Thrill Ride

Black Knights Inc. #4

by Julie Ann Walker

He's Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won't Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Military Romance

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Julie 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

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

WARNING: SEX IS DISCUSSED IN THIS REVIEW. IF THAT SQUICKS YOU OUT, TURN BACK NOW

He kissed her with everything he had. He LOVED kissing her.

Don't get excited, the kissing is barely glanced at in this novel. (grrrrr)

Anyway. After the abysmal third entry in her series, Rev It Up, Julie Ann Walker gets herself back in gear with this book.

Rock, a Cajun man who is a former Navy SEAL and expert interrogator (on the psychology side, not the torture side) is on the run, hiding out in Costa Rica because the CIA is looking to kill him. They claim he's gone rogue, but seeing as he's the hero in a romance novel, we all know the truth - he's innocent.

Vanessa Cordero goes after him. She's been in love with him for years now, but he's always rejected her advances - because even though he'd be okay with having sex with her, he knows that every time she looks at him she has hearts and flowers in her eyes and he just can't do commitment. So it's best to keep her at arm's length.

But now they are in the Costa Rican jungle and things are heating up...
...

Okay, this book is silly. I mean, so silly. If you are looking for any kind of realism, look away. But luckily for Walker, I never judge romance books on realism. If you read romance books in the hopes that things will be realistic, you a very confused and misguided individual. So no points off. Even when stuff happens like the CIA doesn't confirm a kill (THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN) and other "special ops" nonsense that were obviously written by someone who knows nothing about special ops, I can easily overlook it. The point of romance books (even romantic suspense, which I guess this falls under) is to be about love and be entertaining.

So let's break this down:

THE GOOD:
- Vivid characters and settings.

- Cute, funny dialogue and inner monologues. Some find Walker's humorous, pop-culture infused voice grating, but I like it. It took me a while to get acclimated to it in Book One, but since then it's been smooth sailing.

- Reasonably exciting plots for a romance novel. CIA, hit men, black ops, interrogation... you know. Stuff like that. (Again, SILLY, but fun.)

THE BAD:

Sigh.

- It seems Julie Ann Walker has one plot - and one plot only - which she recycles in every book. It's really starting to grate on my nerves. It's always the same and very predictable. See my review of In Rides Trouble if you want a rundown.

LATINAS ARE SEXY LITTLE FIRECRACKERS WITH BIG ASSES LIKE J-LO*
- And how he'd confused her for a man, for even a nanosecond, he'd never know. Because Vanessa Cordero had that quintessential Latina build. Her small waist flared dramatically to curvy hips and a high, round ass.

Please stop this.

ANTI-FEMINIST MESSAGES
- What about all this anti-feminist garbage like But she'd been there. Done that. And though she didn't have the T-shirt to prove it, what she DID have was an empty ring finger with no prospects in sight. And let's be honest here, at thirty, she was beginning to get a bit antsy about the whole thing. Especially since starting a family of her own had always been one of her most cherished dreams. Do you hear that, ladies? If you are still single at 30 you are DOOMED! Doomed to a life of being single and childless! BEWARE!

Or what about this one. This one cracked me up.

He spun her until she was bent over Patriot (note: Patriot is the name of his motorcycle), her stomach cradled on the alligator skin seat, one hand braced on the back fender, the other on the big gas tank. And her ass? Well, her ass was there on display. And the sight must've pleased him, because he sucked in a ragged breath before making a low growling noise that tickled her ears - she could swear she felt the resultant rumble in the wet, aching spot between her legs.

His erection brushed her hip when he leaned forward to smooth a hand over her ass, and it was so hard. So hard and so hot it nearly burned her, branded her. And she welcomed it. She wanted to be marked. By him. And screw the feminist movement, because right now she was glad she was a woman and he was a man, stronger and bigger and able to bend her to his will. The operative word being "bend."

Obviously you have no idea what feminism is about. Zero. What the heck does wanting to be fucked from behind have to do with being feminist or not? What the fuck does enjoying a man's size and physical prowess have to do with feminism? NOTHING. Why would being a feminist stop me from enjoying a certain sex position or stop me from enjoying how good it feels when a strong, heavy man whom I love is on top of me? Newsflash: It doesn't.
...

How's the sex, Carmen?

Well, it's not bad. But it's not amazing, exciting sex, either. Just regular. Sometimes it SEEMED like it was going to get really good and then a character would do something or say something to annoy me and I would get all thrown off again. So not the hottest thing I've ever read in life. (NOTE: this is a romance, not an erotica. We only have two sex scenes here, and the first one doesn't involve vaginal penetration, so don't go into this expecting erotica.)
...

THREE REAL STARS, THREE ROMANCE STARS

Listen, in re: my little separate romance-rating system: Really, I can only in good conscience recommend books that I give five romance stars to. Why even bother reading a romance novel book if it's not a five-star romance novel? That's my opinion. So I want you to know, if you are looking for romance books that I ACTUALLY thought were worth reading, go for the ones I've awarded five romance stars.

Also, I feel it's only fair to note that I am grading these romances to MY romance standards: what makes ME swoon over how romantic it is? What makes ME excited when the MCs are having sex? What makes ME interested in the plotline and the drama? So take this with a grain of salt: your romance tastes and sexual tastes may not be mine.

