Hacked

The Secret of Secrets #1

by Stephanie Connelley Worlton

NSA data analyst Samantha Perry never imagined life as an introverted computer geek could get dangerous, but when she digs a little too deep into a greedy blackhat’s business, trouble comes right to her doorstep. Changing her identity and relocating nearly 2000 miles across the country are only the beginning of her problems. As she risks everything to try to close the case that turned her life upside down, she may end up putting a nail in her own casket. And if she doesn’t, Seth, her hot new neighbor, just might.

HACKED was originally published in the best selling Sweet and Sassy Anthology Hidden Identities Collection.

Genres: Mystery Thriller

67 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2015

About the author

Stephanie Connelley Worlton lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoys frequent opportunities to observe nature and feed her creative spirit. She has been blessed to be a stay at home mom to her four children, many of whom share her artistic tendencies. She spends her days designing, building, painting, drawing, landscaping, and snuggling with her dogs. She has her own collection of power tools, a plethora of camera equipment, and a passion for shoes.

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this short story when it was part of the Sweet & Sassy Anthology: Hidden Identities a couple years ago. I thought it was an exciting short story and left me wanting more. I was happy to see Ms. Worlton continued the Secret of Secret series and decided to re-read this before reading the next two. Since these are all shorter stories (under 100 pages each), I'd recommend reading all three together.

For a short story, I thought this was a lot of fun. Great idea for a story, a savvy computer tech working for the NSA hacks into something she shouldn't and ends up having to go into witness protection. While in hiding she is swept off her feet by her very attractive next door neighbor, but he may be a little too good to be true!

Again, this is a fun short story. I wish it was a full-length novel though, I think it has a lot of potential and the characters and plot could really be developed. For example, the ending was a tad rushed and Samantha's reactions didn't seem all that realistic to me. I'm glad the next two books are out so I can see what happens next.

Would recommend this series to fans of contemporary romantic suspense. It's a fun story!

Content: Clean, mild kissing and mild violence

[Karey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I wondered if a shorter book could give us good suspense AND a nice romance in such a limited space, but Worlton did a great job. Loved the characters, the pacing and the fact that I could get read it in a pleasant afternoon.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. Hooked me, led me a long and I'm craving more! SO fast, and now I'm dying to read the next.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this novella as part of the Sweet and Sassy: Hidden Identities collection. This was probably my favorite of the whole book. I loved it. After I read it I went right to Amazon to try to find out about the next book that was mentioned in the afterword by the author. I couldn't find anything and I was so bummed because I really wanted more. I am so happy this book is being released on it's own now with the second book (Hunted) coming out soon. Yay!

Hacked is free today and tomorrow 7/10/15-7/11/15 if you haven't had a chance to read it yet! :)

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a while ago so I'm surprised I did not write a review. I loved it. I felt a bit slow in places but kicked right back up about the end, which killed me and left me wanting more. Now I'm ready to read the second one.

[Valerie Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is nothing more that I hate then a novella!!!! I didn't know this was a short story. It had a really good story line but it was just way too rushed. No details. I think it could be a really good full length novel.

[Ashli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, clean romance w/ a cliffhanger ending. The thing that bothered me most, as a female software engineer myself, were some of the negative stereotypes being propagated here. The main character was constantly belittling herself and saying things that amounted to, "good-looking guys don't go for nerdy girls" and "it's not possible to be smart and pretty." It's no wonder there's such a shortage of female engineers while these attitudes still exists.

[Nari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense mystery. Samatha is told to trust no one and then is sent out to Utah on her own. She thought she would be able to return to her normal life after a couple of weeks but after months of waiting she starts to get impatient. She meets Seth and his is persistent in getting to know her. Can she trust him or will getting to know him be a fatal mistake?

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, suspenseful clean romance Samantha is a geeky, quiet hacker. Or was, until she transforms into Ginger! She has no choice if she wants to stay alive! Working for the government can be deadly! Enjoyable read. First in a series. 3 1/2 stars.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed with this book. It had romance and thrills at the same time. I was impressed with the plot and the characters. I liked how the author has got me hooked on the story too. I will be following this author and looking into more of her books!

[A.J. Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was slow at first, but once it picked up I really enjoyed it. I liked the premise and the characters. I was left wanting to see more from Samantha and Seth.

[Sherelle Woodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short read

Shorter than I thought it would be,howeverit was a good read. The author kept the story line going forward till the end.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked :)

Really great book. Cant wait to read the next one. I love the characters. I couldnt put this one down.

[Renae Mackley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice mix of romance and intrigue for an ordinary and nerdy main character who possesses bumbling social skills and admirable strengths that most readers can relate to. There is a lot of first-person introspection needed for this story; it goes with the MC's character traits and a simple cast. Worlton does a good job of keeping reader interest through these parts, and mixing in actual dialogue. Loved the quick read that includes twists and a heart-warming ending that satisfies, but beware--you will likely want to read part 2, "Hunted".

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story held my interest but the ending kind of threw me. It does have #1 on the title but no mention of #2 coming. The ending kind of left me hanging.

[Book Geek Reviews]

Short, fast read. Nice concept.