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HORNET: Class Alpha #1
Fragmented Loyalty
All I want is to leave my past of criminal hacking behind. Oh, and ditch the blackmailer who has been dogging my every move for the last three years.
The plan: Hack my way into being part of Class Alpha, a training program for a secretive organization that rescues hostages the government can’t or won’t go after. Save the world and make enough money to pay back my blackmailer—solves all my problems, right?
The complication: Sweet, nerdy, and unbearably sexy Eric “Harvard” Physick. Harvard is my ideal man, but he’s also my instructor. Seriously a no-go, except we can’t seem to keep our hands off each other.
My blackmailer isn’t willing to let me off the hook, though, and a series of freak accidents—deadly accidents—sends Class Alpha into a tailspin. And the more I get to know Harvard, I start to realize his past is just as troubled as mine.
Am I the cause of this chaos...or is he?
The plan: Hack my way into being part of Class Alpha, a training program for a secretive organization that rescues hostages the government can’t or won’t go after. Save the world and make enough money to pay back my blackmailer—solves all my problems, right?
The complication: Sweet, nerdy, and unbearably sexy Eric “Harvard” Physick. Harvard is my ideal man, but he’s also my instructor. Seriously a no-go, except we can’t seem to keep our hands off each other.
My blackmailer isn’t willing to let me off the hook, though, and a series of freak accidents—deadly accidents—sends Class Alpha into a tailspin. And the more I get to know Harvard, I start to realize his past is just as troubled as mine.
Am I the cause of this chaos...or is he?
332 pages, ebook
First published February 24, 2020
45 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Burrows
44 books1,145 followersTonya Burrows wrote her first romance at age thirteen and hasn't put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and is still searching for a place to call home. She shares her adventures with her husband, two adorable doodles, and Scribble the Writer Cat.
When she's not writing about hunky military heroes and their courageous K9s, Tonya can be found watching either true crime or baking shows while snuggled up on the couch with her furbabies. She also enjoys traveling—especially long road trips to see the National Parks.
To learn more about Tonya and her books, please visit her website. She's also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @authortonyaburrows.
When she's not writing about hunky military heroes and their courageous K9s, Tonya can be found watching either true crime or baking shows while snuggled up on the couch with her furbabies. She also enjoys traveling—especially long road trips to see the National Parks.
To learn more about Tonya and her books, please visit her website. She's also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @authortonyaburrows.
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January 23, 2023Who's ready for the hot, nerdy goodness of our favorite hackers, Harvard and Sami?
Update 1/17/2023: Audiobook now available!
Update 1/17/2023: Audiobook now available!
February 28, 2020
After getting caught as an “hacktivist”, and paying for her crimes, Samira gets a second chance to use her computer genius skills for good with the group HORNET, a private security group that specializes in rescuing hostages. She shows up in Wyoming for her training, and immediately falls for her instructor, Eric aka “Harvard” a fellow nerd at heart with hacking and computer skills that rival and surpass her own.
Eric falls hard for Samira, too, but as her instructor he’s feels he must keep things professional. It’s love at nerd first sight! I do love a sexy nerd, especially when they switch from shy and sweet to man-in-control in the bedroom! I didn’t expect this one to be quite so hot, but oh my, yes!
However, things are far from smooth sailing. Both Samira and Eric have past secrets that weigh heavily and could spell danger for everyone at HORNET. Samira makes a mistake that I knew would come out and bite her in the ass, and I wasn’t thrilled waiting for it to come out. My one main niggle with the story was Eric’s over-the-top reaction to it, especially when he had a dark secret of his own. Kind of a “pot calling the kettle black” situation, that made me want to smack him upside the head. Fortunately, it was short lived and put aside with the more immediate and dangerous situation they were thrown into. I’m a full believer in proper groveling when someone screws up in a relationship and I did think Eric made up for his errors, so all was forgiven.
Thrilling, sexy, and fast-paced, I really enjoyed Fragmented Loyalty! This is the first in a spin-off from the HORNET series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
A copy was kindly provided by Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eric falls hard for Samira, too, but as her instructor he’s feels he must keep things professional. It’s love at nerd first sight! I do love a sexy nerd, especially when they switch from shy and sweet to man-in-control in the bedroom! I didn’t expect this one to be quite so hot, but oh my, yes!
However, things are far from smooth sailing. Both Samira and Eric have past secrets that weigh heavily and could spell danger for everyone at HORNET. Samira makes a mistake that I knew would come out and bite her in the ass, and I wasn’t thrilled waiting for it to come out. My one main niggle with the story was Eric’s over-the-top reaction to it, especially when he had a dark secret of his own. Kind of a “pot calling the kettle black” situation, that made me want to smack him upside the head. Fortunately, it was short lived and put aside with the more immediate and dangerous situation they were thrown into. I’m a full believer in proper groveling when someone screws up in a relationship and I did think Eric made up for his errors, so all was forgiven.
Thrilling, sexy, and fast-paced, I really enjoyed Fragmented Loyalty! This is the first in a spin-off from the HORNET series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
A copy was kindly provided by Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2020
ARC received for review
3.5 stars
This is a spin-off from the HORNET series. It starts with Harvard, their tech guru. It was a very slow start. I looked down and thought I might be half-way or more, but was only at 33%. It did pick up shortly after that. I loved Harvard/Eric and Sami/Gigi interactions, nerdiness, and romance. I really loved seeing the previous Hornet boys, and can't wait to see the rest of Class Alpha fall.
3.5 stars
This is a spin-off from the HORNET series. It starts with Harvard, their tech guru. It was a very slow start. I looked down and thought I might be half-way or more, but was only at 33%. It did pick up shortly after that. I loved Harvard/Eric and Sami/Gigi interactions, nerdiness, and romance. I really loved seeing the previous Hornet boys, and can't wait to see the rest of Class Alpha fall.
February 13, 2020
It’s a little jarring to have a HORNET spin-off written in the New Adult 1st person POV—haven’t we all gotten used to Harvard and the rest of the team taking on missions from the contemporary romantic suspense perspective?—even though it does signal a split from Burrow’s main series. ‘Fragmented Loyalty’ is Eric Physick aka Harvard’s story and is a reminder of how far the HORNET guys have come…and how far the gap there is that still exists between him and the older, more experienced operators.
Given that, Burrow’s shift into NA does seem appropriate in some ways, with Harvard and Sami at the forefront of the chaos that follows them—stuck as they are because of so many things that they can’t individually let go of despite their growing attraction to each other. That they each have a criminal past isn’t a surprise or out of place amongst the rogues in HORNET though reading about a lack of maturity in the case of Sami’s in some instances could be grating. Their histories are linked in a series of coincidental and tragic circumstances however, and it does make for entertaining reading.