I have a five-star-romance shelf now, for your convenience. Thanks, Scylla!
...

*Not hating on J-Lo, I like her.

P.S. Not available in Spanish.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

FREE on Amazon US today (2/19/2017)

Stand-alone book 4.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Thrill-Ride-Bl...
BLURB:
He's Gone Rogue
Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won't Back Down
Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist
very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Kathleen J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warrior goes into hiding when he is targeted for death by the government so he doesn't endanger others in his special ops group. The h helps the Special Ops group capture him so they can get his name cleared.

The up side.
The author knows her basic writing craft. Things like dialogue, story arc, grammar and sentence structure are good. I gave 2 stars for these.

The other side.
If you like novels in which two-thirds of the book is internal thoughts and feelings, then this is your book. ISTG, these characters often couldn't get a sentence out without going into memory mode (even memories of actions just described!), longing mode (with lots of emphasis on the other person's body parts), regret mode (for things they believed wouldn't work out), self-deprecating mode (oh, s/he can't possibly want someone like me). Arrgh! I think this style of writing is cheating me--there is so much boring repetition and its just tripe. About 1/4 the way through this book I started skimming to only read real-time action and dialogue. This kind of writing is the reason for no more than 2 stars.

Also, and this is IMHO. I don't care for stories in which the woman aggressively chases after the man, jumping his bones, tearing off his clothes, moaning over how beautiful he is, begging him for sex. In books such as these, the men, to me, come off as weak and emasculated and the women as desperate and needy. And, that was the H and h in this novel. Not to my taste.

[Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the previous books in the series, and I have high hopes for the next one (since I was way more interested in Eve and Billy in this book then Rock and Vanessa) But this one just didn't work for me.

I found Vanessa irritating. She supposed to be the bad ass undercover operative, but she just spends so much time being scared/overwhelmed/sad etc. that I just found myself rolling my eyes. It's not that there weren't reasons to be scared etc, but I would have thought she would have been better at sucking it up given her profession.

Then there were were the sexy times/ repeated inner dialogue about being turned on during the middle of running for their lives in the middle of the jungle. It just seemed really out if place - I mean bullets are literally flying past their heads, and Rock is thinking about her ass. Come on people, if you have that kind of job, and you get that distracted by a hot chick, you wouldn't live long.

Overall, ok, but nothing to write home about.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker
Black Knights Inc. Series #4. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Black Knignts Inc uses a motorcycle repair shop and club house as a cover for covert special ops. Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux is used to going undercover to find the information and details to send the criminals to prison. But something has gone sideways and now he’s the one being hunted.
Vanessa Cordova makes a mistake with Rock but she firmly believes he’s not guilty of murder. She’s willing to help him however she can.

Fast moving action and steamy interactions while Rock is trying to find out what went wrong and Vanessa and the club helps.
Spare me from an alpha man that thinks she’s too good for him so he leaves her. Ugh.
Fortunately he has good friends and we get the hea for this couple.

[Debra Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! This awesome book definitely lived up to its title. Julie Ann is a brilliant writer, and her Black Knight series is one of my romantic suspense favs. Her books are always full of non-stop action, suspense and hot smexy lovin'. I've been a hard core addict ever since I got my hands on Hell On Wheels, book #1 in the series. This self confessed BK junkie voraciously devoured the first three books, and still I wanted more. Naturally I was deliriously happy when I got my greedy hands on this book, and couldn't wait to get down to reading. I was gonna take my time, savor the high, make it last. Huh ? Good intentions aside, I rushed through this book like a bat outta hell. Completely caught up in the story, those pages kept turning....and turning....and turning. I was sucked into this story and I just could not put it down. Too soon it was over, and I didn't want it to end. Just as I knew it would, Thrill Ride more than lived lived up to my anticipation.
It was in the last book, Rev It Up, that we saw how the wind was gonna blow. Rock was headed for trouble with his shadowy side job, and Vanessa was inviting herself along for the ride. And what a ride it was, more like a never ending adrenaline rush. The action scenes in this story were nothing less than spectacular. The vivid descriptions had me right there with Rock and Vanessa on their wild flight through the jungle. Then later on, Vanessas anguish at Rocks "death" was almost tangible.
Like the first three BK books, Thrill Ride featured characters that I connected with. I felt that Rock was perhaps the most fascinating of the BK operatives, and easily got his reasons for involving himself with the sinister Rwanda Don. I understood the Knights sense of comraderie and brotherhood, and got how Rock was trying to protect his brothers. It came as no surprise that his friends would put it all on the line for him. Remember I've read these books and know just how tight these guys are. I also enjoyed seeing Vanessa holding her own amidst a bunch of macho operatives. Despite the action/suspense part of the story, it is at heart a romance, and Julie Ann did not disappoint in that part either. The love scenes were as hot and steamy as I'd expected.
Julie Ann Walker is a mega-talented author, who fast became one of my very favorites. She is amazingly gifted at pulling the reader into the story, and it was her BK series that jolted me out of a long reading slump and brought me back to the romantic/suspense genre. It is an outstanding series,with each book featuring different plots and unique characters. None of the same old recycled plots that many authors are guilty of. Her compelling characters, action filled stories and intriguing plots have made Thrill Ride one of the most entertaining new releases out there. I loved it, and feel that the readers will agree with me when I say, Julie Ann outdid herself on this one.
So, did this junkie get her fix ? The answer is....for now. Just like a junkie looking for their next hit of smack, I'm already jonesing for the next book coming in September. Built for Speed will feature Wild Bill and Eve, and I get a feeling it's going to be down-n-dirty and as raw as it gets. I can't wait to get my greedy hands on it.
Thrill Ride was an awesome read, and I have no problem recommending it. And if you've not tried this series yet, then I suggest you do, cause you really don't know what a treat you're missing.

