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Black Knights Inc. #12
Built to Last
In the epic conclusion to the BKI series, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker delivers her biggest bombshell yet!
Welcome to Black Knights Inc.
What appears to be a tricked-out motorcycle shop on the North Side of Chicago is actually headquarters for the world's most elite covert operatives. Deadly, dangerous, and determined, they'll steal your breath and your heart.
After a mission-gone-sideways forces Jamin "Angel" Agassi to change his identity, he's determined to bring down the world's worst crime syndicate kingpin once and for all. That's going to be the easy part. Keeping Interpol agent Sonya Butler from discovering who he really is—and blazing another trail into his heart—is the challenge.
Welcome to Black Knights Inc.
What appears to be a tricked-out motorcycle shop on the North Side of Chicago is actually headquarters for the world's most elite covert operatives. Deadly, dangerous, and determined, they'll steal your breath and your heart.
After a mission-gone-sideways forces Jamin "Angel" Agassi to change his identity, he's determined to bring down the world's worst crime syndicate kingpin once and for all. That's going to be the easy part. Keeping Interpol agent Sonya Butler from discovering who he really is—and blazing another trail into his heart—is the challenge.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2018
523 people are currently reading
1376 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ann Walker
37 books2,676 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 288 reviews
April 23, 2018
As the tail-end of Julie Ann Walker’s ‘Black Knights Inc.’, ‘Built to Last’ has an interesting premise and one that reminds me strongly of another book that I’ve read and found confounding, but the lure of black-ops, action and suspense is always hard to resist.
No doubt this has a sweeping narrative arc—a feature of the typical romantic suspense novel that I love—and coming into this so late in the game means that it can be hard keeping the story straight in my head. I lacked the context about the hows and whys of this particular mission and being dropped like this into the story was disconcerting. My bad here.
But this much I knew: Jamin “Angel” Agassi felt like most remote of the lot and as an agent, well, he’s one to be admired and feared for doing his job well. Country above everything. Duty above love. The righteousness of sacrifice being the mantra he works according to, which happens to give leeway to do things using a bewildering number of identities. And that’s all the positive things that I can give about this character.
Walker writes a second-chance romance and I was hoping that this would be one of the rare few that would work for me. The validity of the explanations for the separation and what both characters did in the years are usually the answers that I seek in this trope.
‘Built to Last’ unfortunately, couldn’t satisfy those prerequisites I have.
My scepticism about Angel’s and Sonya’s romance stems from the fact that Angel had buried his head in the sand after he’d chosen his country over Sonya, destroyed the both of them, tried to forget her, then had a woman in every port, all the while saying that he still loved her. And then continued reprehensibly, to lie to her about his identity as she felt guilty about projecting her feelings for a man she thought dead onto him, while knowing full well about the consequences of his own actions that he didn’t want to face.
Perhaps this sits perfectly fine with other readers who like this sort of star-crossed kind of vibe where the number of bed partners they’ve had in the intervening years is inconsequential. This connection between Sonya and Angel, supposedly forged long ago and sparking to life again, wasn’t one I could buy into, more so on Angel’s part, given that he’d done nothing to question his own choices—and wouldn’t have—until he saw Sonya again. For this reason I couldn’t believe that they belonged together, not when Angel (the only one who could but didn’t) didn’t move heaven and earth to be with Sonya. Merely paying lip service to the expansive declaration that he’d loved her for a decade, the regrets he expressed at the end merely seemed too panicky, too little, too late.
In short, less the past romance is crowed about and exalted, the less I feel compelled to argue for the kind of hypocrisy involved in ‘moving on’.
So for the hero that Angel is to the rest of the world, I could only call him a coward.
My beef with characterisation aside, Angel/Sonya’s story, interspersed with sudden flashbacks, POVs from the villain and another pairing, did feel disjointed as well. The sly but strange insertions of humour (?) and exaggerated snark sometimes seemed ill-fitting, bordering the absurd for the situation at hand when all I wanted was a more straightforward progression of the plot and the relationship.
The conclusion as a result, felt abrupt considering the plot juggled more than just a pairing here, but I’m guessing that this would deliriously please the hard-core fans of this series who have been invested in the characters and the narrative from the beginning.
‘Built to Last’ isn’t good as a standalone. Would I have been a happier camper having gone through all the other books? Perhaps. But this swan-song, long-awaited or not, wasn’t one I could enjoy at all, unfortunately.
*ARC by the publisher via netgalley
No doubt this has a sweeping narrative arc—a feature of the typical romantic suspense novel that I love—and coming into this so late in the game means that it can be hard keeping the story straight in my head. I lacked the context about the hows and whys of this particular mission and being dropped like this into the story was disconcerting. My bad here.
But this much I knew: Jamin “Angel” Agassi felt like most remote of the lot and as an agent, well, he’s one to be admired and feared for doing his job well. Country above everything. Duty above love. The righteousness of sacrifice being the mantra he works according to, which happens to give leeway to do things using a bewildering number of identities. And that’s all the positive things that I can give about this character.
Walker writes a second-chance romance and I was hoping that this would be one of the rare few that would work for me. The validity of the explanations for the separation and what both characters did in the years are usually the answers that I seek in this trope.
‘Built to Last’ unfortunately, couldn’t satisfy those prerequisites I have.
My scepticism about Angel’s and Sonya’s romance stems from the fact that Angel had buried his head in the sand after he’d chosen his country over Sonya, destroyed the both of them, tried to forget her, then had a woman in every port, all the while saying that he still loved her. And then continued reprehensibly, to lie to her about his identity as she felt guilty about projecting her feelings for a man she thought dead onto him, while knowing full well about the consequences of his own actions that he didn’t want to face.
Perhaps this sits perfectly fine with other readers who like this sort of star-crossed kind of vibe where the number of bed partners they’ve had in the intervening years is inconsequential. This connection between Sonya and Angel, supposedly forged long ago and sparking to life again, wasn’t one I could buy into, more so on Angel’s part, given that he’d done nothing to question his own choices—and wouldn’t have—until he saw Sonya again. For this reason I couldn’t believe that they belonged together, not when Angel (the only one who could but didn’t) didn’t move heaven and earth to be with Sonya. Merely paying lip service to the expansive declaration that he’d loved her for a decade, the regrets he expressed at the end merely seemed too panicky, too little, too late.
In short, less the past romance is crowed about and exalted, the less I feel compelled to argue for the kind of hypocrisy involved in ‘moving on’.
So for the hero that Angel is to the rest of the world, I could only call him a coward.
My beef with characterisation aside, Angel/Sonya’s story, interspersed with sudden flashbacks, POVs from the villain and another pairing, did feel disjointed as well. The sly but strange insertions of humour (?) and exaggerated snark sometimes seemed ill-fitting, bordering the absurd for the situation at hand when all I wanted was a more straightforward progression of the plot and the relationship.
The conclusion as a result, felt abrupt considering the plot juggled more than just a pairing here, but I’m guessing that this would deliriously please the hard-core fans of this series who have been invested in the characters and the narrative from the beginning.
‘Built to Last’ isn’t good as a standalone. Would I have been a happier camper having gone through all the other books? Perhaps. But this swan-song, long-awaited or not, wasn’t one I could enjoy at all, unfortunately.
*ARC by the publisher via netgalley
July 4, 2018
Julie Ann Walker wraps up her Black Knight Inc. series with an exciting conclusion in Built to Last and ends it on a high note. Angel Agassi planted himself with the notorious crime boss Spider in order to finally take him down. What he confronts is the love of his life, Sonya Butler, who is now working for him as his right-hand woman. He’s not sure what happened to self-assured and confident Interpol agent he wants knew, but he’s gone to great length to not be the man she once knew 10 years ago. Mark Rissa, Mossad agent, gave up that identity for a bigger cause and sees exactly what he gave up for that cause. Tension is tight between Sonya and Angel as they work to get along and wonder what the other is truly up to now that they are ‘working’ for Spider. The author has raised the bar in this story as the suspense crescendos right up until the end, with all the Black Knights involved in taking down their nemesis. An added bonus to this story is the nice conclusion for Rusty and Ace. Can this book get any hotter? Built to Last is a high-flying adventure with a few twists and turns. This has been a thrilling ride reading this series and Built to Last gives a glimpse of the past couples and a look to the future. I can’t wait to see what she has for us next.
