Review: In Moonlight and Memories: Volume Three - Julie Ann Walker

FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE BREATHING. YOU CAN'T HELP IT.

From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes an epic tale of sacrifice, friendship, and the awe-inspiring power of love.

Maggie: Ten years ago, Cash Armstrong stole my heart. Then he promptly joined the army—dragging my best friend with him—and left me crying on the front porch in a red sequined prom dress. Now he's back. They're both back. Cash, the one who still has my heart. And Luc, the one who saved my life.

Cash: How do you know if you’re at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? That's what I've been trying to figure out since a traumatic brain injury made me "unfit to serve." I'm back in New Orleans, and picking up the shattered pieces of my past means I must confront where my life's journey began... and where it all might end.

Luc: Long ago, Maggie May was mine. Not mine in the way you might think. She was mine because she was my only friend. Then Cash came along and we became brothers by something stronger than blood. We became brothers by choice. When tragedy struck, I was forced to make a decision that changed all our lives. I thought, after ten years, it was safe to come back home. I was wrong...

The “In Moonlight and Memories” trilogy debuts July 1st!

And always remember, “The greatest of loves can begin in the simplest of ways...”

In Moonlight and Memories Trilogy:
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume One
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume Two
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume Three

Visit Julie Ann Walker's website for more information.

Review:
There is something I had suspected from pretty early on in the first volume that meant I had a rock in the bottom of my stomach from the minute I picked up this book. I went in expecting an emotional read but I honestly had no idea how much it would wreck me, I don't think I've ever read another book that has hit quite so close to home or made me sob so hard as this one. The fact that I'm tearing up again now just thinking about it and that I've been an emotion mess all day since finishing this in the early hours of the morning probably tells you how much it affected me.

That just proves how fantastically well this entire trilogy was written though, how invested I became in lives and friendships of these characters and how much I was rooting for them all to be happy. The last 30% of this book broke me and was gut wrenchingly painful to read but at the same time it was utterly beautiful and does leave you with a sense of hope at the end.

I really can't say much more than that because I don't want to give any spoilers but I will say this is probably the best contemporary romance series the I've ever read. It's definitely one that is going to stick with me for a very, very long time and I can't recommend it highly enough. Thank you Julie Ann Walker for one heck of a ride!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Print / Kindle:

Review: In Moonlight and Memories: Volume Two - Julie Ann Walker

SOMETIMES IN LOVE, THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN FACE THE FUTURE IS TO LET GO OF THE PAST.

From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes an epic tale of sacrifice, friendship, and the awe-inspiring power of love.

Maggie: Ten years ago, Cash Armstrong stole my heart. Then he promptly joined the army—dragging my best friend with him—and left me crying on the front porch in a red sequined prom dress. Now he's back. They're both back. Cash, the one who still has my heart. And Luc, the one who saved my life.

Cash: How do you know if you’re at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? That's what I've been trying to figure out since a traumatic brain injury made me "unfit to serve." I'm back in New Orleans, and picking up the shattered pieces of my past means I must confront where my life's journey began... and where it all might end.

Luc: Long ago, Maggie May was mine. Not mine in the way you might think. She was mine because she was my only friend. Then Cash came along and we became brothers by something stronger than blood. We became brothers by choice. When tragedy struck, I was forced to make a decision that changed all our lives. I thought, after ten years, it was safe to come back home. I was wrong...

The “In Moonlight and Memories” trilogy debuts July 1st!

And always remember, “The greatest of loves can begin in the simplest of ways...”

In Moonlight and Memories Trilogy:
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume One
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume Two
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume Three

Visit Julie Ann Walker's website for more information.

Review:
The story picks up immediately from where Volume One ended and there is absolutely no point in starting reading here, it really is one story across the entire trilogy and you'll be missing out big time if you don't start at the beginning. I absolutely loved the series though so I would highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you love character driven stories full of love, friendship and fantastic characters.

We continue to see the story from three points of view but this time around Luc and Cash's chapters start with one of the letters teenage Maggie wrote to them after they left. This gives us a real insight into just how lonely she was without them but it also shows her start to put her life back together and turn into the woman we're getting to know in the present day. There is such a fantastic bond of friendship between all three of these characters but for the first time Maggie is starting to question whether her romantic love for Cash is just based on young love and teenage infatuation, especially when she starts to realise that Luc is the one who is always there for her AND the one who makes her heart flutter.

