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The Phisher King #1
The Phisher King
In his nightly ritual of trolling dude-bros online, college student and hacker Hunter Walsh uncovers a terrorist plot to bomb Seattle Pride. When his digging hits a wall, he anonymously surrenders his findings to the FBI—only to discover he didn't cover his tracks as well as he'd thought. Agent Callum Riggs shows up on his doorstep with an ultimatum: Help the FBI find the culprits or face jail time for his hacking. Hunter hates and mistrusts the Fed, but he has no other choice.
Straight-arrow Cal has better things to do than babysit a pink-haired criminal—even if Hunter is everything Cal wants and has never let himself have—but he can't ignore the lethal threat Liberty Association poses to their community. When the Bureau refuses to allocate more resources to the case, Cal is forced into a devil's bargain, not only tolerating Hunter's rebellious behavior in exchange for his help but serving as Hunter's personal bodyguard 24/7.
Will these total opposites work together to foil a deadly plot? Or will their constant bickering and seething sexual tension endanger everything both men hold dear? And if they do succeed, can enemies become lovers, or will their differences keep them apart?
Straight-arrow Cal has better things to do than babysit a pink-haired criminal—even if Hunter is everything Cal wants and has never let himself have—but he can't ignore the lethal threat Liberty Association poses to their community. When the Bureau refuses to allocate more resources to the case, Cal is forced into a devil's bargain, not only tolerating Hunter's rebellious behavior in exchange for his help but serving as Hunter's personal bodyguard 24/7.
Will these total opposites work together to foil a deadly plot? Or will their constant bickering and seething sexual tension endanger everything both men hold dear? And if they do succeed, can enemies become lovers, or will their differences keep them apart?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2017
56 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Clancy Nacht
56 books148 followersClancy Nacht is a bisexual genderqueer person who lives in Austin with a husband, and three feral rescue cats. Clancy has published several ARe bestselling contemporary romantic thriller m/m and m/f stories. Three of her books have been honored with Rainbow Awards; Le Jazz Hot won for #1 Best Bisexual/Transgender Romance & Erotic Romance. In 2013, Black Gold: Double Black was a runner up for a Rainbow Award and in 2015, Gemini won an Honorable Mention for Gay Erotic Romance at the Rainbow Awards. Her books have been nominated for several Goodreads M/M Readers Choice Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 5, 2017
3.5*
Love a cop romance and this one didn't disappoint.
Hunter is 22, has pink hair, is a college student, hacker, and is disliked by many. He has built very high walls around himself and the only one he seems to take his guard down for is his younger sister. We don't get to see much of that since he doesn't live with her since he was kicked out of their home. It never really did reveal the reasons why this happened. It wasn't for the usual reasons we read about in most books; him being gay. Would have liked to know though. But if anyone was able to get through or over those walls of Hunters, they'd find the vulnerable boy hiding behind the snarky attitude and the smartass comments he throws out. They'd find someone who is afraid to let people in because they're scared of being not good enough. Someone who is lonely and wanting to be liked, loved, and not judged.
Callum is 30/31 (can't remember!), he works for the FBI, has a cute dog named Bruiser, and is pretty set in his ways. He doesn't curse, or tries not to because he finds it unprofessional. Although Hunter really pushes his limits and he slips quite often. Cal is a guy who has his own walls up. He doesn't like to lose control. He doesn't like to be touched unless he's given his permission. He is a straight laced kind of guy.
Obviously these two guys are complete opposites. That's why it made these two coming together that more delicious. They clashed from the beginning. And it was really entertaining watching these two go at each other.
Hunter being the hacker he is came across some evidence of a terrorist plot to bomb Seattle Pride by a group that goes by the name of Liberty Association. He sends this information to the FBI thinking he covered his tracks. Fortunately that didn't happen. Enter Cal. Cal shows up to his apartment and gives Hunter two choices; Help solve the case and save many lives or he'll be arrested for the hacking.
There's some angst, sexy times, sweet moments, frustrating characters, an adorable dog, and two guys who found their HEA with each other.
Happy reading dolls!xx
Love a cop romance and this one didn't disappoint.
Hunter is 22, has pink hair, is a college student, hacker, and is disliked by many. He has built very high walls around himself and the only one he seems to take his guard down for is his younger sister. We don't get to see much of that since he doesn't live with her since he was kicked out of their home. It never really did reveal the reasons why this happened. It wasn't for the usual reasons we read about in most books; him being gay. Would have liked to know though. But if anyone was able to get through or over those walls of Hunters, they'd find the vulnerable boy hiding behind the snarky attitude and the smartass comments he throws out. They'd find someone who is afraid to let people in because they're scared of being not good enough. Someone who is lonely and wanting to be liked, loved, and not judged.
Callum is 30/31 (can't remember!), he works for the FBI, has a cute dog named Bruiser, and is pretty set in his ways. He doesn't curse, or tries not to because he finds it unprofessional. Although Hunter really pushes his limits and he slips quite often. Cal is a guy who has his own walls up. He doesn't like to lose control. He doesn't like to be touched unless he's given his permission. He is a straight laced kind of guy.
Obviously these two guys are complete opposites. That's why it made these two coming together that more delicious. They clashed from the beginning. And it was really entertaining watching these two go at each other.
Hunter being the hacker he is came across some evidence of a terrorist plot to bomb Seattle Pride by a group that goes by the name of Liberty Association. He sends this information to the FBI thinking he covered his tracks. Fortunately that didn't happen. Enter Cal. Cal shows up to his apartment and gives Hunter two choices; Help solve the case and save many lives or he'll be arrested for the hacking.
There's some angst, sexy times, sweet moments, frustrating characters, an adorable dog, and two guys who found their HEA with each other.
