White-Hot Hack

Kate and Ian #2

by Tracey Garvis Graves

Their love story began in Heart-Shaped Hack. Join Kate and Ian for the thrilling conclusion in White-Hot Hack.

When cybercriminals doxed undercover hacker Ian Bradshaw and forced him to flee, he begged Kate Watts for forgiveness and vowed never to hurt her again. He also convinced her to marry him, and when their idyllic summer on Roanoke Island comes to an end, the newlyweds relocate to their new home deep in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country. Ian still struggles with boundaries, but he keeps Kate’s lingerie drawer filled with surprises, and there’s no shortage of number-six kisses. There’s even a fast, new car to replace his beloved Shelby.

Ian promised Kate that life with him would never be boring, but spending her days picking out paint colors and going to Pilates isn’t going to cut it. Meanwhile, Ian discovers that building a white-hat security firm from the ground up seems harder the second time around, and he might have underestimated how much he’d miss the undercover work he walked away from. To make matters worse, the hacktivists are threatening national security, and the task force could really use Ian’s help.

Kate and Ian have always worried that their past would catch up to them, and when faced with the biggest showdown of their lives, they must capitalize on the one thing they excel at most: teamwork. Ian claims no one is a better hacker than him, but in order to triumph, he’ll have to prove it. And if he can’t, he risks losing the woman whose heart he worked so hard to hack.


This is the second and final book in the Kate and Ian series. The first book, Heart-Shaped Hack, can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Adult, Audiobook, Humor

326 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

Tracey Garvis Graves is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, On the Island, spent 9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into thirty-six languages, and is in development for a feature film. She is also the author of Uncharted, Covet, Every Time I Think of You, Cherish, Heart-Shaped Hack, White-Hot Hack, The Girl He Used to Know, Heard It in a Love Song, and The Trail of Lost Hearts. She is hard at work on her next book.

Reviews

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Sweet Stars.

After having to fake his own death, Ian and Kate are trying to live a normal married life. Well, the most they can with fake identities, with Ian being recruited again for the FBI and trying to build a new company from scratch. Until a threat from the past refuses to be forgotten and threatens their new found quiet life.
They just want to live their marriage quietly… but it seems their HEA won’t be possible without a fight.



I fell in love with the first book in this series, so to say that I was anxiously awaiting this book is an understatement. It was a perfect ending for an amazing story of an even more amazing couple. Although the first book can be read as a stand-alone I strongly advise you to read this sequel. And if you haven’t read the first one anyway, honestly, what are you waiting for?


Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: Ian and Kate are one of my favorite couples and I feel l could read 20 books about them and would never get tired. I loved to see their marriage on this book and it made me love them even more. Ian was your easy going, sweet and sexy geek and Kate your sweet and fiercely loyal (and sassy) heroine. I love them as individuals and I definitely love them as couple.
Steam: Some hot moments.
Sensible Subjects: Stalker issues. Some violence.
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes.

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to be posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Way to Burst My Little Bubble with too much “Heat!”

As much as I loved “Heart-Shaped Hack” - unfortunately the sequel “White-Hot Hack” was unable to win this girl’s heart due to the level of “heat” featured in this novel by Tracey Garvis Graves.

I shouldn’t have been surprised based on the title but I had to read it since I loved the characters of Kate and Ian. While I still loved the characters and enjoyed some of the plot, it didn’t capture my heart the way its predecessor did.

A case of going in with too many expectations.

As I’m only one reader and I prefer my romances to be of the PG-13 variety, those of you who enjoy fiery romances may enjoy this novel more than me. (Kaceey: take note, this one may be right up your alley!)

Published on Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! What a perfect conclusion to Kate and Ian's story! This book had everything - great banter, sexy times, humor and suspense. I was actually surprised by how suspenseful this book was. Ian is one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends - he is absolutely perfect! This was so good and I'm sad that Kate and Ian's story is over - even though I adored the epilogue, I'd love another book with more Kate and Ian. I can't recommend this series enough - especially if you love great banter!

