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Black Knights Inc. #10
Fuel for Fire
A brooding covert operative and a spunky CIA agent discover a burning passion in the next installment of Julie Ann Walker's red-hot BKI series
Dagan Zoelner has made three huge mistakes
The first two left blood on his hands.
The third left him wondering...what if? What if he had told the woman of his dreams how he felt before his world fell apart?
Spitfire CIA agent Chelsea Duvall has always had a thing for bossy, brooding Dagan. It's just as well that he's never given her a second look, since she carries a combustible secret about his past that threatens to torch their lives...
"The heat between the hero and heroine is hotter than a firecracker lit on both ends... Readers are in for one hell of ride!" —RT Book Reviews for Hell for Leather 4½ Stars
ebook
First published July 4, 2017
450 people are currently reading
1720 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ann Walker
37 books2,678 followersJulie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award. Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. And if those views happen to come with a blue sky and sunshine? All the better! When she's not writing, Julie enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, fishing, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and... reading, of course!
Be sure to sign up for Julie's occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com
Or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor and/or Instagram: @julieannwalker_author.
In Moonlight and Memories:
#1 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME ONE
#2 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME TWO
#3 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME THREE
Black Knights Inc.:
#1 HELL ON WHEELS
#2 IN RIDES TROUBLE
#3 REV IT UP
#4 THRILL RIDE
#5 BORN WILD
#6 HELL FOR LEATHER
#7 FULL THROTTLE
#8 TOO HARD TO HANDLE
#9 WILD RIDE
#10 FUEL FOR FIRE
#11 HOT PURSUIT
#12 BUILT TO LAST
Deep Six:
#0.5 HOT AS HELL
#1 HELL OR HIGH WATER
#2 DEVIL AND THE DEEP
#3 RIDE THE TIDE
#4 DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN
#5 SHOT ACROSS THE BOW
#6 DEAD IN THE WATER
Black Knights Inc: Reloaded:
#1 BACK IN BLACK
#2 BLACK HEARTED
#3 MAN IN BLACK
#4 BLACK MOON RISING
#5 BLACK WIDOW
#6 FADE TO BLACK
Be sure to sign up for Julie's occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com
Or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor and/or Instagram: @julieannwalker_author.
In Moonlight and Memories:
#1 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME ONE
#2 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME TWO
#3 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME THREE
Black Knights Inc.:
#1 HELL ON WHEELS
#2 IN RIDES TROUBLE
#3 REV IT UP
#4 THRILL RIDE
#5 BORN WILD
#6 HELL FOR LEATHER
#7 FULL THROTTLE
#8 TOO HARD TO HANDLE
#9 WILD RIDE
#10 FUEL FOR FIRE
#11 HOT PURSUIT
#12 BUILT TO LAST
Deep Six:
#0.5 HOT AS HELL
#1 HELL OR HIGH WATER
#2 DEVIL AND THE DEEP
#3 RIDE THE TIDE
#4 DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN
#5 SHOT ACROSS THE BOW
#6 DEAD IN THE WATER
Black Knights Inc: Reloaded:
#1 BACK IN BLACK
#2 BLACK HEARTED
#3 MAN IN BLACK
#4 BLACK MOON RISING
#5 BLACK WIDOW
#6 FADE TO BLACK
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
April 19, 2025
Fuel for Fire by Julie Ann Walker
Black Knights Inc series #10. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
CIA agent Chelsea Duvall travels to England undercover to get a job for the man they believe is Spider. She’s his “type” and immediately gets the job. Now she needs to get access to the computer that are secured behind doors.
Dagan Zoelner is one of team members supporting Chelsea. He’s been enamored with her for a long time but the blood on his hands already prevents him from any type of relationship beyond coworker. He feels he’s just not good enough for the dynamo.
Chelsea has a secret she needs to share with Dagan. A secret that could change everything.
They’ve been able to work well together although his antagonistic attitude is off putting. Deliberately. When the danger gets closer and their relationship moves towards intimacy, neither is prepared for the fallout.
Suspense, and loving on the run. Banter is humorous and the sex is steamy. I don’t like lies though and thought she should gotten that out before the relationship developed further.
Secondary characters made this book entertaining with lighter moments during the tension filled escape.
A great edition to the series.
Black Knights Inc series #10. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
CIA agent Chelsea Duvall travels to England undercover to get a job for the man they believe is Spider. She’s his “type” and immediately gets the job. Now she needs to get access to the computer that are secured behind doors.
Dagan Zoelner is one of team members supporting Chelsea. He’s been enamored with her for a long time but the blood on his hands already prevents him from any type of relationship beyond coworker. He feels he’s just not good enough for the dynamo.
Chelsea has a secret she needs to share with Dagan. A secret that could change everything.
They’ve been able to work well together although his antagonistic attitude is off putting. Deliberately. When the danger gets closer and their relationship moves towards intimacy, neither is prepared for the fallout.
Suspense, and loving on the run. Banter is humorous and the sex is steamy. I don’t like lies though and thought she should gotten that out before the relationship developed further.
Secondary characters made this book entertaining with lighter moments during the tension filled escape.
A great edition to the series.
November 1, 2025
EXPLOSIVE chemistry (with a capital E), FUEL FOR FIRE couldn't be a more apropos title!
Broodiness to the nth degree, Dayan and Chelsea characters made for some seriously great romantic suspense reading time! 4.5 stars
I received this ARC copy of Fuel for Fire from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. Fuel for Fire is set for publication July 4, 2017.
Broodiness to the nth degree, Dayan and Chelsea characters made for some seriously great romantic suspense reading time! 4.5 stars
I received this ARC copy of Fuel for Fire from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. Fuel for Fire is set for publication July 4, 2017.
July 10, 2017
4.25 Stars - Love does conquer all.
What he had for Chelsea was a heart-on. It was like a hard-on but with feelings and shit.
This book was fantastic. After impatiently waiting since book six and loving the heated banter and intense chemistry between these two, we finally got Dagan and Chelsea’s book and I loved it.
After years of denying himself the taste of her, like an anorexic denying himself food, he had finally caved. And now all he wanted was to gorge himself on her. Binge again and again, over and over until he couldn’t take any more.
I have loved the brooding ex-CIA agent turned BKI operative Dagan Zoelner since he was first introduced. He’s such a good guy, whose mistakes from his past makes him believe he can’t go after the one woman he’s wanted for years, Chelsea Duvall, the woman he wanted before his world fell apart and who he believed deserved better than the man he was now.
The instant Chelsea’s lips touched his, Dagan realized she was the reason he had a mouth. So that he could kiss her. Taste her. Take her sweet, earthy essence inside himself.
But when Chelsea is ordered to work with BKI to capture the notorious criminal Spider and her life is in danger, Dagan is unable to keep his feelings to himself any longer. I love how over-protective Dagan was over Chelsea, even though it made him act like an ass sometimes and make her believe he doubted her ability to take care of herself, it was so sweet how he only wanted her safe and how he lost his cool when she was in danger or hurt.
He may be hotter than the door handles of hell, but when he gets all Me Tarzan, You Jane, I want to dump his limp body in the River Thames and feed him to the fishes. After she’d killed him with mind-blowing sex and multiple orgasms, of course.
Spunky CIA analyst Chelsea Duvall has carried a torch for the bossy Dagan for years, but he’s never given her any indication that he was interested too. But when her capture makes him suddenly kiss her, she has no idea how to handle him and the feelings both of them feel. Because Chelsea has been keeping a secret about his past that might make him hate her forever. I loved the stubborn and smart-mouth Chelsea. How she always stood up to Dagan and her love of fantasy books and all fantasy quotes and memorabilia made me love her even more.