Happy reading dolls!xx
dnf
November 6, 2018DNF @ 25%. I simply cannot force myself to continue. The writing is just "off" enough to be awkward and distracting. There are alternating POVs with distinctive voices, but each voice is too over-the-top and lacking in subtlety or nuance. The dialogue isn't credible. End result: The characterization isn't working for me.
And there's something wrong with the paragraph structure -- starting with the fact that when you're reading a novel, you should never have to be thinking about paragraph structure! For example, I keep having to re-read chunks of this to figure out who's speaking, because dialogue is buried deep within big paragraphs and -- you know what? If I was editing this I'd take the time to analyze and pinpoint the paragraph problem, but I'm not, so forget it. Let's just say that the author needs editorial assistance, and with it she might have turned out a novel worth reading to the end. I certainly saw the potential here, with both the storyline and the characters, but it failed to deliver.
On a lighter note, I can't leave without asking: Who puts a sweater on a Pomeranian? Those things are MADE out of fur! With their extravagantly thick and fluffy coats, they could probably live happily above the Arctic Circle. And Hunter calling it a "rat dog" made absolutely no sense. You know what I think happened? I think the author had originally written the dog to be a Chihuahua, and then did a last-minute search & replace to change it to a Pomeranian. Sloppy.
And there's something wrong with the paragraph structure -- starting with the fact that when you're reading a novel, you should never have to be thinking about paragraph structure! For example, I keep having to re-read chunks of this to figure out who's speaking, because dialogue is buried deep within big paragraphs and -- you know what? If I was editing this I'd take the time to analyze and pinpoint the paragraph problem, but I'm not, so forget it. Let's just say that the author needs editorial assistance, and with it she might have turned out a novel worth reading to the end. I certainly saw the potential here, with both the storyline and the characters, but it failed to deliver.
On a lighter note, I can't leave without asking: Who puts a sweater on a Pomeranian? Those things are MADE out of fur! With their extravagantly thick and fluffy coats, they could probably live happily above the Arctic Circle. And Hunter calling it a "rat dog" made absolutely no sense. You know what I think happened? I think the author had originally written the dog to be a Chihuahua, and then did a last-minute search & replace to change it to a Pomeranian. Sloppy.
January 18, 2019
Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Phisher-King...
April 3, 2025
Jan 2024 - 4.5 stars
Objectively this has flaws but I totally don't care, I just love them as a couple and I maintain that the sex scenes here are some of my favourites for showcasing the change in dynamic between the couple. Will read again for sure.
June 2023 - 5 stars
I'm about to rave about this but the TL;DR is: I loved this and you should read it.
Hunter is a hacker and internet troll. When he comes across a plot to bomb the Pride parade, he submits an anonymous tip to the FBI and imagine his surprise when an agent shows up on his doorstep, asking for help. Hunter isn't exactly keen to volunteer but after a few subtle threats he decides it's probably in his best interest to go along.
The characters were exceptionally endearing to begin with, and they were certainly not stagnant. They both had a lot of growth, facing their insecurities and accepting themselves.
Hunter is a vicious kitten. He's very bratty, but also secretly insecure with quite the inferiority complex. With his criminal background, he knows he'll struggle to get work when he graduates. Watching him come out of his shell and learn his worth was so gratifying.
Cal has been maintaining a façade of the straight-laced agent for as long as he can remember, having vowed to live as "normal" a life as possible for his parents to "make up for being gay". It made me sad to see how much he'd denied himself so he could live that lie.
The MCs are quickly pushed into a situation of forced proximity when Hunter's apartment is vandalised and there's nowhere for him to stay but with Cal. Then follow many, many moments of soft caretaking but also disagreements. I could just feel the frustration coming in waves off both of them.
The pacing was perfect, slow but steady, striking a good balance between developments on the case and characterisation. I find in a lot of action/suspense romances, the action takes precedence over the romance, but not here, and I'm glad that the MCs were really given the time to move from dislike to friends to lovers.
Cal's righteous/responsible attitude is something that usually annoys me a lot, but I found it actually worked quite well here. He has a lot of internal debate over whether he's forcing Hunter into something he doesn't want because he's in a position of power, and I enjoyed how Hunter pushed back on that discourse and stood up for himself.
There weren't many sex scenes, but they were amazingly well-written, some of the best I've ever read. These are scenes that are not only smoking hot, but that also have real purpose in the relationship development. The difference in tone between the first and second scene is staggering and perfectly summarises where the characters are with their romance.
I completely buy them as a couple. I’m sure they’ll bicker but I believe they'll bring out the best in each other. Cal is a calming presence to Hunter's storm, and Hunter is just what Cal needs to keep him on his toes.
I...have been told that book 2 has too much real-world politics and not as good chemistry and since I don't want to sour the amazing impression this book left me with, I think I'm not going to read it. That makes me kinda sad though and I might change my mind later.
Objectively this has flaws but I totally don't care, I just love them as a couple and I maintain that the sex scenes here are some of my favourites for showcasing the change in dynamic between the couple. Will read again for sure.
June 2023 - 5 stars
I'm about to rave about this but the TL;DR is: I loved this and you should read it.
Hunter is a hacker and internet troll. When he comes across a plot to bomb the Pride parade, he submits an anonymous tip to the FBI and imagine his surprise when an agent shows up on his doorstep, asking for help. Hunter isn't exactly keen to volunteer but after a few subtle threats he decides it's probably in his best interest to go along.
The characters were exceptionally endearing to begin with, and they were certainly not stagnant. They both had a lot of growth, facing their insecurities and accepting themselves.
Hunter is a vicious kitten. He's very bratty, but also secretly insecure with quite the inferiority complex. With his criminal background, he knows he'll struggle to get work when he graduates. Watching him come out of his shell and learn his worth was so gratifying.
