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Norcross Security #5
Der Hacker
Sie ist ungewollt schwanger, jemand versucht, sie zu töten … und ihr One-Night-Stand wird zu ihrem erbittertsten Beschützer.
Hubschrauberpilotin Maggie Lopez konzentriert sich darauf, ihr auf Hubschrauberflüge und Drohnenfotografie spezialisiertes Unternehmen aufzubauen – und nimmt dafür einen riesigen Kredit auf. Dennoch nimmt sie sich eine Nacht frei, um ihre Jeans gegen ein Designerkleid zu tauschen und eine noble Gala zu besuchen … und verbringt am Ende eine sehr heiße Nacht mit dem extrem heißen Mann, in den sie schon lange heimlich verliebt ist – Ace Oliveira. Er ist groß, sexy und der Technik-Guru im Team von Norcross Security.
Es war nicht geplant, dass sie ihn so heiß findet. Es war auch nicht geplant, dass sie sich in ihn verliebt. Aber am allerwenigsten war geplant, dass sie schwanger wird.
Ace Oliveiras Leben ist genau richtig für ihn. Nachdem er jahrelang sein Heimatland als NSA-Agent beschützt hat, setzt er nun seine herausragenden Fähigkeiten in Sachen Computer – und wie man sie hackt – bei Norcross Security ein. Er verdient gut. Hat tolle Freunde. Genießt sein sorgloses Junggesellendasein in vollen Zügen. Und sieht sich nicht mit Frau und Kindern – keinesfalls. Dafür hat er seine Gründe.
Doch dann lässt die temperamentvolle, vorlaute Maggie – die sich wie eine Diebin aus seinem Bett geschlichen hat – eine Bombe platzen.
Bevor sie beide diese ungeplante Schwangerschaft begreifen können, stellt sich heraus, dass jemand versucht, Maggie umzubringen. Sie wird in eine Serie tödlicher Unfälle verwickelt und Ace wird tun, was nötig ist, um sie zu beschützen. Mit den Männern von Norcross an seiner Seite wird er einen Mörder aufspüren, seine eigenen Dämonen bekämpfen und die sprunghafte, unabhängige Maggie dazu bringen, sich in den Vater ihres Kindes zu verlieben.
Hubschrauberpilotin Maggie Lopez konzentriert sich darauf, ihr auf Hubschrauberflüge und Drohnenfotografie spezialisiertes Unternehmen aufzubauen – und nimmt dafür einen riesigen Kredit auf. Dennoch nimmt sie sich eine Nacht frei, um ihre Jeans gegen ein Designerkleid zu tauschen und eine noble Gala zu besuchen … und verbringt am Ende eine sehr heiße Nacht mit dem extrem heißen Mann, in den sie schon lange heimlich verliebt ist – Ace Oliveira. Er ist groß, sexy und der Technik-Guru im Team von Norcross Security.
Es war nicht geplant, dass sie ihn so heiß findet. Es war auch nicht geplant, dass sie sich in ihn verliebt. Aber am allerwenigsten war geplant, dass sie schwanger wird.
Ace Oliveiras Leben ist genau richtig für ihn. Nachdem er jahrelang sein Heimatland als NSA-Agent beschützt hat, setzt er nun seine herausragenden Fähigkeiten in Sachen Computer – und wie man sie hackt – bei Norcross Security ein. Er verdient gut. Hat tolle Freunde. Genießt sein sorgloses Junggesellendasein in vollen Zügen. Und sieht sich nicht mit Frau und Kindern – keinesfalls. Dafür hat er seine Gründe.
Doch dann lässt die temperamentvolle, vorlaute Maggie – die sich wie eine Diebin aus seinem Bett geschlichen hat – eine Bombe platzen.
Bevor sie beide diese ungeplante Schwangerschaft begreifen können, stellt sich heraus, dass jemand versucht, Maggie umzubringen. Sie wird in eine Serie tödlicher Unfälle verwickelt und Ace wird tun, was nötig ist, um sie zu beschützen. Mit den Männern von Norcross an seiner Seite wird er einen Mörder aufspüren, seine eigenen Dämonen bekämpfen und die sprunghafte, unabhängige Maggie dazu bringen, sich in den Vater ihres Kindes zu verlieben.
332 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2021
1328 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
154 books2,872 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
October 12, 2021
This was book was action packed! I loved the action and the fact that Ace and Maggie were both trying to wrap their heads around the fact that they were having a baby and that they wanted to be with each other.
I'll admit, this is my first by this author, so I jumped in on this series on book 5. Did I feel like I was missing anything? A little. The side characters were in here and it made me wonder about their stories. But truly, you can jump in here and be alright because Ace and Maggie's story is focused on them.
I'll be going back and reading more from this series :)
I'll admit, this is my first by this author, so I jumped in on this series on book 5. Did I feel like I was missing anything? A little. The side characters were in here and it made me wonder about their stories. But truly, you can jump in here and be alright because Ace and Maggie's story is focused on them.
