Book Review: Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker

Title: Thrill Ride
Series: Black Knights, Inc., Book 4
Author: Julie Ann Walker
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: April 2, 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

He's Gone Rogue
Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won't Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist
very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…

Why I Read this Book: I’ve been enjoying this series since book one. Julie Ann Walker writes great romantic suspense with a good blend between both genres. There was a definite attraction between Rock and Vanessa in Rev It Up, and I couldn’t wait to read their story.

What I Liked: I heart Rock. He's an honorable, selfless guy who'll do anything to protect the ones he loves, including the BKI crew. He refuses to let anyone else take the downfall for something that he feels he's responsible for; he’ll go down for it by himself, if that’s what it comes down to. Rock is a complex character, complete with a cryptic past, and readers will get to see some of these layers get pulled back in Thrill Ride. There's something about Rock that reminds me about Huck’s character from the TV series Scandal. (I heart Huck as well.) And while Rock was front and center for me in this book, Vanessa was great too. She wasn’t vain in the slightest. There’s a part where her beauty must be sacrificed and she doesn’t blink an eye.

Thrill Ride is different from the other books in this series, being that it didn’t take place at the BKI Headquarters. It has an exotic setting in Costa Rica. The main story arc was pretty intricate and complex. A lot of components had to come together to complete the puzzle. And even though there are serious parts, like Rock’s life being in grave danger, there were many funny moments as well that help lighten the mood. Like the plethora of vibrators. OMG that was hilarious!

There was a nice dose of Billy and Eve in Thrill Ride. I cannot wait for their book. So much tension!! And boy, is there history there. I needed their book like yesterday.

What I Didn’t Like: There was a lack of reasoning for something in regards to Rock’s second job (being vague here to avoid any spoilers), something I don’t understand and it bugged me.

Memorable Moment:

“Because while I have no doubt I could give you the thrill ride of your life, I can guarantee that’s all it’ll be. You see, ma belle, no matter what, you can’t let yourself fall in love with me.”

Overall Impression: Thrill ride was a good read, even though there were a few times it didn't firmly hold my attention. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series, and hope it’s Billy and Eve’s book.

Brianna’s Rating:
4 Frogs