A reluctant romance (Knitting in the City Book 3)

This book is enjoyable and I truly enjoy Penny Reid’s characters and there wit! Sandra & Alex have dynamic chemistry and you are rooting for them the whole time. I definitely recommend this book, this series, and this author.

My FAVORITE of the Knitting in the City series so far!
I can't properly express why. It's absurd really. I think I love that the hero is damaged. So much more so then any other character Penny Reid has written so far. I felt so much more turmoil in this book. I'm sure that's part of it too. Sandra and Alex . . . Yeah.

Sandra has the ability to make me giggle until tears appear, which might alarm her with the amount of tears she has seen over the years. I freely admit my girl crush on her t-shirts and love of the nerdy. I can't imagine any other hero for her than Alex. He is so perfectly flawed and knows how to keep her on her toes. I shall learn how to knit now. This book clenched it for me. Penny goes right for your heart strings with this book. I laughed and I cried...and I finished it in one sitting. Be prepared to fall in love with Sandra and Alex...and the rest of the crew if you already haven't. The guys and gals come together and stick to each other like glue, a wonderful foundation of friendship. I just can't stress enough how much I love this book! Read it and you'll know! (:

There. I said it.

This author is seriously the best. I read A LOT of books. A LOT. So when I first heard of the Knitting in the City series and read reviews on what a "smart book" everyone was saying it was, I was skeptical. But Penny came through! If you love a good romance, steamy steamy scenes, and strong characters look no farther. This is one series you don't want to pass up. Go ahead and just try proving me wrong. Sandra and Alex are a great team who show that even our greatest differences can be the glue that binds us. Love isn't easy but true love is worth all the hard work!

Thank you, Penny! If I could sit you in a room all day just for my story telling pleasures, I would. Sure, it might be illegal, but you'd be worth the prison time.

I read this book directly after Elizabeth & Nico's story, which happens to be my favorite. Because of that, I couldn't give it 5 stars. Had I read it alone...maybe 5. Sandra was a great character, although I never really felt like I knew her. She was a little flat. The dialogue between Alex and Sandra was really witty and humorous. There were places where I actually laughed out loud. While, for the most part, I enjoyed Sandra's direct narration, at places it felt a little hokey?... Overall this was a great love story. Alex's personality was hard to really understand, but that was in line with his storyline. And, btw, the sex was HOT! Penny Reid is definitely on my "authors to read" list!

There are all sorts of viruses and worms created by hackers to disrupt software and hardware to your computer. Penny Reid has created a worm/virus/malware that forever changes my joy in reading romantic comedy/contemporary novels. She creates witty and steamy characters that you instantly love. Janie, Elizabeth, and Sandra are intelligent and a angst-filled heroines. And the men (sigh)... I have enjoyed the series immensely and can't wait for the Neanderthal sequel.

I don't write reviews often and so if you're reluctant to buy and download this fabulous work - don't hesitate. Hit the "Buy Now" button and read this fabulous reluctant romance! You'll love it so much that you will feel compelled to buy and gift the book to your friends (no - she didn't pay me to say this). I have gifted NSH, FWB and this one to my friends. It's what you do when you want to share fabulous works with your friends.

I love Penny Reid. I have been anxiously waiting for this book. Still, it totally exceeded my expectations. It is hard to write this review because I want to say how much I loved so many things (Alex's t-shirt, the crocheted flower, Alex's summation of what being married is like, etc.), but I don't want to write spoilers. I think that the best thing I can say is that her talent has exploded in this novel. The characters are the best I have read in a very long time, and I do not say that lightly. Penny, you are an unbelievable person writing unbelievable books. Keep them coming!

Definitely read "Love Hacked"! It is the 5th boom by Penny Reid that I have read. And each book has my attention from the first paragraph!
Sandra is outrageous and a hoot! I love her straightforward approach to sex and her way to infuse it in everyday conversation.
This book had me reading morning, noon and night. This leading to an unexpected ending, but you will be glad to have been served another look into the "Knitting In The City" series.

First off I love anything and I mean anything that Penny Reid writes. She always has the best characters and story lines ever. Now this book is different then any book I have ever read. Alex is a hacker, basically the best hacker in the world and the government is attempted to gain his help after releasing him from prison. Yes I Sid prison ....Alex works as a waiter and for over two years watches Sandra have these dates on Friday nights that always end in her date crying and she consoling them ( soooo funny). That aspect of things cracked me up.... Sandra is a therapist and all the dates she picks for some reason have mommy issues or abandonment issues and so on that she always ends up talking through these Issues with her date/ soon to be patient. Sandra and Alex of course somehow meet and fall in love .... But this book is different because Alex is super paranoid and knows the government is watching him therefore he doesn't like cellphones, whispers a lot, likes closets cause then he can talk freely and more little habits that you need to read this book in order to figure out. The personalities of the girls in the knitting group expand in this books we learn a little more about everyone else. Again this book is a must read MUST READ. Romance, comedy, with a little suspense/ government issues on the side make this book. A great one.... Penny Reid wins me over again and goes to prove I will read anything she writes!!!