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell so hard for Ian and Kate in Heart-Shaped Hack and was beyond excited to get an update. I imagined that married life would be a hilarious adventure for the two of them, and I wasn't really wrong. There were definitely scenes that made me laugh out loud (Ian is as cocky and adorable as ever), moments that had me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself thoroughly entertained.

What was missing for me in White-Hot Hack was more romance, I think. The love is there—and it is wonderful. The humor. The adventure. All there. But I never really felt the butterflies. The charm of Heart-Shaped Hack was in the pursuit and relationship building. There were times—before things really ramped up in this book—where things felt sort of mundane (in that way marriages get, I suppose). However, what it lacked in romance, it more than made up for in adventure, and the feels came in other ways. Please don't get me wrong—I wasn't disappointed in White-Hot Hack, it just didn’t quite give me the same emotional experience that Heart-Shaped Hack did.

That said, Ian is still Ian and I freaking LOVE Ian. He’s one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. He’s adorable, incorrigible, hilarious and possibly the best husband ever. I am as crazy about him as I ever was. I loved their life together, I loved the adventure pieces in this book, and I love how smartly written it was; it sucked me in and kept me entertained (and for a while, on the edge of my seat) from start to finish.

I'm curious and a bit intrigued to know if there will be more to this story. Kate and Ian's story wrapped up beautifully and in a most satisfying manner and yet…there are still some plot points dangling out there (Joshua Morrison? WTF?), which seem to be teasing me that there may be at least one more book in this series. I'd like that, as I've thoroughly enjoyed these two books. They're exciting, smart and witty, and I would be eager for more down the road! ~ Shelly, 4 stars

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 ★'s

After all the drama from the first book, we get to read about Kate and Ian settling down and enjoying some quiet, normal life...or do we?

I really enjoyed getting to read more about Ian and Kate and I really enjoyed reading about them as a couple and all their couple "things" ~ their numbered kisses and Ian's endless supply of lingerie for Kate.

What I wasn't too crazy about was all the hacking and it wasn't actually about the hacking itself but the incessant details. It was putting me to sleep! z~z~z~z~z...



But normal life is putting both Ian and Kate to sleep so they step things up ~ slowly at first. All that does is feed the fire and soon things are pretty much back to the way they were but with a few changes and one addition.

However, soon drama comes knocking at their door and all hell breaks loose. I really wasn't expecting the author to go to the lengths that she did!

Another surprise (but a good one) was all the romance and steamy scenes. Tracey Garvis Graves has really step up her writing in this department! ;) (Although it makes me sad for Anna and T.J. I wish they could have these steamy scenes!)

I thoroughly enjoyed the wrap up and how things worked out for everyone...even Charlie.

[Gio Listmaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It Was A Bit Of A Roller Coaster

The First 45% I Was Bored

At 50% The Hero Finally Has The Banter And Personality I Love From

At About 70% It Gets Technical Explaining The Hacking Part Kinda Boring

I Had To Suspend Disbelief For Last 20%

The Epilogue Saved This Book For Me Finally Giving Kate And Ian A Happy Ever After

Could Be Read As A Stand Alone But You Would Not Love Kate And Ian's Story As Much

I Love The Writing And Will Read More From This Author

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I was mostly bored silly. I know there was a suspense plot - barely. It was slow, repetitive, way too much technical information about their jobs. The only interesting thing about this book is it was set in my home town! And the author must have lived there at some point because she got it really right. Down to the stores, roads and descriptions of the residents. It was a lot of fun! But I don't think anyone else would be so entertained by this.

[Jessica Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

The geeked out adventures of Ian and Kate continue in White Hot Hack where the couple find themselves navigating the new phase of their relationship. Rife with humor and sensuality, this sequel reminded me immediately of why I fell so hard for this techie couple in the first place. From the very first page, I was pulled back into their world and consumed by it. This story line is so much fun, so addictive, and thanks to this author's unique, lovely writing style, it's equally smart and witty and charming.

