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An online criminal craves real-life danger, but her flawed instincts may cost her new crew everything.
Rafael Santos didn’t get the nickname ‘Goldie Locks’ for his shimmering blond curls. His hair is as black as his criminal heart. No, it’s his Midas touch. His ability to earn—coupled with a love for theft and technology—has gained him the coveted Number Two position in the Covington Heights crew. The problem is…after a murder that sent their regular clients packing, even his numbers are down. Now, finding new sources of illegal income is his number one priority.
Marigold Pfeifer is the fairy princess of online deceit. She can slip her computer viruses into a system at the blink of an eye and steal personal information in a twinkly flash. And that’s exactly what she does when screen name ‘GoldieLocks’ slides into her instant messenger. What’d he expect? A gift card?
But when the naïve hacker rides the train uptown to check out mysterious Covington Heights, she’s approached by the leader of the crew and forced to think fast on her feet. A hate-filled rivalry sparks between her and Rafael—and with it a deviously sinful attraction.
Will real-life criminals and the danger they breed be enough to wise up the goth-pixie with zero street smarts when she must navigate dark waters—or will her flawed instincts burn all she’s worked for to the ground?
Rafael Santos didn’t get the nickname ‘Goldie Locks’ for his shimmering blond curls. His hair is as black as his criminal heart. No, it’s his Midas touch. His ability to earn—coupled with a love for theft and technology—has gained him the coveted Number Two position in the Covington Heights crew. The problem is…after a murder that sent their regular clients packing, even his numbers are down. Now, finding new sources of illegal income is his number one priority.
Marigold Pfeifer is the fairy princess of online deceit. She can slip her computer viruses into a system at the blink of an eye and steal personal information in a twinkly flash. And that’s exactly what she does when screen name ‘GoldieLocks’ slides into her instant messenger. What’d he expect? A gift card?
But when the naïve hacker rides the train uptown to check out mysterious Covington Heights, she’s approached by the leader of the crew and forced to think fast on her feet. A hate-filled rivalry sparks between her and Rafael—and with it a deviously sinful attraction.
Will real-life criminals and the danger they breed be enough to wise up the goth-pixie with zero street smarts when she must navigate dark waters—or will her flawed instincts burn all she’s worked for to the ground?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2021
2 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Deana Birch
16 books153 followersContemporary romance and erotica writer Deana Birch was named after her father’s first love, who just so happened not to be her mother. Born and raised in the Midwest, she made stops in Los Angeles and New York before settling in Europe where she lives with her own blue-eyed Happily Ever After. Her days are spent teaching yoga, playing tennis, ruining her children’s French homework, cleaning up dog vomit, writing her next book, or reading someone else’s.
She loves interacting with her readers and can be found mostly on Twitter.
She loves interacting with her readers and can be found mostly on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 8, 2021
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sigh...Rafa was everything I had been hoping for. I mean I had already seen his charm and wit in Escape (first novel in the series - do read in order).
But this book didn't really live up to my expectations completely. Maybe I had too many high standards...who knows. Point is - this book wasn't my love that I wanted.
Sure Rafa and M had chemistry and they accepted each other for the way they were. But even I was left questioning a few things on their behalf and couldn't believe some of the shenanigans that took place.
So yeah...I wished it was a totally fantabulous book I loved but it wasn't. It was an okay one, and I enjoyed it to what little enjoyment I had left in me for this book.
Maybe the next book will be better in the series. Who knows?
Until the next read,
TMR
Sigh...Rafa was everything I had been hoping for. I mean I had already seen his charm and wit in Escape (first novel in the series - do read in order).
But this book didn't really live up to my expectations completely. Maybe I had too many high standards...who knows. Point is - this book wasn't my love that I wanted.
Sure Rafa and M had chemistry and they accepted each other for the way they were. But even I was left questioning a few things on their behalf and couldn't believe some of the shenanigans that took place.
So yeah...I wished it was a totally fantabulous book I loved but it wasn't. It was an okay one, and I enjoyed it to what little enjoyment I had left in me for this book.
Maybe the next book will be better in the series. Who knows?
Until the next read,
TMR
January 24, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Marigold - or just plain M - is a top-notch hacker. Raised by hippy parents, home schooled, and sheltered, M wants the real-life excitement that her life online can’t give her. When she hacks into one of the Covington boys’ systems - Rafael’s - she decides to take a visit to get a glimpse of Raf up close and personal-like, never guessing that two could play at the hacker’s game.
M’s sheltered off-line life drives her right into the midst of the Covington boys’ hood, but desperate to escape her claustrophobic home life she offers her hacking services to them in return for a place in their gang. And when Rafael finally shows himself, M realizes she’s definitely bitten off more than she can swallow.
As a follow-up to Deana Birch’s Escape, Hack goes above and beyond and continues the overall narrative arc beautifully. We are reunited with our old friends Anton, Lisa, Scooter, and more.
What I really appreciate about Birch’s books is the utter devotion she gives to describing her characters and environments. So many authors just skip this critical aspect of writing, but not Birch. From M’s rainbow hair to Raf’s mesmerizing tattoos and even the diner’s mouthwatering pie overflowing with canned cherries, I can visualize every detail.
Birch’s characters are also as distinct from one another as can be. From drug addicted Bridget to musclebound Anton, I’ve slowly come to know and love every one of them.
Although not billed as such, the novel also has some scorchingly hot sex scenes. I’ve read so many disappointing erotica books lately that it’s a complete joy to find such stimulating scenes in a non-erotica novel!
This book is not a standalone, so make sure you’ve read Escape before diving into Hack. You won’t regret it.
August 21, 2021
Thank you BookSirens for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review!
👩💻 The story 👩💻
The book is about M, a hacker who works from her parents' basement. She wants more in life than the secluded life that she has been living, and so she seeks out one of her hacker followers - in search of a better future.
I read these books in the completely wrong order; I read the last book first, and then I read this one. Don't ask me why. Anyway, I loved this book so much more than the last book! The last book - about Anton and Samantha - was just quite bleh to me, since I didn't love the characters as much. This book however, didn't have that at all. I loved the main characters, and I loved the course of the story - it stayed fast paced and didn't drag in my opinion. However, just like in Lie, I hated the unnecessary drama. It’s such bullshit That’s what I seriously hate about these books; if they’d just communicate, so much could be avoided. It’s seriously such bull that she didn’t just tell Rafa about Ugh, I hate unnecessary drama.
Anyway, besides that, I really enjoyed the story. I loved how M basically swooped in to steal Rafael's business, although she definitely didn't think anything through lol. Just like in Lie, I love the alternating point of view's, since it gives us so much more insight into both of the characters.
There were definitely quite a few mistakes in writing - even in the first word of the first sentence of the book. I bookmarked the mistakes that stood out to me, so please do contact me Birch if you want to know which ones there were.