May 5, 2025
Built to Last by Julie Ann Walker
Black Knights Inc series #12. Conclusion to the series. Romantic suspense. Best read if familiar with the series. Characters throughout the series appear in this conclusion.
The Black Knights have been decommissioned with one last task before they disband.
Jamin Agassi, aka Angel, is determined to take down the world’s worst crime syndicate. He’s undergone extensive surgery to stay hidden but working with Sonya Butler after “dying” to protect her, is the hardest undercover work he’s ever done.
Sonya watched the only man she ever loved die for his job. She doesn’t want to fall again, but there is something about Angel that makes her feel whole and happy.
The whole crew shows up in this last epic mission of the Black Knights.
Sonya can’t help falling for Angel but he keeps his secret, not wanting to hurt her.
It’s a wild adventure of danger with the team all in for helping.
I can’t say I liked Angel all that much even though he gave up his life to catch the criminals. He lied to her over and over again. Yes, to keep his cover but it was heartbreaking.
In the end, the series was fantastic and I’m sure I’ll pick up the revamp Black Knights for the action, the adventure and the winning heroes.
Black Knights Inc series #12. Conclusion to the series. Romantic suspense. Best read if familiar with the series. Characters throughout the series appear in this conclusion.
The Black Knights have been decommissioned with one last task before they disband.
Jamin Agassi, aka Angel, is determined to take down the world’s worst crime syndicate. He’s undergone extensive surgery to stay hidden but working with Sonya Butler after “dying” to protect her, is the hardest undercover work he’s ever done.
Sonya watched the only man she ever loved die for his job. She doesn’t want to fall again, but there is something about Angel that makes her feel whole and happy.
The whole crew shows up in this last epic mission of the Black Knights.
Sonya can’t help falling for Angel but he keeps his secret, not wanting to hurt her.
It’s a wild adventure of danger with the team all in for helping.
I can’t say I liked Angel all that much even though he gave up his life to catch the criminals. He lied to her over and over again. Yes, to keep his cover but it was heartbreaking.
In the end, the series was fantastic and I’m sure I’ll pick up the revamp Black Knights for the action, the adventure and the winning heroes.
November 16, 2025
He never thought to see her again. And if that wasn’t a shock, it was in the employee of one of the world’s worst criminals.
She mourned the loss of the love of her life and no one ever took his place, so why does this world-renowned criminal remind her so much of her lost love?
Extensive plastic surgery has left Sonya in the dark, he never knew that her love didn’t die but has been in deep undercover for years.
“Angel” Jamin is blown away to have a chance to be with Sonya again. But he can’t blow his cover... And what is she doing with this evil b*st*rd?
Sparks fly, emotions run wilds as Black Knights Inc. faces their deadliest foe, the one behind it all.
What a way to give us a finale to the Black Knight Inc. series. Perfect closure, perfect balance of suspense, romance and complete cast interaction! It seems like just yesterday, I read my first Black Knight installment and here we are at #12. Its sad to see these characters leave the limelight, but Walker did a top notch job of sucking us into their world.
I received this ARC copy of Built to Last from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. Built to Last is set for publication July 3, 2018.
She mourned the loss of the love of her life and no one ever took his place, so why does this world-renowned criminal remind her so much of her lost love?
Extensive plastic surgery has left Sonya in the dark, he never knew that her love didn’t die but has been in deep undercover for years.
“Angel” Jamin is blown away to have a chance to be with Sonya again. But he can’t blow his cover... And what is she doing with this evil b*st*rd?
Sparks fly, emotions run wilds as Black Knights Inc. faces their deadliest foe, the one behind it all.
What a way to give us a finale to the Black Knight Inc. series. Perfect closure, perfect balance of suspense, romance and complete cast interaction! It seems like just yesterday, I read my first Black Knight installment and here we are at #12. Its sad to see these characters leave the limelight, but Walker did a top notch job of sucking us into their world.
I received this ARC copy of Built to Last from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. Built to Last is set for publication July 3, 2018.
Read
June 7, 2018Built to last is the final book of the series and it did not disappoint. This book was amazing. The characters were great and the main couple we're fantastic together.
January 3, 2019
Phew. After my disappointment with the previous instalment the final book in the Black Knights provided a very satisfactory conclusion to this long running series. Bad guy apprehended and the final two couples finding their HEA.
Black Knights.. Mission Accomplished.
3.5 stars
Black Knights.. Mission Accomplished.
3.5 stars
May 2, 2018
How to review a book when you thought the plot would be for you but it was the first book of that author that you read and now you know that the writing style was not for you ?
I guess I will go with 3 stars because the book was good just not for me. I know that this might be a confusing way of thinking but it’s just the way I feel. As it might not have been my brightest Idea to start a new author when it’s the last book in a long series is one reason for me to decide this way – but in my defense I do that all the time and usually I can handle it.
Also the plot really sounded good – Not sure what I was thinking would happen but somehow I just did not consider that the author might approach this from the suspense side of it. My bad.
The leading characters are well developed and you can just sense that this book is part of a series that developed over a long time. So if you are a lover of classical suspense romances that follow a clever plot and you liked what your read in the Blurb this is your book.
Me on the other hand I am into a different kind of romance and therefore had a hard time connecting to the characters – parts of that problem might also be because I never read a book in that series before.
As I said - I don’t blame the book – “It’s not you it’s me” ….
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August 3, 2020
Tension-filled romantic suspense…
I always find it hard to read the last book of a series I really liked. Walking away from characters that have become so familiar over the span of many reads is hard when you’ve fretted, fallen in love, and walked with them through all the ups and downs. If I have to say goodbye though, Angel and Sonya’s story was the perfect sendoff…
Sonya and Angel found themselves in the employ, whether reluctantly or not, of the same crime boss and neither knew what to make of the other. Angel saw Sonya as a painful blast from his past, a woman he had adored, now working for a cruel criminal… Sonya saw a man who reminded her so much of the man she’d loved and lost, she was sure she was going crazy…
The adrenaline was high as nuclear war were the stakes but also in jeopardy were their hearts. Confusion reigned for both of them as they navigated deadly waters not quite sure where they stood with each other. With BKI at their backs, however, they had hope…
Bittersweet, it was the culmination of all that came before it and it was a read that I couldn’t walk away from until the very end. Catching up on all the BKI team made for a nostalgic, and perfect ending… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
I always find it hard to read the last book of a series I really liked. Walking away from characters that have become so familiar over the span of many reads is hard when you’ve fretted, fallen in love, and walked with them through all the ups and downs. If I have to say goodbye though, Angel and Sonya’s story was the perfect sendoff…
Sonya and Angel found themselves in the employ, whether reluctantly or not, of the same crime boss and neither knew what to make of the other. Angel saw Sonya as a painful blast from his past, a woman he had adored, now working for a cruel criminal… Sonya saw a man who reminded her so much of the man she’d loved and lost, she was sure she was going crazy…
The adrenaline was high as nuclear war were the stakes but also in jeopardy were their hearts. Confusion reigned for both of them as they navigated deadly waters not quite sure where they stood with each other. With BKI at their backs, however, they had hope…
Bittersweet, it was the culmination of all that came before it and it was a read that I couldn’t walk away from until the very end. Catching up on all the BKI team made for a nostalgic, and perfect ending… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
July 15, 2018
Jamin “Angel” Aggasi, aka Majid Abass, originally Mark Risa, works for Black Knights, Inc., a covert, government agency. He has given up his identity, and the love of his life, to protect many countries. He’s had plastic surgery to completely change his face. He chooses to be more on the periphery of the group. It’s now 10 years later, and the group’s final assignment involves the love of his life.
