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Counting to Zero
NSA agent Dr. Emma Thorpe is tasked with putting together an off-the-books team of elite cyber warriors to combat computer hackers who threaten national security. She’s given carte blanche to recruit the best of the best. There’s only one caveat. The threat won’t be resolved by following the rules, so she must find a way to recruit Paxton James, gray hat hacker extraordinaire. But the elusive, sexy-as-sin Paxton is in an Indonesian jail. And she’s there because one of Emma’s colleagues double-crossed her. Paxton’s willing to deal with the devil himself to get out of the hell she’s in. It doesn’t hurt that the devil’s assistant comes in such an appealing package. Dealing with their mutual attraction is one thing. But learning to trust is critical. Especially if Emma and Paxton are to survive long enough to prevent zero day.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2016
19 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Quinn
7 books68 followersAJ Quinn’s first novel, Hostage Moon, was a 2012 Lambda Literary Award finalist and a 2012 Alice B. Lavender Certificate winner. A transplant from Cuba to Toronto, she juggles the demands of a busy consulting practice with those of her first true love—storytelling—finding time to write mostly late at night or in the wee hours of the morning. An avid cyclist, scuba diver, and photographer, AJ’s always willing to travel at a moment’s notice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 3, 2019
'NetGalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'
**'Content matters as much as form: having something to say is at least as important as saying it with impeccable craft..'
Fairly Okay story!
This story dealt with both an internal view inside and the depth of certain precise technical form of explanation & even their basic terminology towards cyber attacks and hacking that takes place in the USA plus other International Countries -- this involves information on textbook hacking #101 ,lots of the 'how to' in computer skills---This is why the author revealed to us/readers later in this plot twists that there are always two sides to hacking and that in life its not as bad as others make it out to be. There is also a positive revelation that hackers are essential to any company's security system even to the US Government (NSA) -- additional side story was that adorable love story going on between the two leading characters with the help of their supporting cast and all the nerdy intense action. The author did an excellent job doing her research on the topics for this book. Nice ending.
**'Content matters as much as form: having something to say is at least as important as saying it with impeccable craft..'
Fairly Okay story!
This story dealt with both an internal view inside and the depth of certain precise technical form of explanation & even their basic terminology towards cyber attacks and hacking that takes place in the USA plus other International Countries -- this involves information on textbook hacking #101 ,lots of the 'how to' in computer skills---This is why the author revealed to us/readers later in this plot twists that there are always two sides to hacking and that in life its not as bad as others make it out to be. There is also a positive revelation that hackers are essential to any company's security system even to the US Government (NSA) -- additional side story was that adorable love story going on between the two leading characters with the help of their supporting cast and all the nerdy intense action. The author did an excellent job doing her research on the topics for this book. Nice ending.
November 26, 2016
3 1/2 Stars. I was excited to read this, as I have really enjoyed Quinn's books in the past. If you are looking for another book of hers to read try Show of Force, it was excellent. While, I found myself not liking this book quite as much as some of her others, I did enjoy this and was entertained.
The story revolves around the main character Paxton. Pax, a computer hacker genius, finds herself being offered a get out of jail free card, if she helps the NSA against a cyber national security threat. She finds herself attracted to the NSA agent in charge of her team, Emma. Will Pax be able to defeat the terrorist threat, and start a new relationship, or will her past make it impossible for her to succeed?
Pax is a very likeable character, and I thought well written. She has been through so many awful things, it's surprising she is stable. I thought Quinn did a good job of dealing with her damaged emotions. The one part I felt that was unrealistic with Pax, was her ability to deal with pain. At times I felt like I was reading a book about a super hero or a supernatural. Pax gets beaten up, over and over again. I think most people would be in the hospital for a month if they had to endure half of what Pax does.
The other main character was Emma. And while I really liked her, I thought she was underutilized as a character. She is the main person in charge of an important cyber division, and I don't know what she does. She didn't seem to have any technical ability with computers, so I guess she was just a figurehead. I really wish Quinn would have let Emma have a more important role in the book.
When it came to the plot of the story, I thought it flowed pretty well. Some parts were difinetly exciting and I was absolutely entertained. I did not think any of the computer jargon dragged down the book at all. I also thought the romance was pretty decent, considering this is an action book, and it can sometimes be hard to find time for romantic entanglements.
My other small complaint was the climax against the terrorists. It went a little quickly, and what was happening was not as fleshed out, as some of the earlier conflicts in the book. I could have used a little more suspense drawing everything out.
I think Quinn is very good at writing action romance books. While this is very tailored to cyber crimes, I think someone without a big understandings of computers could still enjoy this. When I see a new book out, with Quinn's name on it, it's an automatic read for me. I can't wait to see what she writes in the future.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
The story revolves around the main character Paxton. Pax, a computer hacker genius, finds herself being offered a get out of jail free card, if she helps the NSA against a cyber national security threat. She finds herself attracted to the NSA agent in charge of her team, Emma. Will Pax be able to defeat the terrorist threat, and start a new relationship, or will her past make it impossible for her to succeed?
Pax is a very likeable character, and I thought well written. She has been through so many awful things, it's surprising she is stable. I thought Quinn did a good job of dealing with her damaged emotions. The one part I felt that was unrealistic with Pax, was her ability to deal with pain. At times I felt like I was reading a book about a super hero or a supernatural. Pax gets beaten up, over and over again. I think most people would be in the hospital for a month if they had to endure half of what Pax does.
