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Tech-nically Love #1
Disaster Girl
The only thing she knows better than walking into a disaster is digging herself out of one.
Tess Greene knows disaster—dating disasters, computer disasters, family disasters, you name it. But just when her life is finally almost perfect, she’s targeted by an internet celebrity who runs a revenge porn site admired by douchebags across the country. She has one month before the entire world will have an up-close-and-personal view of her sexual history. Tess has always handled everything on her own, but for this disaster, she needs backup.
Max Hampshire, a brilliant hacker, is exactly the lifeline Tess needs. What she doesn’t need is Max himself. She does not need his quick wit, sexy black-framed glasses, or all-around sweetness. The last guy who helped Tess left with his life crushed and his heart broken, so she knows that staying far away from Max would be safer for everyone.
But safety isn’t really an option when dealing with sleazy predators—or love…
Tess Greene knows disaster—dating disasters, computer disasters, family disasters, you name it. But just when her life is finally almost perfect, she’s targeted by an internet celebrity who runs a revenge porn site admired by douchebags across the country. She has one month before the entire world will have an up-close-and-personal view of her sexual history. Tess has always handled everything on her own, but for this disaster, she needs backup.
Max Hampshire, a brilliant hacker, is exactly the lifeline Tess needs. What she doesn’t need is Max himself. She does not need his quick wit, sexy black-framed glasses, or all-around sweetness. The last guy who helped Tess left with his life crushed and his heart broken, so she knows that staying far away from Max would be safer for everyone.
But safety isn’t really an option when dealing with sleazy predators—or love…
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2021
About the author
Michelle Dayton
11 books63 followersThere are only three things Michelle Dayton loves more than sexy and suspenseful novels: her family, the city of Chicago, and Mr. Darcy. Michelle dreams of a year of world travel – as long as the trip would include weeks and weeks of beach time. As a bourbon lover and unabashed wine snob, Michelle thinks heaven is discussing a good book over an adult beverage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 4, 2022
4 stars. TBH, this is one of those reads that makes me want to give it 5 stars, but it was lacking an epilogue. Even so, I enjoyed this quite a lot and am looking forward to the next in the series. This is a romantic comedy and I absolutely LOVE how modern and relatable this story is. The heroine is strong and the hero a sweetheart. Totally random Hoopla find FTW!
Unfortunately, I’m very behind on writing reviews, so I’m just leaving (longer than usual) safety deets and moving on.
Just a warning, safety contains many spoilers, and while I call this one SWE, I personally wasn’t overly bothered by anything. And I’m usually a picky bitch… sooooo… 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
🔹Heroine not a virgin, she has a healthy sex life with short term boyfriends and also many ONS. There were times when she came off as extremely promiscuous, which may bother some, but I LOVE that role reversal. 👏🏻👏🏻
🔹Heroine was engaged when she was younger and cheated on her fiancé, this is all many years in the past and in memories, and she still feels a lot of remorse. I usually dislike cheaters but I thought the circumstances with this one (she only did it once) were understandable.
🔹There is some OM drama when the heroine considers hooking up with someone after meeting the hero, nothing ends up happening.
🔹This story’s main storyline revolves around a sex tape with the h and a ONS from 5 years prior. It’s being shared without her consent. Some details of that ONS are given with semi-explicit memories - mostly just remembering the circumstances that led to her making the tape.
🔹Hero was also engaged and him and his ex are still good friends 1.5 years later, she is VERY present in his life, there are some misunderstandings and quite a bit of OW drama. This was all resolved very satisfactorily for me.
🔹Hero not a manwhore but he says he had several ONS after his breakup.
🔹No cheating between the MCs, no scenes with OM/OW besides the memories I mentioned of the heroine’s past.
🔹TW: cheating recounted, misogyny in side characters, revenge/ non-consensual porn.
Unfortunately, I’m very behind on writing reviews, so I’m just leaving (longer than usual) safety deets and moving on.
Just a warning, safety contains many spoilers, and while I call this one SWE, I personally wasn’t overly bothered by anything. And I’m usually a picky bitch… sooooo… 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
🔹Heroine not a virgin, she has a healthy sex life with short term boyfriends and also many ONS. There were times when she came off as extremely promiscuous, which may bother some, but I LOVE that role reversal. 👏🏻👏🏻
🔹Heroine was engaged when she was younger and cheated on her fiancé, this is all many years in the past and in memories, and she still feels a lot of remorse. I usually dislike cheaters but I thought the circumstances with this one (she only did it once) were understandable.
🔹There is some OM drama when the heroine considers hooking up with someone after meeting the hero, nothing ends up happening.
🔹This story’s main storyline revolves around a sex tape with the h and a ONS from 5 years prior. It’s being shared without her consent. Some details of that ONS are given with semi-explicit memories - mostly just remembering the circumstances that led to her making the tape.
🔹Hero was also engaged and him and his ex are still good friends 1.5 years later, she is VERY present in his life, there are some misunderstandings and quite a bit of OW drama. This was all resolved very satisfactorily for me.
🔹Hero not a manwhore but he says he had several ONS after his breakup.
🔹No cheating between the MCs, no scenes with OM/OW besides the memories I mentioned of the heroine’s past.
🔹TW: cheating recounted, misogyny in side characters, revenge/ non-consensual porn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2023
Inna... thank you sooo much! I loved this book and am so glad I saw your review.
4.8 stars. This was idealized in the best way. At the end, there were so many satisfying wrapup events/conversations that made me feel so fulfilled and happy and just filled with evil joy. I loved that we got some great resolutions on some family drama and the person who should apologize most did apologize and work towards a solution.