Cash is going downhill fast, he's continuing to drink to block out the pain from his brain injury and he seems determined to push Maggie away but it's obvious he still loves her and the mixed messages he keeps sending aren't helping Maggie to make up her own mind about how she feels. Luc is stuck in the middle, he has been head over heels in love with Maggie since they were teenagers but he genuinely wants both her and Cash to be happy even if that means he remains the third wheel always on the outside of their relationship. My heart absolutely breaks for Luc, he's one of the nicest characters I've ever come across and I think anyone would be lucky to have a friend just like him. Honestly I usually hate love triangles with a passion so I'm surprised by how much I loved this series but it was just so well written that you can't help but root for all three of the main characters.

This instalment gives us a lot of answers about what happened that night after prom in the Bayou and it's heartbreaking when you realise how much Maggie has been needlessly carrying on her shoulders since that night. We also find out more about Cash's father and the policeman that has been harassing the three friends ever since Luc and Cash came back into town. It ends with two absolutely killer cliffhangers that meant I had to dive straight into the third instalment and I ended up staying up all night so I could finish out the series which is probably the best endorsement I can give to say how highly I recommend it.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Print / Kindle:

Review: In Moonlight and Memories: Volume One - Julie Ann Walker

MOST LOVE STORIES HAVE ONE BEGINNING AND ONE ENDING. THIS LOVE STORY HAS MANY.

From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes an epic tale of sacrifice, friendship, and the awe-inspiring power of love.

Maggie: Ten years ago, Cash Armstrong stole my heart. Then he promptly joined the army—dragging my best friend with him—and left me crying on the front porch in a red sequined prom dress. Now he's back. They're both back. Cash, the one who still has my heart. And Luc, the one who saved my life.

Cash: How do you know if you’re at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? That's what I've been trying to figure out since a traumatic brain injury made me "unfit to serve." I'm back in New Orleans, and picking up the shattered pieces of my past means I must confront where my life's journey began... and where it all might end.

Luc: Long ago, Maggie May was mine. Not mine in the way you might think. She was mine because she was my only friend. Then Cash came along and we became brothers by something stronger than blood. We became brothers by choice. When tragedy struck, I was forced to make a decision that changed all our lives. I thought, after ten years, it was safe to come back home. I was wrong...

The “In Moonlight and Memories” trilogy debuts July 1st!

And always remember, “The greatest of loves can begin in the simplest of ways...”

In Moonlight and Memories Trilogy:
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume One
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume Two
In Moonlight and Memories: Volume Three

Visit Julie Ann Walker's website for more information.

Review:
Maggie and Luc were best friends in high school, two lonely kids who bonded over a shared love of Harry Potter they only really had each other and their friendship meant everything. Luc secretly harboured romantic feelings for Maggie and hoped for more but the minute she met new boy Cash it was love at first sight. That could have been the end of their friendship but Luc wanted Maggie to be happy and he had also become good friends with Cash. The three of them became a trio, Luc was on the outside of them as a couple but as friends they couldn't have been closer.

Ten years ago Cash walked away from everything to join the army leaving a heartbroken Maggie behind. What was even worse is that Luc went with him leaving her totally devastated and alone. They both broke off contact completely and Maggie never knew why. Now Cash and Luc are back and seem determined to pick up their friendship where they left off but neither of them are being upfront about exactly what happened all those years ago to make them leave.

Falling back into their friendship is easy, and if she's honest with herself Maggie knows she never stopped loving Cash but how can she trust him with her heart again if he won't explain his previous actions. Cash has his own demons to deal with, injured in an explosion he's suffering with constant pain and he's self medicating with alcohol to make it through the day. He's returned home with a plan but I'm not convinced he's being honest with either Maggie or Luc about what that plan is. Luc is trying to help get them back together even though he still loves Maggie himself, Maggie is still in love with Cash but finds it easier to trust Luc, basically it's all a little complicated.

It can be very hard to sell me on any kind of love triangle but this isn't quite like any other I've read. There is such a strong friendship between all of them that it doesn't feel like they're competing against each other. Luc is practically a saint in the way he's so willing to see his best friends be happy together even if it breaks his own heart in the process. At this point I'm 100% rooting for Maggie to end up with both of them but I have a sneaking suspicion about what is to come that makes me think I'll need a whole lot of tissues as I read the rest of the series. Either way I can't wait to see what happens with this trio.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Print / Kindle:

Release Day Blast: In Moonlight and Memories - Julie Ann Walker

In Moonlight and Memories trilogy

By Julie Ann Walker

Release Date: July 1, 2019

Blurb:

From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes an epic tale of sacrifice, friendship, and the awe-inspiring power of love.

