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Black Knights Inc. #7
Full Throttle
New York Times bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues to thrill readers with her sexy Black Knights, Inc. romantic suspense series. Behind the facade of their tricked-out motorcycle shop is a covert team comprised of the most elite ex-military specialists.
She Needs a Hero...
Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…
Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him… for the second time?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
475 people are currently reading
2998 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ann Walker
37 books2,678 followersJulie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award. Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. And if those views happen to come with a blue sky and sunshine? All the better! When she's not writing, Julie enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, fishing, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and... reading, of course!
Be sure to sign up for Julie's occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com
Or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor and/or Instagram: @julieannwalker_author.
In Moonlight and Memories:
#1 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME ONE
#2 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME TWO
#3 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME THREE
Black Knights Inc.:
#1 HELL ON WHEELS
#2 IN RIDES TROUBLE
#3 REV IT UP
#4 THRILL RIDE
#5 BORN WILD
#6 HELL FOR LEATHER
#7 FULL THROTTLE
#8 TOO HARD TO HANDLE
#9 WILD RIDE
#10 FUEL FOR FIRE
#11 HOT PURSUIT
#12 BUILT TO LAST
Deep Six:
#0.5 HOT AS HELL
#1 HELL OR HIGH WATER
#2 DEVIL AND THE DEEP
#3 RIDE THE TIDE
#4 DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN
#5 SHOT ACROSS THE BOW
#6 DEAD IN THE WATER
Black Knights Inc: Reloaded:
#1 BACK IN BLACK
#2 BLACK HEARTED
#3 MAN IN BLACK
#4 BLACK MOON RISING
#5 BLACK WIDOW
#6 FADE TO BLACK
Be sure to sign up for Julie's occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com
Or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor and/or Instagram: @julieannwalker_author.
In Moonlight and Memories:
#1 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME ONE
#2 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME TWO
#3 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME THREE
Black Knights Inc.:
#1 HELL ON WHEELS
#2 IN RIDES TROUBLE
#3 REV IT UP
#4 THRILL RIDE
#5 BORN WILD
#6 HELL FOR LEATHER
#7 FULL THROTTLE
#8 TOO HARD TO HANDLE
#9 WILD RIDE
#10 FUEL FOR FIRE
#11 HOT PURSUIT
#12 BUILT TO LAST
Deep Six:
#0.5 HOT AS HELL
#1 HELL OR HIGH WATER
#2 DEVIL AND THE DEEP
#3 RIDE THE TIDE
#4 DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN
#5 SHOT ACROSS THE BOW
#6 DEAD IN THE WATER
Black Knights Inc: Reloaded:
#1 BACK IN BLACK
#2 BLACK HEARTED
#3 MAN IN BLACK
#4 BLACK MOON RISING
#5 BLACK WIDOW
#6 FADE TO BLACK
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
August 7, 2015
WARNING: SEX IS GOING TO BE DISCUSSED IN THIS REVIEW. IF THAT SQUICKS YOU OUT, TURN BACK NOW
This is a mixed bag.
Carlos "Steady" Sotos is a medical doctor turned Army Ranger turned Black Knight Black Ops Specialist. He has been in love with Abby, the President of the United States's (POTUS) daughter, since she was 18 and he was 24. But he always thought a.) he was too old for her (which is silly) and b.) he was "from the wrong side of the tracks" and Puerto Rican and she is white and rich.
She loved him, too. They never got together, and when Carlos's twin sister Rosa died in an explosion meant to kill Abby, her guilt over the whole thing leads to Abby refusing to see Carlos for 8 years.
But circumstances throw them together again when Carlos is assigned as security detail for Abby when she travels to Malaysia.
...
THE PLUSES:
- Walker is funny. Abby makes up her own expletives in this novel and they are cute. Son of a silverback gorilla! will certainly stay in my mind and my vocabulary. :)
She's also funny in her observations and her pop culture references.
Abby glanced down at the two fuzzy balls in her palm and realized they DID sort of resemble a man's testicles. Except for the green hairs, of course. "Maybe the Hulk's testicles? But those would be bigger, right?" She frowned and shook her head, wondering at her own sanity that she should be sitting here in the middle of the jungle contemplating the size of the Hulk's balls. Then again, the heat was known to do strange things to people.
"But what they lack for visual appeal on the outside," she told the men, pushing away all notions of irradiated superheroes and their nether bits, "they more than make up for with sweet deliciousness on the inside."
Yonus and Carlos exchanged a look.
LOL That's funny.
Steady wasn't Willy Wonka. Sugarcoating things wasn't his style.
- There was a sweet scene.
"I adored you," she told him. She had no pride left, no shame. "I adored everything about you. The very ground you walked on. Which is why I had to make sure I hadn't lost you, too."
And just as it'd done all those years ago in that hotel room, his throat seemed to stick over a swallow. He was no longer lounging back on his hands, his legs stretched out in front of him. Now he was sitting forward, /his black eyes drilling into her as surely as that pesky woodpecker continued to drill holes into her favorite sycamore tree back in DC./ She almost winced under the sharp force of his gaze.
"And now?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
She knew what he was after. And considering all the years of lying, she felt it only right, only fair, that she give him this one irrefutable truth. "Oh, Carlos, I still adore you."
That's sweet. I liked it. But, as a side note, what the bleep is up with the part I put in //s? Walker's writing style is sometimes very strange. That's terrible. Why would you include that in an otherwise serious/romantic scene? I thought I was used to Walker's rather punchy (as in, punch-drunk) writing style (which is definitely cute sometimes), but I guess I'm still not 100% on board.
Here's another cute scene, where a man who lost is wife is contemplating having sex again for the first time since her death.
His gentle, loving wife wouldn't want him wasting away. She'd want him to move on, to find some semblance of a life. And on his initial attempt to do that, he needed someone kind and understanding. Someone who wouldn't laugh at him if - heaven forbid - he burst into tears in the middle of it. Someone who would hold him, comfort him, be patient with him.
Aw. <3
- Walker does well with action scenes. They are exciting. NOT technically accurate or... like watching an action movie - which are what really amazing action scenes are like. But more of an emotional skill.
For instance, when the bombs go off and all the agents are scrambling around, and one agent is injured severely and Carlos is trying to save him and staunch the bleeding, it's a nice blend of graphic and emotionally tense. I enjoy this.
And Walker doesn't hesitate to get gritty - we have people's throats cut on-page later on in the book.
...
THE MINUSES:
- Carlos is always using the words "Good girl" to praise Abby. In and out of bed. This is something that I find extremely offensive. It's realistic, it often happens in real life that grown men say, "Good girl" to grown women when they've done something the man wanted them to do, but I find this degrading, disrespectful and insulting. I know it's not meant that way (usually), but it's only appropriate praise for dogs and perhaps very young children (I personally don't use it on humans).
- The special ops men are really stupid sometimes. You can't expect me to take this shit seriously when they do things like interrogate a Malaysian maid after an explosion that killed a dozen people and got the POTOS's daughter kidnapped WITHOUT A TRANSLATOR. Are you kidding me? Then someone (after who knows how long of unsuccessfully questioning her) finally says, "We need to get a translator." NO SHIT, SHERLOCK. That should have been one of your first moves.
Another example is when two agents - one black ops, one CIA - spot and locate a guy that was involved with the attack walking down the street. What does the black ops guy decide to do? Yell the man's name across the street. Which OF COURSE makes the man take off running! How stupid can you be?!!? I could be a better black ops agent than these guys. And I am FAR from black ops material, let me tell you. o.O
These aren't even the only two dumbass incidents that happen. o.O
...
How's the sex, Carmen?
Sigh.
Okay, I was really excited about the sex. A secret agent and a President's daughter, in love? He saved her life all the time? That sounds good. But then, when the hero wants kissing, he
"Slowly," he repeated. "Very slowly, Abby, I want you to open your mouth and offer me your tongue."
You should have seen my face when this happened. Good thing no one could see me. My face was screwed up in disgust. And the disgust didn't leave until after the whole sex scene was over. Because I could see where this was going. And I am not only disinterested in BDSM (or BDSM-flavored) sex, but it is an active turn-off for me.
She gasped, the pleasure was so intense she lost track of time and place. She had no idea where she was, no clue how long his sexual assault went on, how many minutes had passed since he'd begun her...education.
Did you just refer to him making love to her as "giving her an education?" That's gross. Just very disgusting. No thanks.
How about not "allowing" her to orgasm until "he permits it?" Yeah, this shit is just making me blanch.
NOW. I don't care if YOU like this stuff - I mean, it is a personal Carmen opinion that this kind of sex is a turn-off. Maybe it makes you very excited. That's fine. In that case - read the book! You'll love it.
And Carlos is pretty respectful and loving to her OUT of bed, it's not like this "domineering" personality extends outside of sex - and that's good. 10x better than people who want to control you both in and out of bed (Christian Grey). So points for that, I guess. This could be much worse.
A lot of people think that since I'm ranting all the time about how horrible it is now that 99% of romance heroes are little wannabe doms in the bedroom, that I don't like fucking. But that's not true. Fucking, men being a bit forceful or strong (consensually!), and even sex that is a bit rough is just fine with me. I am okay with that. It's the BDSM and BDSM lite stuff that annoys me, not fucking. And they are NOT the same thing AT ALL.
ESPECIALLY since these heroes who practice BDSM or BDSM-lite in these romance novels are INCAPABLE of having sex any other way. They HAVE to be in charge in order to get off. And that is very unappealing to me. Men who cannot get aroused unless they are ordering you around or handcuffing you to the bed are useless to me. I see it as a huge weakness. Again, personal preference here. Maybe you WANT a man to tie you down every single time, and that's fine. TOTALLY fine. Just not for me.
Are there any good aspects to the sex, Carmen?
Yes. For one thing, I like the way Walker writes about cunnilingus (sorry, I don't know what else to call it without sounding weird). She doesn't go into ENOUGH description or detail, but she's on the right track.
For another thing,
Her tongue met his eagerly yet lazily. And since he'd become a man, since the moment he realized sex didn't have to be hot and heavy and over in a few minutes, he'd come to like this part the best. When his lover was sated and languorous. When she was soft and fulfilled. Because the beautiful thing about a woman's body was that it didn't need time to recover like a man's did. But the challenge was figuring out how to bring her back up, push her higher, past the pinnacle once again.
The good Madre María knows I love a good challenge.
Okay, this shows how much better the sexual aspect of this novel could have been. It's not like I think Walker is INCAPABLE of writing good sex and good sexual observations, she just chooses not to.
But I can't personally blame her for going the BDSM(lite) route. It is a huge draw and a huge moneymaker right now. Readers love it (if not this particular reader) and it probably made a lot of people very happy.
Half the reason I read a romance novel is to read good, exciting sex scenes, so having sex scenes that make me go "ew" is a huge minus for me. HUGE.
