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Black Knights Inc. #9
Wild Ride
The hero we've all been waiting for...
Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes
Former Navy SEAL
Underground operator for Black Knights Inc., the covert government defense firm disguised as a custom motorcycle shop.
In a black-on-black international mission that went seriously sideways, Ozzie was badly injured—now he's stuck at BKI headquarters in Chicago, champing at the bit to get out into the field again. To his disgust, he's tasked with distracting Chicago Tribune ace reporter Samantha Tate, who's been trying to dig up the dirt on BKI for years. Turns out Samantha's beauty, intelligence and sense of humor are a seriously big distraction, and Ozzie's losing his desire to keep her at bay.
Ozzie's tired of hiding, and Samantha may be the best—and worst—person to share his secrets with...
"A nail-biter from start to finish". —Publishers Weekly for Too Hard to Handle
Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes
Former Navy SEAL
Underground operator for Black Knights Inc., the covert government defense firm disguised as a custom motorcycle shop.
In a black-on-black international mission that went seriously sideways, Ozzie was badly injured—now he's stuck at BKI headquarters in Chicago, champing at the bit to get out into the field again. To his disgust, he's tasked with distracting Chicago Tribune ace reporter Samantha Tate, who's been trying to dig up the dirt on BKI for years. Turns out Samantha's beauty, intelligence and sense of humor are a seriously big distraction, and Ozzie's losing his desire to keep her at bay.
Ozzie's tired of hiding, and Samantha may be the best—and worst—person to share his secrets with...
"A nail-biter from start to finish". —Publishers Weekly for Too Hard to Handle
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 4, 2017
618 people are currently reading
2107 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ann Walker
37 books2,678 followersJulie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award. Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. And if those views happen to come with a blue sky and sunshine? All the better! When she's not writing, Julie enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, fishing, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and... reading, of course!
Be sure to sign up for Julie's occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com
Or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor and/or Instagram: @julieannwalker_author.
In Moonlight and Memories:
#1 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME ONE
#2 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME TWO
#3 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME THREE
Black Knights Inc.:
#1 HELL ON WHEELS
#2 IN RIDES TROUBLE
#3 REV IT UP
#4 THRILL RIDE
#5 BORN WILD
#6 HELL FOR LEATHER
#7 FULL THROTTLE
#8 TOO HARD TO HANDLE
#9 WILD RIDE
#10 FUEL FOR FIRE
#11 HOT PURSUIT
#12 BUILT TO LAST
Deep Six:
#0.5 HOT AS HELL
#1 HELL OR HIGH WATER
#2 DEVIL AND THE DEEP
#3 RIDE THE TIDE
#4 DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN
#5 SHOT ACROSS THE BOW
#6 DEAD IN THE WATER
Black Knights Inc: Reloaded:
#1 BACK IN BLACK
#2 BLACK HEARTED
#3 MAN IN BLACK
#4 BLACK MOON RISING
#5 BLACK WIDOW
#6 FADE TO BLACK
Be sure to sign up for Julie's occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com
Or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor and/or Instagram: @julieannwalker_author.
In Moonlight and Memories:
#1 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME ONE
#2 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME TWO
#3 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME THREE
Black Knights Inc.:
#1 HELL ON WHEELS
#2 IN RIDES TROUBLE
#3 REV IT UP
#4 THRILL RIDE
#5 BORN WILD
#6 HELL FOR LEATHER
#7 FULL THROTTLE
#8 TOO HARD TO HANDLE
#9 WILD RIDE
#10 FUEL FOR FIRE
#11 HOT PURSUIT
#12 BUILT TO LAST
Deep Six:
#0.5 HOT AS HELL
#1 HELL OR HIGH WATER
#2 DEVIL AND THE DEEP
#3 RIDE THE TIDE
#4 DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN
#5 SHOT ACROSS THE BOW
#6 DEAD IN THE WATER
Black Knights Inc: Reloaded:
#1 BACK IN BLACK
#2 BLACK HEARTED
#3 MAN IN BLACK
#4 BLACK MOON RISING
#5 BLACK WIDOW
#6 FADE TO BLACK
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
April 24, 2017
Audiobook review. 3.5 stars. The plot of this story was constructed very well. The detail, planning, execution all strong. It was full of action and quite entertaining. The characters, Ozzie and Samantha, had great chemistry and were fleshed out well. They were distinct and unique in thought and mannerism but were still cohesive as a unit. The secondary characters really complimented the story.
An area of opportunity for me lies in the fact that these two don't really talk honestly or openly to one another until way late in the game. I'd say the last 25% or more of the story, which felt like it was dragged out, could have been wrapped up with a few short confessions. It didn't do the story any favors to linger there where the focus could've gone to the development of their romantic relationship or even their relationship with the team. Wasted page space in my opinion.
Aside from that I really enjoyed the story and felt the narrators did a great job. They were a good match for the protagonists and executed the task using great pace, tone, and inflections.
Safety: It appears there were others after they met but none for a while before they actually get together and certainly none after. Yes to abuse and attempted rape.
An area of opportunity for me lies in the fact that these two don't really talk honestly or openly to one another until way late in the game. I'd say the last 25% or more of the story, which felt like it was dragged out, could have been wrapped up with a few short confessions. It didn't do the story any favors to linger there where the focus could've gone to the development of their romantic relationship or even their relationship with the team. Wasted page space in my opinion.
Aside from that I really enjoyed the story and felt the narrators did a great job. They were a good match for the protagonists and executed the task using great pace, tone, and inflections.
Safety: It appears there were others after they met but none for a while before they actually get together and certainly none after. Yes to abuse and attempted rape.
April 19, 2025
Wild Ride by Julie Ann Walker
Black Knights Inc series #9. Romantic suspense.
Samantha Tate, of the Chicago Tribune, has been assigned to write a story on the motorcycle repair shop. It’s a well kept secret that the shop is actually an undercover black ops group working directly for the president and it’s up to Ethan “Ozzie” Sykes to distract Samantha from the business. The tour turns into friendship and lots of other get-togethers.
Ozzie feels guilty for not sharing his real life with Samantha and is then hurt when she looks to someone else to keep her safe when a story goes wrong.
This story has all the feels along with the danger and action. Her surprise at figuring out she loves him is funny and poignant. Even better is the Oval Office scene and then their reveal to each other.
Thrilling, steamy, heart touching scenes, and bad guys.
Black Knights Inc series #9. Romantic suspense.
Samantha Tate, of the Chicago Tribune, has been assigned to write a story on the motorcycle repair shop. It’s a well kept secret that the shop is actually an undercover black ops group working directly for the president and it’s up to Ethan “Ozzie” Sykes to distract Samantha from the business. The tour turns into friendship and lots of other get-togethers.
Ozzie feels guilty for not sharing his real life with Samantha and is then hurt when she looks to someone else to keep her safe when a story goes wrong.
This story has all the feels along with the danger and action. Her surprise at figuring out she loves him is funny and poignant. Even better is the Oval Office scene and then their reveal to each other.
Thrilling, steamy, heart touching scenes, and bad guys.
April 4, 2017
FINALLY!!! We get Ozzie in all his sexy, geeky, nerdy glory and I absolutely LOVED IT!!! Wild Ride is full of action, drama, laughs, hot chemistry, 80's hair band music and the BKI women we all love! Samantha and Ozzie are perfect for each other, well except for the fact he is a member of a super, super, secret, secret agency and she is a nosey reporter looking for a story. Samantha suspects there is more to BKI than meets the eye and in the midst of snooping she uncovers something that puts her life in danger. Ozzie steps in to protect her and that is when the sizzling chemistry between them explodes.
The road to Ozzie and Samantha’s HEA is a long one full of mistrust, secrets, danger, passion and love. Along the road you will see some much loved characters from previous books who add laughter and help Ozzie and Samantha maneuver their slippery and bumpy trip. A trip you definitely want to travel if you love romantic suspense!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
November 1, 2025
Samantha Tate is a report and she knows something is going on with the motorcycle club, The Black Knights. She has been trying to get into their circle for years. Ozzie, a member of the Black Knights, has befriended Samantha, but he’s made sure that all the secrets of the Knights have stayed under wraps. You see, The Black Knights are actually a black ops group ran by the US government and their missions are so classified only the president of the US and a few high ranging military officers are aware of their status.
When Samantha (Sam) uncovers a lead about guns being sold by a MC club, with terrorist connection, it puts a bulls-eye on her head. Ozzie must decide how best to protect her while keeping The Black Knights’ secret.