I'll be going back and reading more from this series :)
April 28, 2025
The Hacker is the fifth book in the Norcross Security series by Anna Hackett. This book sees two friends finally finding love but it is a bumpy road or two to get there. Helicopter pilot Maggie is in trouble when a murder has taken place but she doesn't know about it yet but the bad guys do. When they decide to take her down the Norcross team are there to keep her safe.
With a surprise pregnancy, chemistry, tension, drama, danger, emotion, mystery, and more ou won't want to put it down.
Ace Oliveira has just found out he is going to be a dad but he doesn't know how he feels. Kids were never a part of his life and they may not be if he can't keep her safe. Ace will do whatever it takes to stop a killer
With a surprise pregnancy, chemistry, tension, drama, danger, emotion, mystery, and more ou won't want to put it down.
Ace Oliveira has just found out he is going to be a dad but he doesn't know how he feels. Kids were never a part of his life and they may not be if he can't keep her safe. Ace will do whatever it takes to stop a killer
October 24, 2021
Absolutely enjoyed this book!!
Maggie and Ace were one power couple. They both served the country, are loyal to their friends and amazing m. And a what a fantastic friend group they have. I loved those scenes. Maggie’s baby shower was such fun. The mystery in this book was a hit too and as usual action scenes were bomb.
I love books with many different and versatile characters and it’s a bonus that so many already have their own story. And many new characters were introduced th.🥳🥳!!!
Can’t wait for Vander’s book. He is a total badass.
Recommended and safe.
Maggie and Ace were one power couple. They both served the country, are loyal to their friends and amazing m. And a what a fantastic friend group they have. I loved those scenes. Maggie’s baby shower was such fun. The mystery in this book was a hit too and as usual action scenes were bomb.
I love books with many different and versatile characters and it’s a bonus that so many already have their own story. And many new characters were introduced th.🥳🥳!!!
Can’t wait for Vander’s book. He is a total badass.
Recommended and safe.
October 11, 2021
Definitely edge of the seat stuff here with a fast paced story that just sucks the reader in. I loved Maggie and her dreams of being her own boss and even though she's clearly knocked for six to discover she's expecting the baby of the man of her dreams she doesn't let it phase her.
Ok lets be honest and say that Ace doesn't exactly respond well when he finds out he is about to become a father but that beautiful man very quickly steps up and besides he really does want Maggie in his life.
Yes this sexy couple really are made for each other but Maggie has a problem that really isn't going away but with Ace and the rest of the Norcross gang on the case you just know that this will eventually end happily.
A book that made me smile but also one that had me wanting to shake a certain relative although I think Ace won that war for me. I do find these stories very entertaining and yes I admit a little crazy but it all adds to the fun.
Ok lets be honest and say that Ace doesn't exactly respond well when he finds out he is about to become a father but that beautiful man very quickly steps up and besides he really does want Maggie in his life.
Yes this sexy couple really are made for each other but Maggie has a problem that really isn't going away but with Ace and the rest of the Norcross gang on the case you just know that this will eventually end happily.
A book that made me smile but also one that had me wanting to shake a certain relative although I think Ace won that war for me. I do find these stories very entertaining and yes I admit a little crazy but it all adds to the fun.
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October 9, 2021
So this book got me out of a book funk and I appreciate that! The writing style was interesting and the story was, as well. The end kind of wound up in Cheeseville, but that's okay. 4 stars
December 6, 2021
On its own, this book is probably one of my least favorites of the series. But it does help to tie the whole series together overall. Especially with the addition of the billionaires series that came in between the end of book 4 and the start of this book. Maggie and Ace or just OK together. It was hard to feel too much of a connection either of them or their love story because he didn’t really get a lot of their love story. There was a lot of action and drama in this book that distracted from what should’ve been a story of them being able to fall for each other. Plus this book seems to try to lump Maggie in with the other women of the series when it seems like she probably would’ve fit in better with the guys since she works directly with them. I missed seeing her as a part of team Norcross. In this book she was more Ace’s possession and the rest of the team’s little sister who needed coddling and protecting. But we know her as the hot shot helicopter pilot who gets them out of hairy situations. It would’ve been nice to see that Maggie in this book. Also, a lot of what happened seemed to just be really improbable. You had to suspend disbelief a lot more than usual in this book.
But to be honest, this book was mostly a distraction because I have been waiting since book one to read Vander’s book. And this book was unfortunately just the book I had to get through in order to get to Vander’s book.
But to be honest, this book was mostly a distraction because I have been waiting since book one to read Vander’s book. And this book was unfortunately just the book I had to get through in order to get to Vander’s book.
October 19, 2021
Maggie and Ace have been sort of dancing around one another in the background of previous books and HOO-BOY they don't disappoint. They both have issues they need to deal with and there are bad guys to thwart and smoldering kisses that steam up the pages. It's great.
They also have a surprise pregnancy. One which Ace doesn't deal all that well with when he first finds out (to be fair, it was sort of dropped on him, he realized he'd reacted poorly pretty much as soon as he said what he said, and he was quick to turn himself around and support Maggie in the way she needed to be supported. So, yeah, he reacted badly, but sometimes that happens). Seeing as Maggie is part of the Norcross team, all the Norcross men get a little protective of her when the truth comes out, too. Which is kind of funny when they're all doing the glaring thing at Ace.