...
Tl;dr - There are good things to say about this novel - I got some laughs from it, and some of the sweet scenes and action scenes were good. But the sex was making me sick to my stomach, and the alleged "special ops" men were sometimes complete idiots.
...
This is the last book in the series (as of this date 08/06/2015) and I don't plan on picking up any more. I've eaten my fill. The series was overall not something I'd recommend, although it definitely had its ups and downs. As a whole, I didn't like it much.
TWO REAL STARS, TWO ROMANCE STARS
Not available in Spanish.
P.S. I am not bolding random words in the excerpts for my good health! They're like that in the book.
This is a mixed bag.
Carlos "Steady" Sotos is a medical doctor turned Army Ranger turned Black Knight Black Ops Specialist. He has been in love with Abby, the President of the United States's (POTUS) daughter, since she was 18 and he was 24. But he always thought a.) he was too old for her (which is silly) and b.) he was "from the wrong side of the tracks" and Puerto Rican and she is white and rich.
She loved him, too. They never got together, and when Carlos's twin sister Rosa died in an explosion meant to kill Abby, her guilt over the whole thing leads to Abby refusing to see Carlos for 8 years.
But circumstances throw them together again when Carlos is assigned as security detail for Abby when she travels to Malaysia.
...
THE PLUSES:
- Walker is funny. Abby makes up her own expletives in this novel and they are cute. Son of a silverback gorilla! will certainly stay in my mind and my vocabulary. :)
She's also funny in her observations and her pop culture references.
Abby glanced down at the two fuzzy balls in her palm and realized they DID sort of resemble a man's testicles. Except for the green hairs, of course. "Maybe the Hulk's testicles? But those would be bigger, right?" She frowned and shook her head, wondering at her own sanity that she should be sitting here in the middle of the jungle contemplating the size of the Hulk's balls. Then again, the heat was known to do strange things to people.
"But what they lack for visual appeal on the outside," she told the men, pushing away all notions of irradiated superheroes and their nether bits, "they more than make up for with sweet deliciousness on the inside."
Yonus and Carlos exchanged a look.
LOL That's funny.
Steady wasn't Willy Wonka. Sugarcoating things wasn't his style.
- There was a sweet scene.
"I adored you," she told him. She had no pride left, no shame. "I adored everything about you. The very ground you walked on. Which is why I had to make sure I hadn't lost you, too."
And just as it'd done all those years ago in that hotel room, his throat seemed to stick over a swallow. He was no longer lounging back on his hands, his legs stretched out in front of him. Now he was sitting forward, /his black eyes drilling into her as surely as that pesky woodpecker continued to drill holes into her favorite sycamore tree back in DC./ She almost winced under the sharp force of his gaze.
"And now?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
She knew what he was after. And considering all the years of lying, she felt it only right, only fair, that she give him this one irrefutable truth. "Oh, Carlos, I still adore you."
That's sweet. I liked it. But, as a side note, what the bleep is up with the part I put in //s? Walker's writing style is sometimes very strange. That's terrible. Why would you include that in an otherwise serious/romantic scene? I thought I was used to Walker's rather punchy (as in, punch-drunk) writing style (which is definitely cute sometimes), but I guess I'm still not 100% on board.
Here's another cute scene, where a man who lost is wife is contemplating having sex again for the first time since her death.
His gentle, loving wife wouldn't want him wasting away. She'd want him to move on, to find some semblance of a life. And on his initial attempt to do that, he needed someone kind and understanding. Someone who wouldn't laugh at him if - heaven forbid - he burst into tears in the middle of it. Someone who would hold him, comfort him, be patient with him.
Aw. <3
- Walker does well with action scenes. They are exciting. NOT technically accurate or... like watching an action movie - which are what really amazing action scenes are like. But more of an emotional skill.
For instance, when the bombs go off and all the agents are scrambling around, and one agent is injured severely and Carlos is trying to save him and staunch the bleeding, it's a nice blend of graphic and emotionally tense. I enjoy this.
And Walker doesn't hesitate to get gritty - we have people's throats cut on-page later on in the book.
...
THE MINUSES:
- Carlos is always using the words "Good girl" to praise Abby. In and out of bed. This is something that I find extremely offensive. It's realistic, it often happens in real life that grown men say, "Good girl" to grown women when they've done something the man wanted them to do, but I find this degrading, disrespectful and insulting. I know it's not meant that way (usually), but it's only appropriate praise for dogs and perhaps very young children (I personally don't use it on humans).
- The special ops men are really stupid sometimes. You can't expect me to take this shit seriously when they do things like interrogate a Malaysian maid after an explosion that killed a dozen people and got the POTOS's daughter kidnapped WITHOUT A TRANSLATOR. Are you kidding me? Then someone (after who knows how long of unsuccessfully questioning her) finally says, "We need to get a translator." NO SHIT, SHERLOCK. That should have been one of your first moves.
Another example is when two agents - one black ops, one CIA - spot and locate a guy that was involved with the attack walking down the street. What does the black ops guy decide to do? Yell the man's name across the street. Which OF COURSE makes the man take off running! How stupid can you be?!!? I could be a better black ops agent than these guys. And I am FAR from black ops material, let me tell you. o.O
These aren't even the only two dumbass incidents that happen. o.O
...
How's the sex, Carmen?
Sigh.
Okay, I was really excited about the sex. A secret agent and a President's daughter, in love? He saved her life all the time? That sounds good. But then, when the hero wants kissing, he
"Slowly," he repeated. "Very slowly, Abby, I want you to open your mouth and offer me your tongue."
You should have seen my face when this happened. Good thing no one could see me. My face was screwed up in disgust. And the disgust didn't leave until after the whole sex scene was over. Because I could see where this was going. And I am not only disinterested in BDSM (or BDSM-flavored) sex, but it is an active turn-off for me.
She gasped, the pleasure was so intense she lost track of time and place. She had no idea where she was, no clue how long his sexual assault went on, how many minutes had passed since he'd begun her...education.
Did you just refer to him making love to her as "giving her an education?" That's gross. Just very disgusting. No thanks.
How about not "allowing" her to orgasm until "he permits it?" Yeah, this shit is just making me blanch.
NOW. I don't care if YOU like this stuff - I mean, it is a personal Carmen opinion that this kind of sex is a turn-off. Maybe it makes you very excited. That's fine. In that case - read the book! You'll love it.
And Carlos is pretty respectful and loving to her OUT of bed, it's not like this "domineering" personality extends outside of sex - and that's good. 10x better than people who want to control you both in and out of bed (Christian Grey). So points for that, I guess. This could be much worse.
A lot of people think that since I'm ranting all the time about how horrible it is now that 99% of romance heroes are little wannabe doms in the bedroom, that I don't like fucking. But that's not true. Fucking, men being a bit forceful or strong (consensually!), and even sex that is a bit rough is just fine with me. I am okay with that. It's the BDSM and BDSM lite stuff that annoys me, not fucking. And they are NOT the same thing AT ALL.
ESPECIALLY since these heroes who practice BDSM or BDSM-lite in these romance novels are INCAPABLE of having sex any other way. They HAVE to be in charge in order to get off. And that is very unappealing to me. Men who cannot get aroused unless they are ordering you around or handcuffing you to the bed are useless to me. I see it as a huge weakness. Again, personal preference here. Maybe you WANT a man to tie you down every single time, and that's fine. TOTALLY fine. Just not for me.
Are there any good aspects to the sex, Carmen?
Yes. For one thing, I like the way Walker writes about cunnilingus (sorry, I don't know what else to call it without sounding weird). She doesn't go into ENOUGH description or detail, but she's on the right track.
For another thing,
Her tongue met his eagerly yet lazily. And since he'd become a man, since the moment he realized sex didn't have to be hot and heavy and over in a few minutes, he'd come to like this part the best. When his lover was sated and languorous. When she was soft and fulfilled. Because the beautiful thing about a woman's body was that it didn't need time to recover like a man's did. But the challenge was figuring out how to bring her back up, push her higher, past the pinnacle once again.
The good Madre María knows I love a good challenge.
Okay, this shows how much better the sexual aspect of this novel could have been. It's not like I think Walker is INCAPABLE of writing good sex and good sexual observations, she just chooses not to.
But I can't personally blame her for going the BDSM(lite) route. It is a huge draw and a huge moneymaker right now. Readers love it (if not this particular reader) and it probably made a lot of people very happy.
Half the reason I read a romance novel is to read good, exciting sex scenes, so having sex scenes that make me go "ew" is a huge minus for me. HUGE.
...
Tl;dr - There are good things to say about this novel - I got some laughs from it, and some of the sweet scenes and action scenes were good. But the sex was making me sick to my stomach, and the alleged "special ops" men were sometimes complete idiots.
...
This is the last book in the series (as of this date 08/06/2015) and I don't plan on picking up any more. I've eaten my fill. The series was overall not something I'd recommend, although it definitely had its ups and downs. As a whole, I didn't like it much.
TWO REAL STARS, TWO ROMANCE STARS
Not available in Spanish.
P.S. I am not bolding random words in the excerpts for my good health! They're like that in the book.
May 4, 2025
Full Throttle by Julie Ann Walker
Black Knights Inc series #7. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series for the secondary characters.
The Black Knights have been hired by the President of the United States to protect his daughters after receiving potential threats to them. Abby Thompson values her independence. She didn’t want the notoriety that goes with a high ranking public office, but she can’t divorce her family. Getting kidnapped? Definitely not on her list. She can only hope that Carlos Soto, now of the Black Knights, can forgive her young angst and help rescue her.
Carlos will do anything for Abby even though she broke his heart. Save her from terrorists? No problem.
Intense. Sexy. Second chance troupe.
With a few funny comments from the women in this series. “What the leaping lizard dung?”.
Black Knights Inc series #7. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series for the secondary characters.
The Black Knights have been hired by the President of the United States to protect his daughters after receiving potential threats to them. Abby Thompson values her independence. She didn’t want the notoriety that goes with a high ranking public office, but she can’t divorce her family. Getting kidnapped? Definitely not on her list. She can only hope that Carlos Soto, now of the Black Knights, can forgive her young angst and help rescue her.
Carlos will do anything for Abby even though she broke his heart. Save her from terrorists? No problem.
Intense. Sexy. Second chance troupe.
With a few funny comments from the women in this series. “What the leaping lizard dung?”.
November 22, 2014
Check out my other reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
Oh, where to start. I blew through this book. And not for any good reason. I just had to finish it so that it would be done. That's a little general and with so many people loving this book, I do owe a big explanation. I mean, I'm definitely in the minority here. So maybe I'm just being super sensitive or picky because I just read something that was not my favorite ... I don't know. But here it is.