The smoldering attraction between Ozzie and Sam don't help the up close and person situation they find themselves in.
White knuckle reading at its finest, Wild Ride is better than a roller coaster to get your heart pumping.
I love that family atmosphere that the Black Knights have created. Each member of this cast has each other’s backs and plays an important role, even if they are no longer the main characters to the storyline. I can't believe this is book 9, if you're a romantic suspense fan you really should check this out.
I received this ARC copy of Wild RideWild Ride is set for publication April 4, 2017.
When Samantha (Sam) uncovers a lead about guns being sold by a MC club, with terrorist connection, it puts a bulls-eye on her head. Ozzie must decide how best to protect her while keeping The Black Knights’ secret.
The smoldering attraction between Ozzie and Sam don't help the up close and person situation they find themselves in.
White knuckle reading at its finest, Wild Ride is better than a roller coaster to get your heart pumping.
I love that family atmosphere that the Black Knights have created. Each member of this cast has each other’s backs and plays an important role, even if they are no longer the main characters to the storyline. I can't believe this is book 9, if you're a romantic suspense fan you really should check this out.
I received this ARC copy of Wild RideWild Ride is set for publication April 4, 2017.
March 19, 2017
4.5 stars
It is finally Ozzie's book! He has been a stand out in many of the BKI books as the team computer hacker, and we have recently seen him get injured. He is still dealing with some of the after effects of that ill fated mission and his injury.
He was supposed to avoid Samantha Tate...they all were. She is a pesky reporter who has been after a story about the secrets of BKI for years. But while recuperating, Ozzie finds himself enjoying spending more time with her. She has the ability to make him laugh and stimulate him. They are friends, but he has so many secrets...not only about BKI, but also about how he feels about her.
But Samantha's search for information gets her into a big mess. One that makes her question Ozzie even more. But at the same time, he seems to be her self appointed protector. She finds herself staying at the BKI shop...close to Ozzie. During the building of their friendship neither ever mentioned trying for more, but in their minds they are stripping each other naked and having some fun. And being in close quarters will not help that situation.
Ozzie...he's built, hot, and charming, but he's also highly intelligent and a sci-fi geek. He's got a big heart, great sense of humor, and a strong protective streak. He is just irresistible and I adored him. But he's also been in a funk since his injury and feeling useless and restless. He would fall into periods of guilt, remorse, and self pity. But Samantha was starting to help him move on. Her sassy, stubborn, personality and intellectual stimulation hooked him and he was starting to have an inkling of hope. And her needing help and protection gave him new purpose.
I loved seeing Ozzie realize he actually liked her, cared for her, and wanted her. He was formerly known as a player, but due to recent circumstances, he does not feel like playing anymore. They have smoking hot chemistry, but Ozzie also has guilt since he has so many secrets. So it's a bad situation. Ozzie is too good of a guy to want to hurt her when he can't share his secret life and risk that the reporter in her won't be able to resist the big scoop of BKI's hidden agenda. But he is also scared of rejection. My heart just hurt for him when his vulnerability showed. Samantha has her own fears and they are not helped by his mixed signals. These two are not the best at communicating and tend to jump to conclusions and get their feelings hurt. Their only chance would require truth, trust, and a leap of faith.
We get to spend more time with a couple of newer BKI members. Christian is a fashionable, sarcastic, ex-member of SAS, Brit who drives a sports car instead of a motorcycle. And Emily is the new secretary who used to work for the CIA. She is snarky and feisty and loves to ruffle Christian's feathers. There is so much sexual tension underlying their sparring that they were scene stealers. Other BKI family featured in this one were Delilah, Becky, and Michelle. Most of the guys were away on missions, but I liked having Ozzie, Christian, and the women dealing with the situations in this one.
This is more about a dangerous problem closer to home as Samantha has ticked off the wrong people and stirred up trouble. Ozzie and Christian have to work with the police to help keep her safe and try to delve into the layers of dirty dealings. It was funny, sexy, suspenseful, and fast-paced. I think this might be my fave BKI book yet, and I am sure that Ozzie is my favorite hero.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
It is finally Ozzie's book! He has been a stand out in many of the BKI books as the team computer hacker, and we have recently seen him get injured. He is still dealing with some of the after effects of that ill fated mission and his injury.
He was supposed to avoid Samantha Tate...they all were. She is a pesky reporter who has been after a story about the secrets of BKI for years. But while recuperating, Ozzie finds himself enjoying spending more time with her. She has the ability to make him laugh and stimulate him. They are friends, but he has so many secrets...not only about BKI, but also about how he feels about her.
But Samantha's search for information gets her into a big mess. One that makes her question Ozzie even more. But at the same time, he seems to be her self appointed protector. She finds herself staying at the BKI shop...close to Ozzie. During the building of their friendship neither ever mentioned trying for more, but in their minds they are stripping each other naked and having some fun. And being in close quarters will not help that situation.
Ozzie...he's built, hot, and charming, but he's also highly intelligent and a sci-fi geek. He's got a big heart, great sense of humor, and a strong protective streak. He is just irresistible and I adored him. But he's also been in a funk since his injury and feeling useless and restless. He would fall into periods of guilt, remorse, and self pity. But Samantha was starting to help him move on. Her sassy, stubborn, personality and intellectual stimulation hooked him and he was starting to have an inkling of hope. And her needing help and protection gave him new purpose.
I loved seeing Ozzie realize he actually liked her, cared for her, and wanted her. He was formerly known as a player, but due to recent circumstances, he does not feel like playing anymore. They have smoking hot chemistry, but Ozzie also has guilt since he has so many secrets. So it's a bad situation. Ozzie is too good of a guy to want to hurt her when he can't share his secret life and risk that the reporter in her won't be able to resist the big scoop of BKI's hidden agenda. But he is also scared of rejection. My heart just hurt for him when his vulnerability showed. Samantha has her own fears and they are not helped by his mixed signals. These two are not the best at communicating and tend to jump to conclusions and get their feelings hurt. Their only chance would require truth, trust, and a leap of faith.
We get to spend more time with a couple of newer BKI members. Christian is a fashionable, sarcastic, ex-member of SAS, Brit who drives a sports car instead of a motorcycle. And Emily is the new secretary who used to work for the CIA. She is snarky and feisty and loves to ruffle Christian's feathers. There is so much sexual tension underlying their sparring that they were scene stealers. Other BKI family featured in this one were Delilah, Becky, and Michelle. Most of the guys were away on missions, but I liked having Ozzie, Christian, and the women dealing with the situations in this one.
This is more about a dangerous problem closer to home as Samantha has ticked off the wrong people and stirred up trouble. Ozzie and Christian have to work with the police to help keep her safe and try to delve into the layers of dirty dealings. It was funny, sexy, suspenseful, and fast-paced. I think this might be my fave BKI book yet, and I am sure that Ozzie is my favorite hero.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
January 14, 2020
Another great book in this series. I love Ozzie. He’s my favorite. Bless him for thinking he’s not loved and the BKI family will not find him useful. I absolutely love all the 80s movie and music quotes. They are great. Samantha is perfect and gets his quirky 80s side. I loved how the BKI family all pitched in to help.
There’s always another relationship brewing in the background for a future book. I didn’t like the ending again. It was ok but just needed a little more.
There’s always another relationship brewing in the background for a future book. I didn’t like the ending again. It was ok but just needed a little more.
October 6, 2018
Good but not great, fun with a twist, i love everything about Ozzie
December 13, 2017
I'm late to the game on this series... not because I was not interested but because I haven't had time to add the 8 previous books to my reading calendar. I finally decided to jump in with the current release and read the stories out of order (even though that drives my reading OCD a little bonkers). So while I don't have the backstory of Black Knights Inc. (BKI), I managed to get through Wild Ride without feeling too lost or uninformed. If you have not read the earlier books and want to jump in and test the waters with this book, I think you will be fine.
From what I understand, BKI is a group of covert operatives working as a strike force directly for the White House and Joint Chiefs of Staff. Based in Chicago, the group runs a custom motorcycle shop as a cover for their clandestine government activity. In this installment, most of the team is away overseas on a mission, so I only "met" two team members and some of their wives.
Our hero is Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes, a charming ladies man and tech genius. I really liked this hero. He was fun and flirty, but with a good dose of vulnerability that made me want to hug him and pet him and squeeze him... and love him forever. I don't know how much of Ozzie's backstory was given in the earlier books, but I do believe his injury by IED was a major event. Now Ozzie is scarred and in pain, and feeling down in the dumps with the state of his personal and professional life. But no matter his inner turmoil, Ozzie learned from a young age to be outwardly charming, particularly to women. My heart ached for Ethan, the child, and I understood how his early life has had lasting affects for Ozzie, the man.