The other main character was Emma. And while I really liked her, I thought she was underutilized as a character. She is the main person in charge of an important cyber division, and I don't know what she does. She didn't seem to have any technical ability with computers, so I guess she was just a figurehead. I really wish Quinn would have let Emma have a more important role in the book.
When it came to the plot of the story, I thought it flowed pretty well. Some parts were difinetly exciting and I was absolutely entertained. I did not think any of the computer jargon dragged down the book at all. I also thought the romance was pretty decent, considering this is an action book, and it can sometimes be hard to find time for romantic entanglements.
My other small complaint was the climax against the terrorists. It went a little quickly, and what was happening was not as fleshed out, as some of the earlier conflicts in the book. I could have used a little more suspense drawing everything out.
I think Quinn is very good at writing action romance books. While this is very tailored to cyber crimes, I think someone without a big understandings of computers could still enjoy this. When I see a new book out, with Quinn's name on it, it's an automatic read for me. I can't wait to see what she writes in the future.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
January 10, 2017
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
----------------------------------------------------
me: aw man! this book is gonna be SO GOOD
the book:
Yeah, safe to say I was a little disappointed with this one
--------------------------------
The blame for how I felt about this book may lie with me -- for some reason my EXPECTATIONS coming into this were totally .... messed up? (I thought it was sci-fi for some reason ?! how ?!)
COUNTING TO ZERO follows two women - Emma Thorpe and Paxton James. Emma Thorpe is a career women, smart and capable, who's just been asked by the President to head an elite team dedicated to uncovering and destroying the plot of cyber terrorists who are using their ability as hackers to harm and threaten the security of America
Paxton James is a criminal hacker - but she's the best of the best and the president has requested her specifically to be a part of Emma's new team. Problem one is convincing Paxton to join the same group that double crossed her a year ago, and problem two is using Paxton to stop the cyber terrorists.
Look when I worked out it was about hackers I was keen like, yes, it wasn't the sci-fi I was expecting for some reason but man I can fuck w hackers I was in for this.
I was EVEN MORE IN FOR THIS BECAUSE IT FEATURES A F/F COUPLE AND THEY ARE SUPER COOL LADIES BOTH AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A PAIR
But as I was reading I just
FOR ME this book was just, so so boring. I was skipping entire chapters because I just wasn't interested. I considered dnf'ing it alot but I wanted to know how it ended so I didn't.
MOST of this story is character driven - it focusses heavily on Paxton's past and her overcoming her trauma as well as her and Emma learning to trust eachother and those around them. Usually I am all about this shit, especially when it's a f/f couple but I just couldn't connect to the characters and so instantly I was meh about what their struggles were
Paxton was the central figure the narrative centred around but I couldn't connect to her at all. She was just too good at everything to be believable. She was the BEST hacker, the BEST painter, the BEST at disappearing, the BEST runner, the best best best. (but with a tragic backstory ofc)
and I DONT KNOW I just couldn't get into her. I just didn't find her believable -- there wasn't enough flaws or personality or things to make her feel tangible to me.
Now don't get me wrong this could be my problem. Some people just don't connect with characters and that was me and Paxton. Bye felicia.
On the other hand, I liked Emma alot more ! I found her much more interesting and more accessible to me, her loyalty and care for her team and her struggle between her career and her relationships was actually something I found more relatable and I enjoyed reading from her perspective.
Emma and Paxton as a couple work, and I liked them though I struggled with it just because I struggled with Paxton anyway
IM SORRY I WANTED TO LOVE YOU
I think the romance just totally overshadows the hacker/terrorist plot which was a shame because I was much more interested in that. If you cared about things in the opposite order you'd probably like this more.
For me the nuances of Paxton and Emma's relationship just became repetitive. I felt like I read the same conversation, over and over. While I was initially really excited for them, I was soon bored. I wish the romance was a slower burn (just because I like that more personally) and then maybe I would have got more into it.
I don't know !! Something about them was just not working for me which is why I skipped ALOT of their conversations. This could very much be a "its me, not you" thing and other people would totally love them
and I totally love this book for showing that relationship. We NEED more f/f relationships, and I loved this one. I loved how their relationship was accepted by everyone and their was no harassment about it, I liked how it was open about sexuality and how it normalised same sex relationships because that is so important and good representation !!
I also LOVED the amount of friendship and female friendships here. There were so many close personal and work related friendships and I loved that the president in this book was a woman! Emma's close relationship with Dom and the other NSA agents was great, and I loved the friendship Paxton and Sam developed.
OTHERS might really like this book -- if you are able to really get into the main characters you'd probably love it. I wish I'd been able to but it just wasn't working for me. For me all the elements just didn't come together and so I was unbearably bored.
(I feel like I can't do a review for a book with a killer f/f lead unless I put in a Santana gif bc she's my gay queen & idol )
----------------------
Overall I give this a 1.5*. I think for someone else it could be a winner, but for me it was just hard to connect to and sooo boring
----------------------------------------------------
me: aw man! this book is gonna be SO GOOD
the book:
Yeah, safe to say I was a little disappointed with this one
--------------------------------
The blame for how I felt about this book may lie with me -- for some reason my EXPECTATIONS coming into this were totally .... messed up? (I thought it was sci-fi for some reason ?! how ?!)