Let me start off from when I found this book. I haven't read anything by this author and I was looking forward to finding a new Romantic Suspense series to get hooked on. The premise of Full Throttle was really interesting and I loved the idea of the daughter of the POTUS falling for one of her "protectors" and all of that. But then I started reading.
Man. From the very beginning, I just got this undercurrent of immaturity just flowing VERY freely. Most of the comments coming from the characters and their inner thoughts sounded juvenile and ridiculous. There were all of these weird terms for shit and I just don't have time to check out the Urban Dictionary every five seconds to look up this awkward phrase when I should be enjoying a novel. Now, before you start in on me, yes. I realize that this is a New Adult novel. I get that. I've read dozens of New Adult novels and none of them have felt quite as patronizing toward that age as this one has. Come on. No self respecting twenty-year-old is going to talk like this and it just felt forced and completely insincere.
There were also tons of weird substitutions for saying crap or shit. It's just unnecessary. Well, it wouldn't be unnecessary if this was one of those books that didn't curse. I don't have a problem with books like that. More power to you, saint authors! But not cussing and thinking up weird shitty words and phrases is kind of negated when you are talking about a dude's junk in every other paragraph.
And that's another thing. I'm beginning to wonder if this was actually written by a horny 15 year-old. Now that's saying a lot!! I read tons of Historical Romance novels, now THOSE are filled with smut. Old smut, mind you, but smut none the less. And I love them. I love those trashy romance novels but the thing is, you know what they are when you pick them up. You know it's going to be a trashy romance novel and that isn't how it was with this one. I thought I was picking up a suspense novel and instead, I picked up a novel about a chick who when she gets into danger isn't thinking about survival, she's thinking about getting laid and the "rescuer" is thinking about his raging hard-on that he's had for years. Every two pages, there was a reference to this dude's penis. I'm okay with dick talk. It doesn't bother me but what does bother me is when it feels like that kind of thing is derailing the story. When you're reading a book, you can kind of feel where the novel is going to go next ... there's just this natural flow of things and man ... this book was like watching salmon try and get up that river only to be stopped by some dude swatting at them like baseballs with his junk.
Anyway ... not a fan. I probably won't try another one from this author. I've learned my lesson.
Like I said, I am in the minority with these views and the book comes out soon, so you should at least check it out. But keep in mind that I fully reserve the right to say "I told you so" if the need arises.
May 3, 2016
2.7 stars
July 2, 2015
~ 5 Full Throttle Stars ~
Full Throttle is book seven in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. All the novels in this series can stand-a-lone. The author takes us on a riveting, action-packed, steamy romance with some twists and surprises along the way.
Another fabulous BKI novel. I LOVED IT! Carlos embodies a hot special ops member with a great big heart. Abby is funny and likable. I just loved the comments that came out of her mouth, which added to her appeal. Both, Abby and Carlos, are a match made in heaven. We are introduced to some new Alpha platoon boys. Oh, I hope we get more of them and the author does not disappoint her fans who have read the other installments, because we do get to see some of the previous characters and where their lives are at. OMG, can we say, no that did not just happen. The author starts off with a BANG and does not let up. It’s a fast-paced, non-stop, action-packed adventure with some very big surprises, twists, and secrets that will keep you riveted.
Full Throttle is filled with humor, action, heroes, suspense, and steamy romance. If you have not picked up this series yet, I highly recommend you do. Even if you are not a hard core or contemporary reader by heart, you will enjoy the suspense, hot special ops guys, and their leading ladies.
Full Throttle is book seven in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. All the novels in this series can stand-a-lone. The author takes us on a riveting, action-packed, steamy romance with some twists and surprises along the way.
Another fabulous BKI novel. I LOVED IT! Carlos embodies a hot special ops member with a great big heart. Abby is funny and likable. I just loved the comments that came out of her mouth, which added to her appeal. Both, Abby and Carlos, are a match made in heaven. We are introduced to some new Alpha platoon boys. Oh, I hope we get more of them and the author does not disappoint her fans who have read the other installments, because we do get to see some of the previous characters and where their lives are at. OMG, can we say, no that did not just happen. The author starts off with a BANG and does not let up. It’s a fast-paced, non-stop, action-packed adventure with some very big surprises, twists, and secrets that will keep you riveted.
Full Throttle is filled with humor, action, heroes, suspense, and steamy romance. If you have not picked up this series yet, I highly recommend you do. Even if you are not a hard core or contemporary reader by heart, you will enjoy the suspense, hot special ops guys, and their leading ladies.
December 4, 2014
This is one of those authors you just have to read!! All of her books are so good & full of action. I really liked that this book was about the guy and his sudden realization about loving the woman & her self blame for a mistake she made that in a round about way set off a sequence of events causing her best friend's and his sister's death.
This is a chase book... Characters are out of their natural setting & in the jungle. People are after them...
I LOOOOVVVEEE This series!!
This is a chase book... Characters are out of their natural setting & in the jungle. People are after them...
I LOOOOVVVEEE This series!!
October 8, 2014
Received an ARC for review
Another great BKI book. Loved Steady and Abby. They were just amazing. There was an added bonus of seeing Dan and more Ozzie. Plus we get to see maybe the start of a spin-off series or will these hot SEALS be joining the BKI when they retire...hhhmmmm
Another great BKI book. Loved Steady and Abby. They were just amazing. There was an added bonus of seeing Dan and more Ozzie. Plus we get to see maybe the start of a spin-off series or will these hot SEALS be joining the BKI when they retire...hhhmmmm
October 5, 2015
Two-haiku review:
Secret service fails
President's daughter kidnapped
Can he find, save her?
Thrilling excitement
Bang bang shoot-em-up action
Race through the jungle
Re-reading series, Sept/Oct 2015
Secret service fails
President's daughter kidnapped
Can he find, save her?
Thrilling excitement
Bang bang shoot-em-up action
Race through the jungle
Re-reading series, Sept/Oct 2015
January 6, 2015
I received this book through NetGalley, and even though it’s been archived I figured I’d go ahead and read it, and give my "vaunted" opinion. Hell, most authors love getting feedback on their books; it’s what helps motivate us as writers. I, for one, would love more readers to provide feedback/reviews of my book. Not only do I want to read lots of praise for my work, but negative/critical feedback aides me in crafting my next story in a way more people will appreciate it. Mostly, I just like reading all sorts of nice things about my book, LOL!
I’ve met Ms. Walker, and I was honored to work with her via the NJRW for their Put Your Heart in a Book Conference in October 2014.
With that said I’m going to give an honest review of this book; likes, dislikes, quirks, pet peeves and all.
What I LIKED about this book:
The premise of the book is a great one, but…(see below)
The sex scenes between Carlos “Steady” Soto and Abby are hot, Hot, HOT!
Antonio Sabato, Jr.
The quick, witty dialogue between the BKI comrades, but…(see below)
Penni DePaul…but…(see below)
What I DISLIKED about this book:
Too many POVs
Flippant humor
Low tension
Two books in one
Let me expound on the two above lists by first saying I understand this book is number 7 in a series so I am missing a lot of the back story that adds depth to the plot, but as a first time reader, I feel I should’ve been able to read the book without feeling I was missing out on something.
I thought the premise of this book had all the makings of a major blockbuster action/romance/thriller. It had a hot Latin soldier (when I read his description, I immediately thought of Latin sex symbol, Antonio Sabato, Jr. Look him up on Google…see what I mean?), and a sweet but deeply troubled woman in a life and death situation in the middle of a sweltering jungle. It started out interesting enough, but even then, when the heroine is a beguiling and somewhat irritatingly adolescent, the tension between the H/H was lackluster—which only makes it MORE lackluster when I find out the hero had the hots for the heroine that whole time. Really? I totally believed the big brother/little sister vibe I was getting because the tension was one-sided and kind of comical in its attempt to rise above the tension level of a Kindergarten playground tantrum.
When the H/H get together 8 years later, they’re both children of their different circumstances. He’s a super sexy, sexually experienced, hero, and she’s a sheltered, petulant, First Daughter (or Second Daughter? She IS the youngest…) who’s always had a thing for the rock hardness of rock Steady Soto. While the sex scenes were off the charts sexy, they were driven entirely by the hero who seemed to hold all the sexual tension in more than capable hands. HIS dialogue, HIS actions, HIS POV were what raised the scene from backseat petting to soft core Skin-emax. I skipped a lot of ANYTHING she had to say; it added very little to any scene she was in. You’ll see why my opinion of her is so critical further along in this review.
Speaking of dialogue from super sexy heroes; the witty, clever banter between the members of the BKI was, well, witty and clever. I liked that they were so quick with rejoinders, comebacks, zingers, and the occasional sign of true love and brotherhood between them. What I didn’t like is that this back and forth goes on for what seems like entire chapters! This REALLY took me out of the story. Like I said, I haven’t read the other books in the series, so I don’t know the background between these dudes, so I couldn’t give a crap about their wives, their conquests, or their current cock size. I wanted to get back to the jungle where the two supposed main characters were facing peril.
I say SUPPOSED main characters because there seems to be two concurrent romances going on in one story, which snatches me from Carlos and Abby’s story and leaves me deflated rather than revved up and ready for more. I will speak more on this later in the review.
I LOVED that Ms. Walker used the name of a mutual acquaintance in this story. As soon as I read the name, I KNEW the inspiration came from the real life Penni DePaul, aka PA DePaul, romantic suspense author extraordinaire. I appreciated that Ms. Walker used the name of someone I knew (kind of made me feel important to be in the know), but I found myself growing more and more annoyed every time Dan used her full name in conversation WITH her or about her, AND in internal monologue. Who goes around calling people by their full names during the course of a normal conversation?
“‘So, Penni DePaul,’ he began…”
“He looked over at Penni DePaul…”
“Penni DePaul wrapped her hand around his throbbing—”
You get the idea.
Now, let’s take some time to focus on what I DIDN’T like about this book.
There are way too many POVs for this type of story. There are FIVE points of view in this story, which is fine if it were something by Dean Koontz or Tess Gerritsen (the MASTERS of multiple POVs driving the suspense of the story) but when it’s a romance novel focusing on two people fighting for their lives in a Asian jungle, too many cooks in the kitchen guarantees burnt roast and a lot of dissatisfied dinner guests.
Two of those POVs were Dan and Penni, two secondary characters who suddenly find themselves the focus of several chapters of the book. When I read the blurb for this book I thought I’d be reading about two soulmates, separated by time and tragedy reunited in the jungles of Malaysia. Well, instead what I got was low tension, kind of comical, sort of irritating, flippant mash up of two different stories. I wanted to read about Carlos and Abby, not Dan and Penni. Sure, if Dan and Penni’s POV and story added to the main plot (say, their conversations were about setting aside their growing attraction to save their friends’ lives, or using their skill sets to hunt down the bombers WITHOUT having sex in the bathroom first), it wouldn’t have been so bad. BUT because entire chapters of the already lagging story line were devoted to these two, I lost all interest in the story all together. I found myself skipping full pages of the story because I didn’t care about ANY of the characters any more. If Ms. Walker had just focused on ONE romance and TWO POVs (H/H), I wouldn’t have seriously considered putting this book in my DNF pile. As it is, it is on my DNWTF (Did Not Want to Finish) pile.