Samantha Tate is an investigative reporter always looking for the truth and the next big story. I admit that I groaned when I realized our heroine was a reporter... I don't typically enjoy reading reporter heroines as they always seem more concerned with their story than the people, and jump to the wrong conclusion way too often. So I had some bias against our heroine, and her actions early in Wild Ride did not endear her to me. Luckily, she had her come-to-Jesus moment early on and her characters smoothed out a bit after that. I won't say that I ever fully liked her, but she was tolerable after we got past her first mistake.
I can't say that the relationship between these two was instalove, because they have been hanging out as friends for a few months. All of that activity pre-dates this story, so I am not sure how much of it appeared in earlier books. So this is somewhat of a friends-to-lovers romance, but I would be hesitant to call Samantha a "friend" of Ozzie when she suspected him of being a criminal for the duration of their friendship. I did enjoy the banter between the couple, and the suspense plot. The humor and banter contrasted to the suspense to give this book a lighter feel than I was expecting from a romantic suspense story. The danger was not overblown or extreme, as the focus was more on building the relationship than a sense of impending doom.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and the concept of the series. I am definitely interested enough to go back and read the earlier books (as soon as I can fit them in). I recommend this to readers who enjoy a lighter romantic suspense, or fun and flirty heroes. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca.
April 10, 2017
“I don’t want happy-go-lucky all the time, Ozzie. I just want you. All of you. Funny and sad. Light and dark. All of you.”
I love a heroine who goes after what she wants and Samantha Tate is definitely my kind of heroine. A tragedy at eighteen made her determined to become a reporter, to expose criminals and their evil workings. I loved how strong she was, her independence and what a smart-ass she was. Her dedication to her work and her integrity made me love her even more. I also loved how she saw Ozzie, not just the charm and wit he showed others but also the hurt and sadness he hid so well.
He wasn’t just fond of Samantha. He didn’t just lust after her. He…adored her. Everything about her—from her natural nosiness to her sharp mind and her quick quips.
I’m sure that everyone who reads this series loves Ethan “Oz” Sykes. He’s the super geek, brilliant with computers, who loves all things Star Trek, movies and eighties rock music. He’s always seemed like a major flirt, so relaxed and I was pleasantly surprised to see that he had a much deeper and darker side to him, especially after their mission that ended in tragedy and disaster and that injured Ozzie badly. I loved how he was part alpha and part beta, a charming flirt but also a bad-ass with a serious side that he hid very well. Because of his playboy reputation I’ve always assumed he only wanted a good time, and it broke my heart to learn that he’s actually the opposite, the guy all girls saw only as a fun time and never anything more. I loved seeing his vulnerable side, especially around Sam, how he tried so hard not to reveal how strongly he felt about her.
He loved her. Loved everything about her. Her fierce heart and even fiercer mind. That little gap between her two front teeth and the noises she made when ecstasy overtook her. The list went on and on. And he got it now. Understood the depth of the possessiveness, the devotion, the bonds his brothers-in-arms felt for their women. It was all-consuming. All-encompassing. Wonderful and terrible at the same time.
I loved the slow burn of their romance. They’ve known of each other distantly for years with Sam wanting to get a story on Black Knights Inc. and recently they’ve become friends. Of course at first it was because BKI wanted to keep giving Sam wrong info and Oz was the elected guy to mislead her, but the more time he spent with her, the more he liked her and wanted her. And Sam felt the same way, but both thought the attraction was one-sided and therefor kept their feelings hidden. I loved seeing the chemistry between them become more intense with every encounter until they couldn’t ignore it anymore. And at times I wanted to shake them both, because both was in love with the other but thought it was only one-sided. Adorable idiots.
As always the plot was captivating and very suspenseful with Samantha catching the attention of some very bad bikers, Oz having to keep the truth of what BKI really does from her and hating it, and trying to keep her safe from the bad guys. I also enjoyed seeing some of the other BKI operators, especially the British former SAS officer Christian Watson and Emily Scott who used to be CIA. The sparks and sexual tension between these two could start an inferno.
I love the fast paced action of this series and the hot romance and Wild Ride was a fantastic addition to this series. Highly recommended to all RS fans.
February 1, 2017
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
3.5
This is a romantic suspense. I had a few "what the ...." moments, so I would suggest that you read the series in it's entirety. It was a good book.
3.5
This is a romantic suspense. I had a few "what the ...." moments, so I would suggest that you read the series in it's entirety. It was a good book.
April 5, 2017
My man Ozzie finally gets his story. Ozzie has been the comic relief through out most of the books with his 80's movie/music trivia. We knew he was a great hacker, ladies man and group joker. But we've never known why he is those things.
Ozzie was hurt badly hurt on a mission recently and he is physically never going to be the same. His self esteem has taken a hit and that's something that has never fully recovered from his childhood which is where the deflecting with his humor comes into play.
I loved that all the men of BKI except for Christian were all out on a mission so the story was mainly concentrated on Ozzie and his lady with the occasional set up of Christian and his lady's story for a future book.
Ozzie's been friend's only dating a reporter. He really likes her but between her job at the Chicago Tribune and his secret black ops work he does for BKI he doesnt see how they can be anything more than friends.
Samantha Tate has always been curious about what exactly goes on inside the warehouse of the Black Knights motorcycle club. She has always had a feeling its more than just a custom bike shop. Even though they always shut down her request for an interview she does manage to become good friends with Ozzie but deep down never really fully trusted him because of the secrets she thinks he and the BKI group are hiding. When she gets some false intel that points to them being gun runners that may have had something to do with the death of a teenager she was using to get intel from she immediately believes it not knowing she is in danger from the real MC who is running the guns.
Lots of trust issues and secrets and some harrowing times for Samantha have to be dealt with before these two find their HEA but its sooo worth it as they are perfect for each other. Seems like its been a while since we've gotten a new BKI story and now there will be 3 this year.. Up next is Dagan's story and after that Christian and Emily who had a lot of face time in this book and boy does that promise to be one of heck of book with all the sniping and sparks that fly between them.
Ozzie was hurt badly hurt on a mission recently and he is physically never going to be the same. His self esteem has taken a hit and that's something that has never fully recovered from his childhood which is where the deflecting with his humor comes into play.
I loved that all the men of BKI except for Christian were all out on a mission so the story was mainly concentrated on Ozzie and his lady with the occasional set up of Christian and his lady's story for a future book.
Ozzie's been friend's only dating a reporter. He really likes her but between her job at the Chicago Tribune and his secret black ops work he does for BKI he doesnt see how they can be anything more than friends.
Samantha Tate has always been curious about what exactly goes on inside the warehouse of the Black Knights motorcycle club. She has always had a feeling its more than just a custom bike shop. Even though they always shut down her request for an interview she does manage to become good friends with Ozzie but deep down never really fully trusted him because of the secrets she thinks he and the BKI group are hiding. When she gets some false intel that points to them being gun runners that may have had something to do with the death of a teenager she was using to get intel from she immediately believes it not knowing she is in danger from the real MC who is running the guns.
Lots of trust issues and secrets and some harrowing times for Samantha have to be dealt with before these two find their HEA but its sooo worth it as they are perfect for each other. Seems like its been a while since we've gotten a new BKI story and now there will be 3 this year.. Up next is Dagan's story and after that Christian and Emily who had a lot of face time in this book and boy does that promise to be one of heck of book with all the sniping and sparks that fly between them.
April 3, 2017
Ethan “Ozzie” Sykes has long been the guy who kept everything light within BKI, as long as you were an 80’s music fan. Now he’s stuck behind while the rest of the crew runs missions, waiting for his injury to heal, and he’s not happy about it. He’s also been tasked with keeping an eye on reporter Samantha Tate.
Samantha has been trying to get the scoop on BKI for years. She’s sure there is more to the motorcycle shop than there appears. A new lead has her looking once more at the shop for nefarious acts, only this time she might be closer to danger than she anticipated.
Samantha is a good reporter, and this time her search for information has landed her in hot water. She has a hard time believing that the men she has spent so much time around are into the things she has heard, and for the first time she isn’t sure who to trust.
Ozzie’s interest in the pretty reporter has been sidelined, because having a reporter in the shop is a bad idea. But when she finds herself in real danger, he has little choice but to keep her close, but keep her distracted. Too bad that distraction is as much for him as it is for her.
