In the epic conclusion to the BKI series, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker delivers her biggest bombshell yet!Welcome to Black Knights Inc.What appears to be a tricked-out motorcycle shop on the North Side of Chicago is actually headquarters for the world’s most elite covert operatives. Deadly, dangerous, and determined, they’ll steal your breath and your heart. … dangerous, and determined, they’ll steal your breath and your heart.
After a mission-gone-sideways forces Jamin “Angel” Agassi to change his identity, he’s determined to bring down the world’s worst crime syndicate kingpin once and for all. That’s going to be the easy part. Keeping Interpol agent Sonya Butler from discovering who he really is—and blazing another trail into his heart—is the challenge.
Black Knights Inc Series:
Hell on Wheels (Book 1)
In Rides Trouble (Book 2)
Rev It Up (Book 3)
Thrill Ride (Book 4)
Born Wild (Book 5)
Hell for Leather (Book 6)
Full Throttle (Book 7)
Too Hard to Handle (Book 8)
Wild Ride (Book 9)
Fuel for Fire (Book 10)
Hot Pursuit (Book 11)
Built to Last (Book 12)
What People Are Saying About Black Knights Inc:
“A fast-paced, sexy thrill ride.” —Kirkus for Fuel for Fire
“An intriguing mix of fast-paced action and sizzling romance!” —Fresh Fiction for Thrill Ride
“Exhilarating, not-to-be missed!” —RT Book Reviews for Too Hard to Handle
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4.25 stars– BUILT TO LAST is the twelfth and final instalment in Julie Ann Walker’s contemporary, adult BLACK KNIGHTS INC romantic suspense /military, action series focusing on an elite group of ex Navy SEALS, FBI, CIA and military heroes headquartered and fronted by a custom motorcycle shop in Chicago known as Black Knights Inc. This is assassin Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, and thirty-two year old Interpol agent Sonya Butler’s story line. BUILT TO LAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in orders, especially the last few instalments, as there is an ongoing premise focusing on a terrorist known as ‘The Spider’.
Told from several third person points of view including Angel and Sonya BUILT TO LAST follows the rekindling romance between Interpol agent Sonya Butler and assassin Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, a man who is familiar to our heroine yet not. Ten years earlier, Sonya Butler saw her lover murdered trying to take down a bomber, and in the ensuing time has continued to grieve and never moved on. Fast forward to present day wherein Sonya will come face to face with a man, although unrecognizable, reminds our heroine of the love she has lost. Enter Jamin ‘Angel’ Agassi, Sonya’s former lover, and the man that will once again, destroy her heart. What ensues is the (re)building relationship between Angel and Sonya, as our couple unknowingly work together to stop the man they have come to know as ‘The Spider’.
Angel is an assassin, known as the Prince of Shadows, an assassin feared by all. Ten years under cover with an assumed identity finds Angel struggling to keep his secret from the woman he loves. Two weeks in her presence, and Angel battles both his attraction to, and the questionable circumstances under which, our heroine now finds herself working for the terrorist known as The Spider. Not only does Angel have secrets to hide but Sonya’s secrets are soon to be revealed.
Throughout the last few instalments there has been a building relationship between Colby ‘Ace’ Ventura and Rusty Parker. Their ongoing attraction to one another is stifled by Rusty’s inability to come out of the proverbial closet, a closet hindered by his family’s deep –rooted religious beliefs. A life and death situation opens his heart such that Rusty must come clean to the people he loves.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples-some by cameo, updates or offhand mention. The author ‘introduces’ six new warriors who have been assigned to the BKI team-here’s hoping for a new spin-off.
BUILT TO LAST is a story of betrayal and vengeance; family and forgiveness; love and a happily ever after. The premise is intriguing, action packed and entertaining; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are dynamic and charismatic. Julie Ann Walker’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC is an edgy, sassy and intelligent series with lovable heroes, and brilliant heroines.