Beyond the wee surprise, Maggie is also dealing with some bad guys on her tail. Having Ace as her bodyguard while they try to figure out the whos and whys of said bad guys is both good and bad. Good because Maggie has it bad for the guy and bad because Maggie doesn't want to have it bad for the guy. Regardless, being forced to spend time together has those lusty feelings deepening into something more.
A little danger, a lot of steam, a hair-raising helicopter ride or two, and the power of the Norcross team. Good stuff all around.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
They also have a surprise pregnancy. One which Ace doesn't deal all that well with when he first finds out (to be fair, it was sort of dropped on him, he realized he'd reacted poorly pretty much as soon as he said what he said, and he was quick to turn himself around and support Maggie in the way she needed to be supported. So, yeah, he reacted badly, but sometimes that happens). Seeing as Maggie is part of the Norcross team, all the Norcross men get a little protective of her when the truth comes out, too. Which is kind of funny when they're all doing the glaring thing at Ace.
Beyond the wee surprise, Maggie is also dealing with some bad guys on her tail. Having Ace as her bodyguard while they try to figure out the whos and whys of said bad guys is both good and bad. Good because Maggie has it bad for the guy and bad because Maggie doesn't want to have it bad for the guy. Regardless, being forced to spend time together has those lusty feelings deepening into something more.
A little danger, a lot of steam, a hair-raising helicopter ride or two, and the power of the Norcross team. Good stuff all around.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 1, 2024
The Hacker- Ace and Maggie
Nice! Not too long, quick, fast-paced read, entertaining until the end.
We meet the Norcross Security Team starting with book 1. Each book is about a different teammate and all are interconnected.
Ace is The Hacker. His job is to do anything and everything with IT and to get the information needed, no matter how he needs to get it.
Maggie we meet throughout the series. She doesn’t technically work for Norcross but she does a few jobs for them here and there when they need a pilot close by. She flies helicopters and sometimes helps with some dangerous tasks and then runs her business of tours and drone photography.
Maggie has liked Ace for sometime but being that she works so closely with NS team, they are all just friends. However, in book 4, Maggie and Ace help out and end up having a steamy night together. Due to that night, they will forever be tied together in a certain way. When Maggie finds herself in danger, Ace now has an additional reason to keep her safe.
Like stated, this and the series so far, are fast-paced reads full of excitement. The other NS teammates pop in and out from time to time, as well as their partners. Good reads!
Nice! Not too long, quick, fast-paced read, entertaining until the end.
We meet the Norcross Security Team starting with book 1. Each book is about a different teammate and all are interconnected.
Ace is The Hacker. His job is to do anything and everything with IT and to get the information needed, no matter how he needs to get it.
Maggie we meet throughout the series. She doesn’t technically work for Norcross but she does a few jobs for them here and there when they need a pilot close by. She flies helicopters and sometimes helps with some dangerous tasks and then runs her business of tours and drone photography.
Maggie has liked Ace for sometime but being that she works so closely with NS team, they are all just friends. However, in book 4, Maggie and Ace help out and end up having a steamy night together. Due to that night, they will forever be tied together in a certain way. When Maggie finds herself in danger, Ace now has an additional reason to keep her safe.
Like stated, this and the series so far, are fast-paced reads full of excitement. The other NS teammates pop in and out from time to time, as well as their partners. Good reads!
October 18, 2021
The Hacker is first book of Anna that I've read and it is a scorcher! This is the 5th book of the series and its Ace and Maggie's story. Maggi and Ace are both working for NORCROSS Security. Maggie is a helicopter pilot and Drone photographer, Ace is a Tech at Norcross Security. Maggie is strong, Independent woman and a go getter who find herself pregnant after an explosive night with her long time crush Ace. That night changes their relationship, after a few misunderstandings shock worn off things start happening and Ace does everything he can to protect Maggie from the people that are after her. He has his hang-ups about relationships and you get to know why Ace wasn’t planning on being a father, but he isn’t going to leave Maggie in the lurch, and he is definitely not going to let someone kill her. They work through their issues and are stronger together as a couple. I just love the way Ace protected Maggie, he is such a hero!
A great book with good interaction with the rest of the group, I haven’t read the earlier books in the series but its easy get into the story. If you’re interested friend's to lover's, accidental pregnancy, high level suspense and romance this is for you!
Thank you to Wildfire Marketing for providing me with an eARC copy of The Hacker for review.
A great book with good interaction with the rest of the group, I haven’t read the earlier books in the series but its easy get into the story. If you’re interested friend's to lover's, accidental pregnancy, high level suspense and romance this is for you!
Thank you to Wildfire Marketing for providing me with an eARC copy of The Hacker for review.
October 13, 2021
Series: Norcross Security #5
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Maggie Lopez thought the worst about finding out she was pregnant was figuring out how to work with a baby around her busy schedule. Instead, she has to deal with someone trying to kill her.