COUNTING TO ZERO follows two women - Emma Thorpe and Paxton James. Emma Thorpe is a career women, smart and capable, who's just been asked by the President to head an elite team dedicated to uncovering and destroying the plot of cyber terrorists who are using their ability as hackers to harm and threaten the security of America
Paxton James is a criminal hacker - but she's the best of the best and the president has requested her specifically to be a part of Emma's new team. Problem one is convincing Paxton to join the same group that double crossed her a year ago, and problem two is using Paxton to stop the cyber terrorists.
Look when I worked out it was about hackers I was keen like, yes, it wasn't the sci-fi I was expecting for some reason but man I can fuck w hackers I was in for this.
I was EVEN MORE IN FOR THIS BECAUSE IT FEATURES A F/F COUPLE AND THEY ARE SUPER COOL LADIES BOTH AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A PAIR
But as I was reading I just
FOR ME this book was just, so so boring. I was skipping entire chapters because I just wasn't interested. I considered dnf'ing it alot but I wanted to know how it ended so I didn't.
MOST of this story is character driven - it focusses heavily on Paxton's past and her overcoming her trauma as well as her and Emma learning to trust eachother and those around them. Usually I am all about this shit, especially when it's a f/f couple but I just couldn't connect to the characters and so instantly I was meh about what their struggles were
Paxton was the central figure the narrative centred around but I couldn't connect to her at all. She was just too good at everything to be believable. She was the BEST hacker, the BEST painter, the BEST at disappearing, the BEST runner, the best best best. (but with a tragic backstory ofc)
and I DONT KNOW I just couldn't get into her. I just didn't find her believable -- there wasn't enough flaws or personality or things to make her feel tangible to me.
Now don't get me wrong this could be my problem. Some people just don't connect with characters and that was me and Paxton. Bye felicia.
On the other hand, I liked Emma alot more ! I found her much more interesting and more accessible to me, her loyalty and care for her team and her struggle between her career and her relationships was actually something I found more relatable and I enjoyed reading from her perspective.
Emma and Paxton as a couple work, and I liked them though I struggled with it just because I struggled with Paxton anyway
IM SORRY I WANTED TO LOVE YOU
I think the romance just totally overshadows the hacker/terrorist plot which was a shame because I was much more interested in that. If you cared about things in the opposite order you'd probably like this more.
For me the nuances of Paxton and Emma's relationship just became repetitive. I felt like I read the same conversation, over and over. While I was initially really excited for them, I was soon bored. I wish the romance was a slower burn (just because I like that more personally) and then maybe I would have got more into it.
I don't know !! Something about them was just not working for me which is why I skipped ALOT of their conversations. This could very much be a "its me, not you" thing and other people would totally love them
and I totally love this book for showing that relationship. We NEED more f/f relationships, and I loved this one. I loved how their relationship was accepted by everyone and their was no harassment about it, I liked how it was open about sexuality and how it normalised same sex relationships because that is so important and good representation !!
I also LOVED the amount of friendship and female friendships here. There were so many close personal and work related friendships and I loved that the president in this book was a woman! Emma's close relationship with Dom and the other NSA agents was great, and I loved the friendship Paxton and Sam developed.
"They wanted to use you."
"They wanted me to make them rich. And they made sure I understood no wasn't an answer"
"Damn it, you were a kid"
"Actually, I was a survivor"
OTHERS might really like this book -- if you are able to really get into the main characters you'd probably love it. I wish I'd been able to but it just wasn't working for me. For me all the elements just didn't come together and so I was unbearably bored.
(I feel like I can't do a review for a book with a killer f/f lead unless I put in a Santana gif bc she's my gay queen & idol )
----------------------
Overall I give this a 1.5*. I think for someone else it could be a winner, but for me it was just hard to connect to and sooo boring
January 24, 2018
“Counting to Zero” was surprisingly enjoyable as an audiobook! I was surprised because I was initially kicking myself when I realized I’d once again forgotten to look at my like/hate list of narrators and realized this book is narrated by Hollis Elizabeth. But, despite her unpleasant nasally, tobaccoey, gravelly voice when providing 3rd person narration, and frequent technical audio buzzing and other annoyances, her voices for the characters were actually enjoyable.
Author Quinn’s story itself was very enjoyable. I really want to meet gorgeous supersmart geek MC Paxton James (Pax)! She was 90% of the story and, did I mention, I really want to meet her! The other MC, Emma Thorpe, was interesting but her abilities to run a report-to-the-president covert NSA operation seemed like quite the literary stretch in comparison to Pax’s abilities.
The side characters, good ones and bad ones, are all done well, and while Pax and Emma certainly experience insta-attraction, their romance was very nicely done as slow-burn. The relationship between trust and love was handled well, and the trope of “I’m damaged and not good enough for such a wonderful woman” was treated lightly and briefly enough that it didn’t annoy me….too much.