Sonya Butler works for Interpol. Her current assignment is working for Lord Grafton, aka Spider, king of the underworld. She believes Mark to be dead. She’s had a few short lived relationships over the years, but no one has measured up.
I wanted to smack Angel upside the head so many times. While very good at his job, his actions toward Sonya did not coincide with my ideas of a man reunited with the love of his life. She was the love of his life, and he supposedly never got over her, but he had a woman in every port? So much deceit that he would have continue with for the rest of his life if he had not been outed. Just wrong on so many levels. Sonya’s a much better person than I am, for forgiving him his transgressions.
This book also concluded Ace and Rusty’s story. I felt for both men, understood each one’s angst, but it got a little repetitive. And their romance definitely got shorted.
Overall, I was disappointed in the wrap up. I couldn’t connect to Angel and Sonya and I wanted more for Rusty and Ace’s story. I did like watching the whole team come together to finally take Spider down.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the author.
Sonya Butler works for Interpol. Her current assignment is working for Lord Grafton, aka Spider, king of the underworld. She believes Mark to be dead. She’s had a few short lived relationships over the years, but no one has measured up.
I wanted to smack Angel upside the head so many times. While very good at his job, his actions toward Sonya did not coincide with my ideas of a man reunited with the love of his life. She was the love of his life, and he supposedly never got over her, but he had a woman in every port? So much deceit that he would have continue with for the rest of his life if he had not been outed. Just wrong on so many levels. Sonya’s a much better person than I am, for forgiving him his transgressions.
This book also concluded Ace and Rusty’s story. I felt for both men, understood each one’s angst, but it got a little repetitive. And their romance definitely got shorted.
Overall, I was disappointed in the wrap up. I couldn’t connect to Angel and Sonya and I wanted more for Rusty and Ace’s story. I did like watching the whole team come together to finally take Spider down.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the author.
June 25, 2018
Sonya Butler works for a criminal mastermind. The men she meets during the course of her work are not good men. But one strikes her as familiar, despite obvious plastic surgery and the fact that she watched the man from her past died in front of her. She is smart and resourceful, going to extreme measures to complete a task she feels is important. She may be at the beck and call of dangerous men, but she has her own agenda.
Jamin “Angel” Agassi is working undercover, so far undercover that not even his teammates know his true identity. As the Black Knights get closer to discovering the identity of the elusive “Spider,” Angel encounters a woman from his past he never thought he’d see again, let alone find working with the man they suspect is the Spider.
As these two work together, they can’t fight the chemistry between them. But even as things heat up between them, Angel keeps his identity a secret, a secret that could cost him everything.
As the final Black Knights novel, this book does a good job of wrapping up the story arcs and the Spider plot line that were woven through the series. Though the main couple does have a standalone storyline in Built to Last, there are several storylines that continue from previous books so it really does read best as part of the series. I enjoyed watching Rusty and Ace struggle with their own feelings in the background of Sonya and Angel’s story, as we have seen them do for several stories now.
I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Jamin “Angel” Agassi is working undercover, so far undercover that not even his teammates know his true identity. As the Black Knights get closer to discovering the identity of the elusive “Spider,” Angel encounters a woman from his past he never thought he’d see again, let alone find working with the man they suspect is the Spider.
As these two work together, they can’t fight the chemistry between them. But even as things heat up between them, Angel keeps his identity a secret, a secret that could cost him everything.
As the final Black Knights novel, this book does a good job of wrapping up the story arcs and the Spider plot line that were woven through the series. Though the main couple does have a standalone storyline in Built to Last, there are several storylines that continue from previous books so it really does read best as part of the series. I enjoyed watching Rusty and Ace struggle with their own feelings in the background of Sonya and Angel’s story, as we have seen them do for several stories now.
I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 28, 2018
What a great wrap up to this series! I love seeing everyone and finding out what they were doing. And I'm curious as to what will happen in the future because of the way the ending was left open.
As for Angel and Sonya, they had a lot to get past for them to work out. I dont know that I could have done it.
The side romance made me smile. I won't spoil it for you by saying who it is ;) just know it was perfect.
As for Angel and Sonya, they had a lot to get past for them to work out. I dont know that I could have done it.
The side romance made me smile. I won't spoil it for you by saying who it is ;) just know it was perfect.
June 20, 2018
The last couple of books have been building up to a showdown with the evil mastermind Spider. And now Jamin “Angel” Agassi, a former Mossad agent and currently working for Black Knight Inc. has managed to catch Spider's attention and infiltrate his network. He is an enigma. A man of mystery with several previous identities and now is basically a ghost. He is tall, dark, dangerous, and deadly. He sacrificed everything for his country including the woman he loved. And now he is a man on a mission, but also dealing with his past.
Sonya Butler is working with Spider as his Girl Friday. She is smart, resourceful, tenacious, and wary when it comes to dealing with Angel. And she may have her own hidden agenda. But there is an attraction she cannot deny and also something about Angel that makes her remember the love she lost a decade ago.
Thrust into a dangerous situation, they have to rely on each other. It is intense and unpredictable. But will their secrets and/or their pursuers catch up to them?
Ace and Rusty are also still fussing and fighting their attraction. Ace is out and never wants to be put back in the closet. But Rusty is really far in the closet and does not plan on coming out. But when things get dicey and tensions run high, feelings escalate. But will it be too late to do something about it?
This is an action-packed, suspenseful, undercover story built around two love stories. It is a second chance romance and also a M/M romance. It also has some humor and definite camaraderie mixed in. The couples are facing personal struggles in addition to the external danger. Ultimately it is about sacrifice, honesty, forgiveness, hope, and the power of love...whether it be to hurt or heal.
I would not recommend reading this one as a stand-alone and feel like it would be most enjoyed and understood if you at least read the last two books prior to this one that has followed this group of characters and story arc. Some of the other BKI agents are part of this mission including Ozzie, Rock, Boss, and Ghost. But this book also serves as an epilogue to the entire BKI series giving updates on all of the couples and giving us a chance to catch up with them and provide some series closure. And she left it with a little tease that could mean something new for this author in the future.
I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter
Sonya Butler is working with Spider as his Girl Friday. She is smart, resourceful, tenacious, and wary when it comes to dealing with Angel. And she may have her own hidden agenda. But there is an attraction she cannot deny and also something about Angel that makes her remember the love she lost a decade ago.
Thrust into a dangerous situation, they have to rely on each other. It is intense and unpredictable. But will their secrets and/or their pursuers catch up to them?
Ace and Rusty are also still fussing and fighting their attraction. Ace is out and never wants to be put back in the closet. But Rusty is really far in the closet and does not plan on coming out. But when things get dicey and tensions run high, feelings escalate. But will it be too late to do something about it?
This is an action-packed, suspenseful, undercover story built around two love stories. It is a second chance romance and also a M/M romance. It also has some humor and definite camaraderie mixed in. The couples are facing personal struggles in addition to the external danger. Ultimately it is about sacrifice, honesty, forgiveness, hope, and the power of love...whether it be to hurt or heal.
I would not recommend reading this one as a stand-alone and feel like it would be most enjoyed and understood if you at least read the last two books prior to this one that has followed this group of characters and story arc. Some of the other BKI agents are part of this mission including Ozzie, Rock, Boss, and Ghost. But this book also serves as an epilogue to the entire BKI series giving updates on all of the couples and giving us a chance to catch up with them and provide some series closure. And she left it with a little tease that could mean something new for this author in the future.
