Wild Ride - Julie Ann Walker

Wild Ride

By Julie Ann Walker

  • Release Date: 2017-04-04
  • Genre: Romantic Suspense
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 71 Ratings

Description

A USA Today Bestseller!

“This razor-sharp, sensual, and intriguing tale will get hearts pounding”—Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review

The hero we've all been waiting for…

Ethan "Ozzie" Sykes
Former Navy SEAL
Underground operator for Black Knights Inc., the covert government defense firm disguised as a custom motorcycle shop

In a black-on-black international mission that went seriously sideways, Ozzie was badly injured—now he's stuck at BKI headquarters in Chicago, champing at the bit to get out into the field again. To his disgust, he's tasked with distracting Chicago Tribune ace reporter Samantha Tate, who's been trying to dig up the dirt on BKI for years. Turns out Samantha's beauty, intelligence and sense of humor are a seriously big distraction, and Ozzie's losing his desire to keep her at bay.

Ozzie's tired of hiding, and Samantha may be the best—and worst—person to share his secrets with...

"A nail-biter from start to finish". —Publishers Weekly for Too Hard to Handle

Reviews

  • Open heart

    4
    By 2kasmom
    This is book #9, in the heart stopping Black Knights Inc. series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading this series in order. Ethan AKA "Ozzie" has been talking to a reporter. Shocker. With his good looks and brilliant mind, he could make literally any woman fall at his feet. So why this reporter? He is not entirely sure either. He only knows he likes that her mind works at full speed, and her look are not a turn off either. Samantha knows there is more going on at BKI, and she is determined to find out. She does not expect to feel the warmth of Ozzie's protection, or that it would make her want more. Will their friendship be over when he finds out she is on a story? This long awaited book was worth every page. I eagerly read this story and could not put the book down. It was just a great read from the heart-pounding start to finish!
  • Outstanding

    5
    By Xylanxante
    I enjoyed Ozzie and Samantha's story! I also I think Ozzie is adorable but what I enjoyed even more is how well written it is! I didn't find one editing mistake (pet peeve). The way the words flowed smoothly, like I didn't have to read a line 2 or 3 times to understand it. The descriptive words were not out of this lifetime type vocabulary. Amazing. The action was just enough, the hero/heroine balance was perfect, and the wit they both have. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
  • One of my favorites!

    5
    By Amy - So Many Reads
    Wow. Just wow. I absolutely l loved Ozzie and Samantha’s story! Wild Ride by Julie Ann Walker gives us everything the title states. Emotional highs and lows, drama, suspense, action, despair, and joy. All of those things are packaged into a story that will grip you from the first page all the way until you close the book. Since I am not able to read a book in one sitting, every night when I had the opportunity to sit and read I couldn’t wait. I would rush through the daily things that had to be done in order to spend time with Ozzie and Samantha. I love that in a book! I have read the first four books in the series and then jumped to this one (#9) and realize there is probably a lot more Ozzie I missed in past books that I can’t wait to go back and read about. He is a geeky, 80’s loving, hottie who has the biggest heart I have seen from a hero in a long time. Samantha knows how good Ozzie is and miscommunication and assumptions are what take their relationship on a rocky ride from friends to lovers to something else. Walker did a phenomenal job with the flirting and love scenes between Ozzie and Samantha. The feelings and descriptions of the scenes were so passionate and the interruptions comical. The ending of book as it related to Ozzie and Samantha was absolutely perfect. Walker writes a wicked good suspense story. The villains are crazy evil, elevating the reader’s heartbeat quite a bit, and the action scenes are done so well that it is easy to picture it play out. The addition of previous and future characters of the series are always a nice addition and they are why I like to read a series. The only hesitation I have with Wild Ride is that while I am looking forward to Christian and Emily’s story (we are treated to their feelings for one another in this one), I am not sure I will be able to handle their buildup and courtship. They both annoyed the way they talked to one another. I was sort of hoping their relationship was wrapped up at the end of this one because of that. That is the first time I have felt like that with any of the characters in this series, so it surprised me. Wild Ride is a fantastic romantic suspense story. Whether you have read all of the other Black Knights books by Walker or are looking to start, give this one a read. It can be read as a stand alone and is very hard to put down. While your heart will be racing many times during the story, it will also be filled with joy at the end.
  • Long-Awaited. Lacked the Flair, but Fit the Situation.

