Built to Last (Black Knights Inc.)

Review: BUILT TO LAST (Black Knights Inc.) by Julie Ann Walker
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

I was so looking forward to Angel’s story and am glad that it explained his past while forming his future. To do this, the book kept flashing back to his previous life, illustrating the impact on his and Sonya’s relationship. I’m not a big fan of the back and forth, so thankfully the story itself kept me enthralled. Sonya was someone I liked and could relate to. Her personality made the romance in an unheard of situation believable. Lots of action + smoking hot romance + close-knit friends = a good BKI story! Of course, all the people I’ve grown to love in the Black Knights world were involved in the usual mayhem, making me smile even when the tensions were high. I’m saddened to think this is the end of BKI, but excited for the hint of things to come.

*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

Angel, the lead male character in the story has had so many identities it is hard to keep track. He has given up his personal life to work for his country. In doing so he has given up Sonya, the love of his life. Sonya has been blackmailed into working for a king of the underworld when they come into contact again. Angel has had extensive plastic surgery and is unrecognizable, but there is something there that Sonya senses.

I had trouble connecting with Angel and Sonya as a second chance couple. Angel claims to have never stopped loving Sonya but that hasn’t stopped him from sleeping with countless women along the way over the time they have been separated. Also with all the bad things he has had to do for his job he has the nerve to judge Sonya because she is working for an underworld crime boss. I have liked books by this author in the past, I just had trouble with these two characters which is my reason for the 3* review. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Absolutely devoured and enjoyed every word of this last installment of the BKI series. (Or is it?)

Angel, the most secretive of all of the BKI operatives finally has his story shared. And let me tell you, it's a doozy!!! A fantastic tale of second (and third) chances with several "happy ever afters". You can palpably feel the loneliness and isolation that Angel felt while being deep undercover and also his fear of remaining that way forever as he was willing to do whatever it took for the woman he loves to remain safe

So happy to also have a satisfying conclusion to the story of Ace and Rusty. Love knows no boundaries.

Sad to see this series come to an end but the door has been left cracked open just a smidgen for, as Ozzie would say, "BKI: the next generation". Julie Ann Walker, please make it so! And many, many thanks for such a wonderful series.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It felt bittersweet reading this last book in Julie Ann Walkers Black Nights Inc. Series. I'm going to miss these ladies and gentlemen very much. I've been reading this series since August of 2013 and I've truly enjoyed every book. This series got better and better with every storyline, every character, every Dum Dum Becky ate and motorcycle she built, every sidelong glance, every joke and even the tragedies thrown in.
This final book is centered around Jamin Agassi aka Angel who was a bit of a mystery to the readers as well as his fellow characters. We got a glimpse into the who and the what of Angel in the previous book, Hot Pursuit.

If you are someone who enjoys a great military thriller suspense, then definitely pick up this series and be sure to start it from the very beginning.

Thank you, Ms. Walker, for giving me stories and characters that keep me coming back for 5 years. I can't wait to see what you come up with for your next stories.

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.

Thrilling finale! I had no idea this would be the last Black Knights book. We know all the other couples have their HEA, Spider is the villain and two new couples join together. It's an epic adventure through Moldova and an exploration of the past. Angel has a deep and scary past but he's not sure if Sonja should hear it. Sonja remembers the man she loved but still can't forget her feelings. And of course, Ace and Rusty love to bicker as much as they love each other. Rusty is fighting with reason when deciding to out himself and Ace just loves him. Their love as been building for awhile and it's been hilarious to read their conversations. Love this entire series and have looked forward to each book, sad to read the end but it's been a wild ride. My copy was sent through Netgalley and m review written voluntarily.

Built to Last is the final chapter of Black Knights Inc., it's the team's final operation and final chance to bring down the infamous "Spider", a man that has been able to elude capture, while wrecking havoc on the world.
The drama that started between Ace and Rusty in Hot Pursuit continues to climax in Built to Last. It all comes to head for Rusty and Ace, when Rusty is shot in an ambush trying to save Ace from thieves who taken uranium canisters to blow up the BKI compound. Then there is the passion filled love story between Angel and Sonya, who unbeknownst to Sonya is thrown together with Angel in an operation to capture and bring down Spider. Can Sonya trust Angel and why is it she feels she knows him from a past life? Is Angel who he claims to be and when she finds out exactly who and what he is can Sonya accept him?
Built to Last's explosive ending hints that we may not have seen the last of our favorite BKI heroes and the women they love. However, there is definitely a new team coming to town, but hang on to see what Julie Ann Walker has in-store for us and BKI's Boss and men...