It wasn’t just the too many, unnecessary POVs, and dual storylines that ruined the book for me, it was also the flippant, high school mentality language and writing style. Don't get me wrong. Ms. Walker is an excellent writer, I just feel she chose the wrong kind of style for this book. These were all grown people, but no one seemed to understand the seriousness of the book. I myself love to write stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, but reading this book was like reading a story written by a group of high school girls.
At one point, Carlos calls the villain (though, because of how comical and juvenile the story is, I tend to think of him more as the little general from Tropic Thunder than the massacring monster, Pol Pot) Dickhead and the proceeds to use THAT as his label for the guy for the rest of the book. Come on, seriously? I’m 33 years old, I’m reading a grown up book, which I thought would at least appeal to the grown up in me—at least a LITTLE bit. Nope. Except the sex scenes. Those were pretty…ahem…adult.
The flippant humor and a few other nagging issues sucked the tension right out of the book. Romantic SUSPENSE this is NOT.
I understand Carlos and Abby have a history, but I didn’t feel the depth of emotion like I wanted to in order to believe their sudden burst of unrequited desire. Carlos is a hard, military, spec-ops killer. Abby is a botanist, goody-goody who happens to be the President’s daughter. Sure, they’re worlds apart, but their relationship would’ve been believable except for the glaring issue of Abby’s high school vocabulary.
Seriously? Like, how many times does she, like, have to say or think ‘gah’? I felt like I was reading lines from Clueless.
As if!
Not only did she THINK like a high school dimwit, she also cussed like one. Here are a few of the ninth-grade expletives I wanted to highlight:
“What the frickin’ sticks…”
“Chewbacca’s flying shit…”
“Sonofabiscuit…”
“Holy shitpickle…”
“Jumping Jesus…”
“Holy ass…”
Come on, are you sixteen or twenty-six? Two or three would come across as cute, adorable even, but after reading a dozen or more, it becomes juvenile. Also, who says or even THINKS the words, “Chewbacca’s flying shit”, while in a gun fight with Malaysian militants? I felt like I was reading the diary of my 15 year old niece. To me, Abby is stuck in perpetual adolescence with occasional flashes of maturity—like when she’s getting hot and heavy with Senor Steady. When she opens her mouth, or the recesses of her brain, and starts spouting golden nuggets like “holy shitpickle”, I can’t help but cringe and roll my eyes. It’s like she’s trying to slide a few bad words passed her grandma.
Moving on…
I WANTED to like this book, I really did, but I can’t help how disappointed I was. I know this review might come across harsh, and I even considered glossing over the DISLIKE list, but as an author, I know I’d rather hear the truth and grow from it, than get an earful of false praise.
I’m going to try the other books in this series just to see if this is me having a bad day, or if I’ve discovered an aversion to military type romantic suspense novels.
I’ve met Ms. Walker, and I was honored to work with her via the NJRW for their Put Your Heart in a Book Conference in October 2014.
With that said I’m going to give an honest review of this book; likes, dislikes, quirks, pet peeves and all.
What I LIKED about this book:
The premise of the book is a great one, but…(see below)
The sex scenes between Carlos “Steady” Soto and Abby are hot, Hot, HOT!
Antonio Sabato, Jr.
The quick, witty dialogue between the BKI comrades, but…(see below)
Penni DePaul…but…(see below)
What I DISLIKED about this book:
Too many POVs
Flippant humor
Low tension
Two books in one
Let me expound on the two above lists by first saying I understand this book is number 7 in a series so I am missing a lot of the back story that adds depth to the plot, but as a first time reader, I feel I should’ve been able to read the book without feeling I was missing out on something.
I thought the premise of this book had all the makings of a major blockbuster action/romance/thriller. It had a hot Latin soldier (when I read his description, I immediately thought of Latin sex symbol, Antonio Sabato, Jr. Look him up on Google…see what I mean?), and a sweet but deeply troubled woman in a life and death situation in the middle of a sweltering jungle. It started out interesting enough, but even then, when the heroine is a beguiling and somewhat irritatingly adolescent, the tension between the H/H was lackluster—which only makes it MORE lackluster when I find out the hero had the hots for the heroine that whole time. Really? I totally believed the big brother/little sister vibe I was getting because the tension was one-sided and kind of comical in its attempt to rise above the tension level of a Kindergarten playground tantrum.
When the H/H get together 8 years later, they’re both children of their different circumstances. He’s a super sexy, sexually experienced, hero, and she’s a sheltered, petulant, First Daughter (or Second Daughter? She IS the youngest…) who’s always had a thing for the rock hardness of rock Steady Soto. While the sex scenes were off the charts sexy, they were driven entirely by the hero who seemed to hold all the sexual tension in more than capable hands. HIS dialogue, HIS actions, HIS POV were what raised the scene from backseat petting to soft core Skin-emax. I skipped a lot of ANYTHING she had to say; it added very little to any scene she was in. You’ll see why my opinion of her is so critical further along in this review.
Speaking of dialogue from super sexy heroes; the witty, clever banter between the members of the BKI was, well, witty and clever. I liked that they were so quick with rejoinders, comebacks, zingers, and the occasional sign of true love and brotherhood between them. What I didn’t like is that this back and forth goes on for what seems like entire chapters! This REALLY took me out of the story. Like I said, I haven’t read the other books in the series, so I don’t know the background between these dudes, so I couldn’t give a crap about their wives, their conquests, or their current cock size. I wanted to get back to the jungle where the two supposed main characters were facing peril.
I say SUPPOSED main characters because there seems to be two concurrent romances going on in one story, which snatches me from Carlos and Abby’s story and leaves me deflated rather than revved up and ready for more. I will speak more on this later in the review.
I LOVED that Ms. Walker used the name of a mutual acquaintance in this story. As soon as I read the name, I KNEW the inspiration came from the real life Penni DePaul, aka PA DePaul, romantic suspense author extraordinaire. I appreciated that Ms. Walker used the name of someone I knew (kind of made me feel important to be in the know), but I found myself growing more and more annoyed every time Dan used her full name in conversation WITH her or about her, AND in internal monologue. Who goes around calling people by their full names during the course of a normal conversation?
“‘So, Penni DePaul,’ he began…”
“He looked over at Penni DePaul…”
“Penni DePaul wrapped her hand around his throbbing—”
You get the idea.
Now, let’s take some time to focus on what I DIDN’T like about this book.
There are way too many POVs for this type of story. There are FIVE points of view in this story, which is fine if it were something by Dean Koontz or Tess Gerritsen (the MASTERS of multiple POVs driving the suspense of the story) but when it’s a romance novel focusing on two people fighting for their lives in a Asian jungle, too many cooks in the kitchen guarantees burnt roast and a lot of dissatisfied dinner guests.
Two of those POVs were Dan and Penni, two secondary characters who suddenly find themselves the focus of several chapters of the book. When I read the blurb for this book I thought I’d be reading about two soulmates, separated by time and tragedy reunited in the jungles of Malaysia. Well, instead what I got was low tension, kind of comical, sort of irritating, flippant mash up of two different stories. I wanted to read about Carlos and Abby, not Dan and Penni. Sure, if Dan and Penni’s POV and story added to the main plot (say, their conversations were about setting aside their growing attraction to save their friends’ lives, or using their skill sets to hunt down the bombers WITHOUT having sex in the bathroom first), it wouldn’t have been so bad. BUT because entire chapters of the already lagging story line were devoted to these two, I lost all interest in the story all together. I found myself skipping full pages of the story because I didn’t care about ANY of the characters any more. If Ms. Walker had just focused on ONE romance and TWO POVs (H/H), I wouldn’t have seriously considered putting this book in my DNF pile. As it is, it is on my DNWTF (Did Not Want to Finish) pile.
It wasn’t just the too many, unnecessary POVs, and dual storylines that ruined the book for me, it was also the flippant, high school mentality language and writing style. Don't get me wrong. Ms. Walker is an excellent writer, I just feel she chose the wrong kind of style for this book. These were all grown people, but no one seemed to understand the seriousness of the book. I myself love to write stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, but reading this book was like reading a story written by a group of high school girls.
At one point, Carlos calls the villain (though, because of how comical and juvenile the story is, I tend to think of him more as the little general from Tropic Thunder than the massacring monster, Pol Pot) Dickhead and the proceeds to use THAT as his label for the guy for the rest of the book. Come on, seriously? I’m 33 years old, I’m reading a grown up book, which I thought would at least appeal to the grown up in me—at least a LITTLE bit. Nope. Except the sex scenes. Those were pretty…ahem…adult.
The flippant humor and a few other nagging issues sucked the tension right out of the book. Romantic SUSPENSE this is NOT.
I understand Carlos and Abby have a history, but I didn’t feel the depth of emotion like I wanted to in order to believe their sudden burst of unrequited desire. Carlos is a hard, military, spec-ops killer. Abby is a botanist, goody-goody who happens to be the President’s daughter. Sure, they’re worlds apart, but their relationship would’ve been believable except for the glaring issue of Abby’s high school vocabulary.
Seriously? Like, how many times does she, like, have to say or think ‘gah’? I felt like I was reading lines from Clueless.
As if!
Not only did she THINK like a high school dimwit, she also cussed like one. Here are a few of the ninth-grade expletives I wanted to highlight:
“What the frickin’ sticks…”
“Chewbacca’s flying shit…”
“Sonofabiscuit…”
“Holy shitpickle…”
“Jumping Jesus…”
“Holy ass…”
Come on, are you sixteen or twenty-six? Two or three would come across as cute, adorable even, but after reading a dozen or more, it becomes juvenile. Also, who says or even THINKS the words, “Chewbacca’s flying shit”, while in a gun fight with Malaysian militants? I felt like I was reading the diary of my 15 year old niece. To me, Abby is stuck in perpetual adolescence with occasional flashes of maturity—like when she’s getting hot and heavy with Senor Steady. When she opens her mouth, or the recesses of her brain, and starts spouting golden nuggets like “holy shitpickle”, I can’t help but cringe and roll my eyes. It’s like she’s trying to slide a few bad words passed her grandma.
Moving on…
I WANTED to like this book, I really did, but I can’t help how disappointed I was. I know this review might come across harsh, and I even considered glossing over the DISLIKE list, but as an author, I know I’d rather hear the truth and grow from it, than get an earful of false praise.
I’m going to try the other books in this series just to see if this is me having a bad day, or if I’ve discovered an aversion to military type romantic suspense novels.