There is a little bit of a heist feel to the outside drama.
Sometimes you "meet" characters and you just admire and love them intensely. That's how I felt about Max and Tess. They have had some rough stuff in their lives and done some things but, at their hearts, they are AMAZING people.
I loved the relationship and character development here. These two people work so well together and have some mistakes and complications to their backstory that is fed to us slowly throughout the book. We get set up for multiple challenges; in their work, personal lives, and relationship to each other. For the most part, this book responds super well to all of them. I loved her direct boss. Unlike so many workplace romances, the issue of dating each other never becomes a huge blockage. She is able to be honest (even though it reveals slowly) to him, to her family, to her boss.
While Tess has been self-destructive in some ways, she also has had a lot of therapy and has worked through a lot. In general, she is a very intelligent, socially-capable, self-sacrificing (but also self-protecting), amazing, loving human being. And Max is a sweetheart and accepting, clever and spicy. They've both played the field a bit and accept the other's past without a lot of angst.
I really enjoyed that, while we get imperfect reactions from various folks, we still got satisfying resolutions to most things.
The only thing that this book lacks for me is a comeuppance for her boss-boss. That asshole basically told her he wouldn't promote her unless she could prove she was worthy through winning a particular client. Not sure if the author even saw the misogyny in this action, but I do. She was the most capable candidate and if they didn't promote her, I can bet you that whoever they DID hire wouldn't have been put through this sort of testing. I can tell you multiple times that I was given a task to prove like this before I would be considered for a promotion. And yet, men around me were given promotions without even asking. One story that really shows this is how one of my coworkers told me how he was promoted. "One day, I came into the office and my business cards were accidentally printed with 'Senior' Associate. I went to my boss and asked him about it and he said, 'oh. I guess you're a Senior Associate now.'" And all I could think while listening to this was "Really!? He didn't even have to ask!?"
And that's the thing in this book that never gets resolved. She shows that she can win that client and gets promoted while her boss-boss continues being toxic in multiple ways. Sadly, I wanted to see him get some learning. And he didn't.
There are some more books in this series so I'm hoping I get to see some comeuppance for some of the side characters that were douchey in this one.
4.8 stars. This was idealized in the best way. At the end, there were so many satisfying wrapup events/conversations that made me feel so fulfilled and happy and just filled with evil joy. I loved that we got some great resolutions on some family drama and the person who should apologize most did apologize and work towards a solution.
There is a little bit of a heist feel to the outside drama.
Sometimes you "meet" characters and you just admire and love them intensely. That's how I felt about Max and Tess. They have had some rough stuff in their lives and done some things but, at their hearts, they are AMAZING people.
I loved the relationship and character development here. These two people work so well together and have some mistakes and complications to their backstory that is fed to us slowly throughout the book. We get set up for multiple challenges; in their work, personal lives, and relationship to each other. For the most part, this book responds super well to all of them. I loved her direct boss. Unlike so many workplace romances, the issue of dating each other never becomes a huge blockage. She is able to be honest (even though it reveals slowly) to him, to her family, to her boss.
While Tess has been self-destructive in some ways, she also has had a lot of therapy and has worked through a lot. In general, she is a very intelligent, socially-capable, self-sacrificing (but also self-protecting), amazing, loving human being. And Max is a sweetheart and accepting, clever and spicy. They've both played the field a bit and accept the other's past without a lot of angst.
I really enjoyed that, while we get imperfect reactions from various folks, we still got satisfying resolutions to most things.
The only thing that this book lacks for me is a comeuppance for her boss-boss. That asshole basically told her he wouldn't promote her unless she could prove she was worthy through winning a particular client. Not sure if the author even saw the misogyny in this action, but I do. She was the most capable candidate and if they didn't promote her, I can bet you that whoever they DID hire wouldn't have been put through this sort of testing. I can tell you multiple times that I was given a task to prove like this before I would be considered for a promotion. And yet, men around me were given promotions without even asking. One story that really shows this is how one of my coworkers told me how he was promoted. "One day, I came into the office and my business cards were accidentally printed with 'Senior' Associate. I went to my boss and asked him about it and he said, 'oh. I guess you're a Senior Associate now.'" And all I could think while listening to this was "Really!? He didn't even have to ask!?"
And that's the thing in this book that never gets resolved. She shows that she can win that client and gets promoted while her boss-boss continues being toxic in multiple ways. Sadly, I wanted to see him get some learning. And he didn't.
There are some more books in this series so I'm hoping I get to see some comeuppance for some of the side characters that were douchey in this one.
May 20, 2021
Disaster Girl by Michelle Dayton is the story of Max Hampshire and Tess Greene. This was a funny read that took you into their story pretty quickly. Tess is a hot mess but is working toward just being hot but she doesn't need a revenge video getting ready to go up onto a porn site. So her friends sets her up to get help from Max. That when things really took off. Enjoyed their story.
May 25, 2021
This contemporary romance has a mix of laugh out loud moments and ones where you cringe – usually on behalf of Tess. She’s had a lot to overcome in her life, made some poor decisions and suffered what she recognises as disasters – but she’s survived them and come out the other side stronger and more independent. Now, however, just when she thought she’d got her life sorted, she discovers that someone she was with for just one night five years ago is going to share a video of them together on the internet, without her permission in a month’s time on a site where the man in question is making money from sharing films of his close encounters with women from around the states. Desperate to prevent this, she enlists the help of Max Hampshire, a skilled hacker to prevent it happening. What she hadn’t expected was to fall for Max . . . Is this another disaster in the making?