👩💻 The characters 👩💻
🥪Marigold/M/Rainbow Brite🥪
I really enjoyed M as a character. She just didn't want to be alone anymore, and she wanted to find some real-life friends. What I loved most of all, is that she was such a morally grey character. I hate characters who are all good and just want to change the bad ways of their love interest, but M really didn't want to do that. She accepted Rafa exactly the way he was, and he accepted her right back. I love their hacker skills - especially since she's better than him, I love myself a strong woman - and I love their banter. I definitely feel like she should've gotten in more trouble in the gang, since she went in face first and didn't know anything about real crime and the streets. Anyway, what really broke my freaking heart is I can actually cry about that. I kinda wish her situation with her parents was resolved, since I felt like her relationship with her dad could have potential, but apparently that was written off.
💻Rafael/Rafa/Goldie Locks💻
I enjoyed reading about Rafa and M's development. I guess you can't really say that it was a slow-burn romance, but The banter between him and M was really great, and I loved to read about their development. I must say that I hated But okay, I guess I kinda understand as well, I just probably would've been more pissed than M was lol. I actually feel kinda bad for Anton, even though I know where he'll end up. Like I said, I love how Rafa doesn't change who he is, and doesn't want M to change either. Their communication could definitely be better, but I freaking love their relationship besides that.
👩💻 Overall conclusion 👩💻
I've always been a sucker for enemies to lover stories, and this was such a good one. I loved the characters and how they were both actual criminals and didn't care. I was still missing some things, like more elaboration in the relationship with her parents, and better communication could've avoided some unnecessary drama. All in all, I really enjoyed this. I'm probably going to read the first book now, because I apparently don't read books in order XD
Be right back, just going to change all my passwords XD
3.5 stars
👩💻 The story 👩💻
The book is about M, a hacker who works from her parents' basement. She wants more in life than the secluded life that she has been living, and so she seeks out one of her hacker followers - in search of a better future.
I read these books in the completely wrong order; I read the last book first, and then I read this one. Don't ask me why. Anyway, I loved this book so much more than the last book! The last book - about Anton and Samantha - was just quite bleh to me, since I didn't love the characters as much. This book however, didn't have that at all. I loved the main characters, and I loved the course of the story - it stayed fast paced and didn't drag in my opinion. However, just like in Lie, I hated the unnecessary drama. It’s such bullshit That’s what I seriously hate about these books; if they’d just communicate, so much could be avoided. It’s seriously such bull that she didn’t just tell Rafa about Ugh, I hate unnecessary drama.
Anyway, besides that, I really enjoyed the story. I loved how M basically swooped in to steal Rafael's business, although she definitely didn't think anything through lol. Just like in Lie, I love the alternating point of view's, since it gives us so much more insight into both of the characters.
There were definitely quite a few mistakes in writing - even in the first word of the first sentence of the book. I bookmarked the mistakes that stood out to me, so please do contact me Birch if you want to know which ones there were.
👩💻 The characters 👩💻
🥪Marigold/M/Rainbow Brite🥪
I really enjoyed M as a character. She just didn't want to be alone anymore, and she wanted to find some real-life friends. What I loved most of all, is that she was such a morally grey character. I hate characters who are all good and just want to change the bad ways of their love interest, but M really didn't want to do that. She accepted Rafa exactly the way he was, and he accepted her right back. I love their hacker skills - especially since she's better than him, I love myself a strong woman - and I love their banter. I definitely feel like she should've gotten in more trouble in the gang, since she went in face first and didn't know anything about real crime and the streets. Anyway, what really broke my freaking heart is I can actually cry about that. I kinda wish her situation with her parents was resolved, since I felt like her relationship with her dad could have potential, but apparently that was written off.
💻Rafael/Rafa/Goldie Locks💻
I enjoyed reading about Rafa and M's development. I guess you can't really say that it was a slow-burn romance, but The banter between him and M was really great, and I loved to read about their development. I must say that I hated But okay, I guess I kinda understand as well, I just probably would've been more pissed than M was lol. I actually feel kinda bad for Anton, even though I know where he'll end up. Like I said, I love how Rafa doesn't change who he is, and doesn't want M to change either. Their communication could definitely be better, but I freaking love their relationship besides that.
👩💻 Overall conclusion 👩💻
I've always been a sucker for enemies to lover stories, and this was such a good one. I loved the characters and how they were both actual criminals and didn't care. I was still missing some things, like more elaboration in the relationship with her parents, and better communication could've avoided some unnecessary drama. All in all, I really enjoyed this. I'm probably going to read the first book now, because I apparently don't read books in order XD
Be right back, just going to change all my passwords XD
3.5 stars
February 16, 2021
Absolutely love these charters from Covington Heights. Adding Marigold is no different.
Hacked is a book that stands out. Its not your typical crime romance or romance in general. The writing is great and this book has you on the edge of your seat. All the characters are intriguing and there is more to them than you expect when you start reading.
Rafael and Marigold relationship has many layers with a chemistry and connect that jumps of the pages. Absolutely a must read.
Hacked is a book that stands out. Its not your typical crime romance or romance in general. The writing is great and this book has you on the edge of your seat. All the characters are intriguing and there is more to them than you expect when you start reading.
Rafael and Marigold relationship has many layers with a chemistry and connect that jumps of the pages. Absolutely a must read.
April 6, 2021
I enjoyed the first book from this series so much that I dove right into this second one as soon as I finished the first. The plot and couple in this story is completely different from Leo and Fiona which I really appreciated. Although this is also enemies-to-lovers, this time we get a fresh take with Rafa and M who are computer hackers that meet online and who serendipitously end up working together.
If I thought Leo was hot, Rafa just blew him out of the water. Rafa is the total package - a brainy, street smart, computer geek with model looks and the BOD. He is one Brazilian snack. And underneath his criminal skin he is a helluva hero.
His heroine, M or Marigold, is a better computer hacker than Rafa and was a worthy adversary for him, but she had a little too much betraying body syndrome to keep the tension tight. Every time he breathed on her the game was over. The boy has to work for you, silly girl. This book had great banter and humor. Rafa has a wry sense of humor and the spontaneous comedy had me laughing out loud.
This was another great couple coming out of this series. Really well developed characters with a great plot that is well executed. It was an engaging read that kept my attention throughout. There is still one Covington crew member I hope to get a story for. Fingers crossed we get Anton's story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If I thought Leo was hot, Rafa just blew him out of the water. Rafa is the total package - a brainy, street smart, computer geek with model looks and the BOD. He is one Brazilian snack. And underneath his criminal skin he is a helluva hero.
His heroine, M or Marigold, is a better computer hacker than Rafa and was a worthy adversary for him, but she had a little too much betraying body syndrome to keep the tension tight. Every time he breathed on her the game was over. The boy has to work for you, silly girl. This book had great banter and humor. Rafa has a wry sense of humor and the spontaneous comedy had me laughing out loud.