Burrows layers onto Harvard’s past, filling him out, spinning a complex web of deceit, black ‘hatting’ and social disenfranchisement that lends Harvard a more sympathetic sheen, but also a more petulant tone as this NA perspective somehow distances this story from the rest of the HORNET books that have a more ‘adult’ feel to them. Sami on the other hand, was frustratingly TSTL, hanging onto a deception that drove the plot despite her best (and inexplicably foolish) intentions. It’s not quite a morality tale of child prodigies gone wrong but rather, what happens when raw talent without parental guidance runs unchecked and the consequences that they reap as they grow up.
‘Fragmented Loyalty’ is definitely pacey and absorbing in parts, even if it concludes with a more unbelievable slap on the wrist kind of punishment for a HEA. I’m not entirely sold on this pairing—Harvard and Sami did seem a bit too unstable individually given their mental states—, particularly with Sami’s (near-unforgivable) idiocy but then, this is probably just me and my preferences speaking.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
Given that, Burrow’s shift into NA does seem appropriate in some ways, with Harvard and Sami at the forefront of the chaos that follows them—stuck as they are because of so many things that they can’t individually let go of despite their growing attraction to each other. That they each have a criminal past isn’t a surprise or out of place amongst the rogues in HORNET though reading about a lack of maturity in the case of Sami’s in some instances could be grating. Their histories are linked in a series of coincidental and tragic circumstances however, and it does make for entertaining reading.
Burrows layers onto Harvard’s past, filling him out, spinning a complex web of deceit, black ‘hatting’ and social disenfranchisement that lends Harvard a more sympathetic sheen, but also a more petulant tone as this NA perspective somehow distances this story from the rest of the HORNET books that have a more ‘adult’ feel to them. Sami on the other hand, was frustratingly TSTL, hanging onto a deception that drove the plot despite her best (and inexplicably foolish) intentions. It’s not quite a morality tale of child prodigies gone wrong but rather, what happens when raw talent without parental guidance runs unchecked and the consequences that they reap as they grow up.
‘Fragmented Loyalty’ is definitely pacey and absorbing in parts, even if it concludes with a more unbelievable slap on the wrist kind of punishment for a HEA. I’m not entirely sold on this pairing—Harvard and Sami did seem a bit too unstable individually given their mental states—, particularly with Sami’s (near-unforgivable) idiocy but then, this is probably just me and my preferences speaking.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
February 26, 2020
This is the first book of Tonya Burrows I have read and WOW! Hackers, secret hostage rescues, nerdiness, love, trainee camp, it's all here. I loved the journey into a world I know nothing about. There are SO MANY secrets being kept given these two people are hackers. All of these individuals in the HORNET training program are lost, not fitting into the mainstream but they make a family at HORNET.
Samira Blackwood is a genius who ended up getting caught hacking in high school. She got caught up in an FBI sweep of a hacker group that collapsed when their activities went from just getting noticed to black hatters. When she got out of juvie at 18 her family shut her out, homeless and penniless. Someone gave her a hand up by giving her money in exchange for a favor in the future. She took the money. Three years later she hacked her way into the notice of Tucker Quentin who funded HORNET - Hostage Rescue and Negotiation Team. She got placed in their training program, Class Alpha. Here she meets Eric "Harvard" Physick, her tech teacher. He's in charge of tech for the original team this series spins of from. These are two nerds who get each other and are immediately comfortable with each other. The problem is the teacher-student power dynamic that Eric shouldn't cross.
Both Eric and Sami have hacker identity secrets that no one knows. Sami's favor gets called in, her new friends are threatened if she doesn't leave an opening into HORNET's system. She caves and does but quickly closes it. Not soon enough though. The damage starts quickly and escallates. WOW what a ride this book was. I finished it in 2 sittings because I couldn't put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Samira Blackwood is a genius who ended up getting caught hacking in high school. She got caught up in an FBI sweep of a hacker group that collapsed when their activities went from just getting noticed to black hatters. When she got out of juvie at 18 her family shut her out, homeless and penniless. Someone gave her a hand up by giving her money in exchange for a favor in the future. She took the money. Three years later she hacked her way into the notice of Tucker Quentin who funded HORNET - Hostage Rescue and Negotiation Team. She got placed in their training program, Class Alpha. Here she meets Eric "Harvard" Physick, her tech teacher. He's in charge of tech for the original team this series spins of from. These are two nerds who get each other and are immediately comfortable with each other. The problem is the teacher-student power dynamic that Eric shouldn't cross.
Both Eric and Sami have hacker identity secrets that no one knows. Sami's favor gets called in, her new friends are threatened if she doesn't leave an opening into HORNET's system. She caves and does but quickly closes it. Not soon enough though. The damage starts quickly and escallates. WOW what a ride this book was. I finished it in 2 sittings because I couldn't put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 24, 2020
It's been a couple of years since Tonya Burrows published the last book in the Hornet series but I was always hoping we'd get a book for Harvard so I was really happy when I found out about this new spin off series Hornet: Class Alpha, starting with Fragmented Loyalty. Although this series is focusing on the team Hornet have been training Harvard is a member of the original group and you'll see a lot of familiar faces from the previous books showing up as teachers and mentors. I think you could probably start with this book but you'll definitely have a much fuller reading experience if you read the original series first.
Harvard is Hornet's tech wiz and he's been instrumental in many of the team's rescue missions thanks to his surveillance skills and the backup support he's offered. He's an expert hacker and a total nerd, also really sweet and very protective of his team. All Harvard has ever wanted is to find a place to belong, as a child genius who graduated school far earlier than most he never really fitted in with his peers and with a vindictive alcoholic mother he never had much support at home either. The Hornet team have become his family and what he wants more than anything is to prove himself to them.
Sami is also a hacker extraordinaire but one who got caught up with a bad group and crossed some lines as a child and was sent to juvie at the age of 14. Her family disowned her after she was released so she was left completely alone at 18 with nothing and nobody. She made the mistake of agreeing to a favour to a mystery benefactor in exchange for the money she needed to survive and three years later she's still waiting for the hammer to drop. Being accepted into Hornet's training program was a chance for Sami to turn her life around, she wants to make something of her life but when her benefactor finally calls in their favour things go downhill fast.
I was so happy to be back in this world, as far as the series timeline goes not much time has passed, in fact some of this book touches on previous events just from a different perspective, but in reality it's been a while and I enjoyed catching up with the characters. I worried for a minute that I wouldn't remember everyone but it all seemed to fall back into place very quickly. Harvard and Sami are both great characters, I loved the geeky banter between them as they fan out on things like Star Wars and Game of Thrones and it was very easy to imagine being friends with them. They have a lot in common and they had wonderful chemistry but I did find it a little frustrating that neither of them opened up about their secrets a little sooner. It worked for the story but put a bit of a downer on their budding romance. It wasn't too hard to look past that though and I was totally rooting for them to work it all out.
The story has everything I'd expect from a Hornet novel, great romance, lots of intrigue and a nice amount of action. I'm enjoying getting to know the rest of the Alpha Class and I'm very happy that Wolfe's book is up next.
