Too Hard to Handle

Black Knights Inc. #8

by Julie Ann Walker

"The Man" is back.

Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority.

And this time she's ready.

A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

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

381 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

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

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Hard to Handle by Julie Ann Walker
Black Knignts Inc. series #8. Romantic military suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series because of overlapping secondary characters.
Dan “The Man” Currington works for the Black Knights, an undercover organization of the US President. Dan is on the trail of a rogue CIA agent that takes him and former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul to Peru. The missions are risky and dangerous which makes the time Dan and Penni spend together both suspenseful and abbreviated. The safety of the nation is at stake. The Black Knights are a unique group, infiltrating and destroying the enemy. They are also a family of coworkers that have bound together in support of each other through thick and thin.

Both Dan and Penni have significant trauma in their past that have changed who they are. They’ve met before and ended up walking away, not ready for the chemistry between them. Years have passed. Together in Peru and in danger, their relationship changes.
Many secondary characters from prior books are part of the operations as well as connected couples forming their tight circle at BKI.
Dark, and suspenseful. The ending epilogue is humorous if a bit unfulfilling.

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you go to the used book store and they have all of the rest of this series for only $1.95 each.? You buy them and start reading.

Dan has had a rough couple of years, but Penni has brought him back to life. Bad guys are everywhere, but the Black Knights will come out on top. Was not expecting that little surprise from them, but I love it. Now the ending was blah. I wanted a little more.

[Mskychick · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-1/2 stars
I feel like Ms. Walker's writing voice has changed over the course of her books, because I loved the first few she wrote, but have been disliking her later books more and more. I would go back and re-read her older books to check that hypothesis if I cared more, but my TBR pile is too massive to easily allow for that.

I don't like her writing style anymore- I find it grating. Too many cutesy terms. Too much weird slang.

And the constant repetition of a particular writing quirk is really getting on my nerves. About halfway through the books started highlighting all the examples I came across, and there are SO MANY! A sentence with 2 or 3 brief statements after it with a short staccato and similar sound.
Here is a small sampling:
Until she was blind with it. Deaf with it. Numb with it.

She was a temptress. A sorceress. An enchantress.

she had no pride. Only need. Only want.

then he kissed her. In that Dan way. Like a conqueror. Like a gladiator.

Enough already! It was so frequent that it pulled me out of the story. I felt the editor should have used much more red pencil.

I think this may be the end of The Black Knights for me. There are too many good books out there to waste my time on ones that bug me.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story!

review to come

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s all about second chances.

Dan, an agent for Black Knight Inc., lost his wife in a shooting two years ago. Never thinking he’d find love again he lost himself in booze. After clawing his way back to the living, Dan finds himself on a mission in Kuala Lumpur where he hooks up with Secret Service Agent Penni. Explosive chemistry sparks but before it truly ignites a terrorist attack kills Penni’s entire team.

Months later Penni decides to track down Dan. She thinks there is more to their one time encounter and is ready to lay her feelings on the line. Penni discovers Dan is in Peru so she follows him there only to find herself caught up in the middle of mission that is about to get blown out of the water. Dan and Penni find themselves running for their lives with a rogue CIA traitor hot on their trail.

This time around, the same chemistry that sparked in Kuala Lumpur truly has a chance to explode between Dan and Penni.

The action is intense with a lots of suspense filled scenes and while the story follows Dan and Penni, there is something brewing between their comrades ...looking forward to their story.

I am really loving the Black Knight, Inc. series.

Too Hard to Handle takes a broken hearted hero and lets him find true love once again while still managing to brilliantly honoring the lost love.

I received this ARC copy of Too Hard to Handle from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 1, 2015.

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

~ 4.5 Too Hard to Handle Stars ~

Too Hard to Handle is book eight in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. You do need to read the books in order to get the best understanding of the relationships and past for each of the Black Knight boy's.