I really liked how Max helped bring the perpetrator down and Tess gets her revenge – but I’m not telling you how, that’d be spoilers. Tess seems to be her own worst enemy at times and I admit to struggling to empathise with her at times . . . though some of her motivations become much clearer and more understandable as the story progresses. Max is a sweetheart – brainy, possibly nerdy, handsome, kind hearted and caring, protective without being stifling, but will Tess recognise this? The ending is great and definitely brought a smile to my face.
Thank you to Tule Publishing for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed,
I really liked how Max helped bring the perpetrator down and Tess gets her revenge – but I’m not telling you how, that’d be spoilers. Tess seems to be her own worst enemy at times and I admit to struggling to empathise with her at times . . . though some of her motivations become much clearer and more understandable as the story progresses. Max is a sweetheart – brainy, possibly nerdy, handsome, kind hearted and caring, protective without being stifling, but will Tess recognise this? The ending is great and definitely brought a smile to my face.
Thank you to Tule Publishing for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed,
Read
June 6, 2021Tess Greene's life is all about disasters and how to cope with them. From her life is a list of dating disasters after she broke up her engagement to Daniel on the day of their wedding by sleeping with someone from his wedding party to covering for her mum and protecting her younger sister and then for her job, Tess helps create disaster recovery programs for businesses Tess is also like Anna Faris's character in the movie "What's Your Number?" where her romance is a revolving door of one-night stands and sexscapades. That is until one of her one-night stands ends up with a sex tape that soon the whole of America is about to view. The timing couldn't be worst as she is also up for a job promotion and this tape could ruin her, the other thing was that the sex wasn't even that great. One of Tess's workers Abigail has a friend Max who is great at hacking and now Tess has paired with Max to try and get rid of the sex tape before it can air to the public. Of course, though Max and Tess have this connection, what happens when Tess's insecurities come creeping back and she feels she doesn't deserve Max and will try to save him from hurt but in the process of breaking her own heart? Can Tess discover that she deserves happiness just like everyone else and now it is time for her to stop protecting everyone and worrying about everyone else and put herself first.
Find out in this fun romantic comedy/ women's fiction read by Michelle Dayton.
Find out in this fun romantic comedy/ women's fiction read by Michelle Dayton.
May 18, 2021
I was pulled into this book with every page I turned. Tess Greene was a unique character and with this uniqueness she brought a whole lotta attitude to life. When that attitude brings disaster into her life, Max Hampshire shows up. Boom! Storyline explosion!
Michelle Dayton is new to me author and Disaster Girl was a dazzling first read. This book was a seamless balance of emotions. The desperation Tess finds herself in, the connection to Max and the chemistry between them all flow within the storyline to a completion that will not only satisfy you but leave you smirk that says yeah, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
I highly recommend this book for everyone that is looking for a compelling, gratifying read. This is the book you want. 5 Stars #2OCCMS
Michelle Dayton is new to me author and Disaster Girl was a dazzling first read. This book was a seamless balance of emotions. The desperation Tess finds herself in, the connection to Max and the chemistry between them all flow within the storyline to a completion that will not only satisfy you but leave you smirk that says yeah, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
I highly recommend this book for everyone that is looking for a compelling, gratifying read. This is the book you want. 5 Stars #2OCCMS
May 21, 2021
Excellent Book!!
In reading the blurb for Disaster Girl, I didn't know what to expect. Definitely not the witty, get what she wants, ball buster like Tess. She was freaking awesome!! And Max wasn't so bad either.
Honestly, I thought this was going to be a book about a girl with a disaster of a life and boy, it was the complete opposite. Tess was written, strong, smart and sexy. She is the person that is called when disaster strikes. This was a chick that didn't care if you liked her or not and I liked her. She finds herself in quite the disaster of her own with some revenge porn and finds the perfect guy to help her out.
The meeting of Max and Tess might be my favorite of all time. I am a huge fan of witty banter and these two have it in spades. They just clicked from the second they met and it seemed right. One hundred percent chemistry between them and that is rare for me in a book. Max is the strong, nerdy type that fit perfectly with the sarcastic Tess. He's smitten and doesn't hesitate to help her with her online problem.
While we are working with removing the video from hell, we are also dabbling in the past and present of both characters. They do have some baggage that makes them who they are today and it was interesting to see how it was all going to play out.
The book is well written and kept my attention from the first to the last page. It's my first book by Michelle Dayton and I will definitely see what else she has going on. There is something about her writing style I really found myself enjoying.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
In reading the blurb for Disaster Girl, I didn't know what to expect. Definitely not the witty, get what she wants, ball buster like Tess. She was freaking awesome!! And Max wasn't so bad either.
Honestly, I thought this was going to be a book about a girl with a disaster of a life and boy, it was the complete opposite. Tess was written, strong, smart and sexy. She is the person that is called when disaster strikes. This was a chick that didn't care if you liked her or not and I liked her. She finds herself in quite the disaster of her own with some revenge porn and finds the perfect guy to help her out.
The meeting of Max and Tess might be my favorite of all time. I am a huge fan of witty banter and these two have it in spades. They just clicked from the second they met and it seemed right. One hundred percent chemistry between them and that is rare for me in a book. Max is the strong, nerdy type that fit perfectly with the sarcastic Tess. He's smitten and doesn't hesitate to help her with her online problem.
While we are working with removing the video from hell, we are also dabbling in the past and present of both characters. They do have some baggage that makes them who they are today and it was interesting to see how it was all going to play out.