This is the last installment of the Black Knights series, and what better way to end it then with the telling of Jamin "Angel" Aggasi's story. The mystery man of the Black Knights. And up until now, we didn't know much about him. It was fun to read about how he became who he did and his reasons behind his decisions. We also get to meet his Sonja was the one that got away, or technically, the one Angel had to give up. Their story was painful and beautiful all at the same. I did love getting to see some of the other Knights from previous books as well, especially at the end!! That being said, I really enjoyed this book, I really couldn't put it down! I don't know if it was my favorite among the series though, but I loved it all the same. I'm sad to see the series go, but all good things, unfortunately must come to an end.

So fitting to end the Black Knights Inc. series with the mysterious Angel. Throughout the series we have all wondered what his story really was and boy was it a story. Of course we knew there had to be a woman involved, right? When Angel meets up with her past lover, Sonya Butler, both on a mission to finally put Spider out of commission, the sparks are still there. What Sonya can’t understand is why he is so familiar. If she hadn’t seen her boyfriend Mark killed with her own eyes years before, she would have sworn it was him. Attracted to Angel and determined to go on with her life, she still couldn’t help but feel betrayal to Mark’s memory.
While it was so sad to see the BKI books end, I know Julie will be soon bringing us new adventures with plenty of dark handsome heroes.

This highly anticipated book is a complete adrenaline rush! It's so exciting and engrossing that I could not stop reading until the end - it's that good! I highly recommend reading the entire series to get the full scope of the plot in this last book of the series where everything comes to a head and there is more than one happily ever after.

The characters are so well written that you feel what they feel and they run the gamut of emotions. Angel and Sonya have a past that is being tripped over in the present. How these two try and navigate a relationship while taking down a criminal mastermind is just as intense as the action of the story - which is brillant. It grabs you in the first few pages and never lets you go.

I absolutely loved this book and the BKI series!

I love a book with the combination of romance meets black-ops, action and suspense and Julie Ann knows how to deliver. This is latest book in the Black Knights Inc and although it can be read as a standalone, it is much better to have the back story of the support characters and what lead to this moment in Angel's story.
Angel and Sonya have a history where in his youthful arrogance of thinking he knew best, he made a decision for the both of them that kept them apart. Now his secrets are being exposed, he will have to work to have a future with her. I for one am glad that Angel and Sonya have their chance at a relationship built to last.
This story reveals who the elusive Spider is and why he has targeted the Black Knights.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an arc via sourcebooks through Netgalley. After every book in the BKI series that I have read I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one, which after all my stalking/searching and applying I was very fortunate to get this Arc. and though Jamin Angel was not my favorite character in the previous books I will admit he did win me over in this book. Built To Last wowed me from beginning to end, it frustrated me beyond belief, and then relieved me with one of the best hea endings I think I have ever read. I'm sad that this series has ended but I am also excited about what tales Julie Ann Walker will spin to us next. As for me, I have always loved the BKI series and will continue to recommend it. Thanks for the journey Julie Ann Walker!

Throughout the series, the team has been trying to find an international terrorist who is part of a large crime syndicate known as Spider. After years of searching they have finally found him and Angel goes in undercover only to find out that the Interpol agent he loved and made believed that he died is Spider's, right-hand woman. What he doesn't know is she is deep undercover like he is but with all of his surgeries to change his appearance over the years she doesn't know that he is the man she fell in love with a decade ago and has been mourning ever since.
I can't believe this series is over. It has been a wild ride. I have loved them all and am sad to seem them go.

Jamin Agassi, a.k.a. Angel, “Mr. Tall, Dark and Dangerous,” is not someone to mess with. Although he is working with Spider, Lord Grafton, who is partnering with Al-Queda to supply them with nuclear weapons, no one realizes that he is a good guy associated with Black Knights, Inc. out of Chicago. In the last 10 years since he faked his death, no woman has come close to touching his heart the way Sonja did – and now he’s working with her but unrecognizable due to his plastic surgery. This was an excellent romantic suspense and had the added element of a very realistic gay relationship with Ace and Rusty – the latter of whom refuses to come out of the “closet.”

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.

Finally, Ms. Walker has given us the highly-anticipated story of the mysterious Angel. Before now we have only gotten brief glimpses of him as he assisted the other Knights' escape from whatever dangerous/seemly impossible situation of the moment.

It was no surprise that Angel (and by extension Sonya) found themselves in an exciting situation that wrapped this series up nicely --- while letting us readers revisit with the whole black Knights crew.

This book resides on my favorite (likely to reread) shelf. Recommend for fans of Romantic Suspense.