I have been having so much fun reading this series. I was sucked in again, blown away, and could not put the book down. So much suspense, action, adventure, and romance. I love the family feel that these guys and ladies have. Such great character development and commradire. Something tragic happens to Dan in Hell on Wheels and it is sad to read about him throughout the books in this series. The sexual tension was off the charts between Dan “The Man” Currington and Penni DePaul. These two meet in Full Throttle and there set up was perfect. It was about time someone took a hold of his heart and helped him heal. Penni is one tough cookie and dame does she throw out a bombshell that I kinda expected, but not. It was masterful done. JAW also gives us several great secondary characters. Like Chelsea and Dagan. Their relationship is complicated. These two dance around making jabs, verbally sparing, but secretly they both have feelings for the other. I enjoy how the author focuses on our main characters, but also sets us up nicely for another couple.

Too Hard to Handle was another winner in the Black Knights Inc. series with suspense, a second change at love, and romance. I am looking forward to the next installment. If you have not picked up this series, I highly recommend you do.

*Disclaimer: Review copy provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Gemini

Too Hard to Handle is the eighth installment in the Black Knights Inc. series. It picks up a few months after a tragic incident where several Secret Service Agents were killed. During this same event, Secret Service Agent Penelope “Penni” Depaul and BKI member Dan “The Man” Currington hooked up and may have made a connection. Now Penni has resigned from the Secret Service and set out on a personal mission to find Dan and bare all to him. Unfortunately, she ends up dropping in on him while he is on a supposedly fruitless mission in Peru.

As is always the case, Penni and Dan have not disclosed their feelings to each other. Penni also has a life altering secret that she needs to share with Dan. Penni just so happens to become inserted in Dan’s new mission although she is no longer a member of the Secret Service. It’s always about revenge or redemption. There is nothing like trying to work through feelings while working a covert op. Too Hard to Handle has all of the usual cliches but it’s also a very fun read. Not only is there plenty of angst between Penni and Dan, there’s another duo that has unrequited feelings for each other that plays out with some interesting banter. There’s also plenty of action, violence, and gun play. There’s even a bat cave to add to the mystery. And did I mention that the Black Knights report to the President of the United States which means they have an array of resources and gadgets at their disposal.

It’s been awhile since I read the previous book so it took a minute for me to catch up. Consequently, I would recommend that you read the previous books before you read this one in order to get a better understanding of the team dynamics of BKI , their cover story, and Penni and Dan’s prior encounters. Dan and Penni have a tendency of coitus interruptus that has to be a running joke for the author. It has to be challenging to weave romance, humor and espionage together but Too Hard to Handle does it nicely. There are some brutal scenes but the humor lightens things up fairly quickly. I would definitely be interested in reading another book in the Black Knights Inc. series.

**Copy received courtesy of Sourcebooks for an honest and unbiased opinion.**

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much deserved second chance at love for a man who we’ve seen in so much pain throughout this series since his wife was tragically gun down in front of BKI headquarters 2 years ago.

Dan Currington drowned his grief in a bottle. He had lost his will to live. But with the help of his friends and AA he has come back to the land of the living. Two months ago on a fateful mission in Kuala Lumpur he met Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul. They had an immediately chemistry which surprised Dan but when a bomb takes out the rest of Penni’s team they part ways.

Dan and Dagan Zoelner have been in Peru for the last 3 months along with CIA agent Chelsea Duvall trying to catch the CIA traitor that was in part responsible for the bombing in the last book. Dan hasn’t been able to get Penni off his mind and is shocked when she shows up saying she needs to talk to him. The action takes off from here and the 4 of them find themselves dodging bullets before managing to get out of Peru.

As with all of the books in this series there are overlapping story arcs throughout the books along with the setting up of the next couple. It was great to finally get to see Dan get some happiness back in his life and I liked how the author handled still honoring Dan’s deceased wife along with allowing him to find love again.

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fast paced and engaging novel! Walker combines suspense with subversion and plotting to create a remarkable and unmistakable BKI novel. Backed up by chemistry and characters you really get up close and personal with this story is one to remember.

The lingo dialogue really makes these characters. It’s so easy to see and hear them. Dan’s confusion over feelings, beliefs, and events become apparent, taking his larger than life personal and making him real, human. The dichotomy between super secret, blacker than black ops and a true romantic really makes Dan stand out in this series. The way that Penni quotes various pieces of literature and movies in her inner monologue had me liking her even more. It gave me lots of insight into her personality.