The book is well written and kept my attention from the first to the last page. It's my first book by Michelle Dayton and I will definitely see what else she has going on. There is something about her writing style I really found myself enjoying.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
December 1, 2023
All I want for Christmas is:
* a flawed and therefore likeable and actually badass female MC
* a lovely love interest
* an interesting plot besides the romance
* a satisfying resolution
The family issues on top of everything else were a bit much but they added to the MCs character and were settled nicely. I'm tired of the third act breakup formula and I wished there'd been at least a bit more built-up to it but at least it was resolved rather quickly.
In summary, a funny feel-good story!
3.5 stars, rounding up
* a flawed and therefore likeable and actually badass female MC
* a lovely love interest
* an interesting plot besides the romance
* a satisfying resolution
The family issues on top of everything else were a bit much but they added to the MCs character and were settled nicely. I'm tired of the third act breakup formula and I wished there'd been at least a bit more built-up to it but at least it was resolved rather quickly.
In summary, a funny feel-good story!
3.5 stars, rounding up
January 10, 2023
I found Tess to be incredibly endearing and her love interest to be the perfect match. The end does feel a bit unfinished, like perhaps both Tess and Max have unfinished business. Some of the dialogue was a little cringy too… but overall, it’s a fun read!
May 25, 2021
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book! It was a fun read, especially since it takes place in Chicago and the suburbs where I’m from and still live. The story is about Tess who enjoys going to her favorite bar and hooking up for the one night stands. She’s friends with the owner and several of the other regulars. We learn that due to her lack of trust and problems that have happened in her life she doesn’t want to pursue a permanent relationship. She works at a company that handles disaster recoveries for their clients.
As the story opens, one of her friends at the bar is looking at his phone and sees there’s an upload by this guy who has an amateur sex site with videos and lots of subscribers. He posts a teaser for a big event he’s promising. The group realizes it’s Tess in the sex video teaser. It states that the whole video will be released in 25 days. She knows it will ruin her career and her family relationships if the video is released.
Tess hires a lawyer to help fight the guy. The lawyer tells her they can’t identify the guy and so she won’t be able to do much. Tess goes to the computer people at her company for help. Her associate Abagail gives her the name of the best hacker she knows to get into the guy’s site and shut things down or block them. The hacker is Max. He is currently unemployed but isn’t sharing the story why. He decides to help Tess once he hears her story. He asks for her to secure him the open programmer job at her company in return for fixing this problem. As Tess isn’t the hiring person, she first gets him a temporary position with her company that she hopes will allow him to get hired permanently.
Max and Tess start spending time together in preparation for the steps he has to take to prevent Tess’s sex video from being uploaded. She is afraid of getting attached to a guy for fear he will end up hurt like her previous fiancé. Max has an ex fiancé too who keeps popping up whenever he and Tess are starting to get closer. Unfortunately for her, Tess is becoming attracted to Max.
There is a lot of excitement with Max trying to prevent the video guy from uploading the tapes, Tess trying to help Max get the job with Tess’s company and also family drama with both their families. There is a lot of chemistry between Tess and Max. I highly recommend this book. I will look to read more by Michelle in the future.
As the story opens, one of her friends at the bar is looking at his phone and sees there’s an upload by this guy who has an amateur sex site with videos and lots of subscribers. He posts a teaser for a big event he’s promising. The group realizes it’s Tess in the sex video teaser. It states that the whole video will be released in 25 days. She knows it will ruin her career and her family relationships if the video is released.
Tess hires a lawyer to help fight the guy. The lawyer tells her they can’t identify the guy and so she won’t be able to do much. Tess goes to the computer people at her company for help. Her associate Abagail gives her the name of the best hacker she knows to get into the guy’s site and shut things down or block them. The hacker is Max. He is currently unemployed but isn’t sharing the story why. He decides to help Tess once he hears her story. He asks for her to secure him the open programmer job at her company in return for fixing this problem. As Tess isn’t the hiring person, she first gets him a temporary position with her company that she hopes will allow him to get hired permanently.
Max and Tess start spending time together in preparation for the steps he has to take to prevent Tess’s sex video from being uploaded. She is afraid of getting attached to a guy for fear he will end up hurt like her previous fiancé. Max has an ex fiancé too who keeps popping up whenever he and Tess are starting to get closer. Unfortunately for her, Tess is becoming attracted to Max.
There is a lot of excitement with Max trying to prevent the video guy from uploading the tapes, Tess trying to help Max get the job with Tess’s company and also family drama with both their families. There is a lot of chemistry between Tess and Max. I highly recommend this book. I will look to read more by Michelle in the future.
May 23, 2021
Disaster Girl by Michelle Dayton was an interesting tale of how Tess Greene handles the numerous disasters she has had to deal with while growing up. Tess has dealt with dating disasters, computer disasters, family disasters, you name it she’s seen it. Just as she thinks her life is reaching perfection, she’s targeted by an internet celebrity who runs a revenge site, showing homemade adult movies; one that is followed by jerks all across the country. Tess has exactly one month to get this video removed before the entire world gets a peek of her unpleasant one-night stand; a video she thought was deleted. Tess is strong, independent, and able to handle everything life has dished out for her to deal with on her own; but this time she needs help. Max Hampshire is an amazing hacker; exactly the person Tess needs to help her. Max is a charming, considerate guy, with a wicked sense of humor, and wears a pair of sexy black-framed glasses that yell out nerd; just the kind of guy Tess could be attracted to. As Tess and Max spend time together, they discover the magnetic attraction pulling them together as well as off the chart chemistry, setting off fireworks as they connect. Despite Max being perfect for Tess she fears repeating the disaster that occurred when she broke up with her fiancé; a man whose life was crushed and heart broken by Tess’ actions. What Tess needs to realize is that Max understands her and her needs, unlike her former fiancé. No matter what happens, Max will help her take down the video and deal with the sleazy internet predator; they can deal with their feelings later. Tess has baggage and secrets from her past that she must confront and deal with before she can love herself; and maybe Max.