Maggie and Ace have had tension between them since they were introduced in this series. This book starts with Maggie realizing she is pregnant and trying to wrap her head around it. The surprise pregnancy trope is not one I usually enjoy but I actually enjoyed this book. Probably because this book started out with it from the very beginning and it wasn’t really a surprise to the reader.
Maggie was a great heroine. I enjoyed her spunk and determination to succeed. She was always cool under fire and wasn’t afraid to defend herself even though she was pregnant. I like that she didn’t just turn into a weak fool once she found out she was going to have a kid. Ace was a protective alpha male. I liked him and his family. These two made a good couple and I think they will be great parents.
Overall, this was a good romantic suspense story for this series. I am still eagerly waiting for Vander’s story. Also I enjoyed the bonus epilogue where we get to see these two as parents.
Trigger Warnings: Brief references to Ace’s brother’s drug overdose. Maggie’s father is constantly putting her and women in general down with constant old fashioned views and attitudes.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Maggie Lopez thought the worst about finding out she was pregnant was figuring out how to work with a baby around her busy schedule. Instead, she has to deal with someone trying to kill her.
Maggie and Ace have had tension between them since they were introduced in this series. This book starts with Maggie realizing she is pregnant and trying to wrap her head around it. The surprise pregnancy trope is not one I usually enjoy but I actually enjoyed this book. Probably because this book started out with it from the very beginning and it wasn’t really a surprise to the reader.
Maggie was a great heroine. I enjoyed her spunk and determination to succeed. She was always cool under fire and wasn’t afraid to defend herself even though she was pregnant. I like that she didn’t just turn into a weak fool once she found out she was going to have a kid. Ace was a protective alpha male. I liked him and his family. These two made a good couple and I think they will be great parents.
Overall, this was a good romantic suspense story for this series. I am still eagerly waiting for Vander’s story. Also I enjoyed the bonus epilogue where we get to see these two as parents.
Trigger Warnings: Brief references to Ace’s brother’s drug overdose. Maggie’s father is constantly putting her and women in general down with constant old fashioned views and attitudes.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
April 24, 2024
3 🌟
I am still enjoying the books in this series of inter-connected standalones of romantic suspense, slightly military and action packed. Each book features a different trope. This one was a pregnancy trope ( not a spoiler).
I am still enjoying the books in this series of inter-connected standalones of romantic suspense, slightly military and action packed. Each book features a different trope. This one was a pregnancy trope ( not a spoiler).
July 11, 2024
No demasiado largo pero tampoco demasiado corto y con suficientes detalles para una historia entretenida. Aunque hubo partes que no tenían mucho sentido para mí y era obvio lo que iba a pasar, estuve lo suficientemente involucrada como para seguir leyendo hasta el final.
October 29, 2021
3.5 stars - Overall, I enjoyed it but found myself stepping away from the book a couple times. I liked Maggie and Ace and their story. I'm not usually a fan of unplanned pregnancies in books but I liked how this one played out. Some of the aspects of the suspense storyline struck me as unrealistic, but I guess that was the point because
There is a slight tease for Vander's story at the end and I can't wait for his book. I've been anxious for his story since the beginning of the series.
There is a slight tease for Vander's story at the end and I can't wait for his book. I've been anxious for his story since the beginning of the series.
July 21, 2024
In the previous book, Maggie (ex-Navy, she owns her own flight business and does work for Norcross) and Ace (the tech guru for Norcross) had a hot hookup at the ball. They've had an attraction for awhile. But, the hook-up has a complication. Maggie gets pregnant.
Accidental pregnancy is one of my least favorite tropes. Both Maggie and Ace appeared in previous books and I was happy to learn more about each one and get their story. This does open for Vander's book (but isn't a cliffhanger like some the previous entries have been).
RBSB: Fish out of Water
Accidental pregnancy is one of my least favorite tropes. Both Maggie and Ace appeared in previous books and I was happy to learn more about each one and get their story. This does open for Vander's book (but isn't a cliffhanger like some the previous entries have been).
RBSB: Fish out of Water
September 27, 2025
The Hacker is book 5 in the Norcross Security series by Anna Hackett. Maggie Lopez had a one-night stand and never thought that she would meet the father again. However, that's what happens when someone tries to kill her: Ace Oliveira, the baby's father, became her bodyguard. Due to Ace Oliveira's childhood, he never thought he would be a father or find someone to love. Still, he jumped to help Maggie Lopez with his friends at Norcross Security when someone tried to kill her. Readers of The Hacker will continue to follow Ace Oliceira and Maggie Lopez as they discover what happens next.
The Hacker is a fantastic book to read and an excellent addition to Anna Hackett's fantastic series. I learnt about being a Helicopter pilot and the role of drones for photographers. I also understand the role of Hackers in law enforcement investigations. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page and continued to the end.