Suspense and chemistry abound throughout this novel. Walker grabbed my attention and held it throughout. I could barely put this one down.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast paced and suspense filled story in the Black Knights world. We already know these characters from previous stories. This one finds Penni looking for Dan. They had a one night stand that neither could forget. But life and missions got in the way. Now, Penni is determined to get Dan back.

Lots of familiar action happening in the book. I would like to see a bit more creativity and less predictability. That said, Penni and Dan are interesting characters. We also catch up with the rest of the team.

Overall an ok read. Not my favorite of the series but not bad.

[Christi Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:
This is another one of those series that I've liked from the very beginning, but I really, really liked this installment. We got to see Penni and Dan in the last book and I LOVED them together. Dan needs a happy...so badly, so I loved when it looked like they were going to hook up.

But when this book begins, things haven't gone like I expected them to in the three months between the events in the last book and this one...and I liked that bit of surprise. I think the biggest surprise is that Penni has quit working for the Secret Service and is now adamant that she see Dan. What she doesn't realize though when the BKI team sends her off to find him is that he's actually out on a mission. She certainly never planned to crash into their mission.

But that's where I love Penni...she's trained and is a pretty tough chick in her own right, so she can handle it when things go south. On the other hand is Chelsea...I loved her too, just because she isn't quite so efficient. She's worked a desk job for the CIA and has never done field work, but she's determined to be a valuable part of the team. I loved her ambition and determination even when she's terrified.

I truly enjoyed this team of four. They are awesome together and loved the back and forth dialogue between all of them. It made this book a really fun and entertaining read. And then there is Dan and Penni together. Their chemistry is through the roof and it built some great sexual suspense in the book esp since they had the rottenest timing throughout the story...although I have to say I was worried about Dan's 'equipment' when they hit the turbulence on the plane. That could have been a serious problem...eeks!

There were a lot fewer scenes with the entire BKI team in this one (or at least it seemed like it), and normally that might have been a problem for me because I love this team dynamic. But this group of four were so entertaining, I honestly didn't even miss it. This book definitely goes at the top of my list for one of my favorites in this series so far.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems like we have been waiting for this book ever since Dan lost it all in an early book. It was hard to see him implode after his wife died. I liked that Dan didn't stay lost, but started to come back to life.

I really liked the connection that Dan and Penni had during the last book. I did wonder why Penni showed up in Chicago determined to see Dan, was surprised that everyone at the Knights sent Penni in Dan's direction.

Dan's mission seemed to be outtakes from a Three Stooges show. It didn't help that Chelsea and Zoelner had some weird relationship where all they did was snip at each other. I do have to admit that by the end of the book I find myself very intrigued by these two and hope that the next book will center around them while they are off on their mission.

I thought it telling that Chelsea called the drama that came up when Penni learned about Patti. It so annoyed me that Dan didn't seem to get why Penni was upset. It didn't help that Penni managed to drop a bomb not long after and that wasn't the worst thing that happened to them.

Penni's play at the end didn't surprise me. She needed to protect herself. With that said, I thought Dan's reaction was the right one too. I was glad when the Black Knight's women stepped in and manipulated both of them to get what they wanted in the end.

[Reading In Pajamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spotlight, Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: Too Hard To Handle by Julie Ann Walker http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2U9
**Go to post to enter to WIN a Signed Set of Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights, Inc. Series**
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars

REVIEW:
Reading this Black Knights Inc. novel was like visiting a favorite friend. The groups lighthearted bantering is so much fun, especially amidst the chaos of battle. I was happy to see that Dan as emerged from his depression and was a big part of that camaraderie. Penni? I liked her right off and enjoyed the chemistry between the two. They didn’t fight their connection to each other even though outside forces sure threw a few curve-balls. And as always the dangerous action had a new edge that I always appreciate from Ms. Walker and combining it with the hot romance made another winner for me. I loved it.