The effort to find and stop the terrorist made for a nice story, and provided good reason for our MCs to spend time together and learn to trust….and to love. I wish Pax’s ex Carrie had gotten a more deserving return for her betrayal, and Luthor’s ending certainly leaves an obvious opening for a sequel….perhaps featuring cutie smart and sassy NSA agent Samantha? Ooooh, that’d be great!!
There are frequent brief kisses between our MCs, and the book includes several intimate moments but they aren’t particularly steamy…I wish they hadn’t been so fade to black.
4.2* for “Counting to Zero”, definitely recommended!
Author Quinn’s story itself was very enjoyable. I really want to meet gorgeous supersmart geek MC Paxton James (Pax)! She was 90% of the story and, did I mention, I really want to meet her! The other MC, Emma Thorpe, was interesting but her abilities to run a report-to-the-president covert NSA operation seemed like quite the literary stretch in comparison to Pax’s abilities.
The side characters, good ones and bad ones, are all done well, and while Pax and Emma certainly experience insta-attraction, their romance was very nicely done as slow-burn. The relationship between trust and love was handled well, and the trope of “I’m damaged and not good enough for such a wonderful woman” was treated lightly and briefly enough that it didn’t annoy me….too much.
The effort to find and stop the terrorist made for a nice story, and provided good reason for our MCs to spend time together and learn to trust….and to love. I wish Pax’s ex Carrie had gotten a more deserving return for her betrayal, and Luthor’s ending certainly leaves an obvious opening for a sequel….perhaps featuring cutie smart and sassy NSA agent Samantha? Ooooh, that’d be great!!
There are frequent brief kisses between our MCs, and the book includes several intimate moments but they aren’t particularly steamy…I wish they hadn’t been so fade to black.
4.2* for “Counting to Zero”, definitely recommended!
December 4, 2016
Paxton “Pax” James is the ultimate hacker. She can do things with a computer that other geniuses just can’t. When we are first introduced to Pax she is currently trapped in Bali prison waiting to be executed for drug trafficking. Set-up by a crooked NSA agent and her supermodel coke-head ex-girlfriend, Pax finds herself in a jam that her computer wizardry can’t undo.
Dr. Emma Thorpe is the head of a shadow organization loosely tied with the NSA. Emma is one of the few people with direct access to the president. She is also leading the manhunt for a hacker, not Pax, that is not threatening the American democracy. She needs Paxton to help her take this hacker down, so busting her out of prison is top of the agenda.
My thoughts on this one are mixed. The first quarter of the book is really good. Emma’s a badass NSA agent, Paxton’s a badass hacker and you have this great story of intrigue, cyber-warfare and romance all starting to take off. Then the story in my option just becomes bogged down with ridiculous unrealistic moments. What really struck me, though, and I struggled to get past is how Emma becomes so flat and almost ineffectual as the book goes on. Paxton is almost supernatural, literally being thrown out of buildings, run over...all without the need of the emergency room or even urgent care for goodness sakes. Nope, too much at stake, she will just take a hot shower and all powers are instantly rejuvenated. I cannot tell you how many hot showers this character needed.
All the while Emma becomes unable to make decisions, she had a hard time understanding computer hacking all of the sudden and really just becomes the little woman for Pax to run over and save time and time again. Why would a top NSA agent need saving from a computer geek who is still malnourished from a year in a Balinese prison? Why make her flat and ineffectual? The book would have been so much better if Pax and Emma could have equals, challenging each other all the while have a romantic relationship.
I think once the two main characters became romantically involved I mentally tapped out of this one. Between Emma's charecter disintegration, Paxton's superhuman abilities, I eye rolled more than a few times. Also, the villain couldn’t have been blander if you tried. I maybe in the minority on this one but I do not think this book lives up to the hype. 2.75 stars overall.
Dr. Emma Thorpe is the head of a shadow organization loosely tied with the NSA. Emma is one of the few people with direct access to the president. She is also leading the manhunt for a hacker, not Pax, that is not threatening the American democracy. She needs Paxton to help her take this hacker down, so busting her out of prison is top of the agenda.
My thoughts on this one are mixed. The first quarter of the book is really good. Emma’s a badass NSA agent, Paxton’s a badass hacker and you have this great story of intrigue, cyber-warfare and romance all starting to take off. Then the story in my option just becomes bogged down with ridiculous unrealistic moments. What really struck me, though, and I struggled to get past is how Emma becomes so flat and almost ineffectual as the book goes on. Paxton is almost supernatural, literally being thrown out of buildings, run over...all without the need of the emergency room or even urgent care for goodness sakes. Nope, too much at stake, she will just take a hot shower and all powers are instantly rejuvenated. I cannot tell you how many hot showers this character needed.
All the while Emma becomes unable to make decisions, she had a hard time understanding computer hacking all of the sudden and really just becomes the little woman for Pax to run over and save time and time again. Why would a top NSA agent need saving from a computer geek who is still malnourished from a year in a Balinese prison? Why make her flat and ineffectual? The book would have been so much better if Pax and Emma could have equals, challenging each other all the while have a romantic relationship.
I think once the two main characters became romantically involved I mentally tapped out of this one. Between Emma's charecter disintegration, Paxton's superhuman abilities, I eye rolled more than a few times. Also, the villain couldn’t have been blander if you tried. I maybe in the minority on this one but I do not think this book lives up to the hype. 2.75 stars overall.