“Chelsea,” he whispered into her hair. “Babe, if only you could take my heart out and look at it. It’s covered in scars. There are scars from those I’ve lost. Scars from the times I’ve failed. And…a big ol’ scar from you.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. The scar from where you wiggled your way inside.”
I really loved the intense romance and the fact that both have wanted the other since the beginning but because they thought their feelings weren’t reciprocated and because circumstances made them believe a future wasn’t possible for them, neither made a move, until now. I especially loved their banter and the sparks that flew between them. My only complaint was that the BIG secret was dragged out for almost the entire book, Chelsea had so many opportunities to tell Dagan the truth but interruptions and her fear kept her from telling him. And of course Dagan didn’t take the final reveal of the secret near the very well, and although I could understand why he was upset, his reaction made me wanted to slap him. Luckily he did get his head out of his ass after a couple of days and went after her. But the bit of angst because of this did lessen my enjoyment a tiny bit, but not enough to not have continues loving this book. I also would have liked a HEA ending and not the HFN we got. Hopefully this will be rectified in the next few books.
The plot was just as action-packed as I’ve come to expect from this author and the suspenseful continues with BKI searching for the Spider. So far I have no idea who he could be and I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
“Oooh,” he crooned and gifted her with a toothy grin. “I do so love role play, darling. Tell me more about my character.”
“How about, just for today, you try not to be a wiener on a half shell?”
For a moment, he stared at her, drawing blank on a comeback to that little bon mot. Damnit! She had bested him again. He was overcome with the urge to either shake her or kiss her senseless. Both options would surely shush that wickedly quick mouth of hers, but only the second would give him any real relief. “Devil take you, Emily.”
I love all the new BKI characters that has been introduced in the last few books. I especially love the straightforward and sarcastic Emily and the very British Christian, a former SAS officer. The sparks between these two and the testy banter are so explosive and I can’t wait to read the next book about them. Then there is Ace who is gay and so awesome! I really hope we get a book for him and Rusty… And lastly Jamin “Angel” Agassi. A former Israeli Mossad agent that had run into such deep trouble he had to undergo extensive plastic surgery and no one, not even his teammates at BKI knows anything about him. With his quiet control, flawless beauty and mysterious past and present, I can’t wait to learn more about him.
Romantic suspense is a favorite genre of mine and there are very few authors that can balance the romance and suspense just right. Julie Ann Walker is one of them and I love how expertly she weaved the fantastic humor with the action-packed suspense and sexy romance. Once again this author has written another winner and another great addition to this terrific series. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2017
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐STARS
This is a fantastic series & it keeps getting better and better. I loved the banter between Z&Chelsey it's so funny!!! Their romance can conquer all things that are through there way. Can't wait to read the next book!!
This is a fantastic series & it keeps getting better and better. I loved the banter between Z&Chelsey it's so funny!!! Their romance can conquer all things that are through there way. Can't wait to read the next book!!
June 26, 2017
This is a crazy mixed up adventure with the newer members of BKI who come from various backgrounds including the CIA and SAS. They are on assignment in England to back up CIA and BKI liaison and analyst Chelsea Duvall as she goes undercover to infiltrate the computer of a suspected crime lord.
This might be the BKI book most full of sexual tension, verbal sparring, and flirty and dirty banter. It deals with not one couple, but also the possibility or two more. And there is a lot of fussing, fighting, repression, avoidance, and denial going on.
Dagan "Z" Zoeller and Chelsea have had an attraction and hidden feelings for each other for years through their CIA work and it has continued. But they hide it under antagonism and arguments. He is always being overprotective and making her feel like she is not equipped to her job. And she is not afraid to fire back at him. She is clever, outspoken, spunky, and has a big heart. But she is keeping a big secret from him that has to do with his past. Dagan is brooding, bossy, lethal, and appears detached. His past mistakes still haunt him and make him feel not good enough for her, and that he has to atone for his sins. So they both have reasons that they have not acted on their attraction.
Emily Scott is the new BKI office manager and Mother Hen. She is brazen, unfiltered, nosy, and resourceful. And he has the hots for the stuffy, uptight Brit and former SAS agent, Christian Watson. She has a rule about not fraternizing with co-workers, but she continually picks fights with him to rile him up. Christian is fastidious, serious, and thrives on control and order in his world. He would love to see Emily submit to him. But these two are like kids on the playground that pick on the one they like and will never admit it.
And the fifth wheel on their team is Colby "Ace" Ventura. He is the more easy-going and funny member of this group. The girls don't fight with him because he is their gay friend. He ends up being the one to break up a lot of the squabbling. But he also might find someone to interest him along the way.
What starts out as a pretty clear cut assignment turns into a huge mess with this group struggling to even find their way out of England. Tension is running high, feelings and desire are being exposed, and they are literally on the run for their lives and being foiled at every turn. So it is an action-packed, intense, and dangerous situation for them all.
As Dagan and Chelsea get closer and more serious, her big secret weighs heavier on her. Their physical chemistry is off the charts and their feelings have been growing for years. It seems like they might be close to finally getting it together. But there is still something standing between them that could change everything. Dagan has always put Chelsea up on a pedastal, will he be able to forgive her for her own mistakes?
This is told in multiple points of view so we get into the heads of all the main characters and even the villains. There are a few cameos from old friends and some new intriguing additions. There are some plot points still left open and I assume will continue into Christian and Emily's book, Hot Pursuit. I am looking forward to more with Ace too, and maybe one of the other new mysterious men.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
This might be the BKI book most full of sexual tension, verbal sparring, and flirty and dirty banter. It deals with not one couple, but also the possibility or two more. And there is a lot of fussing, fighting, repression, avoidance, and denial going on.
Dagan "Z" Zoeller and Chelsea have had an attraction and hidden feelings for each other for years through their CIA work and it has continued. But they hide it under antagonism and arguments. He is always being overprotective and making her feel like she is not equipped to her job. And she is not afraid to fire back at him. She is clever, outspoken, spunky, and has a big heart. But she is keeping a big secret from him that has to do with his past. Dagan is brooding, bossy, lethal, and appears detached. His past mistakes still haunt him and make him feel not good enough for her, and that he has to atone for his sins. So they both have reasons that they have not acted on their attraction.
Emily Scott is the new BKI office manager and Mother Hen. She is brazen, unfiltered, nosy, and resourceful. And he has the hots for the stuffy, uptight Brit and former SAS agent, Christian Watson. She has a rule about not fraternizing with co-workers, but she continually picks fights with him to rile him up. Christian is fastidious, serious, and thrives on control and order in his world. He would love to see Emily submit to him. But these two are like kids on the playground that pick on the one they like and will never admit it.
And the fifth wheel on their team is Colby "Ace" Ventura. He is the more easy-going and funny member of this group. The girls don't fight with him because he is their gay friend. He ends up being the one to break up a lot of the squabbling. But he also might find someone to interest him along the way.
What starts out as a pretty clear cut assignment turns into a huge mess with this group struggling to even find their way out of England. Tension is running high, feelings and desire are being exposed, and they are literally on the run for their lives and being foiled at every turn. So it is an action-packed, intense, and dangerous situation for them all.
As Dagan and Chelsea get closer and more serious, her big secret weighs heavier on her. Their physical chemistry is off the charts and their feelings have been growing for years. It seems like they might be close to finally getting it together. But there is still something standing between them that could change everything. Dagan has always put Chelsea up on a pedastal, will he be able to forgive her for her own mistakes?