*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

[Hristina Tserovska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Книгата за Дан и Пени е наситена с доста екшън и напрежение, както и всички останали от поредицата, но като любовна история не ми допадна! Репликата на Пени "Трябва да поговорим" се повтаряше от началото до края, без да има смелост да каже за какво става въпрос. Дан е сладурче, но нея така и не харесах. От предишните книги жените демонстрираха много повече характер.
Добре, че бяха Челси и Золнър с техните постоянни престрелки. Очаквам с нетърпение и тяхната история,ще бъде взривоопасна.

[Pboswell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected so much more from Dan and Penni...so much more! There are so many layers that each of them need to peel back. So much they needed to discuss and fight together.

And with their impending futures bound to change forever, there should've been more depth to their story. I am not pleased.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get this one read. I had to check it out from the library more than once, and once it was deleted from my readers right out from under my eyes. It was a particularly busy time. But that changed and I finally got to finish it. This is an entertaining story. Lots of spy stuff and shooting. The heroine has just resigned from the Secret Service and is trying to track down the guy she's crazy about, in order to tell him how she feels. He's in Peru, hunting for a bad guy who has proved particularly elusive. But when she catches up with the hero is when they finally get a chance to catch the bad guy, so she gets to help out with the capture. This takes approximately the first half of the book. Maybe a bit more. But there's another bad guy. The story is more suspense than romantic- - more action than suspense. There's a lot of running and shooting. It's entertaining. I liked it.

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Man" is back
Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are sky-high, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority.

And this time she's ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends--namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives--if they can stay alive, that is.

I actually really liked this entry in the Black Knights Inc. world. It was filled with the action, suspense and humor that have populated the previous books in the series. I have noticed a small theme of second chances running through all the books (second chance with a lost love, with a life left behind, etc) and this time around is no different. Only this second chance is kind of a combination of a life left behind, a lost love and a chance to start over.

Dan's getting a second chance at his life after having lost his wife Patti back at the beginning of the series (see: Hell on Wheels) and deciding the best way to get through that was drowning himself in booze. He managed to pull himself out of that slump and now he's back doing field work. Penni's kind of getting a second chance at life too. In a way anyways. She was a secret service agent and she and Dan had amazing chemistry when they initially met, but before things could really go anywhere, they were interrupted by a terrorist attack (see: Full Throttle). After they finished that assignment and figured out who was responsible, she turned in her badge and she's considering going into private security. So when Penni decides that she needs to determine whether what she and Dan had was more than just lust/heat of the moment, she ends up in the middle of his mission.

I really liked that even though Penni hadn't really intended to get involved (and really, she had every reason not to), she still helped out because she knew they could use the assist. I did get a little frustrated with how she'd berate herself for liking the fact that Dan was saying she was "his". It wasn't like he was being possessive or caveman-esque, he was just trying to tell Ozzie to step off. What makes it so wrong for a woman to like the fact that her man is standing up for her? There's nothing wrong with that! Just because she liked the fact that he would say "back off" doesn't mean that she needs to have her "feminist card" revoked (or whatever she called it). She can be a strong, independent woman who loves the fact that her man is willing to stand up and say "yes, she's with me, she's mine and keep your hands off or I'll punch you in the throat". The way Dan did it was fine, just enough of a "don't touch" without getting into the possessive side of things. But all that aside, Penni was great and she could give as good as she got as far as sass goes. Her interactions with Ozzie were great.

I also liked Dan's protective instincts towards Penni. He was admittedly worried about her, especially since she was technically a civilian, but at the same time he was able to admire the fact that she could handle herself. He also figured out that what they had was more than lust/heat of the moment and when he realized who/what he wanted, he didn't back down from getting it. I'm really glad that he was finally able to understand that Patti would have wanted him to move on and would be ok with him doing so. I think that was his biggest roadblock in initially moving things forward with Penni, because he was still holding on too tightly to Patti.

