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Rev It Up (Black Knights Inc. #3)

by Julie Ann Walker (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 1,589 ratings · 199 reviews

He's the heartbreaker she left behind...

He Never Misses a Target

Jake "the Snake" Sommers earned his SEAL code name by striking quickly and quietly—and with lethal force. That's also how he broke Michelle Carter's heart. It was the only way to keep her safe—from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle's lovi...more

Mass Market Paperback, 321 pages

Published October 2nd 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

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Oct 15, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-for-review, 4-stars, 2012-reads, author-julie-ann-walker, series-black-knights-inc, ex-military-black-ops, reviewed-for-netgalley, reviewed-for-publisher, reviewed-at-blithelybookish

Rev it Up is the third book in Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights, Inc. series and my favorite of the three, so far. The story was both action-packed and poignant, opening with a heartbreaking, intense scene that had me feeling anger, sadness and loss. From the very first pages the tortured hero, Jake Sommers, grabbed hold of my heart and didn’t let go.

Soldier. Hero. Ladies’ Man. He’s the one who broke her heart...

Career soldier Jake “The Snake” Sommers has made a few mistakes in his life, but no

...more
Rev it Up is the third book in Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights, Inc. series and my favorite of the three, so far. The story was both action-packed and poignant, opening with a heartbreaking, intense scene that had me feeling anger, sadness and loss. From the very first pages the tortured hero, Jake Sommers, grabbed hold of my heart and didn’t let go.

Soldier. Hero. Ladies’ Man. He’s the one who broke her heart...

Career soldier Jake “The Snake” Sommers has made a few mistakes in his life, but none so terrible as forsaking the only woman he’s ever loved. But he’s finally conquered his inner demon, the one that thirsted only for blood. So, now he’s back. And he’s not leaving without Michelle. Unfortunately, her enemy has other plans. Plans to see her dead.

Mother. Warrior. Lover. She’s the one he left behind...

Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for abandoning her all those years ago. Now he’s suddenly back, after she’s finally begun to make a life for herself. But her safe, orderly world is about be blown apart. With a psychotic Las Vegas mobster gunning for her, she has no choice but to turn to Jake. Only there’s more at stake than her life. As they all head for a showdown, something that was never meant to be revealed is suddenly thrown into the light. And with a secret this hot, there’s bound to be an explosion.

I’ve enjoyed all three BKI stories but this one drew me in on many levels. A truly emotionally tortured hero, a widow whose husband served with Jake, raising her small child alone, fighting the memories of her own dysfunctional childhood that we learned of in the last book… yes, this story has it all and kept me turning the pages faster and faster wanting to find out what happens next, yet not wanting the story to end.

One of the things I most love about Ms. Walker's writing is her ability to take us from poignant to sexy to funny to intense... and she does it so well that you can actually imagine yourself there, caught up in whatever it is that's taking place. And I love that! I want to be drawn in. I want to feel the passion, the fear, the hope... to be engrossed, enthralled and captivated by the story and the characters, and with Rev it Up that's exactly what I got. I can't ask for more than that!

My thanks to netgalley.com and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, the pleasure was mine.(less)

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Oct 04, 2012 Lazy Jeff rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read, suspense

I don’t know what was it. A syzygy, maybe? Geomagnetic storm? Brain transplantation? Transmigration of soul? I don’t really care what it was ‘cause – and it’s official – Julie Ann Walker FINALLY DID IT! WOOHOO!

Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

JAKE ‘THE SNAKE’
My GR friend Ange kindly noticed that his name sounds like WWE wrestling nickname. At first I had thought ‘Aaaahhh! Ugh! Brrr! OMG’. But then I found some pictures of WWE wrestlers. So, keep calm, guys, it’s not that bad. Like, at al...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rev it Up is the third story in Julie Ann Walker's Black Nights, Inc. series. I've really enjoyed all the books in this series so far and Rev it Up is no exception. This book focuses on Michelle Carter (Frank's sister) and Jake Sommers, fairly new characters to the series.

Jake “the Snake” is back Chicago and his only goal is to get back into Michelle’s life and win her heart. Michelle is the woman he has loved for a long time despite turning away from her four years earlier. Jake is ready for a...more

Rev it Up is the third story in Julie Ann Walker's Black Nights, Inc. series. I've really enjoyed all the books in this series so far and Rev it Up is no exception. This book focuses on Michelle Carter (Frank's sister) and Jake Sommers, fairly new characters to the series.