Maggie: Ten years ago, Cash Armstrong stole my heart. Then he promptly joined the army—dragging my best friend with him—and left me crying on the front porch in a red sequined prom dress. Now he's back. They're both back. Cash, the one who still has my heart. And Luc, the one who saved my life.

Cash: How do you know if you’re at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? That's what I've been trying to figure out since a traumatic brain injury made me "unfit to serve." I'm back in New Orleans, and picking up the shattered pieces of my past means I must confront where my life's journey began... and where it all might end.

Luc: Long ago, Maggie May was mine. Not mine in the way you might think. She was mine because she was my only friend. Then Cash came along and we became brothers by something stronger than blood. We became brothers by choice. When tragedy struck, I was forced to make a decision that changed all our lives. I thought, after ten years, it was safe to come back home. I was wrong...

The “In Moonlight and Memories” trilogy debuts July 1st!

And always remember, “The greatest of loves can begin in the simplest of ways...”

Buy Links:

Volume One:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneKobo

Volume Two:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoiBooks

Volume Three:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeKobo

Teaser Trailer:

Giveaways:

The IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES trilogy by NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Julie Ann Walker, is finally live!

Readers are calling this series, “breathtaking,” and “a love story for the ages.” To celebrate, Julie Ann is doing three giveaways. Read on to discover how you can enter to win!

1) Enter to win this adorable New Orleans-inspired coffee mug (in honor of the setting of In Moonlight and Memories) by signing up for Julie Ann’s occasional newsletter at http://www.julieannwalker.com/newsletter/ (The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, July 5th, and contact via email.)

2) Enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card by posting about the In Moonlight and Memories trilogy on one of your social media accounts. Be sure to tag Julie Ann on Facebook @julieannwalkerauthor, or on Twitter @JAWalkerAuthor, or on Instagram @julieannwalker_author. (The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, July 12th, and contacted via the social media post.)

3) Enter to win a $200 Amazon gift card by leaving reviews for the In Moonlight and Memories trilogy at any of the major retail sites like Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iBooks, etc. All honest reviews count, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Simply take a screenshot of your reviews or grab the links and email them to julie.ann.walker@gmail.com by Friday, July 21st. (The winner will be randomly selected on that day and contacted via email.)

Author Bio:

A little about Julie…

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie grew up in a house full of women – she has three older sisters. As you can imagine, there was no lack of drama… or romance. Her mother enrolled her in a book club as soon as she began to read and it was the small spark that ignited her voracious appetite for the written word.
Because of Julie’s early immersion in literature, she found writing came quite naturally. In high school, she won multiple writing contests and was the proud senior editor of The Tiger’s Tale – her school newspaper.

During her college years, however, she longed for a challenge. “Reading and writing felt like second nature to me, so I looked for a way to flex my mental muscles,” she recalls. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Julie began teaching advanced high school mathematics.

“I loved working with the students and facing the challenges of the classroom, but I longed for the occasional snow day when I could race to the local book store, buy two or three new novels, and curl up in front of the fire to read.”

It wasn’t until a fortuitous move to Chicago that Julie once more returned to her first passion.
Now Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and… reading, of course!

Author Links:

Website: http://www.julieannwalker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JAWalkerAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieannwalker_author/

Sneak Peek: In Moonlight and Memories - Julie Ann Walker

In Moonlight and Memories trilogy

By Julie Ann Walker

Release Date: July 1, 2019

Blurb:

From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes an epic tale of sacrifice, friendship, and the awe-inspiring power of love.

Maggie: Ten years ago, Cash Armstrong stole my heart. Then he promptly joined the army—dragging my best friend with him—and left me crying on the front porch in a red sequined prom dress. Now he's back. They're both back. Cash, the one who still has my heart. And Luc, the one who saved my life.

Cash: How do you know if you’re at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? That's what I've been trying to figure out since a traumatic brain injury made me "unfit to serve." I'm back in New Orleans, and picking up the shattered pieces of my past means I must confront where my life's journey began... and where it all might end.

Luc: Long ago, Maggie May was mine. Not mine in the way you might think. She was mine because she was my only friend. Then Cash came along and we became brothers by something stronger than blood. We became brothers by choice. When tragedy struck, I was forced to make a decision that changed all our lives. I thought, after ten years, it was safe to come back home. I was wrong...

The “In Moonlight and Memories” trilogy debuts July 1st!