March 2, 2017
Very strong 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. Paxton is like Jack Bauer and Chloe rolled into one with a dash of MacGuyver too. An expert hacker who also happens to be able to take a beating and deliver on to boot. She's flippin' phenomenal. Her counterpart Emma starts off kind of bad ass, but then her character sort of forgets what all she's capable of. Doesn't matter though. Pax is able to take care of them both and then some. I was a little apprehensive wondering if my lack of in depth computer skills would hinder me from understanding some of the stuff going on but Ms. Quinn wrote this in an easy to understand way. The storyline is exciting. There's some steamy scenes too. Overall very enjoyable read.
NetGalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
NetGalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
November 5, 2016
*The copy provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review*
Paxton James, a computer, IT, hacking genius, gets framed by NSA agent and ends up incarcerated in prison in Indonesia. But the newly formed NSA team wants her on President's squad and is ready to do whatever it takes to get her out of the prison and have her. Is Paxton really ready to negotiate with NSA agent, Emma Thorpe? Is she ready to get out of the prison just to get back to NSA, which put her in a prison in the first place? Emma Thorpe does seem honest and different, but is she, really? Can she really trust the new team and Emma?
This was a nice "geeky" read... Nice explanations on hacker parts of the book. What I wanted more is the romance part... Somehow I felt kind of it being shortened in favour of the villain - hacking parts of the book... Plus, Emma is a NSA agent - I wanted to see more of HER in action, but the book kept revolving practically solely on Paxton's extraterrestrial hacking talents...
Paxton James, a computer, IT, hacking genius, gets framed by NSA agent and ends up incarcerated in prison in Indonesia. But the newly formed NSA team wants her on President's squad and is ready to do whatever it takes to get her out of the prison and have her. Is Paxton really ready to negotiate with NSA agent, Emma Thorpe? Is she ready to get out of the prison just to get back to NSA, which put her in a prison in the first place? Emma Thorpe does seem honest and different, but is she, really? Can she really trust the new team and Emma?
This was a nice "geeky" read... Nice explanations on hacker parts of the book. What I wanted more is the romance part... Somehow I felt kind of it being shortened in favour of the villain - hacking parts of the book... Plus, Emma is a NSA agent - I wanted to see more of HER in action, but the book kept revolving practically solely on Paxton's extraterrestrial hacking talents...
December 4, 2016
Great story from beginning to end. I have enjoyed other stories by this Author and am pleased of her latest book. The main characters of Paxton and Emma are strong and likable, their desires to keep the United States safe is admirable and their connection to each other gratifying. Their friends and teammates made for good secondary characters and made the story all that more enjoyable. As for Luther well good riddance to men of his thought process.
November 8, 2016
I enjoyed this one and love how the young hackers and NSA team cam e together. The fit did not seem force and Emma and Paxton were great together as well.
November 13, 2016
In true AJ Quinn form, an enjoyable read with an interesting plot and cast of characters.
November 15, 2016
[ Review copy provided by the publisher (via NetGalley) ]
NSA Agent Emma Thorpe is in charge of recruiting a team to combat a new cyber threat. Next in her list is former black hat hacker Paxton James, currently in an Indonesian prison after being set up by a former NSA agent. Paxton has been locked up for over a year and wants nothing more than to regain her freedom, so Emma's offer to join her team comes at a good time. And so the story begins, with them dealing with their attraction and trust issues, while the whole team prepares to stop the imminent threat to national security.
So, after reading the synopsis I thought I'd love it, since it seemed right up my alley. There were many Hollywood myths about hacking/hackers, so I had to suspend my disbelief quite a bit, which allowed me to enjoy it more (for some reason, they bother me more on-page than on-screen. This might be just me, though), but I did have other issues that kind of affected my enjoyment, such as:
- The characters. I just couldn't connect with them. In Paxton's case, she was just so... perfect. Altruistic, super hot ("long and lean frame", flawless skin", "silky dark hair", "laser blue eyes", "sexy mouth flanked by dimples"), and super smart (genius programmer/hacker who can also design and build high-tech hardware). Emma was okay, although not very fleshed out, and I thought she would have a larger role to play other than being responsible of forming the team, and .
- I think the plot had some unrealistic situations and that's fine. But I found the ending. Also, the 'villain' was very stereotypical , I'd liked someone more complex.
Overall, despite the issues I had, it's well-written and entertaining, even if I didn't 'love' it, I think the pace was right, and the romance was nice, maybe a bit fast, but I enjoyed their chemistry.
NSA Agent Emma Thorpe is in charge of recruiting a team to combat a new cyber threat. Next in her list is former black hat hacker Paxton James, currently in an Indonesian prison after being set up by a former NSA agent. Paxton has been locked up for over a year and wants nothing more than to regain her freedom, so Emma's offer to join her team comes at a good time. And so the story begins, with them dealing with their attraction and trust issues, while the whole team prepares to stop the imminent threat to national security.