I love Anna Hackett's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. The Hacker is well-written and researched by Anna Hackett. I appreciate Anna Hackett's description of the settings in The Hacker, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
The Hacker is a fantastic book to read and an excellent addition to Anna Hackett's fantastic series. I learnt about being a Helicopter pilot and the role of drones for photographers. I also understand the role of Hackers in law enforcement investigations. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page and continued to the end.
I love Anna Hackett's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. The Hacker is well-written and researched by Anna Hackett. I appreciate Anna Hackett's description of the settings in The Hacker, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
April 30, 2023
The ending was so OTT it almost lost a star
January 3, 2025
Loved it
August 7, 2024
This book was so much better than I expected Maggie and Ace were just the best couple with their personalities clashing in the best possible way. The spice, the mystery and how much Ace just isn’t bothered by hacking into every system he comes across
July 2, 2024
I loved Ace & Maggie’s story. Their story takes you on one heck of a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns galore.
October 7, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book, it's entertaining and filled with action and adventure. Maggie and Ace and the rest of the Norcross group rush to stop someone from killing Maggie. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book 📚, as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
February 23, 2022
Yeah… no.
That was, in a word, boring. Maggie was irritating to the extreme, Ace just felt like a playboy who should be in therapy, and the people trying to kill her felt like caricatures.
Honestly I'm irritated with myself for reading it. The setup is the exact opposite of stuff I enjoy so I don't know why I picked this up to begin with. We do get to see Hackett setting up future books for us. We're obviously getting some the cops brothers books and a new Security firm will probably get their own series as well. Hopefully with some better books than the Norcross series.
Reread this and honestly I think its the pregnancy angle. As a general rule, I don't care for romance books that have a kid in them and I guess that extends to fetuses too. I think its because I don't believe you should try to partner up with someone if you have an accidental pregnancy off a one night (drunken) stand with them. because that kid should be the focus and a broken relationship does not set that kid up for success. I know its a romance, happily ever after will happen. It just weirds me out.
That was, in a word, boring. Maggie was irritating to the extreme, Ace just felt like a playboy who should be in therapy, and the people trying to kill her felt like caricatures.
Honestly I'm irritated with myself for reading it. The setup is the exact opposite of stuff I enjoy so I don't know why I picked this up to begin with. We do get to see Hackett setting up future books for us. We're obviously getting some the cops brothers books and a new Security firm will probably get their own series as well. Hopefully with some better books than the Norcross series.
Reread this and honestly I think its the pregnancy angle. As a general rule, I don't care for romance books that have a kid in them and I guess that extends to fetuses too. I think its because I don't believe you should try to partner up with someone if you have an accidental pregnancy off a one night (drunken) stand with them. because that kid should be the focus and a broken relationship does not set that kid up for success. I know its a romance, happily ever after will happen. It just weirds me out.
October 14, 2021
Baby on Board
Ace and Maggie are firstly and a great match. Their character skill sets are different but perfectly suited for this series and how independent they are. The chemistry has been present in all the books when they interact and now their story shines a light on their journey to HEA. The story is fast paced and does a great job of including all of Norcross (hello Vander!!!!), the two brothers (I hope we get a story on each) and family. There is action, crime solving, romance and humor in this story and series. Can’t wait for the next book!
Ace and Maggie are firstly and a great match. Their character skill sets are different but perfectly suited for this series and how independent they are. The chemistry has been present in all the books when they interact and now their story shines a light on their journey to HEA. The story is fast paced and does a great job of including all of Norcross (hello Vander!!!!), the two brothers (I hope we get a story on each) and family. There is action, crime solving, romance and humor in this story and series. Can’t wait for the next book!
October 18, 2021
Poorly written
This book made me cringe in parts. The dialogue was flat and slow. We don't need "hi, how are you" dialogue that does nothing to move the story along. Also, way too much swearing. I mean, seriously, the first three pages alone had so man "f---" words, my eyes burned. Take out 99% of the sweeping and it would have been a good story.
This book made me cringe in parts. The dialogue was flat and slow. We don't need "hi, how are you" dialogue that does nothing to move the story along. Also, way too much swearing. I mean, seriously, the first three pages alone had so man "f---" words, my eyes burned. Take out 99% of the sweeping and it would have been a good story.
September 7, 2022
This can be enjoyed as a stand alone, but it is even better if the series is read in order. There is lots of action, humor, twists, returning characters from previous books, and steamy romance. The Maggie and Ace get their HEA and now fans of the series are anxiously awaiting Vander's story!
October 13, 2021
I absolutely loved Ace and Maggie’s story! Maggie is someone I would want to be friends with. She was so fierce and determined. I loved Ace too - once he got his head on straight he went after what he wanted. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
October 17, 2021
Originally published at Reading Reality
One of the things I love about this author’s series (serieses?) is the way that each book in the series previews the coming attractions of the romance in the next book. So the genesis of The Hacker was foreshadowed at the end of The Bodyguard in the one-night-stand between Norcross Security’s ace hacker Ace Oliveira and Maggie Lopez, a helicopter pilot that Norcross Security regularly contracts with for some of their hairier jobs – especially the desperate rescues therefrom.