Jake “the Snake” is back Chicago and his only goal is to get back into Michelle’s life and win her heart. Michelle is the woman he has loved for a long time despite turning away from her four years earlier. Jake is ready for a relationship with Michelle and now feels like he has conquered his demons and is worthy of her love. Will Michelle be ready to accept him back with open arms? Michelle had her heart trampled on by Jake and now he is back with declarations of love. She is unsure if she can trust him again. So much more is at stake now that she is a mother to a three year old little boy. Can she open her heart once again? Will Jake be able to see past her big secret? Can these two individuals who have been through so much have another chance at love and get their HEA?

I loved Jake! He definitely fits in with the Black Nights guys and is Mr. Alpha to the extreme. Being a SEAL like the rest of the guys has shaped him and turned him into a hardened soldier. Despite all this, we see him at his most vulnerable throughout this story. He is there to win back the woman he loves and she is not making it easy on him. I loved Jake's devotion towards Michelle. He fights for her and proves to her that he wants her in his life. Michelle was an easy character to love. Being a single mother with a dead war-hero husband wasn’t easy, yet she has given her son the best life she can. She is sweet and kind-hearted and although she isn’t perfect, she is the kind of adorable heroine that I always connect with. As more and more of her story unraveled, we see how strong and resilient she was. We also discover why she is not making it easy for Jake.

All in all, the third installment of the Black Knights, Inc. series is a great read. It's a story about love and second chances. I love this series and can't wait for future books!(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Sunny rated it 3 of 5 stars

Reading this book is part of my compulsion to read books in a series, even if the first book is good, not great. It is a bit of a conundrum. My recent experience with first books has bit a little disappointing Hell On Wheels, felt that it had some problems, and was not inclined to read any more. Even so, I thought this book would be a fine IBB (In Between Book). I'm sorry to say that although, the story is stronger than the debut, this book has the same execution problems as the first.

My biggest...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Mara rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I tried, I swear I tried, but really I couldn't bear this idiocy. I don't know what other people's idea of romance is. I don't think mine is something like this.

I find awful that a woman's life is on hold because eons ago she loved a prick and could never overcome this love. (It's demeaning to her husband and whatever love she had for him, too.) I find awful that he expects to come back to her life and she has to roll with it. I find awful that a brother wouldn't stand on his sister's side and...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-suspense

When a madman starts targeting Black Knights loved ones in order to get back for the death of his brother, Jake becomes Michelle's body guard. They had a past which of course ended badly and even though Jake is ready to lay it all out there for Michelle, she isn't very forgiving on the way Jake ended things.

Since the last book ended with Jake storming in demanding to see Michelle, I knew their story was next. I didn't know anything about these two characters, so I was looking forward to startin...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Amy Jacobs rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

Oh Ms. Walker, how you love to tease me and pull me back into this world. Suspense and romance in one book is always a good thing, but when Julie Ann Walker writes it, I want to jump for joy. I loved the first one in this series and they just keep getting better.

Even though the main character of Jake "the Snake" Sommers reminds me of watching wrestling with my father in the early years, I found myself falling for him very quickly. He was strong, determined and sexy as all get out. Michelle is a...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, suspense-mystery

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

A full-alert, high-voltage, fraught-with-danger, vicarious experience that is sprinkled with humor and super-charged with breathtaking love is in store for Rev It Up readers. Julie Ann Walker takes the reader into the world of Black Knights Inc.—a black ops organization that does whatever it takes to keep America safe and free without anybody knowing who they are. Some of these tough warriors’ language shocks at times, but it tells mu...more Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

A full-alert, high-voltage, fraught-with-danger, vicarious experience that is sprinkled with humor and super-charged with breathtaking love is in store for Rev It Up readers. Julie Ann Walker takes the reader into the world of Black Knights Inc.—a black ops organization that does whatever it takes to keep America safe and free without anybody knowing who they are. Some of these tough warriors’ language shocks at times, but it tells much about them and how it is part of the coping methods that keep them sane and alive.

Michelle (Shell) Carter, the Boss Frank Knight’s sister, is no pushover even though she does have a tender heart and a special talent for listening to and caring about others. She is especially protective of her three–year-old son Franklin (he is a darling—so comfortable in his own little skin). Her childhood had been full of insecurity and lack of love, but she was determined Franklin’s would not be that way even though she is a single parent.