And always remember, “The greatest of loves can begin in the simplest of ways...”

Buy Links:

Volume One:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneKobo

Volume Two:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoiBooks

Volume Three:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeKobo

Sneak Peek Excerpt:

I try to put my ramshackle thoughts into an order that will make sense. But eventually, I'm forced to admit, "I can't figure out who's in charge of my life these days because it sure as shoot doesn't feel like me. I feel like a piece of flotsam on the ocean, being carried by the current, unable to adjust my path. Or worse, not knowing which path I would take even if I could adjust it."

"Let me guess," she says. "Cash is the current, and he's pulling you straight toward him?"

"Yeah," I admit. Then I quickly add, "And no. I mean, I definitely feel pulled toward him. No question of that. But it's not because of anything he's said or done. If anything, based on what he's said, I should feel the exact opposite."

"What do ya mean?" Jean-Pierre asks.

"I mean, when I asked him what he wants from me, he said he doesn't want anything."

They exchange a glance.

"I know, right?" I lift my hands and let them fall. "But it's just that... I don't really believe him. Sometimes I swear I catch him looking at me like he used to. Then again, maybe I'm seeing what I want to see. A decade ago, my feelings for him bloomed into this huge tree, and I've spent the intervening years watering it and watching it grow instead of cutting it down and burning the stump."

"Do ya want to cut it down and burn da stump?" Jean-Pierre's eyes are intent on my face.

"I don't know," I admit morosely. "I can't see things clearly. I'm hoping y’all can help me. Do I open up my chest, take out my heart, and hand it to him knowing he might not want it? Or worse, that he might stomp all over it like he did the first time?"

Neither of them says anything to that. The only sounds to break the silence are the low, mournful moan of the breeze across the rooftops and another soft call from the whippoorwill.

Eventually, Jean-Pierre ventures, "Me, I don't know much, but I know dis. Love is supposed to cherish and support. It isn't supposed to disregard or disrespect. You want to fill your life and your heart with folks who leave a mark, cher. Not a scar."

The simple truth of his words cuts into me, sharp as a gator's tooth, and makes me wonder, Did Cash leave a mark or a scar?

Thinking back on all the times he was so sweet to me, like when I was sick with the flu and he came by Aunt Bea's house to leave a package of gummy bears—my favorite candy—with a note that read, "Life without you would be un-BEAR-able, so get better soon." Or the time, exactly one year after we met, that he taped a sign to my locker. In big, black Sharpie for the whole school to see, he'd written, "Cash Armstrong has loved Maggie Carter for 365 days." I would say, unequivocally, that he left a mark.

Then I think back on the night he left...

Yep. That is definitely a scar.

"You know I love you, right?" Eva asks.

"Uh-oh." I wince. "Anytime you start a conversation that way, I know I'm in for it."

Her expression is like the woman herself—kind. "You tend to spend a lot of time living in the past and putting a lot of emphasis on what was. I think maybe that stops you from seeing what is."

Teaser Trailer:

Author Bio:

A little about Julie…

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie grew up in a house full of women – she has three older sisters. As you can imagine, there was no lack of drama… or romance. Her mother enrolled her in a book club as soon as she began to read and it was the small spark that ignited her voracious appetite for the written word.
Because of Julie’s early immersion in literature, she found writing came quite naturally. In high school, she won multiple writing contests and was the proud senior editor of The Tiger’s Tale – her school newspaper.

During her college years, however, she longed for a challenge. “Reading and writing felt like second nature to me, so I looked for a way to flex my mental muscles,” she recalls. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Julie began teaching advanced high school mathematics.

“I loved working with the students and facing the challenges of the classroom, but I longed for the occasional snow day when I could race to the local book store, buy two or three new novels, and curl up in front of the fire to read.”

It wasn’t until a fortuitous move to Chicago that Julie once more returned to her first passion.
Now Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and… reading, of course!

Author Links:

Website: http://www.julieannwalker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JAWalkerAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieannwalker_author/

Cover Reveal: In Moonlight and Memories - Julie Ann Walker

In Moonlight and Memories trilogy

By Julie Ann Walker

Release Date: July 1, 2019

Blurb:

From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes an epic tale of sacrifice, friendship, and the awe-inspiring power of love.

Maggie: Ten years ago, Cash Armstrong stole my heart. Then he promptly joined the army—dragging my best friend with him—and left me crying on the front porch in a red sequined prom dress. Now he's back. They're both back. Cash, the one who still has my heart. And Luc, the one who saved my life.