The secondary characters were great as well. The chemistry between Chelsea and Zoelner was ridiculous and I really want to know about their history and see what the future holds. Ozzie was great for some comic relief as well as some amazing insights. I did like the fact that most of the others were at least mentioned if not outright involved. It's felt like after their main story, most of the couples have kind of vanished except for brief mentions here and there. It would be nice if they could all get back together at least once more so there could be an update (I mean things like, how are Allie and Ghost handling parenthood? What about Snake? Did Mac really buy back the farm or what?) You can kind of figure that Rock and Vanessa are ok since they're outright involved. Same with Boss and Becky. But there hasn't been much in the way of updates on any of the others. Just a little something would be nice, that's all I'm saying.

I did feel like this book left to many open questions for it to be the end of a series. I mean, obviously Spider has been involved in things from a while back, yet we don't really find out who he is or what he's after. Ozzie's fate is still up in the air as well. So, please tell me that there's at least one more book in the series? Maybe even two, one that focuses on Chelsea and Zoelner and one that focuses on Ozzie and someone (maybe Samantha Tate? If she turns out to be a little less the nosy reporter who just wants a headline)?

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment of Black Knights, Inc. involves a fun foursome. Dan "The Man" Currington is reunited with Penni De Paul, the Secret Service Agent he can't forget about from his last mission. Dan had been having a hard time coming out of a dark funk, but Penni brought in some light even during dire circumstances. But when the mission was over, they parted ways.

Also featured is his team mate and friend Dagan Zoeller who has his hands full with BKI's CIA liason, Chelsea Duvall. These two also have history and love to go rounds with each other. They are both smart mouthed, stubborn, and love to tease each other. But neither will admit what they really want. One of their team mates declares that they need to "duke it out, or screw it out."

There is fussing, fighting, flirting, fun, and tons of sexual tension and longing between them. But they also find themselves on a mission that is getting hotter. They're hunting a mole, but it seems that they aren't the only ones. All of a sudden their quiet surveillance mission is becoming more perilous, risky, and fast-paced. I loved both of these pairings and each of their personalities. They all have a good sense of humor and love to tease, but also have good hearts. They might taunt each other, but they band together without question for protection and safety. The guys are alpha, intelligent, protective, unfiltered, and tough. And the girls are just as talented, brave, and bad a** as the guys.

Dan and Penni seem to be the King and Queen of Bad Timing and Missed Opportunities. They've got unfinished business and it seems like anytime something can go wrong...it does. But at least they give each other hope. But they both have some secrets and baggage, and they also need to be able to trust, believe, and let go of the past.

Z and Chelsea are that couple circle around each other, and give each other fits, but are afraid to make a move. They are drowning in sexual tension but both are afraid to grab onto the other or take a risk. But they keep finding themselves thrown into close proximity so eventually something is going to have to give....or explode. But right now they are in slow burn mode with a big side of frustration.

There are multiple antagonists and players and several storylines going on both with dangerous business and interpersonal situations. It is told in multiple points of view and brings back some of our BKI friends: Ozzie, Rock, Vanessa, Boss, Becky, and Michelle. It was a funny, suspenseful, sexy and sweet second chance love story for Dan and Penni. And also set up two other couples with sexual tension and conflicts as well. There is definitely still more brewing with Z and Chelsea, and also with Ozzie and his potential love interest. I am excited about both of those stories that have been building.

I was surprised that this book ended when it did. It seemed a bit rushed to me and I wanted a bit more. But I imagine we will get more with Dan and Penni in one of the next installments.

I was gifted a a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

Dan Currington will never stop loving his late wife Patti, but meeting Penni DePaul while working together in Malaysia provides him with the unexpected opportunity to open himself to something new and wonderful. They've both experienced loss--Dan with his wife and fellow Black Knights Inc. operative Grigg Morgan and Penni with her father and fellow Secret Service agents--and have had to deal with those losses yet have come out on the other side stronger and more resilient. Their time together in Malaysia was special for both of them but they went their separate ways afterward, Dan to Chicago and BKI and Penni to Washington DC and the Secret Service. When Penni goes looking for Dan , BKI sends her to Peru where Dan is on a mission and she ends up working with him, BKI's Dagan Zoelner, and the CIA's Chelsea Duvall.

