Title: Hell on Wheels
Series: Black Knights, Inc., #1
Author: Julie Ann Walker
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: NetGalley
Published: August 7, 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
He’s the bad boy she’s always wanted...Nate “Ghost” Weller has loved Ali Morgan nearly half his life. But he’s done something so heinous he’s convinced she’ll never forgive him if she discovers the truth, so he keeps his feelings and his secrets to himself. Then she blows into town with a mother lode of bad guys on her tail and Nate can’t deny she’s in serious trouble. Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can help her.
She’s the good girl he’s kept at arm’s length...
Ali knows Nate as the most solemn, aloof man on the planet. Sadly, he’s also the sexiest. For years she’s avoided him, unable to stomach his dark scowls and brooding silences… especially when she secretly yearns for his touch. Now she must rely on him to save her from the malevolent shadows ghosting her every move. When the bullets explode, so does their passion. But can love really conquer all? Or are some things just too terrible to forgive?
Why I Read this Book: When I first came across this series, the first thing that caught my eye were the covers. To me, they scream ROMANTIC SUSPENSE and I absolutely love this sub-genre. So naturally I read the synopsis and quickly added all three books to my wishlist.
What I Liked: I really liked Ali. She’s a no nonsense kind of gal. She’s reasonable, smart. She knows when to ask for help and knows when to let the pros come in and do their job. And I love how she knew there was more than meets the eye when it came to the inner workings of the custom bike shop.
There was a lot of focus on Becky and Frank, and the tension between them, and trust me when I say I’m not complaining. I looked forward to reading about them. He’s not feeling a May-December romance; it’s not a problem for her. Lots of sexual tension there. Give me thick, heavy tension (especially of the sexual kind) any day of the week so as long as there’s relief for said tension in sight. I’m totally looking forward to reading In Rides Trouble because it’s their book.
There’s a nice little twist involving Dagan’s character. I’m intrigued and I hope he gets some more page time in the upcoming novels.
I like the whole Black Knights, Inc. team. I want a book for every single team member. I’m not sure if this was meant to be just a trilogy or if the series will extend further. I’m hoping for the latter.
I am ever so grateful for whomever decided to release these books back to back. I hate waiting.
What I Didn’t Like: There were some acronyms that I didn’t get right away. Luckily for me, I was reading this book on my ereader with a built-in dictionary. Also there was some military jargon used that I wasn’t familiar with, which slowed my reading pace a bit.
Ali fell asleep riding on the back of a motorcycle, while it’s riding on the freeway. I’ve never ridden on a bike before but I just can’t comprehend this happening.
One part was a bit too gory for me. The author did a superb job at writing a vivid scene but for me, it was a little disturbing.
Why Patti? WHY?!! Why not Manus? That’s all I can say about that.
Memorable Moments:
Sufficiently lubricated, she didn’t trust herself not to attack him, tie him to the bed, and sit on his face.
“You harm on hair on Peanut’s head and I’ll change you from a rooster to a hen one night when you least expect it.”
Overall Impression: Hell on Wheels was an edgy and gritty romantic suspense read and I really liked it. I got a rush reading it. The writing was sharp and witty and I’m anxious to read the rest of this series. If you like black-op mercenaries, Harleys, and leather chaps then this book is for you.
Brianna’s Rating:
I currently have a giveaway going on for a print copy of this book! Hurry up and enter. Ends 8/16.
Great review! I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. The gory scene really sucked me into the book. I wasn't expecting the gory scene to be so graphic, and when I read it, I couldn't believe it! What an emotional roller coaster! I loved it!
ReplyDeleteFrank and Becky's tension has me really looking forward to the next book. Heck, I loved all the characters and can't wait for the rest of the series! Hopefully there is more of Dagan! I'm not really a cat person, but Peanut was a great addition to the book! One of my favorite parts was when the guy in the bar was flirting with Ali. Such great dialogue! This book had me laughing out loud so many times, but also nearly in tears too! Absolutely loved it!