This is told in multiple points of view so we get into the heads of all the main characters and even the villains. There are a few cameos from old friends and some new intriguing additions. There are some plot points still left open and I assume will continue into Christian and Emily's book, Hot Pursuit. I am looking forward to more with Ace too, and maybe one of the other new mysterious men.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
August 18, 2024
DNF’d this one at pg. 169 about 47%.
We've met Chelsea and Dagan in previous books. They have had this unspoken attraction to each other for years and now they are getting their story.
Fuel For Fire just isn't pulling me in nor is it keeping my interest like, so many others in the series have. I'm not getting that all consuming pull or suspense to keep me interested.
I have really enjoyed and liked many of the Black Knights Inc. series…up until now. This wasn’t what I was expecting for Dagan and Chelsea. I just didn’t care for the writing direction. We are inundated with pop culture references. Also with memories from Chelsea; where every sentence she thinks (utters) about her dad, her mom, her mom and dad, and on and on it went. It made it hard to stay connect and focus on what was actually happening. The books just aren’t what they use to be when the series started. We are close to the the end of the series and Full For Fire is the third to the last book in the series; which is wrapping up this long standing storyline on finding out who Spider is.
What made me stop and say no more was Chelsea’s BIG SECRET that she has kept for years that has something to do about Afghanistan and why Dagan was fired from the CIA. I’m not sure why she’s kept it, but at the beginning when it all happened it was because she was thinking about herself, her mom, and their family home. Now well she wants to tell him this secret before they go further aka try for a relationship. When she tries to tell Dagan, he says not now - all I want is you naked. I’ve waited so long to have you in my arms and all I want is you. So what does she do? She resigns herself to having this one time sexy fling with him by saying it's ok; because she's giving him what he wants; because last time she thought all about herself and her mother first. AHHHH!!!! This secret she knows will change things. Who knows how or what it really is, but to sleep with him before telling him. NOOOO!!! I threw my hands in the air, shook my head, yelled, and almost threw the book. I closed it at that point and said no more. I can’t keep reading. So here we are DNFing a book in the Black Knights Inc. series. I had some other issues, but this was the main issue that had me throwing in the towel.
Fuel For Fire was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
We've met Chelsea and Dagan in previous books. They have had this unspoken attraction to each other for years and now they are getting their story.
Fuel For Fire just isn't pulling me in nor is it keeping my interest like, so many others in the series have. I'm not getting that all consuming pull or suspense to keep me interested.
I have really enjoyed and liked many of the Black Knights Inc. series…up until now. This wasn’t what I was expecting for Dagan and Chelsea. I just didn’t care for the writing direction. We are inundated with pop culture references. Also with memories from Chelsea; where every sentence she thinks (utters) about her dad, her mom, her mom and dad, and on and on it went. It made it hard to stay connect and focus on what was actually happening. The books just aren’t what they use to be when the series started. We are close to the the end of the series and Full For Fire is the third to the last book in the series; which is wrapping up this long standing storyline on finding out who Spider is.
What made me stop and say no more was Chelsea’s BIG SECRET that she has kept for years that has something to do about Afghanistan and why Dagan was fired from the CIA. I’m not sure why she’s kept it, but at the beginning when it all happened it was because she was thinking about herself, her mom, and their family home. Now well she wants to tell him this secret before they go further aka try for a relationship. When she tries to tell Dagan, he says not now - all I want is you naked. I’ve waited so long to have you in my arms and all I want is you. So what does she do? She resigns herself to having this one time sexy fling with him by saying it's ok; because she's giving him what he wants; because last time she thought all about herself and her mother first. AHHHH!!!! This secret she knows will change things. Who knows how or what it really is, but to sleep with him before telling him. NOOOO!!! I threw my hands in the air, shook my head, yelled, and almost threw the book. I closed it at that point and said no more. I can’t keep reading. So here we are DNFing a book in the Black Knights Inc. series. I had some other issues, but this was the main issue that had me throwing in the towel.
Fuel For Fire was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
October 26, 2017
3.5 stars.
The Black Knights are always enjoyable.. although a bit less kanoodling in dangerous situations and more in the suspense plot would have raised the star rating to 4.
The Black Knights are always enjoyable.. although a bit less kanoodling in dangerous situations and more in the suspense plot would have raised the star rating to 4.
July 3, 2017
Dagan Zoelner is a newer member of BKI, and has a few black marks on his career prior to joining the team.
Chelsea Duvall was privy to his secrets, as she worked with him in the CIA when everything went down. She still works for the CIA and is on special assignment with the Knights as they track down a global crime leader.
There was a spark between them during their years with the CIA, and now that they are working in close quarters again, the struggle to maintain a professional relationship is real. Especially as Z must watch Chelsea put herself directly in the line of danger in order to trap their target.
The sexual tension between these two is off the charts. But secrets and regrets keep them from broaching the topic with each other, instead they interact with antagonistic comments and remarks. Working in close quarters, sharing a safe house with two other teammates means there isn’t a whole lot of room to hide feelings, and everyone around them can see exactly what is building between them.
I liked how this book focused on not just Chelsea and Dagan, but also laid foundations for two other couples. The bits and pieces of the other couples mesh really well with Chelsea and Z’s story without pulling attention away from the main, something that is hard to do for secondary couples. For me, seeing these other couples teased makes me more excited for their own possible future books, as I have had a hard time connecting with the new members at times.
The action and suspense are high as they work to trap a criminal mastermind while also remaining undercover. The plans they made quickly fall apart and they find themselves scrambling for their lives. Every time I had to put the book down, I found myself wondering how they were going to work their way out of each new challenge they faced.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Chelsea Duvall was privy to his secrets, as she worked with him in the CIA when everything went down. She still works for the CIA and is on special assignment with the Knights as they track down a global crime leader.
There was a spark between them during their years with the CIA, and now that they are working in close quarters again, the struggle to maintain a professional relationship is real. Especially as Z must watch Chelsea put herself directly in the line of danger in order to trap their target.
The sexual tension between these two is off the charts. But secrets and regrets keep them from broaching the topic with each other, instead they interact with antagonistic comments and remarks. Working in close quarters, sharing a safe house with two other teammates means there isn’t a whole lot of room to hide feelings, and everyone around them can see exactly what is building between them.
I liked how this book focused on not just Chelsea and Dagan, but also laid foundations for two other couples. The bits and pieces of the other couples mesh really well with Chelsea and Z’s story without pulling attention away from the main, something that is hard to do for secondary couples. For me, seeing these other couples teased makes me more excited for their own possible future books, as I have had a hard time connecting with the new members at times.
The action and suspense are high as they work to trap a criminal mastermind while also remaining undercover. The plans they made quickly fall apart and they find themselves scrambling for their lives. Every time I had to put the book down, I found myself wondering how they were going to work their way out of each new challenge they faced.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2017
I will preface this by saying I really really have enjoyed this series...up until now. This is not the book I was expecting for Dagan and Chelsea. Peppered throughout with pop culture references that I had to continually stop to google what it referred to, inundated with memories from Chelsea (after nearly every sentence she uttered) about her dad, her mom, her mom and her dad, her dad and herself, her mom and herself....on and on, blah blah blah. It made it so incredibly hard to concentrate on what was actually happening in those scenes. Then, it carried over to Emily and Christian's characters as well. I'm hoping that this isn't the new style of writing BKI books.
July 4, 2017
3.5 stars
Another fun addition to this series! Lots of action and witty banter, and not only from our main couple, Chelsea and Dagan, but from Emily and Christian too.
While there was an abundance of action, I feel like I missed out on the romance. Chelsea and Dagan were already in love with each other, but neither felt they deserved to be together. Once Dagan heard Chelsea's secret, he reacted the way you would have expected. Thank heavens he didn't wait too long to make things right :)
*thanks to the author for sharing a copy of this with me*
Another fun addition to this series! Lots of action and witty banter, and not only from our main couple, Chelsea and Dagan, but from Emily and Christian too.
