Title: Hardwired
Author: Meredith Wild
Genre: Contemporary Romance with some twists and turns
Published: September 3rd 2013
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Synopsis
Determined to overcome a difficult past, Erica Hathaway learns early on to make it on her own. Days after her college graduation, she finds herself face to face with a panel of investors who will make or break her fledgling startup. The only thing she didn’t prepare for was going weak in the knees over an arrogant and gorgeous investor who seems determined to derail her presentation.
Billionaire and rumored hacker Blake Landon has already made his fortune in software, and he’s used to getting what he wants. Captivated by Erica’s drive and unassuming beauty, he’s wanted nothing more than to possess her since she stepped into his boardroom. Determined to win her over, he breaks down her defenses and fights for her trust, even if it means sacrificing a level of control he’s grown accustomed to.
But when Blake uncovers a dark secret from Erica’s past, he threatens not just her trust, but the life she’s fought so hard to create.
Karen’s Review
Hardwired by Meredith Wild is a love a story and so much more. The book is told in first person by Erica Hathaway; she is a fresh graduate from Harvard University, entrepreneur of her own Internet start-up fashion site–the company that she has poured her life into imagining and creating out of nothing. The company is her passion. She is alone in the world except for her mom’s best friend Maria and her two business partners, Allie and Sid.
Enter Blake Landon; he literally bumps into Erica, and the sensual sparks fly. Sexy and devilishly handsome, he is every woman’s fantasy man. The bump is short and sweet, but it leaves Erica with fantasy material, as the girl has no time for a social life. Psst, he is a billionaire control freak but a likeable billionaire control freak. He is going to have problems with ‘all career’ Erica and that is just how it is going to be. Her company is her single-minded focus, and she is a driven individual; she doesn’t have time for a man. So begins the journey of Erica and Blake meeting.
What I like about this book is that the plot was multifaceted. First you had the story line of Erica and her partners trying to get capital to grow their business. Erica and her partners Sid and Allie are having growing pains. They are all newly graduated from Harvard and expected to make their lives in the big bad non-academic world of real life. Each of the partners aren’t just cardboard cut out place holders in for the main romance plot. They are three-dimensional characters who have their own lives. Sid isn’t as fleshed out as Allie, but I expect that to happen as the series progresses.
Then, of course, you have the love story between Blake and Erica. No, this isn’t ‘I fall at your feet and worship you because you are a billionaire time’ for Erica. This is ‘I fight tooth and nail to ignore the pull for the billionaire and stand up for myself time’ for Erica. Hey, the girl is a scotch drinker, and I expected nothing less. If she would have drank one of those fruity drinks, then all bets were off. Now I just need to know her brand to know how committed I will be to Erica. Yes, I’m a Scotch snob. Sue Me.
Then there was a very interesting plot twist in the book revolving around Erica’s past, and guess what? I am not going to spoil it for anyone. But boy, it is a big blow-up-the-book type twist. This was an enjoyable book with characters I can’t wait to read more about, as there is a sequel coming entitled Hardpressed.
About the Author
Meredith Wild picked up her first romance novel at the tender age of twelve, and shortly after put pen to word processor and made her first attempt at writing a love story inspired by those she so enjoyed reading well past her bedtime.
Her dream of writing took a back seat to college, parenthood and eventually entrepreneurship, which led her into the fast-paced and male-dominated high tech industry. With enough life experience for a few lifetimes, she now devotes her hours to writing contemporary adult romance, with a hint of kink.
Her debut novel Hardwired will debut in September 2013 featuring the story of billionaire and tech bad boy Blake Landon and the object of his obsession, strong-willed tech startup CEO, Erica Hathaway. Hardwired will be the first of the Hardwired Series, while writing is underway for the second installment, Hardpressed.
When she isn’t writing or mothering, Meredith can be found sunbathing with an adult beverage.
Social Media for Ms. Wild Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads
Book purchased by Reviewer
This is an interesting premise. Erica sounds like a strong character, even though it’s clear she falls for Blake from the moment she meets him.
The characters are very well definite. Erica may fall for Blake, but she doesn’t loose her head over him. Really intelligent character
Lagavulin or Laphroaig 😉
Oh Erica is a single malt kinda girl. Now I am extremely invested. Between the two I know Laphroaig was the choice of the character I adore Gabriel from the Gabriel Inferno series, but I did prefer it before the books, it has a stronger flavor. Also I like a nice blended in Johnnie Walker Blue. If you’re going to drink Scotch you better drink the good stuff or don’t bother. Shh don’t tell Lagavulin, but I use theirs in my Beef Stroganoff adds a nice kick.