So, after reading the synopsis I thought I'd love it, since it seemed right up my alley. There were many Hollywood myths about hacking/hackers, so I had to suspend my disbelief quite a bit, which allowed me to enjoy it more (for some reason, they bother me more on-page than on-screen. This might be just me, though), but I did have other issues that kind of affected my enjoyment, such as:
- The characters. I just couldn't connect with them. In Paxton's case, she was just so... perfect. Altruistic, super hot ("long and lean frame", flawless skin", "silky dark hair", "laser blue eyes", "sexy mouth flanked by dimples"), and super smart (genius programmer/hacker who can also design and build high-tech hardware). Emma was okay, although not very fleshed out, and I thought she would have a larger role to play other than being responsible of forming the team, and .
- I think the plot had some unrealistic situations and that's fine. But I found the ending. Also, the 'villain' was very stereotypical , I'd liked someone more complex.
Overall, despite the issues I had, it's well-written and entertaining, even if I didn't 'love' it, I think the pace was right, and the romance was nice, maybe a bit fast, but I enjoyed their chemistry.
December 14, 2016
I am rating this book 3.5 but have rounded up because I did enjoy it more than not.
I enjoyed this book, it was well paced keeping the page turning for me. I would say this was more a romance than an action type book. The story line had the action and mystery of trying to find the terrorist but I personally felt it took a backseat to the romance and interactions between the two. In fact I would have liked Dr Emma Thorpe to have more of a role in the action part of the book. She just stood around while Paxton did everything.
I thought the two characters had good chemistry and I really enjoyed following their relationship. The ending was a bit of a flop personally didn't feel like it had the impact it could have.
Overall easy fund read.
I was given this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book, it was well paced keeping the page turning for me. I would say this was more a romance than an action type book. The story line had the action and mystery of trying to find the terrorist but I personally felt it took a backseat to the romance and interactions between the two. In fact I would have liked Dr Emma Thorpe to have more of a role in the action part of the book. She just stood around while Paxton did everything.
I thought the two characters had good chemistry and I really enjoyed following their relationship. The ending was a bit of a flop personally didn't feel like it had the impact it could have.
Overall easy fund read.
I was given this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
November 12, 2016
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
3.8 Stars
There are certain books that you can tell straight off the bat are going to be a joy to read and this is one of those books. Sometimes I start reading a book and although the story is good I take extra long to get through it because I struggle to overlook that awkward style of writing or the story just doesn't flow but I didn't have that problem here. The author presents the reader with a well researched, well written and intriguing story that you just don't want to puy down.
I really liked Paxton and I think that the author did a great job at creating her character's personality. That only real problem that I had with the characters is the character development of Emma, I felt like she had so much potential but the author seemed to relegate her to a spectator status. Emma is supposed to be a threat analyst but she never seems to be able to see the possibility of threats in very obvious situations.
Besides this flaw that rest of the story is excellently executed and the supporting characters make for an enjoyable read.
This might not be everyone's cup of tea but if you enjoy a little cyber warfare mixed in with some romance then this book shouldn't disappoint.
3.8 Stars
There are certain books that you can tell straight off the bat are going to be a joy to read and this is one of those books. Sometimes I start reading a book and although the story is good I take extra long to get through it because I struggle to overlook that awkward style of writing or the story just doesn't flow but I didn't have that problem here. The author presents the reader with a well researched, well written and intriguing story that you just don't want to puy down.
I really liked Paxton and I think that the author did a great job at creating her character's personality. That only real problem that I had with the characters is the character development of Emma, I felt like she had so much potential but the author seemed to relegate her to a spectator status. Emma is supposed to be a threat analyst but she never seems to be able to see the possibility of threats in very obvious situations.
Besides this flaw that rest of the story is excellently executed and the supporting characters make for an enjoyable read.
This might not be everyone's cup of tea but if you enjoy a little cyber warfare mixed in with some romance then this book shouldn't disappoint.
June 6, 2017
Audiobook version.
February 13, 2017
A very good romance with a fast paced plot. Hackers and government agents what more could you ask for.
December 12, 2016
This was an interesting read from start to finish. Interesting because of the personalities of the main and supporting characters. Emma Thorpe, determined, confident and indirectly looking for love. Paxton James, talented, insecure and indirectly looking for love. The storyline was intriguing and I wanted to know what would happen next and how the bad guy would be eliminated. Cyber national security was presented in such an understandable way even a novice like myself could keep up with the happenings.
Review copy provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.
Review copy provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.
May 20, 2017
An honest review thanks to Netgalley. This book was well thought out, and I loved the plot and characters that were put into play. The only reason this book didn't get more stars is that the chemistry between the two characters was extremely lacking. The plot was great, but the romance that was thrown in just diving make sense as there wasn't enough chemistry for me to believe and want those two to get together. The plot and suspense in this book though are great and is worth checking out.
December 24, 2016
Good read by AJ Quinn. Not quite as good as her previous one but entertaining nonetheless.
November 22, 2016
Frankly I didn't have any expectations towards the book. This is my first from Aj Quinn. Yes, I know. :)
I enjoyed it but I would have enjoyed it more if the spotlight was shared between Emma and Paxton and not just with Paxton alone.
I felt like Emma was just Paxton's babysitter or something. I wanted Emma to kickass too since I can see a lot of potential to her character but I guess the author's focus was just set with Paxton.
Paxton James = Arthur Bishop.
Aside from her uber genius mind, she can also kick ass.
She was beaten to death a lot of times yet she easily recovered, If I'm not mistaken maybe she's also part time superhero? Kidding.
