Great book for those who love cat and mouse, enemies to lovers tropes. It starts out slow and pulls you in deeper until you race to the end.

I was not prepared for the rollercoaster that was this book! Must read, honestly shocked it's not more talked about!

I unfortunately needed to DNF this book. The writing was very generic and felt rushed. I wasn’t sure I was understanding the whole point of the story. I need the story to grab me in from the first few chapters and this didn’t do it for me.

Vega and Hoyt's love story is a captivating journey that you won't want to miss. Their adventures in the world of hacking draw you in, much like your favorite drama series. As you join them on their escapades, you'll find yourself in unexpected places: perhaps in jail, a glamorous penthouse, a dazzling gala, or on the run. "Flux" is a richly layered tale with an engaging storyline that keeps you invested from start to finish. The characters evolve and the mystery unfolds, keeping you on the edge of your seat. And let's not forget the sizzling chemistry between Vega and Hoyt – it's undeniable.

Don't let the technical aspects intimidate you, as they are seamlessly woven into the narrative without assuming prior knowledge. Author Becky Banks excels at crafting characters with depth, charm, and a touch of humor. Vega, scarred by a traumatic past, is fiercely dedicated to protecting herself and other women from abusive men. While I experienced conflicting emotions towards Vega, her strength and willingness to empathize make her a truly likeable and admirable character.

Hoyt, on the other hand, is a captivating blend of intelligence, ruthlessness, and warmth. His patient nature and willingness to teach Vega the true meaning of kindness make him endearing. Despite their tumultuous pasts, Vega and Hoyt find in each other a unique and profound connection, one characterized by love, support, and understanding. As their love is tested by unforeseen challenges, you'll find yourself rooting for them every step of the way.

Vega and Hoyt's journey is a testament to the enduring power of love and the transformative nature of relationships. As they navigate the complexities of their newfound love, you'll be drawn into a world where hope, resilience, and unconditional love prevail.

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes
POV: 3rd person POV
spice: several open-door spicy scenes
TWs: addiction, attempted kidnapping, blackmail, child abuse, death of a parent, fraud, identity theft, revenge porn, spousal abuse, stalking
standalone: yes

read this book if you love
🫡 big MMC
💵 billionaire
📨 blackmail
🍿 celebrity
🖤 (mildly) dark romance
🤫 hidden secrets
💘 instalove
💞 mutual pining
❓ mystery
🥰 nicknames
😜 over the top, jealous, possessive MMC
🤜 rivals-to-lovers
👺 secret identity
🏈 sports romance (football)
💼 workplace romance

I loved Flux, but it was rushed. It felt like we had a lot of spice and not a lot of plot. I'm 100% okay with that in a lot of cases, but Flux has such a cool plot line premise that I wanted that story as well and not just at the end.

I’d like to start my review by thanking the author for putting a glossary in this book. When authors use words in a different languages and they don’t put a glossary or the character doesn’t explain what it means I dislike that. A word can be translated many ways if you look it up on google. I want to know what the author is using it to mean.

When I came to review this book I saw the cover was now a picture of Vega and not Hoyt and that was one of my cons. Hoyt’s ethnicity plays a big part in the book and I wanted the person on the cover to represent that more. But Vega also fixes that.

I think my favorite thing about this book was the banter. It wasn’t the typical romance banter but it was banter through the FMC and MMC trying to hack each others systems and “break their shit”. It was refreshing and entertaining. This book is more technically geared in terms of explaining the computer systems they have in place. So if you like your romance with a helping of computer science you’ll enjoy this book.

