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Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War
Cynthia is a smart, beautiful woman doing extremely well managing a great job while on a mission to save the world. However, her love life is a disaster. She and Sgt. Dan McIntyre have been dating for three years without much sizzle. And then something uncharacteristic happens when Cynthia bumps into the mysterious Sky Eastman. Perhaps it is love at first sight but mixed with alcohol, sizzle happens. Sometimes disciplined and morally upright people can make stupid mistakes that get them into trouble. Next day, overcome with regrets, trying to do the right thing, but continuing to blunder, Sky procures for Cynthia the various legal means available to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Soon Cynthia is caught in a messy triangle between two ardent admirers, Sgt. Dan and the secretive Sky Eastman. The two, otherwise intelligent men seem to outdo themselves at foolish behavior, showing that neither one is much of a catch. Meanwhile, the rest of Cynthia’s life is almost a relief. In this fast-paced novel, she decides to take on the ISIS terrorists and their crony counterparts, in a 21st Century war, waged mostly online, using the very latest high-tech equipment. Cynthia and her two young compatriots operate out of an amazing, self-contained, secret Cyber War Room, housed in her brother Glenn’s P.I. Agency complex. Glenn has assembled equipment from all over the world, surpassing that of the FBI, CIA and the US Air Force. Thus, the two young computer geniuses, Tim and Garth, intercept and sabotage cyber communications among terrorists anywhere in the world, from ISIS headquarters, Iran’s nuclear agency, and North Korea’s Supreme Leader, to drone threats on the White House and more. Going home at night, facing her personal life alone, Cynthia addresses an uncomfortable controversial adult topic which provokes an emotional response from some readers--that of dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. After many twists and turns, which keep you guessing right to the end, she makes the right choices. You will be surprised—guaranteed!
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2015
83 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy May Mercer
97 books32 followersDorothy May Mercer is a retired musician, busier than ever as president of two companies, writer and entrepreneur. She has published five books in seven months and is having a ball doing it! She and her husband have two lakefront homes in Michigan where they ski in winter and boat in summer. Hobbies are traveling, reading and playing the piano. The McBride series books are good old-fashioned detective cop stories with new technology and great looking girls thrown in.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 18, 2019
I didn’t know I could roll my eyes this much
I’m all for suspending belief when I read a story, but this book goes above and beyond anything remotely believable. The dialogue is ridiculous and “experts” in their respective fields don’t even understand common sense things.
Spoilers ahead:
The story is set in Washington DC, with a woman, Cynthia,that is an undercover security head and personal bodyguard for a senator, but posing as his receptionist gets swept off her feet by a dashing secretive man during a lockdown of the capital because a drone landed on the White House lawn. Never once in this does she question the whereabouts or safety of the senator she is supposedly “protecting”. I’m pretty sure this was the first of many many eye rolls. Almost immediately after meeting this strange man, he tells her his name is Sky and he professes his undying love to her and calls her every pet name in the book. Apparently, we’re supposed to find this extremely romantic? But I found it creepy and felt like the Sky should be admitted. They sleep together, he takes her home and the next day he brings Plan B, pregnancy tests and an abortion pill, just in case. But if she does happen to be pregnant, she must call him right away and he will marry her. Then he goes to confession about having unprotected sex with the woman he “loves”, and promises he won’t be alone with her until they are married. Meanwhile, Cynthia has to break up with her boyfriend, Dan, (whose name is listed in the title), because now after one afternoon she has found the love of her life. After she finally goes into work, she realizes maybe she should check into this mysterious man and enlists her spy subordinates in the office. No one can find anything on him, so she cuts all contact with him, but he sends her letters telling of his undying love for her 🤮. She treasures these letters and puts them under her pillow instead of thinking how absolutely absurd and creepy it is.
In the background of this romance, Cynthia has decided her and her brother should singlehandedly bring down ISIS, dubbed “Cyber War”with the help of 2 computer nerds. Stereotypical nerds down to the sloppy clothes and glasses variety. The first nerd she approaches to help with her endeavor is working with a different senator and does not know what it means if a senator is registered independent and how they caucus. Once he gets on board, he recruits a friend that is in the Air Force ROTC and doesn’t know what Marine One is, 🙄. There’s lots of high fives between the nerds and Cynthia’s brother Glenn as they squash one Twitter account after another. Eventually, they seem to be getting to the heart of the drone landing and let Glenn in on the story. He enlists the aid of a Major who happens to be ROTC boy’s professor.
While this is going on, Cynthia wakes up sick and decides it must be morning sickness and takes a pregnancy test. Surprise! It’s positive! Ex-boyfriend Dan shows up and tries to help her in her weakened state. He knows just the thing, crush some ice and get her some cola syrup out of her medicine cabinet, and then proceeds to explain to her how she should take it and eat an ice cube and nibble on a cracker. 🙄. She finally feels better after a day or two and goes into the office. While toweling off after her shower she notices a pink tinge on the towel, wonder what that could be?🙄 after she gets to the office, she doesn’t feel well again so her spy group hauls her to the bathroom where they discover she is bleeding profusely. One of the women go and tell the male senator that Cynthia is bleeding from her vagina(direct quote) and that she is cramping as well. He says, I know! Those are classic miscarriage symptoms, to which the woman that told him is flabbergasted, a miscarriage?! The senator calls his wife to tell her Cynthia is having a miscarriage and her on/gyn should take care of her. Cynthia is admitted into a woman’s hospital for a week during which time Dan comes to visit. Cynthia finds it strange he knows exactly where she’s been and her route to the office. Senator’s wife volunteers to take Cynthia home and pick up her car, which isn’t at the parking garage. How strange, it’s parked in front of her apartment. This must be Dan’s work Cynthia thinks. The senator’s wife says maybe he put a tracking device on her car and security “expert” Cynthia is baffled! Cynthia goes to her brother to check for any tracking devices, but he’s busy at the moment with the Major that has been helping with the “Cyber War”. What is this, it’s her mysterious stranger, Sky! He explains, darling, I couldn’t tell you who I was, I’m super important and everything has to be kept secret about my life. 🙄 off goes the happy couple only to be subverted by the ex, Dan. Cynthia now knows she has to be done with Dan, Sky is the only man for her, and they get married. 🙄
If you’ve read this and still want to read the story, good luck to you! I found it an absolutely dreadful story and poorly written.
I’m all for suspending belief when I read a story, but this book goes above and beyond anything remotely believable. The dialogue is ridiculous and “experts” in their respective fields don’t even understand common sense things.
Spoilers ahead:
The story is set in Washington DC, with a woman, Cynthia,that is an undercover security head and personal bodyguard for a senator, but posing as his receptionist gets swept off her feet by a dashing secretive man during a lockdown of the capital because a drone landed on the White House lawn. Never once in this does she question the whereabouts or safety of the senator she is supposedly “protecting”. I’m pretty sure this was the first of many many eye rolls. Almost immediately after meeting this strange man, he tells her his name is Sky and he professes his undying love to her and calls her every pet name in the book. Apparently, we’re supposed to find this extremely romantic? But I found it creepy and felt like the Sky should be admitted. They sleep together, he takes her home and the next day he brings Plan B, pregnancy tests and an abortion pill, just in case. But if she does happen to be pregnant, she must call him right away and he will marry her. Then he goes to confession about having unprotected sex with the woman he “loves”, and promises he won’t be alone with her until they are married. Meanwhile, Cynthia has to break up with her boyfriend, Dan, (whose name is listed in the title), because now after one afternoon she has found the love of her life. After she finally goes into work, she realizes maybe she should check into this mysterious man and enlists her spy subordinates in the office. No one can find anything on him, so she cuts all contact with him, but he sends her letters telling of his undying love for her 🤮. She treasures these letters and puts them under her pillow instead of thinking how absolutely absurd and creepy it is.
In the background of this romance, Cynthia has decided her and her brother should singlehandedly bring down ISIS, dubbed “Cyber War”with the help of 2 computer nerds. Stereotypical nerds down to the sloppy clothes and glasses variety. The first nerd she approaches to help with her endeavor is working with a different senator and does not know what it means if a senator is registered independent and how they caucus. Once he gets on board, he recruits a friend that is in the Air Force ROTC and doesn’t know what Marine One is, 🙄. There’s lots of high fives between the nerds and Cynthia’s brother Glenn as they squash one Twitter account after another. Eventually, they seem to be getting to the heart of the drone landing and let Glenn in on the story. He enlists the aid of a Major who happens to be ROTC boy’s professor.
