Built to Last

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.

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.

And lastly, there was Angel, and Ace, but mostly Angel. The BKI series closes with this book, and in the epilogue we get to catch up with all the couples, but before that happens, we get Angel and Sonya's story, and Ace and Rusty get their HEA as well Angel has always been behind the scenes, mysterious, not sociable, and hidden away, seemingly to do the darkest of the work that needed to be done. It was surprising how emotional and sweet he was, because we really didn't get to see much of him in the other books. Sonya is near perfection and the perfect ying to his yang. They have so much to work out for their second chance romance, my heart broke for them both In the previous book, we have our MM couple, Rusty and Ace, who had a shot at love, but turned it down. They are in a secondary role here, but just as touching to see them work things out. We also get some series favourites helping out our couples, with Ghost, Boss, Rock, and Ozzie along for the main ride This book was a perfect ending to the series, with everyone having plans for their next phase of life with their loved one by their side - awesome!