Cash: How do you know if you’re at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? That's what I've been trying to figure out since a traumatic brain injury made me "unfit to serve." I'm back in New Orleans, and picking up the shattered pieces of my past means I must confront where my life's journey began... and where it all might end.

Luc: Long ago, Maggie May was mine. Not mine in the way you might think. She was mine because she was my only friend. Then Cash came along and we became brothers by something stronger than blood. We became brothers by choice. When tragedy struck, I was forced to make a decision that changed all our lives. I thought, after ten years, it was safe to come back home. I was wrong...

The “In Moonlight and Memories” trilogy debuts July 1st!

And always remember, “The greatest of loves can begin in the simplest of ways...”

Buy Links:

Volume One:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeOneKobo

Volume Two:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeTwoiBooks

Volume Three:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeAmazon
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeBandN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/IMAMVolumeThreeKobo

Teaser Trailer:

Author Bio:

A little about Julie…

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie grew up in a house full of women – she has three older sisters. As you can imagine, there was no lack of drama… or romance. Her mother enrolled her in a book club as soon as she began to read and it was the small spark that ignited her voracious appetite for the written word.
Because of Julie’s early immersion in literature, she found writing came quite naturally. In high school, she won multiple writing contests and was the proud senior editor of The Tiger’s Tale – her school newspaper.

During her college years, however, she longed for a challenge. “Reading and writing felt like second nature to me, so I looked for a way to flex my mental muscles,” she recalls. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Julie began teaching advanced high school mathematics.

“I loved working with the students and facing the challenges of the classroom, but I longed for the occasional snow day when I could race to the local book store, buy two or three new novels, and curl up in front of the fire to read.”

It wasn’t until a fortuitous move to Chicago that Julie once more returned to her first passion.
Now Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and… reading, of course!

Author Links:

Website: http://www.julieannwalker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JAWalkerAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieannwalker_author/

Cover Reveal: Hot Pursuit - Julie Ann Walker

Today I'm excited to be taking part in the cover reveal for Hot Pursuit, the eleventh book in Julie Ann Walker's Black Knight's Inc series. I'm a huge fan of these books (even though I do still have a bit of catching up to do!) so would highly recommend them to fans of romantic suspense. Make sure you stick around to the end of the post for the chance to enter a fab giveaway but first let me tell you all about Hot Pursuit.

Blurb:

GET READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

From bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes the next installment in her hit Black Knights Inc. series!

He puts the hot...
Christian Watson, a former SAS officer and current BKI operator, never thought he would return to England after a terrible turn of events forced him to abandon his homeland. But now he's back on British soil where old enemies are determined to do him in. Fighting for his life is pretty much SOP for Christian. Doing it with the beautiful, bossy Emily Scott in tow is another matter entirely.

In hot pursuit.
Emily lost her coveted job at the CIA because of a bad romance with a coworker, and now she has just one rule when it comes to men: they're for recreational purposes only. But when she and Christian are thrust into very close quarters while evading two mysterious men who want Christian dead, she can't help but question all her ideas about love and life lived on the edge. Battling the bad guys is hard enough, battling her feelings for Christian just might prove impossible.

"This razor-sharp, sensual, and intriguing tale will get hearts pounding." -- Publishers Weekly STARRED review for Wild Ride
"Julie Ann Walker is one of those authors to be put on a keeper shelf along with Nora Roberts, Suzanne Brockmann and Allison Brennan." – KirkusReviews

Release Date: October 3, 2017

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2n16G2a
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2nWxf7F
iBooks: http://apple.co/2mMVmpo
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2nWALiq

About the Author:

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie grew up in a house full of women – she has three older sisters. As you can imagine, there was no lack of drama… or romance. Her mother enrolled her in a book club as soon as she began to read and it was the small spark that ignited her voracious appetite for the written word. Because of Julie’s early immersion in literature, she found writing came quite naturally. In high school, she won multiple writing contests and was the proud senior editor of The Tiger’s Tale – her school newspaper. During her college years, however, she longed for a challenge. “Reading and writing felt like second nature to me, so I looked for a way to flex my mental muscles,” she recalls. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Julie began teaching advanced high school mathematics. “I loved working with the students and facing the challenges of the classroom, but I longed for the occasional snow day when I could race to the local book store, buy two or three new novels, and curl up in front of the fire to read.” It wasn’t until a fortuitous move to Chicago that Julie once more returned to her first passion. “Thankfully, my husband – my own personal hero – encouraged my decision to write full time.” Now Julie lives on beautiful Lake Shore Drive with a view that sometimes competes with her deadlines. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, cooking, travel, and…reading, of course!