Ms. Dayton wrote a tale filled with strong magnetism, sizzling chemistry, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters helping Tess and Max a chance at forever love. I highly recommend Disaster Girl to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Dayton wrote a tale filled with strong magnetism, sizzling chemistry, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters helping Tess and Max a chance at forever love. I highly recommend Disaster Girl to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 25, 2021
*I received this book free from The Indie Pen PR, LLC.*
Tess didn't want to be tied down. She'd thought about it once upon a time, but on the eve of her wedding she did something that would end those vows before they were said. Since then she'd had an endless parade of men that she only used when she needed them, and vice versa. Everything changed for her when one of those one night stands was going to post a video of their encounter. After trying legal action that wasn't successful she then tried the only option she knew to prevent the videos release...a hacker.
Max had been blackballed in the business world. He'd loved his job, but his boss had become all about the money and less about the work, causing Max to do something unforgiveable. When he thought he had a possible interview he was overjoyed, only to be let down when he realized it wasn't for the company itself just for Tess. Hence he worked out a way to get what they both wanted. He'd take down her video and she'd get him in a position to get the job he wanted.
Tess and Max working together became as natural as their first encounter (before they knew each other). It wasn't long before the sparks couldn't be denied and they took things to the next step. But although they were slowly falling for each other they each had their own issues. He had an ex that he was still entirely too close to and she had relationship denial. When things go array at work it only gives her the excuse she wanted to flee.
For some though...things are truly meant to be and meant to be fought for.
Disaster Girl is an interesting rom-com filled with quirky interactions, looming doom, colorful supporting characters and well developed leads.
Tess didn't want to be tied down. She'd thought about it once upon a time, but on the eve of her wedding she did something that would end those vows before they were said. Since then she'd had an endless parade of men that she only used when she needed them, and vice versa. Everything changed for her when one of those one night stands was going to post a video of their encounter. After trying legal action that wasn't successful she then tried the only option she knew to prevent the videos release...a hacker.
Max had been blackballed in the business world. He'd loved his job, but his boss had become all about the money and less about the work, causing Max to do something unforgiveable. When he thought he had a possible interview he was overjoyed, only to be let down when he realized it wasn't for the company itself just for Tess. Hence he worked out a way to get what they both wanted. He'd take down her video and she'd get him in a position to get the job he wanted.
Tess and Max working together became as natural as their first encounter (before they knew each other). It wasn't long before the sparks couldn't be denied and they took things to the next step. But although they were slowly falling for each other they each had their own issues. He had an ex that he was still entirely too close to and she had relationship denial. When things go array at work it only gives her the excuse she wanted to flee.
For some though...things are truly meant to be and meant to be fought for.
Disaster Girl is an interesting rom-com filled with quirky interactions, looming doom, colorful supporting characters and well developed leads.
May 25, 2021
Even though Disaster Girl deals with some pretty heavy topics--revenge porn, clinical depression, blacklisting, less-than-ideal famiy dynamics--it still manages to be a fun read that made me laugh out loud more than once. Tess and Max are an easy couple to root for--they have great chemistry and mad skills at their jobs--I *loved* that though it's initially Tess who needs Max's computer abilities, he is 100% supportive of her in the workplace. Competency porn, y'all. It's a beautiful thing.
For much of the book, I honestly didn't understand why Tess's sister Kat would have given her the "Disaster Girl" nickname--it truly isn't earned--but near the end, once everything about Tess's past is (finally!) revealed (to readers, and eventually to Max as well) her thinking becomes more clear. Still not justified, but Kat--like the reader--didn't have the full story up until then. Her and Max's black moment nearly breaks my heart as much as it did theirs, but Tess makes everything better in the end, coming clean to Max and showing just how much she's grown and changed since the last relationship she'd been beating herself up about since it ended. Their HEA had me closing my ereader with a giant smile on my face, taking a quick look at the author's backlist with a lot of interest.
Disaster Girl is told completely from Tess's first person POV, and it was an excellent choice. This was my first book by Michelle Dayton, but definitely not my last!
Rating: 4 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
For much of the book, I honestly didn't understand why Tess's sister Kat would have given her the "Disaster Girl" nickname--it truly isn't earned--but near the end, once everything about Tess's past is (finally!) revealed (to readers, and eventually to Max as well) her thinking becomes more clear. Still not justified, but Kat--like the reader--didn't have the full story up until then. Her and Max's black moment nearly breaks my heart as much as it did theirs, but Tess makes everything better in the end, coming clean to Max and showing just how much she's grown and changed since the last relationship she'd been beating herself up about since it ended. Their HEA had me closing my ereader with a giant smile on my face, taking a quick look at the author's backlist with a lot of interest.
Disaster Girl is told completely from Tess's first person POV, and it was an excellent choice. This was my first book by Michelle Dayton, but definitely not my last!
Rating: 4 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 28, 2021
I have to tell you guys, this one I loved. It was the right balance between left brain, right brain. It was funny but emotional too. Sometimes a book comes along that surprises me in its theme and this one did that. It was a feminists story about rising above your circumstances and accepting who you are and not giving a d**m what others think. It was also about forging your own path and accepting responsibility for where you were at.