This was another great couple coming out of this series. Really well developed characters with a great plot that is well executed. It was an engaging read that kept my attention throughout. There is still one Covington crew member I hope to get a story for. Fingers crossed we get Anton's story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2021
I love this series. This is the second book in this series. Rafa is now Anton’s second in command after Leo left. Marigold is a brilliant, yet naive hacker who wants to live her life the way she wants. marigold wants to move out of her parent's house and her mother's thumb. She sees her way out by joining the Covington Crew and working for Anton. When these two first meet, their reactions to how the other looked was hilarious. not at all like they though. They are two totally different people, yet Rafa and Marigold are like two peas in a pod. They are both hackers and hate each other. 🤣 The way these two interact had me laughing. While they butt heads, you can feel the sexual tension just sizzle off them. They are so attracted to each other, but deny it to themselves. When there are secrets revealed on top of other secrets, s*** hits the fan. Rafa is loyal to Anton and the crew and will do whatever it takes to keep them all safe. He may be a thief, but this thief is loyal to his crew. Is there someone working against them, or is it just “nerves” over what has happened in the past few months? I did like this one a little more than Escape, but the one I am really looking forward to, is Anton’s story. I have been infatuated with that man for so long. 😍 Deana is doing such a fabulous job with these Covington men, and has sucked me in from the beginning. I feel like I am part of this world and can’t wait to see what happens with the main bad boy, my main bad boy. There is action, secrets, backstabbing, more secrets, hot as sin hate sex, drama and some twists that made my jaw drop. This is a definite must read. If you want to get the whole experience, read Escape first.
February 10, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better. Very much enjoying Deana and the way she writes a very gripping story line with amazing characters, even the not so nice ones!
Rafael was a really nice bad boy, which in itself is contradictory but hey what can you do! You couldn't help but like him. The tough side of him comes out when it needs to but with M, it didn't take long for the nice guy to come out.
M was a really fun female MC. I loved her banter with Raf. Their chemistry was sizzling and when they met, there were sparks flying galore. Her vulnerability with her Mum was sad I have to say and I wanted to kick her mum in the shins and give M a big fat hug.
The story line was really good, fast paced and the sexy time was hot AF!!!
All the secondary characters were good and added to the whole story and series really.
Overall, an enjoyable read and tried a few times to slow down so I didn't read it too fast but I couldn't help it. Boom, finished.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rafael was a really nice bad boy, which in itself is contradictory but hey what can you do! You couldn't help but like him. The tough side of him comes out when it needs to but with M, it didn't take long for the nice guy to come out.
M was a really fun female MC. I loved her banter with Raf. Their chemistry was sizzling and when they met, there were sparks flying galore. Her vulnerability with her Mum was sad I have to say and I wanted to kick her mum in the shins and give M a big fat hug.
The story line was really good, fast paced and the sexy time was hot AF!!!
All the secondary characters were good and added to the whole story and series really.
Overall, an enjoyable read and tried a few times to slow down so I didn't read it too fast but I couldn't help it. Boom, finished.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2021
I enjoyed reading Hack. The characters were easy to connect with and the story line was entertaining.
Deana Birch created a series that's easy to fall for and leaves you wanting more. New to the crew Marigold has a plan and as an outsider, she quickly learns Covington Heights is not for the weak.
The angst between Rafael and Marigold, man these two took it to another level. I love them together, they bring a great energy to the story.
Deana Birch created a series that's easy to fall for and leaves you wanting more. New to the crew Marigold has a plan and as an outsider, she quickly learns Covington Heights is not for the weak.
The angst between Rafael and Marigold, man these two took it to another level. I love them together, they bring a great energy to the story.
January 19, 2021
If there is one thing I’ve learned from romance novels, it’s that I’m a sucker for a bad boy. Especially when they have soft spots that aren’t really all that soft.
In Deana Birch’s Hack, Marigold Pfeifer is a genius on the computer, but a little less genius when it comes to the streets. That’s pretty much what gets her roped into the criminal world of Covington Heights and, perhaps more importantly, Rafael Santos. In each other, they find their match, but that comes with a few frightening realizations of it’s own.
This book is filled with danger and loose morals, but that’s just what makes it so good. Marigold and Rafa’s relationship is not flowers and chocolate, it’s rats and bullets, and I loved every second of it.
As a character, I adored Marigold. She’s witty, fun, and she’s smart enough that I just know I couldn’t do half the things she can. I have pretty similar feelings about her partner in crime, and the banter between them has definitely fulfilled my tension quota for the week. I think what I liked most about their relationship is that neither of them is really good. They’re both a little bit morally screwed up, but that’s what makes them work. It’s not the classic “I want to fix you and turn you good” trope that appears in a lot of crime romance books.
I loved the narrative throughout the work. The whole thing, both how it’s written and the plot itself, just feels really realistic. I don’t know a lot about crime rings and all of that, but if you told me they ran like the Covington Heights crew does, I would believe you. And it’s that believability that made this book so easy to read— nothing was really far fetched or out of place. It all fit into the story.
I can probably summarize this read in the words danger and sizzling attraction, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few moments thrown in that made me smile and squeal (just a little). These can pretty much all be boiled down to Rafa’s interactions with Marigold’s dog, because who doesn’t love an bad boy with a soft spot for animals?
Overall, this was a really fun read. I rated it four stars— I just couldn’t justify a five. While I really enjoyed the book, it didn’t feel all that original. It’s a classic romance novel, through and through, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just a thing. This is the first time I’ve seen Birch’s name, though, and I can tell you I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for more!
I would recommend this to anyone who likes mafia romance, or just a little bit of spice in their fictional relationships.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
In Deana Birch’s Hack, Marigold Pfeifer is a genius on the computer, but a little less genius when it comes to the streets. That’s pretty much what gets her roped into the criminal world of Covington Heights and, perhaps more importantly, Rafael Santos. In each other, they find their match, but that comes with a few frightening realizations of it’s own.
This book is filled with danger and loose morals, but that’s just what makes it so good. Marigold and Rafa’s relationship is not flowers and chocolate, it’s rats and bullets, and I loved every second of it.
As a character, I adored Marigold. She’s witty, fun, and she’s smart enough that I just know I couldn’t do half the things she can. I have pretty similar feelings about her partner in crime, and the banter between them has definitely fulfilled my tension quota for the week. I think what I liked most about their relationship is that neither of them is really good. They’re both a little bit morally screwed up, but that’s what makes them work. It’s not the classic “I want to fix you and turn you good” trope that appears in a lot of crime romance books.