These two were so much fun to read. Ozzie is not happy at being left back at headquarters. But watching him skate around Samantha and try to get her to trust him again was just so entertaining. He has a way about him that makes it difficult to take things too seriously, even when danger is high.
As the twists and turns in this story were revealed, I couldn’t help but be pulled back into the BKI world. I loved watching Ozzie and Christian try to figure out how to handle the threats while keeping Samantha in the dark, and loved Ozzie’s self-realization about the feelings he had for Samantha. There isn’t a lot of outside play from the other members of BKI, but the wives are present to watch (and razz) Ozzie as he tries to keep a lid on things around Samantha. Though the danger was high throughout, there was a lightness here that isn’t always in these books, and I think it is solely due to Ozzie’s normally light hearted self.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha has been trying to get the scoop on BKI for years. She’s sure there is more to the motorcycle shop than there appears. A new lead has her looking once more at the shop for nefarious acts, only this time she might be closer to danger than she anticipated.
Samantha is a good reporter, and this time her search for information has landed her in hot water. She has a hard time believing that the men she has spent so much time around are into the things she has heard, and for the first time she isn’t sure who to trust.
Ozzie’s interest in the pretty reporter has been sidelined, because having a reporter in the shop is a bad idea. But when she finds herself in real danger, he has little choice but to keep her close, but keep her distracted. Too bad that distraction is as much for him as it is for her.
These two were so much fun to read. Ozzie is not happy at being left back at headquarters. But watching him skate around Samantha and try to get her to trust him again was just so entertaining. He has a way about him that makes it difficult to take things too seriously, even when danger is high.
As the twists and turns in this story were revealed, I couldn’t help but be pulled back into the BKI world. I loved watching Ozzie and Christian try to figure out how to handle the threats while keeping Samantha in the dark, and loved Ozzie’s self-realization about the feelings he had for Samantha. There isn’t a lot of outside play from the other members of BKI, but the wives are present to watch (and razz) Ozzie as he tries to keep a lid on things around Samantha. Though the danger was high throughout, there was a lightness here that isn’t always in these books, and I think it is solely due to Ozzie’s normally light hearted self.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2017
✦Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: WILD RIDE (Black Knights Inc. Book 9) by Julie Ann Walker http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-8ig
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
This is my favorite Black Knights Inc. Even though I’ve thought the same on each one I’ve read. The banter between Ozzie and Christian was so much fun, and Samantha showed that she could hold her own with Ozzie as well. I found it fascinating that Ozzie and Samantha – both involved with communication in one form or another – had trouble with the one-on-one communication. I’m not complaining, it added a great element to the story. The romance was smoking and realistic in its progression. (I want an Ozzie!) Then you add the danger and action to get a well-rounded romantic suspense novel. The bad-guy was perfect for this story. This is one that I will read again…especially when it’s time to gear-up for the next installment, Ms. Walker has my interest peaked for that!
*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
BUY LINKS:
Kindle http://amzn.to/2eSpez2 | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/2nw1qFi
Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2ocA3Pf
Black Knights Inc. Series by Julie Ann Walker
✦1. HELL ON WHEELS ➢ http://amzn.to/1djSWXf
✦2. IN RIDES TROUBLE ➢ http://amzn.to/16JSnNI
✦3. REV IT UP ➢ http://amzn.to/Hm99NR
✦4. THRILL RIDE ➢ http://amzn.to/16JSwAJ
✦5. BORN WILD ➢ http://amzn.to/Hm8rQH
✦6. HELL FOR LEATHER ➢ http://amzn.to/1IbZsOW | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1eE
✦7. FULL THROTTLE ➢ http://amzn.to/1U1oh3M | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1MJ
✦8. TOO HARD TO HANDLE ➢ http://amzn.to/1MIo96X | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2U9
✦9. WILD RIDE ➢ http://amzn.to/2eSpez2 | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-8ig
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
This is my favorite Black Knights Inc. Even though I’ve thought the same on each one I’ve read. The banter between Ozzie and Christian was so much fun, and Samantha showed that she could hold her own with Ozzie as well. I found it fascinating that Ozzie and Samantha – both involved with communication in one form or another – had trouble with the one-on-one communication. I’m not complaining, it added a great element to the story. The romance was smoking and realistic in its progression. (I want an Ozzie!) Then you add the danger and action to get a well-rounded romantic suspense novel. The bad-guy was perfect for this story. This is one that I will read again…especially when it’s time to gear-up for the next installment, Ms. Walker has my interest peaked for that!
*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
BUY LINKS:
Kindle http://amzn.to/2eSpez2 | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/2nw1qFi
Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2ocA3Pf
Black Knights Inc. Series by Julie Ann Walker
✦1. HELL ON WHEELS ➢ http://amzn.to/1djSWXf
✦2. IN RIDES TROUBLE ➢ http://amzn.to/16JSnNI
✦3. REV IT UP ➢ http://amzn.to/Hm99NR
✦4. THRILL RIDE ➢ http://amzn.to/16JSwAJ
✦5. BORN WILD ➢ http://amzn.to/Hm8rQH
✦6. HELL FOR LEATHER ➢ http://amzn.to/1IbZsOW | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1eE
✦7. FULL THROTTLE ➢ http://amzn.to/1U1oh3M | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1MJ
✦8. TOO HARD TO HANDLE ➢ http://amzn.to/1MIo96X | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2U9
✦9. WILD RIDE ➢ http://amzn.to/2eSpez2 | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-8ig
March 18, 2017
4.5 Stars
Ahhhh....Ozzie.....Loved getting his story!
Most of the books in the series are stand alones but you will appreciate this book so much more having read at least one or more of the series first. Ozzie is the fun loving, full of life, geek, nerdy cutie pie of the team. He is friends with everyone and everyone else loves him as well. You need some of his history in order to truly appreciate this story.
The story picks up chronologically after the last book. Ozzie is recuperating in Chicago from a serious injury and going a bit stir crazy. Samantha is a reporter that has been on the fringes of the team for years. She knows there is more to their story than just a motorcycle shop.
As happens with the Black Knights, danger comes calling. The suspense along with the possibility of being revealed to the world, makes for a great story. Ozzie and Samantha together are fun but also so poignant once they reveal their true selves to each other.
I liked that the rest of the team was out on mission. This one really focused on Ozzie and the women left behind. Looks like some new love may be on the horizon as well between new team members.
Looking forward to more!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Ahhhh....Ozzie.....Loved getting his story!
Most of the books in the series are stand alones but you will appreciate this book so much more having read at least one or more of the series first. Ozzie is the fun loving, full of life, geek, nerdy cutie pie of the team. He is friends with everyone and everyone else loves him as well. You need some of his history in order to truly appreciate this story.
The story picks up chronologically after the last book. Ozzie is recuperating in Chicago from a serious injury and going a bit stir crazy. Samantha is a reporter that has been on the fringes of the team for years. She knows there is more to their story than just a motorcycle shop.
As happens with the Black Knights, danger comes calling. The suspense along with the possibility of being revealed to the world, makes for a great story. Ozzie and Samantha together are fun but also so poignant once they reveal their true selves to each other.
I liked that the rest of the team was out on mission. This one really focused on Ozzie and the women left behind. Looks like some new love may be on the horizon as well between new team members.
Looking forward to more!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
April 2, 2017
Review for: Wild Ride Julie Ann Walker
'Wild Ride' by Julie Ann Walker is book Nine in the "Black Knights Inc." series. This is the story of Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes and Samantha Tate. I have not yet read the other books in this series so for me this was a standalone book. The Black Knights are a team of people actually working for the Government but only a few Government people know about them. Ozzie is one of the members and he knows that things have to be kept secret. But when Sam starts to looking around for information it ends up putting her in danger and that doesn't leave Ozzie many options. This was an exciting, drama filled romance that was hard to put down!*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68https:/... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
'Wild Ride' by Julie Ann Walker is book Nine in the "Black Knights Inc." series. This is the story of Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes and Samantha Tate. I have not yet read the other books in this series so for me this was a standalone book. The Black Knights are a team of people actually working for the Government but only a few Government people know about them. Ozzie is one of the members and he knows that things have to be kept secret. But when Sam starts to looking around for information it ends up putting her in danger and that doesn't leave Ozzie many options. This was an exciting, drama filled romance that was hard to put down!*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68https:/... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
October 15, 2019
Ozzie gets his well deserved happy ending in this book, with none other than the tenacious reporter Samantha, who had been trying to get the scoop on BKI for years.
