Liked It“In the latest installment of the Black Knights series, Julie Ann Walker certainly does not disappoint. One of the Black Knights, Rock Babineau has gone off the grid. He’s been accused of murder, terrorism and a host of other things which we hope he didn’t do. Vanessa, the newest Knight, is...” see full review » see other reviews » |
“In the latest installment of the Black Knights series, Julie Ann Walker certainly does not disappoint. One of the Black Knights, Rock Babineau has gone off the grid. He’s been accused of murder, terrorism and a host of other things which we hope he didn’t do. Vanessa, the newest Knight, is sure he’s innocent but how to go about proving it?
This steamy novel treats us to hot sex, hotter violence and shows us what the Black Knights are really made of. Worth your time to read it but….you may want a fan or two by your side because, as usual – this book is HOT!
I would like to mention the other three books in this series so far: Hell on Wheels, Rev It Up and In Rides Trouble. Born Wild, book five will be out in October. I can’t wait! The Knights will become part of your favorite series, I promise
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“Review Pending.”
Tracy wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I'm so in love with the Black Knights. Where can I meet them?? This is the second book by Julia Walker I have read and I love her writing. Rev It Up was my introduction to her and I loved the Jake the Snake so much I went and got all the other books in the series that I didn't have right away. I really loved the glimpses of Rock and Vanessa we got in the book. I love that each book gave you a preview of the next Black Knight to fall in love. I'm so intriqued I can't wait to read the next one.
In reading Rev It Up, I had some serious expectations for Rock & Vanessa's story and Julie delivered on them all. Rock is just that man who is so awesome but doesn't take himself too seriously, he's confident but not arrogant, and he fell hard for Vanessa although he didn't think he should act on it. Vanessa fell for the hot cajun the minute she walked into the Black Knights building, she wanted to be a tough operator and she did her best to toughen up so she could fit in. She totally kicked ass when she needed to, and even though her goal was 'tough operator" she was still in touch with her feelings; & still knew when she was totally out of her depths and allowed Rock to lead where Rock led.
That moment in Eve's house?!?!?!?! OMGawds, even though I knew what was happening I was still devestated right along with her. I was totally invested in the story and couldn't put it down, Poor Vanessa, she probably lost like ten years off her life.
It took one day to read this because I dived right in and didn't come up for air until I finished it. The characters are so well written and it's so engaging, the wit, the funny stories, I can't wait to read Steady's story by the way, "details are superflouos" indeed, I loved those glimpse into each character's personality. I loved the inner monologue of both Rock & Vanessa, they are so awesome, I so couldn't stop reading that garage scene then when Ghost caught them?!!! The laugh was pretty loud when I read that scene. Heck I'm smiling now writing about it.
Eve looks like shs's going to be a great character as well. I can't wait to read the story between her and her guy, it should be totally interesting. Now excuse me while I catch up with the rest of the Black Knights I'm heading to Becky's first then I hear Ali's story is kick ass as well. See you guys. Have fun!!”
“Wow. Intense action right from the beginning. Rock has been accused of going rogue and is on the run from his own government. It doesn't take long for his teammates at BKI to figure out that he's been set up, but finding a man who doesn't want to be found isn't going to be easy.
I loved Rock. When we've seen him in previous books (Black Knights Inc) he's been pretty quiet and is often off doing other work when he's not on a mission. When he realizes he's been set up and targeted for elimination because of that other work he disappears so that he can figure out what happened. He is determined to do this alone as he does not want his friends at BKI to be sucked into his mess. He is stunned and angry when Vanessa tracks him down and tries to get her to go back without him. Before that happens they are located by the feds who are after him and have to go on the run. The race through the jungle in intense with the descriptions so good I could almost feel the humidity and hear the wildlife. The attraction between Rock and Vanessa also intensifies but Rock makes it clear that nothing will come of it. He has a past that makes him avoid commitment and he sees her as someone who wants more. Throughout the story he has a constant battle to try to keep her at arm's length. I found his fear that his problems could harm the Knights logical, and also loved the way that they refused to let him shut them out.
Vanessa hasn't worked at BKI for long but she has been drawn to Rock since the beginning. She is the team communications and language expert. She is especially attuned to sounds and something about his voice just intensifies her attraction to him. She is the first to express her disbelief at the accusations against Rock and ultimately is the one who finds him. I love her determination and strength of will. She has a couple of insecurities that affect her actions but is helped through them by Rock. She also knows what she wants from Rock and isn't afraid to go after it even though he keeps trying to push her away. I loved the way she brought him back together with the Knights even though it was incredibly hard on her. Besides her growing love for him Vanessa's biggest focus is on helping him prove his innocence.
One of my favorite things about the BKI books is how tight they all are. There is nothing more important than supporting your teammates. Besides that support I love all the interactions among them: Bill getting testy when his sister or Frank make comments about their marriage, Ozzie's obsession with movies and 80s music, the sizzle between Eve and Billy. I loved the way that they all worked together in Costa Rica to save Rock from the feds; it was a fantastic plot. I also love the humor that is always there as they find some unique ways to solve some problems. The mystery itself was well done - I had no clue who had done it until the end.”