Harvard is Hornet's tech wiz and he's been instrumental in many of the team's rescue missions thanks to his surveillance skills and the backup support he's offered. He's an expert hacker and a total nerd, also really sweet and very protective of his team. All Harvard has ever wanted is to find a place to belong, as a child genius who graduated school far earlier than most he never really fitted in with his peers and with a vindictive alcoholic mother he never had much support at home either. The Hornet team have become his family and what he wants more than anything is to prove himself to them.
Sami is also a hacker extraordinaire but one who got caught up with a bad group and crossed some lines as a child and was sent to juvie at the age of 14. Her family disowned her after she was released so she was left completely alone at 18 with nothing and nobody. She made the mistake of agreeing to a favour to a mystery benefactor in exchange for the money she needed to survive and three years later she's still waiting for the hammer to drop. Being accepted into Hornet's training program was a chance for Sami to turn her life around, she wants to make something of her life but when her benefactor finally calls in their favour things go downhill fast.
I was so happy to be back in this world, as far as the series timeline goes not much time has passed, in fact some of this book touches on previous events just from a different perspective, but in reality it's been a while and I enjoyed catching up with the characters. I worried for a minute that I wouldn't remember everyone but it all seemed to fall back into place very quickly. Harvard and Sami are both great characters, I loved the geeky banter between them as they fan out on things like Star Wars and Game of Thrones and it was very easy to imagine being friends with them. They have a lot in common and they had wonderful chemistry but I did find it a little frustrating that neither of them opened up about their secrets a little sooner. It worked for the story but put a bit of a downer on their budding romance. It wasn't too hard to look past that though and I was totally rooting for them to work it all out.
The story has everything I'd expect from a Hornet novel, great romance, lots of intrigue and a nice amount of action. I'm enjoying getting to know the rest of the Alpha Class and I'm very happy that Wolfe's book is up next.
January 12, 2021
I'm not sure what to make of this book. Time wise it takes place between Reckless Honor and Honor Avenged. It is Sami and Harvard's story and is told by each of them in alternating first person chapters. I always knew there was a secret that Harvard was keeping and boy, it's a good one. As the launch to a spinoff series, it works good. As a standalone, you will be lost without having a connection to the HORNET Series. As a plot that delivers romance and suspense, it delivers both but takes it's time.
Samira Blackwood is tired of living life on the fringe due do her conviction as a black hat hacker at the age of 14. She lost her youth to juvie and her family and her self respect. Now at 21 she had cleaned up her past enough to be invited to join the HORNET Alpha Class of trainees and she is not going to let anything ruin this chance. Not only does Sami have a criminal history she has successfully erased, she has a benefactor that is going to claim a favor, she just doesn't know when or what they will want.
At 26 Eric “Harvard” Physick is the tech/computer wiz for HORNET and he is responsible for vetting and instructing the new trainees. His older teammates call him "the kid" and he wants to be much more than tech support, he wants to be a full team member. When he picks Sami up at the airport he knows the being her instructor only is going to be a problem.
When the favor is called in Sami complies, but immediately has regrets and shuts it down. To late. A series of events is in motion for revenge and Sami is helpless to stop it and now she has lost Eric's trust and maybe his love. She just hopes he doesn't lose his life.
Samira Blackwood is tired of living life on the fringe due do her conviction as a black hat hacker at the age of 14. She lost her youth to juvie and her family and her self respect. Now at 21 she had cleaned up her past enough to be invited to join the HORNET Alpha Class of trainees and she is not going to let anything ruin this chance. Not only does Sami have a criminal history she has successfully erased, she has a benefactor that is going to claim a favor, she just doesn't know when or what they will want.
At 26 Eric “Harvard” Physick is the tech/computer wiz for HORNET and he is responsible for vetting and instructing the new trainees. His older teammates call him "the kid" and he wants to be much more than tech support, he wants to be a full team member. When he picks Sami up at the airport he knows the being her instructor only is going to be a problem.
When the favor is called in Sami complies, but immediately has regrets and shuts it down. To late. A series of events is in motion for revenge and Sami is helpless to stop it and now she has lost Eric's trust and maybe his love. She just hopes he doesn't lose his life.
February 17, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
Quotes (from ARC):
“I’d been alone for so long it hadn’t crossed my mind that I didn’t have to be.” (Harvard/Eric)
«"We’re family. Family sticks. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly”» (Gabe Bristow)
An enjoyable and action-packed read, “Fragmented Loyalty”, by Tonya Burrows (Entangled: Embrace), features two young, lonely and talented geeks who adore each other and have serious, heavy baggage despite their youth.
Eerily evocative of real, current events, the first book on this new series displays and explores the kind of strong, deep relationships and bonds Tonya Burrows writes so well, while the characters navigate the world of hackers and hacking and the fragmented ethics of it.
Harvard/Eric and Sami are lovable and relatable characters; in each we see the unloved child they were. Harvard, the competent and intelligent agent we’ve known from Hornet, is still the boy with no parental references, always trying to emulate the leaders he so much admires (and loves).
Affections, love, friendship play a major role in this world, with Hornet veterans lending their expertise, knowledge and much appreciated tolerance to Class Alpha recruits.
I loved how Tonya Burrows captured the youth, insecurities and need of love/guidance of both main characters.
Appropriate for readers who love a non-Alpha hero and gender equality in romance and who can surpass a somewhat convoluted suspense plotline, where the main characters sometimes might be more a burden than an asset.
Looking forward to the next Class Alpha book, to meet again these wonderful people!
3.5 stars.
Quotes (from ARC):
“I’d been alone for so long it hadn’t crossed my mind that I didn’t have to be.” (Harvard/Eric)
«"We’re family. Family sticks. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly”» (Gabe Bristow)
An enjoyable and action-packed read, “Fragmented Loyalty”, by Tonya Burrows (Entangled: Embrace), features two young, lonely and talented geeks who adore each other and have serious, heavy baggage despite their youth.
Eerily evocative of real, current events, the first book on this new series displays and explores the kind of strong, deep relationships and bonds Tonya Burrows writes so well, while the characters navigate the world of hackers and hacking and the fragmented ethics of it.
Harvard/Eric and Sami are lovable and relatable characters; in each we see the unloved child they were. Harvard, the competent and intelligent agent we’ve known from Hornet, is still the boy with no parental references, always trying to emulate the leaders he so much admires (and loves).
Affections, love, friendship play a major role in this world, with Hornet veterans lending their expertise, knowledge and much appreciated tolerance to Class Alpha recruits.
I loved how Tonya Burrows captured the youth, insecurities and need of love/guidance of both main characters.
Appropriate for readers who love a non-Alpha hero and gender equality in romance and who can surpass a somewhat convoluted suspense plotline, where the main characters sometimes might be more a burden than an asset.
Looking forward to the next Class Alpha book, to meet again these wonderful people!
