Jonel B.
I love the way that this author balances suspense with romance, chemistry with history, and friends with moments that will never be forgotten. All the while, she develops an intricate story that kept me on my toes and set it in such a manner that I could picture all of it. I love the way that the Santa Christina was integral to the lives of these characters. The way that it actually served to increase the suspense of the tale, adding a second storyline for readers to become enmeshed in. It also ties the series together through more than simply the characters that Walker creates. The characters in this novel were larger than life, but at the same time very real. They were hard to look away from and easy to love, while always being less than perfect. This humanity made them so endearing. The dynamic between Bran and Maddie had me in stitches, followed in a close second by Mason and Alex. Walker has created a fantastic second instalment in this series. She seamlessly draws everything together while keeping me on my toes. It was a lot of fun and I definitely can’t wait for more. Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth H.
Full throttle kicked up a notch…or twenty! This is my second read of the series and I love its fast-paced storyline and incredibly witty dialogue. I also love the strong female characters and the stubborn-as-hell alpha males. Bran has some serious demons that keeps him constantly on guard and in check. He’s sworn off relationships and will NEVER get serious with a woman, no matter how tempting it is. Maddy has gotten under Bran’s skin and he’s finding it harder and harder to keep her at bay. When he finds out she’s in trouble, Bran moves Heaven and earth to keep her from harm. But keeping her close proves to be too much of a temptation, especially when the monster inside him is threatening to be unleashed. Bran doesn’t want to hurt Maddy, but letting her go is not an option. Can they remain “friends” or will a night of passion obliterate the walls Bran’s so painstakingly kept in place? WOW! What a wild ride! Bran and Maddy are a perfect fit. His Jersey boy attitude with her no-nonsense Southern belle honesty. Maddy is never afraid to go toe-to-toe with Bran and I love that she fought for them and for what she wanted despite all Bran’s warnings to keep her away. Most importantly, she understood and respected Bran’s wishes despite her own heartache. I loved them! There was also a secondary romance-of-sorts starting to brew between the Southie, Mason and the team’s historian and resident motor mouth, Alex. He’s silent and brooding and she’s vibrant and sassy. They are a riot together and I do hope things work out for them. We’ll have to wait and see. This is a great series full of excitement, danger, suspense, hilarity and steamy passion and I highly recommend it to every reader! ***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
Andi Babcock
I enjoyed this book. This is the first book I've read by Julie Ann Walker, but I am positive it won't be the last. Even though I didn't read the first book of the series, Hell or High Water, I really didn't have any issues following the storyline or getting to know/understand the characters. I really liked the humor and personality Walker gives her characters. It took me a while to really get Maddy. I'm not sure why, because she was funny and quirky in a unique way. Having grown up in the mid-west, I loved her expressions! Maddy is a strong, whether she believes it or not. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud more than once. What can I say about Bran, other can I have one too. I liked how complex his character was. He was shaped by the events of his childhood. It was easy to see how it impacted his choices and actions. I have to say, one of my favorite parts of the book was the movie game they played. I found myself playing along side them. And I am already in love with Mason and if he and Alex are the next book, sign me up now!