Website: http://julieannwalker.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Ann-Walker/194323410621588
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JAWalkerAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieannwalker_author/

Giveaway details:

Want a chance to win signed copies of the first eight titles in Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights Inc. series? Click on the rafflecopter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner: Black Knights Inc. Series - Julie Ann Walker

I'm excited to announce the winner of my latest giveaway today with the help of Rafflecopter.

Angela you've won a signed set of the whole Black Knights Inc. Series by Julie Ann Walker (I'm still very jealous of this prize pack so I hope you love it!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Congratulations Angela! I've sent you an email asking for your address so as soon as I have the information I can pass it on to Julie Ann Walker's assistant so she can get the books in the post for you.

Thanks so much to Julie Ann Walker for sponsoring these giveaway & thanks to everyone who entered. I'm sorry if you didn't win but I'll have more giveaways coming up soon so make sure you check back for another chance to win prizes.

Cover Reveal: Wild Ride - Julie Ann Walker (Including an amazing giveaway for SIGNED copies of the entire Black Knights Inc. Series!!)

I'm thrilled to be taking part in the cover reveal for the ninth book in Julie Ann Walker's fabulous Black Knight Inc. Series, Wild Ride. I have to confess I've fallen a bit behind with this series (something I intend to fix over the next few weeks!) but I loved the first few books in this romantic suspense series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest. I have a fabulous giveaway below for you but first let me tell you all about Wild Ride!

Blurb:

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

Buy links:

Amazon: https://goo.gl/wJ0o6C
Barnes & Noble: https://goo.gl/OXiD7a
iBooks: https://goo.gl/aqibH0

About Julie Ann Walker:

Bio: Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie grew up in a house full of women – she has three older sisters. As you can imagine, there was no lack of drama… or romance. Her mother enrolled her in a book club as soon as she began to read and it was the small spark that ignited her voracious appetite for the written word. Because of Julie’s early immersion in literature, she found writing came quite naturally. In high school, she won multiple writing contests and was the proud senior editor of The Tiger’s Tale – her school newspaper. During her college years, however, she longed for a challenge. “Reading and writing felt like second nature to me, so I looked for a way to flex my mental muscles,” she recalls. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Julie began teaching advanced high school mathematics. “I loved working with the students and facing the challenges of the classroom, but I longed for the occasional snow day when I could race to the local book store, buy two or three new novels, and curl up in front of the fire to read.” It wasn’t until a fortuitous move to Chicago that Julie once more returned to her first passion. “Thankfully, my husband – my own personal hero – encouraged my decision to write full time.” Now Julie lives on beautiful Lake Shore Drive with a view that sometimes competes with her deadlines. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, cooking, travel, and…reading, of course!

Links:
Website: http://julieannwalker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JAWalkerAuthor

Giveaway:

I have an absolutely FABULOUS giveaway to share with my readers today, whether you're new to the series or a long term fan you now have the chance to win A SIGNED SET of the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker! I'm afraid due to postage costs this is open to US/Canada residents only (I'm actually incredibly jealous of you guys - I would love to win this prize myself LOL).

You can enter using the Rafflecopter form below, the giveaway ends on the 19th of October and the winner will be contacted soon afterwards. The prize will be sent out directly by Julie Ann Walker and her assistant so the winner will need to give me permission to share their address.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Rev It Up - Julie Ann Walker

He Never Misses a Target

Jake "the Snake" Sommers earned his SEAL codename by striking quickly and quietly - and with lethal force. That's how he broke Michelle Carter's heart. It was the only way to keep her safe - from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle's loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow. Real slow...

She Aims to Make Him Beg

Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to "love her and leave her." But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake's hands. No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded. And once he's wrapped around her heart, he'll never let her go...

Black Knights, Inc. Series:
Hell on Wheels
In Rides Trouble
Rev it Up
Thrill Ride (2013)
Built for Speed (2013)

Visit Julie Ann Walker's website for more information.

Review:
I have really enjoyed the previous stories in Julie Ann Walker's Black Knights Inc series but I have to say that Rev it Up was my favourite book so far and it has left me eagerly waiting for the next instalment. We met Shell in the previous book when she was introduced as Frank's sister, she is a single mum to her young son Franklin but we didn't really know much more about her background as Frank had worked hard to keep her out of his life at Black Knights Inc. When Shell introduced her to the rest of the group while Frank was in hospital she picked the wrong time to let people know about her connection to him. With a face from the past looking to get revenge on the team they have all had a price put on their heads and are now facing the constant threat of assassins trying to take them out. The Knights aren't too worried - their compound is secure and they all know how to look after themselves - but when they realise that the assassins have their families, and Shell in particular, in their sights things escalate into all out war.