I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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August 7, 2018
✦Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: BUILT TO LAST (Black Knights Inc.) by Julie Ann Walker https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aNH
►Enter Giveaway (BKI SERIES) ➢ https://bit.ly/2KF3xjj
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars
I was so looking forward to Angel’s story and am glad that it explained his past while forming his future. To do this, the book kept flashing back to his previous life, illustrating the impact on his and Sonya’s relationship. I’m not a big fan of the back and forth, so thankfully the story itself kept me enthralled. Sonya was someone I liked and could relate to. Her personality made the romance in an unheard of situation believable. Lots of action + smoking hot romance + close-knit friends = a good BKI story! Of course, all the people I’ve grown to love in the Black Knights world were involved in the usual mayhem, making me smile even when the tensions were high. I’m saddened to think this is the end of BKI, but excited for the hint of things to come.
*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/2yCfPYd
Amazon Series Link https://amzn.to/2lNRcP1
✦Black Knights Inc. Series by Julie Ann Walker✦
Amazon Series Link https://amzn.to/2lNRcP1
✦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
✦10. FUEL THE FIRE ➢ http://amzn.to/2qo8SVn | Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-96o
✦11. HOT PURSUIT ➢ http://amzn.to/2we680h | Review 4.5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-9VH
✦12. BUILT TO LAST ➢ http://amzn.to/2yTUllC
►Enter Giveaway (BKI SERIES) ➢ https://bit.ly/2KF3xjj
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars
I was so looking forward to Angel’s story and am glad that it explained his past while forming his future. To do this, the book kept flashing back to his previous life, illustrating the impact on his and Sonya’s relationship. I’m not a big fan of the back and forth, so thankfully the story itself kept me enthralled. Sonya was someone I liked and could relate to. Her personality made the romance in an unheard of situation believable. Lots of action + smoking hot romance + close-knit friends = a good BKI story! Of course, all the people I’ve grown to love in the Black Knights world were involved in the usual mayhem, making me smile even when the tensions were high. I’m saddened to think this is the end of BKI, but excited for the hint of things to come.
*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/2yCfPYd
Amazon Series Link https://amzn.to/2lNRcP1
✦Black Knights Inc. Series by Julie Ann Walker✦
Amazon Series Link https://amzn.to/2lNRcP1
✦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
✦10. FUEL THE FIRE ➢ http://amzn.to/2qo8SVn | Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-96o
✦11. HOT PURSUIT ➢ http://amzn.to/2we680h | Review 4.5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-9VH
✦12. BUILT TO LAST ➢ http://amzn.to/2yTUllC
June 26, 2018
My Review:
*eeps* The final book in the series? I'm not sure I can live without the BKI guys in my life, but luckily there was a hint at the end that there might be more to come. *crossing fingers*
Angel is probably the most elusive of the BKI guys. No one knows the real story about his history, and when it comes out in this book...man, it's crazy. But the one person who knew Angel before his world become complicated and dangerous and impossible...was Sonya. She still mourns the man that died 10 years ago...and throughout most this book she doesn't know that Angel is that man.
Gah, it's so good. The build-up and the suspense for when she'll find out is intense. But the payoff when that happens is worth the wait. Seriously, this book is so good. And that's before you get to all the side stories that are happening alongside the main romance.
The team are finally close to taking down the bad guy they've been after for several books. There's another side romance that I adored between Rusty and Ace. Gah, those two guys...their romantic payoff was incredible, too.
It was just the perfect ending for the series (that I hope isn't truly ending and is spawning off in a side series). But regardless, this particular story was fantastic. The action was non-stop from page one. And yes, there were a lot of things going on, but never once did I get impatient when we switched POV characters because all of them had great scenes happening. I just couldn't read it all fast enough...at the same time, I never wanted the book to end.
This has been an incredible series and Julie Ann Walker ended it with perfection. I loved this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest and voluntary review.
*eeps* The final book in the series? I'm not sure I can live without the BKI guys in my life, but luckily there was a hint at the end that there might be more to come. *crossing fingers*
Angel is probably the most elusive of the BKI guys. No one knows the real story about his history, and when it comes out in this book...man, it's crazy. But the one person who knew Angel before his world become complicated and dangerous and impossible...was Sonya. She still mourns the man that died 10 years ago...and throughout most this book she doesn't know that Angel is that man.
Gah, it's so good. The build-up and the suspense for when she'll find out is intense. But the payoff when that happens is worth the wait. Seriously, this book is so good. And that's before you get to all the side stories that are happening alongside the main romance.
The team are finally close to taking down the bad guy they've been after for several books. There's another side romance that I adored between Rusty and Ace. Gah, those two guys...their romantic payoff was incredible, too.
It was just the perfect ending for the series (that I hope isn't truly ending and is spawning off in a side series). But regardless, this particular story was fantastic. The action was non-stop from page one. And yes, there were a lot of things going on, but never once did I get impatient when we switched POV characters because all of them had great scenes happening. I just couldn't read it all fast enough...at the same time, I never wanted the book to end.
This has been an incredible series and Julie Ann Walker ended it with perfection. I loved this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest and voluntary review.
July 14, 2018
NONONONONONONONONONO!!!!! I'm not ready for it to be over.
I know some people get fed up. NOT ME!!! I want more, so much more. I can't even remember the very first time I picked up the first Black Nights Inc story it was so long ago. Yet it seems so hard to believe that this is it for them. Yes I know there is a sort of spin off but quite frankly I feel like I'm mourning the loss of them already. I'm just not ready for this.
Angels story has held a giant question mark for so long. Who is this man? What used to be of his past life? What makes him tick?. So many freaking questions surrounding this tall dark and deadly beautiful specimen straight from the pits of hell because surly it's a sin to be that fucking delicious right?.
Hells balls this book is straight up a miracle / gigantoz mind fuck. Angel and Sonya's story is a second chance romance with a giant twist. What's the twist you ask? Well.. I'm not telling but it definitely makes this second chance romance a unique one.
This isn't an easy one. It's bittersweet and painful. My heart broke for the love Sonya could never forget and the sacrifices Angel made to protect others. The chemistry, the connection everything was on point. Raw, believable the emotion pours out of this story.
The side characters add so much goodness to the story. I love them all. They are one big dysfunctional family getting up to all kinds of hilariously outrageous shenanigans. The banter had me laughing so much. The depth of emotion that pours out between them all is palpable. It crazy but they all make the story. And WTF Rusty and Ace!!!! why don't they have their own book!. I'm devastated because I want more of them.
Crazy. Suspenseful, action packed, dramatic, secretive, heartbreaking, witty and sensual all at once. It's a rollercoaster of emotions quite literally and what a ride it is. The chemistry, the emotion and what is essentially the finale wasn't just outstanding but also very bittersweet. Tied up in a tight little bow this author has managed to spin us wonderful tales of crazy outrageous adventures with some of the best characters ever in a well thought out and masterfully executed series that has brought me as a reader so much!!. It seamlessly fits in and finished everything off perfectly answering all the unanswered questions but of course leaving us with a little breadcrumb trail of what's in the future.
This in my opinion is not a standalone. Every story is interlinking so to get maximum affect you have to read them all. It's not a hardship trust me on that. Angel was the perfect ending to it all and whilst the greedy book monster in me wants more his story didn't disappoint. She did it again!!! Made me laugh cry and have my heart bursting with so much happy. I can't wait to see what becomes of The Deep Six
I kindly received this ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I know some people get fed up. NOT ME!!! I want more, so much more. I can't even remember the very first time I picked up the first Black Nights Inc story it was so long ago. Yet it seems so hard to believe that this is it for them. Yes I know there is a sort of spin off but quite frankly I feel like I'm mourning the loss of them already. I'm just not ready for this.
