ARC Review: Rev it Up by Julie Ann Walker

Rev it Up

by Julie Ann Walker

(Black Knights Inc # 3)

REV IT UP starts up pretty much where IN RIDES TROUBLE left off.  Jake "the Snake" Sommers has come back with one goal in mind, to get back the woman he loves.  That would be Michelle Carter, Shell, whom we met in the previous book and now know she's Frank's sister.

Lets start with my favorite trait.  Jake was determined to win her back.  He knew it wouldn't be easy, he knew he messed up royally in the past, but he's come to the realization that life is nothing without her.  Even though she had married his best friend.  Even though now she raising a son by herself after Preacher died.  Talk about loving someone when you are willing to jump feet first into a relationship with that much baggage.  Not to mention the fact that your ex-boss is her brother and might kick your ass if you hurt her again.

So now that you can probably tell I have a bit of a crush on Jake because he's the man every woman wants, then let me tell you his one flaw.  The Hawaiian shirts.  It was painful to read how he dressed!!!  The man needs a makeover, badly.  Leave him with me for about a week and we can take care of the problem.

Shell was a very strong heroine, she's gone through a lot by herself but I felt that she really didn't have to and should've been able to communicate more with Jake in the past.  Me being the good little detective that I am, I figured out what was going on there from the very beginning.

Shell and Jake as a couple were great though, they were passionate and they cared for each other.  And yes, they revved me up!  

Now the suspense element of this story was great.  The big bad guy from the first book reappears and wants the Black Knights dead.  He also develops a sick crush on Shell and goes after her.  Jake then has to protect her while the rest of the team are looking for the hired guns that are trying to kill them.  So there's a lot of thrilling action to keep you going.

Then there's the side romance.  We are introduced to the next couple, Rock and Vanessa.  They are teamed up while looking for the killers and all kinds of sparks were flying there.  I am really looking forward to seeing him fall hard!

My favorite in the series so far.

*ARC provided by netgalley

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: In Rides Trouble by Julie Ann Walker

In Rides Trouble

by Julie Ann Walker

(Black Knights Inc # 2)

I started this book knowing I was giong to enjoy it more than the first one by the characters alone, and they didn't disappoint.  Becky and Frank live up to their full potential in IN RIDES TROUBLE and even give us what I would consider a fun plot.  Because I just can't take pirate themes too seriously. =)

At the end of book one Becky had decided it was time for her to leave the Black Knights because she didn't think Frank could deal with letting her work on cases.  While she's vacationing with her best friend, their boat gets attacked by pirates and she's being held for ransom.  When the rescue finally comes, things get ugly before they get better and leave a hurt and traumatized pirate with nothing on his mind but revenge against Becky.

Frank has a lot of things to deal with in this book.  The age difference is a big one for him.  Then there's the fact that he doesn't see himself as good enough anymore.  He's too tough, rough, hurt and useless at times.  But it gets to the point that the things he wants to do to Becky can't be denied any longer, especially when she's clearly offering.

My one complaint about Frank was his whole relationship that he kept hidden out of town.  For a good part of the book I actually thought there could be a woman there he was going to see and I was starting to get upset about it.  I just wished there would've been a hint as to the nature of that relationship beforehand to us, the readers.

Becky, well, what can i say?  I do a tough woman and she is one as much as I think I could ever be one if put in her shoes and with her knowledge.  She's still girly even when she's fixing bikes.  She knws how to defend herself.  But on the inside she's only looking for Frank's attention.

A surprisingly sweet story to read.  Now I can't wait for the next one, since we got a major tease of the characters that will feature in that one and I can alreayd say I like them!

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker

3.5 Feathers

Hell on Wheels

by Julie Ann Walker

(Black Knights, Inc # 1)

I must seriously be the odd one out.  Everyone has absolutely loved this book and although I enjoyed it, I didn't get to the total adoration.  Mainly because of the hero and heroine.  The writing in the book is great and the concept of this series is awesome.  I mean you can't go wrong with hot ex military working as a private operation and the coverup is...a motorcycle shop.  Can't get sexier than that! *fans self*

But then we meet Nate.  Although I think he's very hot, handsome, sexy, has that brooding alpha thing going for him, I really didn't get to love him.  It may be that he's not very outspoken.  And yes, this is an issue brought up during the book, but I don't think I can like a guy who answers in one word answers.  Then there's the issue of him having hangups about being a few years older and in love and lust with his best friend and teammates' sister, Ali.  He's fought the attraction for most of the time they've known each other.  He doesn't talk to her about anything, doesn't let her in.  I think they both just have a crush!

Then there's Ali.  Well, I liked her but she annoyed me as well.  I think with her being so young she was a bit immature and it came across as immature, which got on my nerves at times.  Damn, am I starting to get too picky?  She is still a very strong person.  The premise of this book is that her brother is killed during his work with the Black Knights (who she knew nothing about) and now one of the bad guys that his brother was sort of investigation is after her because her brother sent her sensitive information (proof) of this guys' crimes.

The only ones to keep her safe are the Black Knights while they figure out who is trying to get at her and what her brother was really involved in.

I am not happy to say that Nate and Ali were dancing around each other, aggravating each other, teasing each other for most of the book, but doing nothing about it!

I also have a confession to make.  I was so much more into the bits and pieces in this book about the next couple, Becky and Frank.  Now, I think they will be more to my speed.  I liked them already.  Him being older (I see a recurring theme lately on what I'm reading) and thinking he's done, seen and experienced too much to be good enough for anyone, and when it comes to Becky add the fact that he's too told for her.  Can't wait to read their book!

*ARC provided by publisher

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