Cal has been maintaining a façade of the straight-laced agent for as long as he can remember, having vowed to live as "normal" a life as possible for his parents to "make up for being gay". It made me sad to see how much he'd denied himself so he could live that lie.
The MCs are quickly pushed into a situation of forced proximity when Hunter's apartment is vandalised and there's nowhere for him to stay but with Cal. Then follow many, many moments of soft caretaking but also disagreements. I could just feel the frustration coming in waves off both of them.
The pacing was perfect, slow but steady, striking a good balance between developments on the case and characterisation. I find in a lot of action/suspense romances, the action takes precedence over the romance, but not here, and I'm glad that the MCs were really given the time to move from dislike to friends to lovers.
Cal's righteous/responsible attitude is something that usually annoys me a lot, but I found it actually worked quite well here. He has a lot of internal debate over whether he's forcing Hunter into something he doesn't want because he's in a position of power, and I enjoyed how Hunter pushed back on that discourse and stood up for himself.
There weren't many sex scenes, but they were amazingly well-written, some of the best I've ever read. These are scenes that are not only smoking hot, but that also have real purpose in the relationship development. The difference in tone between the first and second scene is staggering and perfectly summarises where the characters are with their romance.
I completely buy them as a couple. I’m sure they’ll bicker but I believe they'll bring out the best in each other. Cal is a calming presence to Hunter's storm, and Hunter is just what Cal needs to keep him on his toes.
I...have been told that book 2 has too much real-world politics and not as good chemistry and since I don't want to sour the amazing impression this book left me with, I think I'm not going to read it. That makes me kinda sad though and I might change my mind later.
October 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this one. Maybe it's because I've had a bad run of disappointing cop series, where the relationship angst overwhelms any kind of real story. Here, though, the MC voices were unique, the writers avoided most of the cliches, and the terror plot/solution actually made sense to me. The development of a relationship between Hunter and Cal -- from antagonism to respect and then more -- totally worked. These authors are new to me, and I will be seeking out more of their backlist. The blurb for Book 2 makes me nervous it will detour into the cliche of misunderstanding threatening the relationship, but I expect to be reading it on release day!
April 1, 2021
Nope. Just nope. Not for me. I was so bored I almost preferred studying.
April 1, 2017
I enjoyed this one. It was nice seeing Cal and Hunter warm up to each other and fall. Cal, hehe. Hunter was a little shit sometimes but I still enjoyed him. I heart Bruiser, he was so fricken adorable <3.
April 1, 2017
Loved this one. Great characters, Hunter and Cal were amazing together. A little funny, a little angsty, and a lot sexy. And to top it off, Bruiser!
dnf
November 26, 2018DNF @19%
Sorry, this is a case of it’s-me-not-you. Just wasn’t feeling it.
Sorry, this is a case of it’s-me-not-you. Just wasn’t feeling it.
January 31, 2019
4.5 stars.
First off, I loved Hunter, so I think even if I hadn't liked much else, I would have stuck with this story just for him. Callum was bit frustrating with his, "It wouldn't be appropriate" bit, but I think that is kind of the point. Even though it took a while to get there, the sex scene was really good... I'd probably rank it among the top sex scenes I've ever read. Honestly, I wish more of the m/m novels I read focused on one really solid sex scene, like this book, than a book that throws character development and plot to the wayside in order to make way for a plethora of sex scenes. I'm taking away 1/2 star because a) the interrogation scene was lame & anti-climatic and b) the epilogue was pretty 'meh' and I could have done without and c) there were a few spots where the speech was a bit awkward.
First off, I loved Hunter, so I think even if I hadn't liked much else, I would have stuck with this story just for him. Callum was bit frustrating with his, "It wouldn't be appropriate" bit, but I think that is kind of the point. Even though it took a while to get there, the sex scene was really good... I'd probably rank it among the top sex scenes I've ever read. Honestly, I wish more of the m/m novels I read focused on one really solid sex scene, like this book, than a book that throws character development and plot to the wayside in order to make way for a plethora of sex scenes. I'm taking away 1/2 star because a) the interrogation scene was lame & anti-climatic and b) the epilogue was pretty 'meh' and I could have done without and c) there were a few spots where the speech was a bit awkward.
June 23, 2017
4.5 stars. Although I don't like the cover and don't think it reflects the character it's supposed to be (?), I enjoyed most of this story. There was a point early on in the story that I thought it was going to collapse into silliness when a by-the-books FBI agent dissolves into giggles, but things tightened back up and I enjoyed it. A lot.
September 3, 2019
Oh man what a book! I loved it! Hackers, FBI, catching bad guys, getting blown up. The only bad part. Homophobic assholes that they're trying to catch.
Hunter's been in trouble before. He's kind of used to it. Thanks for covering something up, he has a movie record on top of being in constant trouble for hacking. But in his haze of highness, he's hoping the knock at the door is food. Only it's not. It's the FBI. And Hunter may be in bigger trouble. He's been caught as being the anonymous tip, thanks to being in a high haze, and somehow did cover his tracks. Now he basically has a choice, help the FBI uncover the plot to blow up Pride or be in trouble. Not much of a choice really. And to make matters worse, Hunter and Cal are firing Sparks off one another. Hunter is using it to goad Cal and Cal is pissed off. But after Hunter's apartment and is defiled, Cal knows he has to get him somewhere safe. So he takes him home. Not his ideal plan but he has no choice. Each day is torture. Hunter goading him or something. But they are still working on the case. But when Hunter pushes too far, Cal snaps and the passion explodes. The problem is Cal can't get it out of his head Hunter is technically a criminal and he thinks this is wrong. Both are fight so hard to keep distance in their way but it's a losing battle. They problem is, the people plotting about blowing up Pride have found Cal and Hunter and the house gets blown up. So it's a question of will the bombers get to them before they solve the case or take their chemistry further.