The two of them unexpectedly became friends and love spending time together, but neither of them wants to cross the line to lovers, despite their mutual attraction.
A series of events leads to Samantha jumping to the very wrong conclusion that .
Engaging story with a hero that has been one of my favorite characters in the series, and managed to balance out my annoyance with the heroine and her idiotic assumptions.
The series continues with Fuel for Fire and Dagan and Chelsea's story next.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Too Hard to Handle (Black Knights Inc., #8) ~ ★★★ (17/01/2018)
✦ 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)
The two of them unexpectedly became friends and love spending time together, but neither of them wants to cross the line to lovers, despite their mutual attraction.
A series of events leads to Samantha jumping to the very wrong conclusion that .
Engaging story with a hero that has been one of my favorite characters in the series, and managed to balance out my annoyance with the heroine and her idiotic assumptions.
The series continues with Fuel for Fire and Dagan and Chelsea's story next.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Too Hard to Handle (Black Knights Inc., #8) ~ ★★★ (17/01/2018)
✦ 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)
January 30, 2021
Поредната страхотна книга от поредицата. Ози на няколко пъти "сгафи" флиртувайки с други жени пред Саманта, но на него всичко му е простено! :)
May 9, 2017
A motorcycle club that really isn’t a motorcycle club but is a cover for a covert ops group working for the president. Clever. This way the bikers can be good guys and the story is still set in the biker world at least partially. The real bikers are as nasty as one would expect.
Ozzie, and his club’s, secrets are not at all what Samantha thinks they are but he can’t tell her what they really do. Samantha develops a serious friendship/crush even thinking he’s part of a gun-running outlaw gang. All this was a bit hard for me to believe. Even harder to believe is that Ozzie is a gorgeous SEAL and consummate flirt emotionally crippled with deep seated self-doubt around women. His insecurities create a lot of tension though since it’s so hard for him to trust that Samantha really cares about him. And the president calls to fill Samantha in on Ozzie’s secret? Really?
Despite these parts of the plot that I never really accepted, the story was well enough written and the characters likable enough that I enjoyed the book. Ozzie is a really good guy. He’s a dear and loyal friend to Samantha. I wanted to see the two very likable people get the happily ever after they deserved. I enjoyed the cast of supporting characters as well. Walker does a good job of creating tense situations and fun interactions in the right places to advance the story well. She painted the loathsome outlaws so well that almost made my skin crawl.
Wild Ride is indeed a wild ride and the book is entertaining. I’m curious to see more of Emily and Christian.
Ozzie, and his club’s, secrets are not at all what Samantha thinks they are but he can’t tell her what they really do. Samantha develops a serious friendship/crush even thinking he’s part of a gun-running outlaw gang. All this was a bit hard for me to believe. Even harder to believe is that Ozzie is a gorgeous SEAL and consummate flirt emotionally crippled with deep seated self-doubt around women. His insecurities create a lot of tension though since it’s so hard for him to trust that Samantha really cares about him. And the president calls to fill Samantha in on Ozzie’s secret? Really?
Despite these parts of the plot that I never really accepted, the story was well enough written and the characters likable enough that I enjoyed the book. Ozzie is a really good guy. He’s a dear and loyal friend to Samantha. I wanted to see the two very likable people get the happily ever after they deserved. I enjoyed the cast of supporting characters as well. Walker does a good job of creating tense situations and fun interactions in the right places to advance the story well. She painted the loathsome outlaws so well that almost made my skin crawl.
Wild Ride is indeed a wild ride and the book is entertaining. I’m curious to see more of Emily and Christian.
February 10, 2017
Most of her stories are stand alone books but honestly this one is the one I suggest you read after having read at least one other Black Knight Inc book. I think readers just starting off will get a little lost because Ozzie has been in every single book and his characters has developed over the years creating him to be the one characters readers fell in love with.
For Julie Ann Walker fans this is the book you have been waiting for and trust me you will not be disappointed. Everything about this book is what you expect from the author good laughs, hot sex and romance and believe able because the romance has been building since first book.
I can't think of one thing I would want different from this story. Julie Ann Walker follows her traditional story with the damsel in distress, this time she thinks its Ozzie who is trying to killer. She uses pop cultural references but they work because of Ozzie being a nerd.
I can't tell you how much I loved this story and by far my favorite in the series.
Thank you Netgalley, Publisher and author for the advance Copy
For Julie Ann Walker fans this is the book you have been waiting for and trust me you will not be disappointed. Everything about this book is what you expect from the author good laughs, hot sex and romance and believe able because the romance has been building since first book.
I can't think of one thing I would want different from this story. Julie Ann Walker follows her traditional story with the damsel in distress, this time she thinks its Ozzie who is trying to killer. She uses pop cultural references but they work because of Ozzie being a nerd.
I can't tell you how much I loved this story and by far my favorite in the series.
Thank you Netgalley, Publisher and author for the advance Copy
May 19, 2024
Ninth in the Black Knights, Inc. romantic suspense series set in Chicago and revolving around a "family" of covert operators disguised as a fancy motorcycle design shop. The couple focus is on Ozzie Sykes and Samantha Tate.
My Take
I have always liked Ozzie…that passion for computers and all things Star Trek will do that to a girl. Although I have to confess I had never visualized him as hunky as Walker describes him in Wild Ride…hubba-hubba, lol.
The conflicts Walker created for Ozzie are perfect, and perfectly explains his on-again, off-again attitude. He's dang lucky the ladies of BKI have got his back. And after Ozzie's explanation of the difference between a nerd and a geek, well, I wanna be the geek.
Okay, okay, I finally got why Walker is mentioning all those empty loft-style bedrooms. You'll get it too when you reach the end…no peeking! Oh, lol, all you parents will appreciate Michelle's frustration with all the "new" words Franklin is learning, ROFL.
Walker is setting us up for Christian and Emily's romance; they have plenty of snarky scenes with us able to listen in on their thoughts as Walker is using third person global subjective point of view — we're seeing inside a lotta heads in this one.
That whole family vibe, the teasing, the caring, all make this a wonderfully cozy romantic suspense.
What I did not enjoy about Wild Ride (and why it got a 3.5) is all the whinging on about their issues, why Ozzie can never really be with Samantha, and the mess they made of their miscommunications. Oy. Although it was a slow and interesting reveal that Walker laid out for us as to why Ozzie is so frustrated with women. She sure had me wondering for the longest time.
The Story
Deep into her investigation of gunrunning in Chicago, Samantha Tate is furious to learn that Black Knights, Inc. is selling guns. All that sweet talkin' and friendliness from Ozzie was a lie. And it's all confirmed when he threatens to shoot her in the back when she runs from Red Delilah's.
The Characters
Samantha Tate is an ace investigative reporter at the Herald Tribune, who's been trying to get the skinny on Black Knights, Inc. for years. She drives a classic 1976 Ford Mustang Cobra that her dad had rebuilt. Donny Danielson is Samantha's best friend, mentor, and competition at the paper. Charlie is the editor of the paper.
Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes graduated from Stanford and is a former navy SEAL who is a whiz on computers and all things hacking with a passion for Star Trek, heck all them space opera vids. Unfortunately, he's depressed over what his damaged leg ( Too Hard to Handle , 8) will do to his career with BKI. Violet is his custom chopper. Cindy Rutherford had been his dad's girlfriend for eighteen months.
Black Knights, Inc. (BKI) is…
…a custom motorcycle shop owned by Becky who employs these "knights in shining chrome" to create rolling works of art. The shop is also a cover for this group of covert operators assembled by the president to take on the dirty jobs for him and the Joint Chiefs. Christian Watson, a former SAS officer who prefers fine clothes, is the only one of the Knights to eschew bikes — he drives a Porsche. Dagnar Zoelner gets a mention; he's off tracking down the Spider in Europe.
Emily Scott is BKI's new secretary (a whole month already), den mother, and all-around girl Friday, and a former CIA office manager. Red Delilah's Biker Bar, BKI's favorite watering hole, is owned by Delilah, a moonlighting forensic accountant, who married Bryan "Mac" McMillan after events in Hell for Leather , 6. Fido, a chubby Labrador, is Delilah's dog. Peanut is the BKI mascot and fat tub of tomcat who likes to tease Fido. Patti Currington had been Dan's wife until Hell on Wheels , 1. Jake "the Snake" Sommers and Michelle (she's also Boss' sister) are married with two little ones: five-year-old Franklin and eighteen-month-old JJ ( Rev It Up , 3). Toran Connelly is one of four Chicago-born Irish brothers who work guard duty at BKI. General Pete Fuller is the head of the Joint Chiefs and their direct boss. President Thompson is their next-up-the-line boss.