While this is going on, Cynthia wakes up sick and decides it must be morning sickness and takes a pregnancy test. Surprise! It’s positive! Ex-boyfriend Dan shows up and tries to help her in her weakened state. He knows just the thing, crush some ice and get her some cola syrup out of her medicine cabinet, and then proceeds to explain to her how she should take it and eat an ice cube and nibble on a cracker. 🙄. She finally feels better after a day or two and goes into the office. While toweling off after her shower she notices a pink tinge on the towel, wonder what that could be?🙄 after she gets to the office, she doesn’t feel well again so her spy group hauls her to the bathroom where they discover she is bleeding profusely. One of the women go and tell the male senator that Cynthia is bleeding from her vagina(direct quote) and that she is cramping as well. He says, I know! Those are classic miscarriage symptoms, to which the woman that told him is flabbergasted, a miscarriage?! The senator calls his wife to tell her Cynthia is having a miscarriage and her on/gyn should take care of her. Cynthia is admitted into a woman’s hospital for a week during which time Dan comes to visit. Cynthia finds it strange he knows exactly where she’s been and her route to the office. Senator’s wife volunteers to take Cynthia home and pick up her car, which isn’t at the parking garage. How strange, it’s parked in front of her apartment. This must be Dan’s work Cynthia thinks. The senator’s wife says maybe he put a tracking device on her car and security “expert” Cynthia is baffled! Cynthia goes to her brother to check for any tracking devices, but he’s busy at the moment with the Major that has been helping with the “Cyber War”. What is this, it’s her mysterious stranger, Sky! He explains, darling, I couldn’t tell you who I was, I’m super important and everything has to be kept secret about my life. 🙄 off goes the happy couple only to be subverted by the ex, Dan. Cynthia now knows she has to be done with Dan, Sky is the only man for her, and they get married. 🙄
If you’ve read this and still want to read the story, good luck to you! I found it an absolutely dreadful story and poorly written.
July 9, 2019
Well, let me start off by saying this book was trying to be too ambitious. Nothing is perfect and there is no technology that is untouchable, but that is the type of fictitious world that Dorothy May Mercer tried to create. Unfortunately what ends up happening is shallow characters, an unbelievable plot, and boredom. I couldn't find one thing I liked about this book. The characters did not stay true to themselves and the dialogue was immature. I felt like lovesick teenagers were speaking most of the time instead of adults with high paying jobs.
I was given this book in return for an honest review that can be found in full at https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
I was given this book in return for an honest review that can be found in full at https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
May 10, 2020
I am sincerely sorry for this harsh review. I never thought a book as such could actually happen!
This is an old-fashioned detective story with a bit of cheesy romance. And if this is what you are into, you might enjoy it. Unfortunately, this is just not a book for me.
The dialogues literally make me cringe. I could never picture anyone talks like this, and if they do, they do not deserve to be written about. Honestly, who talks like this? Not only that, there is no distinctive difference between any dialogues. Everyone spoke the same way, everyone used words such as "OMG" and "this is so cool", and everyone asked silly questions that even I can answer. Especially the dialogues between Cynthia and Sky, I have never rolled my eyes that much.
There is no character development at all. Again, everyone behaved the same way, there is no snippet into their personalities, and it is just hard to understand why they behaved the way they did.
The plot is quite predictable. The author tried to write about modern reconnaissance technologies but could not seem to grasp what is really available. Even the book was written few years back, tech was still a lot more advanced than that. I think she needed to do more research.
This is an old-fashioned detective story with a bit of cheesy romance. And if this is what you are into, you might enjoy it. Unfortunately, this is just not a book for me.
The dialogues literally make me cringe. I could never picture anyone talks like this, and if they do, they do not deserve to be written about. Honestly, who talks like this? Not only that, there is no distinctive difference between any dialogues. Everyone spoke the same way, everyone used words such as "OMG" and "this is so cool", and everyone asked silly questions that even I can answer. Especially the dialogues between Cynthia and Sky, I have never rolled my eyes that much.
There is no character development at all. Again, everyone behaved the same way, there is no snippet into their personalities, and it is just hard to understand why they behaved the way they did.
The plot is quite predictable. The author tried to write about modern reconnaissance technologies but could not seem to grasp what is really available. Even the book was written few years back, tech was still a lot more advanced than that. I think she needed to do more research.
January 31, 2022
if you are a middle-aged christian white woman anywhere in the US, you should read this book because it appeals to all of your values and misconceptions of the middle east. please read one reliable news source and your brain mass will double immediately. if you enjoyed this I am not shaming you, but I want to know if you really love your gay child or if you are one of those people who love them to their face but cry at night because they made a “mistake” betterhelp is cheap.
March 27, 2022
Cynthia Patterson works in Washington D.C. as a senator's undercover bodyguard and investigator. In her free time, she helps her brother wage a war against cyberterrorism. During a debacle that leaves traffic at a standstill, she meets a mysterious and handsome stranger who introduces himself as Sky Eastman. He badgers her into joining him in a coffee shop, and Cynthia finds herself swept away by his charisma. After an intimate encounter, she begins to wonder if there’s more to Mr. Eastman than meets the eye. Her suspicions are increased when her ex-boyfriend, Dan, begins to become increasingly protective of her. Who is Mr. Eastman? Can Cynthia balance romance and both of her jobs?
I had a difficult time liking the characters in this work. Cynthia is supposed to be an independent and confident woman who is a head of security and contributes to fighting cyber terrorism. Despite this, she has moments of extreme naivety and excessive emotional responses that just don’t make sense. It was as if Cynthia had two different personalities that didn’t fit with each other. Similarly, Sky is supposed to be charismatic, suave, and irresistible. Instead, he is often domineering, forcing Cynthia to do things she said she doesn’t want to do. He wasn’t really romantic at all. He was more invasive and alarming. I found the dialogue to be stilted and a little bland, also making it difficult to connect to the characters.
There were also a few stylistic things that I disliked about the work. The book title and author’s name were listed at the beginning of each chapter, which broke up the story in an unnecessary way. There was also a heading at the beginning of the chapter that had a sexual encounter stating, “This Section Rated R.” I understand why the author included this warning, but it broke all immersion from the story.
I liked the idea of the plot. It was an interesting concept, but I don’t feel that it was executed well in this case. The terrorist plot, which I though was going to be the focus of the book, took backseat to the romance.
There were too many things that detracted from this book for me to fully enjoy it.
I had a difficult time liking the characters in this work. Cynthia is supposed to be an independent and confident woman who is a head of security and contributes to fighting cyber terrorism. Despite this, she has moments of extreme naivety and excessive emotional responses that just don’t make sense. It was as if Cynthia had two different personalities that didn’t fit with each other. Similarly, Sky is supposed to be charismatic, suave, and irresistible. Instead, he is often domineering, forcing Cynthia to do things she said she doesn’t want to do. He wasn’t really romantic at all. He was more invasive and alarming. I found the dialogue to be stilted and a little bland, also making it difficult to connect to the characters.
There were also a few stylistic things that I disliked about the work. The book title and author’s name were listed at the beginning of each chapter, which broke up the story in an unnecessary way. There was also a heading at the beginning of the chapter that had a sexual encounter stating, “This Section Rated R.” I understand why the author included this warning, but it broke all immersion from the story.
I liked the idea of the plot. It was an interesting concept, but I don’t feel that it was executed well in this case. The terrorist plot, which I though was going to be the focus of the book, took backseat to the romance.
There were too many things that detracted from this book for me to fully enjoy it.
June 8, 2019
Poorly executed
I usually do not critique an author so harshly, but I must say this is very poorly written. Grammer problems, tense, and incorrect antonyms are just a few issues. The book did not flow and was, sadly, a pain to finish. Can't believe there is a sequal, or quite possibly an entire series of this story. Ms. Mercer, if I were you, I would fire my current editor and have this edition corrected and re-released. Story line was interesting but not very well executed. I will read next in series simply to determine if these issues continue. Hopefully, not!!
I usually do not critique an author so harshly, but I must say this is very poorly written. Grammer problems, tense, and incorrect antonyms are just a few issues. The book did not flow and was, sadly, a pain to finish. Can't believe there is a sequal, or quite possibly an entire series of this story. Ms. Mercer, if I were you, I would fire my current editor and have this edition corrected and re-released. Story line was interesting but not very well executed. I will read next in series simply to determine if these issues continue. Hopefully, not!!
July 31, 2022
now I have also read on Kindle to see if this story is any better .... No it isn't, I did however read to the end. Full review to follow.