This couple was funny and hot from the get go. Who would expect a crisis consultant to need a hacker to help her save her reputation?? Both were dressed to the nines at their first meet when neither of them could be less put together at that point. The connection she writes is palpable and dreamy. So much so it seems to take forever for them to get “together” and move on over the perceived obstacles. The workplace was realistic from both a woman’s perspective and as a professional setting where good looks are belittled and brains are rewarded, but the clients believe those traits are mutually exclusive.
She kept the off duty fun and raucous while the work place was subdued and business like. It was like a real life person would do. I mean we all have to make money. I also loved that the hero was never rich and was just a working stiff making ends meet trying to do a good thing. I liked how two people could have a romance and it not be sappy sweet or a rich person with time to spare. These were real people with real problems working together and making life better for each other one day at a time. This is why I’m giving this a 5 of 5. Such a refreshing story.
This couple was funny and hot from the get go. Who would expect a crisis consultant to need a hacker to help her save her reputation?? Both were dressed to the nines at their first meet when neither of them could be less put together at that point. The connection she writes is palpable and dreamy. So much so it seems to take forever for them to get “together” and move on over the perceived obstacles. The workplace was realistic from both a woman’s perspective and as a professional setting where good looks are belittled and brains are rewarded, but the clients believe those traits are mutually exclusive.
She kept the off duty fun and raucous while the work place was subdued and business like. It was like a real life person would do. I mean we all have to make money. I also loved that the hero was never rich and was just a working stiff making ends meet trying to do a good thing. I liked how two people could have a romance and it not be sappy sweet or a rich person with time to spare. These were real people with real problems working together and making life better for each other one day at a time. This is why I’m giving this a 5 of 5. Such a refreshing story.
April 23, 2021
Feels 2
Steam 3
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
This book had me laughing out loud more than once. The quick witty one liners were perfect and well timed. Tess is just a mess...plain and simple. But her life seems to be getting better and her career has the potential to take off. She has a huge opportunity at work and she is grabbing it by the horns.
Only one problem...it seems that there is a revenge porn site up and running on the internet and the owner posts videos by towns of girls having sex with him. So needless to say when her town is announced and a preview of the videos are released, her friends recognize her and tell her. She is devastated and determined to get those videos taken down...not just of her but everyone.
Through a work friend, she meets Max, a brilliant hacker. Little by little Tess is attracted to Max and vice versa. There is so much content and scenes, this book was a page turner for sure. Max is absolutely one of my top favorite male characters. He is subtly and unknowingly hot, super smart and has a heart of gold. Literally the perfect guy. But will Tess see that? Or is she too blinded by her video to see what is right in front of her.
This was a great storyline, sparking chemistry between the two main characters and wonderful supporting characters. It was super funny and I definitely recommend it!
Steam 3
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
This book had me laughing out loud more than once. The quick witty one liners were perfect and well timed. Tess is just a mess...plain and simple. But her life seems to be getting better and her career has the potential to take off. She has a huge opportunity at work and she is grabbing it by the horns.
Only one problem...it seems that there is a revenge porn site up and running on the internet and the owner posts videos by towns of girls having sex with him. So needless to say when her town is announced and a preview of the videos are released, her friends recognize her and tell her. She is devastated and determined to get those videos taken down...not just of her but everyone.
Through a work friend, she meets Max, a brilliant hacker. Little by little Tess is attracted to Max and vice versa. There is so much content and scenes, this book was a page turner for sure. Max is absolutely one of my top favorite male characters. He is subtly and unknowingly hot, super smart and has a heart of gold. Literally the perfect guy. But will Tess see that? Or is she too blinded by her video to see what is right in front of her.
This was a great storyline, sparking chemistry between the two main characters and wonderful supporting characters. It was super funny and I definitely recommend it!
April 22, 2021
This book had me laughing out loud more then once. The quick witty one liners were perfect and well timed. Tess is just a mess..plain and simple. But her life seems to be getting better and her career has the potential to take off. She has a huge opportunity at work and she is grabbing it by the horns.
Only one problem....it seems that there is a revenge porn site up and running on the internet and the owner of it posts videos by towns of girls, having sex with him...So needless to say when her town is announced and a preview of said videos are released - friends of hers recognize her and tell her. She is devastated and determined to get those videos taken down, not just of her but everyone.
Through a work friend, she is connected to Max - a brilliant hacker. But little by little Tess is attracted to Max and vice versa. There is so much content and scenes, this book was a page turner for sure. Max is absolutely one of my top favorite male characters. He is subtly and unknowingly hot, super smart and has a heart of gold. Literally the perfect guy. But will Tess see that? Or is she too blinded by this video to see what is right in front of her.
This was a great storyline, great chemistry of the two main characters and great supporting characters. It was super funny and I definately recommend it!
Only one problem....it seems that there is a revenge porn site up and running on the internet and the owner of it posts videos by towns of girls, having sex with him...So needless to say when her town is announced and a preview of said videos are released - friends of hers recognize her and tell her. She is devastated and determined to get those videos taken down, not just of her but everyone.
Through a work friend, she is connected to Max - a brilliant hacker. But little by little Tess is attracted to Max and vice versa. There is so much content and scenes, this book was a page turner for sure. Max is absolutely one of my top favorite male characters. He is subtly and unknowingly hot, super smart and has a heart of gold. Literally the perfect guy. But will Tess see that? Or is she too blinded by this video to see what is right in front of her.
This was a great storyline, great chemistry of the two main characters and great supporting characters. It was super funny and I definately recommend it!