December 27, 2014
I got an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ahhhh, this book. I did not realise the way I felt towards it until I sat down to write this review. Warning - some ranting below, but spoilers have been hidden.
Ok. Firstly, I have not read any of the other Black Knights Inc. books. I thought this would be a major issue, but I found myself able to get into the story and I did not feel like I had been missing too much. There were some parts I ended up skimming, where the Black Knights are reunited with some of their teammates and I didn't know who they were, so I didn't care in the slightest. But not a major problem for me.
The major issues I had with this book were as follows:
Carlos. I get it. You are Spanish. I did not need the reminder every two or three pages when you cursed in Spanish. I also did not need the constant reminders that you had tanned skin. I. Get. It. You. Are. Spanish. Bueno?
I like books that have different perspectives. It's nice to have one, two, maybe three takes on the story line. But five? Going a little overboard there. I skimmed every section that had the bad guy talking about how much he hated America and blah blah blah. I also did not feel that Dan or Penni's perspectives really gave much depth to the story at all. I understand that they were probably inserted to set up the story for the next book.. but I did not find them necessary.
Abby. Oh. My. Goodness. I want to shoot her in the face. Talk about too stupid to live. There are too many absolutely stupid things that she said or did to possibly name them all here, but what finally broke my patience was
The story. It was highly unbelievable. Some parts really bothered me, like and
The title. Full Throttle, suggests motorbikes. There was not a motorbike in this book until pages 300 and something. I feel that the title is misleading.
The fact that Carlos is repeatedly called "perfect" and "beautiful" by Abby, fangirl much?
The frequent pop culture references also bothered me. Sure, I can understand wanting to connect your story to modern day, but for those not versed in the numerous movies/tv shows/songs referenced in this, it could be quite alienating.
What I liked about this book:
The flashbacks to when they first met, was really cute.
Carlos going all Rambo to save Abby on his own was quite endearing.
The writing was well done, but I did find it a little stuttered with the amount of explanation having to be given for all the weaponry/secret agent shit going on and as a result it did make reading the book a longer process than anticipated.
Overall, this book was not bad. I didn't hate it, but it certainly doesn't make me want to rush out and buy the others in the series,as I do not feel I have missed much.
2 Stars.
Ahhhh, this book. I did not realise the way I felt towards it until I sat down to write this review. Warning - some ranting below, but spoilers have been hidden.
Ok. Firstly, I have not read any of the other Black Knights Inc. books. I thought this would be a major issue, but I found myself able to get into the story and I did not feel like I had been missing too much. There were some parts I ended up skimming, where the Black Knights are reunited with some of their teammates and I didn't know who they were, so I didn't care in the slightest. But not a major problem for me.
The major issues I had with this book were as follows:
Carlos. I get it. You are Spanish. I did not need the reminder every two or three pages when you cursed in Spanish. I also did not need the constant reminders that you had tanned skin. I. Get. It. You. Are. Spanish. Bueno?
I like books that have different perspectives. It's nice to have one, two, maybe three takes on the story line. But five? Going a little overboard there. I skimmed every section that had the bad guy talking about how much he hated America and blah blah blah. I also did not feel that Dan or Penni's perspectives really gave much depth to the story at all. I understand that they were probably inserted to set up the story for the next book.. but I did not find them necessary.
Abby. Oh. My. Goodness. I want to shoot her in the face. Talk about too stupid to live. There are too many absolutely stupid things that she said or did to possibly name them all here, but what finally broke my patience was
The story. It was highly unbelievable. Some parts really bothered me, like and
The title. Full Throttle, suggests motorbikes. There was not a motorbike in this book until pages 300 and something. I feel that the title is misleading.
The fact that Carlos is repeatedly called "perfect" and "beautiful" by Abby, fangirl much?
The frequent pop culture references also bothered me. Sure, I can understand wanting to connect your story to modern day, but for those not versed in the numerous movies/tv shows/songs referenced in this, it could be quite alienating.
What I liked about this book:
The flashbacks to when they first met, was really cute.
Carlos going all Rambo to save Abby on his own was quite endearing.
The writing was well done, but I did find it a little stuttered with the amount of explanation having to be given for all the weaponry/secret agent shit going on and as a result it did make reading the book a longer process than anticipated.
Overall, this book was not bad. I didn't hate it, but it certainly doesn't make me want to rush out and buy the others in the series,as I do not feel I have missed much.
2 Stars.
July 18, 2016
Another exciting adventure. Carlos and Abby had known each other eight years earlier, but the time wasn't right for them. Abby was the eighteen year old daughter of a presidential candidate and Carlos was the twenty-five year old med student who was the son of immigrants. Carlos's sister Rosa was Abby's student adviser. The book starts with a flashback to the event that changed their lives. Abby has just encountered Carlos, who she has a massive crush on. She is on the way to meet his sister, but can't resist stopping to talk to him. She is so into him, but feels like he sees her as a little sister. On the contrary, Carlos is very attracted to her. But there are too many obstacles. First, she's so much younger than he is. Second, the differences between them are too great. Not that it stops him from imagining more. Just as she's ready to leave Carlos to meet Rosa, there is an explosion. She is whisked away by the Secret Service and Carlos heads to the scene - the coffee shop where his sister was waiting. Other than Rosa's funeral that the last she sees of Carlos.
Eight years later, Abby has given up medical school for a degree in botany, and is in Malaysia giving a speech at a conference. The president himself requested backup security from BKI because of intercepted threats. One of the people sent is Carlos, who had given up med school for the army Rangers, then BKI, as his way of avenging Rosa's death. He's not too thrilled to be babysitting the woman who broke his heart, but orders are orders. Abby isn't very happy either. Every time she looks at Carlos, she remembers his sister.
Things start to get exciting when Abby is drugged and kidnapped from her room, which is followed by two explosions on their floor. We see her fear as the drug takes effect, and as she is helpless to resist what happens to her. Meanwhile, back at the hotel, the intensity of what happened kept me glued to the pages. There is harsh reality as they see the results of the explosion, tension as Ozzie receives a life threatening injury, and fear as the ones left standing realize that Abby is missing. I loved seeing Carlos and Dan, as the BKI team, do what they do best, as they work to find out what happened to Abby. They also had the help of Penni, the last surviving Secret Service agent.
Part of Carlos's mind is freaking out with his fear for Abby, but most of it is concentrated on finding her. Of course, he succeeds, but there is a snafu with the rescue team and he takes matters into his own hands to rescue her. What follows is an intense trek through the jungle as they try to stay ahead of those that are after them. I loved the way that Carlos lived up to his nickname, Steady, and always seemed to be in control. I thought Abby was great too. She didn't fall apart when Carlos showed up to save her, and was pretty awesome in her determination to keep up with him during their escape. Her rather unique way of cussing broke up some of the moments of tension and frequently made me laugh. The final confrontation with the man after them was really intense and I wasn't sure how they would get through it. The resolution was great.
In their time together trying to escape, neither Abby nor Carlos can deny that their feelings haven't changed. If anything, they have gotten stronger. Back then, it was mostly Carlos's insecurities keeping them apart. He is now more mature and has a world of experience behind him. I loved seeing the relationship develop. I enjoyed Abby's surprise when she discovered that Carlos had been far from indifferent to her back then and that just intensifies the attraction she feels for him. There were a couple times that the attraction exploded at inappropriate times (hello, Mr. Elephant). Each of them spent a fair amount of time thinking about what they wanted to do with the other. Throughout the book, Abby was haunted by a secret she has kept for eight years, one that she is certain would drive Carlos away from her. The ending was terrific, as Carlos gets some unexpected help in winning his girl.
There was a secondary story mixed in, involving Dan and Penni. In previous books Dan has been dealing with the loss of his wife. He's finally starting to live again, and is surprised by his attraction to Penni. She feels the same, but the events surrounding Abby's kidnapping have thrown her into turmoil. She's dealing with guilt over the loss of her comrades and the reason she wasn't with them. But she buries it as deep as she can while working with Dan to find Abby. The tension between them is obvious and I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses for them.
I liked meeting the SEAL team and seeing their connection with Dan. The nod to the upcoming series involving the members of that team was a great lead in. I also loved the scene at BKI headquarters, with the guys, the SEALs and their visitors. I was also happy to get an update on Ozzie and really hope to see things work out for him.
Eight years later, Abby has given up medical school for a degree in botany, and is in Malaysia giving a speech at a conference. The president himself requested backup security from BKI because of intercepted threats. One of the people sent is Carlos, who had given up med school for the army Rangers, then BKI, as his way of avenging Rosa's death. He's not too thrilled to be babysitting the woman who broke his heart, but orders are orders. Abby isn't very happy either. Every time she looks at Carlos, she remembers his sister.
Things start to get exciting when Abby is drugged and kidnapped from her room, which is followed by two explosions on their floor. We see her fear as the drug takes effect, and as she is helpless to resist what happens to her. Meanwhile, back at the hotel, the intensity of what happened kept me glued to the pages. There is harsh reality as they see the results of the explosion, tension as Ozzie receives a life threatening injury, and fear as the ones left standing realize that Abby is missing. I loved seeing Carlos and Dan, as the BKI team, do what they do best, as they work to find out what happened to Abby. They also had the help of Penni, the last surviving Secret Service agent.
Part of Carlos's mind is freaking out with his fear for Abby, but most of it is concentrated on finding her. Of course, he succeeds, but there is a snafu with the rescue team and he takes matters into his own hands to rescue her. What follows is an intense trek through the jungle as they try to stay ahead of those that are after them. I loved the way that Carlos lived up to his nickname, Steady, and always seemed to be in control. I thought Abby was great too. She didn't fall apart when Carlos showed up to save her, and was pretty awesome in her determination to keep up with him during their escape. Her rather unique way of cussing broke up some of the moments of tension and frequently made me laugh. The final confrontation with the man after them was really intense and I wasn't sure how they would get through it. The resolution was great.
In their time together trying to escape, neither Abby nor Carlos can deny that their feelings haven't changed. If anything, they have gotten stronger. Back then, it was mostly Carlos's insecurities keeping them apart. He is now more mature and has a world of experience behind him. I loved seeing the relationship develop. I enjoyed Abby's surprise when she discovered that Carlos had been far from indifferent to her back then and that just intensifies the attraction she feels for him. There were a couple times that the attraction exploded at inappropriate times (hello, Mr. Elephant). Each of them spent a fair amount of time thinking about what they wanted to do with the other. Throughout the book, Abby was haunted by a secret she has kept for eight years, one that she is certain would drive Carlos away from her. The ending was terrific, as Carlos gets some unexpected help in winning his girl.
There was a secondary story mixed in, involving Dan and Penni. In previous books Dan has been dealing with the loss of his wife. He's finally starting to live again, and is surprised by his attraction to Penni. She feels the same, but the events surrounding Abby's kidnapping have thrown her into turmoil. She's dealing with guilt over the loss of her comrades and the reason she wasn't with them. But she buries it as deep as she can while working with Dan to find Abby. The tension between them is obvious and I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses for them.
