Julie Ann Walker, HELL ON WHEELS + Giveaway!
My guest today is Julie Ann Walker, author of the sexy Black Knight romantic suspense series. I was lucky enough to get a hold of an ARC of HELL ON WHEELS, the first in this fun series via Sourcebooks, and will be telling you what I think of it here today. Then Julie will pop in with fun background on the characters of HELL ON WHEELS and we’ll be giving away 2 print copies to US/Canadian entrants!
First a little about HELL ON WHEELS:
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?
My Review Style: I’m not a reviewer who cares to rehash a plot. The blurb tells you pretty much what happens in the book. What I want to tell you is how well it’s done and what the book, the story and the author has to offer you as a reader.
Overall take: HELL ON WHEELS is an action-packed, addictive adventure; an over the top fun escape. Sassy, humorous, and edgy, this romantic suspense is filled with witty dialogue, fresh writing and realistic characters you’ll want to get to know.
When I read, I read for escape and entertainment. I read to live through another person’s world–the character, via another person’s viewpoint–the author. And when I pick up a military-type romantic suspense, I’m ready for action.
Not only will Julie Ann give readers action and a front row seat behind the special ops curtain, but she’ll make you laugh your ass off while you’re there. You might even snort a time or two.
Since I’m ready for just about anything in a romantic suspense starring ex-military gone private sector, and since I’m braced and prepared for a thrill ride, the quirky combination of elite contract government team with biker chop shop front in HELL ON WHEELS struck me as just plain fun and fresh!
Julie Ann creates a rich, interesting cast of characters I could definitely see–and anticipate–in future books, which makes investing in a series all the more enjoyable for readers. And, oh, I do so love my tortured heroes. Poor, poor Nate and his guilt and pain over a previous loss tugs at the heartstrings, making the already steaming sexy man truly irresistable. The fact that he and his heroine, Ali, share that pain make their love story that much more poignant and satisfying. And when it comes to the love scenes with Ali and Nate . . . s-i-z-z-l-e!!!
When you’ve got an assassin, a power-hungry politician and a clock ticking the seconds away, you’re going to have action on the pages. Julie Ann enhances that tight pacing with humor and fresh writing.
Now, let’s learn more about Nate and Ali! Here’s Julie Anne…
Meet Nate
“Ghost” Weller and Ali Morgan!
Hidey ho there, my beautiful romantic suspense lovers! Julie Ann Walker here on the fantabulous Joan Swan’s blog, introducing you to the hero and heroine of HELL ON WHEELS, the first book in my Black Knights Inc. series.
Who are the Black Knights, you ask? They’re an elite special ops team operating behind the facade of a tricked-out motorcycle shop. Their mission? To take on the jobs too hot for anyone else to handle.
Boy-oh-boy, you couldn’t find two people more opposite if you were trying. Physically, he’s big and swarthy, she’s small and blond. But that only scratches the surface. Because while Ali is a Chatty-Kathy who often feels her mouth is attached to a motor, Nate is the picture of stoicism.
He usually smashes his words together like his bank account gets dinged for every syllable he uses.
Thanks to Joan for having me on today, and if you like stories about wounded heroes and the women strong enough to heal them, go out and grab a copy of HELL ON WHEELS!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deep in the heart of the Windy City, three things can be found at Julie Ann Walker’sfingertips: a keyboard, a carafe of coffee, and a sleepy yellow Labrador retriever. They, along with her ever-patient husband, keep her grounded as her imagination flies high.
Look for the next two books in her fast-paced series: In Rides Trouble (September 2012) and Rev It Up(October 2012). For more information, please visit her website or follow her on Facebook or Twitter @JAWalkerAuthor
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