While there was an abundance of action, I feel like I missed out on the romance. Chelsea and Dagan were already in love with each other, but neither felt they deserved to be together. Once Dagan heard Chelsea's secret, he reacted the way you would have expected. Thank heavens he didn't wait too long to make things right :)
*thanks to the author for sharing a copy of this with me*
February 2, 2018
Fuel for Fire is the 10th book in the Black Knights Inc. series, but this is the first of the series that I've read. I thought this would be more of a standalone than it actually was. The romance was definitely standalone (though I think the couple has made appearances in previous books) but the background story doesn't get "solved" in this book. When I started the book I was under the impression that the book was completely standalone, so I thought I would find out who Spider was by the end of the book. Not finding out was pretty disappointing, but I think if I had been an ongoing reader of this series it would have been expected, so I wouldn't have been disappointed.
Other than this small complaint, I actually enjoyed the book and think that I would probably really like the series if I started it from the beginning. I think Christian and Emily will get the next book and with my altered expectations I'm pretty sure I would enjoy that book even more.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
Other than this small complaint, I actually enjoyed the book and think that I would probably really like the series if I started it from the beginning. I think Christian and Emily will get the next book and with my altered expectations I'm pretty sure I would enjoy that book even more.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
July 29, 2017
Fuel for Fire
Black Knight Inc #10
Julie Ann Walker
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great book!! Such an action packed romance. Loved it from beginning to end. Really made me wish I had read all of these books in order so I knew all the characters that I met in this one. I can't wait for the next book because she led up to it in this book and now I have to find out what happens.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Black Knight Inc #10
Julie Ann Walker
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great book!! Such an action packed romance. Loved it from beginning to end. Really made me wish I had read all of these books in order so I knew all the characters that I met in this one. I can't wait for the next book because she led up to it in this book and now I have to find out what happens.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2017
Hard to believe its was 10 books ago when we were first introduced to ex-CIA agent Dagan Zoelner. Now we finally get his story and as per all BKI books its a equal mixture of action, romance and bad guys wrecking havoc.
The continued hunt for the illusive Spider has Dagan, Emily, Christian, Ace and CIA Agent Chelsea Duvall (whose on loan to BKI) in England with Chelsea working undercover for bad guy Morrison who they suspect of being the Spider. When she is caught after completing her mission a price is put on her head and the team scrambling to get her back to the US in one piece..
For a while two couple have been dancing around each other – Dagan and Chelsea and Christian and Emily. It was nice to finally get more back story on Dagan and Chelsea and the history between them that goes back to when Dagan was fired from the CIA. Dagan has a bit of a chip on his shoulder about the past and Chelsea is eatin up with guilt over a secret she knows about that incident that got him fired. The sexual tension between these two was explosive. The suspense of trying to stay a step ahead of Morrison and his team kept you on the edge of your seat.
As with all the books in the series its not just about the main couple. Christian and Emily are still bickering while trying to ignore their feelings for each other and this time around Ace was the comic relief who can certainly give Ozzie a run for his money in the humor department.
Lots of things left open at the end of this one which I assume will be picked up in the next book which will be Christian and Emily's.
The continued hunt for the illusive Spider has Dagan, Emily, Christian, Ace and CIA Agent Chelsea Duvall (whose on loan to BKI) in England with Chelsea working undercover for bad guy Morrison who they suspect of being the Spider. When she is caught after completing her mission a price is put on her head and the team scrambling to get her back to the US in one piece..
For a while two couple have been dancing around each other – Dagan and Chelsea and Christian and Emily. It was nice to finally get more back story on Dagan and Chelsea and the history between them that goes back to when Dagan was fired from the CIA. Dagan has a bit of a chip on his shoulder about the past and Chelsea is eatin up with guilt over a secret she knows about that incident that got him fired. The sexual tension between these two was explosive. The suspense of trying to stay a step ahead of Morrison and his team kept you on the edge of your seat.
As with all the books in the series its not just about the main couple. Christian and Emily are still bickering while trying to ignore their feelings for each other and this time around Ace was the comic relief who can certainly give Ozzie a run for his money in the humor department.
Lots of things left open at the end of this one which I assume will be picked up in the next book which will be Christian and Emily's.
June 30, 2017
Fuel for Fire is a fast pace, suspense- filled, sexy romance and I loved it! Julie Ann Walker has another great story to add to the Black Knight Inc. series with two main characters that are smitten with each other but also bring out the worst in each other. Ex-CIA agent Dagan Zoehler now works for BKI and makes a point every chance he can get to let Chelsea Duvall know she’s in over her head with an undercover job. Of course that gets her ire up and wants to prove him wrong. When the mission goes awry and they find themselves in danger and unable to leave the country, it compels them to express how they really feel. Unfortunately Chelsea has a secret about Dagan that will change everything once it’s revealed. Should she tell him or keep her mouth shut?
Chelsea is a hard worker and takes her job seriously, especially when her job at Langley put her in an impossible situation. She loves her family and she hopes Dagan will understand when all is revealed. The heat and sparring between her and Dagan was off the charts you can feel it on every page. Dagan worked with Chelsea and feels she isn’t cut out for this dangerous mission but she proves him wrong time and time again, which only increases his love and respect for her. These two have it bad and when they finally get together; we all say it’s about time!
Fuel for Fire has a nice balance of suspense and flirty sexiness to make this a story hard to put down. BKI is going through some changes and it is good to see the remaining members of the team play a part in this story and makes me wonder what is going to happen with another agent and the BKI manager. Enough is written to get your mind wondering and leave you wanting more. Let’s just hope there are more stories to come because I’m not ready for this sweet ride to end.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 24, 2017
Julie Ann Walker returns with another spine tingling adventurous romance in her fabulous Black Knights INC series.
So this is Dagan and Chelsea's story. It's been a long time coming for these two. They were so hot together. Then it's revealed that Chelsea has been keeping a big bad secret that could doom their relationship. As usual, I loved everything about Julie Ann Walker's writing style.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary Netgalley copy of this book.
June 30, 2017
First, let me just say that I love this cover! It makes me want to buy the paperback so I can admire it. Great cover, Great story! I've never read Julie Ann Walker and was hoping to find another author to add to my list of reads and I think I succeeded.
I dove head first into the middle of another series and thankfully it paid off. I wasn't lost. Yes, you could tell the author was picking up where they left off in the previous story, but I understood what the story was about right in the beginning. There are several characters, but not so many that I couldn't keep up.
I would classify this as heavy on the action/suspense, but still with a good dose of romance. In fact, I got to see two potential couples in this book instead of one.
I enjoyed the interaction with both couples. Their banter was silly but fun, more of them picking on each other until they finally admitted to their feelings. Some may view it as a bit immature but I think it kept it light and fun in the middle of a suspenseful plot.
I'm looking forward to going back and starting at book 1. ARC provided by NetGalley.
I dove head first into the middle of another series and thankfully it paid off. I wasn't lost. Yes, you could tell the author was picking up where they left off in the previous story, but I understood what the story was about right in the beginning. There are several characters, but not so many that I couldn't keep up.
I would classify this as heavy on the action/suspense, but still with a good dose of romance. In fact, I got to see two potential couples in this book instead of one.
I enjoyed the interaction with both couples. Their banter was silly but fun, more of them picking on each other until they finally admitted to their feelings. Some may view it as a bit immature but I think it kept it light and fun in the middle of a suspenseful plot.
I'm looking forward to going back and starting at book 1. ARC provided by NetGalley.