    4
    By Unbound Passion
    > > Judging a Book by it's Cover < < Cover is different, less vibrant. But, as a BKI book and it being written by JAW, it's an auto-read for me. I've been looking forward to Ozzie's book for some time now. > > Looking Deeper < < POV ~> Third-Person This book had a emptier feel due to the lack of cast members from BKI. It also did not feel as vibrant and action-packed. Setting stays in Chicago. BKI is working with a skeleton crew at home base when the bane of their existence for the past half-dozen years, Chicago Tribute investigative reporter, Samantha Tate, finds herself in a potentially deadly situation. Ozzie's relationship with Samantha is low-key, at best, but the feelings that are developing for the smart and sexy reporter make him protective of her and when her safety is gravely compromised, he takes it upon himself to keep her in one piece. For the first time since the bombing (see FULL THROTTLE [BKI #7] ), grief, doubt, pity, and self-loathing are not fighting to consume him. Their chemistry and interactions are mostly enjoyable and entertaining. Secondary cast consist of a handful of the BKI members (mostly wives), Samantha's co-workers, a gang, an MC, and a few law enforcement officers. The dialogue and writing was on-point for this series and author. The flow was super smooth. There were plenty of dynamics and conflicts along the way. Most everything was resolved before the end. No big surprises nor blatant predictability. The conclusion is wrapped up pretty well, however I am now concerned that Ozzie's repairs may be degrading - which is scary and worrisome. Overall, fans of Romantic Suspense will be pleased with this addition to the series, but more likely not overjoyed. While it fit the current pace that Ozzie's at, we tend to expect a faster-paced, more action filled story set in exotic or remote locales. But, that said, it is NOT a disappointment, and I think you'll agree that Emily and Christian really try to steal some scenes *big, hopeful grin* . Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.275 ~ 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". ***** ⭐ ⭐
  • Ozzie's story was worth the wait

    5
    By Christine Miller28
    I feel like I have been waiting forever for Ozzie's book. Ozzie is the hot guy with the panty melting smile. When he was injured in the last book, I was wondering if we would forever find a changed Ozzie. The new Ozzie is definitely a little darker, but still the same loveable guy underneath it all and the person who brings the old Ozzie back is Samantha. The reporter that Ozzie has been friends with for a while. When Samantha finds herself in trouble, Ozzie will stop at nothing to protect her. I loved this book because Ozzie is a guy who we have seen with a smile and a quick joke all of the time. Now we learn why he is that way. The loss that Ozzie has had in his life and what he is truly searching for. I loved seeing all of these layers to Ozzie and knowing that he's still our loveable goofball with a lot of vulnerability and such a good guy. I loved watching Samantha realize her love for Ozzie. She is a kick butt heroine and perfectly suited for Ozzie. Loved these two together. Another great Black Knights book!
  • White knuckle reading at its finest

    4
    By Tome Tender
    Samantha Tate is a report and she knows something is going on with the motorcycle club, The Black Knights. She has been trying to get into their circle for years. Ozzie, a member of the Black Knights, has befriended Samantha, but he’s made sure that all the secrets of the Knights have stayed under wraps. You see, The Black Knights are actually a black ops group ran by the US government and their missions are so classified only the president of the US and a few high ranging military officers are aware of their status. When Samantha (Sam) uncovers a lead about guns being sold by a MC club, with terrorist connection, it puts a bulls-eye on her head. Ozzie must decide how best to protect her while keeping The Black Knights’ secret. The smoldering attraction between Ozzie and Sam don't help the up close and person situation they find themselves in. White knuckle reading at its finest, Wild Ride is better than a roller coaster to get your heart pumping. I love that family atmosphere that the Black Knights have created. Each member of this cast has each other’s backs and plays an important role, even if they are no longer the main characters to the storyline. I can't believe this is book 9, if you're a romantic suspense fan you really should check this out.

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