ARC downloaded courtesy of the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Intense action right from the beginning. Rock has been accused of going rogue and is on the run from his own government. It doesn't take long for his teammates at BKI to figure out that he's been set up, but finding a man who doesn't want to be found isn't going to be easy.

I loved Rock. When we've seen him in previous books (Black Knights Inc) he's been pretty quiet and is often off doing other work when he's not on a mission. When he realizes he's been set up and targeted for elimination because of that other work he disappears so that he can figure out what happened. He is determined to do this alone as he does not want his friends at BKI to be sucked into his mess. He is stunned and angry when Vanessa tracks him down and tries to get her to go back without him. Before that happens they are located by the feds who are after him and have to go on the run. The race through the jungle in intense with the descriptions so good I could almost feel the humidity and hear the wildlife. The attraction between Rock and Vanessa also intensifies but Rock makes it clear that nothing will come of it. He has a past that makes him avoid commitment and he sees her as someone who wants more. Throughout the story he has a constant battle to try to keep her at arm's length. I found his fear that his problems could harm the Knights logical, and also loved the way that they refused to let him shut them out.

Vanessa hasn't worked at BKI for long but she has been drawn to Rock since the beginning. She is the team communications and language expert. She is especially attuned to sounds and something about his voice just intensifies her attraction to him. She is the first to express her disbelief at the accusations against Rock and ultimately is the one who finds him. I love her determination and strength of will. She has a couple of insecurities that affect her actions but is helped through them by Rock. She also knows what she wants from Rock and isn't afraid to go after it even though he keeps trying to push her away. I loved the way she brought him back together with the Knights even though it was incredibly hard on her. Besides her growing love for him Vanessa's biggest focus is on helping him prove his innocence.

One of my favorite things about the BKI books is how tight they all are. There is nothing more important than supporting your teammates. Besides that support I love all the interactions among them: Bill getting testy when his sister or Frank make comments about their marriage, Ozzie's obsession with movies and 80s music, the sizzle between Eve and Billy. I loved the way that they all worked together in Costa Rica to save Rock from the feds; it was a fantastic plot. I also love the humor that is always there as they find some unique ways to solve some problems. The mystery itself was well done - I had no clue who had done it until the end.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to say a story is silly, but that's exactly what this one turns out to be. So much eye-rolling, just in the first few chapters. If it's indicative of the author's style, I won't be reading anything else. DNF

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A great read as Rock appears to have gone rogue. Vanessa can't believe what is being said and sets out to find him. When she tricks him and gets him back with BKI things really heat up!

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knight Inc series, featuring ex-military guys who go on missions with the front of a motorcycle shop. I’m not sure what to make of this book. I can’t deny it is entertaining, but it is also over the top silly in some places.

My biggest frustration is with our heroine Vanessa, who is a communications specialist. She has had a thing for Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux, but now Rock is missing. When the team gets a report that he has turned dirty charged with killing innocent people, the Black Ops crew doesn’t believe it. Because of a bowl that Rock has in his bedroom bought from a specialized vendor sold only in Santa Elana, the team goes down there with a hunch he is there (quite the hunch there). Vanessa decides to go off on her own to find him, and does. Rock is hiding deep in the jungle in a treehouse 40 feet off the ground. It is here I start to question Vanessa. I never once believed she is a communication specialist or that she should be working for a Black Ops team at all. She came across as lustily aroused by Rock, and not a professional about her job. Rock has the CIA hunting him down, which is uh..pretty serious. Vanessa goes screaming through the jungle when noises scare her and taking any opportunity to try to molest Rock. As I said earlier, there are parts that are entertaining..I found myself smiling or getting into the action. But it would quickly turn to frustration when Vanessa would scream “geez louise” for the 100th time.

So instead of Vanessa going in to bring Rock back to them, he has to be the one to save her. I wanted her to be stronger and more independent. Make it feel like she is actually an experienced Black Ops member. Everything is a little silly in this book. When the CIA puts some kind of optical bug on their safe house, the crew decides to put vibrators (sex toy vibrators) on the windows to make them vibrate to disable the bug. They are all giggling about it while their lives are at danger. Again – I’m a broken record – I think many can find this entertaining. I kind of did. But at times I needed the team to act professional or that they really could die that day.

In the past I think I’ve complained that there are not enough dirty sex scenes in this series, but that is definitely taken care of here. Rock is a naughty boy. While there are plenty of lusty sex scenes, I’m not sure if I actually believed in their true love. But hot scenes nonetheless.