Chicago PD
Chief of Police Lawrence P. Washington had been a Marine. Detective Curtis Carver is in charge of the murder investigation. Judge Maple wants more proof.
The Basilik MC is…
…a brutal motorcycle gang that does extortion and deals drugs, guns, and prostitutes. Venom, a.k.a., John George Peabody III, is the president of the MC. Crutch, a.k.a., Denis Cook, is his vp. Termite is the club treasurer; Hawkeye is the secretary. Bulldog is his road name, and he's the sergeant-at-arms and enforcer for the club. And not too bright. Edward Savoy is their expensive criminal defense attorney.
The Black Apostles are…
…a notorious South Side gang led by Devon Price. Marcel Monroe is a newbie. Sheena had been his mother.
Gloria suggested that Janie approach Ozzie. Julia Ledbetter was the Secret Service agent who still gives Ozzie nightmares. Cheryl "Cheri" Mancini is an EMT. Victor Fisk is a killer. Colonel Raheem-al-Atrash had been a translator for a squad of US Army infantrymen in Albu Bali, Iraq.
The Cover and Title
Yep, that's one bad-looking blond sitting astride his bike, looking to my right. The cover is primarily grays with that light gray T-shirt and the darker gray hoodie and a blurred-out gray background. All the better to show up the red banner angled in the upper right corner with the gray come-on. Just below Ozzie's neck is the title in a distressed red, stylized flames licking out on either side of the "WILD". Between the words is the series information in white while the author's name is below that in a white fading into a pale pink with a white info blurb in between.
It's a Wild Ride all right, as Ozzie and Samantha get all their signals crossed.
My Take
I have always liked Ozzie…that passion for computers and all things Star Trek will do that to a girl. Although I have to confess I had never visualized him as hunky as Walker describes him in Wild Ride…hubba-hubba, lol.
I do adore Ozzie's T-shirts, and here's one that cracked me up."A Vulcan in the Streets, a Klingon in the Sheets"I like the idea of Samantha, but I don't feel Walker's description of her as an ace reporter. Doesn't sound like she's actually done all that much to earn that "ace". And she sure does jump to conclusions! I did like the motivation Walker gave her for becoming a reporter, and I'm so glad things finally turned out right for her! That Ozzie…sigh…such a romantic…
The conflicts Walker created for Ozzie are perfect, and perfectly explains his on-again, off-again attitude. He's dang lucky the ladies of BKI have got his back. And after Ozzie's explanation of the difference between a nerd and a geek, well, I wanna be the geek.
Okay, okay, I finally got why Walker is mentioning all those empty loft-style bedrooms. You'll get it too when you reach the end…no peeking! Oh, lol, all you parents will appreciate Michelle's frustration with all the "new" words Franklin is learning, ROFL.
Walker is setting us up for Christian and Emily's romance; they have plenty of snarky scenes with us able to listen in on their thoughts as Walker is using third person global subjective point of view — we're seeing inside a lotta heads in this one.
That whole family vibe, the teasing, the caring, all make this a wonderfully cozy romantic suspense.
What I did not enjoy about Wild Ride (and why it got a 3.5) is all the whinging on about their issues, why Ozzie can never really be with Samantha, and the mess they made of their miscommunications. Oy. Although it was a slow and interesting reveal that Walker laid out for us as to why Ozzie is so frustrated with women. She sure had me wondering for the longest time.
The Story
Deep into her investigation of gunrunning in Chicago, Samantha Tate is furious to learn that Black Knights, Inc. is selling guns. All that sweet talkin' and friendliness from Ozzie was a lie. And it's all confirmed when he threatens to shoot her in the back when she runs from Red Delilah's.
The Characters
Samantha Tate is an ace investigative reporter at the Herald Tribune, who's been trying to get the skinny on Black Knights, Inc. for years. She drives a classic 1976 Ford Mustang Cobra that her dad had rebuilt. Donny Danielson is Samantha's best friend, mentor, and competition at the paper. Charlie is the editor of the paper.
Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes graduated from Stanford and is a former navy SEAL who is a whiz on computers and all things hacking with a passion for Star Trek, heck all them space opera vids. Unfortunately, he's depressed over what his damaged leg ( Too Hard to Handle , 8) will do to his career with BKI. Violet is his custom chopper. Cindy Rutherford had been his dad's girlfriend for eighteen months.
Black Knights, Inc. (BKI) is…
…a custom motorcycle shop owned by Becky who employs these "knights in shining chrome" to create rolling works of art. The shop is also a cover for this group of covert operators assembled by the president to take on the dirty jobs for him and the Joint Chiefs. Christian Watson, a former SAS officer who prefers fine clothes, is the only one of the Knights to eschew bikes — he drives a Porsche. Dagnar Zoelner gets a mention; he's off tracking down the Spider in Europe.
Emily Scott is BKI's new secretary (a whole month already), den mother, and all-around girl Friday, and a former CIA office manager. Red Delilah's Biker Bar, BKI's favorite watering hole, is owned by Delilah, a moonlighting forensic accountant, who married Bryan "Mac" McMillan after events in Hell for Leather , 6. Fido, a chubby Labrador, is Delilah's dog. Peanut is the BKI mascot and fat tub of tomcat who likes to tease Fido. Patti Currington had been Dan's wife until Hell on Wheels , 1. Jake "the Snake" Sommers and Michelle (she's also Boss' sister) are married with two little ones: five-year-old Franklin and eighteen-month-old JJ ( Rev It Up , 3). Toran Connelly is one of four Chicago-born Irish brothers who work guard duty at BKI. General Pete Fuller is the head of the Joint Chiefs and their direct boss. President Thompson is their next-up-the-line boss.
Chicago PD
Chief of Police Lawrence P. Washington had been a Marine. Detective Curtis Carver is in charge of the murder investigation. Judge Maple wants more proof.
The Basilik MC is…
…a brutal motorcycle gang that does extortion and deals drugs, guns, and prostitutes. Venom, a.k.a., John George Peabody III, is the president of the MC. Crutch, a.k.a., Denis Cook, is his vp. Termite is the club treasurer; Hawkeye is the secretary. Bulldog is his road name, and he's the sergeant-at-arms and enforcer for the club. And not too bright. Edward Savoy is their expensive criminal defense attorney.
The Black Apostles are…
…a notorious South Side gang led by Devon Price. Marcel Monroe is a newbie. Sheena had been his mother.
Gloria suggested that Janie approach Ozzie. Julia Ledbetter was the Secret Service agent who still gives Ozzie nightmares. Cheryl "Cheri" Mancini is an EMT. Victor Fisk is a killer. Colonel Raheem-al-Atrash had been a translator for a squad of US Army infantrymen in Albu Bali, Iraq.
The Cover and Title
Yep, that's one bad-looking blond sitting astride his bike, looking to my right. The cover is primarily grays with that light gray T-shirt and the darker gray hoodie and a blurred-out gray background. All the better to show up the red banner angled in the upper right corner with the gray come-on. Just below Ozzie's neck is the title in a distressed red, stylized flames licking out on either side of the "WILD". Between the words is the series information in white while the author's name is below that in a white fading into a pale pink with a white info blurb in between.
It's a Wild Ride all right, as Ozzie and Samantha get all their signals crossed.
April 3, 2017
***4.5 ‘Team Ozzie’ Stars***
Yes. I am one of those that has been DYING for Ozzie’s book.. DYING. He’s been my absolute favorite BKI operative since the first book and to be absolutely honest, the entire reason I’ve kept up with the series and I wasn’t disappointed. Wild Ride was fun, fast paced read with a good dose of smexyness, humor and heart.
As you can see I’ve adored Ozzie from the beginning. He’s that rare mix of goofy, geeky goodness and intense, smexy, protective alpha male that have seriously had my ovaries bursting to procreate with the man. And in this book we still get all of that, but there is a thread of self doubt that has him questioning his future and has the ghosts of his past haunting him. And though I wanted to shake some sense into him, I also wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay in the end.
It was hard not to like Samantha. The woman is tenacious and you have to respect her pitbull nature, which does serve her well as a reporter. But though the woman can be a tad bit irritating with her determination she has a code of honor and a compassionate heart. It took me a bit to truly warm up to Samantha, but once she got a few things straightened out she really started to grow on me. I loved her quick wit and humor and how her quest for the truth didn’t override the well being of others.