This final book in the Black Knights Inc. story was a very satisfying one. Angel and Sonya had a history, but as they were getting close, only Angel knew about the history. I've wondered about the mysterious Angel since he became a part of BKI because his story was never shared. Now that I know it, I have to say it was worth waiting for. This story wrapped up all of the story lines from previous books and gave each member of the team their happily ever after. I'm sad to see the end of this series, but I can't wait for more from Ms. Walker.

Another fast paced, action packed, BKI adventure that will leave you up late reading and, of course swooning. This book is the perfect wrap up to an overall well crafted series. Julie Ann's quick wit comes through in her well formed characters and dialogue. Her timing and plot twists keep you on your toes and drags out the suspense, and sexual tension, to the perfect climax. While the BKI series may be over, this series leaves you excited for what will come next. I look forward to reading whatever Julie Ann Walker puts in front of me.

What an EPIC ending to an AWESOME series! There's so much going on in this book. We learn a lot about Angel and why he is the way he is. This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. You will be kept on the edge of your seat as things heat up and you will find yourself wanting to claw out the infamous Spider's eyes. I'm not giving anything away. Suffice it to say, Angel at long last gets his HEA, along with several other couples. I'm sad to see the series end, but I love the way it was wrapped up in a neat little bow. Get your copy today, you won't be sorry

Ms. Walker quickly jumped to the top of my instant purchase authors list as she consistently pens action packed smexy goodness in all her books. I can’t get enough of the BKI guys and the bad ass chicks that love them and a bonus to this book is the mystery that is Angel! *sigh* I must fan myself again, he was burning up the pages!! As always, I am left wanting more, more, more and salivating for what comes next from Ms. Walker. This is a definite must read and a spectacular addition to the BKI series.

* I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review *

The amazing Black Knights Inc. series comes to an end with Angel's book. This book had the action, adventure, romance and comedy that makes it a wonderful book. Sonya and Angel lit the pages. The long lost lovers were able to connect despite some challenges along the way. It was great getting to see Ace and Rusty story intertwine with Angel and Sonya's. All of the characters had a happy ending and I was glad to be a part of this amazing journey! I'm going to reread the series :D

Acting as a faithful reader for author Julie Ann Walker, I have to say Built to Last has seriously disappointed me in the essence that it is the end of a series. I credit the author with her overall connect that she used to conclude this series, offering hope and closure.

Angel was introduced earl in the series as a mysterious man with a past to confidential to share even with his team members of BKI. The way this author created intrigue that made the reader want to read the next book in hopes that they could gain just another glimpse of the character who is known as Angel. The questions that have been mounting through the whole series were finally answered. I don’t want to give away all the secrets but the truth behind Angel is more surprising and intriguing than ever expected. The way the author wraps up the series and answers all the lingering questions provides a satisfactory conclusion. I am sad to see the this series come to an end but the ending offers hope for a new beginning and an even better series to embrace in the future.

Sexy, suspenseful, fun read. Perfect ending to a “Can’t put it Down” series, The Black Knights Inc. The elusive “Angel”, black ops specialist, comes to life in a big way, bringing hard justice to “Spider” and protecting independent, lovely, Sonya from evil and his true self.
Julie Ann Walker is an exceptional writer, her character portrayal and intense writing style pulls me in every time. I didn’t want the story to end. Time to reread the series. Loved this book.

Another addition to this series that is filled with drama and excitement. This one has secrets that are part of the stuff that keeps you onto these pages. One thing about love you can not fool it for long and secrets can be uncovered. This one is centered around Angel and Sonya. They will be the ones that keep you on your toes and warm you up. This also has other angles that will have you going with a well rounded read for sure.

In this exciting conclusion (or is it?!) to the Black Knights Inc series, Sonya Butler and Angel Agassi are both caught in the evil Spider’s web. Lord Grafton, aka the Spider, has blackmailed Angel into procuring plutonium, which he plans to sell to a group that hates Americans. Sonya has also been blackmailed into working for him, mainly as arm candy. Sparks fly between Angel and Sonya, as he remembers her as the woman he fell in love with 10 years ago. Sonya thinks he reminds her of her lover that she witnessed being murdered 10 years ago. All our favorite personalities from the BKI series show up for this last book of the series. I’ve ridden along from the very beginning of the series, and couldn’t wait for the next book! Read ‘em all!

First time I have literally forced myself to finish a BKI book. I will say it did get better the last 20% of the book and I enjoyed that, however, I just could not get into this one at all.