I liked meeting the SEAL team and seeing their connection with Dan. The nod to the upcoming series involving the members of that team was a great lead in. I also loved the scene at BKI headquarters, with the guys, the SEALs and their visitors. I was also happy to get an update on Ozzie and really hope to see things work out for him.
October 15, 2019
The story of Carlos "Steady" Soto and his latest assignment who is someone from his past, Abby, one of the daughters of the President of the United States.
Carlos's team is tasked with providing additional security for Abby on her trip overseas after chatter had been intercepted of plans for a kidnapping of her sister. Their presence is supposed to be only a precaution, but when most of her security team is eliminated and Abby is gone, the Black Knights are the only ones near enough to provide assistance.
Carlos, who believed that Abby had rebuffed his advances when they were younger because they were from two different worlds, is determined to get her back safely. While his team is gathering information and requests assistance, he embarks in a reconnaissance mission that turns into a rescue mission when he takes advantage of the kidnapper's lax security. The two end up fleeing in the forest with armed pursuers at their heels and a long trek between them and the border and safety.
Abby, who always had a thing for Carlos, believes herself responsible for .
The two missed their chance the first time, but despite the danger surrounding them this time around, they give in to their feelings for one another. Unfortunately, Abby is a coward who .
They eventually get their happily ever after, but Abby annoyed me too much for me to enjoy it as much as I normally would. Next in the series comes Too Hard to Handle and Dan and agent Penni's story that started in this book.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Hell for Leather (Black Knights Inc., #6) ~ ★★★ (14/07/2017)
✦ Born Wild (Black Knights Inc., #5) ~ ★★★★ (03/07/2017)
✦ Thrill Ride (Black Knights Inc. #4) ~ ★★★ (29/04/2017)
✦ Rev It Up (Black Knights Inc. #3) ~ ★★★★ (06/04/2017)
✦ In Rides Trouble (Black Knights Inc., #2) ~ ★★★★ (19/09/2015)
✦ Hell on Wheels (Black Knights Inc., #1) ~ ★★★★ (19/09/2015)
Carlos's team is tasked with providing additional security for Abby on her trip overseas after chatter had been intercepted of plans for a kidnapping of her sister. Their presence is supposed to be only a precaution, but when most of her security team is eliminated and Abby is gone, the Black Knights are the only ones near enough to provide assistance.
Carlos, who believed that Abby had rebuffed his advances when they were younger because they were from two different worlds, is determined to get her back safely. While his team is gathering information and requests assistance, he embarks in a reconnaissance mission that turns into a rescue mission when he takes advantage of the kidnapper's lax security. The two end up fleeing in the forest with armed pursuers at their heels and a long trek between them and the border and safety.
Abby, who always had a thing for Carlos, believes herself responsible for .
The two missed their chance the first time, but despite the danger surrounding them this time around, they give in to their feelings for one another. Unfortunately, Abby is a coward who .
They eventually get their happily ever after, but Abby annoyed me too much for me to enjoy it as much as I normally would. Next in the series comes Too Hard to Handle and Dan and agent Penni's story that started in this book.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Hell for Leather (Black Knights Inc., #6) ~ ★★★ (14/07/2017)
✦ Born Wild (Black Knights Inc., #5) ~ ★★★★ (03/07/2017)
✦ Thrill Ride (Black Knights Inc. #4) ~ ★★★ (29/04/2017)
✦ Rev It Up (Black Knights Inc. #3) ~ ★★★★ (06/04/2017)
✦ In Rides Trouble (Black Knights Inc., #2) ~ ★★★★ (19/09/2015)
✦ Hell on Wheels (Black Knights Inc., #1) ~ ★★★★ (19/09/2015)
December 11, 2014
Full Throttle is the 7th book in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. This one focuses on Carlos (Steady) and Abby, the president’s youngest daughter, but the story is told from the viewpoint of five characters. The bulk of the story is told by Carlos and Abby. The other characters we follow are Penni, a secret service agent, Dan (The Man), and to a lesser extent, the main bad guy.
I really liked Full Throttle but I did find Abby’s perception of events from 8 years ago to be overdramatic. I hated how the reason for her angst filled guilt was dragged out until the very end. It read like what it was, a plot device. Also the reason Abby and Carlos had no contact for eight years is due to misinterpretation on both sides.
What I liked about Full Throttle is that overall it’s believable. Both the story and the characters are vividly portrayed in a way that feels realistic. The pacing is fast and the characters are likable. Carlos is badass, protective and charming. Abby is witty, smart and sweet. Together they made a fun and sexy couple. Their story is an entertaining journey as they run from the bad guys through the jungles of Malaysia. It gives a tiny taste of the romantic interest between Dan and Penni but we’ll have to wait for his story to see it really take shape. I found their part of the story to be interesting and entertaining as well and I look forward to seeing more of them in their own book.
Full Throttle can be read as stand-alone novel but for the best enjoyment I recommend reading the series in order. This book and the entire series is recommended to fans of romantic suspense.
*Review copy received from the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, via NetGalley.
I really liked Full Throttle but I did find Abby’s perception of events from 8 years ago to be overdramatic. I hated how the reason for her angst filled guilt was dragged out until the very end. It read like what it was, a plot device. Also the reason Abby and Carlos had no contact for eight years is due to misinterpretation on both sides.
What I liked about Full Throttle is that overall it’s believable. Both the story and the characters are vividly portrayed in a way that feels realistic. The pacing is fast and the characters are likable. Carlos is badass, protective and charming. Abby is witty, smart and sweet. Together they made a fun and sexy couple. Their story is an entertaining journey as they run from the bad guys through the jungles of Malaysia. It gives a tiny taste of the romantic interest between Dan and Penni but we’ll have to wait for his story to see it really take shape. I found their part of the story to be interesting and entertaining as well and I look forward to seeing more of them in their own book.
Full Throttle can be read as stand-alone novel but for the best enjoyment I recommend reading the series in order. This book and the entire series is recommended to fans of romantic suspense.
*Review copy received from the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, via NetGalley.
August 14, 2015
I really liked this one! The heroine, Abby, wasn't all teary-eyed and crying like most of the heroines in this series. However, we did see quit a bit of Agent Penni, who was spending a lot of time trying not to cry and failing at it. Carlos "Steady" Soto was hot with his domineering ways in the sack. I liked it ;)
January 9, 2016
Was mostly bored during this. I've liked the other novels in this series enough, but this one I didn't enjoy really. It felt like a lot of annoying filler, and I hated all of the alternating view points. There were way too many. It was spread too thin.
August 4, 2015
2.5 stars
December 6, 2014
Caveat: Maybe I was in a negative mood when I read this book, but was unaware of this.
Usually, I thoroughly enjoy Julie Ann Walker's books, and will read them more than once. Her characters are terrific and tend to carry a lot of hard-edged swagger, but Full Throttle seemed to lack the punch I've come to love. And I blame Abby (heroine). I wanted to slap her out of the book because she kept interrupting the flow of the story with her silly observations and expressions. And as for the guilt trip she was carrying? Well...weak, weak, weak.
Steady (hero) was closer to what I've come to expect of the Black Knights Inc series, though he'd been polished to within an inch of his sense of humour and I missed the male abrasion.
What was good: the action scenes were wonderfully executed, the sex was hot, fav characters from previous books made an appearance, Dan (if he's given his own story) promises to be pure Ms Walker, the plot had momentum (except when Abby got in the way).
I perplexed that I didn't enjoy Full Throttle when others have clearly done so... so yes, I'd recommend it, because the problem might lie with me (but I'm still only giving it a 3* rating).
Usually, I thoroughly enjoy Julie Ann Walker's books, and will read them more than once. Her characters are terrific and tend to carry a lot of hard-edged swagger, but Full Throttle seemed to lack the punch I've come to love. And I blame Abby (heroine). I wanted to slap her out of the book because she kept interrupting the flow of the story with her silly observations and expressions. And as for the guilt trip she was carrying? Well...weak, weak, weak.
Steady (hero) was closer to what I've come to expect of the Black Knights Inc series, though he'd been polished to within an inch of his sense of humour and I missed the male abrasion.
What was good: the action scenes were wonderfully executed, the sex was hot, fav characters from previous books made an appearance, Dan (if he's given his own story) promises to be pure Ms Walker, the plot had momentum (except when Abby got in the way).
I perplexed that I didn't enjoy Full Throttle when others have clearly done so... so yes, I'd recommend it, because the problem might lie with me (but I'm still only giving it a 3* rating).
August 4, 2015
For me, this was a boring book punctuated with semi-decent action scenes that are very few and far in between. It gave me a Romancing the Stone kind of feeling, but as if this was a pale comparison to that romance story. It had a lot of totally unprofessional and unrealistic activities and situations that I found annoying, to the point where I was skimming or even skipping the multiple sex scenes entirely. I also thought that there was too much going on, as it was supposed to be Carlos and Abby's book, and yet it was that plus half Dan and Penni's book, in addition to being a vehicle to introduce the Deep Six spin off series. All that made it so that the romance between Carlos and Abby took a distant back burner to the book's overall plot. All in all, I've not enjoyed the series enough to continue it through any future releases, nor to read the spin off series. I honestly can't see how this series made NPR's Top 100 Swoon Worthy romances!
February 9, 2016
Abby Thompson has tried to live a semi normal life, which is next to impossible when your the President of the United States daughter. In one instant everything changes and she distances herself from the one man who she had come to rely on. Eight years later Carlos "Steady" Santos is assigned to Abby's detail, memories of the past still haunt both but Abby had a reason for the choices she made. When Abby is kidnapped Carlos stops at nothing to find her. Can they get past their history and begin again, or will Abby make another choice that effects them all?
This had a few stories circulating within the main one. Abby I understood why she made the choices she did, I felt like she was young enough to have the feelings she did where Carlos was concerned. Carlos was pure alpha male, he was an intriguing character who grasps your attention from the very beginning. Look forward to going back and reading the rest of the series.
This had a few stories circulating within the main one. Abby I understood why she made the choices she did, I felt like she was young enough to have the feelings she did where Carlos was concerned. Carlos was pure alpha male, he was an intriguing character who grasps your attention from the very beginning. Look forward to going back and reading the rest of the series.
March 31, 2015
2.5 Stars...Well, every author seems to have a bad book and since I can't write a lick, I feel bad for posting a poor review. But...I'd swear this one was written by someone else! The language/writing seemed juvenile, the characters were shallow (and juvenile), and the fast-pace of thrills I look for in Ms. Walker's books seemed lacking (and juvenile). The only redeeming value was the introduction of the SEAL Team Alpha who will be the focus of the author's new series based on these guys retiring and becoming treasure hunters who can't seem to stop saving the world. I don't know if the Black Knights are going out on this note, altho I suspect not as there are several wrap-ups needed, however I for one wouldn't mind after reading this one.