I have loved this series from the very first book. It always has a good story that is action packed with this band of brothers that I have come to know and love. The ending is bitter sweet for me, but I was thrilled that Ms. Walker left the door open.
Angel and Sonya’s story is a second chance romance that is action packed. Angel has had to change his appearance for the greater good. He walked away from Sonya ten years ago as Marc, but now as Angel he intends to claim what he had lost. Sonya is tangled in Spider’s web and when Angel walks in, she feels things she hasn’t felt for ten years.
This epic conclusion to this story finally leads to the take down that we’ve all been waiting for in the kind of blazing glory that only BKI can deliver. We get a look at all of the couples we have come to know and love through the series. It has been quite the ride. Amazing series!
Angel has been the guy in the shadows for a few books now and going into his story, I had no clue what to expect, but I loved every moment of this thrill ride! He was full of secrets and oh man, what secrets they were! I seriously liked Angel more than I expected to. Even when he was an idiot. Because he never thought years down the road he would question what it meant to leave somebody he loved behind. Also the whole keeping things secret? Yeah…that made me just want to smack some sense into his stubborn self! I’m literally sitting here like dude…just tell Sonya the truth!
And Sonya..I think she was a good fit for Angel. She was smart, wore her feelings on her sleeve and was quite blunt, sometimes comically so, but she pulled Angel out of the emotional shell he encased himself in and the transformation caused a couple of heart-stopping, smiley face moments for me.
Of course, like every other BKI story there’s the requisite action and sexy times, more action and one or two ‘hell no!’ moments where I thought I was going to be throwing my book across the room!! The rest of the BKI team also get some rather sweet wrap-ups giving this reader plenty of closure to what has been one of my favorite romantic suspense series in a long while!
But that ending…oy!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The BKI Series ended in the most perfect way. Leaving us with hope of maybe one day this series getting revisited… Maybe? God I’d love it if I could more of these guys! I fell so hard for them! And this conclusion is simply perfect!
How do you say goodbye to a group that has been in your life for six years? I was so excited to finally get Angel’s book yet I was so sad that it was the last BKI book. I debated reading it as soon as it came out but I couldn’t bear to see it end. Sadly it has ended for me but what an ending. Holy cow it was great to see team members that we haven’t seen in awhile. I had missed Ghost and Rock but they were in the middle of all the action in this final book as they should be.
I loved the mystery and intrigue that was Angel. When the truth came out it was both relieving and heart breaking. I think deep down Sonya knew but didn’t want to really know. She is a strong woman and she didn’t want history to repeat itself. It nearly broke her the first time and she couldn’t do it again.
This book is definitely a must read. Having these operators in your lives will be entertaining, funny and at times frustrating. If you haven’t read the series I highly recommend you start at the beginning but it’s not necessary as these are all stand alone stories. The way Ms Walker ties things together yet leaves a dangling string is amazing. I’m looking forward to see if she revisits BKI in the future.
RIP-ROARING, POPPING JAW, SACRIFICES, LOVE THESE MEN AND WOMEN STARS!!!!!
I cannot say enough how I have loved this series. I love the men and women of Black Knights, Inc and it was an ABSOLUTE PLEASURE to be immersed in their works, from Ghost to Angel, these men and women have taken me on an adventure filled with suspense, action, secrets, betrayals and most importantly love. In this story we finally, finally find out who is Angel, really? So many guesses and hints and all it takes is knowing that his past love may be in trouble and he answers the call. I loved that Angel and Sonya were able to be reunited. I only had 2 hang ups, and the first one was , that they finally catch the bad guy and it was anticlimactic like Ace stated. The other thing was that I really, really, really, wanted Ace and Rusty to have their own book, at least a novella, however Ms.Walker did do an excellent job with these two in this story…*cue the violin*** it was sweet between them! It was awesome that all the past characters were present and we got a future outlook of all couples and their children and how they will move on, from now. I’m so sorry to see this series end, but maybe, just maybe…there might be a new group in town, Lol.
4.5 heartwrenching, lovely stars!!!!
Always enjoy Julie Ann Walkers’s characters and stories. They’re a fun get away from every day life and this was no exception. Finished it in a day because I didn’t want to put it down.
Loved the whole series..
A truly grand finale to a great series. Julie Ann Walker did herself and the Black Knights proud. Fulfilled all my hopes and expectations! Can’t wait for her next efforts!
Fantastic conclusion to the BKI series!! I’m honestly going to miss them all!
Angel and Sonya have a history. He knows it. She keeps feeling it, like deja vu, but knows it’s impossible. We all know Angel’s weighted gown with some massive secrets. And BKI put him right in front of the best thing that ever happened to him all those years ago.
Spider is a pathologic criminal. He’s snared them all in his web…or so he thinks. He’s going down. BKI is not alone in the time and resources spent to figure out just how to do that.
Built to Last is Angel and Sonya’s story and it’s everything I’ve waited for. Intrigue, fire, passion, history, hurts and hopes, and a love that spanned years.
It’s also got Ace and Rusty “built” right in. They’re part of the mission that goes a tiny bit “FUBAR”. Denial and acceptance. That describes these two strong-willed men. Neither wants to give in, but they both fall. And as much as I don’t want to see anyone in pain, I think life and death can put things in perspective. Coming out for any person can be so very frightening, painful and traumatic. Just ask Ace. But this? It melted my heart. Unconditional love. As it should be.
The last chapters show us BKI got their man as did Interpol. *fist pumps and cheers here* Spider snared by his own web of poisonous evil! The best part was returning to Chicago and spending time with Boss and Betsy and all the BKI men and their families. Because they are one great big family. They tease, compare manhood, tolerate some awful cooking, joke about their choices in attire and music, work together on their amazing motorcycles, goes on missions and cover each other…they’d give their lives up for their brothers. They’ve all found the other half of their tattered hearts and some have children, some are expecting children. But what about their careers?! They’re going in different directions but bound by the BKI brotherhood…family. Not blood family. Better. Family by choice. But there’s a tiny twist at the end that gets my hopes up.
I’ve loved each and every book in this series and one-click them all. I feel I know them like family. I see a re-read of the series in my future because as much as the series has ended, I can’t quite let them go. Thank you Julie Ann Walker for giving us BKI!
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
This is the twelfth and I suspect final book in the series (even if I wish it weren’t true!). You most definitely should read them all and read then in order. However, I would suggest that you have some light reading in between as these are high speed, full on books which take all your energy and adrenaline. The plot flowing through all the books has been brilliant and the romances have been SUPER hot each and every time. I think these would make an amazing set of films.
In this book Angel gets his happily ever after – which is somewhat unexpected, but absolutely the most romantic, sad, moving, intense story – and actually, so do Ace and Rusty… finally.
As we learn about his background and find the only woman he ever loved is mixed up with “Spider,” it is all a bit of a shock, but obviously the layers are hidden and interwoven so who really knows what’s what! Sonya is certain that she’s met someone special, but in the completely wrong setting. The fact that she is reminded constantly of Mark, her first love, is not helping.
As we see everything unravel, we can only be patient as the strands of the story reform and BKI brings order to chaos. Such a wonderful ending to a really excellent series. Most definitely on my reread list, but I reckon even the second time around I will be worrying about them all!
Mary –
Since I had only found this series with the last book and loved it, I knew I wanted to read this one too.
Sonya Butler is trapped with the world’s worst criminal mastermind and she can’t believe she is stuck there. But he has evidence against her that could ruin her for good. So, she has to bite her tongue and wait until she gets free. When Spider, the criminal, has Jamin “Angel” Agassi sitting at his desk and wanting him to steal for him, Sonya can’t believe her eyes when she sees a picture of who he used to look like. Could it be possible he was, or just a carbon copy of the man she loved 10 years ago?
Jamin “Angel” Agassi works with the Black Knights Inc. and now he is undercover to help capture Spider. The man responsible for a lot of bad things happening on the dark web. Angel has let himself get captured to infiltrate Spider’s compound and can’t believe his eyes when he sees Sonya standing beside Spider. She can’t work for him because when he knew her 10 years ago, that wasn’t the Sonya he knew.
Can Angel rescue Sonya and capture Spider? Will Sonya find out who Angel really is? Can Angel and Sonya move from the hurt feelings and past to have a future? Will they both survive Spider when he finds out who they really are?
I love a good romantic suspense and this series has all the feels and suspense to make it a great story. I have to make time to read the rest of the series soon. If you are looking for a great romantic suspense, I recommend this one but would suggest starting from the beginning. I know I have missed so much just reading the last two. So grab them and enjoy!
Veronica –
Built to Last is the final instalment of the Black Knights Inc and it gives us Angel’s story. It is a pretty unique second chance love story among the usual action, danger, and catching bad guys we’ve come to know and love with this series.
Angel and Sonya cross paths for the first time in 10 years when Angel is “captured” by the criminal mastermind known as the Spider. Angel himself is a pretty cool, calm, and collected guy, even if he is a little scary. When I learned what he has given up for the greater good and to save the world, I wanted nothing more than for him to have his happy ending with Sonya, who we learn is a good woman.
We also get a second romance between Ace and Rusty, who are dancing around each other. The two men provide us a good dose of verbal sparring as we wait for them to get their act together.
I loved the two romances combined with the action, which is great too. I loved watching Angel, Sonya, Ace, Rusty, and the Black Knights Inc team bring down the biggest of the big bad guys. I had fun with the danger and life or death situations and seeing the good guys win in a way you only can when such situations are fictional.
But I think my favourite thing about Built to Last is we get to learn ‘where to next’ for each of the Black Knights Inc couples we’ve met over the years and I thought the finale was perfect. It has been a pleasure reading this series and I’m going to miss these guys and gals.
Lee’Anne –
I just love these Black Knights Inc. boys! Built to Last might have been my favorite of the series so far just because it’s action packed from page one to the final page and I loved it!
Angel is a Black Knights Inc. operative gone undercover to capture Spider, a man who has been haunting his team for a long time. Angel was an operative in his “previous life” who had extensive facial reconstruction surgery to take on a new identity – as Angel. This mission is hitting especially close to home for him because his ex from that previous life seems to be Spider’s girl Friday. Spider is blackmailing Sonya into working for him and she’s reluctant and sassy every step of the way. She also has an odd feeling she’s met Angel before – he reminds her so much her ex, who she watched die…
I really loved that this book literally never has a dull moment, one scene to the next – I couldn’t put it down. As much as I loved Angel and Sonya, because they’re both amazing and so perfect for one another, I think my favorite part of this book was Rusty and Ace’s story – this book was almost a 2-for-1 deal and I loved it! Usually I’m not a huge fan of (actually… I usually HATE) authors flipping back and forth so much from one couple to another, but Julie Ann Walker does a brilliant job with it in this book. I hope we’re set to get more from these BKI men!
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Built to Last (Black Knights Inc. #12) by Julie Ann Walker to read and review.
This was an outstanding ending to the Black Knights, Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker! It had all the heart-pounding action, suspense and angsty romance we’ve come to expect from this author and this series. In Built to Last we finally get the backstory about Jamin “Angel” Agassi—and his chance to reconnect with a woman from his past. It was double the fun, with the ongoing drama between Ace and Rusty playing out in the background, along with support from all the Black Knights. And we finally get a glimpse into the mind of Spider, the villain behind so much of their trouble.
Built to Last can be read as a stand-alone, but would be better read after reading the BKI series as a whole. This series is one of the top action/suspense romance series out there, and is worth the time to check them all out if you haven’t already.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Built to Last
The well written conclusion to the Black Knights, Inc series is fun to read and pretty much ties up the characters. It is the story of Angel and Sonya. While the beginning is a little slow with background info, don’t worry, the action is fast and the characters are good. My only complaint is that, since it is the last book of the series, I would like to have had ALL the characters in it a lot more. All in all, a good effort to end the series. I am going to really miss the Black Knights
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fast-paced and action-packed, this book was a perfect ending to a wonderful series.
Angel and Sonya were perfect together. This is not quite a second chance romance since Sonya doesn’t realize that Angel is really the former love of her life who she thought died 10 years ago, but this one still packs all the emotional twists and turns you would expect as these two find themselves unable to stay away from each other as they try to stay alive and out of the hands of the enemy. And although I know why Angel had to keep his identity a secret, watching Sonya see little things of her lost love in Angel and then doubting herself was tough.
As part of the story we get to spend time with other members of the BKI team. From the constant snark to the total commitment the team has to each mission and to each other, it’s hard not to love this group. And Ace and Rusty’s story was one of my favorite parts of the book. Listening to them constantly sniping at one another, watching Rusty sacrifice himself, and then getting to see these two get their HEA was so satisfying. And I absolutely loved Rusty’s mother!
With so many hidden and double identities, the threat of nuclear destruction, and some secrets that were well played, this book was an intense read that really had you feeling like you were in the middle of this mission. The emotion was raw at times, the pages were filled with tension, and the plot had a grit to it that had me wanting to read faster…but at the same time slow down since this is the last book in the series.
I have really enjoyed this series and am sad to see it come to an end. Although this one can be read as a standalone, I would recommend starting at the beginning – this series is filled with great characters who all have their own wonderful story, and some things will make more sense having read the other books. As for the series, story lines were wrapped up nicely and the stage has been set for the possibility of spin-offs and new characters – so bring it on!
I highly recommend this one – and the entire series!
This was the 12th and final novel in Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knight Inc series. Built to Last is Jamin “Angel” Agassi and Sonya Butler’s story that was action packed and full of heart stopping moments. I enjoyed reading their novel because I’ve always had a curiosity about Angel and who would capture his heart. Words can’t describe how much I loved and hated this novel. I was happy to read it but sad that it ended knowing I was leaving this world. Built to Last was a great way to end this series though.
This book is the last book in the Black Knights Inc. series. A romantic suspense that gives you the second chance romance of Jamin (Angel) and Sonya. The history between these two is painful and complicated. The plot offers plenty of drama, steam, danger, secrets, angst, action and a bit of humor to help keep your interest easily. Also provides a conclusion to Rusty and Ace’s story and a satisfying check in with all the couples from this series. A very good read.
Julie Ann Walker – Built to Last (Black Knights Inc. – Book 12)
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.”
First, if you have never read books by Julie Ann Walker, don’t hesitate to start today. In my opinion Ms. Walker is one of the top three (3) Military Romance authors. As Ms. Walker unwraps her stories, she gives us sexy alpha males and strong women who tame them (a little) and adds enough passion that will have you fanning yourself.
The final book in the Black Knights series it is a bitter sweet pill. I have fallen in love with each character, which is the sweet side, and the bitter side, this is the last book in the series.
In previous books, we have grown to love the quiet, handsome and sexy Jamin “Angel” Agassi also known as the Prince Of Shadows . As his story is told we understand why he made the decision he made ten (10) years ago at age 24, how he is the hero he became and the sadness he carries with him because, as Mark Risa a Mossad Agent, he left behind the love of his life.
After ten (10) years, his covert mission goes sideways, requiring he get out fast, and find a safe haven. That haven was granted by the President of the United States with the Black Knight Inc., a secret, special ops team. As part of the BKI team, Angel will once again go undercover in order to take out the world’s cruelest, and most sadistic crime syndicate kingpin, Lord Graton (“Spider”). There is one obstacle that Angel must address. The women he loved and left behind ten (10) years ago, and who believes he is dead, is working for Spider. But why? She is an Interpol Agent, isn’t she? How is he going keep Sonya Butler from discovering who he is and still take down Spider?
Sonya knows that she has not moved on in the Ten (10) years since she lost the love of her life, Mark Risa. So, Sonya is confused to why she is so drawn to Angel after his arrival. She is also afraid of Angel after she finds out he is the “Prince of Shadows”. As the story gets more and more intense and Sonya and Angel must run for their life, they become closer and closer. Angel, however, doesn’t want Sonya to find out who he really is because he will lose her because he believes she would never forgive him for deceiving her.
For all of us that are BKI fans, we catch up with the whole team and find out where they each are in their lives. We find out what each member of the team will be doing after they close their door and their life as covert black ops (or will they). Some will stay, and others will move, but we know that they will always have each other’s back. .
As the book description indicated, this installment truly is an Epic Conclusion to the BKI series. You do not want to miss this installment and if you are trying to find a new author to read, it doesn’t get any better than Ms. Julie Ann Walker.
Here are the Black Knights Inc Series:
Hell on Wheels (Book 1)
In Rides Trouble (Book 2)
Rev It Up (Book 3)
Thrill Ride (Book 4)
Born Wild (Book 5)
Hell for Leather (Book 6)
Full Throttle (Book 7)
Too Hard to Handle (Book 8)
Wild Ride (Book 9)
Fuel for Fire (Book 10)
Hot Pursuit (Book 11)
Built to Last (Book 12
Jamin “Angel” Agassi is a man of many secrets. An operative for the Black Knights Inc., he infiltrates the crime lord Spider’s guarded lair. Angel encounters the one woman he could never forget. Sonya’s presence complicates his mission of bringing the crime syndicate to justice. On the run from the Spider’s hired thugs, Angel decides to act on his second chance with Sonya. Can Angel trust Sonya enough to reveal his true identity? Will he be able to protect her from the Spider’s sinister machinations?
Sonya Butler is an undercover Interpol agent. She is assigned to infiltrate the Spider’s crime ring and collect proof of his crimes. Angel reminds Sonya of her deceased lover. She both fears and desires the shadowy, enigmatic operative. When their missions go AWOL, Sonya agrees to assist Angel in bringing Spider down. They act on their shared attraction while eluding Spider and his thugs. Will Sonya figure out who Angel truly is? Or will the Spider catch them before she gets the chance?
I have been curious about Angel and his elusive background since his introduction. I love how the author drops hints throughout the series about his past. Angel has sacrificed much to keep the world safe from terrorists. I like how he purposely antagonized Spider, refusing to give Spider any middle ground. But what I love most about Angel is his nobility. Instead of acting on their shared attraction, he stopped at the first sign of Sonya’s distraught state. The only gripe I have on Angel is why he never once looked in on Sonya in the ten years they were apart.
Sonya is a smart and diligent woman. I admire her temerity of going undercover to obtain the necessary proof of Spider’s crimes and sins. Sonya did not allow agencies’ differences or jurisdiction to interfere in bringing the evil mastermind to justice. I like how she instead focused on helping Angel rid the world of Spider’s diabolical influence. But what I like the most about Sonya is how she instinctively trusts Angel even though his size often intimidates and frightens her.
BUILT TO LAST is book twelve in Julie Ann Walker’s romantic suspense series, BLACK KNIGHT INC. My only grievance with the book is that I’d prefer Ace and Rusty’s romance to be a novella than a side romance. I feel there could have been more between them than what we got in the book. What I am truly going to miss the most about this series is Ozzie and his love of 80’s music and movie witticisms.
BUILT TO LAST is a suspenseful, second-chance story that shows it is never too late to start again. I am sad to see this fun and action-packed series come to an end. However, I am eager to see what the author has in the works. (REVIEW COURTESY OF ROMANCE jUNKIES)
Julie Ann Walker’s latest installment of Black Knights Inc. is another action-packed, roller coaster ride that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. In fact, I devoured the entire thing in one sitting. I know, I know – I should have shown some restraint and made it last since this is the final book in the BKI series. BUT I just couldn’t help myself – I HAD to know what was going to happen next, and before I knew it, I was at the end! That’s the sign of a well-written book – I lost myself for most of the day in the complex world that Walker has created for BKI.
I absolutely fell in love with Angel. I mean, I have a spot for each of the BKI Alphas, but Angel has always intrigued me, and I’m positive that was no accident on Walker’s part. But as we peeled back the layers in Built to Last, so many things became clear. And lo and behold! Angel wasn’t as emotionless as he would like the whole world to think. I know that many won’t understand Angel’s strategy to keep Sonya in the dark, but in reality, you have to remember, Angel has spent more time being someone else, than being himself. The life he’s lead, and the choices he’s made would naturally lead him to his original conclusion and plan of action.
It’s soo hard not to give away anything! Walker has added so many twists and turns, it’s not even funny! Oh and she’s added a little bit of bonus, by resolving the situation between a certain marine and BKI. I love the way Walker has wrapped up her BKI. I’m hoping she may revisit this world in the future, because I know I would love to get updates! Thank you for Black Knights Inc. Julie Ann Walker – you created something Built to Last!
I can’t believe this is the 12th and final BKI story! I am glad that it ended with Angel, the seemingly emotionless master spy and complete enigma, though because we finally get the details of his past and find the chink in his armor. One recommendation I will make here: if you have not read prior books in the series, don’t try to read this book as a standalone please. Events in the past few books at a minimum have set up this final showdown and it may not make much sense to you if you haven’t read them.
Black Knights Inc. is officially winding down its operations as they complete one final mission: take down Spider, the international menace who has evaded authorities for far too long, and stop him before he can complete a transaction to supply nuclear materials to Al Qaeda. BKI leaks some carefully placed information about Angel and one of his identities on the dark web for only Spider to find, and they lure the criminal into their web without him being aware of the trap they have laid. Angel just never expected his heart to revert back to the man he was 10 years ago with such ease.
He left Sonya behind with the hope that she would find love again and move on if she thought he was dead, and he was fairly certain that his death would be the outcome of the insane mission he undertook that changed his appearance and his identity. Now the sparks fly just as hotly as ever and he has to try to keep her from figuring out his true identity as they each secretly and independently work angles to bring Spider down.
Sonya has somehow managed to maintain her innate goodness during her years as an Interpol agent, but her heart still yearns for the man she lost in Paris 10 years ago. We quickly learn she has strength and courage in spades, and Angel marvels that she can still kickstart his libido and his heart with such little effort. Little things Angel does or says bring memories of Mark to the surface far too often, and although her heart is telling her the truth, her head keeps overruling the possibility that Mark is truly standing in front of her despite the “fact” that she witnessed his death. Of course Angel makes the worst decision possible by lying to her when he has the opportunity to reveal his secrets… typical guy! Once or twice I can understand, but his continued lies really disappointed me.
Of course all this is happening amidst the threat of Spider’s plot to facilitate the sale of nuclear materials, but the real twist comes in when the reason for it is revealed. There are plenty of thrills and action entwined with sexy, steamy moments and the author’s signature humor which left me torn between wanting to devour the story and stopping to savor it so that the book and series wouldn’t end quite so fast. There were a few moments that made my heart hurt, but in the end we get a great resolution for all of the BKI family as well as what I hope is the chance for glimpses of beloved characters down the road if the final pages provide us with a clue.
Angel and Sonya’s story was well worth the wait and it is on my re-read shelf to savor again in the future!