Angels story has held a giant question mark for so long. Who is this man? What used to be of his past life? What makes him tick?. So many freaking questions surrounding this tall dark and deadly beautiful specimen straight from the pits of hell because surly it's a sin to be that fucking delicious right?.
Hells balls this book is straight up a miracle / gigantoz mind fuck. Angel and Sonya's story is a second chance romance with a giant twist. What's the twist you ask? Well.. I'm not telling but it definitely makes this second chance romance a unique one.
This isn't an easy one. It's bittersweet and painful. My heart broke for the love Sonya could never forget and the sacrifices Angel made to protect others. The chemistry, the connection everything was on point. Raw, believable the emotion pours out of this story.
The side characters add so much goodness to the story. I love them all. They are one big dysfunctional family getting up to all kinds of hilariously outrageous shenanigans. The banter had me laughing so much. The depth of emotion that pours out between them all is palpable. It crazy but they all make the story. And WTF Rusty and Ace!!!! why don't they have their own book!. I'm devastated because I want more of them.
Crazy. Suspenseful, action packed, dramatic, secretive, heartbreaking, witty and sensual all at once. It's a rollercoaster of emotions quite literally and what a ride it is. The chemistry, the emotion and what is essentially the finale wasn't just outstanding but also very bittersweet. Tied up in a tight little bow this author has managed to spin us wonderful tales of crazy outrageous adventures with some of the best characters ever in a well thought out and masterfully executed series that has brought me as a reader so much!!. It seamlessly fits in and finished everything off perfectly answering all the unanswered questions but of course leaving us with a little breadcrumb trail of what's in the future.
This in my opinion is not a standalone. Every story is interlinking so to get maximum affect you have to read them all. It's not a hardship trust me on that. Angel was the perfect ending to it all and whilst the greedy book monster in me wants more his story didn't disappoint. She did it again!!! Made me laugh cry and have my heart bursting with so much happy. I can't wait to see what becomes of The Deep Six
I kindly received this ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2018
Built to Last is the final book in Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights Inc. Series. I have read several of these books but not all of them. Consequently, they can be read as standalones. She always gives enough backstory throughout the book so you don’t feel like you missed that much. Built to Last focuses on the most mysterious and lethal member of Black Knights Inc. His name is Jamin “Angel” Agassi or at least that’s one of his names. Throughout the underworld, Angel is known as the Prince of Shadows and he is someone that everyone respects and fears.
As with all of the other books, the main focus is about a romance between a BKI member and another unlikely love interest. This time, the sparks fly between Angel and Sonya Butler who is a former Interpol agent. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there is a possibility that these two have a connection that is much deeper than should be possible. More importantly, their physical connection will definitely burn through the pages. In addition, there is a good amount of action and espionage that is the cornerstone of each book as well. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment as you watch Angel and Sonya try to figure each other out while trying to stay one step ahead of a common enemy named Lord Grafton who has them both under his thumb.
I really enjoyed Built to Last. There is a large cast of characters as other members of BKI make multiple appearances. There is plenty of action and adventure and the main plotline will keep you on the edge of your seat as you wonder when the biggest secret of all is finally revealed. This is a fitting end to the series and the best book of all of the ones I have read. Sadly, the big secret makes it very difficult for me to really discuss the book without spoiling it. Built to Last is a perfectly balanced book and I hope Julie Ann creates a similar series in the future.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
As with all of the other books, the main focus is about a romance between a BKI member and another unlikely love interest. This time, the sparks fly between Angel and Sonya Butler who is a former Interpol agent. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there is a possibility that these two have a connection that is much deeper than should be possible. More importantly, their physical connection will definitely burn through the pages. In addition, there is a good amount of action and espionage that is the cornerstone of each book as well. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment as you watch Angel and Sonya try to figure each other out while trying to stay one step ahead of a common enemy named Lord Grafton who has them both under his thumb.
I really enjoyed Built to Last. There is a large cast of characters as other members of BKI make multiple appearances. There is plenty of action and adventure and the main plotline will keep you on the edge of your seat as you wonder when the biggest secret of all is finally revealed. This is a fitting end to the series and the best book of all of the ones I have read. Sadly, the big secret makes it very difficult for me to really discuss the book without spoiling it. Built to Last is a perfectly balanced book and I hope Julie Ann creates a similar series in the future.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
June 18, 2018
4.5 Stars
Wow! What a way to close out a series! I have loved the men of the BKI since book 1. All the intrigue, the action, the romance. Watching all the men meet their HEA has been a lot of fun. Now, we get the final chapter. Along with Angel and Sonya's story, we also get the wrap up of the story arc of Spider--world renowned super villian.
It was a delight to read. All the little pieces fell into place. Light humor thrown in to take off some of the tension with the action. Loved seeing all the team together. And of course--the epilogue...sigh....I wish Ace and Rusty had their own book---maybe a future novella??? Regardless, great series and a wonderful set of characters.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Wow! What a way to close out a series! I have loved the men of the BKI since book 1. All the intrigue, the action, the romance. Watching all the men meet their HEA has been a lot of fun. Now, we get the final chapter. Along with Angel and Sonya's story, we also get the wrap up of the story arc of Spider--world renowned super villian.
It was a delight to read. All the little pieces fell into place. Light humor thrown in to take off some of the tension with the action. Loved seeing all the team together. And of course--the epilogue...sigh....I wish Ace and Rusty had their own book---maybe a future novella??? Regardless, great series and a wonderful set of characters.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Want to read
March 20, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/20/2018)!💝
September 19, 2019
njam
svi Black Knights su definicija savršenstva
svi Black Knights su definicija savršenstva
June 2, 2018
For the last book in this series I'm a bit underwhelmed with this one. I really had a hard time buying into the attraction/relationship between Sonya and Angel. Part of that is I find it hard to believe that Mark would walk away from the woman he loved to go into an undercover mission that he expected to die in. Another part that I had issue with is how after he lives he never sought out Sonya when he was finally free, yet when he encountered her now he was all in again. That seems at odds.
I was glad that the guys caught the Spider, loved how the whole crew took him down. I feel like Ace and Rusty got shorted on their romance. I was actually more interested in how things ended up with them, happy to see how things worked out for them. Rusty's parents were so funny!
But even with my issues, I liked how this one ended. I look forward to reading the spin off series and to see our characters mentor a new bunch.
I was glad that the guys caught the Spider, loved how the whole crew took him down. I feel like Ace and Rusty got shorted on their romance. I was actually more interested in how things ended up with them, happy to see how things worked out for them. Rusty's parents were so funny!
But even with my issues, I liked how this one ended. I look forward to reading the spin off series and to see our characters mentor a new bunch.
February 28, 2021
Не исках поредицата да приключва! Всички рицари са уникални и определено ще си препрочета някои от тях.
Любовта между Ейнджъл и Соня е епична, но прекалено лесно му беше простено. Той е избрал работата си пред нея преди 10 години, опитал се е да продължи с други жени... Могъл е да я потърси много по-рано, но не го е направил.
Епилога с всички двойки беше страхотен.
Любовта между Ейнджъл и Соня е епична, но прекалено лесно му беше простено. Той е избрал работата си пред нея преди 10 години, опитал се е да продължи с други жени... Могъл е да я потърси много по-рано, но не го е направил.
Епилога с всички двойки беше страхотен.
June 30, 2018
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 3, 3018
Masterful, mysterious, and completely ruthless, Jamin “Angel” Agassi joined the Black Knights Inc. after a mission-gone-wrong forced him to undergo extensive plastic surgery and change his name. He's going to bring down the world's worst crime syndicate, and hopefully keep Sonya Butler, a love from his past, from discovering who he really is...