AUDIBLE REVIEW
I decided to listen to this as an audible book but wish I hadn't as every chapter starts with the reader telling you the title of the book, the author's name, the chapter number, and the title of the chapter. This not only interrupts the book's flow but is also very dull.
I only made it as far as chapter 8 as the story is boring and ridiculous. The relationship between Sky and Cynthia does not seem true to life eg, 1) when Dan gets annoyed with Cynthia when he can't contact her, and Sky comes around and treats her as if they have been lovers for months, not just a few hours. 2) Cynthia is supposed to be head of security for Senator Mike McBride, but she manages to leave her car open with the keys inside and sleeps with Sky, someone she has only just met. Allows Sky's assistant to pick up her car, and constantly makes rash and irresponsible decisions
AUDIBLE REVIEW
I decided to listen to this as an audible book but wish I hadn't as every chapter starts with the reader telling you the title of the book, the author's name, the chapter number, and the title of the chapter. This not only interrupts the book's flow but is also very dull.
I only made it as far as chapter 8 as the story is boring and ridiculous. The relationship between Sky and Cynthia does not seem true to life eg, 1) when Dan gets annoyed with Cynthia when he can't contact her, and Sky comes around and treats her as if they have been lovers for months, not just a few hours. 2) Cynthia is supposed to be head of security for Senator Mike McBride, but she manages to leave her car open with the keys inside and sleeps with Sky, someone she has only just met. Allows Sky's assistant to pick up her car, and constantly makes rash and irresponsible decisions
June 23, 2019
Top notch!
This book is about Cynthia who is the head of security for Senator Mike heart and she’s also partners with her brother and his top notch security business. He gets security devices long before homeland security does. Glenn her brother needs her assistance in making up a crack Internet sleuth thing team to stop the propaganda that’s interfering with the US voting system.
Before she can even attempt to take care of any business she meets Sky in a downtown traffic jam and overwhelms her and she lets him, and all her appointments for that day is forgotten. Even her date with her boyfriend Dan..
This book is so good and although it is the 10th book and the McBride series it is a definite stand alone novel. Every time it answers a question there was another mystery to be solved when that mystery is satisfied there is yet another. This book is nonstop action and covers all genres except for supernatural. This is a great book I recommend it to anyone mature enough to read about violence and sex.
This book is about Cynthia who is the head of security for Senator Mike heart and she’s also partners with her brother and his top notch security business. He gets security devices long before homeland security does. Glenn her brother needs her assistance in making up a crack Internet sleuth thing team to stop the propaganda that’s interfering with the US voting system.
Before she can even attempt to take care of any business she meets Sky in a downtown traffic jam and overwhelms her and she lets him, and all her appointments for that day is forgotten. Even her date with her boyfriend Dan..
This book is so good and although it is the 10th book and the McBride series it is a definite stand alone novel. Every time it answers a question there was another mystery to be solved when that mystery is satisfied there is yet another. This book is nonstop action and covers all genres except for supernatural. This is a great book I recommend it to anyone mature enough to read about violence and sex.
June 24, 2023
Review first published in: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
"Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" by Dorothy May Mercer falls short of its potential, receiving an underwhelming rating of 3 out of 5. Despite being classified as Romantic Suspense, the book fails to deliver a captivating and engaging story that lingers in the reader's mind.
Cynthia, a remarkably talented and accomplished protagonist, thrives in her professional pursuits, but an unfulfilled longing tugs at her heart. Tragically, the romantic thread of the narrative lacks the vital essence and chemistry required to captivate readers. Cynthia's relationship with Sgt. Dan McIntyre stagnates, rendering her susceptible to the enigmatic pull of Sky Eastman. However, the resulting love triangle feels contrived and artificial, with both male characters displaying behavior's that erode their appeal as potential partners for Cynthia. While the tantalizing suspense weaves intrigue throughout the plot, it often feels as though the resolution of their rivalry and the revelation of Cynthia's ultimate choice constitute the very core of the suspense the story hinges upon.
One aspect of the book that shines is its exploration of cyber warfare. Cynthia and her brother, Glenn, collaborate to form a team comprising skilled individuals dedicated to combating the online activities of ISIS terrorists. Their efforts unfold within the confines of a hidden Cyber War Room, where they work tirelessly to catch terrorists and disrupt the supply of armaments. This intriguing premise holds great potential for an engaging and thrilling narrative. The author's portrayal of the team's endeavours, their technological prowess, and the intensity of their operations adds a layer of excitement to the story. It offers readers a captivating glimpse into the world of cyber warfare and the crucial role it plays in modern conflicts.
In an attempt to inject depth into the story, the author touches upon sensitive topics such as miscarriage, unprotected sex, and the dynamics of relationships. However, these elements feel out of place and disrupt the narrative's flow. Instead of enhancing the plot, they distract from the central focus and miss an opportunity for meaningful exploration.
The writing style employed in "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" lacks depth and fails to elicit an emotional response from readers. The storyline remains shallow, leaving readers craving more substance and character development. The author's inclusion of controversial adult themes further detracts from the primary plot, failing to create a genuine emotional impact.
While the book may serve as a light read during a leisurely vacation or as a brief diversion, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly satisfying experience. The potential for a gripping romantic suspense novel intertwined with elements of cyber warfare remains untapped, leaving readers yearning for a more profound exploration of the story's possibilities. "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" lacks the depth and emotional resonance required to leave a lasting impression on its audience.
"Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" by Dorothy May Mercer falls short of its potential, receiving an underwhelming rating of 3 out of 5. Despite being classified as Romantic Suspense, the book fails to deliver a captivating and engaging story that lingers in the reader's mind.
Cynthia, a remarkably talented and accomplished protagonist, thrives in her professional pursuits, but an unfulfilled longing tugs at her heart. Tragically, the romantic thread of the narrative lacks the vital essence and chemistry required to captivate readers. Cynthia's relationship with Sgt. Dan McIntyre stagnates, rendering her susceptible to the enigmatic pull of Sky Eastman. However, the resulting love triangle feels contrived and artificial, with both male characters displaying behavior's that erode their appeal as potential partners for Cynthia. While the tantalizing suspense weaves intrigue throughout the plot, it often feels as though the resolution of their rivalry and the revelation of Cynthia's ultimate choice constitute the very core of the suspense the story hinges upon.
One aspect of the book that shines is its exploration of cyber warfare. Cynthia and her brother, Glenn, collaborate to form a team comprising skilled individuals dedicated to combating the online activities of ISIS terrorists. Their efforts unfold within the confines of a hidden Cyber War Room, where they work tirelessly to catch terrorists and disrupt the supply of armaments. This intriguing premise holds great potential for an engaging and thrilling narrative. The author's portrayal of the team's endeavours, their technological prowess, and the intensity of their operations adds a layer of excitement to the story. It offers readers a captivating glimpse into the world of cyber warfare and the crucial role it plays in modern conflicts.
In an attempt to inject depth into the story, the author touches upon sensitive topics such as miscarriage, unprotected sex, and the dynamics of relationships. However, these elements feel out of place and disrupt the narrative's flow. Instead of enhancing the plot, they distract from the central focus and miss an opportunity for meaningful exploration.
The writing style employed in "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" lacks depth and fails to elicit an emotional response from readers. The storyline remains shallow, leaving readers craving more substance and character development. The author's inclusion of controversial adult themes further detracts from the primary plot, failing to create a genuine emotional impact.
While the book may serve as a light read during a leisurely vacation or as a brief diversion, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly satisfying experience. The potential for a gripping romantic suspense novel intertwined with elements of cyber warfare remains untapped, leaving readers yearning for a more profound exploration of the story's possibilities. "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" lacks the depth and emotional resonance required to leave a lasting impression on its audience.
October 4, 2023
Cynthia and Dan is a fictional work by Dorothy May Mercer. Here, we learn about a part of Cynthia's private life that could ruin not only her personal life but also the serious covert mission that she and her brother have undertaken to wage a cyberwar against the enemies of the United States.
A drone breaches the White House walls in what is eventually explained to the public as a simple mistake by a hobbyist, causing a lockdown that trapped Cynthia for hours in traffic. During that time, she attracts the attention of Sky Eastman, a lovely and whimsical stranger who offers her shelter and keeps her company throughout the trauma. After a few drinks, Cynthia becomes completely enamored and a little tipsy. She ignores that she is in a serious but stale relationship with her long-term partner, Dan, and ends up having a passionate night with Sky. Cynthia must balance the effects on her social life that follow with the possibility that her new relationship could jeopardize her professional standing, which in her line of work could result in a political catastrophe.
