Title: Exploited
Author: A. Meredith Walters
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Type: Book 1 of 2 from Zero Day series
POV: First Person – Dual
Expected Publication: June 25, 2017
In this pulse-pounding novel from the bestselling author of Butterfly Dreams, a vigilante hacker plays a seductive game with the agent who’s chasing her online—and sharing her bed in real life.
At first glance, I’m nothing out of the ordinary. I am a daughter. A sister. A friend. When you look at me you won’t see anything that warrants suspicion. I don’t look like a criminal.
My name is Hannah Whalen, but most people know me as freed0mov3rdr1v3, or “Freedom Overdrive”—one of the world’s most prolific and notorious hacktivists. My goal—my purpose—is to shed light on the evil that lurks behind the corporate and government lies we have been force-fed for too long.
My story begins with the best possible intention. Devoting my life to exposing the corrupt. The dishonest. The unethical. For that, they label me a cyber-terrorist. Wanted by the FBI, I’ve always been one step ahead.
Until I fell in love.
Because I’m sleeping with the man who’s hunting me. And he has no idea that I am his prey. Now I have to decide what’s more important: my freedom or my heart.
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ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Hannah Whelan wanted justice. As a cyber vigilante known as Freedom Overdrive, she used her skills to stand up for the wronged by bringing down corrupted corporations. Her exploits not only attracted the population but also FBI’s attention.
Mason Kohler thought the move to a different city would do wonders to his real life and career. As an FBI agent specializing in cyber crime, he had a glowing track record in solving cases, until he met a distraction that could make or break his future.
I think cyber related stories are interesting due to the character’s life in two different worlds. I was intrigued by this duality and excited to dive into this one.
This was the man I should have been terrified of. But I wasn’t. And my lack of fear was concerning.
Mason started as an amusing arrogant ass but he quickly showed his soft spot. I like how he had to deal with dilemma at work which became his motivation. However, for an experienced agent, there were several instances that he acted like a naive rookie.
I was feeling untouchable. The high I got from an exploit was unlike anything I could describe.
I like how Hannah stayed true to herself. She was passionate in what she believed in and refused to stray from her goals. But while she was ruthless, she still used her heart as well.
There was something about sharing grief and pain with someone who understood the suffering. It made you feel less alone.
I find both of them to be very likable individually and as a couple. The story started a little slow at first, but as the characters’ background were revealed, it got more interesting.
I like how when the questions started to arise, there were several possible answers to speculate from. However, I feel like in the end it was too predictable/straightforward. The big answer was already there, it made me wonder how much mystery/suspense will be left for the next book. I hope I’m wrong and the author will turn it around in the conclusion.
Being dishonest wasn’t hard. I had lived a double life for a long time.
Exploited is a story of a woman’s journey in righting the wrongs. It would appeal to readers looking for a tech themed romantic suspense.
Final Verdict:
This review is also available on Goodreads.
Books in the series:
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A. Meredith Walters is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of new adult and contemporary romance including the Find You in the Dark, Bad Rep, Reclaiming the Sand, and Twisted Love series. She also writes psychological thrillers under the pen name A.M. Irvin.
The Virginia native currently lives in England with her husband and daughter.