Now, I'll check some of the author's books since I kinda like this one minus Paxton's perfect character. ;)
3.75-4
I enjoyed it but I would have enjoyed it more if the spotlight was shared between Emma and Paxton and not just with Paxton alone.
I felt like Emma was just Paxton's babysitter or something. I wanted Emma to kickass too since I can see a lot of potential to her character but I guess the author's focus was just set with Paxton.
Paxton James = Arthur Bishop.
Aside from her uber genius mind, she can also kick ass.
She was beaten to death a lot of times yet she easily recovered, If I'm not mistaken maybe she's also part time superhero? Kidding.
Now, I'll check some of the author's books since I kinda like this one minus Paxton's perfect character. ;)
3.75-4
May 17, 2017
At first I didn't want anything to do with this book...the cover art didn't do justice to the story. I didn't want to read Sci/Fi....thankfully, the cover art was misleading. Very good book, well written, great plot, lots of moving parts all tied in together and a lot of dancing around each other.
November 1, 2017
the fuck when a random hacker has more resources than an NSA team run by the president of the usa. also, when someone is beaten within an inch of their life, the chances of them running by themselves the next day are slim to none but you do you author.
couldn't even finish it, had to skim the last few chapters. snoozefest.
couldn't even finish it, had to skim the last few chapters. snoozefest.
August 19, 2023
4.5 I thoroughly enjoyed this book some reviews said there was a backseat to the romance and I am questioning if we were reading the same book because both the romance and action are intertwined nicely.This is an entertainment book if you like f/f action/thrillers heavy on romance(which I do)!
October 25, 2021
Fast paced
Oh it's been a while since I read from this awesome author and she never disappoints. Loved it a lot.
Oh it's been a while since I read from this awesome author and she never disappoints. Loved it a lot.
October 23, 2025
should've read the ebook instead of listening to the audiobook.
January 8, 2017
What a wonderful suspense book! I was drawn into Counting to Zero by the second page. If I hadn’t had to sleep and eat, I would have read the entire book without stopping. This is not the first book by Ms. Quinn I’ve read and it certainly will not be my last.
The character development was great! It felt as though you could sense what the main characters were experiencing. The early chapters dealing with the prison experience were surreal and made one think that international travel (especially Third World) might need to be reconsidered. Other countries deal with crime much differently than the U.S.
The threat of cybercrime is a real. The author dealt with this topic in a very believable way and leaves you thinking about similar events after the story has ended. I only hope that we have an Emma and Paxton to see us to a safe conclusion of such an event.
There is romance in this book, but I am glad that Ms. Quinn did not make it the central theme. Yes, there was a great deal of attraction between Emma and Paxton, however their love making was not the hot, erotic type that is often pushed on readers.
This book was written in such a way that I feel a sequel could be done in the future. I highly recommend this book and give it 5+ stars.
I was given this ARC by Netgalley and Bold Strokes in return for an honest review.
The character development was great! It felt as though you could sense what the main characters were experiencing. The early chapters dealing with the prison experience were surreal and made one think that international travel (especially Third World) might need to be reconsidered. Other countries deal with crime much differently than the U.S.
The threat of cybercrime is a real. The author dealt with this topic in a very believable way and leaves you thinking about similar events after the story has ended. I only hope that we have an Emma and Paxton to see us to a safe conclusion of such an event.
There is romance in this book, but I am glad that Ms. Quinn did not make it the central theme. Yes, there was a great deal of attraction between Emma and Paxton, however their love making was not the hot, erotic type that is often pushed on readers.
This book was written in such a way that I feel a sequel could be done in the future. I highly recommend this book and give it 5+ stars.
I was given this ARC by Netgalley and Bold Strokes in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2020
I have to be honest, I'm feeling a little odd about this one. Like I think I liked it, but I'm not sure if I really liked it or I just liked the elements that I did like a lot?
Does that make any sense whatsoever? No? I didn't think so.
One thing I can say is that I am definitely glad that I am not Pax. Because she gets the crap beaten out of her A LOT. Like a whole lot and a lot. In fact, this book should possibly come with a trigger warning for extreme violence against a single individual.
Something I need to mention is that there were quite a lot of pretty interesting facts throughout the story (my favourite parts if I'm honest). And I would really like to know where AJQ got all those facts about the dams and what would happen if they failed. Interesting that Pax is a hacker but any techno facts were mostly skirted around, almost as though AJQ wasn't completely comfortable with them.
Is the writing good?
I'll have to say that it wasn't bad for the most part. However, I have worked out that the author is a little bit of a sesquipedalian, and that irritates me somewhat. For example somewhere along the line she says "her eyes were occluded by dark clouds" or something like that (I can't remember exactly). And honestly, that's just ridiculous. Dark clouds shadowed her eyes. There we go. Exact same thing, far more effective imagery, and none of the irritation or need for dictionaries for anyone who doesn't know what occluded means.
The flow of the story was a little jumbled, with things jumping around a little awkwardly. And I think there was far too much trying to be squeezed into just a few pages. You can create major suspense and drama without all of these huge big plot points or dramatic reveals or having Pax get turned into a walking bruise yet again.
Was the narrator good?
I'm not completely sure about the voice artist either. They were not the worst I've ever heard, but I also felt that there was just a little bit too much flair for the dramatic in all the wrong places. Although I have to admit that they got most of the flow right, most of the time.