While it's clear who the villain is, the person he works for and the fact that he has a history with Black Knights Inc. makes him a far bigger and more intriguing villain and one that I suspect will be rearing his ugly head in the next book or the one after that. Another interesting point that this eighth book points out is the fact that the current US president's term in office, his second and last one, is ending, leaving the future of BKI in question, especially because it was POTUS and his Joint Chiefs of Staff who got the ball rolling on the whole thing. Along with the side stories involving Dagan and Chelsea plus Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes and television reporter Samantha Tate, it appears that there are more things for fans of the Black Knights Inc. series like me who have a lot more to look forward to when it comes to all future installments.

There's a bit of a twist regarding Dan and Penni but it's one that isn't difficult to figure out and simply adds to the whole happy feeling I got for Dan the Man. If anyone deserves to have a happily-ever-after, it's this guy, but it didn't go the way I expected, which is always a bonus because then I'm caught off-guard but left pleasantly surprised. I know I've mentioned two other books in the series as my favorites, but after having read this eighth one, Thrill Ride and Born Wild have been edged out, though each of the books has been a joy to read. It took me all of two days to read the eight books in the series and I have truly become a fan of both the series and Julie Ann Walker's. For my fellow Black Knights Inc. fans out there, Too Hard to Handle will be so worth the read and will leave you excited for what else is in store for us. Five-plus stars! ♥

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Lori
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Have you ever read Maya Banks KGI series? If you have, this Black Knights series has given her some serious competition. This book grabbed me by the throat within the first chapter, and didn’t let go right until the end. I was left satisfied with the story, and I wanted MORE!

I giggled and sighed my way through this whole book and enjoyed every minute of it. While I was reading this, I had to struggle to get myself out of the chair and cart myself to my job. I wanted to know what happens next. I wasn’t disappointed with the story at all.

I saw this book was up for review and when I glanced at the blurb, I decided what the heck and took a gamble and decided to review it. I was never more pleased then when I did. This book that I’m reviewing right now is number eight in the series, that means that there are seven books in Ms. Walker’s back list that I get to read and devour. Yes. I also saw she got some space in the RT magazine as well. Too Hard to Handle was promoted there as well, and I was pretty darned excited that I got to read it.

Even though this book is part of a series, the author gives enough back story that the reader can follow along and understand what’s happening in the book. I always get nervous when I realize I requested a book that was part of a series, and I usually fret over nothing. I’m so silly.

I just need to say that I understood why the author called Dan, Dan “The Man” Currington. He was bad ass, he was sexy, he was flawed (but owned it), he was vulnerable, and he was an all around good guy. He has a backstory that I don’t want to go into because it will take away the integrity of the story. He’s not perfect, and he’s flawed, but the reader (as least this reader) can’t help but like him.

Penni is feisty, fiery, and a kick ass tough girl. She’s funny, sensitive, understanding, and can fire a gun and can take care of herself just fine. She has her own backstory as well that really just can’t be discussed here either, but I can tell you all answers will be answered, the reader just has to finish the book.

I liked Penni just as much as I liked Dan. They were characters that were well rounded and could be real people. I liked that they weren’t perfect and I liked that they knew they weren’t perfect and were aware of some of their flaws. I loved the secondary characters as well. Even though they were secondary, they had their own spice. They obviously wouldn’t allow the author to sit quietly in the background, they needed to be seen and heard. I was totally cool with that. They added something extra to the overall story.

If there are any readers out there that enjoy action adventure romance, my goodness, get your pretty hand on this book. Seriously, it’s just that good.

[Monica Cardoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances do exist!!

This is the eighth installment of Black Knights, Inc was an incredible read. This story was well written and loved the dialogue. These characters made me smile, laugh and so much more. I know that I haven’t finished reading all of this series book but what I have read I love them. Ms. Walker gave me as a reader a great plot, suspense, chemistry and other characters that I can’t wait to read more about.

