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Village Books
Amazon
Self-proclaimed first-class geek Lexi Carmichael might not handle small talk well, but she can hack nearly anything.
Lexi works for X-Corp Global Security Intelligence. When an enigmatic fellow hacker known as Slash hires X-Corp to catch a thief who has framed his uncle for laundering money from the Vatican Bank, Lexi jumps at the mystery. After all, who wouldn’t want to travel to Rome with a handsome possible spy? However, as soon as she begins her virtual snooping, Lexi learns that danger lurks under the surface. A man with an umbrella gun nearly kidnaps her; both she and Slash realize these criminals threaten more than his uncle’s reputation and the eighteen million euros.
A group of heavily encrypted files goes beyond even Lexi’s skills, and she calls in the help of some of the world’s greatest hackers to break the code. She leads them all deep into a historical mystery over 500 years in the making. But they aren’t the only people chasing answers, and the criminals will stop at nothing to capture their prize. Lexi needs more than computer skills to escape this time.
Feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty make Lexi more human than fiction, drawing readers to connect with her.
With her cringe-worthy social skills, Lexi doesn’t quite fit the mold of master detective. And yet, her hilarious, rambling talks with Slash make her endearing to him. Whether dealing with a jealous opera singer or a nosy Italian grandmother, Lexi makes one hysterical social misstep after another. Though clumsy and clueless when it comes to interacting with people, she proves herself otherwise smart and tough. Her hacking skills shine even to the computer-illiterate. She relies on a love of math and her quick thinking to save her friends and herself, all while standing up to gun-toting criminals. Lexi refuses to back down even when this mystery could cost her life.
Her budding, possible relationship with the delectable Slash adds just enough sizzling chemistry to satisfy romance readers.
As a secret agent for the NSA and a master hacker himself, Slash reeks of intrigue. He even refuses to tell Lexi his real name. The longer the two spend together, the more she struggles to resist his sensual temptation. Slash’s clear interest in Lexi presents some toe-curling scenes that walk the line between romantic and farcical.
Hidden clues in centuries-old paintings meet high-tech computer lingo in this third novel in the Lexi Carmichael series.
Engaging, well-developed characters fill this mystery story. The super-hacker twins, the trendy BFF, the sexy Italian mystery man, and his beefy buddy feel like old friends. The depth of the mystery will grip readers. From the Vatican to a secret crypt complete with booby-traps, No Place Like Rome boasts an adventure fit for a spy thriller.
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