Through her extensive writing experience, Dorothy has discovered the ideal balance for a quick-paced yet captivating style. The book's fast and calm narration frequently causes readers to quickly read through a dozen pages before realizing they have covered a lot of territory.
I liked that the book makes an effort to offer a knowledgeable and insightful analysis of Birth control. It doesn't take termination lightly, nor does the book openly support it. Since abortion is a difficult topic and a blatant bias would have turned some people off, I appreciate the cautious approach. It's the kind of awkward talk you take for granted until it knocks on your door, and unfortunately, you're unsure of your options. The writing style of Dorothy is elegant and possesses the organic chemistry that can only be created by the interaction of real people. She carried readers along through the characters' interactions as they engaged in laughter, taunting, pleasing, grief, and relief.
Unfortunately, there are occasions when the book suffers because of the narration's speed. Particularly in some conversations, it seemed like a long rope that just kept going and going, and occasionally, as you followed it, you lost track of who was speaking to whom. As an intelligence operative who should be versed in the psychology of socialization, several talks, particularly in the book's earlier interactions, are so ridiculous that you can't help but call Cynthia's competence into doubt.
Considering the dislikes above, I'll rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I didn't find any errors, proving flawless editing. The book is still a great read despite the slight critique I have of it.
This book will appeal to a readership of romance enthusiasts. Fans of computational advances and cyberwarfare will undoubtedly like the book section that discusses the technology and concepts covered in cyberwarfare.
A drone breaches the White House walls in what is eventually explained to the public as a simple mistake by a hobbyist, causing a lockdown that trapped Cynthia for hours in traffic. During that time, she attracts the attention of Sky Eastman, a lovely and whimsical stranger who offers her shelter and keeps her company throughout the trauma. After a few drinks, Cynthia becomes completely enamored and a little tipsy. She ignores that she is in a serious but stale relationship with her long-term partner, Dan, and ends up having a passionate night with Sky. Cynthia must balance the effects on her social life that follow with the possibility that her new relationship could jeopardize her professional standing, which in her line of work could result in a political catastrophe.
Through her extensive writing experience, Dorothy has discovered the ideal balance for a quick-paced yet captivating style. The book's fast and calm narration frequently causes readers to quickly read through a dozen pages before realizing they have covered a lot of territory.
I liked that the book makes an effort to offer a knowledgeable and insightful analysis of Birth control. It doesn't take termination lightly, nor does the book openly support it. Since abortion is a difficult topic and a blatant bias would have turned some people off, I appreciate the cautious approach. It's the kind of awkward talk you take for granted until it knocks on your door, and unfortunately, you're unsure of your options. The writing style of Dorothy is elegant and possesses the organic chemistry that can only be created by the interaction of real people. She carried readers along through the characters' interactions as they engaged in laughter, taunting, pleasing, grief, and relief.
Unfortunately, there are occasions when the book suffers because of the narration's speed. Particularly in some conversations, it seemed like a long rope that just kept going and going, and occasionally, as you followed it, you lost track of who was speaking to whom. As an intelligence operative who should be versed in the psychology of socialization, several talks, particularly in the book's earlier interactions, are so ridiculous that you can't help but call Cynthia's competence into doubt.
Considering the dislikes above, I'll rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I didn't find any errors, proving flawless editing. The book is still a great read despite the slight critique I have of it.
This book will appeal to a readership of romance enthusiasts. Fans of computational advances and cyberwarfare will undoubtedly like the book section that discusses the technology and concepts covered in cyberwarfare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
Cynthia and Dan is a fictional work by Dorothy May Mercer. Here, we learn about a part of Cynthia's private life that could ruin not only her personal life but also the serious covert mission that she and her brother have undertaken to wage a cyberwar against the enemies of the United States.
A drone breaches the White House walls in what is eventually explained to the public as a simple mistake by a hobbyist, causing a lockdown that trapped Cynthia for hours in traffic. During that time, she attracts the attention of Sky Eastman, a lovely and whimsical stranger who offers her shelter and keeps her company throughout the trauma. After a few drinks, Cynthia becomes completely enamored and a little tipsy. She ignores that she is in a serious but stale relationship with her long-term partner, Dan, and ends up having a passionate night with Sky. Cynthia must balance the effects on her social life that follow with the possibility that her new relationship could jeopardize her professional standing, which in her line of work could result in a political catastrophe.
Through her extensive writing experience, Dorothy has discovered the ideal balance for a quick-paced yet captivating style. The book's fast and calm narration frequently causes readers to quickly read through a dozen pages before realizing they have covered a lot of territory.
I liked that the book makes an effort to offer a knowledgeable and insightful analysis of Birth control. It doesn't take termination lightly, nor does the book openly support it. Since abortion is a difficult topic and a blatant bias would have turned some people off, I appreciate the cautious approach. It's the kind of awkward talk you take for granted until it knocks on your door, and unfortunately, you're unsure of your options. The writing style of Dorothy is elegant and possesses the organic chemistry that can only be created by the interaction of real people. She carried readers along through the characters' interactions as they engaged in laughter, taunting, pleasing, grief, and relief.
Unfortunately, there are occasions when the book suffers because of the narration's speed. Particularly in some conversations, it seemed like a long rope that just kept going and going, and occasionally, as you followed it, you lost track of who was speaking to whom. As an intelligence operative who should be versed in the psychology of socialization, several talks, particularly in the book's earlier interactions, are so ridiculous that you can't help but call Cynthia's competence into doubt.
Considering the dislikes above, I'll rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I didn't find any errors, proving flawless editing. The book is still a great read despite the slight critique I have of it.
This book will appeal to a readership of romance enthusiasts. Fans of computational advances and cyberwarfare will undoubtedly like the book section that discusses the technology and concepts covered in cyberwarfare.
A drone breaches the White House walls in what is eventually explained to the public as a simple mistake by a hobbyist, causing a lockdown that trapped Cynthia for hours in traffic. During that time, she attracts the attention of Sky Eastman, a lovely and whimsical stranger who offers her shelter and keeps her company throughout the trauma. After a few drinks, Cynthia becomes completely enamored and a little tipsy. She ignores that she is in a serious but stale relationship with her long-term partner, Dan, and ends up having a passionate night with Sky. Cynthia must balance the effects on her social life that follow with the possibility that her new relationship could jeopardize her professional standing, which in her line of work could result in a political catastrophe.
Through her extensive writing experience, Dorothy has discovered the ideal balance for a quick-paced yet captivating style. The book's fast and calm narration frequently causes readers to quickly read through a dozen pages before realizing they have covered a lot of territory.
I liked that the book makes an effort to offer a knowledgeable and insightful analysis of Birth control. It doesn't take termination lightly, nor does the book openly support it. Since abortion is a difficult topic and a blatant bias would have turned some people off, I appreciate the cautious approach. It's the kind of awkward talk you take for granted until it knocks on your door, and unfortunately, you're unsure of your options. The writing style of Dorothy is elegant and possesses the organic chemistry that can only be created by the interaction of real people. She carried readers along through the characters' interactions as they engaged in laughter, taunting, pleasing, grief, and relief.
Unfortunately, there are occasions when the book suffers because of the narration's speed. Particularly in some conversations, it seemed like a long rope that just kept going and going, and occasionally, as you followed it, you lost track of who was speaking to whom. As an intelligence operative who should be versed in the psychology of socialization, several talks, particularly in the book's earlier interactions, are so ridiculous that you can't help but call Cynthia's competence into doubt.
Considering the dislikes above, I'll rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I didn't find any errors, proving flawless editing. The book is still a great read despite the slight critique I have of it.
This book will appeal to a readership of romance enthusiasts. Fans of computational advances and cyberwarfare will undoubtedly like the book section that discusses the technology and concepts covered in cyberwarfare.
December 19, 2025
Cynthia Patterson, Senator McBride's chief investigator and bodyguard, is posing as his receptionist. She is a smart and accomplished woman who also works on a high-stakes mission to combat ISIS terrorists and their cyber counterparts with her brother Glenn Patterson, owner of Fairfax Private Investigators. Tim Dupre and Garth, two computer nerds, are recruited by her to join the team for the mission, which is named Cyber War. Along with her mission, she finds her love life in disarray as she navigates a messy love triangle involving her long-term boyfriend, Sergeant Dan McIntyre, and a mysterious man, Sky Eastman. Cynthia, fueled by a chance encounter with Sky, becomes entangled in a whirlwind of emotions and regrets her choices, and the story takes an unexpected turn.