White Hot Hack follows Ian and Kate through a number of escapades as they begin working alongside each other as hackers. I love the dynamic between Kate and Ian, the business mixed with pleasure mixed with humor that comes along with working together in the way they do. But what I loved most about this story is that Kate isn't just Ian's wingman. Working with Ian in this crazy field, Kate discovers parts of herself she never realized existed, discovering a skill set that really drives their business and also allows for humor, witty dialogue, and a boat load of close calls within the story. This series is so different than anything I've ever read before and I just can't get enough if it.

Tracey Garvis-Graves weaves such a smart, witty storyline in White Hot Hack. This book reads like a rom com but it's not silly. It's brilliant and quirky and fun and so refreshing. The comedic timing in this story together with the quick banter and a deliciously steamy romance culminate into a charming, humorous, authentic storyline I just adored. White Hot Hack is the full package, laugh out loud humor, swoon-worthy romance, steamy sensuality and some edge-of-your-seat suspense. Well written and superbly developed, Garvis-Graves follows up Heart-Shaped Hack with a sequel that delivers all I'd hoped it would and so much more.

[Natasha is a Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love requires compromise. Maybe—in our case—it also requires bravery.”

It always amazes me how a great author can write any story credibly and with heart, and get the reader engaged with the sheer beauty of their words, but even more so when they successfully revisit a story that was treasured by so many, adding a lovely new chapter to that tale and making us fall in love with those characters all over again. The sequel to one of my all-time favourites, this is the story of what happens after that long-awaited happily-ever-after in life, after two people have reached a safe point in their relationship where their love for one another is no longer in question, and where their commitment to each other is no longer tested, even though life has a few more curveballs in store for them. For me personally, it was such a refreshing change of pace to immerse myself in a story where a beloved couple is not battling to stay together, but rather working as one as they show the world the true strength of their love. I was truly delighted with this book, and once again reminded why this author remains a constant on my list of favourites.

Continue reading this review...

[Hildy]

I was thrilled to be back with Kate and Ian. All of the hilarious banter, sexiness, and adventure that I loved in the first book were here too. Tracey never relies on drama for the sake of drama. She writes a smart, adult relationship. As always, Ian likes to walk the line of what's appropriate but it makes for a really fun read! I loved having more of their story.

As a beta reader and a friend of Tracey's I can't give a full review and rating, but I couldn't resist giving my 2 cents. Enjoy!

[❃**✿【Yasmine】✿**❃ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this review summed it up best for me: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

In general, it was just nice. I was sooooo bored for the majority of the first half, i missed the fun and build to the romance. I needed so much more, but really, i don't think there could've been a lot done with the 2nd book unless it got dark with some kidnapping or something.

[Jenn __Garden Of REden · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWED BY JENN

**THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE. HEART-SHAPED HACK MUST BE READ BEFORE STARTING THIS BOOK**

"Sometimes I feel like there's the two of us, and then there's the rest of the world. Do you ever feel like that?
"All the time."

White-Hot Hack is the story about what happens AFTER the happily ever after. This is NOT your typical love story. This is what happens when Katie and Ian have to answer for the repercussions that occur during their wild ride in book #1.

No one can accuse Graves of not doing her research. This isn't an author that said, "I think I'll make my hero a hacker," and then make it up as she went along. I now know so much about hacking, that I am relatively confident that I could hack my own Porsche, if I actually had one. I crave stories where the author is knowledgeable about their subject matter. I know this is a fictional romance novel, but it still has to keep me engaged, and Graves does that with every word she puts on the page. Her writing is flawless and enthralling. White-Hot Hack has as much suspense as it does romance, and it keeps you guessing with each turn of the page. Ian and Kate's complete and total devotion to each other spills out in Graves writing. Neither one of them regret the situation they are in, knowing they are together because of it. There was nothing sexier than the blind determination Ian had in his quest to keep Kate safe. He would stop at NOTHING, and it just made me love him more than I already did. Kate's willingness to transform her entire life to be with Ian was nothing short of commendable. She wasn't a woman who changed herself for man in a weak way, but in the strongest way possible. She loves Ian beyond all words, and doesn't hesitate to show him. She doesn't bow to his will, but challenges him and keeps him on his toes. Kate and Ian are constantly tested throughout their journey, but their partnership is unshakable.