Over the top, slightly silly black op romance book. I’m not sorry I read it, but I’m not sure if I’ll read the next one.

Rating: C

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise! Thrill Ride is book 4 in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. I read Hell On Wheels and Rev It Up, both of which I found average at best and painfully awkward at the worst. I choose to read this book because either I'm a glutton for punishment or I feel compelled to finish series. I'm really happy to say that this book is a vast improvement from my previous reads.

The story is coherent and tightly written. The characters are highly likable and have depth. The obstacles confronting the protagonists feel real. The biggest improvement is the writing. Whereas in the past, the inner dialogue felt contrived and crass, this feels more in line with the personalities of the characters (I love the phrase "madder than a wet hen in a tote sack." - highly visual and completely appropriate for the story). Maybe these lines work because the characters are so much more interesting - Rock Babineaux is a Cajun with a tendency towards the heroic (even if he keeps denying it). Vanessa Cordero is spunky and stubborn. There is great chemistry between the two and their interactions are sizzling.

My one gripe about this book is some of the off-handed anti-feminist remarks that aren't useful and don't really enhance the story like "just give me some bubble bath and a tampon. I think I'm officially part of the estrogen family" and "screw the feminist movement, because right now she was glad she was a woman and he was a man...." I somehow don't think the feminist movement was advocating a denial of womanhood - this type of comment shows a lack of understanding of the issues and perpetuates a stereotype unnecessarily.

I noticed that Ms. Walker gives thanks to Catherine Mann in her Acknowledgements. Catherine Mann is one of my favorite authors. Based on the improvements I've noted, Ms. Mann's has clearly impacted the quality of this book. Her influence shows.

IN A NUTSHELL: If this is the direction of the BKI books, I'll be first in line to buy the next in the series. Very nice job, Ms. Walker.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

For the complete review, go to: http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhayne

4.5 Stars

Let’s just start out and say this book certainly lives up to its name. In book four of this intense sexy series we are treated to a lot of action, a lot of suspense, a lot of humor, and a passionate love story entwined throughout. It is one of my absolute favorite romantic suspense series.

Every time I read a book in this series I’m so impressed by the situations and the original story lines. The predicaments these guys and gals find themselves in and the resources they use to get themselves out goes to prove that Ms. Walker has an immense talent for writing suspense.

This book focuses mainly on Rock and Vanessa. Of course the rest of the team is involved as well, but this is truly their story. I absolutely love these two people together. Vanessa is strong and determined, but she has a few insecurities and flaws that Rock helps her overcome. She is willing to give up the one person she truly loves just so he has a chance to clear his name and live a normal life. Her decision isn’t an easy one and it just goes to show how deep her love for Rock is. Just as expected Rock is furious that she betrayed him and in typical pissed off man fashion, he spits off a lot of poison towards her. They have an obstacle course of situations in their search for the person responsible for him going rogue. Then after that hurdle they have to somehow bury their past behind and claim the future they both deserve.

The addition of side characters we have come to know and love from the previous books just adds a new dynamic layer to the mystery and suspense. It’s nice to catch up and get a small snippet of how things are going with them.

Walker’s books are always entertaining. Her characters are realistic and unique. Her sex scenes are scorching hot and very original. Her ability to mix humor even in the most intense situations adds so much to the story. These books are jammed packed full of suspense, romance, laughter, and sometimes tears. She knows how to hook you in on the first chapter and keeps you riveted until you reach the end.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't my favorite of the series. In fact, it seems my enjoyment of the series is declining with every book. Rock and Vanessa have explosive chemistry, and yet they act on it at the most unrealistic times, to the detriment of themselves or the active storyline. The details of The Project seemed very far fetched, even with the aftermath of the second collapse of it. The book wasn't holding my attention enough to have me whip through it, and in fact, I wound up reading another book in the middle of it! Let's hope the next book is better...

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this one is the weakest in the series so far. I hope they don't get any worse. The plot was thin, the heroine a sobbing mess instead of the competent and mature professional she was in the previous book, and the entire book was filled with unbelievable situations and melodrama. Oh the guilt and blame and fear and self-sacrifice and wailing! Please, save me from the melodrama!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two-haiku review:

Shoot to kill order
He's been framed as murderer
Can she find, clear him?

Really great series
Romance and lots of action
Best read in order

Re-reading series, Sept/Oct 2015

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I completely LOVED this book. I felt like this book did all it was supposed to do for the type of story it is. I loved the thrills, actions and everything in between. For once I actually loved that this book was told in multiple points of view as I enjoyed all of them as they helped the story line.

Richard "Rock" Babineaux is an ex-Navy SEAL. He helped form the Black Knight Inc company with Frank. However, he's been covertly working on a second job for years with out any of the BKI's having the slightest clue as to what he was up to. They knew he would go off the grid a lot, they just didn't know why. Unfortunately this second gig of his is about to blow up in his face as he's been set up for a fall out of EPIC proportions. For the last 6 months he's been in hiding out on the run, even from the BKI's.

The BKI's are about to do all they can to find Rock and bring him in to help him out before he no longer has a life left to live. And who wants to be the main front runner for this job? Why Vanessa does, that's who.