When the gorgeous, tattooed, charming exSEAL, Jake “The Snake” reappears after a four year absence, Shell reinforces her defenses. She tells herself, shame on him for fooling me once, shame on me for letting him fool me twice, and NO way, Never, Not-a-chance will he get to fool me again. But fate seems to love a challenge.

Since Jake and fate have a unique connection—a love/hate sort of thing, the air is charged with almost-out-of-control emotions when Shell and Jake meet again. Their explosive relationship adds to the already on-edge situation at Black Knights Inc. Every operative has a fifty thousand dollar price on his or her head, courtesy of a Las Vegas illegal arms dealer Johnny Vitiglioni that has a vendetta against them. When Johnny learned the Black Knights boss had a sister, he deemed it his personal mission to get to her and make Frank Knight pay for what he had done. Adrenaline-pumping events transpire that make breath-holding reading.

With assassins crawling out of the woodwork, all hands are pressed into active duty. Rock, the Cajun, and Vanessa, the communications expert, end up on stakeout together in a “charge-by-the-hour motel. They liven up the story big time. Other secondary characters, each with his or her own specialty, have one thing in common, they know how to fight and kill when necessary—not a faint heart in the bunch.

Readers, who have read Hell On Wheels and In Rides Trouble, will recognize many of the secondary characters and for those who haven’t, a special treat is in store. Each and every one of the characters has an air of mystery and unique personality that intrigues, right down to the ugly, overweight cat Peanut.

Julie Ann Walker creates a riveting story that assails the senses and churns of emotions. Her ability to make the reader feel the danger, the hurt, the love, and the “in-your-face” attitude, with bits of humor here and there is phenomenal. Rev It Up is a captivating story just like the first two books in this series. If ever two people deserved to find their happy-ever-after it is Shell and Jake—and, of course, that little sweetie Franklin. He is like icing on the cake.

With happy-ever-afters for three of these black ops guys to celebrate, I’m looking for Ms. Walker’s next book in this series to vicariously experience new adventures with Black Knights Inc. as some of the other guys find their soul mates. I’m thinking Rock and Vanessa may find that special connection soon and maybe even Billy and Eve. Of course, I do hope Ozzie, the computer whiz, and Angel, the ex Mossad agent, both have that special someone out there just waiting until the time is right to appear.
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Nov 07, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read, romance, romantic-suspense

Excellent book. Jake is back and determined to win Michelle's love. To do that, he has to convince her that he truly loves her. But first, he has to keep her safe. I really liked both Jake and Michelle. Jake had broken things off with Michelle four years earlier. He had seen and done things during his time at war that affected him deeply. There were times that he doubted his own sanity so much that he couldn't trust himself to be around other people. He wasn't kind in the way that he left her, s...more Excellent book. Jake is back and determined to win Michelle's love. To do that, he has to convince her that he truly loves her. But first, he has to keep her safe. I really liked both Jake and Michelle. Jake had broken things off with Michelle four years earlier. He had seen and done things during his time at war that affected him deeply. There were times that he doubted his own sanity so much that he couldn't trust himself to be around other people. He wasn't kind in the way that he left her, so it's no surprise that she is still angry with him. I really liked seeing the way that Jake's mind worked, and the glimpses of his past that explained his motivations. I also liked the fact that he finally opened up to Michelle about the things that had happened to him. He also admitted that he had made mistakes that he would gladly go back and fix if it were possible, but since he couldn't do that, he would have to move forward. Michelle had been devastated when Jake left her. She had been friends with all of the unit, but in love with Jake. When he left and broke her heart, she turned to one of the other guys for friendship and to help her deal with things. She eventually married him, but he was killed in action a short time later. She always felt guilty because while she had loved him, she hadn't been in love with him. With Jake's return she had to decide if he could live up to his promises and if she could trust him to be there for her. There was also one other things she was going to have to trust him with... The suspense part of the story was also very good, with the team having to track down the mobster that had put out hits on them. I loved the final showdown - couldn't read fast enough to get to find out how it turned out. I really enjoyed seeing the members of the team as they worked their parts of the mission. There were some really funny bits as Rock and Vanessa did their undercover thing - I'm really looking forward to their story. My only complaint is that the cover art didn't show his tattoos. The alternate cover on Julie Ann's website does.(less)

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Nov 05, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed by: Jen
Book provided by:Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I have to say, this series is just getting better as it goes along. If you read my review of Hell on Wheels, while I liked the book, there was too much set up and not enough romance. In the book, In Rides Trouble, I think Ms Walker was finally coming into her own with this series by crafting a solid, entertaining read. But with Rev It Up, I couldn’t put the book down.