Are the lead characters likeable?
Well, you can't really not like Pax. Dark hair, slashing cheekbones, uber-rich. She's the lesbian equivalent of the typical tall, dark and handsome romance novel trope and of course, I adored her. She's also a pretty good human, despite her hacker ways. And Emma is just the right mix of strong, confident woman and damsel in distress. This seems uninspired but honestly, I was left a little flat by the story as well and that is showing now!
Is the supporting cast good?
I think I actually liked the parts with the other characters more than I liked the scenes with just Pax and Emma. And the way their little side stories were hinted at definitely lends itself to this become a series but I had a look and I don't think it is one.
Is there a suitably nasty villain?
Yes, there is. A megalomaniac with a point to prove and a need to compensate for certain things. You'll detest him.
Is this story believable?
That would be a soft yes I guess. Taken as a whole, you could easily believe it. It's when it gets to the smaller parts that you might roll your eyes a little.
Is there anything I would change?
Just tone it down - seriously. This would have been great even without all the drama!
Does that make any sense whatsoever? No? I didn't think so.
One thing I can say is that I am definitely glad that I am not Pax. Because she gets the crap beaten out of her A LOT. Like a whole lot and a lot. In fact, this book should possibly come with a trigger warning for extreme violence against a single individual.
Something I need to mention is that there were quite a lot of pretty interesting facts throughout the story (my favourite parts if I'm honest). And I would really like to know where AJQ got all those facts about the dams and what would happen if they failed. Interesting that Pax is a hacker but any techno facts were mostly skirted around, almost as though AJQ wasn't completely comfortable with them.
Is the writing good?
I'll have to say that it wasn't bad for the most part. However, I have worked out that the author is a little bit of a sesquipedalian, and that irritates me somewhat. For example somewhere along the line she says "her eyes were occluded by dark clouds" or something like that (I can't remember exactly). And honestly, that's just ridiculous. Dark clouds shadowed her eyes. There we go. Exact same thing, far more effective imagery, and none of the irritation or need for dictionaries for anyone who doesn't know what occluded means.
The flow of the story was a little jumbled, with things jumping around a little awkwardly. And I think there was far too much trying to be squeezed into just a few pages. You can create major suspense and drama without all of these huge big plot points or dramatic reveals or having Pax get turned into a walking bruise yet again.
Was the narrator good?
I'm not completely sure about the voice artist either. They were not the worst I've ever heard, but I also felt that there was just a little bit too much flair for the dramatic in all the wrong places. Although I have to admit that they got most of the flow right, most of the time.
Are the lead characters likeable?
Well, you can't really not like Pax. Dark hair, slashing cheekbones, uber-rich. She's the lesbian equivalent of the typical tall, dark and handsome romance novel trope and of course, I adored her. She's also a pretty good human, despite her hacker ways. And Emma is just the right mix of strong, confident woman and damsel in distress. This seems uninspired but honestly, I was left a little flat by the story as well and that is showing now!
Is the supporting cast good?
I think I actually liked the parts with the other characters more than I liked the scenes with just Pax and Emma. And the way their little side stories were hinted at definitely lends itself to this become a series but I had a look and I don't think it is one.
Is there a suitably nasty villain?
Yes, there is. A megalomaniac with a point to prove and a need to compensate for certain things. You'll detest him.
Is this story believable?
That would be a soft yes I guess. Taken as a whole, you could easily believe it. It's when it gets to the smaller parts that you might roll your eyes a little.
Is there anything I would change?
Just tone it down - seriously. This would have been great even without all the drama!
February 26, 2017
Good read
I must say I gave this book 5 stars because the storyline was a little different. The characters where strong and maybe AJ will write a sequel...
I must say I gave this book 5 stars because the storyline was a little different. The characters where strong and maybe AJ will write a sequel...
February 19, 2017
I have loved AJ Quinn's work since Hostage Moon. This one's no different. :)
February 15, 2017
I liked this book, it was ok. It started out well and got me gripped, then toward the end I started to feel a bit bored of the characters and the story. It wasn't a bad book and I imagine others would love it, but it wasn't really for me.
November 1, 2018
I selected this book out of desperation for something, anything to read. I was blown away. Yes, the cover is a turn-off but the story is exceptional.
A.L. Quinn is my new favourite author!
Holy smokes, Batgirl...this is an articulate and exceptional story from start to finish. Quinn has a talent for characters and plot. Both were delivered with skill. You can't help but long for her protagonist to more than survive, more than succeed. You want her to be free, to gain absolution, or maybe just maybe shake off all of the past to embrace a chance at happiness. Maybe that's all we each want.
This book was extremely well written. It's worth your attention. I'll be reading all of Quinn's back catalogue now.
A.L. Quinn is my new favourite author!
Holy smokes, Batgirl...this is an articulate and exceptional story from start to finish. Quinn has a talent for characters and plot. Both were delivered with skill. You can't help but long for her protagonist to more than survive, more than succeed. You want her to be free, to gain absolution, or maybe just maybe shake off all of the past to embrace a chance at happiness. Maybe that's all we each want.
This book was extremely well written. It's worth your attention. I'll be reading all of Quinn's back catalogue now.
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