Genesis is certainly the right word to describe how this particular story starts, because that one-night-stand included some hot, up against the wall, unprotected sex. The result of which is that Maggie is avoiding the really awkward conversation she needs to have with Oliveira. A conversation that needs to include Maggie’s unintended pregnancy.
Maggie wants the baby. What she doesn’t want is to get her life tangled up with Ace’s love-’em-and-leave-’em lifestyle. Because there’s no love involved. Being a notch on his bedpost is bad enough, but there were two enthusiastically consenting adults involved in that particular scenario. Watching as an endless series of other women drape themselves all over him is not something that Maggie plans to sign up for.
They need to have a civilized, rational, adult conversation about the baby they’ve unexpectedly made. A dispassionate conversation they can’t seem to manage to have with all the passion that is still stirring between them.
And that’s before someone tries to kill Maggie and the “Peanut”, or whatever size fruit or vegetable is the current equivalent of the growing embryo.
As much as Maggie is afraid to get involved with Ace out of fear that he will break her heart, Ace is equally afraid to fall for Maggie because he’s afraid that once she gets to know the real him, she’ll run fast and far and not look back. He’s certain that he’s not good enough for either her or the Peanut, and that once she learns the truth she’ll agree.
But as the attempts on Maggie’s life escalate, Ace can’t stop himself from setting aside his nebulous fears for the future in order to deal with the very real fears that have intruded on the present. Fears that are filled with armed drones chasing Maggie down dark alleys leading to snatch and grab kidnap attempts that are barely thwarted by the efforts of the entire Norcross Security team.
In order to keep Maggie safe, Ace needs to let her all the way in, to his life and to his heart. And in order to let him help her, Maggie has to set aside all the lessons her father drummed into her about never letting lean on anyone no matter how much she hurts.
Escape Rating B: The Hacker is a solidly entertaining entry in the Norcross Security series. It’s not my favorite in the series (at the moment that would be The Specialist, but I have high hopes for Vander’s upcoming book) but a good reading time was definitely had by this reader.
Even though obvious villain was very obvious, and every bit as over-the-top as most of the baddies in this series. And the unplanned pregnancy trope is far from my favorite.
What I liked about this story was that Maggie has made a life for herself and that it’s a life she’s satisfied and happy with. And that while she does need help and protection in this entry in the series, she’s not stupid about it. She makes adjustments to keep herself and the Peanut as safe as possible, and doesn’t run around meeting mobsters and robbing estates on the sly. At the same time, she stands firm on needing to continue working and maintaining her independence.
That, in the end she doesn’t merely participate in but plays a key, professional role in her own rescue was a great antidote to some of the earlier books in the series where the heroines were all reactive rather than active.
At the same time, this book reads like the series is starting to wind down, which it is. There were lots of scenes where the entire Norcross Security team as well as their friends among the police were active participants in the investigation, the interrogations, and the rescue. Almost like a second-to-last-hurrah before the big finale that’s coming in the next and final book in the series, The Powerbroker, coming next month. (YAY!)
They say that the bigger they stand, the harder they fall. Throughout the Norcross Security series, Vander Norcross has always stood the biggest – literally – and been the biggest badass of all his brothers and of the security agency he founded. We’re finally going to see just how hard he falls – and I can’t wait.
One of the things I love about this author’s series (serieses?) is the way that each book in the series previews the coming attractions of the romance in the next book. So the genesis of The Hacker was foreshadowed at the end of The Bodyguard in the one-night-stand between Norcross Security’s ace hacker Ace Oliveira and Maggie Lopez, a helicopter pilot that Norcross Security regularly contracts with for some of their hairier jobs – especially the desperate rescues therefrom.
Genesis is certainly the right word to describe how this particular story starts, because that one-night-stand included some hot, up against the wall, unprotected sex. The result of which is that Maggie is avoiding the really awkward conversation she needs to have with Oliveira. A conversation that needs to include Maggie’s unintended pregnancy.
Maggie wants the baby. What she doesn’t want is to get her life tangled up with Ace’s love-’em-and-leave-’em lifestyle. Because there’s no love involved. Being a notch on his bedpost is bad enough, but there were two enthusiastically consenting adults involved in that particular scenario. Watching as an endless series of other women drape themselves all over him is not something that Maggie plans to sign up for.
They need to have a civilized, rational, adult conversation about the baby they’ve unexpectedly made. A dispassionate conversation they can’t seem to manage to have with all the passion that is still stirring between them.
And that’s before someone tries to kill Maggie and the “Peanut”, or whatever size fruit or vegetable is the current equivalent of the growing embryo.
As much as Maggie is afraid to get involved with Ace out of fear that he will break her heart, Ace is equally afraid to fall for Maggie because he’s afraid that once she gets to know the real him, she’ll run fast and far and not look back. He’s certain that he’s not good enough for either her or the Peanut, and that once she learns the truth she’ll agree.
But as the attempts on Maggie’s life escalate, Ace can’t stop himself from setting aside his nebulous fears for the future in order to deal with the very real fears that have intruded on the present. Fears that are filled with armed drones chasing Maggie down dark alleys leading to snatch and grab kidnap attempts that are barely thwarted by the efforts of the entire Norcross Security team.