Dan “The Man” Currington is a man that lost his soul mate and was lost in a liquor bottle for a while. Now he is back and when he least expects it there is a woman that makes him feel. Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul is lost in Dan and she needs to find him but she finds out that he is out of the country. Penni needs to find him but she never would have thought that their lives would be in danger. She was no longer in the Secret Service she had just given her notice and now she is sucked into this cluster. But now she will be able to help take down the people responsible for the bombing that took out her team. I loved how their first conversation went and how Dan just forgot that Chelsea and Dagan were able to hear their conversation. I loved that he didn’t fight his feelings but I also knew that their relationship would still have ups and downs. There are two other characters in this story that I can’t wait to see if they are going to be together and that’s Chelsea Duvall and Dagan Zoeller. They have this teasing and bickering going on that at times I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. There is so much sexual tension between them that if a match would hit them they would explode. Their lives are going to be in danger, they are going to have to dodge bullets, and they are going to have to do everything possible to stay alive. Then just as a reminder nothing can happen to Penni or Dan she still has a secret to tell him that will change everything.

Too Hard to Handle was an excellent read. I love reading Ms. Walker’s stories and I love her writing style. I know that me as a reader will always want more want for the story to have another chapter but no matter what I have to say that I am satisfied with the happily ever after of the main characters. I love that there are maybe hints to who will get the next book and I really hope it will be Chelsea and Zoeller but then again I really want to know more about Ozzie. The chemistry between Penni and Dan is passionate and they are perfect for each other.

I can’t wait to see who will get the next book in the Black Knights, Inc.

Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review

[Thenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second chance at happiness for Dan, the knight who lost his wife a few years back at an attack on the Knights' compound, and former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul, whom he'd met in a previous mission.

The two had a connection then, but the timing didn't feel right for a relationship. Things are different now and Penni, who is trying to get in touch with Dan, since she has some pretty big news to share, in the form of a bun in the oven, follows him to his current mission that's supposed to be uneventful.

It proves to be anything but that, and the two end up working together again, while they become even closer and get to know each other better. Despite the chemistry between them, they both have a few issues to resolve before reaching their happy ending, Dan's hesitance to love again and Penni's feelings after discovering his widower status and believing she's his rebound, among them.

All's well that ends well though and, after some needed reassurances and a grand gesture, the two find their way to their happily ever after. The series continues with Ozzie's story next in Wild Ride.

Previous book reviews:
✦ Full Throttle (Black Knights Inc., #7) ~ ★★★ (02/09/2017)
✦ 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)

[Jax O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the little snippets that we got from the last book “Full Throttle” that involved Dan and Penni and that started to show the slow build of their, (well, the best that we could call it at that moment would be) relationship. Just starting to get to know each other, Dan and Penni ran into some rough times, and some lusty times, but ultimately parted without saying much to each other. This book picks up a few months after they last saw each other. Dan hasn’t stopped thinking about her and Penni holds a secret.

In true Black Knight fashion, this book was pack with action and sexy times. Dan and Penni are perfect for each other and they are slowly starting to realize just how perfect they are together. However, there are a few things that are getting in the way. First, Dan is gone when Penni stops by the BKI facility, which leads the gang to send Penni down south, and right in the middle of a dangerous mission that Dan is in the midst of working. Seeing Penni again brings every emotion right back into the forefront but there are a few things that Penni doesn’t know about Dan. Mainly, that he is a widower, making it hard for him to grow close to any woman since he held his murdered wife in his arms outside of the BKI facility.

JAW did set up two upcoming characters, (well, at least I hope they are) Chelsea and Dagan. *And, I hope Ozzie and the reporter – but that is just a wish.* Their story followed the snippets that Dan and Penni’s did in the last book. There are small, intimate moments that you get to see between these two but mostly they just like to bicker and banter at each other. I can’t wait for their story.

BKI is a wonderful series and JAW does a fantastic job brining each character to life and keeping the drama and action at a level that is comparable to the romance.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~

[Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Secret government operations twine with one sexy as hell relationship in this action packed story! I loved the fast-paced plot and slow burning romance, both of which held me to the pages and the edge of my seat. I can’t get enough of stories where the bullets fly just as much as the whispered words and slick kisses.