Okay, already. I'm admitting to a guilty pleasure. I enjoy reading smart romance novels. There aren't too many that have made it into my bucket list, but here's a series I felt motivated to share: KNITTING IN THE CITY by Penny Reid. It's NOT ABOUT KNITTING!!! It involves sexy, vibrant, brainy, and quirky women. The best of the current three novels that are out, NEANDERTHAL SEEKS HUMAN (think beautiful, sexy, somewhat Asberger's gal) and #3 LOVE HACKED (involves bitcoins, NSA shenanigans, and much more). My best recommendation is that I didn't download the books from the library—I actually bought them for my Kindle ap and I've already marked my iPhone calendar for the September release date of #4 BEAUTY AND THE MUSTACHE.

This book had everything you could possibly want - it is humorous, intelligent, sweet, sexy, interesting, heart-breaking at times and just an overall fantastic read. I loved this so much that when I finished reading this I hugged my kindle. Alex and Sandra are amazing - these characters are so well written and you just can't help to fall completely in love with them. I love this group of friends! I can't wait to read more in this series.

Like the other two books in this series, this book sucked me in. I love the needy characters who work things out so well. I love how I can relate to many of the traits of the characters in the book. I love how Penny Reid writes as tough she is a story teller- like she is talking. I look forward to more books in this series.

I only wish that Kindle books did not almost always have inferior editing. Having been reading books for so many years, it is hard to become accustomed to words being left out, or additional words added, or misspellings. It seems like the author or publisher could take the time to get in one or more decent editors to catch these errors, as has been done for hundreds of years in print books. And I regret that I am becoming accustomed to this.

Penny Reid writes smart romances. That is - she's absolutely at her best when she's moving in the World of real life geeks and nerds. Love Hacked is a great romance, first and foremost, but where it shines is in the offhand references to Bitcoin, sci fi, sonic hacking, and snarky tee shirts. It's like hanging out with your AP physics class friends, if you were also quirky, gorgeous, snarkily on point, and could end up with millionaire spy Doctor hacktivists.
If you love romance - and happy endings - but still harbor a grudge regarding Firefly's early cancelation (or know what I'm talking about in that sentence ;-)) give the knitting in the city books a try.

...and more interesting. You cannot read one of her novels without learning about things you thought you could never understand, like microbiology, computers, chemistry, and human behavior. Each book presents wonderful, interesting, unique characters whom you'd love to call your friends. "Love Hacked" is no exception. As Alex learns when and how to lower his defenses and Sandra learns how to "just be," we can appreciate their journey and rollick in Penny Reid's clever humor. I have read this book three times and found new bits to savor each time. You won't regret the time you spend getting to know Sandra and Alex.

Penny is a great storyteller. Love her sense of humor, the loving friendships of the knitting group, & the smoking hot chemistry between Alex and Sandra. Penny has the gift of making you fall in love with her characters, & they're never one dimensional either. Loved the dialog & plot, as usual. If you haven't read the first two books on this series, reading Love Hacked will make you want to. Treat yourself & read Neanderthal Seeks Human & Friends Without Benefits. Home run, Penny. Can't wait for your next Janie & Quinn book.

- Sandra is my favorite of the knitters and her story did not disappoint. Penny Reid is the rare author with wit, intelligence, humor, and the ability to make us fall in love with her characters and believe their love story.

Fabulous!!! I loved the concept of the couple meeting. It was different the way the couple meet and came to be. This series is awesome and I can not wait for the next story line. The author is very clever and witty in her writing. It is a very refreshing and new read. There were many times I laughed out loud. I was reading so many passages and sayings to my husband. Great funny romantic book.

I love a good romance series. Janie and her neurotic friends strike again! I like the fact that the romance is more "real". It's not a happily ever after. The characters have real issues and flaws. There's not a bunch of graphic sex scenes (if you're into that) which I like. I'm on to Book 4!

I loved this one. The female lead is unexpected and the male lead is a big ol' mystery man for half of it. Smart, funny, sweet, and yes, sexy, the book is a quick read and easily the best in the series.

I'm beginning to really like Penny Reid.
Her books are the "laugh out loud" kind of read. And I'm loving the Star Wars references.
It's one of those stories you just don't want to put down.
Each character is delightfully weird, endearingly so.
Reid writes with intelligence, with wit, and funny as all hell pop culture references.
It was a pleasure to read.
I can't wait for the next installment.

It makes such a difference when there is capable writing, plotting, and character development. Interesting twist on the secret of Alex's true "occupation" (won't give that away here), though his supreme hunkyness sometimes stretches the limits of the imagination (or maybe I just never had a hunk in my life like Alex). I appreciate a strong female protagonist, and Sandra is that. Nice to be able to look forward to other novels featuring the other members of the knitting club, more fun reading to come.

I’ve already read Love Hacked twice. Quickly the first time and then slowly the second time to enjoy it fully.