I loved the narrative throughout the work. The whole thing, both how it’s written and the plot itself, just feels really realistic. I don’t know a lot about crime rings and all of that, but if you told me they ran like the Covington Heights crew does, I would believe you. And it’s that believability that made this book so easy to read— nothing was really far fetched or out of place. It all fit into the story.
I can probably summarize this read in the words danger and sizzling attraction, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few moments thrown in that made me smile and squeal (just a little). These can pretty much all be boiled down to Rafa’s interactions with Marigold’s dog, because who doesn’t love an bad boy with a soft spot for animals?
Overall, this was a really fun read. I rated it four stars— I just couldn’t justify a five. While I really enjoyed the book, it didn’t feel all that original. It’s a classic romance novel, through and through, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just a thing. This is the first time I’ve seen Birch’s name, though, and I can tell you I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for more!
I would recommend this to anyone who likes mafia romance, or just a little bit of spice in their fictional relationships.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2021
All right folks, strap yourself in because this is a bumpy ride.
It’s been fairly well documented in practically every review I’ve ever written that I have an extra soft spot in my heart for broken characters. I have an extra special soft spot in my heart for brokenness in general and have this whole Mother Theresa complex going on, but I digress. Because this will, for once, not be about my love and adoration for the broken souls expertly crafted into fabulous stories, but instead a love I’ve yet to confess.
I am shamelessly a HUGE nerd fan. Seriously, I might not understand one flippin’ thing you might be saying, but if you start talking to me about computer coding, Star Wars canon, or, most importantly, discussing your favorite Doctor and companion? I might just permanently attach myself to you.
Hack, as the name implies, has computer hackers as both the leading man and woman in this story. Rafe (aka Goldielocks for his ability to turn everything he touches into gold for his gang leader) has both the brains and the brawn needed to work for one of the most successful criminal gangs in the city. His skills at hacking and siphoning funds bankroll the Covington Heights crew more than the drugs they sell and manage to keep a little blood off their hands.
Meanwhile Marigold, better known to her online groupies as M, is the hacker no one would expect. The child of hippie parents with a headful of rainbow hair and a heart full of “get me the heck away from my parents,” M embarks on a perilous journey that ends with her making a deal with an inner city devil, to work for the Covington Heights crew as a hacker alongside Rafe. The man who had an online crush on her before even finding out that her real life self held a much stronger pull.
Hack fits perfectly into the Covington Heights series with all the gritty drama Ms. Birch has created in her fictional gangland. One thing I really loved about this story was that it featured an underrepresented criminal position, but one that has the power to literally cripple giant corporations and even nations: hackers. Not only do we see the nerdy bad boys represented, but having M be just a slightly more adept hacker than Rafe was the icing on the cake.
The best news? Hack is only the second in a four book series and there is much more that this crew has in store with some of the best dark book boyfriends romance has to offer.
It’s been fairly well documented in practically every review I’ve ever written that I have an extra soft spot in my heart for broken characters. I have an extra special soft spot in my heart for brokenness in general and have this whole Mother Theresa complex going on, but I digress. Because this will, for once, not be about my love and adoration for the broken souls expertly crafted into fabulous stories, but instead a love I’ve yet to confess.
I am shamelessly a HUGE nerd fan. Seriously, I might not understand one flippin’ thing you might be saying, but if you start talking to me about computer coding, Star Wars canon, or, most importantly, discussing your favorite Doctor and companion? I might just permanently attach myself to you.
Hack, as the name implies, has computer hackers as both the leading man and woman in this story. Rafe (aka Goldielocks for his ability to turn everything he touches into gold for his gang leader) has both the brains and the brawn needed to work for one of the most successful criminal gangs in the city. His skills at hacking and siphoning funds bankroll the Covington Heights crew more than the drugs they sell and manage to keep a little blood off their hands.
Meanwhile Marigold, better known to her online groupies as M, is the hacker no one would expect. The child of hippie parents with a headful of rainbow hair and a heart full of “get me the heck away from my parents,” M embarks on a perilous journey that ends with her making a deal with an inner city devil, to work for the Covington Heights crew as a hacker alongside Rafe. The man who had an online crush on her before even finding out that her real life self held a much stronger pull.
Hack fits perfectly into the Covington Heights series with all the gritty drama Ms. Birch has created in her fictional gangland. One thing I really loved about this story was that it featured an underrepresented criminal position, but one that has the power to literally cripple giant corporations and even nations: hackers. Not only do we see the nerdy bad boys represented, but having M be just a slightly more adept hacker than Rafe was the icing on the cake.
The best news? Hack is only the second in a four book series and there is much more that this crew has in store with some of the best dark book boyfriends romance has to offer.
February 7, 2021
“The acknowledgement of our delicate and twisted connection had solidified our unlikely bond.”
Hack takes us back to Covington Heights and focuses on Rafa and Marigold. These two hackers are from completely different worlds but are so much alike. Rafa is part of the criminal masterminds at Covington and danger is a constant presence in his life. Marigold is a hacker who gives tutorials on the internet on how to hijack people’s computers and Rafa is fascinated by her. When they meet to face to face, they are unprepared for their connection and what it means for the worlds they live in.
“The woman I’d fantasized about, who I wasn’t sure would meet all the warped expectations I’d had, was below me, making my dreams a reality.”
Marigold is full of feistiness and false bravado. She made a snap decision to explore a different world and the consequences of that decision are more than she bargained for, but she has the determination to break free of her current life. She truly blossoms throughout the book and comes into her own.
“It was for life. I wanted him. I needed him. He was my oxygen and the strongest craving I’d ever had.”
Rafa portrays a façade of cruelness to the world, but he’s caring once he lets his guard down. He’s loyal to his Crew, but he’s secretly wants to escape the life he’s living, but he’s scared that there is nothing more to his life than what he is currently living. Marigold dares him to want more for himself.
“That I’d found someone, finally, who didn’t just see me…a person who understood me and didn’t run for the hills. But deeper and far more frightening—there was the acceptance.”
The hate/love relationship between Rafa and Marigold is complicated and passionate. Both live in the moral grayness of the world and get a high from cybercrimes yet have a goodness at their core. This unlikely duo are perfect for each other.
Full of danger and suspense, Hack is a quick read full of unexpected twists and turns. The chemistry and connection between Rafa and Marigold will instantly draw the reader into their world.
Hack takes us back to Covington Heights and focuses on Rafa and Marigold. These two hackers are from completely different worlds but are so much alike. Rafa is part of the criminal masterminds at Covington and danger is a constant presence in his life. Marigold is a hacker who gives tutorials on the internet on how to hijack people’s computers and Rafa is fascinated by her. When they meet to face to face, they are unprepared for their connection and what it means for the worlds they live in.
“The woman I’d fantasized about, who I wasn’t sure would meet all the warped expectations I’d had, was below me, making my dreams a reality.”