From page one, I was drawn into this stor...more

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Oct 29, 2012 Capri rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: brooding-hero, julie-ann-walker, part-of-a-series, romantic-suspense

Rev It Up was the book I was looking forward to reading in The Black Knights Inc. Series. The synopsis is the one I liked best. I love reading books with a hero and heroine having a past and the hero coming back to get his second chance at love.

The story felt rush and at times was predictable. It does not flow right.

I lost interest in Jake when he started crying in the beginning when Michelle told him she did not love him. But then I did start getting interested in him again when he did show a...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Tam B. rated it 3 of 5 stars

For me the author broke with formula here.

In the first book you get a lot of Becky and Frank tension which leads to the second book. In the second book you get some Eve / Bill tension and pretty much a cameo from Jake and Michelle. Yet here they are headlining the third book. I'm guessing the author had her reasons but I wasn't as interested in this couple. In reading this book, I was more into the Rock / Vanessa tension

In this book we get a secret baby or rather secret fatherhood, which is ne...more

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Oct 12, 2012 E. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: suspense

Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker is an interesting dichotomy between a light breezy style and solemn and sometimes frightening subjects. A terrible misunderstanding between SEAL Jake (the Snake) Sommers and his CO’s sister, Michelle Carter, drives her into the arms of his teammate who is known as Preacher. After tragedy impacts the closely-knit group, Jake flees his association with all of them for several years, only to return and discover that many of those he cares about are under attack and hav...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-hero

I really enjoyed this book. The author kept to the formula of the other books (misunderstanding between characters, thrown into dangerous situation) and I felt the book had action and keep the plot moving. There were points when I should have been sleep but could not put the book down. Shell and Jake had a history and she had a secret (which added to the suspense), which threatened their relationship.

I am big on strong sibling bonds so the relationship between Shell and Frank (brother and siste...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the third in the Black Knights, Inc series which I did not realize when I picked the book and coming in at this point I was lost with the background story. Yes I kind of caught up but it was a bit confusing. There is a lot about the background characters and not knowing their story and how the BKI got started made it hard to understand why someone was after them and like I said it does eventually explain but I wish I had read the other two books b...more

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Aug 08, 2012 constance rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, romantic-suspence

I'm struggling to keep my eyes open as I'm writing this because I am so tired, but I just couldn't make myself put this book down to go to bed. I got this ARC as a Goodreads First Read, which is super awesome and doesn't happen often because I am not a professional reviewer. I don't have a blog, I just love to read romance novels and when I find a really good one I like to share. This book is apparently the third in a series called Black Knights Inc. sadly I hadn't read, or even heard of the fir...more I'm struggling to keep my eyes open as I'm writing this because I am so tired, but I just couldn't make myself put this book down to go to bed. I got this ARC as a Goodreads First Read, which is super awesome and doesn't happen often because I am not a professional reviewer. I don't have a blog, I just love to read romance novels and when I find a really good one I like to share. This book is apparently the third in a series called Black Knights Inc. sadly I hadn't read, or even heard of the first two, but this book is good as a standalone and I will definitely be looking into the other books in the series soon.

Growing up with a womanizing, mostly absentee father, Michelle always had a hard time trusting men, until she met Jake and let herself fall completely in love with him. She was convinced he loved her too, until after a tour of duty with the Navy SEALs Jake suddenly gives her the brush off in the cruelest way possible; he foists her off on another man. Michelle actually finds comfort with that man, another Seal named Steven Carter also known as "Preacher”. Preacher and Michelle are quickly married, but tragedy strikes and Michelle soon finds herself a widow and a single mom.

Now, after four long years Jake has come back to Chicago to reclaim Michelle, the only woman he has ever loved. But after the way he treated her, Michelle wants absolutely nothing to do with him. Jake had a very good reason for pushing Michelle away, but because he didn't share that reason Michelle is convinced is no different from her father. Jake is determined to convince her that he is trustworthy, and that he truly loves her. But Michelle simply cannot allow herself to fall in love with Jake and risk getting her heart stomped on again. Jake is sure he can convince her of his love, he just needs her to give him the time and the opportunity to show her. As much as Michelle tries to avoid him, Jake's opportunity arises when he is given the task of being Michelle and her son Franklin's bodyguard when their life is threatened by a madman bent on revenge against Michelle's brother.