What will Glenn and Cynthia do if they discover a mystery drone attack on the president in the White House? Will they succeed in their cyberwar mission? Who is Sky Eastman, this enigmatic man who asked her to marry him? What will Cynthia do if she discovers that her boyfriend Dan is following her? What will Cynthia's reaction be to an unexpected pregnancy?
The novel deftly combines elements of romance, suspense, and contemporary cyber warfare to create a story that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Cynthia's journey is full of twists and turns, culminating in unexpected choices and revelations.
Dorothy May Mercer has done an excellent job of weaving together the complexities of love, personal dilemmas, and a modern-day cyber war in her novel. While dealing with mature themes such as unwanted pregnancy, the author navigates the narrative sensitively, eliciting emotional responses from readers. Aside from the perfect combination of emotions, the story flows smoothly and builds suspense as it progresses. I could not find a single error in the text, demonstrating the novel's flawless editing.
I give Cynthia and Dan 5 out of 5 stars rating for its flawless editing, perfect blend of emotions, thought provoking plot, and well developed characters. There was nothing about this book that bothered me. I appreciated how the author explained the terms used in the text about contraception as well as the original incident that inspired the story at the end.
"Cynthia and Dan" a book from author’s Mcbride romance series, is an engrossing story full of surprises, making it an appealing read for those looking for a mix of love, suspense, and technological intrigue. I suggest this book to anyone looking for a good romantic suspense story.
What will Glenn and Cynthia do if they discover a mystery drone attack on the president in the White House? Will they succeed in their cyberwar mission? Who is Sky Eastman, this enigmatic man who asked her to marry him? What will Cynthia do if she discovers that her boyfriend Dan is following her? What will Cynthia's reaction be to an unexpected pregnancy?
The novel deftly combines elements of romance, suspense, and contemporary cyber warfare to create a story that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Cynthia's journey is full of twists and turns, culminating in unexpected choices and revelations.
Dorothy May Mercer has done an excellent job of weaving together the complexities of love, personal dilemmas, and a modern-day cyber war in her novel. While dealing with mature themes such as unwanted pregnancy, the author navigates the narrative sensitively, eliciting emotional responses from readers. Aside from the perfect combination of emotions, the story flows smoothly and builds suspense as it progresses. I could not find a single error in the text, demonstrating the novel's flawless editing.
I give Cynthia and Dan 5 out of 5 stars rating for its flawless editing, perfect blend of emotions, thought provoking plot, and well developed characters. There was nothing about this book that bothered me. I appreciated how the author explained the terms used in the text about contraception as well as the original incident that inspired the story at the end.
"Cynthia and Dan" a book from author’s Mcbride romance series, is an engrossing story full of surprises, making it an appealing read for those looking for a mix of love, suspense, and technological intrigue. I suggest this book to anyone looking for a good romantic suspense story.
March 8, 2022
Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer is the story of a seasoned private security officer and her brother who take on the daunting task of eliminating terrorist threats in the United States and abroad. Cynthia works for a U.S. Senator by day and with her brother on a self-created secret task force by night. When an unidentified drone lands on the White House lawn, Cynthia gets stuck in the subsequent traffic jam with nowhere to go. Abandoning her car, she meets Sky, who immediately grabs her attention and whisks her off to safety. Cynthia embarks on a journey to thwart ISIS movements in the Middle East and prevent an attack on the President, all while trying to navigate her relationship with her boyfriend Dan, and this new mystery man Sky.
The cyber war storyline of this book is interesting and exciting at times. I gravitated more toward that portion of the story. It is also a quick read. The editing is well done. I have a tough time saying very many positive things about this book.
I found the characters to be underdeveloped. I could not tell you what any of them looked like or even how old they were. There are hardly any physical character descriptions. Numerous aspects of the story seemed unrealistic. I found myself saying “that’s not how that works” aloud. The 1950s vocabulary was off-putting and cheesy. No one speaks like that anymore. I felt transported into a Pleasantville scenario with words like “golly” (page 16) and phrases like “rat fink.” (page 99) The romance in the novel gave me creepy grandpa vibes, and the one romance scene was choppy and made no sense. While Dan is in the title, he is barely in the book. There were too many things happening at one time to keep track of the so-called romance aspect of this book. The entire book felt rushed, made me cringe, and was impractical even for a fiction novel.
I rate this book a 1 out of 4 stars. The story’s fast pace was the only benefit as it allowed it to be over faster. I did not enjoy reading this. It does not resonate with my generation of mid-thirties women. While I appreciate the effort, energy, and creativity that goes into writing a novel, this was just not the one for me.
I would not recommend this book to anyone; however, it might appeal to older females upwards of 60 years old.
The cyber war storyline of this book is interesting and exciting at times. I gravitated more toward that portion of the story. It is also a quick read. The editing is well done. I have a tough time saying very many positive things about this book.
I found the characters to be underdeveloped. I could not tell you what any of them looked like or even how old they were. There are hardly any physical character descriptions. Numerous aspects of the story seemed unrealistic. I found myself saying “that’s not how that works” aloud. The 1950s vocabulary was off-putting and cheesy. No one speaks like that anymore. I felt transported into a Pleasantville scenario with words like “golly” (page 16) and phrases like “rat fink.” (page 99) The romance in the novel gave me creepy grandpa vibes, and the one romance scene was choppy and made no sense. While Dan is in the title, he is barely in the book. There were too many things happening at one time to keep track of the so-called romance aspect of this book. The entire book felt rushed, made me cringe, and was impractical even for a fiction novel.
I rate this book a 1 out of 4 stars. The story’s fast pace was the only benefit as it allowed it to be over faster. I did not enjoy reading this. It does not resonate with my generation of mid-thirties women. While I appreciate the effort, energy, and creativity that goes into writing a novel, this was just not the one for me.
I would not recommend this book to anyone; however, it might appeal to older females upwards of 60 years old.
February 4, 2023
Ok so I read this to do a specific review on a different website BUT
Ok so where do I begin..
In Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War by Dorothy May Mercer, you follow Cynthia’s love troubles, pregnancy, and the threat of a very dangerous cyber war. All of these things make Cynthia’s life way more complicated than it already seems to be.
Chapter one we are basically introduced with a fist bump and the word bro. I think that’s when every hope for this book to be good died. In chapter two we are introduced to Cynthia, a woman who’s introduced as a rich kid whose college was paid for by her parents and who’s in a presumably unhappy relationship. Suddenly, she gets basically kidnapped and begins to do what every uneducated white woman would do.. spill too many details to a random man who didn’t even know her name.
The man’s name turns out to be Sky. We know little to nothing about him other than that him and Cynthia have been intimate. He loves her after this one experience and refers to himself as her sugar daddy. He brings her supplies to prepare for a possible pregnancy, including morning after pills and pregnancy tests.. which of course Cynthia “forgets” to take. We also find out Sky is religious. Sky then confesses his sins and knows he needs to marry Cynthia.
After a good amount of spy and government threats related to the cyber war, Cynthia begins to feel sick. Surprise, surprise, she’s pregnant. Dan somehow knew she was sick with what was innocently a stomach bug, and he comes over and helps her. Keep this in mind for later. Cynthia eventually suffers a miscarriage after deciding she was going to keep the baby (although she still hadn’t told Sky.) She ends up in the hospital because the worst of the miscarriage ends up happening at work, so they escort her to help. Dan miraculously appears again at the hospital to help, although he is suspicious of why she’s there.
After Cynthia returns to work, she finds out Sky is actually Major Scyler helping on their cyber war case. All seems to go well until the truth eventually comes out about Dan!
Then the book just ends.. there is no good resolution or answers in the end. Overall, this book gets 1 out of 5 stars. There are too many questions left in this story for me to be satisfied with what I read.
Ok so where do I begin..
In Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War by Dorothy May Mercer, you follow Cynthia’s love troubles, pregnancy, and the threat of a very dangerous cyber war. All of these things make Cynthia’s life way more complicated than it already seems to be.
Chapter one we are basically introduced with a fist bump and the word bro. I think that’s when every hope for this book to be good died. In chapter two we are introduced to Cynthia, a woman who’s introduced as a rich kid whose college was paid for by her parents and who’s in a presumably unhappy relationship. Suddenly, she gets basically kidnapped and begins to do what every uneducated white woman would do.. spill too many details to a random man who didn’t even know her name.
The man’s name turns out to be Sky. We know little to nothing about him other than that him and Cynthia have been intimate. He loves her after this one experience and refers to himself as her sugar daddy. He brings her supplies to prepare for a possible pregnancy, including morning after pills and pregnancy tests.. which of course Cynthia “forgets” to take. We also find out Sky is religious. Sky then confesses his sins and knows he needs to marry Cynthia.
