The Love Hack

by Michelle Dayton

342 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2024

About the author

There are only three things Michelle Dayton loves more than sexy and suspenseful novels: her family, the city of Chicago, and Mr. Darcy. Michelle dreams of a year of world travel – as long as the trip would include weeks and weeks of beach time. As a bourbon lover and unabashed wine snob, Michelle thinks heaven is discussing a good book over an adult beverage.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered The Love Hack through bookbub and originally picked it up as another lighter read during fantasy and romantasy adventures. I was not expecting to love Tess and Max so much. I devoured this book whenever I had spare moments to read. I definitely recommend it if you’re in the market for a spicy romance read or if you need a little palette cleanser after heavier books. Michelle Dayton writes in a well-paced way and I was never bored. She also sprinkles in humor and exercises her funny bone plenty so it breaks up any heavier scenes nicely. I couldn’t put this down and kept “one more chapter”-ing my way through The Love Hack.

Without giving too much away the villain of the story is why I’ve added the misogyny content warning as this book deals with a slimy man violating the privacy of many women, not just our fmc. It might be triggering for some readers. There’s also representation of severe depression via a family member of our fmc so just some things to keep in mind before diving in. It’s still a pretty light read though overall.

Max (our swoon worthy mmc) comes to the rescue and I promise he won’t disappoint. He’s sweet and caring and maybe a bit wicked (in a good way) like Tess’s mom puts it. Tess is a fierce and formidable woman and had a lot put on her shoulders from a young age so she’s not some Mary Sue sort of character. She is decidedly all about taking care of herself and quite resistant to help. She only turns to Max at the suggestion of a coworker when she’d exhausted her other (legal) options. She’s unapologetic for her feminist and refuses to have victim blaming nonsense foisted upon her. The spicy scenes between them were so good. They are spicy and descriptive, but they’re not too overly descriptive. I feel like this was just the right amount of spice.

The Love Hack technically ends with a HEA, but it’s mostly left to the reader’s imagination. So, if that’s not your thing you might be a bit disappointed, but I didn’t mind it much. The technical/programming aspects of the plot aren’t described super in depth, but it is covered a fair bit. I feel like if that aspect were described in too much detail it would’ve slowed the pacing down so for me it’s a good balance. For some of the programming and coding bookworms out there it might also be disappointing, but for a romance I think it was a good sweet spot. The focus is supposed to be on Tess and Max and romance anyway. Overall 5/5 stars because I was very entertained and loved these characters. I’m definitely going to add the rest of the series to my tbr.

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few things to like about this book. Tess was a fierce and independent woman, who worked in the tech field. When something in her past is used against her, she turns to Max, who is a hacker. He was not like the usual MMCs you find in books, he was sweet and had a quick-witted about him.

[Emily McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read! I couldn’t put it down once I started it and I highly recommend this read! Awesome characters and an awesome plot line!!

I am leaving my honest review after reading an ARC copy.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I'm not giving up on the book. I'm not deleting it from my Nook. I may pick it back up, but I can't get into it right now. The intro chapter grabbed me, but then lost me by chapter three. Maybe another time.....

[Isha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book to read. Great writing and a great plot. Plenty of twist and turns a lovable main character

[Erin Book Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was refreshing! Tess was complicated, sassy, smart and capable. Her hacker was likewise a gem. They deserved each other (in the best way.)