Growing up I adored all things tech, in fact I spent most of my life focusing on what I thought would be a career in that field. As such I have a weakness for books that feature men and women in STEM. When given the opportunity to read an E-Advanced Reader Copy of Flux by Becky Banks I was ecstatic.
**********This Review Includes Spoilers********
Flux tells the story of Veda and Hoyt, two tech geniuses that are playing a high stakes game of Hacker Cat and Mouse. A brief encounter in a club turns into two people trying hacking and chasing each other thru their computer systems. It is the story of two people who match in skill each with secrets that they cannot afford to have uncovered. Veda lives in the dark as a vigilante helping other women that have been victimized by those who hold power over them. It is due to her own personal experience that Veda wants to help others who have also been hurt by those supposed to take care of them.
The love story told in this novel is an adorable tale of two people finding their person. The inclusion of Hoyt’s native Hawaiian identity and how it impacted his ability to navigate the field of tech as an outsider makes the stakes heightened because he has a lot to lose simply from his interaction with Veda who has a laundry list of warrants out for both her past and present identity. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who has an interest in a fun game Hacker Cat and Mouse with a touch of spice.

Absolutely enjoyed this book! We love a badass FMC that's smart as hell and has the MMC in the palm of her hands. I loved how Hoyt's culture was brought in as well, and how important it was for him to be accepted fully. It was a really great story! 😍

It was cute little book. I felt like it was very rushed and the world needed to be built better to understand both Hoyt and Vega’s worlds but I did love their characters and the storyline.

Description
He’s untouchable. She’s a notorious hacker. It’s a million-dollar cash prize. The challenge? Break him. If you can.

Vega Flux, a notorious hacker whose single mission in life is to protect the weak from online trolls, crashes up against an impenetrable powerhouse of a man who wants nothing more than to slip the dark shroud off her persona and protect her from her torments.

In this smoldering high-stakes game of defense and one-upmanship, Vega takes a bet she knows she shouldn't and starts the largest hack she's ever attempted, against the only worthy opponent she's ever known, tech billionaire and ex-NFL tight end, Hoyt Kahoʻokalakupua. Master of his domain, Hoyt, welcomes the chance to flex his power in a true challenge. With the stakes dangerously high, and his heart on the line, he enters a game with a woman he wants it all from. There's only one fatal flaw: Hoyt and Vega are following different instructions to the same game. He's a law-abiding billionaire, and the world Vega lives in breaks every rule.

Dark passions ignite in this fast-paced thrill ride from award-winning indie author and Maui girl, Becky Healani Banks. As the torments of Vegaʻs past breach her defenses, she reaches for the one man who is uniquely capable to provide the shelter she seeks. And in that process, she touches a power she's never known, real-life love.

My Take:
If you read the description, and it appealed to you, you won't be disappointed. I liked this book but didn't find that I loved it: it took some time for me to get into it. But I want to be fair: I thought that the cyberpunk and tech descriptions were going to be more futuristic. Instead, this book takes place in contemporary times-so some of the disappointment I initially felt is on me. That said, the premise was cute-I like a cat and mouse interplay-and the romance was steamy.

Thank you NetGalley and author Becky Banks for the copy in exchange of my honest review.

"Vega Flux, a notorious hacker whose single mission in life is to protect the weak from online trolls, crashes up against an impenetrable powerhouse of a man who wants nothing more than to slip the dark shroud off her persona and protect her from her torments.

In this smoldering high-stakes game of defense and one-upmanship, Vega takes a bet she knows she shouldn’t and starts the largest hack she’s ever attempted, against the only worthy opponent she’s ever known, tech billionaire and ex-NFL tight end, Hoyt Kahoʻokalakupua. Master of his domain, Hoyt, welcomes the chance to flex his power in a true challenge. With the stakes dangerously high, and his heart on the line, he enters a game with a woman he wants it all from. There’s only one fatal flaw: Hoyt and Vega are following different instructions to the same game. He’s a law-abiding billionaire, and the world Vega lives in breaks every rule.

Dark passions ignite in this fast-paced thrill ride from award-winning indie author and Maui girl, Becky Healani Banks. As the torments of Vegaʻs past breach her defenses, she reaches for the one man who is uniquely capable to provide the shelter she seeks. And in that process, she touches a power she’s never known, real-life love."

I enjoy reading this book. It is a fast-paced romance.

Flux is a good fit for readers who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes romance with a focus on cybersecurity, power dynamics, and the transformative power of love.