After a good amount of spy and government threats related to the cyber war, Cynthia begins to feel sick. Surprise, surprise, she’s pregnant. Dan somehow knew she was sick with what was innocently a stomach bug, and he comes over and helps her. Keep this in mind for later. Cynthia eventually suffers a miscarriage after deciding she was going to keep the baby (although she still hadn’t told Sky.) She ends up in the hospital because the worst of the miscarriage ends up happening at work, so they escort her to help. Dan miraculously appears again at the hospital to help, although he is suspicious of why she’s there.
After Cynthia returns to work, she finds out Sky is actually Major Scyler helping on their cyber war case. All seems to go well until the truth eventually comes out about Dan!
Then the book just ends.. there is no good resolution or answers in the end. Overall, this book gets 1 out of 5 stars. There are too many questions left in this story for me to be satisfied with what I read.
February 25, 2025
The book Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War by Dorothy May Mercer tells the captivating story of a woman named Cynthia who works as the chief of security and bodyguard for a senator named Mike MacBride. She is a workaholic who would rather focus on her job than find love. She has a secret mission to save the United States of America from terrorists. But all this changes when she meets Dan, who is a police officer. She and Dan start a beautiful relationship, and their relationship is perfect and steamy until a man named Sky comes along. She eventually has an affair with Sky. Will this become a love triangle? Does Cynthia leave Dan for the Sky? Will she choose love over her job and personal mission?
The highlights of the story don't just end there. Cynthia also has a brother named Gleen, a private investigator who owns a private firm in Fairfax, Virginia. Gleen works with two computer experts, Tim and Garth, who help him combat terrorist organizations like ISIS and the mafia. Since Cynthia and her brother are both in the same line of work, they have a secret mission to save the United States of America from terrorists and the dangers of the state. They both solve most work-related issues together.
This book perfectly blends love, romance, technology, cybercrime, and a slice of life. The author did an amazing job of bringing the scenes to life and creating a perfect mental picture of the story.
On the downside, the author made the security team come off a bit sloppy. There were several situations where the security team could have been smart but made unnecessary mistakes. I also expected more from Cynthia as the chief of security. But this does not disrupt the story, as it also serves to add spice to it. I also appreciate the way the author sheds a little light on controversial topics like abortion, contraceptives, birth control, etc.
The editors did an amazing job, as I could not spot a single error. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because the book could have better represented the security team. I recommend the book to lovers of love triangles, cyberwars, security-themed books, and the genre of fiction. You'll have a blast reading this book.
The highlights of the story don't just end there. Cynthia also has a brother named Gleen, a private investigator who owns a private firm in Fairfax, Virginia. Gleen works with two computer experts, Tim and Garth, who help him combat terrorist organizations like ISIS and the mafia. Since Cynthia and her brother are both in the same line of work, they have a secret mission to save the United States of America from terrorists and the dangers of the state. They both solve most work-related issues together.
This book perfectly blends love, romance, technology, cybercrime, and a slice of life. The author did an amazing job of bringing the scenes to life and creating a perfect mental picture of the story.
On the downside, the author made the security team come off a bit sloppy. There were several situations where the security team could have been smart but made unnecessary mistakes. I also expected more from Cynthia as the chief of security. But this does not disrupt the story, as it also serves to add spice to it. I also appreciate the way the author sheds a little light on controversial topics like abortion, contraceptives, birth control, etc.
The editors did an amazing job, as I could not spot a single error. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because the book could have better represented the security team. I recommend the book to lovers of love triangles, cyberwars, security-themed books, and the genre of fiction. You'll have a blast reading this book.
November 17, 2022
In Cynthia and Dan, Dorothy May Mercer takes us on an exciting trip to Washington, D.C., where we meet Cynthia, an undercover security chief and the senator's bodyguard. Cynthia spends her free time working with her brother on a self-created project involving cyberterrorism. Glenn, her brother, has high-tech methods and equipment that rival even the CIA. He also has contacts worldwide and has made it his mission to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Suspicion grows after an unidentified drone lands on the White House Lawn, and heavy traffic develops, catching Cynthia on her route. As she leaves her car there, she unintentionally runs across an attractive man who introduces himself as Sky. His charm completely captures Cynthia's attention, and she thinks him incredibly handsome. This book takes us by the hand as we follow Cynthia as she sets out on a serious mission to thwart the ISIS movement's attempt to attack the president. She negotiates her new relationship with Sky and faces challenges in her older romantic engagement.
The plot of this book was relatively fast-paced, which I enjoyed. The author did a great job of nourishing her work with exciting turns that drew me into the plot's intrigue and left me reeling at discovering an unexpected turn of events. This literary trick significantly contributed to the success of this novel.
I admired the author's meticulous research into the technical aspects of the characters' jobs. It is admirable that the writer could incorporate them without making the plot difficult for the average reader to follow. Some of the book's best sections dealt with first-rate national security. They were my favorite parts of the book, and I loved learning how the enemy's plans were foiled.
I did not come across a single dull moment in the entire book.
I First reviewed Cynthia and Dan at https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie....
ALEX NDIRANGU
EMAIL: lordshipalex@gmail.com
Suspicion grows after an unidentified drone lands on the White House Lawn, and heavy traffic develops, catching Cynthia on her route. As she leaves her car there, she unintentionally runs across an attractive man who introduces himself as Sky. His charm completely captures Cynthia's attention, and she thinks him incredibly handsome. This book takes us by the hand as we follow Cynthia as she sets out on a serious mission to thwart the ISIS movement's attempt to attack the president. She negotiates her new relationship with Sky and faces challenges in her older romantic engagement.
The plot of this book was relatively fast-paced, which I enjoyed. The author did a great job of nourishing her work with exciting turns that drew me into the plot's intrigue and left me reeling at discovering an unexpected turn of events. This literary trick significantly contributed to the success of this novel.
I admired the author's meticulous research into the technical aspects of the characters' jobs. It is admirable that the writer could incorporate them without making the plot difficult for the average reader to follow. Some of the book's best sections dealt with first-rate national security. They were my favorite parts of the book, and I loved learning how the enemy's plans were foiled.
I did not come across a single dull moment in the entire book.
I First reviewed Cynthia and Dan at https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie....
ALEX NDIRANGU
EMAIL: lordshipalex@gmail.com
March 16, 2022
Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War is part of Dorothy May Marcer's McBride Series. It is a mix of suspense and romance and heavily involves themes of cyber technology, as expected from the title.
As someone who hasn't read the other books in the series, the book title confused me a lot because I didn't feel as though Dan is an actual protagonist and didn't understand why his name is in the story's title. His relationship with Cynthia wasn't given focus, which added to my confusion. I only found out later that it's because their relationship was already established in a previous book.
What I liked about the story is that even though it includes a lot of terminologies relating to cyber technology, it wasn't too hard for me to follow. I quite prefer the scenes including taking down terrorist groups' recruitment sites, intercepting messages, and sabotaging the terrorist's plans over the romantic scenes because that got me more invested.
There are a few loose ends to the story. Although the author clarified some unaddressed issues of the book, it still didn't leave me satisfied. The cyberwar comes off too easy, especially as it involves two young men with no experience in hacking with foreign governments and groups of that capacity. I also was not convinced with Sky and Cynthia's relationship. It was too fast-paced and had no build-up. After spending just one night together, they are already heavily invested with each other, going as far as to talk about marriage.
The author did well with researching the technicalities that the character's jobs include, but some events in the book are just unrealistic. I would recommend it to readers that are into a romance with a splash of web technology elements.
As someone who hasn't read the other books in the series, the book title confused me a lot because I didn't feel as though Dan is an actual protagonist and didn't understand why his name is in the story's title. His relationship with Cynthia wasn't given focus, which added to my confusion. I only found out later that it's because their relationship was already established in a previous book.
What I liked about the story is that even though it includes a lot of terminologies relating to cyber technology, it wasn't too hard for me to follow. I quite prefer the scenes including taking down terrorist groups' recruitment sites, intercepting messages, and sabotaging the terrorist's plans over the romantic scenes because that got me more invested.
There are a few loose ends to the story. Although the author clarified some unaddressed issues of the book, it still didn't leave me satisfied. The cyberwar comes off too easy, especially as it involves two young men with no experience in hacking with foreign governments and groups of that capacity. I also was not convinced with Sky and Cynthia's relationship. It was too fast-paced and had no build-up. After spending just one night together, they are already heavily invested with each other, going as far as to talk about marriage.