February 26, 2020
Tonya Burrows is a new to me author, and I'm in love big time! Fragmented Loyalty is everything that I love in my books for real. I wish I had read the original series before this spin-off, but I'll rectify that immediately. Sami is a young woman, who is a tech genius & can hack her way into anything. Of course with that talent, she got in some trouble (though what she did was amazing), which got her disowned by her parents so she's going at it alone. When she has some current issues, she hacks her way to the attention of those at Hornet (an secret organization who rescues hostages no one else will touch), so she's off to their training program of Class Alpha. Eric, aka Harvard, is the young man who picks her up at the airport, and from then on, it got super exciting. He has some of his own demons, but their chemistry is off the charts. Their journey starts, and while they didn't always handle relationship things well, I attributed it to youth & some of the stuff they had already gone through in their young lives. Now, the twists, they were monstrous, and I was sitting in my Star Wars t-shirt loving every minute of dropping f-bombs. See, Ms. Burrows zagged while I zigged, leading to some shocking moments I never saw coming. I LOVED this amazing story, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone hit their one click buttons!
February 26, 2020
Fragmented Loyalty is the first book in the spin-off series Hornet: Class Alpha by Tonya Burrows. It had been a while since I have read a book written by this author so I found supporting characters backstories that I was not familiar with totally. However, it did not stop me from enjoying this one or causing any confusion with Harvard’s or Sami’s story.
Told in dual POV, I found this more than a romantic suspense story which it was. It is also a story of the mishandling of child geniuses. Their past and lack of positive role models and parental love made both of these characters ripe for going into the wrong direction. Sort of a modern Lord of the Flies story as far as their background stories goes.
Present time romance between Sami and Harvard made perfect sense that they would be drawn to each other. The danger and suspense that was brought on the two of them and the HORNET group was believable if sad since these two never fully trusted that someone could love them until it was all over. I found this a page turner of a read, reading the entire story in one afternoon. I can say that I was the least bit sorry about the outcome but did think that forgiveness came to easy especially with work.
5 Stars for being unput-downable and minus ½ star for the conclusion. 4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Told in dual POV, I found this more than a romantic suspense story which it was. It is also a story of the mishandling of child geniuses. Their past and lack of positive role models and parental love made both of these characters ripe for going into the wrong direction. Sort of a modern Lord of the Flies story as far as their background stories goes.
Present time romance between Sami and Harvard made perfect sense that they would be drawn to each other. The danger and suspense that was brought on the two of them and the HORNET group was believable if sad since these two never fully trusted that someone could love them until it was all over. I found this a page turner of a read, reading the entire story in one afternoon. I can say that I was the least bit sorry about the outcome but did think that forgiveness came to easy especially with work.
5 Stars for being unput-downable and minus ½ star for the conclusion. 4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 25, 2020
Fragmented Loyalty is a HUGE whirlwind. I adored the blurb and wanted to read the book as soon as possible. I have always been a fan of white hat hackers and loved how Sami wanted to take control of her life by doing what she was born to do. I will let you know that there are multiple jaw dropping bombs that you will NOT be prepared for. When you have two hackers with major secrets, they might be falling for each other, but what happens when it's the sky that falls open and those secrets come out?!?
This was my first book by Tonya Burrows, but it will be the first in a long line, I am sure of it! Fragmented Loyalty is action packed with an intense story line and some super steamy scenes, I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series- 4 outta 5 stars from me!
PS: Thank you to Tonya Burrows, Entangled Publishing, Netgalley, and Insklinger PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
This was my first book by Tonya Burrows, but it will be the first in a long line, I am sure of it! Fragmented Loyalty is action packed with an intense story line and some super steamy scenes, I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series- 4 outta 5 stars from me!
PS: Thank you to Tonya Burrows, Entangled Publishing, Netgalley, and Insklinger PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
March 2, 2020
Fragmented Loyalty
Love this first book in the Class Alpha series. Almost missed it, but then noticed the HORNET name on the cover. I remember Harvard and Sami too, from one of two of the last books in the Hornet series.
Love this first book in the Class Alpha series. Almost missed it, but then noticed the HORNET name on the cover. I remember Harvard and Sami too, from one of two of the last books in the Hornet series.
February 21, 2020
An interesting premise and story. I did not realize it was a spin off of a series, but that would make sense as some of the leaders in the group are married and protective of their spouses. The characters have an interesting backstory that is acknowledged as secretive, but most do not know each other’s background/baggage. The world development is detailed and creates the training grounds and base of this covert op group. I enjoyed the dynamic between the teams and students and the main couple Gigi and Harvard. The internal dialogue about their concerns and feelings was helpful and provided key information on why they reacted certain ways. The information on the type of missions and connection to the CEO left me with questions/confusion though and I did feel some of the scenes provided too much information about this unknown hacker. Overall I enjoyed the story and I would read more about this organization.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the chance to read this book and share my opinions.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the chance to read this book and share my opinions.
February 22, 2020
Nerdy heroes and heroines – is it sad that I understood all of their jokes and t-shirts and gadgets? No, because who does not love a guy who wears glasses and knows his way around computers. This story took me a little while to get into and even though I love action/suspense stories some of the action kind of drug for me. But it is still a very good story. The romance is nice and I had the feeling that both Eric/Harvard and Sami were so young and their feelings were so new that they weren’t sure of what do it. Ah, young love.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 25, 2020
Review written: February 10, 2020
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free from the author in an ARC contest. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Fragmented Loyalty is the first book in the new Class Alpha spin –off series from the main HORNET series. I have loved this series so hard. I love how well the two series tie in together, but I will say Burrows has left herself a hard task for her next HORNET book since it will take place after Fragmented Loyalty and it may be difficult to separate out the plotlines of the two series. In other words, it may be a tough ask to be able to read the next book without reading this one first. To me, that’s no hardship, but others may have a harder time with it.
This is a dual first person POV from both Harvard’s and Sami’s views. It’s a POV I’ve read often and enjoy. In this case, I felt like it ended up giving away too many secrets too early and ruined some of the suspense. On the flip side, I felt like it created additional intimacy. Harvard emoting was quite something. Despite how often additional characters appeared, it also created a general feeling that they were almost invisible, so strongly did this book create a sense of isolation for Harvard and Sami.
That’s not a bad thing. Both Eric and Samira do feel deeply isolated from their teams. Their relationship is partly built on that fact. They more easily come together because they need each other and complement each other emotionally and in their interests where they have less in common with their teams.
Harvard was not a character I felt deeply about previously, but I loved seeing his backstory and getting a better sense of why he felt isolated from his team (his own fault) and why he felt like he wasn’t puling his weight. I liked seeing him interact with Sami but also with his teammates who were in the book, even though it felt like Harvard and Sami were cocooned in their own world. Harvard was nuanced and layered and his character had already progressed through an arc and then had an additional arc in Fragmented Loyalty. I especially liked how his past influenced his present and how he reacted to that.