Shell had her heart broken by Jake four years ago when he pushed her into the arms of one of his friends. She married Preacher but was left to raise her son alone when her husband was killed in action. Jake has always loved Shell but he had his reasons to push her away all those years ago and he has stayed away ever since because he blames himself for Preacher's death. He has never stopped loving her though and now that he has finally dealt with his inner demons he has come back to prove how much he cares and to convince her to give him a second chance. Shell is understandably wary of Jake, she never really got over him and refuses to let him break her heart all over again. She also has a very big secret that she is terrified he will uncover.

Jake may have acted like a complete ass when he walked away from Shell all those years ago but at least he has the balls to admit it and try to put things right between them. I have to admit I fell hard for Jake, he was so sweet and open with his feelings towards Shell that I just couldn't resist him. I loved that he was so understanding and patient with her as she kept pushing him away and that he was determined to break through her tough outer shell and show her how good things could be between them. The spark between them practically leapt off of the page and when they finally give into their passion it was well worth waiting for. I also have to mention that I loved little Franklin, he is such a cutie!

Along with the hot romance the story also has great friendship and banter amongst the team, we see more of the characters we already know and love and get to know some new faces too. I absolutely can't wait to read Rock and Vanessa's book - I can already tell they are going to be off the charts hot & I really do have a thing for a man with an accent so Rock already makes me melt! The action was great too, scenes towards the end were particularly dramatic and had me on the edge of my seat. Rev it Up was a fantastic instalment to a great series and I can't wait to read the next book!

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Print / Kindle

Review: In Rides Trouble - Julie Ann Walker

Rebel with a Cause

Becky "Rebel" Reichert never actually goes looking for trouble. It just has a tendency to find her. Like the day Frank Knight showed up at her door, wanting to use her motorcycle shop as a cover for his elite special ops team. But Becky prides herself on being able to hang with the big boys-she can weld, drive, and shoot just as well as any of them.

Man with a Mission

Munitions, missiles, and mayhem are Frank's way of life. The last thing the ex-SEAL wants is for one brash blonde to come within fifty feet of anything that goes boom. Yet it's just his rotten luck when she ends up in a hostage situation at sea. Come hell or high water, he will get her back-whether she says she needs him or not.

Black Knights, Inc. Series:
Hell on Wheels
In Rides Trouble
Rev it Up
Thrill Ride (2013)
Built for Speed (2013)

Visit Julie Ann Walker's website for more information.

Review:
I really enjoyed Julie Ann Walker's debut Hell on Wheels so I was eager to continue reading about this group of ex-military, special ops experts who are now keeping things strictly on the down low by posing as motorcycle mechanics. We had already seen the mutual attraction between Frank (Boss) and Becky (Rebel) in the first book so I was looking forward to seeing if they would ever manage to work things out between them, thankfully I didn't have long to wait!

Becky is an expert mechanic and was the brains behind the custom motorbike shop that Frank bought into to use as cover for his covert team. Becky has spent 3 years working and living alongside Frank and his men and although she thinks of them all as family it is Frank who stole her heart. She is appreciated by the guys when it comes to her skills with a motorbike but she is sick of watching from the sidelines while the others put their lives at risk - she wants to be a full member of the team and that means becoming an operator herself. She has the support of most of the guys who have all been working with her in secret for months and helping her train but when Frank discovers what she has been up to he is livid. He knows he is too old for Becky and he doesn't make good boyfriend material but he still cares about her and there is no way he'll let her put herself in danger. Frank has told Becky in no uncertain terms that she will never be a part of his team and that there can never be more than friendship between them. Devastated by his outburst Becky decides she needs to get as far away from the infuriating man as possible so she can mend her broken heart and decide what to do with her future. The last thing she expects when she sets sail around the world with her friend is to be kidnapped by Somalian pirates. Held hostage and terrified for her life Becky knows if she can just hold on long enough Frank and the boys will find her, but can they get to her in time?

