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Five Against the World #2
Black Hat
Higher stakes. Bigger risks. The only way out is through. Beatrix and her men are taking on a huge and terrifying opponent, but only one thing is certain: they aren’t ready. Is Anton only fearless because he doesn’t understand the stakes? Does Noa really trust her—or himself? Is Wilder working against her? Who is the mysterious Carver, and what does he really want? And, most importantly, is Beatrix the hotshot hacker she’s talked herself up as, bold and fearless, ready for anything, or is she actually the failure-to-launch she’s always appeared to be?
Whatever the case, she’s in way over her head, risking everything on their behalf, afraid of the consequences, and afraid of letting them down. Her passions are boiling out of control, and so are theirs. People are noticing. People are talking. And the last thing any of them needs is to attract attention to what they are doing. They’re in deep. She can’t quit them, and she can’t quit the job, but she doesn’t want to be between those forces when they inevitably collide.
Black Hat is a contemporary, non-paranormal reverse harem novel, and the second in the Five Against the World quartet. It is not a standalone work. The book contains explicit scenes and uses language some may find offensive (i.e. swear words).
Whatever the case, she’s in way over her head, risking everything on their behalf, afraid of the consequences, and afraid of letting them down. Her passions are boiling out of control, and so are theirs. People are noticing. People are talking. And the last thing any of them needs is to attract attention to what they are doing. They’re in deep. She can’t quit them, and she can’t quit the job, but she doesn’t want to be between those forces when they inevitably collide.
Black Hat is a contemporary, non-paranormal reverse harem novel, and the second in the Five Against the World quartet. It is not a standalone work. The book contains explicit scenes and uses language some may find offensive (i.e. swear words).
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2019
7 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Susan H. Stanley
3 books16 followersSusan Stanley writes romance novels, as you've probably figured out. She loves stories that are believable and even gritty, featuring strong characters who earn their happy endings and steam the windows up along the way.
She has a thing for good-looking British men, which is good, because she's married to one, and she hopes you'll forgive her if good-looking British men should appear in her novels from time to time. If her own good-looking British man should predecease her, her plan is to move to Tashirojima, an island off Japan where cats outnumber people, on the assumption that Tom Hardy will be unavailable. She lives in Canada with her aforementioned husband and an insufficient number of cats.
She has a thing for good-looking British men, which is good, because she's married to one, and she hopes you'll forgive her if good-looking British men should appear in her novels from time to time. If her own good-looking British man should predecease her, her plan is to move to Tashirojima, an island off Japan where cats outnumber people, on the assumption that Tom Hardy will be unavailable. She lives in Canada with her aforementioned husband and an insufficient number of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 29, 2019
Fine Print (book 1 of the series) is free on Amazon.
'Black Hat' picks up where 'Fine Print' left off. Learning what it was all about and getting to know the final member of the team was great. Their crusade is honorable - something that would call to pretty much anyone who has a moral compass. It makes it easy to identify with the characters. Actually if it wasn't for that I would probably hated them all for being so over the top. I still kind of hate Wilder, though he did show some improvement in the curse of this book.
The plot and relationship development were nicely balanced. The characters get to have a little more depth and the pacing was good. There were some really strong moments that really got my emotions involved and for a few minutes I forgot that it's not real. And for me that's what makes or breaks a book. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece but it has too get me to feel strongly for the characters and 'Black Hat' did that. And I'm glad I made the time to read this book.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange of an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion.
'Black Hat' picks up where 'Fine Print' left off. Learning what it was all about and getting to know the final member of the team was great. Their crusade is honorable - something that would call to pretty much anyone who has a moral compass. It makes it easy to identify with the characters. Actually if it wasn't for that I would probably hated them all for being so over the top. I still kind of hate Wilder, though he did show some improvement in the curse of this book.
The plot and relationship development were nicely balanced. The characters get to have a little more depth and the pacing was good. There were some really strong moments that really got my emotions involved and for a few minutes I forgot that it's not real. And for me that's what makes or breaks a book. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece but it has too get me to feel strongly for the characters and 'Black Hat' did that. And I'm glad I made the time to read this book.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange of an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion.
August 12, 2019
Black Hat picks up where Fine Print ends. So if you have not read Fine Print, I suggest you do. It is more of an introduction to the characters and the plot. Black Hat picks up at a quicker pace. We know who the players are and what happens on the team. Also get to learn more about their mission. And get to understand more about their day to day. The frustrations that go with working a case. We also get to know more about why someone has not been very nice to Bea, aka Beatrix.
Bea has grown since Fine Print, and I believe she has so much more potential so I cannot wait to see where she goes. So now being fully on the team. She has talked a game and now it's up to her to see if she can fulfill that.
Overall, this series is really getting good. If you are looking for a good series to get lost in. Here you go!
Bea has grown since Fine Print, and I believe she has so much more potential so I cannot wait to see where she goes. So now being fully on the team. She has talked a game and now it's up to her to see if she can fulfill that.
Overall, this series is really getting good. If you are looking for a good series to get lost in. Here you go!