Sami was better drawn than Harvard, I think and I felt her more keenly. Both she and Eric share a geek culture ethos that draws them together and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of the book. Her motivations, reactions, and feelings are fairly transparent. While I fundamentally disagreed with some of her choices (What was she thinking?!), I still understood why she made them. Her backstory was heartbreaking. But what struck me most about Sami was her desire to do right and her need to be accepted as she was.
Given the trajectory of the HORNET series, this was a departure from the main storyline into a deeply personal story even as it affected all the HORNET guys and their new trainees. It moved along rapidly and I loved how it incorporated new technologies and a great understanding of the tech world, especially the military tech world. It wasn’t non-stop action with no chance to breathe or understand. It was a struggle to overcome the stuff thrown at them, deal with their own emotions and pasts, and still keep themselves and their loved ones safe. I especially liked how it took a new tone, setting it apart from HORNET itself but still deeply embedded in that world.
Despite the fact that I guessed some of it before the reveals, it was a tense plot that maintained an edge all the way through. I already couldn’t wait for the next books in the HORNET series, but I am now also invested in the stories of several trainees. An absolute win for Burrows!
This review is ©February 2020 by Monique N. and has been crossposted to Amazon.com.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free from the author in an ARC contest. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Fragmented Loyalty is the first book in the new Class Alpha spin –off series from the main HORNET series. I have loved this series so hard. I love how well the two series tie in together, but I will say Burrows has left herself a hard task for her next HORNET book since it will take place after Fragmented Loyalty and it may be difficult to separate out the plotlines of the two series. In other words, it may be a tough ask to be able to read the next book without reading this one first. To me, that’s no hardship, but others may have a harder time with it.
This is a dual first person POV from both Harvard’s and Sami’s views. It’s a POV I’ve read often and enjoy. In this case, I felt like it ended up giving away too many secrets too early and ruined some of the suspense. On the flip side, I felt like it created additional intimacy. Harvard emoting was quite something. Despite how often additional characters appeared, it also created a general feeling that they were almost invisible, so strongly did this book create a sense of isolation for Harvard and Sami.
That’s not a bad thing. Both Eric and Samira do feel deeply isolated from their teams. Their relationship is partly built on that fact. They more easily come together because they need each other and complement each other emotionally and in their interests where they have less in common with their teams.
Harvard was not a character I felt deeply about previously, but I loved seeing his backstory and getting a better sense of why he felt isolated from his team (his own fault) and why he felt like he wasn’t puling his weight. I liked seeing him interact with Sami but also with his teammates who were in the book, even though it felt like Harvard and Sami were cocooned in their own world. Harvard was nuanced and layered and his character had already progressed through an arc and then had an additional arc in Fragmented Loyalty. I especially liked how his past influenced his present and how he reacted to that.
Sami was better drawn than Harvard, I think and I felt her more keenly. Both she and Eric share a geek culture ethos that draws them together and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of the book. Her motivations, reactions, and feelings are fairly transparent. While I fundamentally disagreed with some of her choices (What was she thinking?!), I still understood why she made them. Her backstory was heartbreaking. But what struck me most about Sami was her desire to do right and her need to be accepted as she was.
Given the trajectory of the HORNET series, this was a departure from the main storyline into a deeply personal story even as it affected all the HORNET guys and their new trainees. It moved along rapidly and I loved how it incorporated new technologies and a great understanding of the tech world, especially the military tech world. It wasn’t non-stop action with no chance to breathe or understand. It was a struggle to overcome the stuff thrown at them, deal with their own emotions and pasts, and still keep themselves and their loved ones safe. I especially liked how it took a new tone, setting it apart from HORNET itself but still deeply embedded in that world.
Despite the fact that I guessed some of it before the reveals, it was a tense plot that maintained an edge all the way through. I already couldn’t wait for the next books in the HORNET series, but I am now also invested in the stories of several trainees. An absolute win for Burrows!
This review is ©February 2020 by Monique N. and has been crossposted to Amazon.com.
February 24, 2020
Action, suspense, a forbidden romance, set in a military style secret organization training program. Yums!
The heroine, Samira (Sami) spent half her teenage years in juvenile detention after being convicted of a felony for hacking. An idealistic brilliant geek, S had used her skills to infiltrate monied organizations and direct their funds to various charities. After being sentenced, her parents disown her and S finds herself alone and desperate. A mysterious benefactor “loans” her money – directly into her bank account - in return for a future favour.
After working a few years in a dead end job as a barista, the ever resourceful S hacks her way into earning herself the attention of the head of a large tech company and thereafter a position in Class Alpha, a training program for a secretive organization HORNET that rescues hostages the government can’t or won’t go after.
Eric aka Harvard is the person that is sent to pick S up at the airport when she arrives in Wyoming where HORNET’s base in. I pretty much fell in love with him right there: shy, bespectacled, dimples and a nerdy sense of humour (t-shirts with snarky slogans), sci-fi aficionado (Star Wars, Star Trek!).
The chemistry between Sami and Harvard was fantastic from their 1st meeting, 2 brilliant geeks who speak the same language, have the same interests and “get” one another. But with H being S’s mentor/instructor, both of them know a relationship would have been unethical and put a strain in the training program and both hold back. All the near kisses, almost touches – loved the tension!
The whole HORNET/Class alpha setting was wonderful to read. The camaraderie between the trainers as well as the Hornet leaders, how the bond between the trainees develop and there’s loads of humour as well lovely touches of poignancy.
Great read.
The heroine, Samira (Sami) spent half her teenage years in juvenile detention after being convicted of a felony for hacking. An idealistic brilliant geek, S had used her skills to infiltrate monied organizations and direct their funds to various charities. After being sentenced, her parents disown her and S finds herself alone and desperate. A mysterious benefactor “loans” her money – directly into her bank account - in return for a future favour.
After working a few years in a dead end job as a barista, the ever resourceful S hacks her way into earning herself the attention of the head of a large tech company and thereafter a position in Class Alpha, a training program for a secretive organization HORNET that rescues hostages the government can’t or won’t go after.
Eric aka Harvard is the person that is sent to pick S up at the airport when she arrives in Wyoming where HORNET’s base in. I pretty much fell in love with him right there: shy, bespectacled, dimples and a nerdy sense of humour (t-shirts with snarky slogans), sci-fi aficionado (Star Wars, Star Trek!).
The chemistry between Sami and Harvard was fantastic from their 1st meeting, 2 brilliant geeks who speak the same language, have the same interests and “get” one another. But with H being S’s mentor/instructor, both of them know a relationship would have been unethical and put a strain in the training program and both hold back. All the near kisses, almost touches – loved the tension!
The whole HORNET/Class alpha setting was wonderful to read. The camaraderie between the trainers as well as the Hornet leaders, how the bond between the trainees develop and there’s loads of humour as well lovely touches of poignancy.