Marigold is full of feistiness and false bravado. She made a snap decision to explore a different world and the consequences of that decision are more than she bargained for, but she has the determination to break free of her current life. She truly blossoms throughout the book and comes into her own.
“It was for life. I wanted him. I needed him. He was my oxygen and the strongest craving I’d ever had.”
Rafa portrays a façade of cruelness to the world, but he’s caring once he lets his guard down. He’s loyal to his Crew, but he’s secretly wants to escape the life he’s living, but he’s scared that there is nothing more to his life than what he is currently living. Marigold dares him to want more for himself.
“That I’d found someone, finally, who didn’t just see me…a person who understood me and didn’t run for the hills. But deeper and far more frightening—there was the acceptance.”
The hate/love relationship between Rafa and Marigold is complicated and passionate. Both live in the moral grayness of the world and get a high from cybercrimes yet have a goodness at their core. This unlikely duo are perfect for each other.
Full of danger and suspense, Hack is a quick read full of unexpected twists and turns. The chemistry and connection between Rafa and Marigold will instantly draw the reader into their world.
May 20, 2021
Hack is book 2 in the Covington Heights Crew series. This book is the enemies to lovers romance between Rafael “Goldie Locks” Santos and Marigold “M” Pfeifer. Their story is filled with nerdy talk, lust, danger, and peek into the life of a hacker and criminal.
This book picks up where Escape left off and you see the aftermath of what happened at the end of Escape. Rafael and Marigold grew up in two different worlds that were only miles apart.
Rafael grew up a life of crime when he realized he needed more than what his boring life was giving him. Marigold grew up in a hippie bubble and lived a secret rebellious life on her computer. Both want to live their lives on their own terms and both looking for a way out.
Their mutual interest for computers, cybercrime, desire for chaos, and the high they get for being bad bonds them. Rafael finds Marigold’s online presence and is attracted to her perverse brain and her online tutorials. Marigold wants to know who is the man behind “GoldieLocks” and finds herself in Covington Heights searching for Rafael. In order to save face and herself from harm, she proposes that she works for the crew in hopes that she can go back home to her safe bubble and out of harm’s way. Marigold finds herself in a position where she has bitten off more than she can chew and process and has to rely on Rafael for support and help. Their relationship is complicated with a love hate heated passion for one another and when Marigold finds a way to help Rafael find a way out, she takes it but for a price.
Hack is an entertaining read filled with twists and turns that will keep you turning pages just to find out what happens next.
I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in a fun and entertaining read. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the next book for Anton and for the Covington Heights crew.
This book picks up where Escape left off and you see the aftermath of what happened at the end of Escape. Rafael and Marigold grew up in two different worlds that were only miles apart.
Rafael grew up a life of crime when he realized he needed more than what his boring life was giving him. Marigold grew up in a hippie bubble and lived a secret rebellious life on her computer. Both want to live their lives on their own terms and both looking for a way out.
Their mutual interest for computers, cybercrime, desire for chaos, and the high they get for being bad bonds them. Rafael finds Marigold’s online presence and is attracted to her perverse brain and her online tutorials. Marigold wants to know who is the man behind “GoldieLocks” and finds herself in Covington Heights searching for Rafael. In order to save face and herself from harm, she proposes that she works for the crew in hopes that she can go back home to her safe bubble and out of harm’s way. Marigold finds herself in a position where she has bitten off more than she can chew and process and has to rely on Rafael for support and help. Their relationship is complicated with a love hate heated passion for one another and when Marigold finds a way to help Rafael find a way out, she takes it but for a price.
Hack is an entertaining read filled with twists and turns that will keep you turning pages just to find out what happens next.
I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in a fun and entertaining read. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the next book for Anton and for the Covington Heights crew.
January 26, 2021
This book is the second in Deana Birch's brilliant "Covington Heights Crew" books, a follow up to "Escape " but can easily be read as a standalone.
Marigold Pfifer lived a lonely life with her overbearing vegan parents, she was told, what to eat, where she could go, she had even been home schooled so she was also friendless.
Marigold escaped to her computer, she had become a brilliant hacker and was inserting viruses into systems and stealing money which she stashed away. She had an on line flirtation with a fellow geek Rafa, another hacker who was in awe of her talent and the things that she could teach him.
When Marigold decides to stalk Rafa to see if he looked like the geek that she expected things took a life changing turn.
Rafa was second in command at Covington Heights, a den of drug dealing and other illegal means of money making . Rafa hated drug dealing but got a kick out of theft and hacking to make money for leader Anton.
This story follows the journey of Marigold's recruitment into the gang, the love hate relationship between Marigold and Rafa that was to blossom into a sizzling romance.
Marigold wants to draw Rafa away from soul destroying Covington Heights and it's dangers but Rafa knows nothing else. When Marigold hatches a plan to save Rafa's life it goes disastrously wrong....will he ever forgive her.
This is an action packed story fraught with danger, suspense, of the hate between the waring gangs , you can practically taste the utter desolation of living in fear and drug fuelled poverty, a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily leave my review.
Marigold Pfifer lived a lonely life with her overbearing vegan parents, she was told, what to eat, where she could go, she had even been home schooled so she was also friendless.
Marigold escaped to her computer, she had become a brilliant hacker and was inserting viruses into systems and stealing money which she stashed away. She had an on line flirtation with a fellow geek Rafa, another hacker who was in awe of her talent and the things that she could teach him.
When Marigold decides to stalk Rafa to see if he looked like the geek that she expected things took a life changing turn.
Rafa was second in command at Covington Heights, a den of drug dealing and other illegal means of money making . Rafa hated drug dealing but got a kick out of theft and hacking to make money for leader Anton.
This story follows the journey of Marigold's recruitment into the gang, the love hate relationship between Marigold and Rafa that was to blossom into a sizzling romance.
Marigold wants to draw Rafa away from soul destroying Covington Heights and it's dangers but Rafa knows nothing else. When Marigold hatches a plan to save Rafa's life it goes disastrously wrong....will he ever forgive her.
This is an action packed story fraught with danger, suspense, of the hate between the waring gangs , you can practically taste the utter desolation of living in fear and drug fuelled poverty, a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily leave my review.
January 6, 2021
This book mentally had me on the edge of my seat for a decent chunk of it. Holy smokes, what a fantastic read.
I really enjoyed the first Covington Heights book, but this one is my favorite so far in this series. I wasn't expecting the twists, and those kept me totally immersed in this book. I did love that we got to see characters from the first book - but they weren't front and center in this one. It was all about Rafa and Marigold, and it was fantastic.
Rafa may very well be my first book boyfriend of 2o21. He's got this bad boy quality about him that draws women to him like magnets, but deep down, he has this different side that you probably wouldn't expect. He wants more. He deserves more. Yeah, there were some points in the book where I wanted to chuck a shoe at him, but there's more to him than meets the eye.