In order to keep Maggie safe, Ace needs to let her all the way in, to his life and to his heart. And in order to let him help her, Maggie has to set aside all the lessons her father drummed into her about never letting lean on anyone no matter how much she hurts.
Escape Rating B: The Hacker is a solidly entertaining entry in the Norcross Security series. It’s not my favorite in the series (at the moment that would be The Specialist, but I have high hopes for Vander’s upcoming book) but a good reading time was definitely had by this reader.
Even though obvious villain was very obvious, and every bit as over-the-top as most of the baddies in this series. And the unplanned pregnancy trope is far from my favorite.
What I liked about this story was that Maggie has made a life for herself and that it’s a life she’s satisfied and happy with. And that while she does need help and protection in this entry in the series, she’s not stupid about it. She makes adjustments to keep herself and the Peanut as safe as possible, and doesn’t run around meeting mobsters and robbing estates on the sly. At the same time, she stands firm on needing to continue working and maintaining her independence.
That, in the end she doesn’t merely participate in but plays a key, professional role in her own rescue was a great antidote to some of the earlier books in the series where the heroines were all reactive rather than active.
At the same time, this book reads like the series is starting to wind down, which it is. There were lots of scenes where the entire Norcross Security team as well as their friends among the police were active participants in the investigation, the interrogations, and the rescue. Almost like a second-to-last-hurrah before the big finale that’s coming in the next and final book in the series, The Powerbroker, coming next month. (YAY!)
They say that the bigger they stand, the harder they fall. Throughout the Norcross Security series, Vander Norcross has always stood the biggest – literally – and been the biggest badass of all his brothers and of the security agency he founded. We’re finally going to see just how hard he falls – and I can’t wait.
October 13, 2021
💻The Hacker 💻
Norcross Security Book 5
✒️ Anna Hackett
https://www.facebook.com/AnnaHackettA...
Release Date 10/12/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1GX7WM/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
She’s accidentally pregnant and someone is trying to kill her…and now her one-night-stand is her fierce protector.
Helicopter pilot Maggie Lopez is focused on building her helicopter and drone photography business—and she has the loans to prove it. She takes one night off to trade her jeans for a designer dress, and attend a fancy gala…and ends up spending a very steamy night with her panty-melting crush—Ace Oliveira. He’s tall, sexy, and the guru of all things tech at Norcross Security.
She wasn’t supposed to fall in lust, or fall in love, and she really wasn’t supposed to fall pregnant.
Ace Oliveira’s life is just how he likes it. After years protecting his country at the NSA, he now puts his special computer and hacking skills to good use at Norcross Security. He gets paid well. Has good friends. Enjoys the hell out of his carefree bachelor lifestyle. Relationships and kids are not on the cards for him—ever. He has his reasons.
But then feisty, saucy Maggie—who snuck out of his bed like a thief—drops a bombshell.
Before they can even process the surprise pregnancy, it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Maggie. A series of deadly accidents are all centered on her, and Ace will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. With the men of Norcross at his side, he’ll track down a killer, fight his own demons, and convince skittish, independent Maggie to fall in love with her baby’s daddy.
***Each book in this action-packed romance series can be read as a standalone.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their unconventional beginning lead to something durable …
I have missed the previous book, too much to do at the time of its release but it awaits somewhere on my shelves. So even if my schedule is as much crazy, I made room for this one.
And I love geek stories.
Ace and Maggie are so sweet and naughty together. Sure I would have slapped some heads at Ace’s reaction to his upcoming fatherhood, but he cleaned up well and groveled nicely.
Ace like all the Hackett’s men is the overprotective, falling hard, honorable fellow. He has his own doubts, more to do with his genetic than himself but once he has decided Maggie is the one for him, he is in overprotective mode.
Maggie is set on doing all by herself, years of hearing everything she does is not good enough shaped her in this determined woman to do all her own way, whatever the cost. But Ace while she has always been drawn to him does not fit in her plan, well more specifically his player’s side.
But now they are in together, but it is to be a momentary lapse or something more durable in time.
And how to clear her thoughts when someone is after her.
A fun scorching hot action-packed rollercoaster ride as Hackett has the knack to put together for our pleasure alone.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU-KvjTjq...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #romancereader #bookblog #readersofinstagram romancebookstragrammer #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021reas #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookquote #romancebookreviewer #arcreader
Norcross Security Book 5
✒️ Anna Hackett
https://www.facebook.com/AnnaHackettA...
Release Date 10/12/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1GX7WM/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
She’s accidentally pregnant and someone is trying to kill her…and now her one-night-stand is her fierce protector.
Helicopter pilot Maggie Lopez is focused on building her helicopter and drone photography business—and she has the loans to prove it. She takes one night off to trade her jeans for a designer dress, and attend a fancy gala…and ends up spending a very steamy night with her panty-melting crush—Ace Oliveira. He’s tall, sexy, and the guru of all things tech at Norcross Security.