Hunter cracks me up so bad in this book. I know some of his sass and snark are defense mechanisms, but man can he lay the smack down. That's what has me going with these two. He goads Cal so bad. Sometimes he's just teasing, other times it's lust and other times he's responding to Cal being a dick. But it makes for interesting reading lol. But it's scary for them both too. Both are gay and have an investment in Pride. Not just that bit why blow up people for being different? It's infuriating and scary and frustrating as they do all they can to stop this madness before too many get hurt.
It's a great story. A thriller. Bad guys, gun shots, chases, bombs everywhere. It's a great plot with very good characters and I'm waiting to see how this is going to turn out considering where Hunter just took a job at. Lol. Oh boy.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Hunter's been in trouble before. He's kind of used to it. Thanks for covering something up, he has a movie record on top of being in constant trouble for hacking. But in his haze of highness, he's hoping the knock at the door is food. Only it's not. It's the FBI. And Hunter may be in bigger trouble. He's been caught as being the anonymous tip, thanks to being in a high haze, and somehow did cover his tracks. Now he basically has a choice, help the FBI uncover the plot to blow up Pride or be in trouble. Not much of a choice really. And to make matters worse, Hunter and Cal are firing Sparks off one another. Hunter is using it to goad Cal and Cal is pissed off. But after Hunter's apartment and is defiled, Cal knows he has to get him somewhere safe. So he takes him home. Not his ideal plan but he has no choice. Each day is torture. Hunter goading him or something. But they are still working on the case. But when Hunter pushes too far, Cal snaps and the passion explodes. The problem is Cal can't get it out of his head Hunter is technically a criminal and he thinks this is wrong. Both are fight so hard to keep distance in their way but it's a losing battle. They problem is, the people plotting about blowing up Pride have found Cal and Hunter and the house gets blown up. So it's a question of will the bombers get to them before they solve the case or take their chemistry further.
Hunter cracks me up so bad in this book. I know some of his sass and snark are defense mechanisms, but man can he lay the smack down. That's what has me going with these two. He goads Cal so bad. Sometimes he's just teasing, other times it's lust and other times he's responding to Cal being a dick. But it makes for interesting reading lol. But it's scary for them both too. Both are gay and have an investment in Pride. Not just that bit why blow up people for being different? It's infuriating and scary and frustrating as they do all they can to stop this madness before too many get hurt.
It's a great story. A thriller. Bad guys, gun shots, chases, bombs everywhere. It's a great plot with very good characters and I'm waiting to see how this is going to turn out considering where Hunter just took a job at. Lol. Oh boy.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
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December 3, 2018DNF around 22%
The problem isn't even bratty Hunter, but FBI agent Cal. For a 35y.o. "professional", I'm just not seeing it. Cal is trying not to swear in his charges presence, I think it's meant to be endearing, actually comes across as annoying, choppy and a little hard to read. It's like every other sentence he's changing his swear mid word. Such as fuck to frack or fudge, etc...
It becomes a little too much after a bit, either stick to swearing or not swearing, not the choppy in between.
I may try this book again at a later date, because I am intrigued by the rest of it and I want to know what happens to Hunter. Also, that fucking cover :)
The problem isn't even bratty Hunter, but FBI agent Cal. For a 35y.o. "professional", I'm just not seeing it. Cal is trying not to swear in his charges presence, I think it's meant to be endearing, actually comes across as annoying, choppy and a little hard to read. It's like every other sentence he's changing his swear mid word. Such as fuck to frack or fudge, etc...
It becomes a little too much after a bit, either stick to swearing or not swearing, not the choppy in between.
I may try this book again at a later date, because I am intrigued by the rest of it and I want to know what happens to Hunter. Also, that fucking cover :)
October 29, 2017
enjoyed this quite a bit but significant editing issues = 3.5 stars
Hunter is a fourth year university student with an attitude. He has had some past run ins with the law, is estranged from his family, is deeply suspicious of authority types, holds many anti-government views, does illegal things to make money for food, and spends a lot of time on the dark web making an ass of himself. While doing this he discovers indications of a terrorist plot to disrupt the pride parade in Seattle and he forwards his findings to the FBI. Much to his horror the FBI then knocks o n his door in the form of Cal.
Cal is almost a decade older than Hunter. He is an out gay man on the FBI anti terror desk. He is very serious about his job with a perfect track record on such cases but this time he does not have a lot of resources available. So he goes in search of Hunter and essentially forces him to help out in the hopes that with some more evidence he can get the resources he needs. Cal's seriousness also shows through in his dating choices and living situation.
Unfortunately for Cal he has a secret thing for boys who look just like Hunter. So on one hand he is irritated as all get out by Hunter's attitude and actions on the other he is very physically attracted to him. Which is good or we wouldn't have a story. And I think the strongest part of this book was how consistent Hunter and Cal were in their roles. Cal understands he has Hunter at a disadvantage and for the most part keeps his hands off him. Hunter is annoyed by this and in the cockiness of youth spouts off at Cal about it but Cal is not so easily set off from being the stand up law abiding guy that he is. Similarly Hunter stays outrageous right until the bitter end but the seriousness of tracking down homophobic bombers coupled with the reality of graduation looming forces him to be more adult in his actions.
Of course the drama of their situation brings the two men together so it was required. And it was better done than many plot devices but the whole terror group thing was a bit light for me. Still the pieces were all tied together so there is no complaining from me.