Can Michelle keep up her defenses while in such close quarters with Jake? Or will she give in to her feelings and give Jake a second chance? This book is filled with emotion, suspense and hot Alpha males set out on protecting what’s theirs. There are a few plot twists to keep you on your feet, and a budding secondary romance. I read this in pretty much one sitting because it was so interesting that I didn’t want to put it down until I was done. The characters were very well written, the author does a great job of getting the reader to really feel and understand the emotions Jake experienced that lead him to make the decisions he made. I found myself really pulling for this couple. They had a lot of obstacles to overcome and that created some very interesting reading. This was my first Julie Ann Walker book, but I think she has real talent and definitely knows how to tell a story. I look forward to reading more from her.
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Apr 24, 2013 Vivien rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-male, motorcycle-club, romance, badass, crime-thriller, modern-day, dangerous-hero

After finishing In Rides Trouble I was really looking forward to this book.
Unfortunately I found it disappointing compared to the the previous two books in the series.

In Rides Trouble ended with our Hero Jake announcing to Frank that he had "come back for Shell"

Rev It Up follows his attempts to prove to Michelle (Frank's Sister) that he is the what she needs.

This is one of those books where if the main characters had just sat down and talked to each other all their problems could have been resol...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, review, rom-suspense

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/02/...

I am so glad that I found and started this series, it’s one of those where the books just keep getting better and better as the series develops. The 3rd book in the Black Knights Inc book focuses on Michelle and Jake, fairly new characters to the series, and ones I hope we see more and more of!

Jake “the Snake” is in Chicago and has one mission in mind – to win Michelle’s heart. he has long been head over heels in love with he...more Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/02/...

I am so glad that I found and started this series, it’s one of those where the books just keep getting better and better as the series develops. The 3rd book in the Black Knights Inc book focuses on Michelle and Jake, fairly new characters to the series, and ones I hope we see more and more of!

Jake “the Snake” is in Chicago and has one mission in mind – to win Michelle’s heart. he has long been head over heels in love with her, but battling his own demons made him feel like he wasn’t worthy of her love. So, he pushed her away until he was ready to settle down and commit one hundred percent to the only woman to ever hold his heart. The last thing he expected to have to do when he got to town was protect her.

Michelle has always loved Jake, but he broke her heart once, and now she is wary to give it to him once again. But the stress of her brother’s work and Jake needing to be her bodyguard are wearing her down and making her even more susceptible to his charms. As the threat against her heats up, Michelle realizes that she may lose not only Jake, but everything she holds precious.

I was so intrigued by the idea of Michelle and Jake after the way the last book ended. I couldn’t wait to see how they would work everything out, especially given the rocky nature of their history. Plus, I’m a total sucker for second chance love stories, and if anyone deserves a second chance at love, it’s Michelle and Jake. These two have been through so much as a couple, and as individuals, that there is nothing I wanted more for them except a happily ever after.

I’m going to start with Jake, because I lurved him so hard. He was Alpha to the extreme, and his time in the military had such a huge impact on his life. He was a SEAL and a hardened soldier, but what he saw and did lived with him day in and day out. Although we didn’t get to see much of his PTSD in action, the feelings of despair that he went through were evident in his memories, and I was glad that they weren’t glossed over any more than they were. It’s such an important aspect of our military men and women, and I love seeing it play out in books with military heroes. Plus, Jake is so absolutely in love with Michelle, and fights tooth and nail to prove it to her, I just loved that about him!

I adored Michelle as well. Being a single mother with a dead war-hero husband wasn’t easy, yet she has given her son the best life she can. She is sweet and kind hearted and although she isn’t perfect, she is the kind of adorable heroine that I would want to be friends with. As more and more of her story unraveled, I was taken aback by how much she really went through, and what exactly she has had to deal with in her life. She was strong and resilient and I absolutely adored her.

Their romance was great as well. Jake went in with guns blazing, hoping with every bone in his body he would be able to win back the girl of his dreams. Michelle was hesitant and scared and pushed him away despite the attraction that pulled at both of them. I loved their journey to happily ever after, especially when HUGE secrets about their past are revealed, and Jake has to reevaluate his whole opinion and ideal of Michelle. It was a great twist in the story that I should have seen coming, and yet blindsided me at the same time. Awesome! Anytime a story can do that… totally awesome.

