Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5/5 - Scorching Hot with Zero Chill)
Plot Rating: 📚📚📚📚📚 (5/5 - Brilliantly Executed Romantic Suspense)
The Setup: When Enemies Collide in the Most Explosive Way Possible
Imagine a former Marine turned security CEO who looks like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson meets tactical genius. Now imagine him going head-to-head with a genius MIT dropout hacker who wears Hello Kitty watches, has piercings in "unmentionable places," and possesses an IQ that could make Einstein weep. What do you get? The most electrifying, hilarious, and scorching hot romance that will have you simultaneously laughing out loud and fanning yourself.
J.T. Geissinger's "Wicked Sexy" is what happens when romantic suspense meets razor-sharp wit, when enemies-to-lovers gets a PhD in computer science, and when sexual tension becomes so thick you could hack it with a few lines of code. This second installment in the Wicked Games series can be read as a standalone, though reading "Wicked Beautiful" first makes this story even more delicious.
Plot Summary: Hacking Hearts and Breaking Firewalls
Connor Hughes is the kind of man who makes "badass" look like an understatement. As CEO of Metrix Security, he's built a reputation for being lethal, precise, and in complete control. His private security firm is the best in the business, and Connor is renowned for his iron self-control and tactical brilliance—except when it comes to one particular red-headed hacker who makes his carefully constructed control crumble like a poorly encrypted password.
Enter Tabitha West, known in the cyber world as "Polaroid" due to her photographic memory. Tabby is a genius MIT dropout who's made a career outwitting the most secure technology systems on the planet. She's got a mouth that could make a sailor blush, an obsession with Hello Kitty, and a bad attitude she wears like armor. She's secretive, fiercely independent, and has zero interest in working with anyone—especially not Connor Hughes, the jarhead who gets under her skin in ways that have nothing to do with professional rivalry.
When Connor approaches Tabby for help catching a cyber criminal threatening one of his clients, her initial response is to tell him exactly where he can stick his proposition. But when the cyber criminal turns out to be someone from Tabby's dark past—a genius psychopath who makes Hannibal Lecter look friendly—everything changes. Suddenly, they're thrown into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where the stakes are life and death, and the only thing more explosive than the cyber warfare is the blistering attraction threatening to consume them both.
What follows is a high-octane thriller that seamlessly blends heart-pounding suspense with scorching romance. As they work together to take down a villain who's always five moves ahead, they find themselves fighting not just their common enemy, but also their undeniable desire for each other.
Character Deep Dive: A Match Made in Sarcastic Heaven
Connor Hughes: The Alpha Who Meets His Match
Connor is everything you want in a romantic hero and then some. He's a former Special Ops officer (half-Samoan, half-Irish) who's gorgeous and intimidating in equal measure. He's intelligent, protective, dominant, and has that delicious alpha quality that makes you simultaneously swoon and roll your eyes at his caveman tendencies.
But here's what makes Connor truly special: he doesn't just want Tabby's body—he's completely captivated by her mind. He finds her intelligence sexy. He loves her sharp edges, her sass, her refusal to back down. While other men might be intimidated by a woman who's smarter than everyone in the room, Connor is turned on by it. He sees through her walls and understands that beneath all that armor is a wounded soul who needs someone on her team.
Connor's dirty mouth deserves special mention. This man knows how to talk, and when he gets going, you'll need a cold drink and an open window. His declarations of desire are raw, honest, and absolutely scorching.
Tabitha "Tabby" West: The Heroine We All Want to Be
If there's one thing that elevates "Wicked Sexy" from great to phenomenal, it's Tabby. She's not your typical romance heroine who needs saving—she's the one doing the saving. As she perfectly puts it: "A real hero would teach the princess how to save herself."
Tabby is a genius in every sense. Her IQ approaches 200, she has a photographic memory, and she can hack systems that governments can't crack. But what makes her truly special is her personality. She's sassy, sarcastic, and has absolutely no filter. Her comebacks are legendary, her insults are creative masterpieces, and her refusal to take anyone's crap is both hilarious and admirable.
Beneath all that attitude is a woman with serious wounds. Tabby has built walls for good reason—her past is dark, traumatic, and filled with betrayal. She doesn't trust easily, and she's convinced herself that being alone is safer than being vulnerable. Watching Connor slowly, patiently break down those walls is one of the most satisfying character arcs in contemporary romance.
And her style? Tabby rocks "hacker chic" with confidence—tight black everything, punk meets goth, tattoos, piercings, and that Hello Kitty watch she threatens to shove into Connor's colon when he makes fun of it. She's unapologetically herself, and it's refreshing.
The Dynamic: When Hate Meets Heat
The chemistry between Connor and Tabby is off the charts. From their first interaction, you can feel the electricity crackling. They start as enemies—or at least, Tabby insists they're enemies while Connor enjoys pushing her buttons too much. Their banter is phenomenal, filled with creative insults, sexual tension, and wit that makes you want to highlight every line.