I honestly didn't think I would like Marigold at first, but that feeling didn't last long at all. She comes from an unexpected background, does unexpected things, and she is kind of amazing at the end of the day. She makes some decisions that totally show just how naive she is, but I also think those decisions make her more brave than I thought she was.
The storyline gets really intense in some parts, and I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did - which made this story all the more enjoyable for me. I think Rafa and Marigold are a match made in hacker heaven, and you'll see why once you read this awesome book.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to the author for this; fantastic read!
I really enjoyed the first Covington Heights book, but this one is my favorite so far in this series. I wasn't expecting the twists, and those kept me totally immersed in this book. I did love that we got to see characters from the first book - but they weren't front and center in this one. It was all about Rafa and Marigold, and it was fantastic.
Rafa may very well be my first book boyfriend of 2o21. He's got this bad boy quality about him that draws women to him like magnets, but deep down, he has this different side that you probably wouldn't expect. He wants more. He deserves more. Yeah, there were some points in the book where I wanted to chuck a shoe at him, but there's more to him than meets the eye.
I honestly didn't think I would like Marigold at first, but that feeling didn't last long at all. She comes from an unexpected background, does unexpected things, and she is kind of amazing at the end of the day. She makes some decisions that totally show just how naive she is, but I also think those decisions make her more brave than I thought she was.
The storyline gets really intense in some parts, and I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did - which made this story all the more enjoyable for me. I think Rafa and Marigold are a match made in hacker heaven, and you'll see why once you read this awesome book.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to the author for this; fantastic read!
April 12, 2021
The story of the Covington Crew continues in this book with the story of Rafa and Marigold. Rafa is Number 2 of the Covington Crew. He's muscle-bound, tough, and secretly a nerd, crushing on hacker he interacts with online. Marigold (or M) is hacker extraordinaire. She is a loner and lonely and craves the sense of belonging she can get in Covington. The only problem is she has zero street smarts and trying to fit in could cost M her life.
I got this book as an arc through Book Sirens. I was immediately drawn to the story, but since it was the 2nd in the series, I thought I better read the first book for tackling Hack. I didn't love the first book, but Hack was exactly what I was looking for. I got attached to the Covington Crew in Escape, but Hack was much higher quality. I feel like the author finally got a feel for her storytelling with this book. The storyline pacing was excellent and it was STEAMY. There was a great relationship between the two main characters (love/hate) that made me want to spend time with them and see where there adventures took them.
I'm so glad I hung around for Hack. Definitely worth it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I got this book as an arc through Book Sirens. I was immediately drawn to the story, but since it was the 2nd in the series, I thought I better read the first book for tackling Hack. I didn't love the first book, but Hack was exactly what I was looking for. I got attached to the Covington Crew in Escape, but Hack was much higher quality. I feel like the author finally got a feel for her storytelling with this book. The storyline pacing was excellent and it was STEAMY. There was a great relationship between the two main characters (love/hate) that made me want to spend time with them and see where there adventures took them.
I'm so glad I hung around for Hack. Definitely worth it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 26, 2021
I was really excited to read the second book in the Covington Heights series and it wasn’t a let down. It has a different feeling and pace to the first book which takes the book into different places that book 1 couldn’t go. I love how the characters are not caricatures or unredeemable bad boys/girls but they are all nuanced individuals with baggage, goodness and negatives that make them so fascinating to read about.
I really like the way that the book takes elements from book 1 and the impact of those events can be seen throughout book 2. The storyline is gripping and the relationships and friendships running through the book are gripping and moving. I thought Rafa was a great character in book 1 and it was a lot of fun dipping into his world in more detail. I love how female characters in Deana’s books are strong, non gender stereotypical badasses and M is one of the best. Her skills and presence add another dimension to the Heights crew.
I’m also really intrigued as to where the crew’s stories are going to go after this book. Anton is intriguing and there’s more to tell about him. The book is a complete story but it does end on a cliffhanger for the series rather than to the storyline in this book. I’m really excited to read more by this author.
I really like the way that the book takes elements from book 1 and the impact of those events can be seen throughout book 2. The storyline is gripping and the relationships and friendships running through the book are gripping and moving. I thought Rafa was a great character in book 1 and it was a lot of fun dipping into his world in more detail. I love how female characters in Deana’s books are strong, non gender stereotypical badasses and M is one of the best. Her skills and presence add another dimension to the Heights crew.
I’m also really intrigued as to where the crew’s stories are going to go after this book. Anton is intriguing and there’s more to tell about him. The book is a complete story but it does end on a cliffhanger for the series rather than to the storyline in this book. I’m really excited to read more by this author.
August 27, 2024
I wanted to like this book
It might not be fair, but I can't help but compare the first book to the sencond. Hack had a lot of things lacking.
The pace was much slower, the plot was not very well defined, and the characters, even though they were unique, it was hard to route for them.
What I loved about Leo and Fiona's story was that they wanted to escape, but they were trapped in the lives they lived. The danger was on every page. They wanted to do more with their lives.
Rafa and M didn't change much throughout the book. They were very clear from beginning to end that they enjoyed stealing. And the rest of the struggles they had didn't seem so important to me. I was expecting a bit more thrill for the ending, but it was just ok.
M's relationship with her parents didn't make me like her either.
I liked Anton in the first book, but in this one, he is awful.
There were a lot of explicit sex scenes in this one, and not in the first, which felt like filler scenes. The way the lovers ended up together was also weird.
So maybe it's just me, but this was not a book for me. And I think I was expecting something very different after reading the first one, so maybe that's why I didn't like it that much.
The writing was good, and it was an easy to read story. We have some new side characters that are interesting and some old ones that appear too.
There is less violence in this one since they focus more on the hacking part.
It might not be fair, but I can't help but compare the first book to the sencond. Hack had a lot of things lacking.
The pace was much slower, the plot was not very well defined, and the characters, even though they were unique, it was hard to route for them.
What I loved about Leo and Fiona's story was that they wanted to escape, but they were trapped in the lives they lived. The danger was on every page. They wanted to do more with their lives.
Rafa and M didn't change much throughout the book. They were very clear from beginning to end that they enjoyed stealing. And the rest of the struggles they had didn't seem so important to me. I was expecting a bit more thrill for the ending, but it was just ok.
M's relationship with her parents didn't make me like her either.
I liked Anton in the first book, but in this one, he is awful.
There were a lot of explicit sex scenes in this one, and not in the first, which felt like filler scenes. The way the lovers ended up together was also weird.
So maybe it's just me, but this was not a book for me. And I think I was expecting something very different after reading the first one, so maybe that's why I didn't like it that much.
The writing was good, and it was an easy to read story. We have some new side characters that are interesting and some old ones that appear too.
There is less violence in this one since they focus more on the hacking part.
February 16, 2021
Escape gave us a look at the world of the Covington Crew and Hack brought us right into the belly of the beast.