The author did well with researching the technicalities that the character's jobs include, but some events in the book are just unrealistic. I would recommend it to readers that are into a romance with a splash of web technology elements.
July 17, 2023
Cynthia Patterson serves as the Chief of Security and personal bodyguard for a senator in Washington, D.C. When an unauthorized drone lands on the White House lawn, Cynthia finds herself amidst the ensuing chaos as law enforcement investigates the incident. While waiting for the commotion to settle, she crosses paths with a man named Sky. Despite being in a lackluster relationship with Dan, Cynthia discovers a newfound emotional connection with Sky, leading them to share a passionate and romantic night together.
Meanwhile, Sky and his brother gather a group of computer techies to launch a cyber war against terrorist cells in the Middle East. Cynthia faces the daunting task of overseeing this significant mission while also navigating the complexities of the love triangle she finds herself in.
"Dorothy May Mercer's Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" expertly weaves together romance and mystery, appealing to a wide audience. The early introduction of a love triangle adds depth, touching on themes of women's rights and presenting Cynthia with difficult choices to make.
The book's unpredictability and intensity keep readers captivated, with subtle hints and a well-crafted storyline guiding the narrative. The inclusion of potential suspects adds intrigue, and the author's detailed explanations of unresolved situations provide a satisfying twist. Mercer skillfully ties the story to current events, referencing the Kurdish conflict, Kim Jong-un's emails, and Marine Corps One.
While the characters could have been further developed, "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" remains an enjoyable read, blending romance and mystery to offer a lighter yet engaging experience.
Meanwhile, Sky and his brother gather a group of computer techies to launch a cyber war against terrorist cells in the Middle East. Cynthia faces the daunting task of overseeing this significant mission while also navigating the complexities of the love triangle she finds herself in.
"Dorothy May Mercer's Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" expertly weaves together romance and mystery, appealing to a wide audience. The early introduction of a love triangle adds depth, touching on themes of women's rights and presenting Cynthia with difficult choices to make.
The book's unpredictability and intensity keep readers captivated, with subtle hints and a well-crafted storyline guiding the narrative. The inclusion of potential suspects adds intrigue, and the author's detailed explanations of unresolved situations provide a satisfying twist. Mercer skillfully ties the story to current events, referencing the Kurdish conflict, Kim Jong-un's emails, and Marine Corps One.
While the characters could have been further developed, "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" remains an enjoyable read, blending romance and mystery to offer a lighter yet engaging experience.
May 8, 2023
The romance section of this book was absolutely terrible. The action part was not so bad but the romance was awful. It was cheesy and just plain bad. The whole thing reeked of being a NaNoWriMo entry. There's nothing wrong with turning your NaNoWriMo work into something publishable but all those little cheats and tricks used to up your word count need to be edited. They were not in this book. You don't need a professional editor for that.
Everything in the romance plot is a big convulded mess. I believe Cynthia is engaged to Dan but Mr. Random shows up and she forgets all about him. This guy randomly appears on the sidewalk. She trusts him enough to go his guarded apartment and have sex. Thankfully, this part was marked so I could skip over the sex scene. Immediately after sex everyone is worried about pregnancy. Why is that so important? Is the author obsessed with pregnancy? It's weird. The guy has all this stuff to give her for protection against getting pregnant, like the morning after pill, but no condom? She does fall pregnant but then immediately loses the baby. That makes no sense why that's even in the story. To make her look like a damsel in distress? She's already written as a badass lady who can do no wrong working for a senator.
Cynthia's whole relationship with Dan is weird. She doesn't talk to him for a day, the day she spent with Sky, aka Mr. Random, and they break up. There's a small chapter on him trying to get over her but it's decided nah, that's not going to happen, so he goes back to her. She has decided she doesn't want a relationship with him anymore so maybe they can be friends. Somehow that's not enough for Dan. Not to spoil things but at the end of the story he becomes a bad guy. Out of the blue. Let's find a way to write him off so we can want Cynthia and Sky together.
The action part is fine. I felt like I was a watching a low rated action movie but the ending comes thrown together, like the author was not ready for the story to end but had to do it anyway. It was bad. It didn't fit in with the rest of the story.
Everything in the romance plot is a big convulded mess. I believe Cynthia is engaged to Dan but Mr. Random shows up and she forgets all about him. This guy randomly appears on the sidewalk. She trusts him enough to go his guarded apartment and have sex. Thankfully, this part was marked so I could skip over the sex scene. Immediately after sex everyone is worried about pregnancy. Why is that so important? Is the author obsessed with pregnancy? It's weird. The guy has all this stuff to give her for protection against getting pregnant, like the morning after pill, but no condom? She does fall pregnant but then immediately loses the baby. That makes no sense why that's even in the story. To make her look like a damsel in distress? She's already written as a badass lady who can do no wrong working for a senator.
Cynthia's whole relationship with Dan is weird. She doesn't talk to him for a day, the day she spent with Sky, aka Mr. Random, and they break up. There's a small chapter on him trying to get over her but it's decided nah, that's not going to happen, so he goes back to her. She has decided she doesn't want a relationship with him anymore so maybe they can be friends. Somehow that's not enough for Dan. Not to spoil things but at the end of the story he becomes a bad guy. Out of the blue. Let's find a way to write him off so we can want Cynthia and Sky together.
The action part is fine. I felt like I was a watching a low rated action movie but the ending comes thrown together, like the author was not ready for the story to end but had to do it anyway. It was bad. It didn't fit in with the rest of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2022
Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War by Dorothy May Mercer is a thrilling spy and espionage tale that explores the underground fictional world of terrorism prevention in Washington D.C. Cynthia and her brother, Glen, work together to prevent a terrorist plot. The titular Dan, however, plays a bit more of a minor role but is important to the plot in a way that one must read to find out. The story contains suspense, violence, romance, mystery, and questions of allegiance; everything that makes a good action-packed novel.
In the audiobook form of this novel, the story spans only about 7 hours at 1x speed, however, this is to the benefit of the story itself because there is more action in less time. Scott Ellis narrates the novel. His voice is very clear and dynamic to the multiple characters. The point-of-view changes from Cynthia to Dan to Glen and to others. Each character is brought to life by Ellis’ brilliant performance. The production quality, however, is alright but has interesting vocal modulations to enhance moments.
The story of Cynthia and Dan leaves its audience attempting to solve a who’s who of an attempted terrorist attack. At many moments one might question if someone in the cast of characters is not who they’ve presented themselves to be. The suspense builds until the very end. In a helpful author’s note at the end of the recording, loose ends are mentioned and explained as either moot points or points to leave the audience guessing.
It was surprising to find some adult themes throughout the novel. Very serious situations occur. In a version of a “works cited” epilogue we have medical explanations of certain plot points in the novel.
Although the novel is quite enjoyable, there are moments of unprofessional errors in the production. There were noticeable grammatical errors that drew the attention from the story among errors in the reading itself.
There were several moments that made characters unlikeable because of their interactions with each other, although some of these interactions are explained away by the end of the story. There are moments that might make an audience want to stop listening because the quality of the story in that moment is frustrating. There is a certain patriotic tone to the novel that can be in excess. The story can feel one-sided in political ideology and feels a little too “squeaky-clean Christian” at times. There are moments, however, that feel nearly the opposite of its perceived “squeaky-clean” reputation, so a bit of whiplash occurs.
The rating for Cynthia and Dan is 2 out of 4 stars. Although the experience was enjoyable in the end because everything came together in a satisfying way, the unprofessional nature of the recording itself detracts from the story. Other elements of the plot as mentioned before also detracted from the experience. The story is not bad on the surface, however, there are improvements to the quality of production and the syntax that can lead to a better story. It is not the worst story of this nature, however, there are other audiobooks out there that can scratch a similar itch.
Mercer’s story has a pretty niche intended audience. Younger middle-aged Christian middle-class women might enjoy this novel the most. That is not to say that other audiences might not find some elements enjoyable or the experience of the audio production, however, because of the characters and their personalities, that group would find this story the most relatable.
In the audiobook form of this novel, the story spans only about 7 hours at 1x speed, however, this is to the benefit of the story itself because there is more action in less time. Scott Ellis narrates the novel. His voice is very clear and dynamic to the multiple characters. The point-of-view changes from Cynthia to Dan to Glen and to others. Each character is brought to life by Ellis’ brilliant performance. The production quality, however, is alright but has interesting vocal modulations to enhance moments.
The story of Cynthia and Dan leaves its audience attempting to solve a who’s who of an attempted terrorist attack. At many moments one might question if someone in the cast of characters is not who they’ve presented themselves to be. The suspense builds until the very end. In a helpful author’s note at the end of the recording, loose ends are mentioned and explained as either moot points or points to leave the audience guessing.