Vanessa is an operator for the BKI's. She's a tough woman who has a dark memory that holds her hostage. Well, really its more than that as the night seems to get to her as well. She is pretty quick at being able to keep up with the best of them and not complain. She's good at her job but the mission she's about to embark on to find Rock is something that will test her limits as it's something she's never done before. Hopefully she can do him more good than harm. However, she's about to set out on a quest of betrayal to the man she's secretly in love with. Luckily it's for a good cause and hopefully one he will be able to realize that it was the only play she had to make to bring him in safely and ALIVE.

Vanessa and Rock have secretly wanted each other from day one of meeting. For her, it was at first voice. For him, it was at first sight. However, Rock has a a past that tore at his heart and he doesn't think he can ever live through that again, or put someone else in his shoe's should something happen to him. So these two will play the I want you but can't have you game for a bit. Sometimes they may act on these feelings and then again sometimes they will deny what they want.

Together Rock and Vanessa will be put on a dangerous path and they need to do all they can to survive....that is if their attraction for each other doesn't get the best of them first.

Black Knight Inc., along with Rock, will do all they can in their powers to figure out what's going on, who wants Rock dead, and how they are going to solve this problem and with Rock walking out of it unscathed. Or can he? Will he and Vanessa finally succumb to their feelings and finally tell each other of their love? Will Rock be able to live with him self for his role in the second job he had? Is there someone out there who can help him clear his name before it's too late?

My only issue with this book was: We didn't get any story about Jake (Snake), Dan the Man or Angel. I missed knowing what was going on with those three.

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

hotness rating 3 out of 5

Thrill Ride is the fourth book of the Black Knight’s series by Julie Ann Walker. I was looking forward to reading Rock’s story, but wasn’t sure what to expect. Rock has been such a mystery in the other stories and I was intrigued to find out what made him who he was. This book was equal parts heartbreaking and sizzling hot!

Rock Babineaux is one of the hot operatives in the super-secret Black Knight’s Inc. group. He would give his life for his friends and not bat an eye doing it. He would do anything for them, which is why he’s now in hiding and doing everything he can to keep his distance from his BKI family. He’s been accused of treason and doesn’t stand a chance of making it through and he refuses to take BKI down with him. He may not be guilty of what the government is saying he’s guilty of, but he is to blame for the predicament he’s in and he is prepared for the consequences that are heading his way.

Vanessa Cordova may be one of the newer members of BKI, but she’s known Rock long enough to know that he’s being set up. Convinced that they can clear his name Vanessa sets out to find Rock and bring him back, so that they can help him. Should be easy, right? Find Rock, the master of secrets, convince him that he has to come back, and protect her heart at the same time. Piece of cake.

Rock broke my heart. His life’s story broke my heart. But, nothing hurt my heart more than when he was fighting to not go back to the only family he had left. Reading about his struggles to stay in hiding as his friends physically forced him to come back was so painful. Knowing how much Vanessa loved Rock and seeing him blame her for putting them all at risk literally made my chest ache. This was definitely the most emotional one, so far. Thank goodness Ms. Walker was able to balance it all with her signature writing style, great plot line, witty banter, and smoking hot connections. I cannot wait to read more from these hot, hot, hot alpha men.

You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com.

[Jax O · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVEN BETTER THAN I IMAGINED!!!! I absolute love Julie Ann Walker. Her stories are always addictive and packed full of heart pounding action. The Black Knights Inc series is a mix of romance and suspense that will hook you immediately. We have been through four amazing journeys, but I have to say that I think Thrill Ride has been my favorite. Watching each and every operator come to find their match is exhilarating.Although, I was definitely partial to this particular novel, but that is entirely due to Rock’s character that magnetized my interest from the start. On a slightly softer note, I was also anxious to learn more about Vanessa with her intriguing position in this group, and just how she folds into her unique role in a biasly male profession. Every character proves entertaining to watch in their roles and relations amongst the entire Black Knights Ops. Male or Female they all carry a very devotional bond that makes each and every character uniquely special. Rock and Vanessa being my favorite led me eagerly into this story, and I was not disappointed. The concept of one of my dedicated characters becoming a rogue was a very new adventure for this crew. It was wonderful to see the lengths at which this group would go to protect one of their own. Just as Walker readers have come to expect this installment was packed full of raw emotion and action packed adventure. Having finished the story in its entirety in 24 hours shows the captivation and dedication fans will experience when unintentionally speeding through this story. It is always an absolute to pleasure to delve into a Black Knights journey with this talented author style and pizzazz. I can not wait for the next book, and I have a hunch what is next. It should be just as entertaining and brilliant as this one has proven to be. ~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jo~

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ 5 Thrill Ride Stars ~

Thrill Ride is book four in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julia Ann Walker. This one can be read as a stand alone. We get action, suspense, and romance.

These books in this series fascinate, impress, and transfix me with the situations, storyline and predicaments these guys and gals find themselves in.