I will happily look at further stories by these authors but goodness I hope they get an editor. There were many many sentences that were missing words. Some you could figure out and mentally insert without effort but many others I never could decipher. There was also an issue with structuring the dialogue in such a way as to make it clear who was talking. More than once I am convinced it was intended for the other person to be speaking that what the writing conventions for this would have indicated. And for that I find I simply can't round up despite really liking Hunter and Cal so much.
Hunter is a fourth year university student with an attitude. He has had some past run ins with the law, is estranged from his family, is deeply suspicious of authority types, holds many anti-government views, does illegal things to make money for food, and spends a lot of time on the dark web making an ass of himself. While doing this he discovers indications of a terrorist plot to disrupt the pride parade in Seattle and he forwards his findings to the FBI. Much to his horror the FBI then knocks o n his door in the form of Cal.
Cal is almost a decade older than Hunter. He is an out gay man on the FBI anti terror desk. He is very serious about his job with a perfect track record on such cases but this time he does not have a lot of resources available. So he goes in search of Hunter and essentially forces him to help out in the hopes that with some more evidence he can get the resources he needs. Cal's seriousness also shows through in his dating choices and living situation.
Unfortunately for Cal he has a secret thing for boys who look just like Hunter. So on one hand he is irritated as all get out by Hunter's attitude and actions on the other he is very physically attracted to him. Which is good or we wouldn't have a story. And I think the strongest part of this book was how consistent Hunter and Cal were in their roles. Cal understands he has Hunter at a disadvantage and for the most part keeps his hands off him. Hunter is annoyed by this and in the cockiness of youth spouts off at Cal about it but Cal is not so easily set off from being the stand up law abiding guy that he is. Similarly Hunter stays outrageous right until the bitter end but the seriousness of tracking down homophobic bombers coupled with the reality of graduation looming forces him to be more adult in his actions.
Of course the drama of their situation brings the two men together so it was required. And it was better done than many plot devices but the whole terror group thing was a bit light for me. Still the pieces were all tied together so there is no complaining from me.
I will happily look at further stories by these authors but goodness I hope they get an editor. There were many many sentences that were missing words. Some you could figure out and mentally insert without effort but many others I never could decipher. There was also an issue with structuring the dialogue in such a way as to make it clear who was talking. More than once I am convinced it was intended for the other person to be speaking that what the writing conventions for this would have indicated. And for that I find I simply can't round up despite really liking Hunter and Cal so much.
April 5, 2017
I had high hopes when I started this book, I was really intrigued in the beginning. Then it all just fizzled out, and I was bored. So bored. I mean nothing really happened. Except a lot of whining. And Hunter was so annoying. I mean it’s one thing to being a brat – but you don’t go out of your way to hurt others, and especially not the ones trying to help you. I get that everyone have a past, but that’s not an excuse. And I never could see Hunter and Cal together, was there even a connection?
Another thing that really drove me up the wall was Cal's so called cursing/non cursing. It was so beyond ridiculous, childish and just plaid stupid it was painful to read. I mean I'm all for cleaning up ones language - if it is what you want, but this was just..... Honestly I have no words for it
Case in point:
Or things like "Smarta-butt" / "Frakking Walsh" and so on. It was everywhere and was painful to read.
This one was seriously a bust and disappointment.
Another thing that really drove me up the wall was Cal's so called cursing/non cursing. It was so beyond ridiculous, childish and just plaid stupid it was painful to read. I mean I'm all for cleaning up ones language - if it is what you want, but this was just..... Honestly I have no words for it
Case in point:
"I can't tell with you, but it seems like every word out of your mouth is either bullshi-crap or smart-butted"
Or things like "Smarta-butt" / "Frakking Walsh" and so on. It was everywhere and was painful to read.
This one was seriously a bust and disappointment.
July 3, 2021
Very enjoyable
I wanted to rate this a little higher but had just a few too many niggles. Otherwise this was a very entertaining suspense story, with enemies to lovers and a slight age gap. Hunter is almost ready to graduate but unmotivated due to a juvenile record for hacking, knowing it will limit him job choices. In the meantime, he trolls the trolls online, stumbling over a terrorists plot against an upcoming Pride celebration. Cal discovers Hunters anonymous tip, tracks him down and essentially blackmails Hunter into assisting the investigation. The clash is predictable but Hunter’s methods of revenge are humorous and play up the simmering attraction.
It’s actually quite slow burn; one brief encounter early but then a long stretch as Cal struggles with being in an authority position but also against heteronormative restrictions he’s placed on himself. Some of that is displayed in his repeated use of “kiddo” when speaking to Hunter. Annoyed me a lot. The progression from adversaries to co-workers to more-than-just-friends to lovers was mostly done quite well. Hunters own insecurities were well-displayed in his character’s reactions to Cal and to the dramatic episodes in the narrative. There’s also dual perspective which I always prefer. One thing is not really cleared up about Hunter and his relationship with his family but I saw a sequel coming, so I look forward to more of this couple.
I wanted to rate this a little higher but had just a few too many niggles. Otherwise this was a very entertaining suspense story, with enemies to lovers and a slight age gap. Hunter is almost ready to graduate but unmotivated due to a juvenile record for hacking, knowing it will limit him job choices. In the meantime, he trolls the trolls online, stumbling over a terrorists plot against an upcoming Pride celebration. Cal discovers Hunters anonymous tip, tracks him down and essentially blackmails Hunter into assisting the investigation. The clash is predictable but Hunter’s methods of revenge are humorous and play up the simmering attraction.