She wasn’t supposed to fall in lust, or fall in love, and she really wasn’t supposed to fall pregnant.
Ace Oliveira’s life is just how he likes it. After years protecting his country at the NSA, he now puts his special computer and hacking skills to good use at Norcross Security. He gets paid well. Has good friends. Enjoys the hell out of his carefree bachelor lifestyle. Relationships and kids are not on the cards for him—ever. He has his reasons.
But then feisty, saucy Maggie—who snuck out of his bed like a thief—drops a bombshell.
Before they can even process the surprise pregnancy, it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Maggie. A series of deadly accidents are all centered on her, and Ace will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. With the men of Norcross at his side, he’ll track down a killer, fight his own demons, and convince skittish, independent Maggie to fall in love with her baby’s daddy.
***Each book in this action-packed romance series can be read as a standalone.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their unconventional beginning lead to something durable …
I have missed the previous book, too much to do at the time of its release but it awaits somewhere on my shelves. So even if my schedule is as much crazy, I made room for this one.
And I love geek stories.
Ace and Maggie are so sweet and naughty together. Sure I would have slapped some heads at Ace’s reaction to his upcoming fatherhood, but he cleaned up well and groveled nicely.
Ace like all the Hackett’s men is the overprotective, falling hard, honorable fellow. He has his own doubts, more to do with his genetic than himself but once he has decided Maggie is the one for him, he is in overprotective mode.
Maggie is set on doing all by herself, years of hearing everything she does is not good enough shaped her in this determined woman to do all her own way, whatever the cost. But Ace while she has always been drawn to him does not fit in her plan, well more specifically his player’s side.
But now they are in together, but it is to be a momentary lapse or something more durable in time.
And how to clear her thoughts when someone is after her.
A fun scorching hot action-packed rollercoaster ride as Hackett has the knack to put together for our pleasure alone.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU-KvjTjq...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #romancereader #bookblog #readersofinstagram romancebookstragrammer #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021reas #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookquote #romancebookreviewer #arcreader
October 13, 2021
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. Maggie and Ace are strong together, but stronger together. Maggie is a strong, independent go getter and Ace is her biggest cheerleader.
“It made me realize we really are who we make ourselves. We aren’t our blood, or what happens to us. We aren’t the doubts or things other people think of us.”
The suspense of this book kept me on my toes and there are just enough curveballs to keep you from figuring things out. I look forward to read more books from this author.
Blurb:
She’s accidentally pregnant and someone is trying to kill her…and now her one-night-stand is her fierce protector.
Helicopter pilot Maggie Lopez is focused on building her helicopter and drone photography business—and she has the loans to prove it. She takes one night off to trade her jeans for a designer dress, and attend a fancy gala…and ends up spending a very steamy night with her panty-melting crush—Ace Oliveira. He’s tall, sexy, and the guru of all things tech at Norcross Security.
She wasn’t supposed to fall in lust, or fall in love, and she really wasn’t supposed to fall pregnant.
Ace Oliveira’s life is just how he likes it. After years protecting his country at the NSA, he now puts his special computer and hacking skills to good use at Norcross Security. He gets paid well. Has good friends. Enjoys the hell out of his carefree bachelor lifestyle. Relationships and kids are not on the cards for him—ever. He has his reasons.
But then feisty, saucy Maggie—who snuck out of his bed like a thief—drops a bombshell.
Before they can even process the surprise pregnancy, it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Maggie. A series of deadly accidents are all centered on her, and Ace will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. With the men of Norcross at his side, he’ll track down a killer, fight his own demons, and convince skittish, independent Maggie to fall in love with her baby’s daddy.
“It made me realize we really are who we make ourselves. We aren’t our blood, or what happens to us. We aren’t the doubts or things other people think of us.”
The suspense of this book kept me on my toes and there are just enough curveballs to keep you from figuring things out. I look forward to read more books from this author.
Blurb:
She’s accidentally pregnant and someone is trying to kill her…and now her one-night-stand is her fierce protector.
Helicopter pilot Maggie Lopez is focused on building her helicopter and drone photography business—and she has the loans to prove it. She takes one night off to trade her jeans for a designer dress, and attend a fancy gala…and ends up spending a very steamy night with her panty-melting crush—Ace Oliveira. He’s tall, sexy, and the guru of all things tech at Norcross Security.
She wasn’t supposed to fall in lust, or fall in love, and she really wasn’t supposed to fall pregnant.
Ace Oliveira’s life is just how he likes it. After years protecting his country at the NSA, he now puts his special computer and hacking skills to good use at Norcross Security. He gets paid well. Has good friends. Enjoys the hell out of his carefree bachelor lifestyle. Relationships and kids are not on the cards for him—ever. He has his reasons.
But then feisty, saucy Maggie—who snuck out of his bed like a thief—drops a bombshell.
Before they can even process the surprise pregnancy, it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Maggie. A series of deadly accidents are all centered on her, and Ace will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. With the men of Norcross at his side, he’ll track down a killer, fight his own demons, and convince skittish, independent Maggie to fall in love with her baby’s daddy.
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