Dan is a super alpha male with a sweet and vulnerable side. Do I love them any other way? Nope. He’s trying to move on from the tragic loss of his wife and has never quite moved on. When he meets Penni in a previous mission and they share a earth shattering night together he can’t seem to shake her from his mind. Neither can Penni – which is why she hunts him down at the practical edge of the earth. Unfortunately, she walks right into a government op that has just taken off.

If you’re looking for suspense with sex, you must read this. Now. It’s like an explicit James Patterson book. [Oh hi, heaven.] Julie does this type of plotline better than most and I absolutely loved the twists and turns she served up. I received all of the heart thumping scenes I wanted and the HEA I needed. I was dangerously close *winks* to kissing my kindle when it was over.

TOO HARD TO HANDLE more than satisfied my craving for danger and sated my desire for uhhhh MORE. Great suspense, hot as hell sex and devious villains make this book any lover of romantic suspense will die over. Get it nowww.

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads~~

WOW! What a fabulous read. The whole series is great, but this one was a long awaited treat.

It is the perfect read for anyone who likes their suspense fully immersed in hot romance too. But do be clear the suspense and the drama certainly doesn't play second fiddle. The ongoing thread of deception, spies and counterintelligence could easily support a tv series - oh and the thought of who could play these sexy guys ... (may have dwelt on that now and again!) Add to that some seriously hot romance and deep and meaningful moments, and that would be great. But no, Ms Walker goes even further and uses some wonderful humour too - so just as things are almost too tense, there will be a perfect line that just dispels the tension ... ready for it to build all over again.

Dan and Penni - memories of KL firmly in their minds are a great couple in this story, and there are definite foreshadows of future ones too. I really want to know how they move forward though, as Dan deserves all the good things that he can get!

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

Hotness Rating 3 out of 5

I love Julie Ann Walker and the Black Knights Inc. series. Every time I finish one I wait impatiently for the next one to come out. By the time you get to the 8th book of a series many books become rote and stale. This is so not the case with Too Hard to Handle. It seems like I love each book better than the one before.

I loved Penni and Dan when they had their all-too brief meeting in the previous book Full Throttle. After all that went down in that book with Penni losing her entire team I was afraid that any chance this couple may have was forever lost. Boy was I wrong!

Penni and Dan are thrown back together in yet another high-stress, high-danger situation. Only this time they have one another to lean on without government rules and restrictions to bog things down.

The suspense and action in this book provided the perfect balance to the heat and passion that this story brought us. I couldn't read this book fast enough, yet was devastated when it was over.

This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan is one sexy beefcake, "in case I gave you the wrong impression earlier…” he growled. Mr. Growly Growlerton. “I want you to know how damn good it is to see you again." Sometimes Penni has to get creative on things after all Dan is a stubborn boy, "she tugged his head down and said softly in his ear, “Despite the impression I may’ve given you downstairs at dinner, you are my favorite toy." There are times Dan is more of a show than tell kind of guy, "God, Penni,” he murmured, his face next to hers, his eyes watching what his hands were doing. “You’re so effin’ gorgeous you make me harder than I’ve ever been before.” As if to prove his point, he flexed his hips forward, driving her thighs into edge of the counter and rubbing the length of himself against her a**." I liked this book Penni was a great character and she balanced out Dan.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penni met Dan on an earlier assignment, now Penni´s left the Secret Service and needs to connect with him again. So off to his current assignment in Peru, but she didn´t expect to arrive just as things are about to go down.
Dan hasn´t been able to forget his Secret Service agent, but he didn´t think she´d turn up here. Once she´s part of the mission she does hold her own, though.
But with his tragic baggage and her secrets, can they make a go of it and trust each other?
Contemporary romance, action and smutty fluff in a great combo.
Love the BKI group!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 stars

Excellent addition to the BKI series. I truly enjoyed Penni and Dan. Their adventures were heart pounding, edge of your seat suspense like Jason Borne or Mission Impossible. Out of the frying pan and into the fire all the time! I love Julie's writing and her ability to pepper passion into suspense so masterfully. I sometimes struggle with heroine's needing to be rescued in romantic suspense books, but thankfully Ms. Walker hit the mark with Too Hard to Handle once again!

Review copy provided for an honest review.