When a dark-eyed stranger gets caught up in Sonya’s latest mission, she starts to question all her hard-won instincts. Something about Angel tells her he's more than he seems, and sometimes, when she least expects it, he reminds her of a man she used to know. As the bullets fly, she realizes that in love and war nothing is ever what it seems
••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-- BUILT TO LAST is the twelfth and final instalment 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 and fronted by a custom motorcycle shop in Chicago known as Black Knights Inc. This is assassin Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, and thirty-two year old Interpol agent Sonya Butler’s story line. BUILT TO LAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in orders, especially the last few instalments, as there is an ongoing premise focusing on a terrorist known as ‘The Spider’.
Told from several third person points of view including Angel and Sonya BUILT TO LAST follows the rekindling romance between Interpol agent Sonya Butler and assassin Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, a man who is familiar to our heroine yet not. Ten years earlier, Sonya Butler saw her lover murdered trying to take down a bomber, and in the ensuing time has continued to grieve and never moved on. Fast forward to present day wherein Sonya will come face to face with a man, although unrecognizable, reminds our heroine of the love she has lost. Enter Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, Sonya’s former lover, and the man that will once again, destroy her heart. What ensues is the (re)building relationship between Angel and Sonya, as our couple unknowingly work together to stop the man they have come to know as ‘The Spider’.
Angel is an assassin, known as the Prince of Shadows, an assassin feared by all. Ten years under cover with an assumed identity finds Angel struggling to keep his secret from the woman he loves. Two weeks in her presence, and Angel battles both his attraction to, and the questionable circumstances under which, our heroine now finds herself working for the terrorist known as The Spider. Not only does Angel have secrets to hide but Sonya’s secrets are soon to be revealed.
Throughout the last few instalments there has been a building relationship between Colby ‘Ace’ Ventura and Rusty Parker. Their ongoing attraction to one another is stifled by Rusty’s inability to come out of the proverbial closet, a closet hindered by his family’s deep –rooted religious beliefs. A life and death situation opens his heart such that Rusty must come clean to the people he loves.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples-some by cameo, updates or offhand mention. The author ‘introduces’ six new warriors who have been assigned to the BKI team-here’s hoping for a new spin-off.
BUILT TO LAST is a story of betrayal and vengeance; family and forgiveness; love and a happily ever after. The premise is intriguing, action packed and entertaining; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are dynamic and charismatic. Julie Ann Walker’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC is an edgy, sassy and intelligent series with lovable heroes, and brilliant heroines.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 3, 3018
Masterful, mysterious, and completely ruthless, Jamin “Angel” Agassi joined the Black Knights Inc. after a mission-gone-wrong forced him to undergo extensive plastic surgery and change his name. He's going to bring down the world's worst crime syndicate, and hopefully keep Sonya Butler, a love from his past, from discovering who he really is...
When a dark-eyed stranger gets caught up in Sonya’s latest mission, she starts to question all her hard-won instincts. Something about Angel tells her he's more than he seems, and sometimes, when she least expects it, he reminds her of a man she used to know. As the bullets fly, she realizes that in love and war nothing is ever what it seems
••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-- BUILT TO LAST is the twelfth and final instalment 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 and fronted by a custom motorcycle shop in Chicago known as Black Knights Inc. This is assassin Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, and thirty-two year old Interpol agent Sonya Butler’s story line. BUILT TO LAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in orders, especially the last few instalments, as there is an ongoing premise focusing on a terrorist known as ‘The Spider’.
Told from several third person points of view including Angel and Sonya BUILT TO LAST follows the rekindling romance between Interpol agent Sonya Butler and assassin Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, a man who is familiar to our heroine yet not. Ten years earlier, Sonya Butler saw her lover murdered trying to take down a bomber, and in the ensuing time has continued to grieve and never moved on. Fast forward to present day wherein Sonya will come face to face with a man, although unrecognizable, reminds our heroine of the love she has lost. Enter Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, Sonya’s former lover, and the man that will once again, destroy her heart. What ensues is the (re)building relationship between Angel and Sonya, as our couple unknowingly work together to stop the man they have come to know as ‘The Spider’.
Angel is an assassin, known as the Prince of Shadows, an assassin feared by all. Ten years under cover with an assumed identity finds Angel struggling to keep his secret from the woman he loves. Two weeks in her presence, and Angel battles both his attraction to, and the questionable circumstances under which, our heroine now finds herself working for the terrorist known as The Spider. Not only does Angel have secrets to hide but Sonya’s secrets are soon to be revealed.
Throughout the last few instalments there has been a building relationship between Colby ‘Ace’ Ventura and Rusty Parker. Their ongoing attraction to one another is stifled by Rusty’s inability to come out of the proverbial closet, a closet hindered by his family’s deep –rooted religious beliefs. A life and death situation opens his heart such that Rusty must come clean to the people he loves.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples-some by cameo, updates or offhand mention. The author ‘introduces’ six new warriors who have been assigned to the BKI team-here’s hoping for a new spin-off.
BUILT TO LAST is a story of betrayal and vengeance; family and forgiveness; love and a happily ever after. The premise is intriguing, action packed and entertaining; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are dynamic and charismatic. Julie Ann Walker’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC is an edgy, sassy and intelligent series with lovable heroes, and brilliant heroines.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 12, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Stark black and white composition of cover subject. Hot pink and white fonts are bold and eye-catching. As a long-time fan of this series and author, I barely cast a glance at the synopsis anymore other than to see which character is getting his or her story told.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third person
Setting: Mostly outside the US; England, France, Moldova, Some US; Chicago.
It was the chemistry of the crew combined with the elemental complexity of the environment that Ms. Walker had created that always had drawn me to her books.
However, the first third of book 12 - showcasing the least-featured member of BKI, Angel, felt different. It's a little hard to explain, but it felt thicker and heavier like I had to slog through knee-deep mud to get to the good stuff. Maybe this was because so little was known of Angel prior to this. Maybe it was the lack of the other BKI crew members. Maybe it was because they bounced from present to past tense. I do not know what caused the early-on discontent with this story. Once I hit the 40% mark, things began rolling along like a book I'd expect from Ms Walker, so this discontent did not last.
Angel and Sonya are a second-chance spy-thriller love story that commands 75% of the plot. A secondary love story plays out between two characters that have been in the background for the past two books, "Ace" and Rusty.
I felt like the plot was not as complex as previous books, maybe due to all the flashbacks to the past and dual loveline story-telling. But it was still a good read. The main conflicts could have been easily avoided with some honest and open communication, for both of the couples, really. But they chose to hold back until they nearly lost their loved ones before putting on their mature, brave face. Typical romance.
The conclusion was solid enough, wrapping up the series and hinting to an expansion pack or spin-off in the future, however, I am hoping that with the closure of BKI, we'll see more of the Deep Six series that had been set aside.
As always, I enjoy reading Julie Ann Walker's books. Her way of weaving a story is entertaining, thrilling, and tangible. I would not consider this to be a stand-alone book and highly suggest this series be read in order as to avoid spoilers from one to the other.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Stark black and white composition of cover subject. Hot pink and white fonts are bold and eye-catching. As a long-time fan of this series and author, I barely cast a glance at the synopsis anymore other than to see which character is getting his or her story told.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third person
Setting: Mostly outside the US; England, France, Moldova, Some US; Chicago.
It was the chemistry of the crew combined with the elemental complexity of the environment that Ms. Walker had created that always had drawn me to her books.
However, the first third of book 12 - showcasing the least-featured member of BKI, Angel, felt different. It's a little hard to explain, but it felt thicker and heavier like I had to slog through knee-deep mud to get to the good stuff. Maybe this was because so little was known of Angel prior to this. Maybe it was the lack of the other BKI crew members. Maybe it was because they bounced from present to past tense. I do not know what caused the early-on discontent with this story. Once I hit the 40% mark, things began rolling along like a book I'd expect from Ms Walker, so this discontent did not last.
Angel and Sonya are a second-chance spy-thriller love story that commands 75% of the plot. A secondary love story plays out between two characters that have been in the background for the past two books, "Ace" and Rusty.