Great read.
October 11, 2020
Tonya Burrows has become a favorite author of mine after reading her HORNET and Wilde Security series, so it was a no-brainer for me to request this spin-off title as soon as I saw it on NetGalley. I loved Harvard since reading the HORNET series so I was glad to see that he was getting his own book.
Since HORNET's operatives have found their HEA and are concentrating on their family, it's logical to think that some new players are coming into the mix. This is the first book in the Class Alpha series, where we get to meet the new generation of operatives that will be taking over once some of the HORNET operatives retire.
Truthfully, I didn't know what to expect, but Tonya didn't disappoint. She brought forth a romantic, suspenseful story packed-full of action and twist and turns. It was interesting to learn about Harvard and Sami's past, how they got started in hacking and what they had done since.
I liked that the author didn't shy away from the tech talk between these two because through all that dialogue I could glimpse the connection between Sami and Harvard coming together. True, they had great chemistry but I've always enjoyed watching the connection between the couple develop over time.
There were some moments when the story seemed to drag, but I think it was mostly because I was annoyed over Harvard's whining and Sami's bad-decision making. Those were moments when I wanted to just shake some sense into them and tell them to get over it already! Pffft!
Anyway, I loved visiting with the HORNET members, but I also enjoyed meeting the Class Alpha team members. I can't wait to see what Tonya Burrows has in store for them.
*ARC provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange of my honest review.*
Since HORNET's operatives have found their HEA and are concentrating on their family, it's logical to think that some new players are coming into the mix. This is the first book in the Class Alpha series, where we get to meet the new generation of operatives that will be taking over once some of the HORNET operatives retire.
Truthfully, I didn't know what to expect, but Tonya didn't disappoint. She brought forth a romantic, suspenseful story packed-full of action and twist and turns. It was interesting to learn about Harvard and Sami's past, how they got started in hacking and what they had done since.
I liked that the author didn't shy away from the tech talk between these two because through all that dialogue I could glimpse the connection between Sami and Harvard coming together. True, they had great chemistry but I've always enjoyed watching the connection between the couple develop over time.
There were some moments when the story seemed to drag, but I think it was mostly because I was annoyed over Harvard's whining and Sami's bad-decision making. Those were moments when I wanted to just shake some sense into them and tell them to get over it already! Pffft!
Anyway, I loved visiting with the HORNET members, but I also enjoyed meeting the Class Alpha team members. I can't wait to see what Tonya Burrows has in store for them.
*ARC provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange of my honest review.*
February 23, 2020
**I received a copy of Fragmented Loyalty from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a honest and voluntary review. The opinions below are my own and not solicited in any way.**
Fragmented Loyalty by Tonya Burrows is the first book in her new HORNET: Class Alpha #1 series. I have read several of her HORNET books and have to say I was glad to read that Gabe, Quinn and Jean-Luc help out the new team of trainees. This is Harvard, Eric Physick, and Samira Blackwoods's story both are accomplished hacker and computer geeks. Only Harvard has a huge secret that will lead to the climatic ending that will have the entire team of old and new HORNET members trying to save the world from a man bent on revenge because of what happened when they were teenagers. Oh did I mention that Eric/Harvard's T-shirts are the best ever with their sarcastic sayings?
Samira not only hacked into some of the most secure databases but at the age of 14 was part of A.K.A but after being caught she ended up in Juvie and no computers until she became an adult. Her parents disowned her and all her friends as well. So at 21 years she applied to Class Alpha yearning for a new life. The best part of the story her ability to embrace her Geek side with a R2 D2 suitcase and how she makes friends with Wolfe, Remy and Gavin by just making sure that no one on the team gets left behind on the Grinder Hill. But when her past comes back to haunt her by asking for a way to destroy HORNET via a computer she'll have to hurt those who gave her a life long job.But when not only the no fraternization clause, virus in the system and of course the evil villain comes to hurt everyone who means the most to her or will Harvard's secret be the end of their love?
Fragmented Loyalty by Tonya Burrows is the first book in her new HORNET: Class Alpha #1 series. I have read several of her HORNET books and have to say I was glad to read that Gabe, Quinn and Jean-Luc help out the new team of trainees. This is Harvard, Eric Physick, and Samira Blackwoods's story both are accomplished hacker and computer geeks. Only Harvard has a huge secret that will lead to the climatic ending that will have the entire team of old and new HORNET members trying to save the world from a man bent on revenge because of what happened when they were teenagers. Oh did I mention that Eric/Harvard's T-shirts are the best ever with their sarcastic sayings?
Samira not only hacked into some of the most secure databases but at the age of 14 was part of A.K.A but after being caught she ended up in Juvie and no computers until she became an adult. Her parents disowned her and all her friends as well. So at 21 years she applied to Class Alpha yearning for a new life. The best part of the story her ability to embrace her Geek side with a R2 D2 suitcase and how she makes friends with Wolfe, Remy and Gavin by just making sure that no one on the team gets left behind on the Grinder Hill. But when her past comes back to haunt her by asking for a way to destroy HORNET via a computer she'll have to hurt those who gave her a life long job.But when not only the no fraternization clause, virus in the system and of course the evil villain comes to hurt everyone who means the most to her or will Harvard's secret be the end of their love?
March 1, 2020
See full review with blog tour info: https://reesesreviews.blogspot.com/20...
When I read the synopsis for Fragmented Loyalty I was so excited I immediately signed up for the blog tour. Tonya Burrows did not disappoint.
Samira was a hacktivist who paid the price and spent three years in a juvenile detention center. When she gets out she is contacted by someone who offers her a buttload of money in exchange for an unknown favor at an unknown time. After her family leaves her stranded she has no choice but to owe this anonymous benefactor in exchange for help.
Now three years later she's tired of owing some faceless person and is now seeing out a job at Hornet. She doesn't expect to find friendship let alone find herself crushing on a guy who is her supervisor.
Eric pretty much falls head over heels for Samir from the moment he picks her up from the airport. She gets him in ways no one else does. I loved their relationship. It was so fun and nerdy and just felt real and not all about sex.
This story gets dark when the two realize they have a past and that someone is out to ruin them both.
Oh, this story was very fun. Full of lots of surprises and great characters and lots of character growth.
If I have any complaints about this story it would be that a lot of the characters' backstories feel like they are apart of a completely different series I didn't know about and some parts dragged a little for me.
Overall a great and enjoyable story and I can't wait to read more.
When I read the synopsis for Fragmented Loyalty I was so excited I immediately signed up for the blog tour. Tonya Burrows did not disappoint.
Samira was a hacktivist who paid the price and spent three years in a juvenile detention center. When she gets out she is contacted by someone who offers her a buttload of money in exchange for an unknown favor at an unknown time. After her family leaves her stranded she has no choice but to owe this anonymous benefactor in exchange for help.