June 11, 2021
A Hidden Gem
I'd been struggling to find a decent book for weeks before I stumbled upon this series. In 24hrs I finished both book 1 and 2 and I'm now left bereft. I want to keep reading more of Susan's writing and not have to go back to searching through the dense library that feels like it has such limited gems these days.
There could be more relationship development between the main characters, I feel like that's lacking somewhat. On the flip side, there's a great story going on alongside the relationship, and that really allows the FMC to shine. The technical knowledge is impressive and really adds an air of authenticity to the story.
I really hope to see more by this author and pray that this story continues.
I'd been struggling to find a decent book for weeks before I stumbled upon this series. In 24hrs I finished both book 1 and 2 and I'm now left bereft. I want to keep reading more of Susan's writing and not have to go back to searching through the dense library that feels like it has such limited gems these days.
There could be more relationship development between the main characters, I feel like that's lacking somewhat. On the flip side, there's a great story going on alongside the relationship, and that really allows the FMC to shine. The technical knowledge is impressive and really adds an air of authenticity to the story.
I really hope to see more by this author and pray that this story continues.
April 27, 2020
Great Contemporary Series
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far. Bea’s relationship with Noa and Anton is so amazing but I’m holding out hope that the next book will bring the other two guys into the harem. Also, I love that Bea is growing more of a backbone and speaking up for herself.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far. Bea’s relationship with Noa and Anton is so amazing but I’m holding out hope that the next book will bring the other two guys into the harem. Also, I love that Bea is growing more of a backbone and speaking up for herself.
July 9, 2019
Do you want a book with substance to were you feel you are learning something while also reading super sexy scenes? If that answer is yes then Black Hat is EXACTLY up your alley! I freaking adore Susan H. Stanley's work and this book will suck you right in. This is the 2nd book to the Five Against the World Series and you HAVE to read the first book to understand the complex situations and character development.
Little disclaimer: if you like books on the lighter side in which you do not have to concentrate too much on what is going on (which there is nothing wrong with that), this is not the book for you. If you want something that will make you think and basically give you a tutorial on how to take down the baddies of the world via hacking, this is DEFINITELY the book for you! I feel like I can totally take up hacking after reading this! (JK! If anything, it just dumbed it down for mere mortals like myself!)
If you read the first book then you have an idea about how the author constructs this amazing and detailed world that has you wanting more and more and more. The character development is on going and though it might seem a little slow, it is extremely precise and delivered exactly when it needs to be. I LOVED how much Bea got to know the guys more in this book and learning about their back stories and what makes them tick.
To break this book down a little, Bea knew what Anton, Noa, and Wilder were setting out to do and she wants to help, but it becomes real when she is put into certain situations, deadly situations. I like Bea; she is human. She has her doubts but she can man up more than even she realizes. I freaking love the guys, like stated above, we learn so much more about all 4 of them and that makes them even hotter in my eyes. Hot vigilantes, yes please!
Y'all this book is so freaking hot! Bea has a little bit of a wild side to her and I love how she fights with herself over what is considered "right" and "wrong" even if it is ONLY society saying that being attracted to more than one man is not "right". Let's just say when she cuts loose a little it definitely gets SUPER STEAMY!
All in all, I cannot recommend this book enough for people who want a romance book that is not only hot as freaking heck but also filled with thrills and information. The ending made me want more, it is kind of a cliffhanger because you want to know what is going to happen next but not enough you want to through the freaking kindle across the room.
PS: Thank you to the author for allowing me an ARC of this so that I can provide my honest feedback!
Little disclaimer: if you like books on the lighter side in which you do not have to concentrate too much on what is going on (which there is nothing wrong with that), this is not the book for you. If you want something that will make you think and basically give you a tutorial on how to take down the baddies of the world via hacking, this is DEFINITELY the book for you! I feel like I can totally take up hacking after reading this! (JK! If anything, it just dumbed it down for mere mortals like myself!)
If you read the first book then you have an idea about how the author constructs this amazing and detailed world that has you wanting more and more and more. The character development is on going and though it might seem a little slow, it is extremely precise and delivered exactly when it needs to be. I LOVED how much Bea got to know the guys more in this book and learning about their back stories and what makes them tick.
To break this book down a little, Bea knew what Anton, Noa, and Wilder were setting out to do and she wants to help, but it becomes real when she is put into certain situations, deadly situations. I like Bea; she is human. She has her doubts but she can man up more than even she realizes. I freaking love the guys, like stated above, we learn so much more about all 4 of them and that makes them even hotter in my eyes. Hot vigilantes, yes please!
Y'all this book is so freaking hot! Bea has a little bit of a wild side to her and I love how she fights with herself over what is considered "right" and "wrong" even if it is ONLY society saying that being attracted to more than one man is not "right". Let's just say when she cuts loose a little it definitely gets SUPER STEAMY!
All in all, I cannot recommend this book enough for people who want a romance book that is not only hot as freaking heck but also filled with thrills and information. The ending made me want more, it is kind of a cliffhanger because you want to know what is going to happen next but not enough you want to through the freaking kindle across the room.