I felt like the plot was not as complex as previous books, maybe due to all the flashbacks to the past and dual loveline story-telling. But it was still a good read. The main conflicts could have been easily avoided with some honest and open communication, for both of the couples, really. But they chose to hold back until they nearly lost their loved ones before putting on their mature, brave face. Typical romance.
The conclusion was solid enough, wrapping up the series and hinting to an expansion pack or spin-off in the future, however, I am hoping that with the closure of BKI, we'll see more of the Deep Six series that had been set aside.
As always, I enjoy reading Julie Ann Walker's books. Her way of weaving a story is entertaining, thrilling, and tangible. I would not consider this to be a stand-alone book and highly suggest this series be read in order as to avoid spoilers from one to the other.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
June 24, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Built to Last is the final instalment of the Black Knight Inc and it gives us Angel’s story. It is a pretty unique second chance love story among the usually, action, danger and catching bad guys we’ve come to know and love with this series.
Angel and Sonya cross paths for the first time in 10 years when Angel is “captured” by the criminal mastermind known as the Spider. Angel himself is a pretty cool, calm and collected guy even if he is a little scary. When I learned what he has given up for the greater good and to save the world I wanted nothing more than for him to have his happy ending with Sonya, who we learn is a good woman.
We also get a second romance between Ace and Rusty who are dancing around each other. The two men provide us a good dose of verbal sparing as we wait for them to get their act together.
I loved the two romances combined with the action which is great too. I loved watching Angel, Sonya, Ace, Rusty and the Black Knight Inc team bring down the biggest of the big bad guys. I had fun with the danger and life or death situations and seeing the good guys win in a way you only can when such situations are functional.
But I think my favourite thing about Built to Last is we get to learn where to next for each of the Black Knights Inc couples we’ve met over the years and I thought the finale was perfect. It has been a pleasure reading this series and I’m going to miss these guys and gals.
Built to Last is the final instalment of the Black Knight Inc and it gives us Angel’s story. It is a pretty unique second chance love story among the usually, action, danger and catching bad guys we’ve come to know and love with this series.
Angel and Sonya cross paths for the first time in 10 years when Angel is “captured” by the criminal mastermind known as the Spider. Angel himself is a pretty cool, calm and collected guy even if he is a little scary. When I learned what he has given up for the greater good and to save the world I wanted nothing more than for him to have his happy ending with Sonya, who we learn is a good woman.
We also get a second romance between Ace and Rusty who are dancing around each other. The two men provide us a good dose of verbal sparing as we wait for them to get their act together.
I loved the two romances combined with the action which is great too. I loved watching Angel, Sonya, Ace, Rusty and the Black Knight Inc team bring down the biggest of the big bad guys. I had fun with the danger and life or death situations and seeing the good guys win in a way you only can when such situations are functional.
But I think my favourite thing about Built to Last is we get to learn where to next for each of the Black Knights Inc couples we’ve met over the years and I thought the finale was perfect. It has been a pleasure reading this series and I’m going to miss these guys and gals.
June 23, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the twelfth and I suspect final book in the series (even if I wish it weren’t true!). You most definitely should read them all and read then in order. However I would suggest that you have some light reading in between as these are high speed, full on books which take all your energy and adrenaline. The plot flowing through all the books has been brilliant and the romances have been SUPER hot each and every time. I think these would make an amazing set of films.
In this book Angel gets his HEA - which is somewhat unexpected, but absolutely the most romantic, sad, moving, intense story - and actually so do Ace and Rusty .... finally.
As we learn about his background and find the only woman he ever loved is mixed up with “Spider” it is all a bit of a shock, but obviously the layers are hidden and interwoven so who really knows what’s what ! Sonya is certain that she’s met someone special, but in the completely wrong setting. The fact that she is reminded constantly of Mark, her first love, is not helping.
As we see everything unravel, we can only be patient as the strands of the story reform and BKI brings order to chaos. Such a wonderful ending to a really excellent series. Most definitely on my reread list, but I reckon even second time around I will be worrying about them all!
This is the twelfth and I suspect final book in the series (even if I wish it weren’t true!). You most definitely should read them all and read then in order. However I would suggest that you have some light reading in between as these are high speed, full on books which take all your energy and adrenaline. The plot flowing through all the books has been brilliant and the romances have been SUPER hot each and every time. I think these would make an amazing set of films.
In this book Angel gets his HEA - which is somewhat unexpected, but absolutely the most romantic, sad, moving, intense story - and actually so do Ace and Rusty .... finally.
As we learn about his background and find the only woman he ever loved is mixed up with “Spider” it is all a bit of a shock, but obviously the layers are hidden and interwoven so who really knows what’s what ! Sonya is certain that she’s met someone special, but in the completely wrong setting. The fact that she is reminded constantly of Mark, her first love, is not helping.
As we see everything unravel, we can only be patient as the strands of the story reform and BKI brings order to chaos. Such a wonderful ending to a really excellent series. Most definitely on my reread list, but I reckon even second time around I will be worrying about them all!
April 28, 2018
Angel has been the guy in the shadows for a few books now and going into his story, I had no clue what to expect, but I loved every moment of this thrill ride! He was full of secrets and oh man, what secrets they were! I seriously liked Angel more than I expected to. Even when he was an idiot. Because he never thought years down the road he would question what it meant to leave somebody he loved behind. Also the whole keeping things secret? Yeah...that made me just want to smack some sense into his stubborn self! I’m literally sitting here like dude...just tell Sonya the truth!
And Sonya..I think she was a good fit for Angel. She was smart, wore her feelings on her sleeve and was quite blunt, sometimes comically so, but she pulled Angel out of the emotional shell he encased himself in and the transformation caused a couple of heart-stopping, smiley face moments for me.
Of course, like every other BKI story there’s the requisite action and sexy times, more action and one or two ‘hell no!’ moments where I thought I was going to be throwing my book across the room!! The rest of the BKI team also get some rather sweet wrap-ups giving this reader plenty of closure to what has been one of my favorite romantic suspense series in a long while!
And that ending...oy!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And Sonya..I think she was a good fit for Angel. She was smart, wore her feelings on her sleeve and was quite blunt, sometimes comically so, but she pulled Angel out of the emotional shell he encased himself in and the transformation caused a couple of heart-stopping, smiley face moments for me.
Of course, like every other BKI story there’s the requisite action and sexy times, more action and one or two ‘hell no!’ moments where I thought I was going to be throwing my book across the room!! The rest of the BKI team also get some rather sweet wrap-ups giving this reader plenty of closure to what has been one of my favorite romantic suspense series in a long while!
And that ending...oy!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Since I had only found this series with the last book and love it, I knew I wanted to read this one too.
Sonya Butler is trapped with the world's worst criminal mastermind and she can't believe she is stuck there. But he has evidence against her that could ruin her for good. So she has to bite her tongue and wait until she gets free. When Spider, the criminal, has Jamin “Angel” Agassi sitting at his desk and wanting him to steal for him, Sonya can't believe her eyes when she sees a picture of who he used to look like. Could it be possible he was, or just a carbon copy of the man she loved 10 years ago?
Jamin “Angel” Agassi works with the Black Knight Inc. and now he is undercover to help capture Spider. The man responsible for a lot of bad things happening on the dark web. Angel has let himself get captured to infiltrate Spiders compound and can't believe his eyes when he sees Sonya standing beside Spider. She can't work for him because when he knew her 10 years ago, that wasn't the Sonya he knew.
Can Angel rescue Sonya and capture Spider? Will Sonya find out who Angel really is? Can Angel and Sonya move from the feels of hurt and past to have a future? Will they both survive Spider when he finds out who they really are?
I love a good romantic suspense and this series has all the feels and suspense to make it a great story. I have to make time to read the rest of the series soon. If you are looking for a great romantic suspense, I recommend this one but would suggest starting from the beginning, I know I have missed so much just reading the last two. So grab them and enjoy!