It’s actually quite slow burn; one brief encounter early but then a long stretch as Cal struggles with being in an authority position but also against heteronormative restrictions he’s placed on himself. Some of that is displayed in his repeated use of “kiddo” when speaking to Hunter. Annoyed me a lot. The progression from adversaries to co-workers to more-than-just-friends to lovers was mostly done quite well. Hunters own insecurities were well-displayed in his character’s reactions to Cal and to the dramatic episodes in the narrative. There’s also dual perspective which I always prefer. One thing is not really cleared up about Hunter and his relationship with his family but I saw a sequel coming, so I look forward to more of this couple.
April 5, 2017
2.5 stars rounding up 3 because writing was good.
Although the story was well written and the MCs were very likeable, this turned out to be a disappointing read for me. The chemistry between the MCs was lacking and parts of the story just dragged.
Although the story was well written and the MCs were very likeable, this turned out to be a disappointing read for me. The chemistry between the MCs was lacking and parts of the story just dragged.
June 17, 2017
Another tale of an FBI agent making bad (romantic) decisions that turn out to be good ones. And there's a brat and a cute dog. :)
April 25, 2017
Good
This was manifest book by these authors and I liked it... I liked both MC'S especially Hunter... It got a little annoying with the not owning up to the feelings but the story was very engaging... It had just the rt balance of romance and bad guys... I'm glad I found these two... I will definitely be reading more from them...
This was manifest book by these authors and I liked it... I liked both MC'S especially Hunter... It got a little annoying with the not owning up to the feelings but the story was very engaging... It had just the rt balance of romance and bad guys... I'm glad I found these two... I will definitely be reading more from them...
August 7, 2017
I didn't connect fully with the MC's so this was just an okay read for me. A pink haired hacker and an FBI agent should have been a 5 star coupling for me but unfortunately I just didn't feel the love between them. Also, a lot of the book was written in a "hey dude" dialect (presumably how our hacker would talk) and it was a little confusing at times.
December 30, 2020
Wow. I took a chance on this one because I saw it recommended to someone else and I was blown away! I'm a sucker for hackers, but hackers and FBI?! YES, please!! I loved how "real" this felt. This was your hollywood hacker stuff. Hunter and Cal were a great team...in more ways than one. Cal really surprised me (and Hunter).
April 5, 2017
True rating: 1.5 stars. This one ... I don't even know where to begin. I'll need to jot down a few thoughts. I will.
May 11, 2017
Satisfying mystery mm romance
Cal is an FBI agent handed a not-so-anonymous tip about a threat to disrupt an annual Pride parade. Hunter is a pink haired hacker brat, about ready to graduate from college, who first noticed the threat during an online trolling expedition. They team up to catch, capture and prevent the mayhem. It's not a cliff hanger, but with some loose ends that make me curious if the authors will come up with a next book.
A satisfying romance with mystery context. Hunter is fab and a serious brat and a little hard for Cal to wrap his head around. The bad guys need rounding up, there are very brief family and FBI interactions to enrich the story. Some insight provided into the risky ways Hunter has been making a living prior to following the righteous FBI path.
Some things are a little simplistic in the story (e.g., why do the FBI need Hunter's help?), and the bad guys aren't so very tricky....but I enjoyed the romp, the hacker inside look and Hunter and Cal together.
Recommend: sufficiently edited with a few words missing. Some times when I needed to look up hacker terms (I like when context gets beyond my ken) and a comfortable sense of these two being members of the gay community (not explaining their lives and who they are to the reader, not spelling things out, just living it). Some things I consider about mm romance
Smexy scale 1-5: 4
These guys gradually build up heat over their few weeks together...and rocket off the page in their few detailed explicit mm interactions. Lots of cuddling, too.
Likable MCs 1-5:3
Hunter does brat very well and Cal is stoic cool on the outside (for a while). Third person point of view switches from chapter to chapter. The two share some brief personal history with each other, but a lot of things are hinted at for the reader that the two characters don't share with each other. Liked them as a couple.
"I can't imagine going back to my life like it was before you came into it.” “You say things like that to me… It’s like feeding a stray cat, man.” Tears welled in Hunter’s eyes.
Angst 1-5:3
One MC assaulted (see possible spoilers/triggers at bottom of review). There are a few scenes where we feel Hunter being pretty down on himself. Otherwise, the little personal history shared is not emotionally dense.
Humor scale 1-5: 3
There is a small dog...and the two guys are snarky cute together. No Lols, but some chuckles. And these are good guys being good to each other, so positive vibes.
Like the sound of the Phisher King?
For FBI mystery romance
I recommend the All's Fair series by Josh Lanyon
Also recommended, for action mystery/adventure
Cut and Run Series by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux
Possible spoiler trigger
Attempted date rape with roofie, of MC.
Cal is an FBI agent handed a not-so-anonymous tip about a threat to disrupt an annual Pride parade. Hunter is a pink haired hacker brat, about ready to graduate from college, who first noticed the threat during an online trolling expedition. They team up to catch, capture and prevent the mayhem. It's not a cliff hanger, but with some loose ends that make me curious if the authors will come up with a next book.
A satisfying romance with mystery context. Hunter is fab and a serious brat and a little hard for Cal to wrap his head around. The bad guys need rounding up, there are very brief family and FBI interactions to enrich the story. Some insight provided into the risky ways Hunter has been making a living prior to following the righteous FBI path.
Some things are a little simplistic in the story (e.g., why do the FBI need Hunter's help?), and the bad guys aren't so very tricky....but I enjoyed the romp, the hacker inside look and Hunter and Cal together.
Recommend: sufficiently edited with a few words missing. Some times when I needed to look up hacker terms (I like when context gets beyond my ken) and a comfortable sense of these two being members of the gay community (not explaining their lives and who they are to the reader, not spelling things out, just living it). Some things I consider about mm romance
Smexy scale 1-5: 4
These guys gradually build up heat over their few weeks together...and rocket off the page in their few detailed explicit mm interactions. Lots of cuddling, too.