All in all I am so happy with the 3rd installment of the Black Knights Inc series. Walker told a wonderful second chance love story with Michelle and Jake, and still was able to pull me into the secondary characters so much so that I can’t wait for the next installment. I was glad to see the sub-plot with Johnny wrapped up, and can’t wait to see where the series goes next!
I give Rev It Up a B+(less)

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Jan 14, 2013 Kame rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-books-read, contemporary-romance, favorites, military

Might be my favorite in the series....

“I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ve loved you all the days in between.”

My friends would tell you I am a wimp when it comes to movies; I close my eyes at suspenseful parts. I will leave a room rather than watch conflict; and I have nightmares about violent scenes I watch. But for some reason I can not get enough of romantic suspense books lately, and the more suspenseful and the more conflict the better. Add a good love scene or two; and you have me g...more Might be my favorite in the series....

“I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ve loved you all the days in between.”

My friends would tell you I am a wimp when it comes to movies; I close my eyes at suspenseful parts. I will leave a room rather than watch conflict; and I have nightmares about violent scenes I watch. But for some reason I can not get enough of romantic suspense books lately, and the more suspenseful and the more conflict the better. Add a good love scene or two; and you have me glued to my Nook and tied to the couch. That is how it was while I was reading Rev It Up; I could not put the book down, I was stealing moments in my day to read a screen or two.

After a short, but important prologue, Rev It Up picks up roughly where Frank and Becky’s story (In Rides Trouble) left off. Snake, otherwise known as Jake Sommers, has come looking for Frank’s sister Michele. Jake believes he has caused Michele unbelievable pain; and he has taken years to come to grips with it enough so he could ask for her forgiveness. What he does not know is the untold love he has held in his heart for Michele also burns in her heart for him.

Jake is the perfect romantic suspense hero. He has an inner turmoil that he is fighting. He holds himself in such a high regard that he cannot forgive himself for missing a standard to which he would never hold someone else. His love is unselfish and he is a guardian of all he loves, to the point of self-sacrifice.

Michele is a Mom before she is anything else. Family is her life; as evident by naming her son after her brother. Frank and Michele’s childhood shaped the woman Michele has become, and it is that baggage that has caused her to make assumptions and choices about her future with Jake. These choices are not out of spite, but out of love.

“Snow at Christmas was good. Homemade lasagna was good. This? This was transcendent.”

This was actually how their first intimate scene was described, but also perfect words to describe the book. Julie Ann Walker created characters so vivid that I have no problems seeing them in my mind’s eye, no issues hearing their voices. Michele and Jake have emotions and feelings that are raw, as raw as they were when they last saw each other four years before. They are not stereotypical characters. Jake is a California Surfer Navy SEAL; complete with the lingo. Michele the schedule centric mother with a secret only one other person knew; and he took it to his grave. Not a character is wasted in this book. Her detail for characters also extends to the villain in the story; he was described in way that made my skin crawl every time he appeared in a chapter.

Unite these great characters with a plot containing suspense and a “whoa” moment (when something happens you didn't see coming!) and you have a fantastic 5 star book. One that has me counting the days for the next installment in this series.

I loaned this book from my library; but I will be saving my pennies to buy this series for my Nook. I won’t wait for the library to buy Book 4; I will preorder to read the next installment in the Black Knights Series.
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Oct 09, 2012 Stephanie Collins rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to say this is my favorite one of the series so far. Both of the main pair have issues.. major issues … but the love and heat between them is just too good for words.

We got to know Michelle in the last book when her true identity becomes known to the members of Black Knights Inc. She's a single mom who we find out was widowed by her special forces husband. I liked getting to know her and her son plus loved watching her come to terms with having to spend time with the man she never truly g...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ah yes, another Black Knights novel. This one is also true to the formula of the last books in this series. Where there is a misunderstanding which keeps the couple apart. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as it was entertaining as the other two. In this one the misunderstanding was a bit more complicated and a lot more understandable. So, it was a bit different in that way. I actually felt it gave this story a bit more depth. Plus, there is that child, Franklin to help keep you in an "awww" st...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Erica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another BRILLIANT installment to the Black Knights Inc Series.

I love this series.

Jake and Michelle - What a couple they has so much baggage that I didnt think they would ever sort it out.