Since I had only found this series with the last book and love it, I knew I wanted to read this one too.
Sonya Butler is trapped with the world's worst criminal mastermind and she can't believe she is stuck there. But he has evidence against her that could ruin her for good. So she has to bite her tongue and wait until she gets free. When Spider, the criminal, has Jamin “Angel” Agassi sitting at his desk and wanting him to steal for him, Sonya can't believe her eyes when she sees a picture of who he used to look like. Could it be possible he was, or just a carbon copy of the man she loved 10 years ago?
Jamin “Angel” Agassi works with the Black Knight Inc. and now he is undercover to help capture Spider. The man responsible for a lot of bad things happening on the dark web. Angel has let himself get captured to infiltrate Spiders compound and can't believe his eyes when he sees Sonya standing beside Spider. She can't work for him because when he knew her 10 years ago, that wasn't the Sonya he knew.
Can Angel rescue Sonya and capture Spider? Will Sonya find out who Angel really is? Can Angel and Sonya move from the feels of hurt and past to have a future? Will they both survive Spider when he finds out who they really are?
I love a good romantic suspense and this series has all the feels and suspense to make it a great story. I have to make time to read the rest of the series soon. If you are looking for a great romantic suspense, I recommend this one but would suggest starting from the beginning, I know I have missed so much just reading the last two. So grab them and enjoy!
June 27, 2018
I just love these Black Knight boys! Built to Last might have been my favorite of the series so far just because it’s action packed from page one to the final page and I loved it!
Angel is a Black Knights operative gone undercover to capture Spider, a man who has been haunting his team for a long time. Angel was an operative in his “previous life” who had extensive facial reconstruction surgery to take on a new identity – as Angel. This mission is hitting especially close to home for him because his ex from that previous life seems to be Spiders Girl-Friday. Spider is blackmailing Sonya into working for him and she’s reluctant and sassy every step of the way. She also has an odd feeling she’s met Angel before – he reminds her so much her ex that she watched die…
I really loved that this book literally never has a dull moment, one scene to the next – I couldn’t put it down. As much as I loved Angel and Sonya, because they’re both amazing and so perfect for one another, I think my favorite part of this book was Rusty and Ace’s story – this book was almost a 2-for-1 deal and I loved it! Usually I’m not a huge fan (actually… I usually HATE) of authors flipping back and forth so much from one couple to another but Julie Ann Walker does a brilliant job with it in this book. I hope we’re set to get more from these BKI men!
Read and Reviewed for Wicked Reads!
Angel is a Black Knights operative gone undercover to capture Spider, a man who has been haunting his team for a long time. Angel was an operative in his “previous life” who had extensive facial reconstruction surgery to take on a new identity – as Angel. This mission is hitting especially close to home for him because his ex from that previous life seems to be Spiders Girl-Friday. Spider is blackmailing Sonya into working for him and she’s reluctant and sassy every step of the way. She also has an odd feeling she’s met Angel before – he reminds her so much her ex that she watched die…
I really loved that this book literally never has a dull moment, one scene to the next – I couldn’t put it down. As much as I loved Angel and Sonya, because they’re both amazing and so perfect for one another, I think my favorite part of this book was Rusty and Ace’s story – this book was almost a 2-for-1 deal and I loved it! Usually I’m not a huge fan (actually… I usually HATE) of authors flipping back and forth so much from one couple to another but Julie Ann Walker does a brilliant job with it in this book. I hope we’re set to get more from these BKI men!
Read and Reviewed for Wicked Reads!
April 27, 2018
The final book in the Black Knight series finally gives us Jamin “Angel” Agassi's story - a man who has had to change his appearance multiple times along with his name all for his country. His background has always been shrouded in mystery and now we learn that he sacrificed true love for his country over ten years ago.
Through out the series the team has been trying to find a international terrorist who is part of a large crime syndicate known as Spider. After years of searching they have finally found him and Angel goes in undercover only to find out that the Interpol agent he loved and made believed that he died is Spider's right hand woman. What he doesn't know is she is deep undercover like he is but with all of his surgeries to change his appearance over the years she doesn't know that he is he man she fell in love with a decade ago and has been mourning ever since.
Lots of angst and suspense with this part of the story. Along with that the author also brings to conclusion Ace and Rusty's story though not without its own fare share of turmoil and angst and even some humor – Rusty's mom is a hoot. This being the last of THIS series the author gave a great wrap up each of the 13 couples and what they would be doing now that BK is no more.. Been a great ride...
Through out the series the team has been trying to find a international terrorist who is part of a large crime syndicate known as Spider. After years of searching they have finally found him and Angel goes in undercover only to find out that the Interpol agent he loved and made believed that he died is Spider's right hand woman. What he doesn't know is she is deep undercover like he is but with all of his surgeries to change his appearance over the years she doesn't know that he is he man she fell in love with a decade ago and has been mourning ever since.
Lots of angst and suspense with this part of the story. Along with that the author also brings to conclusion Ace and Rusty's story though not without its own fare share of turmoil and angst and even some humor – Rusty's mom is a hoot. This being the last of THIS series the author gave a great wrap up each of the 13 couples and what they would be doing now that BK is no more.. Been a great ride...
May 30, 2018
In Built to Last, the 12th and final installment in Julie Anne Walker’s, Black Knights Inc. series we get not only Sonya and Angel’s story but a summation of where everyone else ends up as well. This book can be read by itself but the reader will get a lot more out of it if they’ve read the series. Having read only three or four of the series, I sometimes felt a little lost with the supporting characters.
Sonya has never gotten over her first and only great love, Mark. She’s spent 10 years mourning him and reliving watching him be murdered. Angel’s had his entire appearance changed and his voice altered to erase any clue to his original identity. Both find themselves deep undercover in the operation of the notorious “Spider”.
Angel immediately recognizes his one true love when their paths cross again but he too easily believes her cover story which includes losing her career protecting a lover. He’s hurt that she doesn’t appear to have mourned him the way he did her. He’s angry and disinclined to get close to her again at first but soon decides he wants her but wants her to love the man he’s become, not just the man he was.
Sonya has no reason to think Angel is her lost love Mark but she sees similarities. It can’t be him though, can it?
The two are working hard, separately, to bring down one of the world’s worse criminal masterminds. Not an easy task. Soon the two are on the run and falling back together because, of course, no great love will ever be denied!
It was also good to get more of the story between Rusty and Ace. A frightening tragedy finally brings them together in a touching way.
Walker’s writing is full of great characters and well-timed suspense and I really like the clever phrases she comes up with. The book and what I’ve read of the series are solid, enjoyable choices to add to your “to be read” list.
Sonya has never gotten over her first and only great love, Mark. She’s spent 10 years mourning him and reliving watching him be murdered. Angel’s had his entire appearance changed and his voice altered to erase any clue to his original identity. Both find themselves deep undercover in the operation of the notorious “Spider”.
Angel immediately recognizes his one true love when their paths cross again but he too easily believes her cover story which includes losing her career protecting a lover. He’s hurt that she doesn’t appear to have mourned him the way he did her. He’s angry and disinclined to get close to her again at first but soon decides he wants her but wants her to love the man he’s become, not just the man he was.
Sonya has no reason to think Angel is her lost love Mark but she sees similarities. It can’t be him though, can it?
The two are working hard, separately, to bring down one of the world’s worse criminal masterminds. Not an easy task. Soon the two are on the run and falling back together because, of course, no great love will ever be denied!
It was also good to get more of the story between Rusty and Ace. A frightening tragedy finally brings them together in a touching way.
Walker’s writing is full of great characters and well-timed suspense and I really like the clever phrases she comes up with. The book and what I’ve read of the series are solid, enjoyable choices to add to your “to be read” list.
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