Rock Babineaux is an "enigma wrapped in a riddle and surrounded by bearded stubble”. Yep, that describes him perfectly. I loved Rock. Dame he was hot, sexy, and protective. Vanessa Cordova, hired as a communication specialist for the Black Knights. I liked her. She is strong, determined, and pushes herself past her limited experiences to bring back Rock. These two work well together. The sexual tension was just oozing off the pages. The action and suspense kept me transfixed and glued to the pages. I love the additional side characters and of course the previous characters. It all adds a great dynamic to the book, especially when you add in the banter and humor they have. It shows you how close everyone is. How the Black Knights have become a family.

I love the Black Knights Inc. series. The characters and situations are always entreating. Thrill Ride delivers an action packed adventure! If you have not picked up this series yet, I highly recommend you do.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walker has proven herself as a viable asset in the Romantic Suspense Genre. She is quickly becoming a trusted and heavily sought out author who, time and time again, delivers a thrill ride with each of her books. What's most special and interesting about this series though is the bonds that are forged with each book. Not only does Walker provide readers with a strong, believable romance between the hero and heroine, but she also spends a considerable amount of time creating camaraderie within the BKI. Maintaining a balance such as that is no small feat!

THRILL RIDE delivers exactly what it promises. An intriguing mix of fast-paced action and sizzling romance! Walker delivers a story that is wrought with sexual tension and guaranteed to make your heart trip at least once.

Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great action plot, but I must admit that the "reluctant-to-love" hero who thinks he's doing the right thing by pushing the heroine away is getting old. I definitely enjoyed the intrigue more than the romance in this one as I felt the heroine came off as weak towards the end.

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars

This was a good story. I liked Vanessa and Rock and liked their story.

Vanessa is a communications specialist with the Black Knights. She lost her parents years before in a car accident that she was also involved in. When Vanessa joined the Black Knights she made friends with Rock but when she tried to get him interested in something more he made sure she knew they were strictly in the friend zone.

Rock is an operative with the Black Knights who used to be a Navy SEAL. He's Cajun and grew up in the bayou of Louisiana. His parents were killed in a supposed boating accident and he lost his first love to disease so now he's determined not to love again so he doesn't have to feel the pain of loss again.

Rock was brought in to an organization during his time in the Navy, working on "The Project". When he joined the Black Knights he still did his work for The Project part time when it was needed. Unfortunately, Rock starts getting a suspicion that something isn't right and when he starts asking questions he gets a burn notice on him and everyone in the intelligence community sees him as a rogue agent who they should shoot first and ask questions later (if he lives through the shoot first part which is unlikely). When the Black Knights find out about Rock being a rogue they don't believe it and decide to try to find him and help. It takes months but they're finally able to find where he's gone and find an excuse to go there (as the CIA was still following the team hoping they'd lead them to Rock). They're in the jungles of South America so Vanessa's language skills come in handy and she's the one sent to make first contact. She finds Rock but he doesn't recognize her and takes off with Vanessa close behind. When she confronts him and he finds out who's following her, Rock isn't thrilled to find Vanessa there because he's sure that getting the Black Knights involved will just get them in trouble so Rock tries to send Vanessa back.

Vanessa isn't about to go back to the team without Rock so when he tries to ditch her, she pursues him through the jungle. Rock soon realizes he's not going to lose Vanessa and also realizes as it's getting dark that Vanessa has a problem with the dark (due to a traumatic incident when she was in the crash that killed her parents). Rock doesn't have much choice other than to take her back to his treehouse but they don't get much time to rest as the CIA managed to track Vanessa and are hot on their trail. Rock and Vanessa end up on the run through the jungle and while Rock tries to push Vanessa away, he has a really hard time doing it as he's fighting strong feelings within himself..not just fighting her wanting something between them. The attraction between them does get let loose a bit while their on the run but Rock continues to try to fight it. Things just get more difficult from there and Rock tries to keep the Black Knights out of his problems but they're determined to get into them. As they struggle through things, Rock isn't always kind of Vanessa as he tries to keep her from getting involved with him. He keeps denying both his own love and hers thinking if he denies it enough it doesn't exist (only really fooling himself). They do get through the emotional conflicts and the drama concerning Rock being declared rogue and Rock and Vanessa end the story starting their HEA.

I enjoyed this story and liked both Vanessa and Rock. The story was good but I think my main complaint was that most of the story covered Rock's retrieval and to me, it made the ending feel very rushed. I think I would have given the story 4 stars if not for that. It still ended well but I just didn't like the rushed feeling (and Rock should have had to grovel at least a bit after what he did to Vanessa before getting back in her good graces). Still, I was happy they ended up together and I enjoyed the story overall. :)

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I've been dying to read this book would be an understatement. This series was probably one of my favorite discoveries last year and I couldn't wait to finally read Rock and Vanessa's story. That being said, while I did like it, it wasn't nearly as much as I enjoyed the other books.

I loved Eva. She has a lot of great qualities and she's a very determined women. When she wants something she goes for it. And she wants Rock. But he's made it clear that there would never be more then one night of fun in their future if she wanted but that's it. While I loved that she kept trying at times I found it annoying and I felt embarrassed for her. It was so obvious to everyone how much she wanted him but yet he acts the opposite. I just wish she'd play the hard to get card once in a while instead of the ready and willing/clingy card.