May 19, 2017
Update: 5/18/2017: This book was great! The action, comedy and romance were blended perfectly together. I was waiting for a really long time for Chelsea and Dagan to get together and to express their love for each other. Chelsea and Dagan are HAWT and totally adorable together. There was tension between the two in regards to their individual circumstances and the secret Chelsea kept from Dagan. This book was in my opinion more emotional than the previous books and that is awesome. I was able to understand the characters more and I enjoyed the feelings that the book invoked in me such as sympathy, frustration, joy and confusion. We also saw a lot of action scenes that took place that reminded me of many awesome spy movies (Mission Impossible and Bourne Identity Series to start). It was great seeing Angel and Ace again and I look forward to reading their books in the distant future. Next is Emily and Christian and they were both fabulous in this book.
5/5 stars
Update 5/15/2017: * I received an advanced reader's copy from Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review *
Cannot wait to read Dagan's book! Hope he and Chelsea work out their problems and understand the passion that they have for each other!
5/5 stars
Update 5/15/2017: * I received an advanced reader's copy from Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review *
Cannot wait to read Dagan's book! Hope he and Chelsea work out their problems and understand the passion that they have for each other!
July 6, 2017
Yet another great book in the Black Knights Inc. series! This book had everything you could want & was so entertaining. I really could spend the next couple of hours trying to successful find a way to summarize how terrific this book was but even then I probably wouldn't come close to doing justice to it. I adored both Dagan and Chelsea. The plot moves at a perfect pace and it definitely kept my attention from start to finish. I cannot say enough good things about this book and this series.
*** ARC provided by the Author in return for an honest review***
*** ARC provided by the Author in return for an honest review***
June 8, 2017
I really enjoy this group of men at the Black Knights. This books sees a possible end to their mission as the President has changed. That doesn't mean they aren't going to continue to go after "Spider". Dagan and Chelsea have been dancing around each other for years. Neither one seems to think themselves worthy of the other. Intense attraction, high stakes suspense and a little one on one time help cure them of their hang ups. This one is a fast mover. Everything takes place with in a few days time.
Love Chelsea and her southern charm. Dagan is the perfect brooding hero as well. Looking forward to seeing how this series will end. Great read!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Love Chelsea and her southern charm. Dagan is the perfect brooding hero as well. Looking forward to seeing how this series will end. Great read!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
August 20, 2020
Fantastic! I gave five stars because I loved the dialogue. Some of it had me laughing out loud. The chemistry between Dagan and Chelsea was super hot too.
July 16, 2017
Fuel for Fire by Julie Ann Walker is the tenth book (10th) book in the Black Knights Inc series and my first book by the author. I was worried at first that this being the tenth (10th) book in the series I would be lost, but my worries were for nought. It can be read as a stand-alone.
What the story is about.
The story follows Dagan Zoelner, a former CIA agent and a covert operative for Black Knights Inc. He is broody and with good reason. Dagan had experienced immeasurable loss in both his personal and professional life. However, through all these changes theone thing that remained constant was his feelings for the spunky CIA agent, Chelsea Sullivan.
Chelsea has been carrying a torch for Dagan for as long as she can remember. However, she never revealed her feelings for fear they were not reciprocated. Their current assignment has placed them in a situation where they are forced to confront their feelings for each other. However, Chelsea carries a secret from both their pasts, which if revealed destroy both their lives.
My Perspective
The Story
The story was all I had hoped for and more. It was action packed, suspenseful, humorous and explosive. I was pulled into the story from the outset and had a hard time putting it down. The fast-paced plot, slow burning romance, nail-biting moments, the sexy banter and the verbal sparring held me captive from start to finish.
The story was told in alternate third person POVs, which I had no problem with, as I could connect with the characters and the story. This is one of those times that this POV worked for me as the story was written in a way that made me feel as if I were on the inside looking out. The author’s descriptive style of writing helped to enrich my experience with the story.
I thought the suspense was well done. It was done in such a way it had me on the edge of my seat. I loved that it did not overshadow the romantic elements, which I find to be a major problem in most of the book I have read within this genre. It was perfectly balanced.
The Main Characters
I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters. Their connection was heartfelt and explosive. Their banter was funny and filled with lots of sexual tension. I loved the pace at which their relationship developed. Their feelings for each other had been kept under wraps for a long time so this was definitely not a case of instant attraction. Their constant bickering and antagonism towards each other were a cover for their true feelings, but their friends saw what they failed to see.
Dagan is haunted by the mistakes of his past and believes he is not good enough for Chelsea. I felt his pain of having to work so closely with the woman he loves, but not being able to act on his feelings.
He is protective of Chelsea and wants to keep her safe, but she believes his actions are as a result of him not having confidence in her abilities as an agent. His protective nature grew a notch when their current assignment placed her in harm’s way.
She is spunky and as no qualms about going toe to toe with him when she feels he is behaving like an ass. However, her acts of bravado covered up a deep-seated fear that a secret she has been keeping will one day blow up in her face.
Supporting Characters.
I enjoyed the dynamics of the supporting cast, which helped to make the story entertaining and riveting. They were well portrayed, making it easy for me to like them and eager to know more about them. I especially loved Christian and Emily who were member of the team. It is evident that there is chemistry between these two, which I am eager to see the author explore. I enjoyed the camaraderie shared between the members of the team, which was fun and entertaining. The ease with which they had fun at each other’s expense demonstrated the strength of their friendship
Conclusion
The ending as it relates to Chelsea and Dagan’s relationship was neatly wrapped up, and it left me with a smile on my face. However, as it relates to their assignment, which involved taking a notorious criminal syndicate. The leader of the syndicate who went by the moniker Spider has proven to be elusive and difficult to capture. He always seems to be one-step ahead. It is clear; they have been in pursuit of Spider prior to this instalment.
Recommendation:
Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy Fuel for Fire and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I also plan to read the previous books in the series, as it appears I have been missing a lot
What the story is about.
The story follows Dagan Zoelner, a former CIA agent and a covert operative for Black Knights Inc. He is broody and with good reason. Dagan had experienced immeasurable loss in both his personal and professional life. However, through all these changes theone thing that remained constant was his feelings for the spunky CIA agent, Chelsea Sullivan.
Chelsea has been carrying a torch for Dagan for as long as she can remember. However, she never revealed her feelings for fear they were not reciprocated. Their current assignment has placed them in a situation where they are forced to confront their feelings for each other. However, Chelsea carries a secret from both their pasts, which if revealed destroy both their lives.
My Perspective
The Story
The story was all I had hoped for and more. It was action packed, suspenseful, humorous and explosive. I was pulled into the story from the outset and had a hard time putting it down. The fast-paced plot, slow burning romance, nail-biting moments, the sexy banter and the verbal sparring held me captive from start to finish.
The story was told in alternate third person POVs, which I had no problem with, as I could connect with the characters and the story. This is one of those times that this POV worked for me as the story was written in a way that made me feel as if I were on the inside looking out. The author’s descriptive style of writing helped to enrich my experience with the story.
I thought the suspense was well done. It was done in such a way it had me on the edge of my seat. I loved that it did not overshadow the romantic elements, which I find to be a major problem in most of the book I have read within this genre. It was perfectly balanced.
The Main Characters
I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters. Their connection was heartfelt and explosive. Their banter was funny and filled with lots of sexual tension. I loved the pace at which their relationship developed. Their feelings for each other had been kept under wraps for a long time so this was definitely not a case of instant attraction. Their constant bickering and antagonism towards each other were a cover for their true feelings, but their friends saw what they failed to see.
Dagan is haunted by the mistakes of his past and believes he is not good enough for Chelsea. I felt his pain of having to work so closely with the woman he loves, but not being able to act on his feelings.