Here's a taste of their verbal sparring:
"You forgot handsome," Connor says with a straight face. Tabby shoots back, "Handsome? You look like a before picture." He pretends outrage. "Are you getting smart with me?" "How would you know? If you had another brain it would be lonely." "Yeah, well your head is so big you have to step into your shirts." "We all sprang from apes, jarhead, but you didn't spring far enough."
This is banter that makes you laugh out loud while wanting them to just kiss already. The sexual tension builds with every insult, every heated glance, every moment they're forced together. And when they finally give in? Holy hell, it's explosive.
Tropes That Make This Book Irresistible
Enemies to Lovers: This is enemies-to-lovers done RIGHT. Tabby and Connor start with genuine animosity (well, Tabby's is genuine; Connor seems to enjoy their verbal battles a little too much). Their journey from trading insults to trading orgasms is beautifully paced and completely believable.
Forced Proximity: When you're hunting a cyber criminal together, you tend to spend a lot of time in close quarters. The forced proximity trope works beautifully here, ramping up the tension and giving these two no choice but to confront their attraction.
Grumpy/Sunshine (Sort Of): While neither character is exactly sunshine, Connor is definitely more optimistic and open than Tabby, who's all prickly defenses and sarcasm. Watching him chip away at her grumpiness is delightful.
Opposites Attract: Military precision meets chaotic genius. Structured discipline meets creative rebellion. Connor and Tabby are opposites in many ways, but they complement each other perfectly.
Protective Alpha: Connor's protective instincts go into overdrive when it comes to Tabby, but here's the beautiful thing—he also respects her ability to protect herself. He wants to be on her team, not her savior.
Genius Heroine: Tabby's intelligence isn't just a character trait—it's integral to the plot. She's not dumbed down for the hero's ego, and her brilliance is celebrated rather than diminished.
Dark Past: Both characters have demons they're fighting, but Tabby's past is particularly dark and directly tied to the main conflict of the story.
One Night Stand (That Becomes More): They try to get each other out of their systems with one night of passion. Spoiler alert: it doesn't work.
Trigger Warnings: The Dark Side of Genius
This book deals with some heavy themes, and readers should be aware of the following content warnings:
- Childhood trauma and abuse: Tabby's backstory involves significant childhood trauma that's discussed in detail
- Loss of parents/parental figures: Both main characters have experienced loss (off-page)
- Kidnapping and captivity: There are scenes involving kidnapping and being held against one's will
- Violence and murder: The villain is a psychopath responsible for multiple deaths
- Drugging: Characters are drugged at certain points in the story
- Cyber terrorism: The plot involves cyber attacks with real-world consequences
- Emotional manipulation: The villain is a master manipulator
- Trust issues and betrayal: Past betrayals are a significant part of Tabby's character arc
- Explicit sexual content: This book is VERY steamy with detailed sex scenes
- BDSM elements: Including bondage, spanking, and dominance/submission dynamics
- Rough sex: Some scenes involve rough, intense sexual encounters
The book handles these themes with care, but they're integral to the plot and character development, so readers who are sensitive to these topics should proceed with caution.
What Works: The Brilliance of "Wicked Sexy"
The Writing: Sharp, Smart, and Sexy
J.T. Geissinger's writing is phenomenal. Her prose is sharp, witty, and flows beautifully. She has a gift for dialogue that makes every conversation crackle with energy. The banter between Tabby and Connor is some of the best I've read—clever, funny, and layered with subtext. You can feel the intelligence behind every word, and it's clear Geissinger created characters who are genuinely smart, not just told they're smart.
The pacing is excellent. The story moves quickly without feeling rushed, and Geissinger balances romance and suspense perfectly. You're never bored, never confused, never wishing the story would just get on with it. Every scene serves a purpose, whether advancing the plot, developing characters, or building sexual tension.
The Heroine: A Breath of Fresh Air
I cannot emphasize enough how much I loved Tabby. In a genre sometimes filled with heroines who need saving, Tabby is a revelation. She's strong without being unrealistic, vulnerable without being weak, and smart without being insufferable. She has flaws—she's stubborn, pushes people away, has trust issues—but those flaws make sense given her backstory, and watching her work through them is satisfying.
Tabby's intelligence is never dumbed down for the romance. She's genuinely brilliant, and the book doesn't shy away from showing it. She outwits the FBI, hacks unhackable systems, and thinks three steps ahead. But she's also funny, sarcastic, and has a vulnerability that makes her relatable. She's not perfect, and that's what makes her perfect.
The Romance: Hot, Emotional, and Earned
The romance between Connor and Tabby is swoon-worthy. It's not instalove—these two genuinely start as enemies. Their attraction is immediate, but their emotional connection develops slowly and believably. Connor has to work for Tabby's trust, and she doesn't just hand it over because he's hot. She makes him prove himself, and when she finally lets him in, it feels earned.
The sexual tension is off the charts. From their first heated exchange to their explosive first kiss, you can feel the chemistry radiating off the page. And when they finally give in? The sex scenes are scorching—detailed, hot, and emotionally resonant. This isn't just physical attraction; there's real feeling behind every touch, every kiss, every whispered word.