At first, I thought the age difference would be an issue, but it really wasn’t.

Alex’s backstory is so heartbreaking-he reminded me of Ian in The Madness of Ian Mackenzie, except he was more likely to stare than avoid eye contact. The combination of his vulnerability, open adoration, ignorance of social norms, paranoia, jealousy, possessiveness and alpha hotness was just too much to resist. I especially loved the lack of hackneyed tropes to cause misunderstandings.

Read it!!!

I almost gave up on this book halfway through. It became so unbelievable and un relatable- but I kept going and I'm so glad I did. Granted- it's still pretty un relatable for obvious reasons but the book still has a great storyline and is well written.

In the midst of some really funny writing, a beautiful romance unfolds. Hero and heroine have character and depth, and each is endearingly odd and suited to the other. I highly recommend - very enjoyable.

This book holds a special place in my reading-obsessed heart. While I can't say I love it *more than* Penny Reid's first book in this series, Neanderthal Seeks Human - because really, I'll always remember book #1 as my introduction to romance with smart and quirky, but completely lovable characters - I loved it all the same . The two main characters were so beautifully flawed, and there was just enough conflict to make the story interesting. Beloved characters from the previous books also make appearances - there were many times when I almost wished the points-of-view would switch to them, just for a little while! Can't wait for the next in the series.

Penny Reid writes engaging romance novels that are intelligent and geekish. Being a geek myself, I love her books with the right balance of romance, steam and wit. This one is about a cougar relationship with a very mysterious hero who exhibited stunted social skills and had Star Wars references throughout the book. I liked that this book was steamier than the first two.

Every sentence was a gem. Romantic,thrilling enthralling. There is no way anyone can rate this book less than 5 and expect me not to report them as someone to keep a sharp eye on. I smiled throughout, curled my toes expecting disasters, and laughed laughed laughed. You will be captivated from the get go. Alex, Alex Alex hmmmmmm

Penny Reid has become one of my favourite authors. I love her work, her characters are always interesting and unpredictable. I was going to read a couple of chapters of this book before I started running errands, but I couldn't put it down until I got the end. Great read!

Penny has this amazing way of creating this characters that pull you in and you never want to let them go! I fell in love with Sandra and her spunk as a secondary character in the first few books of the series and then I read this... Wow! This story was so different and unexpected. I love how everyone is still intertwined. Once again, I love, love loved it!

Every sentence was a gem. Romantic,thrilling enthralling. There is no way anyone can rate this book less than 5 and expect me not to report them as someone to keep a sharp eye on. I smiled throughout, curled my toes expecting disasters, and laughed laughed laughed. You will be captivated from the get go. Alex, Alex Alex hmmmmmm

Penny Reid has become one of my favourite authors. I love her work, her characters are always interesting and unpredictable. I was going to read a couple of chapters of this book before I started running errands, but I couldn't put it down until I got the end. Great read!

Penny has this amazing way of creating this characters that pull you in and you never want to let them go! I fell in love with Sandra and her spunk as a secondary character in the first few books of the series and then I read this... Wow! This story was so different and unexpected. I love how everyone is still intertwined. Once again, I love, love loved it!

Penny's books are wonderful if you're looking for happy ever after that includes both plot and character development and something über-smart to add to your trivia file. She's almost ruined me for other romance writers because I want 100k words to savor.
Sandra and Alex's sorry did not disappoint.

The author manages to get the perfect balance between humor, tenderness, intelligence, wit, great story and loads of fun. The characters' quirks are humanizing and build them into people you'd want to spend hours with. Thank you for creating women and men a reader can enjoy, care for and respect. Hats off to you.

I love intelligent, thoughtful romances, and this one delivers! I also love that this author has devastatingly attractive male leads who come to love and admire the smart, strong, clearheaded, and conscientious female leads in a realistic fashion. The storyline is also down to earth with great twists. The real information concerning the subject at hand is great. I love the logical flow, and the realistic scenarios where the characters note things out of the ordinary and respond accordingly. None of that 'he/she fell in love with her/him because of her/his eyes without knowing a single thing about her/him'.

I'm not smart enough to understand bitcoins and hacking, but Penny gave just enough information that I could enjoy the book in spite of that. I loved Alex and Sandra. Sandra was funny and smart and sweet and her knitting group Is something I'd love to join. Altogether, I would love to crawl int the book and live there. Now I have to go back and read the other 2 books I the series. Penny is an awesome author!

I enjoyed this book, the characters were unusual- in a good way. I don't usually like a couple that has the woman quite a bit older than the guy, but in this book it works. The epilogue didn't work for me but otherwise it was a good read. I don't think I would read it again so it gets four stars.

The author's first book was so entertaining, but the author seemed to drop a stitch in the second book. Loved Hacked is a definite improvement. I will say that these books are much better read in order. The stories and characters make more sense and there is a much greater sense of continuity of comradeship.
This is just light reading that will not change the world, but it is fun.