5 STARS!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

There will be MAJOR spoilers from Heart-Shaped Hack in this review.

White-Hot Hack is the conclusion to the adult contemporary romance Kate and Ian duology. You must read Heart-Shaped Hack first, as this is a continuation of the story.

The book alternates narrators between Kate and Ian (third person narration). Kate and Ian are now married and hiding out (remember Ian had to fake his own death). So they are now using different names and living a somewhat cautious lifestyle.

Kate used to be an attorney, who then ran a food pantry. Ian is a hacker who used to work with the FBI.

The book starts with a prologue. Then chapter one is two months before the prologue. By chapter twelve we catch up to the prologue. And the story continues from there.

I really enjoyed this book. There was some really funny stuff especially when Kate and Ian were working as a team. I loved them as a duo. It was dangerous but exciting.

I loved the teamwork of them working together. I enjoyed the mystery. The FBI stuff was fascinating. Also I could not wait to figure out who was after Ian? I liked the sexiness and flirtiness between Kate and Ian. They were definitely one hot couple!

By 82% the story was so exciting. I really could not put the book down. It was riveting and I was completely captivated. And then came the epilogue. Wow, the epilogue was one of the best ones I have ever read. It was long and detailed. Overall, this was a really great conclusion to this series.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Ian are back with the banter that I loved so much in Heart Shaped Hack, along with more intrigue, suspense, and heart stopping action.

When a much anticipated sequel comes out, there's sometimes a question of whether it will live up to it's predecessor. In this case it was every bit as enjoyable as the first book. I couldn't put it down and loved every minute!

Tracey Garvis Graves captures the dynamics of marriage so very well in all of her books, and this one was no exception. All too often, a book ends with the couple getting married and having their HEA, so what I loved about this story was seeing their life together after they got married. I haven't read many books where the H/h are a married couple, so it made a refreshing change. Kate and Ian work very well together, and the scenes where they were working undercover were really entertaining. The attention to detail was second to none, it's clear that Tracey has been very meticulous in her research, and I loved learning more about cyber crime.

Some romance stories have the whole angst thing going on, but not this one. Kate & Ian are so in tune with each other, they never miss a beat. I found myself with a smile on my face reading about their antics, and I was on the edge of my seat as the hacker who had doxed Ian in HSH finally played their hand, the tension had my heart pounding. I even had a few tears at the very end, Kate & Ian are one of my favourite book couples, and I was sorry to say goodbye to them.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I previously DNF this book. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was in a major book funk. So, I took a break from reading (gasp!) and it did me good. When I finally emerged from the funk, I picked up my Kindle which had this book open where I left off. I just started to read and the next thing I knew I was at 60%.

This book definitely gets better after the 46% mark.

I wound up enjoying the second half of the book. Overall, this book was a good read, but not great. I liked the first Kate and Ian book so much better. But I am glad I finished this.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original remarks:
Paused at 46%

It greatly pains me to say this, but I'm putting this aside for now. I adore Tracey Garvis-Graves and have enjoyed everything I have read by her. I pre-ordered this so I could get more Kate and Ian right away, but unfortunately, I'm just not into it. I'm finding it slow and the characters are not as I remembered. Its probably just me. I may pick this back up at a later time. Still love this author, though!

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Actually I loved this duet of books. I was hoping the story wouldn't end but I did love the ending.

I couldn't get enough of Ian and Kate. Their journey had its share of bumps and obstacles but their love and faith and trust for one another helped see them through. I can agree that the end definitely justified the means.

Both Ian and Kate were great characters. They were intelligent, witty, strong, fierce, loyal, and incredibly loving. Their relationship was really a thing of beauty and a joy to read. I loved how well they truly understood each other.

I'm not sure how accurate the hacking business was described, but it was obvious to me that the author did her research. I'll admit that there were quite a few times that I googled something and was left impressed.

So yeah, Ian was as brilliant and sexy as ever. Kate was still freaking awesome. I'm definitely going to miss Mr. and Mrs. Smith (aka the Bradshaws), Shelby, and Spyder.