Marigold or M as she's known to her online fans is a master hacker. She teaches online classes to others on how to get involved in her world but won't ever reveal big details that would enable people to be as good as her. She doesn't have much of a life outside of her cyber world.
Rafael is now number 2 in the Covington Crew and likes to dabble in cyber hacking to make some money for the gangs leader Anton. Hes followed M online for a while and is very intrigued by her and wants to know more of her hacking secrets.
The pair end up crossing paths and M gets tangled up in the Covington lifestyle. The pair definitely have a love hate relationship with lots of passion and steam.
This was a really good addition to the series. We go to meet characters old and new and got sucked into the twisted Web of the gang lifestyle. It was great seeing more of Rafa and learning about his background.
I really like Deana's attention to detail from her character description through to the inner workings of M and Rafas hacking.
I didn't want to put this one down and was invested from the off and the ending had me gripped. I loved all the action.
Anton has definitely intrigued me and I'm looking forward to seeing his story in the next one. If you like a darker romance with plenty going on check this one out.
Marigold or M as she's known to her online fans is a master hacker. She teaches online classes to others on how to get involved in her world but won't ever reveal big details that would enable people to be as good as her. She doesn't have much of a life outside of her cyber world.
Rafael is now number 2 in the Covington Crew and likes to dabble in cyber hacking to make some money for the gangs leader Anton. Hes followed M online for a while and is very intrigued by her and wants to know more of her hacking secrets.
The pair end up crossing paths and M gets tangled up in the Covington lifestyle. The pair definitely have a love hate relationship with lots of passion and steam.
This was a really good addition to the series. We go to meet characters old and new and got sucked into the twisted Web of the gang lifestyle. It was great seeing more of Rafa and learning about his background.
I really like Deana's attention to detail from her character description through to the inner workings of M and Rafas hacking.
I didn't want to put this one down and was invested from the off and the ending had me gripped. I loved all the action.
Anton has definitely intrigued me and I'm looking forward to seeing his story in the next one. If you like a darker romance with plenty going on check this one out.
February 24, 2021
Although it took me a long time to finally read this book, I am glad that I read it and I think I found a great new author!
I really loved Marigold! I love her intelligence, her year for adventure and her confidence! I wish she had a better opportunity to connect with other women in the book and have it not women against women. All of her interactions with Lisa pretty much about her relationship, and I yearned for more. Other than that, I do admire that she is willing to admit that she is wrong and is not willing to back down from a fight. All in all, she was well written. I also personally loved that she was smart one and that everyone looked to her for her expert hacking needs.
Rafa was a little annoying. I wish he wasn't a "all women are the same" kind of guy but I think that has to do with how the women were portrayed. I loved that he smart and not just muscles. We Stan a man who goes online to learn more about computers and simps over an intelligent woman.
All in all, this was a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really loved Marigold! I love her intelligence, her year for adventure and her confidence! I wish she had a better opportunity to connect with other women in the book and have it not women against women. All of her interactions with Lisa pretty much about her relationship, and I yearned for more. Other than that, I do admire that she is willing to admit that she is wrong and is not willing to back down from a fight. All in all, she was well written. I also personally loved that she was smart one and that everyone looked to her for her expert hacking needs.
Rafa was a little annoying. I wish he wasn't a "all women are the same" kind of guy but I think that has to do with how the women were portrayed. I loved that he smart and not just muscles. We Stan a man who goes online to learn more about computers and simps over an intelligent woman.
All in all, this was a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2021
Hack was an exciting story about the world of hacking which is fascinating to me (and that doesn't mean I know how to hack because I'm too old to learn LOL). Rafael is the bad boy hacker in the Covington Heights Crew, and while he comes off really mean, deep down he has a huge heart but don't mess with him or those he loves because he can destroy you if he needs to. Marigold is a genius herself as she does videos on how to do what she does (but not as well because she doesn't give all of her secrets), so Rafael has had his eye on her. Things take a turn and they come face to face so let the games begin. Hack was a story that kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as quickly as possible so I can say that I'm very addicted to this series now. Obviously there are twists to get the f-bombs dropping, super fun banter getting the sparks flying, secondaries who only add more, and even super hot sexy times so yeah, it ticks off all my boxes with a hacking kicker! I'm super excited for more & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
February 26, 2021
It’s the first book I read from the author and it didn’t disappoint. I admit, it’s not my type of genre but it was an enjoyable read. I finished it in one sitting.
I wasn’t expecting that the characters are on the other side of the spectrum but it seemed they are not. I liked the characters and what they had become. It was a great transition. Kudos to the author for doing that. Not many can do it though. The storyline was good and not dragging.
I haven’t read the first book in the series but it seemed standalone. There was a bit of history from Rafa’s perspective but it didn’t elaborate and it made me think to check out the first book. That’s a good tease from the author. I liked M, she has spank. I liked Rafa, a really nice bad boy. They had really great chemistry even if they denied it the first time.
If you are curious about the hacking world and you love romance, this one's for you!
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I wasn’t expecting that the characters are on the other side of the spectrum but it seemed they are not. I liked the characters and what they had become. It was a great transition. Kudos to the author for doing that. Not many can do it though. The storyline was good and not dragging.
I haven’t read the first book in the series but it seemed standalone. There was a bit of history from Rafa’s perspective but it didn’t elaborate and it made me think to check out the first book. That’s a good tease from the author. I liked M, she has spank. I liked Rafa, a really nice bad boy. They had really great chemistry even if they denied it the first time.
If you are curious about the hacking world and you love romance, this one's for you!
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens and am leaving a review voluntarily.
January 22, 2021
An enjoyable story with awesome characters and high stakes that kept me hooked!
Both Rafael and Marigold are great characters and I loved them from the beginning. Raf is super sweet underneath the hard exterior he holds around him, and M is witty and pretty amazing!
Their lives are completely different but they're so much alike. You can tell they are pretty much meant for each other. The banter between those two is the best thing, it was hilarious and I loved it! I was definitely chuckling and smiling quite a lot. And I could really feel their chemistry.
I love the intensity that comes with them being a part of a criminal crew. Dangers are everywhere around them and everything could go wrong in the blink of an eye. But I also love that this is a bit slower and focuses on the characters and the connection between them.
"I couldn't stop thinking about M. She'd consumed me in a way that I hadn't understood but was terrified to lose."
*I received this ARC via BookSirens, but the thoughts are completely my own*
Both Rafael and Marigold are great characters and I loved them from the beginning. Raf is super sweet underneath the hard exterior he holds around him, and M is witty and pretty amazing!
Their lives are completely different but they're so much alike. You can tell they are pretty much meant for each other. The banter between those two is the best thing, it was hilarious and I loved it! I was definitely chuckling and smiling quite a lot. And I could really feel their chemistry.