May 17, 2021
OMW - sometimes I wonder who Tess gets through life! It's one disaster after another - this comment from the self-proclaimed disaster queen! Even I have never had so many calamities at one time LOL.
Tess deals with disaster at her job but nothing is more disastrous than her love life. Sure ONS may be sexy, adventurous, and worthy of epic tales. But one miscalculated move and a particular ONS is about to bite Tess on the derriere!
Revenge porn is every woman's worst nightmare. Tess knows she needs to be creative to get rid of the offending video ASAP and she's willing to think outside the box to do it. Enter Max, coder by day, hacker by economic necessity. He'll do Tess's dirty work and in return, he wants a fair interview - he's sick of his previous boss making his life miserable.
Max isn't your average hero - he is more cerebral than anything but he definitely has his Alpha moments! He'd fly under the radar, his handsomeness is toned down by his easygoing nature and unassuming hero status. Tess is by turns sweet and naive, sexy and adventurous, but always, always that disaster is nearby! I loved that her one-woman mission turned into a team mission and then a class action!
Brilliantly witty, colourful characters and a cast of funny and talented secondary characters. Would definitely read more by this author.
Tess deals with disaster at her job but nothing is more disastrous than her love life. Sure ONS may be sexy, adventurous, and worthy of epic tales. But one miscalculated move and a particular ONS is about to bite Tess on the derriere!
Revenge porn is every woman's worst nightmare. Tess knows she needs to be creative to get rid of the offending video ASAP and she's willing to think outside the box to do it. Enter Max, coder by day, hacker by economic necessity. He'll do Tess's dirty work and in return, he wants a fair interview - he's sick of his previous boss making his life miserable.
Max isn't your average hero - he is more cerebral than anything but he definitely has his Alpha moments! He'd fly under the radar, his handsomeness is toned down by his easygoing nature and unassuming hero status. Tess is by turns sweet and naive, sexy and adventurous, but always, always that disaster is nearby! I loved that her one-woman mission turned into a team mission and then a class action!
Brilliantly witty, colourful characters and a cast of funny and talented secondary characters. Would definitely read more by this author.
May 25, 2021
Poor Tess, this girl is a magnet for disasters in all areas of her life, and I certainly could relate to her so much. She was a unique heroine that I loved so much, so I definitely found myself wanting to slay all of her dragons that's for sure. She's finally gotten to a place in life where it's been smooth sailing when a nasty internet celebrity who has a revenge porn site has her in their sights so she has a limited time before her history is fodder for creepy internet dudes. This is how she came face to face with Max, a hacker extraordinaire who she's hoping can help her before time's up. Little did she know that she & Max would have chemistry in spades, or that he was a guy she couldn't stop thinking about. However, due to her past filled with disasters, she feels like he's better off if she leaves him alone but the best laid plans amirite?! Disaster Girl was an amazing, and addictive story that I found myself ALL IN from the jump so hit your one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 27, 2021
This story was not quite what I was expected but it kept me sucked in and I read it all in once sitting WAY later than I should have stayed up. Tess intrigued me so. She was so confident and unapologetic for doing what she wanted to when she wanted to. And I loved that about her! She was unapologetically herself and living what she thought was her best life. Until NCP (which I didn't know was an acronym for non-consensual p0rn) and a former one-night stand (ONS) is threatening her happiness.
Enter Max, hacker extraordinaire. Tess gets linked up with Max via a coworker to hack into the ONS's server to delete her video. Tess and Max have insane amounts of chemistry which makes Max's entrance into Tess's life a little more awkward.
I loved the different layers to Tess. She seems so footloose and fancy free but she is really responsible and taking care of her mom and her sister and looking out for those around her. All that Tess is dealing with, and being open and honest in the narrative about her therapy, was a refreshing change to read.
Enter Max, hacker extraordinaire. Tess gets linked up with Max via a coworker to hack into the ONS's server to delete her video. Tess and Max have insane amounts of chemistry which makes Max's entrance into Tess's life a little more awkward.
I loved the different layers to Tess. She seems so footloose and fancy free but she is really responsible and taking care of her mom and her sister and looking out for those around her. All that Tess is dealing with, and being open and honest in the narrative about her therapy, was a refreshing change to read.
April 23, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down.
I was originally drawn to the title and blurb of this book, but I honestly didn’t know what to expect from it. I was quickly pulled into the story and couldn’t wait to see how it ended. Tess kicks butt. Literally. She is one tough girl. When Tess found out a sex video, that she made years ago, was about to go live on a porn website, she recruited the help of a friend of one of her co-workers to hack into the website and delete her video. Little did Tess realize, she would soon find herself falling for Max, even though he was totally opposite of the men she was usually attracted to. The sex tape and new romance weren’t the only things going on in Tess’s life, she also had family issues that needed to be worked out. This book is a good mix of rom-com, revenge and family drama.
I was originally drawn to the title and blurb of this book, but I honestly didn’t know what to expect from it. I was quickly pulled into the story and couldn’t wait to see how it ended. Tess kicks butt. Literally. She is one tough girl. When Tess found out a sex video, that she made years ago, was about to go live on a porn website, she recruited the help of a friend of one of her co-workers to hack into the website and delete her video. Little did Tess realize, she would soon find herself falling for Max, even though he was totally opposite of the men she was usually attracted to. The sex tape and new romance weren’t the only things going on in Tess’s life, she also had family issues that needed to be worked out. This book is a good mix of rom-com, revenge and family drama.