December 20, 2014
It's more like 3.5 stars. I love BKI but oh man, Abby was by far the most annoying character. All the Abby-isms made me want to throw the book across the room. I get that she was 'dorky' but c'mon, some of those phrases were ridiculous.
That being said, I can't wait for Penni and Dan's book. Brooklyn and Detroit. I loved that. And omg!!! Ozzie! I have to find out what happens to my Ozzie, he's been the best part of many of the books.
So if you like the series, power through. The set-up for the following books will be worth it.
That being said, I can't wait for Penni and Dan's book. Brooklyn and Detroit. I loved that. And omg!!! Ozzie! I have to find out what happens to my Ozzie, he's been the best part of many of the books.
So if you like the series, power through. The set-up for the following books will be worth it.
January 12, 2015
Abby Thompson is the presidents daughter. Carlos "Steady" is a Black Knight who rescues her from kidnappers. They have a past together and during their escape through the jungle the rekindle the old flame. I love the Black Knight series, but I have to say this wasn't one of my favorites. I guess I miss the other guys and their significant others. I love Ozzie and was sorry to see him get hurt in this story. I can't wait to see where his story will lead.
October 1, 2017
Are you ready for an adventure that takes you to the Malaysian jungle with the president’s daughter, a few terrorists, and an ex Army Ranger? That is where you will find yourself in Full Throttle by Julie Ann Walker, another book in her Black Knights, Inc series! If you haven’t read this series, I encourage you to do so. While each book has it’s own plot there are characters and an ongoing plot that runs through each book, so reading from beginning to end is best.
President Thompson’s daughter, Abby, is kidnapped. Secret Service agents are down. It’s Carlos and the BKI boys to the rescue! Carlos and Abby have been friends for almost a decade but haven’t been in touch for many of those years. Yet, when they reconnect, it’s as if they never had that break in time. The chemistry between them as friends amazing. Their big love scene was absolutely off the charts hot. There is just so much respect for one another that it is the whole package.
Walker pens another fantastic romantic suspense story that is unique and individual to the characters in Full Throttle. As with other books in the series, we also get a side romance story with another couple. Dan from BKI and Penni, a Secret Service Agent hit it off from the beginning. That big question with them is whether Dan can overcome the pain of losing his wife a few years back and open his heart up to love Penni. We’ll find out in Too Hard To Handle.
We are introduced to the SEAL team that is part of the Deep Six series in this book which makes me even more excited about another series of Walker’s. If you are looking for a story that will give you action, love, brothers-in-arms, bad guys, and heroes, give Full Throttle a read.
President Thompson’s daughter, Abby, is kidnapped. Secret Service agents are down. It’s Carlos and the BKI boys to the rescue! Carlos and Abby have been friends for almost a decade but haven’t been in touch for many of those years. Yet, when they reconnect, it’s as if they never had that break in time. The chemistry between them as friends amazing. Their big love scene was absolutely off the charts hot. There is just so much respect for one another that it is the whole package.
Walker pens another fantastic romantic suspense story that is unique and individual to the characters in Full Throttle. As with other books in the series, we also get a side romance story with another couple. Dan from BKI and Penni, a Secret Service Agent hit it off from the beginning. That big question with them is whether Dan can overcome the pain of losing his wife a few years back and open his heart up to love Penni. We’ll find out in Too Hard To Handle.
We are introduced to the SEAL team that is part of the Deep Six series in this book which makes me even more excited about another series of Walker’s. If you are looking for a story that will give you action, love, brothers-in-arms, bad guys, and heroes, give Full Throttle a read.
March 17, 2018
I enjoyed the characters of Abby and Carlos but the story wasn't my favorite of the series.
January 7, 2021
Втората ми любима книга от поредицата! Карлос и Аби много ми харесаха като двойка! Наистина са ми слабост двойките с минало.
November 30, 2014
4.5 stars
I know I have said it before, but I will say it again- I love this series! As soon as I finish one book, I am already anxiously awaiting the next one, and Full Throttle was everything I hoped it would be.
Carlos “Steady” Soto and Abby Thompson have known each other for years although things did not end well the last time they saw each other 8 years ago. Now Steady and several other BKI boys have been assigned to a private security detail for her under the threat of a kidnapping attempt by a terrorist group. Seeing her again has Steady realizing that he never really got over his attraction to her and that maybe his BKI brothers that have been settling down might have the right idea after all- ooh, another one bites the dust (and yes the Queen song is running through my head right now!).
Abby pushed Carlos away all those years ago for reasons we don’t truly know until almost the end of the book but it is pretty easy to guess the gist of it along the way. I thought her inner dialogue was great, and I was laughing right along with Carlos most of the time at the unexpected things that would come from her mouth.
The danger pops up fairly immediately in the story and the action takes off- of course, Steady is right in the thick of it, first saving a severely wounded team member in less than ideal conditions, and then on his own as he is determined to see to Abby’s safety himself. And if it means they get a little time to themselves along the way, even better in his opinion. They soon find themselves literally fighting their way through the jungle trying to reach the border of the neighboring country for rescue while escaping pissed off terrorists and elephants along their journey- and yes I mean a real elephant in its native territory! And of course they find time for some sexy times along the way ;-) Steady is just smokin’- I do love a man with tattoos, an accent and a dominant edge in the bedroom!
In parallel to Carlos and Abby’s trek through the jungle, we get to know one of the BKI operators we haven’t seen since the first 2 books in the series, Dan The Man Currington. Fans of the series will remember that he lost his wife tragically in Nate/ Ali’s story Hell on Wheels and spiraled into depression and the bottom of the bottle afterward. Now he is back in the field and for the first time in years, a woman has actually stirred his attention- albeit reluctantly. Agent Penni DePaul of the FBI has taken a similar notice to Dan, and we get to see a little preview of what I believe (and hope) will be their own love story soon to follow as it starts to unfold in the midst of terror, interrogations and the search for answers surrounding the terrorists’ kidnapping of Abby.
And it looks like one of the secondary characters we meet in Full Throttle will have the starring role in Ms. Walker’s new Deep Six series. Hell or High Water is coming our way in July 2015 and will feature Navy SEAL Leo Anderson after he leaves the Teams. It looks like it will be a great new series, so now there is just one question- which one do I look forward to more, Hell or High Water or the next BKI book? The answer remains to be seen, but in the meantime make sure you grab Carlos and Abby’s story!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review!
I know I have said it before, but I will say it again- I love this series! As soon as I finish one book, I am already anxiously awaiting the next one, and Full Throttle was everything I hoped it would be.
Carlos “Steady” Soto and Abby Thompson have known each other for years although things did not end well the last time they saw each other 8 years ago. Now Steady and several other BKI boys have been assigned to a private security detail for her under the threat of a kidnapping attempt by a terrorist group. Seeing her again has Steady realizing that he never really got over his attraction to her and that maybe his BKI brothers that have been settling down might have the right idea after all- ooh, another one bites the dust (and yes the Queen song is running through my head right now!).
Abby pushed Carlos away all those years ago for reasons we don’t truly know until almost the end of the book but it is pretty easy to guess the gist of it along the way. I thought her inner dialogue was great, and I was laughing right along with Carlos most of the time at the unexpected things that would come from her mouth.
The danger pops up fairly immediately in the story and the action takes off- of course, Steady is right in the thick of it, first saving a severely wounded team member in less than ideal conditions, and then on his own as he is determined to see to Abby’s safety himself. And if it means they get a little time to themselves along the way, even better in his opinion. They soon find themselves literally fighting their way through the jungle trying to reach the border of the neighboring country for rescue while escaping pissed off terrorists and elephants along their journey- and yes I mean a real elephant in its native territory! And of course they find time for some sexy times along the way ;-) Steady is just smokin’- I do love a man with tattoos, an accent and a dominant edge in the bedroom!
In parallel to Carlos and Abby’s trek through the jungle, we get to know one of the BKI operators we haven’t seen since the first 2 books in the series, Dan The Man Currington. Fans of the series will remember that he lost his wife tragically in Nate/ Ali’s story Hell on Wheels and spiraled into depression and the bottom of the bottle afterward. Now he is back in the field and for the first time in years, a woman has actually stirred his attention- albeit reluctantly. Agent Penni DePaul of the FBI has taken a similar notice to Dan, and we get to see a little preview of what I believe (and hope) will be their own love story soon to follow as it starts to unfold in the midst of terror, interrogations and the search for answers surrounding the terrorists’ kidnapping of Abby.
And it looks like one of the secondary characters we meet in Full Throttle will have the starring role in Ms. Walker’s new Deep Six series. Hell or High Water is coming our way in July 2015 and will feature Navy SEAL Leo Anderson after he leaves the Teams. It looks like it will be a great new series, so now there is just one question- which one do I look forward to more, Hell or High Water or the next BKI book? The answer remains to be seen, but in the meantime make sure you grab Carlos and Abby’s story!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review!
November 12, 2014
In College, Abby Thompson fell for med student Carlos Soto even though he was older and her friend's brother. She always assumed he thought of her as just another pesky little sister. There were also extinuating circumstances since her father was a politician in line for the Presidency. So they were friend-zoned. But one day their worlds changed and they were ripped apart by tragedy that left a mark on both on them.
Eight years later, Carlos "Steady" Soto is part of a BKI team in place to guard the President's daughter in Malaysia. Soon everything is shot to to hell and Abby is in need of rescue and Carlos is the man prepared for the job. Well, he is prepared to take it on, but does encounter some serious challenges along the way. And it is further complicated by militants on their heels and the jungle in their path.
...one thing and one thing only on his mind. Save the fair lady. And if he happened to win her, too? Well, that was just gravy.
Carlos is all the strong, silent alpha type. He is smart, protective, brave, and has a good sense of humor, He lost so much in his life and is dedicated to his BKI team. He cared for the young Abby in college, but he considered himself too old for her and not good enough for her due to his background that was much different than hers
She was still Abigail Thompson, The first daughter. America's princess. And he was still...well...him.
Abby is feisty, funny, a bit goofy, and strong. She has had a soft spot for Carlos since college but never thought he would feel the same way. And the years have only made him even more attractive to her as he has become a real hero.
Carlos...who she was pretty sure was the real-life equivalent of Superman, Batman, and Captain American all rolled into one.
Meanwhile, Dan "The Man" Carrington and CIA agent Penni DePaul were beginning to explore a connection before everything went crazy. They are now working closely together and trying to figure out all of the missing pieces of the attack. He's got baggage and so does she, but they make a good team.