“THRILL RIDE by Julie Ann Walker is an interesting romantic suspense set in Chicago, Illinois and Costa Rica. #4 in the " Black Knights Inc" series,but can be read as a stand alone. See, " Hell on Wheels","In Rides Trouble", and "Rev It Up". What a sexy,fast paced story from beginning to end. Ex-Navy Seal Rock Babineaux is in trouble, hunted by his own government,accused of murder,and a tough as nails Cajun,with no one to trust except, Vanessa Cordera,his ex-partner. Vanessa, is Black Knights Inc,communication specialist,a sexy one at that,and knows Rock is no murderer. He could not be a murderer,she is determined to help him at all cost,even to her losing her heart and maybe both of their lives. With the CIA,NSA,and others after them,passion and the fight or flight kicks into high gear. High octane, edgy,sexy, thrill ride filled with adventure,intense moments,and did I mention love on the run. Follow Rock,Vanessa and others on the Black Knights Inc. team on a journey to find who and why Rock was framed. Fast paced and action packed. You will not go wrong with "Thrill Ride" especially if you enjoy romantic suspense, high energy action,Special ops alpha guys and girls, and lots of action. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews”
“Like this series even though it is blatant copy of Tara Janzen crazy series.”
Stephenie wrote this review Monday, April 22, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Excuse me while I squee like a little girl after reading "Thrill Ride". =)
Julie Ann Walker definitely takes you for a "Thrill Ride" literally in the fourth installment to the Black Knights Inc Series.
You will fall in love with Rock Babineaux and if you have ever met a person with a Louisiana accent (like I have), you'll be reading Rock's part with a Cajun accent because that is exactly what I was doing while reading this book. I could not help it. (Think of the show Swamp People)
Rock is stubborn, but loyal, and downright the best person to be with when all crap hits the fan because he knows how to get you out of it.
I friggin' loved him in "Thrill Ride" and was excited to read his book and see if he would get his butt whooped by Vanessa for being so stubborn.
Vanessa definitely became a fave female character in the series after I read "Thrill Ride. She is stubborn as well because she will do anything to find Rock and prove his innocence.
Rock is in hiding due to what he was assigned to do (although he finds out the truth on who actually assigned him the interrogations) and now he is being framed for killing the people who interrogated. Of course, he knows the truth that is why he is trying to stay in hiding and keep the Black Knights safe...but the Black Knights are all about finding Rock and proving his innocence with or without Rock's permission. They will do anything for each other. ANYTHING! =)
"Thrill Ride" will take you on a ride through Costa Rica and you will literally feel like you are trying to outrun the CIA and the people who are trying to capture and kill Rock. Julie Ann Walker does a bang up job on Rock's and Vanessa's story. You will get adventure, suspense, LOTS of hot romance, and of course a lot of sexual tension between Rock and Vanessa...because ROCK is so friggin' stubborn.
I loved the story behind this book and you even get a taste of the next couple's book...Wild Bill and Eve. (*sigh*...I want their book already because those two seriously have a LOT of tension between each other)
I give this book 5 full moons and highly recommend it to romantic suspense fans out there. If you are a diehard fan like I am when it comes to Julie Ann Walker and her Black Knights, you will devour this book within a day or two .
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”
“Rock! You're so yummy with that Cajun accent!”
Braine wrote this review Thursday, April 11, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I love this series! This one took us from the rain forest of Central America to the familiar hang out of Chicago and the ride was thrilling. I loved Rock and Vanessa and was looking forward to their HEA. This book did not disappoint. I could not put this book down, the action of running from the CIA and then trying to clear Rock's name was just too exciting to miss. This is one series that I definitely put on my pre-order list. ”
Angie D wrote this review Tuesday, April 9, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“~Reviewed by FRANCESCA & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog
“Nothing better than a sexy cajun, and Rock is all that with a heart of gold.” ~Under the Covers
THRILL RIDE was my favorite book in this series, so far. I think that the author seems more comfortable in her own writing with this one and the whole book flowed very well. Nothing felt pressured or rushed or out of place.
The chemistry between Rock and Vanessa was sizzling, and that was even from book three when they were on assignment together. In this book, Rock starts out going rogue. But is he really responsible for what they’re blaming him for? Vanessa can’t wrap her mind around that and along with the Black Knights, they go in search of their teammate and will try to clear his name and take the target off his back.
Of course, Vanessa is the one that finds him before the rest of the team and they are put in some dangers together. That chemistry I talked about before comes rushing back full force when they are secluded and all alone in the jungle…and Vanessa develops a serious case of the scares.
What can I say about Rock….he’s hot, sexy, big, alpha and…CAJUN. *thud* Deadly combination on my senses. I think that may be why I loved him from the very beginning. Vanessa is a hot latina and tough chick (she is part of the Black Knights after all) but she showed a more feminine side in this book. I liked seeing the contrast and of course, I loved seeing Rock swoop in. Nothing better than a sexy cajun, and Rock is all that with a heart of gold.
The story was interesting even though a bit predictable. We still had the funny themes we’ve seen throughout this series (I mean…vibrators taped to windows to jam listening devices? LOL).
We also get bits of Billy and Eve in this book and they just make me so anxious to read their book, even though Eve is not a favorite of mine. It seems Billy has so much bottled up inside and maybe bringing all that out will bring a different side of Eve out as well. At least I’m hoping.
*ARC provided by publisher
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