I was genuinely excited about reading this book. I was drawn in by its intriguing description and it's incorporation of tech. However, I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The saving grace, though, were the occasional flirtatious exchanges between Hoyt and Vega. While I admired the innovative tech concepts explored in the narrative, I struggled to connect with the characters. Despite Vega's impressive hacking skills, her relentless comments and thoughts about sleeping with Hoyt really diminished her appeal. Hoyt, on the other hand, was kind of just there. One aspect I did appreciate was the incorporation of Hawaiian words and phrases. The inclusion of a glossary at the end was particularly helpful, though I wished it also had a pronunciation guide too. Overall, while the book presented an interesting exploration of tech and hacking, the absence of a compelling protagonist like Vega made it challenging to fully invest in the story.

As an ardent supporter of indie authors and unique storylines, I was drawn to "Flux" by Becky Healani Banks with high hopes and intrigue. The premise of Vega Flux, a hacker dedicated to protecting the vulnerable from online harassment, and her entanglement with Hoyt Kaho'okalakupua, a tech billionaire and ex-NFL tight end, promised a compelling dive into a world of digital intrigue and real-world consequences.

Unfortunately, I found it challenging to fully immerse myself in the narrative. This reflection isn't a critique of Banks' skill or creativity—both of which are evident in her crafting of a story that intertwines technology, personal justice, and romance. Instead, I really struggled to get into it, despite the allure of a book's premise, one may not find the connection they hoped for.

From the outset, "Flux" sets a rapid pace, introducing us to a high-stakes world where digital prowess can tip the scales of power. The dual perspective of Vega, with her hacker ethos, and Hoyt, with his blend of corporate authority and personal integrity, sets the stage for a dynamic clash of ideals and desires.

Other readers have noted the book's swift pacing and the ambitious melding of genres—elements I anticipated enjoying. However, I struggled with the initial setup and finding my footing within the story's universe, particularly regarding the steampunk elements it aimed to incorporate.

The characters, especially Vega, are complex and driven by a strong moral compass, though I found it difficult to connect with them on a personal level. This disconnect made following their journey through the book's twists and turns a challenge for me.

I think for me it just wasn't the right time for me and this book. I've read that the narrative becomes more engaging in its second half, with moments that shine and offer the depth and spice some readers might seek. Additionally, the exploration of Hawaiian culture adds a rich layer to the story, offering insights and perspectives that are both valuable and enlightening.

In conclusion, my experience with "Flux" is a testament to the subjective nature of reading. What might not resonate with one reader could very well captivate another. For fans of fast-paced thrillers, tech-savvy heroines, and stories that weave cultural richness into the fabric of their narrative, "Flux" offers a world worth exploring. My journey with Vega and Hoyt was brief, but I encourage other readers to embark on this adventure, as Banks' storytelling and the novel's ambitious concept have much to offer

⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
🌶️🌶️.5 spice

An easy, sweet contemporary romance read with a slight cyberpunk twist - so different to any romance I've read before.

I liked these characters a lot. Vigilante Vega bursts onto the scene all guns blazing, not taking any shit. She's a cheeky, smart ass with a chip on her shoulder and something to prove, which made the dialogue in almost every scene with her so much fun. Add Hector or Cody in the mix, and I could not stop smirking while reading. It's so refreshing for an FMC in a romance novel to be grungy and alternative, none of the standard preppy vibes that you're used to seeing in this genre. I absolutely LOVED that she was doing the dark romance stalker trope and not the MMC. I'm here for it.

Hoyt was a big muscled up ex-NFL turned tech billionaire baddie, but a secretly soft cinnamon roll man, and don't we love to see it! There's something about that contrast in an MMC that's just so hard to resist. The intertwined elements of his cultural heritage and adorable, hilarious Hawaiian family were some of my favourite parts of this book, and super relatable for anyone who has a crazy (and extremely nosy) family.