Now three years later she's tired of owing some faceless person and is now seeing out a job at Hornet. She doesn't expect to find friendship let alone find herself crushing on a guy who is her supervisor.
Eric pretty much falls head over heels for Samir from the moment he picks her up from the airport. She gets him in ways no one else does. I loved their relationship. It was so fun and nerdy and just felt real and not all about sex.
This story gets dark when the two realize they have a past and that someone is out to ruin them both.
Oh, this story was very fun. Full of lots of surprises and great characters and lots of character growth.
If I have any complaints about this story it would be that a lot of the characters' backstories feel like they are apart of a completely different series I didn't know about and some parts dragged a little for me.
Overall a great and enjoyable story and I can't wait to read more.
May 6, 2020
When I pick up a HORNET book, I expect flash and awe. I expect tough guys with tender hearts, underneath all those muscles, to be running around with weapons. There are always fights to win and their true soul mates to conquer. But throughout this series the steady hand of tech genius Harvard is a constant - the nerd riding herd over the comms, allowing our HORNET heroes to have their moments of glory and success. So, when I realized Harvard is finally getting his story, I was intrigued. And now that I finished it? It just may be my favorite HORNET book to date!
To be fair, Fragmented Loyalty is actually the first book in a spin-off HORNET series, HORNET: Alpha Class, so maybe I cannot say is it purely a HORNET book. But this is a great way to start a series! Samira “Sami” Blackwood is a former juvie black hat hacker who did her time for only a fraction of the crimes the authorities knew she committed. Then she got the attention of HORNET and is now part of Alpha Class, training to be the new addition to the tech side of the operation. The dynamic between Harvard and Sami is fascinating – at times tense, at times steamy but always filled enough chemistry to swirl out of the pages. Some old HORNET favs make appearances, and new Alpha Class HORNETS-to-be are introduced. Add in the mystery of who is targeting HORNET and why – you will be unable to put this one down!
To be fair, Fragmented Loyalty is actually the first book in a spin-off HORNET series, HORNET: Alpha Class, so maybe I cannot say is it purely a HORNET book. But this is a great way to start a series! Samira “Sami” Blackwood is a former juvie black hat hacker who did her time for only a fraction of the crimes the authorities knew she committed. Then she got the attention of HORNET and is now part of Alpha Class, training to be the new addition to the tech side of the operation. The dynamic between Harvard and Sami is fascinating – at times tense, at times steamy but always filled enough chemistry to swirl out of the pages. Some old HORNET favs make appearances, and new Alpha Class HORNETS-to-be are introduced. Add in the mystery of who is targeting HORNET and why – you will be unable to put this one down!
February 15, 2020
Loved this book! This is a spin off from the HORNET series, focusing on training the next generation for HORNET. Sami is a young woman who was arrested as a teen for hacking and sent to juvie for three years. When she was released, her family disowned her. This left her few options, so when HORNET came calling, she said yes before she even knew what it was.
Once there, she met Harvard - techie extraordinaire and member of the HORNET team. While he is respected for his skills, he has a seedy past that know one knows about....and his past intersects with Sami's in a way that neither has any idea of. When they fall in love without either knowing the truth about the other, things get really complicated.
I loved the training aspect, and, along with all the back stories, it made this an interesting book. I loved the characters and how they interacted - even Sami, who at times seemed TSTL - quite an accomplishment for such a brilliant mind.
When they're forced to pull together to fight a common enemy, the story moves so quickly that the pages almost turn themselves. I couldn't put it down and was totally engrossed in the story. I'm already looking forward to the next book. The author is on my must read authors' list.
Once there, she met Harvard - techie extraordinaire and member of the HORNET team. While he is respected for his skills, he has a seedy past that know one knows about....and his past intersects with Sami's in a way that neither has any idea of. When they fall in love without either knowing the truth about the other, things get really complicated.
I loved the training aspect, and, along with all the back stories, it made this an interesting book. I loved the characters and how they interacted - even Sami, who at times seemed TSTL - quite an accomplishment for such a brilliant mind.
When they're forced to pull together to fight a common enemy, the story moves so quickly that the pages almost turn themselves. I couldn't put it down and was totally engrossed in the story. I'm already looking forward to the next book. The author is on my must read authors' list.
February 26, 2020
3.5 stars
I received an ARC in exchange for a review.
Although this book is about one of the main characters from the HORNET books (Eric "Harvard" Physick), it is the first in a spin off about the Class Alpha HORNET trainees. It is written in new adult style, which for me was a little more difficult to get into because personally, this style isn't my favorite. It can be read as a standalone. The book started a little slow for me, but once I got into it and adjusted to the different style, it hooked me.
It was interesting to have Harvard become so much more fleshed out as a character. He definitely had a unique back story and a lot of baggage that came with it. I have mixed feelings about Sami. She made a huge mistake that I had a hard time getting past, but she and Harvard are a pretty good match. Their little nerd hearts suit each other!
I enjoyed all the geek references, getting to see the HORNET characters again, and meeting the Class Alpha team. My interest is definitely piqued to learn more about these new characters, so I am looking forward to reading further books in this series.
I received an ARC in exchange for a review.
Although this book is about one of the main characters from the HORNET books (Eric "Harvard" Physick), it is the first in a spin off about the Class Alpha HORNET trainees. It is written in new adult style, which for me was a little more difficult to get into because personally, this style isn't my favorite. It can be read as a standalone. The book started a little slow for me, but once I got into it and adjusted to the different style, it hooked me.
It was interesting to have Harvard become so much more fleshed out as a character. He definitely had a unique back story and a lot of baggage that came with it. I have mixed feelings about Sami. She made a huge mistake that I had a hard time getting past, but she and Harvard are a pretty good match. Their little nerd hearts suit each other!
I enjoyed all the geek references, getting to see the HORNET characters again, and meeting the Class Alpha team. My interest is definitely piqued to learn more about these new characters, so I am looking forward to reading further books in this series.
February 28, 2020
Suspenseful storyline! This is my first read from this author and I definitely enjoyed it! Thrown the book as a child for hacking, Sami is disowned and unsure where to go even after being given money by a stranger to survive. Joining the Hornets, she’s excited to turn her life around, still waiting for the ball to drop with the money. At the Hornets compound she meets Harvard, who has played an important role in the rescue missions. His hacking ability provides him the ability to keep his past a secret and finally feels like he’s found a place to fit in. The pair are explosive when they meet, sparks flying and the common ground of hacking, but have no idea how their paths have actually crossed. The whole story really surrounds how these two had their paths cross once before, and now they navigate it while maintaining a personal and professional relationship. It was interesting how the storyline gave us clues as to what was going on in the past and who Sami’s benefactor was, and the ending was explosive! Definitely interested to see what happens next in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 2, 2023
A couple of things that I really disliked/ didn’t understand about the fmc. 1. she is fully aware that her benefactor will continue to blackmail her(she comes to this conclusion early on) but she tells no one about it. 2. Her benefactor full on tells her they plan to harm hornet (not to mention she’s smart enough to realize what might happen when a mercenary system gets hacked) .. but she’s horrified when it happens? Over and over again? .. at a certain point she should have realized she could have gotten so soooo many people killed but let it go on for faaar too long. 3. She sees Harvard beating himself up and blaming himself but she just lets it go on. 4. Pretty early on she makes this comment: “I had betrayed my teammates and hornet for him. To protect his secrets not my own” … I just really don’t like the whole “I made a horrible decision BUT IT WAS FOR YOU” attitude in ANYONE and.. it just threw me off.