Jake (The Snake) has loved Michelle forever but he goes on a mission and comes back different and takes it out on Michelle. Michelle has always loved Jake as well but his treatment of her makes her feel like he doesnt want her so she carries on with her life.

This couple is destructive and interesting and sweet a...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Annmarie (World of Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

At this point I don't think I'll ever feel disappointed when it comes to this series.

I wasn't sure what to expect of Jake but he completely took me by surprise. For one thing, he's really funny. I was expecting some serious, brooding type and while he can definitely be funny he also has this fun, surfer dude thing going on. And another thing that I was surprised about was his love for Michelle. I know that they have history but she chose someone else over him but I was expecting him to act all...more At this point I don't think I'll ever feel disappointed when it comes to this series.

I wasn't sure what to expect of Jake but he completely took me by surprise. For one thing, he's really funny. I was expecting some serious, brooding type and while he can definitely be funny he also has this fun, surfer dude thing going on. And another thing that I was surprised about was his love for Michelle. I know that they have history but she chose someone else over him but I was expecting him to act all brooding and pretend he didn't have feelings for her like most love interest do. But I'm so happy he wasn't like that. In fact, I find it really refreshing that for once it was the women who was doing all the pushing. Jake has definitely made some mistakes in his past but finally after four years he's ready to make amends and get the one girl he's always loved. The question is, will she ever give him a second chance?

For the moment I met Michelle in the previous book I knew I was going to like her. She's strong, incredibly kind and a protective mother of her son Franklin. But she's also been hurt a lot, mainly because of Jake. And now he comes back into her life with all these promise and declarations of love and Michelle is just not buying it. I don't blame her for keeping her heart guarded, he's hurt her once so what's not to say he won't do it again. Of course, I know his feelings for her are legit and the last thing he wants to do is hurt her but she doesn't know that. Don't worry, I'm not giving the story away. The way they feel about each other is said early in the book so that the real stuff can happen. And by that I don't mean romance, though there are some great scenes in the book (*wink wink*). Someone is trying to kill her and she needs Jake protection but when it comes down to it, will she finally trust him not only with her life but with her heart as well? And if she does, will it be too late?

Maybe I was enjoying the book too much but I felt like Rev It Up was shorter then the other books in the series. Even though I was sad that the book ended so quickly for me I can't deny that I enjoyed this book so much. With each book in the series, I'm falling more and more in love with the Black Knights series. I can't wait to read the next book which is supposed to be about Rock and Vanessa; they played a part in this book and definitely had some rocking chemistry together so I can't wait to read more.

If you still haven't read this series then you need to start asap. Rev It Up is the perfect mix of action and romance that will surely leave you feeling satisfied. Five stars for a job well done for Julie Ann Walker!

*Received from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

**This review also appears on my blog World of Books
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Jul 13, 2012 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow!!! Fantastic romantic/ suspense story. This was a fast paced story with non stop action. Part of a series yet strong enough to be read as a stand alone. Either way it's a great story. The author did an amazing job of integrating the characters from the previous books. I loved the hero. Fell in love with Jake right away. The chemistry between he & Michelle was explosive. Hot enough to melt my kindle. Surprise twist at the end. I never saw that one coming. But it made the book even more sp...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Neyra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-romance, outdo-yourself-challenge

OMG... I hated...hated... HATED Michelle!! No amount of reason can justify what she did to Jake. I'm sorry, but...no... just...get her outta my face...

ALL ranting aside, however, and I fell in love with this book. Thanks in part to its hero.

Jake "the Snake" Sommers is back after four years of being AWOL from his friends, and he's come back for one purpose, and one only... he wants Frank's sister back and he's to wait her out no matter how long it takes. I always love a wounded hero and Jake carr...more

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Mar 09, 2013 DollyMama65 rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have read the first 2 books in this series. I really enjoyed the wit in the first two books, as well as, the suspense, but this story was less humorous, probably because it wasn't as suited to the charcters, nor the storyline. Having said this, I still missed the witty banter and neurotically funny inside voices of the characters in the last two books. I also do get a little frustrated with the overlong build-up of sexual tension in Ms. Walker's books, which when finally released is very satis...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Laura (Kyahgirl) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, part-of-a-series, romantic-suspense, military-law-enforcement

3.25/5; 3 stars; B

This is a pleasant romantic suspense series. I enjoyed the characters of Snake and Michelle, as well as Rock, Vannessa, Becky, and little Franklin.