The dynamic between these two main characters was delish, and when there was spice it was steamy with a slow build up, and extremely satisfying. There's nothing I love more than when that first smexy interaction in a book is all about pleasing the woman, and Hoyt did not disappoint. The way he...ahem, inhaled?!? her in that scene...let's just say I'll never look at a ladder the same way again.

Can I, however, please request that the phrase "pelvic bowl" never be used in a smutty setting? It was used a few times throughout this book and felt weirdly clinical and out of place. It didn't take away from the spice and you can choose to ignore it, but it was a distracting choice of words.

Where I thought this went astray was the overall pace of plot development and the build up to the climax of this story. It started out so punchy and bold with that nightclub booth scene, so my expectations were high that we'd get the satisfaction of those bigger moments around her attempts to breach Titan's Wall, and then again towards the end where the stakes were the highest with the drama over Lloyd, but it just...never happened. We get some small bits of drama going down where tension escalates, but then everything is quickly tied up in a bow with some info dump explanations and a hasty resolution that was overall a bit of an anti-climax.

Tropes:
👾 Enemies to Lovers
👾 Slow Burn
👾 Billionaire MMC
👾 Vigilante/Hacker
👾 Stalking
👾 Found Family

Oh my gosh, I loved this book! It was such a fun read. The biggest selling points are the exceptional banter between the two main characters, intensely gripping storyline and the absolutely incredible badass of a female main character (along with her girl gang, for sure). I thought this might be too tech-heavy for me based on the foreword, but everything was well-described when it came to the hacking world, as well as the overarching cyber security world. I also love the male main character's deep connection to his familial roots in Maui, and how wonderfully language and culture was woven into the story in a really organic and beautiful way. The biggest upside for me - the explosive chemistry between these two had me squealing and gasping. If it was written in the first person narrative, it would be 5 stars for me (but that's just my preference).

I didn’t know what to expect going into this one. Something told me to request it and I’ve been wanting to read it ever since. This book was so good! I absolutely enjoyed reading Vega and Hoyt’s story. From the beginning you’re sucked in and a little lost too but find your way quickly. From Hoyt and Vega’s first interaction you’re hooked. These two had so much chemistry and it was clear they were attracted to each other from the start. Them wrestling for his phone in the club was a form of foreplay for them. I found Vega to be so endearing and funny as hell. I loved how she kept coming on to Hoyt and made it very clear what she wanted to do with him. I’m t cracked me up. She was quirky, straight forward and had the whole morally grey thing in lock. I loved her personality so much. Hoyt was a big teddy bear who had a sinister side to him that I enjoyed. He was smart as hell, handsome, family oriented, and successful. He and Vega just fit together so well. I was rooting for them and loved when they finally started dating and figuring things out.

Something I really appreciated with this book was how Vega and Hoyt were always honest with the people in their lives. They told them exactly what happened at that gala and were able to get feedback to come back together. Something that I didn’t like was Vega keeping secrets from her sister that we all knew would come back to bite her in the behind. That was predictable. The only thing that kept this book from being 5 stars is the ending. The thing that Vega, Cindy, and Peace feared and prepared for to happened did and it was epic. It was huge and then it all just kind of didn’t matter in the bed. It was anticlimactic and honestly didn’t need to be in the book with how quickly it all worked out. That may have had more to do with pacing. Maybe that should’ve happened earlier but the fact that they blew up their lives and then a week later Hoyt’s their cleaning it all up just didn’t sit well with me.

Overall, I loved this book and I would enjoy reading another book about Vega and Hoyt. Or one for Lei or Cindy.

Flux by Becky Banks was a roller-coaster of a story to follow. I took my time and got nice comfy to settle in for this ride. Although confusing to follow at the beginning, I chose to stuck with it and push my way through! I was very thankful I did. Hoyt had me blushing the entire time! The dynamic of the mmc and fmc kept me turning the page in their crazy morally grey world. Thrilling and and romance together make this book worth it!!!

Interesting story about a female hacker and the man she wants to take down. I love when two people find what they are missing in another perfect. It’s like puzzle pieces just clicking perfectly into place.