I love the intensity that comes with them being a part of a criminal crew. Dangers are everywhere around them and everything could go wrong in the blink of an eye. But I also love that this is a bit slower and focuses on the characters and the connection between them.
"I couldn't stop thinking about M. She'd consumed me in a way that I hadn't understood but was terrified to lose."
*I received this ARC via BookSirens, but the thoughts are completely my own*
May 9, 2021
Rafa and Marigold couldn't be more different. Different upbringing, different families, different lives completely...except for hacking. The internet brings us all together doesn't it? Really enjoyed this 2nd book of the Covington Heights series. Such a dumb girl to get herself in the situation she did, lucky she had Rafa to look out for her. Great page turner that kept the drama coming. Really HOT hate and lust and love all swirled into one really enjoyable book. Loved the banter between these two. Could feel Marigold's loneliness throughout. So sad and relatable. Hreat twist at the end that kept me guessing. Recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2022
Marigold is a young hacker who lives with her parents, but who dreams of living her own life, away from the iron control of her mother.
Rafa is the hacker of the Covington Crew, and with Leo's departure, he becomes Anton's second, although he is not entirely happy with this.
M and Rafa meet online, and because of her curiosity, they end up meeting , and because of her naivety, she ends up working for the Crew.
This couple spends the day arguing, getting mad, but at the same time they are very similar. They both try to fight the attraction they feel, then the feelings they have. That said, everything is a constant tug of war.
Seeing how the book ends, I can't wait to read the next one and see what it has in store for Anton and the Covington Crew.
Rafa is the hacker of the Covington Crew, and with Leo's departure, he becomes Anton's second, although he is not entirely happy with this.
M and Rafa meet online, and because of her curiosity, they end up meeting , and because of her naivety, she ends up working for the Crew.
This couple spends the day arguing, getting mad, but at the same time they are very similar. They both try to fight the attraction they feel, then the feelings they have. That said, everything is a constant tug of war.
Seeing how the book ends, I can't wait to read the next one and see what it has in store for Anton and the Covington Crew.
April 9, 2021
Never having picked up a Deana book, I was eager to start this series and also intrigued.
Book one swept away any of my doubts as it was so action packed, fun and everything you would want in a great book. A comfort you need after a long day!
Book two gave the Covington Crew a slower paced story but it was still a good read. I loved reading more about the characters and how they interacted with one another.
I hope we will read more from the characters as I feel they could evolve further. All in all pick the book up as you won’t be disappointed.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book one swept away any of my doubts as it was so action packed, fun and everything you would want in a great book. A comfort you need after a long day!
Book two gave the Covington Crew a slower paced story but it was still a good read. I loved reading more about the characters and how they interacted with one another.
I hope we will read more from the characters as I feel they could evolve further. All in all pick the book up as you won’t be disappointed.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2021
I absolutely loved book 2 of the Covington Heights Crew series. The crew itself has the feeling of being a true crew in that its not glamorized and instead is portrayed in a dangerous criminal and gritty way I appreciate. Because Rafa’s relationship to his crew members and friends is important to him it plays an important part in understanding him. Those added details and dynamics helped me feel connected to him. I absolutely loved knowing what was going on in his head. Add in Marigold and it takes this book to the next level. The emotions that her own story brings into the equation had me in all the feels. I got her and I felt for her and loved her just as much as I did Rafa. Their relationship was so good! It was chemistry and fire and friendship and again got me right in the heart. Rafa throughout shows compassion in a way I felt utterly drawn to. And sure, he like a good angry go but he doesn’t hate her and he isn’t particularly mean to her. None of the story is overly dark and twisty or crazy. Its that perfect amount for me that isn’t overly exaggerated so that it evokes real feelings and thoughts. Even when the action kicks in and things do go completely sideways its not too much or too out there. And things do go very sideways. I actually slowed down my reading at one point because I was enjoying the book so much and then I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough while trying to control my breathing because of all that was going on.
Towards the end I wasn’t sure how Deana Birch was going to tie this story up but she absolutely did and I was completely happy with the ending. I thought it was quite perfect and romantic and true to Rafa and M. I imagine I will reread it at some point. Maybe binge the whole series once it is complete because I don’t want to forget these two, or the two before them, and I am very interested to see what happens with the next and I think final couple.
Hack gets an enthusiastic 5 stars from me!
PS-It's got pet love too.
Towards the end I wasn’t sure how Deana Birch was going to tie this story up but she absolutely did and I was completely happy with the ending. I thought it was quite perfect and romantic and true to Rafa and M. I imagine I will reread it at some point. Maybe binge the whole series once it is complete because I don’t want to forget these two, or the two before them, and I am very interested to see what happens with the next and I think final couple.
Hack gets an enthusiastic 5 stars from me!
PS-It's got pet love too.
February 15, 2021
This was a really good fast paced read.
I found it to be a good follow up to Escape... Leo ad Rafa were very similar guys, but where Leo wanted out, Rafa thrives o this life.
I loved the banter and chat on the computer before they realised who the other one was.
Rafa and Marigold (M) had great chemistry and I loved how protective Raf was of M.
The secondary characters are great... especially Anton... and they really add to the overall read.
Definitely one I couldn’t put down
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
I found it to be a good follow up to Escape... Leo ad Rafa were very similar guys, but where Leo wanted out, Rafa thrives o this life.
I loved the banter and chat on the computer before they realised who the other one was.
Rafa and Marigold (M) had great chemistry and I loved how protective Raf was of M.
The secondary characters are great... especially Anton... and they really add to the overall read.
Definitely one I couldn’t put down
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
March 23, 2021
Rafael is a thief and loves technology. He is looking for a way for his crew to earn money. He's called "Goldie locks" due to his good luck with his business ventures. Marigold is a hacker and looking for adventure but when she goes uptown to Covington Heights she gets a rude awakening and an enemy when she meets Rafael. The attraction is as strong as the hate between them. Will the two find they have taken on more than they can handle?
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
May 22, 2021
I could not warm up to these characters. That's probably me. I could appreciate their common interests and understand why they related to each other the way they did. The novel circles around the gang world, but with a rather Pollyannaish or Rainbow Brite flavor to it all. It felt like the intent to go full out gang was there, but the main characters really never seemed to have that edge. The rival gangs were the bad guys.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2021
My full review can be found on the Epilie Aspie Chick blog!
Thank you to the author for providing the ARC for an honest review.
At it's core, the book is about Marigold and her journey to being herself. Seeing her start out as shy in the world and bold on the internet to bold all the way around is an enjoyable one. I wish the focus was more on that aspect.
Thank you to the author for providing the ARC for an honest review.
At it's core, the book is about Marigold and her journey to being herself. Seeing her start out as shy in the world and bold on the internet to bold all the way around is an enjoyable one. I wish the focus was more on that aspect.
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