I couldn’t like her. Is this secret worth getting everyone killed? Nah. Poor will.
I genuinely like the authors books .. I just really didn’t like this one FMC in the whole Hornet series.
I couldn’t like her. Is this secret worth getting everyone killed? Nah. Poor will.
I genuinely like the authors books .. I just really didn’t like this one FMC in the whole Hornet series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2020
4.25⭐
I've been a big fan of the HORNET series since the start and was excited to see a new story being released, but I have to say, I did find it a little hard to get into. Still, once the story got going, and I got used to the new writing style, I was gripped and I really liked the blend of old and new characters, although there were a couple of moments when I genuinely wished the old stories were much fresher in my mind. But I truly enjoyed the mix of mystery and romance Fragmented Loyalty had going on. Not to mention all the geekyness although I must confess all the Star Wars references went way over my head!! But with a little suspense as this story reached its conclusion as well as plenty of character development this really was a cracking read, and it's one I would happily recommend to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
I've been a big fan of the HORNET series since the start and was excited to see a new story being released, but I have to say, I did find it a little hard to get into. Still, once the story got going, and I got used to the new writing style, I was gripped and I really liked the blend of old and new characters, although there were a couple of moments when I genuinely wished the old stories were much fresher in my mind. But I truly enjoyed the mix of mystery and romance Fragmented Loyalty had going on. Not to mention all the geekyness although I must confess all the Star Wars references went way over my head!! But with a little suspense as this story reached its conclusion as well as plenty of character development this really was a cracking read, and it's one I would happily recommend to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
February 24, 2020
Samira's IT skills are a force to be reckoned with but as a teenager those same skills turned her life upside down. She now has her life on the right path and is excited to be part of the Hornet team however her past may destroy the progress she has made and betray those she has come to care the most about.
Harvard is a member of Hornet and Samira’s teacher who also has a past he would like to forget. Harvard and Samira are trying to deny their attraction to each other but that is easier said than done when they are working together. When you add in the threat that they are under personally as well as professionally things are about to get very complicated.
I enjoyed Samira and Harvard together and they have so much in common. They are both trying to find their place in the organization and are about to realize that family is who you can count on when you need someone the most.
Harvard is a member of Hornet and Samira’s teacher who also has a past he would like to forget. Harvard and Samira are trying to deny their attraction to each other but that is easier said than done when they are working together. When you add in the threat that they are under personally as well as professionally things are about to get very complicated.
I enjoyed Samira and Harvard together and they have so much in common. They are both trying to find their place in the organization and are about to realize that family is who you can count on when you need someone the most.
March 1, 2020
This is a spinoff series of HORNET, which Harvard/Eric has been with since the beginning. I was surprised there's already a spinoff, but that it's also more in the New Adult genre. Both hackers, Sami is 21 and Harvard is 26, their story is full of geek pop culture references. I've never connected with Harvard and unfortunately I still don't. He's continued to be whiny and immature with a major chip on his shoulder he wasn't included in on the front line action. It was difficult to think of him as a leading H and having mature love scenes with Sami. This new team will have more books, but I don't think I'm the demographic for this turn in the series. They all seem to be replacements for the existing team and without any experience (physical or military) to be on an elite special ops team.
I am still anxious to read about Marcus and very much interested in Ian.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
I am still anxious to read about Marcus and very much interested in Ian.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
July 8, 2025
I was surprised when I saw tonya had another audible out.
I see her page but didn't see this one.
I loved all the hornet characters resurfacing and although I was shaky on memory ground with each Alpha, tonya implied some past topics which had me remembering.
this is a perfect plot for Harvard as he has been the IT tech on a lpt of the hornet books.
there was so much technology researched in this novel, tonya outdid herself.
there was a lot of suspense and action and slow burn, romance and steam.
there were a few holes in the plotline and I say this because I was asking internal questions. a big action moment I wanted to know about wasn't followed through and I also felt that the h and H danced around a vital seal the deal topic...a bit too much. I think it was the pivotal crux.
but, it held the suspense and made me keep listening.
loved it though, always a pleasure to listen to tonyas craft.
enjoyed the narration, although I did have speed it up.
I see her page but didn't see this one.
I loved all the hornet characters resurfacing and although I was shaky on memory ground with each Alpha, tonya implied some past topics which had me remembering.
this is a perfect plot for Harvard as he has been the IT tech on a lpt of the hornet books.
there was so much technology researched in this novel, tonya outdid herself.
there was a lot of suspense and action and slow burn, romance and steam.
there were a few holes in the plotline and I say this because I was asking internal questions. a big action moment I wanted to know about wasn't followed through and I also felt that the h and H danced around a vital seal the deal topic...a bit too much. I think it was the pivotal crux.
but, it held the suspense and made me keep listening.
loved it though, always a pleasure to listen to tonyas craft.
enjoyed the narration, although I did have speed it up.
March 8, 2020
The HORNET series is one of my favourite RS series of all time, and I enjoy every single book in it. This one was no exception. Harvard is the IT expert and youngest member of the team, but he's never felt as though he's valued as much as the others. It isn't until this book that he learns exactly how important he truly is to the team, and it was good to see him finally realise it. I loved watching his romance with Sami blossom and I enjoyed the other team members popping in and out of the book. Great characters, an interesting plot and a well-written story. All hallmarks of a Tonya Burrows novel. Highly recommended!
March 16, 2020
This is the book I’ve been waiting what feels like forever for and it was so worth the wait. I loved Sami and Harvard’s story!
Tonya Burrows absolutely nailed the feels, drama and chemistry with this story. I was captivated from the first lines, to the last that left me wiping happy tears away.
To say that this story never went where I expected is a massive understatement and I loved every twist and turn.
Plus getting to see the real Harvard and to get to know Sami was a treat that I tried so hard to savor but who am I kidding, it was never going to happen when the story was so addictive.
This is a not to be missed read from one of my favourite authors.
Tonya Burrows absolutely nailed the feels, drama and chemistry with this story. I was captivated from the first lines, to the last that left me wiping happy tears away.
To say that this story never went where I expected is a massive understatement and I loved every twist and turn.
Plus getting to see the real Harvard and to get to know Sami was a treat that I tried so hard to savor but who am I kidding, it was never going to happen when the story was so addictive.
This is a not to be missed read from one of my favourite authors.
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