He is protective of Chelsea and wants to keep her safe, but she believes his actions are as a result of him not having confidence in her abilities as an agent. His protective nature grew a notch when their current assignment placed her in harm’s way.
She is spunky and as no qualms about going toe to toe with him when she feels he is behaving like an ass. However, her acts of bravado covered up a deep-seated fear that a secret she has been keeping will one day blow up in her face.
Supporting Characters.
I enjoyed the dynamics of the supporting cast, which helped to make the story entertaining and riveting. They were well portrayed, making it easy for me to like them and eager to know more about them. I especially loved Christian and Emily who were member of the team. It is evident that there is chemistry between these two, which I am eager to see the author explore. I enjoyed the camaraderie shared between the members of the team, which was fun and entertaining. The ease with which they had fun at each other’s expense demonstrated the strength of their friendship
Conclusion
The ending as it relates to Chelsea and Dagan’s relationship was neatly wrapped up, and it left me with a smile on my face. However, as it relates to their assignment, which involved taking a notorious criminal syndicate. The leader of the syndicate who went by the moniker Spider has proven to be elusive and difficult to capture. He always seems to be one-step ahead. It is clear; they have been in pursuit of Spider prior to this instalment.
Recommendation:
Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy Fuel for Fire and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I also plan to read the previous books in the series, as it appears I have been missing a lot
July 26, 2018
I really liked the earlier books in this series. This one, not so much. There are a number of reasons why. In no particular order, they are:
1.) Chelsea has sex with Dagan even though she knows once she tells him her big, bad secret that it will change everything between them and that Dagan won't want anything to do with her. What woman in her right mind is going to say sure, let's have sex and then I'll tell you my secret that will make you hate me and treat me like dirt afterward? Not one with any sense of self-respect.
2.) There are a lot of pop culture references that I didn't know. For example "Each tread felt like a climb up the Wall at the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms." I had no clue what this was referencing. The author shouldn't assume everyone has read or watches the Game of Thrones series. (Yes, I googled the Wall at the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms to find out what it was.)
3.) Throughout most of the book, I kept thinking if Chelsea and Dagan sat down and actually talked to each other about their issues - Chelsea's big, bad secret and Dagan's fear of her being in the field - there wouldn't be any conflict between them. I suppose this is why the author didn't have them do this until about three-quarters through the book.
4.) There didn't seem to be much of a of plot or story. It was all about Chelsea and Dagan having sex or thinking about having sex or how big her breasts are or how round and plump her butt is. I'm not a prude, but I like to have some semblance of a story besides the physical aspect of the relationship.
5.) The character of Emily seemed excessively crude and some of the things she said seemed to have been included only for shock value. I already bought the next book in the series that focuses on Emily and Christian's story before reading this book. I'm seriously considering returning it. The last thing I want to do is read another book like this one.
1.) Chelsea has sex with Dagan even though she knows once she tells him her big, bad secret that it will change everything between them and that Dagan won't want anything to do with her. What woman in her right mind is going to say sure, let's have sex and then I'll tell you my secret that will make you hate me and treat me like dirt afterward? Not one with any sense of self-respect.
2.) There are a lot of pop culture references that I didn't know. For example "Each tread felt like a climb up the Wall at the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms." I had no clue what this was referencing. The author shouldn't assume everyone has read or watches the Game of Thrones series. (Yes, I googled the Wall at the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms to find out what it was.)
3.) Throughout most of the book, I kept thinking if Chelsea and Dagan sat down and actually talked to each other about their issues - Chelsea's big, bad secret and Dagan's fear of her being in the field - there wouldn't be any conflict between them. I suppose this is why the author didn't have them do this until about three-quarters through the book.
4.) There didn't seem to be much of a of plot or story. It was all about Chelsea and Dagan having sex or thinking about having sex or how big her breasts are or how round and plump her butt is. I'm not a prude, but I like to have some semblance of a story besides the physical aspect of the relationship.
5.) The character of Emily seemed excessively crude and some of the things she said seemed to have been included only for shock value. I already bought the next book in the series that focuses on Emily and Christian's story before reading this book. I'm seriously considering returning it. The last thing I want to do is read another book like this one.
January 27, 2020
I spent the majority of the book yelling, “just get to the fucking point!” I swear to god every other moment one of the characters was having a flashback or a moment was making them remember something nostalgic. So many words, so many PAGES, and the plot wasn’t moving forward at all and it was so frustrating. Half of this book is just Chelsea’s memories of her mum and dad. There’s also the fact that Chelsea is fucking annoying and takes forever to do anything, I spent half the book yelling JUST TELL HIM. And her mum calling twice a day? Got old real fast. Grow the fuck up, you’re a CIA analyst on an undercover mission and your mommy calls to check in twice a day and you ALWAYS answer and your phone ISN’T on silent? Please someone kill Chelsea because she really is too stupid to live. My vocal cords were raw from screaming by the end of this book.
July 8, 2017
There were parts of this one I liked, the setting we aren't used to with this series, the smaller team working together, but what didn't work for me was all the bickering, between the couple in this book and a potential couple, it got old fast. I also had a hard time buying into the romance between Dagan and Chelsea. Seems both had a crush on the other for years and didn't do anything about it, that seems odd to me. I also hated that Chelsea had a secret and didn't tell Dagan until after they had slept together, she should have done it first. But with all the issues I had with the book, I liked how this one ended, glad that Dagan and Chelsea managed to get past things.
October 7, 2018
I like’d the story but the ending was unresolved and too much is a questionmark
June 30, 2017
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 4, 2017
A brooding covert operative and a spunky CIA agent discover a burning passion in the next installment of Julie Ann Walker's red-hot BKI series
Dagan Zoelner has made three huge mistakes
The first two left blood on his hands.
The third left him wondering...what if? What if he had told the woman of his dreams how he felt before his world fell apart?
Spitfire CIA agent Chelsea Duvall has always had a thing for bossy, brooding Dagan. It's just as well that he's never given her a second look, since she carries a combustible secret about his past that threatens to torch their lives...
••••••••••
REVIEW: FUEL FOR FIRE is the tenth installment in Julie Ann Walker’s contemporary, adult BLACK KNIGHTS INC romantic suspense /military, action series focusing on an elite group of ex Navy SEALS, FBI, CIA and military heroes headquartered at a custom motorcycle shop known as Black Knights Inc. The men and women of Black Knights Inc are so far under the radar that they are blacker than Black Ops. This is former CIA agent Dagan Zoelner, and current CIA counterterrorism analyst (on loan to BKI) Chelsea Duvall’s story line. FUEL FOR FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Dagan and Chelsea’s relationship begins in TOO HARD TO HANDLE #8.
Told from several third person perspectives including Dagan and Chelsea FUEL FOR FIRE takes the BKI team to Europe as they search for the mysterious person known as the ‘Spider’. Along with former British SAS agent Christian Watson, and one time CIA operative Emily Scott, former Navy pilot Colby Ace Ventura, Dagan Zoelner and Chelsea Duvall embark on a mission to ferret out the true identity of a man whose illegal and business ties reach around the world. But when their plan begins to crumble, and Chelsea is identified as the source of stolen computer information, the group find themselves on the run from the SAS, Scotland Yard, and numerous ‘men in black’. What ensues is the building romance, between Chelsea and Dagan, and the fall out when Chelsea reveals the truth about a former mission that went horribly wrong.