Ozzie and Samantha’s journey to their HEA was a long time in the making and was easy to see why they were so good together. Their bantering was fun and witty and I loved how they respected and enjoyed each other’s quirks and the sexual chemistry between them was intense. Their assumptions about what the other wanted drove me batshit crazy, though it was understandable considering what Ozzie couldn’t tell her about himself. Thankfully some of the BKI peeps step in and help get them sorted and I loved how they finally came together.
This was a fun read, quick read. The suspense part of the story was well done and I liked how it brought Ozzie and Samantha closer together. What I’ve always enjoyed about the BKI series is the family feel of it and though most of the guys are not apart of the main story, the ones who were kicked ass and I loved catching up with them and the roles they played in the story. I also liked getting to spend more time with Christian and cannot wait for his book to come out, though I can’t say I’m disappointed in anyway that Dagan’s book is up next!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~
Yes. I am one of those that has been DYING for Ozzie’s book.. DYING. He’s been my absolute favorite BKI operative since the first book and to be absolutely honest, the entire reason I’ve kept up with the series and I wasn’t disappointed. Wild Ride was fun, fast paced read with a good dose of smexyness, humor and heart.
As you can see I’ve adored Ozzie from the beginning. He’s that rare mix of goofy, geeky goodness and intense, smexy, protective alpha male that have seriously had my ovaries bursting to procreate with the man. And in this book we still get all of that, but there is a thread of self doubt that has him questioning his future and has the ghosts of his past haunting him. And though I wanted to shake some sense into him, I also wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay in the end.
It was hard not to like Samantha. The woman is tenacious and you have to respect her pitbull nature, which does serve her well as a reporter. But though the woman can be a tad bit irritating with her determination she has a code of honor and a compassionate heart. It took me a bit to truly warm up to Samantha, but once she got a few things straightened out she really started to grow on me. I loved her quick wit and humor and how her quest for the truth didn’t override the well being of others.
Ozzie and Samantha’s journey to their HEA was a long time in the making and was easy to see why they were so good together. Their bantering was fun and witty and I loved how they respected and enjoyed each other’s quirks and the sexual chemistry between them was intense. Their assumptions about what the other wanted drove me batshit crazy, though it was understandable considering what Ozzie couldn’t tell her about himself. Thankfully some of the BKI peeps step in and help get them sorted and I loved how they finally came together.
This was a fun read, quick read. The suspense part of the story was well done and I liked how it brought Ozzie and Samantha closer together. What I’ve always enjoyed about the BKI series is the family feel of it and though most of the guys are not apart of the main story, the ones who were kicked ass and I loved catching up with them and the roles they played in the story. I also liked getting to spend more time with Christian and cannot wait for his book to come out, though I can’t say I’m disappointed in anyway that Dagan’s book is up next!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~
April 18, 2017
Reviewed by Gemini
Wild Ride continues to be one of my favorite series. Julie Ann Walker has this great ability to create fun, exciting, and courageous characters. The members of Black Knights, Inc. are nothing like members of any other team. Nor should they be considering that they use a motorcycle shop as a cover for an elite covert unit that operates under the direction of the President of the United States. In this book, we focus on team member Ethan “Ozzie” Sykes who has been sidelined while recovering from a leg injury that occurred during a bombing. More importantly, over the past six years, Ozzie has been in charge of keeping a nosy investigative reporter named Samantha Tate from finding out what they really do at the motorcycle shop. Consequently, Ozzie has been feeding her false information and spending a lot of time with her to the extent that they have become good friends.
As is usually the case, Ozzie’s deception eventually comes back to bite him when Samantha mistakenly believes that Ozzie and the Black Knights have something to do with the death of her informant. Attempts on Samantha’s life force Ozzie into action to protect her while at the same time trying not to blow his own cover and that of his teammates. The close proximity makes it difficult for either of them to hide their sexual attraction to each other so they end up between the sheets and can’t get enough of each other. The only problem is that they both are interested in pursuing a relationship although neither of them believes the other is interested in anything long term. This allows for us to see the chinks in Ozzie’s armor and recognize that his prior history of losing people has made it hard for him to feel he is worthy of love. On the other hand, Samantha appears to have her blinders on when it comes to Ozzie so she reads him all wrong.
There is another factor in Wild Ride and series that I found to be the most appealing. It’s the members of the Black Knights and their significant others. They represent a really great team and are the epitome of a true family. They may take jabs at each other but they aren’t afraid to demonstrate how much they love each other and are loyal to a fault. The women are tough but still remain feminine. They are smart and unapologetic. There is something about them that makes you want to root for them and hold your breath when they end up in a life or death situation which happens a lot. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
Wild Ride continues to be one of my favorite series. Julie Ann Walker has this great ability to create fun, exciting, and courageous characters. The members of Black Knights, Inc. are nothing like members of any other team. Nor should they be considering that they use a motorcycle shop as a cover for an elite covert unit that operates under the direction of the President of the United States. In this book, we focus on team member Ethan “Ozzie” Sykes who has been sidelined while recovering from a leg injury that occurred during a bombing. More importantly, over the past six years, Ozzie has been in charge of keeping a nosy investigative reporter named Samantha Tate from finding out what they really do at the motorcycle shop. Consequently, Ozzie has been feeding her false information and spending a lot of time with her to the extent that they have become good friends.
As is usually the case, Ozzie’s deception eventually comes back to bite him when Samantha mistakenly believes that Ozzie and the Black Knights have something to do with the death of her informant. Attempts on Samantha’s life force Ozzie into action to protect her while at the same time trying not to blow his own cover and that of his teammates. The close proximity makes it difficult for either of them to hide their sexual attraction to each other so they end up between the sheets and can’t get enough of each other. The only problem is that they both are interested in pursuing a relationship although neither of them believes the other is interested in anything long term. This allows for us to see the chinks in Ozzie’s armor and recognize that his prior history of losing people has made it hard for him to feel he is worthy of love. On the other hand, Samantha appears to have her blinders on when it comes to Ozzie so she reads him all wrong.
There is another factor in Wild Ride and series that I found to be the most appealing. It’s the members of the Black Knights and their significant others. They represent a really great team and are the epitome of a true family. They may take jabs at each other but they aren’t afraid to demonstrate how much they love each other and are loyal to a fault. The women are tough but still remain feminine. They are smart and unapologetic. There is something about them that makes you want to root for them and hold your breath when they end up in a life or death situation which happens a lot. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
April 19, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the ninth book in the series, and they just keep delivering the goods! I would recommend that you read them in order, but if you are impatient to start this one, then that’s just fine.
The nosey reporter story is not new, but when the reporter is researching a super secret under the wire organisation, hiding behind a biker set up, things get a little more real than usual! Throw in Ozzie, and nothing is quite as expected. He is healing and frustrated until his new mission becomes keeping Samantha in his sights. Admitting that she may be the one is not exactly his intention, but it is becoming harder to deny.
As always there are layers and layers to the story, with mysteries and danger always just waiting to be resolved, and the plots work brilliantly as ever. Even if you can see one coming, it can take you by surprise the way it plays out. But as ever the Black Knights ride to the rescue. Then add in the crew members that we see from previous books, the newbies who are joining the party and suddenly hours of reading pleasure have been consumed.
Ms Walker, please just keep writing about this wonderful group of people, they are reading gold.
This is the ninth book in the series, and they just keep delivering the goods! I would recommend that you read them in order, but if you are impatient to start this one, then that’s just fine.
The nosey reporter story is not new, but when the reporter is researching a super secret under the wire organisation, hiding behind a biker set up, things get a little more real than usual! Throw in Ozzie, and nothing is quite as expected. He is healing and frustrated until his new mission becomes keeping Samantha in his sights. Admitting that she may be the one is not exactly his intention, but it is becoming harder to deny.
As always there are layers and layers to the story, with mysteries and danger always just waiting to be resolved, and the plots work brilliantly as ever. Even if you can see one coming, it can take you by surprise the way it plays out. But as ever the Black Knights ride to the rescue. Then add in the crew members that we see from previous books, the newbies who are joining the party and suddenly hours of reading pleasure have been consumed.
Ms Walker, please just keep writing about this wonderful group of people, they are reading gold.
August 10, 2017
5/5 Stars
I've been reading this series ever since it came out and it keeps getting better and better. I love everything about the H/h it had the suspense factor I liked and the romance was amazing. I feel like I waited forever for Ozzie story and I'm glad it was amazing as I hoped it would be;) I will be reading the next book very soon.