It was surprising to find some adult themes throughout the novel. Very serious situations occur. In a version of a “works cited” epilogue we have medical explanations of certain plot points in the novel.
Although the novel is quite enjoyable, there are moments of unprofessional errors in the production. There were noticeable grammatical errors that drew the attention from the story among errors in the reading itself.
There were several moments that made characters unlikeable because of their interactions with each other, although some of these interactions are explained away by the end of the story. There are moments that might make an audience want to stop listening because the quality of the story in that moment is frustrating. There is a certain patriotic tone to the novel that can be in excess. The story can feel one-sided in political ideology and feels a little too “squeaky-clean Christian” at times. There are moments, however, that feel nearly the opposite of its perceived “squeaky-clean” reputation, so a bit of whiplash occurs.
The rating for Cynthia and Dan is 2 out of 4 stars. Although the experience was enjoyable in the end because everything came together in a satisfying way, the unprofessional nature of the recording itself detracts from the story. Other elements of the plot as mentioned before also detracted from the experience. The story is not bad on the surface, however, there are improvements to the quality of production and the syntax that can lead to a better story. It is not the worst story of this nature, however, there are other audiobooks out there that can scratch a similar itch.
Mercer’s story has a pretty niche intended audience. Younger middle-aged Christian middle-class women might enjoy this novel the most. That is not to say that other audiences might not find some elements enjoyable or the experience of the audio production, however, because of the characters and their personalities, that group would find this story the most relatable.
June 20, 2019
Honestly, I loved that the author touched on a few women’s issues. We, as readers, get to see Cynthia go through quite a bit. I also liked the romantic part of the storyline and the ending. Overall, I think you all should still read it, but for me, this book was just OKAY! I thought there should have been more added about Dan and Cynthia’s relationship for those reading about them for the first time. It’s kind of pointless to put his name in the title. Sky’s character comes off as needy sometimes and some of his methods for the possible pregnancy are extreme. I also think the story would have been better without the in-depth details of the cyber war. The details about Cynthia’s car was unnecessary too.
The writing could be better as well. The way some of the chapters were sectioned annoyed me because it wasn’t constant. There were some typos and misspellings. The big “Rated R” disclaimer before the sex scene was a bit childish to me. We are adults if you can talk about condoms and pregnancy tests, then the actual scene didn’t require a warning. Then the sex scene wasn’t all that! I thought the description would be mind-blowing since it had a disclaimer. This is just my opinion. I encourage you to read it and form your own, but it only gets two out of five stars from me.
The writing could be better as well. The way some of the chapters were sectioned annoyed me because it wasn’t constant. There were some typos and misspellings. The big “Rated R” disclaimer before the sex scene was a bit childish to me. We are adults if you can talk about condoms and pregnancy tests, then the actual scene didn’t require a warning. Then the sex scene wasn’t all that! I thought the description would be mind-blowing since it had a disclaimer. This is just my opinion. I encourage you to read it and form your own, but it only gets two out of five stars from me.
June 27, 2023
It was an average page turner with ample amount of missed scopes to be an amazing one.
The story was about Cynthia, but her is the part which was not narrated properly. Even if I try to overlook the fact that her character is the most impractical one still it feels more of a daily soap with missed bits.
Once I was wondering if this is a book about “what to do if you have unprotected sex” which spoils the mood
All the mysteries around Cynthia, Dan, Sky was incomplete. Gave me a feeling as if author was not able to come up with proper ideas.
In the epilogue author did try to answer the above mentioned point but it could be there in the story itself; I would love to read it in the flow not after finishing it.
The part I liked the most which bring this book up to an average was part of Glenn,Tim and Garth. This part is well narrated, mysteries are solved properly. I wish the whole book would have written in this same way.
The story was about Cynthia, but her is the part which was not narrated properly. Even if I try to overlook the fact that her character is the most impractical one still it feels more of a daily soap with missed bits.
Once I was wondering if this is a book about “what to do if you have unprotected sex” which spoils the mood
All the mysteries around Cynthia, Dan, Sky was incomplete. Gave me a feeling as if author was not able to come up with proper ideas.
In the epilogue author did try to answer the above mentioned point but it could be there in the story itself; I would love to read it in the flow not after finishing it.
The part I liked the most which bring this book up to an average was part of Glenn,Tim and Garth. This part is well narrated, mysteries are solved properly. I wish the whole book would have written in this same way.
December 8, 2023
If I could give this book zero stars, I would. This was the worst-written book I think I have ever attempted to read. The characters are shallow, rash, naive, and have no personalities. The “sex” was the most anticlimactic (ironic, I know) I’ve ever read, Cynthia has zero remorse until she suddenly breaks down sobbing after her boyfriend Dan (who she cheated on) yells at her over the phone. Then Sky (the mysterious man who she “slept” with) shows up at her apartment, cradles and rocks her until she calms down, and the tells her to pour him coffee????
And all before this, it started out with weird sis/bro porn vibes. Cynthia’s brother says “you’re so cute when you’re mad.”
Why was it so important to know what type of car she drove???????????
I DNF at page 35. I couldn’t do it.
And all before this, it started out with weird sis/bro porn vibes. Cynthia’s brother says “you’re so cute when you’re mad.”
Why was it so important to know what type of car she drove???????????
I DNF at page 35. I couldn’t do it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2019
Cyber war, romance, and intrigue.
A exciting story about modern terrorism, a threat on the presidents life from a drone attack on the Whitehouse, and Cynthia's romantic involvement with a mysterious stranger. This book includes all the excitement of a war waged against fundamental terrorists on the cyber internet, together with compelling story of a potentially dangerous attraction to a man whom she can't resist. If you enjoy romance and a peek into the world of cyber warfare then this book is certainly for you!
A exciting story about modern terrorism, a threat on the presidents life from a drone attack on the Whitehouse, and Cynthia's romantic involvement with a mysterious stranger. This book includes all the excitement of a war waged against fundamental terrorists on the cyber internet, together with compelling story of a potentially dangerous attraction to a man whom she can't resist. If you enjoy romance and a peek into the world of cyber warfare then this book is certainly for you!
November 24, 2022
Fast events and a plot that is holding
A cyber war has been set up by a private investigator firm. They hire two computer nerds who sabotage the online presence of criminals. As the men in the middle, the nerds change communications between criminals which causes chaos. They also bring down websites and Twitter accounts.
On the other hand, Cynthia is in love with a stranger 'one-night stand'.
It is a good book to read if your interest lies in fantasy, romance, and sci-fi.
A cyber war has been set up by a private investigator firm. They hire two computer nerds who sabotage the online presence of criminals. As the men in the middle, the nerds change communications between criminals which causes chaos. They also bring down websites and Twitter accounts.
On the other hand, Cynthia is in love with a stranger 'one-night stand'.
It is a good book to read if your interest lies in fantasy, romance, and sci-fi.
July 27, 2023
Good for younger adults as well
The books contents is not something im interested in normally but I got the chance to review it and couldn’t pass it up as it seemed interesting. It was good to be able to dive into a type of world by an author I’ve never heard of before! I give it three stars because I believe it lacks depth in more areas and im a little confused about Sky and why he rushed things so fast. Otherwise it was a good book!
The books contents is not something im interested in normally but I got the chance to review it and couldn’t pass it up as it seemed interesting. It was good to be able to dive into a type of world by an author I’ve never heard of before! I give it three stars because I believe it lacks depth in more areas and im a little confused about Sky and why he rushed things so fast. Otherwise it was a good book!
August 13, 2022
Cyber war and spies
See my official review at OnlineBookClub.orf/review
s/by-Stephanie_Chapman.html
This is based loosely off a true event that occurred during Obama's administration
See my official review at OnlineBookClub.orf/review
s/by-Stephanie_Chapman.html
This is based loosely off a true event that occurred during Obama's administration
December 18, 2022
Great Book
I felt it started out slow but after the first chapter I couldn’t put it down. Between the cyber war and the romance it was really a must read book. Looking forward to the next.
I felt it started out slow but after the first chapter I couldn’t put it down. Between the cyber war and the romance it was really a must read book. Looking forward to the next.
December 23, 2022
Gave up reading at chapter 8, unfortunately a book written poorly with many errors in the plot (the main character is supposed to be chief of security for the senator yet when there’s a potential threat there’s not one mention of the person she is supposed to be a body guard of)
Such a shame.
Such a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2022
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
My full review of this book is in the link above.
My full review of this book is in the link above.
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