XO

[Brooklyn JoJo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two words: Boring and Tedious. It makes me so sad too because I loved book one, but this book can't hold a candle to its predecessor I'm sad to say. Very disappointing .

[Penni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'm going with 3-1/2 *'s for this one.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Tracey Garvis Graves book but i love her storytelling & will still read anything she writes!

3 stars.

[HMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars-I really enjoyed the first installment of this duet, Heart Shaped Hack. This is the conclusion to Kate and Ian's (a.k.a. Diane & Will) story. They have moved and have new identities with the intent of starting fresh. The first half of the book is sweet and is essentially Ian/Will making amends for what he put Kate/Diane through. As their new life unfolds in Virginia horse country, they both feel restless and strange little occurrences begin to happen. So as not to ruin anyones enjoyment of the story, I will just say that the action really starts to unfold around 70%, so if you like immediate gratification, this may be too slow for you. The author did a great deal of research and it shows. She had great descriptions of the relevant terms involving cyberterror, hactivism, doxing and all else involved in white and black hat hacking.

[lucie · Rating 1 out of 5]

One word: B O R I N G

That was 250+ pages about nothing. It was boring and pointlessly long. Not to mention the endless epilogue.

Meh.

I do not recommend this book. Save your time, do yourself a favor and pick something else.

[Becky Frosco · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[NinaReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Good ending to Ian and Kate's story.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A bit too much hacker stuff. But still very cute and funny and suspensy.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Shaped Hack was a favorite of mine and Ian such an incorrigible and outrageous handful but lovable favorite. I was ecstatic to find out the sequel was coming and anticipation was high. I missed those them something fierce. This went past my hope for a second and delivered on the same premise I adored so. Same banter, wit, humor and good times that grew from before. Plus you got love the after HEA stories that are not common and sheds light into the challenges that may still lie ahead.

Ian and Kate the new Mr and Mrs Smith but super hero hacker style instead. Inconspicuous and low profile is the name of the game. But new life new challenges new ways to tackle them even with compromise. Even though Ian and Kate are so different personality wise they understand each other and have likeness which helps. Knowing what the other needs and feels make they a stronger team which in turn makes them more appealing and amusing to readers.

Kate's flexible and adaptability to the new situation roll with the punches has me impressed. Not everyone can do it and handle it well. Ian is still the same self assured charmer, direct and outspoken but with good intentions. The bizarre circumstances they're in it's tricky and they try to jump past the hurdles as partners and a unit, exhilarating moments. The care and appreciation of what they found and have built.

Tracey has created such fun filled, exciting world of a modern day cyber crime duo of sorts that has flair and skills. But also a story that shows the value of working together and strengthening a already solid relationship despite the ups and downs. With love, wit, humor and understanding. I immensely enjoyed this one from start to end. Ian and Kate have established themselves for me as an allntime favorite and will be truly missed. However I still have we will still get to revisit them in some way in the future.

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the fun, adventurous, heartbreaking story of Ian and Kate in the first book, Heart Shaped Hack! So this book #2 was highly anticipated!! I enjoyed the start as I familiarized myself again with the characters and a nice story about their new life formed. Mid way I was worried that the plot had become more about their everyday lives without much "hacking trouble" but it really kicked into high gear in the second half and gave me a good heart pounding!! Sometimes sequels don't quite pan out - but I would say it falls into the category of a good follow-up, that doesn't disappoint!!

[Elisamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Hot Hack is even better than Heart Shaped Hack. Kate and Ian are enjoying their married lives and all is going well. Or is it? White Hot Hack is funny, suspenseful and oh so romantic. I love this book and I know you will also. Highly recommended.

[Marieke ~ Marieke's Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how I feel about this book. I loved loved loved the first book, and I had very high expectations for this one... Maybe they were to high.. I wanted more of Ian & Kate, a bit more tension, less work..

[Lisa (A Life Bound By Books)]

I NEED NEED NEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDD THIS BOOK!

Please and thank you!

[Lanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

that heady feeling of "i-need-to-this-without=being-caught" and that element of danger lurking is a heady rush and i love it! good job tracey!