FUEL FOR FIRE is a friends to lovers story line that sees Chelsea and Dagan’s worlds implode when Chelsea confesses to sins of the past. As former colleagues in the CIA Chelsea has access to information that if revealed may have saved Dagan years of guilt and shame. With Chelsea’s revelations Dagan’s reaction to the woman he thought he loved is heartbreaking and sad. The $ex scenes are limited, seductive and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The palpable sexual energy does not go unnoticed by the other members of the group including Emily and Christian, whose own back and forth verbal bickering is fraught with angry sexual tension.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the previously mentioned BKI agents as well as the addition of another potential member of the Black Ops team- Rusty Parker-another former member of the CIA currently running a fishing trawler in the English Channel. The requisite evil has many faces including British businessman Roper Morrison, and Morrison’s head of security Steven Surry whose love for his mother proves desperation comes at a cost.
The world building takes the BKI team through Britain, France and back to the USA but their search for the elusive person known only as the ‘Spider’ is fraught with too many dead ends and bodies.
FUEL FOR FIRE is a fast paced story of action, suspense, romance and heartbreak. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is provocative; the characters are lively, spirited and emotional. The majority of the story line covers less than 24 hours in the life but there is plenty of activity to push the team forward towards the next installment. My only issue, once again, are the inner monologues and thoughts filled with euphemisms, colloquialisms and figures of speech meant to add humor but I found myself cringing one too many times.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
A brooding covert operative and a spunky CIA agent discover a burning passion in the next installment of Julie Ann Walker's red-hot BKI series
Dagan Zoelner has made three huge mistakes
The first two left blood on his hands.
The third left him wondering...what if? What if he had told the woman of his dreams how he felt before his world fell apart?
Spitfire CIA agent Chelsea Duvall has always had a thing for bossy, brooding Dagan. It's just as well that he's never given her a second look, since she carries a combustible secret about his past that threatens to torch their lives...
••••••••••
REVIEW: FUEL FOR FIRE is the tenth installment in Julie Ann Walker’s contemporary, adult BLACK KNIGHTS INC romantic suspense /military, action series focusing on an elite group of ex Navy SEALS, FBI, CIA and military heroes headquartered at a custom motorcycle shop known as Black Knights Inc. The men and women of Black Knights Inc are so far under the radar that they are blacker than Black Ops. This is former CIA agent Dagan Zoelner, and current CIA counterterrorism analyst (on loan to BKI) Chelsea Duvall’s story line. FUEL FOR FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Dagan and Chelsea’s relationship begins in TOO HARD TO HANDLE #8.
Told from several third person perspectives including Dagan and Chelsea FUEL FOR FIRE takes the BKI team to Europe as they search for the mysterious person known as the ‘Spider’. Along with former British SAS agent Christian Watson, and one time CIA operative Emily Scott, former Navy pilot Colby Ace Ventura, Dagan Zoelner and Chelsea Duvall embark on a mission to ferret out the true identity of a man whose illegal and business ties reach around the world. But when their plan begins to crumble, and Chelsea is identified as the source of stolen computer information, the group find themselves on the run from the SAS, Scotland Yard, and numerous ‘men in black’. What ensues is the building romance, between Chelsea and Dagan, and the fall out when Chelsea reveals the truth about a former mission that went horribly wrong.
FUEL FOR FIRE is a friends to lovers story line that sees Chelsea and Dagan’s worlds implode when Chelsea confesses to sins of the past. As former colleagues in the CIA Chelsea has access to information that if revealed may have saved Dagan years of guilt and shame. With Chelsea’s revelations Dagan’s reaction to the woman he thought he loved is heartbreaking and sad. The $ex scenes are limited, seductive and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The palpable sexual energy does not go unnoticed by the other members of the group including Emily and Christian, whose own back and forth verbal bickering is fraught with angry sexual tension.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the previously mentioned BKI agents as well as the addition of another potential member of the Black Ops team- Rusty Parker-another former member of the CIA currently running a fishing trawler in the English Channel. The requisite evil has many faces including British businessman Roper Morrison, and Morrison’s head of security Steven Surry whose love for his mother proves desperation comes at a cost.
The world building takes the BKI team through Britain, France and back to the USA but their search for the elusive person known only as the ‘Spider’ is fraught with too many dead ends and bodies.
FUEL FOR FIRE is a fast paced story of action, suspense, romance and heartbreak. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is provocative; the characters are lively, spirited and emotional. The majority of the story line covers less than 24 hours in the life but there is plenty of activity to push the team forward towards the next installment. My only issue, once again, are the inner monologues and thoughts filled with euphemisms, colloquialisms and figures of speech meant to add humor but I found myself cringing one too many times.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 4, 2017
~*~*~*4.5 Stars*~*~*~
Julie Ann Walker does it again! Fuel for Fire is another great story in her “Black Knights Inc. Series.” I’ve been a fan of this series for years now, and get excited every time a new book comes out. Julie Ann Walker is a master when it comes to combining suspense, comedy, and sexy romance into a story.
We’ve known Dagan Zoelner since the first book in the series, and hearing he’ll get his own book made me ecstatic. We all know he hasn’t has the easiest past—what with being fired from the CIA and getting involved with a corrupt senator before joining the boys at Black Knight Inc. I went from thinking he’s the bad guy, to loving and rooting from him to have his happy ending.
Chelsea Duvall is his perfect counterpart. They’ve known each other for years, ever since his days with the CIA, but mutual insecurities and secrets have kept them apart. Now they’re both working with BKI and the sparks keep flying. When they are thrown into a dangerous situation, all bets are off and they grab onto their connection with everything they have. But will it be enough? Or is the past riddled with secrets going to destroy them?
I loved every second of this story—the chemistry between Chelsea and Dagan, the suspense, the hilarious banter between them, and the side character who complement each story perfectly, while at the same time setting up the scene for the future flawlessly. Julie Ann Walker manages to pull me into her stories each time—she makes me cheer her characters on, laugh at their antics, and wanting to hit them over the head sometimes.
I loved seeing Dagan and Chelsea admit their love for one another. Love does conquer it all with these two. I understand why Chelsea did what she did, and I loved seeing Dagan’s reaction going from pissed to hurt to heartbroken before he was able to forgive.
Julie Ann Walker has an uncanny ability to make her characters relatable while still putting them in situations none of us will ever encounter. This, and her flawless writing, is the main reason I love her books. Her words pull you in, keep you entranced and gripping your seat until the last page.
Fuel for Fire is another amazing addition to the “Black Knights Inc. Series.” For any lover of hot suspense novels, this is the next book for you. You don’t want to miss out on these two well-written and amazing characters.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Julie Ann Walker does it again! Fuel for Fire is another great story in her “Black Knights Inc. Series.” I’ve been a fan of this series for years now, and get excited every time a new book comes out. Julie Ann Walker is a master when it comes to combining suspense, comedy, and sexy romance into a story.
We’ve known Dagan Zoelner since the first book in the series, and hearing he’ll get his own book made me ecstatic. We all know he hasn’t has the easiest past—what with being fired from the CIA and getting involved with a corrupt senator before joining the boys at Black Knight Inc. I went from thinking he’s the bad guy, to loving and rooting from him to have his happy ending.
Chelsea Duvall is his perfect counterpart. They’ve known each other for years, ever since his days with the CIA, but mutual insecurities and secrets have kept them apart. Now they’re both working with BKI and the sparks keep flying. When they are thrown into a dangerous situation, all bets are off and they grab onto their connection with everything they have. But will it be enough? Or is the past riddled with secrets going to destroy them?
I loved every second of this story—the chemistry between Chelsea and Dagan, the suspense, the hilarious banter between them, and the side character who complement each story perfectly, while at the same time setting up the scene for the future flawlessly. Julie Ann Walker manages to pull me into her stories each time—she makes me cheer her characters on, laugh at their antics, and wanting to hit them over the head sometimes.