Rock is on the run for something he didn't even do but is getting pinned on anyway. He doesn't want any of the Black Knight crew to know where he is because he doesn't want them involve, especially Vanessa. He knows she wants more from him but he just give it to her, or more bluntly, doesn't want to. Rock has a past and a lot of bad things have happened to him and I understand why he doesn't want anything serious with anyone. He does want to be with Vanessa but he's too scared to really commit to anything. I understand him but I felt like at times he was giving too much mixed signals.

It was great to see the rest of the group and see how things are still going well for Boss and Becky. We also get a bit of a hint as to what's going on with the characters for the next book and I really can't wait to read their book.

Thrill Ride has everything I loved about the series but yet I just wasn't into it as much as the previous books. Regardless, fans of this series should definitely pick this book and if you haven't read this series yet I suggest you start with the first book Hell on Wheels.

*Received from NetGalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review.
**This review also appears on my blog World of Books

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

ARC provided by NetGalley

I am a huge fan of Walker's Black Knights Series. Each book in her series has gotten better, more addictive than the last, and I cannot wait to read the next one. There is a build-up between Eve and Bill that happens in Thrill Ride, and then there's Ozzie--who just is D.I.V.I.N.E. Walker knows how to write a sizzling hero that makes you weak in the knees.

Rock Babineaux had me at hello. He is sexy, dark, quiet, and lethal. When he is not working missions with his fellow Black Knights, he disappears, no one knowing where the Cajun has taken off to or what he is doing.

Vanessa Cordova has it bad for Rock. And when they had to work together recently on a mission, sparks flew between the two, creating a sizzling sexual chemistry filled with tension. But Rock stopped things before clothes fell off faster than you can say, " NOLA Boy".

Rock sees a picket-fenced, happily-ever-after in Vanessa's eyes. Something that he cannot give her. And he keeps his distance.

Now the government wants Rock dead. He has gone rogue, killing innocents and is in hiding. The Black Knights are being watched while they try to uncover who has set Rock up and why while trying to locate him before it's too late.

Vanessa refuses to believe what is being said about Rock. She knows he is innocent. Even when the facts seems to point to his guilt.

The BKI's investigative skills take them to Costa Rica, where Vanessa finds Rock hiding in the jungle. What follows is a cat and mouse game with Rock and Vanessa running for their lives.

Walker writes a fast-paced plot with action, twists, and emotions that pull at the reader as they fall into the pages of her fictional world.

Here are some favorite moments:

"Because while I have no doubt I could give you the thrill ride of your life, I can guarantee that's all it'll be. You see, ma belle, no matter what, you can't let yourself fall in love with me."

Well, goody. We're both just hunky-dory after last night's little Come-to-Jesus chat.

"Good God! You two have got to quit that. You're making my boy parts get bigger!"

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

And once again, Netgalley has proven just how awesome they are. So, from that statement, you can take it to mean I received this book through Netgalley. :)

I had to test this one out because I've seen this author around for a while and have yet to find time to try out one of her books. The blurbs all sound promising, and I mean come on, what's hotter than ex-military men riding bikes involved in covert operations. Yeah, see? That's what I thought.

I have to say what really pulled into this book was the fast paced writing and the humor. There were several times I laughed out loud at some of the characters' dialogue or internal thoughts. Of course, that's just a personal preference that I enjoy a good bit of humor with my romances. But, I also appreciated, with it being a "special ops" romance, that the plot was continually moving. So no lulls in this one for me.

All of the characters were fairly interesting, and I definitely liked the males throughout the story. With that being said, the one thing that I didn't really care for in Thrill Ride was the heroine. There was just something about her.. Hmm, I suppose I think she was a bit weak to be working with these hard ass men. Then she was a bit prone to tears (and I mean sobbing) a bit too often for me. It was the only thing that seemed a bit out of place to me since I was given the impression she wasn't a 'crier' earlier in the story.

Don't get me wrong, she had some funny thoughts and dialogue. Plus, she was on the hero's side from page one. I wavered between liking/disliking her the entire story. But, the hero.. yep, he was pretty awesome in my opinion. One of those good and honorable sorts of heroes that you want to read about.

So, all in all, I enjoyed the book and look forward to going back and reading the rest of the series, starting with book one, Hell on Wheels.

Full review listed here: [Insert Clever Quip Here]

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in http://onemorepage.weebly.com/books

Like I said after Rev It Up, the characters grow on you. I've come to tolerate the surprisingly immature behavior from the team, the constant inner reflections of the characters, that at times goes for so long, you lose the intensity of the story and the point of the moment. And in every story, Thrill Ride being the #4, I've found myself a bit more interested with the next couple's storyline, than the one the book is telling about. Actually brilliant input from the author to hook the readers for the next installment of the series.
And that was the case also with this one, until about half way through. And
then I got, for the first time with Black Knights Inc, emotionally involved with the storyline.
The suspense in this story is different, because you feel like it is the good guys vs the good guys. The uncertainty of the situation Rock is in, the slipperiness of the 'truth and justice' in the case, the risk of threat on Rock's life, builds up the jeopardy. The meaning of 'honor' comes out in a new light.
The brotherhood of the team has been obvious since the book one. The loyalty, union, support, and reliability they have for each other is commendable. But when the team will put everything, including their lives, to risk to save Rock, and when Rock is crying for them to let him go to save themselves, you can't help but be touched by the 'one for all and all for one' musketeer attitude.
The romance and passion between Rock and Vanessa takes the heat level of the series into a new heights. "Mon Dieu!" to quote the Cajun. The attraction between them has been instant, but hidden, and while facing the life and death situation Rock finally surrenders to his lust, if not for his feelings. The decisions that has to be made, and the dissensions that follow, are emotionally raw, rough, and rugged.
Yes, Thrill Ride is a very fitting name for the story, cause it surely took me for a emotional ride