In typical Black Knights Inc. style there are guns, bombs, plots, abductions, and near escapes. As Carlos and Abby are on the run, they are also reconnecting and exploring feelings they were afraid to express previously. But she also has secrets from the past that have the potential to turn Carlos away from her and ruin their chances at something more. This time can they navigate all of the challenges and make it work or will they end up heartbroken and alone again?
This was a suspenseful, action-packed second chance love story layered with secrets and guilt. There are cameos by some of the other BKI guys, Boss, Rock, Dan, and Ozzie. Dan and Ozzie were featured in this one along with new CIA agent Penni DePaul. There are definitely still some stories brewing as Ozzie is about to face a big challenge in his life and career, and Dan and Penni have some unresolved issues. And we also were introduced to a new team of SEALS: Leo"The Lion" Anderson, Michael "Mad Dog" Wainwright, and Spiro "Romeo" Delgado that I have a feeling we might see again...
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Eight years later, Carlos "Steady" Soto is part of a BKI team in place to guard the President's daughter in Malaysia. Soon everything is shot to to hell and Abby is in need of rescue and Carlos is the man prepared for the job. Well, he is prepared to take it on, but does encounter some serious challenges along the way. And it is further complicated by militants on their heels and the jungle in their path.
...one thing and one thing only on his mind. Save the fair lady. And if he happened to win her, too? Well, that was just gravy.
Carlos is all the strong, silent alpha type. He is smart, protective, brave, and has a good sense of humor, He lost so much in his life and is dedicated to his BKI team. He cared for the young Abby in college, but he considered himself too old for her and not good enough for her due to his background that was much different than hers
She was still Abigail Thompson, The first daughter. America's princess. And he was still...well...him.
Abby is feisty, funny, a bit goofy, and strong. She has had a soft spot for Carlos since college but never thought he would feel the same way. And the years have only made him even more attractive to her as he has become a real hero.
Carlos...who she was pretty sure was the real-life equivalent of Superman, Batman, and Captain American all rolled into one.
Meanwhile, Dan "The Man" Carrington and CIA agent Penni DePaul were beginning to explore a connection before everything went crazy. They are now working closely together and trying to figure out all of the missing pieces of the attack. He's got baggage and so does she, but they make a good team.
In typical Black Knights Inc. style there are guns, bombs, plots, abductions, and near escapes. As Carlos and Abby are on the run, they are also reconnecting and exploring feelings they were afraid to express previously. But she also has secrets from the past that have the potential to turn Carlos away from her and ruin their chances at something more. This time can they navigate all of the challenges and make it work or will they end up heartbroken and alone again?
This was a suspenseful, action-packed second chance love story layered with secrets and guilt. There are cameos by some of the other BKI guys, Boss, Rock, Dan, and Ozzie. Dan and Ozzie were featured in this one along with new CIA agent Penni DePaul. There are definitely still some stories brewing as Ozzie is about to face a big challenge in his life and career, and Dan and Penni have some unresolved issues. And we also were introduced to a new team of SEALS: Leo"The Lion" Anderson, Michael "Mad Dog" Wainwright, and Spiro "Romeo" Delgado that I have a feeling we might see again...
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2014
Rhayne‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional roller-coaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?
I have been a fan of this series from the very start. The moment I cracked open the very first book and read the first chapter I was hooked. Now seven books later I am still in love with this series and these characters that have burned a permanent place in my heart.
With Full Throttle we are thrown right into the mix of suspense and action with a love story entwined throughout. Ms. Walker’s characters always shine with their witty sense of humor and sarcastic yet passionate mannerisms. Abby is strong and caring while Carlos is a total alpha badass. Together they compliment each other perfectly.
This couple has a past and have both lost an important person in their lives. There are some big secrets being kept about the murder and slowly throughout the book details are revealed so you understand exactly what is at stake and what consequences the truth holds towards these two having a future. It keeps you intrigued and keeps you speculating for answers about what happened that day eight years ago.
For me this story was different from the rest in the series in that it was more action and suspense based with a side of romance. There was so much action and so much going on in every scene the action stole the plot. That’s not to say I didn’t like it, just that in my opinion it stole some of the moments from the couple and I felt a missing connection for them. Towards the end of the story, it came together more for me, but it just had a different vibe than the previous books.
Dan has a large roll in this book and it’s good to see him moving on in a positive direction since the heartache he’s been holding on to has been crippling. I can’t wait to see how his future pans out. Ozzie also has a few scenes that will leave you hanging wondering what is in store for him. There are definitely some great stories left to tell in this series and I can’t wait to dig into each new one.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional roller-coaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?
I have been a fan of this series from the very start. The moment I cracked open the very first book and read the first chapter I was hooked. Now seven books later I am still in love with this series and these characters that have burned a permanent place in my heart.
With Full Throttle we are thrown right into the mix of suspense and action with a love story entwined throughout. Ms. Walker’s characters always shine with their witty sense of humor and sarcastic yet passionate mannerisms. Abby is strong and caring while Carlos is a total alpha badass. Together they compliment each other perfectly.
This couple has a past and have both lost an important person in their lives. There are some big secrets being kept about the murder and slowly throughout the book details are revealed so you understand exactly what is at stake and what consequences the truth holds towards these two having a future. It keeps you intrigued and keeps you speculating for answers about what happened that day eight years ago.
For me this story was different from the rest in the series in that it was more action and suspense based with a side of romance. There was so much action and so much going on in every scene the action stole the plot. That’s not to say I didn’t like it, just that in my opinion it stole some of the moments from the couple and I felt a missing connection for them. Towards the end of the story, it came together more for me, but it just had a different vibe than the previous books.
Dan has a large roll in this book and it’s good to see him moving on in a positive direction since the heartache he’s been holding on to has been crippling. I can’t wait to see how his future pans out. Ozzie also has a few scenes that will leave you hanging wondering what is in store for him. There are definitely some great stories left to tell in this series and I can’t wait to dig into each new one.
August 12, 2015
I received this as a freebie at RT15.
The hero, Carlos, and heroine, Abby, meet eight years before the action in this book and never see each other again after Carlos' sister is killed in a bombing clearly meant for Abby who is the daughter of the next U.S. President. Abby does a lot of immature babbling in the prologue, but I was hoping it was to underscore her youth (19) as compared to Carlos (25). Unfortunately, the immature babbling morphed into incessant "woe is me" style babbling with the occasional bit of immature babbling during the current day portion of the story.
Eight years later Abby is kidnapped in Kuala Lumpur by a terrorist group. Her security detail is murdered with the exception of one agent, Penni, who had hooked up with one of the super secret black ops agents, Dan. This couple was way more interesting than Abby and Carlos. I'm assuming they'll get their own book at some point. Carlos is another super secret black ops guy and he manages to find and free Abby. They race through the jungle hoping to reach Thailand and safety.
This book has two stories running concurrently. Carlos and Abby running and Penni and Dan trying to find the leak at the hotel. I don't have a problem with this, but the cuts from story to story were placed so awkwardly the book really bogs down and becomes nearly unreadable. The other, and much bigger problem is that Abby's incessant "woe is me" internal monologue swings from grief and guilt for the agents who were killed, to how hot Carlos is, to her unrequited love, to her Terrible Secret that if Carlos only knew, he'd hate her forever. The secret's existence is first mentioned on page 29 and, I kid you not, we don't find out what is it until page 353 out of 357. Carlos finds out on page 344, but the reader has to wait nine more pages. I think stringing the reader along to that degree is a pretty crappy move. .
There are also a bunch of other super secret black ops guys and SEALs. I love a good SEAL romance like everyone else and the men are always depicted as man whores, but some of these guys are really repugnant, Ozzie in particular. "Dude, if you'll just stop cock-blocking yourself, I might be able to get you some squish tonight". I know SEAL/black ops types always objectify women in these stories until they find true love (which is the point), but ick.
The hero, Carlos, and heroine, Abby, meet eight years before the action in this book and never see each other again after Carlos' sister is killed in a bombing clearly meant for Abby who is the daughter of the next U.S. President. Abby does a lot of immature babbling in the prologue, but I was hoping it was to underscore her youth (19) as compared to Carlos (25). Unfortunately, the immature babbling morphed into incessant "woe is me" style babbling with the occasional bit of immature babbling during the current day portion of the story.
Eight years later Abby is kidnapped in Kuala Lumpur by a terrorist group. Her security detail is murdered with the exception of one agent, Penni, who had hooked up with one of the super secret black ops agents, Dan. This couple was way more interesting than Abby and Carlos. I'm assuming they'll get their own book at some point. Carlos is another super secret black ops guy and he manages to find and free Abby. They race through the jungle hoping to reach Thailand and safety.
This book has two stories running concurrently. Carlos and Abby running and Penni and Dan trying to find the leak at the hotel. I don't have a problem with this, but the cuts from story to story were placed so awkwardly the book really bogs down and becomes nearly unreadable. The other, and much bigger problem is that Abby's incessant "woe is me" internal monologue swings from grief and guilt for the agents who were killed, to how hot Carlos is, to her unrequited love, to her Terrible Secret that if Carlos only knew, he'd hate her forever. The secret's existence is first mentioned on page 29 and, I kid you not, we don't find out what is it until page 353 out of 357. Carlos finds out on page 344, but the reader has to wait nine more pages. I think stringing the reader along to that degree is a pretty crappy move. .
There are also a bunch of other super secret black ops guys and SEALs. I love a good SEAL romance like everyone else and the men are always depicted as man whores, but some of these guys are really repugnant, Ozzie in particular. "Dude, if you'll just stop cock-blocking yourself, I might be able to get you some squish tonight". I know SEAL/black ops types always objectify women in these stories until they find true love (which is the point), but ick.
January 7, 2017
About the book:
She Needs a Hero...
Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…
Black Knights, Inc. to the Rescue...
Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?
My review:
Julie has done it again. I tell you, this author delivers over and over again. Want a book that's got action, will have you laugh out loud, squirm in your seat from the sexy scenes, and will make your heart swell? Then seriously, pick up just about anything written by Julie Ann Walker.
Carlos and Abby were great to meet and watch. Their journey isn't one that's simple, nor is their relationship easy. It's filled with danger and challenges, and while both have no problem expressing their attraction to one another, the outside complications make this a story readers won't be able to put down.
It's a fresh story with a sexy twist. It's a read you'll be itching to get your hands on.
She Needs a Hero...
Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…
Black Knights, Inc. to the Rescue...
Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?
My review:
Julie has done it again. I tell you, this author delivers over and over again. Want a book that's got action, will have you laugh out loud, squirm in your seat from the sexy scenes, and will make your heart swell? Then seriously, pick up just about anything written by Julie Ann Walker.
Carlos and Abby were great to meet and watch. Their journey isn't one that's simple, nor is their relationship easy. It's filled with danger and challenges, and while both have no problem expressing their attraction to one another, the outside complications make this a story readers won't be able to put down.
It's a fresh story with a sexy twist. It's a read you'll be itching to get your hands on.
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