Likable MCs 1-5:3
Hunter does brat very well and Cal is stoic cool on the outside (for a while). Third person point of view switches from chapter to chapter. The two share some brief personal history with each other, but a lot of things are hinted at for the reader that the two characters don't share with each other. Liked them as a couple.
"I can't imagine going back to my life like it was before you came into it.” “You say things like that to me… It’s like feeding a stray cat, man.” Tears welled in Hunter’s eyes.
Angst 1-5:3
One MC assaulted (see possible spoilers/triggers at bottom of review). There are a few scenes where we feel Hunter being pretty down on himself. Otherwise, the little personal history shared is not emotionally dense.
Humor scale 1-5: 3
There is a small dog...and the two guys are snarky cute together. No Lols, but some chuckles. And these are good guys being good to each other, so positive vibes.
Like the sound of the Phisher King?
For FBI mystery romance
I recommend the All's Fair series by Josh Lanyon
Also recommended, for action mystery/adventure
Cut and Run Series by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux
Possible spoiler trigger
Attempted date rape with roofie, of MC.
October 25, 2018
Rating: 4.5+ stars
Some of my favorite new-to-me authors were recommended on social media by other authors or readers. That is the case with The Phisher King. The authors are new to me and the timing for Phisher King was perfect as the sequel or book 2 is scheduled to be released very soon.
Hunter is a college student, hacker, who subsists on Adderall and pot. He is a senior and almost done. Without too much detail we know that he is on his own and hasn't had it easy. In the course of his gray hat/black hat hacking activities, he comes upon a plot by an American terrorist group to blow up the Pride events. Hunter is supporting himself with his internet work and he is involved in too many dubious activities to openly report his findings to the authorities so he used proxy servers and VPN switches to maintain anonymity. Thank God they can't find him
Until there was a knock on his door and the FBI, represented by straight-arrow Agent Callum Riggs, wants to know what he knows about the domestic terrorist plans.
In the beginning, we see Hunter with his pink hair and leather attire, as a punk, without too many redeeming qualities. He was coasting along until the discovery and despite his not-quite-legal activities, he was compelled to protect Pride. Hunter has absolutely nothing in common with this FBI agent Callum, who is a no-nonsense, older man, quiet and bound by routine.
From the beginning, we come to understand that there is much more to each man than first appearances. The suspense of identifying the domestic terrorists, protecting Hunter, his friends and family seem to be more than Cal can handle at times. He has competing drives, to protect Hunter, to find the bad guys and to protect his quiet professional lifestyle with its routines. Hunter is a little more difficult to understand. He is shunned by his family, because of his own bad behaviors, as he tells it but the reader is left wondering if there is more to the story.
I enjoyed the static that seemed to arc between the two main characters and the suspense in the main storyline as well as the subplots, some of which were not entirely resolved within the context of the story. I especially appreciated the snark and development of personalities and relationships.
Riggs "Good together is one way of putting it, but I can't imagine going back to my life like it was before you came into it."
"You say things like that to me... It's like feeding a stray cat, man." Tears welled in Hunter's eyes. It was all too much. Today was too much. He wasn't used to this feeling or feeling much of anything but anger and frustration.
Perhaps Cal wasn't as perfect as he seemed and maybe Hunter was more than the pink-haired punk.
Some of my favorite new-to-me authors were recommended on social media by other authors or readers. That is the case with The Phisher King. The authors are new to me and the timing for Phisher King was perfect as the sequel or book 2 is scheduled to be released very soon.
Hunter is a college student, hacker, who subsists on Adderall and pot. He is a senior and almost done. Without too much detail we know that he is on his own and hasn't had it easy. In the course of his gray hat/black hat hacking activities, he comes upon a plot by an American terrorist group to blow up the Pride events. Hunter is supporting himself with his internet work and he is involved in too many dubious activities to openly report his findings to the authorities so he used proxy servers and VPN switches to maintain anonymity. Thank God they can't find him
Until there was a knock on his door and the FBI, represented by straight-arrow Agent Callum Riggs, wants to know what he knows about the domestic terrorist plans.
In the beginning, we see Hunter with his pink hair and leather attire, as a punk, without too many redeeming qualities. He was coasting along until the discovery and despite his not-quite-legal activities, he was compelled to protect Pride. Hunter has absolutely nothing in common with this FBI agent Callum, who is a no-nonsense, older man, quiet and bound by routine.
From the beginning, we come to understand that there is much more to each man than first appearances. The suspense of identifying the domestic terrorists, protecting Hunter, his friends and family seem to be more than Cal can handle at times. He has competing drives, to protect Hunter, to find the bad guys and to protect his quiet professional lifestyle with its routines. Hunter is a little more difficult to understand. He is shunned by his family, because of his own bad behaviors, as he tells it but the reader is left wondering if there is more to the story.
I enjoyed the static that seemed to arc between the two main characters and the suspense in the main storyline as well as the subplots, some of which were not entirely resolved within the context of the story. I especially appreciated the snark and development of personalities and relationships.
Riggs "Good together is one way of putting it, but I can't imagine going back to my life like it was before you came into it."
"You say things like that to me... It's like feeding a stray cat, man." Tears welled in Hunter's eyes. It was all too much. Today was too much. He wasn't used to this feeling or feeling much of anything but anger and frustration.
Perhaps Cal wasn't as perfect as he seemed and maybe Hunter was more than the pink-haired punk.