We finally get to see the elusive Spider get caught in his own web. We finally get Angel's mystery reveled and we get to catch up with all of our BKI Inc faves!

This book was amazing read. I have enjoyed this series and hate to see it end. I have enjoyed the characters and their stories in The Black Knights Inc each of the characters will grow on you and of their story. The author did not disappoint with this one for it was filled with hot romance, action and suspense.

This series is the first series of this kind that I read and fell in love with these men! Angel was always mysterious in precious books and knew he would have a great story! Another great read by Julie Walker and wish there would be more in this series. If you have read the others, this too will not disappoint! Thank you for a great series!

Absolutely loved Angel’s story to concluded the BKI series but will miss them all !! Angel has been a mystery to us since he 1st appeared @ BKI headquarters & im so glad he found his missing link !

Overall his was a good book. My opinion is slightly skewed because I'm disappointed the series is ending and didn't love that it felt like everything got wrapped up with a perfect bow. That being said, I liked Angel's story and it was nice to finally learn his history. Overall I would recommend this series and love it even more when you can read all the books back to back to back.

The author attempts to cram two love stories into one book, and as a result, neither story is truly given justice.
The plot is somewhat boring with PC becoming a distraction.
So sad to see the series end this way...

Swoon worthy ending to the series. Through the whole series it was about finding Spider and destroying his network. It is the final mission for the group. Next up is Angel. Cool as a cucumber and never gives away what is going on in his head. He is the one person that Spider fears. Sonja Butler is in Interpol and also after Spider. There are complications. Black Knights are one for all and all for one. They are also there to give you a swift kick when you mess up. You are going to love the ending!

Everything I was hoping for plus more. I think Jaimen had to be a head book to write because there was so much build up to this character. The plot, story line, action and hotness was off the charts for this book. I am so sad that this series is over. I absolutely love all these BK characters. Sonya was everything I imagined Jaimen falling for. Strong, independent and fierce. Great read and I'm sad its over but base don the ending......maybe there more. One can only hope.

This was incredible! I was so thrilled to see Angel get his story! I was also thrilled to see what happened with Ace and Rusty! I really hope we find more adventures with BKI in the future these operators are just too good to move on even though the Presidents have changed. Bravo Julie you rocked it! I cried! Write on! Davia

This is the last book in this series. You absolutely need to read the books that come before this one or else you will be very confused as to what is going on in this book. All the other books lead up to this book and are part of the main story ARC that has been established previously. This one is about Jamin “Angel” Agassi and Sonya Butler. Angel has always been a very mysterious character in the previous books. No one really knows anything about him or his past. All they truly know is that he has the contacts and the means to help make the world a better place and to help the missions to succeed. Now he is being sent in undercover to help capture Spider and to complete their final mission for the previous president. Sonya seems to be the completely in line with whatever Spider tells her to do and to the world-she seem's like a dirty agent. Even to the man who knew her best when they were younger.

I absolutely loved this book! I was not wanting this series to end because I love the characters and this world so much but this book definitely does it justice! Angel has always been this character that you don't really know anything about. All you know is that it is for his own safety. You never really think about what he gave up or left behind in his past. Or who it may have hurt. From the end of the last book and through the beginning of this book you think Sonya is an agent gone rogue. Until they actually start having conversations and you realize exactly what is going on. But you also realize exactly how much someone can hurt another. I loved it! Angel and Sonya are perfect together, and once they work out all their issues and realize what is truly important it ends on a beautiful note! This was the perfect way to end this series!

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!

So fitting to end the Black Knights Inc. series with the mysterious Angel. Throughout the series we have all wondered what his story really was and boy was it a story. Of course we knew there had to be a woman involved, right? When Angel meets up with her past lover, Sonya Butler, both on a mission to finally put Spider out of commission, the sparks are still there. What Sonya can’t understand is why he is so familiar. If she hadn’t seen her boyfriend Mark killed with her own eyes years before, she would have sworn it was him. Attracted to Angel and determined to go on with her life, she still couldn’t help but feel betrayal to Mark’s memory.
While it was so sad to see the BKI books end, I know Julie will be soon bringing us new adventures with plenty of dark handsome heroes.

Overall his was a good book. My opinion is slightly skewed because I'm disappointed the series is ending and didn't love that it felt like everything got wrapped up with a perfect bow. That being said, I liked Angel's story and it was nice to finally learn his history. Overall I would recommend this series and love it even more when you can read all the books back to back to back.

The author attempts to cram two love stories into one book, and as a result, neither story is truly given justice.
The plot is somewhat boring with PC becoming a distraction.
So sad to see the series end this way...