PS: Thank you to the author for allowing me an ARC of this so that I can provide my honest feedback!
July 15, 2019
Susan H. Stanley did another amazing job with this book, it was a bit slow in some places, but it did pick up and honestly, I was shocked at how much detail Susan went into with this book. I know for a fact that I’m intrigued by this series and want to just keep reading as all the characters (well not Fiona) are growing on me. I think Susan is becoming more talented with each book she writes and honestly I think first point of view works better for her. I couldn’t find anything to fault in the story, although I do want to know what is going on with Wilder, he has always been a strange confusing character to me, but with this book you get a glimpse at a softer side of him, it’s not much but just a smidge that you can’t help but be intrigued by. I’m excited to see what happens next with the 5 of them because things just got a whole lot more real for them all.
Beatrix got told a whole load of information and she’s currently debating whether or not it’s worth everything she’s putting herself through. However, with time not on their side, she’s got to think of something to help gain data in order to try and help expose the company she’s working for. Things are tense between them all, mainly Wilder and Beatrix as he doesn’t think she’s up for the job and that Anton and Noa made the wrong choice when it came to picking her to help. Fiona is a pain and isn’t doing much to help other than making Beatrix’s life a living hell…… So when Fiona gets HR up to try and get Beatrix in trouble she has no idea what she’s done and the problem she’s caused for all the guys and Beatrix. Will Beatrix be able to do everything that is asked of her or is she in way too deep than she imagined?
Beatrix got told a whole load of information and she’s currently debating whether or not it’s worth everything she’s putting herself through. However, with time not on their side, she’s got to think of something to help gain data in order to try and help expose the company she’s working for. Things are tense between them all, mainly Wilder and Beatrix as he doesn’t think she’s up for the job and that Anton and Noa made the wrong choice when it came to picking her to help. Fiona is a pain and isn’t doing much to help other than making Beatrix’s life a living hell…… So when Fiona gets HR up to try and get Beatrix in trouble she has no idea what she’s done and the problem she’s caused for all the guys and Beatrix. Will Beatrix be able to do everything that is asked of her or is she in way too deep than she imagined?
July 11, 2019
This is book two in the Five Against the World quartet and and I’m obsessed.
It has taken a hold of me and has consumed me even more than the first book. I need to know what happens.
The characters and their cause have all wound themselves around my heart. We get to know them so much better!
Wilder is like Fort Knox suppressing all of his emotions and not letting anyone in. I just want to break down every wall and see him for who he truly is. He is the most captivating, frustrating and closed off out of all of the characters and I ADORE him!
The heat is turned up several notches and the sex scenes are nothing short of scorchin’.
The stakes are high and Bea ups her game accordingly. She takes risks and is learning to let go. I loved her growth but want to see so much more from her. More independence and feistyness. I want to see her take hold of a situation completely and run with it, independently.
I’ve been waiting on this book and it has more than satisfied my craving for something sexy and smart. It hasn’t, however, satiated my need for MORE!
Beatrix has finally been accepted onto the team and now it’s time for her to prove her nettle. Will she be able to hack it?
Please note this series is much better if read in order.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It has taken a hold of me and has consumed me even more than the first book. I need to know what happens.
The characters and their cause have all wound themselves around my heart. We get to know them so much better!
Wilder is like Fort Knox suppressing all of his emotions and not letting anyone in. I just want to break down every wall and see him for who he truly is. He is the most captivating, frustrating and closed off out of all of the characters and I ADORE him!
The heat is turned up several notches and the sex scenes are nothing short of scorchin’.
The stakes are high and Bea ups her game accordingly. She takes risks and is learning to let go. I loved her growth but want to see so much more from her. More independence and feistyness. I want to see her take hold of a situation completely and run with it, independently.
I’ve been waiting on this book and it has more than satisfied my craving for something sexy and smart. It hasn’t, however, satiated my need for MORE!
Beatrix has finally been accepted onto the team and now it’s time for her to prove her nettle. Will she be able to hack it?
Please note this series is much better if read in order.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2019
I was so excited for the second book in five against the world and It didn’t disappoint the story line just keeps getting better and better and the male characters are all to die for but Bea starts to stand up for self in this book as well. Well the five are back and they are still plotting and scheming to bring the company down and to show the world how corrupt they are. But a spanner gets thrown into the works when Fiona catches Bea watching a game video on her laptop and tries to get Noa to give Bea a disciplinary for breaking the company It policy. Fiona then talks to any level and reports to higher up who then close down the backs doors Bea has been using to try and find the information out that they need.The stakes are higher now so are the risk they have to take to get the information they want. The relationship between them are becoming stronger all expect one wilder pushes it to far but I am hoping they will figure it out what they are feeling for each other. I can’t wait to find out what is in store for them all in the next book
July 31, 2019
Good book!
I really like this book! The characters are well written and interesting! The storyline is solid and well written. !
I really like this book! The characters are well written and interesting! The storyline is solid and well written. !
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews