Books & Spoons Review for WILD RIDE by Julie Ann Walker

6/7/2017

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...

It has been a couple of years since I downloaded the first six (if I remember correctly) Black Knights Inc. books onto my Kindle and left for a vacation. I have been a fan since that day and I have loved Ozzie like that annoying little brother since the first book. This story, even though book 9 in the series, could be read as a standalone. But I think to get the essence of Ozzie, the kid he was, the fun and carefree man-child, and how he has grown, matured, and how that explosion that damaged his leg changed him, you should go back for at least a couple of books. Ozzie is worth it because he is just that lovable, loyal, beautiful, fun person inside and out. I was nervous about the book because my expectations were SO high for this story, but Ms. Walker delivered and delivered well.
Samantha and Ozzie's chemistry has been sparkling since the very first time they met. They fit together, as the Wild Ride demonstrates, they really get each other. They have this connection that it seems like they can see into each other's souls and just get the thoughts, feelings, and the pain and joy that is there.
If only Ozzie could be open and honest with her, and tell her who he really is and what he stands for.
The story is well balanced between the building of the physical relationship, on top of the friendship, Samantha and Ozzie have and the suspense and action that is lurking around them. The atmosphere is intense because of the secrets, the attraction, the misunderstandings, and the danger and threats just add to it, making it potent.
There are moments that were so real, so filled with malice that, that I felt it in my being (violence against women that might be a trigger to some).
There were moments of such brokenness from Ozzie, the inner thoughts of the happy-go-lucky man, that nearly broke my heart while tears were running.
There was fun, sexy, passionate, banter, and ribbing that made my smile. And there are the moments of cheer, joy, and happiness that made me swoon and sigh.
I missed the rest of men of the Black Knights, but Christian and Emily provided some interesting entertainment that made me look forward to their book to come out.
A riveting, entertaining, and an intense story filled with love, passion, danger, and peril. The larger than life Ozzie and sassy Samantha finally got their story, and it was worth the wait, with a perfect timing, I would say.
~ Five Spoons