Release Day Review: Full Throttle: Julie Ann Walker
Julie Ann Walker
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Expected December 2, 2014
She Needs a Hero...
Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…
Black Knights, Inc. to the Rescue...
Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?
In College, Abby Thompson fell for med student Carlos Soto even though he was older and her friend's brother. She always assumed he thought of her as just another pesky little sister. There were also extinuating circumstances since her father was a politician in line for the Presidency. So they were friend-zoned. But one day their worlds changed and they were ripped apart by tragedy that left a mark on both on them.Eight years later, Carlos "Steady" Soto is part of a BKI team in place to guard the President's daughter in Malaysia. Soon everything is shot to to hell and Abby is in need of rescue and Carlos is the man prepared for the job. Well, he is prepared to take it on, but does encounter some serious challenges along the way. And it is further complicated by militants on their heels and the jungle in their path.
...one thing and one thing only on his mind. Save the fair lady. And if he happened to win her, too? Well, that was just gravy.
Carlos is all the strong, silent alpha type. He is smart, protective, brave, and has a good sense of humor, He lost so much in his life and is dedicated to his BKI team. He cared for the young Abby in college, but he considered himself too old for her and not good enough for her due to his background that was much different than hers
She was still Abigail Thompson, The first daughter. America's princess. And he was still...well...him.
Abby is feisty, funny, a bit goofy, and strong. She has had a soft spot for Carlos since college but never thought he would feel the same way. And the years have only made him even more attractive to her as he has become a real hero.
Carlos...who she was pretty sure was the real-life equivalent of Superman, Batman, and Captain American all rolled into one.
Meanwhile, Dan "The Man" Carrington and CIA agent Penni DePaul were beginning to explore a connection before everything went crazy. They are now working closely together and trying to figure out all of the missing pieces of the attack. He's got baggage and so does she, but they make a good team.
In typical Black Knights Inc. style there are guns, bombs, plots, abductions, and near escapes. As Carlos and Abby are on the run, they are also reconnecting and exploring feelings they were afraid to express previously. But she also has secrets from the past that have the potential to turn Carlos away from her and ruin their chances at something more. This time can they navigate all of the challenges and make it work or will they end up heartbroken and alone again?
This was a suspenseful, action-packed second chance love story layered with secrets and guilt. There are cameos by some of the other BKI guys, Boss, Rock, Dan, and Ozzie. Dan and Ozzie were featured in this one along with new CIA agent Penni DePaul. There are definitely still some stories brewing as Ozzie is about to face a big challenge in his life and career, and Dan and Penni have some unresolved issues. And we also were introduced to a new team of SEALS: Leo"The Lion" Anderson, Michael "Mad Dog" Wainwright, and Spiro "Romeo" Delgado that I have a feeling we might see again...
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
See Kim's reviews of
Thrill Ride (# 4)
Born Wild (# 5)
Hell for Leather (# 6)
Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. 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. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as "alpha, edgy, and downright hot." Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.
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