I didn't like the angst creating plot device where one or both people in a potential relationship base all their feelings and goals and plans on misunderstandings due to not talking honestly with their partner. In all three of the books in this series, one or both main characters are absolutely convinced there can be no relationship...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Visionary rated it 4 of 5 stars

"He looks more like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dumbass" - Favorite passage so far.

So in the last book we learn the mysterious woman Boss Frank disappeared to see... and it was clearly not what Becky and the others thought...

Awesome to meet Frank's sister... And that Shell interacts and understands what her brother did for a living. Julie really made readers assume that Shell and Frank were a couple with her words. Then Bam the reveal...

So it was neat to meet more people of Boss's past. Those who...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Ni_kii rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: previous-relationship, sexy, smexy, dreamy-men, strong-female-charcter

Reviewed at http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....

Jake Sommers has returned for one thing and one thing only; Michelle. When he had her, he played fast and loose with her feelings so she went and married another man. He left, even went as far as to join the military and get himself deployed to parts unknown, but one thing has never changed; he has never loved anyone other than Michelle. Now he has to convince her that he has changed and won’t ever hurt her again. But proving that may be harder...more Reviewed at http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....

Jake Sommers has returned for one thing and one thing only; Michelle. When he had her, he played fast and loose with her feelings so she went and married another man. He left, even went as far as to join the military and get himself deployed to parts unknown, but one thing has never changed; he has never loved anyone other than Michelle. Now he has to convince her that he has changed and won’t ever hurt her again. But proving that may be harder than he imagined.

When Jake dismissed her, Michelle did the only thing she could and moved on with a man who adored her. When he was killed in action, she was left raising her child alone. Over the years she has begun to realise her priorities and Jake is not one of them. Letting him back into her life is the last thing that she wants to do. But how can she resist the man that she gave her heart to, even if she knows there is every possible that he will leave her again.

This book has a plot twist at about 20% that I wouldn’t like to know if I hadn't read it. It didn’t make me gasp (I suspected it) but it is big enough to warrant it being a spoiler...it also means this review is mega hard to write!

Michelle is a woman with a massive secret, but it’s one she has chosen to keep at all costs. She has had to live as a young widow and bring up her only child alone; neither of these tasks is easy but she has managed to get a routine going that works. Then in walks Jake, the man who made her feel and then dropped her like a used tissue. This time, he wanted back in her life and was willing to do anything to do it. When he discovers her secret, his resolve becomes a need and I loved that she didn’t allow him straight back in. She knew what was best, knew what was right for her child and so was determined to shelve her feelings and do the right thing. She was strong, determined and self reliant – very good heroine.

Jake had a good excuse for leaving when he did. He was pretty screwed up over things that happened to him, blamed himself for the death of Michelle’s husband, so wasn’t in the right frame of mind to offer her anything. Of course it would have helped if the dumb ass had communicated any of this! When he came back he was the kind of tortured Alpha that melted my heart. Yeah he had behaved like a dumbass, but he couldn’t be entirely blamed for the way things worked out; it was a joint dumbass decision.

I loved them together. I cannot say anything more without giving away the plot but it was amazing. It was a steamy, steamy book that had a plot which both warmed my heart and kept me gripped. The main couple were fabulous together and I willed them to have a HEA, especially after I found out what the secret was. There was angst, love, sex, betrayal, secrets and lies....the best in the series so far!(less)

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Oct 28, 2012 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense, netgalley-arc

~* 3.5 Stars *~
Almost the Charm
Four years ago, Navy SEAL Jake Sommers made the biggest mistake of his life. He's been paying for it ever since. He pushed away the woman he loved, lost her to his best friend, and held that much better man in his arms as he bled out in a hostile desert halfway around the world.

But that was then, and after working hard to get himself into a better head space, Jake "Snake" Sommers has finally come back to Chicago. He came for one reason: Michelle Carter, the only wo...more

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About Julie Ann Walker

Julie Ann Walker is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She'll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk. You can usually find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission Vi...more

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Books by Julie Ann Walker

Hell on Wheels (Black Knights, Inc., #1)

In Rides Trouble (Black Knights, Inc., #2)

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“Tell me, what size must a guy's balls be in order to walk up to his former comandin' officer and declare his intent to plant his flag, so to speak, in the man's baby sister? Texas-sizes, maybe? Alaska-sized?” — 1 person liked it

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Rev It Up (Black Knights Inc. #3)

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