July 6, 2023
Great enemies-to-lovers premise: MC1, who likes trolling RWNJs online, happens across plans to bomb a Pride parade, drops the FBI an anonymous tip, winds up working with MC2, a buttoned-up gay FBI agent, to track down the planners. Alas, I kept bumping up against plot issues -- for instance, how is it that Hunter demonstrates solid hacking skills, but somehow didn't successfully anonymize his anonymous tip? (He tells himself something about taking too much Adderall, IIRC, but I just don't think that solves the problem -- I mean, even I would know to, say, use a public computer and not one anywhere near my house.) We're told that the local fibbies aren't making the bomb plot a priority because they're working on a child porn case, or is it homophobia? But the actual existing FBI, problematic as it is, does take right-wing terrorism seriously. (Not to mention, bombs don't always go off when and where they're supposed to, so even if we take it as read that the FBI wouldn't GAF about a Pride parade, there's a solid chance non-queer people would get hurt.)
I could handwave a lot of this except for the characterizations and dialogue. Hunter is, not to put too fine a point on it, a dick. He reported this plot to the FBI in the first place, so why be nasty to the gay agent who's taking action to thwart it? As for Cal, the agent, I can certainly accept that he would have a cute little Pomeranian he got from a shelter, but when he brings Hunter home for bodyguarding purposes, he immediately picks up the dog and starts crooning to it, referring to himself as Daddy. Which, again, fine, but who makes themselves that vulnerable in front of someone who has been consistently awful to them?
So -- I couldn't see why they were attracted to each other, I certainly couldn't see why their attraction would overcome their mutual hostility, and the more I think about it the more plot holes I remember (Cal and Hunter don't make a plan for Hunter to hack the bad guy's computer, so Hunter does it more or less off the cuff, with the result that the bad guy is alerted to the hacking at the absolutely worst possible moment, which nearly gets Cal killed, plus the bad guy winds up dead, which ... wouldn't it have been nice to arrest and interview him? But somehow Cal isn't annoyed about this. I mean, I was annoyed).
Oh, never mind.
I could handwave a lot of this except for the characterizations and dialogue. Hunter is, not to put too fine a point on it, a dick. He reported this plot to the FBI in the first place, so why be nasty to the gay agent who's taking action to thwart it? As for Cal, the agent, I can certainly accept that he would have a cute little Pomeranian he got from a shelter, but when he brings Hunter home for bodyguarding purposes, he immediately picks up the dog and starts crooning to it, referring to himself as Daddy. Which, again, fine, but who makes themselves that vulnerable in front of someone who has been consistently awful to them?
So -- I couldn't see why they were attracted to each other, I certainly couldn't see why their attraction would overcome their mutual hostility, and the more I think about it the more plot holes I remember (Cal and Hunter don't make a plan for Hunter to hack the bad guy's computer, so Hunter does it more or less off the cuff, with the result that the bad guy is alerted to the hacking at the absolutely worst possible moment, which nearly gets Cal killed, plus the bad guy winds up dead, which ... wouldn't it have been nice to arrest and interview him? But somehow Cal isn't annoyed about this. I mean, I was annoyed).
Oh, never mind.
December 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. Cal was an uptight FBI agent who needed help from hacker Hunter to prevent an attack on Seattle's Pride parade. The two men were very different, but their forced time together made their opinions of each other slowly change from dislike and even disgust, to respect and attraction. Bru the outfit-loving Pomeranian was the icing on the cake here. This book provided an engrossing mystery/romance that I became completely invested in, and I am so happy that there's a sequel!
February 17, 2019
1.5 stars rounded up solely because I liked Hunter.
This would have been better if .....
A) Riggs wasn't the name of one of the MCs.... I'm sorry but we all know that Riggs is an iconic semi-suicidal, crazy cop and he popped into my head every single time his name is mentioned.
B) If it had been either a lot shorter or more action packed instead of filled with all of the boring, whining.
I made it through by skimming many, many pages filled with nothing but whiney thoughts. The only reason that I didn't DNF this is because I liked Hunter.
This would have been better if .....
A) Riggs wasn't the name of one of the MCs.... I'm sorry but we all know that Riggs is an iconic semi-suicidal, crazy cop and he popped into my head every single time his name is mentioned.
B) If it had been either a lot shorter or more action packed instead of filled with all of the boring, whining.
I made it through by skimming many, many pages filled with nothing but whiney thoughts. The only reason that I didn't DNF this is because I liked Hunter.
November 4, 2018
This is the first book in The Phisher King Series. An engrossing book the writing was good. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters intriguing. The characters were developed and thought out. Callum Riggs is an FBI Agent and Hunter Walsh is a Hacker and they are the MC’s of this book. I enjoyed this book and can recommend it as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
November 23, 2018
Hunter and Cal. This story started out rocky, but quickly found its stride. Kept my attention, even when Hunter was being an obtuse brat. Believable, solid chemistry between these opposites. Slow burn was well done. Inadequate editing which occasionally made it difficult to tell who was speaking. Suspense storyline was on the weaker side. Looking forward to book 2 despite the few negatives.
B, maybe reread
B, maybe reread
August 16, 2019
Consider me OUT. I can’t finish them.
I can’t stand either of the characters. Hunter is so meh and Cal is just boring. Also an asshole.
The whole “to curse or not to curse” was FUCKING stupid. Words like Frakking were constantly thrown around and it pissed me the FUCK off. What grown ass adult says frakking? Those are words you use in front of 3 year olds. Among other stupid words, mind you. Caca instead of shit/bullshit, etc etc. I wanted to claw my eyes out.
I can’t stand either of the characters. Hunter is so meh and Cal is just boring. Also an asshole.
The whole “to curse or not to curse” was FUCKING stupid. Words like Frakking were constantly thrown around and it pissed me the FUCK off. What grown ass adult says frakking? Those are words you use in front of 3 year olds. Among other stupid words, mind you. Caca instead of shit/bullshit, etc etc. I wanted to claw my eyes out.
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