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in Julie Ann Walker's Black Knights Inc and it centers around communications expert and operator Vanessa and another operator Rock. I had such high hopes for this book. I absolutely loved Vanessa and Rock in the previous book and in fact thought they stole the show! Unfortunately I don't know what happened to Vaness a between that book and this one. She was strong and confident in the previous book. In this one she was a mess. She was either scared or crying more than she was anything else. I expected the strong, tough operator that we saw in the previous book fighting to save Rock. Instead we got the Vanessa who was scared of the dark and actually hindered Rock more than she helped him. He kept saying how brave she was but I sure didn't see it.

Now on to Rock. I really like his character except for the whole I just can't let myself love her storyline. Ummm, pretty sure we've seen that before (hello Frank anyone). And of course, just like Frank it turned out to be a really stupid reason! I also didn't understand his reluctance to have his friends help him.

The romance was meh. We know that Rock thinks that Vanessa has a beautiful a** because he tells us A LOT! Other than that, not sure where the feelings come from. He spends most the book pushing her away for no reason until towards the end when he finally has a reason since he believes she betrayed him. As for Vanessa, we know she thinks Rock is absolutely gorgeous and loves his voice but again not much else. In fact, she doesn't even completely believe he is innocent and waffles between believing he is guilty and innocent. At one point she even thinks he's going to shoot her!

I was so dissapointed with this book. I loved these characters in the last book but in this book I got weak, scared Vanessa and I can't love anyone (Redone Frank) Rock.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of their own, Rock Babineaux, is accused of going rogue, no one of the Black Knights Inc. team believes in his guilt. Attempting to clear their team mate, a group of Knights search the globe for their missing friend.

Vanessa Cordova has been drawn to Rock from their first meeting. She will do everything in her power to help Rock, even if he ends up hating her.

Caught up in a world where you are being hunted by the good guys has not made the last 6 months easy for Rock. When, the dynamo, Vanessa comes crashing back into his life he must do everything he can to keep his heart from giving in to the emotions she stirs deep inside. Now he isn’t just trying to save himself but Vanessa as well.

Why was Rock framed for something he didn’t do? Who is behind this black ops? You’ll have to read Thrill Ride and find out.

I really enjoyed reading Thrill Ride. I have to admit, I’m a sucker for the special ops romance novels. There was lots of action, mystery and intrigue. The first half of the book had me riveted to the pages but then it started to slow down...don’t get me wrong, I was still invested in the outcome and interested to discover who the elusive identity of RD. The story pace just seemed to drop off, keeping me from absolutely loving it. In the end, I found Thrill Ride a good read with strong characters and just the right touch of humor.

This ARC copy of Thrill Ride was given to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date April 2, 2013.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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The boys are back in town and they take us for a thrill ride..

This series keeps getting better and better. In this latest we are taken on a harrowing trek through the jungle, lots of humor and some heavy emotional scenes. We knew from previous books that Rock had a secret side job. As this one starts off we find out due to that side job the DOD has now issued a burn order on him and he’s disappeared. Vanessa who’s been Rock’s partner in the past refuses to believe the things he is being accused of, so she and the team decide they are going to find out who set up Rock and find him to bring him back.

There wasn’t one slow moment in the whole book. From the forest in Costa Rica and then back to Chicago it’s none stop edge of your seat suspense.

One thing I really like that this author does is set up the next couple in the series. Becky’s best friend Eve and Becky’s brother Billy, who is part of the Knights, played a big part in this book and I can’t wait for their book.

[Sonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Con esta serie soy conscientemente indulgente, es muy floja en cuanto a planteamiento thriller y los malos de la función son de cartón piedra pero hasta ahora eso era lo de menos porque los personajes principales y amigos lo compensaban con diálogos y escenas muy atractivas (algunas muy muy divertidas).
En esta entrega ocurre justo lo contrario, la parte thriller es muy superior al resto del libro (aunque eso no era difícil).
A pesar de algún comentario y situación entretenidos los 2 protagonistas se me han hecho inaguantables. El es un mártir que salvo algún atisbo fugaz, no parece especialmente listo, en lugar de recurrir a los recursos a su alcance "lo mejor de lo mejor" en su campo, decide irse a la selva a intentar solucionar su situación con la CIA desde una casa en un árbol...???
Ella se lleva la peor parte, llorona, dependiente, gritona, y juzgando sus actos en esta novela parece que su coeficiente roza el plano absoluto.
Para rematarme la autora pretende hacer un chiste cuando al prota le disparan en una oreja, y ni corta ni perezosa le hace decir algo así como que no le apetece parecerse a Picasso....Nadie en la editorial fue capaz de ver el gazapo?