May 21, 2021
Disaster Girl by Michelle Dayton is written perhaps for a cooler, more sophisticated audience than me I think. The story is well-written with some interesting characters. Tess is one hot mess, disaster. With plenty of funny one liners you could find this story out loud funny except that were a few issues I had that stopped me from enjoying the book. I think I was thinking as a mother and not as it is just a funny story with an impulsive woman. I did like that she wanted to stop other videos of others being posted too. As for Max, he is a brilliant hacker who could accomplish what Tess wanted done. Romance to follow.
Three stars for content at times and four stars for being funny.
3.5 Stars Overall
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Three stars for content at times and four stars for being funny.
3.5 Stars Overall
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 20, 2021
This book did something that doesn’t happen often lately – it made me feel things! First off, I have to say that I adored Tess and Max. And Roz – especially Roz! I was expecting an entertaining book, but this one was captivating. I felt so much rage for Tess when she found out what happened, and after meeting with her lawyer. I could relate to so many things in this book and it felt so very real. I could feel her elation, her sadness, her frustration. And caregiver stress is a very real thing, and the author nailed that feeling as well.
Max. Max is perfection. I could give so many examples but I don’t want to give anything away, so just trust me on this. Definitely read this one, though. The banter, the chemistry, the friendships, the family crises – this book has it all.
Max. Max is perfection. I could give so many examples but I don’t want to give anything away, so just trust me on this. Definitely read this one, though. The banter, the chemistry, the friendships, the family crises – this book has it all.
May 19, 2021
This book drew me in from almost the first page a wonderful read that had me laughing aloud more than once it was the perfect escape how one woman could have so many disasters in her life I'll never know but it did make Tess the person she was
Tess seems to bounce from one disaster to the next in her life but this is the worst one by far she is about to have her sexual history scattered across the internet enter Max a gorgeous hacker who she could easily fall for but she knows that she will just bring disaster to his life as well so she intends to walk away after he has helped her only problem is Max has no intention of letting her go Can they have a future You will have to read to see
Tess seems to bounce from one disaster to the next in her life but this is the worst one by far she is about to have her sexual history scattered across the internet enter Max a gorgeous hacker who she could easily fall for but she knows that she will just bring disaster to his life as well so she intends to walk away after he has helped her only problem is Max has no intention of letting her go Can they have a future You will have to read to see
May 30, 2021
Tess's middle name is disaster, but she finally things her life is going in the right direction when she finds out that there is an internet porn video of her going up shortly. She is use to doing her own thing but she knows she needs help, so she enlists, Max the Hacker. He is brilliant with his skills, on and off the computer. The last thing that Tess does not need is the sweetness of Max, but things might change.
First off I love that the story was set in my hometown of Chicago!! Loves Tess, very strong willed and independent. Max was perfect, sexy and sweet all mixed in. Loved the banter between the two. This was a fun page turning story that you don't want to miss.
First off I love that the story was set in my hometown of Chicago!! Loves Tess, very strong willed and independent. Max was perfect, sexy and sweet all mixed in. Loved the banter between the two. This was a fun page turning story that you don't want to miss.
February 9, 2023
After finishing this book, I attempted to describe it to my teen. They responded "hmm, seems pretty cliche...". Now I likely did not do this book justice with my inadequate descriptive summary, but maybe it is a bit cliche. However, this isn't one of those yet another billionaire or CEO or Navy Seal or Biker romances that seem so pervasive nowadays, so huge positive win there. To be honest, I fell in love with Tess and her take no prisoners personality. Plus that I'm a silicon valley geek that has more than just a passing resemblance to Max made me especially adore this book. Looking forward to reading more from this series!
April 20, 2021
I really liked this novel about a young woman who finds herself in a disaster that could ruin her life. There is nothing like finding out that a creep is going to release a sex tape you and he made when you were young and foolish. Enter a handsome superb hacker, chemistry that is off the charts, and the tension of not knowing if your life is about to unravel and you get a great novel. The characters are witty, the topic is scary, and the end will take you by surprise.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 20, 2021
When I started reading this book I was not sure what I was falling into. But the longer I read the more I was sucked into this world of Tess and Max. What's funny is I realized that this book and the character Tess is somewhat based on how my life was for so many years... minus the video. No video floating around. I really enjoyed reading this book. Tess and Max as well as the cast of characters which I am hoping will be in books to come. All these people become like friends and family to me. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for more books from this author as well.
May 21, 2021
If you are looking for a book that will have you laughing out loud and keep you smiling then look no further this book is for you. From the very first page I was captivated by the story line and the character were something else! Tess is such a strong a determined woman. Nothing honestly gets in her way when she sets her mind on something she makes things happen. Max is absolutely brilliant and he has a very big heart. These two were great together and their story will make you smile. Definitely a 5 star read. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2021
I LOVED this book, from start to finish. I’ve read all of this author’s books and am always thrilled when she publishes another book as they never disappoint! The characters in Disaster Girl were soooo relatable and funny and warm and well-developed that you never wanted to stop being part of their story. The plot is engrossing and super relevant to current culture. I read 1-2 books a week (popular fiction, mystery / thrillers, romance, historical fiction, all comers) and this book rates among the best. Read it, you will be in for hours of entertainment!
May 25, 2021
Tess literally lives up to her nickname of disaster girl when something not within her control happens. With the help of Max it gets resolved. Max has issues of his own thanks to his former employer. Tess thought that she could never be herself with a man since she couldn't be so with her ex-fiancee. With Max things were different as well as when they first met. She learned that with Max she could be herself and have a love of her own. In a way they do get their happy ending together.
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