I've been reading this series ever since it came out and it keeps getting better and better. I love everything about the H/h it had the suspense factor I liked and the romance was amazing. I feel like I waited forever for Ozzie story and I'm glad it was amazing as I hoped it would be;) I will be reading the next book very soon.
December 20, 2021
2.7 stars
April 5, 2017
3.5**
I liked how the heroine reminds herself to not be TSTL...
SOme improvements in the dimwit heroines, thumbs up JAW (Julie Ann Walker -lol)!
I liked how the heroine reminds herself to not be TSTL...
SOme improvements in the dimwit heroines, thumbs up JAW (Julie Ann Walker -lol)!
July 31, 2017
OMG! FANTASTIC!!!!
Ozzie has always been a favorite...but his story, honestly the very BEST! Honestly, I don't know how Julie Ann is going to be able to top this.
Ozzie has always been a favorite...but his story, honestly the very BEST! Honestly, I don't know how Julie Ann is going to be able to top this.
October 14, 2024
Wild Ride is book nine in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. Though this book could be read out of order I feel you should at least read Full Throttle first. A big life altering event happens in Full Throttle to affect our lead hero Ozzie.
I had a pleasant time reading Ozzie and Samantha’s story. It had action, mistrust, secrets, danger, and passion. Our leads had good chemistry and we get to see previous characters. I loved the banter between Ozzie and Christian. It was so much fun and Samantha showed that she could hold her own with Ozzie on the silly comments, 80’s bands, and more
I did have a few issues:
- First, that Ozzie and Samantha didn’t really talk honestly or openly until close to the last 20-25% of the book, having this happen made things drag. They could have wrapped up some issues sooner and since they didn’t it took away from the romantic relationship. At least in my eyes.
- Second and my main issue was Emily and Christian. I loved having them in the story, don’t get me wrong, secondary characters are great and gearing up for another couple even better, but so much page time was spent on these two instead of the main couple Ozzie and Samantha. And, to top it off the next book Fuel for Fire isn’t about Emily and Christian, it’s Dagan and Chelsea’s. Why waist so much page time on a couple that won’t have a book next?
Wild Ride was a delightful read in the Black Knights Inc. series and I do so love Ozzie.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
I had a pleasant time reading Ozzie and Samantha’s story. It had action, mistrust, secrets, danger, and passion. Our leads had good chemistry and we get to see previous characters. I loved the banter between Ozzie and Christian. It was so much fun and Samantha showed that she could hold her own with Ozzie on the silly comments, 80’s bands, and more
I did have a few issues:
- First, that Ozzie and Samantha didn’t really talk honestly or openly until close to the last 20-25% of the book, having this happen made things drag. They could have wrapped up some issues sooner and since they didn’t it took away from the romantic relationship. At least in my eyes.
- Second and my main issue was Emily and Christian. I loved having them in the story, don’t get me wrong, secondary characters are great and gearing up for another couple even better, but so much page time was spent on these two instead of the main couple Ozzie and Samantha. And, to top it off the next book Fuel for Fire isn’t about Emily and Christian, it’s Dagan and Chelsea’s. Why waist so much page time on a couple that won’t have a book next?
Wild Ride was a delightful read in the Black Knights Inc. series and I do so love Ozzie.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
April 4, 2017
All reviews originally posted on the blog: http://www.romancerehab.com/
If you’ve read the entire Black Knights series like I have, you’ve been waiting patiently (or, in my case, very impatiently) for Ozzie’s story. Who wouldn’t love a hot, badass ex-Seal who also happens to be a Star Trek geek and a computer genius? As usual, Julie Ann Walker doesn’t disappoint.
I’m a sucker for a romance hero who appears fun and sarcastic and laid back until the heroine is in danger, and then he becomes a one-man army to save the woman he loves. Ozzie fits nicely into that category. I love that he’s not just the muscle of the story, too. His brain is just as dangerous as his fists, and that adds a lovely depth to his character that I very much enjoy.
Samantha is a decent heroine, too. She’s smart and quick-witted, and doesn’t suffer from too many bouts of annoying self-doubt. She knows who she is and what she wants, and she goes after it. Although, I will admit that there were two points in the story that I wanted to reach through my Kindle and smack her for straying too far from Ozzie’s side, even though she knew how dangerous it would be. But, I suppose if all heroines did the smart, responsible thing in every situation, the book would be pretty short and pretty boring, wouldn’t it? So, with that in mind, I’ll cut the author some slack on this one and not rake Samantha over too many coals for her decisions.
As usual, the steamy scenes were VERY steamy without being smutty (it’s totally classy steam, if you know what I mean). Secondary characters are super interesting and serve as more than just convenient plot devices to move the story and romance forward. In fact, I can’t wait to read Christian’s story. (*Saying “Excellent” in my best Mr. Burns voice*)
All in all, this is just what I expect from a Julie Ann Walker read: lots of action, sexual tension, and great characters. Highly recommend! (Note: this can be read as a standalone, but it works best if read as part of the series)
If you’ve read the entire Black Knights series like I have, you’ve been waiting patiently (or, in my case, very impatiently) for Ozzie’s story. Who wouldn’t love a hot, badass ex-Seal who also happens to be a Star Trek geek and a computer genius? As usual, Julie Ann Walker doesn’t disappoint.
I’m a sucker for a romance hero who appears fun and sarcastic and laid back until the heroine is in danger, and then he becomes a one-man army to save the woman he loves. Ozzie fits nicely into that category. I love that he’s not just the muscle of the story, too. His brain is just as dangerous as his fists, and that adds a lovely depth to his character that I very much enjoy.
Samantha is a decent heroine, too. She’s smart and quick-witted, and doesn’t suffer from too many bouts of annoying self-doubt. She knows who she is and what she wants, and she goes after it. Although, I will admit that there were two points in the story that I wanted to reach through my Kindle and smack her for straying too far from Ozzie’s side, even though she knew how dangerous it would be. But, I suppose if all heroines did the smart, responsible thing in every situation, the book would be pretty short and pretty boring, wouldn’t it? So, with that in mind, I’ll cut the author some slack on this one and not rake Samantha over too many coals for her decisions.
As usual, the steamy scenes were VERY steamy without being smutty (it’s totally classy steam, if you know what I mean). Secondary characters are super interesting and serve as more than just convenient plot devices to move the story and romance forward. In fact, I can’t wait to read Christian’s story. (*Saying “Excellent” in my best Mr. Burns voice*)
All in all, this is just what I expect from a Julie Ann Walker read: lots of action, sexual tension, and great characters. Highly recommend! (Note: this can be read as a standalone, but it works best if read as part of the series)
December 31, 2016
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
OZZIE!!!!!!
Need I say more? Oh, I do? So telling you that Ozzie finally gets his story is not enough for you? Telling you that Ozzie is awesome is not enough? Telling you that we learn so much more about Ozzie and his history that is beyond heartbreaking is not enough? Telling you the Samantha Tate is a rock star reporter that will not ever give up? How about Ozzie and Samantha in the kitchen. Sharing a nice meal together? What more do you want from me????
But seriously, I loved Ozzie’s book. I loved that we get to know him so much better than just the sweet, sexy, Star Trek lovin’ and lover of everything 80’s computer nerd. I really enjoyed the talk between Becky and Ozzie. Yes, there might have been a tear or a lot... If you are a BKI fan you will LOVE Ozzie’s book. If you are new to this series you really should read this series in order so that you get a better understand of the world. Plus you get a lot of Ozzie throughout the whole series. And of course we get to see a lot of Christian. Can’t wait for his book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss & Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
OZZIE!!!!!!
Need I say more? Oh, I do? So telling you that Ozzie finally gets his story is not enough for you? Telling you that Ozzie is awesome is not enough? Telling you that we learn so much more about Ozzie and his history that is beyond heartbreaking is not enough? Telling you the Samantha Tate is a rock star reporter that will not ever give up? How about Ozzie and Samantha in the kitchen. Sharing a nice meal together? What more do you want from me????
But seriously, I loved Ozzie’s book. I loved that we get to know him so much better than just the sweet, sexy, Star Trek lovin’ and lover of everything 80’s computer nerd. I really enjoyed the talk between Becky and Ozzie. Yes, there might have been a tear or a lot... If you are a BKI fan you will LOVE Ozzie’s book. If you are new to this series you really should read this series in order so that you get a better understand of the world. Plus you get a lot of Ozzie throughout the whole series. And of course we get to see a lot of Christian. Can’t wait for his book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss & Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
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