In Rides Trouble is another fantastic instalment to the Black Knights, Inc. series. I really liked the love / hate, will they / won't they pull between Frank and Becky, the banter between them is hilarious as Becky deliberately tries to poke Frank to get a reaction from him. You can tell that they both adore each other but neither of them wants to be the first to admit it and Frank in particular keeps coming up with reasons why they shouldn't be together. We also get to spend a lot more time with the rest of the team and continue getting to know everyone. I absolutely loved new team member Angel, the way he muscled in between Becky and Frank was hilarious to watch and I really hope he gets his own story soon. I also loved the connection between Becky and her brother Wild Bill. Bill comes across as so calm and composed even when his sister is in danger but you can tell that under the surface he is about to boil over and I have a feeling he is going to have an explosive connection with his lady when we get to his book. It was really funny to watch Bill talk to Frank about his feelings for Becky and I was impressed with the way he forced Frank to take a long hard look at himself and consider his actions more carefully.

I love the fact that this series blends romance and action together, the story line with the pirates was the last thing I expected but I really enjoyed it. It was great to see another side to the team and understand more about the work that they do and also to see how they all work so well together and have each others backs. We may have to wait a while for things to heat up between Frank and Becky but it was well worth the wait and they have a fab connection and chemistry. This is a fast paced series full of intrigue, action, alpha males and scorching sex scenes and I can't wait to read the next instalment.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle

Review: Hell on Wheels - Julie Ann Walker

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?

Black Knights, Inc. Series:
Hell on Wheels
In Rides Trouble
Rev it Up
Thrill Ride (2013)
Built for Speed (2013)

Visit Julie Ann Walker's website for more information.

Review:
Julie Ann Walker's debut novel Hell on Wheels is a fast paced and exciting start to her Black Knights, Inc series that left me eager to read the next instalment. After several years of reading mainly paranormal stories I've recently rediscovered my love of contemporary romance and romantic suspense in particular. I can't seem to get enough of these alpha military heroes who are hunky, strong, protective and possessive but also surprisingly sweet and caring towards the women in their lives.

Nate is a perfect example of my favourite kind of alpha and of course I fell for him big time while reading his story. An ex-Marine Nate now works for Black Knights, Inc a group of ex-military specialists who do the kind of jobs that the government doesn't want anyone else to know about. His last mission went badly wrong and ended up with both Nate and his best friend Grigg being captured and tortured for days, Grigg didn't survive and Nate has been grieving and struggling with his guilt ever since. When Grigg's sister Ali thinks she is being followed she turns to Nate for help and they soon find themselves caught up in a web of secrets and lies surrounding a conspiracy that could be the death of them both.

It can be very hard to get the balance right in the first book of a new series, the author has to introduce the main characters, create a believable world, build interest for future books and at the same time give us the romance and action that we are looking for in a romantic suspense novel. Although at times there was slightly too much page time given to the next couple in the series overall I felt Julie Ann Walker did a good job of getting the balance right. I loved all of the characters at Black Knights, Inc and can't wait to see more of them as the series continues. I have to confess to having a particular soft spot for a hunky geek though so of course Ozzie was a favourite of mine and I was very excited to learn from the author that he will be getting his own book. I'm excited about all of these heroes though and have a feeling I'm going to love them all. It's always fun when you can get to know a group of characters throughout a series and I enjoyed the teams banter and the way they all look out for each other.

The main characters were almost complete opposites. Nate is very self contained, he is known as the ghost but is also a bit of an ice man who never shows any kind of emotion. He holds everything very close to his chest and this can make him appear cold at times but when you look past the surface he is red hot on the inside. Ali is soft and innocent, she is a kindergarten teacher who never swears and always tends to look on the bright side of things. She has a tendency to babble when she's nervous or scared and Nate makes her very nervous which leads to some very funny conversations between them. I did find her habit of being sick at pretty much anything got a bit tiresome after a while but in a way it was nice to read about a heroine who had a normal, horrified reaction to violence. What they say about opposites attract is certainly the case with these two, they make a perfect couple and I really enjoyed watching them grow closer throughout the story. What I really appreciated was Ali's reaction to Nate's secret but I can't say why without giving spoilers so you'll have to read the book yourself to see if you agree with me.

One of the things I loved most about the story was the humour, I laughed out loud several times while reading the story but I was also so emotionally connected that the author managed to bring tears to my eyes not just once but twice while I was reading. It's been a while since a book last made me cry and I can't think of a romantic suspense story that ever had that effect on me. Hell on Wheels is a very promising debut and I can't wait to read In Rides Trouble and Rev it Up. I think Julie Ann Walker is definitely an author to watch out for - I'm sure we'll be seeing great things from her in the future.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Print / Kindle