshadowing the other. The chemistry was so cute between Asher and Connor. they just had that good chemistry and it was just so adorable how Connor was being very domestic and sweet with Asher. I also liked the hints of scars and how they don't define you. I did get lost with the hacker mumbo jumbo but for the most part I understood.
November 12, 2020
Much more than simply an excuse for a male-male romp, MX Vendura's novel has a plot involving a hacker con that is enlightening and entertaining. Beyond the feisty main characters, the team is delineated well, as are the marks. Full of action, this is a great read.
November 2, 2023
Zero Day Exploit
A cute and fun thriller! I enjoyed the story. It was easy to read and put a smile on my face. There was a bit of danger, suspense, action, drama, and of course some steamy romance in there.
A cute and fun thriller! I enjoyed the story. It was easy to read and put a smile on my face. There was a bit of danger, suspense, action, drama, and of course some steamy romance in there.
December 31, 2023
2.5⭐️ This was … something. I needed a Z read and this was it. I really did not enjoy this. The characters, especially Connar, were not fleshed out enough. And their relationship made no sense and came from nowhere. And don’t get me started on the no-prep love scenes. Like really?!?
February 2, 2024
This was remarkably boring for such a short book. The characters are flat and boring with no chemistry. One MC is supposed to be a hacker but then the plot becomes a Leverage style con. I just couldn't believe hackers were also doing this con where they pretend to be real estate brokers.
March 23, 2018
loved Asher and Connar, they made a sexy couple. the chemistry was great. i love nerds and ex military types, would def recommend this book. can't wait for the 2nd book!
March 26, 2018
WOW!! Action, love, honor !! Page turner from the start!!
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November 10, 2020Enjoyable characters, vivid chemistry.
February 10, 2021
A m/m action/adventure/suspense story, featuring hackers, who were portrayed in a reasonably realistic fashion. The writing didn’t fully grab me, it’s a decent story though.
Freebie from author.
Freebie from author.
October 19, 2023
The writing style didn't do anything for me.
November 14, 2023
Ha estado bien pero los personajes posrian tener mas profundidad, sobre todo Connar
October 27, 2024
Very short, and yet somehow... boring. Felt like Leverage (TV) fanfiction with the serial numbers hastily filed off.
I 'bought' this book when it was free on Amazon.
I 'bought' this book when it was free on Amazon.
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