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jackiehorne's review
4.0
I originally read this story when it was published in an early ROGUE anthology, and really enjoyed the premise (a Latino schoolteacher runs for city council to protest cuts to the city's budget in social services & education, and is helped by a mysterious recluse computer geek), but had issues with the less-than-female-empowering way in which the election's outcome was engineered. When the author reissued the story as a stand-alone, she rewrote parts of it and addressed those issues, yay!
I only wish the story itself had been fleshed out a bit more; I would have loved to hear more about these characters in a full-length novel. But that's my bias; I always want a novel over a novella...
I only wish the story itself had been fleshed out a bit more; I would have loved to hear more about these characters in a full-length novel. But that's my bias; I always want a novel over a novella...
kysira's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lifeand100books's review
2.0
I read the 3rd book in this series first and having enjoyed the writing and the characters I went back and bought books 1 and 2. Parts of this were good and other parts just didn't seem realistic.
Overall the book was just ok. I liked Veronica a lot - who she was, what she stood for. I had a bigger issue with Zach. He is a blind man with social anxiety and yet neither of those avenues are ever really explored. It's more like he was given these character traits to make him different. I wanted to understand more about the hacking and about his anxiety. How he learned to live with his blindness etc.
Overall the book was just ok. I liked Veronica a lot - who she was, what she stood for. I had a bigger issue with Zach. He is a blind man with social anxiety and yet neither of those avenues are ever really explored. It's more like he was given these character traits to make him different. I wanted to understand more about the hacking and about his anxiety. How he learned to live with his blindness etc.
bookloverchelle's review
3.0
Veronica knows she’s the underdog in her local city council race but this kindergarten teacher will do everything in her power to get the word out about her campaign including going door to door. What she doesn’t expect is shut in, Zach. Zach tries very hard not to interact with the outside world and even though he can’t see her, he was blinded in an accident young, Zach is intrigued and spellbound by the woman on his doorstep. What starts as a simple introduction becomes so much more once Veronica learns more and more about Zach. But he has a secret he’s trying desperately to hide and once it’s out in the open Veronica has a tough decision about their future? A really sweet read with a fun trope, virgin hero!
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great book to pick up right now because the hero is a recluse who never leaves his house. #relevant
Veronica is running for local office and rings Zach’s doorbell as she’s canvassing the neighborhood. As she’s giving her pitch, her opponent shows up with his perfect family in tow and Veronica basically throws herself into Zach’s house to hide. Despite the awkwardness of their first encounter, there’s a connection there that they want to explore even as Zach holds back information from Veronica. If you like a Robin Hood type, you’ll be a big Zach fan. Also, I believe this is the first time I’ve read about a blind hero, and I loved that aspect as well. And what could be more soothing right now than a person who can solve almost any problem by throwing money at it?
Veronica is running for local office and rings Zach’s doorbell as she’s canvassing the neighborhood. As she’s giving her pitch, her opponent shows up with his perfect family in tow and Veronica basically throws herself into Zach’s house to hide. Despite the awkwardness of their first encounter, there’s a connection there that they want to explore even as Zach holds back information from Veronica. If you like a Robin Hood type, you’ll be a big Zach fan. Also, I believe this is the first time I’ve read about a blind hero, and I loved that aspect as well. And what could be more soothing right now than a person who can solve almost any problem by throwing money at it?
suzannalundale's review
3.0
I read this on Sarah MacLean's recommendation, though normally the title would keep it off my radar. It's a nice story, and nice to see a Latina as the heroine of a romance that isn't explicitly Latinx. (Amazingly, not all of our love stories involve mole just like Abuelita used to make.)
Also, as the Divine MacLean noted, Mr. Secret Billionaire has a great dirty-talking game, which is fun.
Also, as the Divine MacLean noted, Mr. Secret Billionaire has a great dirty-talking game, which is fun.
kellyjcm's review
2.75
Liked the characters but the story wasn't strong like the author's other works I've read.
brittanyt's review
4.0
Veronica is running for city council against the standard white guy politician (yes, I’m feeling salty these days). She is canvassing the neighborhood when she approaches a creepy rundown house. As she is knocking at the front door, she notices her opponent is coming up the drive with his family to campaign at the same house. She essentially convinces the owner to let her in his house, so she can avoid her opponent. The owner of the house happens to be Zach Hubler, a blind, reclusive, billionaire, robin hood hacker. They have an instant connection and while Veronica’s campaign brings them together, it also creates conflict between them.
This is a quick fun read that I needed this week. From the first chapter, you will be rooting for Zach and Veronica to figure it out. Their physical connection sizzles from chapter one. I loved reading how they navigated knowing they just fit together. Veronica is definitely not comfortable with instant love, but Zach who hasn’t navigated any physical relationship, has no qualms admitting his love. I would highly recommend reading this, especially if you need a quick read!
This is a quick fun read that I needed this week. From the first chapter, you will be rooting for Zach and Veronica to figure it out. Their physical connection sizzles from chapter one. I loved reading how they navigated knowing they just fit together. Veronica is definitely not comfortable with instant love, but Zach who hasn’t navigated any physical relationship, has no qualms admitting his love. I would highly recommend reading this, especially if you need a quick read!
dearbookboyfriend's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0