Connor's dirty talk deserves special mention. He's dominant without being domineering, possessive without being controlling, and his declarations of desire are raw and honest. When he tells Tabby, "even if you just laid here snoring while I made love to you it would be the best sex of my entire life because it's with you," you believe him completely.
The Suspense: Edge-of-Your-Seat Thrilling
The suspense plot is genuinely gripping. The villain, Søren Killgaard, is terrifying in his brilliance—a genius psychopath who's always five moves ahead. The cyber terrorism plot is well-researched and believable, and the stakes feel real. You're genuinely worried for the characters, and the tension builds beautifully throughout.
The mystery surrounding Tabby's past and her connection to Søren is revealed gradually, with well-executed plot twists I didn't see coming. The final confrontation is intense, satisfying, and emotionally charged. Geissinger doesn't sacrifice romance for suspense or vice versa—both elements are given equal weight.
The Feminist Themes: Saving Yourself
One of my favorite aspects is the feminist undertones. When Connor suggests he'll save Tabby, she responds: "A real hero would teach the princess how to save herself." This isn't just a throwaway line—it's a theme throughout the book. Tabby doesn't need Connor to save her. She needs him on her team, to have her back, to support her while she saves herself. And Connor understands this. He doesn't try to be her white knight; he tries to be her partner.
The book celebrates Tabby's intelligence and independence. She's never punished for being smart or passionate about her career. Connor doesn't ask her to change or tone herself down—he loves her exactly as she is, sharp edges and all.
What Doesn't Work (But Only Slightly): Minor Quibbles in Paradise
Look, I gave this book five stars, so clearly I loved it. But in the interest of balance, here are a few minor issues some readers might have:
The Trust Issues: There's a moment where Connor doubts Tabby when truths about her past are revealed. For a character who's been so understanding, this feels slightly out of character. It's resolved quickly, but it creates a temporary dip in the romance that might frustrate some readers.
The Ending: The final confrontation, while intense and satisfying, feels slightly rushed compared to the careful pacing of the rest of the book. There's so much buildup, then things happen very quickly. It's not a major issue, but I would have loved a bit more time with the resolution.
HFN vs. HEA: The book ends with a Happy For Now (they get engaged) rather than a full Happy Ever After. While the ending is satisfying and feels complete, readers who prefer a more definitive HEA might want more.
Technical Jargon: There's a fair amount of computer and hacking terminology. Geissinger makes it accessible, but readers who aren't tech-savvy might find some sections dense. That said, you don't need to understand every technical detail to follow the plot.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Romance Fans
"Wicked Sexy" is everything a romantic suspense novel should be: smart, sexy, funny, and emotionally satisfying. It's a book that respects its readers' intelligence while delivering the heat and heart that romance readers crave. J.T. Geissinger has crafted a story that works on every level—the romance is swoon-worthy, the suspense is gripping, the characters are unforgettable, and the writing is top-notch.
This book is for readers who love:
- Enemies-to-lovers with genuine animosity that transforms into love
- Heroines who are smarter than everyone else and aren't afraid to show it
- Alpha heroes who are protective but not patronizing
- Banter that makes you laugh out loud
- Sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a knife
- Steamy sex scenes that are both hot and emotionally resonant
- Suspense plots that keep you on the edge of your seat
- Feminist themes woven naturally into the narrative
This is NOT for readers who:
- Prefer sweet, closed-door romance (this is VERY steamy)
- Are sensitive to dark themes like childhood trauma and violence
- Don't enjoy suspense mixed with romance
- Prefer traditional, submissive heroines
- Want a completely fluffy, light read
Final Thoughts: When Smart Meets Sexy
"Wicked Sexy" is a masterclass in romantic suspense. It's proof that you can have a smart, complex plot without sacrificing romance, and scorching hot sex scenes without sacrificing character development. J.T. Geissinger has created something special—a book that's as intelligent as it is entertaining, as emotional as it is exciting.
Tabby and Connor's story will stay with you long after the last page. Their banter will make you laugh, their chemistry will make you swoon, and their emotional journey will make you feel. This is a book that celebrates intelligence, independence, and the power of finding someone who sees you—really sees you—and loves you not despite your sharp edges, but because of them.
If you're looking for a romance that will make you think, laugh, and feel all the feels while keeping you on the edge of your seat, "Wicked Sexy" is the book for you. It's smart, it's sexy, and it's absolutely wicked in the best possible way.
Bottom Line: "Wicked Sexy" is a brilliant, sexy, and emotionally satisfying romantic suspense that deserves every one of its five stars. J.T. Geissinger has created a heroine for the ages in Tabby, a hero worth swooning over in Connor, and a love story that's as smart as it is steamy. This is a must-read for anyone who loves their romance with a side of suspense, a healthy dose of humor, and characters who feel like real people. Highly, highly recommended.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find a cold shower and maybe learn how to hack, because Tabby has inspired me to be a badass genius too. Or at least to wear more Hello Kitty accessories while pretending I'm a badass genius. Either way, this book has ruined me for lesser romances, and I'm not even mad about it.
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