I loved seeing Dagan and Chelsea admit their love for one another. Love does conquer it all with these two. I understand why Chelsea did what she did, and I loved seeing Dagan’s reaction going from pissed to hurt to heartbroken before he was able to forgive.
Julie Ann Walker has an uncanny ability to make her characters relatable while still putting them in situations none of us will ever encounter. This, and her flawless writing, is the main reason I love her books. Her words pull you in, keep you entranced and gripping your seat until the last page.
Fuel for Fire is another amazing addition to the “Black Knights Inc. Series.” For any lover of hot suspense novels, this is the next book for you. You don’t want to miss out on these two well-written and amazing characters.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
July 10, 2017
There are several books in Julie Ann Walker’s series about a clandestine government agency that reports to the President of the United States. They use a motorcycle shop as a cover and go by the name Black Knights Inc. The operatives are all very different and seem to come from some rather intriguing walks of life. One of the hallmarks of these books, is that the relationships form in the middle of life-threatening situations.
This time, we find out what happens when former CIA agent Dagan Zoelner finally confesses his feelings for CIA agent Chelsea Duvall during an undercover operation in London. Dagan and Chelsea have been working together for years and have secretly been attracted to each other although neither one had a clue. They have always fought like kids on the playground so their attraction was obvious to other members of BKI. Complications surrounding this most recent op force the two of them into close quarters and the combustion intensifies to uncontrollable levels. Of course, they can’t deny their passion but Chelsea is keeping a secret that has affected Dagan’s life for years. Everything that happens to them will show that they are meant to be together no matter how much it may seem that the odds are against them.
Dagan and Chelsea have some great banter between them. It’s no wonder that everyone else knows how they feel about each other. Dagan plays the role of brooding protector very well. And Chelsea refuses to play the shrinking violet. She’s a southern gal and her mother didn’t raise a push over. Nonetheless, Chelsea is not a trained killer like Dagan so he doesn’t hesitate to take their assailants out when they threaten Chelsea’s life. As they work together and through their issues, it’s impossible not to root for their happily ever after. They are really great together when they are working as a team. However, it’s kinda fun when they are at odds too. In addition, the other members of the team are just as snarky and quick witted. They all pick on each other but have each other’s backs as well. Julie Ann Walker continues to create a fun world despite the fact that it’s full of guns, violence, and espionage. I am always looking forward to reading the next book.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
This time, we find out what happens when former CIA agent Dagan Zoelner finally confesses his feelings for CIA agent Chelsea Duvall during an undercover operation in London. Dagan and Chelsea have been working together for years and have secretly been attracted to each other although neither one had a clue. They have always fought like kids on the playground so their attraction was obvious to other members of BKI. Complications surrounding this most recent op force the two of them into close quarters and the combustion intensifies to uncontrollable levels. Of course, they can’t deny their passion but Chelsea is keeping a secret that has affected Dagan’s life for years. Everything that happens to them will show that they are meant to be together no matter how much it may seem that the odds are against them.
Dagan and Chelsea have some great banter between them. It’s no wonder that everyone else knows how they feel about each other. Dagan plays the role of brooding protector very well. And Chelsea refuses to play the shrinking violet. She’s a southern gal and her mother didn’t raise a push over. Nonetheless, Chelsea is not a trained killer like Dagan so he doesn’t hesitate to take their assailants out when they threaten Chelsea’s life. As they work together and through their issues, it’s impossible not to root for their happily ever after. They are really great together when they are working as a team. However, it’s kinda fun when they are at odds too. In addition, the other members of the team are just as snarky and quick witted. They all pick on each other but have each other’s backs as well. Julie Ann Walker continues to create a fun world despite the fact that it’s full of guns, violence, and espionage. I am always looking forward to reading the next book.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
July 2, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
4.5*s of brooding complication!
This is the tenth book in the series, and Ms Walker once again manages to create an original plot to back up the romance, making it an exciting read as well as a hot one.
As we are in the UK for much of this installment we get to see how members of the wider BKI family. We also get lots of hints of future relationships, which for an ardent fan is great news, as the thought that the end may be near is always a worry! And they will be fabulous stories if the hints are anything to go by!
Dagan has been a constant in the BKI family, desperate to compensate for past wrongs, and although at times it was heart-breaking, it was great to finally get his story told and his future settled. That said, it really isn't an easy ride, even if he and Chelsea acknowledge and act on their attraction. After all everyone has secrets, and some have more power than others. My advice is keep the faith, and if necessary, put your Kindle down for a minute or two, take a deep breath and carry on. It is very satisfying, if frustrating - and also quite tense - at times.
Thank you Ms Walker for another great installment, and for the hope that there are more stories to come.
ps I read an early review copy, so have not judged on a couple of name swaps etc, as they should be corrected.
4.5*s of brooding complication!
This is the tenth book in the series, and Ms Walker once again manages to create an original plot to back up the romance, making it an exciting read as well as a hot one.
As we are in the UK for much of this installment we get to see how members of the wider BKI family. We also get lots of hints of future relationships, which for an ardent fan is great news, as the thought that the end may be near is always a worry! And they will be fabulous stories if the hints are anything to go by!
Dagan has been a constant in the BKI family, desperate to compensate for past wrongs, and although at times it was heart-breaking, it was great to finally get his story told and his future settled. That said, it really isn't an easy ride, even if he and Chelsea acknowledge and act on their attraction. After all everyone has secrets, and some have more power than others. My advice is keep the faith, and if necessary, put your Kindle down for a minute or two, take a deep breath and carry on. It is very satisfying, if frustrating - and also quite tense - at times.
Thank you Ms Walker for another great installment, and for the hope that there are more stories to come.
ps I read an early review copy, so have not judged on a couple of name swaps etc, as they should be corrected.
July 7, 2017
I've had this series on my TBR for a while now--I loved Ms. Walker's Deep Six series--and was beyond excited when I got a chance to read Fuel for Fire! I am happy to report that it definitely did not disappoint, and that even though this one's pretty far into the series (#10! Whoa :)) I had no problem jumping right into the action with this one. There is previously-known bad guy at play here, but you are given enough information to understand the seriousness of the situation without going into info dump territory.
(And can I just say--that antagonist?--gives me chills.)
Chelsea and Dagan grabbed me from the very first page--I absolutely loved their back and forth when they were at odds...and their explosive chemistry when they weren't as well. The danger they find themselves in, combined with the camaraderie they share with their fellow teammates and the others they bring in to help them get out of their current situation, make this one heck of a fun read. The story ends a bit in the air as far as Black Knights, Inc. are concerned--the president who commissioned them is leaving office, and his predecessor doesn't have any interest in keeping them around--but I sincerely that Ms. Walker has plans for them anyway, because there's at least two couples here who really, really deserve their own books ;)
Oh yeah, and a bad guy who may still be at large...
At least I've got a nine-book backlist to keep me busy while I wait!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
(And can I just say--that antagonist?--gives me chills.)
Chelsea and Dagan grabbed me from the very first page--I absolutely loved their back and forth when they were at odds...and their explosive chemistry when they weren't as well. The danger they find themselves in, combined with the camaraderie they share with their fellow teammates and the others they bring in to help them get out of their current situation, make this one heck of a fun read. The story ends a bit in the air as far as Black Knights, Inc. are concerned--the president who commissioned them is leaving office, and his predecessor doesn't have any interest in keeping them around--but I sincerely that Ms. Walker has plans for them anyway, because there's at least two couples here who really, really deserve their own books ;)
Oh yeah, and a bad guy who may still be at large...
At least I've got a nine-book backlist to keep me busy while I wait!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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